bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dorsal Raphe Serotonin Neurons in Mice: Immature Hyperexcitability Transitions to Adult State during First Three Postnatal Weeks Suggesting Sensitive Period for Environmental Perturbation
Authors: Rood Benjamin D. , Calizo Lyngine H. , Piel David , Spangler Zachary P. , Campbell Kaitlin , Beck Sheryl G.
Published: April 2014

Trauma during early life is a major risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders and suggests that the developing brain may be particularly sensitive to perturbation. Increased vulnerability most likely involves altering neural circuits involved in emotional regulation. The role of serotonin in emotional regulation is well established, but little is known about the postnatal development of the raphe where serotonin is made. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording and immunohistochemistry, we tested whether serotonin circuitry in the dorsal and median raphe was functionally mature during the first 3 postnatal weeks in mice. Serotonin neurons at postnatal day 4 (P4) were hyperexcitable. The increased excitability was due to depolarized resting membrane potential, increased resistance, increased firing rate, lack of 5-HT1Aautoreceptor response, and lack of GABA synaptic activity. Over the next 2 weeks, membrane resistance decreased and resting membrane potential hyperpolarized due in part to potassium current activation. The 5-HT1Aautoreceptor-mediated inhibition did not develop until P21. The frequency of spontaneous inhibitory and excitatory events increased as neurons extended and refined their dendritic arbor. Serotonin colocalized with vGlut3 at P4 as in adulthood, suggesting enhanced release of glutamate alongside enhanced serotonin release. Because serotonin affects circuit development in other brain regions, altering the developmental trajectory of serotonin neuron excitability and release could have many downstream consequences. We conclude that serotonin neuron structure and function change substantially during the first 3 weeks of life during which external stressors could potentially alter circuit formation.
Kv2 Channel Regulation of Action Potential Repolarization and Firing Patterns in Superior Cervical Ganglion Neurons and Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Liu Pin W. , Bean Bruce P.
Published: April 2014

Kv2 family “delayed-rectifier” potassium channels are widely expressed in mammalian neurons. Kv2 channels activate relatively slowly and their contribution to action potential repolarization under physiological conditions has been unclear. We explored the function of Kv2 channels using a Kv2-selective blocker, Guangxitoxin-1E (GxTX-1E). Using acutely isolated neurons, mixed voltage-clamp and current-clamp experiments were done at 37°C to study the physiological kinetics of channel gating and action potentials. In both rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, 100 nmGxTX-1E produced near-saturating block of a component of current typically constituting ∼60–80% of the total delayed-rectifier current. GxTX-1E also reduced A-type potassium current (IA), but much more weakly. In SCG neurons, 100 nmGxTX-1E broadened spikes and voltage clamp experiments using action potential waveforms showed that Kv2 channels carry ∼55% of the total outward current during action potential repolarization despite activating relatively late in the spike. In CA1 neurons, 100 nmGxTX-1E broadened spikes evoked from −70 mV, but not −80 mV, likely reflecting a greater role of Kv2 when other potassium channels were partially inactivated at −70 mV. In both CA1 and SCG neurons, inhibition of Kv2 channels produced dramatic depolarization of interspike voltages during repetitive firing. In CA1 neurons and some SCG neurons, this was associated with increased initial firing frequency. In all neurons, inhibition of Kv2 channels depressed maintained firing because neurons entered depolarization block more readily. Therefore, Kv2 channels can either decrease or increase neuronal excitability depending on the time scale of excitation.
Specification of Spatial Identities of Cerebellar Neuron Progenitors by Ptf1a and Atoh1 for Proper Production of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurons
Authors: Yamada Mayumi , Seto Yusuke , Taya Shinichiro , Owa Tomoo , Inoue Yukiko U. , Inoue Takayoshi , Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Nabeshima Yo-ichi , Hoshino Mikio
Published: April 2014

In the cerebellum, the bHLH transcription factors Ptf1a and Atoh1 are expressed in distinct neuroepithelial regions, the ventricular zone (VZ) and the rhombic lip (RL), and are required for producing GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, respectively. However, it is unclear whether Ptf1a or Atoh1 is sufficient for specifying GABAergic or glutamatergic neuronal fates. To test this, we generated two novel knock-in mouse lines,Ptf1aAtoh1andAtoh1Ptf1a, that are designed to express Atoh1 and Ptf1a ectopically in the VZ and RL, respectively. InPtf1aAtoh1embryos, ectopicallyAtoh1-expressing VZ cells produced glutamatergic neurons, including granule cells and deep cerebellar nuclei neurons. Correspondingly, inAtoh1Ptf1aanimals, ectopicallyPtf1a-expressing RL cells produced GABAergic populations, such as Purkinje cells and GABAergic interneurons. Consistent results were also obtained fromin uteroelectroporation ofPtf1aorAtoh1into embryonic cerebella, suggesting that Ptf1a and Atoh1 are essential and sufficient for GABAergic versus glutamatergic specification in the neuroepithelium. Furthermore, birthdating analyses with BrdU in the knock-in mice or with electroporation studies showed that ectopically produced fate-changed neuronal types were generated at temporal schedules closely simulating those of the wild-type RL and VZ, suggesting that the VZ and RL share common temporal information. Observations of knock-in brains as well as electroporated brains revealed that Ptf1a and Atoh1 mutually negatively regulate their expression, probably contributing to formation of non-overlapping neuroepithelial domains. These findings suggest that Ptf1a and Atoh1 specify spatial identities of cerebellar neuron progenitors in the neuroepithelium, leading to appropriate production of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, respectively.
Object-Specific Semantic Coding in Human Perirhinal Cortex
Authors: Clarke Alex , Tyler Lorraine K.
Published: April 2014

