bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation Surgery for Early Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Mostafa Badr Eldin , Youssef Ahmed Maher
Published: July 2010

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is the commonest malignant tumour of the larynx. The traditional treatment options have included radiotherapy and total laryngectomy. Due to the pivotal role of the larynx in respiration, speech and deglutition, conservative approaches to the management of malignant lesions were suggested. These organ-preserving policies aim at preserving most of the laryngeal functions without compromising the oncological outcomes. Such approaches include organ-preserving radio/chemotherapy protocols, endoscopic laser surgery, photodynamic therapy and open conservative surgery. Each of these has their indications, advantages and disadvantages. The modern trend towards organ preservation protocols and endoscopic laser techniques seems to have supplanted open conservative surgery. However, these techniques still have an important role in the management of laryngeal malignancies. Methods: This is retrospective study on 216 patients followed for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 16. All patients underwent partial surgery as first-line treatment: 135 underwent partial vertical laryngectomy, 76 underwent supraglottic hemilaryngectomy and 5 underwent supracricoid subtotal laryngectomy. Results: Our overall disease-free survival was 92.1%, which compares favourably with most series. Total laryngectomy was performed in 11 patients (in 10 as salvage and in 1 for intractable aspiration) resulting in a laryngeal preservation rate of 94.4%. The decanulation rate was 95% (11 patients in the three types of surgery). There were no major morbidities or surgery-related mortalities. The most significant complication was aspiration (18.9% of patients), but it could be managed conservatively in all but one case. Conclusion: In this era of organ preservation policies, open conservative surgery offers a viable option with comparable functional and oncological results. It should be considered when logistic, economical or patient factors make other protocols impractical.
Acute Stroke Patients Have Occult Malignancy More Often than Expected
Authors: Uemura Jyunichi , Kimura Kazumi , Sibazaki Kensaku , Inoue Takeshi , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Yamashita Shinji
Published: July 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of having occult malignancy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and their clinical characteristics. We retrospectively enrolled 1,714 consecutive ischemic stroke patients within 7 days of onset. The patients were divided into two groups: the Non-M group had no malignancy, and the M group had malignancy. We compared the clinical characteristics of the two groups. Of 1,714 ischemic stroke patients, 51 patients (3.0%; M group) were newly diagnosed as having malignancy. The M group was significantly older than the Non-M group (p = 0.009). Hemoglobin (Hb) was less and D-dimer was higher in the M group than in the Non-M group (p < 0.001). The patients with both D-dimer ≧1.3 ng/dl and Hb <12.8 g/dl more frequently had occult malignancy than patients without (p = 0.0088).
Hot ductility of TWIP steels
Authors: Kang S. E. , Tuling A. , Banerjee J. R. , Gunawardana W. D. , Mintz B.
Published: July 2010

The hot ductility of twin induced plasticity (TWIP), 0·6 wt-C steels containing 18–22 wt-Mn with N levels in the range 0·005–0·023 wt- and the Al additions either low (<0·05 wt-) or high (1·5 wt-) has been examined. Little change in ductility occurred in the temperature range 1100–650°C as the structure was always fully austenitic. Ductility was generally poor (<40), reduction of area values, the best ductility at the higher Al level being given by the steel with the lowest N and S levels. Because the steel is fully austenitic, the ductility is solely dependent on that for unrecrystallised austenite. Therefore, to avoid transverse cracking the volume of second phase particles should be kept to a minimum, i.e. the N should be low to reduce the amount of AlN that can be precipitated out and the S level should be as low as possible to limit the amount of MnS inclusions. Metallographic and TEM studies were carried out and the poor ductility was found to be due to extensive precipitation of AlN at the austenite grain boundaries. Increasing the cooling rate from the melting point to the test temperature from 60 to 180°C min−1 or introducing an undercooling step both led to even worse ductility.
Effect of isothermal deformation on microstructure and properties of electron beam welded joint of Ti2AlNb/TC11
Authors: Tan L J , Yao Z K , Ning Y Q , Guo H Z
Published: July 2010

The present paper reports the influence of hot work (isothermal deformation accompanied with heat treatment) on microstructure and properties of electron beam welded dissimilar joint. Ti2AlNb alloy and TC11 alloy were used to fabricate the joints. Isothermal deformation and heat treatment were performed under certain conditions. The structures were analysed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the as welded metal of Ti2AlNb/TC11 joint is mainly composed of α2 and β phases. The metastable β phase transformed into α+ β phases during deformation and heat treatment processes. There are no big differences in tensile strength of joints under different conditions. However, the impact toughness of the weld has improved 72% after hot work.
Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease presenting with a unilateral adrenocortical nodule treated with bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a case report
Authors: Zografos George N , Pappa Theodora , Avlonitis Spiros , Markou Athina , Chrysikos Dimosthenis T , Kaltsas Gregory , Aggeli Chrysanthi , Piaditis George
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease is a rare cause of adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing's syndrome. We report an uncommon primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease case presenting with a unilateral adrenocortical nodule and provide a brief overview of the existing literature.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to our Department with adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing's syndrome. Its cause was initially considered a left adrenocortical adenoma based on computer tomography imaging. The patient underwent left laparoscopic adrenalectomy and histological examination revealed pigmented micronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Evaluation for the presence of Carney complex was negative. Six months later recurrence of hypercortisolism was documented and a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed further establishing the diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. After a nine-year follow-up there is no evidence of residual disease.

