bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘This is my home country or something in-between’ – Finnish-Somali youth sharing their experiences through performative narratives
Authors: Oikarinen-Jabai Helena
Published: November 2012

In this article I will focus on a workshop run with a group of youth mostly from Somali backgrounds. The workshops were run in cooperation with Youth’s Multicultural Living Room and Youth Department of the City of Helsinki. The workshops are part of my larger research project ‘A Finn, a Foreigner or a Transnational Hip-hopper?’. The study was conducted within the framework of participatory research, and examines the identification negotiations of second-generation Finnish immigrant youth. In the research I apply ethnographic methods, in particular, those of participatory and performative design, which I will briefly discuss here. In the workshops at hand it was noted that the participating youth placed themselves on borders and liminal spaces,especially because of the racism and prejudices they frequently encounter. Therefore, this article will concentrate on the topics of belongings, Finnishness and transnational identifications as represented in the words and visual narratives of the participants. I give space here to their own words and images they have produced.Finally, I will outline the kinds of horizons the observed ambivalence can create.
An abyss where darkness dwells
Authors: Heimonen Kirsi
Published: November 2012

This article enquires into the nature of the communication between a dance artist and people living with memory loss, brain damage and behavioural disorders. Art in this context means that something happens in the nursing community; its range travels from performances to dancing or gardening together. The core of the writing lies in the happenings that are discussed in the phenomenological and autoethnographic field. The article illuminates how something happens between a dance artist and the residents, something that happens in art, and through art, that can be described as an abyss where darkness dwells, a no-man’s-land where nobody knows anything better than another. The happenings are discussed with texts by Georges Bataille and Emmanuel Levinas. The collision of the art happenings in the community also reveals some attitudes and habits of the nursing staff.
Ex Ovo Model for Directly Visualizing Chick Embryo Development
Authors: Dorrell Michael I. , Marcacci Michael , Bravo Stephen , Kurz Troy , Tremblay Jacob , Rusing Jack C.
Published: November 2012

We describe a technique for removing and growing chick embryos in culture that utilizes relatively inexpensive materials and requires little space. It can be readily performed in class by university, high school, or junior high students, and teachers of any grade level should be able to set it up for their students. Students will be able to directly observe the chick’s development from 3 days post-fertilization to the point at which it would normally hatch. Observing embryonic development first hand, including the chick embryos’ natural movements, gives students a full appreciation for the complexity and wonder of development. Students can make detailed observations and drawings, and gain understanding of important principles in developmental biology. Finally, we suggest various ways in which this project can be adapted to allow students in advanced classes to design and implement their own projects for investigating teratogenic effects on development using the ex ovo model of chick development.
Easy, Cheap, & Fun: Role-play on Endocrine Regulation & Negative Feedback
Authors: Hudson Margaret L.
Published: November 2012

This simple role-play exercise involves the whole class in learning about the function of hormones in promoting homeostasis and the value of negative feedback, using the example of regulation of calcium ions by parathyroid hormone.
The Mating Game: A Classroom Activity for Undergraduates That Explores the Evolutionary Basis of Sex Roles
Authors: Moore Dani , Holbrook C. Tate , Meadows Melissa G. , Taylor Lisa A.
Published: November 2012

In species that reproduce sexually, an individual’s fitness depends on its ability to secure a mate (or mates). Although both males and females are selected to maximize their reproductive output, the mating strategies of the two sexes can differ dramatically. We present a classroom simulation that allows undergraduates to actively experience how differences in parental investment lead to differences in reproductive behavior. Students will understand why males generally compete for mates whereas females generally choose among mates. The activity provides a foundation for exploring advanced topics in animal behavior, or it can be adapted for introductory biology courses.
Sex selection of sperm in farm animals: status report and developmental prospects
Authors: Rath D , Barcikowski S , de Graaf S , Garrels W , Grossfeld R , Klein S , Knabe W , Knorr C , Kues W , Meyer H , Michl J , Moench-Tegeder G , Rehbock C , Taylor U , Washausen S
Published: November 2012

Pre-selection of spermatozoa based on the relative DNA difference between X- and Y-chromosome bearing populations by flow cytometry is an established method that has been introduced into commercial cattle production. Although several important improvements have increased the sort efficiency, the fertilising ability of sexed spermatozoa based on offspring per insemination is still behind farmers' expectations. The main stress factors, especially on mitochondria, that reduce the lifespan of spermatozoa are described, and new technical as well as biological solutions to maintain the natural sperm integrity and to increase the sorting efficiency are discussed. Among these methods are the identification of Y-chromosome bearing spermatozoa by bi-functionalised gold nanoparticles and triplex hybridisationin vivoas well as new laser-controlled deflection system that replaces the deflection of spermatozoa in the electrostatic field. Additionally, as well as a new nonsurgical transfer system of spermatozoa into the oviduct of cows has been developed and allows a significant reduction of spermatozoa per transfer. Altogether, the improvements made in the recent years will allow a broader use of sex-sorted spermatozoa even in those species that require more cells than cows and sheep.
SAGA Complex Components and Acetate Repression inAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Georgakopoulos Paraskevi , Lockington Robin A , Kelly Joan M
Published: November 2012