Category-specificity has been demonstrated in the human posterior ventral temporal cortex for a variety of object categories. Although object representations within the ventral visual pathway must be sufficiently rich and complex to support the recognition of individual objects, little is known about how specific objects are represented. Here, we used representational similarity analysis to determine what different kinds of object information are reflected in fMRI activation patterns and uncover the relationship between categorical and object-specific semantic representations. Our results show a gradient of informational specificity along the ventral stream from representations of image-based visual properties in early visual cortex, to categorical representations in the posterior ventral stream. A key finding showed that object-specific semantic information is uniquely represented in the perirhinal cortex, which was also increasingly engaged for objects that are more semantically confusable. These findings suggest a key role for the perirhinal cortex in representing and processing object-specific semantic information that is more critical for highly confusable objects. Our findings extend current distributed models by showing coarse dissociations between objects in posterior ventral cortex, and fine-grained distinctions between objects supported by the anterior medial temporal lobes, including the perirhinal cortex, which serve to integrate complex object information.
Effective Connectivity Reveals Right-Hemisphere Dominance in Audiospatial Perception: Implications for Models of Spatial Neglect
Authors: Dietz Martin J. , Friston Karl J. , Mattingley Jason B. , Roepstorff Andreas , Garrido Marta I.
Published: April 2014

Detecting the location of salient sounds in the environment rests on the brain's ability to use differences in sounds arriving at both ears. Functional neuroimaging studies in humans indicate that the left and right auditory hemispaces are coded asymmetrically, with a rightward attentional bias that reflects spatial attention in vision. Neuropsychological observations in patients with spatial neglect have led to the formulation of two competing models: the orientation bias and right-hemisphere dominance models. The orientation bias model posits a symmetrical mapping between one side of the sensorium and the contralateral hemisphere, with mutual inhibition of the ipsilateral hemisphere. The right-hemisphere dominance model introduces a functional asymmetry in the brain's coding of space: the left hemisphere represents the right side, whereas the right hemisphere represents both sides of the sensorium. We used Dynamic Causal Modeling of effective connectivity and Bayesian model comparison to adjudicate between these alternative network architectures, based on human electroencephalographic data acquired during an auditory location oddball paradigm. Our results support a hemispheric asymmetry in a frontoparietal network that conforms to the right-hemisphere dominance model. We show that, within this frontoparietal network, forward connectivity increases selectively in the hemisphere contralateral to the side of sensory stimulation. We interpret this finding in light of hierarchical predictive coding as a selective increase in attentional gain, which is mediated by feedforward connections that carry precision-weighted prediction errors during perceptual inference. This finding supports the disconnection hypothesis of unilateral neglect and has implications for theories of its etiology.
A Hybrid Oscillatory Interference/Continuous Attractor Network Model of Grid Cell Firing
Authors: Bush Daniel , Burgess Neil
Published: April 2014

Grid cells in the rodent medial entorhinal cortex exhibit remarkably regular spatial firing patterns that tessellate all environments visited by the animal. Two theoretical mechanisms that could generate this spatially periodic activity pattern have been proposed: oscillatory interference and continuous attractor dynamics. Although a variety of evidence has been cited in support of each, some aspects of the two mechanisms are complementary, suggesting that a combined model may best account for experimental data. The oscillatory interference model proposes that the grid pattern is formed from linear interference patterns or “periodic bands” in which velocity-controlled oscillators integrate self-motion to code displacement along preferred directions. However, it also allows the use of symmetric recurrent connectivity between grid cells to provide relative stability and continuous attractor dynamics. Here, we present simulations of this type of hybrid model, demonstrate that it generates intracellular membrane potential profiles that closely match those observedin vivo, addresses several criticisms aimed at pure oscillatory interference and continuous attractor models, and provides testable predictions for future empirical studies.
Does the Processing of Sensory and Reward-Prediction Errors Involve Common Neural Resources? Evidence from a Frontocentral Negative Potential Modulated by Movement Execution Errors
Authors: Torrecillos Flavie , Albouy Philippe , Brochier Thomas , Malfait Nicole
Published: April 2014

In humans, electrophysiological correlates of error processing have been extensively investigated in relation to decision-making theories. In particular, error-related ERPs have been most often studied using response selection tasks. In these tasks, involving very simple motor responses (e.g., button press), errors concern inappropriate action-selection only. However, EEG activity in relation to inaccurate movement-execution in more complex motor tasks has been much less examined. In the present study, we recorded EEG while volunteers performed reaching movements in a force-field created by a robotic device. Hand-path deviations were induced by interspersing catch trials in which the force condition was unpredictably altered. Our goal was twofold. First, we wanted to determine whether a frontocentral ERP was elicited by sensory-prediction errors, whose amplitude reflected the size of kinematic errors. Then, we explored whether common neural processes could be involved in the generation of this ERP and the feedback-related negativity (FRN), often assumed to reflect reward-prediction errors. We identified a frontocentral negativity whose amplitude was modulated by the size of the hand-path deviations induced by the unpredictable mechanical perturbations. This kinematic error-related ERP presented great similarities in terms of time course, topography, and potential source-location with the FRN recorded in the same experiment. These findings suggest that the processing of sensory-prediction errors and the processing of reward-prediction errors could involve a shared neural network.
14-3-3 Proteins Are Required for Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation and Associative Learning and Memory
Authors: Qiao Haifa , Foote Molly , Graham Kourtney , Wu Yuying , Zhou Yi
Published: April 2014

