bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O gênero sinopse como proposta de ação fonoaudiológica voltada para o desenvolvimento de competências em leitura e escrita
Authors: Signor Rita
Published: August 2012

Neste trabalho apresentamos parte de uma pesquisa na qual objetivamos analisar a contribuição da teoria de gêneros do discurso de Bakhtin (2003) para a prática fonoaudiológica. Para tanto, elaboramos uma proposta terapêutica e a aplicamos em uma situação de atendimento em grupo. O grupo foi composto por cinco sujeitos (adolescentes) com queixas de dificuldades de leitura e escrita. Neste artigo são apresentados excertos da interlocução em um dos gêneros selecionados para o trabalho terapêutico: o gênero sinopse. Os dados foram analisados à luz do dialogismo bakhtiniano. Os resultados levam a crer que os sujeitos conseguiram produzir textos adequados ao gênero em questão. Sugerem, ainda, que as práticas ancoradas em uma perspectiva enunciativo-discursiva foram efetivas, pois, por meio de contextos significativos de uso da língua, os sujeitos se aproximaram da escrita e da leitura e, com isso, desenvolveram competências linguísticas e discursivas necessárias à interação nessas práticas.
Gêneros orais na escola
Authors: Teixeira Lucia
Published: August 2012

O artigo analisa a utilização da noção de gênero na escola fundamental, detendo-se sobre o ensino dos gêneros orais. Apresenta postulados teóricos de Bakhtin e incorpora a contribuição da semiótica discursiva e as sugestões metodológicas da pedagogia de ensino de línguas desenvolvida na Universidade de Genebra. Em seguida, propõe exemplo prático de aplicação do conceito ao desenvolvimento da expressão oral em sala de aula.
A noção de compreensão responsiva ativa no ensino e na aprendizagem
Authors: Zozzoli Rita Maria Diniz
Published: August 2012

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de refletir sobre a contribuição da noção de compreensão responsiva ativa para o ensino de línguas e para o ensino de forma geral, utilizando uma experiência vivenciada com pesquisas e trabalhos orientados desde 1995, no quadro do GP/CNPq Ensino e aprendizagem de línguas, nos quais essa noção é articulada com outras e com outros saberes relativos ao ensino e à aprendizagem. Neste texto, partirei de reflexões gerais sobre o ensino e a aprendizagem e suas carências em relação ao tema abordado, retomarei a noção de língua/linguagem numa perspectiva dialógica, passando, em seguida, para um estudo da compreensão responsiva ativa em diversos livros do chamado Círculo de Bakhtin, concluindo com uma articulação entre essas reflexões e as questões teóricas e práticas no âmbito do ensino e da aprendizagem relacionadas com a discussão.
Antioxidative responses of cell suspension cultures of two Coffea arabica varieties to low aluminum levels at pH 5.8
Authors: Bottcher Alexandra , Nobile Paula Macedo , Martins Paula Fabiane , Conte Fábio Frangiotti , Azevedo Ricardo Antunes , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: August 2012

The effects of aluminum (Al) on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and ferritin expression were studied in cell suspension cultures of two varieties of Coffea arabica, Mundo Novo and Icatu, in medium with pH at 5.8. The cells were incubated with 300 µM Al3+, and the Al speciation as Al3+ was 1.45% of the mole fraction. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were increased in Mundo Novo, whereas glutathione reductase (GR) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activities remained unchanged. SOD, GR, and GST activities were increased in Icatu, while CAT activity was not changed, and GPOX activity decreased. The expression of two ferritin genes (CaFer1 and CaFer2) were analyzed by Real-Time PCR. Al caused a downregulation of CaFER1 expression and no changes of CaFER2 expression in both varieties. The Western blot showed no alteration in ferritin protein levels in Mundo Novo and a decrease in Icatu. The differential enzymes responses indicate that the response to Al is variety-dependent.
Chlorococcales (exceto Scenedesmaceae) de pesqueiros da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, SP, Brasil: levantamento florístico
Authors: Rosini Edna Ferreira , Sant'Anna Célia Leite , Tucci Andréa
Published: August 2012

Estudos em pesqueiros ressaltam, principalmente, questões econômicas e de impactos ambientais, enquanto que, estudos sobre a flora de microalgas raramente são realizados. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o levantamento das Chlorococcales em dez pesqueiros da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo. Foram identificados 38 táxons, distribuídos em oito famílias, 19 gêneros e quatro variedades que não as típicas das espécies. Com exceção de Scenedesmaceae, Chlorellaceae e Coelastraceae apresentaram maior riqueza, 10 e oito espécies respectivamente, enquanto que, Micractiniaceae, Radiococcaceae e Treubariaceae apresentaram as menores riquezas e as menores frequências de ocorrência. Dictyosphaerium pulchellum foi a única espécie com 90% de frequência de ocorrência. Dos 38 táxons identificados, 19 apresentaram frequência de ocorrência entre 30-55%, indicando melhor distribuição dessas espécies entre os pesqueiros estudados, corroborando com as informações da literatura, que discutem que várias espécies de Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae são bem distribuídas entre os diferentes sistemas aquáticos brasileiros. A família Scenedesmaceae, pela elevada riqueza de táxons, será abordada separadamente.
Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) do Planalto Residual do Urucum, oeste do Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Silva Rosilene Rodrigues , Tozzi Ana Maria Goulart de Azevedo
Published: August 2012

O Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul é caracterizado por apresentar planícies de depósitos sedimentares e grupos de morros isolados. Um destes grupos de morros isolados é o Planalto Residual do Urucum (1.065 m), que é constituído de sete serras. Foram catalogadas 67 espécies de Papilionoideae, agrupadas em 31 gêneros e 11 tribos: Phaseoleae (Calopogonium, Camptosema, Canavalia, Centrosema, Clitoria, Eriosema, Erythrina, Galactia, Macroptilium, Phaseolus, Rhynchosia e Vigna), Dalbergieae (Aeschynomene, Andira, Chaetocalyx, Machaerium, Platypodium, Stylosanthes e Zornia), Desmodieae (Alysicarpus e Desmodium), Sophoreae (Acosmium e Sweetia), Swartzieae (Amburana e Ateleia), Crotalarieae (Crotalaria), Dipterygeae (Dipteryx), Indigoferae (Indigofera), Millettieae (Lonchocarpus), Robineae (Coursetia) e Sesbanieae (Sesbania). Os gêneros mais expressivos em número de espécies são Desmodium e Stylosanthes (com seis espécies), Galactia e Zornia com cinco espécies cada um. São apresentadas chaves, descrições, ilustrações para oito táxons e dados de distribuição geográfica.
Oomicetos do Parque Estadual da Serra da Cantareira, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
Authors: Miranda Maria Luiza de , Pires-Zottarelli Carmen Lidia Amorim
Published: August 2012

Visando contribuir para o conhecimento da diversidade de oomicetos de áreas de Mata Atlântica do Brasil, amostras de água e solo foram coletadas trimestralmente, de junho de 2005 a junho de 2006, no Parque Estadual da Serra da Cantareira, São Paulo, Brasil. Para o isolamento destes organismos, as amostras foram submetidas à técnica de iscagem múltipla, em laboratório e em campo. Vinte e uma espécies foram identificadas, duas pertencentes a Leptomitales e 19 a Saprolegniales, com 179 ocorrências ao longo do período de estudo.
Water deficit affects wood vessels of Croton floribundus Spreng. in different vegetation types, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Longui Eduardo Luiz , Romeiro Diego , Testoni Luana Naves , Aguiar Osny Tadeu de , Cielo Filho Roque , Lima Israel Luiz de , Florsheim Sandra Monteiro Borges
Published: August 2012

In this paper we showed that water deficit affects the wood vessels of Croton floribundus in five areas with different vegetation types: Rain Forest, Semi-deciduous Forest and Woody Savanna. We concluded that variations in the vessels are due especially to water deficit and the number of months with water deficit. Larger diameter vessels occurred in areas with higher water deficit, which may represent a strategy to optimize the water transport in favorable periods. Vessels with smaller diameters occur in areas with lower deficit, which may be related to lower minimum temperatures and frost occurrence, which like drought can cause vessel embolism. In Caetetus Ecological Station, a Semi-deciduous Forest (area of highest water deficit), we observed investments in efficiency and safety, with the occurrence of larger diameter vessels associated with one of the lowest vulnerability indexes and highest proportions of multiple vessels of four or more elements.
Establishing a Standard of Care for Small Bowel Adenocarcinomas: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Grothey Axel
Published: August 2012

This commentary discusses the role of retrospective studies in the investigation of treatment options for small bowel adenocarcinoma.
Microsatellite markers for Hylocomium splendens (Hylocomiaceae)
Authors: Vik Unni , Halvorsen Rune , Ohlson Mikael , Rydgren Knut , Carlsen Tor , Korpelainen Helena , Kauserud Håvard
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: The perennial feather moss Hylocomium splendens is one of the most widely distributed and common bryophytes in the Northern Hemisphere and has, because of its capacity to grow under a wide range of environmental conditions, been used as a biomonitor for atmospheric metal deposition in Europe.

• Methods and Results: We present a multiplex approach for the analysis of 14 microsatellite markers tested on 194 H. splendens gametophytes. Ten of the markers are developed recently, and are presented for the first time in this paper, whereas four were previously developed but have not been used for population genetic investigations.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers reported here will provide a powerful tool for further research on population genetic structure in H. splendens.
The evolutionary potential of Baker's weediness traits in the common morning glory, Ipomoea purpurea (Convolvulaceae)
Authors: Chaney Lindsay , Baucom Regina S.
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: Many reports have cited Baker's list of weediness traits, or those that exemplify the “ideal” weed, yet few have considered the evolutionary potential of such traits as a group. Thus, it is unknown whether constraints on the evolution of increased weediness, such as a lack of genetic variation or genetic correlations between the traits, are present. Ipomoea purpurea, the common morning glory, is a problematic weed that exhibits many of Baker's ideal weed traits.

• Methods: We used progeny from a half/full‐sib breeding design in a series of three greenhouse experiments to assess the presence of genetic variation, narrow sense heritabilities, and genetic correlations in Baker's growth, competition, and fitness “weediness” traits in two populations of I. purpurea.