Alongside the well-established carbon catabolite repression by glucose and other sugars, acetate causes repression in Aspergillus nidulans. Mutations in creA, encoding the transcriptional repressor involved in glucose repression, also affect acetate repression, but mutations in creB or creC, encoding components of a deubiquitination system, do not. To understand the effects of acetate, we used a mutational screen that was similar to screens that uncovered mutations in creA, creB, and creC, except that glucose was replaced by acetate to identify mutations that were affected for repression by acetate but not by glucose. We uncovered mutations in acdX, homologous to the yeast SAGA component gene SPT8, which in growth tests showed derepression for acetate repression but not for glucose repression. We also made mutations in sptC, homologous to the yeast SAGA component gene SPT3, which showed a similar phenotype. We found that acetate repression is complex, and analysis of facA mutations (lacking acetyl CoA synthetase) indicates that acetate metabolism is required for repression of some systems (proline metabolism) but not for others (acetamide metabolism). Although plate tests indicated that acdX- and sptC-null mutations led to derepressed alcohol dehydrogenase activity, reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed no derepression of alcA or aldA but rather elevated induced levels. Our results indicate that acetate repression is due to repression via CreA together with metabolic changes rather than due to an independent regulatory control mechanism.
Maintaining Sufficient Nanos Is a Critical Function forPolar Granule Componentin the Specification of Primordial Germ Cells
Authors: Deshpande Girish , Spady Emma , Goodhouse Joe , Schedl Paul
Published: November 2012

Primordial germ cells (PGC) are the precursors of germline stem cells. In Drosophila, PGC specification is thought to require transcriptional quiescence and three genes, polar granule component (pgc), nanos (nos), and germ cell less (gcl) function to downregulate Pol II transcription. While it is not understood how nos or gcl represses transcription, pgc does so by inhibiting the transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), which is responsible for phosphorylating Ser2 residues in the heptad repeat of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest Pol II subunit. In the studies reported here, we demonstrate that nos are a critical regulatory target of pgc. We show that a substantial fraction of the PGCs in pgc embryos have greatly reduced levels of Nos protein and exhibit phenotypes characteristic of nos PGCs. Lastly, restoring germ cell–specific expression of Nos is sufficient to ameliorate the pgc phenotype.
Autism After Infection, Febrile Episodes, and Antibiotic Use During Pregnancy: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Atladóttir Hjördis Ósk , Henriksen Tine Brink , Schendel Diana E. , Parner Erik T.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Results of animal studies suggest that maternal immune activation during pregnancy causes deficiencies in fetal neurodevelopment. Infectious disease is the most common path to maternal immune activation during pregnancy. The goal of this study was to determine the occurrence of common infections, febrile episodes, and use of antibiotics reported by the mother during pregnancy and the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and infantile autism in the offspring.

METHODS:

We used a population-based cohort consisting of 96 736 children aged 8 to 14 years and born from 1997 to 2003 in Denmark. Information on infection, febrile episodes, and use of antibiotics was self-reported through telephone interviews during pregnancy and early postpartum. Diagnoses of ASD and infantile autism were retrieved from the Danish Psychiatric Central Register; 976 children (1%) from the cohort were diagnosed with ASD.

RESULTS:

Overall, we found little evidence that various types of mild common infectious diseases or febrile episodes during pregnancy were associated with ASD/infantile autism. However, our data suggest that maternal influenza infection was associated with a twofold increased risk of infantile autism, prolonged episodes of fever caused a threefold increased risk of infantile autism, and use of various antibiotics during pregnancy were potential risk factors for ASD/infantile autism.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results do not suggest that mild infections, febrile episodes, or use of antibiotics during pregnancy are strong risk factors for ASD/infantile autism. The results may be due to multiple testing; the few positive findings are potential chance findings.
Autologous fat transplantation in the modern reconstructive surgery of breast cancer
Authors: Mátrai Zoltán , Pesthy Pál , Gulyás Gusztáv , Szabó Éva , Bartal Alexandra , Kásler Miklós
Published: November 2012

Autologous fat transplantation is often used in aesthetic plastic surgery, and is recently becoming increasingly popular in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects following oncological surgery. A still not standardized technique of fat transplantation for breast cancer reconstruction is rapidly getting popular. The procedure is not a passive volume replacement, but transplantation of biologically active tissue bearing endocrine, paracrine, exocrine functions and containing fat-derived stem cells, which in the tumorous environment raises many questions in relation to the oncological safety and diagnostic follow-up. Although long-term results based on prospective, randomized studies are not yet available, published clinical experience is promising and reveals an effective and surgically safe procedure if used with appropriate indications and techniques. The authors conducted a broad review of the literature, presenting indications, technique, molecular interactions, and potential risks of the clinical results of autologous fat transplantation in the breast cancer reconstructive surgery. The authors initiated that breast and plastic surgeons should promote adequate long term follow-up of breast cancer patients who underwent breast reconstruction with autologous fat transplantation by the establishment of national registries. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1816–1831.
Frequency of human bocavirus respiratory infections among at-risk patients in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Caccia Elaine Regina Baptista , Watanabe Aripuana Sakurada Aranha , Carraro Emerson , Leal Elcio , Granato Celso , Bellei Nancy
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human Bocavirus (HBoV) has been described since 2005 as an etiological agent of respiratory virus infections. From 2001 to 2008 we investigated the etiology of HBoV among adults and children in different groups at risk of presenting complications arising from acute respiratory infection, the investigation was carried out in a tertiary hospital health care system in Brazil. METHODS: HBoV DNA was assayed in 598 respiratory samples from community and hospitalized patients by PCR. RESULTS: Of the 598 tested samples, 2.44% (8/328) of children, including five children with heart disease, and 0.4% (1/270) of adult bone-marrow-transplant were HBoV positive. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested lower HBoV frequency among different at-risk patients and highlights the need to better understand the real role of HBoV among acute respiratory symptomatic patients.
The effect of age on the frequency of adverse reactions caused by antimony in the treatment of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Governador Valadares, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Diniz Doracy Silva , Costa Alexandre Sylvio Vieira , Escalda Patrícia Maria Fonseca
Published: November 2012

