bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transvenous Transcatheter Valve-in-Valve Implantation after Bioprosthetic Tricuspid Valve Failure
Authors: Mortazavi Ali , Reul Ross M. , Cannizzaro Leon , Dougherty Kathryn G.
Published: October 2014

We describe the case of a 38-year-old man with a history of metastatic testicular cancer who had undergone multiple thoracic surgical procedures, including tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve as a result of tricuspid involvement of his malignancy. He presented at our outpatient cardiology clinic with worsening fatigue, shortness of breath, and peripheral edema, investigation of which revealed severe tricuspid bioprosthesis stenosis with central regurgitation. Because of the patient's medical history, he was considered to be a high-risk surgical candidate. Therefore, transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation of a 26-mm Edwards Sapien® valve was attempted through a transjugular approach. The procedure restored tricuspid valvar competence and substantially improved the patient's symptoms. We discuss the technical aspects of this case and briefly review the usefulness of the valve-in-valve technique in the tricuspid position.
Sustainable Consumption – an Unwieldy Object of Research
Authors: Defila Rico , Di Giulio Antonietta , Kaufmann-Hayoz Ruth
Published: October 2014

Nourishing ground of this GAIA special issue is the focal topic From Knowledge to Action – New Paths towards Sustainable Consumption funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The introductory paper describes the synthesis process, which
focused on fundamental conceptual and normative issues of sustainable consumption as an object of research, and summarises its main results – classification systems, conceptual structures, and clarifications of normative positions pertaining to four questions: how to conceive individual
consumption, how to relate consumption and sustainability, how to assess sustainable consumption, and how to change individual consumption. It also explains how the individual papers of this issue under the headings Viewpoints and Reflection relate to these results.
Motivation and Impact. Implications of a Twofold Perspective on Sustainable Consumption for Intervention Programs and Evaluation Designs
Authors: Kastner Ingo , Matthies Ellen
Published: October 2014

Measures designed to foster individual sustainable consumption should target high-impact behaviors (impact perspective) and include strategies that promote people's general motivation to contribute to sustainable development (intent perspective). In doing so, long-term behavioral changes
and positive spillover effects may be achieved and negative spillover may be alleviated. Taking into account this twofold perspective on sustainable consumption, we designed an intervention program for the promotion of sustainable consumption in terms of energy efficiency at the workplace.
The program evaluation covered impact-related indicators in terms of metered energy consumption data, and intent-related indicators in terms of a scale referring to the general motivation to save energy at the workplace. The intervention program showed positive outcomes for both kinds of indicators
while the relationships between the indicators were moderate only.
Sustainable Consumption – Three Paradoxes
Authors: Maniates Michael
Published: October 2014

Sustainable consumption is a field in transition, with limited agreement around organizing questions, key definitions, overarching frameworks and fundamental disciplinary traditions. The resulting dissonance complicates the collaboration and cumulative generation of knowledge typical
of effec tive research communities. This dissonance emerges from the papers in this special issue of GAIA, which together illustrate three paradoxes that characterize the field: the primacy of the individual consumer, the counterproductive search for definitions, and limited theorizing
about social change and a consequent retreat from power. Concerted struggle with these paradoxes can illuminate new approaches to defining and advancing the field, including those outlined in this essay.
Phoenix dactylifera/Judaea dactylifera . Palma daktylowa jako “symbol żydowski” w świecie grecko-rzymskim
Authors: Maciudzińska-Kamczycka Magdalena
Published: October 2014

The aim of this article is to present the development of the date palm (phoenix dactylifera) as a symbol of the Jewish nation, their land Judaea and their separate religious beliefs and distinct culture in the Greco-Roman world. Literary and visual sources of this motif have their origin in very different contexts – Greek and Latin authors, Biblical texts, Roman and Jewish coinage, and synagogue art in Palestine and the Diaspora.
汉语和日语听觉反馈声学特点及语言认知习得能力—基于噪声 (Lombard) 听觉反馈条件实验研究
Authors: 徐 以中 , 杨 亦鸣
Published: October 2014

提要

元认知是对认知的认知，语言元认知能力体现为说话人对自身言语行为的自我监控，在心理语言学中属于言语听觉反馈现象。本文基于噪声 (Lombard) 条件的听觉反馈实验，考察了操汉语和日语者的言语发声特点及其所反映的认知心理机制。统计结果揭示：一、噪声对话语语速和音高的影响不显著但对音强的影响非常显著；这个结果也验证了赵元任先生提出的“汉语音高可以区别词义使得汉语在噪声传播中是一个优点”的观点；二、语义和语境因素对音强和音高变化的影响具有显著意义；三、汉日两种语言被试在语言元认知能力上既有普遍性又有差异性。总之，开展言语听觉反馈研究对于揭示语言认知和习得机制具有重要意义。
Hilbert spaces and the pair correlation
of zeros of the Riemann zeta-function
Authors: Carneiro Emanuel , Chandee Vorrapan , Littmann Friedrich , Milinovich Micah B.
Published: October 2014

Montgomery’s pair correlation conjecture predicts the asymptotic behavior of the function N(T,β) defined to be the number of pairs γ and γ’ of ordinates of nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function satisfying 0

<

$<$

γ,γ’

≤

$\leq$

T and 0

<

$<$

γ’