14-3-3 is a family of regulatory proteins highly expressed in the brain. Previous invertebrate studies have demonstrated the importance of 14-3-3 in the regulation of synaptic functions and learning and memory. However, thein vivorole of 14-3-3 in these processes has not been determined using mammalian animal models. Here, we report the behavioral and electrophysiological characterization of a new animal model of 14-3-3 proteins. These transgenic mice, considered to be a 14-3-3 functional knock-out, express a known 14-3-3 inhibitor in various brain regions of different founder lines. We identify a founder-specific impairment in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory tasks, as well as a correlated suppression in long-term synaptic plasticity of the hippocampal synapses. Moreover, hippocampal synaptic NMDA receptor levels are selectively reduced in the transgenic founder line that exhibits both behavioral and synaptic plasticity deficits. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that 14-3-3 is a positive regulator of associative learning and memory at both the behavioral and cellular level.
Ghrelin Acts as an Interface between Physiological State and Phasic Dopamine Signaling
Authors: Cone Jackson J. , McCutcheon James E. , Roitman Mitchell F.
Published: April 2014

Brief, high-concentration (phasic) spikes in nucleus accumbens dopamine critically participate in aspects of food reward. Although physiological state (e.g., hunger, satiety) and associated hormones are known to affect dopamine tone in general, whether they modulate food-evoked, phasic dopamine specifically is unknown. Here, we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in awake, behaving rats to record dopamine spikes evoked by delivery of sugar pellets while pharmacologically manipulating central receptors for the gut “hunger” hormone ghrelin. Lateral ventricular (LV) ghrelin increased, while LV ghrelin receptor antagonism suppressed the magnitude of dopamine spikes evoked by food. Ghrelin was effective when infused directly into the lateral hypothalamus (LH), but not the ventral tegmental area (VTA). LH infusions were made in close proximity to orexin neurons, which are regulated by ghrelin and project to the VTA. Thus, we also investigated and found potentiation of food-evoked dopamine spikes by intra-VTA orexin-A. Importantly, intra-VTA blockade of orexin receptors attenuated food intake induced by LV ghrelin, thus establishing a behaviorally relevant connection between central ghrelin and VTA orexin. Further analysis revealed that food restriction increased the magnitude of dopamine spikes evoked by food independent of any pharmacological manipulations. The results support the regulation of food-evoked dopamine spikes by physiological state with endogenous fluctuations in ghrelin as a key contributor. Our data highlight a novel mechanism by which signals relating physiological state could influence food reinforcement and food-directed behavior.
Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Dreval A V , Trigolosova I V , Misnikova I V , Kovalyova Y A , Tishenina R S , Barsukov I A , Vinogradova A V , Wolffenbuttel B H R
Published: April 2014

Early carbohydrate metabolism disorders (ECMDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are frequently associated with acromegaly. We aimed to assess the prevalence of ECMDs in patients with acromegaly and to compare the results with those in adults without acromegaly using two population-based epidemiologic surveys. We evaluated 97 patients with acromegaly in several phases of their disease (mean age, 56 years and estimated duration of acromegaly, 12.5 years). An oral glucose tolerance test was done in those not yet diagnosed with DM to reveal asymptomatic DM or ECMDs (impaired glucose tolerance+impaired fasting glucose). Comparisons were made between patients with acromegaly and participants from the general adult population (n=435) and an adult population with multiple type 2 diabetes risk factors (n=314), matched for gender, age and BMI. DM was diagnosed in 51 patients with acromegaly (52.5%) and 14.3% of the general population (P<0.001). The prevalence of ECMDs was also higher in patients with acromegaly than in the general population and in the high-risk group; only 22% of patients with acromegaly were normoglycaemic. The prevalence of newly diagnosed ECMDs or DM was 1.3–1.5 times higher in patients with acromegaly compared with the high-risk group. Patients with acromegaly having ECMDs or DM were older, more obese and had longer disease duration and higher IGF1 levels (Z-score). Logistic regression showed that the severity of glucose derangement was predicted by age, BMI and IGF1 levels. In patients with acromegaly, the prevalence of DM and ECMDs considerably exceeds that of the general population and of a high-risk group, and development of DM depends on age, BMI and IGF1 levels.
Evaluation of Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Cleaved Caspase-3 in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors and Neurofibromas
Authors: CUNHA KARIN S. , CARUSO ANABELA C. , FARIA PAULO A. , SILVA LICINIO E. DA , FONSECA ELIENE C. DA , GELLER MAURO , MOURA-NETO RODRIGO S. DE , LOPES VANIA S.
Published: April 2014