INTRODUCTION: Governador Valadares is an endemic area of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). The detection rate was 15.36 per 100,000 habitants from 2001 to 2006 (Miranda, 2008). This study aimed to analyze the effects of age on the frequency of adverse reactions caused by antimony in the treatment of ATL in the City of Governador Valadares, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during 2009. METHODS: Data were collected from the forms of the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, and from charts, questionnaires, and home visits to patients. RESULTS: The study included 40 patients, 26 (65%) of whom were males. Individuals over the age of 50 had a 66% higher rate of adverse effects than subjects who were 50 years old or less (CI 95%, 1.14-2.41). The average age of individuals who reported some type of adverse effect was 44.11 years (SD = 20.14), while the average age of the group that did not report any adverse effect was of 25.46 years (SD = 18.37; p < 0.01). Clinical healing was 67.5%, and 10% of patients discontinued the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of ATL, the age of patients should be considered, because most adverse reactions occur in individuals over 50 years of age. For this reason, the drug should be used with restriction in these cases.
Simulation of the energy performance of maize production integrated to pig farming
Authors: Perin Márcio L. , Martins Gilberto , Bueno Osmar de C.
Published: November 2012

The study evaluated the energy performance of pig farming integrated with maize production in mechanized no-tillage system. In this proposed conception of integration, the swine excrement is used as fertilizers in the maize crop. The system was designed involving the activities associated to the pig management and maize production (soil management, cultivation and harvest). A one-year period of analysis was considered, enabling the production of three batches of pigs and two crops of maize. To evaluate the energy performance, three indicators were created: energy efficiency, use of non-renewable resources efficiency and cost of non-renewable energy to produce protein. The energy inputs are composed by the inputs and infrastructure used by the breeding of pigs and maize production, as well as the solar energy incident on the agroecosystem. The energy outputs are represented by the products (finished pigs and maize). The results obtained in the simulation indicates that the integration improves the energy performance of pig farms, with an increase in the energy efficiency (186%) as well as in the use of the non-renewable energy resources efficiency (352%), while reducing the cost of non-renewable energy to produce protein (‑58%).
Avaliação da compostagem de carcaças de frango pelos métodos da composteira e de leiras estáticas aeradas
Authors: Paiva Ed Carlo R. , Matos Antonio T. de , Azevedo Mônica A. , Barros Renata T. P. de , Costa Tatiana D. R.
Published: November 2012

Avaliaram-se a compostabilidade de diversos resíduos adequadamente misturados e a eficiência de diferentes processos (leiras estáticas aeradas e composteira) na eliminação de microrganismos e tempo de compostagem. Tratamentos: composteira: palha de café, cama de frango e carcaça de frango, LEA 01: bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, cama de frango e carcaça de frango inteira, LEA 02: bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, cama de frango e carcaça de frango triturada, LEA 03: palha de café, cama de frango e carcaça de frango triturada. Variáveis monitoradas: temperatura, relação C/N, sólidos voláteis (SV), pH e umidade, além de avaliar a eliminação de Salmonella e a redução de coliformes termotolerantes. Os resultados obtidos para redução de SV foram 20,87% (composteira), 25,31%; (LEA 01), 28,86% (LEA 02) e 54,48% (LEA 03).
Comparison of metering mechanisms of corn seed
Authors: Weirich Neto Pedro H. , Justino Altair , Namur Rodrigo T. , Domingues José , Garcia Luiz C.
Published: November 2012

It was compared the performance of the metering mechanism of corn seeds (Zea mays) in direct seeding in an area of 200 ha, a property in Piraí do Sul, State of Paraná - PR, in Brazil. It was seeded 4 maize hybrids, 50 ha of each, with seeds of different sieves. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD), with 3 treatments and 9 repetitions for each corn hybrid. The treatments were the pneumatic seed of metering mechanisms, horizontal perforated disc with and without ramp®. The plots were 40 m² and were distributed at the early, middle and late sowing. The variables analyzed in each corn hybrid were initial population, faulty spacing, multiple spacing, acceptable spacing, and yield components. As there were no significant differences in the variables, it was concluded that the quality of seeding with different systems of distribution was similar in the different sieves of distributed corn seeds.
Imunoistoquímica de útero e cérvice de cadelas com diagnóstico de piometra
Authors: Volpato R. , Martin I. , Ramos R.S. , Tsunemi M.H. , Laufer-Amorin R. , Lopes M.D.
Published: November 2012

