bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APLP1 Is a Synaptic Cell Adhesion Molecule, Supporting Maintenance of Dendritic Spines and Basal Synaptic Transmission
Authors: Schilling Sandra , Mehr Annika , Ludewig Susann , Stephan Jonathan , Zimmermann Marius , August Alexander , Strecker Paul , Korte Martin , Koo Edward H. , Müller Ulrike C. , Kins Stefan , Eggert Simone
Published: April 2017

The amyloid precursor protein (APP), a key player in Alzheimer's disease, belongs to the family of synaptic adhesion molecules (SAMs) due to its impact on synapse formation and synaptic plasticity. These functions are mediated by both the secreted APP ectodomain that acts as a neurotrophic factor and full-length APP formingtrans-cellular dimers. Two homologs of APP exist in mammals: the APP like proteins APLP1 and APLP2, exhibiting functions that partly overlap with those of APP. Here we tested whether APLP1 and APLP2 also show features of SAMs. We found that all three family members were upregulated during postnatal development coinciding with synaptogenesis. We observed presynaptic and postsynaptic localization of all APP family members and could show that heterologous expression of APLP1 or APLP2 in non-neuronal cells induces presynaptic differentiation in contacting axons of cocultured neurons, similar to APP and other SAMs. Moreover, APP/APLPs all bind to synaptic-signaling molecules, such as MINT/X11. Furthermore, we report that aged APLP1 knock-out mice show impaired basal transmission and a reduced mEPSC frequency, likely resulting from reduced spine density. This demonstrates an essential nonredundant function of APLP1 at the synapse. Compared to APP, APLP1 exhibits increasedtrans-cellular binding and elevated cell-surface levels due to reduced endocytosis. In conclusion, our results establish that APLPs show typical features of SAMs and indicate that increased surface expression, as observed for APLP1, is essential for proper synapse formationin vitroand synapse maintenancein vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAccording to the amyloid-cascade hypothesis, Alzheimer's disease is caused by the accumulation of Aβ peptides derived from sequential cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase. Here we show that all mammalian APP family members (APP, APLP1, and APLP2) exhibit synaptogenic activity, involvingtrans-synaptic dimerization, similar to other synaptic cell adhesion molecules, such as Neuroligin/Neurexin. Importantly, our study revealed that the loss of APLP1, which is one of the major substrates of BACE1, causes reduced spine density in aged mice. Because some therapeutic interventions target APP processing (e.g., BACE inhibitors), those strategies may alter APP/APLP physiological function. This should be taken into account for the development of pharmaceutical treatments of Alzheimer's disease.
Multisensory Integration Uses a Real-Time Unisensory–Multisensory Transform
Authors: Miller Ryan L. , Stein Barry E. , Rowland Benjamin A.
Published: April 2017

The manner in which the brain integrates different sensory inputs to facilitate perception and behavior has been the subject of numerous speculations. By examining multisensory neurons in cat superior colliculus, the present study demonstrated that two operational principles are sufficient to understand how this remarkable result is achieved: (1) unisensory signals are integrated continuously and in real time as soon as they arrive at their common target neuron and (2) the resultant multisensory computation is modified in shape and timing by a delayed, calibrating inhibition. These principles were tested for descriptive sufficiency by embedding them in a neurocomputational model and using it to predict a neuron's moment-by-moment multisensory response given only knowledge of its responses to the individual modality-specific component cues. The predictions proved to be highly accurate, reliable, and unbiased and were, in most cases, not statistically distinguishable from the neuron's actual instantaneous multisensory response at any phase throughout its entire duration. The model was also able to explain why different multisensory products are often observed in different neurons at different time points, as well as the higher-order properties of multisensory integration, such as the dependency of multisensory products on the temporal alignment of crossmodal cues. These observations not only reveal this fundamental integrative operation, but also identify quantitatively the multisensory transform used by each neuron. As a result, they provide a means of comparing the integrative profiles among neurons and evaluating how they are affected by changes in intrinsic or extrinsic factors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMultisensory integration is the process by which the brain combines information from multiple sensory sources (e.g., vision and audition) to maximize an organism's ability to identify and respond to environmental stimuli. The actual transformative process by which the neural products of multisensory integration are achieved is poorly understood. By focusing on the millisecond-by-millisecond differences between a neuron's unisensory component responses and its integrated multisensory response, it was found that this multisensory transform can be described by two basic principles: unisensory information is integrated in real time and the multisensory response is shaped by calibrating inhibition. It is now possible to use these principles to predict a neuron's multisensory response accurately armed only with knowledge of its unisensory responses.
Spatial Attention, Motor Intention, and Bayesian Cue Predictability in the Human Brain
Authors: Kuhns Anna B. , Dombert Pascasie L. , Mengotti Paola , Fink Gereon R. , Vossel Simone
Published: April 2017

