bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algoritmo evolucionário para otimização do plano de tratamento em radioterapia conformal 3D
Authors: Goldbarg Marco César , Goldbarg Elizabeth Ferreira Gouvêa , Mendes Carlos Raoni de Alencar , Araújo Frederiko Stenio Luiz Neves de , Corso Gilberto , Osti Nuruara Mara
Published: October 2009

O planejamento do tratamento por radioterapia tem por objetivo atingir um volume alvo com altas doses de radiação tomando cuidado para não expor órgãos sadios a doses elevadas. É, portanto, muito importante que se encontre um balanço ideal entre esses objetivos conflitantes. O presente trabalho relata um modelo de programação matemática multiobjetivo e introduz um Algoritmo Transgenético para o problema de seleção do direcionamento dos feixes de radiação no planejamento em radioterapia conformal 3D. A seleção das direções dos feixes é feita através de uma técnica denominada de isocentros variáveis. Com a finalidade de testar o potencial do algoritmo desenvolvido, realiza-se um experimento comparativo com um Algoritmo Genético Multiobjetivo. O experimento computacional obtém dados quantitativos e qualitativos que são analisados no trabalho.
An approach using Lagrangian/surrogate relaxation for lot-sizing with transportation costs
Authors: Molina Flavio , Santos Maristela Oliveira dos , Toledo Franklina M. B. , Araujo Silvio Alexandre de
Published: October 2009

The aim of this work was to study a distribution and lot-sizing problem that considers costs with transportation to a company warehouse as well as, inventory, production and setup costs. The logistic costs are associated with necessary containers to pack produced items. The company negotiates a long-term contract in which a fixed cost per period is associated with the transportation of the items. On the other hand, a limited number of containers are available with a lower cost than the average cost. If an occasional demand increase occurs, other containers can be utilized; however, their costs are higher. A mathematical model was proposed in the literature and solved using the Lagrangian heuristic. Here, the use of the Lagrangian/surrogate heuristic to solve the problem is evaluated. Moreover, an extension of the literature model is considered adding capacity constraints and allowing backlogging. Computational tests show that Lagrangian/surrogate heuristics are competitive, especially when the capacity constraints are tight.
A decision model for portfolio selection
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo José Pires , Almeida Filho Adiel Teixeira de , Souza Fernando Menezes Campello de
Published: October 2009

This study presents one approach to investing in the financial markets using a decision theory point of view, where the main decision is to choose an investment portfolio, based on economic indexes, in order to predict future investments based on historical data, which minimizes the risk involved. The decision model is based on Decision Theory and Bayesian Analysis and the application uses Brazilian financial market data from January 1998 to June 2005 as an input.
A heuristic for the minimization of open stacks problem
Authors: Ashikaga Fernando Masanori , Soma Nei Yoshihiro
Published: October 2009

It is suggested here a fast and easy to implement heuristic for the minimization of open stacks problem (MOSP). The problem is modeled as a traversing problem in a graph (Gmosp) with a special structure (Yanasse, 1997b). It was observed in Ashikaga (2001) that, in the mean experimental case, Gmosp has large cliques and high edge density. This information was used to implement a heuristic based on the extension-rotation algorithm of Pósa (1976) for approximation of Hamiltonian Circuits. Additionally, an initial path for Pósa's algorithm is derived from the vertices of an ideally maximum clique in order to accelerate the process. Extensive computational tests show that the resulting simple approach dominates in time and mean error the fast actually know Yuen (1991 and 1995) heuristic to the problem.
O sujeito pronominal de 3ª pessoa no português culto do Rio de Janeiro: um estudo em tempo real
Authors: Santos Ângela Marina Bravin dos
Published: October 2009

Este é um trabalho variacionista sobre a mudança em tempo real de curta duração, que focaliza o sujeito anafórico de terceira pessoa, com base em amostras da fala culta do Rio de Janeiro, gravadas nos anos 70 e 90, com um intervalo de cerca de 20 anos. Dois tipos de estudos foram realizados: um estudo de painel, que examina o desempenho do indivíduo em dois momentos distintos, e o estudo de tendência, que investiga duas amostras de fala da mesma comunidade colhidos no mesmo intervalo. O quadro teórico associa pressupostos da Teoria Variacionista e da Teoria de Princípios e Parâmetros. O trabalho apresenta, ainda, uma comparação com o português europeu e o moçambicano.
Processos disciplinares e trabalho docente na escola primária de Minas Gerais (1869-1890)
Authors: Durães Sarah Jane Alves
Published: October 2009

O presente artigo analisa 23 processos disciplinares contra professores e professoras das escolas públicas primárias durante a segunda metade do século XIX. A instauração desses processos e as suas consequências serviram como ações disciplinares e disciplinadoras por parte do Governo Mineiro e, para tanto, este contava com uma série de regulamentos que prescreviam práticas de inspeção e códigos disciplinares de ordem moral e/ou pedagógica. A cargo dos membros que faziam parte da Comissão do Conselho Diretor do Governo Mineiro ficava a responsabilidade por averiguar e punir aqueles professores e professoras que cometiam infrações como, por exemplo, negócios estranhos ao magistério, desempenho insatisfatório do trabalho docente e práticas que, segundo a legislação, não condiziam com a moral exigida ao cargo. Quando comprovado o descumprimento da lei, o docente ficava sujeito a suspensão, remoção ou demissão do magistério.
População negra e civilização: uma análise a partir do estabelecimento da obrigatoriedade escolar em Minas Gerais (1830-1850)
Authors: Fonseca Marcus Vinicios
Published: October 2009

