bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação antiviral do formulado de sódio dicloroisocianurato contra o nucleopoliedrovírus do bicho-da-seda
Authors: Brancalhão R.M.C. , Ribeiro L.F.C. , Torquato E.F.B. , Fernandez M.A. , Munhoz R.E.F. , Colombelli K.T. , Costa T.R.G. da
Published: July 2013

O estudo avaliou a eficiência de um desinfetante que apresenta baixa ação corrosiva e que não é tóxico ao meio ambiente, o formulado de sódio dicloroisocianurato, sobre o nucleopoliedrovírus Bombyx mori (BmNPV). Para tanto, lagartas do bicho-da-seda, B. mori, de 5º instar foram divididas em quatro grupos experimentais, 4 repetições com 15 lagartas cada, totalizando 60 lagartas por grupo. Os grupos foram alimentados com discos foliares de amoreira (Morus sp.) contendo: o BmNPV tratado com o desinfetante (solução 1); o BmNPV não tratado (solução 2); apenas o desinfetante (solução 3); e água (solução 4, controle). Os resultados mostraram que o desinfetante não inativa o BmNPV e também exerce efeito negativo na resistência do inseto.
Effect of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema Glaseri (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) isolate Santa Rosa on the biological parameters of engorged nymphs of Amblyomma Cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Cardoso R. , Monteiro C. M.O. , Prata M.C.A. , Batista E.S.P.
Published: July 2013

This work evaluated the in vitro effects of Steinernema glaseri on the biology of engorged Amblyomma cajennense nymphs. The ticks were exposed to infective juveniles (IJs) of S. glaseri at different concentrations. Each treatment was composed by 10 experimental units (EU = repetitions) in Petri dishes maintained at 27 ± 1º C and relative humidity (RH) > 80 ± 10% for 72 hours. Then the nymphs were transferred to Petri dishes free of nematodes for observation of the following parameters: pre-ecdysis period (PEP), ecdysis period (EP), molting period (MP), ecdysis percentage (%Ec) and mortality percentage (%Mt). The groups treated with 5,000 and 10,000 IJs/EU showed significant alterations in the PEP when compared to the control, while for the EP only the treatment with 10,000 IJs/EU produced any significant changes compared to the control. The MP did not differ significantly from the control in any of the treated groups. For the %Ec only the group treated with 10,000 IJs/EU differed significantly from the control. The greatest efficiency was obtained at the concentration of 10,000 IJs/EU, in which the mortality percentage was 13%. This demonstrates that the nematode utilized was not able to cause high mortality in engorged A. cajennense nymphs and agrees with other reports indicating that immature ticks are not highly susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes.
Análise da micobiota associada à entomofauna em rações a granel para animais domésticos
Authors: Aquino S. , Potenza M.R.
Published: July 2013

Insetos podem infestar sementes e grãos que integram as rações destinadas à alimentação de pequenos roedores e aves domésticas como amendoim, girassol, trigo, milho, aveia e outros. Fungos toxigênicos (Aspergillus, Penicillium e Fusarium) também são contaminantes destes substratos e podem ser carreados por insetos. A deterioração da massa de sementes e grãos pela atividade dos insetos associado à presença de umidade, pode ser um facilitador para o crescimento fúngico e produção de micotoxinas. O objetivo do estudo foi o de analisar a micobiota associada às sementes, grãos e insetos em ração mista para animais domésticos. Vinte amostras foram plaqueadas em ágar-batata-dextrose incubadas a 25º C durante 7 dias para o isolamento fúngico de ração e em insetos isolados de cada componente da ração. Todas as amostras apresentaram presença de fungos e Sitophilus zeamais, inseto predominante e com maior frequencia nas amostras coletadas, demonstrando ser um vetor de vários gêneros fúngicos. Rações animais compostas de misturas de sementes e grãos estão sujeitas à contaminação microbiológica, sendo os insetos importantes vetores mecânicos de fungos deteriorantes e toxigênicos, comprometendo a saúde animal.
First report of austrodiplostomum compactum and ithyoclinostomum dimorphum in trahira (hoplias malabaricus) from the middle course of the Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Belei F. , Ferreira S.R. , Perin L.M. , Braga F.R. , Sampaio W.M.S. , Araújo J.V. de , Dergam J.A. , Takemoto R.M.
Published: July 2013

Austrodiplostomum compactum and Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum are two trematodes commonly found in trahira, but these parasites were never reported in trahiras from Rio Doce. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of A. compactum and I. dimorphum metacercariae in trahira from the middle course of the Rio Doce and to record the presence of eggs in I. dimorphum metacercariae. The parasites were identified and analyzed using methods described previously. There were found 10 A. compactum metacercariae in the aqueous humor of eyes in four of the trahiras and 12 I. dimorphum metacercariae encysted in the peritoneal cavity in five of the trahiras. Maceration of the I. dimorphum metacercariae revealed the presence of eggs. These results demonstrate the broad distribution of these parasites and the first report of these parasites in trahira from Rio Doce.
Alternativas para o controle de nematoides gastrintestinais de pequenos ruminantes
Authors: Molento M.B. , Veríssimo C.J. , Amarante A.T. , van Wyk J.A. , Chagas A.C.S. , Araújo J.V. de , Borges F.A.
Published: July 2013

