bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activator and Repressor Functions of the Mot3 Transcription Factor in the Osmostress Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martínez-Montañés Fernando , Rienzo Alessandro , Poveda-Huertes Daniel , Pascual-Ahuir Amparo , Proft Markus
Published: February 2013

Mot3 and Rox1 are transcriptional repressors of hypoxic genes. Both factors recently have been found to be involved in the adaptive response to hyperosmotic stress, with an important function in the adjustment of ergosterol biosynthesis. Here, we determine the gene expression profile of a
mot3 rox1
double mutant under acute osmostress at the genomic scale in order to identify the target genes affected by both transcription factors upon stress. Unexpectedly, we find a specific subgroup of osmostress-inducible genes to be under positive control of Mot3. These Mot3-activated stress genes also depend on the general stress activators Msn2 and Msn4. We confirm that both Mot3 and Msn4 bind directly to some promoter regions of this gene group. Furthermore, osmostress-induced binding of the Msn2 and Msn4 factors to these target promoters is severely affected by the loss of Mot3 function. The genes repressed by Mot3 and Rox1 preferentially encode proteins of the cell wall and plasma membrane. Cell conjugation was the most significantly enriched biological process which was negatively regulated by both factors and by osmotic stress. The mating response was repressed by salt stress dependent on Mot3 and Rox1 function. Taking our findings together, the Mot3 transcriptional regulator has unanticipated diverse functions in the cellular adjustment to osmotic stress, including transcriptional activation and modulation of mating efficiency.
Therapeutic targets in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: O'Toole Sandra A , Beith Jane M , Millar Ewan K A , West Richard , McLean Anna , Cazet Aurelie , Swarbrick Alexander , Oakes Samantha R
Published: February 2013

Outcomes have improved significantly for many women diagnosed with breast cancer. For the heterogeneous group of tumours lacking expression of the oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, ‘triple negative’ breast cancers (TNBC), the prognosis overall has remained quite poor. When TNBC recurs, there is often little response to chemotherapy, and there are a few treatment options in this setting. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to identify new therapeutic targets in order to improve the outlook for these patients. This review highlights the most promising therapeutic targets identified through new sequencing technologies, as well as through studies of apoptosis. We also present mounting evidence that the developmental signalling pathways Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH and Hedgehog play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of TNBC with new therapeutic approaches inhibiting these pathways in advanced preclinical studies or early clinical trials.
Atrial fibrillation and sinus node dysfunction in human ankyrin-B syndrome: a computational analysis
Authors: Wolf Roseanne M. , Glynn Patric , Hashemi Seyed , Zarei Keyan , Mitchell Colleen C. , Anderson Mark E. , Mohler Peter J. , Hund Thomas J.
Published: February 2013

Ankyrin-B is a multifunctional adapter protein responsible for localization and stabilization of select ion channels, transporters, and signaling molecules in excitable cells including cardiomyocytes. Ankyrin-B dysfunction has been linked with highly penetrant sinoatrial node (SAN) dysfunction and increased susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. While previous studies have identified a role for abnormal ion homeostasis in ventricular arrhythmias, the molecular mechanisms responsible for atrial arrhythmias and SAN dysfunction in human patients with ankyrin-B syndrome are unclear. Here, we develop a computational model of ankyrin-B dysfunction in atrial and SAN cells and tissue to determine the mechanism for increased susceptibility to atrial fibrillation and SAN dysfunction in human patients with ankyrin-B syndrome. Our simulations predict that defective membrane targeting of the voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channel Cav1.3 leads to action potential shortening that reduces the critical atrial tissue mass needed to sustain reentrant activation. In parallel, increased fibrosis results in conduction slowing that further increases the susceptibility to sustained reentry in the setting of ankyrin-B dysfunction. In SAN cells, loss of Cav1.3 slows spontaneous pacemaking activity, whereas defects in Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and Na+/K+ ATPase increase variability in SAN cell firing. Finally, simulations of the intact SAN reveal a shift in primary pacemaker site, SAN exit block, and even SAN failure in ankyrin-B-deficient tissue. These studies identify the mechanism for increased susceptibility to atrial fibrillation and SAN dysfunction in human disease. Importantly, ankyrin-B dysfunction involves changes at both the cell and tissue levels that favor the common manifestation of atrial arrhythmias and SAN dysfunction.
Pulmonary Antrum Radial–Linear Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhao Xue , Zhang Jiayou , Hu Jianqiang , Liao Dening , Zhu Yinxiang , Mei Xiang , Sheng Jun , Yuan Fang , Gui Yanping , Lu Wenliang , Dai Li , Guo Xingui , Xu Yawei , Zhang Yanzhou , He Ben , Liu Zhenguo
Published: February 2013

Background—

Substrate abnormality in pulmonary vein (PV) antrum plays a critical role in mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study compares the strategy of PV antrum radial–linear (PAR) ablation to encircling PV isolation for paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results—

A total of 86 patients with paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to PAR ablation group or PV isolation group. The average procedure time was 161±21 minutes in PAR ablation group and 199±39 minutes in PV isolation group (
P
<0.01). The average fluoroscopy time was 25±5 minutes in PAR ablation group and 32±9 minutes in PV isolation group (
P
<0.001). At 14 (15–12) months of follow-up after single procedure, 31 of 42 (74%) patients in PAR ablation group and 22 of 44 patients (50%) in PV isolation group had no recurrence of AF off antiarrhythmic drug (
P
=0.0249); and 36 of 42 patients (86%) in PAR ablation group and 26 of 44 patients (59%) in PV isolation group had no recurrence of AF with antiarrhythmic drug (
P
=0.006). In addition, PAR ablation resulted in greater reduction of left atrial diameter than encircling PV isolation. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that only ablation strategy was independently associated with AF recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.78;
P
=0.013). No major adverse event related to the procedures occurred.

