Comparative range use by three Atlantic Forest understorey bird species in relation to forest fragmentation

In this paper, we report on range use patterns of birds in relation to tropical forest fragmentation. Between 2003 and 2005, three understorey passerine species were radio-tracked in five locations of a fragmented and in two locations of a contiguous forest landscape on the Atlantic Plateau of Sao Paulo in south-eastern Brazil. Standardized ten-day home ranges of 55 individuals were used to determine influences of landscape pattern, season, species, sex and age. In addition, total observed home ranges of 76 individuals were reported as minimum measures of spatial requirements of the species. Further, seasonal home ranges of recaptured individuals were compared to examine site fidelity. Chiroxiphia caudata, but not Pyriglena leucoptera or Sclerurus scansor, used home ranges more than twice as large in the fragmented versus contiguous forest. Home range sizes of C. caudata differed in relation to sex, age, breeding status and season. Seasonal home ranges greatly overlapped in both C. caudata and in S. scansor. Our results suggest that one response by some forest bird species to habitat fragmentation entails enlarging their home ranges to include several habitat fragments, whereas more habitat-sensitive species remain restricted to larger forest patches.

Movements of neotropical understory passerines affected by anthropogenic forest edges in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

Edge effects are suggested to have great impact on the persistence of species in fragmented landscapes. We tested edge avoidance by forest understory passerines in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest and also compared their mobility and movement patterns in contiguous and fragmented landscapes to assess whether movements would increase in the fragmented landscape. Between 2003 and 2005, 96 Chiroxiphia caudata, 38 Pyriglena leucoptera and 27 Sclerurus scansor were radio-tracked. The most strictly forest species C. caudata and S scansor avoided forest edges while P leucoptera showed affinities for the edge Both sensitive species showed larger mean step length and maximal observed daily distance in the fragmented forest versus the unfragmented forest. P. leucoptera did not show any significant difference. There were no significant differences in proportional daily home range use for any of the three species. Our results suggested that fragmentation and the consequent increase in edge areas do influence movement behavior of sensitive forest understory birds that avoided the use of edges and increased the speed and distance they covered daily. For the most restricted forest species, it would be advisable to protect larger patches of forest instead of many small or medium fragments connected by narrow corridors. However, by comparing our data with that obtained earlier, we concluded that movement behavior of resident birds differs from that of dispersing birds and might not allow to infer functional connectivity or landscape-scale sensitivity to fragmentation; a fact that should be taken into consideration when suggesting conservation strategies. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Divulgação de informações voluntárias em relatórios financeiros e seu relacionamento com a estrutura das empresas e características dos contabilistas

Este estudo tem três objetivos básicos. O primeiro consiste em avaliar o nível de divulgação de inrormaç6es voluntárias nos relatórios financeiros anuais de companhias abertas industriais c a sua evolução no tempo. O segundo refere-se a verificação da associação do nível do divulgação de informações com o tamanho das empresas e o interesse em inovação e satisfação no trabalho dos responsáveis pela elaboração de relatórios financeiros anuais. Finalmente, pretende-se examinar a relação que existe entre a de divulgação de informaç6es voluntárias c frequência o grau de importância dos itens de informação atribuído por analistas financeiros c por responsáveis pela elaboração de relatórios financeiros anuais. Para isso replicou-se 3 hipóteses da pesquisa de ALMEIDA (1988) o, no que se refere a extensão da pesquisa. formulou-se 3 hipóteses que tentam explicar as variações no nível de divulgação de informações voluntárias. Os dados necessários para testar as hipóteses foram obtidos de duas formas. Para avaliar o nível de divulgação de informações voluntárias foram solicitados os relatórios financeiros, relativos ao exercício findo om 1987, Junto a 26 empresas industriais com seda administrativa em Santa Catarina, que tem suas ações negociadas em Bolsa de Valores, escolhidas intencionalmente. No que concerne a parte relativa a aspectos pessoais e comportamentais dos responsáveis pela elaboração de relatórios financeiros anuais, realizou-se uma entrevista estruturada com os profissionais que exercem esta função nessas empresas. As associações foram analisadas através da aplicação do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Os resultados alcançados indicam que o nível do divulgação de informações voluntárias não é elevado, mas aumentou no ano do 1987 em relação ao período 1984-86. A análise dos coeficientes do correlação revelou que existe uma associação do nível de divulgação de informações com o tamanho das empresas e o interesse em inovação dos contabilistas no trabalho. Além disso, foi verificada uma relação positiva entre a frequência de divulgação dos itens de Informação e o grau de importância a eles atribuído pelos contabilistas e analistas financeiros.