Este artigo analisa o processo de estabelecimento da obrigatoriedade escolar como elemento de mediação entre o perfil racial da população e a ideia de civilização que orientou o processo de construção da educação em Minas Gerais. No século XIX, havia predomínio absoluto dos negros na população mineira e isso pode ser tomado como referência para que a ideia de obrigatoriedade escolar assumisse a condição de instrumento de normatização e controle de certos aspectos deste segmento populacional. Para tratar dessas questões, utilizamos como referência a documentação censitária que, nos anos de 1830, processou a contagem da população de Minas Gerais, Relatórios de Presidente de Província, memórias e relatos de viagem de indivíduos que travaram contanto com a sociedade mineira na primeira metade do século XIX.
As histórias e culturas indígenas e as afro-brasileiras nas aulas de matemática
Authors: Costa Wanderleya Nara Gonçalves
Published: October 2009

Inicialmente, é evidenciada a necessidade de implementação da Lei 11.645/08, que torna obrigatória a abordagem escolar das histórias e das culturas negras e indígenas. Em seguida, defende-se que: ressaltar tais culturas e histórias não implica vê-las fechadas em si mesmas; não é necessário estabelecer oposição frontal entre brancos, negros e índios; importa evidenciar o silenciado, os mecanismos de dominação e de exploração entre os grupos humanos e dissolver nossas certezas para que, ao descobrirmos outros significados, desconstruamos nossas percepções e categorizações, tornando-nos mais capazes de abordar tais histórias e culturas. Restringindo a discussão para a área de Educação Matemática, esses tópicos são, então, discutidos a partir dos referenciais da Etnomatemática, da História Cultural e dos Estudos do Imaginário. Finalmente, nesse contexto, é apresentado um breve estudo do maracatu para sugerir aos professores algumas possibilidades de ação.
Os sentidos da sensibilidade e sua fruição no fenômeno do educar
Authors: Araújo Miguel Almir Lima de
Published: October 2009

Apresento a Sensibilidade como estado de dis-posição dos sensos perceptivos (afeccionais e noéticos) em que corpo e espírito coexistem para a compreensão dos Sentidos do existir. Sensibilidade que se constitui desde os fulcros da Corporeidade, da Intuição, da Afetividade, do Mitopoético e da Razão-Sentido. Explicito o educar como ação teórico-vivencial que implica a fruição da Sensibilidade; como um rito vivo de iniciação aos saberes e sentires, aos Sentidos humanos. Por fim, propugno uma Pedagogia do encantamento que implica o jorrar do pathos criante, do ad-mirante, do espírito altaneiro; que envida laços de simpatia e de empatia; que conduz a fruição dos Sentidos pregnantes e anímicos.
A investigação da própria prática: mobilização e apropriação de saberes profissionais em Matemática
Authors: Lima Claudia Neves do Monte Freitas de , Nacarato Adair Mendes
Published: October 2009

O presente trabalho refere-se a uma investigação da própria prática, num contexto de aulas de Matemática, com utilização de tarefas exploratório-investigativas. A pesquisa foi realizada com alunos da 1ª série do ensino médio de uma escola pública estadual, em São Bernardo do Campo/SP, em 2005. Teve-se como objetivo analisar os saberes mobilizados e apropriados pela professora-pesquisadora. Discute-se, inicialmente, essa modalidade de pesquisa e a pertinência do uso das tarefas exploratório-investigativas. A análise centra-se em episódios (audiogravados) que focalizaram a mediação/intervenção da professora-pesquisadora, em contextos de trabalho dos alunos. Destaca-se a importância do outro - os alunos, os pares e os colegas pesquisadores -, que provoca estranhamentos e questionamentos e desencadeia processos reflexivos. Finalmente, analisam-se os conflitos vividos pela justaposição de papeis de professora e de pesquisadora no contexto da sala de aula.
Densidades populacionais de milho em arranjos espaciais convencional e equidistante entre plantas
Authors: Brachtvogel Elizeu Luiz , Pereira Francisco Rafael da Silva , Cruz Simério Carlos Silva , Bicudo Sílvio José
Published: October 2009

A otimização da exploração do ambiente é necessária para a maximização do rendimento do milho. O arranjo de plantas (distribuição espacial e área ocupada pela planta) interage diretamente na competição intraespecífica por fatores do meio. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar as formas de distribuição espacial equidistante entre plantas de milho e o espaçamento de 0,80 metro na entrelinha, em populações de 30000 a 105000 plantas ha-1. O experimento foi conduzido em área de Nitossolo Vermelho distroférrico, de textura argilosa, em Botucatu (SP), na safra 2007/08. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, e os tratamentos foram combinados em fatorial 2X6 (quatro repetições), em parcelas de 4,5 x 10m. Foram avaliados os caracteres comprimento e diâmetro de espiga e sabugo, comprimento do grão; número de fileiras, massa e número de grãos por espiga, porcentagem de plantas acamadas; número de grãos e de espigas por hectare, índice de espiga, massa de mil grãos e produtividade. Todos os parâmetros avaliados foram influenciados pelas populações e a porcentagem de plantas acamadas pelos arranjos espaciais, com interação para o diâmetro de espiga e de sabugo. De maneira geral, pode-se concluir que as características avaliadas são influenciadas predominantemente pelas densidades populacionais, independentemente do arranjo espacial.
Silício melhora produção e qualidade do girassol ornamental em vaso
Authors: Carvalho Maristela Pereira , Zanão Júnior Luiz Antônio , Grossi José Antônio Saraiva , Barbosa José Geraldo
Published: October 2009

