bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Macroeconomic Uncertainty on Activity in the Euro Area
Authors: Gieseck Arne , Largent Yannis
Published: May 2016

The impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on activity has been a subject of heightened interest in recent years. Empirical literature typically focuses on the US or on individual euro area countries by using the VAR approach. However, there is limited quantitative evidence about the impact of uncertainty on euro area activity available as yet. In this paper, we derive measures of macroeconomic uncertainty in the euro area from an encompassing dataset, and single out some indicators of uncertainty based on theoretical plausibility and empirical evidence. From this set of indicators, we derive an aggregate measure of macroeconomic uncertainty in the euro area. Using a multivariate structural VAR approach, we then offer some quantitative evidence on the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on euro area activity during the period 1999–2015. Our main findings show that heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, as measured by the proposed indicators, does have a strongly adverse impact on activity in the euro area, albeit the deepness and duration of the shocks differ somewhat across uncertainty measures.
Shaping Intrinsic Neural Oscillations with Periodic Stimulation
Authors: Herrmann Christoph S. , Murray Micah M. , Ionta Silvio , Hutt Axel , Lefebvre Jérémie
Published: May 2016

Rhythmic brain activity plays an important role in neural processing and behavior. Features of these oscillations, including amplitude, phase, and spectrum, can be influenced by internal states (e.g., shifts in arousal, attention or cognitive ability) or external stimulation. Electromagnetic stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcranial alternating current stimulation are used increasingly in both research and clinical settings. Currently, the mechanisms whereby time-dependent external stimuli influence population-scale oscillations remain poorly understood. Here, we provide computational insights regarding the mapping between periodic pulsatile stimulation parameters such as amplitude and frequency and the response dynamics of recurrent, nonlinear spiking neural networks. Using a cortical model built of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, we explored a wide range of stimulation intensities and frequencies systematically. Our results suggest that rhythmic stimulation can form the basis of a control paradigm in which one can manipulate the intrinsic oscillatory properties of driven networks via a plurality of input-driven mechanisms. Our results show that, in addition to resonance and entrainment, nonlinear acceleration is involved in shaping the rhythmic response of our modeled network. Such nonlinear acceleration of spontaneous and synchronous oscillatory activity in a neural network occurs in regimes of intense, high-frequency rhythmic stimulation. These results open new perspectives on the manipulation of synchronous neural activity for basic and clinical research.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOscillatory activity is widely recognized as a core mechanism for information transmission within and between brain circuits. Noninvasive stimulation methods can shape this activity, something that is increasingly capitalized upon in basic research and clinical practice. Here, we provide computational insights on the mechanistic bases for such effects. Our results show that rhythmic stimulation forms the basis of a control paradigm in which one can manipulate the intrinsic oscillatory properties of driven networks via a plurality of input-driven mechanisms. In addition to resonance and entrainment, nonlinear acceleration is involved in shaping the rhythmic response of our modeled network, particularly in regimes of high-frequency rhythmic stimulation. These results open new perspectives on the manipulation of synchronous neural activity for basic and clinical research.
Actin Tyrosine-53-Phosphorylation in Neuronal Maturation and Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Bertling Enni , Englund Jonas , Minkeviciene Rimante , Koskinen Mikko , Segerstråle Mikael , Castrén Eero , Taira Tomi , Hotulainen Pirta
Published: May 2016

Rapid reorganization and stabilization of the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines enables cellular processes underlying learning, such as long-term potentiation (LTP). Dendritic spines are enriched in exceptionally short and dynamic actin filaments, but the studies so far have not revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the high actin dynamics in dendritic spines. Here, we show that actin in dendritic spines is dynamically phosphorylated at tyrosine-53 (Y53) in rat hippocampal and cortical neurons. Our findings show that actin phosphorylation increases the turnover rate of actin filaments and promotes the short-term dynamics of dendritic spines. During neuronal maturation, actin phosphorylation peaks at the first weeks of morphogenesis, when dendritic spines form, and the amount of Y53-phosphorylated actin decreases when spines mature and stabilize. Induction of LTP transiently increases the amount of phosphorylated actin and LTP induction is deficient in neurons expressing mutant actin that mimics phosphorylation. Actin phosphorylation provides a molecular mechanism to maintain the high actin dynamics in dendritic spines during neuronal development and to induce fast reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in synaptic plasticity. In turn, dephosphorylation of actin is required for the stabilization of actin filaments that is necessary for proper dendritic spine maturation and LTP maintenance.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDendritic spines are small protrusions from neuronal dendrites where the postsynaptic components of most excitatory synapses reside. Precise control of dendritic spine morphology and density is critical for normal brain function. Accordingly, aberrant spine morphology is linked to many neurological diseases. The actin cytoskeleton is a structural element underlying the proper morphology of dendritic spines. Therefore, defects in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in neurons have been implicated in neurological diseases. Here, we revealed a novel mechanism for regulating neuronal actin cytoskeleton that explains the specific organization and dynamics of actin in spines. The better we understand the regulation of the dendritic spine morphology, the better we understand what goes wrong in neurological diseases.
Tuning the Brake While Raising the Stake: Network Dynamics during Sequential Decision-Making
Authors: Meder David , Haagensen Brian Numelin , Hulme Oliver , Morville Tobias , Gelskov Sofie , Herz Damian Marc , Diomsina Beata , Christensen Mark Schram , Madsen Kristoffer Hougaard , Siebner Hartwig Roman
Published: May 2016