• Key results: We uncovered genetic variation underlying reproductive fitness traits and competitive ability in at least one population, but no evidence of genetic variation underlying growth rate in either population. Genetic correlations between many of the weediness characters differed significantly from zero; however, their direction and/or magnitude differed between populations.

• Conclusions: We found that increased weediness in the common morning glory is more likely to occur through selection on reproductive output and competitive ability rather than through selection on growth rate. Assessing Baker's traits in a quantitative genetics framework can provide a solid perspective on their evolutionary potential and a unique framework within which to determine how weeds will respond to different environmental stresses and/or scenarios of global climate change.
Antarctic glossopterid diversity on a local scale: The presence of multiple megasporophyll genera, Upper Permian, Mt. Achernar, Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica
Authors: Ryberg Patricia E. , Taylor Edith L. , Taylor Thomas N.
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: The glossopterids are a group of plants that thrived during a time of global warming similar to what is happening on the Earth today as well as the transition from archaic plant groups to the ancestors of modern groups. The diversity of the glossopterid clade is based on the megasporangiate structures assigned to the group, because the vegetative and pollen‐bearing structures vary little. The presence of numerous reproductive genera from a single Upper Permian locality in the central Transantarctic Mountains provides important data on local glossopterid diversity in Antarctica.

• Methods: Impression/compression fossils were imaged with a Leica 5000C digital camera on a dissecting microscope or a Fujifilm FinePix S1pro digital camera.

• Key results: Two megasporangiate taxa are described: Scutum leiophyllum, which represents the first confirmed record of the genus in Antarctica, and Lidgettoniopsis ramulus, a new morphology consisting of a pinnate structure with oppositely attached megasporophylls. Plumsteadia ovata specimens indicate that this genus can be larger than previously recorded and illustrate the vegetative surface with a distinct midrib.

• Conclusions: The presence of a laminar, multiovulate structure and a pinnate structure at the same site indicates that local‐level glossopterid diversity in Antarctica is greater than previously hypothesized. The discovery of a new megasporophyll morphology in Antarctica (confirming the presence of three distinctive morphologies on the continent) shows that Antarctic glossopterid heterogeneity is on a par with other Gondwanan continents. The diversity of the Antarctic landscape reveals that high polar latitudes can sustain a diverse ecosystem during times of global warming.
Overall Neutralization of Complement Factor H by Autoantibodies in the Acute Phase of the Autoimmune Form of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Blanc Caroline , Roumenina Lubka T. , Ashraf Yahya , Hyvärinen Satu , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Ranchin Bruno , Niaudet Patrick , Loirat Chantal , Gulati Ashima , Bagga Arvind , Fridman Wolf Herman , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Jokiranta T. Sakari , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique , Dragon-Durey Marie-Agnès
Published: August 2012

Complement is a major innate immune surveillance system. One of its most important regulators is the plasma protein factor H (FH). FH inactivation by mutations or by autoantibodies is associated with a thrombotic microangiopathy disease, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. In this study, we report the characterization of blood samples from 19 anti-FH Ab-positive atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome patients collected at the acute phase of the disease. Analyses of the functional consequences and epitope mapping, using both fluid phase and solid phase approaches, were performed. The anti-FH Abs perturbed FH-mediated cell protection (100%), inhibited FH interaction with C3 (46%), and caused C3 consumption (47%). The Abs were directed against multiple FH epitopes located at the N and C termini. In all tested patients, high titers of FH-containing circulating immune complexes were detected. The circulating immune complex titers correlated with the disease stage better than did the Ab titers. Our results show that anti-FH autoantibodies induce neutralization of FH at acute phase of the disease, leading to an overall impairment of several functions of FH, extending the role of autoantibodies beyond the impairment of the direct cell surface protection.
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Mycobacterium avium-Induced Thymic Atrophy
Authors: Borges Margarida , Barreira-Silva Palmira , Flórido Manuela , Jordan Michael B. , Correia-Neves Margarida , Appelberg Rui
Published: August 2012

Thymic atrophy has been described as a consequence of infection by several pathogens and shown to be induced through diverse mechanisms. Using the mouse model of Mycobacterium avium infection, we show in this study that the production of NO from IFN-γ–activated macrophages plays a major role in mycobacterial infection-induced thymic atrophy. Our results show that disseminated infection with a highly virulent strain of M. avium, but not with a low-virulence strain, led to a progressive thymic atrophy. Thymic involution was prevented in genetically manipulated mice unable to produce IFN-γ or the inducible NO synthase. In addition, mice with a selective impairment of IFN-γ signaling in macrophages were similarly protected from infection-induced thymic atrophy. A slight increase in the concentration of corticosterone was found in mice infected with the highly virulent strain, and thymocytes presented an increased susceptibility to dexamethasone-induced death during disseminated infection. The administration of an antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors partially reverted the infection-induced thymic atrophy. We observed a reduction in all thymocyte populations analyzed, including the earliest thymic precursors, suggesting a defect during thymic colonization by T cell precursors and/or during the differentiation of these cells in the bone marrow in addition to local demise of thymic cells. Our data suggest a complex picture underlying thymic atrophy during infection by M. avium with the participation of locally produced NO, endogenous corticosteroid activity, and reduced bone marrow seeding.
Prevalence of human papilloma virus in cytological abnormalities: Association of risk factors and cytomorphological findings
Authors: Izaaks Christo D. , Truter Ernest J. , Khan Sehaam
Published: August 2012

Background:

Previous studies demonstrated the etiological role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical carcinogenesis. Assessing the distribution of HPV may elucidate these observations.