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do parcelamento de diferentes doses de silício na produção de girassol ornamental, produzido em vaso, em casa de vegetação. A fonte utilizada foi o silicato de potássio aplicado no substrato. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em um fatorial 5x2, cinco doses de Si (0, 150, 300, 450 e 600mg vaso-1) e duas formas de aplicação (total ou parcelada), no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Cada unidade experimental foi constituída por um vaso n° 12, com uma planta de girassol híbrido Sunflower F1 Pollenless Sunbright. As variáveis analisadas foram o diâmetro da inflorescência, a altura da planta, o diâmetro do caule, a produção de matéria seca de raízes, folhas e inflorescência e os teores de Si nessas três partes da planta. Não houve interação significativa das doses de Si e de seu parcelamento para nenhuma característica avaliada. A altura das plantas aumentou com o parcelamento do Si. A produção da matéria seca das inflorescências e das raízes e o diâmetro das inflorescências foram incrementados com a aplicação do Si. Os teores desse elemento na planta também aumentaram com as doses de silicato de potássio aplicadas, confirmando que o girassol absorve e acumula Si em seus tecidos.
Bronquite infecciosa das galinhas: conhecimentos atuais, cepas e vacinas no Brasil
Authors: Mendonça Juliana Figueiredo Pitangui , Martins Nelson Rodrigo da Silva , Carvalho Leandro Barbiéri de , Sá Marcos Eielson Pinheiro de , Melo Cristiano Barros de
Published: October 2009

A bronquite infecciosa das galinhas (IB) é uma doença viral aguda e altamente contagiosa que provoca grandes perdas econômicas à indústria avícola em todo o mundo. Considerando que surtos têm ocorrido no Brasil com emergência de novas variantes de IBV, desafiando as estratégias de vacinação atuais, este trabalho objetiva revisar os conhecimentos sobre IB e IBV, a sua distribuição, as cepas e as vacinas utilizadas no Brasil.
Composição química, valores de energia metabolizável e aminoácidos digestíveis de subprodutos do arroz para frangos de corte
Authors: Junqueira Otto Mack , Duarte Karina Ferreira , Cancherini Luciana Cardoso , Araújo Lúcio Francelino , Oliveira Maria Cristina de , Garcia Edivaldo Antônio
Published: October 2009

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para determinar a composição química, os valores de energia e os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos aminoácidos, do farelo de arroz integral (FAI) e da quirera de arroz (QA). No primeiro estudo, foram utilizadas 144 aves, com 21 dias de idade, machos, linhagem Cobb, que tiveram suas excretas totalmente coletadas para determinação da energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e energia metabolizável aparente corrigida (EMAn). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições, com oito aves cada. No segundo experimento, foi utilizado o método de alimentação forçada para a determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade dos aminoácidos. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com dois alimentos e um jejum e seis repetições com um galo cada. Os valores de MS, PB, EE, FB, EMA e EMAn foram, respectivamente, para FAI: 88,6%; 11,8%; 15,3%; 10,2%; 2968kcal kg-1 e 2804kcal kg-1 e para QA: 93,5%; 9,1%; 0,73%; 0,45%; 3338kcal kg-1 e 3239kcal kg-1. Os valores médios encontrados dos coeficientes de digestibilidade de aminoácidos essenciais e não essenciais foram, respectivamente, de 75,9% e 73,9%, para FAI, e 77,9% e 76,5%, para QA. Embora tenham apresentado níveis inferiores de energia, FAI e a QA podem ser utilizados nas rações de aves em substituição ao milho, uma vez que tiveram níveis maiores de proteína bruta e aminoácidos digestíveis.
Machado de Assis e a psiquiatria: um capítulo das relações entre arte e clínica no Brasil
Authors: Lima Elizabeth Maria Freire de Araújo
Published: October 2009

Em Machado de Assis, a loucura, seu lugar na sociedade de então e as tênues fronteiras que a separam da razão tornaram-se preocupação constante a partir de 1880, quando houve uma inflexão em sua obra. Por outro lado, o escritor foi referido inúmeras vezes em estudos clínicos interessados na investigação das relações entre arte e loucura. Neste artigo, indico de forma breve a visão da psiquiatria brasileira a respeito das artes, dos artistas e do processo de criação nas primeiras décadas do século XX. E apresento três estudos dedicados ao escritor Machado de Assis e sua obra, produzidos nesse período por psiquiatras que interpretaram fenômenos artísticos sob o ponto de vista da psicopatologia, buscando explicitar a lógica interna a essas abordagens.
Produção de conhecimento e busca de aplicações: a experiência da universidade com a indústria química
Authors: Weinberg Georg M.L. , Jorge Marcelino José , Jorge Marina Figueiras
Published: October 2009