A criação de ovinos e caprinos depende de um manejo eficiente, devido, principalmente, ao prejuízo causado por parasitos em animais susceptíveis. Vários fatores colaboram para que os animais tolerem as infecções parasitárias, como: genética, nutrição, estado fisiológico e idade. O grave problema causado pela resistência anti-helmíntica promoveu a difusão de técnicas alternativas de controle parasitário. Dentre essas novas estratégias incluem-se a adoção do tratamento parcial seletivo com o método FAMACHA, fitoterapia, controle biológico com o uso de fungos nematófagos e estratégias que ainda necessitam de mais dados como a homeopatia, a diluição da resistência com a introdução de parasitos sensíveis e a combinação de produtos químicos sem efeito antiparasitário. O objetivo central destes métodos é reduzir o uso de antiparasitários, retardando o desenvolvimento da resistência, e promover melhor utilização de produtos ainda eficazes na propriedade e de novos produtos que venham a ser lançados. Este artigo abordará as técnicas descritas acima para o controle de nematoides de pequenos ruminantes e é direcionado aos técnicos interessados em ampliar seu conhecimento sobre os mecanismos de resistência dos parasitos aos anti-helmínticos e de alternativas ao uso desses produtos.
Le politiche per la tutela della salute dei migranti: il contesto europeo e il caso Italia
Authors: Rinaldi Alessandro , Civitelli Giulia , Marceca Maurizio , Paglione Lorenzo
Published: July 2013

Intendendo la salute come un diritto umano fondamentale che non si esaurisce alla dimensione biologica ma si estende a quella sociale, economica e politica, gli autori, dopo aver descritto brevemente le politiche che a livello europeo sono state emanate per tutelare la salute dei migranti, analizzano l'esperienza italiana alla luce delle direttive internazionali. L'Italia rappresenta infatti un caso particolare ed avanzato di tutela della salute dei migranti; la sua politica sanitaria decisamente inclusiva riconosce parità di diritti e doveri ai cittadini regolarmente presenti ed ammette ampie possibilità di protezione ed assistenza anche per gli immigrati privi di permesso di soggiorno. Tuttavia, anche in un contesto avanzato come quello italiano, è necessaria un'evoluzione da un approccio di tipo assistenzialistico ad uno più ampio di promozione della salute attraverso politiche di natura intersettoriale, alla luce della teoria dei determinanti sociali di salute. Affrontare la tematica della salute del popolo migrante rappresenta un'occasione per rendere i servizi sanitari in particolare e le politiche migratorie in generale più attente ad ogni persona, alla sua storia e al contesto nel quale essa vive.
A resiliência da saúde migrante: itinerários terapêuticos plurais e transnacionais
Authors: Freitas Cláudia de , Mendes Álvaro
Published: July 2013

Este artigo aborda as estratégias usadas no enfrentamento de problemas de saúde pelos imigrantes Cabo-verdianos na Holanda. Tendo por base uma metodologia qualitativa, discute-se a escolha de itinerários terapêuticos plurais, incluindo o uso decuidados informais, formais e transnacionais. Estes percursos são influenciados pelas racionalidades leigas dos Cabo-verdianos acerca da saúde, que assentam num "reportório Cristão-espiritual", e por um contexto sociocultural e político onde se impõem múltiplas barreiras no acesso aos cuidados de saúde formais Holandeses. A pluralidade de itinerários terapêuticos adotados pelos Cabo-verdianos objetiva-se na (re)construção de saberes leigos sobre a doença, na mobilização de recursos materiais e na ativação de recursos sociais locais e transnacionais. Esta pluralidade de estratégias é interpretada como uma evidência de resiliência destes imigrantes perante fatores adversos à manutenção do seu bem-estar mental, físico e espiritual.
Migração involuntária como fator de risco à saúde mental
Authors: Martins-Borges Lucienne
Published: July 2013

O deslocamento forçado de pessoas é um dos fenômenos que podem ser relacionados a conflitos políticos e sociais, guerras e catástrofes naturais. Essas partidas não-planejadas são frequentemente acompanhadas de sofrimento psicológico diretamente ligado às perdas e ao traumatismo ao qual foram submetidas. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar observações realizadas no Serviço de Atendimento Psicológico Especializado aos Imigrantes e Refugiados (Sapsir), da Universidade Laval, Canadá. O trabalho clínico desenvolvido com pessoas oriundas de mais de 40 nacionalidades permitiu ressaltar quadros psicopatológicos mais frequentemente observados e estabelecer períodos críticos do processo de adaptação que tendem a expor tais pessoas a uma maior vulnerabilidade psicológica. Essas observações permitem pensar em políticas de acolhimento e de atendimento (saúde e social) de refugiados, que permitam prevenir um maior sofrimento psíquico e contribuir para uma melhor adaptação.
Mulheres, migrantes, trabalhadoras: a segregação no mercado de trabalho
Authors: Dutra Delia
Published: July 2013