Materials and Methods:

In total, we examined 3839 specimens, of which 187 abnormally classified cervical smears were immunostained using the p16INK4A assay. DNA was extracted from 182 specimens, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Participants’ socio-demographics, sexual and reproductive history, HIV status, contraceptive use, and Pap smear history were recorded.

Results:

Subject ages, number of sexual partners, and age at first sexual encounter ranged from 15 to 49 years, from 1 to 37 partners, and from 13 to 34 years, respectively. P16 immunoreactivity was detected in 60.4% of cases. The distribution of epithelial lesions and P16 overexpression (bracketed) was: 28 (5) atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), 96 (50) lower grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 9 (7) atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), and 54 (51) higher grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Ninety-four percent of HSIL expressed P16. Fifty-two percent of LSIL expressed P16. P16 expression declined from 61% (25–34 year age group) to 5% (45–49 year age group) for different age groups. HPV-DNA by PCR was detected in 94.5% of P16-positive samples. Type-specific PCR (HPV 16 and 18) was found in 12.2% and 14.5% of abnormal lesions, respectively. Younger age at first sexual encounter and HIV infection predominated in HPV type(s) 16 and/or 18 positive subjects.

Conclusion:

This study reinforced the value of the p16INK4A surrogate marker in identifying women with progressive cervical disease.
Methane dynamics in the Willamette River, Oregon
Authors: Anthony Sara E. , Prahl Fredrick G. , Peterson Tawnya D.
Published: August 2012

Weekly monitoring of dissolved methane (CH4) at two sites along an ~ 2‐km stretch of the Willamette River (Oregon) between October 2008 and November 2010 revealed persistent supersaturation (24–170× atmospheric equilibrium). The CH4 concentration difference (δCH4: 0–200 nmol L−1) between the two sites varied inversely with river flow, which ranged from 125 m3 s−1 to 1500 m3 s−1 over the time series. At the downstream site, an ‘excess’ of ≤ 125% was observed, with groundwater input being the likely CH4 source. Quasi‐synoptic studies of spatial trends in summer (2010, 2011) revealed steady CH4 decrease along a 12‐km river stretch downstream of the time‐series sites. The estimated loss due to air–water exchange for this stretch was ~ 9× greater than the perceived net loss, consistent with regionally widespread groundwater input of CH4. Bi‐weekly dissolved nutrient measurements indicated that a distinct nitrate (NO3−) source also existed between the upstream and downstream time‐series sites. The excesses of and CH4 were inversely correlated, with the greatest supply corresponding to periods of high rainfall in winter and highest river flow. Although groundwater input is also the probable source of , seasonal seepage of rainwater‐saturated soils (shallow groundwater recharge) explains the input, while hyporheic exchange with a persistent deep aquifer best explains the CH4 input. Improved understanding of groundwater input and exchange dynamics in the Willamette River will clarify the influence of human activities on river biogeochemistry and help to better constrain the magnitude of CH4 and other greenhouse gas fluxes associated with inland waters.
Deposition signatures in Onondaga Lake, New York: Observations from a 28‐year sediment‐trap study
Authors: Effler Steven W. , Matthews David A. , Hurteau Craig A.
Published: August 2012

We tested paradigms and models that relate deposition of phytoplankton constituents to lake metabolism based on analyses of long‐term sediment‐trap collections (28 yr of the 1980–2010 period) from a dimictic urban lake, Onondaga Lake, New York. There were major changes in a number of important drivers of deposition, including decreases in the concentration of a divalent cation (Ca2+), nutrient loading and primary production, and variations in food‐web effects. The summertime downward fluxes of particulate organic carbon (DFPOC), particulate nitrogen, particulate phosphorus (P), and chlorophyll were greater than values reported in the literature at the start of the program and decreased > 70% in response to decreases in Ca2+ and P loading. Results include (1) the positive dependence of DFPOC on primary production, (2) the positive dependence of the rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion on DFPOC, (3) the negative effect of Daphnia grazing on DFPOC under eutrophic and hypereutrophic conditions, and (4) the dependence of the stoichiometry of depositing material on particle origins and nutrient status of the phytoplankton community. The relationship between the export ratio, the fraction of gross primary production lost to deposition, and primary production reported in the literature was extended based on inclusion of Onondaga Lake data, and described by a nonlinear (polynomial function) relationship.
Nitrate–nitrite dynamics and phytoplankton growth: Formulation and experimental evaluation of a dynamic model
Authors: Malerba Martino E. , Connolly Sean R. , Heimann Kirsten
Published: August 2012

