bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-infectious osteomyelitis of the mandible in a young woman: a case report
Authors: Rasmussen Anne Q , Andersen Ulrik B , Jørgensen Niklas R , Schwarz Peter
Published: February 2014

Introduction

We present the case of a patient with non-infectious osteomyelitis of the mandible, which is a recognized but unusual condition of unknown cause.

Case presentation

A 14-year-old Caucasian girl presented with pain and edema in the left side of her jaw. A clinical examination led to a diagnosis of osteomyelitis and she was treated with antibiotics. Our patient continued antibiotic treatment for osteomyelitis and underwent decortication. Histology based on a biopsy showed new bone formation and chronic inflammation, and a diagnosis of sclerotic osteomyelitis was made. Over the next few years, she experienced pain on the left side of her jaw and increasing edema, and the size of the left side of her jaw bone increased. She was then sent to our Department of Medicine at the age of 16 years. Her symptoms included pain in the left side of her jaw that scored 4 on a visual analogue scale of 1 to 10. A diagnosis of bone disease was made based on bone scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography that showed hot spots in the affected left side of the jaw. Our patient was treated with a single dose of intravenous zoledronic acid (5mg) at age 17 years, which was repeated after 12 months. The bone pain was significantly reduced six months after treatment and had disappeared 24 months after treatment.

Conclusion

We report an unusual localization of non-infectious osteomyelitis of the jaw in a young woman. Even though the presentation was in the jaw, her condition improved after intravenous bisphosphonate treatment, as evaluated by reduced clinical symptoms, bone turnover evaluation as assessed by biochemical bone markers, and reduced activity on bone scintigraphy.
First characterization of Plasmodium vivax liver stage antigen (PvLSA) using synthetic peptides
Authors: Goo Youn-Kyoung , Seo Eun-Jeong , Choi Yeon-kyung , Shin Hyun-Il , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Ji So-Young , Chong Chom-Kyu , Cho Shin-Hyung , Lee Won-Ja , Kim Jung-Yeon
Published: February 2014

Background

Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread human malaria in tropical and subtropical countries, including the Republic of Korea. Vivax malaria is characterized by hypnozoite relapse and long latency infection by the retained liver stage of P. vivax, and somewhat surprisingly, little is known of the liver stage antigens of this parasite. Here, we report for the first time the characterization of a liver stage antigen of P. vivax (PvLSA).

Methods

Five peptides located inside PvLSA were synthesized, and specific anti-sera to the respective peptides were used to localize PvLSA on P. vivax parasites in human liver cells by immunofluorescence. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed using the five peptides and sera collected from vivax malaria patients and from normal healthy controls.

Results

PvLSA was localized on P. vivax parasites in human liver cells. Vivax malaria-infected patients were detected using the five peptides by western blotting. Furthermore, the peptides reacted with the sera of vivax malaria patients.

Conclusions

These results suggest that PvLSA may function during the liver stage of P. vivax.
Mindfulness and problem gambling treatment
Authors: Chen Peter , Jindani Farah , Perry Jason , Turner Nigel L
Published: February 2014

Mindfulness originated from Buddhist contemplative practice 2500 years ago. Mindfulness has increasingly been integrated into a variety of health care programs to address issues such as chronic pain, mental health problems, and addictions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of teaching problem gamblers about mindfulness meditation as part of regular treatment for problem gambling. The study evaluated an 8-week mindfulness group program that included 17 clients from the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (88% male) using questionnaires that were distributed before the first group session and after the final group session. The evaluation was a mixed method design that included both qualitative and quantitative feedback about the group. All of the participants showed an improvement in their levels of mindfulness after the 8-week treatment program. The Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) scores increased from a pre-test score of 3.65 (SD = 1.01) to a post-test score of 4.40 (SD = 0.78). Qualitative feedback about the group also highlighted a number of improvements in the clients’ lives that included being more in control, relaxed and able to stay in the now. The results indicated that mindfulness was successfully taught during the 8-week group program. This study evaluated the suitability of mindfulness as an intervention as part of a problem gambling treatment service. However, the study did not evaluate whether mindfulness improved the clients’ ability to resist relapse. Future studies are needed to examine the long-term impact of mindfulness sessions.
Incidence and diagnosis of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in the intensive care unit: an international online survey
Authors: Rodríguez Alejandro , Póvoa Pedro , Nseir Saad , Salluh Jorge , Curcio Daniel , Martín-Loeches Ignacio
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Several aspects of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT)—including diagnostic criteria, overlap with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and appropriate treatment regimens—remain poorly defined. The objectives of this study were to survey reported practices in the clinical and microbiological diagnosis of VAT and to evaluate perceptions of the impact of VAT on patient outcomes.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire consisting of (a) characteristics of the respondent, the ICU, and hospital; (b) current clinical and microbiological diagnostic approach; (c) empirical antibiotic therapy; and (d) the perception of physicians regarding the clinical impact of VAT and its implications.

