bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico em usuários de crack e múltiplas drogas
Authors: Nigri Loretta Fabianni , Samelli Alessandra Giannella , Schochat Eliane
Published: January 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar os potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico em usuários de crack e múltiplas drogas, bem como levantar as possíveis queixas auditivas e de equilíbrio nesta população. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 40 usuários de drogas (20 com uso há mais de cinco anos e 20 há menos de cinco anos) e 20 não usuários, do sexo masculino, com idades entre 19 e 46 anos, com limiares auditivos dentro da normalidade. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças significativas dos potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico dos usuários de drogas quando comparados ao grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: Os potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico dos usuários de drogas não diferiram significantemente do grupo controle. As queixas apresentadas pelos usuários de drogas foram hiperacusia, alucinação auditiva, zumbido e alteração de equilíbrio.
Programação remota dos sistemas de implante coclear
Authors: Zumpano Camila Eugênia , Bevilacqua Maria Cecília , Frederigue-Lopes Natália Barreto , Costa Orozimbo Alves
Published: January 2010

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os recursos necessários para a viabilização da programação remota dos sistemas de Implante Coclear (IC) e verificar os benefícios e limitações para a implementação deste modelo de atendimento nos serviços de saúde auditiva do Brasil. Participaram dois usuários de IC multicanal acompanhados no Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas (CPA) do Hospital de Reabilitação das Anomalias Craniofaciais (HRAC) da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e dois profissionais que atuam na área de Audiologia. Um dos profissionais estava localizado no CPA/HRAC-USP, denominado Centro de Referência (CR) e outro localizado em um centro situado a mais de 1500 km de distância do CR, denominada Área Remota (AR), sem experiência prévia na programação deste dispositivo. O procedimento consistiu no treinamento do recurso selecionado para a programação remota entre o CR e a AR. Após a execução da teleconsulta, o profissional da AR e os sujeitos implantados responderam a um questionário previamente elaborado. O estudo revelou que dentre as vantagens da aplicação deste procedimento estão a descentralização dos serviços de saúde auditiva, o treinamento e capacitação de profissionais, a redução de custos para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e o acompanhamento sistemático de pacientes implantados. A teleconsulta é um modelo de acompanhamento dos sujeitos implantados efetivo, viável e inovador no Brasil. Entretanto, ainda é necessário realizar mais pesquisas para viabilizar o uso em escala nacional.
Avanços no conhecimento do processamento da fluência em leitura: da palavra ao texto
Authors: Navas Ana Luiza Gomes Pinto , Pinto Joana Cecilia Baptista Ramalho , Dellisa Paula Roberta Rocha
Published: January 2010

Os avanços em psicolinguística e nos estudos em neurociências têm contribuído para o maior entendimento dos processos relevantes envolvidos para uma leitura eficiente, mas nem sempre o profissional clínico tem acesso a essa informação de forma sistematizada. Tanto o desenvolvimento de leitura, como a avaliação e a intervenção têm sido largamente influenciados por evidências científicas em um movimento de aproximação cada vez mais necessário entre a teoria e a prática fonoaudiológica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi reunir informações relevantes para o entendimento do processamento de leitura, sobretudo em relação à importância do desenvolvimento de sua fluência, por meio de uma revisão crítica da literatura nesta área.
Production of pre-basic potato seed by polyvinyl chloride PVC: articulate gutters hydroponic system
Authors: Scherwinski-Pereira Jonny Everson , Medeiros Carlos Alberto Barbosa , Fortes Gerson Renan de Luces , Pereira Arione da Silva
Published: January 2010

The development of more efficient and productive systems for pre-basic seed potato production would improve the quality of the propagative material used by the potato growers, directly affecting the crop yields. A two-year experiment was carried out to evaluate the potato pre-basic seed production by two types of hydroponic systems (fibrocement tiles and articulated PVC gutters), two cultivars (`Baronesa` and `Eliza`) and two types of propagative material (plants coming from in vitro culture and minitubers). The PVC gutters system was highly efficient. When using minitubers, this system reached multiplication rates up to 74 tubers per plant. Minitubers were more productive than in vitro plants, independent of cultivar and hydroponic system utilized.
Effects of temperature and salinity on the survival rates of coxicerberus ramosae (Albuquerque, 1978), an interstitial isopod of a Sandy Beach on the coast of Brazil
Authors: Albuquerque Elaine Figueiredo , Meurer Bruno , Netto Godofredo da Camara Genofre
Published: January 2010

The tolerance to the combined effects of temperature and salinity was investigated in the interstitial isopod Coxicerberus ramosae (Albuquerque, 1978), a species of intertidal zone of sandy beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were collected on Praia Vermelha Beach. The experiments lasted 24 h and nine salinities and seven temperatures were used for a total of 63 combinations. Thirty animals were tested in each combination. The species showed high survival in most of the combinations. The temperature of 35 ºC was lethal and at 5 ºC, the animals tolerated only a narrow range of salinities. The statistical analyses showed that the effects of temperature and salinity were significant on the survival, which confirmed the euryhalinity and eurythermy of this species.
Batch and continuous extraction of bromelain enzyme by reversed micelles
Authors: Fileti Ana Maria Frattini , Fischer Gilvan Anderson , Santana José Carlos Curvelo , Tambourgi Elias Basile
Published: January 2010