A multi‐nutrient quota model was modified to describe the coupled dynamics of nitrate and nitrite utilization for four phytoplankton species, Picochlorum atomus (Butcher) (Chlorophyta), Nannochloropsis oculata (Droop) (Ochrophyta), Isochrysis sp. (Haptophyta), and Pyrocystis lunula (Schütt) (Dinophyta). Although rarely considered in nutrient‐limited phytoplankton models, nitrite can be an important nitrogen source, as it can be either released due to incomplete reduction of nitrate or taken up to supplement low nitrogen availability. The model accurately characterizes the dynamics of nitrite uptake and excretion, nitrate uptake and assimilation efficiency, and population growth for the study species in batch culture, despite the fact that the species display a range of qualitatively different nutrient utilization patterns. The good performance of the model suggests that per‐capita secretion and re‐assimilation of nitrite, together with changes to the per‐capita internal nitrogen supply, can be inferred from daily observations of medium nitrate and nitrite utilization and population growth. The model also reproduces qualitative characteristics of nitrite dynamics that have been observed in previous empirical studies, such as a rise in per‐capita nitrite secretion when culture medium nitrate concentrations and intracellular nitrogen levels are high. Our model therefore provides a new framework for evaluating the potential broader trophic consequences of the effects of nitrite uptake and release on the dynamics of phytoplankton populations.
Diatoms favor their younger daughters
Authors: Laney Samuel R. , Olson Robert J. , Sosik Heidi M.
Published: August 2012

We used a time‐lapse imaging approach to examine cell division in the marine centric diatom Ditylum brightwellii and observed that daughter cells who inherited their parents& hypothecal frustule half were more likely to divide before their sisters. This is consistent with observations in Escherichia coli of a bias between sister cells, where faster growth in one sister is thought to arise from its inheriting parental material with less oxidative damage. We also observed that hypothecal sisters in D. brightwellii were more likely to inherit a greater proportion of their parents& cellular material, similar to what has been seen in E. coli. We found a statistically significant correlation between the amount of parental material inherited by a hypothecal daughter and its relative division rate, indicating that this extra material inherited by the hypothecal daughter plays a role in its more rapid division. Furthermore, the intercept in this regression was greater than zero, indicating that other factors, such as differences in the quality of inherited material, also play a role. This similarity between two taxonomically distant microbes suggests that favoritism toward one daughter might occur broadly among unicellular organisms that reproduce asexually by binary fission. Such a bias in cell division might be advantageous, given model predictions that show that favoring one daughter at the expense of the other can result in higher population growth rates, increasing the chance that a cell&s genotype will survive compared to a model where the daughters divide at equal rates.
Intraspecific scaling of mass to length in pelagic animals: Ontogenetic shape change and its implications
Authors: Hirst Andrew G.
Published: August 2012

Intraspecific relationships between body mass (M) and length (L) are widely reported using the equation M = aLb. The power term (b) holds fundamental information on how body proportions change with increasing size. A value of 3 suggests isometric enlargement, while a value < 3 describes relative elongation in shape (along the L axis) during ontogeny. We synthesize intraspecific patterns in b across a diverse range of pelagic aquatic animals. While many taxa show isometric scaling, others do not, and there is a great diversity in morphometric solutions. Salps (b = 2.37, ± 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and cephalopods (b = 2.58, ± 0.18, 95% CI), both of which locomote by jetting, radically elongating their body shape relative to other dimensions as they enlarge, while polychaetes and ctenophores (b = 2.41, ± 0.18, 95% CI) also demonstrate relative elongation. Oblate scyphozoans (b = 2.73, ± 0.10, 95% CI) and hydrozoans (b = 2.44, ± 0.32, 95% CI) increase their bell diameter at the expense of bell thickness. This will increase drag at a greater rate than isometric enlargement, but as drag‐based predators this also potentially increases prey encounter rates. Fishes have a power term significantly greater than 3 (b = 3.04, ± 0.006, 95% CI). While the nauplii of copepods elongate their shape (b = 2.59 ± 0.27, 95% CI), their copepodites are isometric (b = 2.95, ± 0.16, 95% CI). Salps show distinct differences in the power term between their aggregate and solitary life stages. The implications of these patterns are explored and comparisons with benthic and terrestrial invertebrates made. This work should provide a useful reference to those undertaking mass–length analyses in future. The ontogenetic shape changes we describe should aid in the examination of theories dependent on ratios of surface area to volume and internal distribution networks, including the scaling of metabolic rates.
Primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the Uterine Cervix: Report of Three Cases with Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Anupam Sarma  , Debabrata Barmon  , J.D. Sharma  , Amal Chandra Kataki  , Chidananda Bhuyan
Published: August 2012

Primary Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) involving the uterine cervix and other parts of female reproductive tract are extremely rare and the treatment modalities of this disease are also not well defined. We describe three cases of primary non-Hodgkins lymphoma of the cervix, confirmed to be diffuse large B cell lymphoma on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical study. All other possible primary sites were excluded clinically and radiologically in all the three cases.The clinical history, histopathological features, immunohistochemical features, differential diagnoses and review of literature regarding these cases are described.
Topical Treatment of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Potassium Dobesilate Cream
Authors: Pedro Cuevas  , Javier Angulo  , Adrián Cuevas-Bourdier  , Guillermo Giménez-Gallego
Published: August 2012