-

$-$

γ

≤

$\leq$

(2πβ)/(log T) as

T
→
∞

${T\to\infty}$

. In this paper, assuming the Riemann hypothesis, we prove upper and lower bounds for N(T,β), for all β

>

$>$

0, using Montgomery’s formula and some extremal functions of exponential type. These functions are optimal in the sense that they majorize and minorize the characteristic function of the interval [

-

$-$

β,β] in a way to minimize the

L
1

⁢

(
ℝ
,

{

1
-

(

sin
⁡

π
⁢
x

π
⁢
x

)

2

}

⁢
d
⁢
x

)

${L^{1}(\mathbb{R},\{1-(\frac{\sin\pi x}{\pi x})^{2}\}\,\text{\rm d}x)}$

-error. We give a complete solution for this extremal problem using the framework of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces of entire functions. This extends previous work by P. X. Gallagher [J. reine angew. Math. 362 (1985), 72–86] in 1985, where the case β

∈

$\in$

(1/2)

ℕ

$\mathbb{N}$

was considered using non-extremal majorants and minorants.
Structured Synaptic Inhibition Has a Critical Role in Multiple-Choice Motion-Discrimination Tasks
Authors: Xue Cheng , Liu Feng
Published: October 2014

Neural network models have been constructed to explore the underlying neural mechanisms for decision-making in multiple-choice motion-discrimination tasks. Despite great progress made, several key experimental observations have not been interpreted. In contrast to homogeneous connectivity between pyramidal cells and interneurons in previous models, here their connectivity is totally structured in a continuous recurrent network model. Specifically, we assume two types of inhibitory connectivity: opposite-feature and similar-feature inhibition, representing that the connectivity strength has a maximum between neural pairs with opposite and identical preferred directions, respectively. With a common parameter set, the model accounted for a wide variety of physiological and behavioral data from monkey experiments, including those that previous models failed to reproduce. We found that the opposite-feature inhibition endows the decision-making circuit with an elimination strategy, which effectively reduces the number of choice alternatives for inspection to speed up the decision process at the cost of decision accuracy. Conversely, the similar-feature inhibition markedly enhances the ability of the network to make a choice among multiple options and improves the accuracy of decisions, while slowing down the decision process. A simplified mean-field model was also presented to analytically characterize the effect of structured inhibition on fine discrimination. We made a testable prediction: only the combination of cross-feature and similar-feature inhibition enables the circuit to make a categorical choice among 12 alternatives. Together, the current work highlights the importance of structured synaptic inhibition in multiple-choice decision-making processes and sheds light on the neural mechanisms for visual motion perception.
Plasticity in Developing Brain: Active Auditory Exposure Impacts Prelinguistic Acoustic Mapping
Authors: Benasich April A. , Choudhury Naseem A. , Realpe-Bonilla Teresa , Roesler Cynthia P.
Published: October 2014

A major task across infancy is the creation and tuning of the acoustic maps that allow efficient native language processing. This process crucially depends on ongoing neural plasticity and keen sensitivity to environmental cues. Development of sensory mapping has been widely studied in animal models, demonstrating that cortical representations of the sensory environment are continuously modified by experience. One critical period for optimizing human language mapping is early in the first year; however, the neural processes involved and the influence of passive compared with active experience are as yet incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that, while both active and passive acoustic experience from 4 to 7 months of age, using temporally modulated nonspeech stimuli, impacts acoustic mapping, active experience confers a significant advantage. Using event-related potentials (ERPs), we show that active experience increases perceptual vigilance/attention to environmental acoustic stimuli (e.g., larger and faster P2 peaks) when compared with passive experience or maturation alone. Faster latencies are also seen for the change discrimination peak (N2*) that has been shown to be a robust infant predictor of later language through age 4 years. Sharpening is evident for both trained and untrained stimuli over and above that seen for maturation alone. Effects were also seen on ERP morphology for the active experience group with development of more complex waveforms more often seen in typically developing 12- to 24-month-old children. The promise of selectively “fine-tuning” acoustic mapping as it emerges has far-reaching implications for the amelioration and/or prevention of developmental language disorders.
Interaction of nNOS with PSD-95 Negatively Controls Regenerative Repair after Stroke
Authors: Luo Chun-Xia , Lin Yu-Hui , Qian Xiao-Dan , Tang Ying , Zhou Hai-Hui , Jin Xing , Ni Huan-Yu , Zhang Feng-Yun , Qin Cheng , Li Fei , Zhang Yu , Wu Hai-Yin , Chang Lei , Zhu Dong-Ya
Published: October 2014

Stroke is a major public health concern. The lack of effective therapies heightens the need for new therapeutic targets. Mammalian brain has the ability to rewire itself to restore lost functionalities. Promoting regenerative repair, including neurogenesis and dendritic remodeling, may offer a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stroke. Here, we report that interaction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with the protein postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) negatively controls regenerative repair after stroke in rats. Dissociating nNOS–PSD-95 coupling in neurons promotes neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs), facilitates the migration of newborn cells into the injured area, and enhances neurite growth of newborn neurons and dendritic spine formation of mature neurons in the ischemic brain of rats. More importantly, blocking nNOS–PSD-95 binding during the recovery stage improves stroke outcome via the promotion of regenerative repair in rats. Histone deacetylase 2 in NSCs may mediate the role of nNOS–PSD-95 association. Thus, nNOS–PSD-95 can serve as a target for regenerative repair after stroke.
FAK Is Required for Schwann Cell Spreading on Immature Basal Lamina to Coordinate the Radial Sorting of Peripheral Axons with Myelination
Authors: Grove Matthew , Brophy Peter J.
Published: October 2014