AIMS: To study the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-x, as well the presence of cleaved caspase-3 in neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x and the presence of cleaved caspase 3 were compared to clinicopathological features of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and their impact on survival rates were also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluation of Bcl-2, Bcl-x and cleaved caspase-3 was performed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays in 28 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and 38 neurofibromas. Immunoquantification was performed by computerized digital image analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis is altered in neurofibromas and mainly in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. High levels of cleaved caspase-3 are more common in tumors with more aggressive histological features and it is associated with lower disease free survival of patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Spatial and Temporal Hydrochemical Variation of a Third Order River Network in a Quasi Pristine Coastal Watershed, at Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: SOUZA ELLY R.S. DE , PAULA FRANCISCO C.F. DE
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT Rio da Serra watershed presents well preserved fragments of rain forest at the headwaters and small farms at middle and final stretches. These features allowed the study of fluvial hydrochemistry, under quasi pristine conditions. Sampling stations were established in order to represent the basin, and visited during dry, intermediate and wet periods. Obtained results are: temperature (22.1 – 28.6 °C); electric conductivity (34 – 52 µS/cm); dissolved oxygen (35 – 110%); pH (3.8 – 7.7); total suspended solids (1.1 – 20 mg/L); chlorophyll (1.0 – 9.2 µg/L); total N (74 – 580 µmol/L); particulate N (60 – 550 µmol/L); N-NO3 (0.1 – 9.3 µmol/L); dissolved organic N (4 -70 µmol/L); total phosphorous (5.3 – 47 µmol/L); particulate P (4.4 – 59 µmol/L); P-PO4 (0.1 – 0.7 µmol/L); dissolved organic P (0.01 – 2.0 µmol/L); silicate (30 -90 µmol/L); fecal coliforms (80 – 700 CFU/100mL). In seasonal terms dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, nitrate and silicate concentrations were higher during the dry, whereas TSS was higher during the wet period. Seasonal differences of dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and nitrate were also detected near wetlands areas. Along the basin results showed a distinction between headwaters and other sections, revealing a control of fluvial hydrochemistry by the preserved area, mostly for the dissolved organic N and P species and phosphate.
Transmission rate variation among three B chromosome variants in the fish Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae)
Authors: PENITENTE MANOLO , VOLTOLIN TATIANA A. , SENHORINI JOSE A. , BORTOLOZZI JEHUD , FORESTI FAUSTO , PORTO-FORESTI FABIO
Published: April 2014

Cytogenetic studies were developed in Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes 1836), describing an interesting system of small supernumerary chromosomes. The purpose of this work is to study the frequency and morphology of B chromosomes in individuals from the parental line and the inheritance patterns of these elements in individuals obtained from controlled crosses in the species P. lineatus. The transmission rate of B chromosomes revealed a kB=0.388 for the acrocentric type, a kB=0.507 for the metacentric type and a kB=0.526 for the submetacentric type. The obtained results raise hypothesis that B-acrocentric chromosomes are involved in an extinction process in this species, while the metacentric and submetacentric supernumerary elements comprises a neutral mechanism and follows a Mendelian transmission rate.
Nutritional parameters of steers receiving different levels of sunflower crushed in partial replacement of soybean meal
Authors: LIMA HELLEN L. , GOES RAFAEL H.T.B. DE , CERILO SARA L.N. , OLIVEIRA EUCLIDES R. DE , GRESSLER MARIA G.M. , BRABES KELLY C.S.
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT To evaluate of the sunflower crushed in nutritional parameters in steers, supplemented at pasture, we used four steers in 4×4 Latin square design. The supplements were provided in 6 g/kg of body weight/animal/day, consisting of sunflower crushed, corn, soybean meal and mineral. All the supplements was isonitrogenous and soybean meal was replaced in 0, 20, 40, and 60% for sunflower crushed. The determination of ruminal pH and ammonia was at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. after feeding and for short-chain fatty acids it was collected at 0 and 6 h. post-feeding. The dry matter intake was not affected (P>0.05) by inclusion of sunflower crushed (mean=6.59 kg/day). There was no significant effect (P>0.05) for pH for the inclusion of sunflower crushed (mean=6.41). For contents of ruminal NH3-N was a significant effect (P <0.05) only for collection time, and ammonia peaks occurred between 2 and 4 h after feeding, with values of 22.56 and 21.40 mg/dL. The total concentration of short chain fatty acids and the C2:C3 ratio was reduced in 9.6 and 15.43%. The ruminal degradability of NDF was not affected by the supplements. The supplementation with sunflower crushed to beef steers grazing, in partial replacement of soybean meal did not alter nutrition parameters.
Effect of environmental factors on the abundance of decapod crustaceans from soft bottoms off southeastern Brazil
Authors: FURLAN MICHELE , CASTILHO ANTONIO L. , FERNANDES-GOES LISSANDRA C. , FRANSOZO VIVIAN , BERTINI GIOVANA , COSTA ROGERIO C. DA
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the importance of variations in environmental factors affecting the abundance patterns of decapods on the southeastern Brazilian coast. Sampling was carried out monthly from January 1998 through December 1999 in Ubatumirim and Mar Virado, Ubatuba region, using a commercial shrimp fishing boat equipped with double-rig nets. Six areas adjacent to rocky shores were chosen. Bottom-water samples were collected using a Nansen bottle, to measure the temperature and salinity. Sediment samples were also obtained by means of a Van Veen grab, for determination of texture and organic-matter content. The association of environmental factors with species abundance was evaluated by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (α = 0.05). Forty-one species of Decapoda were used in the multivariate analysis. The analysis indicated that sediment texture (phi) and bottom temperature were the main factors correlated (p < 0.05) with the spatial and temporal abundance of the species. Considering the study region as faunal transition zone, including a mixture of species of both tropical and subantarctic origin, the species responded differently to environmental factors, mainly temperature. It is conceivable that the decapods adjust their distribution according to their intrinsic physiological limitations, possibly as a result of the available resources.
Evaluation of the photodynamic activity of Xanthene Dyes on Artemia salina described by chemometric approaches
Authors: Pellosi Diogo S. , Batistela Vagner R. , Souza Vagner R. de , Scarminio Ieda S. , Caetano Wilker , Hioka Noboru
Published: April 2014