Predictions about upcoming events influence how we perceive and respond to our environment. There is increasing evidence that predictions may be generated based upon previous observations following Bayesian principles, but little is known about the underlying cortical mechanisms and their specificity for different cognitive subsystems. The present study aimed at identifying common and distinct neural signatures of predictive processing in the spatial attentional and motor intentional system. Twenty-three female and male healthy human volunteers performed two probabilistic cueing tasks with either spatial or motor cues while lying in the fMRI scanner. In these tasks, the percentage of cue validity changed unpredictably over time. Trialwise estimates of cue predictability were derived from a Bayesian observer model of behavioral responses. These estimates were included as parametric regressors for analyzing the BOLD time series. Parametric effects of cue predictability in valid and invalid trials were considered to reflect belief updating by precision-weighted prediction errors. The brain areas exhibiting predictability-dependent effects dissociated between the spatial attention and motor intention task, with the right temporoparietal cortex being involved during spatial attention and the left angular gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex during motor intention. Connectivity analyses revealed that all three areas showed predictability-dependent coupling with the right hippocampus. These results suggest that precision-weighted prediction errors of stimulus locations and motor responses are encoded in distinct brain regions, but that crosstalk with the hippocampus may be necessary to integrate new trialwise outcomes in both cognitive systems.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe brain is able to infer the environments' statistical structure and responds strongly to expectancy violations. In the spatial attentional domain, it has been shown that parts of the attentional networks are sensitive to the predictability of stimuli. It remains unknown, however, whether these effects are ubiquitous or if they are specific for different cognitive systems. The present study compared the influence of model-derived cue predictability on brain activity in the spatial attentional and motor intentional system. We identified areas with distinct predictability-dependent activation for spatial attention and motor intention, but also common connectivity changes of these regions with the hippocampus. These findings provide novel insights into the generality and specificity of predictive processing signatures in the human brain.
Heart Failure and Multimorbidity in Australian General Practice
Authors: Taylor Clare J. , Harrison Christopher , Britt Helena , Miller Graeme , Hobbs FD Richard
Published: April 2017

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a serious condition that mostly affects older people. Despite the ageing population experiencing an increased prevalence of many chronic conditions, current guidelines focus on isolated management of HF.

Objective

To describe the burden of multimorbidity in patients with HF being managed in general practice in Australia.

Design

Data from the Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health (BEACH) programme were used to determine (i) the prevalence of HF, (ii) the number of co-existing long-term conditions, and (iii) the most common disease combinations in patients with HF. The study was undertaken over fifteen, 5-week recording periods between November 2012 and March 2016.

Results

The dataset included a total of 25,790 general practitioner (GP) encounters with patients aged ≥45 years, collected by 1,445 GPs. HF had been diagnosed in 1,119 of these patients, a prevalence of 4.34% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.99–4.68) among patients at GP encounters, and 2.08% (95% CI 1.87–2.29) when applied to the general Australian population overall. HF rarely occurred in isolation, with 99.1% of patients having at least one and 53.4% having six or more other chronic illnesses. The most common pair of comorbidities among active patients with HF was hypertension and osteoarthritis (43.4%).

Conclusion

Overall, one in every 20–25 GP encounters with patients aged ≥45 years in Australia is with a patient with HF. Multimorbidity is a typical presentation among this patient group and guidelines for general practice must take this into account.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Update on pathogenesis of primary adrenal insufficiency: beyond steroid enzyme deficiency and autoimmune adrenal destruction
Authors: Flück Christa E
Published: April 2017

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is potentially life threatening, but rare. In children, genetic defects prevail whereas adults suffer more often from acquired forms of PAI. The spectrum of genetic defects has increased in recent years with the use of next-generation sequencing methods and now has reached far beyond genetic defects in all known enzymes of adrenal steroidogenesis. Cofactor disorders such as P450 oxidoreductase (POR) deficiency manifesting as a complex form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with a broad clinical phenotype have come to the fore. In patients with isolated familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD), in which no mutations in the genes for the ACTH receptor (MC2R) or its accessory protein MRAP have been found, non-classic steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) andCYP11A1mutations have been described; and more recently novel mutations in genes such as nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) and thioredoxin reductase 2 (TRXR2) involved in the maintenance of the mitochondrial redox potential and generation of NADPH important for steroidogenesis and ROS detoxication have been discovered. In addition, whole exome sequencing approach also solved the genetics of some syndromic forms of PAI including IMAGe syndrome (CDKN1C), Irish traveler syndrome (MCM4), MIRAGE syndrome (SAMD9); and most recently a syndrome combining FGD with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and ichthyosis caused by mutations in the gene for sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase 1 (SGPL1). This review intends do give an update on novel genetic forms of PAI and their suggested mechanism of disease. It also advocates for advanced genetic work-up of PAI (especially in children) to reach a specific diagnosis for better counseling and treatment.
miRNA–mRNA network involved in folliculogenesis interactome: systems biology approach
Authors: Bahrami Abolfazl , Miraie-Ashtiani Seyed Reza , Sadeghi Mostafa , Najafi Ali
Published: April 2017