Without Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), developing murine Schwann cells (SCs) proliferate poorly, sort axons inefficiently, and cannot myelinate peripheral nerves. Here we show that FAK is required for the development of SCs when their basal lamina (BL) is fragmentary, but not when it is maturein vivo. Mutant SCs fail to spread on fragmentary BL during developmentin vivo, and this is phenocopied by SCs lacking functional FAK on low laminin (LN)in vitro. Furthermore, SCs without functional FAK initiate differentiation prematurely, bothin vivoandin vitro. In contrast to their behavior on high levels of LN, SCs lacking functional FAK grown on low LN display reduced spreading, proliferation, and indicators of contractility (i.e., stress fibers, arcs, and focal adhesions) and are primed to differentiate. Growth of SCs lacking functional FAK on increasing LN concentrationsin vitrorevealed that differentiation is not regulated by G1arrest but rather by cell spreading and the level of contractile actomyosin. The importance of FAK as a critical regulator of the specific response of developing SCs to fragmentary BL was supported by the ability of adult FAK mutant SCs to remyelinate demyelinated adult nerves on mature BLin vivo. We conclude that FAK promotes the spreading and actomyosin contractility of immature SCs on fragmentary BL, thus maintaining their proliferation, and preventing differentiation until they reach high density, thereby promoting radial sorting. Hence, FAK has a critical role in the response of SCs to limiting BL by promoting proliferation and preventing premature SC differentiation.
Genetic Labeling Reveals Novel Cellular Targets of Schizophrenia Susceptibility Gene: Distribution of GABA and Non-GABA ErbB4-Positive Cells in Adult Mouse Brain
Authors: Bean Jonathan C. , Lin Thiri W. , Sathyamurthy Anupama , Liu Fang , Yin Dong-Min , Xiong Wen-Cheng , Mei Lin
Published: October 2014

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1)and its receptorErbB4are schizophrenia risk genes. NRG1-ErbB4 signaling plays a critical role in neural development and regulates neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Nevertheless, its cellular targets remain controversial. ErbB4 was thought to express in excitatory neurons, although recent studies disputed this view. Using mice that express a fluorescent protein under the promoter of theErbB4gene, we determined in what cells ErbB4 is expressed and their identity. ErbB4 was widely expressed in the mouse brain, being highest in amygdala and cortex. Almost all ErbB4-positive cells were GABAergic in cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and most of amygdala in neonatal and adult mice, suggesting GABAergic transmission as a major target of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in these regions. Non-GABAergic, ErbB4-positive cells were present in thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, and hindbrain. In particular, ErbB4 is expressed in serotoninergic neurons of raphe nuclei but not in norepinephrinergic neurons of the locus ceruleus. In hypothalamus, ErbB4 is present in neurons that express oxytocin. Finally, ErbB4 is expressed in a group of cells in the subcortical areas that are positive for S100 calcium binding protein β. These results identify novel cellular targets of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling.
Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Inhibits GABAergic Neurotransmission by Activating Endocytosis and Repression of GABAAReceptors
Authors: Riffault Baptiste , Medina Igor , Dumon Camille , Thalman Carine , Ferrand Nadine , Friedel Perrine , Gaiarsa Jean-Luc , Porcher Christophe
Published: October 2014

GABA is the canonical inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. This inhibitory action is largely mediated by GABA type A receptors (GABAARs). Among the many factors controlling GABAergic transmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to play a major role in regulating synaptic inhibition. Recent findings have demonstrated that BDNF can be released as a precursor (proBDNF). Although the role of mature BDNF on GABAergic synaptogenesis and maintenance has been well studied, an important question still unanswered is whether secreted proBDNF might affect GABAergic neurotransmission. Here, we have used 14 din vitroprimary culture of hippocampal neurons andex vivopreparations from rats to study the function of proBDNF in regulation of GABAAR trafficking and activity. We demonstrate that proBDNF impairs GABAergic transmission by the activation of two distinct pathways: (1) a RhoA-Rock-PTEN pathway that decreases the phosphorylation levels of GABAAR, thus affecting receptor function and triggering endocytosis and degradation of internalized receptors, and (2) a JAK-STAT-ICER pathway leading to the repression of GABAARs synthesis. These effects lead to the diminution of GABAergic synapses and are correlated with a decrease in GABAergic synaptic currents. These results revealed new functions for proBDNF-p75 neurotrophin receptor signaling pathway in the control of the efficacy of GABAergic synaptic activity by regulating the trafficking and synthesis of GABAARs at inhibitory synapses.
EAAT2 (GLT-1; slc1a2) Glutamate Transporters Reconstituted in Liposomes Argues against Heteroexchange Being Substantially Faster than Net Uptake
Authors: Zhou Yun , Wang Xiaoyu , Tzingounis Anastasios V. , Danbolt Niels C. , Larsson H. Peter
Published: October 2014