The development of drugs for photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an important area of research due to their growing use in medical applications. Therefore, it is important to develop new bioassay methods for PDT photosensitizers that are inexpensive, easy to handle and highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Xanthene dyes (fluorescein, rose bengal B, erythrosine B and eosin Y) with LED light sources were investigated using Artemia salina as a bioindicator of photodynamic activity. In this study, three factors were investigated: (i) photosensitizers concentration, (ii) the LED irradiation time and (iii) the waiting time between the addition of the photosensitizers and the beginning of the irradiation. To analyze the photo-killing of A. salina, it was employed a 23 full factorial design. The death of A. salina was related to dye structure and the interaction between the irradiation time and the photosensitizers concentration. About 60% of crustaceans death was obtained using rose bengal B, which presentes the highest quantum yield of singlet oxygen due to the number of iodide substituents in the xanthenes ring. The proposed bioassay using A. salina, xanthene dyes and LED irradiation was found suitable for quantitative PDT drug evaluation.
Centesimal composition and physical-chemistry analysis of the edible mushroom Lentinus strigosus occurring in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: SALES-CAMPOS CECI , ARAUJO LIDIA M. , MINHONI MARLI T.A. , ANDRADE MEIRE C.N.
Published: April 2014

The centesimal composition and the physical and chemical analyses of Lentinus strigosus, an edible mushroom occurring in the Brazilian Amazon and produced in alternative substrates based on wood and agroindustrial residues, were evaluated. For this purpose, the C, N, pH, soluble solids, water activity, protein, lipids, total fiber, ash, carbohydrate, and energy levels were determined. The substrates were formulated from Simarouba amara Aubl. (“marupá”), Ochroma piramidale Cav. Ex. Lam. (“pau-de-balsa”) and Anacardium giganteum (“cajuí”) sawdust and Bactris gasipaes Kunth (“pupunheira”) stipe and Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane bagasse). The results indicated that the nutritional composition of L. strigosus varied with the substrate of cultivation; the protein levels found in mushrooms grown in the different substrates (18 – 21.5%) varied with the substrate and was considered high; the soluble solids present in the mushrooms could have a relation with complex B hydrosoluble vitamins. L. strigosus could be considered as important food owing to its nutritional characteristics such as high protein content, metabolizable carbohydrates and fibers, and low lipids and calories content.
Harvest managements and cultural practices in sugarcane
Authors: Castro Sérgio Gustavo Quassi de , Franco Henrique Coutinho Junqueira , Mutton Miguel Ângelo
Published: April 2014

The presence of trash from the mechanical harvest of green cane on sugarcane plantations promotes changes in the agricultural management, for example, in the mechanical cultural practices of ratoon cane in-between the rows and nitrogen (N) fertilization. The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of sugarcane in different harvest systems, associated to the mechanical cultural practices in interrows and N rates. The study was carried out on a sugarcane plantation in Sales Oliveira, São Paulo, Brazil, with the sugarcane variety SP81-3250, on soil classified as Acrudox, in a randomized block design with split-split plots and four replications. The main treatments consisted of harvest systems (harvesting green cane or burnt cane), the secondary treatment consisted of the mechanical cultural practices in the interrows and the tertiary treatments were N rates (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 160 kg ha-1), using ammonium nitrate (33 % N) as N source. The harvest systems did not differ in sugarcane yield (tons of cane per hectare - TCH), but in burnt cane, the pol percent and total sugar recovery (TSR) were higher. This could be explained by the higher quantity of plant impurities in the harvested raw material in the system without burning, which reduces the processing quality. Mechanical cultural practices in the interrows after harvest had no effect on cane yield and sugar quality, indicating that this operation can be omitted in areas with mechanical harvesting. The application of N fertilizer at rates of 88 and 144 kg ha-1 N, respectively, increased stalk height and TCH quadratically to the highest values for these variables. For the sugar yield per hectare (in pol %), N fertilization induced a linear increase.
Oligarquia, democracia e representação no pensamento de Michels
Authors: Miguel Luis Felipe
Published: April 2014

A chamada "teoria das elites", que tem em Robert Michels um de seus autores canônicos, é um corpo doutrinário que visa demonstrar a impossibilidade de um ordenamento social mais democrático e igualitário. É, assim, um exemplo da "tese da futilidade", discutida por Albert Hischman, que afirma que qualquer tentativa de mudar o mundo é inútil. O artigo argumenta que, apesar disso, a "lei de ferro das oligarquias", apresentada por Michels em 1911, pode ser apropriada por uma reflexão comprometida com o avanço da democracia. Em vez de levar ao abandono do ideal democrático, serve de alerta contra o abastardamento desse ideal pelas próprias instituições que dizem implementá-lo, proporcionando instrumentos para uma análise crítica da representação política.
Entre o radicalismo e a resignação: teoria democrática em Direito e democracia, de Habermas
Authors: Scheuerman William E.
Published: April 2014