Conclusions

Even though primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing's syndrome, especially because adrenal imaging can be misleading mimicking other adrenocortical diseases. Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the preferred treatment in these subjects.
Molecular subtypes of breast cancer are associated with characteristic DNA methylation patterns
Authors: Holm Karolina , Hegardt Cecilia , Staaf Johan , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Jönsson Göran , Olsson Håkan , Borg Åke , Ringnér Markus
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Five different molecular subtypes of breast cancer have been identified through gene expression profiling. Each subtype has a characteristic expression pattern suggested to partly depend on cellular origin. We aimed to investigate whether the molecular subtypes also display distinct methylation profiles.

Methods

We analysed methylation status of 807 cancer-related genes in 189 fresh frozen primary breast tumours and four normal breast tissue samples using an array-based methylation assay.

Results

Unsupervised analysis revealed three groups of breast cancer with characteristic methylation patterns. The three groups were associated with the luminal A, luminal B and basal-like molecular subtypes of breast cancer, respectively, whereas cancers of the HER2-enriched and normal-like subtypes were distributed among the three groups. The methylation frequencies were significantly different between subtypes, with luminal B and basal-like tumours being most and least frequently methylated, respectively. Moreover, targets of the polycomb repressor complex in breast cancer and embryonic stem cells were more methylated in luminal B tumours than in other tumours. BRCA2-mutated tumours had a particularly high degree of methylation. Finally, by utilizing gene expression data, we observed that a large fraction of genes reported as having subtype-specific expression patterns might be regulated through methylation.

Conclusions

We have found that breast cancers of the basal-like, luminal A and luminal B molecular subtypes harbour specific methylation profiles. Our results suggest that methylation may play an important role in the development of breast cancers.
Gas Flow Rate through Damaged Low Aspect Ratio Shearwalls
Authors: Hutchinson Tara C. , Wang Ting
Published: July 2010

Squat reinforced concrete (RC) shearwalls are often used to contain nuclear material or other dangerous gases in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) complex. Damage to such walls can be expected even during minor earthquake shaking. The escape of dangerous gases post-event is therefore of concern. In this paper, the flow rate of air through damaged squat RC walls is analytically predicted for a broad range of structural configurations, loading conditions, and concrete compressive strengths at different differential pressures. Design charts relating shearwall lateral drift ratio and air leakage rate are presented. Among the parameters considered in this study, the shearwall boundary element size has the most significant effect on the flow rate. The paper concludes with a design example demonstrating the use of the design charts.
Effects of Topographic Position and Geology on Shaking Damage to Residential Wood-Framed Structures during the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake, Western San Luis Obispo County, California
Authors: McCrink Timothy P. , Wills Chris J. , Real Charles R. , Manson Michael W.
Published: July 2010

A statistical evaluation of shaking damage to wood-framed houses caused by the 2003 M6.5 San Simeon earthquake indicates that both the rate and severity of damage, independent of structure type, are significantly greater on hilltops compared to hill slopes when underlain by Cretaceous or Tertiary sedimentary rocks. This increase in damage is interpreted to be the result of topographic amplification. An increase in the damage rate is found for all structures built on Plio-Pleistocene rocks independent of topographic position, and this is interpreted to be the result of amplified shaking caused by geologic site response. Damage rate and severity to houses built on Tertiary rocks suggest that amplification due to both topographic position and geologic site response may be occurring in these rocks, but effects from other topographic parameters cannot be ruled out. For all geologic and topographic conditions, houses with raised foundations are more frequently damaged than those with slab foundations. However, the severity of damage to houses on raised foundations is only significantly greater for those on hill slopes underlain by Tertiary rocks. Structures with some damage-resistant characteristics experienced greater damage severity on hilltops, suggesting a spectral response to topographic amplification.
Dysfunction of Mitochondria and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum in the Pathogenesis of Collagen VI Muscular Dystrophies
Authors: Bernardi Paolo , Bonaldo Paolo
Published: July 2010

Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (UCMD) and Bethlem Myopathy (BM) are muscle diseases due to mutations in the genes encoding the extracellular matrix protein collagen VI. Generation of a dystrophic mouse model where collagen VI synthesis was prevented by genetic ablation of the Col6a1 gene allowed an investigation of pathogenesis, which revealed the existence of a Ca2+‐mediated dysfunction of mitochondria and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. A key event appears to be inappropriate opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, an inner membrane high‐conductance channel. Consistently, the Col6a1−/− myopathic mice could be cured with cyclosporin A through inhibition of cyclophilin D, a matrix protein that sensitizes the pore to opening. Studies of myoblasts from UCMD and BM patients demonstrated the existence of a latent mitochondrial dysfunction irrespective of the genetic lesion responsible for the lack or the alteration of collagen VI. These studies suggest that PTP opening may represent the final common pathway for skeletal muscle fiber death; and provided a rationale for a pilot clinical trial with cyclosporin A in patients affected by UCMD and BM, a study that holds great promise for the future treatment of collagen VI myopathies.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Disease, Aging, and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Reeve Amy K. , Krishnan Kim J. , Turnbull Doug
Published: July 2010