The main aim of this study was to optimize the conditions for bromelain extraction by reversed micelles from pineapple juice (Ananas comosus). The purification was carried out in batch extraction and a micro-column with pulsed caps for continuous extraction. The cationic micellar solution was made of BDBAC as a surfactant, isooctane as a solvent and hexanol as a co-solvent. For the batch process, a purification factor of 3 times at the best values of surfactant agent, co-solvent and salt concentrations, pH of the back and forward extractions were, 100 mM, 10% v/v, 1 M, 3.5 and 8, respectively. For the continuous operation, independent variables optimal point was determined: ratio between light phase flow rate and total flow rate equal to 0.67 and 1 second for the time interval between the pulses. This optimal point led to a productivity of 1.29 mL/min and a purification factor of 4.96.
Effects of different grinding levels (particle size) of soybean hull on starting pigs performance and digestibility
Authors: Moreira Ivan , Kutschenko Marianne , Paiano Diovani , Scapinelo Cláudio , Murakami Alice Eiko , Quadros Arlei Rodrigues Bonet de
Published: January 2010

Two experiments were carried out to study the effects of grinding of soybean hulls (SH) on starting pigs (15-30 kg) diets. Experiment I consisted of a digestibility trial with 12 barrows, initial average body weight 21.9±1.29 kg, in which the best digestibility coefficient (DC) of DM and GE was obtained with SH ground through a 2.5mm screen mesh, evaluated for CP and ME, a best DC was attained with 3.0 mm screen mesh. In the Experiment II, five diets with increasing SH (2.5 mm) levels (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 %) for starting piglets were formulated. A quadratic response in daily weight gain (DWG) occurred, according to SH inclusion. Worst DWG occurred at 7.75 % SH inclusion. Daily feed intake, feed: gain ratio and plasma urea nitrogen were not affected by inclusion levels. In conclusion, although soybean hull grinding improves the digestible nutrients, inclusion of SH on starting pig diets is economically unfeasible.
Fish silage in black bass (Micropterus Salmoides) feed as an alternative to fish meal
Authors: Arruda Lia Ferraz de , Borghesi Ricardo , Portz Leandro , Cyrino José Eurico Possebon , Oetterer Marília
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to use the residues of fermented sardine to elaborate the acid fish silage and its use in feed for aquaculture. Biological assay was performed by feeding largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fingerlings (initial weight 22g), with extruded diets (41% crude protein; 3,600 kcal/kg digestible energy) containing 0.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, or 15.0% of fish silage in partial substitution to the fish meal. The feed conversion ratio and weight gain for the treatments were: 1.26 and 15.76g; 1.11 and 17.07g; 1.19 and 17.81g; 1.18 and 19.83g; 1.47 and 14.64g, respectively. No significant differences (P<0.05) were detected among the treatments. Results indicated that it was possible to use up to 15% of acid fish silage as partial substitute for fish meal in the formulation of carnivorous fish feed.
Mediações simbólicas na atividade pedagógica
Authors: Bernardes Maria Eliza Mattosinho , Moura Manoel Oriosvaldo de
Published: January 2010

A pesquisa apresenta a análise de uma investigação didática, nas séries iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, que identifica a essência das ações e operações na atividade de ensino. Estas criam condições favoráveis para o desenvolvimento do pensamento teórico de estudantes e educadores a partir das mediações instituídas na relação ensino e aprendizagem. O objetivo da pesquisa é investigar os diferentes tipos de mediação simbólica na atividade pedagógica. Estes criam condições para o desenvolvimento do pensamento como um dos processos psicológicos superiores do gênero humano a ser desenvolvido no contexto escolar. O método de investigação fundamenta-se no materialismo histórico-dialético, na psicologia histórico-cultural e na teoria da atividade como instrumentos de análise da constituição da individualidade humana. No campo empírico, é realizado um estudo comparativo entre dois momentos distintos da investigação didática, tendo em vista a lógica que fundamenta a organização do ensino. Isso possibilita mudanças de qualidade na apropriação de conceitos, expressas pelas manifestações do pensamento nas formas de juízo, conceito e dedução. Os resultados identificam como mediações simbólicas as relações dos sujeitos com o objeto de estudo historicizado e as ações e operações coletivas e cooperativas dos sujeitos nos aspectos cognitivo, volitivo e afetivo. Como conclusão, considera-se que essas mediações somente se efetivam a partir da apropriação de conhecimentos teórico-científicos por parte dos educadores, pois estes promovem a criação de condições e circunstâncias que possibilitam a efetivação de um sistema integrado, instituindo práticas sociais no contexto escolar que viabilizam a superação das condições alienantes próprias do sistema escolar vigente e da sociedade contemporânea.
Ficção científica e ensino de ciências: para além do método de 'encontrar erros em filmes'
Authors: Piassi Luís Paulo , Pietrocola Maurício
Published: January 2010