O presente trabalho, ancorado em uma pesquisa desenvolvida no âmbito do Centro Scalabriniano de Estudos Migratórios, analisa a experiência vivida por mulheres migrantes em diversos países centrando a reflexão na dimensão do trabalho no contexto do processo migratório internacional. Tomando como ponto de partida a perspectiva das próprias protagonistas - paraguaias no Brasil, brasileiras nos Estados Unidos, haitianas na República Dominicana, colombianas no Equador, filipinas na Itália e nicaraguenses na Costa Rica -, busca-se identificar dificuldades enfrentadas no que refere à vida profissional dessas mulheres. Parte-se do entendimento de que a migração pode ser vista como uma alternativa para escapar de situações de pobreza e exclusão do mercado de trabalho no país de origem. A pesquisa aponta a existência de segregação no mercado de trabalho.
Mi nombre es nadie y nadie me llaman todos... Sobre la identidad del inmigrante
Authors: Cuestas Fedra
Published: July 2013

Considerando un paralelismo entre distintos ámbitos del discurso del poder que clasifica a los inmigrantes, se intenta develar la lógica que lo subyace. A continuación de ello, se busca pensar las consecuencias de este discurso, y las problemáticas que produce a quienes son nombrados por él. Este artículo plantea una reflexión concerniente a las secuelas y los riesgos que implica la ausencia de reconocimiento social de la cual son objeto algunas categorías de inmigrantes.
Noções de solidariedade e responsabilidade no campo da cooperação internacional para a proteção de refugiados
Authors: Muller Paulo Ricardo
Published: July 2013

Tomando como fio condutor eventos relativos ao programa de Reassentamento Solidário de refugiados no Brasil, o artigo procura analisar como os princípios da solidariedade e da responsabilidade elaborados no âmbito de acordos internacionais são interpretados e ressignificados por atores situados em diferentes escalas de influência e participação na implementação das políticas de proteção e assistência a refugiados.
Long-Term Follow-Up of UCLP Patients: Surgical and Orthodontic Burden of Care during Growth and Final Orthognathic Surgery Need
Authors: Meazzini Maria Costanza , Capello Alice Varacca , Ventrini Francesca , Autelitano Luca , Morabito Alberto , Garattini Giovanna , Brusati Roberto
Published: July 2013

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the craniofacial morphology at 5 and 10 years of age and at the completion of growth, the need for final orthognathic surgery, and the orthodontic burden in a sample of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate consecutively treated by the same surgeon with the same two-step protocol.

Design

A sample of 62 adult patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate was retrospectively collected (mean age, 17.5 years). Lateral cephalograms at three time points were traced. The need for orthognathic surgery was assessed, subdividing the sample into an orthognathic surgery group and nonorthognathic surgery group. Time and modality of orthodontic treatment were recorded.

Results

Cephalometric values related to maxillary growth (SNA, SNAns) and maxillomandibular relation (ANB, NAPg) were significantly different between the two groups already at 5 and 10 years of age. All patients presenting an ANB smaller than 2° at 5 years needed a Le Fort I osteotomy. Mandibular protrusion (SNB, SNPg) was not different at 5 and 10 years, but was different at the completion of growth. Patients with the same initial maxillomandibular relation did not show better growth when subjected to earlier or longer orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion

Patients needing final jaw surgery had a more severe skeletal discrepancy during early childhood. The ANB angle at 5 years allowed doctors to identify 45% of the need for orthognathic surgery. The final craniofacial pattern does not seem to change significantly with early or prolonged orthodontic treatment.
Tissue-Engineered Oral Mucosa for Mucosal Reconstruction in a Pediatric Patient with Hemifacial Microsomia and Ankyloglossia
Authors: Llames Sara , Recuero Ignacio , Romance Ana , García Eva , Peña Ignacio , Del Valle Álvaro Fernández , Meana Álvaro , Larcher Fernando , Del Río Marcela
Published: July 2013

Many types of soft tissue grafts have been used for the reconstruction of oral mucosal defects. The best results are achieved with mucosal grafts; however, when large areas must be grafted, sufficient donor tissue is not available. Tissue engineering represents an alternative method to obtain sufficient autologous tissue for reconstructing oral wounds. Herein we present a pediatric patient with hemifacial microsomia and congenital ankyloglossia requiring multiple surgical interventions, and in which an autologous full-thickness tissue-engineered oral mucosa was used for successful oral reconstruction. Our study demonstrates that even under challenging conditions, robust tissue-engineered products, such as the fibrin-based oral mucosa described here, can achieve successful tissue regeneration.
Solvent exchange in sulfoaluminate phases. Part II: monosulfate
Authors: Khoshnazar Rahil , Beaudoin James , Raki Laila , Alizadeh Rouhollah
Published: July 2013