Patients with disorders from mutations in the mitochondrial genome have variable phenotypes, but common to many of these disorders are underlying changes in postmitotic cells, particularly neurons and muscle fibers. The mitochondrial dysfunction caused by these mutations has been shown to be associated with signs of apoptosis and to cause cell loss. Mutations of the mitochondrial genome have also been shown to accumulate with age and in common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. This review presents recent data to show that the information gained from studying patients with mitochondrial disorders can help our understanding of the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in brain aging and neurodegeneration.
Mitochondrial Approaches for Neuroprotection
Authors: Chaturvedi Rajnish K. , Beal M. Flint
Published: July 2010

A large body of evidence from postmortem brain tissue and genetic analysis in humans and biochemical and pathological studies in animal models (transgenic and toxin) of neurodegeneration suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common pathological mechanism. Mitochondrial dysfunction from oxidative stress, mitochondrial DNA deletions, pathological mutations, altered mitochondrial morphology, and interaction of pathogenic proteins with mitochondria leads to neuronal demise. Therefore, therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage hold great promise in neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the potential therapeutic efficacy of creatine, coenzyme Q10, idebenone, synthetic triterpenoids, and mitochondrial targeted antioxidants (MitoQ) and peptides (SS‐31) in in vitro studies and in animal models of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. We have also reviewed the current status of clinical trials of creatine, coenzyme Q10, idebenone, and MitoQ in neurodegenerative disorders. Further, we discuss newly identified therapeutic targets, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ‐coactivator and sirtuins, which provide promise for future therapeutic developments in neurodegenerative disorders.
Preventing NAD+ Depletion Protects Neurons against Excitotoxicity
Authors: Liu Dong , Pitta Michael , Mattson Mark P.
Published: July 2010

Neurons are excitable cells that require large amounts of energy to support their survival and functions and are therefore prone to excitotoxicity, which involves energy depletion. By examining bioenergetic changes induced by glutamate, we found that the cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level is a critical determinant of neuronal survival. The bioenergetic effects of mitochondrial uncoupling and caloric restriction were also examined in cultured neurons and rodent brain. 2, 4‐dinitrophenol (DNP) is a chemical mitochondrial uncoupler that stimulates glucose uptake and oxygen consumption on cultured neurons, which accelerates oxidation of NAD(P)H to NAD+ in mitochondria. The NAD+‐dependent histone deacetylase sirtulin 1 (SIRT1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA are upregulated mouse brain under caloric restriction. To examine whether NAD+ mediates neuroprotective effects, nicotinamide, a precursor of NAD+ and inhibitor of SIRT1 and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) (two NAD+‐dependent enzymes), was employed. Nicotinamide attenuated excitotoxic death and preserved cellular NAD+ levels to support SIRT1 and PARP 1 activities. Our findings suggest that mild mitochondrial uncoupling and caloric restriction exert hormetic effects by stimulating bioenergetics in neurons thereby increasing tolerance of neurons to metabolic stress.
Oxidant‐induced Changes in Mitochondria and Calcium Dynamics in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Gibson Gary E. , Karuppagounder Saravanan S. , Shi Qingli
Published: July 2010

Considerable data support the hypothesis that mitochondrial abnormalities link gene defects and/or environmental insults to the neurodegenerative process. The interaction of oxidants with calcium and the mitochondrial enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle are central to that relationship. Abnormalities that were discovered in brains or fibroblasts from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been modeled in vitro and in vivo to assess their pathophysiological importance and to determine how they might be reversed. The conclusions are consistent with the hypothesis that the AD‐related abnormalities result from oxidative stress. The selection of compounds for reversal is complex because the actions of the relevant compounds vary under different conditions, such as cell redox states and acute versus chronic changes. However, the models that have been developed are useful for testing the effectiveness of the potential medications. The results suggest that the reversal of mitochondrial deficits and a reduction in oxidative stress will reduce clinical and pathological changes and benefit patients.
Estrogen Regulates Amiloride-Binding Protein 1 through CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein-β in Mouse Uterus during Embryo Implantation and Decidualization
Authors: Liang Xiao-Huan , Zhao Zhen-Ao , Deng Wen-Bo , Tian Zhen , Lei Wei , Xu Xiu , Zhang Xiu-Hong , Su Ren-Wei , Yang Zeng-Ming
Published: July 2010

Embryo implantation is an intricate interaction between receptive uterus and active blastocyst. The mechanism underlying embryo implantation is still unknown. Although histamine and putrescine are important for embryo implantation and decidualization, excess amount of histamine and putrescine is harmful. Amiloride binding protein 1 (Abp1) is a membrane-associated amine oxidase and mainly metabolizes histamine and putrescine. In this study, we first showed that Abp1 is strongly expressed in the decidua on d 5–8 of pregnancy. Abp1 expression is not detected during pseudopregnancy and under delayed implantation but is detected after estrogen activation. Because Abp1 is mainly localized in the decidua and also strongly expressed during in vitro decidualization, Abp1 might play a role during mouse decidualization. The regulation of estrogen on Abp1 is mediated by transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β. Abp1 expression is also regulated by cAMP, bone morphogenetic protein 2, and ERK1/2. Abp1 may be essential for mouse embryo implantation and decidualization.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Enhances the Expression of Aromatase P450 by Inhibiting Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shozu Makio , Okada Masahiko , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Kasai Tadayuki , Murakami Kouich , Nomura Kazuhito , Harada Nobuhiro , Inoue Masaki
Published: July 2010