Conclusions—

This study suggests that PAR ablation is a potentially effective strategy for treatment of paroxysmal AF warranting further investigation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-11001191.
ARIO and Human Rights Protection: Leaving the Individual in the Cold
Authors: von Bogdandy Armin , Steinbrück Platise Mateja
Published: February 2013

International organizations may be regarded as international public authorities, since their acts increasingly impinge on individuals, private associations, enterprises, States, or public institutions. However, this development has not been followed by the creation of a corresponding system of international legal responsibility for international organizations. Some are even seen as a risk to fundamental rights. The Articles on Responsibility of International Organizations (ARIO) bring some progress in this regard, but nevertheless leave the victims of human rights violations largely overlooked. The article analyses some of the achievements and gaps of ARIO with respect to human rights protection and explores the possibilities for victims of human rights violations to seek remedies against international organizations.
Is UNESCO Clouding the International Culture Landscape: Legal Clarity?
Authors: Goggin Sean
Published: February 2013

Since its formation in 1945, UNESCO has established itself at the centre of the international debate on culture. In general, the forum has been a progressive force in the development of cultural policy. However, in spite of what has been a successful tenure by the body, its efforts are hampered by an unclear portrayal of culture. The research asks if the situation is compatible with the principle of legal clarity. Focusing on the protection of cultural identity, the research takes the form of an historical study of UNESCO’s work on culture. The research also explores the implications of the situation for international human rights law.
Williams’ False Dilemma: How to Give Categorically Binding Impartial Reasons to Real Agents
Authors: Beyleveld Deryck
Published: February 2013

According to Bernard Williams, attempts to justify a categorically binding impartial principle fail because they can only establish categorically binding requirements on action by making them non-universalizable (Gewirth), and can only establish impartial requirements by rendering them inapplicable to real agents (Kant). But, an individual cannot be the particular agent the individual is without being an agent every bit as much as an individual cannot be an agent without being the particular agent that the individual is. On this basis, it is argued that, when the actual Gewirthian argument for a categorically binding impartial principle is presented, which Williams does not do, his objections to it do not hold and the argument establishes that agents are categorically bound to accept a substantive impartial principle that, at the same time, permits them to live lives that respect their own personal interests. Consequently, Williams’ dilemma is false.
Explaining Moral Knowledge
Authors: Leibowitz Uri D.
Published: February 2013

In this paper I assess the viability of a particularist explanation of moral knowledge. First, I consider two arguments by Sean McKeever and Michael Ridge that purport to show that a generalist, principle-based explanation of practical wisdom—understood as the ability to acquire moral knowledge in a wide range of situations—is superior to a particularist, non-principle-based account. I contend that both arguments are unsuccessful. Then, I propose a particularist-friendly explanation of knowledge of particular moral facts. I argue that when we are careful to keep separate the various explanatory tasks at hand we can see that a particularist-friendly explanation of the fact that (e.g.,) Jane knows that A is morally right might not be so difficult to come by. Moreover, I suggest that a particularist approach to explaining knowledge of particular moral facts may go some way towards discharging the challenge of moral scepticism.
Donor-derived CMV-specific T cells reduce the requirement for CMV-directed pharmacotherapy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Blyth Emily , Clancy Leighton , Simms Renee , Ma Chun K. K. , Burgess Jane , Deo Shivashni , Byth Karen , Dubosq Ming-Celine , Shaw Peter J. , Micklethwaite Kenneth P. , Gottlieb David J.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Infusion of CMV-specific T cells early posttransplant does not increase acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease. CMV-specific T cells early posttransplant reduce the need for pharmacotherapy without increased rates of CMV-related organ damage.
Prevalence and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus among non-institutionalized older adults in Germany - results of the national telephone health interview survey ‘German Health Update (GEDA)’ 2009
Authors: Du Yong , Heidemann Christin , Gößwald Antje , Schmich Patrick , Scheidt-Nave Christa
Published: February 2013

Background

Despite the major public health impact of diabetes, recent population-based data regarding its prevalence and comorbidity are sparse.

Methods

The prevalence and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus were analyzed in a nationally representative sample (N = 9133) of the non-institutionalized German adult population aged 50 years and older. Information on physician-diagnosed diabetes and 20 other chronic health conditions was collected as part of the national telephone health interview survey ‘German Health Update (GEDA)’ 2009. Overall, 51.2% of contacted persons participated. Among persons with diabetes, diabetes severity was defined according to the type and number of diabetes-concordant conditions: no diabetes-concordant condition (grade 1); hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia only (grade 2); one comorbidity likely to represent diabetes-related micro- or macrovascular end-organ damage (grade 3); several such comorbidities (grade 4). Determinants of diabetes severity were analyzed by multivariable ordinal regression.