At later phases of folliculogenesis, the mammalian ovarian follicle contains layers of granulosa cells surrounding an antral cavity. To better understand the molecular basis of follicular growth and granulosa cell maturation, we study transcriptome profiling of granulosa cells from small (<5 mm) and large (>10 mm) bovine follicles using simultaneous method of Affymetrix microarrays (24,128 probe sets) and RNA-Seq data sets. This study proposes a computational method to discover the functional miRNA–mRNA regulatory modules, that is, groups of miRNAs and their target mRNAs that are believed to take part cooperatively in post-transcriptional gene regulation under specific conditions. The reconstructed network was named Integrated miRNA–mRNA Bipartite Network. 277 genes and 6 key modules were disclosed through clustering for mRNA master list. The 66 genes are among the genes that belong to at least two modules. All these genes, being involved in at least one of the phenomena, namely cell survival, proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis, have an overexpression pattern (P < 0.01). For miRNA master list, a total of 172 sequences were differentially expressed (P < 0.01) between dominant (large) and each of subordinate (small) follicles. Within the follicle, these miRNAs were predominantly expressed in mural granulosa cells. Finally, predicted and validated targets of these miRNAs enriched in dominant (large) follicles were identified, which are mapped to signaling pathways involved in follicular cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK. The identification of miRNAs and their target mRNAs and the construction of their regulatory networks may give new insights into biological procedures.
Genetic Architecture of a Rice Nested Association Mapping Population
Authors: Fragoso Christopher A , Moreno Maria , Wang Zuoheng , Heffelfinger Christopher , Arbelaez Lady J , Aguirre John A , Franco Natalia , Romero Luz E , Labadie Karine , Zhao Hongyu , Dellaporta Stephen L , Lorieux Mathias
Published: April 2017

Describing the genetic diversity in the gene pool of crops will provide breeders with novel resources for varietal improvement. Nested Association Mapping (NAM) populations are uniquely suited for characterizing parental diversity through the shuffling and fixation of parental haplotypes. Here, we describe a set of 1879 rice NAM lines created through the selfing and single-seed descent of F1 hybrids derived from elite IR64 indica crossed with 10 diverse tropical japonica lines. Genotyping data indicated tropical japonica alleles were captured at every queried locus despite the presence of segregation distortion factors. Several distortion loci were mapped, both shared and unique, among the 10 populations. Using two-point and multi-point genetic map calculations, our datasets achieved the ∼1500 cM expected map size in rice. Finally, we highlighted the utility of the NAM lines for QTL mapping, including joint analysis across the 10 populations, by confirming known QTL locations for the trait days to heading.
Evolutionary Conservation and Emerging Functional Diversity of the Cytosolic Hsp70:J Protein Chaperone Network of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Verma Amit K , Diwan Danish , Raut Sandeep , Dobriyal Neha , Brown Rebecca E , Gowda Vinita , Hines Justin K , Sahi Chandan
Published: April 2017

Heat shock proteins of 70 kDa (Hsp70s) partner with structurally diverse Hsp40s (J proteins), generating distinct chaperone networks in various cellular compartments that perform myriad housekeeping and stress-associated functions in all organisms. Plants, being sessile, need to constantly maintain their cellular proteostasis in response to external environmental cues. In these situations, the Hsp70:J protein machines may play an important role in fine-tuning cellular protein quality control. Although ubiquitous, the functional specificity and complexity of the plant Hsp70:J protein network has not been studied. Here, we analyzed the J protein network in the cytosol of Arabidopsis thaliana and, using yeast genetics, show that the functional specificities of most plant J proteins in fundamental chaperone functions are conserved across long evolutionary timescales. Detailed phylogenetic and functional analysis revealed that increased number, regulatory differences, and neofunctionalization in J proteins together contribute to the emerging functional diversity and complexity in the Hsp70:J protein network in higher plants. Based on the data presented, we propose that higher plants have orchestrated their “chaperome,” especially their J protein complement, according to their specialized cellular and physiological stipulations.
Identification of Ceruloplasmin as a Gene that Affects Susceptibility to Glomerulonephritis Through Macrophage Function
Authors: Chen Tai-Di , Rotival Maxime , Chiu Ling-Yin , Bagnati Marta , Ko Jeong-Hun , Srivastava Prashant K , Petretto Enrico , Pusey Charles D , Lai Ping-Chin , Aitman Timothy J , Cook H Terence , Behmoaras Jacques
Published: April 2017

Crescentic glomerulonephritis (Crgn) is a complex disorder where macrophage activity and infiltration are significant effector causes. In previous linkage studies using the uniquely susceptible Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat strain, we have identified multiple crescentic glomerulonephritis QTL (Crgn) and positionally cloned genes underlying Crgn1 and Crgn2, which accounted for 40% of total variance in glomerular inflammation. Here, we have generated a backcross (BC) population (n = 166) where Crgn1 and Crgn2 were genetically fixed and found significant linkage to glomerular crescents on chromosome 2 (Crgn8, LOD = 3.8). Fine mapping analysis by integration with genome-wide expression QTLs (eQTLs) from the same BC population identified ceruloplasmin (Cp) as a positional eQTL in macrophages but not in serum. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed Cp as a protein QTL in rat macrophages. WKY macrophages overexpress Cp and its downregulation by RNA interference decreases markers of glomerular proinflammatory macrophage activation. Similarly, short incubation with Cp results in a strain-dependent macrophage polarization in the rat. These results suggest that genetically determined Cp levels can alter susceptibility to Crgn through macrophage function and propose a new role for Cp in early macrophage activation.
Experimental Evolution Reveals Favored Adaptive Routes to Cell Aggregation in Yeast
Authors: Hope Elyse A , Amorosi Clara J , Miller Aaron W , Dang Kolena , Heil Caiti Smukowski , Dunham Maitreya J
Published: April 2017

