bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miambera miae n. gen., n. sp. from southern Brazil (Diptera: Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae)
Authors: Andersen Trond , Mendes Humberto Fonseca
Published: July 2012

Miambera miae n. gen., n. sp. is described and figured based on adult males from Mata Atlântica in southern Brazil. This genus can be separated from other Orthocladiinae based on the combination of hairy eyes; antenna with strong, subapical seta; decumbent acrostichals in the anterior third of scutum; bare wing and squama; R4+5 ending proximal to M3+4; anal point lacking; and tuft of strong, flattened macrotrichia on low, dorsal protuberance of tergite IX.
A vegetação do Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR), São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Ivanauskas Natália Macedo , Miashike Roseli Lika , Godoy João Ruffin Leme de , Souza Flaviana Maluf de , Kanashiro Marina Mitsue , Mattos Isabel Fernandes de Aguiar , Toniato Maria Teresa Zugliani , Franco Geraldo Antônio Daher Corrêa
Published: July 2012

O Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR) faz parte do contínuo ecológico de Paranapiacaba, um dos trechos mais bem conservados de Floresta Atlântica no estado de São Paulo. Entretanto, há pouquíssimos estudos sobre a composição florística e a estrutura da vegetação dessa área, que apresenta peculiaridades como a localização sobre regiões cársticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi mapear a vegetação e caracterizar a flora das diferentes fitofisionomias existentes no PETAR, a fim de fornecer subsídios para a elaboração do seu plano de manejo. Para isso, fez-se o mapeamento geral e detalhado do Parque por meio de interpretação de fotografias aéreas, além de levantamentos de campo e de dados secundários para a caracterização da flora. No PETAR, predomina a Floresta Ombrófila Densa (65%), com a maior parte ocorrendo nas cotas altitudinais correspondentes à Montana (78,2%) e Submontana (19,4%), sendo encontradas também pequenas áreas de Floresta Ombrófila Densa Alto-montana (0,1%) e Aluvial (1,7%). Aproximadamente 13% são ocupados por Floresta Ombrófila Aberta com bambus, onde a vegetação arbórea de porte alto dá lugar a grandes manchas de bambu e pouca regeneração natural. Trechos de vegetação secundária, que sofreram corte raso e encontram-se em regeneração, somam cerca de 17%. No detalhamento, foram mapeados 12 tipos vegetacionais, subdivididos de acordo com o porte e a densidade da cobertura vegetal. Os trechos mais conservados, com vegetação de porte arbóreo alto e estrutura de dossel fechado, compreendem aproximadamente 37% da área vegetada do Parque. A união dos registros de campo com os dados secundários resultou em uma lista de 680 espécies de plantas nativas, sendo que o levantamento de campo acrescentou 162 novos registros para o Parque. Quarenta espécies encontram-se em alguma das categorias de ameaça das listas oficiais de espécies ameaçadas de extinção no estado de São Paulo, no Brasil e no mundo. Foram identificadas 44 espécies exóticas, das quais 14 foram consideradas invasoras.
Reef fishes captured by recreational spearfishing on reefs of Bahia State, northeast Brazil
Authors: Nunes José de Anchieta Cintra da Costa , Medeiros Diego Valverde , Reis-Filho José Amorim , Sampaio Cláudio Luis Santos , Barros Francisco
Published: July 2012

Although recreational spearfishing is a growing activity, its impacts are poorly understood. This paper aims to present data on reef fishes captured by recreational spearfishing in the Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed 168 photos of spearfishing conducted in the reefs of this region between 2006 and 2008. A total of 1.121 fish belonging to 48 species were captured in three sub-regions of the Bahia coastline: Litoral Norte (LN), Salvador (SSA) and Baixo Sul (BS). The main species caught were: Scomberomorus brasiliensis (n = 191), Sphyraena barracuda (n = 153), Lutjanus jocu (n = 150) and Caranx bartholomaei (n = 141); these four species represented 56.5% of total captures. Over the sampling period, the highest values of catch rates per day were observed at BS, followed by SSA and LN. There were significant between-sites differences in the number of fish in the number of species caught. However, there were no significant between-years differences in the number of fish and numbers of species caught. The trophic classification of fish showed that carnivores (n = 623) were more frequently captured, followed by piscivores (n = 371), herbivores (n = 101) and invertivores (n = 26). The results showed that high sized, top predatory fishes, were the main targets, although other trophic levels were also captured.
Population structure, condition and diet of Oligosarcus paranensis (Menezes & Gery, 1983) (Osteichthyes: Characidae) at two reservoirs in South Brazil
Authors: Abelha Milza Celi Fedatto , Kashiwaqui Elaine Antoniassi Luiz , Goulart Erivelto
Published: July 2012

This study investigated the population parameters, condition and diet of Oligosarcus paranensis at Fiú and Mourão Reservoirs, located in Paraná State, Brazil. The fishes were collected quarterly between 1996/1997 and 1998/1999 using gillnets. Food items were quantified by volumetric method. The specimens at Fiú showed comparatively smaller length and worse condition. Sex ratio was statistically equal to 1:1 at Mourão, whereas there was a significant predominance of males at Fiú. Sex ratio also varied among size classes. Allometric growth prevailed among the studied groups. The diet consisted mainly of fishes and was complemented with invertebrates and plant matter in both reservoirs. There was a change in the feeding pattern as the standard length increased. Fishes changed from invertivores to piscivores, except for males in Mourão, for which a reverse trend occurred.
Herpetofauna da Serra do Brigadeiro, um remanescente de Mata Atlântica em Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Moura Mário Ribeiro , Motta Ana Paula , Fernandes Vitor Dias , Feio Renato Neves
Published: July 2012