The EAAT2 glutamate transporter, accounts for >90% of hippocampal glutamate uptake. Although EAAT2 is predominantly expressed in astrocytes, ∼10% of EAAT2 molecules are found in axon terminals. Despite the lower level of EAAT2 expression in glutamatergic terminals, when hippocampal slices are incubated with low concentration ofd-aspartate (an EAAT2 substrate), axon terminals accumulated-aspartate as quickly as astroglia. This implies an unexplained mismatch between the distribution of EAAT2 protein and of EAAT2-mediated transport activity. One hypothesis is that (1) heteroexchange of internal substrate with external substrate is considerably faster than net uptake and (2) terminals favor heteroexchange because of high levels of internal glutamate. However, it is currently unknown whether heteroexchange and uptake have similar or different rates. To address this issue, we used a reconstituted system to compare the relative rates of the two processes in rat and mice. Net uptake was sensitive to changes in the membrane potential and was stimulated by external permeable anions in agreement with the existence of an uncoupled anion conductance. By using the latter, we also demonstrate that the rate of heteroexchange also depends on the membrane potential. Additionally, our data further suggest the presence of a sodium leak in EAAT2. By incorporating the new findings in our previous model of glutamate uptake by EAAT2, we predict that the voltage sensitivity of exchange is caused by the voltage-dependent third Na+binding. Further, both our experiments and simulations suggest that the relative rates of net uptake and heteroexchange are comparable in EAAT2.
Distinct Representation and Distribution of Visual Information by Specific Cell Types in Mouse Superficial Superior Colliculus
Authors: Gale Samuel D. , Murphy Gabe J.
Published: October 2014

The superficial superior colliculus (sSC) occupies a critical node in the mammalian visual system; it is one of two major retinorecipient areas, receives visual cortical input, and innervates visual thalamocortical circuits. Nonetheless, the contribution of sSC neurons to downstream neural activity and visually guided behavior is unknown and frequently neglected. Here we identified the visual stimuli to which specific classes of sSC neurons respond, the downstream regions they target, and transgenic mice enabling class-specific manipulations. One class responds to small, slowly moving stimuli and projects exclusively to lateral posterior thalamus; another, comprising GABAergic neurons, responds to the sudden appearance or rapid movement of large stimuli and projects to multiple areas, including the lateral geniculate nucleus. A third class exhibits direction-selective responses and targets deeper SC layers. Together, our results show how specific sSC neurons represent and distribute diverse information and enable direct tests of their functional role.
Dissociated Signals in Human Dentate Gyrus and CA3 Predict Different Facets of Recognition Memory
Authors: Reagh Zachariah M. , Watabe Joseph , Ly Maria , Murray Elizabeth , Yassa Michael A.
Published: October 2014

A wealth of evidence has implicated the hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobe cortices in support of recognition memory. However, the roles of the various subfields of the hippocampus are poorly understood. In this study, we concurrently varied stimulus familiarization and repetition to engage different facets of recognition memory. Using high-resolution fMRI (1.5 mm isotropic), we observed distinct familiarity and repetition-related recognition signal profiles in the dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 subfield in human subjects. The DG/CA3 demonstrated robust response suppression with repetition and familiarity-related facilitation. Both of these discrete responses were predictive of different aspects of behavioral performance. Consistent with previous work, we observed novelty responses in CA1 consistent with “match/mismatch detection,” as well as mixed recognition signaling distributed across medial temporal lobe cortices. Additional analyses indicated that the repetition and familiarity-related signals in the DG/CA3 were strikingly dissociated along the hippocampal longitudinal axis and that activity in the posterior hippocampus was strongly correlated with the retrosplenial cortex. These data provide novel insight into the roles of hippocampal subfields in support of recognition memory and further provide evidence of a functional heterogeneity in the human DG/CA3, particularly along the longitudinal axis.
Crystal structure of a c‐di‐AMP riboswitch reveals an internally pseudo‐dimeric RNA
Authors: Jones Christopher P , Ferré‐D'Amaré Adrian R
Published: October 2014

Cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (c‐di‐AMP) is a second messenger that is essential for growth and homeostasis in bacteria. A recently discovered c‐di‐AMP‐responsive riboswitch controls the expression of genes in a variety of bacteria, including important pathogens. To elucidate the molecular basis for specific binding of c‐di‐AMP by a gene‐regulatory mRNA domain, we have determined the co‐crystal structure of this riboswitch. Unexpectedly, the structure reveals an internally pseudo‐symmetric RNA in which two similar three‐helix‐junction elements associate head‐to‐tail, creating a trough that cradles two c‐di‐AMP molecules making quasi‐equivalent contacts with the riboswitch. The riboswitch selectively binds c‐di‐AMP and discriminates exquisitely against other cyclic dinucleotides, such as c‐di‐GMP and cyclic‐AMP‐GMP, via interactions with both the backbone and bases of its cognate second messenger. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments indicate that global folding of the riboswitch is induced by the two bound cyclic dinucleotides, which bridge the two symmetric three‐helix domains. This structural reorganization likely couples c‐di‐AMP binding to gene expression.
Glucocorticoid treatment and endocrine pancreas function: implications for glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance and diabetes
Authors: Rafacho Alex , Ortsäter Henrik , Nadal Angel , Quesada Ivan
Published: October 2014