Aborda a natureza e as implicações da interação universidade-indústria. A ideia de que a inovação nem sempre é resultado de processo originado na pesquisa básica trouxe novas possibilidades conceituais sobre tal interação. Segundo Stokes, discriminado o espaço conhecimento-utilidade em quadrantes, aquele que concentra alto conteúdo científico e alto grau de utilidade seria o 'quadrante de Pasteur'. As evidências sobre a química alemã e a engenharia química norte-americana mostram o papel fundamental dos professores universitários no desenvolvimento das empresas químicas. O estabelecimento de centros de P&D nas empresas no século XX, combinado à tendência de redução do conteúdo básico dessas atividades em favor do conteúdo aplicado, não invalida essas evidências.
A teoria ondulatória de Huygens em livros didádicos para cursos superiores
Authors: Araújo Sidney Maia , Silva Fábio Wellington Orlando da
Published: October 2009

Este trabalho compara a teoria apresentada por Christiaan Huygens no Tratado sobre a Luz, no século XVII, com a versão que aparece em alguns livros didáticos de Física para cursos superiores, e estuda a percepção dos alunos acerca do desenvolvimento dessa teoria. As informações veiculadas nesses livros incorporam contribuições posteriores, que levam a uma visão inadequada da evolução dessa teoria e a atribuir ao passado concepções atuais.
Os professores de química e o uso do computador em sala de aula: discussão de um processo de formação continuada
Authors: Gabini Wanderlei Sebastião , Diniz Renato Eugênio da Silva
Published: October 2009

O presente artigo discute estratégias utilizadas em um processo de formação continuada que se destina a promover a inserção da informática nas aulas de Química, organizado com base na racionalidade prática e na reflexão crítica sobre o trabalho docente. Esse processo envolveu professores de escolas estaduais localizadas na região de Jaú (SP) e utilizou a educação a distância como recurso para mediar os períodos entre os encontros presenciais. As estratégias selecionadas para discussão neste artigo, dentre as utilizadas no processo de formação, são: a elaboração de material didático e o desenvolvimento de aulas nas Salas Ambiente de Informática das escolas. Tais propostas se revelaram importantes por considerarem o professor como autor dos recursos didáticos para trabalho em sala de aula, e o contexto escolar como subsídio à própria ação de formação.
A pesquisa-ação em educação ambiental: uma experiência no entorno de uma unidade de conservação urbana
Authors: Cerati Tania Maria , Lazarini Rosmari Aparecida de Morais
Published: October 2009

O Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), localizado no município de São Paulo, sofre inúmeros impactos ambientais que comprometem a conservação deste importante remanescente de Mata Atlântica. O presente trabalho apresenta a construção de um projeto de Educação Ambiental utilizando a metodologia da pesquisa-ação que teve como objetivo sensibilizar a comunidade do entorno sobre a importância da conservação dessa área. Desenvolvido em uma escola pública, contou com a participação de 29 professores e novecentos alunos. Os resultados mostram que, por meio da socialização do conhecimento científico, foram inseridas, no cotidiano escolar, discussões sobre a importância da manutenção do PEFI, o que contribuiu não só para o desenvolvimento socioambiental da comunidade, como também para a melhoria da qualidade do ensino.
Percepções de professores de ensino superior sobre a literatura de divulgação científica
Authors: Strack Ricardo , Loguércio Rochele , Del Pino José Claudio
Published: October 2009

O uso da divulgação científica como instrumento pedagógico é o tema de nosso trabalho. Partindo da perspectiva de trazer para a educação em ciências e em química a literatura de divulgação científica (LDC) como um veículo para construção do conhecimento escolar e como alternativa ao livro-texto, apresenta-se neste trabalho a percepção de professores de química do Ensino Superior sobre a sua possibilidade de inserção na prática docente com a finalidade de facultar ao professor em formação o conhecimento deste recurso didático às suas aulas e que isso faça parte do currículo.
Fire effects on the population structure of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam (Rutaceae) in a Brazilian savanna
Authors: Silva IA. , Valenti MW. , Silva-Matos DM.
Published: October 2009

Since cerrado fires may impede the growth of seedlings into trees, they may shape the population of woody species. In this study, we assessed the effects of a severe fire on the population structure and spatial distribution of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium, a widespread cerrado tree. We were interested to know the importance of the resprouting and sexual reproduction in regenerating the population. The study area had been for about six years protected from fire, before a severe fire at the end of the dry season in 2006. We sampled and measured all individuals of Z. rhoifolium found in 80 plots of 25 m². We found 149 individuals before the fire and 112 after the fire, of which 77 were resprouts from burned seedlings and saplings. We did not find significant differences between the population structure before and after the fire. The spatial distribution of the population remained clumped after the fire. Thus, the Z. rhoifolium population was very resilient to a severe fire. We did not find any new seedlings. As a consequence, resprouting seems to be more important than sexual reproduction in promptly regenerating the Z. rhoifolium populations.
Temporary fragmentation of a marginal lake and its effects on zooplankton community structure and organization
Authors: Nadai R. , Henry R.
Published: October 2009