Apresentamos uma lista de anfíbios e répteis de uma região ao norte do complexo serrano da Mantiqueira, sob denominação local de Serra do Brigadeiro. Esta região compreende um remanescente de Mata Atlântica com destaque para o Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro, unidade de conservação com aproximadamente 15 mil ha nos municípios de Araponga, Divino, Ervália, Fervedouro, Miradouro, Muriaé, Pedra Bonita e Sericita, estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. Através da adoção de métodos complementares como o uso de armadilhas de interceptação e queda e postos de coleta, além de métodos convencionais de busca ativa, encontros ocasionais e registros em coleção científica, a presente lista amplia o conhecimento sobre a herpetofauna dessa região. Nós registramos 98 espécies da herpetofauna, sendo 57 de anuros, um gimnofiono, nove lagartos, uma anfisbênia, 29 serpentes e um quelônio. Embora nenhuma espécie de anfíbio encontrada seja considerada ameaçada de extinção em Minas Gerais, no Brasil ou pela IUCN, 11 espécies (18,96%) são consideradas como Deficiente de Dados. Verifica-se um alto número de espécies exclusivas da Mata Atlântica (46,55%) ou de distribuição restrita (20,68%). Destaca-se o encontro da perereca Gastrotheca ernestoi e a rã Megaelosia apuana, respectivamente o primeiro e segundo registro desses gêneros para Minas Gerais. A cecília Luetkenotyphlus brasiliensis também é redescoberta. Entre os répteis, pode-se destacar a presença do cágado Hydromedusa maximiliani, que aparece como vulnerável nas listas vermelhas de Minas Gerais e da IUCN. Sessenta por cento das espécies de répteis apresentam ampla distribuição na Mata Atlântica, e a presença das serpentes Echinanthera melanostigma e E. undulata, são importantes como, respectivamente, o segundo e terceiro registro dessas espécies para Minas Gerais.
Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of the Parque Natural Municipal de Porto Velho, Rondônia, Western Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Souza Diego de Santana , Silva Alexandre de Almeida e
Published: July 2012

Cerambycidae is one of the largest families of beetles and it is estimated that there are about 25,000 species of longhorned beetles in the world. However, little is known about the distribution of many species in some regions, including the Amazon. The longhorned beetles are indispensable in the ecological chain, contributing mostly to the recycling of dead wood in forest. The present study is an inventory of the Cerambycidae of the Parque Natural Municipal de Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil. Insects were sampled from June 2008 to May 2009 using Malaise and light traps. A total of 61 species were identified, of which 33 are new records for Rondônia and one for Amazon region, i.e., Anisopodus melzeri Gilmour, 1965.
Pequenos mamíferos não-voadores (Didelphimorphia, Rodentia) em dois fragmentos de mata de restinga de Rio Grande, planície costeira do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Quintela Fernando Marques , Santos Maurício Beux , Christoff Alexandre Uarth , Gava Adriana
Published: July 2012

As matas de restinga representam formações vegetais originais na Planície Costeira do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição de espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores em dois fragmentos de matas de restinga (mata palustre e mata arenosa ciliar) no município de Rio Grande, região sul da Planície Costeira do Rio Grande do Sul. Um total de 234 indivíduos pertencentes a três espécies de marsupiais (Didelphidae: Cryptonanus guahybae, Didelphis albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata) e oito espécies de roedores (Cricetidae: Deltamys kempi, Holochilus brasiliensis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, O. nigripes, Oxymycterus nasutus, Scapteromys tumidus; Muridae: Mus musculus, Rattus rattus) foi capturado. As espécies C. guahybae, D. albiventris, D. kempi, H. brasiliensis, O. nigripes, S. tumidus e M. musculus foram registradas no fragmento de mata palustre, enquanto que C. guahybae, D. albiventris, Lutreolina crassicaudata, D. kempi, O. flavescens, O. nigripes, S. tumidus e R. rattus ocorreram no fragmento de mata arenosa ciliar. Oligoryzomys nigripes e S. tumidus foram as espécies mais abundantes no fragmento de mata palustre, representando respectivamente 40,4 e 22,1% do total de indivíduos capturados. No fragmento de mata arenosa ciliar, as espécies mais abundantes foram O. nigripes e D. albiventris, representando respectivamente 63,4 e 12,4% do total de indivíduos capturados. Indivíduos de C. guahybae e O. nigripes foram capturados em estrato arbóreo (alturas entre 0,50 e 1,65 m) enquanto que todos os indivíduos das demais espécies foram capturados no solo.
As competências gerenciais nas instituições federais de educação superior
Authors: Pereira Aline Lucena Costa , Silva Anielson Barbosa da
Published: July 2012