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are broadly prescribed for numerous pathological conditions because of their anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immunosuppressive effects, among other actions. Nevertheless, GCs can produce undesired diabetogenic side effects through interactions with the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Under conditions of excess and/or long-term treatment, GCs can induce peripheral insulin resistance (IR) by impairing insulin signalling, which results in reduced glucose disposal and augmented endogenous glucose production. In addition, GCs can promote abdominal obesity, elevate plasma fatty acids and triglycerides, and suppress osteocalcin synthesis in bone tissue. In response to GC-induced peripheral IR and in an attempt to maintain normoglycaemia, pancreatic β-cells undergo several morphofunctional adaptations that result in hyperinsulinaemia. Failure of β-cells to compensate for this situation favours glucose homeostasis disruption, which can result in hyperglycaemia, particularly in susceptible individuals. GC treatment does not only alter pancreatic β-cell function but also affect them by their actions that can lead to hyperglucagonaemia, further contributing to glucose homeostasis imbalance and hyperglycaemia. In addition, the release of other islet hormones, such as somatostatin, amylin and ghrelin, is also affected by GC administration. These undesired GC actions merit further consideration for the design of improved GC therapies without diabetogenic effects. In summary, in this review, we consider the implication of GC treatment on peripheral IR, islet function and glucose homeostasis.
FSH–FSHR3–stem cells in ovary surface epithelium: basis for adult ovarian biology, failure, aging, and cancer
Authors: Bhartiya Deepa , Singh Jarnail
Published: October 2014

Despite extensive research, genetic basis of premature ovarian failure (POF) and ovarian cancer still remains elusive. It is indeed paradoxical that scientists searched for mutations in FSH receptor (FSHR) expressed on granulosa cells, whereas more than 90% of cancers arise in ovary surface epithelium (OSE). Two distinct populations of stem cells including very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and ovarian stem cells (OSCs) exist in OSE, are responsible for neo-oogenesis and primordial follicle assembly in adult life, and are modulated by FSH via its alternatively spliced receptor variant FSHR3 (growth factor type 1 receptor acting via calcium signaling and the ERK/MAPK pathway). Any defect in FSH–FSHR3–stem cell interaction in OSE may affect folliculogenesis and thus result in POF. Ovarian aging is associated with a compromised microenvironment that does not support stem cell differentiation into oocytes and further folliculogenesis. FSH exerts a mitogenic effect on OSE and elevated FSH levels associated with advanced age may provide a continuous trigger for stem cells to proliferate resulting in cancer, thus supporting gonadotropin theory for ovarian cancer. Present review is an attempt to put adult ovarian biology, POF, aging, and cancer in the perspective of FSH–FSHR3–stem cell network that functions in OSE. This hypothesis is further supported by the recent understanding that: i) cancer is a stem cell disease and OSE is the niche for ovarian cancer stem cells; ii) ovarian OCT4-positive stem cells are regulated by FSH; and iii) OCT4 along with LIN28 and BMP4 are highly expressed in ovarian cancers.
Genetic Testing of Children for Diseases That Have Onset in Adulthood: The Limits of Family Interests
Authors: Hardart George E. , Chung Wendy K.
Published: October 2014

Two recent policy statements, one from the American Academy of Pediatrics and one from the American College of Medical Genetics, reach very different conclusions about the question of whether children should be tested for adult-onset genetic conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics policy begins with the presumption that genetic testing for children should be driven by the best interest of the child. It recognizes the importance of preserving the child’s open future, recommending that genetic testing for adult-onset diseases be deferred. The American College of Medical Genetics, by contrast, recommended testing children for at least some adult conditions, although it should be noted they have recently modified this recommendation. They justified this recommendation by arguing that it, in fact, was in the best interests of the child and family to receive this information. In this article, we analyze these 2 different positions and suggest ways that the seeming conflicts between them might be reconciled.
Is the Best Interest Standard Good for Pediatrics?
Authors: Rhodes Rosamond , Holzman Ian R.
Published: October 2014

We argue that the “best interest standard” for surrogate decision-making is problematic for a number of reasons. First, reliance on the best interest standard is subjective. Second, it leads to behavior that is intolerant and polarizing. Third, appeals to the best interest standard are often vague and indeterminate. After all, cases are usually controversial precisely because reasonable people disagree about what is or is not in a child’s best interest. We then recommend that, instead of the best interest standard, parents should be held to a standard that we call the “not unreasonable” standard. By that standard, parents’ decisions would be respected unless they were deemed unreasonable. This recommendation would allow a greater range for parental discretion than the best interest standard.
Antibiotic resistance and enterotoxin genes in Staphylococcus sp. isolates from polluted water in Southern Brazil
Authors: BASSO ANA P. , MARTINS PAULA D. , NACHTIGALL GISELE , SAND SUELI VAN DER , MOURA TIANE M. DE , FRAZZON ANA PAULA G.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the species distribution, antibiotic-resistance profile and presence of enterotoxin (SE) genes in staphylococci isolated from the Dilúvio stream in South Brazil. Eighty-eight staphylococci were identified, 93.18% were identified as coagulase-negative (CNS) and 6.82% coagulase-positive (CPS). Fourteen Staphylococcus species were detected and the most frequently were Staphylococcus cohnii (30.48%) and S. haemolyticus (21.95%). Resistance to erythromycin was verified in 37.50% of the strains, followed by 27.27% to penicillin, 12.50% to clindamycin, 6.81% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 5.68% to chloramphenicol and 2.27% to norfloxacin. None of the investigated strains showed gentamicin and ciprofloxacin resistance. The strains were tested for the presence of sea, seb, sec, sed and see genes by PCR and only CNS strains (43.18%) showed positive results to one or more SE genes. The scientific importance of our results is due to the lack of data about these topics in polluted waters in Brazil. In conclusion, polluted waters from the Dilúvio stream may constitute a reservoir for disseminating antibiotic-resistance and enterotoxin into the community. In addition, the detection of staphylococci in the polluted waters of the Dilúvio stream indicated a situation of environmental contamination and poor sanitation conditions.
Indicadores de desempenho em instituições de ciência, tecnologia e inovação: estudo de caso do Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron
Authors: Frare Eduardo , Cardoso Ricardo Lopes , Oyadomari José Carlos Tiomatsu , Mendonça Neto Octavio Ribeiro de
Published: October 2014