Aromatase, a key enzyme of estrogen biosynthesis, is transcriptionally regulated by many growth factors. IGF-I enhances aromatase activity in a variety of cells, but the mechanism of action has not been determined. We herein report our finding of a novel mechanism of action for IGF-I. IGF-I enhanced the dexamethasone (DEX)-induced aromatase activity by 30% in serum-starved THP-1 cells. The increase was associated with a corresponding increase in the level of aromatase protein but not with any change in the mRNA level. Metabolic labeling experiments revealed that IGF-I inhibited the degradation of aromatase. We identified pepstatin A as the most effective inhibitor of aromatase degradation by in vitro assay. Using a nontoxic concentration of pepstatin A, we examined IGF-I’s action on aromatase distribution in microsomes and lysosomes. In the presence of pepstatin A, DEX caused an increase in the amount of aromatase in both microsomes and lysosomes, and IGF-I attenuated the DEX-induced accumulation of aromatase in lysosomes and, conversely, enhanced its accumulation in the microsomes. The addition of serum abolished the IGF-I-induced changes. The transport from microsome to lysosome was fluorescently traced in cells using a recombinant aromatase. IGF-I selectively reduced the aromatase signal in the lysosomes. Finally, we observed that IGF-I enhanced the aromatase activity by 50% as early as 1 h after treatment; furthermore, rapamycin, an enhancer of autophagy, completely negated the effect of IGF-I on the enzyme. These results indicate that IGF-I enhances aromatase by the inhibition of autophagy.
Who Should Buy Long-Term Bonds?
Authors: Campbell John Y , Viceira Luis M
Published: July 2010

According to conventional wisdom, long-term bonds are appropriate for conservative long-term investors. This paper develops a model of optimal consumption and portfolio choice for infinite-lived investors with recursive utility who face stochastic interest rates, solves the model using an approximate analytical method, and evaluates conventional wisdom. As risk aversion increases, the myopic component of risky asset demand disappears but the intertemporal hedging component does not. Conservative investors hold assets to hedge the risk that real interest rates will decline. Long-term inflation-indexed bonds are most suitable for this purpose, but nominal bonds may also be used if inflation risk is low. (JEL G12)
Quantifying Quality Growth
Authors: Bils Mark , Klenow Peter J
Published: July 2010

Using U.S. Consumer Expenditure Surveys, we estimate “quality Engel curves” for 66 durable goods based on the extent richer households pay more for each good. The same data show that the average price paid rises faster from 1980 to 1996 for goods with steeper quality Engel curves, as if households are ascending these curves. BLS prices likewise increase more quickly for goods with steeper quality Engel curves, suggesting the BLS does not fully net out the impact of quality upgrading. We estimate that annual quality growth averages 3.7 percent for our goods, with 2.2 percent showing up as higher inflation. (JEL D12, O40, E31)
Testing for the Lucas Critique: A Quantitative Investigation
Authors: Lindé Jesper
Published: July 2010

In this paper, I try to shed some new light on the “puzzle” of why the Lucas critique, believed to be important by most economists, seems to have received very little empirical support. I use a real-business-cycle model to verify that the Lucas critique is quantitatively important in theory, and to examine the properties of the super-exogeneity test, which is used to detect the applicability of the Lucas critique in practice. The results suggest that the superexogeneity test is not capable of detecting the relevance of the Lucas critique in practice in small samples. (JEL C52, C22, E41)
Understanding the Role of Worker Interdependence in Team Selection
Authors: Millhiser William P. , Coen Corinne A. , Solow Daniel
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of policies for assigning interdependent workers to teams. Using a computational simulation, we contrast distributing workers equitably across teams based on prior individual performance with policies that distribute workers based on how well people work together. First, we test a policy that clusters workers into teams by finding natural breakpoints among them where their mutual support is weak. Then we test two other policies that both protect the strongest interdependent core of high performers but differ in that one policy separates workers who give little support to interdependent partners and the other separates workers who receive little support from their partners. All three policies outperform the equitable-distribution approach in some circumstances. We make recommendations to managers for harnessing interdependence when forming teams, whether the managers are familiar or unfamiliar with how well their people work together.
The 2009 European elections in Portugal: Primaries or simply second order?
Authors: Freire Andr
Published: July 2010

The 2009 European Parliament elections were especially interesting for the Portuguese media, politicians and citizens because they took place shortly before the legislative and local elections of 27 September and 11 October 2009, respectively. Because of this proximity, the elections
to the European Parliament were seen as a kind of primary for the forthcoming national elections. However, this also gave them special relevance in terms of electoral behaviour research concerning second-order elections. Here we reflect on these issues, not only by looking at the last European
Parliament elections from a longitudinal perspective, but also by comparing the result with what happened in the following national elections. Since 1987 there have been major changes in the Portuguese party system, with the emergence of a majoritarian trend that was first visible in the legislative
elections but which has since been replicated in European and local elections. However, the 2009 European elections showed a significant increase in party system fragmentation, indicating a possible return to the consensual period (197587). The questions are thus: to what extent may this be
an indication of a major structural change; and is it simply a response to specific political circumstances?
Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries in the Czech Republic in Winter Seasons 2003–2008
Authors: Rokyta Jan , Chlad Rudolf
Published: July 2010