O objetivo neste artigo é identificar as competências gerenciais nas Instituições Federais de Educação Superior (IFES). O referencial teórico aborda a evolução destas instituições, os desafios e possibilidades da ação do gestor público no contexto de mudanças e as competências gerenciais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de natureza exploratória, que buscou captar a percepção de um grupo de gestores acerca das competências gerenciais de servidores técnico-administrativos de três IFES do Nordeste brasileiro: Universidade Federal da Paraíba, UFPB; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE; e a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, UFRN. A amostra foi composta por vinte e um gestores públicos das áreas de recursos humanos, finanças, contabilidade e segurança que atuam nas referidas instituições. Na coleta de dados foi utilizado o método de focus group, cujas sessões foram gravadas em áudio, transcritas e cujos relatos foram analisados de forma compreensiva interpretativa. Os resultados da pesquisa permitiram ampliar a compreensão acerca das competências gerenciais no âmbito das IFES estudadas, bem como identificar quatro grupos de competências gerenciais: competências cognitivas, funcionais, comportamentais e políticas. Tais resultados podem fomentar discussões entre as IFES acerca do desenvolvimento das competências requeridas dos servidores, em especial gestores, em sua atuação profissional, o que pode auxiliar as IFES na implantação de diretrizes e no estabelecimento de uma política de desenvolvimento de gestores públicos que, ao mobilizarem competências, podem viabilizar o desenvolvimento de competências institucionais. Por meio do estudo exploratório, pretende-se realizar uma pesquisa quantitativa para avaliar o nível de domínio das competências, assim como o nível de encorajamento da instituição federal de ensino para o desenvolvimento das competências gerenciais.
Narrativas de viagem: escritos autorais que transcendem o tempo e o espaço
Authors: Martinez Monica
Published: July 2012

Este trabalho mapeia o universo das narrativas de viagem, de suas origens na literatura e, após a consolidação do jornalismo no século 19, na produção dos jornalistas-escritores que se dedicaram à prática, em particular no livro-reportagem, tendo por base a pesquisa bibliográfica. O trabalho objetiva resgatar a trajetória do gênero a partir de Homero (VIII a.C), bem como elencar a produção jornalística contemporânea mais relevante e refletir sobre a modalidade no contexto do Jornalismo Literário e sua ligação com outras áreas do conhecimento, como a etnografia e a antropologia. A principal conclusão deste estudo é a de que esta modalidade tem o potencial de exercer um papel transformador tanto para o produtor quanto para o leitor destas narrativas.
A cobertura jornalística de fronteiriços e favelados : narrativas securitárias e imunização contra a diferença
Authors: Silveira Ada Cristina Machado da
Published: July 2012

Este artigo realiza uma abordagem da imunização frente à diferença produzida pela cobertura jornalística sobre acontecimentos ocorridos nas periferias pertinentes às fronteiras internacionais brasileiras (fronteiras) e aquelas localizadas em suas áreas metropolitanas (favelas). A opção metodológica que a sociossemiótica aporta permite a análise da cobertura de acontecimentos realizada pela mídia local, por meio de um corpus criado a partir de edições dos anos 2006-2007 de um diário fronteiriço, em contraste com a análise de dois semanários nacionais no mesmo período. O objetivo geral procurou conhecer a especificidade que o nível local concede aos acontecimentos já estandardizados pela mídia nacional. Os resultados apontam a consistência da hipótese de que o agenciamento jornalístico mantém a noticiabilidade sobre as periferias numa condição discursiva ambígua e que responde por seu enquadramento como alarmes de incêndio, convertendo-as em patrimônio territorial do Estado-nação.
Wi-Fi Salvador: mapeamento colaborativo e redes sem fio no Brasil
Authors: Lemos André , Pastor Leonardo , Oliveira Nelson
Published: July 2012

O trabalho faz uma breve demonstração de políticas públicas para inclusão digital por meio da disponibilização do acesso à internet por meio de redes sem fio e discute a forma como as pessoas se relacionam com os lugares, de acordo com a existência ou inexistência de acessibilidade à internet. O objetivo é discutir o acesso à internet pelas redes sem fio no Brasil e, mais especificamente, na cidade de Salvador. Este trabalho é fruto de pesquisa realizada no âmbito do Grupo de Pesquisa em Cibercidades da Universidade Federal da Bahia e mostra como a intersecção entre o ciberespaço e o espaço físico está trazendo novas experiências de uso e de produção de sentido sobre a cidade. Hoje, a urbe contemporânea supõe ampla conexão e associações entre espaço físico e "territórios informacionais" para os mais diversos fins, em uma aliança entre a mobilidade física e a informacional. Assim, mostramos os principais desafios teóricos em jogo com as mídias digitais, as redes sem fio e o espaço urbano. A partir deste aporte, o trabalho faz uma análise do projeto Wi-Fi Salvador, o maior mapeamento de redes sem fio já realizado na capital baiana e no Brasil.
Diagnosis of domestic wastewater sand filters
Authors: Breul Pierre , Bouteldja Fathé , Boissier Daniel , Rolland Laurence , Liénard Alain , Molle Pascal
Published: July 2012