Reproductive biology in the primitive relic Angiosperm Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)

From field observations on Drimys brasiliensis, principally in the Botucatu region of São Paulo State, Brazil, new data on the reproductive biology, the rhythm of growth, and the development of lateral cymose inflorescences, flowers and fruits are presented. Pollination accelerates the rate of flower-development for about 4-6 days. Pollination experiments show that D. brasiliensis is not self-sterile; because of mechanical devices the sticky pollen grains do not normally come into contact with the stigmata unless an animal pollen vector is involved. The pollinators are diurnal Coleoptera, Diptera and Thysanoptera which eat from the pollen, lick from the stigmatic exudates and (in case of the flies) probably also from the staminal glands. Fruit- and seedeaters are birds which seem to be the main dispersal agents. Establishment of new individuals normally is through seedlings, but also by vegetative propagation through plagiotropous branches which may root and separate from the mother plant. The morphological, developmental and reproductive aspects in D. brasiliensis are discussed in a wider context, compared with data from other Magnoliidae, and related to aspects of early Angiosperm evolution. © 1980 Springer-Verlag.

Movimento Xingu Vivo Para Sempre: ações, reivindicações e estratégias

Esta dissertação desenvolve uma análise sobre um movimento social denominado Movimento Xingu Vivo Para Sempre, observado com base em suas ações e nas dos atores sociais que o integram. Como metodologia utilizamos o estudo de caso e como técnicas metodológicas para atingir nosso objetivo, optamos pelas entrevistas semi-estruturadas e observação-participante. A principal categoria analítica são os movimentos sociais, que analisamos sob a ótica dos Novos Movimentos Sociais, tendo por base autoras como Glória Gohn e Ilse Scherer-Warren. Além disso, utilizamos alguns conceitos, como: redes de movimentos sociais e estrutura de oportunidades, sendo o último desenvolvido por Tarrow. O objetivo principal foi produzir uma análise sobre o Movimento Xingu Vivo Para Sempre, a partir de suas ações, estratégias e reivindicações, atentando para a estrutura de oportunidades na qual esse processo ocorre. Como objetivos específicos tivemos: reflexão sobre a dinâmica do movimento social estudado a partir de sua história; análise da composição do movimento e sua forma de organização; e análise da relação entre o movimento e os vários segmentos sociais atingidos pela UHE Belo Monte; análise da relação entre o movimento e os distintos setores e instituições estatais. Ficou evidenciado em nossa pesquisa que o Movimento Xingu Vivo Para Sempre é uma rede de movimentos sociais que sofreu diversas transformações, com destaque para o rompimento e a saída da maior parte das entidades integrantes da rede em 2009. A histórica fragilidade institucional da região, que se reflete na carência de serviços públicos, contribui para a legitimação do movimento na condição de um canal de denúncias e contraposição. Todavia, mais do que apresentar um projeto de desenvolvimento alternativo, o movimento atua em uma conduta defensiva contra a construção de barragens na bacia do rio Xingu e Amazônia como um todo, através de outra rede denominada Aliança dos Rios Pan-amazônicos. Constatamos também que a relação com os distintos grupos sociais atingidos é prejudicada pela criminalização empreendida contra o movimento, bem como pelo pequeno número de militantes que o integram, desde as transformações ocorridas a partir de 2009. Por fim, analisamos que, não obstante a oposição frontal ao executivo, o movimento tem articulações em outras esferas estatais, especialmente no judiciário, com destaque para a Defensoria Pública do Pará e o Ministério Público Federal.

Índice de contaminação: novo parâmetro para análise de metais e de pesticidas no sangue materno e do cordão umbilical

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Reaktivität von Dihypersilylhalogenorganylplumbanen