Yeast flocculation is a community-building cell aggregation trait that is an important mechanism of stress resistance and a useful phenotype for brewers; however, it is also a nuisance in many industrial processes, in clinical settings, and in the laboratory. Chemostat-based evolution experiments are impaired by inadvertent selection for aggregation, which we observe in 35% of populations. These populations provide a testing ground for understanding the breadth of genetic mechanisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae uses to flocculate, and which of those mechanisms provide the biggest adaptive advantages. In this study, we employed experimental evolution as a tool to ask whether one or many routes to flocculation are favored, and to engineer a strain with reduced flocculation potential. Using a combination of whole genome sequencing and bulk segregant analysis, we identified causal mutations in 23 independent clones that had evolved cell aggregation during hundreds of generations of chemostat growth. In 12 of those clones, we identified a transposable element insertion in the promoter region of known flocculation gene FLO1, and, in an additional five clones, we recovered loss-of-function mutations in transcriptional repressor TUP1, which regulates FLO1 and other related genes. Other causal mutations were found in genes that have not been previously connected to flocculation. Evolving a flo1 deletion strain revealed that this single deletion reduces flocculation occurrences to 3%, and demonstrated the efficacy of using experimental evolution as a tool to identify and eliminate the primary adaptive routes for undesirable traits.
Current Workforce of Pediatric Subspecialists in the United States
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Moran Lauren M. , Van Kenton D. , Leslie Laurel K. ,   on behalf of the Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

Concerns exist regarding the adequacy of the pediatric subspecialty workforce in the United States. Data on practice patterns and job characteristics are necessary to help develop policies to ensure availability.

METHODS:

We performed survey data analysis of all pediatric subspecialists enrolled in Maintenance of Certification in 2013 and 2014, assessing demographic information, characteristics of current positions, plans for retirement, and satisfaction with allocation of professional and clinical responsibilities. Four logistic regression models examined the independent association of demographic variables collected along with variables of practice ownership and academic appointment with the outcome variables of pediatric subspecialists reporting match of desired with current actual professional duties, match of desired with current actual clinical responsibilities, current part-time employment, and expected age of retirement <65 years of age.

RESULTS:

Data from 5100 subspecialists were analyzed (response rate 87.2%). Most (83%; N = 4251) reported their current allocation of professional time was what they desired in their current position; similarly, 93% (N = 4755) reported likewise for clinical responsibilities. Differences by gender and years in subspecialty were evident, with women much more likely to work part time than men (odds ratio 6.22); those >20 years in practice were less likely to retire before the age of 65 compared with those <10 years in practice (odds ratio 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study is the largest to date of practicing pediatric subspecialists. Variation in work patterns found between genders, with time in practice, and between subspecialties suggests that future research should focus on these issues.
First report of Chalepus dorni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in maize crops of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Authors: Marucci Rosangela Cristina , Guimarães Moreira Silvino , Martins Mendes Simone
Published: April 2017

Se observaron larvas de dorni Chalepus en los cultivos de maíces comerciales en la región central de Minas Gerais durante los ciclos agrícolas 2006-2007, 2008-2009 y 2010-2011. El síntoma inicial se caracterizó por la presencia de minas en las hojas inferiores de plantas de maíz y la formación de áreas necróticas. Aunque existen informes de la presencia del género Chalepus en maíz, este sería el primer registro de C. dorni en maíz en Minas Gerais, Brasil.
Medición de la fluorescencia de la clorofila a en algas encapsuladas en alginato de calcio
Authors: Delgadillo Rodríguez Ibeth Paola , Montenegro Ruíz Luis Carlos , Pinilla Agudelo Gabriel Antonio , Melgarejo Luz Marina
Published: April 2017

La inmovilización de las algas tiene múltiples aplicaciones, tales como la biorremediación del agua y la producción de metabolitos. Una de las variables que se puede determinar en las algas inmovilizadas es la fluorescencia de la clorofila a, debido a que este parámetro está relacionado con la respuesta fisiológica de estos organismos. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue explorar un método para la medición de la fluorescencia de la clorofila a en algas encapsuladas en esferas de alginato de calcio. Con este fin, se cultivaron dos especies de microalgas (Scenedesmus ovalternus LAUN 001 y Parachlorella kessleri LAUN 002) en monocultivos, tanto en condiciones de cultivo libres (10 mL de la preparación algal en 250 mL de Medio Básico de Bold), como encapsuladas (250 esferas de alginato de calcio en 250 mL de Medio Básico de Bold). Se realizaron diferentes protocolos de medición de la fluorescencia de la clorofila a del fotosistema II (PSII) variando a) el tiempo de preadaptación a la oscuridad (10, 15 y 30 min), b) la intensidad de luz generada por fluorómetro no modulado (entre 1000 y 3500 µmoles m-2 s-1), y c) el tiempo de exposición a la luz actínica (1, 2 y 5 s). Se lograron establecer como condiciones óptimas para la medición de la eficiencia cuántica potencial del fotosistema II (Fv/Fm) en las algas encapsuladas las siguientes: a) 30 min de preadaptación a la oscuridad; b) 3000 µmoles m-2 s-1, de intensidad lumínica generada desde el fluorómetro; y c) 1 o 2 s de exposición a la luz actínica. Se encontraron los siguientes valores en la Fv/Fm en condiciones no estresantes: 0,760 a 0,764 para S. ovalternus y 0,732 a 0,748 para P. kessleri. Esta metodología permite observar algunos cambios en la actividad fotoquímica relacionados con variaciones de los factores bajo los cuales se encuentran las algas inmovilizadas.
Polinización por abejas en Syagrus orinocensis (Arecaceae) en la Orinoquia colombiana
Authors: Nuñez Avellaneda Luis Alberto , Carreño Javier Isnardo
Published: April 2017