Este estudo trata de indicadores de desempenho em organizações de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (C, T & I) e, em particular, do Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron (LNLS). Teve por objetivo determinar os indicadores a serem utilizados pelo LNLS para garantir o atingimento de seus objetivos de curto e longo prazo. Para tanto foi realizado um estudo de caso. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas junto a 10 stakeholders com elevado grau de influência e interesse na instituição, analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo e triangulados por meio da análise de documentos e da observação participante. Como resultado, este estudo sugere um modelo de acompanhamento de desempenho a ser adotado pelo LNLS que também pode ser útil para as demais organizações de C, T & I.
Respostas fisiológicas de clones de eucalipto cultivados em casa de vegetação sob deficiência hídrica
Authors: Fernandes Emanuel Tássio , Cairo Paulo Araquém Ramos , Novaes Adalberto Brito de
Published: October 2014

Os prolongados períodos de seca no Sudoeste da Bahia podem causar prejuízos ao cultivo de eucalipto, que é a principal espécie florestal cultivada nessa região. Com o propósito de se conhecer o desempenho de alguns clones de eucalipto, face às restrições hídricas dessa região, realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação, no qual foram avaliadas respostas fisiológicas de quatro clones de eucalipto à baixa disponibilidade de água no solo. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, no qual os tratamentos constituíram um arranjo fatorial 4x2 (clones VM01, VCC0865, AEC0144 e AEC0224, sob regimes hídricos irrigado e não irrigado), com quatro repetições e duas plantas por parcela. Mudas com 90 dias de idade foram aclimatadas em casa de vegetação e irrigadas durante 60 dias. Após esse período, suspendeu-se a irrigação para um grupo de plantas, dando início às avaliações de potencial hídrico foliar (Ψw), teor relativo de água (TRA), transpiração (E), condutância estomática (gs), fotossíntese (A) e concentração interna de CO2 (Ci). A deficiência hídrica causou alterações significativas em todas as variáveis avaliadas: Ψw, TRA, E, gs e A sofreram decréscimos, ao passo que Ci aumentou. As reduções em Ψw e TRA não registraram diferenças significativas entre os clones. Em relação a A, essa redução foi menor no clone VM01.
Development and validation of an educational booklet for healthy eating during pregnancy
Authors: Oliveira Sheyla Costa de , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Fernandes Ana Fátima Carvalho
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE: to describe the validation process of an educational booklet for healthy eating in pregnancy using local and regional food.METHODS: methodological study, developed in three steps: construction of the educational booklet, validation of the educational material by judges, and by pregnant women. The validation process was conducted by 22 judges and 20 pregnant women, by convenience selection. We considered a p-value<0.85 to validate the booklet compliance and relevance, according to the six items of the instrument. As for content validation, the item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) was considered when a minimum score of at least 0.80 was obtained.RESULTS: five items were considered relevant by the judges. The mean I-CVI was 0.91. The pregnant women evaluated positively the booklet. The suggestions were accepted and included in the final version of the material.CONCLUSION: the booklet was validated in terms of content and relevance, and should be used by nurses for advice on healthy eating during pregnancy.
Acute kidney injury after contrast-enhanced examination among elderly
Authors: Aoki Beatriz Bonadio , Fram Dayana , Taminato Mônica , Batista Ruth Ester Sayad , Belasco Angélica , Barbosa Dulce Aparecida
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVES: to assess renal function in elderly patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography and identify the preventive measures of acute kidney injury in the period before and after the examination.METHOD: longitudinal cohort study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo Hospital, from March 2011 to March 2013. All hospitalized elderly, of both sexes, aged 60 years and above, who performed the examination, were included (n=93). We collected sociodemographic data, data related to the examination and to the care provided, and creatinine values prior and post exam.RESULTS: an alteration in renal function was observed in 51 patients (54%) with a statistically significant increase of creatinine values (p<0.04), and two patients (4.0%) required hemodialysis.CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need for protocols prior to and post contrast-enhanced examination in the elderly, and other studies to verify the prognosis of this population.
Pain intensity, disability and depression in individuals with chronic back pain
Authors: Garbi Márcia de Oliveira Sakamoto Silva , Hortense Priscilla , Gomez Rodrigo Ramon Falconi , Silva Talita de Cássia Raminelli da , Castanho Ana Carolina Ferreira , Sousa Fátima Aparecida Emm Faleiros
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVES: to measure the pain intensity, identify the disability and depression levels in people with chronic back pain and to correlate these variables. A cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study was undertaken at the Pain Treatment Clinic of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Hospital das Clínicas, between February and June 2012, after receiving approval from the Ethics Committee at the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing.METHOD: sixty subjects with chronic back pain participated. The instruments used were: the 11-point Numerical Category Scale, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. To analyze the data, the arithmetic means, standard deviations and Spearman's correlation coefficient were calculated.RESULTS: the findings show that the participants presented high pain, disability and depression levels. The correlation between pain intensity and disability and between pain intensity and depression was positive and weak and, between disability and depression, positive and moderate.CONCLUSION: the study variables showed moderate and weak indices and the mutual correlations were positive.
Influence of the length of institutionalization on older adults' postural balance and risk of falls: a transversal study
Authors: Batista Wagner Oliveira , Alves Junior Edmundo de Drummond , Porto Flávia , Pereira Fabio Dutra , Santana Rosimere Ferreira , Gurgel Jonas Lírio
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE: to ascertain the influence of the length of institutionalization on older adults' balance and risk of falls.METHOD: to evaluate the risk of falls, the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Get Up and Go test were used; and for measuring postural balance, static stabilometry was used, with acquisition of the elliptical area of 95% and mean velocities on the x and y axes of center of pressure displacement. Parametric and nonparametric measures of association and comparison (α<0.05) were used.RESULTS: there was no significant correlation between the length of institutionalization and the tests for evaluation of risk of falling, neither was there difference between groups and within subgroups, stratified by length of institutionalization and age. In the stabilometric measurements, there was a negative correlation between the parameters analyzed and the length of institutionalization, and difference between groups and within subgroups.CONCLUSION: this study's results point to the difficulty of undertaking postural control tasks, showing a leveling below the clinical tests' reference scores. In the stabilometric behavior, one should note the reduction of the parameters as the length of institutionalization increases, contradicting the assumptions. This study's results offer support for the development of a multi-professional model for intervention with the postural control and balance of older adults living in homes for the aged.
Atividades práticas e o ensino-aprendizagem de ciência(s): mitos, tendências e distorções
Authors: Bassoli Fernanda
Published: October 2014