Organylhalogenide RX reagieren formal gemäß einer oxidativen 1,1-Addition mit Dihypersilylplumbylen) PbHyp2 zu Dihypersilyl-halogenorganylplumbanen PbHyp2RX. Diese Umsetzung gelingt mit nahezu allen untersuchten Organylresten, lediglich beispielsweise der Mesitylrest erweist sich als zu sperrig (R = Me, Et, nPr, iPr, tBu, Hx, cHx, Ad, Ph, C6F5, oTo, mTo, pTo, Naph, Anthr).rnrnFür einige Halogenorganyle wird eine analoge Addition auch an das zinnhomologe Dihypersilylstannylen beschrieben.rnrnDie untersuchten Addukte sind thermisch und gegenüber UV-Strahlung, Sauerstoff und Wasser deutlich weniger empfindlich als vergleichbare andere blei- und zinnorganische Verbindungen.rnrnUmfangreiche NMR-Datensätze beschreiben eine markante Hoch-feldverschiebung der Hypersilylprotonen beim Übergang von PbHyp2 hin zu PbHyp2RX, die für Arylreste stärker ausfällt als für Alkylreste.rnrnEin Großteil der Addukte wurde einkristallin erhalten und wird anhand der röntgendiffraktometrisch ermittelten Strukturparameter detailliert charakterisiert. rnrnEs finden sich gegenüber dem idealen Tetraderwinkel auffällig stark aufgeweitete Si Pb Si-Winkel von 130-143°, während die anderen Winkel mehrheitlich unter dem theoretischen Idealwert bleiben (Si Pb X: 94 103°; Si Pb C: 98-112°; C Pb X: 95-103°). Insbesondere größere, weichere Reste und planare Arylplumbane rücken näher an das Halogen heran.rnDie insgesamt recht hohen Blei-Halogen-Abstände nehmen von den Chloriden hin zu den Iodiden zu. Die Iodoplumbane zeigen dabei generell die kleinsten Pb Si und die größten Pb C Abstände. Alkylplumbane weisen längere Pb C Bindungen auf als ansonsten vergleichbare Arylplumbane.rnrnViele der gefundenen Molekülstrukturen zeigen Anzeichen hoher sterischer Spannung in Form von Substituentenverzerrungen. rnrnDie Bildungsgeschwindigkeit der Addukte ist auch bei tiefen Temperaturen hoch. Sie nimmt von X = Cl über Br hin zu I zu und ist für Alkylreste höher als für Aryle. Die Zerfallsgeschwindigkeiten verhalten sich genau entgegengesetzt. Bei den Thermolysen wird regelmäßig Hypersilylhalogenid eliminiert. Dabei entstehen in Abwesenheit koordinierender Solventien Dihypersilyl-diorganylplumbane PbHyp2R2.rnAndere, unbekannte Zerfallskanäle führen zu unerwarteten Produkten, wie dem Iodonium-verbrückten, cyclischen Tetraplumbetan Pb4I(C6F5)Hyp3.rnrnIn Anwesenheit von Lewis-Basen hingegen können sich hetero-leptische Plumbylene bilden, wie am Beispiel eines Bitolyldiylbisplumbylens gezeigt wird. Dieses zeigt auch, dass prinzipiell eine zweifache Addition von Dihalogenorganylen an zwei Äqui-valente Dihypersilylplumbylen möglich ist. Entsprechende Untersuchungen beschäftigen sich ausführlich mit dafür geeigneten und ungeeigneten Organdiylresten.rnrnUnter günstigen reduktiven Bedingungen lassen sich mittels Metal-lierungsreagenz aus den Dihypersilylhalogenorganylplumbanen unter Halogenidentzug Plumbanide erhalten, die in Form getrennter Ionenpaare isolierbar sind. Diese lassen sich in Ana-logie zu den zuvor beschriebenen Plumbanen ebenfalls als Addukt aus Dihypersilylplumbylen und Lithiumorganylen darstellen.rnrnUnter geeigneten speziellen Bedingungen sind neben metallierten auch formal hydridierte Halogenplumbanide zugänglich.rnrnEntsprechend einer geringen Hybridisierung am zentralen Blei-atom, also eines hohen p-AO-Charakters der bindenden Molekülorbitale und s-AO-Charakters des LEP-Orbitals ergeben sich keine trigonal-planaren, sondern Strukturen mit Substituenten-winkeln sogar nahe bei 90°. Die Bindungslängen zum Blei sind deutlich größere als bei den entsprechenden Halogenplumbanen.rnrnEin besonderes Augenmerk der Arbeit liegt auf der Betrachtung von langlebigen und persistenten heteroleptischen Plumbyl-Radikalen, die durch milde Oxidation mittels PbNsi23) aus den Dihypersilylorganylplumbaniden erhalten werden. Während bislang nur homoleptische Vertreter bekannt waren, die aufgrund des sterischen Anspruchs der Substituenten und aufgrund von Hyperkonjugation von axialsymmetrischer nahezu planarer Geometrie sind, findet sich für die heteroleptischen Plumbyle dieser Arbeit eine stärker pyramidale Geometrie. Ausführlich diskutierte EPR-Experimente liefern Spektren, die gut mit Simulationen für die entsprechenden Radikale übereinstimmen.rnrnDie im Zentrum der Betrachtungen dieser Arbeit stehenden Dihypersilylhalogenorganylplumbane stellen somit einen aussichtsreichen und darüber hinaus persistenten und gut zu handhabenden Ausgangspunkt bei der Darstellung neuartiger und interessanter Spezies dar.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of a novel mutation in POLG associated with Alpers syndrome

