bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Study of the Integral Cross Sections in the Reaction He + H2+ → HeH+ + H on a Newly Revised Potential Energy Surface
Authors: Chen Tianyun , Zhang Weiping , Ma Haibo , Cui Jing
Published: October 2010

In the present work, dynamics information on a newly revised potential energy surface of Aquilanti et al. (Chem. Phys. Lett.2009, 469, 26) has been presented for the He + H2+ → HeH+ + H reaction. Quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) calculation has been carried out with the initial value of vibration quantum number (v) of the reaction being set from 1 to 3 and rotation quantum number (j) unchanged for zero. The results of integral cross sections are compared with both theoretical and experimental results at collision energy ranging from 0 to 2.0 eV, and all the calculated results show a reasonable agreement with experimental values. The polarized dependent differential cross section (PDDCS) was studied also, and showing that the reaction mainly display forward scattering. In addition, the vector correlation information demonstrated that the product alignment is sensitive to the vibration quantum number at collision energy of 1 eV (=23.06 kcal mol−1).
Occam's razor… blunted
Authors: Saha Indranil
Published: October 2010

Occam's razor, [When there are two competing theories making the same prediction, the simpler one is chosen], is a popular method in making clinical diagnosis. This theory gets ‘blunted’ in our case report, as our immunocompromised patient was found to have multiple non-related aetiologies for a single pathological event.
Study of pain management in advanced cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Bisht Manisha , Bist Sampan Singh , Dhamana D C , Saini S
Published: October 2010

This observational study was carried out to investigate the pain management of 100 advanced cancer patients in a multidisciplinary academic centre. Ninety-five percent of patients reported substantial pain, 66% of patients received inadequate analgesics and only 6.32% received strong opioids. This study revealed that pain management was insufficient at the investigated institute, which could be attributed to the restricted use of strong opioids.
The effects of introducing artemether-lumefantrine malaria treatment and insecticide-impregnated bed nets to an elective surgical hospital
Authors: Abram S , Harrison W J , Cashman J , Lavy C B D
Published: October 2010

Malaria and anaemia in patients admitted for elective orthopaedic operations commonly cause delays to surgery. Our hospital has introduced artemether-lumefantrine as the standard treatment for malaria in accordance with the national policy, replacing sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine. Insecticide-impregnated bed nets were also introduced throughout our wards. A retrospective audit of all new elective surgical admissions over a 12-month period was performed in order to assess the effect of these changes. The study was designed to follow an identical audit performed before their introduction. Of the 435 patients admitted, 75 (17.2%) had malaria parasites present on blood film. In these patients, surgery was significantly delayed, by a mean of 9.9 days more than the group without malaria ( P < 0.001). Before the changes to malaria treatment, the mean delay was 2.2 days ( P < 0.05). Six patients (1.7%) developed malaria during admission, significantly fewer than the 16 (4.3%) before the introduction of bed nets ( P = 0.036). The average haemoglobin level on admission in patients with malaria parasites was 11.8 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.4–12.2) and in those without 13.1 g/dL (95% CI: 12.9–13.3). Seventeen patients (3.9%) were admitted with a haemoglobin concentration of <10 g/dL and two (0.5%) of <8 g/dL. There were no significant delays to surgery in these patients compared to those without anaemia. The adoption of artemether-lumefantrine by our hospital significantly increased delays to surgery. The introduction of insecticide-impregnated bed nets significantly reduced the number of patients developing malaria during their hospital stay.
Modification of 16S ribosomal RNA by the KsgA methyltransferase restructures the 30S subunit to optimize ribosome function
Authors: Demirci Hasan , Murphy Frank , Belardinelli Riccardo , Kelley Ann C. , Ramakrishnan V. , Gregory Steven T. , Dahlberg Albert E. , Jogl Gerwald
Published: October 2010

All organisms incorporate post-transcriptional modifications into ribosomal RNA, influencing ribosome assembly and function in ways that are poorly understood. The most highly conserved modification is the dimethylation of two adenosines near the 3′ end of the small subunit rRNA. Lack of these methylations due to deficiency in the KsgA methyltransferase stimulates translational errors during both the initiation and elongation phases of protein synthesis and confers resistance to the antibiotic kasugamycin. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structure of the Thermus thermophilus 30S ribosomal subunit lacking these dimethylations. Our data indicate that the KsgA-directed methylations facilitate structural rearrangements in order to establish a functionally optimum subunit conformation during the final stages of ribosome assembly.
Do sexist organizational cultures create the Queen Bee?
Authors: Derks Belle , Ellemers Naomi , van Laar Colette , de Groot Kim
Published: October 2010

‘Queen Bees’ are senior women in masculine organizational cultures who have fulfilled their career aspirations by dissociating themselves from their gender while simultaneously contributing to the gender stereotyping of other women. It is often assumed that this phenomenon contributes to gender discrimination in organizations, and is inherent to the personalities of successful career women. We argue for a social identity explanation and examine organizational conditions that foster the Queen Bee phenomenon. Participants were 94 women holding senior positions in diverse companies in The Netherlands who participated in an on‐line survey. In line with predictions, indicators of the Queen Bee phenomenon (increased gender stereotyping and masculine self‐descriptions) were found mostly among women who indicated they had started their career with low gender identification and who had subsequently experienced a high degree of gender discrimination on their way up. By contrast, the experience of gender discrimination was unrelated to signs of the Queen Bee phenomenon among women who indicated to be highly identified when they started their career. Results are discussed in light of social identity theory, interpreting the Queen Bee phenomenon as an individual mobility response of low gender identified women to the gender discrimination they encounter in their work.
Cognitive self‐affirmation inclination: An individual difference in dealing with self‐threats
Authors: Pietersma Suzanne , Dijkstra Arie
Published: October 2010