On-site domestic wastewater treatment (ODWT) systems are receiving renewed interest due to their simplicity of implementation, affordability and efficiency. The most widespread ODWT system is the sand filter with vertical drained flow (SFVDF). To optimise the design and maintenance of SFVDFs, it is important to be able to check the conformity of the installations, judge their treatment performance in service and estimate possible evolution and life expectancy. As yet, however, no methodology has been developed to perform these tasks. This paper proposes a new methodology for diagnosing SFVDF systems in service. The development of this methodology relies on the development of on-site characterisation of the filtering material based on the use of a light dynamic penetration test and image processing. From this, the paper proposes an automatic tool for detecting the presence of clogging in a filter and a methodology to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the filtering material without destroying the filter. The global methodology for diagnosing SFVDF systems is presented and illustrated for a real case in order to demonstrate its advantages and efficiency.
Tidal events and salt‐marsh structure influence black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) recruitment across an ecotone
Authors: Peterson Jennifer M. , Bell Susan S.
Published: July 2012

Field experiments were conducted at a black mangrove–salt‐marsh ecotone in southwest Florida (USA) to investigate retention of propagules of the black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, by salt‐marsh plants as a mechanism of facilitation operating on recruitment success at landward boundaries. Buoyant A. germinans propagules are dispersed by tides, and stranding is required for establishment; therefore, processes that enable stranding should facilitate mangrove recruitment. We expected the physical structure of salt‐marsh vegetation to define propagule retention capacity, and we predicted that salt‐marsh plants with distinct growth forms would differentially retain propagules. Experimental monoculture plots (1 m2) of salt‐marsh plants with different growth forms (Sporobolus virginicus [grass], Sesuvium portulacastrum [succulent forb], and Batis maritima [succulent scrub]) were created, and A. germinans propagules were emplaced into these plots and monitored over time. For comparison, propagules were also placed into natural polyculture plots (1 m2). Polyculture plots contained at least two of the salt‐marsh plant taxa selected for monoculture treatments, and S. virginicus was always present within these polyculture plots. Natural polyculture plots retained 59.3% ± 11.0% (mean ± SE) of emplaced propagules. Monocultures varied in their propagule retention capacities with plots of S. virginicus retaining on average 65.7% ± 11.5% of transplanted propagules compared to 7.2% ± 1.8% by B. maritima and 5.0% ± 1.9% by S. portulacastrum. Plots containing S. virginicus retained a significantly greater percentage of emplaced propagules relative to the two succulent salt‐marsh taxa. Furthermore, propagule entrapment, across all treatments, was strongly correlated with salt‐marsh structure (r2 = 0.6253, P = 0.00001), which was estimated using an indirect quantitative metric (lateral obstruction) calculated from digital images of plots. Overall, our findings imply that entrapment of propagules by salt‐marsh plants may be facilitative if propagules are dispersed beyond the established tree line by spring or storm tides, and that facilitation may be sustained over time. We conclude that salt‐marsh ecotone permeability may modulate landward encroachment by A. germinans, and that interactions among the early life history stages of black mangroves and neighboring plants may direct community responses to climate change.
Balancing the edge effects budget: bay scallop settlement and loss along a seagrass edge
Authors: Carroll John M. , Furman Bradley T. , Tettelbach Stephen T. , Peterson Bradley J.
Published: July 2012

Edge effects are a dominant subject in landscape ecology literature, yet they are highly variable and poorly understood. Often, the literature suggests simple models for edge effects—positive (enhancement at the edge), negative (enhancement at the interior), or no effect (neutral)—on a variety of metrics, including abundance, diversity, and mortality. In the marine realm, much of this work has focused on fragmented seagrass habitats due to their importance for a variety of commercially important species. In this study, the settlement, recruitment, and survival of bay scallops was investigated across a variety of seagrass patch treatments. By simultaneously collecting settlers (those viable larvae available to settle and metamorphose) and recruits (those settlers that survive some period of time, in this case, 6 weeks) on the same collectors, we were able to demonstrate a “balance” between positive and negative edge effects, resulting in a net neutral effect. Scallop settlement was significantly enhanced along seagrass edges, regardless of patch type while survival was elevated within patch interiors. However, recruitment (the net result of settlement and post‐settlement loss) did not vary significantly from edge to center, representing a neutral effect. Further, results suggest that post‐settlement loss, most likely due to predation, appears to be the dominant mechanism structuring scallop abundance, not patterns in settlement. These data illustrate the complexity of edge effects, and suggest that the metric used to investigate the effect (be it abundance, survival, or other metrics) can often influence the magnitude and direction of the perceived effect. Traditionally, high predation along a habitat edge would have indicated an “ecological trap” for the species in question; however, this study demonstrates that, at the population level, an ecological trap may not exist.
Multiple predators indirectly alter community assembly across ecological boundaries
Authors: Wesner Jeff S. , Billman Eric J. , Belk Mark C.
Published: July 2012

Models of habitat selection often assume that organisms choose habitats based on their intrinsic quality, regardless of the position of these habitats relative to low‐quality habitats in the landscape. We created a habitat matrix in which high‐quality (predator‐free) aquatic habitat patches were positioned adjacent to (predator‐associated) or isolated from (control) patches with single or two species of caged predators. After 16 days of colonization, larval insect abundance was reduced by 50% on average in both the predator and predator‐associated treatments relative to isolated controls. Effects were largely similar among predator treatments despite variation in number of predator species, predator biomass, and whether predators were native or nonnative. Importantly, the strength of effects did not depend on whether predators were physically present. These results demonstrate that predator cues can cascade with equal strength across ecological boundaries, indirectly altering community assembly via habitat selection in intrinsically high‐quality habitats.
Impact of the surface characteristics of rainwater tank material on biofilm development
Authors: Kim Mikyeong , Ravault Juliette , Han Mooyoung , Kim Kiyoung
Published: July 2012