Results

A total of 288 ICUs from 16 different countries answered the survey: 147 (51%) from the Latin American (LA) group and 141 (49%) from Spain, Portugal, and France (SPF group). The majority of respondents (n = 228; 79.2%) reported making the diagnosis of VAT based on clinical and microbiological criteria, and 40 (13.9%) by clinical criteria alone. Approximately half (50.3%) of the respondents agreed that patients should receive antibiotics for the treatment of VAT. Out of all respondents, 269 (93.4%) assume that a VAT episode increases ICU length of stay, and this perception is greater in the LA group (97.3%) than in the SPF group (89.4%, P <0.05). Half of the physicians considered that VAT increases the risk of mortality, and this perception is again greater in the LA group (58.5% versus 41.1%, P <0.05).

Conclusions

Given the possible high incidence of VAT and the perception of its importance as a risk factor for VAP and mortality, a large multicenter international prospective study would be helpful to validate a consensual definition of VAT, determine its incidence, and delineate its impact on subsequent VAP occurrence.
Differential impacts of ocean acidification and warming on winter and summer progeny of a coastal squid (Loligo vulgaris)
Authors: Rosa Rui , Trübenbach Katja , Pimentel Marta S. , Boavida-Portugal Joana , Faleiro Filipa , Baptista Miguel , Dionísio Gisela , Calado Ricardo , Pörtner Hans O. , Repolho Tiago
Published: February 2014

Little is known about the capacity of early life stages to undergo hypercapnic and thermal acclimation under the future scenarios of ocean acidification and warming. Here, we investigated a comprehensive set of biological responses to these climate change-related variables (2°C above winter and summer average spawning temperatures and ΔpH=0.5 units) during the early ontogeny of the squid Loligo vulgaris. Embryo survival rates ranged from 92% to 96% under present-day temperature (13–17°C) and pH (8.0) scenarios. Yet, ocean acidification (pH 7.5) and summer warming (19°C) led to a significant drop in the survival rates of summer embryos (47%, P<0.05). The embryonic period was shortened by increasing temperature in both pH treatments (P<0.05). Embryo growth rates increased significantly with temperature under present-day scenarios, but there was a significant trend reversal under future summer warming conditions (P<0.05). Besides pronounced premature hatching, a higher percentage of abnormalities was found in summer embryos exposed to future warming and lower pH (P<0.05). Under the hypercapnic scenario, oxygen consumption rates decreased significantly in late embryos and newly hatched paralarvae, especially in the summer period (P<0.05). Concomitantly, there was a significant enhancement of the heat shock response (HSP70/HSC70) with warming in both pH treatments and developmental stages. Upper thermal tolerance limits were positively influenced by acclimation temperature, and such thresholds were significantly higher in late embryos than in hatchlings under present-day conditions (P<0.05). In contrast, the upper thermal tolerance limits under hypercapnia were higher in hatchlings than in embryos. Thus, we show that the stressful abiotic conditions inside the embryo's capsules will be exacerbated under near-future ocean acidification and summer warming scenarios. The occurrence of prolonged embryogenesis along with lowered thermal tolerance limits under such conditions is expected to negatively affect the survival success of squid early life stages during the summer spawning period, but not winter spawning.
Artistic-Aesthetic Communication as Expression of the Ineffable
Authors: Диденко  , Didenko Valeriy
Published: February 2014

In paper it is shown, that art, as a component of spiritual’s common grounds,

carries out its expressive function in the culture by completing the construction

of world picture, produced by scientific-and-theoretical (authentic)

knowledge. This is necessary for the integrity and completeness, which

meeting the infinity of human spirit claim, where the unknown appears as a

strange, wonderful, fantastic, but, nevertheless, semantic beginning in individual

and society life.
Сommunicative and Pragmatist Approach in Foreign Languages Teaching to Specialists of International Relations
Authors: Дроздова  , Drozdova Olga
Published: February 2014

Significance of communicative and pragmatist approach for teaching a professionally- oriented foreign language communication to students of international relations is proved in this paper. The most effective and necessary for a higher educational institution ways of educational activity organization which are realized within this approach and connected first of all with wide use of collective forms of work, solution of problem tasks, cooperation between a teacher and students are considered.
Reviews
Authors: Blatherwick Mary , Houghton Nicholas , Lampela Laurel
Published: February 2014

Rethinking Contemporary Art and Multicultural Education, 2nd ed., Eungie Joo, Joseph Keehn II and Jenny Ham-Roberts (eds) (2011) New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 436 pp., ISBN: 978-0-415-96085-4, p/bk, £34.99, h/bk £95.00

Artist Scholar: Reflections on Writing and Research, G. James Daichendt (2012) Bristol: Intellect, 161 pp., ISBN: 978-1-84150-487-2, p/bk, £16, $23

Art and Queer Culture, Catherine Lord and Richard Meyer (eds) (2013) London: Phaidon, 412 pp., ISBN: 978-0-7148-4035-5, h/bk, £49.95
Beginning with concept: Deconstructing the complexity of ‘culture’ through art in design education
Authors: Hadjiyanni Tasoulla
Published: February 2014