When gathering valued goods, risk and reward are often coupled and escalate over time, for instance, during foraging, trading, or gambling. This escalating frame requires agents to continuously balance expectations of reward against those of risk. To address how the human brain dynamically computes these tradeoffs, we performed whole-brain fMRI while healthy young individuals engaged in a sequential gambling task. Participants were repeatedly confronted with the option to continue with throwing a die to accumulate monetary reward under escalating risk, or the alternative option to stop to bank the current balance. Within each gambling round, the accumulation of gains gradually increased reaction times for “continue” choices, indicating growing uncertainty in the decision to continue. Neural activity evoked by “continue” choices was associated with growing activity and connectivity of a cortico-subcortical “braking” network that positively scaled with the accumulated gains, including pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), inferior frontal gyrus, caudate, and subthalamic nucleus (STN). The influence of the STN on continue-evoked activity in the pre-SMA was predicted by interindividual differences in risk-aversion attitudes expressed during the gambling task. Furthermore, activity in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) reflected individual choice tendencies by showing increased activation when subjects made nondefault “continue” choices despite an increasing tendency to stop, but ACC activity did not change in proportion with subjective choice uncertainty. Together, the results implicate a key role of dorsal ACC, pre-SMA, inferior frontal gyrus, and STN in computing the trade-off between escalating reward and risk in sequential decision-making.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTUsing a paradigm where subjects experienced increasing potential rewards coupled with increasing risk, this study addressed two unresolved questions in the field of decision-making: First, we investigated an “inhibitory” network of regions that has so far been investigated with externally cued action inhibition. In this study, we show that the dynamics in this network under increasingly risky decisions are predictive of subjects' risk attitudes. Second, we contribute to a currently ongoing debate about the anterior cingulate cortex's role in sequential foraging decisions by showing that its activity is related to making nondefault choices rather than to choice uncertainty.
A Respiration-Coupled Rhythm in the Rat Hippocampus Independent of Theta and Slow Oscillations
Authors: Lockmann André L. V. , Laplagne Diego A. , Leão Richardson N. , Tort Adriano B. L.
Published: May 2016

During slow-wave sleep and deep anesthesia, the rat hippocampus displays a slow oscillation (SO) that follows “up-and-down” state transitions in the neocortex. There has been recent debate as to whether this local field potential (LFP) rhythm reflects internal processing or entrains with respiratory inputs. To solve this issue, here we have concomitantly recorded respiration along with hippocampal, neocortical, and olfactory bulb (OB) LFPs in rats anesthetized with urethane. During the course of anesthesia, LFPs transitioned between activity states characterized by the emergence of different oscillations. By jointly analyzing multisite LFPs and respiratory cycles, we could distinguish three types of low-frequency hippocampal oscillations: (1) SO, which coupled to neocortical up-and-down transitions; (2) theta, which phase-reversed across hippocampal layers and was largest at the fissure; and (3) a low-frequency rhythm with largest amplitude in the dentate gyrus, which coupled to respiration-entrained oscillations in OB and to respiration itself. In contrast, neither theta nor SO coupled to respiration. The hippocampal respiration-coupled rhythm and SO had frequency <1.5 Hz, whereas theta tended to be faster (>3 Hz). Tracheotomy abolished hippocampal respiration-coupled rhythm, which was restored by rhythmic delivery of air puffs into the nasal cavity. These results solve the apparent contradictions among previous studies by demonstrating that the rat hippocampus produces multiple types of low-frequency oscillations. Because they synchronize with different brain circuits, however, we postulate that each activity pattern plays a unique role in information processing.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe rat hippocampus exhibits a large-amplitude slow oscillation (<1.5 Hz) during deep sleep and anesthesia. It is currently debated whether this rhythm reflects internal processing with the neocortex or entrainment by external inputs from rhythmic nasal respiration, which has similar frequency. Here we reconcile previous studies by showing that the hippocampus can actually produce two low-frequency rhythms at nearby frequencies: one that indeed couples to respiration and another that is coupled to the neocortex. We further show that the respiration-coupled rhythm differs from theta oscillations. The results support a role for brain oscillations in connecting distant brain regions, and posit the respiratory cycle as an important reference for neuronal communication between olfactory and memory networks.
The Cerebral Network of Parkinson's Tremor: An Effective Connectivity fMRI Study
Authors: Dirkx Michiel F. , den Ouden Hanneke , Aarts Esther , Timmer Monique , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Toni Ivan , Helmich Rick C.
Published: May 2016