The goal of our observation was to evaluate the trends in the number and anatomic location of injuries sustained during downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing during the six seasons between 2003 and 2008 in the major skiing areas in the Czech Republic. There is a total of 33 skiing areas in the Czech Republic with a total ski slope length of 350 km and an hourly capacity of 300,000 people. The total number of injuries per season is around 5500, with the majority of the injured being men. An increase in the prevalence of upper extremity and snowboarding injuries was observed, as well as a decrease in the prevalence of head injuries and all sustained during cross-country and downhill skiing. A surprising discovery was that the overall injury rate was ∼1.0 injury/1000 skier or snowboarder days and 0.1 injury/1000 cross-country skier days.
BMI1 Confers Radioresistance to Normal and Cancerous Neural Stem Cells through Recruitment of the DNA Damage Response Machinery
Authors: Facchino Sabrina , Abdouh Mohamed , Chatoo Wassim , Bernier Gilbert
Published: July 2010

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor that is resistant to all known therapies. Within these tumors, a CD133-positive cancer-initiating neural stem cell (NSC) population was shown to be resistant to gamma radiation through preferential activation of the DNA double-strand break (DSB) response machinery, including the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase. The polycomb group protein BMI1 is enriched in CD133-positive GBM cells and required for their self-renewal in anINK4A/ARF-independent manner through transcriptional repression of alternate tumor suppressor pathways. We report here that BMI1 copurifies with DNA DSB response and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair proteins in GBM cells. BMI1 was enriched at the chromatin after irradiation and colocalized and copurified with ATM and the histone γH2AX. BMI1 also preferentially copurified with NHEJ proteins DNA-PK, PARP-1, hnRNP U, and histone H1 in CD133-positive GBM cells. BMI1 deficiency in GBM cells severely impaired DNA DSB response, resulting in increased sensitivity to radiation. In turn, BMI1 overexpression in normal NSCs enhanced ATM recruitment to the chromatin, the rate of γH2AX foci resolution, and resistance to radiation. BMI1 thus displays a previously uncharacterized function in controlling DNA DSB response and repair. Pharmacological inhibition of BMI1 combined with radiation therapy may provide an effective mean to target GBM stem cells.
Chromosomal Location-Dependent Nonstochastic Onset of Odor Receptor Expression
Authors: Rodriguez-Gil Diego J. , Treloar Helen B. , Zhang Xiaohong , Miller Alexandra M. , Two Aimee , Iwema Carrie , Firestein Stuart J. , Greer Charles A.
Published: July 2010

As odorant receptors (ORs) are thought to be critical determinants of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon targeting and organization, we examined the spatiotemporal onset of mice ORs expression from the differentiation of OSNs in the olfactory placode to an aging olfactory epithelium. ORs were first detected in the placode at embryonic day 9 (E9), at the onset of OSN differentiation but before axon extension. By E13, 22 of 23 ORs were expressed. Onset of individual OR expression was diverse; levels and patterns of expression were unique for each OR. Regional distribution of ORs within zones of the olfactory epithelium appeared stable across development; adult-like patterns were observed by E13. Finally, analysis of OR expression and chromosomal location suggests that ORs are not stochastically expressed; they show evidence of coordinated expression. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that ORs are not equally represented in the “olfactome” across an animal's lifespan.
Kisspeptin Directly Excites Anorexigenic Proopiomelanocortin Neurons but Inhibits Orexigenic Neuropeptide Y Cells by an Indirect Synaptic Mechanism
Authors: Fu Li-Ying , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: July 2010

The neuropeptide kisspeptin is necessary for reproduction, fertility, and puberty. Here, we show strong kisspeptin innervation of hypothalamic anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cells, coupled with a robust direct excitatory response by POMC neurons (n> 200) to kisspeptin, mediated by mechanisms based on activation of a sodium/calcium exchanger and possibly opening of nonselective cation channels. The excitatory actions of kisspeptin on POMC cells were corroborated with quantitative PCR data showing kisspeptin receptor GPR54 expression in the arcuate nucleus, and the attenuation of excitation by the selective kisspeptin receptor antagonist, peptide 234. In contrast, kisspeptin inhibits orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons through an indirect mechanism based on enhancing GABA-mediated inhibitory synaptic tone. In striking contrast, gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone (GnIH and RFRP-3) and NPY, also found in axons abutting POMC cells, inhibit POMC cells and attenuate the kisspeptin excitation by a mechanism based on opening potassium channels. Together, these data suggest that the two central peptides that regulate reproduction, kisspeptin and GnIH, exert a strong direct action on POMC neurons. POMC cells may hypothetically serve as a conditional relay station downstream of kisspeptin and GnIH to signal the availability of energy resources relevant to reproduction.
Supramodal Representations of Perceived Emotions in the Human Brain
Authors: Peelen Marius V. , Atkinson Anthony P. , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: July 2010