In order to determine the impact of rainwater construction material on the development of a biofilm, three materials were tested: concrete, clay, and PVC. The biofilm attachment was initially more effective on clay coupons, but, after a period of three days, concrete coupons produced a greater quantity of biofilm than clay and PVC, in that order. The heterotrophic plate count in the rainwater indicated that this quantity tended to first increase following a rainfall, and then decrease. The new materials seemed to attach themselves to the existing biofilm on the wall and/or sediment in the form of small particles. The presence of fecal coliforms in the biofilm coupons was noted after major rainfall events, and this was correlated with the increase in fecal coliforms in the water. This study concluded that the most favorable support for biofilm development is concrete, clay, and PVC, in that order.
Concept of an innovative water management system with decentralized water reclamation and cascading material-cycle for agricultural areas
Authors: Fujiwara T.
Published: July 2012

Unlike in urban areas where intensive water reclamation systems are available, development of decentralized technologies and systems is required for water use to be sustainable in agricultural areas. To overcome various water quality issues in those areas, a research project entitled ‘Development of an innovative water management system with decentralized water reclamation and cascading material-cycle for agricultural areas under the consideration of climate change’ was launched in 2009. This paper introduces the concept of this research and provides detailed information on each of its research areas: (1) development of a diffuse agricultural pollution control technology using catch crops; (2) development of a decentralized differentiable treatment system for livestock and human excreta; and (3) development of a cascading material-cycle system for water pollution control and value-added production. The author also emphasizes that the innovative water management system for agricultural areas should incorporate a strategy for the voluntary collection of bio-resources.
Study on the removal efficiency of UF membranes using bacteriophages in bench-scale and semi-technical scale
Authors: Kreißel K. , Bösl M. , Lipp P. , Franzreb M. , Hambsch B.
Published: July 2012

To determine the removal efficiency of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for nano-particles in the size range of viruses the state of the art uses challenge tests with virus-spiked water. This work focuses on bench-scale and semi-technical scale experiments. Different experimental parameters influencing the removal efficiency of the tested UF membrane modules were analyzed and evaluated for bench- and semi-technical scale experiments. Organic matter in the water matrix highly influenced the removal of the tested bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174. Less membrane fouling (low ΔTMP) led to a reduced phage reduction. Increased flux positively affected phage removal in natural waters. The tested bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174 revealed different removal properties. MS2, which is widely used as a model organism to determine virus removal efficiencies of membranes, mostly showed a better removal than phiX174 for the natural water qualities tested. It seems that MS2 is possibly a less conservative surrogate for human enteric virus removal than phiX174. In bench-scale experiments log removal values (LRV) for MS2 of 2.5–6.0 and of 2.5–4.5 for phiX174 were obtained for the examined range of parameters. Phage removal obtained with differently fabricated semi-technical modules was quite variable for comparable parameter settings, indicating that module fabrication can lead to differing results. Potting temperature and module size were identified as influencing factors. In conclusion, careful attention has to be paid to the choice of experimental settings and module potting when using bench-scale or semi-technical scale experiments for UF membrane challenge tests.
Inorganic fractions in extracellular polymeric substance extracted from activated sludge and biofilm samples by different methods
Authors: Zhang Leiyan , Geng Jinju , Ding Lili , Ren Hongqiang
Published: July 2012

This study highlighted the inorganic fractions in the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) extract from two activated sludges and one biofilm. Nine EPS extraction methods (centrifugation, sonication, cation exchange resin (CER) + sonication, CER, heating, formaldehyde + heating, formaldehyde + NaOH, ethanol and EDTA) were used in the study. The EPS extracts had large inorganic fractions, which ranged from 28% to 94% of the EPS dry weight. The EPS inorganic fraction was dependent on the source of the sludge and wastewater, the kinds of bacteria and the extraction method. The EPS extracts obtained by heating and sonication had smaller inorganic fractions than those obtained by centrifugation. The compositions of the inorganic fraction of EPS extracts obtained with CER and sonication + CER showed similar trends. The chemical extraction methods could contaminate the inorganic composition of EPS extracts by impurities, carrying over of the extractant itself or by changing the pH of the solution. Ethanol was the most effective extractant for obtaining inorganic ions.
Importance of the ammonia volatilization rates in shallow maturation ponds treating UASB reactor effluent
Authors: de Assunção Fernando Augusto Lopes , von Sperling Marcos
Published: July 2012

This study aimed at determining the influence of ammonia volatilization on nitrogen removal in polishing (maturation) ponds treating sanitary effluent from upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. An apparatus for the capture and absorption of volatilized ammonia in three polishing ponds in series was installed. Volatilized ammonia was captured by a chamber on the surface of the ponds and dissolved in boric acid solution, in order to estimate the amount of ammonia per unit surface area of each pond. Low rates of volatilization, below 0.2 kg/ha.d, in about 75% of samples from all the ponds, were observed. The mass balance of ammonia nitrogen of the ponds showed that the volatilization represented only about 2% of the total removal of nitrogen from the polishing ponds. The results obtained suggest that ammonia volatilization was a mechanism of little importance in nitrogen removal in the investigated polishing ponds.
Potentials and limits of anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge: Energy self-sufficient municipal wastewater treatment plant?
Authors: Jenicek P. , Bartacek J. , Kutil J. , Zabranska J. , Dohanyos M.
Published: July 2012