The notion of ‘culture’ has long been recognized as an inherent component of both art and design education. What remains uncharted territory are ways by which educators can assess a student’s understanding of the complexity behind the production of ‘culture’. Contextualizing current pedagogical approaches within anthropological and interdisciplinary theoretical paradigms sheds light on the limitations of present undertakings. Static and stereotypical interpretations of ‘culture’ fail to account for the complex, multi-dimensional, hybrid, dynamic, intertwining, and ever-changing facets of ‘culture’ that characterize border crossings and modernization processes. This paper posits that concepts, an artistic synthesis of knowledge, can be the medium through which students can unravel the myth of ‘culture’ and expose its dynamic and changing nature, the tensions and contradictions involved, as well as the multiple ways of belonging. Marking the beginning of the design process, concepts that speak of ‘culture’ can propel a new era in infusing designs with social justice.
Education through digital art about art
Authors: Marner Anders , Örtegren Hans
Published: February 2014

Four schools’ environments have been selected where paraphrases in art is a common denominator as a choice during secondary school. In this study, comparisons are made between digitally produced paraphrases, hand made paraphrases and blended production. The purpose is to shed some light on how the attitudes towards appropriations can be related to different media-specific tools. Theories about quotations in art are used to commenting on student´s work when paraphrasing by means of digital and/or manual techniques. The concluding remarks are that digital paraphrases of theme dominates, using quite simple juxtapositions, but still with interesting implications. Different ways of working with pictures digitally exposes multimodal ways for pupils to appropriating picture-making for their own purposes.
Finding a space for art
Authors: Jarvis Michael John
Published: February 2014

The article addresses a key issue raised by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) with regard to the working spaces within schools where children can develop their art, craft and design skills and knowledge. In this comparative study the researcher interviewed two artists and four early years/primary teachers to try and establish the importance of the working space in developing effective practice, either as an artist or teacher of art. The interviews were recorded and field notes taken en situ. It became clear that the existence of a successful space for artworking was dependent upon other factors, for example, the practitioner’s specialist knowledge of art, how ideas for art were initiated, the extent of preparation and organization for artworking and the crucial importance of ‘practice’ for artist, child and teacher alike.
Developing thinking skills through the visual: An a/r/tographical journey
Authors: Lazo Veronica Garcia , Smith Jill
Published: February 2014

This article reports on research that investigated how students’ critical thinking skills can be developed through images. The research was located in New Zealand, a country whose national curriculum and assessment systems stress ‘thinking’ as a key competency and place emphasis on developing visual literacies. The research was underpinned by a critique of the impact of images on students living in an image-saturated world and the importance of them being visually literate. It involved examination and documentation of strategies used by two teachers to foster the critical thinking of year 13 students in visual arts education and their responses to those experiences. The research was positioned within an a/r/tographical framework, a method which links art, research and teaching, and privileges both text and image. The findings, presented as an integration of participant and researcher ‘voice’ and the ‘visual’, illustrate the profound effects of critical looking practice through an enquiry framework.
Parejas mixtas de europeos en España: integración, satisfacción y expectativas de futuro
Authors: Santacreu Fernández Óscar , Francés García Francisco José
Published: February 2014

Los matrimonios mixtos son objeto de interés cada vez con más frecuencia. De hecho, dado su constante incremento, estas parejas son uno de los aspectos más visibles del multiculturalismo en España. Este artículo estudia diferentes aspectos referidos a la integración, la satisfacción con la propia vida y las expectativas de futuro en relación a los matrimonios mixtos. Partiendo del modelo de Berry, se emplean los datos procedentes de EIMSS y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) sobre los aspectos mencionados, a fin de mostrar el valor central que, a efectos explicativos, tienen en el modelo las parejas mixtas.
Better integrated due to a German partner?: an analysis of differences in the integration of foreigners in intra- and inter-ethnic partnerships in Germany
Authors: Rother Nina
Published: February 2014

This paper analyses differences in the integration of foreigners living in intra- and inter-ethnic partnerships in Germany. According to social distance theory, it is assumed that migrants living in an inter-ethnic partnership should be better integrated or should have better conditions for a successful integration than foreigners living in an intra-ethnic partnership. This hypothesis is analysed by using data from the first wave of the German Integration Panel, a longitudinal survey of integration course participants. The analyses conducted led to the central result that participants of an integration course are more integrated when they have a German partner without migration background. This is especially true for their cultural integration, i.e. knowledge and usage of the German language, but also for their social and emotional integration.
Volume production in different silvicultural systems for 85 years in a mixed Picea abies–Pinus sylvestris forest in central Sweden
Authors: Lundqvist Lars , Spreer Susanne , Karlsson Christer
Published: February 2014

A long-term comparison of different silvicultural systems was established in 1923 in central Sweden, in an uneven-aged mixed Norway spruceâScots pine forest ( (L.) Karst. â L.) with about 85% spruce and 15% pine. The five treatments consisted of two examples of even-aged management 1) clear-cutting followed by planting, and 2) seed tree regeneration, one uneven-aged management 3) selection system, one exploiting treatment 4) diameter limit cut, and 5) one untreated control plot. Each treatment plot was 1 ha, 100 m Ã 100Â m. The plots were measured and managed at irregular intervals, ranging from 7 to 15 years. In 2007â2008 the even-aged treatments and the diameter limit cut were repeated and a new rotation started. Mean annual volume increment during the whole observation period differed widely between the treatments, partly because of differences in species composition over time, with treatment clear-cutting followed by planting at the top, and the control at the bottom. Treatment selection system gave only about 60% of planting, but this was probably largely an effect of too small growing stock during the first roughly 50 years. When the growing stock was increased, periodic annual volume increment increased to about 80% of the mean annual volume increment in the even-aged, planted plot.Picea abiesPinus sylvestris
Monitoring the chipping and transportation of wood fuels with a fleet management system
Authors: Holzleitner Franz , Kanzian Christian , Höller Norbert
Published: February 2014