Basic emotional states (such as anger, fear, and joy) can be similarly conveyed by the face, the body, and the voice. Are there human brain regions that represent these emotional mental states regardless of the sensory cues from which they are perceived? To address this question, in the present study participants evaluated the intensity of emotions perceived from face movements, body movements, or vocal intonations, while their brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using multivoxel pattern analysis, we compared the similarity of response patterns across modalities to test for brain regions in which emotion-specific patterns in one modality (e.g., faces) could predict emotion-specific patterns in another modality (e.g., bodies). A whole-brain searchlight analysis revealed modality-independent but emotion category-specific activity patterns in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and left superior temporal sulcus (STS). Multivoxel patterns in these regions contained information about the category of the perceived emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness) across all modality comparisons (face–body, face–voice, body–voice), and independently of the perceived intensity of the emotions. No systematic emotion-related differences were observed in the overall amplitude of activation in MPFC or STS. These results reveal supramodal representations of emotions in high-level brain areas previously implicated in affective processing, mental state attribution, and theory-of-mind. We suggest that MPFC and STS represent perceived emotions at an abstract, modality-independent level, and thus play a key role in the understanding and categorization of others' emotional mental states.
Aumento da produtividade de soja com a aplicação de bioestimulantes
Authors: Bertolin Danila Comelis , Sá Marco Eustáquio de , Arf Orivaldo , Furlani Junior Enes , Colombo Adriana de Souza , Carvalho Francielle Louise Bueno Melo de
Published: July 2010

A utilização de bioestimulantes proporciona incrementos no desenvolvimento vegetal embora poucos estudos tenham abordado aspectos fisiológicos da soja relacionados à aplicação destes produtos. Um experimento com a cultura da soja foi instalado com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de um bioestimulante composto por citocinina, ácido indolbutírico e ácido giberélico via sementes ou via foliar em diferentes estádios fenológicos de duas cultivares, sendo uma cultivar convencional (Conquista) e outra geneticamente modificada (Valiosa RR). Os tratamentos foram constituídos de cultivares, aplicações do produto via sementes na dose de 6 mL do produto comercial por quilo de sementes, via foliar na dose de 0,25 L do produto comercial por hectare, nos estádios V5, R1 e R5, e a combinação desses fatores no total de 30 tratamentos para avaliar a altura de plantas, altura de inserção da primeira vagem, número de ramos por planta, de vagens por planta e de grãos por vagem. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. A cultivar convencional proporcionou maior produção de grãos do que a cultivar transgênica. A utilização do bioestimulante incrementou o número de vagens por planta e a produtividade de grãos, e os resultados para aplicação via sementes e via foliar não diferiram entre si. Na produtividade de grãos, o tratamento com bioestimulante proporcionou aumento de 37% em relação à testemunha. O bioestimulante aumenta o número de vagens por planta e produtividade de grãos tanto em aplicação via sementes quanto via foliar, confirmando a hipótese deste estudo. Todavia, a maior produtividade não está relacionada ao maior crescimento da parte aérea, considerando-se a altura das plantas, ramos por planta, altura de inserção da primeira vagem. Em relação ao aumento da produtividade, o bioestimulante é mais efetivo quando aplicado na fase reprodutiva.
Diferenciação espectral de solos utilizando dados obtidos em laboratório e por sensor orbital
Authors: Fiorio Peterson Ricardo , Demattê José A. M. , Nanni Marcos Rafael , Formaggio Antonio Roberto
Published: July 2010

Um grande número de amostras de solos seria necessário para delimitar com precisão os limites das unidades de solos. Assim, técnicas que possam auxiliar em levantamentos pedológicos como o sensoriamento remoto tem provado ser de grande valia. O objetivo foi avaliar a possibilidade de diferenciar solos por meio de dados espectrais em laboratório e orbitais. Para o trabalho foi escolhida uma área de 473 ha com solo exposto, proveniente de dois materiais de origem distintos, o arenito com cimento argiloso e o basalto. Foi estabelecida uma grade (100 m x 100 m) em toda a área de estudo, totalizando 473 pontos de amostragem, todos georreferenciados. Para cada ponto da grade, foram coletadas amostras de solo nas profundidades 0-20 cm (superfície, A) e 80-100 cm (subsuperfície, B). A partir dos resultados das análises químicas e físicas e descrição de perfis, gerou-se o mapa de solos, e posteriormente, cada unidade desse mapeamento foi diferenciada por textura. As reflectâncias de laboratório foram obtidas com o espectroradiômetro IRIS, na faixa de 450 a 2500 nm. As reflectâncias orbitais foram obtidas após o processamento de uma imagem TM-Landsat-5, para os pontos de amostragem. Equações discriminantes foram geradas partindo-se dos dados espectrais por tratamento estatístico, que selecionou entre as setenta variáveis espectrais em laboratório, cinquenta e seis, sendo selecionadas para o modelo espectral orbital as seis bandas reflectivas do sensor TM. As equações geradas foram testadas, obtendo-se matrizes de confusão, onde ocorreu um acerto de 81% para os dados espectrais em laboratório e 40% de concordância para os dados orbitais.
Morphometric analysis of Capitella capitata (Polychaeta, Capitellidae)
Authors: Pardo Erica Veronica , Teixeira Laura Laund S. , Amaral Antônia Cecília Z.
Published: July 2010