The current research shows that people differ in their inclination to use positive self‐images when their self is threatened (i.e., cognitive self‐affirmation inclination, CSAI). Just as self‐affirmation manipulations do, the use of positive self‐images induces open mindedness towards threatening messages. The aim of the current studies was to show the meaning, stability, and effects of this new individual difference measure. A cross‐sectional study among smokers (Study 1) showed that people with a strong CSAI perceived more negative consequences from smoking, suggesting open mindedness. Study 2 showed the stable and reliable character of the CSAI scale. Study 3 showed that the scale had an overlap of 18% with another self‐related construct (self‐efficacy) and no relation with self‐consciousness. Study 4 showed that for induced self‐threats a strong CSAI led to the same pattern of persuasion as found in earlier studies on self‐affirmation manipulations. Study 5 showed that a self‐affirmation manipulation did not have any effect for those participants with a strong self‐affirmation inclination, probably because they already had access to positive self‐images. Study 6 showed that self‐reported positive self‐images mediated the effect of self‐affirmation inclination on persuasion.
Laboratory Determination of Direct Tensile Strength and Deformability of Intact Rocks
Authors: Fuenkajorn Kittitep , Klanphumeesri Sippakorn
Published: October 2010

The direct tensile strength and deformability are determined from dog-bone shaped specimens of intact sandstone, limestone, and marble by using a compression-to-tension load converter. The device allows a measurement of the rock elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio under uniaxial tensile and compressive stresses on the same specimen. A series of finite difference analyses is performed to obtain a suitable specimen configuration that provides unidirectional tensile stresses at the mid-section of the specimen. The results indicate that the direct tensile strengths are clearly lower than the Brazilian and ring tensile strengths. The elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratios under uniaxial tension are lower than those under uniaxial compression. The discrepancy probably relates to the amount and distribution of the pore spaces and micro-fissures and the bond strength of cementing materials. The porous and relatively poor-bonding sandstone shows a greater difference between the tensile and compressive elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratios compared to those of the dense and well-bonding marble and limestone.
Effects of Temperature on Measurements of Soil Water Content with Time Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Schanz Tom , Baille Wiebke , Tuan Long Nguyen
Published: October 2010

This paper analyses the effects of temperature on the quantification of soil water content by means of time domain reflectometry (TDR) method. For this purpose, the dielectric constant of soil specimens with known water content was measured at different temperatures in a range of 20–80°C. The soil types used in the present study were fine sand, sand-bentonite mixture (SBM), and sandy loam. For each soil type, the dielectric constant of at least three specimens having identical dry density but varying initial water content was measured at temperatures ranging from 20 to 80°C. The results obtained agree with previous studies showing that there are two competing phenomena during the measurement of soil water content by means of TDR: (i) The soil bulk dielectric constant increases with increasing temperature due to the release of bound water from soil solid particles and (ii) the soil bulk dielectric constant decreases with increasing temperature due to the temperature effect of free water molecules. Moreover, it has an existing equilibrium water content at which both competing phenomena compensate each other. However, for the SBM no equilibrium water content was found, but the dielectric constant increased significantly with the temperature for the whole water content range. This can be explained by the significant clay content and the high specific surface area, which leads to a dominating effect of the increase of soil bulk dielectric constant with increasing temperature.
‘Empty sella syndrome’: a case of a patient with sodium succinate hydrocortisone allergy
Authors: Nucera Eleonora , Lombardo Carla , Aruanno Arianna , Colagiovanni Amira , Buonomo Alessandro , de Pasquale Tiziana , Pecora Valentina , Sabato Vito , Rizzi Angela , Pascolini Lucilla , Ricci Anna Giulia , Schiavino Domenico
Published: October 2010

Objective

We present the case of a woman with ‘empty sella syndrome’ who experienced generalized urticaria after the administration of sodium succinate hydrocortisone in two episodes.

Methods

The patient underwent an allergological evaluation (prick, intradermal, and patch tests) with hydrocortisone sodium succinate, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone sodium phosphate, methylprednisolone hemisuccinate, methylprednisolone, and preservatives held in the formulation of sodium succinate hydrocortisone (sodium phosphate and methyl-p-oxybenzoate). The basophil activation test (BAT) was also performed with hydrocortisone. The single-blind i.m. challenge test was performed with hydrocortisone sodium phosphate in 4 days.

Results

Skin test with hydrocortisone sodium succinate and methylprednisolone hemisuccinate was positive. On the contrary, allergological tests performed with other formulations of the same steroids and preservatives were negative. These results showed an immediate-type allergy to succinate ester. BAT was not helpful to improve our diagnostic work-up because our patient was a ‘nonresponder.’ Therefore, the patient underwent successfully to a challenge test with hydrocortisone sodium phosphate.