Controlling and organizing the complex forest-to-consumer supply chain of wood fuels is a challenging task, especially for the chipping and transport processes. Truck mounted chippers and transport trailer-trucks must be scheduled to minimize delay to be profitable. Job management within the supply chain, including machine activity based controlling, offers a new way to increase efficiency and productivity. However, detailed data are required to detect and analyze potential gaps and improve forest fuel supply. Generally, data regarding the wood fuel supply chain process are obtained from extensive time studies that are based on a specific process step. Although time studies can detect details during the production of forest fuels, they only describe certain time frames. Long-term data that are recorded during the entire year could encompass seasonal and short term effects. This study aims to monitor the forest fuel supply processes (semi-automated), specifically regarding time and fuel consumption. Large data sets were automatically and efficiently gathered with little effort by drivers and operators. Data were recorded with fleet management equipment for more than 14 months. Vehicle data, including GPS data, were logged at an interval of one minute. Data management was conducted in a pre-configured database that contained pre-defined reports and were run by the Institute of Forest Engineering, Vienna. Work step assignments were implemented with Structured Query Language (SQL)-routines by using the raw machine activities data and GPS. The chipping and transport activities of more than 240 loads were analyzed by focusing on fuel consumption, time needed and traffic. The average distance between chipping sites and plants was approximately 54 kilometers. Fuel consumption from transport reached 50 l/100 km. The chipping unit reached a productivity of 12.8 odt/PSH15 and had a fuel consumption of 58 liters per operating hour.
Tetraploid production through zygotic chromosome doubling in Populus
Authors: Wang Jun , Shi Le , Song Shaoyu , Tian Ju , Kang Xiangyang
Published: February 2014

The most direct approach in breeding triploid is crossing allotetraploids with diploids. However, the lack of allotetraploid restricts application of this approach. In this investigation, zygotic chromosome doubling was induced with colchicine and high temperatures to produce (( Ã âZheyin3#â) Ã (. Ã )) allotetraploids. We screened 6 and 25 tetraploid individual offspring from the colchicine and high-temperature treatments respectively, indicating that both colchicine and high temperature are effective for tetraploid production by zygotic chromosome doubling of . Developmental characteristics of seed hairs in the ovaries were temporally associated with zygotic development, which was used to successfully guide the colchicine and high-temperature treatments. During certain stages of hair development, the efficiency of tetraploid production was significantly high. However, efficiency of production was not significantly influenced by other factors, i.e. colchicine concentration, temperature or duration of high-temperature treatment. Size and frequency of leaf stomata between tetraploid and diploid plants were significantly different, suggesting that this character can be altered via genomic increase in material. The allotetraploids produced in this investigation, having different genotypes, provide important parental germplasms for further triploid breeding.PopulusPopulusPopulus pseudo-simoniiP. nigraPbeijingensisPopulus
Effects of restoration fire on dead wood heterogeneity and availability in three Pinus sylvestris forests in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Anna-Maria , Olsson Jörgen , Jonsson Bengt , Toivanen Sara , Edman Mattias
Published: February 2014

Restoration fires are increasingly used as a conservation tool in Sweden to recreate forests with characteristics of previous forests that were periodically disturbed by fires and promote fire-dependent species. Restoration fires can result in large inputs of fresh dead wood, but there are risks of losing some of the existing, pre-fire dead wood. To assess these counteracting effects we studied the heterogeneity and availability of dead wood before and after three restoration fires in boreal Scots pine forests. Specifically, we studied volumes of stumps, high stumps, snags and logs. The fires decreased the total volume of pre-fire dead wood (23-41%) and consumed logs in late decay stages (26-54%) to a higher extent than logs in earlier stages. The input of new fresh dead wood after the fires exceeded losses of pre-fire dead wood and resulted in a net increase of dead wood in all three sites. The added dead wood consisted of fresh snags killed by the fires. Fire also affected log characteristics: reducing their vegetation coverage (60-98%), decreasing their ground contact (4-50%) and increasing their surface area of charred wood (>50%). Such changes have important consequences for the micro environmental conditions inside logs, but have been rarely studied in relation to restoration fires. Our results show that restoration fire causes changes in dead wood availability and characteristics of logs. The results imply that ideally stands with low abundance of rare and heavily decayed wood substrates should be burned to optimize dead wood values. Alternatively, management practices should include protection of these substrates during restoration fires.
Pre-clinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders: focus on the cerebellum
Authors: Shevelkin Alexey V. , Ihenatu Chinezimuzo , Pletnikov Mikhail V.
Published: February 2014

Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the role of the cerebellum in non-motor behaviors. Abnormalities in the cerebellar structure have been demonstrated to produce changes in emotional, cognitive, and social behaviors resembling clinical manifestations observed in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia. Several animal models have been used to evaluate the effects of relevant environmental and genetic risk factors on the cerebellum development and function. However, very few models of ASD and schizophrenia selectively target the cerebellum and/or specific cell types within this structure. In this review, we critically evaluate the strength and weaknesses of these models. We will propose that the future progress in this field will require time- and cell type-specific manipulations of disease-relevant genes, not only selectively in the cerebellum, but also in frontal brain areas connected with the cerebellum. Such information can advance our knowledge of the cerebellar contribution to non-motor behaviors in mental health and disease.
Auditory and Visual Modulation of Temporal Lobe Neurons in Voice-Sensitive and Association Cortices
Authors: Perrodin Catherine , Kayser Christoph , Logothetis Nikos K. , Petkov Christopher I.
Published: February 2014

Effective interactions between conspecific individuals can depend upon the receiver forming a coherent multisensory representation of communication signals, such as merging voice and face content. Neuroimaging studies have identified face- or voice-sensitive areas (Belin et al., 2000; Petkov et al., 2008; Tsao et al., 2008), some of which have been proposed as candidate regions for face and voice integration (von Kriegstein et al., 2005). However, it was unclear how multisensory influences occur at the neuronal level within voice- or face-sensitive regions, especially compared with classically defined multisensory regions in temporal association cortex (Stein and Stanford, 2008). Here, we characterize auditory (voice) and visual (face) influences on neuronal responses in a right-hemisphere voice-sensitive region in the anterior supratemporal plane (STP) of Rhesus macaques. These results were compared with those in the neighboring superior temporal sulcus (STS). Within the STP, our results show auditory sensitivity to several vocal features, which was not evident in STS units. We also newly identify a functionally distinct neuronal subpopulation in the STP that appears to carry the area's sensitivity to voice identity related features. Audiovisual interactions were prominent in both the STP and STS. However, visual influences modulated the responses of STS neurons with greater specificity and were more often associated with congruent voice-face stimulus pairings than STP neurons. Together, the results reveal the neuronal processes subserving voice-sensitive fMRI activity patterns in primates, generate hypotheses for testing in the visual modality, and clarify the position of voice-sensitive areas within the unisensory and multisensory processing hierarchies.
Coronin 6 Regulates Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering through Modulating Receptor Anchorage to Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Chen Yuewen , Ip Fanny C.F. , Shi Lei , Zhang Zhe , Tang Huibin , Ng Yu Pong , Ye Wen-Cai , Fu Amy K.Y. , Ip Nancy Y.
Published: February 2014

The maintenance of a high density of neurotransmitter receptors at the postsynaptic apparatus is critical for efficient neurotransmission. Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are neurotransmitter receptors densely packed on the postsynaptic muscle membrane at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) via anchoring onto the actin cytoskeletal network. However, how the receptor-associated actin is coordinately regulated is not fully understood. We report here that Coronin 6, a newly identified member of the coronin family, is highly enriched at adult NMJs and regulates AChR clustering through modulating the interaction between receptors and the actin cytoskeletal network. Experiments with cultured myotubes reveal that Coronin 6 is important for both agrin- and laminin-induced AChR clustering. Furthermore, Coronin 6 forms a complex with AChRs and actin in a manner dependent on its C-terminal region and a conserved Arg29residue at the N terminus, both of which are critical for the cytoskeletal anchorage of AChRs. Importantly,in vivoknockdown of Coronin 6 in mouse skeletal muscle fibers leads to destabilization of AChR clusters. Together, these findings demonstrate that Coronin 6 is a critical regulator of AChR clustering at the postsynaptic region of the NMJs through modulating the receptor-anchored actin cytoskeleton.
Serotonin and Downstream Leucokinin Neurons Modulate Larval Turning Behavior inDrosophila
Authors: Okusawa Satoko , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Nose Akinao
Published: February 2014

Serotonin (5-HT) is known to modulate motor outputs in a variety of animal behaviors. However, the downstream neural pathways of 5-HT remain poorly understood. We studied the role of 5-HT in directional change, or turning, behavior of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) larvae. We analyzed light- and touch-induced turning and found that turning is a combination of three components: bending, retreating, and rearing. Serotonin transmission suppresses rearing; when we inhibited 5-HT neurons with Shibire or Kir2.1, rearing increased without affecting the occurrence of bending or retreating. Increased rearing in the absence of 5-HT transmission often results in slower or failed turning, indicating that suppression of rearing by 5-HT is critical for successful turning. We identified a class of abdominal neurons called the abdominal LK neurons (ABLKs), which express the 5-HT1B receptor and the neuropeptide leucokinin, as downstream targets of 5-HT that are involved in the control of turning. Increased rearing was observed when neural transmission or leucokinin synthesis was inhibited in these cells. Forced activation of ABLKs also increased rearing, suggesting that an appropriate level of ABLK activity is critical for the control of turning. Calcium imaging revealed that ABLKs show periodic activation with an interval of ∼15 s. The activity level of ABLKs increased and decreased in response to a 5-HT agonist and antagonist, respectively. Our results suggest that 5-HT modulates larval turning by regulating the activity level of downstream ABLK neurons and secretion of the neuropeptide leucokinin.
Knockdown of Interleukin-1 Receptor Type-1 on Endothelial Cells Attenuated Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation and Prevented Anxiety-Like Behavior
Authors: Wohleb Eric S. , Patterson Jenna M. , Sharma Vikram , Quan Ning , Godbout Jonathan P. , Sheridan John F.
Published: February 2014

