bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmic reticulum: Reduced and oxidized glutathione revisited
Authors: Birk Julia , Meyer Mariangela , Aller Isabel , Hansen Henning G. , Odermatt Alex , Dick Tobias P. , Meyer Andreas J. , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian
Published: February 2013

The reducing power of glutathione, expressed by its reduction potential EGSH, is an accepted measure for redox conditions in a given cell compartment. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), EGSH is less reducing than elsewhere in the cell. However, attempts to determine EGSH(ER) have been inconsistent and based on ineligible assumptions. Using a codon-optimized and evidently glutathione-specific glutaredoxin-coupled redox-sensitive GFP (roGFP) variant, we determined EGSH(ER) in HeLa cells as −208±4 mV (at pH 7.0). At variance with existing models, this is not oxidizing enough to maintain the known redox state of protein disulfide isomerase family enzymes. Live cell microscopy confirmed ER hypooxidation upon inhibition of ER Ca2+ import. Conversely, stressing the ER with a glycosylation inhibitor did not lead to more reducing conditions, as reported for yeast. These results, which for the first time establish the oxidative capacity of glutathione in the ER, illustrate a context-dependent interplay between ER stress and EGSH(ER). The reported development of ER-targeted EGSH sensors will enable more targeted in vivo redox analyses in ER-related disorders.
Selective Isolation of Multiply Charged Peptides: A Confident Strategy for Protein Identification Using a Linear Trap Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Sanchez Aniel , Sun Wei , Ma Jie , Betancourt Lazaro , Perez-Riverol Yasset , de-Cossio Jorge Fernandez , Padron Gabriel , Jiang Ying , He Fuchu , Gonzalez Luis Javier , Besada Vladimir
Published: February 2013

In this work, a method devised for the selective isolation of multiply-charged peptide applied to a complex protein mixture was evaluated for the first time using a mass spectrometer with low resolution (LTQ). In this procedure, all primary amino groups of tryptic peptides derived from human liver tissue interstitial fluid (TIF) are blocked, restricting their positive charge, at acidic pH, to the presence of histidine and arginine residues. After strong cation exchange chromatography, multiply-charged peptides (#R + #H > 1) are retained in the column and separated with high selectivity from singly (#R + #H = 1) and neutral peptides (#R + #H = 0) which are collected together in the flow-through. Using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis the retained fraction displayed a 95% enrichment of multiply charged peptides while in the flow-through; only 4% of multiply-charged peptides were identified.
Dual Enzyme Activities Assay by Quantitative Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cai Tingting , Zhang Li , Wang Haoyang , Zhang Jing , Wang Rong , Zhang Yurong , Guo Yinlong
Published: February 2013

A practical and rapid method based on electrospray ionization quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-ToF MS) was developed for detecting activities of both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The simultaneous study of these two enzyme activities is significant for studying human bio-functions, especially for those who take in toxic compounds and have a risk of disease. Here, the enzyme activities were represented by the conversion of enzymatic substrates and determined by quantitatively analyzing enzymatic substrates. Different internal standards were used to quantify each enzymatic substrate and the good linearity of calibration curves demonstrated the feasibility of the internal standards. The Michaelis–Menten constants (Km) of both GST and AChE were measured by this method and were consistent with values previously reported. Furthermore, we applied this approach to detect GST and AChE activities of whole bloods from four deceased and healthy people. The variation in enzyme activity was in accord with information from gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The screening of AChE and GST provided reliable results and strong forensic evidence. This method offers an alternative choice for detecting enzyme activities and is anticipated to have wide applications in pharmaceutical research and prevention in toxic compounds.
Extensive bowel resection in infancy is another cause of increasing plasma alphafetoprotein concentration
Authors: Wojtulewicz Julian , Coakley John
Published: February 2013

Background

Plasma alphafetoprotein (AFP) concentrations are high at birth and decline progressively to reach adult levels between eight and 24 months of age. AFP is an important tumour marker for hepatoblastoma but may also increase following hepatic resection. The liver and intestine have similar embryonic origins from endoderm, so we postulated that plasma AFP may also rise after extensive bowel resection.

Methods

AFP was measured postoperatively in plasma in four infants who had undergone resections of large amounts of intestine. AFP was measured twice in two babies and multiple times in the other two.

Results

In three of the four infants, the AFP concentrations were markedly above the expected levels for age, and in all four babies, AFP concentrations rose when they may have been expected to fall.