La ecología de la polinización de Syagrus orinocensis fue estudiada durante tres períodos reproductivos, en un bosque de piedemonte en Casanare, Orinoquia colombiana. Syagrus orinocensis crece hasta 10m., produce de una a cuatro inflorescencias bisexuales aunque ocasionalmente son unisexuales. Las bisexuales presentan flores estaminadas y pistiladas agrupadas en tríadas, y las unisexuales llevan sólo estaminadas en díadas. Las inflorescencias protándricas abren de día, y permanecieron activas 26 días; la fase masculina se extendió los primeros 15 días, siguió una fase inactiva por 8 días, y finalmente, la fase pistilada por tres días. Las inflorescencias fueron visitadas por 43 especies de insectos de los ordenes Coleoptera, Hymenoptera y Diptera. Los insectos visitaron las inflorescencias en fase masculina, donde buscaban polen y lugares para reproducirse, mientras que en la fase femenina buscaban néctar. Los polinizadores más efectivos fueron abejas meliponinas (Apidae, Meliponini), que transfirieron adherido a su cuerpo el 83 % del polen. La presencia, constancia y eficiencia de abejas durante el estudio son evidencia sólida de melitofilia en palmas. Este caso de melitofilia permitió proponer los criterios para redefinir este tipo de polinización en palmas silvestres neotropicales.
Evaluación comportamental del trasplante de hMSC-GFP+ en un modelo experimental de hemiparkinson en rata Wistar
Authors: Arzuza Jéssica Paola Alcázar , Bayona Arciniegas Andrea Julieth , De Los Reyes Lina María , Francis Turner Liliana
Published: April 2017

Se evaluó el efecto del trasplante de hMSC-GFP+ en un modelo experimental de Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) en 27 ratas Wistar con tres grupos experimentales: control: animales sin cirugía, (CON n=7), lesionado: animales lesionados intracerebralmente con 6-OHDA a nivel de SNpc (LES n=10) y trasplantado: animales LES con trasplante de hMSC-GFP+ intraestriatalmente  (LES-T n=10). Con el fin de evaluar la influencia del trasplante en el comportamiento motor, un mes después de la lesión, se desarrolló una batería comportamental compuesta por Test Neurológico (compuesto también por Pole Test y Test de Barra transversal, además, de inmunofluorescencia para células de SNpc con TH). Utilizando el test de Anova, se demostró una disminución en el número de giros en  animales trasplantados (p=0.005), así como en el test neurológico (p=0,0004) y en el Test de barra transversal, que colocan a este grupo en una posición intermedia con respecto a  LES y CON. Existe una posible recuperación de la vía nigroestriatal mediada por el trasplante de hMSC-GFP+.
Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides (Testudines: Kinosternidae): nuevo reporte en el nororiente de Colombia
Authors: Cáceres-Martínez Carlos Herney , Acevedo Rincón Aldemar Alberto , Sierra Leal José Antonio , González Maya José Fernando
Published: April 2017

Presentamos un nuevo reporte de la tortuga escorpión Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides para el departamento de Norte de Santander, Colombia. Este espécimen fue colectado en el bosque seco tropical del departamento, el cual es uno de los ecosistemas más amenazados y menos protegidos del país; esto agravado por problemas locales de contaminación y de transformación del uso del suelo, motivos por los que la presencia y conservación de K. s. Scorpioides se encuentra en riesgo.
Solution and type curves for the seepage model of the water-bearing coalbed with leakage recharge
Authors: Chen Wangang , Yang Yu , Sun Hansen , Zhang Chengwei , Wen Qin , Li Yanyan
Published: April 2017

To analyze the effects of the leakage recharge of the aquifer on the initial dewatering of coalbed methane wells, the mathematical seepage model of water in the coalbed considering the aquifer leakage was established by using the leakage coefficient according to the unsteady seepage theory. The model was solved after Laplace transform and the Stehfest numerical reverse inversion was used to obtain the solution in right space. Then, the log-log type curves of pressure and pressure derivative were created with new combinations of parameters. Based on the natural seepage mechanism, the influence of aquifer leakage on curve shape was judged. It is found that the radial flow ends earlier as the leakage coefficient increases. Moreover, it was proposed to obtain reservoir permeability, skin factor, and leakage coefficient by using type curve matching. The type curves are useful for quantitatively evaluating the level of leakage, thereby guiding the adjustment of the following production system for CBM wells. Curvas de solución y tipo para el modelo de filtración de capas carboníferas acuíferas con recarga de fugasResumenEste estudio estableció el modelo matemático de filtración de agua en una capa carbonífera al estimar la salida acuífera con el uso del coeficiente de fuga, de acuerdo con la teoría de filtración inestable, para analizar los efectos en la recarga de pérdida de fluidos de un acuífero en el drenado inicial para pozos de gas metano.  El modelo se resolvió tras usar la transformación Laplace y la inversión numérica Stehfest para encontrar la respuesta en el lugar indicado. Luego, se creó la representación algorítmica de la presión y la presión derivativa con nuevas combinaciones de parámetros. Se evaluó la influencia de la pérdida de fluido del acuífero en la forma de la curva con base al mecanismo físico de filtración. Se estableció que el flujo radial finaliza antes de que el coeficiente de pérdida de fluido se incremente. Además, se propone el uso de la curva tipo correspondiente para obtener la permeabilidad del reservorio, el factor de daño y el coeficiente de pérdida de fluido. Las curvas tipo son útiles para evaluar cuantitativamente el nivel de la pérdida de fluido, y de esta manera guiar el ajuste de un sistema de producción consecuente para pozos de gas metano de carbón.
Creencias de autoeficacia y contextos de evaluación. Un estudio con alumnos universitarios
Authors: Bonetto Vanesa Analí , Paoloni Paola Verónica , Donolo Danilo Silvio
Published: April 2017