Analisou-se a piometra de 31 cadelas, de raças e idades variadas, sendo 25 cadelas com piometra de cérvice aberta e seis de cérvice fechada. Após ovariossalpingo-histerectomia, foram coletados fragmentos da cérvice e do útero para a avaliação imunoistoquímica. Foram analisados os receptores de estrógenos α e β, progesterona e colágenos I e III. Foram realizadas imunomarcações em diferentes regiões da cérvice, como o epitélio glandular, o epitélio luminal e o estroma glandular, assim como em diferentes regiões do útero, como o epitélio glandular e o estroma glandular. As imunomarcações de colágenos I e III foram realizadas nas regiões glandular e muscular da cérvice e do útero. Concentrações de receptores de progesterona foram maiores em cadelas com piometra fechada.
Qualidade e quantidade do leite produzido por cabras da raça Saanen submetidas a estresse por três dias consecutivos
Authors: Gaiato A.P.R. , Delgado T.G.F. , Negrão J.A.
Published: November 2012

Estudou-se o efeito do estresse fisiológico, via administração pontual de ACTH, sobre os níveis de cortisol e a quantidade e qualidade do leite produzido. Para tanto, 12 cabras da raça Saanen foram alocadas em dois grupos experimentais: o grupo ACTH recebeu 0,6 UI de ACTH/kg PV, e o grupo placebo recebeu solução placebo. A produção de leite, os percentuais de proteína, gordura e lactose e a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) do leite foram mensurados antes, durante e após a administração de ACTH e do placebo. Simultaneamente à administração de ACTH e placebo por três dias consecutivos, foram realizadas colheitas de sangue para mensuração dos teores de cortisol. Nos tempos -30 e zero, ambos os grupos apresentaram concentrações basais de cortisol. O aumento nos níveis de cortisol foi significativo nos tempos 60min (grupo ACTH: 59,00±5,70 e grupo placebo: 5,23±1,37ng/mL) e 120min (grupo ACTH: 47,96±9,72 e grupo placebo: 4,38±1,14ng/mL), pois a concentração de cortisol foi maior no grupo ACTH. Os valores retornaram ao basal no tempo 300min. Não houve diferenças na produção leiteira entre os grupos ACTH e placebo, tampouco de proteína, gordura, lactose e CCS do leite dos grupos, portanto o estresse induzido por três dias consecutivos não trouxe prejuízos à produção.
O PDE e as metas do PAR para a formação de professores da educação básica
Authors: Schneider Marilda Pasqual , Nardi Elton Luiz , Durli Zenilde
Published: November 2012

Este trabalho analisa a política de regulação do Plano de Desenvolvimento da Educação (PDE) considerando as ações do Plano de Ações Articuladas (PAR) como indutoras de melhoria da qualidade na educação básica. Por meio de exame documental, focaliza as ações de formação inicial e continuada dos professores da educação básica previstas no PAR de vinte municípios da mesorregião oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, considerados prioritários para recebimento de apoio técnico e ou financeiro do MEC. Põe em evidência a atuação regulatória do Estado na projeção do PAR, com tendência à responsabilização dos municípios no atendimento às metas educacionais para a formação de professores. Vislumbra quadro preocupante no tocante à melhoria da qualidade educativa desses municípios uma vez que as ações propostas buscam responder, preponderantemente, às indicações do MEC sem necessária correspondência com as especificidades locais.
Influência de Pterodon emarginatus Vogel sobre atributos físicos e químicos do solo e valor nutritivo de Brachiaria decumbens Stapf em sistema silvipastoril
Authors: Pezzoni Thobias , Vitorino Antonio Carlos Tadeu , Daniel Omar , Lempp Beatriz
Published: November 2012

Na pecuária bovina sustentável, tem sido utilizada a presença de árvores associada às pastagens. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a influência de árvores de Sucupira - Branca (Pterodon emarginatus) em atributos físicos e químicos do solo e sobre a qualidade da forrageira em sistema silvipastoril. O estudo foi realizado no município de Nioaque-MS, Brasil. Em área ocupada com pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens sombreada predominantemente por Sucupira - Branca, foram escolhidas cinco árvores adultas representativas, no entorno das quais foram traçadas seis transectas locadas a ângulos de 60º entre uma e outra. Em intervalos de cinco metros ao longo dessas transectas foram centradas as parcelas de amostragem até 30 m de distância, coletando-se aí amostras de serrapilheira, da gramínea e do solo. Para a forragem, analisou-se: proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS). Para o solo, os atributos estudados foram: densidade do solo, macroporosidade, microporosidade, porosidade total, resistência à penetração, teores trocáveis de magnésio e potássio. Os dados foram submetidos a análises de regressões simples e de correlação. Concluiu-se que: a matéria orgânica da serrapilheira interfere de forma positiva nos atributos físicos do solo, melhorando sua qualidade estrutural; a presença das árvores interfere no valor nutritivo do capim-braquiária, possibilitando aumento dos teores de PB e FDN e reduzindo a DIVMS.
Avaliação do potencial de utilização da madeira de Schizolobium amazonicum "Paricá" e Cecropia hololeuca "Embaúba" para produção de painéis cimento-madeira
Authors: Iwakiri Setsuo , Silva Leandro Soares da , Trianoski Rosilani , Bonduelle Ghislaine Miranda , Rocha Vinicius Yurk da
Published: November 2012