Conclusions

Patients with succinate ester allergy can tolerate alternative corticosteroids without ester.
Ionic Transport Regimes for Nanoscale Transport towards the Development of Low Energy Water Desalination Membranes
Authors: Banerjee Sankha , Fung Daisy , Prakash Shaurya
Published: October 2010

New materials, methods, and membranes are being developed for applications in water purification. One of the model systems that can be used for fundamental studies in nanoscale transport phenomena for new membrane technologies are nanocapillary array membranes (NCAMs). Toward developing more efficient membranes for water desalination, parameters such as the concentration polarization region which are influenced by the unstirred layers, surface properties (e.g., surface charge and surface energy) of the nanocapillaries, and the electric double layer (EDL) which mediates transport across NCAMs must be better understood. In this paper, a series of parametric experiments that were conducted to better understand the relative importance of unstirred layers with respect to the transport across nanocapillaries are described. Bulk salt concentration and potential drop across the NCAMs, were varied in a systematic manner to determine the influence EDL thickness and electromigration on transport regimes for ionic permeation across NCAMs. Based on previously developed methodologies, the experiments reported here were conducted in a permeation cell with an NCAM separating two reservoirs containing potassium phosphate buffer with a concentration range from 200 μM-10 mM. Methylene blue (MB) is used as an organic marker and the transport is quantified by tracking MB concentration in each reservoir with UV/VIS spectroscopy.
Design of a Portable, Battery Powered Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer System for Real-Time Sampling of Materials
Authors: Porter Tim L , Dillingham T. Randy , Cornelison David M. , Venedam Rick J , Williams Gus
Published: October 2010

We have constructed a low cost, portable, battery-powered quadrupole mass spectrometer for use in the analysis of gaseous, liquid or solid field samples. The system may be configured for continuous sampling of ambient gas samples, or for the analysis of small solid, liquid or gas samples in sealed glass vials. The system is capable of measuring partial pressures down to the 10-10 Torr range, and may be operated on battery power for several hours in a field deployment. In this paper, we present information on the design and testing of the instrument, as well as data taken on chlorinated hydrocarbons and other contaminants in water.
Effect of electroplastic treatment on microstructure and texture changes of a cold rolling AZ31 strip
Authors: Guan Lei , Tang Guoyi
Published: October 2010

The effect of the electropulsing on recrystallized microstructure and on texture evolution of a cold rolling (CR) AZ31 strip was studied with the help of light microscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. It was exciting that the completed recrystallization state of sample subjected to the electropulsing treatment (EPT) could be obtained rapidly in ˜7s with the basal texture weakened. The favoring mechanism of static recrystallization (SRX) of MPT could be attributed to the coupled action of the thermal and athermal effects, thereinto, the latter one activated dislocation climb effectively.
Development of Bottom ash Block for control Surface Temeperature of Pavement and Non-point Source Pollution
Authors: Park Jong-Bin , Lee Sangho , Kim Ree-Ho , Pyun Hee-Bum
Published: October 2010

Permeable pavement systems to alleviate urban heat island phenomena are suitable for a variety of residential, commercial and industrial applications, yet are confined to light duty and infrequent usage. And Most of study for the permeable pavement is limited to asphalt pavement. Also, immense quantities of coal combustion by-products are produced every year, but only a small fraction of them are currently utilized, particularly bottom ash which is used in this study.
In this study, we aimed at the development of new permeable and water absorbing pavement blocks. Optimum conditions for compressive strength and water absorption, volume of water retention and porosity characteristics were investigated for production of the pavement blocks from bottom ash. In addition, removal efficiencies of pollutants in road runoff by the pavement blocks were compared under various conditions.
Experimental results showed that the compressive strengths and water absorption after 7 and 28days for blocks were 12˜15MPa and 18%, respectively. Also, turbidity and heavy metals in rainwater were successfully removed. So, further study on the durability test such as the effect of surface fouling by dust is possibly needed prior to use the new bricks as construction materials.
Conformable Patch Antenna Array for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Patel Akshat C , Vaghela Miral P , Bajwa Hassan , Patra Prabir K
Published: October 2010

Carbon nanotube (CNT) has emerged as potential candidate for replacement of conventional metal patch in antenna application. The principal objective of our research is to develop nanostructured flexible patch antenna array for multi- frequency operation in industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. Patch antenna design using CNT on flexible cotton sheets has been simulated with cotton as a substrate and CNT as conductive patch and ground plane. Due to high conformability and conductivity of CNT all antenna parameters like VSWR, return loss, gain and radiation pattern obtained using FEKO EMSS software meet design criteria. Our simulated antenna design shows a return loss less than -10 dB and VSWR less than 2 at 2.06 GHz, 2.38 GHz and 2.49 GHz. We have also simulated a versatile and conformable antenna design where the whole geometry is rolled up like patch array on cylindrical surface. Conformability to curved surfaces and integration with the structure brings about a unique antenna design. An inset fed square patch array is also proposed for RF energy harvesting operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM band that can harvest and store energy from the surrounding environment. Simulation result shows that dc voltage of 0.215 V can be achieved at -6 dbm received energy level at 2.45 GHz IEEE 802.11b band. This would correspond to potential working distance of 10m.
Enhanced Performance from Acid Functionalised Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in the Active Layer of Organic Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Nismy Nasrul Aamina , Adikaari A.A. Damitha T , Silva Ravi
Published: October 2010