A river lateral lake (Coqueiral Lake marginal to Paranapanema River in its mouth zone into Jurumirim Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil) presented fragmentation into four small isolated bodies of water during a prolonged drought period, disrupting the link with the river. The aim of this work was to compare the temporal modifications on zooplankton community structure (total abundance, species richness, and diversity) in the four water bodies. Zooplankton samplings and abiotic factor measurements were made in two periods - during isolation phase of the lake in relation to river and after re-establishment of hydrologic connectivity. A concentration effect on zooplankton abundance was recorded with drought progression, but without significant modifications in species richness and diversity. When the river inundation pulse occurred, a reduction in total zooplankton density was observed due to the dilution effect and a significant increase in species richness and diversity was recorded. Lateral water influx from the river to the lacustrine environment acts as a temporary disturbance factor on the zooplankton community structure. Zooplankton species composition presented some modifications between the two periods. Zooplankton organism drift in water from the river to the lake, removal of individuals from the aquatic macrophytes, and eclosion of resting eggs from sediment are probable factors that can increase zooplankton species richness immediately after lateral pulse inundation with water by the river.
Reproductive performance of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)
Authors: Pereira FF. , Zanuncio JC. , Serrão JE. , Pastori PL. , Ramalho F.S.
Published: October 2009

The mass rearing of parasitoids represents a fundamental stage for programmes of biological control. The progeny of the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were evaluated on previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). Forty-eight to 72 hours-old pupae of B. mori were stored at 10 ºC for five, 10, 15 or 20 days and then exposed to parasitism by P. elaeisis females. This parasitoid showed shorter duration of the life cycle when reared on pupae of B. mori which were previously stored at 10 ºC during 15 days. P. elaeisis parasitized 100% of the pupae of B. mori after storage at 10 ºC during all periods with emergence of this parasitoid from 78 to 100% of these pupae. P. elaeisis had a higher number of progeny per pupa of B. mori stored for 15 days at 10 ºC. Pupae of B. mori can be stored for 15 days at 10 ºC before being used to rear P. elaeisis.
Fructification phenology as an important tool in the recovery of iron mining areas in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Garcia LC. , Barros FV. , Lemos-Filho JP.
Published: October 2009

"Canga" is a name given to the ferruginous rocky fields that can be found in the "Quadrilátero Ferrífero" of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The endemism and species richness make them areas of special biological importance, regarded as high-priority for conservation. Nevertheless, they are being threatened by intense mining activity. Aiming to understand more about this flora, this study was performed in order to determine the maturation or dispersal period of the fruits of four Canga species, Alibertia vaccinioides K.Schum. (Rubiaceae), Coccoloba acrostichoides Cham. (Polygonaceae), Miconia sellowiana Naudin (Melastomataceae), and one probable new species of Calyptranthes Sw. (Myrtaceae). Although fruit maturation or dispersal tended to occur at the end of the dry season, some asynchrony was observed in these species, with food sources being available during most of the year. This shows that these species have the potential to attract animals the whole year round, and planting them for the recovery of iron mining areas may increase the community's self-regeneration capacity, leading to a more successful restoration process.
Flow cytometry as a tool in the evaluation of blood leukocyte function in Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Testudines, Cheloniidae)
Authors: Rossi S. , Sá-Rocha VM. , Kinoshita D. , Genoy-Puerto A. , Zwarg T. , Werneck MR. , Sá-Rocha LC. , Matushima ER.
Published: October 2009

Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle that feeds and nests on the Brazilian coast and a disease called fibropapillomatosis is a threat to this species. Because of this, it is extremely necessary to determine a methodology that would enable the analysis of blood leukocyte function in these sea turtles. In order to achieve this aim, blood samples were collected from C. mydas with or without fibropapillomas captured on the São Paulo north coast. Blood samples were placed in tubes containing sodium heparin and were transported under refrigeration to the laboratory in sterile RPMI 1640 cell culture medium. Leukocytes were separated by density gradient using Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences®. The following stimuli were applied in the assessment of leukocyte function: Phorbol Miristate-Acetate (PMA) for oxidative burst activity evaluation and Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles®, Alexa Fluor® 594 conjugate for phagocytosis evaluation. Three cell populations were identified: heterophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Monocytes were the cells responsible for phagocytosis and oxidative burst.
Analysis of the microstructure of Xenodontinae snake scales associated with different habitat occupation strategies
Authors: Rocha-Barbosa O. , Moraes e Silva RB.
Published: October 2009

The morphology of many organisms seems to be related to the environment they live in. Nonetheless, many snakes are so similar in their morphological patterns that it becomes quite difficult to distinguish any adaptive divergence that may exist. Many authors suggest that the microornamentations on the scales of reptiles have important functional value. Here, we examined variations on the micromorphology of the exposed oberhautchen surface of dorsal, lateral, and ventral scales from the mid-body region of Xenodontinae snakes: Sibynomorphus mikani (terricolous), Imantodes cenchoa (arboreal), Helicops modestus (aquatic) and Atractus pantostictus (fossorial). They were metallized and analyzed through scanning electron microscopy. All species displayed similar microstructures, such as small pits and spinules, which are often directed to the scale caudal region. On the other hand, there were some singular differences in scale shape and in the microstructural pattern of each species. S. mikani and I. cenchoa have larger spinules arranged in a row which overlap the following layers on the scale surface. Species with large serrate borders are expected to have more frictional resistance from the caudal-cranial direction. This can favor life in environments which require more friction, facilitating locomotion. In H. modestus, the spinules are smaller and farther away from the posterior rows, which should help reduce water resistance during swimming. The shallower small pits found in this species can retain impermeable substances, as in aquatic Colubridae snakes. The spinules adhering to the caudal scales of A. pantostictus seem to form a more regular surface, which probably aid their fossorial locomotion, reducing scale-ground friction. Our data appear to support the importance of functional microstructure, contributing to the idea of snake species adaptation to their preferential microhabitats.
Germination of Ocotea pulchella (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) seeds in laboratory and natural restinga environment conditions
Authors: Pires LA. , Cardoso VJM. , Joly CA. , Rodrigues RR.
Published: October 2009