No artigo, William Scheuerman examina a grande contribuição de Habermas à teoria democrática, o livro publicado no Brasil como Direito e democracia. Ele sinaliza a virada "realista" e conservadora da obra, que nega o compromisso democrático radical que marcava seu pensamento anterior. Em particular, Habermas incorpora a sociologia política de Bernhard Peters. Com isso, a distinção crítica entre públicos fortes e públicos fracos, que Habermas busca trazer da leitura de Nancy Fraser sobre o conceito de esfera pública, une-se à ideia de uma distinção funcional do sistema político, em que o centro deve tomar as decisões e a influência da sociedade civil é sempre indireta e mediada.
A estabilidade e a efetividade da preferência partidária no Brasil
Authors: Pereira Frederico Batista
Published: April 2014

O artigo utiliza dados de pesquisa de opinião em painel coletados ao longo de 2002 em Caxias do Sul (RS) e Juiz de Fora (MG) para testar em que medida a preferência partidária é uma atitude estável e efetiva entre os eleitores brasileiros que a declaram. As análises focalizam os eleitores do Partido dos Trabalhadores. A questão que move o artigo é até que ponto a preferência partidária pode ser vista como uma causa do voto para presidente no Brasil. Duas perspectivas são contrastadas em busca da resposta para essa questão. A primeira defende que, ainda que restrita a uma parcela minoritária do eleitorado, a preferência partidária constitui uma atitude forte. Para a segunda perspectiva, a preferência partidária é, de maneira geral, uma atitude instável que emerge durante o período eleitoral, provavelmente em virtude da campanha e da identificação do eleitor com os candidatos. Os resultados das análises mostram que grande parte do petismo manifestado nas pesquisas de opinião em outubro se deve à saliência da eleição presidencial e tende a desaparecer posteriormente, além de ser menos importante para a escolha de candidatos para outros cargos em disputa. Além disso, esse petismo instável é mais comum entre eleitores menos politicamente envolvidos e sofisticados.
Reaction of common bean progenies to white mold derived from recurrent selection
Authors: Souza Danuza Araújo de , Pereira Fernanda Aparecida Castro , Dias Juliana Andrade , Leite Monik Evelin , Santos João Bosco dos
Published: April 2014

This study was realized with the objective of verifying the resistance to white mold of common bean progenies derived from recurrent selection for resistance to angular leaf spot. The plant material used was obtained from a program of recurrent selection, which was started by crossing seven lines with carioca grain type with ten sources of resistance to angular leaf spot according to the partial diallel scheme. To evaluate the resistance to white mold, it was verified the reaction of 17 parents plus 35 selected progenies, to oxalic acid. Huge heterogeneity among the parents was observed, showing that some of them have resistance alleles to white mold, and thus, there is a possibility of recombine these alleles through the recurrent selection and obtaining progenies with high levels of resistance. Even in initial cycles, some progenies exhibited resistance to white mold similar to the one of cultivar 'G-122', which presents good level of resistance to this disease. This leads to infer that the original population already had some level of physiological resistance for the reaction to absorption of oxalic acid, and also for resistance to angular leaf spot. Thus, among the selected progenies for resistance to angular leaf spot, grain type and high yield, at least four progenies have resistance to white mold similar to the source of resistance 'G-122'.
Identificação de potenciais plantas hospedeiras alternativas de Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola
Authors: Santos Morgana Mateus , Peixoto Ana Rosa , Pessoa Esmailly de Sousa , Gama Marco Aurélio , Mariano Rosa de Lima Ramos , Barbosa Maria Angélica Guimarães , Paz Cristiane Domingos da
Published: April 2014

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar possíveis hospedeiras alternativas de Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola (Xcv), visando a fornecer subsídios para o manejo do cancro bacteriano da videira. Vinte e seis espécies vegetais foram inoculadas artificialmente com o isolado Xcv3 e mantidas em condições de casa de vegetação, sendo avaliada a evolução sintomatológica da doença, como manchas necróticas angulares e lesões nas nervuras. O Xcv3 foi reisolado a partir de cada hospedeiro alternativo com sintomas, sendo identificado por PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), com iniciadores específicos. As espécies inoculadas que apresentaram os sintomas típicos da doença foram Glycine sp., Senna obtusifolia, Desmodium discolor, Amaranthus deflexus, Azadirachta indica, Solanum lycopersicum e Vigna unguiculata. As espécies da família Poaceae, Bidens pilosa, Emilia fosbergii, Praxelis pauciflora, Macroptilium lathyroides e Portulaca oleracea não apresentaram sintomas durante o período da avaliação.
Breeding full-sib families of sugar cane using selection index
Authors: Almeida Livia Marcon , Viana Alexandre Pio , Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira do , Carneiro Júnior Josil de Barros
Published: April 2014

An experiment with families belonging to the first selection stage (T1) of the Sugar Cane Breeding Program (PMGCA) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ)/RIDESA was carried out in the Plant Disa, located in the municipality of Conceição da Barra-ES, in 2006, aiming to evaluate families, for the selection of superior plants for the later stages of the breeding program of the culture. Sixty-eight full-sib families and three genotypes considered standards with potential recommendation for the area under study were evaluated. The experiment was arranged in a statistical randomized block design, in which the families were grouped into four sets. Each set had four replicates and one hundred seedlings per plot, with spacing of 0.5 meters between plants and 1.40 between rows. The evaluations were conducted during two growing seasons, corresponding to the first and second ratoon, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The traits stem diameter (DMC), total weight of the plot (P), number of stems (NC) Brix of the lower stem (Brix PE) and Brix of the upper stem (Brix PT) were assessed. All traits were significant for the genotypes, by the F test (P<0.01), in joint analyses of environments, which reveals significant differences between families. The values found in this study for the genetic variation coefficient (CVg) indicate great potential for success in breeding programs targeting at the selection of the traits evaluated. The highest gains were achieved when the indices of Smith and Hazel and Mulamba and Mock were used, which allowed simultaneous superior gains in all traits for the best families.
Biological insect control using Metarhizium anisopliae: morphological, molecular, and ecological aspects
Authors: Tiago Patricia Vieira , Oliveira Neiva Tinti de , Lima Elza Áurea de Luna Alves
Published: April 2014