Obras de ficção científica têm sido apontadas como um recurso importante para o ensino de ciências. Entretanto, mais do que um possível recurso didático para facilitar o aprendizado de ciências, a ficção científica constitui por si só uma modalidade de discurso sobre a ciência na medida em que expressa, por meio do cinema e da literatura, interesses e preocupações em torno de questões científicas presentes que influem diretamente no âmbito sociocultural. É comum, entretanto, considerar a possível qualidade didática das obras ficcionais apenas em função da suposta correção científica dos conceitos que apresenta, procedimento esse que ignora as condições de produção do discurso ficcional. Neste trabalho, propõe-se uma metodologia de análise do conteúdo de obras de ficção científica em sua relação com o conhecimento científico, que procura evidenciar, mediante elementos de análise literária e de semiótica, o processo de construção daquilo que denominamos elementos contrafactuais. Tal análise assume a obra não como um simples recurso didático, mas como um discurso regido por mecanismos ficcionais e que se vale desses mecanismos para veicular posições, ideias e debates em torno de temas científicos atuais. Como resultado, foi produzida uma categorização dos elementos construída a partir da semiótica greimasiana, empregando uma base de traços distintivos assumidos como lexemas, para a elaboração das categorias. Cada uma dessas categorias, ao representar mecanismos narrativos distintos, tem a potencialidade de uma forma de exploração diferente em termos didáticos.
Avaliação e qualidade no Ensino Superior: os impactos do período 1995-2002
Authors: Real Giselle Cristina Martins
Published: January 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em apreender os impactos que a política de avaliação da Educação Superior adotada no período de 1995 a 2002 proporcionou à construção da concepção de qualidade nas instituições de Ensino Superior de forma a compreender a sua lógica intrínseca. Adotou-se como procedimento metodológico a análise documental, a partir dos resultados da sistemática de avaliação desenvolvida pelo Ministério da Educação - MEC - para os cursos de graduação, no período em tela, que considerou os seguintes instrumentos de avaliação: o Exame Nacional de Cursos; as avaliações desenvolvidas por pares para fins de autorização e reconhecimento de cursos; e as informações estatísticas. Para a análise dos relatórios das comissões de avaliação, procedeu-se a um recorte geográfico, considerando as avaliações processadas no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Como resultados, observou-se que a avaliação, a partir de 1995, passa a ser utilizada como um mecanismo de expansão de cursos e instituições, a partir da configuração de concepções distintas de qualidade, estabelecidas de acordo com a organização administrativa das instituições de Ensino Superior, o que conformou a diversificação existente constituída por universidade, centro universitário e faculdade. Apesar do impacto positivo da avaliação, observado no contexto institucional, as evidências encontradas permitem apontar para um esgotamento do poder indutor da avaliação na melhoria da qualidade do ensino, na medida em que as instituições vêm procurando atender aos padrões de qualidade estabelecidos pelo MEC em seus aspectos formais sem, contudo, alterar a essência da qualidade do ensino que oferecem.
A new species of Gymnotus (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae) from the Fitzcarrald Arch of southeastern Peru
Authors: Maxime Emmanuel L. , Albert James S.
Published: January 2010

Herein Gymnotus chaviro is described from the Alto Yuruá (upper rio Juruá) of southeastern Peru, where it is locally abundant in terra firme streams and floodplain oxbow lakes, and occurs sympatrically and syntopically with the type species of the genus G. carapo. The new species is diagnosed by a unique combination of morphometric, meristic, and osteological traits, and a characteristic color pattern in which the dark band-pairs are unbranched and incompletely separated, and the pale inter-bands rarely reach to the dorsal mid-line on the anterior half of the body, being crescent-shaped in abdominal area. Gymnotus chaviro is a member of the G. carapo species group, with which it shares the presence of two pores in the dorsolateral portion of the preopercle, dark pigment bands with wavy margins that become broken and/or loose contrast with the ground color through growth, a clear patch at the caudal end of an otherwise darkly pigmented anal fin, and more than four arrowhead-shaped (anteroposteriorly compressed) teeth in the anterior portion of the dentary. Gymnotus chaviro is most similar in external appearance to G. curupira of lowland Western Amazonia in possessing a slender lateral profile (mean body depth less than 9% total length), a similar color pattern (median number of bands 19 with bands less distinct on dorsum), a large inter-orbital distance (mean greater than 41% head length), a broad head (mean head width greater than 65% head length) and a large mouth (mean mouth width greater than 43% head length). This new species can also be distinguished from G. curupira by the configuration of the preopercular pores, and by several meristic traits of squamation and fin rays. This is the first gymnotiform species described from the interior of the Fitzcarrald Arch, and the only gymnotiform species known to date that is endemic to this upland region of the western Amazon.
Cytogenetic characterization of Rhomboplites aurorubens and Ocyurus chrysurus, two monotypic genera of Lutjaninae from Cubagua Island, Venezuela, with a review of the cytogenetics of Lutjanidae (Teleostei: Perciformes)
Authors: Nirchio Mauro , Oliveira Claudio , Ferreira Daniela C. , Rondón Rodolfo , Pérez Julio E. , Hett Anne Kathrin , Rossi Anna Rita , Sola Luciana
Published: January 2010