The influence of organic solvent exchange techniques on the microstructure and the dimensional stability of monosulfate (3CaO.Al2O3.CaSO4.12H2O) was critically investigated. Monosulfate samples were treated with methanol, ethanol and isopropanol, and examined by different analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and scanning electrom microscopy. Nitrogen surface area measurements (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method) and length-change of the monosulfate samples in the solvents were also recorded. Evidence was obtained that indicates monosulfate was readily dehydrated from 12 water molecules to ten water molecules once it was treated by the investigated alcohols. The alcohol molecules, however, likely intercalated into the monosulfate structure, limiting an expected decrease in the interlayer distance of the monosulfate structure. Methanol had the greatest damaging effect on the monosulfate microstructure. Ethanol, however, resulted in higher long-term expansion owing to its intermediate molecular size and reactivity with monosulfate compared to methanol and isopropanol.
Leaching behaviour of cement pastes containing nanosilica
Authors: Berra Mario , Carassiti Fabio , Mangialardi Teresa , Paolini Antonio Evangelista , Sebastiani Marco
Published: July 2013

The influence of nanosilica (nanoscale-size particles of amorphous silica) on the leaching behaviour of Portland cement pastes made with a relatively low water/binder ratio (w/b = 0·36) and different nanosilica contents (0–3·8 wt% of binder) was investigated through the use of an ultra-accelerated leaching test (using concentrated ammonium nitrate solution as a leachant) coupled with scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analyses. The effect of leaching on the physical and mechanical properties of such pastes was assessed and their chemical resistance to leaching was evaluated through a parametric model. It was found that the addition of nanosilica improves the chemical resistance of cement pastes by producing a significant leaching deceleration (up to 69%). As a result, the decay of compressive strength of leached specimens (about 60% reduction) is significantly retarded. Higher residual compressive strengths were also obtained for totally leached specimens containing nanosilica, as a result of the ability of this admixture to consume portlandite during cement hydration and then reduce the porosity associated with portlandite dissolution during leaching.
Microindentation creep of 45 year old hydrated Portland cement paste
Authors: Pourbeik Pouya , Alizadeh Rouhollah , Beaudoin James J. , Nguyen Dan-Tam , Raki Laila
Published: July 2013

Microindentation methods were used to study the creep behaviour of cement paste hydrated for 45 years. These old pastes were prepared having a wide range of water/cement ratios varying from 0·5 to 1·0. The porosity dependence of the indentation parameters (creep modulus, indentation modulus and indentation hardness) was determined and is discussed in the context of possible creep mechanisms. Microindentation creep was also determined for 3 year old cement paste and young paste hydrated for 3 and 7 days. Variation in creep behaviour of the cement pastes for the three age groups is discussed in terms of nanostructural differences.
Recent incidents at abandoned industrial reservoirs
Authors: Warren Alan
Published: July 2013

This paper describes two significant flood-related reservoir incidents – at Pennal in North Wales and at Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire. These occurred during the summer of 2012, which was one of the wettest on record. The incidents share a number of commonalities and have possible implications for reservoir safety guidance and legislation, which are discussed.
The modern dam engineer
Authors: Hinks Jonathan
Published: July 2013

The 12th Binnie lecture was given on 13 September 2012 at the BDS Conference in Leeds. It is presented here as given, albeit with only 19 of the 84 slides which accompanied the lecture.
Technical visit: BDS visit to New Years Bridge reservoir
Authors: McGrail Lynne
Published: July 2013

On Wednesday 10 October 2012, United Utilities hosted a presentation on progress with the spillway replacement project at New Years Bridge reservoir for British Dam Society members and other representatives of the water industry at Denshaw Village Hall, Rochdale, Lancashire. The event was well attended and following lunch and the presentation a site visit was conducted to see the results of the work.
Technical visit: Grane Valley reservoir spillway improvements
Authors: Booth Newman
Published: July 2013

Spillway improvement works are currently being carried out at the Holden Wood and Ogden reservoirs in the Grane Valley, near Rossendale, Lancashire. A visit to the construction sites for British Dam Society members was carried out on Tuesday 5 March 2013.
Buoyancy-driven flow and heat transfer in a nanofluid-filled enclosure
Authors: Kosti Siddhartha , Das Malay K. , Saha Arun K.
Published: July 2013

Numerical study of buoyancy-driven laminar incompressible flow in a 2D rectangular enclosure utilizing copper–water nanofluid has been investigated. Constant heat flux at the left vertical wall while convective boundary condition on the other three walls has been investigated for three different Rayleigh numbers (1 × 105 to 3 × 105) based on the incoming solar heat flux value. Three aspect ratios (AR = H / L where H and L are the height and length of the enclosure, respectively) 0·5, 1·0 and 1·5, three inclination angles α (from the horizontal) 0, 20 and 37° for solar panel, nanoparticle concentration ϕ (varying upto 6%), Prandtl number (Pr = 7·0) for water has been kept constant and Nusselt number (Nuknf) based on the heat-transfer coefficient has been considered in the present study. Increment in average Nusselt number has been observed with increment in Rayleigh number and inclination angle. At low aspect ratio, maximum average Nusselt number has been found. Flow structures are sensitive to solid-particle concentration value, and average Nusselt number increases with solid-particle concentration value. A decrement in average Nusselt number at Ra = 3 × 105 for aspect ratios of 0·5 and 1·5 has been observed.
Bringing recycled aggregate to its full potential
Authors: Tam Vivian W. Y. , Lo Chuen Y. , Xiao Jianzhuang
Published: July 2013