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a prominent role in stress-induced behavioral changes. In a model of repeated social defeat (RSD), elevated IL-1β expression in the brain was associated with recruitment of primed macrophages that were necessary for development of anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, microglia activation and anxiety-like behavior associated with RSD did not occur in IL-1 receptor type-1 knock-out (IL-1R1KO) mice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the role of IL-1 signaling in RSD-induced macrophage trafficking to the brain and anxiety-like behavior. Initial studies revealed that RSD did not increase circulating myeloid cells in IL-1R1KOmice, resulting in limited macrophage trafficking to the brain. In addition, IL-1R1KObone marrow-chimera mice showed that IL-1R1 expression was essential for macrophage trafficking into the brain. To differentiate cellular mediators of stress-induced IL-1 signaling, endothelial-specific IL-1R1 knock-down (eIL-1R1kd) mice were used. Both wild-type (WT) and eIL-1R1kd mice had increased circulating monocytes, recruitment of macrophages to the brain, and altered microglia activation after RSD. Nonetheless, RSD-induced expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 mRNA in brain CD11b+cells was attenuated in eIL-1R1kd mice compared with WT. Moreover, anxiety-like behavior did not develop in eIL-1R1kd mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that there was limited RSD-induced priming of myeloid cells in IL-1R1KOmice and disrupted propagation of neuroinflammatory signals in the brain of eIL-1R1kd mice. Furthermore, these data showed that transduction of IL-1 signaling by endothelial cells potentiates stress-induced neuroinflammation and promotes anxiety-like behavior.
Jak/Stat Signaling Stimulates Zebrafish Optic Nerve Regeneration and Overcomes the Inhibitory Actions of Socs3 and Sfpq
Authors: Elsaeidi Fairouz , Bemben Michael A. , Zhao Xiao-Feng , Goldman Daniel
Published: February 2014

The regenerative failure of mammalian optic axons is partly mediated by Socs3-dependent inhibition of Jak/Stat signaling (Smith et al., 2009, 2011). Whether Jak/Stat signaling is part of the normal regenerative response observed in animals that exhibit an intrinsic capacity for optic nerve regeneration, such as zebrafish, remains unknown. Nor is it known whether the repression of regenerative inhibitors, such as Socs3, contributes to the robust regenerative response of zebrafish to optic nerve damage. Here we report that Jak/Stat signaling stimulates optic nerve regeneration in zebrafish. We found that IL-6 family cytokines, acting via Gp130-coupled receptors, stimulate Jak/Stat3 signaling in retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury. Among these cytokines, we found that CNTF, IL-11, and Clcf1/Crlf1a can stimulate optic axon regrowth. Surprisingly, optic nerve injury stimulated the expression of Socs3 and Sfpq (splicing factor, proline/glutamine rich) that attenuate optic nerve regeneration. These proteins were induced in a Jak/Stat-dependent manner, stimulated each other's expression and suppressed the expression of regeneration-associated genes.In vivo, the injury-dependent induction of Socs3 and Sfpq inhibits optic nerve regeneration but does not block it. We identified a robust induction of multiple cytokine genes in zebrafish retinal ganglion cells that may contribute to their ability to overcome these inhibitory factors. These studies not only identified mechanisms underlying optic nerve regeneration in fish but also suggest new molecular targets for enhancing optic nerve regeneration in mammals.
Reconsolidation and Extinction Are Dissociable and Mutually Exclusive Processes: Behavioral and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Merlo Emiliano , Milton Amy L. , Goozée Zara Y. , Theobald David E. , Everitt Barry J.
Published: February 2014

Memory persistence is critically influenced by retrieval. In rats, a single presentation of a conditioned fear stimulus induces memory reconsolidation and fear memory persistence, while repeated fear cue presentations result in loss of fear through extinction. These two opposite behavioral outcomes are operationally linked by the number of cue presentations at memory retrieval. However, the behavioral properties and mechanistic determinants of the transition have not yet been explored; in particular, whether reconsolidation and extinction processes coexist or are mutually exclusive, depending on the exposure to non-reinforced retrieval events. We characterized both behaviorally and molecularly the transition from reconsolidation to extinction of conditioned fear and showed that an increase in calcineurin (CaN) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) supports the shift from fear maintenance to fear inhibition. Gradually increasing the extent of retrieval induces a gradual decrease in freezing responses to the conditioned stimulus and a gradual increase in amygdala CaN level. This newly synthesized CaN is required for the extinction, but not the reconsolidation, of conditioned fear. During the transition from reconsolidation to extinction, we have revealed an insensitive state of the fear memory where NMDA-type glutamate receptor agonist and antagonist drugs are unable either to modulate CaN levels in the BLA or alter the reconsolidation or extinction processes. Together, our data indicate both that reconsolidation and extinction are mutually exclusive processes and also reveal the presence of a transitional, or “limbo,” state of the original memory between these two alternative outcomes of fear memory retrieval, when neither process is engaged.
Larger Extrastriate Population Receptive Fields in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Schwarzkopf D. Samuel , Anderson Elaine J. , de Haas Benjamin , White Sarah J. , Rees Geraint
Published: February 2014