Parkinson's resting tremor has been linked to pathophysiological changes both in the basal ganglia and in a cerebello-thalamo-cortical motor loop, but the role of those circuits in initiating and maintaining tremor remains unclear. Here, we test whether and how the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop is driven into a tremor-related state by virtue of its connectivity with the basal ganglia. An internal replication design on two independent cohorts of tremor-dominant Parkinson patients sampled brain activity and tremor with concurrent EMG-fMRI. Using dynamic causal modeling, we tested: (1) whether activity at the onset of tremor episodes drives tremulous network activity through the basal ganglia or the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop and (2) whether the basal ganglia influence the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop through connectivity with the cerebellum or motor cortex. We compared five physiologically plausible circuits, model families in which transient activity at the onset of tremor episodes (assessed using EMG) drove network activity through the internal globus pallidus (GPi), external globus pallidus, motor cortex, thalamus, or cerebellum. In each family, we compared two models in which the basal ganglia and cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop were connected through the cerebellum or motor cortex. In both cohorts, cerebral activity associated with changes in tremor amplitude (using peripheral EMG measures as a proxy for tremor-related neuronal activity) drove network activity through the GPi, which effectively influenced the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop through the motor cortex. We conclude that cerebral activity related to Parkinson's tremor first arises in the GPi and is then propagated to the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTParkinson's resting tremor has been linked to pathophysiological changes both in the basal ganglia and in a cerebello-thalamo-cortical motor loop, but the role of those circuits in initiating and maintaining tremor remains unclear. Using dynamic causal modeling of concurrently collected EMG-fMRI data in two cohorts of Parkinson's patients, we showed that cerebral activity associated with changes in tremor amplitude drives network activity through the basal ganglia. Furthermore, the basal ganglia effectively influenced the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit through the motor cortex (but not the cerebellum). Our findings suggest that Parkinson's tremor-related activity first arises in the basal ganglia and is then propagated to the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit.
Caveolin-1 Is Critical for Lymphocyte Trafficking into Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Wu Hao , Deng Ruixia , Chen Xingmiao , Wong Waiman Connie , Chen Hansen , Gao Lei , Nie Yichu , Wu Wutian , Shen Jiangang
Published: May 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disease of the CNS with its underlying mechanisms not fully understood. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that caveolin-1, a major membrane scaffolding protein, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a laboratory murine model of MS. We found increased expression of caveolin-1 in serum and spinal cord tissues in association with disease incidence and severity in wild-type mice with active encephalomyelitis. After immunization, Cav-1 knock-out mice showed remarkable disease resistance with decreased incidence and clinical symptoms. Furthermore, Cav-1 knock-out mice had alleviated encephalitogenic T cells trafficking into the CNS with decreased expressions of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 within the lesions. In agreement within vivostudies,in vitroknockdown of caveolin-1 compromised the upregulation of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells, leading to the amelioration of the transendothelial migration of pathogenic TH1 and TH17 cells. Together, those results indicate that caveolin-1 serves as an active modulator of CNS-directed lymphocyte trafficking and could be a therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe hallmark feature of neuroinflammatory diseases is the massive infiltrations of encephalitogenic leukocytes into the CNS parenchyma, a process that remains largely unclear. Our study demonstrates the critical contribution of caveolin-1 to encephalomyelitis pathogenesis and CNS-directed lymphocyte trafficking by modulation of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, highlighting the pathological involvement of caveolin-1 in neuroinflammatory diseases.
Neural Activity-Dependent Regulation of Radial Glial Filopodial Motility Is Mediated by Glial cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 and Contributes to Synapse Maturation in the Developing Visual System
Authors: Sild Mari , Van Horn Marion R. , Schohl Anne , Jia Dantong , Ruthazer Edward S.
Published: May 2016

Radial glia in the developing optic tectum extend highly dynamic filopodial protrusions within the tectal neuropil, the motility of which has previously been shown to be sensitive to neural activity and nitric oxide (NO) release. Usingin vivotwo-photon microscopy, we performed time-lapse imaging of radial glial cells and measured filopodial motility in the intact albinoXenopus laevistadpole. Application of MK801 to block neuronal NMDA receptor (NMDAR) currents confirmed a significant reduction in radial glial filopodial motility. This reduction did not occur in glial cells expressing a dominant-negative form of cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG1), and was prevented by elevation of cGMP levels with the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor sildenafil. These results suggest that neuronal NMDAR activation results in the release of NO, which in turn modulates PKG1 activation in glial cells to control filopodial motility. We further showed that interfering with the function of the small GTPases Rac1 or RhoA, known to be regulated by PKG1 phosphorylation, decreased motility or eliminated filopodial processes respectively. These manipulations led to profound defects in excitatory synaptic development and maturation of neighboring neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRadial glia in the developing brain extend motile filopodia from their primary stalk. Neuronal NMDA receptor activity controls glial motility through intercellular activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG1) signaling in glial cells. Manipulating PKG1, Rac1, or RhoA signaling in radial gliain vivoto eliminate glial filopodia or impair glial motility profoundly impacted synaptogenesis and circuit maturation.
Photosensitization in Porphyrias and Photodynamic Therapy Involves TRPA1 and TRPV1
Authors: Babes Alexandru , Sauer Susanne K. , Moparthi Lavanya , Kichko Tatjana I. , Neacsu Cristian , Namer Barbara , Filipovic Milos , Zygmunt Peter M. , Reeh Peter W. , Fischer Michael J. M.
Published: May 2016