Skin squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer arises from the malignant proliferation of keratinocytes in the epidermis. Although it is locally invasive, surgical excision or topical therapy is usually curative. However, surgical management of skin squamous cell carcinoma located in certain regions of the body may require reconstructive procedures. This can result in significant scarring and increased morbidity and dysfunction. Topical therapy may be preferable to surgery depending on anatomic localizations, and in instances where patients reject it or are poor surgical candidates. Fibroblast growth factors are variously implicated in skin tumorigenesis where they may be involved in the enhancement of tumor cell proliferation and viability, induction of angiogenesis and stimulation of tumor invasiveness. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the fibroblast growth factor inhibitor, dobesilate, administered as a 5% potassium cream, for the treatment of skin squamous cell carcinoma. Two months application of dobesilate cleared squamous cell carcinoma probably due to inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and induction of tumor cell apoptosis. No local side effects were observed in relation with treatment. This report highlights the need for efficient and safe topical therapies in the management of skin neoplasms and supports the use of potassium dobesilate in non-melanoma skin cancers treatment.
Moving EGFR Targeted Therapy into the Induction Phase of the Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Belisario A. Arango  , Bertha E. Sanchez  , Matthew C. Abramowitz  , Edgardo S. Santos
Published: August 2012

Many advances in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have occurred in the past few years. Since the advent of cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor, the search for other efficacious targeted therapies has awakened the interest and curiosity of researchers and clinicians. Initially, cetuximab demonstrated effectiveness as single agent in heavily pretreated patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and has demonstrated to improve locoregional control and survival when combined with radiotherapy. Thesuccess of cetuximab has transitioned to other settings and with different modalities such as in combination with other conventional cytotoxic agents in the metastatic setting, combined with radiation therapy as part of concurrent treatment, and lately, in combination with other agents in the induction phase of the sequential approach. In this review, we discuss all different modalities in combination with cetuximab and how cetuximab has been incorporated into other clinical settings with only one goal in mind: improve the survival rates of our patients.
Does Tumour Biological Behaviour Influence Prognosis More than Diagnostic Delay in Oral Cancer?
Authors: Juan Manuel Seoane-Romero  , Pablo Ignacio Varela-Centelles  , Pedro Diz-Dios  , Isabel Ramos-Barbosa  , Javier Fernández Feijoo  , Juan Seoane
Published: August 2012

Worldwide, oral cancer has one of the lowest survival rates (lethal disease for over 50% of cases diagnosed annually) and remains unaffected despite recent therapeutic advances.
Unfortunately, almost half of the oral cancers are diagnosed at stages III or IV, probably due to delays in reaching a definitive diagnosis. Many preventive approaches (secondary prevention) have been designed assuming the logical hypothesis that the longer the diagnostic delay, the more advanced the cancer and the worse the prognosis. However, a number of studies failed to prove this association or even found an inverse relationship.
We hypothesize that tumour's biological heterogeneity in terms of aggressiveness may explain shorter delays linked to advanced stages and bad prognosis. The assumption of this hypothesis would entail favouring oral cancer and precancer screening strategies at the preclinical stage of the disease, and therefore strategies of opportunistic screening for oral cancer and precancer on asymptomatic at risk population should be reinforced.
Low Leukocyte MGMT Accompanies Temozolomide-Induced Myelotoxicity in Brain Tumor Patients
Authors: Julia E. Stokes  , Michael S. Bobola  , Marc C. Chamberlain  , John R. Silber
Published: August 2012

Objective: The methylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) has markedly improved clinical outcome for patients with glioblastoma and other gliomas. While TMZ has comparatively low systemic toxicity, a minority of patients experience severe myelotoxicity that compromises TMZ treatment, necessitating dose reductions and treatment delays. These limitations emphasize the need to develop markers to identify individuals susceptible to TMZ-induced myelosuppression. The purpose of this small pilot study is to examine the association between treatment-limiting myelosuppression in primary brain tumor patients receiving TMZ and expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). MGMT is the sole human activity that removes TMZ-induced, cytotoxic O6-methylguanine adducts from DNA.
Methods: MGMT biochemical activity and MGMT promoter methylation status, a surrogate measure of MGMT expression, were assayed in PBL from 10 patients who experienced treatment-limiting myelotoxicity during TMZ therapy, 8 patients who experienced no myelotoxicity during TMZ treatment, and 10 disease-free, untreated controls.
Results: MGMT activity was detectable in all 28 PBL samples, and all displayed an unmethylated promoter indicative of MGMT expression. Mean PBL MGMT activity was 2-fold lower in patients who experienced myelotoxicity compared to patients without myelotoxicity (8.9 ± 3.9 vs. 18 ± 8.1 fmol/106 cells; P 0.015) and to untreated controls (8.9 ± 3.9 vs. 16 ± 6.8 fmol/106 cells; P 0.015).
Conclusions: These preliminary data indicate that low MGMT activity in PBL is associated with myelotoxicity in primary brain tumor patients receiving TMZ, and may have value if confirmed in a larger study as a marker to identify patients at greater risk of treatment-limiting myelosuppression.
TAT-Mediated Delivery of p27 in Tumor Cell Lines as a Potential Therapeutic Peptide
Authors: Ana-Matea Mikecin  , Mira Grdisa
Published: August 2012