Solution-processable organic bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic devices have made great advances over the past decade. The concept, ultrafast photo induced electron transfer from a conjugated polymer to fullerene derivative molecules in bulk-heterojunction systems, leads to device efficiencies as high as 6%. Light absorption, charge separation and charge transport to electrodes are the most important steps in organic photovoltaic devices. The enhanced light absorption through thicker active layers results in more exciton creation, however, leads to increased recombination due to the relatively short exciton diffusion length. We fabricated poly(3-hexylthiophene)/ [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester bulk-heterojunction devices with multiwall carbon nanotubes in the active layer in a bid to address this deficiency. Functionalization of carbon nanotubes allows better dispersion in aromatic solvents, 1,2-dichlorobenzene in this study, and pristine multiwall nanotubes result in poorer dispersions. Organic photovoltaic devices fabricated with pristine multiwall carbon nanotubes in the active layer result in power conversion efficiencies ˜1.4%, which show localized nanotube-rich areas in the active layer. Alternatively, acid functionalized nanotubes in the active layer results in efficiencies as high as 2.2 % with no distinct nanotube-rich sectors. The open circuit voltages of the devices show a dependency on the loading of nanotubes in the active layer. Further, the shunt resistances of the devices with carbon nanotubes decrease, which needs careful selection of the tubes depending on active layer thickness. This work compares the device performances in detail and identifies further improvements to conjugated polymer/fullerene derivative/multiwall carbon nanotubes hybrid photovoltaic systems.
Interpretation of the C1s XPS Signal in Copper Phthalocyanine for Organic Photovoltaic Device Applications
Authors: Nauka K. , Ng Hou T. , Hanson Eric G.
Published: October 2010

Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) belongs to a class of small molecules offering particularly interesting advantages when employed in organic electronic devices. Because of its advantageous attributes like high thermal stability, inertness when exposed to acids or alkalis, relatively high electron conductivity, color and light fastness it has been employed in polymer photovoltaic devices as a unipolar dopants complementing the buckminsterfullerene (C60) acceptors and as a conductive buffer. Other organic applications include ambipolar OFETs and non-linear optics structures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been commonly employed to monitor the quality of thin CuPc films. Although XPS analyses of CuPc have been done for over forty years there has not yet been agreement regarding interpretation of the major C1s signal, particularly in the case of non-stoichometric CuPc composition. This work presents systematic studies of the C1s signal of thin film deposits, fabricated using commercially available CuPc materials. It was found that composite C1s CuPc signal consists of five components: two related to the principal C positions within the CuPc macrocycle (C-C in 6-membered ring, C-C-N in 5-membered ring), two associated with shake-up transitions accompanying principal C transitions, and one due to mostly aliphatic impurities. Detailed analysis showed that the magnitude of shake-up peaks was approximately equal 10% to 12% of their principal transitions, in agreement with the theoretical calculations. Correspondingly, the C1s signal originating from the non-CuPc impurities quantitatively agreed with the IR attenuated total reflectance (ATR-IR) measurement of the C-H aliphatic vibrations originating from these impurities present within the CuPc layer. The proposed C1s interpretation has been successfully tested for a large number of commercial CuPc materials and provides a guideline for a routine XPS analysis of the CuPc in organic photovoltaic devices.
Optical and Electrical Modeling of Polymer Thin-film Photovoltaics
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Dunham Scott T
Published: October 2010

By coupling optical and electronic device simulation, we explore the optimization of organic photovoltaic devices. We use optical simulation via FDTD and transmission matrix solution of Maxwell's equations in order to calculate distribution of light intensity, including the reflectivity and transmissivity of transparent anode layers. We derive simple formulas for the conductivity requirements as function of pattern structure of potential replacements for ITO as transparent anode material, and explore the optimization of thickness of active layer and its relationship with the peaks of optical generation inside the active layer.
FIGO staging in vulval and endometrial cancer
Authors: Edey Katharine , Murdoch John
Published: October 2010

Key content

FIGO staging for vulval and endometrial cancer was last amended in May 2009 and is now based on surgical pathology.

Staging should be of benefit without significantly increasing morbidity.

Other factors such as tumour type and grade and any comorbidities also contribute to survival.

Learning objectives

To understand the principles of cancer staging.

To be aware of the appropriate preoperative preparation.

To be able to stage vulval and endometrial cancer once the histopathology is available.

Ethical issues

Surgery should be of benefit regarding survival or in guiding appropriate treatment.

Please cite this article as: Edey K, Murdoch J. FIGO staging in vulval and endometrial cancer. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:245–249.
A guide to the ATSM in Medical Education. Article 4: quality assurance and research in medical education
Authors: Shehmar Manjeet , Khan Khalid S
Published: October 2010

Key content

Quality assurance measures an institution's performance against standards of good educational practice.

Primary medical educational research uses a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Additional databases other than those for health sciences need to be searched for reviews or systematic reviews in medical education.

Learning objectives

For trainers and trainees to be aware of the structure of the quality assurance frameworks within which they teach.

For trainees to know where to find and how to appraise educational literature critically.

Trainers will be able to involve trainees in quality assurance programmes and encourage them to solve educational questions through critical appraisal of the literature.

Ethical issues

How responsible is a trainee for taking action if their critical appraisal of the quality of their training programmes reveals a culture of bullying?

Trainees and trainers should be aware of the quality assurance programmes in place for medical education.

Trainers should be able to appraise new teaching methods.