Nesta pesquisa, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial de utilização da madeira de Schizolobium amazonicum "Paricá" e Cecropia hololeuca "Embaúba" para produção de painéis cimento-madeira. Foram produzidos painéis experimentais com densidade nominal de 1.200 kg/m³, utilizando cimento CP V ARI como aglutinante mineral e partículas de madeira sem tratamento e com tratamentos de imersão em água fria 12 horas, em água quente 6 horas e em hidróxido de sódio 2 horas. Os painéis foram prensados com pressão específica de 40 kgf/cm², a temperatura ambiente, tempo de prensagem / grampeamento de 24 horas e tempo de maturação de 28 dias. Os resultados das avaliações de propriedades de absorção de água, inchamento em espessura, ligação interna, módulo de elasticidade e módulo de ruptura demonstraram que as madeiras de Schizolobium amazonicum "Paricá" e Cecropia hololeuca "Embaúba", são tecnicamente viáveis para a produção de painéis cimento-madeira. Constatou-se também que os painéis de embaúba apresentam algumas propriedades superiores aos de paricá, e as partículas não necessitam obrigatoriamente de tratamentos.
Efeito do ambiente sobre a densidade da madeira em diferentes fitosionomias do Estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel Marcos Vieira , Mello José Márcio de , Trugilho Paulo Fernando , Scolforo José Roberto Soares , Altoé Thiza Falqueto , Silva Neto Antônio José da , Oliveira Antônio Donizette de
Published: November 2012

Existem importantes fatores ambientais que afetam diretamente a taxa de crescimento das espécies florestais, que podem provocar alterações em suas propriedades e, por sua vez, afetar a densidade da madeira. Como a ocorrência das diferentes fitofisionomias está relacionada a fatores ambientais característicos, neste trabalho, objetivou-se verificar o comportamento geral da densidade da madeira das espécies arbóreas nativas, frente a essas diferentes condições de crescimento no estado de Minas Gerais. Os dados de cubagem rigorosa das árvores foram obtidos do Inventário Florestal de Minas Gerais. Foram utilizados dados de 1988 árvores nas diversas fisionomias florestais. De cada árvore foram retirados cinco discos de madeira nas posições 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% da altura total. A densidade básica de cada disco foi determinada segundo a norma NBR 7190/1997. As fitofisionomias ombrófila, semidecídua, cerradão, cerrado típico e decídua apresentaram, respectivamente, médias de densidade da madeira de 0,502; 0,561; 0,585; 0,612 e 0,675 g.cm-3, todas estatisticamente distintas. Foi encontrada uma relação clara e coerente da densidade da madeira com as características edafoclimáticas que condicionam as diferentes fitofisionomias no estado de Minas Gerais. As fisionomias florestais apresentam condições ambientais tão características, que afetam a composição florística e, também, a atividade fisiológica e cambial das plantas, ocasionando densidades da madeira próprias às formações florestais.
Caracterização de uma floresta estacional semidecidual em Varginha, MG. E comparação com remanescentes da região
Authors: Naves Rafaela Pereira , Berg Eduardo van den
Published: November 2012

Foi realizado o levantamento florístico e fitossociológico na porção mais extensa de mata no Parque Florestal Municipal São Francisco de Assis, na cidade de Varginha, sul de Minas Gerais. A área tem cerca de 10 ha e é cortada por um pequeno córrego. Foram lançadas 25 parcelas de 20m x 20m e medidos e cadastrados todos os indivíduos arbóreos com DAP > 5cm. Foram encontrados 1568 indivíduos que, juntos, somaram área basal de 23,65 m², sendo registrados 102 espécies, 72 gêneros e 42 famílias no levantamento fitossociológico e 111 espécies, 77 gêneros e 43 famílias no levantamento florístico. As famílias com maior número de espécies foram Myrtaceae, Fabaceae e Melastomataceae. As espécies de maior valor de importância foram Casearia arborea, Copaifera langsdorffii, Tachigali rugosa e Myrcia splendens. Os resultados encontrados são os esperados para as Florestas Estacionais Semideciduais da região.
Variação da umidade do material combustível florestal em função de índices de perigo de incêndios
Authors: Pereira José Fernando , Batista Antonio Carlos , Soares Ronaldo Viana
Published: November 2012