Quando se fala em deficiências na educação científica, logo se remete à ausência de aulas experimentais na Educação Básica, de modo que as atividades práticas investigativas são vistas, na atualidade, como sinônimo de inovação no ensino. Nesse artigo, de cunho teórico, dialoga-se com os referenciais teóricos da educação em ciência, e discutem-se as tendências, mitos e concepções sobre a natureza da ciência presentes nas diversas modalidades de atividades práticas, assim como os tipos de interatividade que tais atividades propiciam. Nesse sentido, a autora parte de suas vivências como professora e pesquisadora da Educação Básica e como formadora de professores de ciências naturais.
Sequências didáticas descritas por professores de matemática e de ciências naturais da rede pública: possíveis padrões e implicações na formação pedagógica de professores
Authors: Morelatti Maria Raquel Miotto , Raboni Paulo César de Almeida , Teixeira Leny Rodrigues Martins , Ortega Eliane Maria Vani , Fürkotter Monica , Raboni Edméa A. R. S. , Ramos Regina Célia
Published: October 2014

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar sequências de atividades ou sequências didáticas descritas por professores de Matemática e da área de Ciências Naturais das escolas do Ensino Fundamental e Médio de Presidente Prudente (SP), na tentativa de identificar padrões implícitos nestas sequências, que possam revelar concepções de ensino destes professores. Ao analisarmos como 76 professores de Matemática e 61 de Ciências Naturais descrevem a sequência que utilizam em sala de aula, constatamos que a ação predominante é do professor nos três principais momentos da aula (início, desenvolvimento e avaliação). O professor inicia o conteúdo, estabelece a sequência, expõe, determina procedimentos, conclui e avalia, cabendo, ao aluno, a execução de atividades. Há uma diferença entre as sequências descritas nas duas áreas e algumas tentativas periféricas de superação do modelo tradicional de ensino. Essa questão é discutida tendo como foco os saberes da docência e a formação pedagógica do professor.
O curso de licenciatura em Ciências Naturais e a organização de seus estágios supervisionados
Authors: Razuck Renata Cardoso de Sá Ribeiro , Rotta Jeane Cristina Gomes
Published: October 2014

Este artigo discute a necessária formação de Licenciados em Ciências Naturais para atuar em toda a Educação Básica, e a estruturação dos Estágios Supervisionados do referido curso. Profissionais diversos têm ocupado o cargo de professores de Ciências sem, no entanto, ter formação específica para tal. Este fato pode ser responsável pelo baixo rendimento evidenciado na área, repercutindo em toda a vida escolar do educando. Nesse cenário, o estágio supervisionado pode ser um forte eixo articulador na melhoria da formação inicial dos docentes, sobretudo no que tange ao rompimento da dicotomia entre a teoria e a prática e na constituição do estágio como espaço de pesquisa para a elaboração de projetos coletivos de formação do educador.
Ocorrências de bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato de cálcio nas raízes de plantas na Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Barroso C. B. , Oliveira L. A.
Published: October 2014