Este artículo presenta un estudio con el objetivo principal de contribuir al conocimiento del modo en que las creencias de autoeficacia se vinculan con las situaciones de evaluación en las que habitualmente se desempeña un grupo de estudiantes universitarios. Se trabajó con 133 estudiantes de carreras de grado de una universidad pública de Córdoba (Argentina). Se hizo un abordaje metodológico mixto, utilizando: los cuestionarios Multidimensional Scales of Perceived Self-efficacy de Bandura, Motivated Strategies Learning Questionnaire y un Cuestionario Ad-hoc sobre percepciones y valoración del contexto; observaciones de instancias de evaluación; calificaciones obtenidas por el alumnado y consignas de evaluación solicitadas. Se obtuvo como resultados, estudiantes con buen perfil motivacional y confianza en sus capacidades para el desempeño. Además, se observó dos tipos de contextos evaluativos, tareas de alcances amplios y parciales tradicionales, con diferencias en: creencias de autoeficacia de alumnos y alumnas, sus valoraciones y percepciones al respecto, feedback (retroalimentación) desplegado, rendimiento académico obtenido, espacio para el despliegue de autonomía, etc. De igual forma, se identificaron percepciones negativas de alumnos y alumnas sobre los parciales y positivas sobre las tareas de alcances amplios. Como conclusión, los contextos de evaluación influyen sobre las creencias de autoeficacia y el rendimiento académico de alumnos y alumnas y viceversa. Futuras investigaciones podrían orientarse hacia las vinculaciones entre la autoeficacia y la construcción de los criterios de evaluación, y/o la claridad de las consignas de evaluación
Conocimientos y actitudes hacia la sexualidad y educación sexual en docentes de colegios públicos
Authors: Pinos Abad Guido Marcelo , Pinos Vélez Verónica Patricia , Palacios Cordero Mireya Del Pilar , López Alvarado Silvia Lucía , Castillo Nuñez Jessica Ercilia , Ortiz Ochoa William Alfredo , Jerves Hermida Elena Monserrath , Enzlin Paul
Published: April 2017

En ese artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio de conocimientos y actitudes en sexualidad y en educación sexual dirigido a docentes de 17 colegios públicos de la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador. Se evaluó el impacto de un curso de capacitación sobre sexualidad que fue planificado por el proyecto VLIR-UOS “Promoción de la salud sexual en Adolescentes” de la Universidad de Cuenca-Ecuador. Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto del curso, se aplicó a los docentes y 2 grupos de profesores no asistentes como testigos, una evaluación diagnóstica y una evaluación final, a través de 3 cuestionarios: el cuestionario de conocimientos sobre sexualidad y educación sexual con los siguientes ejes temáticos: sexualidad y actitudes, docencia y educación sexual, sexualidad y adolescencia, sexualidad: diversidad y bienestar personal-social y metodología en educación sexual. El cuestionario de actitudes hacia la sexualidad, con los siguientes ejes: valores personales claros, actitudes hacia la sexualidad en la vida, actitudes hacia la anticoncepción, actitudes hacia las relaciones prematrimoniales y autoestima. Finalmente, se aplicó el cuestionario de actitudes hacia la educación sexual. Los resultados muestran avances significativos en el nivel de conocimientos del grupo de capacitación; en la valoración inicial los docentes obtuvieron una media de .76 (DE = .07) y en post test este valor se elevó a .81 (DE = .07). En las actitudes hacia la sexualidad las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas, la media inicial fue de 3.92 (DE = .52) y posteriormente fue de 4.16 (DE = .81). En las actitudes hacia la educación sexual, el valor medio inicial fue de 1.79 (DE = .58) que descendió a 1.52 (DE = .29) lo que indica una mejoría significativa en este aspecto. Se considera que variables tales como la edad de los participantes, perfil profesional y la modalidad del curso tuvieron una marcada influencia en el resultado de esta capacitación en sexualidad y educación sexual. Se discute sobre las medidas correctivas para mejorar la eficacia del curso.
Actitudes de los pares hacia niños y niñas en condición de discapacidad
Authors: Galván Ruiz Jeanette Leticia , García Cedillo Ismael
Published: April 2017