Please cite this article as: Shehmar M, Khan KS. A guide to the ATSM in Medical Education. Article 4: quality assurance and research in medical education.The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist2010;12:257–263.
The teacher, the learner and the method
Authors: Duthie S J , Garden A S
Published: October 2010

Key content

The modern teacher of obstetrics and gynaecology provides knowledge, acts as a role model, facilitates learning and plans assessments.

Doctors training in obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK are adult learners who work in the National Health Service and undergo training in the core curriculum of the RCOG.

There are various teaching methods that can be applied in different scenarios for the maximum benefit of learners.

Learning objectives

To be aware of the attributes of good teachers and learners.

To understand different methods of teaching and how they can be applied in the specialty.

Ethical issues

What methods of teaching can be employed in the clinical learning environment which would be of maximum benefit to learners while protecting the safety of patients?

What are the hallmarks of the model teacher and the model learner?

Please cite this article as: Duthie SJ, Garden AS. The teacher, the learner and the method. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:273–280.
@ TOG
Authors: Martyn Fiona , O'Reilly Barry
Published: October 2010

In this issue we continue with the theme of reviewing sites relevant to the articles published. The internet continues to be a rich source of information for our patients and it is important for us to be aware of sites that are useful for both medical professionals and patients.
Evaluation of the surface erosion from different timber yarding methods in Honduras
Authors: Rivera Samuel , Kershner Jeffrey L , Dobrowolski James P
Published: October 2010

Surface runoff and sediment production from different timber yarding practices, some using Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended for Honduras, were monitored in experimental plots during the rainy seasons of two consecutive years in pine forest highlands of central Honduras. Different timber yarding systems were applied to pseudo-replicated plots during the rainy seasons of 1999 and 2000. In 1999, two treatments were studied: tractor yarding and skyline cable (a recommended BMP). In 2000, four treatments were evaluated: tractor skidding, skyline cable, animal skidding (another recommended BMP), and undisturbed forest (reference). During the rainy seasons of these years, surface runoff volumes and sediment yield were measured at five 1.5m x 10m erosion plots in each treated area. The results showed significant differences between traditional tractor yarding and the recommended skyline cable and animal skidding methods. Tractor yarding produced six to ten times more erosion during the rainy seasons than cable and animal yarding. The improved soil retention of cable and animal yarding was especially important during September when the highest rainfall occurred in this climate.
Emergência de plântulas de Zizyphus joazeiro Mart (Rhamnaceae) em função de substratos
Authors: Braga Júnior Joel Martins , Bruno Riselane de Lucena Alcântara , Alves Edna Ursulino
Published: October 2010

O juazeiro é uma planta muito importante para a região semiárida do Nordeste, mantendo-se sempre verde e constituindo fonte de alimentos para os animais na época de escassez de chuvas. Devido ao fato de a espécie se propagar principalmente por unidades de dispersão (endocarpo + semente), este estudo teve como finalidade avaliar diferentes tipos de substratos para emergência de plântulas de juazeiro. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, no Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, em Areia, PB. Os substratos utilizados foram: Plugmix®, vermiculita, terra vegetal, terra vegetal + esterco bovino (nas proporções de 3:1, 1:1 e 1:3), terra vegetal + areia (nas proporções de 3:1, 1:1 e 1:3), areia, areia + pó de madeira (nas proporções de 3:1, 1:1 e 1:3), pó de madeira, areia + raspa de madeira (nas proporções de 3:1, 1:1 e 1:3), raspa de madeira, areia + esterco bovino (nas proporções de 3:1, 1:1 e 1:3). Através de avaliações diárias, determinaram-se as seguintes características: emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas. Para emergência de plântulas, o substrato mais eficiente foi terra vegetal, e, quanto ao vigor, os maiores valores foram obtidos nos substratos Plugmix®, terra vegetal + esterco bovino, nas proporções de 3:1 e 1:1 e areia.
Alocação de recursos (carboidratos) no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F. Blake (Fabaceae - Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: Weidlich Emanuela Wehmuth Alves , Pescador Rosete , Uhlmann Alexandre
Published: October 2010

Utilizou-se Schizolobium parahyba, objetivando analisar a alocação dos teores de açúcares solúveis totais e de reserva (amido) e biomassas no desenvolvimento das plântulas. Após a quebra de dormência, 200 sementes foram semeadas em substrato composto por casca de arroz carbonizada e areia. Em cada coleta foram utilizadas 10 amostras para dosagem de açúcares solúveis totais e amido e 10 para mensuração das massas frescas e secas (MS e MF) no 7º, 14º, 21º, 28º, 35º e 42º dia após a germinação (DAG). As sementes apresentaram 94,5% de germinação. Os açúcares solúveis totais estão em maiores quantidades nas raízes, hipocótilo e epicótilos. Os cotilédones apresentaram maiores teores de amido, já que este é um órgão de reserva. O aumento da MF é diretamente proporcional ao incremento de açúcares solúveis e amido nas estruturas analisadas. As relações de biomassa e teores de açúcares solúveis totais e amido encontrados ressaltaram a mobilização dos compostos de reserva dos cotilédones nas outras partes da planta, à medida que a redução da biomassa e de açúcares dos cotilédones reflete o aumento na produção de biomassa de epicótilos, hipocótilos e raízes da plântula.
Regeneração natural como indicador de recuperação de área degradada a jusante da usina hidrelétrica de Camargos, MG
Authors: Ferreira Wendy Carniello , Botelho Soraya Alvarenga , Davide Antonio Claudio , Faria José Márcio Rocha , Ferreira Daniel Furtado
Published: October 2010