Anaerobic digestion is the only energy-positive technology widely used in wastewater treatment. Full-scale data prove that the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge can produce biogas that covers a substantial amount of the energy consumption of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In this paper, we discuss possibilities for improving the digestion efficiency and biogas production from sewage sludge. Typical specific energy consumptions of municipal WWTPs per population equivalent are compared with the potential specific production of biogas to find the required/optimal digestion efficiency. Examples of technological measures to achieve such efficiency are presented. Our findings show that even a municipal WWTP with secondary biological treatment located in a moderate climate can come close to energy self-sufficiency. However, they also show that such self-sufficiency is dependent on: (i) the strict optimization of the total energy consumption of the plant, and (ii) an increase in the specific biogas production from sewage sludge to values around 600 L per kg of supplied volatile solids.
Phytoremediation of atrazine by three emergent hydrophytes in a hydroponic system
Authors: Wang Qinghai , Zhang Wei , Li Cui , Xiao Bo
Published: July 2012

A hydroponic system was used to evaluate atrazine (ATZ) removal and uptake by three emergent hydrophytes, Iris pseudacorus, Lythrum salicaria and Acorus calamus, determining their potential as phytoremediation agents for ATZ-contaminated water. After 20 days of exposure, the relative growth rate of plants in sterile conditions was less than in natural conditions. ATZ amount in a culture solution planted with emergent plants decreased significantly compared with an unplanted solution, and the removal rate of ATZ in natural conditions was greater than in sterile conditions (p < 0.05). The degradation contributions of I. pseudacorus, L. salicaria and A. calamus were 75.6, 65.5 and 61.8%, respectively. Those of the corresponding microbial population in the solution were 5.4, 11.4 and 17.4%, respectively. Emergent plants play a dominant role in reducing the ATZ level in the water body and could be used as phytoremediation agents.
A Prospective Study of Leukocyte Telomere Length and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: You Nai-chieh Y. , Chen Brian H. , Song Yiqing , Lu XuYang , Chen Yilin , Manson JoAnn E. , Kang Mo , Howard Barbara V. , Margolis Karen L. , Curb J. David , Phillips Lawrence S. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Tinker Lesley F. , Liu Simin
Published: July 2012

Telomere length (TL) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related disorders. However, there are no prospective studies directly investigating the role of TL and relevant genes in diabetes development. In the multiethnic Women’s Health Initiative, we identified 1,675 incident diabetes case participants in 6 years of follow-up and 2,382 control participants matched by age, ethnicity, clinical center, time of blood draw, and follow-up duration. Leukocyte TL at baseline was measured using quantitative PCR, and Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to test whether TL is causally associated with diabetes risk. After adjustment for matching and known diabetes risk factors, odds ratios per 1-kilobase increment were 1.00 (95% CI 0.90–1.11) in whites, 0.95 (0.85–1.06) in blacks, 0.96 (0.79–1.17) in Hispanics, and 0.88 (0.70–1.10) in Asians. Of the 80 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine genes involved in telomere regulation, 14 SNPs were predictive of TL, but none were significantly associated with diabetes risk. Using ethnicity-specific SNPs as randomization instruments, we observed no statistically significant association between TL and diabetes risk (P = 0.52). Although leukocyte TL was weakly associated with diabetes risk, this association was not independent of known risk factors. These prospective findings indicate limited clinical utility of TL in diabetes risk stratification among postmenopausal women.
Statin Intake Is Associated With Decreased Insulin Sensitivity During Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Sato Hiroaki , Carvalho George , Sato Tamaki , Hatzakorzian Roupen , Lattermann Ralph , Codere-Maruyama Takumi , Matsukawa Takashi , Schricker Thomas
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Surgical trauma impairs intraoperative insulin sensitivity and is associated with postoperative adverse events. Recently, preprocedural statin therapy is recommended for patients with coronary artery disease. However, statin therapy is reported to increase insulin resistance and the risk of new-onset diabetes. Thus, we investigated the association between preoperative statin therapy and intraoperative insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic, dyslipidemic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this prospective, nonrandomized trial, patients taking lipophilic statins were assigned to the statin group and hypercholesterolemic patients not receiving any statins were allocated to the control group. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic clamp technique during surgery. The mean, SD of blood glucose, and the coefficient of variation (CV) after surgery were calculated for each patient. The association between statin use and intraoperative insulin sensitivity was tested by multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

We studied 120 patients. In both groups, insulin sensitivity gradually decreased during surgery with values being on average ∼20% lower in the statin than in the control group. In the statin group, the mean blood glucose in the intensive care unit was higher than in the control group (153 ± 20 vs. 140 ± 20 mg/dL; P < 0.001). The oscillation of blood glucose was larger in the statin group (SD, P < 0.001; CV, P = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that statin use was independently associated with intraoperative insulin sensitivity (β = −0.16; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative use of lipophilic statins is associated with increased insulin resistance during cardiac surgery in nondiabetic, dyslipidemic patients.
Metabolic Effects of High Altitude Trekking in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: de Mol Pieter , Fokkert Marion J. , de Vries Suzanna T. , de Koning Eelco J.P. , Dikkeschei Bert D. , Gans Rijnold O.B. , Tack Cees J. , Bilo Henk J.G.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Limited information is available regarding the metabolic effects of high altitude trekking in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirteen individuals with type 2 diabetes took part in a 12-day expedition to the summit of Mount Toubkal (altitude, 4,167 m), Morocco, after 6 months of exercise training. Energy expenditure, body weight, blood glucose, fasting insulin, lipids, and HbA1c were assessed.