This paper simplifies recycled aggregate testing procedures. Eleven physical and mechanical properties of aggregate are investigated: uncompacted bulk density; compacted bulk density; particle density; water absorption; aggregate crushing value; dry strength; wet strength; contaminant; weak particle; flakiness index; and particle shape. The experiments conducted are based on Australian Standard 1141 and HB 155. Eleven recycled aggregate samples collected from construction and demolition sites and centralised recycling plants located in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney, Australia are used. The simplified testing procedures are established by undertaking a regression analysis among different aggregate tests. From the results, three groups of tests are refined: group I (density, water absorption, strength and contaminant); group II (weak particle); and group III (shape). By implementing the prediction equations, reduction in testing by about 63·6% is achieved with full understanding of the quality of recycled aggregate. A reduced testing time can be used to test the properties of recycled aggregate at the source locations and to help realise the potential of recycled aggregate in high-grade concrete applications without averaging the recycled aggregate quality in centralised recycling plants.
Soil–cement bricks incorporated with eggshell waste
Authors: Amaral Mateus Carvalho , Siqueira Fabrício Bagli , Destefani André Zoteli , Holanda José Nilson F.
Published: July 2013

The food processing industry generates large amounts of eggshell waste worldwide. The eggshell waste is rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and is considered to be a solid waste material of very complex and difficult final disposal. This work investigates the reuse of eggshell waste as an alternative raw material into a soil–cement brick body, replacing cement by up to 30 wt%. Soil–cement bricks are uniaxially pressed and cured for 28 days. The technological properties of the cured bricks (e.g. apparent density, water absorption and compressive strength) are then determined. The results show that eggshell waste can be used in soil–cement bricks with excellent technical properties, in the range up to 30 wt%, as a partial replacement for Portland cement. Hence, application in civil engineering could be one of the best management practices for eggshell waste as a low-cost, alternative raw material.
Briefing: Options in water and waste?
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: July 2013

In the last 15 years rising levels of landfill tax have accelerated technology investment in higher added value chains in the treatment of waste. In the case of biogenic arisings boundaries between ’waste’ and water sectors are becoming blurred. Actors in both sectors see opportunities for biogenic arisings to be converted to electricity. This is accentuated by expectations of rising electricity prices in the UK and may herald a need to review whether sewerage treatment is best regulated as part of the waste rather than the water sector.
Briefing: Social facets of solid waste: insights from the global south
Authors: Gutberlet Jutta
Published: July 2013

Most commonly municipal solid waste is being treated from an engineering and technological perspective only and is either perceived as a nuisance or a commodity, while the social facets permeating waste issues are less prominent in this debate. Conceptualising waste as being worthless and yet also a coveted resource reveals a central contradiction affecting waste, which surfaces in solid waste management decision making. The complexity of current waste problems requires an integrated, multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach that is aware of the social side of materials. Production, consumption and lifestyle habits generate waste, which is part of the current, global environmental crisis. Reduction and recovery of recyclable materials address the serious ecological ‘overshoot’ concern of this crisis. Informal but organised recycling in Brazil is discussed as an innovative form of an inclusive resource recovery and environmental awareness strategy. Public policies need to safeguard the social dimension in addition to the ecological and economic aspects in waste management.
Specific leaf area responses to environmental gradients through space and time
Authors: Dwyer John M. , Hobbs Richard J. , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: July 2013

Plant communities can respond to environmental changes by altering their species composition and by individuals (within species) adjusting their physiology. These responses can be captured by measuring key functional traits among and within species along important environmental gradients. Some anthropogenic changes (such as fertilizer runoff) are known to induce distinct community responses, but rarely have responses across natural and anthropogenic gradients been compared in the same system. In this study, we used comprehensive specific leaf area (SLA) data from a diverse Australian annual plant system to examine how individual species and whole communities respond to natural and anthropogenic gradients, and to climatically different growing seasons. We also investigated the influence of different leaf‐sampling strategies on community‐level results. Many species had similar mean SLA values but differed in SLA responses to spatial and temporal environmental variation. At the community scale, we identified distinct SLA responses to natural and anthropogenic gradients. Along anthropogenic gradients, increased mean SLA, coupled with SLA convergence, revealed evidence of competitive exclusion. This was further supported by the dominance of species turnover (vs. intraspecific variation) along these gradients. We also revealed strong temporal changes in SLA distributions in response to increasing growing‐season precipitation. These climate‐driven changes highlight differences among co‐occurring species in their adaptive capacity to exploit abundant water resources during favorable seasons, differences that are likely to be important for species coexistence in this system. In relation to leaf‐sampling strategies, we found that using leaves from a climatically different growing season can lead to misleading conclusions at the community scale.
Toward rigorous use of expert knowledge in ecological research
Authors: Drescher M. , Perera A. H. , Johnson C. J. , Buse L. J. , Drew C. A. , Burgman M. A.
Published: July 2013