Lutjanidae, commonly known as snappers, includes 105 species, grouped in four subfamilies. In spite of the high number of species and of its worldwide distribution, the family has been little investigated and the phylogenetic relationships among some of its genera and species are still cause for debate. Only a small number of the species has been cytogenetically analysed. This study reports the first description of the karyotype of Rhomboplites aurorubens as well as data concerning the distribution of the constitutive heterochromatin and the location of the 18S rRNA and the 5S rRNA genes. Specimens of Ocyurus chrysurus from Venezuela were also investigated for the same cytogenetic features. Both species have a 48 uniarmed karyotype, but R. aurorubens has a single subtelocentric chromosome pair, the smallest of the chromosome complement, among the other acrocentric chromosomes. The C-positive heterochromatin is limited to the pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes. Both species show a single chromosome pair bearing the Nucleolus Organizer Regions, but NORs are differently located, in a terminal position on the short arms of the smallest chromosomes in R. aurorubens and in a paracentromeric position in a chromosome pair of large size in O. chrysurus. In O. chrysurus, the 5S rDNA gene cluster is located on a medium-sized chromosome pair, whereas in R. aurorubens it is syntenic with the 18S rDNA gene cluster on chromosome pair number 24. The obtained cytogenetic data, along with previous cytogenetic, morphological and molecular data for the family, reinforce the proposal to synonymize genus Ocyurus with Lutjanus. A review of Lutjanidae cytogenetics is also included.
Cytogenetic analysis of Astyanax laticeps (Cope, 1894) (Ostariophysi: Characidae) from the laguna dos Patos system
Authors: Rosa Renata da , Rubert Marceléia , Malabarba Luiz R. , Martins-Santos Isabel Cristina , Giuliano-Caetano Lucia
Published: January 2010

The genus Astyanax is prominent among Characiformes, due to the large number of species found and its wide geographic distribution. In this work, Astyanax laticeps specimens from the laguna dos Patos system were cytogenetically analyzed. A diploid number of 2n = 50 chromosomes distributed into 6m+16sm+16st+12a (FN = 88) was found, without differences between males and females. A few small heterochromatin blocks were observed, besides three more conspicuous C-bands, corresponding to NORs, as confirmed by silver nitrate and CMA3 staining, FISH, and DAPI negative staining. These regions were located in a medium-sized subtelocentric and in a large subtelocentric chromosomal pair, probably because of a deletion of this region in one homologous chromosome, or due to a transposition event between them.
Individual contributions to pooled-milt fertilizations of silver catfish Rhamdia quelen
Authors: Ribolli Josiane , Zaniboni-Filho Evoy
Published: January 2010

Supplementary stocking of fish in natural environments is a way to mitigate or compensate for the changes imposed on wild populations by river damming. Since little is known about the genetic composition of the supplementary stocks obtained by pooled-milt fertilization, the aim of this study was to determine the individual contributions of male jundiá Rhamdia quelen to offspring. Sperm from four males were mixed using equal volume of sperm from each of the males to fertilize eggs from only one female, kept in three blend with six males and three females. The proportions of larvae sired by the different males were quantified using five polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci. Analysis of these loci allowed paternal determination of 84% of the progeny, at a 0.972 combined exclusion probability. Broodstock milt had good fertilizing capacity when used alone, but when pooled the fertilizing capacities, its fertilizing possibility varied from 4 to 65%. Results show that milt pools favor gametes of some males over others, thus reducing the progeny's genetic variability.
Color changing and behavioral context in the Amazonian Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma hippolytae (Perciformes)
Authors: Rodrigues Raoni Rosa , Carvalho Lucélia Nobre , Zuanon Jansen , Del-Claro Kleber
Published: January 2010

Animal coloration has many functions, and fishes are noted among vertebrates for presenting a wide variety of color patterns. Although in marine fishes the relationship between body coloration and behavioral context is well documented, there's not much information about freshwater fishes. Here we describe color patterns displayed by the dwarf cichlid Apistogramma hippolytae and suggest that these patterns are dependent on different social and behavioral settings. Field observations were conducted underwater in a pond in Central Amazonia, Brazil. We recorded six body coloration patterns related to seven different kinds of behavioral activities: foraging, resting, reproductive and agonistic displays, aggression (attacking and fleeing) and parental care. Changes in coloration occur rapidly and take only a few seconds. Females on parental care exhibited a unique pattern that are more persistent and probably manifests more slowly. In the shallow and clear waters of the natural environment of this dwarf cichlid, color communication seems to constitute an efficient way to display information about individual mood, social status and reproductive readiness, contributing to minimize loss of energy in unnecessary interactions.
Age and growth of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) off the northeastern coast of Brazil
Authors: Nóbrega Marcelo Francisco de , Lessa Rosangela Paula
Published: January 2010

Age and growth of the Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) caught off northeastern Brazil were determined. A total of 831 otoliths were examined - 296 from males (12 - 75 cm FL), 212 from females (11.5 - 72 cm FL) and 323 from specimens of undetermined sex (12.4 - 75 cm FL). There was a high percentage of juveniles in the catches, resulting mainly from the use of gillnets. Marginal increment analysis of the otoliths indicated that the shortest distances from the last ring to the edge occurred from November to May, laying down just one ring annually. One to eight rings were found, with specimen lengths ranging from 11.5 to 75.8 cm. The Schunute model was used to determine what model was best fit the data, demonstrating that the specialized von Bertalanffy growth equation is the most appropriate. Curves were established for males (L∞ = 79.52 cm, K = 0.189, t0 = -0.384 year) and females (L∞ = 109.18 cm, K = 0.114, t0 = -0.414 year), which resulted in distinct growth patterns between sexes. Based on the parameters estimated for the sexes separately, males have an approximate longevity of 15.5 years, whereas female longevity is 25.9 years. Specimens between 2 and 6 years of age represented 86% (n = 5,290) of the catch composition, characterizing the species as a catchable stock in the region. The present study updates essential information for assessing the stock of this important resource, for which the last growth studies in the region were carried out approximately thirty years ago.
Phenotypic plasticity in fish life-history traits in two neotropical reservoirs: Petit-Saut Reservoir in French Guiana and Brokopondo Reservoir in Suriname
Authors: Mérona Bernard de , Mol Jan , Vigouroux Régis , Chaves Paulo de Tarso
Published: January 2010