Esta pesquisa foi realizada em plantios de Pinus elliotii localizados na Estação Florestal Experimental de Rio Negro-Paraná, pertencente à Universidade Federal do Paraná com os objetivos de analisar as correlações entre a umidade dos combustíveis florestais finos e os índices de perigo de incêndios FMA e FMA+ e desenvolver modelos para estimar a umidade dos materiais combustíveis baseados nesses índices. As variáveis meteorológicas utilizadas na pesquisa foram obtidas junto à estação meteorológica do Instituto SIMEPAR e de um pluviógrafo e de um termohigrógrafo instalados na área do experimento. Os combustíveis florestais foram coletados em parcelas de 30 cm x 30 cm, classificados por diâmetro (< 0,7 cm Ø - A e de 0,7 a 2,5 cm Ø - B) e em função da posição na manta (camada superficial - AA, intermediária - AB e inferior - AC). A espessura da manta formada pelos combustíveis acamados sobre o piso florestal variou entre 14,8 e 15,3 cm. A quantidade total de material combustível variou entre 3185,50 e 4266,01 g.m-2. Os índices de perigo de incêndios FMA e FMA+ foram calculados diariamente e os valores obtidos nos dias das coletas dos combustíveis foram usados para as análises de correlações e ajustes das funções estimativas. Os coeficientes de correlação entre umidade relativa e classes de combustível foram 0,42; 0,36; 0,32 e 0,41 para o AA, AB, AC, e as classes B, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de correlação entre a precipitação e as classes de combustível foram 0,57; 0,38; 0,34; e 0,15 para o AA, AB, AC e as classes B, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de correlação entre as classes de combustível eo + FMA foram -0,53; -0,56; -0,63; e 0,81 para o B classes, AB, AA, e AC, respectivamente. O + FMA foi a variável mais eficiente no desenvolvimento de modelagem para estimar a umidade de combustível morto. A umidade dos materiais combustíveis finos apresentou correlações estatisticamente significativas com as variáveis umidade relativa do ar e precipitação e com os índices de perigo de incêndios FMA e FMA+. No desenvolvimento dos modelos para a estimativa de umidade dos materiais a variável mais importante observada nos ajustes foi o FMA+.
Suplementação de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados ômega-3 reduz marcadores inflamatórios e melhora a ação da insulina em fígado de camundongos
Authors: Luz Gabrielle da , Silva Sabrina da , Marques Schérolin , Luciano Thaís Fernandes , Souza Cláudio Teodoro de
Published: November 2012

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da suplementação do ácido graxo poliinsaturado ômega-3 (n3) sobre a sinalização da insulina e via próinflamatória no tecido hepático de camundongos. MÉTODOS: Camundongos Swiss foram divididos em seis grupos que receberam, por gavagem esofágica, diferentes doses de óleo de peixe contendo ômega-3 (1mg, 5mg, 10mg e 50mg). O grupo-controle recebeu água. Para determinar os efeitos do ômega-3 dependentes de dose e tempo, a glicemia de jejum foi avaliada nos dias 0 (sem suplementação), 14 e 21 (após suplementação). Como o grupo n-3-21dias (21 dias de suplementação) apresentou menor nível de glicemia, esse intervalo de tempo foi selecionado para as análises moleculares. Após jejum de 8 horas, amostras do tecido hepático foram obtidas do grupo-controle, e n-3-21dias e análises das vias de sinalização da insulina e próinflamatória foram realizadas por western blot. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que a dose de 10mg induziu maior redução na glicemia no 14° e no 21° dias quando comparada às demais doses. Dessa forma, essa foi a dose utilizada nos experimentos de análises moleculares e foi a que diminuiu de forma significativa a fosforilação da c-Jun n-terminal quinase e quinase e níveis proteicos do fator de transcrição Kappa B. Em paralelo, foi observado aumento na fosforilação do receptor da insulina, substrato do receptor de insulina 1 e proteína quinase B. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo sugere que o ômega-3 induza melhora na via de sinalização da insulina no fígado de camundongos, pelo menos em parte, por reduzir inflamação. Esses resultados podem explicar menores níveis de glicose de jejum.
Fundamentos do 'Paradigma Metodológico Causal' nas ciências sociais
Authors: Marino Juan Mario Fandiño
Published: November 2012

O presente ensaio trata da lógica subjacente dos chamados 'métodos quantitativos' nas ciências sociais. A especificação desta lógica subjacente se enquadra na tentativa de estabelecer a existência de uma lógica unitária abrangente para as duas abordagens mais gerais da metodologia nas ciências sociais, a saber, a qualitativa e a quantitativa. Esta lógica unitária é procurada a partir da noção de 'paradigmas científicos' de T. Kuhn (1975), sendo que as questões metodológicas representam, por 'hipótese de trabalho', um caso especial de paradigma científico, diferenciando-se dos outros paradigmas na ausência de generalizações simbólicas, anomalias, e 'revoluções', e pelo papel substantivo dos modelos procedimentais, principalmente de fornecimento de evidências. Com este objetivo, o trabalho realiza uma revisão esquemática dos paradigmas Kuhnianos, e depois analisa a tradição metodológica chamada quantitativa nas ciências sociais - especialmente na sociologia - , à luz de tais paradigmas, cunhando a expressão 'paradigma metodológico causal' (PMC). Através, pois, do enquadramento paradigmático das duas abordagens (sendo que a dos métodos qualitativos ainda é deixada para o futuro desta linha de pesquisa), será possível verificar se a interface entre as duas abordagens responde a uma lógica 'metodológica' unitária subjacente; em caso afirmativo se reduziriam - ou até se eliminariam - as respostas conflitantes sobre questões de escolha e combinações entre os dois tipos de práticas, subsidiando a formalização de estratégias do tipo 'quali-quanti'. Note-se, finalmente, que a lógica subjacente ao PMC envolve a combinação da noção de causa, lato sensu, com o modelo experimental e seus desdobramentos, sem que isto pressuponha que o papel instrumental dos métodos qualitativos no próprio PMC passe pela noção de causa, ou pela experimentação, ou por comparações do tipo que for.
La ciudadanía como co-construcción de espacios de participación en lo público
Authors: Mejías Sandia Carlos , Henríquez Rojas Pamela
Published: November 2012