Un factor importante en la integración exitosa de estudiantes con discapacidad a las escuelas regulares se relaciona con la actitud de sus pares sin discapacidad. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo principal analizar cómo los ambientes escolares integradores influyen en las actitudes de niños y niñas hacia las personas con discapacidad. Se habla de integración y no de inclusión porque, aunque en el discurso oficial México promueve la educación inclusiva, la realidad de las escuelas y de las aulas muestra que se hace integración. La investigación fue descriptiva, de corte cuantitativo, con una muestra de 90 estudiantes de escuelas públicas con y sin apoyo de Educación Especial de nivel preescolar y primaria. Para evaluar la actitud se aplicó un instrumento de elaboración propia: un cuestionario de actitudes hacia las personas con discapacidad de escala tipo Likert de tres opciones y una encuesta para conocer contacto con personas con discapacidad. Los resultados indican que la población estudiantil de escuelas con apoyo de Educación Especial presenta una actitud más favorable hacia las personas con discapacidad. El contacto con personas con discapacidad es un factor que se asocia con diferencias significativas en cuanto a la actitud hacia las mismas, sobre todo cuando es resultado de una relación escolar. Además, se contrastaron variables sociodemográficas para identificar su influencia en dichas actitudes, como el sexo, edad y nivel escolar. Se concluye que la escuela puede constituirse como un elemento muy importante para generar actitudes favorables hacia las personas con discapacidad en sus estudiantes.
Ambientalização curricular no ensino superior: formação e sustentabilidade nos cursos de graduação
Authors: Rotta Mariza , Batistela Airton Carlos , Ferreira Sergio Ricardo
Published: April 2017

Este ensaio apresenta a proposta de articulação curricular de cursos de graduação de licenciatura, bacharelado e tecnólogo por meio das disciplinas que congregam o eixo - ambientalização dos espaços educativos sustentáveis – como forma de apresentar a proposição de uma formação acadêmica voltada ao desenvolvimento sustentável e à educação ambiental dentro e fora da universidade. A linha de formação está explanada de forma que alinhave ensino e investigação propiciando práticas e desenvolvimento de conhecimentos a partir dos elementos que integram o tema meio ambiente e sustentabilidade nas atividades acadêmicas e de gestão institucional. O contexto base da discussão se dá a partir da construção do desenho curricular com disciplinas de cunho interdisciplinar que integrará a práxis pedagógica da Faculdade Municipal de Educação e Meio Ambiente – FAMA da região Sul do Brasil. Buscando romper com currículos disciplinares tradicionais que apresentam maiores limitações ao tratar de questões centrais de formação que requer olhar integrado e compreensão da complexidade das questões ambientais. Este ensaio se inicia expondo a problemática ambiental a partir da estruturação do pensamento moderno para, em seguida, abordar o assunto nos dias atuais e, por fim, expor a proposta institucional sobre esta questão.Este ensayo presenta la propuesta de articulación curricular de cursos de graduación de licenciatura y tecnología por medio de las asignaturas que congregan el eje - ambientación de los espacios educativos sustentables como forma de presentar la proposición de una formación académica volcada al desarrollo sustentable y a la educación ambiental dentro y fuera de la universidad. La línea de formación está expuesta de forma que articula la enseñanza e investigación propiciando prácticas y desarrollo de conocimientos a partir de los elementos que integran el tema medio ambiente y sostenibilidad en las actividades académicas y de gestión institucional. El contexto base de la discusión se da a partir de la construcción del diseño curricular con asignaturas de cuño interdisciplinario que integrará la praxis pedagógica de la Facultad Municipal de Educación y Medio Ambiente - FAMA de la región Sur de Brasil.  Este busca romper con currículos disciplinares tradicionales que presentan mayores limitaciones al tratar de cuestiones centrales de formación que requiere una mirada integrada y comprensión de la complejidad de las cuestiones ambientales. Este ensayo se inicia exponiendo la problemática ambiental a partir de la estructuración del pensamiento moderno para, después, abordar el asunto en la actualidad y, por fin, exponer la propuesta institucional sobre este tema.
Inteligencia emocional y kinestésica en la educación física de la educación primaria
Authors: De la Cruz Ordoñez Ada , Cruzata Martínez Alejandro
Published: April 2017

El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación para identificar el nivel de desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional y la kinestésica en la Educación Física de los estudiantes del quinto ciclo de Educación Primaria y opiniones y valoraciones de los docentes al respecto. La investigación respondió a la línea de desarrollo del currículo escolar, se sustentó en el paradigma cualitativo, de tipo científico educacional aplicado, con carácter descriptivo-explicativo. Se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria de 175 estudiantes y 11 docentes de la Escuela Primaria Emilio del Solar N° 1193, del distrito de Lurigancho, Chosica en Lima, Perú. Como instrumentos se emplearon test de Inteligencia kinestésica corporal y test de inteligencia emocional a los estudiantes así como una entrevista a docentes. Se obtuvo que el 40.13 % de los estudiantes de la muestra investigada presenta un nivel bajo de desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional, mientras que el 88.76 % evidencia un nivel bueno o muy bueno de la inteligencia kinestésica corporal. El 100 % de los docentes reconoce que la Educación Física debe desarrollar las dimensiones de la inteligencia kinestésica corporal; sin embargo, solo el 27 % reconoce el papel de la Educación Física en el desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional. Como probable solución se propuso una Ruta de aprendizaje de Educación Física orientadora del trabajo didáctico del docente para desarrollar la inteligencia emocional y kinestésica, esto, como parte esencial de la formación integral del estudiante desde las competencias del área: corporeidad, hábitos saludables, habilidades sociomotrices y, habilidades socioemocionales
La integración de las neurociencias en la formación inicial de docentes para las carreras de la educación inicial y básica: caso Cuba
Authors: Calzadilla Pérez Oscar Ovidiio
Published: April 2017