TAT-fusion proteins (TAT-wt-p27, TAT-pt-p27, TAT-N'-p27) were introduced into the cells by protein transduction method. The mechanism by which transduced 27 influences on the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis, were explored. TAT-p27-fusion proteins affected the proliferation of examined cell lines depending on type of the cells and protein. Transduced p27 induced accumulation of cyclin D1 and D3, with slight differences among the form of protein. Expression of cyclin D2 and E was mainly unchanged. Furthermore, TAT fusion proteins promoted apoptosis, which resulted in activation of caspase 3, appearance of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA fragments, as well as the activation of apoptosis-inducing factor. The results pointed that transduced p27 activates apoptosis through activation of different signal transduction pathways. Thus, the molecule of p27 could be appropriate for treatment of tumors with deregulated its function. Also, the protein transduction method could find the application in specifically targeted cancer therapy.
Present and Emerging Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Vito  Lorusso  , Ilaria  Marech  , Marianna  Giampaglia  , Andrea  Tinelli  , Vincenzo Emanuele Chiuri
Published: August 2012

Breast carcinoma is a complex and heterogeneous disease and several different molecular alterations are involved in its pathogenesis and progression. Different growth factor receptor-driven signaling pathways sustain the growth and survival of breast cancer cells. Actually, three targeted agents are available for the treatment of breast cancer: trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2); lapatinib, an oral available dual tyrosine-kinase inhibitor of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (HER1, EGFR) and HER2; bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). All these agents demonstrated to be synergistic with chemotherapy. In addition, recently concluded clinical trials suggest that signaling inhibitors can prevent or overcome resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. Moreover, several other targeted drugs are under investigation in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to give a synthetic but complete picture of various targeted agents for breast cancer therapy that are under clinical trials or currently available in clinical practice.
EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Prolong Overall Survival in EGFR Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Postsurgical Recurrence
Authors: Kenichi Suda  , Simon Ito  , Hiroshi Mizuuchi  , Yoshihiko Maehara  , Yasushi Yatabe  , Tetsuya Mitsudomi
Published: August 2012

It is indisputable that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) prolong progression-free survival in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations better than cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, it is unclear whether EGFR-TKIs prolong the overall survival of NSCLC patients, especially in those with postsurgical recurrence.We retrospectively examined 304 NSCLC patients with known EGFR mutational status (excluding those with squamous cell carcinoma), who had undergone pulmonary resection and experienced postsurgical recurrence. Of these patients, 137 carried EGFR mutations and 167 did not. Of the 137 patients with EGFR mutations, 83 were treated with EGFR-TKIs for their recurrent disease, and 32 of the 167 patients without EGFR mutations were treated with EGFR-TKIs. Postsurgical survival was divided into two parts: recurrence-free survival (RFS) and postrecurrence survival (PRS), and these were compared between the subgroups with a multivariate analysis, adjusted for baseline clinical characteristics.There was no significant difference in RFS between patients with EGFR mutations and those without (P = 0.88). PRS was also similar in these two subgroups when we excluded patients who had been treated with EGFR-TKIs (P = 0.64). In patients with EGFR mutations, PRS was significantly longer in those who were treated with EGFR-TKIs than in those who were not given EGFR-TKIs (P = 0.04). However, among patients without EGFR mutations, PRS was similar in patients who had and had not been treated with EGFR-TKIs (P = 0.87). In conclusion, among NSCLC patients with postsurgical recurrence, EGFR-TKIs prolonged PRS in those with EGFR mutations.
Treatment of Chemotherapy - Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: The Physicians Need Guidelines, the Patients Need Help
Authors: Brzezinsk Krzysztof
Published: August 2012

The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of two methods of introducing standard CIPN-treatment drugs into the therapy. Materials and Methods: Group A included patients attending weekly appointments, while group B monthly. Standard treatment with amitriptyline, gabapentin (GAB), and oxycodone (OXY) was administered. In group A, the drugs were gradually introduced, while in group B - within one week. After a month and six months of treatment, the therapy effectiveness was assessed by examination of pain intensity (VAS), symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (sNCI-CTC), occurrence of tactile and brush allodynia, and the daily dose of GAB andOXY. Results: Pain intensity during the study decreased from 5.59 to 2.9 and 2.76 in group A, and from 5.07 to 2.52 and 2.81 in group B. The sNCI-CTC values declined too and were, respectively. 1.9; 1.48; 1.34 in group A and 1.93; 1.52; 1.44 in group B. Tactile allodynia occurred in 15; 5; 5 group A patients and 18; 6; 5 group B patients. Brush allodynia decreased in group A (9; 5; 5) and B (11; 6; 5). The daily GAB dose was 0; 951.72; 927.41 in group A and 900.0; 900.0; 1000.0 in group B. The daily OXY dose was 0; 21.72; 22.07 in group A and 20.0; 20.0; 27.04 in group B; a statistically significant difference was found in the final stage. The results do not allow recommendation of non-schematic treatment and they should be regarded as a preliminary study. Randomized trials are indispensable for assessment of advantages and drawbacks such treatment.
High-Expression of PTEN and an Absence of PCNA in Osteoclast-Like Multinucleated Giant Cells of Giant Cell Tumors in Bone
Authors: Chao Lou  , Rong Qiang  , Hongmin Yan  , Jie Li
Published: August 2012