Results

The 12-month prevalence of diabetes was 13.6% with no significant difference between men and women. Persons with diabetes had a significantly higher prevalence and average number of diabetes-concordant as well as diabetes-discordant comorbidities than persons without diabetes. Among persons with diabetes, 10.2%, 46.8%, 35.6% and 7.4% were classified as having severity grade 1–4, respectively. Determinants of diabetes severity included age (cumulative odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.07, per year) and number of discordant comorbidities (1.40, 1.25-1.55). With respect to specific discordant comorbidities, diabetes severity was correlated to depression (2.15, 1.29-3.56), respiratory disease (2.75, 1.72-4.41), musculoskeletal disease (1.53, 1.06-2.21), and severe hearing impairment (3.00, 1.21-7.41).

Conclusions

Diabetes is highly prevalent in the non-institutionalized German adult population 50 years and older. Diabetes comorbidities including diabetes-concordant and diabetes-discordant conditions need to be considered in epidemiological studies, in order to monitor disease burden and quality of diabetes care. Definitional standards of diabetes severity need to be refined and consented.
Genome-scale reconstruction and in silico analysis of Klebsiella oxytoca for 2,3-butanediol production
Authors: Park Jong Myoung , Song Hyohak , Lee Hee Jong , Seung Doyoung
Published: February 2013

Background

Klebsiella oxytoca, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and facultative anaerobic bacterium, is one of the most promising 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) producers. In order to improve the metabolic performance of K. oxytoca as an efficient biofactory, it is necessary to assess its metabolic characteristics with a system-wide scope, and to optimize the metabolic pathways at a systems level. Provision of the complete genome sequence of K. oxytoca enabled the construction of genome-scale metabolic model of K. oxytoca and its in silico analyses.

Results

The genome-scale metabolic model of K. oxytoca was constructed using the annotated genome with biochemical and physiological information. The stoichiometric model, KoxGSC1457, is composed of 1,457 reactions and 1,099 metabolites. The model was further refined by applying biomass composition equations and comparing in silico results with experimental data based on constraints-based flux analyses. Then, the model was applied to in silico analyses to understand the properties of K. oxytoca and also to improve its capabilities for 2,3-BD production according to genetic and environmental perturbations. Firstly, in silico analysis, which tested the effect of augmenting the metabolic flux pool of 2,3-BD precursors, elucidated that increasing the pyruvate pool is primarily important for 2,3-BD synthesis. Secondly, we performed in silico single gene knockout simulation for 2,3-BD overproduction, and investigated the changes of the in silico flux solution space of a ldhA gene knockout mutant in comparison with that of the wild-type strain. Finally, the KoxGSC1457 model was used to optimize the oxygen levels during fermentation for 2,3-BD production.

Conclusions

The genome-scale metabolic model, KoxGSC1457, constructed in this study successfully investigated metabolic characteristics of K. oxytoca at systems level. The KoxGSC1457 model could be employed as an useful tool to analyze its metabolic capabilities, to predict its physiological responses according to environmental and genetic perturbations, and to design metabolic engineering strategies to improve its metabolic performance.
Expansion of antibody secreting cells and modulation of neutralizing antibody activity in HIV infected individuals undergoing structured treatment interruptions
Authors: Llano Anuska , Carrillo Jorge , Mothe Beatriz , Ruiz Lidia , Marfil Silvia , García Elisabet , Yuste Eloísa , Sánchez Víctor , Clotet Bonaventura , Blanco Julià , Brander Christian
Published: February 2013

Background

HIV-1 infection generates numerous abnormalities in the B cell compartment which can be partly reversed by antiretroviral therapy. Our aim was to evaluate the effects that re-exposure to HIV antigens might have on the frequency and functionality of antibody secreting cells (ASC) in patients undergoing structured treatment interruptions (STI). As re-exposure to viral antigens may also boost the production of (neutralizing) antibodies, we also assessed the neutralizing activities during STI cycles.

Methods

Retrospective study of 10 patients undergoing 3 cycles of STI with 2 weeks on and 4 weeks off HAART. ASC frequencies were determined by flow cytometry in samples obtained at the beginning and the end of STI. Neutralization capacity, total IgG concentration and anti-gp120-IgG titres were evaluated.

Results

As expected, median viral loads were higher at the end of STI compared to on-HAART time points. The level of CD27 and CD38 expressing ACS followed the same pattern; with ASC being elevated up to 16 fold in some patients (median increase of 3.5% ± 4.13). Eight out of 10 patients maintained stable total IgG levels during the study. After purifying IgG fractions from plasma, HIV-neutralizing activity was observed in the two subjects with highest anti-gp120 titers. In one of these patients the neutralizing activity remained constant while the other showed elevated neutralizing Ab after first STI and once treatment was reinitiated after the 2nd STI.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that STI and its associated transient increases in viral load drive the frequencies of ASC in an antigen-specific manner. In some subjects, this re-exposure to autologous virus boosts the presence of neutralizing antibodies, similar to what is seen after influenza vaccination. STI may not boost clinically beneficial nAb levels but offers opportunities to isolate nAb producing cells at considerably higher levels than in subjects with completely suppressed viral replication.
Functionalized Mesostructured Cellular Foams for Loading and Release of Streptomycin
Authors: Xu Shaohua , Yong Jiawey , Lai Guosong , Zhang Haili , Wu Yiwei , Yu Aimin
Published: February 2013

Mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) materials were synthesized by microemulsion followed by functionalization with glucose or glutaraldehyde. Successful surface modification was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray small-angle diffraction, and nitrogen sorption measurements. The effect of surface chemistry of MCF on the loading and release of streptomycin sulfate was studied in detail. Results indicated that grafting with either glucose or glutaraldehyde cannot only increase the loading amount of drug from 5% to 25% but also change the drug release profile significantly. This work provided an excellent example of controlling drug release by varying the surface chemistry of the materials.
Molecular Recognitive Adsorption of Aqueous Propionic Acid on Hiroshima University Silicate-2 (HUS-2)
Authors: Tsunoji Nao , Ide Yusuke , Torii Masato , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji
Published: February 2013

A novel layered silicate, Hiroshima University Silicate-2 (HUS-2), selectively and effectively adsorbed propionic acid from water containing formic, acetic, and propionic acids.
Formation of Luminescent Organogels from Europium-based Complexes
Authors: Tsuge Akihiko , Yakeya Daisuke , Sakura Katsuhiko , Moriguchi Tetsuji , Kaneko Daisaku , Kanyama Takahide , Kawahara Takayoshi , Araki Koji
Published: February 2013

Formation of organogels from europium(III) complexes consisting of ligands having an amide or a urea unit has been achieved; the organogels are characterized by strong red-emissions.
Nobody’s fool: Power and agency in performing ‘The Blonde’
Authors: Burton Laini
Published: February 2013

Hair is modified, dressed or fashioned to convey a multitude of meanings and, as such, can be considered a form of masking. Interrogating the phenomenon of the ‘blonde myth’, this article examines the meaning of blondeness through the performances of popular culture icons
such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna and Lady Gaga. An exposition of the history of the contradictory stereotypes that are contained within the construction of the blonde as sexual and stupid, leads to the question: Why would a woman choose to become blonde if to do so risks negative stereotyping?
I contend that women knowingly enact ‘blondeness’ to exploit its construction as a feminine ideal. They believe that contemporary appropriations of the blonde do not occupy the space of an exploited feminine victim. Instead, appropriating the blonde constitutes a deliberate move
to occupy a powerful visible space. Finally, I argue that they achieve this position by employing strategies of the carnivalesque: humour, parody and irony which cast a reflexive light on the constructed nature of the stereotype, while at the same time reinforcing it.
Fashionable erotic masquerades: Of brides, gods and vamps in India
Authors: Kuldova Tereza
Published: February 2013

Based on narratives obtained during long-term fieldwork (2008, 2010–2011) among elite Indian women in South Delhi, this article examines their post-marital relationships through the lens of fashion. These narratives strikingly relate fashion to identity, desire and sexuality,
as much as to their repression. Throughout these narratives a dynamic between the cultural concepts of pativrata (devoted wife) and vamp (sexually desirable female character in Indian cinema) emerges as a desire of these women to be sexually attractive to their husbands. This leads to attempts
at masquerading as vamps, as much as to outright transformations, in which the wearer becomes one with her mask. These processes turn out to be significantly influenced by the repertoires of Hindi cinema, and manifest in post-marital masquerading thus unsettling the imagined clear-cut dichotomies
of surface and substance, mask and essential identity. The transgressive acts of these women, enacted through fashion, also challenge the Indian patriarchy, and may serve as an entry point to a critique of the Indian social system at large that is built around the suppression and control of
female sexuality.
(Un)grounding the human: Affective entanglements and subjectivity in Hélène Cixous’s Algerian reveries
Authors: Kaiser Birgit Mara
Published: February 2013

This article examines the place of the human in Hélène Cixous’s work. Taking her extended conversation with Mireille Calle-Gruber (‘Entre Tiens’) as a starting point, the article shows how Cixous employs the word ‘human’ to denominate a transformational,
embodied process, directed at an ethico-political becoming, rather than to invoke a differentia specifica vis-à-vis other forms of life. She thereby moves our conceptions of the ‘human’ beyond rational subjectivity and universal humanism, and we find a double investment
in the term: Cixous’s ‘human’ takes into account our material existences and affective entanglements with other (human and non-human) beings, but it also invokes our specific capacity as human beings to transform and create ourselves and our environments in unforeseen ways.
Such a conception of the ‘human’ is deeply embedded in Cixous’s formative experiences in colonial Algeria, as this article argues with particular attention to Les Rêveries de la femme sauvage (2000) and her writings on Algeria published in Stigmata. Escaping Texts (1998).
The article takes two recurring images in these texts as central examples to unravel the links between Cixous’s two strands to her understanding of ‘human’ and her experiences of colonial injustice. After first laying out the two strands, which become explicit in ‘Entre
Tiens’, the article subsequently turns to the figure of Fips, the dog of the Cixous family in Algiers, and to the image of closed gates as markers of colonial dehumanization and racialized social inclusion/exclusion. By thinking through these figures, Cixous analyses the dehumanizing
logic of colonialism and anti-Semitism and develops her own response to it, arguing for human relationality and affective corporeality, for the human as a specific disposition and responsibility within a larger universe, and she is shown to thus challenge the false humanism of the colonial
project.
Traces of humanity? Carl de Keyzer and Johan Lagae’s Congo Belge en Images
Authors: Bishop Cécile
Published: February 2013