Fish species are known for their large phenotypic plasticity in life-history traits in relation to environmental characteristics. Plasticity allows species to increase their fitness in a given environment. Here we examined the life-history response of fish species after an abrupt change in their environment caused by the damming of rivers. Two reservoirs of different age, both situated on the Guiana Shield, were investigated: the young Petit-Saut Reservoir in French Guiana (14 years) and the much older Brokopondo Reservoir in Suriname (44 years). Six life-history traits in 14 fish species were studied and compared to their value in the Sinnamary River prior to the completion of Petit-Saut Reservoir. The traits analyzed were maximum length, absolute and relative length at first maturation, proportion of mature oocytes in ripe gonad, batch fecundity and mean size of mature oocytes. The results revealed a general increase of reproductive effort. All species showed a decrease in maximum length. Compared to the values observed before the dam constructions, eight species had larger oocytes and three species showed an increased batch fecundity. These observed changes suggest a trend towards a pioneer strategy. The changes observed in Petit-Saut Reservoir also seemed to apply to the 30 years older Brokopondo Reservoir suggesting that these reservoirs remain in a state of immaturity for a long time.
Aquatic insects as the main food resource of fish the community in a Neotropical reservoir
Authors: Vidotto-Magnoni Ana Paula , Carvalho Edmir Daniel
Published: January 2010

We evaluated the feeding of fish species of the Nova Avanhandava Reservoir, low Tietê River, São Paulo State, Brazil. Fishes were collected in two stretches of the reservoir: Santa Bárbara (14 samples) and Bonito (two samples) between September 2002 and March 2004, using gill and seining nets. The results of stomach contents analysis were expressed with the frequency of occurrence and gravimetric method, combined in the Alimentary Index (AI). The 20 species studied consumed 52 food items, grouped in 10 food categories: aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, crustaceans, fish, macroinvertebrates, microcrustaceans, algae, vegetal matter, detritus/sediment and scales. The aquatic insects (mainly Chironomidae, Odonata and Ephemeroptera) were the most common food resources, consumed by 18 species. The diet composition of the community (species grouped) indicated that the dominant food category in the diet of fishes was aquatic insects (AI = 77.6%), followed by crustaceans (AI = 7.1%). Four trophic guilds were identified according a cluster analysis (Pearson distance): insectivorous (10 species), omnivorous (4 species), detritivorous (3 species) and piscivorous/carcinophagous (3 species). Despite the highest number of species, the insectivorous guild was responsible for more than 80% in captures in number and biomass (CPUEn and CPUEb). The low values of niche breadth presented by all species, along with the low values of diet overlap between species pairs indicate a high degree of food resources partitioning among species. The aquatic insects, despite being the main food resource of insectivorous fishes, also complemented the diet of other species, which demonstrate the importance of this food resource for the fish community, sustaining a high diversity, abundance and biomass of fishes.
Induced spawning of the endangered Neotropical species Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)
Authors: Caneppele Danilo , Honji Renato M. , Hilsdorf Alexandre W. S. , Moreira Renata G.
Published: January 2010

The "surubim do Paraíba" (Steindachneridion parahybae) is a freshwater catfish endemic to the Paraíba do Sul River basin, Brazil. This species has been seriously threatened by environmental disturbances in the last several decades. Wild Steindachneridion parahybae males and females were collected in 2003 and taken to the hatchery of a power plant of the Companhia Energética de São Paulo (CESP). Steindachneridion parahybae broodstocks were artificially induced to reproduce in December 2003 using a combination of carp pituitary extract (CPE) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Oocytes and milt were stripped; the fertilized eggs were transferred to 60-liter conical incubators and hatched larvae distributed in nine horizontal trays. Exogenous feed was started just after yolk sac absorption. A high rate of cannibalism and photophobia were observed during the larval period, resulting in a 26% survival rate from larvae to fingerlings.
Avaliação de desastres no Rio Grande do Sul associados a complexos convectivos de mesoescala
Authors: Viana Denilson Ribeiro , Aquino Francisco Eliseu , Muñoz Viviana Aguilar
Published: January 2010