Photosensitization, an exaggerated sensitivity to harmless light, occurs genetically in rare diseases, such as porphyrias, and in photodynamic therapy where short-term toxicity is intended. A common feature is the experience of pain from bright light. In human subjects, skin exposure to 405 nm light induced moderate pain, which was intensified by pretreatment with aminolevulinic acid. In heterologous expression systems and cultured sensory neurons, exposure to blue light activated TRPA1 and, to a lesser extent, TRPV1 channels in the absence of additional photosensitization. Pretreatment with aminolevulinic acid or with protoporphyrin IX dramatically increased the light sensitivity of both TRPA1 and TRPV1 via generation of reactive oxygen species. Artificial lipid bilayers equipped with purified human TRPA1 showed substantial single-channel activity only in the presence of protoporphyrin IX and blue light. Photosensitivity and photosensitization could be demonstrated in freshly isolated mouse tissues and led to TRP channel-dependent release of proinflammatory neuropeptides upon illumination. With antagonists in clinical development, these findings may help to alleviate pain during photodynamic therapy and also allow for disease modification in porphyria patients.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCutaneous porphyria patients suffer from burning pain upon exposure to sunlight and other patients undergoing photodynamic therapy experience similar pain, which can limit the therapeutic efforts. This study elucidates the underlying molecular transduction mechanism and identifies potential targets of therapy. Ultraviolet and blue light generates singlet oxygen, which oxidizes and activates the ion channels TRPA1 and TRPV1. The disease and the therapeutic options could be reproduced in models ranging from isolated ion channels to human subjects, applying protoporphyrin IX or its precursor aminolevulinic acid. There is an unmet medical need, and our results suggest a therapeutic use of the pertinent antagonists in clinical development.
Corticothalamic Axons Are Essential for Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Targeting to the Mouse Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Authors: Shanks James A. , Ito Shinya , Schaevitz Laura , Yamada Jena , Chen Bin , Litke Alan , Feldheim David A.
Published: May 2016

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) relay information about the outside world to multiple subcortical targets within the brain. This information is either used to dictate reflexive behaviors or relayed to the visual cortex for further processing. Many subcortical visual nuclei also receive descending inputs from projection neurons in the visual cortex. Most areas receive inputs from layer 5 cortical neurons in the visual cortex but one exception is the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which receives layer 6 inputs and is also the only RGC target that sends direct projections to the cortex. Here we ask how visual system development and function changes in mice that develop without a cortex. We find that the development of a cortex is essential for RGC axons to terminate in the dLGN, but is not required for targeting RGC axons to other subcortical nuclei. RGC axons also fail to target to the dLGN in mice that specifically lack cortical layer 6 projections to the dLGN. Finally, we show that when mice develop without a cortex they can still perform a number of vision-dependent tasks.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) is a sensory thalamic relay area that receives feedforward inputs from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the retina, and feed back inputs from layer 6 neurons in the visual cortex. In this study we examined genetically manipulated mice that develop without a cortex or without cortical layer 6 axonal projections, and find that RGC axons fail to project to the dLGN. Other RGC recipient areas, such as the superior colliculus and suprachiasmatic nucleus, are targeted normally. These results provide support for a new mechanism of target selection that may be specific to the thalamus, whereby descending cortical axons provide an activity that promotes feedforward targeting of RGC axons to the dLGN.
Frame or Get Framed: The Critical Role of Issue Framing in Nonmarket Management
Authors: Bach David , Blake Daniel J.
Published: May 2016

How a social or political issue is framed shapes the “nonmarket” context that surrounds it. Issue frames are not random; rather they are the product of strategic behavior by firms, government agencies, NGOs, and similar actors. Frames are not fixed and issues can be reframed over time. Framing is a powerful strategic tool that enables firms to shape the structure of the nonmarket environment to their advantage. This article identifies and illustrates five distinct pathways through which firms can shape different dimensions of the nonmarket environment.
The Interplay between Subjectivity, Statistical Practice, and Psychological Science
Authors: Rouder Jeffrey N. , Morey Richard D. , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan
Published: May 2016