Accurate size measurements are fundamental in characterizing the population structure and secondary production of a species. The purpose of this study was to determine the best morphometric parameter to estimate the size of individuals of Capitella capitata (Fabricius, 1780). The morphometric analysis was applied to individuals collected in the intertidal zones of two beaches on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil: São Francisco and Araçá. The following measurements were taken: the width and length (height) of the 4th, 5th and 7th setigers, and the length of the thoracic region (first nine setigers). The area and volume of these setigers were calculated and a linear regression analysis was applied to the data. The data were log-transformed to fit the allometric equation y = ax b into a straight line (log y = log a + b * log x). The measurements which best correlated with the thoracic length in individuals from both beaches were the length of setiger 5 (r² = 0.722; p<0.05 in São Francisco and r² = 0.795; p<0.05 in Araçá) and the area of setiger 7 (r² = 0.705; p<0.05 in São Francisco and r² = 0.634; p<0.05 in Araçá). According to these analyses, the length of setiger 5 and/or the area of setiger 7 are the best parameters to evaluate the growth of individuals of C. capitata.
Aspectos ecológicos e levantamento malacológico para identificação de áreas de risco para transmissão da esquistossomose mansoni no litoral norte de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Souza Marco A. A. , Barbosa Verônica S. , Albuquerque Jones O. , Bocanegra Silvana , Souza-Santos Reinaldo , Paredes Helen , Barbosa Constança S.
Published: July 2010

Realizou-se levantamento malacológico na praia de Carne de Vaca, município de Goiana, litoral norte de Pernambuco, entre novembro de 2006 e outubro de 2007, com o objetivo de conhecer a fauna malacológica dessa localidade e verificar as condições naturais, pouco ou bastante alteradas das áreas de estudo através da aplicação de um protocolo de avaliação de diversidade de hábitats. Foram coletados 5.912 moluscos, representados por sete espécies e quatro famílias, dos quais, 5.209 exemplares de Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), 113 de Drepanotrema lucidum (Pfeiffer, 1839), 55 de Drepanotrema cimex (Moricand, 1837), 13 de Drepanotrema anatinum (Pfeiffer, 1839), 222 de Melanoides tuberculatus (Muller, 1774), 263 de Pomacea sp. e 37 de Physa marmorata Guilding, 1828. Entre os exemplares de B. glabrata coletados, 44 mostraram-se positivos para Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 e 91 mostraram-se positivos para outras larvas de trematódeos. Um exemplar de Pomacea sp. mostrou-se positivo para larva de trematódeo. Os dados obtidos, georreferenciados espacialmente, serão utilizados para a determinação das áreas de risco para a transmissão da esquistossomose na praia de Carne de Vaca, além de simulações computacionais para estudos de previsibilidade e comportamento do processo de expansão da esquistossomose no estado de Pernambuco.
Helminths of introduced house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Brazil: does population age affect parasite richness?
Authors: Calegaro-Marques Cláudia , Amato Suzana B.
Published: July 2010

Species introductions have altered host and parasite diversity throughout the world. In the case of introduced hosts, population age appears to be a good predictor of parasite richness. Habitat alteration is another variable that may impact host-parasite interactions by affecting the availability of intermediate hosts. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)) is a good model to test these predictions. It was introduced in several parts of the world and can be found across rural-urban gradients. A total of 160 house sparrows from Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were necropsied. Thirty house sparrows (19 %) were parasitized with at least one out of five helminth species (Digenea: Tamerlania inopina Freitas, 1951 and Eumegacetes sp.; Eucestoda: Choanotaenia passerina (Fuhrmann, 1907) Fuhrmann, 1932; Nematoda: Dispharynx nasuta (Rudolphi, 1819) Stiles & Hassall, 1920 and Cardiofilaria pavlovskyi Strom, 1937). Overall, there was no difference in prevalence and intensity of infection of any parasite species, parasite richness and community diversity between adult males and females and adults and juveniles. The number of infected sparrows among seasons, the richness of helminths and the abundance of species were also similar between rural and urban landscapes. Only the prevalence of C. passerina varied seasonally (p=0.0007). A decrease in the number of parasite species from the original range of P. domesticus (13) to its port of entrance in Brazil, the city of Rio de Janeiro (nine), to Porto Alegre (five) is compatible with the hypothesis that host population age is a good predictor of parasite richness.
A escola como microuniversidade na educação secundária em Cuba
Authors: Leite Maria do Carmo Luiz Caldas
Published: July 2010

O artigo analisa o processo de transformação desencadeado nas escolas secundárias básicas em Cuba, que atendem alunos das 7ª, 8ªe 9ªséries. Na busca de soluções para os problemas que afetavam essas escolas, em 2001, um coletivo de professores dos Institutos Superiores Pedagógicos das diferentes províncias do país implementou a formação de professores generalistas integrais de modo a torná-los capazes de ministrar todas as disciplinas, exceto Inglês e Educação Física, a grupos de 15 alunos. O recorte do estudo prioriza a formação do professor generalista integral, considerando o contexto do movimento de universalização do ensino superior em curso, o qual reestrutura, em todo o país, os Institutos Superiores Pedagógicos e as escolas básicas, estas tratadas como microuniversidades. O percurso metodológico fundamenta-se em abordagem qualitativa do tipo etnográfico, com base em referências fornecidas por Marli André. Destacamse as pesquisas de Carlos Rojas Arce e de Lisardo García Ramis no embasamento teórico da investigação.
Origen étnico y cambios intergeneracionales en los niveles educacionales y sociales en la Araucanía
Authors: Williamson Guillermo , Cantero Violeta
Published: July 2010