The germination response of Ocotea pulchella (Nees) Mez seeds to light, temperature, water level and pulp presence is introduced. The laboratory assays were carried out in germination chambers and thermal-gradient apparatus, whereas the field assays were performed in environments with distinct light, temperature and soil moisture conditions within a permanent parcel of Restinga forest of the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, Cananéia, São Paulo. The seeds do not exhibit dormancy, they are non photoblastic, and a loss of viability in dry stored seeds can be related to a decrease in water content of the seed. The presence of the pulp and the flooded substratum influenced negatively the germination of O. pulchella seeds tested in the laboratory. Otherwise, light and temperature probably are not limiting factors of the germination of O. pulchella seeds in the natural environment of Restinga. The optimum temperature range for germination of Ocotea pulchella seeds was 20 to 32 ºC, the minimum or base temperature estimated was 11 ºC and the maximum ranged between 33 and 42 ºC. The isotherms exhibited a sigmoidal pattern well described by the Weibull model in the sub-optimal temperature range. The germinability of O. pulchella seeds in the understorey, both in wet and dry soil, was higher than in gaps. Germination was not affected by fluctuations in soil moisture content in the understorey environment, whereas in gaps, germination was higher in wet soils. Thus, the germination of this species involves the interaction of two or more factors and it cannot be explained by a single factor.
Population fluctuation and faunal indices of aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in peach orchards in Araucária, PR
Authors: Schuber JM. , Monteiro LB. , Poltronieri AS. , Carvalho RCZ. , Zawadneak MAC.
Published: October 2009

Aphids are sap-sucking insects that mainly attack shoots and young leaves of peach trees and many other plant species; however, knowledge of the Brazilian aphid fauna is scant. The objective of this study was to identify aphid species collected in peach orchards (Prunus persica Batsch) and to determine their faunal indices for occurrence and dominance. The experiment was conducted from July 2005 to September 2006 in six Chimarrita peach orchards in the municipality of Araucária, PR, Brazil. The survey of aphid species was conducted by visual samplings on peach trees and using Möericke-type yellow traps containing water. A faunal analysis was made using aphid occurrence and dominance indices. Brachycaudus persicae (Passerini, 1860) was the only aphid species that was found colonizing peach in Araucária/PR. Although most aphids collected were classified as rare, some can be considered potential peach colonizers, such as Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) which was given the status of common or intermediate in some of the orchards studied. The population fluctuation of aphids showed a negative correlation with rainfall and positive correlation with temperature and relative humidity.
Graphomya Robineau-Desvoidy from Costa Rica: descriptions and first records (Diptera, Muscidae)
Authors: Couri MS. , Marques B.
Published: October 2009

Graphomya Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Muscidae) occurs in temperate and tropical regions of the world. It is known in the Neotropical Region from fifteen species. The genus is here recorded for the first time from Costa Rica, on the basis of three species: G. auriceps Malloch, 1934; G. mexicana Giglio-Tos, 1893 and G. tropicalis Malloch, 1934. A key for the recognition of these three species is given. G. auriceps is redescribed, including the morphology of male and female terminalia and the male of G. tropicalis is described for the first time. For G. mexicana, a well-known species in the literature, only a brief diagnosis and the material examined are listed.
Sliding doors
Authors: De Luca Roberto
Published: October 2009

Looking closely to the mechanism which make sliding doors move, one sees that the motion of the commonly used objects can be understood by solving a problem related to the motion of blocks and pulleys. The system is by itself interesting to be modelled as a problem in Newtonian mechanics, and the solution of the equation of the motion can lead us to estimate the time it takes for a sliding door to open or close.
SINGLE‐SAMPLE DISCRIMINATION OF DIFFERENT SCHEDULES' REINFORCED INTERRESPONSE TIMES
Authors: Tanno Takayuki , Silberberg Alan , Sakagami Takayuki
Published: October 2009