Bayesian inference has been advocated as an alternative to conventional analysis in psychological science. Bayesians stress that subjectivity is needed for principled inference, and subjectivity by-and-large has not been seen as desirable. This paper provides the broader rationale and context for subjectivity, and in it we show that subjectivity is the key to principled measures of evidence for theory from data. By making our subjective elements focal, we provide an avenue for common sense and expertise to enter the analysis. We cover the role of models in linking theory to data, the notion that models are abstractions which are neither true nor false, the need for relative model comparison, the role of predictions in stating relative evidence for models, and the role of subjectivity in specifying models that yield predictions. In the end, we conclude that transparent subjectivity leads to a more honest and fruitful analyses in psychological science.
Endometriosis: where are we and where are we going?
Authors: Greene Alexis D , Lang Stephanie A , Kendziorski Jessica A , Sroga-Rios Julie M , Herzog Thomas J , Burns Katherine A
Published: May 2016

Endometriosis currently affects ~5.5 million reproductive-aged women in the U.S. with symptoms such as painful periods (dysmenorrhea), chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse (dyspareunia), and infertility. It is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity and is found predominately attached to sites within the peritoneal cavity. Diagnosis for endometriosis is solely made through surgery as no consistent biomarkers for disease diagnosis exist. There is no cure for endometriosis and treatments only target symptoms and not the underlying mechanism(s) of disease. The nature of individual predisposing factors or inherent defects in the endometrium, immune system, and/or peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis remains unclear. The literature over the last 5 years (2010–2015) has advanced our critical knowledge related to hormones, hormone receptors, immune dysregulation, hormonal treatments, and the transformation of endometriosis to ovarian cancer. In this review, we cover the aforementioned topics with the goal of providing the reader an overview and related references for further study to highlight the progress made in endometriosis research, while concluding with critical areas of endometriosis research that are urgently needed.
Two-Locus Likelihoods Under Variable Population Size and Fine-Scale Recombination Rate Estimation
Authors: Kamm John A , Spence Jeffrey P , Chan Jeffrey , Song Yun S
Published: May 2016

Two-locus sampling probabilities have played a central role in devising an efficient composite-likelihood method for estimating fine-scale recombination rates. Due to mathematical and computational challenges, these sampling probabilities are typically computed under the unrealistic assumption of a constant population size, and simulation studies have shown that resulting recombination rate estimates can be severely biased in certain cases of historical population size changes. To alleviate this problem, we develop here new methods to compute the sampling probability for variable population size functions that are piecewise constant. Our main theoretical result, implemented in a new software package called LDpop, is a novel formula for the sampling probability that can be evaluated by numerically exponentiating a large but sparse matrix. This formula can handle moderate sample sizes (n≤50) and demographic size histories with a large number of epochs (D≥64). In addition, LDpop implements an approximate formula for the sampling probability that is reasonably accurate and scales to hundreds in sample size (n≥256). Finally, LDpop includes an importance sampler for the posterior distribution of two-locus genealogies, based on a new result for the optimal proposal distribution in the variable-size setting. Using our methods, we study how a sharp population bottleneck followed by rapid growth affects the correlation between partially linked sites. Then, through an extensive simulation study, we show that accounting for population size changes under such a demographic model leads to substantial improvements in fine-scale recombination rate estimation.
MORBIDITY BY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE JIU VALLEY: RELATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC PRACTICE AND THE IMPACT ON THERAPEUTIC RESULTS
Authors: Petre Nicolae , Homorodean Daniela , Pop Carmen Monica
Published: May 2016

Background and aim. In the last two and a half decades the dynamics of tuberculosis has been modelled by social and economic conditions, with consequences on the life style, and effects on the onset and evolution of the disease. The Jiu Valley is an area with social problems: mining, mines closing down and ceasing activity, poverty. We looked for a relationship between changes of life style in the Jiu Valley and the dynamics of tuberculosis.Methods. We studied 528 patients who asked for medical services in different hospitals in the Jiu Valley between 2010-2013. We structurally characterized this group, we identified the characteristics of life style, and we assessed the health state, in particular the relation with tuberculosis.Results. We found out that the quality of life was influenced by the health state, especially by tuberculous disease. Quality of life was influenced by the life style, professional factors and their long term consequences. The study evidenced a strong relationship between apparently very different factors such as life style, professional factors on one side and those characterizing tuberculosis.Conclusions. We report the first detailed epidemiological data on tuberculosis in an economically poor area, the Jiu Valley.
MARKETING RESEARCH ON THE ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICINES
Authors: Boboia Anamaria , Grigorescu Marius Rareş , Turcu-Ştiolică Adina
Published: May 2016