Foi avaliado o processo de regeneração natural de mata em função da distância do rio, da compactação do solo e da distância da fonte de sementes em uma área degradada por uso como área de empréstimo de terra para construção da barragem da UHE Camargos, MG, aos 155 meses após o plantio. Para o levantamento da regeneração natural foram implantadas parcelas de 2 x 15 m a cada 10 m, dentro de três transectos, alocados no sentido do declive, com 15 m de largura e comprimento variável, onde foi identificada e medida a altura de todos os indivíduos com DAP<0,05 m e altura maior que 0,10 m. Foram encontradas 64 espécies de 27 famílias. O fragmento de mata adjacente à área de plantio deste estudo forneceu grande quantidade de propágulos para a regeneração, pois muitas das espécies regenerantes na área degradada foram encontradas apenas nesse estrato arbóreo. Distância de até 75 m do fragmento não afetou a densidade e a altura das plantas nem a diversidade da regeneração, mas, nas parcelas em que houve desenvolvimento de capim-gordura, a densidade de planta arbórea ou arbustiva foi menor, porém com indivíduos de maior altura, uma vez que somente plantas que conseguiram ultrapassar a massa vegetal formada pela planta invasora sobreviveram.
Características hidrológicas do solo saturado na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke - Amazônia central
Authors: Fajardo Juan Daniel Villacis , Ferreira Savio Jose Filgueira , Miranda Sebastião Átila Fonseca , Marques Fillho Ari de Oliveira
Published: October 2010

Neste estudo, investigaram-se a porosidade e condutividade hidráulica da zona saturada do solo, buscando entender como essas variáveis físicas afetam os processos hidrológicos em uma área de floresta primária, sob pressão urbana, na Amazônia central. O experimento foi realizado na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, localizada ao norte da cidade de Manaus, AM. No igarapé Bolívia foi instalado um posto fluviométrico (régua linimétrica e linígrafo); no local, foram instalados quatro piezômetros na zona ripária, perpendicular ao curso do igarapé. A porosidade variou no perfil do solo, alcançando valores acima de 0,40 cm³/cm³. Os valores médios de condutividade hidráulica saturada ou infiltração básica (K) foram elevados e variaram de 89,5 ± 12,8 a 279,5 ± 9,0 mm/h. O nível d'água no igarapé oscilou entre 65 e 141 cm, no período de observação (novembro de 2005 a outubro de 2007). O piezômetro da camada profunda do solo, distante do curso d'água, variou entre 166,2 e 304,9 cm. As condutividades hidráulicas do solo saturado foram maiores nos pontos mais distantes do curso d'água, tanto na camada superficial quanto na profunda, determinando o comportamento hidrológico do lençol freático no local.
Comparação entre videografia e fotografia aérea para diagnóstico da vegetação em ambiente urbano de Piracicaba, SP
Authors: Alvarez Ivan André , Silva Filho Demóstenes Ferreira da , Couto Hilton Thadeu Zarate do , Polizel Jefferson Lordello
Published: October 2010

No planejamento urbano, um bom diagnóstico da presença de vegetação serve como subsídio na elaboração de um plano de ação para implantar espaços verdes e administrar a cobertura arbórea existente. Este estudo compara a eficiência das técnicas de videografia e fotografia aérea para caracterizar vegetação urbana por meio do Índice de Cobertura Vegetal em Áreas Urbanas (ICVAU) e do Índice de Verde por Habitante (IVH). O local do estudo situa-se na cidade de Piracicaba, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para validar os métodos, foram utilizados Exatidão Geral e Índice de Kappa. A Exatidão Global foi de 88% para a fotografia aérea e de 93% para a videografia, enquanto que o Índice de Kappa foi acima de 85%, para as duas técnicas. Esses valores mostraram que caracterização da vegetação urbana foi feita de maneira coerente com a realidade, tanto para fotografia aérea, como para videografia. Os valores obtidos foram: ICVAU = 18,41% (fotografia aérea) e 16,48% (videografia); IVH = 116,93m2/hab (fotografia aérea) e 65,21 m2/hab (videografia). O ICVAU e o IVH mostraram que essa é uma área com uma porcentagem razoável de verde. A videografia foi mais eficiente para calcular o (ICVAU) e o (IVH) que a fotografia aérea. A videografia também foi o método mais adequado para avaliação para o estudo de árvores de calçadas.
Analysis of private natural heritage reserves as a conservation strategy for the biodiversity of the cocoa region of the southern State of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Schiavetti Alexandre , Oliveira Haydee Torres de , Lins Alene da Silva , Santos Pablo Santana
Published: October 2010