Ser ciudadano significa tener consciencia de su rol transformador y emancipador, comprometido con la igualdad y partícipe de un proyecto colectivo. La nueva ciudadanía no difiere de ello pero le agrega el componente de co-construcción colectiva que posibilita la ampliación de las articulaciones entre sí y con el Estado para ejercer ciudadanía desde lo local permitiendo potenciar canales de participación y de ejercicio de la ciudadanía configurando un nuevo escenario co-participativo y más democrático.
Performance of granular columns in dispersive soils
Authors: Nayak Sitaram , Dheerendra Babu M. R. , Shivashankar R. , James Naveen
Published: November 2012

The soils found abundantly along the Konkan belt in peninsular India are lateritic soils and lithomargic clays. The locally available lithomargic clayey soils are problematic in the sense that their strength reduces drastically under saturation conditions, which is typical behaviour of the dispersive type of soil. Most foundations are placed on this soil layer. This paper presents results from a series of laboratory plate load tests carried out in unit cell tanks to investigate the behaviour of granular columns in these weak (lithomargic clay) grounds. Tests are carried out with two types of loading: with the entire area in the unit cell tank loaded, to estimate the stiffness of the improved ground; and with only the granular column area loaded, to estimate its limiting axial capacity. Investigations were carried out by varying the area ratio (or spacing), diameter of granular columns, end condition and column configuration. The load–settlement behaviour, stiffness and bulging behaviour of granular columns are analysed. It is found that the ground treated with granular columns exhibits a high load-carrying capacity and stiffness, and a significant reduction in settlement, compared with the untreated ground.
Displacement-based internal design of geosynthetic-reinforced earth structures subjected to seismic loading conditions
Authors: VAHEDIFARD F. , LESHCHINSKY D. , MEEHAN C.L.
Published: November 2012

A majority of the existing analytical approaches for displacement-based seismic design of geosynthetic-reinforced earth structures (GRESs) have been developed by considering only a translational mode of failure (external sliding stability), and consequently do not provide a means for assessing the seismic displacement of GRESs due to rotational movements (internal stability). Internal rotational failure can degenerate to a translational one should it be more critical; however, the reverse is not true, which makes rotational failure a more generic mechanism. To address this issue, this paper presents a new analytical–numerical framework for the displacement-based design of GRESs, which assesses the potential for earthquake-induced displacements via an internal stability (rotational) failure mechanism. For design purposes, in order to determine the superimposed force in the reinforcement due to seismicity and its associated displacement, the proposed approach examines two limiting conditions: (a) the upper-bound force that can be mobilised in the reinforcement, as determined by pseudo-static limit equilibrium; and (b) the force that can be induced in the reinforcement by a given earthquake acceleration applied over a finite time increment. Either condition satisfies equilibrium. The prevailing seismically induced force and displacement in the reinforcement for each time increment are determined by selecting the smaller value that results from these two conditions. As an auxiliary tool, a set of pullout simulations was performed using finite-element analysis in order to relate the force and displacement in the geosynthetic reinforcement for various geosynthetic stiffnesses. To illustrate the application of the proposed method, a design example using a Kobe earthquake record is presented. For this example, the superimposed force in the reinforcement due to seismicity, the seismic displacement, and the seismic rotation are calculated. The required unfactored geosynthetic strength is then determined using a uniform distribution function.
Ecosystem effects of shell aggregations and cycling in coastal waters: an example of Chesapeake Bay oyster reefs
Authors: Waldbusser George G. , Powell Eric N. , Mann Roger
Published: November 2012

Disease, overharvesting, and pollution have impaired the role of bivalves on coastal ecosystems, some to the point of functional extinction. An underappreciated function of many bivalves in these systems is shell formation. The ecological significance of bivalve shell has been recognized; geochemical effects are now more clearly being understood. A positive feedback exists between shell aggregations and healthy bivalve populations in temperate estuaries, thus linking population dynamics to shell budgets and alkalinity cycling. On oyster reefs a balanced shell budget requires healthy long‐lived bivalves to maximize shell input per mortality event thereby countering shell loss. Active and dense populations of filter‐feeding bivalves couple production of organic‐rich waste with precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals, creating conditions favorable for alkalinity regeneration. Although the dynamics of these processes are not well described, the balance between shell burial and metabolic acid production seems the key to the extent of alkalinity production vs. carbon burial as shell. We present an estimated alkalinity budget that highlights the significant role oyster reefs once played in the Chesapeake Bay inorganic‐carbon cycle. Sustainable coastal and estuarine bivalve populations require a comprehensive understanding of shell budgets and feedbacks among population dynamics, agents of shell destruction, and anthropogenic impacts on coastal carbonate chemistry.
Seed source affects establishment and survival for three grassland species sown into reciprocal common gardens
Authors: Carter Daniel L. , Blair John M.
Published: November 2012