El presente ensayo deriva de las reflexiones teóricas realizadas alrededor del campo de la integración de las Neurociencias en la formación inicial de docentes en la Educación Superior como vía para la actualización científica de documentos metodológicos y programas de formación en el contexto cubano. En el plano metodológico se utilizó la técnica de análisis documental, sus resultados se triangulan con la sistematización de experiencias en la docencia universitaria y la investigación educativa. Los criterios y construcciones expuestos son plataforma del grupo de desarrollo “La formación neurodidáctica del profesional de la Educación Inicial y Básica”, adscrito a la Facultad de Educación Infantil de la Universidad de Holguín. Los análisis de este estudio se centran en la argumentación y fundamentación de la integración de las Neurociencias en la formación de docentes, el estado actual de su tratamiento y sus perspectivas de desarrollo en la gestión curricular de la Educación Superior.
Book Review
Authors: Zsila Ágnes
Published: April 2017

Leonard Reinecke and Mary Beth Oliver (Eds.) The Routledge Handbook of Media Use and Well-Being Routledge, New York, NY, 2017, 465 pp. ISBN: 978-1-138-88658-2
The will to live and man’s responsibility according to Etty Hillesum and Victor Frankl
Authors: Mizdrak Inga
Published: April 2017

The quest for and the discovery of the meaning of life, so basic to human existence, play a fundamental role in the process of self‑­discovery, that is, in the examination of our own identity, subjectivity and the “self”. Underlying this quest are not merely vague approximations to what man is, but clear fundamental dimensions of humanity: freedom and responsibility.Etty Hillesum and Victor Frankl, take different perspectives on the meaning of life of a person who experiences himself, the world, others and God in the face of war and extreme circumstances (Etty perished in Auschwitz, Frankl survived the concentration camps). However, they both point to the universal trait of the utmost engagement of the will and the assumption of responsibility for one’s life, despite the inevitability of death and the prevalent “cultural hibernation”.In both analyses, freedom appears as a response to reality, to the here and now. That response, as such, means taking responsibility for reality and its shape. Hence it an important question to ask would be what it means to take control of one’s destiny. Is it an obligation, a task, life’s demand, or perhaps just submission to what life may bring? Freedom, which is constantly threatened, must fight for itself. This happens owing to the will to live, which first evokes meaning and then the obligation of taking responsibility for oneself, for others, and even for God himself.
Administration of Ecclesiastical Temporal Goods in the Light of the Instructions of the Polish Episcopal Conference of 2015
Authors: Kantor Robert
Published: April 2017

The mission of the Church is evangelisation and not acquisition of capital. It is good if the Church has sufficient financial means necessary to fulfil its mission. The Catholic Church has the inherent right, independently of any secular power, to acquire, retain, administer and alienate temporal goods, in pursuit of its proper objectives (can. 1254 of the Code of Canon Law). In order to fulfil its mission in the world, the Church needs to be supported by appropriate material goods and the freedom to administer them. The Code of Canon Law of 1983 introduced a new regulation regarding ecclesiastical property, so as to make sure that the Church could better suit the concept of a “poor Church” that, being in the need of economic resources to achieve its goals, focuses on the instrumental task of such resources: so that the faithful fulfilled their duty in the form of helping in maintaining the Church and its works as part of their fundamental rights and obligations related to the temporal goods; so that spiritual goal of ecclesiastical offices was emphasised and the revenues received were justly distributed. The Polish Episcopal Conference on 25 August 2015 approved the Instruction on the Administration of Ecclesiastical Temporal Goods. In the present article four points will be discussed: The right of the Church to the acquisition, holding and alienating of temporal goods; the Instruction of the Polish Episcopal Conference on the acquisition of temporal goods; the Instruction of the Polish Episcopal Conference on the administration of temporal goods and contracts; the Remuneration for priests.
PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BANANA CULTIVARS DEPENDING ON MATURATION STAGES
Authors: AQUINO CÉSAR FERNANDES ,   Universidade Federal de Viçosa,  Brazil, SALOMÃO LUIZ CARLOS CHAMHUM , CECON PAULO ROBERTO , SIQUEIRA2 DALMO LOPES DE , RIBEIRO SÔNIA MACHADO ROCHA
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to morphologically characterize 15 banana cultivars and assess the physical and chemical characteristics of their fruits at two maturation stages, unripe (pre-climacteric) and ripening. The plants were evaluated regarding their pseudostem height and diameter, petiole length, leaf blade length, width and length-to-width ratio. The cultivar Ouro had fruits with lower diameter, total length, market weight and fresh weight at both stages, and also firmer pulp when they were unripe. The cultivar Caru-Roxa had higher fresh fruit and pulp weights, and the cultivar Terrinha had the highest percentage of pulp dry weight percentage in unripe and ripe fruits. The cultivars Maçã and Ouro had higher pulp-to-peel ratio in unripe fruits. The ripe peels had lower fresh weight and thickness and higher dry weight percentage compared to unripe peels. The fruit peel of the cultivar Marmelo had the highest fresh weight at both stages. The cultivars Marmelo and Maçã had higher percentage of peel dry weight percentage at both stages. The unripe pulp had lower soluble solids. The titratable acidity in the pulp increased with ripening. The average plant height ranged from 2.25 to 6.15 m. The cultivars that had the largest pseudostem diameters had also the highest heights, except the Prata-Anã and Prata-Graúda. The cultivar and maturity stage influenced all the characteristics evaluated in fruits, except the total and market lengths, which did not vary with the ripening of fruits.