Background and aims. The research aimed at investigating sales trends of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors antihypertensive medicines, both in terms of quantity and value, in ten community pharmacies, for a period of three years. The research on the antihypertensive medicines consumption is important for highlighting the ever increasing impact of hypertension among the population.Methods. The methods used in this research were the following: marketing research, method of sampling, descriptive methods, retrospective analysis, method of comparison.Results. The results showed that the drugs containing the active substances of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors class had had significant increases in quantitative and value sales, bringing substantial revenues to pharmacies. From the quantitative perspective, the best-selling products were those containing Enalaprilum, while in terms of value, the best-selling medicines were those containing Perindoprilum. We evidenced that spectacular sales were also achieved for products that have Lisinoprilum, respectively Captoprilum, as active substances. The largest quantities were marketed for the Captopril Terapia® product and the highest earnings were recorded for the Prestarium® medicine.Conclusion. This paper approaches an interesting and topical issue, which can be helpful to professionals (pharmacists, doctors) and other categories, such as economists, statisticians, representatives of companies manufacturing medicines, as well as to hypertensive patients, as it could be used to warn population regarding the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and, at the same time, trace sales trends in order to accomplish profitable business plans.
Seasonality of reproduction of epiphytic bryophytes in flooded forests from the Caxiuanã National Forest, Eastern Amazon
Authors: CERQUEIRA GABRIELA R. , ILKIU-BORGES ANNA LUIZA , FERREIRA LEANDRO V.
Published: May 2016

This work aimed to recognize the reproductive biology of the epiphytic bryoflora of phorophytes of Virola surinamensis (Rol. ex. Rottb.) Warb. in várzea and igapó forests in the Caxiuanã National Forest, to answer the following question: The reproductive period of the bryophyte species is influenced by the environment due the climatic seasonality present in flooded forests, being higher the occurrence of the sexual and asexual reproduction in the rainiest months? The bryophytes were identified and analyzed for the type of reproduction, sexual system and reproductive structures. In total, 502 samples of bryophytes were analyzed, resulting in 54 species, of which 34 were fertile. The comparison of the fertility of the species in different environmental conditions (dry or rainy, and igapó or várzea forest) was assessed using the chi-square test. The fertility of the seven studied species could not be defined by a pattern, considering the forest type and the seasonality. However, two species were associated to the forest type and two further species to the seasonality, showing that, for some bryophyte species, invest in constant fertility may be favoring the maintenance of their populations in tropical forests.
Corrupção e composição dos gastos governamentais: evidências a partir do Programa de Fiscalização por Sorteios Públicos da Controladoria-Geral da União
Authors: Caldas Olavo Venturim , Costa Cristiano Machado , Pagliarussi Marcelo Sanches
Published: May 2016

Resumo: Este trabalho investiga a relação entre corrupção e composição dos gastos governamentais nos municípios brasileiros. Estudos anteriores, utilizando dados para países, apontam que a corrupção distorce a alocação dos recursos públicos, elevando os gastos com defesa nacional e diminuindo os gastos com saúde e educação. A partir de uma medida de corrupção criada a partir dos relatórios da Controladoria-Geral da União, os resultados de estimações por meio de mínimos quadrados ordinários indicam que nos municípios brasileiros ocorre um fenômeno diferente. Verifica-se uma relação positiva e significativa entre corrupção e gastos com educação e saúde. Esse fenômeno se deve primordialmente ao poder de discricionariedade das despesas municipais e das legislações vigentes no país, que exigem dispêndios mínimos com educação e saúde como percentual da receita dos municípios.
Nova história da administração pública brasileira: pressupostos teóricos e fontes alternativas
Authors: Costa Frederico Lustosa da , Costa Elza Marinho Lustosa da
Published: May 2016

Resumo: Nos últimos anos, diversas iniciativas isoladas assinalam a redescoberta da história da administração pública e a utilidade do seu estudo para a compreensão do Estado contemporâneo como ordem social, instituição e representação. Esses trabalhos representam um avanço com relação à produção historiográfica publicada até os anos 1980. Entretanto, ainda persistem fragilidades conceituais e metodológicas que pouco a pouco começam a ser superadas. Além disso, uma das maiores dificuldades dos pesquisadores que se engajam nesse esforço é a identificação e o acesso a fontes mais diversificadas para a elaboração de uma nova história da administração pública, baseada nos avanços da historiografia mais recente. Este artigo se propõe a discutir pressupostos teórico-metodológicos para o desenvolvimento dessa nova história e contribuir para a identificação, apresentação e análise dessas fontes. A partir da indicação desses pressupostos, do estabelecimento de uma periodização da história do Estado brasileiro e da identificação de temas emergentes, foram definidas seis categorias em que as fontes podem, num primeiro momento, ser enquadradas para agrupar temas, acervos ou bases de dados, a saber: repertório das leis sobre organização governamental; falas do trono e mensagens presidenciais; relatórios do TCU; estatísticas; arquivos pessoais; histórias de vida. O levantamento não pretende apresentar fontes totalmente inéditas nem ser exaustivo, mas oferecer pistas para a utilização de materiais ainda muito poucos usuais em estudos sobre história da administração pública.
The process of implementing answerability in contemporary Brazil
Authors: Sacramento Ana Rita Silva , Pinho José Antonio Gomes de
Published: May 2016

Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterize the trajectory of answerability in Brazil. In the light of studies based on the historical neo-institutionalism approach, formal institutional changes adopted at federal level between 1985 and 2014, and which favor the typical requirements of answerability - information and justification - were identified and analyzed through the content analysis technique. The conclusion is that the trajectory of answerability in contemporary Brazil can be characterized as continuous, primarily occurring through the layering strategy, and whose leitmotif, since its origin, has consisted of matters of financial and budgetary nature. Nevertheless, a recent influence of deeper democratic subjects on it has been observed.
Sustentabilidade da dívida estadual brasileira: uma análise da relação dívida líquida e resultado primário
Authors: Caldeira Alessandro Aurélio , Wilbert Marcelo Driemeyer , Moreira Tito Belchior Silva , Serrano André Luiz Marques
Published: May 2016

Resumo: A dívida pública é um importante elemento das finanças públicas e sua sustentabilidade é o indicativo da boa gestão da política fiscal de um governo. Este estudo tem o objetivo de verificar a sustentabilidade da dívida estadual, de forma agregada, a partir da análise de cointegração e da reação fiscal entre o resultado primário e a dívida líquida estadual, usando dados mensais de dezembro/2001 a maio/2014. Os resultados apontam a existência de cointegração entre as séries de resultado primário e de dívida líquida estadual e, além disso, revelam que os governos estaduais geraram superávits primários em face do crescimento da dívida. Assim, tem-se a indicação de que existiu sustentabilidade para a dívida dos estados no período estudado. Contudo, desafios recentes como o afrouxamento fiscal e a redução da atividade econômica colocam em dúvida a sustentabilidade futura.
NATURAL REGENERATION STRATUM AS AN INDICATOR OF RESTORATION IN AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPENSATION FOR MINING LIMESTONE, MUNICIPALITY OF BARROSO, MG, BRAZIL
Authors: Campos Wanuza Helena , Martins Sebastião Venâncio
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT This study was conducted in a forest under restoration process, which belongs to the company Holcim Brasil S/A, in the municipality of Barroso, state of Minas Gerais (21º00'to 22º00'S and 43º00' to 44º00'W), where 40 plots (2 x 2 m) were set, spaced at 10 m, forming eight strata parallel to the watercourse present in the area. Floristic composition and natural regeneration stratum were characterized, and the formed strata allowed evaluating whether the riparian vegetation and watercourse influence on the local regeneration. It was found 162 individuals of 13 families, 18 genera and 22 species, and 10,125 individuals/ha were estimated. Successional classes from pioneer and early secondary and zoochory dispersion syndrome prevailed among species and individuals. The watercourse and riparian vegetation did not exercise significant influence (p> 0.05) on the number of species and regenerating individuals among the different strata of the forest. The diversity index of Shannon-Wiener (H') and equability of Pielou (J') were 2.691 and 0.870, respectively. The species Psidium guajava and Myrtaceae families presented the highest VI (value of importance). Natural regeneration analysis showed the low floristic diversity in the area, suggesting that corrective management actions should be adopted.
SOIL ORGANIC CARBON, CARBON STOCK AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS TO PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES UNDER FOREST SOILS IN CENTRAL AMAZONIA
Authors: Marques Jean Dalmo de Oliveira , Luizão Flávio Jesus , Teixeira Wenceslau Geraldes , Vitel Claudia Marie , Marques Elizalane Moura de Araújo
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT The soil carbon under Amazonian forests has an important roles in global changing, making information on the soil content and depths of these stocks are considerable interest in efforts to quantify soil carbon emissions to the atmosphere.This study quantified the content and soil organic carbon stock under primary forest up to 2 m depth, at different topographic positions, at Cuieiras Biological Reserve, Manaus/ ZF2, km 34, in the Central Amazon, evaluating the soil attributes that may influence the permanence of soil carbon. Soil samples were collected along a transect of 850 m on topographic gradient Oxisol (plateau), Ultisol (slope) and Spodosol (valley). The stocks of soil carbon were obtained by multiplying the carbon content, soil bulk density and trickiness of soil layers. The watershed was delimited by using STRM and IKONOS images and the carbon contend obtained in the transects was extrapolated as a way to evaluate the potential for carbon stocks in an area of 2678.68 ha. The total SOC was greater in Oxisol followed by Spodosol and Ultisol. It was found direct correlations between the SOC and soil physical attributes. Among the clay soils (Oxisol and Ultisol), the largest stocks of carbon were observed in Oxisol at both the transect (90 to 175.5 Mg C ha-1) as the level of watershed (100.2 to 195.2 Mg C ha-1). The carbon stocks under sandy soil (Spodosol) was greater to clay soils along the transect (160-241 Mg C ha-1) and near them in the Watershed (96.90 to 146.01 Mg C ha-1).
PHYTOSOCIOLOGY AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF WOODY REGENERATION FROM A REFORESTATION WITH NATIVE SPECIES IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: Colmanetti Michel Anderson Almeida , Barbosa Luiz Mauro , Shirasuna Regina Tomoko , Couto Hilton Thadeu Zarate do