Focusing on the 2010 project Congo belge en images, in which the photographer Carl de Keyzer and the historian Johan Lagae exhibited and published a selection of pictures from the colonial archives of the Tervuren museum, this article examines the shifting presence of the human in photographs
of the Belgian Congo. Debates surrounding the use of photographic archives have often emphasized the necessity to recover photographs’ original meaning in order to counter their potential instrumentalization. Building on recent interventions such as Ariella Azoulay’s The Civil
Contract of Photograhy (2008), this article proposes an alternative approach, in which the tension between photography’s status as historical proof and its openness to reinterpretation is in fact central to the ethical function of the medium. It is indeed through this tension, as this
article shows, that Congo belge en images offers a visual reflection that moves beyond previous humanist or humanitarian discourses and interrogates our very ability to recognize the presence of the human.
Controlled Release of 2,4-D and Dicamba 3-hydroxybutyric Acid Oligomers
Authors: Kowalski Witold J. , Glazek Mariola , Silowiecki Andrzej , Kowalczuk Marek M. , Romanowska Iwona , Wloka Dariusz
Published: February 2013

We synthesized oligomer mixtures of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetyl-(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyric acid and (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy) benzoyl-(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, transforming (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) and (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy)benzoic acid (dicamba) into low volatile oligomers with greater lipophilicity than the parent acids. Synthesis of the functional oligomers was carried out via the ring-opening polymerization of (R,S)-β-butyrolactone initiated by (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetate or (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy) benzoate potassium salts in the presence of bulky complexing agents. The 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HBA) oligomers were susceptible to (bio)degradation via ester bond hydrolysis, which enables controlled release of the active ingredient. For each 3-HBA oligomer mixture, we determined the molecular structure and molecular weight by means of size exclusion chromatography, proton magnetic resonance spectrometry, and electro-spray ionization mass spectrometry. In addition, we evaluated the herbicidal efficacy of the 3-HBA oligomers on several broad-leaved species and crop injury to winter wheat relative to conventionally formulated dimethyl ammonium (DMA) salts. The death of weeds treated with the 2,4-D and dicamba 3-HBA oligomers was delayed relative to that induced by the DMA salts. This delayed activity may be explained by the controlled release of the 3-HBA oligomers.
Accelerated metabolic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in older women with a history of gestational diabetes
Authors: Ryan Alice S , McLenithan John C , Zietowski Gretchen M
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study is to compare central obesity, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular disease risk factors between premenopausal and postmenopausal women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), controls, and women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Subjects were 73 overweight/obese and sedentary women who had a history of GDM (n=31) and were either premenopausal (n=11, 44±1 years, X±s.e.m.), postmenopausal (n=20, 58±1 years), or without a history of GDM as healthy postmenopausal controls (n=27, 57±1 years) or postmenopausal with T2DM (n=16, 59±1 years). The premenopausal GDM women had higher maximal oxygen uptake and lower visceral fat than the other three groups (P<0.05). BMI, %body fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, and intramuscular fat did not differ significantly among the four groups. Glucose utilization (M, 3 h 40 mU/m2 per min hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps) was 27% higher (P=0.05) in pre- than postmenopausal GDM and was not different between premenopausal GDM and postmenopausal controls. M was 28% lower (P=0.06) in postmenopausal GDM than controls and was not significantly different between postmenopausal GDM and T2DM groups. Thus, despite being younger and more physically fit, premenopausal women with prior GDM display similar central obesity, glucose, and metabolic profiles as postmenopausal controls. Postmenopausal women with prior GDM are more insulin resistant than controls of similar age, adiposity, and fitness levels and display comparable glucose utilization rates as similar as women with T2DM suggesting that a prior history of GDM may be an early manifestation of increased risk of later T2DM.
Métodos para a climatização de bananas 'Prata-Anã' produzidas na Amazônia Setentrional Brasileira
Authors: Prill Marcos André de Souza , Neves Leandro Camargo , Chagas Edvan Alves , Tosin Jessica Milanez , Silva Samuel Silva
Published: February 2013