RESULTS

Training reduced fasting glucose (−0.7 ± 0.9 mmol/L, P = 0.026) and increased exercise capacity (+0.3 ± 0.3 W/kg, P = 0.005). High altitude trekking decreased fasting insulin concentrations (−3.8 ± 3.2 μU/L, P = 0.04), total cholesterol (−0.7 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P = 0.008), and LDL cholesterol (−0.5 ± 0.6 mmol/L, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

High altitude trekking preceded by exercise training is feasible for patients with type 2 diabetes. It improves blood glucose, lipids, and fasting insulin concentrations, while glucose control is maintained.
Fatty Liver, Insulin Resistance, and Features of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Sung Ki-Chul , Wild Sarah H. , Kwag Hyon Joo , Byrne Christopher D.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) coexists with insulin resistance (IR), but it is uncertain whether NAFLD and IR contribute independently to atherosclerosis. We tested whether fatty liver, IR, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) features (waist, glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol [HDL-C], and blood pressure) were associated with a marker of atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcium [CAC] score >0), independently of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were analyzed from a South Korean occupational cohort of 10,153 people who all received ultrasound measurements of fatty liver and a cardiac computed tomography CAC score. IR was defined by homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) ≥75th percentile. Odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) for the presence of a CAC score >0 were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 915 people with a CAC score >0. MetS features were increased (glucose, blood pressure, triglyceride, and waist) or decreased (HDL-C) among people with a CAC score >0 (all comparisons against CAC score ≤0; P < 0.0001). Of subjects with a CAC score >0, 55% had fatty liver and 33.7% were insulin resistant. Fatty liver (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.01–1.45]; P = 0.04) and HOMA-IR (1.10 [1.02–1.18]; P = 0.02) were associated with CAC score >0, independently of all MetS features, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and prior evidence of CVD. The presence of IR and fatty liver combined was associated with CAC score >0 (1.53 [1.20–1.95]; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatty liver and HOMA-IR are both associated with a CAC score >0 (independently of each other), features of MetS, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and existing CVD.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of Time to Read, a Volunteer Tutoring Program for 8- to 9-Year-Olds
Authors: Miller Sarah , Connolly Paul
Published: July 2012

Tutoring is commonly employed to prevent early reading failure, and evidence suggests that it can have a positive effect. This article presents findings from a large-scale ( n = 734) randomized controlled trial evaluation of the effect of Time to Read—a volunteer tutoring program aimed at children aged 8 to 9 years—on reading comprehension, self-esteem, locus of control, enjoyment of learning, and future aspirations. The study found that the program had only a relatively small effect on children’s aspirations (effect size +0.17, 95% confidence interval [0.015, 0.328]) and no other outcomes. It is suggested that this lack of evidence found may be due to misspecification of the program logic model and outcomes identified and program-related factors, particularly the low dosage of the program.
Cement Spacer as Definitive Management for Postoperative Ankle Infection
Authors: Ferrao Paulo , Myerson Mark S. , Schuberth John M. , McCourt Michael J.
Published: July 2012

Background: Postoperative infection can be a devastating complication of ankle replacement and arthrodesis surgery. Management consists of eradication of the infection and either, revision of the initial surgery or some form of salvage procedure. There are instances however when the patient is asymptomatic, medically unfit, or the local tissue is too tenuous to warrant performing additional surgery. We conducted a retrospective review of the outcome of the use of an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer as the definitive procedure in this kind of patient. Methods: There were nine patients with post operative deep ankle infection following surgery who did not undergo subsequent revision surgery. The initial surgeries were either total ankle replacement (TAR) ( n = 6) or ankle arthrodesis ( n = 3). The indications for the retention of the cement spacer were patients who were asymptomatic following insertion of the cement spacer, did not desire further surgery, or were medically unfit for further surgery. The patients all underwent removal of hardware or implants, debridement, and insertion of an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer. Six weeks of intravenous antibiotics were administered according to culture sensitivity results. Patients were followed up closely for complications (wound dehiscence, spacer migration, bone loss), resolution of infection, functionality, and satisfaction. Results: The average time of cement spacer retention was 20.1 months, ranging from 6 to 62 months. The most common infecting organisms were Staph. Aureus ( n = 3) and Staph. Epidermidis ( n = 3). One patient had wound complications, possibly due to the proximity of the cement spacer to the anterior skin surface. One patient had a repeat infection at 52 months. The most common co-morbidities were rheumatoid arthritis ( n = 3) and diabetes ( n = 2). At final followup, seven patients still had a retained cement spacer and two had subsequent below knee amputations (BKA) performed as a result of delayed complications. Review of the X-rays revealed two patients with loosening and migration of the cement spacer. No patients had signs of excessive bone loss. All patients with a retained antibiotic cement spacer were mobile and able to perform basic activities of daily living with minimal discomfort. Conclusion: The long-term use of antibiotic impregnated cement spacers following postoperative ankle infection is a reasonable option in the low demand patient with surgical or medical co-morbidities.

Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective Case Series
Porous Tantalum as a Structural Graft in Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Sagherian Bernard H. , Claridge Richard J.
Published: July 2012

Background: Structural bone grafts are often used in foot and ankle surgery to fill gaps, maintain height, length or correction. Bone graft, whether autograft or allograft, has limitations and disadvantages. With porosity and mechanical properties similar to native bone, porous tantalum has been used successfully in hip and knee applications. This study investigates the potential advantages of porous tantalum as a substitute for conventional bone graft in foot and ankle surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of 27 arthrodesis procedures was performed of foot and ankle procedures using Trabecular Metal™ porous tantalum over a period of 5 years. Twenty-five patients were involved. Mean age at the time of surgery was 63 (range, 41 to 80) years. All the patients had pathologies in the foot and ankle that required arthrodesis with structural graft. Average followup was 27 (range, 12 to 72) months. Results: At final followup the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot / Midfoot score improved from 40.6 (range, 16 to 64) preoperatively to 86.3 (range, 57 to 100) postoperatively ( p < 0.001). When the pain component of the AOFAS was examined, the score improved from a mean of 8.2 (range, 0 to 20) to 35.2 (range, 20 to 40), ( p < 0.001). At the time of last followup, 56% of patients reported no pain, 40% reported mild occasional pain, and 4% reported moderate pain. Conclusion: Porous tantalum therefore, was found to be a viable alternative to conventional bone graft when structural support was required.

Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective Case Series
Midfoot Arthrodesis following Multi-Joint Stabilization with a Novel Hybrid Plating System
Authors: Filippi Jorge , Myerson Mark S. , Scioli Mark W. , Den Hartog Bryan Dale , Kay David B. , Bennett Gordon L. , Stephenson Kenneth A.
Published: July 2012

Background: Several methods for fixation have been described for midfoot arthrodesis. Multi-joint arthrodesis at this level can be challenging because of bone loss and deformity, making it difficult to obtain a stable construct. We present the results of a novel hybrid plating system that incorporates locked and non-locked compression screws for multi-joint arthrodesis of the midfoot. Method: A retrospective multicenter review of patients undergoing multi-joint arthrodesis with hybrid plating of the midfoot was performed to evaluate the time to radiographic arthrodesis. Hybrid plating was defined as a construct that incorporates locked and non-locked compression screws. Neuropathy was the only exclusion criteria. Radiographic arthrodesis was defined as bridging bone on one of the three standard foot radiographs in the absence of a joint gap on the other views, or by 50% or greater bridging bone on computed tomography. Etiology of the arthritis, presurgical comorbidities, body mass index, functional level and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: Seventy-two patients were evaluated, and arthrodesis was obtained in 67 patients at 6 weeks in 27 patients, 9 weeks in 26, 12 weeks in 11, and at 16 weeks in three. In five patients at least one of the joints were not fused at 16 weeks and were considered a nonunion. Complications were present in 12 patients (17%). Conclusions: The healing rate and time to arthrodesis compared favorably to similar published studies. Based on these results, hybrid plating was a reliable and consistent alternative for fixation in midfoot arthrodesis, especially in multi-joint disease.

Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective Case Series
Anterior Distal Tibia Plafondplasty for Exposure of the Talar Dome
Authors: Peters Paul G. , Parks Brent G. , Schon Lew C.
Published: July 2012

Background: It may be possible to avoid malleolar osteotomy for treatment of osteochondral talar lesions with chondrocyte transplantation techniques, where perpendicular approach to the talar surface is not required. We hypothesized that limited anterior distal tibial plafondplasty would allow access to most of the talar surface. We compared talar access with soft tissue exposure versus plafondplasty. Methods: Two soft tissue exposures (anteromedial and anterolateral) and two limited anterior distal tibial plafondplasties (anteromedial and anterolateral) were used on 12 cadaver lower-extremity specimens. Digital analysis was used to assess the accessible area. Results: Percentage of total talar dome surface area access increased significantly between soft tissue exposure and limited plafondplasty medially (22.3 ± 6.3% versus 37.9 ± 4.6%; p < 0.001) and laterally (22.4 ± 7.7% versus 37.9 ± 7.7%; p < 0.001). Percentage sagittal plane access also increased significantly between soft tissue exposure and limited plafondplasty medially 54.4 ± 12.0% versus 81.3 ± 9.7%; p < 0.001) and laterally (53.3 ± 14.5% versus 80.9 ± 12.8%; p < 0.001). Limited exposure to an additional 14.2 ± 5% of the total talar surface area was possible. The posterior 10.6 ± 8% was inaccessible. Conclusions: A soft tissue approach with limited plafondplasty provided adequate exposure for the majority of the medial and lateral talar surface. Only the central posterior 10% of the talus was not accessed by this method. Clinical Relevance: It may be possible to avoid malleolar osteotomy by using limited plafondplasty to access the talar dome for treatment of osteochondral lesions if perpendicular access to the talus is not required.