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT In Brazil, specifically in São Paulo State, there are guidelines based on the high diversity of tropical forests that instructs the restoration projects in the state (current SMA 32/2014). The main goal of this study was verify the importance and effectiveness of the high diversity of arboreal species originated from a reforestation, and its influence in a woody regenerating composition. We developed a phytosociologic study in a woody regenerating stratum of a nine year old reforestation at a Private Reserve of Natural Heritage (RPPN), in Mogi-Guaçu, São Paulo State. All specimens with height > 30 cm and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) < 5 cm were evaluated. The woody regenerating diversity was smaller than the overstory diversity and the species composition was similar to the overstory. The Simpson index (1-D) was 0.85, Shannon index (H') was 2.46 and the Pielou index (J') was 0.60. The zoochoric dispersion syndrome was major among the species. Our results suggest that the use of high diversity of native seedlings in a reforestation leads to high diversity of species in woody regeneration stratum, after one decade of planting.
SUBSTRATE, LIME, PHOSPHORUS AND TOPDRESS FERTILIZATION IN MACAW PALM SEEDLING PRODUCTION
Authors: Pimentel Leonardo Duarte , Bruckner Claudio Horst , Manfio Candida Elisa , Motoike Sérgio Yoshimitsu , Martinez Hermínia Emília Prieto
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT The macaw palm [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lood. ex Mart] has been domesticated to subsidize biodiesel production programs in Brazil. However, little is known about the seedling production of this species. This study aimed to evaluate substrate mixtures, limestone and phosphorus rates for substrate amendment and topdressing frequency in macaw palm seedlings. Three trials were conducted in a greenhouse up to six months of nursery cultivation. Trial 1: determination of percent mineral and organic fractions of seven substrate mixtures. Trial 2: evaluation of four limerates for soil amendment versus four phosphorus rates. Trial 3: evaluation of N, K and Mg topdressing frequency. Significant differences were found in the three trials for most of the variables (plant height, leaf number, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, vigor and bulb diameter). The main results obtained were as follow: Trial1 - the best seedling growth was observed in substrates with at least 25% organic matter. Trial2 -lime rates ranging from 0.50 to 1.25 kg associated with 3 to 4 kg of single superphosphate per m3 of substrate provided the best seedling growth. Trial 3 - topdressing fertilization provided better development of seedlings regardless of frequency.
PRODUCTION OF AUSTRALIAN CEDAR SEEDLINGS INOCULATED WITH ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTAINERS
Authors: Carmo Élida Ribeiro do , Silva Cristiane Figueira da , Freitas Marta Simone Mendonça , Lima Késsia Barrêto , Martins Marco Antonio
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the growth and the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in Australian cedar seedlings which had been inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in different types of containers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse and the experimental design was that of randomized complete blocks (RCB), with a 4 x 4 factorial design consisting of four inoculation treatments with AMF (Rhizophagus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, a mixed inoculation (R. clarum + G. margarita) and the control (with no AMF inoculation); four types of containers (plastic bags measuring 250 cm3, tubes of 55 and 130 cm3 and pressed blocks 440 cm3. plant-1), with four repetitions. The height, the diameter of the stem base, the aerial part dry weight (APDW), the dry weight of the root (DWR) and the total plant dry weight (DW) were measured, along with the Dickson quality index, the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization and the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the aerial part dry weight. One hundred and thirty eight days (138) days after sowing, the greatest growth and/or the highest levels of P, K and Ca could be observed in the aerial part dry weight of the Australian cedar seedlings which had been planted in the pressed block container and inoculated with a mixture of the two AMF species (G. margarita + R. clarum) or with just R. clarum. Thus it can be seen that AMF can make a significant contribution to the production of Australian cedar seedlings.
Is cognitive decline in the elderly associated with contextual income? Results of a population-based study in southern Brazil
Authors: Danielewicz Ana Lúcia , Wagner Katia Jakovljevic Pudla , d'Orsi Eleonora , Boing Antonio Fernando
Published: May 2016

Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the association between contextual income and cognitive decline in the elderly in Florianópolis, a medium-sized city in southern Brazil. A nested cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of elderly ≥ 60 years (n = 1,197), interviewed in the second wave (2013/2014) of the EpiFloripa cohort. Cognitive decline was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and contextual income was measured as the mean monthly income of the heads of households. Individual adjustment variables were sex, age, skin color, per capita household income, years of schooling, and time living in the neighborhood. The data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. The odds of cognitive decline were twice as high (OR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.03; 3.87) in elderly living in census tracts with the lowest income quintile compared to those in the highest quintile, independently of individual characteristics. In conclusion, the socioeconomic environment is related to cognitive decline and should be considered in public policies with a focus on health of the elderly.