The source of plant material can affect the successful establishment and subsequent survival of plant species in restoration. Sometimes a local advantage is assumed or advocated, but research to date is equivocal on the relative success of local versus non‐local plant sources in restoration. Global change, which is altering environmental conditions broadly and within local sites, raises additional questions regarding whether local sources will consistently perform best in the future. We investigated the effects of seed source (local vs. non‐local) on the performance of three grassland species across variable environments using reciprocal common gardens in three states (Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma). In order to mimic the restoration of grassland vegetation from seed under realistic conditions where species interact with one‐another during establishment, we focused on three species (Elymus canadensis, Oligoneuron rigidum, and Sorghastrum nutans) that were seeded together into communities with nine additional grassland species, simultaneously and identically manipulating source for all species. Both common garden site and seed source affected initial (first year) establishment in terms of density and survival, but responses differed among seed sources and were not consistent among species. No seed source, including local, had a consistent advantage. Effects of seed source on initial density, in addition to survival, suggest that experiments utilizing transplants might miss important effects of seed source on establishment and that the relative performance of different sources within a single site or that of any one species across sites cannot be easily generalized.
Rheological and Kinetic Characterization of UV Photopolymerizable Formulations as a Function of the Boehmite Nanoparticle Content
Authors: Frigione M. , Esposito Corcione C.
Published: November 2012

Several innovative photopolymerizable siloxane-modified acrylic formulations were characterized, both in
presence or absence of organically Boehmite (OMB) nanoparticles, in order to assess their rheological and kinetic
behavior. The experimental formulations were mainly intended for the surface protection of porous stones or wood
elements. The importance of the experimental investigation lies in the specific requirements necessary for the proposed
applications, i.e. the innovative UV coatings developed should possess adequate viscosity, photopolymerization reaction
rate and time. The kinetics of the radical photopolymerization mechanism, induced by UV radiations, was studied by
calorimetric analysis and FTIR spectroscopy as function of the mixtures composition and test conditions (air or nitrogen
atmosphere). The addition of a silane coupling agent or a high molecular weight polysiloxane monomer to the acrylic
resin was found to reduce the heat of reaction. On the other hand, the presence of Boehmite nanoparticles in the UV
photopolymerizable formulations does not seem to modify the reactivity of the siloxane-modified acrylic formulations.
The effect of the presence of oxygen on the kinetic reaction was also investigated and correlated to the composition of the
systems. Finally, the viscosity of the formulations was studied at ambient temperature with a parallel plates rheomether as
a function of composition and shear rate. The viscosity curves were also fitted according to theoretical models as function
of shear rate and composition, obtaining a good agreement between experimental data and model predictions.
The Morality of Motoring
Authors: Weber Donald
Published: November 2012

The emergence of the automobile in Belgium from 1895 onwards brutally disrupted the traditional social order on the roads, transforming social practices and the order of society from the mundane-the everyday use of transport-to the more rarified-urban planning and the use of public space. In this article, we will deal with the earliest history of motorization in Belgium. We will analyze motorization as a process of interaction between a specific set of social actors, and focus on its outcome: modern traffic policy as a conflict-management strategy. It is argued that traffic policy evolved from an originally moral strategy into a technical strategy, as engineers and the public road administration introduced Foucauldian approaches in order to discipline the traffic system.
Travelling Detectives
Authors: Huck Christian
Published: November 2012

This article is concerned with travelling detectives in two different but related senses. On the one hand, it considers the relevance of trains and other vehicles of mobility for detective fiction, both as a topic of fiction and a place of consumption. On the other hand, it registers that detective fiction has to “travel“ in a more abstract sense before the reading traveler can enjoy it. German publishers appropriated the genre, originally a nineteenth-century American and British invention, at the beginning of the twentieth century. Based on contemporary observations by German cultural critics Walter Benjamin and Siegfried Kracauer, the essay examines German crime-fiction dime novels from the interwar period, compares them to their American predecessors, and analyzes their relationship to mobility and cultural transfer. The text argues that the spatial mobility of the fictional detective is only possible in a specific cultural environment to which the moving but corporeally immobile reader has to be transferred imaginatively.
"River Flow, Sewer Flow, Street Flow
Authors: Sawchuk Kim , Thulin Samuel
Published: November 2012

River Flow, Sewer Flow, Street Flow is a location-based, interactive mobile soundscape originally presented in Old Montreal at DHC-ART1 as part of the exhibition Lost Rivers: La Petite St. Pierre. The exhibition took up mobility as a curatorial challenge and featured videos and photographs by underground explorer Andrew Emond and sound compositions by Samuel Thulin. The exhibition thematically resurrected the historic water systems that once traversed the island of Montreal. Daylighting is the process of bringing creeks, streams, and rivers that were buried during the industrial period to the surface. Lost Rivers invited participants to daylight the meandering contours of La Petite St. Pierre virtually on a wintery Montreal night.
Under the Waves
Authors: Mauranen Katariina
Published: November 2012

Maritime Centre Vellamo, Tornatorintie 99, Katariina Mauranen, Imperial College London, Kotka, Finland
Admission: €8/4
http://www.merikeskusvellamo.fi/en
“Spoils of Riches” is open from 25 April to 2 December 2012