Practicing ecologists who excel at their work (“experts”) hold a wealth of knowledge. This knowledge offers a wide range of opportunities for application in ecological research and natural resource decision‐making. While experts are often consulted ad‐hoc, their contributions are not widely acknowledged. These informal applications of expert knowledge lead to concerns about a lack of transparency and repeatability, causing distrust of this knowledge source in the scientific community. Here, we address these concerns with an exploration of the diversity of expert knowledge and of rigorous methods in its use. The effective use of expert knowledge hinges on an awareness of the spectrum of experts and their expertise, which varies by breadth of perspective and critical assessment. Also, experts express their knowledge in different forms depending on the degree of contextualization with other information. Careful matching of experts to application is therefore essential and has to go beyond a simple fitting of the expert to the knowledge domain. The standards for the collection and use of expert knowledge should be as rigorous as for empirical data. This involves knowing when it is appropriate to use expert knowledge and how to identify and select suitable experts. Further, it requires a careful plan for the collection, analysis and validation of the knowledge. The knowledge held by expert practitioners is too valuable to be ignored. But only when thorough methods are applied, can the application of expert knowledge be as valid as the use of empirical data. The responsibility for the effective and rigorous use of expert knowledge lies with the researchers.
Experimental Study on Effects of Type and Replacement Ratio of Fly Ash on Strength and Durability of Concrete
Authors: Quan Hongzhu , Kasami Hideo
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the test results of a series of experimental studies on the effects of type and replacement ratio
of fly ash on strength and durability of concrete. 3 types of fly ashes are used in this research, the specific surface area
of which are 5070 cm2/g, 3760 cm2/g and 1970 cm2/g, respectively. They satisfy the requirement of Type-1, Type-2 and
Type-4 fly ashes in Japanese Industrial Standard. Ordinary Portland cement, river sand, crushed sandstone, water reducer
and air entraining agent are used as well. The results indicate that drying shrinkage of concrete is reduced when cement is
partially replaced by fly ash. Comparatively, Type-2 fly ash's addition leads to a more effective drying shrinkage reduction,
and those with replacement ratios result in larger dry shrinkage reduction. Carbonation increases with the increase of
replacement ratio of fly ash, and concrete with Type-1 fly ash has higher carbonation than those with Type-2 and Type-4
fly ashes. The carbonation rate is found to be linear with water cement ratio regardless of replacement ratio of fly ash. Durability
factor decreases with the replacement ratio of fly ash after 300 freezing and thawing cycles. Also, durability factor
of concrete containing Type-1 and Type-2 fly ashes with replacement ratio of 25% to 55% is higher than 80%. However,
those with Type-4 fly ash show lower durability factor after 300 cycles. Concretes with 70% replacement of fly ash are
not durable in spite of the type of fly ash or specific surface area.
Experimental Study on the Impermeability of Concrete Construction Joints with Different Geometric Shapes
Authors: Zhijun Cheng , Wenpei Li , Pengxian Fan , Ning Zhang
Published: July 2013

Concrete construction joints are widely used in underground structures. The structure's impermeability is generally
considered as its weak point. In this paper, influence of geometric shape and contact slurry on the impermeability of
construction joints has been researched by a model test. Three joint types, including flat joints, arc joints and trapezoid
joints, were constructed and tested. The tested construction joints were cast by half individually with a determined time
interval to simulate the practical construction process. Each joint type has twelve samples, divided averagely into two
groups, one of which was smeared by slurry on the contacts and the other was not. Test result shows that the structural
type of construction joints has a great influence on the impermeability of samples. Trapezoid joints have the best impermeability,
arc joints take the second place and flat joints are the worst. The contact slurry has a considerable unfavorable
effect on the impermeability of construction joints.
Antipsychotic Drugs Opposite to Metabolic Risk: Neurotransmitters, Neurohormonal and Pharmacogenetic Mechanisms Underlying with Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Milano Walter , De Rosa Michele , Milano Luca , Capasso Anna
Published: July 2013

Important sources of metabolic diseases such as obesity and metabolic syndrome are significantly more prevalent in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs than the general population and they not only reduce the quality of life but also significantly reduce the life expectancy, being important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying these events are not entirely clear they are complex and multi-determined or not tied to a single defining event.
In this review we examine the literature on the interactions of antipsychotic drugs with neurotransmitters in the brain, with pharmacogenetics hormones and peripheral mechanisms that may induce, albeit in different ways between different molecules, not only weight gain but also 'onset of major diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension that are the basis of the metabolic syndrome. Today, the possible metabolic changes induced by various antipsychotic drugs and their major physical health consequences, are among the major concerns of clinicians and it is therefore necessary to monitor the main metabolic parameters to prevent or minimize any of these patients as well as the metabolism events associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs.
Successful Treatment with Agomelatine in NES: A Series of Five Cases
Authors: Milano W. , De Rosa M. , Milano L. , Riccio A. , Sanseverino B. , Capasso A.
Published: July 2013

The NES is an emerging disease in eating behavior that combines eating disorders, sleep, mood and stress. In recent years, the NES is becoming more interested in close association with obesity and depression.

In the present study we have followed for 12 weeks 5 patients (2 males and 3 females) with NES and comorbid depression treated with agomelatine (25 mg / day for the first two weeks, then 50 mg / day), an antidepressant similar of melatonin.