Os Complexos Convectivos de Mesoescala (CCM) são aglomerados organizados de nuvens convectivas, que atingem com freqüência a Região Sul do Brasil e produzem uma grande variedade de desastres. Este trabalho identificou os CCMs ocorridos entre outubro e dezembro de 2003 no Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e avaliou os desastres associados aos eventos. A identificação dos CCMs foi feita através do aplicativo ForTraCC - DSA/INPE. O levantamento das ocorrências de desastres foi realizado a partir do cruzamento dos dias de eventos de CCM com as informações da Defesa Civil do RS (DCRS) e do Jornal Correio do Povo. Foram identificados 22 eventos de CCM no período, responsáveis por 42 episódios de vendaval, 21 de enxurrada, 14 de enchente, cinco de granizo associado à vendaval, três de granizo, dois de alagamento, dois de inundação e um deslizamento, totalizando 90 ocorrências. Houve registro de seis mortes no RS e cinco em Santo Tomé na Argentina, fronteira com o Estado. Mais de 16.500 pessoas foram atingidas e cerca de 60% dos municípios que comunicaram desastres à DCRS decretaram situação de emergência. Em média, a cada quatro eventos de CCM, três produziram algum tipo de desastre no RS.
Ocorrências de focos de calor no estado de Rondônia em 2007
Authors: Silva Filho Ernesto Batista da , Teles Luciana de Jesus Sá , Santos Neto Luiz Alves dos
Published: January 2010

O presente artigo apresenta o levantamento e análise dos focos de calor ocorridos no estado do Rondônia em 2007. Este trabalho foi realizado como parte integrante do monitoramento de focos de calor na área de abrangência do Centro Regional de Porto Velho do Sistema de Proteção da Amazônia (SIPAM). Realizaram-se cruzamentos temáticos que permitiram a análise das queimadas e a compreensão da dinâmica do seu uso como ferramenta para renovação de pastagem e abertura de novas áreas, entre outros fins, no estado de Rondônia. Este estudo fornece importantes subsídios para reavaliar ações realizadas durante o ano pelos órgãos responsáveis, e para reorganizar estratégias de prevenção para o ano presente (2008), considerando para tanto, os indicativos das áreas críticas que necessitam de maior intervenção.
Síntese e complexidade no Pensamento Geográfico
Authors: Abrahão Cinthia Maria de Sena
Published: January 2010

Neste artigo tratamos dos marcos da Geografia Moderna através da reflexão sobre os elementos que caracterizaram a influência do romantismo alemão. Para tanto, destacamos a herança humboltiana e de alguns de seus seguidores, que estiveram em expedições pela América ao longo do século XIX. Através da obra destes cientistas é possível perceber o esforço de interconectar formas de compreensão da realidade que foram consideradas incompatíveis pela ciência moderna, a racional e a artística. Contemporaneamente percebe-se um percurso da Geografia em busca de uma nova matriz científica, que dê suporte à complexidade dos fenômenos. Neste contexto, confirma-se e revitaliza-se a necessidade de refletir sobre as contribuições dos naturalistas viajantes do século XIX.
Hypoxia stimulates CXCR4 signalling in ileal carcinoids
Authors: Arvidsson Yvonne , Bergström Anders , Arvidsson Linda , Kristiansson Erik , Ahlman Håkan , Nilsson Ola
Published: January 2010

Tumour hypoxia is associated with increased metastatic potential and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Ileal carcinoids are usually metastatic at the time of diagnosis and respond poorly to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of hypoxia in ileal carcinoids and the response of tumour cells to induced hypoxia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), carbonic anhydrase (CA-IX), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α were studied by immunohistochemistry in biopsies from 24 patients with ileal carcinoids. All hypoxic markers were shown to be highly expressed in localized areas of the tumours irrespective of tumour location or stage. However, HIF-2α expression was significantly higher in distant metastases compared to primary tumours in the same patient. Global gene expression profiling of GOT1 carcinoid cells revealed a marked response to hypoxia. Expression of genes related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and development was altered including increased expression of the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), an important regulator of invasive growth and metastasis formation. High expression of CXCR4 was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in tumour biopsies. Stimulation of GOT1 cells by the CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)), activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p42/44 signalling pathway and increased tumour cell migration. We conclude that ileal carcinoids contain hypoxic areas expressing HIF-1α, HIF-2α and CXCR4. Signalling through the CXCL12–CXCR4 axis may contribute to the metastatic potential of ileal carcinoids. Targeting of HIFs and/or the CXCR4 signalling pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies for carcinoid tumour disease.
Novel roles of prolactin and estrogens in breast cancer: resistance to chemotherapy
Authors: LaPensee Elizabeth W , Ben-Jonathan Nira
Published: January 2010

Resistance to chemotherapy is a major complication in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Estrogens and prolactin (PRL) are implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer but their roles in chemoresistance have been overlooked. A common feature to the two hormones is activation of their receptors by diverse compounds, which mimic or antagonize their actions. The PRL receptor is activated by lactogens (PRL, GH, or placental lactogen) originating from the pituitary, breast, adipose tissue, or the placenta. Estrogen receptors exist in multiple membrane-associated and cytoplasmic forms that can be activated by endogenous estrogens, man-made chemicals, and phytoestrogens. Here, we review evidence that low doses of PRL, estradiol (E2), and bisphenol A (BPA) antagonize multiple anticancer drugs that induce cell death by different mechanisms. Focusing on cisplatin, a DNA-damaging drug which is effective in the treatment of many cancer types but not breast cancer, we compare the abilities of PRL, E2, and BPA to antagonize its cytotoxicity. Whereas PRL acts by activating the glutathione-S-transferase detoxification enzyme, E2 and BPA act by inducing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. The implications of these findings to patients undergoing chemotherapy are discussed.
Safety Warnings in Tractor Operation Manuals, 1920–1980: Manuals and Warnings Don't Always Work
Authors: Tebeaux Elizabeth
Published: January 2010