Microbial control of insects is based on the rational use of pathogens to maintain environmentally balanced pest population levels, and Metarhizium anisopliae has been the most studied and most utilized fungal species for that purpose. The natural genetic variability of entomopathogenic fungi is considered one of the principal advantages of microbial insect control. The inter- and intraspecific variability and the genetic diversity and population structures of Metarhizium and other entomopathogenic fungi have been examined using ITS-RFLP, ISSR, and ISSP molecular markers. The persistence of M. anisopliae in the soil and its possible effects on the structures of resident microbial communities must be considered when selecting isolates for biological insect control.
Morphological characteristics and cell viability of coffee plants calli
Authors: Pádua Marlúcia Souza , Paiva Luciano Vilela , Silva Luciano Coutinho da , Livramento Kalynka Gabriella do , Alves Eduardo , Castro Ana Hortência Fonseca
Published: April 2014

The aim of this research was to characterize and compare two types of calli from leaf explants of Coffea arabica (cultivar Catiguá). Cells of different types of callus were successfully characterized regarding viability and internal and external morphological characteristics. It was obtained two morphologically distinct types of callus: (i) yellow friable and (ii) transparent watery. The yellow friable calli showed higher cell viability and embryogenic characteristics. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed embryogenic characteristics in cells of the yellow friable calli evidenced by the presence of small and isodiametric cells, while transparent watery calli showed elongated cells and large cytoplasm vacuolization.
Colecistectomia videolaparoscópica em felino com colelitíase
Authors: Guedes Rogério Luizari , Feranti João Pedro Scussel , Oliveira Marília Teresa de , Sprada Arícia Gomes , Beck Carlos Afonso de Castro , Brun Maurício Veloso
Published: April 2014

A colelitíase, ou litíase biliar, é rara em felinos. O presente relato descreve o caso de um felino, macho, sem raça definida, com seis anos de idade que apresentava anorexia, dor abdominal, vômito e hipertermia. Ao exame ultrassonográfico de abdômen, a vesícula biliar apresentava formato irregular, paredes espessas e estruturas hiperecogênicas na região do seu colo e saída do ducto cístico, sugerindo presença de cálculos biliares. O paciente foi submetido à videolaparoscopia seguida de colecistectomia. Após sete dias, o animal obteve alta hospitalar e, aos 60 dias de pós-operatório, não demonstrou recidiva dos sinais clínicos.
Pré-tratamentos na secagem e reidratação de champignon em fatias
Authors: Mimura Hayana Juliani , Jorge Regina Maria Matos , Mathias Alvaro Luiz
Published: April 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de dois pré-tratamentos (pt) na desidratação osmo-convectiva: Pré-tratamento químico a 20°C por 5min em solução de ácido cítrico, bissulfito de sódio e carbonato de cálcio a 0,1% cada (pt-ABC) e por branqueamento a 80°C por 5min (pt-B), bem como a combinação pt-ABC seguido de pt-B (amostra:solução = 1:10 w/w). O pt-ABC provocou aumento de massa (13% em média) entretanto o pt-B perda (-34% em média). A desidratação osmótica a 20°C por 60min em solução de NaCl a 10% reduziu a massa de fatias não pré-tratadas em 43%. Esse nível de redução de massa não pode ser atingido com o uso do pt-ABC, mas melhorou para 49% para fatias submetidas ao pt-B. Os pré-tratamentos reduziram o tempo de secagem (70°C e com circulação de ar de 18m³ h-1) de 150min para 60min para atingir o nível de atividade de água do produto seco igual ou menor a do produto comercial. As fatias submetidas ao pt-ABC ou do controle apresentaram boa capacidade de reidratação. As fatias que foram submetidas aos dois pré-tratamentos apresentaram coloração mais clara e menos enrugadas após secagem, aparência similar foi observada às do pt-ABC. O pt-ABC pode ser usado para se obter fatias de champignon seco com aspecto visual e capacidade de reidratação adequados para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos para consumo direto ou que necessite reidratação.
Avaliação da estabilidade foto-oxidativa dos óleos de canola e de milho em presença de antioxidantes sintéticos
Authors: Tolentino Marina Caldeira , Kanumfre Francieli , Bersot Luciano dos Santos , Nagata Noemi , Carneiro Paulo Irajara Borba , Rosso Neiva Deliberali
Published: April 2014