At the end of the three months of treatment, it was found an improvement in symptoms characteristic of the NES, as assessed by a reduction an average of the NEQ (from 31 to 22.8), improved mood, mean values ​​reduced by 23, 2 to 13.2 on the HAM-D, weight reduction, an average of 3.6 kg reduction in average weekly awakenings from 12 to 6.4 and the time of snoring and motion detected polysomnography. The serum chemistry values ​​remained stable and there were no reported adverse events.

The present study showed that the treatment with agomelatine has improved the symptoms of NES and mood, decrease of body weight, reduce, albeit not in an optimal manner, the number of awakenings per night with a reduction of movement time and snoring . Of course, these preliminary data need to be confirmed by controlled trials on a larger sample.
Stability of the beta phase in Ti-Mo-Cr alloy fabricated by powder metallurgy
Authors: Syarif J. , Rohmannudin T.N. , Omar M.Z. , Sajuri Z. , Harjanto S.
Published: July 2013

A new b Ti alloy was designed and fabricated by powder metallurgy process
using pure metallic powders. The addition of Mo and Cr increased the
stability of the b phase. By contrast, O promoted a phase formation upon
cooling. The addition of 18%Mo and 10%Cr stabilized the b phase into ambient
temperature. O increased the critical cooling rate of formation of a phase
due to the prediction of the continuous cooling transformation diagram
calculated by the Java-based Material Properties software. Sintering and
solution treatment also enhanced the alloying behavior of pure powders to
their designated chemical compositions. Hardness of the alloy decreased with
increasing Mo and Cr content, which led to the decrease of a phase. The
Ti-18%Mo-10%Cr alloy exhibited better corrosion resistance than a commercial
Ti-6%Al-4%V alloy, which is used as current biomaterial.
Selection of electrodes for the ˝in situ˝ electrical resistivity measurements of molten aluminium
Authors: Petric M. , Kastelic S. , Mrvar P.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this paper is the selections of proper electrode material for
four-probe technique electrical resistivity measurement of aluminium and
aluminium alloys. The biggest problem of electrodes is oxidation during
measurement causing high contact resistance and giving wrong results. Various
materials have been tested and aluminium electrodes have been chosen.
Advantage of aluminium electrodes is that they are melted in specimen right
after the pouring and causing no interface which is resulting with any
contact resistance. The device together with measuring cell for ?in situ?
measurement of electrical resistivity was developed using four-probe DC
technique.
Corneal Nerve Loss Detected With Corneal Confocal Microscopy Is Symmetrical and Related to the Severity of Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Alam Uazman , Fadavi Hassan , Asghar Omar , Green Patrick , Ponirakis Georgios , Marshall Andrew , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Tavakoli Mitra , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

To establish if corneal nerve loss, detected using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM), is symmetrical between right and left eyes and relates to the severity of diabetic neuropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients (n = 111) with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and 47 age-matched healthy control subjects underwent detailed assessment and stratification into no (n = 50), mild (n = 26), moderate (n = 17), and severe (n = 18) neuropathy. IVCCM was performed in both eyes and corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), and fiber length (CNFL) and the tortuosity coefficient were quantified.

RESULTS

All corneal nerve parameters differed significantly between diabetic patients and control subjects and progressively worsened with increasing severity of neuropathy. The reduction in CNFD, CNBD, and CNFL was symmetrical in all groups except in patients with severe neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

IVCCM noninvasively detects corneal nerve loss, which relates to the severity of neuropathy, and is symmetrical, except in those with severe diabetic neuropathy.
Prognostic Impact of Aortic Stiffness in High-Risk Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Cardoso Claudia R.L. , Ferreira Marcel T. , Leite Nathalie C. , Salles Gil F.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

The prognostic importance of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), the gold standard measure of aortic stiffness, has been scarcely investigated in type 2 diabetes and never after full adjustment for potential confounders. The aim was to evaluate the prognostic impact of carotid-femoral PWV for cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality in a cohort of 565 high-risk type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Clinical, laboratory, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, and carotid-femoral PWV data were obtained at baseline. The primary end points were a composite of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Multiple Cox survival analysis was used to assess the associations between carotid-femoral PWV, as a continuous variable and categorized at 10 m/s, and the end points.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 5.75 years, 88 total cardiovascular events and 72 all-cause deaths occurred. After adjustments for potential cardiovascular risk factors, including micro- and macrovascular complications, ambulatory BP, and metabolic control, carotid-femoral PWV was predictive of the composite end point but not of all-cause mortality both as a continuous variable (hazard ratio 1.13 [95% CI 1.03–1.23], P = 0.009 for increments of 1 m/s) and as categorized at 10 m/s (1.92 [1.16–3.18], P = 0.012). On sensitivity analysis, carotid-femoral PWV was a better predictor of cardiovascular events in younger patients (<65 years), in those with microvascular complications, and in those with poorer glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.5% [58.5 mmol/mol]).