O objetivo, neste trabalho, foi avaliar o uso da climatização para a uniformização de bananas 'Prata-Anã' produzidas em Boa Vista-RR. Após colhidos, os frutos foram selecionados no formato de buquês, sanitizados, climatizados por abafamento com lona plástica ou por imersão em solução de Ethrel®, embalados com filme de polietileno de baixa densidade e armazenados por quatro períodos de tempo (0; 10;20 e 30 dias) a 12 ± 1 ºC e 93 ± 2% de UR. Após cada período de armazenamento refrigerado (AR) os frutos foram submetidos ao armazenamento em condições ambiente (22 ± 1 ºC e 75 ± 3% UR), retirados das embalagens plásticas e sendo analisados após 1; 2; 3 e 4 dias. As seguintes análises foram realizadas: perda de massa fresca, coloração da casca, produção de etileno e CO2, atividade das enzimas pectinametilesterase e poligalacturonase, acidez titulável (AT), pectina total e solúvel, amido e sólidos solúveis (SS). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os métodos de climatização, porém verificou-se que, quanto maior o período de AR e de condicionamento, menor foi o período de conservação das bananas 'Prata-Anã'. Ficou evidenciado, também, que a climatização, independentemente do método utilizado, deve ser realizada em até 20 dias após a colheita, nas condições de AR aqui testadas. Nessas condições, foi possível manter a qualidade sensorial das bananas por até 3 dias após a retirada dos frutos do armazenamento refrigerado.
Perfil do consumidor de frutas em cidades do interior do estado de São Paulo - SP
Authors: Perosa José Matheus Yalenti , Tarsitano Maria Aparecida Anselmo , Martins Maria Inêz Espagnoli Geraldo , Pigatto Gessuir , Antonangelo Alessandro
Published: February 2013

Estudos relacionados ao perfil do consumidor colocam-se como importante subsídio à participação competitiva dos diferentes segmentos nas cadeias agroalimentares e para a própria organização da mesma. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de identificar o perfil dos consumidores de frutas em cidades do interior do Estado de São Paulo. A amostra foi constituída de 404 consumidores em pontos de venda previamente selecionados nas cidades de Botucatu, Avaré, Jaboticabal, Ilha Solteira e Tupã. Os resultados sobre o perfil do consumidor de frutas nas cidades pesquisadas sinalizam uma preocupação com as características do produto (saudáveis e saborosos), com o preço e com facilidades de acesso na compra. Os resultados apontam também para a necessidade de maiores estudos sobre a importância da informação relacionada aos aspectos mais valorizados (características do produto e preço) na estrutura de consumo.
Correlações genéticas e análise de trilha para componentes da produção de frutos de açaizeiro
Authors: Teixeira Davi Henrique Lima , Oliveira Maria do Socorro Padilha de , Gonçalves Flávia Maria Avelar , Nunes José Airton Rodrigues
Published: February 2013

O conhecimento das correlações genéticas entre os principais caracteres utilizados no melhoramento de plantas serve de base para delinear estratégias otimizadas de seleção. O procedimento da análise de trilha permite refinar essas correlações, desdobrando-as em efeitos diretos e indiretos sobre o caráter principal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desdobrar as correlações genéticas de caracteres relativos ao cacho e à produção de frutos em progênies de meios-irmãos de açaizeiro em efeitos diretos e indiretos sobre a produção total de frutos, a fim de verificar a melhor estratégia de seleção para obtenção de progênies mais produtivas. Foi instalado um experimento com 25 progênies de meios-irmãos em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e parcela de cinco plantas. Os dados dos anos agrícolas de 2005, 2006 e 2007 foram analisados pelo enfoque de modelos mistos, e as correlações genéticas, submetidas à análise de trilha. A produção de frutos correlacionou-se ao número de meses em produção, número total de cacho, peso de frutos por cacho e ao número de ráquilas por cacho. No entanto, pela análise de trilha, apenas o peso de frutos por cacho, o número de cachos e o número de ráquilas por cacho mostram-se como os principais determinantes na variação da produção de frutos de açaizeiro. Dentre esses caracteres, o número de ráquilas por cacho é o menos influenciado pelo ambiente e, portanto, mais promissor para obter ganhos indiretos na produção total de frutos.
História individual e práticas culturais: efeitos no uso de preservativos por adolescentes
Authors: Brum Maiara Medeiros , Carrara Kester
Published: February 2013

A literatura revela que, embora a população jovem possua suficiente conhecimento sobre métodos contraceptivos, é baixa a frequência de sua utilização. Este estudo investigou características do uso de preservativos e possíveis variáveis controladoras desse comportamento em estudantes com idade entre 13 e 18 anos. Foi utilizado um questionário estruturado, cujos resultados sugerem que: (1) os adolescentes demonstram seguir regras que mantêm o comportamento de não usar o preservativo; (2) os pais ou responsáveis não controlam punitivamente esse comportamento; (3) os serviços de saúde são pouco reforçadores para o esclarecimento de dúvidas sobre sexualidade e para a obtenção de preservativos. São analisadas influências de história individual e de práticas culturais sobre os resultados.
Influência da idade e do contexto socioeducacional na compreensão emocional de crianças
Authors: Moreira Pollyana de Lucena , Abreu Eloá Losano de , Rique Neto Júlio
Published: February 2013

O presente estudo teve o objetivo de verificar a influência da idade e do contexto socioeducacional na compreensão emocional de crianças. Participaram 117 crianças, com idade de 3 a 8 anos. As crianças foram divididas por tipos de escola (pública e privada) e por grupos de idade (3 anos, 4 a 5 anos e 6 a 8 anos). Como instrumento para a coleta de dados, foi utilizado o Test of Emotion Comprehension. Os resultados mostraram que as crianças de escolas privadas apresentaram maiores frequências de acerto no teste de compreensão das emoções do que aquelas de escolas públicas. Verificaram-se também maiores frequências de acerto no teste com o aumento da idade.
Correlação entre habilidades básicas de leitura e compreensão de leitura
Authors: Cunha Vera Lúcia Orlandi , Silva Cláudia da , Capellini Simone Aparecida
Published: February 2013