Food‐deprived rats in Experiment 1 responded to one of two tandem schedules that were, with equal probability, associated with a sample lever. The tandem schedules' initial links were different random‐interval schedules. Their values were adjusted to approximate equality in time to completing each tandem schedule's response requirements. The tandem schedules differed in their terminal links: One reinforced short interresponse times; the other reinforced long ones. Tandem‐schedule completion presented two comparison levers, one of which was associated with each tandem schedule. Pressing the lever associated with the sample‐lever tandem schedule produced a food pellet. Pressing the other produced a blackout. The difference between terminal‐link reinforced interresponse times varied across 10‐trial blocks within a session. Conditional‐discrimination accuracy increased with the size of the temporal difference between terminal‐link reinforced interresponse times. In Experiment 2, one tandem schedule was replaced by a random ratio, while the comparison schedule was either a tandem schedule that only reinforced long interresponse times or a random‐interval schedule. Again, conditional‐discrimination accuracy increased with the temporal difference between the two schedules' reinforced interresponse times. Most rats mastered the discrimination between random ratio and random interval, showing that the interresponse times reinforced by these schedules can serve to discriminate between these schedules.
DELAY‐AMOUNT TRADEOFFS IN CHOICES BY PIGEONS AND RATS: HYPERBOLIC VERSUS EXPONENTIAL DISCOUNTING
Authors: Mazur James E. , Biondi Dawn R.
Published: October 2009

An adjusting‐delay procedure was used to study the choices of pigeons and rats when both delay and amount of reinforcement were varied. In different conditions, the choice alternatives included one versus two reinforcers, one versus three reinforcers, and three versus two reinforcers. The delay to one alternative (the standard alternative) was kept constant in a condition, and the delay to the other (the adjusting alternative) was increased or decreased many times a session so as to estimate an indifference point—a delay at which the two alternatives were chosen about equally often. Indifference functions were constructed by plotting the adjusting delay as a function of the standard delay for each pair of reinforcer amounts. The experiments were designed to test the prediction of a hyperbolic decay equation that the slopes of the indifference functions should increase as the ratio of the two reinforcer amounts increased. Consistent with the hyperbolic equation, the slopes of the indifference functions depended on the ratios of the two reinforcer amounts for both pigeons and rats. These results were not compatible with an exponential decay equation, which predicts slopes of 1 regardless of the reinforcer amounts. Combined with other data, these findings provide further evidence that delay discounting is well described by a hyperbolic equation for both species, but not by an exponential equation. Quantitative differences in the y‐intercepts of the indifference functions from the two species suggested that the rate at which reinforcer strength decreases with increasing delay may be four or five times slower for rats than for pigeons.
OPTIMIZING LINKED PERCEPTUAL CLASS FORMATION AND TRANSFER OF FUNCTION
Authors: Fields Lanny , Garruto Michelle
Published: October 2009

A linked perceptual class consists of two distinct perceptual classes, A′ and B′, the members of which have become related to each other. For example, a linked perceptual class might be composed of many pictures of a woman (one perceptual class) and the sounds of that woman's voice (the other perceptual class). In this case, any sound of the woman's voice would occasion the selection of any picture of the woman and vice versa. In addition, after learning to name the woman in the presence of one picture, that name would be uttered when presented with all of the images of the woman's face and all of the sounds of her voice. This study involved 15 participants and sought to (a) maximize the percentage of participants who formed linked perceptual classes, and (b) determine whether those classes acted as transfer networks, that is, whether the discriminative function of one class member would generalize to other members of the class and not to members of a different class. The rate of emergence of each linked perceptual class was maximized by establishing a single class‐linking conditional relation between the clearest member of one class used as a sample stimulus and the most ambiguous member of the other class used as a comparison stimulus. Class formation was demonstrated using the serial and programmed presentation of A′–B′ probes that consisted of untrained pairs of stimuli drawn from the A′ and B′ classes. Most participants showed immediate emergence of the two linked perceptual classes. The remaining participants showed delayed emergence following a second exposure to each originally error‐producing probes. Once the linked perceptual classes had emerged, a differential response to a specific member of one perceptual class generalized mostly or completely to the other members of that linked class and rarely, if ever, to members of the other linked class. Thus, generalization did not depend on the specific class members that had been used for discrimination training.
A SIMPLE 2‐TRANSISTOR TOUCH OR LICK DETECTOR CIRCUIT
Authors: Slotnick Burton
Published: October 2009

An easily constructed and inexpensive battery operated circuit is described for use as a lickometer or contact detector in behavioral studies with rodents.
An Evaluation of HIV Testing Among Inmates in the North Carolina Prison System
Authors: Rosen David L. , Schoenbach Victor J. , Wohl David A. , White Becky L. , Stewart Paul W. , Golin Carol E.
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We examined the use of voluntary HIV testing among state prisoners in the North Carolina prison system.

Methods. We calculated system-wide and facility-specific proportions and rates of adult inmates tested for HIV and estimated associations between testing status and inmate characteristics for prisoners in North Carolina.

Results. Of the 54 016 inmates who entered prison between January 2004 and May 2006, 20 820 (38%) were tested for HIV; of those tested, 18 574 (89%) were tested at admission. Across the 8 intake prisons, more than 80% of inmates in both female facilities but less than 15% of inmates in 4 of 6 male facilities were tested. Prisoners with a documented history of heroin use, crack or cocaine use, conventional HIV risk behavior, or tuberculosis were at least 10% more likely to be tested than were inmates without these characteristics. However, more than 60% of men reporting conventional risk behaviors were not tested. Before covariate adjustment, Black men were 30% less likely than White men to be tested; in the multivariable regression model, this difference was attenuated to 13%.