El artículo hace referencia a los cambios intergeneracionales que se han dado, tanto en términos educacionales como por categorías sociales, en tres de las principales comunas de la Región de la Araucanía, Chile. En él se analizan las tasas de movilidad educacional y la incidencia de la educación de los padres (capital educacional) en el nivel educacional de los hijos. Además, se muestra la transformación social intergeneracional por origen étnico que se ha dado en la región, así como las mayores oportunidades ocupacionales de los individuos que han accedido a los niveles superiores de enseñanza. El estudio pone de manifiesto que aun cuando siguen existiendo inequidades educativas por origen étnico, la educación superior ha abierto oportunidades de ascenso social para la mayoría de los individuos que han accedido a ella.
Associação de Rhizoctonia solani Grupo de Anastomose 4 (AG-4 HGI e HGIII) à espécies de plantas invasoras de área de cultivo de batata
Authors: Silva-Barreto Fátima Aparecida da , Pereira Wagner Vicente , Ciampi Maisa Boff , Câmara Marcos Paz Saraiva , Ceresini Paulo Cezar
Published: July 2010

Os grupos 3 e 4 de anastomose (AG-3 e AG-4) do fungo Rhizoctonia solani são importantes grupos associados à batata no mundo. No Brasil, o AG-3 é relatado afetando principalmente batata e fumo. Já o AG-4 causa perdas consideráveis em culturas de importância econômica, como a soja, o feijão e o amendoim, podendo ocorrer também em hortaliças como o espinafre, o pimentão, o brócolis, o tomate, a batata e frutíferas como o melão. Recentemente foi constatada, em Brasília-DF, a associação de R. solani a plantas invasoras em áreas de cultivo de batata. Entretanto, não há informação a respeito da etiologia do patógeno bem como do papel de espécies invasoras como outras hospedeiras no ciclo do patógeno. Objetivou-se com esse estudo caracterizar isolados de R. solani obtidos de batata e de outras três espécies de plantas invasoras associadas a áreas de cultivo da cultura: juá-de-capote [Nicandra physaloides (L.) Pers., Solanaceae], beldroega (Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae), e caruru (Amaranthus deflexus L., Amaranthaceae). Foi confirmada a hipótese de que os isolados obtidos de R. solani de beldroega, caruru e juá-de-capote pertencem ao grupo 4 de anastomose e são patogênicos à batata, exceto o isolado de beldroega. Estes isolados apresentaram patogenicidade cruzada às três espécies e também patogênicos à maria-pretinha (Solanum americanum Mill.), uma outra espécie de Solanaceae invasora. A classificação dos isolados no grupo AG-4 HGI ou no grupo AG-4 HGIII (isolado de caruru) foi confirmada através de características culturais e moleculares (seqüenciamento da região ITS-5.8S do rDNA). Os resultados deste trabalho trazem implicações importantes para o manejo das podridões radiculares de Rhizoctonia em batata.
Esofagomanometria e phmetria de 24 horas para avaliar a fundoplicatura de lind laparoscópica na doença do refluxo gastroesofágico
Authors: Miguel Pablo Roberto , Rosa André Luiz Moreira da , Reusch Marcus , Carlos José Roberto Couto B.
Published: July 2010

As técnicas laparoscópicas e toracoscópicas proporcionaram uma nova dimensão para a correção dos distúrbios funcionais do esôfago. O sucesso terapêutico, entretanto, depende da confirmação da doença esofágica como causa dos sintomas, da compreensão da causa básica da disfunção e da identificação do paciente cirúrgico. O presente trabalho é um estudo retrospectivo em pacientes operados pela técnica de Lind para doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). Tem por objetivo estabelecer o valor do uso sistemático da esofagomanometria e da pHmetria de 24 horas na seleção de pacientes e na avaliação funcional pré e pós-operatória. Quarenta e um pacientes (68,3%) tinham hipotonia do esfíncter inferior do esôfago. A pressão foi em média de 9,2 mmHg no pré-operatório e de 15,2mmHg no pós-operatório, com um aumento de 6,0 mmHg. Este aumento foi de 8,8mmHg nos hipotônicos e 4,3 mmHg nos normotônicos. Houve algum grau de hipomotilidade do corpo do esôfago em 14 pacientes (23,3%), sendo que, deste grupo, quatro (28,5%) obtiveram melhora pós-operatória. Refluxo ácido patológico foi constatado em 51 casos (85,0%) pela pHmetria. A média do score de DeMeester pré-operatório foi de 31,4, baixando depois para 3,2. A esofagomanometria e a pHmetria de 24 horas são métodos eficazes em revelar o nível de modificação funcional estabelecido pela cirurgia anti-refluxo e ajudam objetivamente na seleção.