O uso de bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato pode ser uma alternativa de baixo custo em sistemas agroflorestais na Amazônia, onde os preços e o transporte, aliados à baixa capacidade de aquisição dos produtores, dificultam o uso de adubos solúveis. Em solos sem histórico de cultivo, os fosfatos estão ligados principalmente ao Al, enquanto nos previamente cultivados e corrigidos com calagem, esses fosfatos podem estar ligados ao Ca, limitando seus usos pelas plantas. Existem poucas informações sobre bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato (BSF) na Amazônia, sendo necessário intensificar os estudos nesse sentido. O primeiro passo dessas pesquisas é um estudo sobre a ecologia dessas bactérias, identificando o local e a freqüência de ocorrência. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de raízes de plantas nos estados do Acre, Amazonas e Rondônia, as quais foram colocadas em placas de Petri com um meio específico capaz de identificar suas presenças. Foram utilizados 28 espécies de plantas de diversas famílias e dois tipos de vegetação múltipla (pastagem e capoeira). Os índices de presença dessas bactérias foram muito baixos (0-10%), evidenciando que, nessas condições, essas bactérias não contribuem efetivamente para melhorar a nutrição das plantas com fósforo.
Dissipação de simazina em solo por ação de minhocas (Eisenia foetida)
Authors: Papini S. , Andréa M. M.
Published: October 2014

O solo abriga grande diversidade de organismos macroscópicos e microscópicos, que competem entre si pelos recursos disponíveis. Visando ao aumento da produtividade agrícola, utilizam-se, cada vez mais, fertilizantes e pesticidas que provocam alterações no ambiente edáfico. Dentre os organismos macroscópicos, destacam-se as minhocas, pela quantidade e importância nas características do solo. Determinou-se a CL50(14 dias) e avaliou-se a ação de minhocas na persistência, transformação e bioacumulação de simazina a partir de solo tratado com o herbicida. As minhocas foram sensíveis à simazina [CL50(14 dias) de 54 mg IA kg-1 de solo], acumularam o produto ou seus metabólitos em seus tecidos (FB = 1,03), quando expostos a concentrações menores que a CL50, e diminuíram a formação de resíduos ligados ao solo (cerca de 23 e 33% em solos com e sem minhocas, respectivamente).
Doses e modos de adubação com manganês e seus efeitos na produção da cultura do arroz
Authors: Pereira G. D. , Bertoni J. C. , Carvalho J. G. , Morais A. R.
Published: October 2014

O presente trabalho foi realizado em casa de vegetação, com o objetivo de estudar doses e modos de aplicação de manganês sobre variáveis vegetativas e componentes da produção de cultivares de arroz de terras altas. Os tratamentos constaram de cinco doses de manganês, sendo quatro aplicadas via solo (0, 4, 8 e 16 mg dm-3 de solo) e uma via foliar (três aplicações de 4 g L-1), e dois cultivares de arroz de sequeiro (Canastra e Confiança). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, com os tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial 2 x 5. Cada parcela foi constituída por um vaso com 8 dm³ de solo (Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, sob vegetação primitiva de cerrado), com seis plantas. Comparando a aplicação de 8 mg dm-3 via solo e via foliar, nas dosagens recomendadas pela literatura, notou-se que a aplicação via solo propiciou os maiores incrementos nos valores das variáveis estudadas. As máximas produções das variáveis foram obtidas pela aplicação de 8,75 a 9,93 mg dm-3 de Mn via solo, evidenciando que, para as condições estudadas, a dose recomendada pela literatura mostrou-se adequada, visto que os valores supracitados ficam na faixa de pequenos incrementos. Houve diferença, embora não muito acentuada, entre os cultivares testados no tocante à aplicação de manganês. O cultivar Canastra mostrou-se mais responsivo, apresentando maior produção de grãos cheios que o Confiança a partir da aplicação de 6,81 mg dm-3 de Mn via solo. O efeito negativo das maiores doses de Mn via solo sobre as características avaliadas deve estar associado à deficiência de Fe e não à toxidez de Mn propriamente dita.
Comparação de métodos de extração de cobre, zinco, ferro e manganês em solos do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Pereira M. G. , Pérez D. V. , Valladares G. S. , Souza J. M. P. F. , Anjos L. H. C.
Published: October 2014

As conseqüências da deficiência ou toxidez de micronutrientes na produção agrícola do estado do Rio de Janeiro são pouco conhecidas. Desta forma, em 1997, foram quantificados os teores de cobre, zinco, ferro e manganês em 103 amostras de horizontes superficiais de solos representativos do estado, sendo utilizados os extratores Mehlich-1, DTPA-TEA e HCl 0,1 mol L-1. De maneira geral, o extrator HCl 0,1 mol L-1 foi o que apresentou maior poder de extração dos micronutrientes estudados, tendo o Mehlich-1 extraído as menores quantidades de cobre e ferro e o DTPA-TEA as menores quantidades de zinco e manganês. Segundo os resultados, equações de conversão entre extratores, para um mesmo elemento, e a utilização de faixas de interpretação desenvolvidas para regiões edáficas diferentes das condições do trabalho podem não estimar corretamente a disponibilidade dos micronutrientes às plantas.