Brazil was the first country in Latin America to establish and regulate this type of reserve, and there are currently more than 700 Private Nature Heritage Reserves (RPPN in Portuguese) officially recognized by either federal or state environmental agencies. Together, these RPPN protect more than a half million hectares of land in the country. The coastal forests in the southern part of Bahia State extend 100 to 200 km inland, gradually changing in physiognomy as they occupy the dryer inland areas. The coastal forest has been subjected to intense deforestation, and currently occupies less than 10% of its original area. For this work the creation processes of the RPPN were consulted to obtain the data creation time, size of property, the condition of the remaining forest, succession chain and the last paid tax. After that, interviews with the owners were made to confirm this data. Sixteen RPPN have been established in this region until 2005. Their sizes vary from 4.7 to 800 ha. Ten of these RPPN are located within state or federal conservation areas or their buffer zones. In spite of the numerous national and international conservation strategies and environmental policies focused on the region, the present situation of the cocoa zone is threatening the conservation of the region's natural resources. The establishment of private reserves in the cocoa region could conceivably improve these conservation efforts. This type of reserve can be established under a uniform system supported by federal legislation, and could count on private organizations.
Fitossociologia de uma área de floresta estacional perenifólia na fazenda Amoreiras, Querência, MT
Authors: Kunz Sustanis Horn , Martins Sebastião Venâncio , Ivanauskas Natália Macedo , Stefanello Daniel , Silva Elias
Published: October 2010

As florestas do sul da Amazônia, onde se encontra a Floresta Estacional Perenifólia, têm grande influência sobre a manutenção do equilíbrio físico regional e são as que mais estão ameaçadas pela ação antrópica, além de serem pouco conhecidas em relação à sua estrutura. Diante disso, objetivou-se estudar a estrutura fitossociológica de um trecho de Floresta Estacional Perenifólia na Bacia do Rio das Pacas em Querência, MT. A amostragem da vegetação consistiu na distribuição de 200 pontos quadrantes, sendo amostrados os indivíduos com diâmetro à altura de 1,30 m do solo (DAP ? 10 cm). A densidade total da área amostrada foi de 736 ind./ha, distribuídos em 58 espécies, 45 gêneros e 31 famílias. As espécies de maior Valor de Importância (VI), Ocotea leucoxylon (Sw.) Laness., Trattinickia glaziovii Swart, Ouratea discophora Ducke, Xylopia amazonica R.E. Fr. e Myrcia multiflora (Lam.) DC. corresponderam a 28,45% do VI total e também ocorreram em outros trechos de Floresta Estacional Perenifólia em Gaúcha do Norte, MT, porém não com a mesma representatividade. O índice de Shannon (3,51) pode ser considerado baixo por se tratar de Floresta Amazônica, mas a equabilidade de Pielou (0,86) evidenciou que a comunidade arbórea apresentava alta heterogeneidade florística.
Análise dos estágios de sucessão de áreas de Mata Atlântica sob a influência de plantações florestais, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Lana Jacinto Moreira de , Souza Agostinho Lopes de , Meira Neto João Augusto Alves , Soares Vicente Paulo , Fernandes Filho Elpídio Inácio
Published: October 2010

Este trabalho teve como objetivos mapear e classificar as áreas preservadas num projeto de base florestal. Foram classificadas, na região do Médio Vale do Rio Doce, no Leste do Estado de Minas Gerais, duas áreas com cobertura florestal nativa e plantações de eucalipto: Área de Cocais (região montanhosa) e Área de Ipaba (região de baixadas). Foram utilizados mapas, técnicas de interpretação visual de ortofotocartas, levantamentos de campo e análise de documentos sobre as áreas estudadas. A classificação dos estágios de sucessão seguiu os parâmetros estabelecidos na Resolução No 10 do CONAMA, de 1º de outubro de 1993. Foram elaborados diagramas de perfis verticais dos estádios de sucessão florestal e demais tipos vegetais mapeados nas áreas de estudo. Na região montanhosa sobressaíram, em área, os estágios inicial (52%) e médio (31%) e na região de baixadas, os estágios médio (33%) e inicial (23%). Nas regiões de montanhas e de baixadas, os fragmentos pequenos (< 5 ha), em maior número (69%), contribuíram com apenas 10% (2.462 ha) da área total preservada na região montanhosa e 6% (2.907 ha) na região de baixadas. Os fragmentos com mais de 50 ha, em menor número, com menos de 5%, contribuíram com 53% da área total dos fragmentos florestais na região montanhosa e com 67% na região de baixadas, indicando, em ambas, alta conectividade entre fragmentos.
An application of the spatial equilibrium model to soybean production in tocantins and neighboring states in Brazil
Authors: De La Cruz Betty Clara Barraza , Pizzolato Nelio D. , De La Cruz Andrés Barraza
Published: October 2010

In the production chain of soybeans in Brazil a sizable part of the corresponding cost structure is the result of logistics costs. Given the location of its production sites, distant from the ocean, the optimization of the transportation costs is essential for preserving competitiveness. Using nonlinear programming, this study proposes a spatial multimodal and temporal equilibrium model. The applicability of the model is tested with a case study regarding the exports of the soybeans produced in three states in the northern part of the Brazilian cerrado region. In the state of Tocantins, the effects of infrastructure investments in the competitiveness of the production are described through four proposed scenarios, while the basic scenario compares the three states. The data are treated using the GAMS/MINOS program. The study asserts that soybean production will be more competitive if warehousing facilities are used extensively and when the project hydroway becomes operational.
Efficiency and productivity analysis of the interstate bus transportation industry in Brazil
Authors: Novaes Antonio G.N. , Silveira Samantha F. , Medeiros Helena C.
Published: October 2010