This article studies the history of one of the most critical, unresolved problems in mechanized agriculture: Tractor operators do not read the operation manuals, particularly the safety warnings. The result: sustained death and injury of these operators for well over a century. The article tracks the emergence of warnings in tractor operator manuals found in the archives of the University of Nebraska Tractor Test Museum (1919–2007), describes efforts of manufacturers during this time to alert operators to dangers associated with tractors, and concludes with a summary of current research on tractor safety and the problem that remains unresolved: how to change the culture of farmers who use these implements, critical to agriculture production, to encourage them to read and follow safety practices.
Politically-Embedded Cronyism: The Case of Post-Liberalization Egypt
Authors: Adly Amr Ismail
Published: January 2010

Why do many States in transitional economies lack the regulative capacities to evenly distribute property rights among emerging private firms resulting in having public good devoured by particularistic interests? I argue that uneven distribution of property rights is deeply embedded within broader power relations permeating political regimes. This study attempts to develop the concept of politically-embedded cronyism where State incumbents generate and protract uneven distribution of property rights in favor of a few private actors as tactics of regime survival that go beyond the mere interest of self-enrichment as the capture thesis would argue. Politically-embedded cronyism is likely to emerge the more State incumbents retain their relative autonomy from their cronies through higher concentration of power in the executive, less role of societal groups in general and business in particular in the reproduction of the power of top incumbents and higher public asset retention in the post-liberalization period in addition to possessing channels of political incorporation to fledging business.
The Macro Dimensions of Chile's Export Dilemma
Authors: Arroyo Francisco , Edmunds John C.
Published: January 2010

The success of Chile's economy in the past decades is relevant to the efforts of other emerging countries to achieve rapid economic growth. One of Chile's main accomplishments has been a steady increase in exports. The increase was in physical volume of exports, not in unit value. This increase was the result of a correct strategy of opening the economy, which permitted the more competitive Chilean businesses to access external markets. This strategy may be reaching a point of diminishing returns, so the dilemma that Chile now faces is relevant to other emerging countries as they try to grow their economies rapidly. To achieve significant further growth in the long run, Chile needs to move into new kinds of business opportunities, in categories and areas where it has not established a foothold. To break into these new areas, Chile has to develop new capabilities and new strategies. The old way of growing the economy is running into constraints.

The data is about Chile's wood products export industry, which is the country's most successful in terms of adding value as measured by macro metrics. That export industry is not as well known as Chile's wine and fresh fruit export industries but has a more impressive record. The firms in Chile's wood export industry, despite being successful in increasing the dollar value of products exported, have not been able to make themselves competitive in stages of wood production beyond basic and repetitive processes. Other emerging countries are facing the same challenge.

Chilean wood products exporting firms in Chile have been slow to respond to signals from the market. They have not been able to achieve high standards of quality or precision, and they have worked only with local raw materials. These firms have attempted to export manufactured products, but these attempts have failed. For those reasons many observers argue that the advantage in the market that these firms enjoy is due to superior endowments of natural resources rather than to corporate strategies.

High raw material prices have not triggered a new chapter in this history. On the contrary, this comfortable situation has lulled the country into complacency. Other countries were in the same comfortable situation and now the financial crisis has intervened. Chile's present slow growth is discouraging but might prod the country to achieve greater sophistication in exporting goods and services.
Effective Conditions for Extracting Higher Quality Kernels from the Sonnati salams Apricot
Authors: Fathollahzadeh Hamzeh , Tabatabaie Hossein , Mobli Hossein
Published: January 2010

This study focused on researching the effective conditions for extracting high quality apricot kernels. Specifically, we analyze the effects of moisture content and compression axis on the amount of force needed to crack apricot pits and kernels. Apricot pits were analyzed at 6.82, 12.93, 17.81 and 23.01% wet base moisture contents and apricot kernels were analyzed at 2.86, 4.10, 8.81 and 13.03% wet base moisture contents. Apricot pits and kernels were compressed at different moisture contents and the amounts of needed force for cracking were calculated along the length, width and thickness of pits and kernels. It was observed that, with increasing moisture content of the apricot pits and kernels, the energy for cracking decreased. Furthermore, this study also revealed that cracking an apricot pit requires higher rupture force and energy when compressed along its length and that cracking an apricot kernel requires higher rupture force when compressed along its thickness. Results showed that for the proper extraction of kernels, apricot pits should be compressed along its width at certain moisture content, which is very important for designing apricot pit-crushing machines.
Towards a spectral theory of graphs based on the signless Laplacian, III
Authors: Cvetkovic Dragos , Simic Slobodan
Published: January 2010

This part of our work further extends our project of building a new spectral theory of graphs (based on the signless Laplacian) by some results on graph angles, by several comments and by a short survey of recent results.
On Q-integral (3,s)-semiregular bipartite graphs
Authors: Simic Slobodan , Stanic Zoran
Published: January 2010