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) found in bone are so named for the conspicuous presence of numerous osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells (OLMGCs). Although GCT studies have revealed that the OLMGCs are the cells responsible for tumor formation, these cells continue to receive a good deal of research attention. The tumor -suppressor gene, PTEN, is known to be involved in various malignancies. Recently, however, PTEN has been reported to be important for neuron enlargement and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Given the role of PTEN in both carcinomas as well as cell hypertrophy, we sought to elucidate the relationship between PTEN and OLMGCs. In this study, we confirmed the existence of PTEN in GCTs in bone using PCR. In particular, exons-3,4 and 5 of the PTEN gene was detected. Exons-3,4,5 of PTEN gene were found by PCR in all of 8 cases. Single cells microdissection was used to isolate OLMGCs from GCTs and verify the existence of the PTEN gene in the osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells through PCR amplication of PTEN exon-3. Exon-3 of PTEN were detected by PCR in 5 of the 10 microdissected samples. PTEN mRNA expression was detected by in situ hybridization and the expressions of PTEN protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in GCTs were detected by immunohistochemistry. High expression levels of PTEN mRNA was detected only in OLMGCs in 23 of 27 GCT cases. Likewise,high expression of PTEN protein was also found only in OLMGCs in 21 of the 27 GCT cases and the giant cells did not express PCNA. In contrast, the neoplastic stromal cells with high PCNA labeling were almost always PTEN-negative by immunohistochemical staining. These results suggested that high-expression of PTEN in OLMGCs may involve in the formation size of GCTs.
Surface impedance of BaFe2-xNixAs2 in the radio frequency range
Authors: Abbassi A. , Saint-Paul M. , Dkiouak R. , Britel M.-R. , Wang Z.-S. , Luo H. , Lu X. , Ren C. , Wen H.-H.
Published: August 2012

We report measurements of the temperature dependence of the surface impedance in superconducting BaFe1.93Ni0.07As2 crystals using the radiofrequency reflection technique in the 5<T<30K temperature range. An LC resonant circuit with a phase sensitive detection was used at 92MHz. A measurement assembly with point contacts was used at 30MHz. The recent discovery of iron based arsenide superconductors BaFe2-xNixAs2 has attracted much interest. For a Ni doping level of 7% the superconducting phase transition is found around 20K. The temperature dependence of the superconducting penetration depth was determined.
Blind deconvolution by a Newton method on the non‐unitary hypersphere
Authors: Fiori S.
Published: August 2012

Blind deconvolution is an inverse filtering technique that has received increasing attention from academia as well as industry because of its theoretical implications and practical applications, such as in speech dereverberation, nondestructive testing and seismic exploration. An effective blind deconvolution technique is known as ‘Bussgang’, which relies on the iterative Bayesian estimation of the source sequence. Automatic gain control in blind deconvolution keeps constant the energy of the inverse filter impulse response and controls the magnitude of the estimated source sequence. The aim of the present paper is to introduce a class of Newton‐type algorithms to optimize the Bussgang cost function on the inverse‐filter parameter space whose geometrical structure is induced by the automatic‐gain‐control constraint. As the parameter space is a differentiable manifold, the Newton‐like optimization method is formulated in terms of differential geometrical concepts. The present paper also discusses convergence issues related to the introduced Newton‐type optimization algorithms and illustrates their performance on a comparative basis.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total Synthesis of Marinoquinoline A Using a Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Ullmann Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Ma Xinghua , Vo Yen , Banwell Martin G. , Willis Anthony C.
Published: August 2012

The title natural product, 1, has been synthesized. The pivotal steps are a Pd0‐catalyzed Ullmann cross‐coupling of the 3‐iodopyrrole‐2‐carboxaldehyde 13 with o‐bromonitrobenzene (14), conversion of the resulting 3‐arylpyrrole 15 into methylketone 17, and reductive cyclization of 17 by using magnesium in methanol to give target 1 in 85 % yield.
Soprano singing in gibbons
Authors: Koda Hiroki , Nishimura Takeshi , Tokuda Isao T. , Oyakawa Chisako , Nihonmatsu Toshikuni , Masataka Nobuo
Published: August 2012

Diversifications in primate vocalization, including human speech, are believed to reflect evolutionary modifications in vocal anatomy and physiology. Gibbon song is acoustically unique, comprising loud, melodious, penetrating pure tone‐like calls. In a white‐handed gibbon, Hylobates lar, the fundamental frequency (f0) of song sounds is amplified distinctively from the higher harmonics in normal air. In a helium‐enriched atmosphere, f0 does not shift, but it is significantly suppressed and 2f0 is emphasized. This implies that the source is independent of the resonance filter of the supralaryngeal vocal tract (SVT) in gibbons, in contrast to musical wind instruments, in which the filter primarily determines f0. Acoustic simulation further supported that gibbons' singing is produced analogously to professional human soprano singing, in which a precise tuning of the first formant (F1) of the SVT to f0 amplifies exclusively the f0 component of the source. Thus, in gibbons, as in humans, dynamic control over the vocal tract configuration, rather than anatomical modifications, has been a dominant factor in determining call structure. The varied dynamic movements were adopted in response to unique social and ecological pressures in gibbons, allowing monogamous gibbons to produce pure‐tonal melodious songs in the dense tropical forests with poor visibility. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.