Productivity analysis is an important policy making and managerial control tool for assessing the degree to which inputs are utilized in the process of obtaining desired outputs. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a non-parametric method based on piecewise linear frontiers estimated with the aid of mathematical programming techniques and used, in this paper, to investigate technical, scale and managerial efficiencies associated with interstate bus companies in Brazil (ISBT). Data has been obtained from the web-site of the Brazilian National Agency of Land Transportation (ANTT). Since production factors in the application are constrained by technical and operational reasons, weight restrictions were introduced into the DEA models. The analysis has shown three groups of non-efficient bus firms, with clear differences in productivity. The relative managerial efficiencies of the firms in the non-efficient groups were also computed and analyzed. Finally, an example of benchmarking a non-efficient firm with DEA is presented.
Liberação intraocular de ofloxacina associada a lente de contato biossintética em ceratite bacteriana experimental em cães
Authors: Cremonini D.N. , Ranzani J.J.T. , Cunha M.L.R.S. , Tonin F.G. , Brandão C.V.S. , Messadeq Y.
Published: October 2010

Avaliou-se a concentração de ofloxacina liberada por uma lente de contato de membrana de celulose biossintética, para tratamento de ceratite bacteriana experimental em cães, pela inoculação de Staphylococcus aureus intraestromal. Comparou-se o tratamento com a lente de contato biossintética impregnada com ofloxacina à terapia tópica convencional. Realizou-se avaliação microbiológica e dosagem de ofloxacina no humor aquoso por meio do método de cromatografia líquida de alto rendimento (HPLC). Houve diferença estatística na contagem de colônias bacterianas entre os olhos com ceratite e os demais grupos, no primeiro dia de coleta. O biomaterial, impregnado com ofloxacina, promoveu liberação gradual durante o período de avaliação, aos três e sete dias; no terceiro dia, o grupo tratado com a lente de contato obteve mediana de 3,72μg/mL, enquanto o grupo tratado com colírio resultou em 49,56μg/mL. Apesar do valor inferior, o grupo com lente de contato atingiu a concentração inibitória mínima, sendo eficaz no controle da infecção bacteriana.
Neoplasias espontâneas em camundongos de um centro de criação de animais de laboratório
Authors: Trotte M.N.S. , Santos B.F. , Menezes R.C. , Tortelly R.
Published: October 2010

Verificaram-se a prevalência e as características anatomopatológicas de neoplasias espontâneas encontradas em camundongos, provenientes de biotério. Foram necropsiados 9.219 camundongos pertencentes a 13 linhagens, entre agosto de 2002 e janeiro de 2007, para monitoramento sanitário. Amostras de tecidos foram colhidas, fixadas em formol tamponado a 10% e processadas pelas técnicas habituais para inclusão em parafina. Foram realizados 84 diagnósticos de neoplasmas, sendo acometidos 82 camundongos (0,9%). As principais neoplasias diagnosticadas com as respectivas ocorrências foram: carcinoma mamário, 27,4%; linfoma, 19,0%; adenocarcinoma papilífero pulmonar primário, 17,9%; carcinoma epidermoide, 8,3%; osteossarcoma osteoblástico, 4,8%; e outros com menor porcentagem de ocorrência. Houve predomínio de tumores malignos, sendo mais frequentes os carcinomas mamários. A linhagem BALB/c An foi a que apresentou a maior variedade de tipos de neoplasias, seguida das linhagens outbred Swiss Webster e NIH. Fibrossarcoma em camundongos C57BL/10 ScSn-Dmd mdx/J e carcinoma mamário na linhagem NOD foram relatados pela primeira vez.
Morphological alterations in salivary glands of mice (Mus musculus) submitted to tannin enriched diets: comparison with sialotrophic effects of sympathetic agonists stimulation
Authors: Lamy E. , Baptista E.S. , Coelho A.V. , Silva F. Capela e
Published: October 2010

In order to study the effects of tannins at histomorphological level, mice were either fed with three structurally different types of tannins (tannic acid, chestnut, and quebracho) or treated with isoproterenol, during 10 days. Acini of parotid and submandibular glands increased significantly, being the increase higher for parotid compared to submandibular glands, and higher in the quebracho compared with the other tannin groups. Sublingual acinar size also increased after tannin consumption, by opposition to isoproterenol-treated animals. The results present evidences that the effects produced by tannins are dependent on their structure.
Desenvolvimento pós-natal e potencial teratogênico da prole de ratos Wistar no estudo da toxicidade reprodutiva de duas preparações fitoterápicas contendo soja Glycine max (L.) Merr
Authors: Hollenbach C.B. , Bortolini C.E. , Batista J.M. , Hollenbach E.B. , Schuch T.L. , Pacheco M.H. , Mello F.B. , Mello J.R.
Published: October 2010

Avaliou-se o efeito de duas preparações fitoterápicas comerciais que continham soja sobre o desenvolvimento geral e sexual da progênie de ratos Wistar e sobre o potencial teratogênico das preparações fitoterápicas durante um estudo de toxicidade reprodutiva. Para tanto, observaram-se, diariamente, as características de desenvolvimento dos filhotes e analisou-se o comportamento em campo aberto, e, para avaliar o potencial teratogênico, realizou-se diafanização dos fetos removidos por cesariana. Inferiu-se que o tratamento dos pais não comprometeu o desenvolvimento de sua progênie e também não determinou efeitos teratogênicos aos fetos de ratos Wistar.