A graph is called Q-integral if its signless Laplacian spectrum consists entirely of integers. We establish some general results regarding signless Laplacians of semiregular bipartite graphs. Especially, we consider those semiregular bipartite graphs with integral signless Laplacian spectrum. In some particular cases we determine the possible Q-spectra and consider the corresponding graphs.
On the gracefulness of the graph P 2m,2n
Authors: Liang Zhihe , Zuo Huijuan
Published: January 2010

Let Pa,b denotes a graph obtained by identifying the end vertices of b internally disjoint paths each of length a. Kathiresan conjectured that graph Pa,b is graceful except when a is odd and b ? 2 (mod 4). In this paper we show that the graph Pa,b is graceful when both a and b are even.
Algebraic connectivity for subclasses of caterpillars
Authors: Abreu Nair , Rojo Oscar , Justel Claudia
Published: January 2010

A caterpillar is a tree in which the removal of all pendent vertices make it a path. In this paper, we consider two classes of caterpillars. We present an ordering of caterpillars by algebraic connectivity in one of them and find one that maximizes the algebraic connectivity in the other class.
On the number of certain types of strongly restricted permutations
Authors: Baltic Vladimir
Published: January 2010

Let p be a permutation of the set Nn={1, 2,...,n}. We introduce techniques for counting N(n; k, r, I), the number of Lehmer?s strongly restricted permutations of Nn satisfying the conditions ?k ? p(i)?i ? r (for arbitrary natural numbers k and r) and p(i) ? i I (for some set I). We show that N(n; 1, r, ?) is the Fibonacci (r + 1)-step number.
Unacylated Ghrelin Rescues Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Togliatto Gabriele , Trombetta Antonella , Dentelli Patrizia , Baragli Alessandra , Rosso Arturo , Granata Riccarda , Ghigo Dario , Pegoraro Luigi , Ghigo Ezio , Brizzi Maria Felice
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

Acylated ghrelin (AG) is a diabetogenic and orexigenic gastric polypeptide. These properties are not shared by the most abundant circulating form, which is unacylated (UAG). An altered UAG/AG profile together with an impairment of circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) bioavailability were found in diabetes. Based on previous evidence for the beneficial cardiovascular effects of AG and UAG, we investigated their potential to revert diabetes-associated defects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Healthy human subjects, individuals with type 2 diabetes, and ob/ob mice were AG or UAG infused. EPC mobilization in patients and mice was evaluated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in bone marrow stromal cells. Recovered EPCs were also evaluated for the activity of senescence regulatory pathways and for NADPH oxidase activation by knocking down p47phox and Rac1. Finally, UAG modulation of human EPC vasculogenic potential was investigated in an in vivo mouse model.

RESULTS

Neither AG nor UAG had any effect in healthy subjects. However, systemic administration of UAG, but not AG, prevented diabetes-induced EPC damage by modulating the NADPH oxidase regulatory protein Rac1 and improved the vasculogenic potential both in individuals with type 2 diabetes and in ob/ob mice. In addition, unlike AG, UAG facilitated the recovery of bone marrow EPC mobilization. Crucial to EPC mobilization by UAG was the rescue of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation by Akt, as UAG treatment was ineffective in eNOS knockout mice. Consistently, EPCs expressed specific UAG-binding sites, not recognized by AG.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide the rationale for clinical applications of UAG in pathologic settings where AG fails.
Phagocytosis of Enterovirus-Infected Pancreatic β-Cells Triggers Innate Immune Responses in Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Schulte Barbara M. , Kramer Matthijs , Ansems Marleen , Lanke Kjerstin H.W. , van Doremalen Neeltje , Piganelli Jon D. , Bottino Rita , Trucco Massimo , Galama Jochem M.D. , Adema Gosse J. , van Kuppeveld Frank J.M.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic endocrine disorder in which enteroviruses, such as coxsackie B viruses and echoviruses, are possible environmental factors that can trigger or accelerate disease. The development or acceleration of type 1 diabetes depends on the balance between autoreactive effector T-cells and regulatory T-cells. This balance is particularly influenced by dendritic cells (DCs). The goal of this study was to investigate the interaction between enterovirus-infected human pancreatic islets and human DCs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In vitro phagocytosis of human or porcine primary islets or Min6 mouse insuloma cells by DCs was investigated by flow cytometry and confocal analysis. Subsequent innate DC responses were monitored by quantitative PCR and Western blotting of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs).

RESULTS

In this study, we show that both mock- and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-infected human and porcine pancreatic islets were efficiently phagocytosed by human monocyte–derived DCs. Phagocytosis of CVB3-infected, but not mock-infected, human and porcine islets resulted in induction of ISGs in DCs, including the retinoic acid–inducible gene (RIG)-I–like helicases (RLHs), RIG-I, and melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 (Mda5). Studies with murine Min6 insuloma cells, which were also efficiently phagocytosed, revealed that increased ISG expression in DCs upon encountering CVB-infected cells resulted in an antiviral state that protected DCs from subsequent enterovirus infection. The observed innate antiviral responses depended on RNA within the phagocytosed cells, required endosomal acidification, and were type I interferon dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

Human DCs can phagocytose enterovirus-infected pancreatic cells and subsequently induce innate antiviral responses, such as induction of RLHs. These responses may have important consequences for immune homeostasis in vivo and may play a role in the etiology of type 1 diabetes.