Previous behavioral research suggests enhanced local visual processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Here we used functional MRI and population receptive field (pRF) analysis to test whether the response selectivity of human visual cortex is atypical in individuals with high-functioning ASDs compared with neurotypical, demographically matched controls. For each voxel, we fitted a pRF model to fMRI signals measured while participants viewed flickering bar stimuli traversing the visual field. In most extrastriate regions, perifoveal pRFs were larger in the ASD group than in controls. We observed no differences in V1 or V3A. Differences in the hemodynamic response function, eye movements, or increased measurement noise could not account for these results; individuals with ASDs showed stronger, more reliable responses to visual stimulation. Interestingly, pRF sizes also correlated with individual differences in autistic traits but there were no correlations with behavioral measures of visual processing. Our findings thus suggest that visual cortex in ASDs is not characterized by sharper spatial selectivity. Instead, we speculate that visual cortical function in ASDs may be characterized by extrastriate cortical hyperexcitability or differential attentional deployment.
Poder de mercado no segmento de distribuição de gasolina C: uma análise a partir da Nova Organização Industrial Empírica
Authors: Fernandes Rosangela Aparecida Soares , Braga Marcelo José
Published: February 2014

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar o grau de poder de mercado no setor de distribuição de gasolina C, nas regiões brasileiras, no período de 2002 a 2008. Para tal, baseou-se na Teoria da Nova Organização Industrial Empírica (NOIE), especificamente, no modelo proposto por Bresnahan (1982) e Lau (1982). Uma versão dinâmica do modelo também foi estimada. Os resultados indicaram que, exceto para a região Norte, para o modelo estático, as empresas distribuidoras de gasolina C não agem como tomadoras de preços (Λ = 0). No outro extremo, a hipótese de conluio perfeito (Λ = 1) entre elas foi rejeitada. Verificou-se que, em várias regiões, os parâmetros revelaram-se suficientemente baixos, sugerindo que as empresas distribuidoras apresentam elevada competição entre si.
Bimetalismo, ouro, prata e Gresham: uma contribuição para o estudo da circulação de moeda-metálica no Brasil no século XVIII
Authors: Lima Fernando Carlos Greenhalgh de Cerqueira
Published: February 2014

A grande cunhagem de moedas de ouro no século XVIII contribuiu para elevar o nível de monetização do Brasil, mas não poderia solucionar definitivamente os problemas típicos de um sistema bimetálico, em particular aqueles decorrentes da lei de Gresham, segundo a qual "a moeda má expulsa de circulação a moeda boa". No início daquele século, a prata comprava mais ouro no mercado do que nas casas da moeda. Havia incentivo, portanto, de entesourar a prata, ou exportá-la. A partir da década de 1760, a queda na produção de ouro e o concomitante aumento da oferta de prata vinda de Buenos Aires reduziram a discrepância entre os valores oficiais e de mercado do ouro e da prata. No início do século XIX, em função da maior valorização de mercado do ouro, a prata estaria se tornando a "moeda má", prestes a expulsar a de ouro.
Os pangermanistas na África: inclusão e exclusão dos nativos nos planos expansionistas do império, 1896-1914
Authors: Brepohl Marion
Published: February 2014

Entre os diversos paradigmas de desigualdade e de exclusão encontra-se o racismo, uma das formas mais insidiosas de discriminação. Para compreendê-lo, muitos se dedicam ao estudo das ideias, adotando frequentemente uma linha evolutiva que vai desde o racialismo até a biologia aplicada. Este artigo assume outra direção. Concentra-se no estudo das experiências vividas entre colonizadores e colonizados - bem como seus outros - com o objetivo de compreender os sentimentos entretecidos no momento mesmo desse confronto. Nesta pesquisa, valendo-me especificamente da atuação dos pangermanistas na África, em especial, no território da Namíbia, outrora conhecido como África Alemã do Sudoeste (SWA), pretendo estabelecer conexões entre o ódio racial e os movimentos imperialistas que defenderam a exclusão dos nativos de seus próprios territórios.
O conceito político de povo no período da Independência: história e tempo no debate político (1820-1823)
Authors: Pereira Luisa Rauter
Published: February 2014

O artigo investiga a utilização do conceito político de povo pelos principais grupos em disputa no período da Independência brasileira, ressaltando seu vínculo entre a linguagem política e determinadas experiências e construções do tempo próprios do momento. Acreditamos que a abordagem da história dos conceitos políticos tem muito a oferecer, tanto para a historiografia sobre o período, quanto para o campo da história da historiografia brasileira. A linguagem política e as experiências do tempo nela contidas são fundamentais para a compreensão dos principais conflitos políticos e sociais do período e para o entendimento mais aprofundado da forma como a sociedade vivenciava e pensava a história.
Carreira e trajetória social na monarquia e no império ultramarino português, governadores gerais do Estado do Brasil (1640-1702)
Authors: Cosentino Francisco Carlos
Published: February 2014