A estabilidade dos óleos vegetais à oxidação depende do equilíbrio entre a composição e a presença de pró-oxidantes e antioxidantes. O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em avaliar o efeito da presença de antioxidantes sintéticos durante o processo de foto-oxidação dos óleos de canola e milho. As amostras dos óleos de canola e milho em presença e em ausência dos antioxidantes butil-hidroxitolueno (BHA), propil galato (PG) e terc butil-hidroquinona (TBHQ), foram submetidas ao estresse foto-oxidativo. A reação de foto-oxidação seguiu uma cinética de primeira ordem. A constante de velocidade no período de 20 dias de foto-oxidação evidenciou que o antioxidante PG apresentou maior efeito protetor para o óleo de canola e o TBHQ para o óleo de milho. A partir dos dados de UV e RMN de ¹H, no período de 60 dias, constatou-se que os três antioxidantes apresentaram um efeito protetor a foto-oxidação. Os dados de UV evidenciaram aumento de absorção da banda em 232 nm devido à foto-oxidação e formação de dienos conjugados. A redução da intensidade de absorção desta banda na foto-oxidação com o tempo de exposição revelou que a proteção, tanto para o óleo de canola como para o de milho, foi mais efetiva com o antioxidante PG. Os índices de oxidação Roa e fração residual de hidrogênios (H) dialílicos, alílicos e vinílicos também evidenciaram que o antioxidante PG apresentou o melhor desempenho na proteção dos dois tipos de óleo.
Crescimento e acúmulo de macronutrientes na cultura da cebola em Baraúna (RN) e Petrolina (PE)
Authors: Aguiar Neto Pedro , Grangeiro Leilson C. , Mendes Alessandra M. S. , Costa Nivaldo D. , Marrocos Saulo de T. P. , Sousa Valdívia F. L. de
Published: April 2014

Com o objetivo de avaliar o crescimento e o acúmulo de nutrientes por cultivares de cebola experimentos foram desenvolvidos na estação experimental de Bebedouro (Petrolina, PE) pertencente à Embrapa Semiárido, no período de maio a outubro de 2009 e em Baraúna, RN, em área comercial, no período de junho a outubro de 2009. O delineamento utilizado em cada experimento foi em blocos casualizados completos, com quatro repetições em esquema fatorial 2 x 6. Os tratamentos resultaram da combinação de duas cultivares de cebola (IPA 11 e Texas Grano 502) e seis épocas de coleta (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 e 90 DAT). Em cada coleta foram utilizadas seis plantas por repetição. A cebola, cultivares IPA 11 e Texas Grano, apresentou crescimento inicial lento intensificando-o a partir dos 30 dias após o transplantio. Maiores incrementos na matéria seca total, da parte aérea e do bulbo, ocorreram no período de 60 a 75 DAT. Os nutrientes foram absorvidos pela cebola na seguinte ordem: Ca > K > N > Mg > P e Ca > N > K > Mg > P para "Texas Grano 502" e "IPA 11" em Petrolina e K > Ca > N > Mg > P e N > K > Ca > Mg > P para "Texas Grano 502" e "IPA 11" em Baraúna. As cultivares Texas Grano 502 e IPA 11 exportaram mais nutrientes em Baraúna.
Monitoramento da salinidade de águas subterrâneas em várzea cultivada com cana-de-açúcar fertirrigada com vinhaça
Authors: Silva Wellington P. da , Almeida Ceres D. G. C. de , Rolim Mario M. , Silva Ênio F. de F. e , Pedrosa Elvira M. R. , Silva Vamberto G. F.
Published: April 2014

Propôs-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o risco potencial da vinhaça em proporcionar a salinidade e sodicidade das águas subterrâneas em área de várzea cultivada com cana-de-açúcar. O experimento foi conduzido em uma Usina da Mata Sul de Pernambuco durante o período de dezembro de 2010 a setembro de 2011. O dispositivo experimental adotado foi composto de uma malha georreferenciada de 81 poços de monitoramento distribuídos ao longo de uma área de 7,5 ha constituindo três subáreas com 2,5 ha, todas cultivadas com cana-de-açúcar. Na área foram aplicadas doses equivalentes a 50, 60 e 65 m³ ha-1 de vinhaça de mosto de melaço. Para a avaliação da qualidade da água subterrânea foram realizadas seis amostragens e analisados os parâmetros CE, pH, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ e RAS. A aplicação de doses de vinhaça até 65 m³ ha-1, em áreas de várzea, para os parâmetros analisados, não proporcionou riscos de salinização das águas subterrâneas nem, tampouco, a CE e a RAS para a salinidade e sodicidade no período avaliado. O monitoramento dos parâmetros químicos do lençol freático mostrou, ao longo do tempo, redução de suas concentrações em função da precipitação pluviométrica ocorrida no período estudado.
Dinâmica de nitrogênio e fósforo em reservatório na região semiárida utilizando balanço de massa
Authors: Vidal Ticiana F. , Capelo Neto José
Published: April 2014

Muitos reservatórios são alvo de impactos resultantes de diversas atividades antrópicas, principalmente os localizados nos domínios das bacias metropolitanas. O açude Gavião, responsável pelo abastecimento de água potável da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza, apresenta a presença excessiva de fitoplâncton, consequência direta do enriquecimento da água por nutrientes, dificultando substancialmente o tratamento da água no reservatório e elevando os custos de tratamento. Torna-se imprescindível, portanto, estudos, planos de gerenciamento, ações corretivas e/ou preventivas a fim de que, futuramente, a qualidade das águas não seja prejudicada a ponto de culminar na necessidade da modificação da tecnologia de tratamento utilizada na estação. A determinação da carga de nutrientes e os balanços de massa podem avaliar o processo de eutrofização no sistema verificando-se se há exportação ou retenção de nutrientes no corpo d'água. Amostras mensais de janeiro a maio de 2011 foram coletadas em cinco pontos do açude com o objetivo de estudar o balanço de massa dos macronutrientes. No período de estudo o açude acumulou cerca de 28,06 t de fósforo e 121,42 t de nitrogênio podendo ser classificado eutrófico.