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid-femoral PWV provides cardiovascular risk prediction independent of standard risk factors, glycemic control, and ambulatory BPs and improves cardiovascular risk stratification in high-risk type 2 diabetes.
Isolation rates of Campylobacter fetus subsp venerealis from bovine preputial samples via passive filtration on nonselective medium versus selective medium, with and without transport medium
Authors: Chaban Bonnie , García Guerra Alvaro , Hendrick Steven H. , Waldner Cheryl L. , Hill Janet E.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To compare the recovery rates of Campylobacter fetus subsp venerealis (Cfv) from preputial scrapings of infected bulls with passive filtration on selective medium versus nonselective medium, with and without transport medium.

Samples—217 preputial scrapings from 12 bulls (4 naturally and 8 artificially infected with Cfv).

Procedures—Preputial scrapings were collected in 2 mL of PBS solution and bacteriologically cultured directly on Skirrow medium or passively filtered through 0.65-μm filters onto blood agar, with or without 24 hour preincubation in modified Weybridge transport enrichment medium (TEM). After 72 hours, plates were examined for Cfv and bacterial and fungal contamination or overgrowth.

Results—Passive filtration of fresh preputial scrapings onto blood agar yielded significantly higher recovery rates of Cfv (86%) than direct plating on Skirrow medium (32%), whereas recovery from TEM was poor for both media (35% and 40%, respectively). Skirrow cultures without TEM were significantly more likely to have fungal contamination than were cultures performed with any other technique, and fungal contamination was virtually eliminated by passive filtration onto blood agar. Bacterial contamination by Pseudomonas spp was significantly more common with Skirrow medium versus passive filtration on blood agar, regardless of TEM use.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The use of transport medium and the choice of culture medium had significant effects on Cfv recovery and culture contamination rates from clinical samples. Both factors should be considered when animals are tested for this pathogen.
Effects of ketamine, propofol, or thiopental administration on intraocular pressure and qualities of induction of and recovery from anesthesia in horses
Authors: Ferreira Tatiana H. , Brosnan Robert J. , Shilo-Benjamini Yael , Moore Stephanie B. , Hollingsworth Steven R.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To assess the effects of ketamine hydrochloride, propofol, or compounded thiopental sodium administration on intraocular pressure (IOP) and qualities of induction of and recovery from anesthesia in horses.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Horses were sedated with xylazine hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg), and anesthesia was induced with guaifenesin followed by ketamine (2 mg/kg), propofol (3 mg/kg), or thiopental (4 mg/kg) in a crossover study with ≥ 1 week between treatments. For each horse, IOP in the right eye was measured with a handheld applanation tonometer before and after xylazine administration, at the time of recumbency, and every 3 minutes after induction of anesthesia until spontaneous movement was observed. Cardiorespiratory responses and venous blood measurements were recorded during anesthesia. Induction of and recovery from anesthesia were subjectively evaluated by investigators who were unaware of the anesthetic treatment of each horse. Data were analyzed via a repeated-measures ANOVA with Holm-Ŝidák post hoc comparisons.

Results—Compared with findings after xylazine administration (mean ± SD, 17 ± 3 mm Hg), thiopental decreased IOP by 4 ± 23%, whereas propofol and ketamine increased IOP by 8 ± 11% and 37 ± 16%, respectively. Compared with the effects of ketamine, propofol and thiopental resulted in significantly lower IOP at the time of recumbency and higher heart rates at 3 minutes after induction of anesthesia. No other significant differences among treatments were found.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These findings support the use of thiopental or propofol in preference to ketamine for horses in which increases in IOP should be minimized.
Effects of subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials on gene acquisition events in Yersinia, Proteus, Shigella, and Salmonella recipient organisms in isolated ligated intestinal loops of swine
Authors: Brewer Matt T. , Xiong Nalee , Anderson Kristi L. , Carlson Steve A.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To assess antimicrobial resistance and transfer of virulence genes facilitated by subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials in swine intestines.

Animals—20 anesthetized pigs experimentally inoculated with donor and recipient bacteria.

Procedures—4 recipient pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, or Proteus mirabilis) were incubated with donor bacteria in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of 1 of 16 antimicrobials in isolated ligated intestinal loops in swine. Donor Escherichia coli contained transferrable antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes. After coincubations, intestinal contents were removed and assessed for pathogens that acquired new antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes following exposure to the subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials.

Results—3 antimicrobials (apramycin, lincomycin, and neomycin) enhanced transfer of an antimicrobial resistance plasmid from commensal E coli organisms to Yersinia and Proteus organisms, whereas 7 antimicrobials (florfenicol, hygromycin, penicillin G, roxarsone, sulfamethazine, tetracycline, and tylosin) exacerbated transfer of an integron (Salmonella genomic island 1) from Salmonella organisms to Yersinia organisms. Sulfamethazine induced the transfer of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 from pathogenic to nonpathogenic Salmonella organisms. Six antimicrobials (bacitracin, carbadox, erythromycin, sulfathiazole, tiamulin, and virginiamycin) did not mediate any transfer events. Sulfamethazine was the only antimicrobial implicated in 2 types of transfer events.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—10 of 16 antimicrobials at subinhibitory or subtherapeutic concentrations augmented specific antimicrobial resistance or transfer of virulence genes into pathogenic bacteria in isolated intestinal loops in swine. Use of subtherapeutic antimicrobials in animal feed may be associated with unwanted collateral effects.