Background DNA polymerase γ (POLG) is the only known mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase. It mediates mtDNA replication and base excision repair. Mutations in the POLG gene lead to reduction of functional mtDNA (mtDNA depletion and/or deletions) and are therefore predicted to result in defective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Many mutations map to the polymerase and exonuclease domains of the enzyme and produce a broad clinical spectrum. The most frequent mutation p.A467T is localised in the linker region between these domains. In compound heterozygote patients the p.A467T mutation has been described to be associated amongst others with fatal childhood encephalopathy. These patients have a poorer survival rate compared to homozygotes. Methods mtDNA content in various tissues (fibroblasts, muscle and liver) was quantified using quantitative PCR (qPCR). OXPHOS activities in the same tissues were assessed using spectrophotometric methods and catalytic stain of BN-PAGE. Results We characterise a novel splice site mutation in POLG found in trans with the p.A467T mutation in a 3.5 years old boy with valproic acid induced acute liver failure (Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome). These mutations result in a tissue specific depletion of the mtDNA which correlates with the OXPHOS-activities. Conclusions mtDNA depletion can be expressed in a high tissue-specific manner and confirms the need to analyse primary tissue. Furthermore, POLG analysis optimises clinical management in the early stages of disease and reinforces the need for its evaluation before starting valproic acid treatment.

The location of the primary entry tear in acute type B aortic dissection affects early outcome

The goal of the retrospective study was to relate the site of the primary entry tear in acute type B aortic dissections to the presence or development of complications.

Multicentre evaluation of a new point-of-care test for the determination of NT-proBNP in whole blood

BACKGROUND: The Roche CARDIAC proBNP point-of-care (POC) test is the first test intended for the quantitative determination of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in whole blood as an aid in the diagnosis of suspected congestive heart failure, in the monitoring of patients with compensated left-ventricular dysfunction and in the risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: A multicentre evaluation was carried out to assess the analytical performance of the POC NT-proBNP test at seven different sites. RESULTS: The majority of all coefficients of variation (CVs) obtained for within-series imprecision using native blood samples was below 10% for both 52 samples measured ten times and for 674 samples measured in duplicate. Using quality control material, the majority of CV values for day-to-day imprecision were below 14% for the low control level and below 13% for the high control level. In method comparisons for four lots of the POC NT-proBNP test with the laboratory reference method (Elecsys proBNP), the slope ranged from 0.93 to 1.10 and the intercept ranged from 1.8 to 6.9. The bias found between venous and arterial blood with the POC NT-proBNP method was < or =5%. All four lots of the POC NT-proBNP test investigated showed excellent agreement, with mean differences of between -5% and +4%. No significant interference was observed with lipaemic blood (triglyceride concentrations up to 6.3 mmol/L), icteric blood (bilirubin concentrations up to 582 micromol/L), haemolytic blood (haemoglobin concentrations up to 62 mg/L), biotin (up to 10 mg/L), rheumatoid factor (up to 42 IU/mL), or with 50 out of 52 standard or cardiological drugs in therapeutic concentrations. With bisoprolol and BNP, somewhat higher bias in the low NT-proBNP concentration range (<175 ng/L) was found. Haematocrit values between 28% and 58% had no influence on the test result. Interference may be caused by human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) types 1 and 2. No significant influence on the results with POC NT-proBNP was found using volumes of 140-165 muL. High NT-proBNP concentrations above the measuring range of the POC NT-proBNP test did not lead to false low results due to a potential high-dose hook effect. CONCLUSIONS: The POC NT-proBNP test showed good analytical performance and excellent agreement with the laboratory method. The POC NT-proBNP assay is therefore suitable in the POC setting.

Disagreements in meta-analyses using outcomes measured on continuous or rating scales: observer agreement study

OBJECTIVE: To study the inter-observer variation related to extraction of continuous and numerical rating scale data from trial reports for use in meta-analyses. DESIGN: Observer agreement study. DATA SOURCES: A random sample of 10 Cochrane reviews that presented a result as a standardised mean difference (SMD), the protocols for the reviews and the trial reports (n=45) were retrieved. DATA EXTRACTION: Five experienced methodologists and five PhD students independently extracted data from the trial reports for calculation of the first SMD result in each review. The observers did not have access to the reviews but to the protocols, where the relevant outcome was highlighted. The agreement was analysed at both trial and meta-analysis level, pairing the observers in all possible ways (45 pairs, yielding 2025 pairs of trials and 450 pairs of meta-analyses). Agreement was defined as SMDs that differed less than 0.1 in their point estimates or confidence intervals. RESULTS: The agreement was 53% at trial level and 31% at meta-analysis level. Including all pairs, the median disagreement was SMD=0.22 (interquartile range 0.07-0.61). The experts agreed somewhat more than the PhD students at trial level (61% v 46%), but not at meta-analysis level. Important reasons for disagreement were differences in selection of time points, scales, control groups, and type of calculations; whether to include a trial in the meta-analysis; and data extraction errors made by the observers. In 14 out of the 100 SMDs calculated at the meta-analysis level, individual observers reached different conclusions than the originally published review. CONCLUSIONS: Disagreements were common and often larger than the effect of commonly used treatments. Meta-analyses using SMDs are prone to observer variation and should be interpreted with caution. The reliability of meta-analyses might be improved by having more detailed review protocols, more than one observer, and statistical expertise.