Este estudo objetivou verificar a correlação entre habilidades básicas de leitura (tempo, velocidade, precisão) e compreensão de leitura de 80 escolares do 2º ao 5º ano do Ensino Público Municipal, divididos em oito grupos, conforme o ano escolar e a presença ou não de dificuldade de aprendizagem. Como procedimento, utilizou-se a leitura oral de textos correspondentes ao ano escolar, seguida de perguntas abertas para verificação da compreensão de leitura. Em todos os grupos, houve diferença estatisticamente significante com correlação entre tempo de leitura e velocidade de leitura. No grupo VI, foi observada correlação entre palavras lidas incorretamente e velocidade de leitura, enquanto o grupo VII apresentou correlação entre palavras lidas incorretamente, velocidade de leitura e compreensão de leitura. Esses dados sugerem que a habilidade de compreensão de leitura requer capacidades cognitivas de alto nível, que vão além de habilidades básicas, sendo fundamental elaborar uma representação mental do conteúdo proposicional para obter o significado global da mensagem escrita.
Os bebês com síndrome de Down e seus pais: novas propostas para intervenção
Authors: Travassos-Rodriguez Fernanda , Féres-Carneiro Terezinha
Published: February 2013

Esta investigação teve por objetivo estudar as concepções de pais e de profissionais sobre a comunicação do diagnóstico da síndrome de Down nas maternidades, bem como avaliar o dispositivo de estimulação precoce. Foram entrevistados seis mães e um pai, e oito profissionais. Das cinco categorias que emergiram da análise do conteúdo das entrevistas, duas foram destacadas neste trabalho: o momento da notícia e a estimulação precoce. Verificou-se que os pais sentem-se pouco acolhidos nas maternidades e pouco incluídos nos procedimentos de estimulação dos filhos. Constatou-se ainda que os profissionais dos centros obstétricos, que comunicam aos pais o diagnóstico do filho, e os terapeutas que realizam a estimulação precoce do bebê, em geral, não consideram os aspectos relacionais entre os membros do conjunto pais-bebê-profissionais como parte do próprio trabalho. Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta inovadora, com formas alternativas de atendimento que incluam os aspectos vinculares nesses dispositivos clínicos.
Pré-adolescentes em psicoterapia: capacidade de mentalização e divórcio altamente conflitivo dos pais
Authors: Viegas Patrícia Coral , Ramires Vera Regina Röhnelt
Published: February 2013

O foco deste estudo foi a capacidade de mentalização de pré-adolescentes, no contexto dos rompimentos de vínculos resultantes da separação conjugal altamente conflitiva, bem como a possibilidade de desenvolvimento da capacidade de mentalização no processo terapêutico. Esses conceitos vêm sendo elaborados com base na vertente psicanalítica da teoria do apego, nas contribuições de alguns teóricos das relações objetais, especialmente Bion e Winnicott, e na Psicologia Cognitiva. Foi realizado um estudo de abordagem qualitativa, baseado no procedimento de Estudos de Casos Múltiplos. Os participantes - dois pré-adolescentes e seus pais - foram atendidos em uma clínica-escola na Região Sul do Brasil. A capacidade de mentalização desses participantes foi avaliada antes e depois de cinco meses de psicoterapia. Os principais resultados apontaram a capacidade de mentalização limitada ou ausente no início da psicoterapia, e mudanças na função reflexiva e capacidade de mentalização após os primeiros cinco meses de atendimento.
Modelos contemporâneos de democracia e o papel das associações
Authors: Lüchmann Lígia Helena Hahn
Published: February 2013

O artigo aborda teorias da democracia que, fazendo uso de diferentes argumentos, dão destaque ao papel das associações na promoção de ideais democráticos como participação, igualdade, justiça, legitimidade, deliberação e eficiência. Em que pese as variações teórico-normativas que registram diferenças no tratamento e no valor dado ao papel das associações, é possível extrair, dentre um campo plural de abordagens teóricas, pelo menos três enfoques que apontam relações positivas, senão alternativas, entre as associações e a democracia: o enfoque da democracia participativa, da democracia associativa e da democracia deliberativa. Embora compartilhem a insatisfação com o modelo liberal eleitoral, reclamando, entre outros, do peso competitivo e individual dado à dimensão da participação política, esses modelos democráticos manifestam, além de pontos em comum, diferenças analíticas que merecem atenção. Para expoentes da democracia participativa, o principal argumento acerca da importância democrática das associações está ancorado na tese de que as associações são instrumentos que qualificam a participação direta dos cidadãos, verdadeira essência da democracia. Para a vertente da democracia associativa, as associações são soluções - possíveis e democráticas - para lidar com a administração da complexidade social. Teóricos da democracia deliberativa enfatizam a importância da sociedade civil, preenchida fundamentalmente por associações e movimentos sociais, para gerar poder legítimo na esfera pública. O artigo sugere que a ampliação e o aprofundamento da democracia depende da articulação, não isenta de tensões, entre os pressupostos da participação, da representação, da deliberação e da associação.
"Ismos", "ícones" e intérpretes: as lógicas das "etiquetagens" na política de dois estados brasileiros (MA e RS)
Authors: Grill Igor Gastal
Published: February 2013