O artigo analisa as carreiras dos fidalgos portugueses enviados para o Estado do Brasil entre 1640 e 1702 como governadores gerais e caracteriza a sua qualificação social e os acrescentamentos sociais e poder político alcançados por eles em razão dos serviços realizados e dos cargos ocupados no reino e no ultramar, constatando sua elevada qualificação social e influência política na monarquia portuguesa.
Escrever, contar, guardar: o diário de Santander no exílio europeu (1829-1832)
Authors: Bittencourt Libertad Borges
Published: February 2014

O propósito deste artigo é examinar o diário do general granadino Francisco de Paula Santander (1792-1840), um dos líderes da independência da Colômbia, escrito na primeira metade do século XIX. Dentre as temáticas que ele privilegia em seus escritos, optei por destacar suas reflexões sobre a situação política da Colômbia, bem como suas considerações sobre Bolívar. Os dois generais se desentenderam quanto ao modelo de governo a ser estabelecido nas regiões libertas do jugo espanhol, e esse dissenso levou à acusação de traição, prisão e condenação de Santander à morte. A pena foi comutada por Bolívar, substituída pelo exílio na Europa, e essa experiência como desterrado é narrada em seu diário.
Cruzada pela democracia: militantes católicos no Brasil republicano
Authors: Koch Ana Maria
Published: February 2014

A expressão 'cruzada democrática', utilizada por militares em 1964, demonstra raízes ideológicas no catolicismo e no discurso anticomunista norte-americano. Estudar a fundamentação desse uso na tradição do catolicismo brasileiro permite vislumbrar o modo pelo qual o ultramontanismo - o projeto antiliberal do papado católico romano desde o início do século XIX - se manifestou na política brasileira republicana até o período da ditadura de 1964.
Análise energética do novo sistema de produção de maracujá amarelo na região de Marília-SP
Authors: Furlaneto Fernanda de Paiva Badiz , Esperancini Maura Seiko Tsutsui , Martins Adriana Novais , Okamoto Fumiko , Vidal Anelisa de Aquino , Bueno Osmar de Carvalho
Published: February 2014

Objetivou-se avaliar indicadores energéticos de um novo sistema de produção do maracujá amarelo na região de Marília-SP. Foram analisadas as "entradas" de energia de origem biológica, fóssil e industrial e a "saída" energética na forma de frutos produzidos por unidade de área, bem como cinco indicadores energéticos. A entrada energética totalizou 155.810,13 MJ/ha. Os adubos químicos e defensivos responderam por 71% e 24% da energia indireta industrial, respectivamente. A atividade gerou, por ciclo/ha, 587.700,00MJ, sendo a produtividade cultural 0,19MJ kg-1. A eficiência cultural foi de 3,77. A energia cultural líquida totalizou 431.889,87 MJ/ha. A eficiência energética (4.17) e o balanço energético (550.312,91MJ ha-1) foram positivos. Concluiu-se que o consumo de energia direta de origem fóssil, mesmo que significativo, ainda permite a produção do fruto de maneira ambientalmente sustentável. Os adubos químicos e defensivos foram os itens mais representativos da energia indireta industrial, em decorrência da intensificação da adubação como forma de prevenção de doenças.
Redes neurais artificiais na estimativa da retenção de água do solo
Authors: Soares Fátima Cibele , Robaina Adroaldo Dias , Peiter Marcia Xavier , Russi Jumar Luis , Vivan Gisele Aparecida
Published: February 2014

O trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar uma proposta de metodologia para estimativa da curva de retenção de água, para solos do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, a partir do uso de redes neurais artificiais. Para o desenvolvimento do trabalho, foi montado um banco de dados com informações disponíveis na literatura, de textura e estrutura dos solos do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Para o desenvolvimento das redes, utilizou-se o software Matlab, no qual foram treinadas diferentes arquiteturas, variando os números de neurônios na camada de entrada e camada intermediária. A eficiência das redes foi analisada graficamente pela relação 1:1, entre os dados estimados versus os observados, por meio de indicadores estatísticos. Observou-se, a partir dos resultados, que a arquitetura com melhor capacidade preditiva foi: 4-24-7, com classificação do índice de desempenho "ótimo". Assim, pode-se inferir que o uso de redes neurais, para estimativa da curva de retenção de água no solo, é uma ferramenta com alta capacidade preditiva e que trará grande contribuição ao setor agrícola.
Dietary protein levels in Piaractus brachypomus submitted to extremely acidic or alkaline pH
Authors: Garcia Luciano de Oliveira , Gutiérrez-Espinosa Mariana , Wásquez-Torres Walter , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: February 2014

The objective this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels in pirapitinga, Piaractus brachypomus, submited to extremely acidic or alkaline pH. Juveniles were fed for 20 days with three diets with different crude protein (CP) levels (25.3, 32.4 and 40.0%) and then separated in five groups (n=10, three replicates each) which were kept in 60 L aquaria and exposed to pH 3.0, 3.5, 7.0, 10, or 10.5. Fish were removed from aquaria when they showed loss of swimming balance, and then blood was collected and plasma separated for measurement of Na+, Cl- and K+ levels. The increase of dietary protein levels (up to 40.0% CP) provided some protection for pirapitinga at pH 3.5 or 10.0 because the time to lose equilibrium increased after acute exposure, but was not effective for compensating ion loss at very acidic (Na+ and Cl-) and alkaline (Cl-) pH.