Conclusions. Rates of HIV testing varied widely across intake prisons, and many male inmates with documented risk of infection were never tested.
The Burden of Rotavirus Hospitalizations Among Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Children Younger Than 5 Years Old
Authors: Ma Liyuan , El Khoury Antoine C. , Itzler Robbin F.
Published: October 2009

Objectives. We sought to compare the burden of hospitalizations associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis (RGE) in children younger than 5 years in US Medicaid and non-Medicaid populations in 2000 and 2003.

Methods. We used the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) to examine the burden of RGE-associated hospitalizations in terms of numbers and rates of hospitalizations, lengths of stay, and hospital charges. Two indirect methods were also used to estimate RGE-associated hospitalizations, because rotavirus testing is not routinely performed.

Results. Approximately 40% of children younger than 5 years were enrolled in Medicaid in 2003, but this population accounted for nearly 50% of all RGE-associated hospitalizations and 60% of total charges. Children enrolled in Medicaid had significantly greater hospitalization rates, average lengths of stay, and average charges per stay than did those not enrolled.

Conclusions. Although RGE affects all socioeconomic groups, the Medicaid population accounted for a disproportionate number of the hospitalizations. With the inclusion of rotavirus vaccines in the pediatric immunization schedule, it is important that US children, especially those enrolled in Medicaid programs, are vaccinated to reduce the burden of RGE.
A Review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis Among Blacks in the United States, 1981–2009
Authors: Sutton Madeline Y. , Jones Rhondette L. , Wolitski Richard J. , Cleveland Janet C. , Dean Hazel D. , Fenton Kevin A.
Published: October 2009

Among US racial/ethnic groups, Blacks are at the highest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched the Heightened National Response to Address the HIV/AIDS Crisis Among African Americans, which seeks to engage public and nonpublic partners in a synergistic effort to prevent HIV among Blacks. The CDC also recently launched Act Against AIDS, a campaign to refocus attention on the domestic HIV/AIDS crisis. Although the CDC's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS among Blacks have achieved some success, more must be done to address this crisis. New initiatives include President Obama's goal of developing a National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reduce HIV incidence, decrease HIV-related health disparities, and increase access to care, especially among Blacks and other disproportionately affected populations.
Screening for Influenza Infection in International Airline Travelers
Authors: Duncan Alasdair R. , Priest Patricia C. , Jennings Lance C. , Brunton Cheryl R. , Baker Michael G.
Published: October 2009

We sought the collaboration of an international airline and border control agencies to study the feasibility of entry screening to identify airline travelers at increased risk of influenza infection. Although extensive and lengthy negotiations were required, we successfully developed a multisector collaboration and demonstrated the logistical feasibility of our screening protocol. We also determined the staffing levels required for a larger study to estimate the prevalence of influenza in international airline travelers.
Pandemic Influenza Planning: Addressing the Needs of Children
Authors: Stevenson Elizabeth , Barrios Lisa , Cordell Ralph , Delozier David , Gorman Susan , Koenig Linda J. , Odom Erica , Polder Jacquelyn , Randolph Jean , Shimabukuro Tom , Singleton Christa
Published: October 2009

Children represent one quarter of the US population. Because of its enormous size and special needs, it is critically important to address this population group in pandemic influenza planning.

Here we describe the ways in which children are vulnerable in a pandemic, provide an overview of existing plans, summarize the resources available, and, given our experience with influenza A(H1N1), outline the evolving lessons we have learned with respect to planning for a severe influenza pandemic.

We focus on a number of issues affecting children—vaccinations, medication availability, hospital capacity, and mental health concerns—and emphasize strategies that will protect children from exposure to the influenza virus, including infection control practices and activities in schools and child care programs.
Pandemic Influenza and Farmworkers: The Effects of Employment, Social, and Economic Factors
Authors: Steege Andrea L. , Baron Sherry , Davis Shelley , Torres-Kilgore Judith , Sweeney Marie Haring
Published: October 2009

Employment, social, and economic factors have the potential to affect the magnitude of an influenza pandemic among farmworkers.

Prevention efforts targeted toward livestock farmworkers, including increased access to seasonal influenza vaccine, risk reduction training, various forms of personal protection, and workplace sanitation, are needed. Crop and livestock farmworkers are at increased risk of exposure to influenza A viruses because of limited resources, substandard housing, immigration status, communication and cultural barriers, and discrimination.

Recommendations were gathered from migrant clinicians, farmworker advocates, state and federal government agencies, industry stakeholders, and researchers to overcome these barriers, including surveillance of livestock farmworkers, inclusion of farmworker service organizations in planning efforts, and separation of immigration enforcement from emergency assistance.
Effective Health Risk Communication About Pandemic Influenza for Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Vaughan Elaine , Tinker Timothy
Published: October 2009

The consequences of pandemic influenza for vulnerable populations will depend partly on the effectiveness of health risk communications. Strategic planning should fully consider how life circumstances, cultural values, and perspectives on risk influence behavior during a pandemic.

We summarize recent scientific evidence on communication challenges and examine how sociocultural, economic, psychological, and health factors can jeopardize or facilitate public health interventions that require a cooperative public. If ignored, current communication gaps for vulnerable populations could result in unequal protection across society during an influenza pandemic.

We offer insights on communication preparedness gleaned from scientific studies and the deliberations of public health experts at a meeting convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 1 and 2, 2008.