O trabalho de fabricação de "etiquetas" e "ícones" da política brasileira é examinado neste artigo. O foco recai sobre "vultos" e intérpretes da história política de dois estados brasileiros, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e Maranhão (MA), assim como sobre as versões produzidas acerca do "Getulismo", "Pasqualinismo", "Brizolismo", "Vitorinismo" e "Sarneysismo". O exercício de análise executado consistiu em perceber as ligações entre os intérpretes desses "ismos", os líderes políticos e os tecidos relacionais que dão sentido às identificações, distinções e tomadas de posição. Ou seja, foram analisados os recursos sociais sobre os quais assentam (i) sua reputação política e intelectual (origem social, reconhecimento profissional, cargos políticos, títulos e pertencimento a instâncias de consagração intelectual); (ii) seus alinhamentos políticos e (iii) seus movimentos nos jogos faccionais nas duas configurações regionais. Mediante a análise dos seus itinerários e das modalidades de textos (biografias, livros e artigos de jornais) produzidos, a reflexão explora os usos e a relevância, como instrumentos políticos e como meios de identificação: da ativação da memória política; das genealogias simbólicas; da personificação do capital simbólico; das relações de reciprocidade; do papel de mediação; das bases sociais e do domínio de uma forma de expressão que é a "escrita" ou da associação ao universo da intelectualidade.
Nonverbal Communication Behaviors of Internationally Educated Nurses and Patient Care
Authors: Xu Yu , Staples Shelley , Shen Jay J.
Published: February 2013

Background: Because of language barriers and cultural differences, internationally educated nurses (IENs) face documented communication challenges in health care delivery. Yet, it is unknown how and to what extent nonverbal behaviors affect patient care because of research gap in the existing nursing literature. Methods: This is an exploratory study evaluating nonverbal communication behaviors of IENs interacting with standardized patients (SPs) in a controlled clinical setting through videotape analysis. Participants included 52 IENs from two community hospitals in the same hospital system in a southwestern metropolitan area in the United States. Twelve nonverbal behaviors were rated using a 4-point Likert scale with 4 indicating the best performance by the research team after watching videos of SP–IEN interactions. The global communication performance was also ranked in four areas: genuineness, spontaneity, appropriateness, and effectiveness. The relationships between these four areas and the nonverbal behaviors were explored. Finally, a qualitative analysis of two extreme cases was conducted and supplemented the quantitative findings. Results: The IENs received average scores under 2 in 5 out of the 12 nonverbal behaviors. They were “hugging” (1.06), “lowering body position to patient’s level” (1.07), “leaning forward” (1.26), “shaking hands” (1.64), and “therapeutic touch” (1.66). The top three scores were for “no distractive movement,” “eye contact,” and “smile” (3.80, 3.73, and 3.57, respectively). The average overall global impression score was 2.98. The average score for spontaneity was 2.80, which was significantly lower than the scores for genuineness (3.15), appropriateness (3.11), but comparable to the average score for effectiveness (2.85). Finally, therapeutic touch, interpersonal space, eye contact, smiling, and hugging were all significantly correlated with one or more of the global impression scores, with therapeutic touch showing moderate correlations with all of the scores as well as the overall global impression score. Implications: The IENs’ nonverbal behaviors in areas such as hugging, lowering body position to patient’s level, leaning forward, shaking hands, and therapeutic touch have room for improvement. Targeted interventions focusing on norms and expectations of nonverbal behaviors in the U.S. health care setting are called for to improve quality of care.
Zeta-Potential Investigation and Experimental Study of Nanoparticles Deposited on Rock Surface To Reduce Fines Migration
Authors: Ahmadi M.. , Habibi A.. , Pourafshary P.. , Ayatollahi S..
Published: February 2013

Fines migration is a noticeable problem in petroleum-production engineering. Plugging of throats in porous media occurs because of detachment of fine particles from sand surfaces. Thus, the study of interactions between fines and pore surfaces and the investigation of governing forces are important factors to consider when describing the mechanism of the fines-release process. The main types of these forces are electric double-layer repulsion (DLR) and London–van der Waals attraction (LVA). It may be possible to alter these forces with nanoparticles (NPs) as surface coatings. In comparison with repulsion forces, NPs increase the effect of attraction forces.

In this paper, we present new experiments and simple modeling to observe such properties of NPs. For this purpose, the surfaces of pores were coated with different types of NPs: magnesium oxide (MgO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). A zeta-potential test was used to examine changes in the potential of the pore surfaces. Total interaction energy was then mathematically calculated to compare different states. Total interaction energy is a fitting criterion that gives proper information about the effect of different NPs on surface properties. Consequently, total interaction plots are found to be suitable tools for selecting the best coating material.

On the basis of experimental results, the magnitude of change in zeta potential for the MgO NP was 45 mV. Our model demonstrated that the magnitude of the electric DLR in comparison with the LVA of the probe and plate surface was considerably diminished when MgO NPs were used to coat the surface of the plate, which agrees completely with our experimental observation.