Conclusion

Rising plasma AFP concentrations post extensive bowel resection in infants is a new finding which is possibly due to intestinal regeneration.
SOM based segmentation method for water region detection in satellite images
Authors: Tiagrajah V. , Win Kong
Published: February 2013

There is increasing desire and need in research of water region detection owing to the unexpected natural disaster that lead to financial, environment and human losses. Surveying of water region and research on its feature is very basic step for many planning, especially for countries like Japan, where tsunami has caused the changes on water region in March, 2011. Essentially, identifying water region from satellite images is one of the grand steps of water resources management for a country. Professional and academic institutions play a vital role in the management of water resources as they are instrumental in research. The objective of this paper is to identify the water region from satellite image. In this paper, the segmentation algorithm based on SOM (self-organizing map) neural network with compression pre-processing by wavelet transform and image smoothing using Gaussian low-pass frequency domain filters are presented.
Alternative Calibration Strategies for the Clinical Laboratory: Application to Nortriptyline Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Olson Matthew T , Breaud Autumn , Harlan Robert , Emezienna Nkechinyere , Schools Sabitha , Yergey Alfred L , Clarke William
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

The addition of a calibration curve with every run is both time-consuming and expensive for clinical mass spectrometry assays. We present alternative calibration strategies that eliminate the need for a calibration curve except as required by laboratory regulations.

METHODS

We measured serum nortriptyline concentrations prospectively in 68 patients on 16 days over a 2-month period using a method employing calibration schemes that relied on the measurement of the response ratio (RR) corrected by the response factor (RF), i.e., a measurement of the RR for an equimolar mixture of the analyte and internal standard. Measurements were taken with contemporaneous RF (cRF) measurements as well as sporadic RF (sRF) measurements. The measurements with these alternative calibration schemes were compared against the clinical results obtained by interpolation on a calibration curve, and those differences were evaluated for analytical and clinical significance.

RESULTS

The differences between the values measured by cRF and sRF calibration and interpolation on a calibration curve were not significant (P = 0.088 and P = 0.091, respectively). Both the cRF- and sRF-based calibration results demonstrated a low mean bias against the calibration curve interpolations of 3.69% (95% CI, −15.8% to 23.2%) and 3.11% (95% CI, −16.4% to 22.6%), respectively. When these results were classified as subtherapeutic, therapeutic, or supratherapeutic, there was categorical agreement in 95.6% of the cRF calibration results and 94.1% of the sRF results.

CONCLUSIONS

cRF and sRF calibration in a clinically validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay yields results that are analytically and clinically commensurate to those produced by interpolation with a calibration curve.
Nielsen numbers of maps of aspherical figure-eight type polyhedra
Authors: Yi Peter , Kim Seung Won
Published: February 2013

Let X be an aspherical polyhedron of the homotopy type
of the figure-eight and let f : X → X be a self-map. The Wagner
algorithm [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 351 (1999), 41–62] provides computations for the Nielsen number of
self-maps of X satisfying the remnant condition. If f is without
remnant, then using the concept of mutant by Jiang [Math. Ann. 311 (1998), 467–479] we may assume
that f
#(b) is an initial segment of f
#(a), where f
# is
the induced endomorphism of π1(X) and a, b are generators of
π1(X). Let f
#(b) = U and f
#(a) = Un

R, where n is the
maximal such positive integer. If R is not an initial segment of
U, we say that f is of Type Y. In this paper, we prove that if
f is of Type Y, then f can be mutated either to a map that has
remnant or to an exceptional form for which we can calculate the
Nielsen number directly. Not all self-maps of X are of Type Y. However, making use of the results in this paper, an algorithm is
presented by Kim [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 216 (2012),
1652–1666] that does compute the Nielsen number for
all self-maps of X.
Anxious and depressive components of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in maternal postpartum psychological problems1)
Authors: Petrozzi Angela , Gagliardi Luigi
Published: February 2013

Background: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used instrument for screening for postpartum depression, but it might also detect anxiety symptoms.

Objective: To investigate the factor structure of the EPDS administered immediately after delivery and to understand which factors predict a high EPDS score 3 months later.

Methods: A cohort of 594 Italian mothers delivering a healthy baby at Versilia Hospital completed the EPDS at two points in time: 2 days after delivery (T0) and 3 months later (T1) by telephone interview.

Results: EPDS scores were higher at T0 than at T1. Overall, 15.7% of women at 2 days postpartum and 7.6% at 3 months later reported a score >9. The factor analysis of EPDS at T0 indicated a three-factor structure: “depression” (items 7–10), “anxiety” (items 3–6) and “anhedonia” (items 1–2). Anxious symptoms were quantitatively more important than depressive ones (mean 3.9 vs. 1.2) but tended to spontaneously ameliorate at T1, whereas total EPDS score at T1 was better predicted by depressive symptoms at T0 (discriminative ability 0.75 vs. 0.68).

Conclusions: This study suggests that EPDS subscales immediately after delivery help understand the spectrum of maternal postpartum psychological problems. Anxious symptoms immediately after delivery are frequent but transient, linked probably to maternity blues or atypical depression, whereas the presence of depressive symptomatology at T0 suggests higher risk of later depressive disorders.
The Impact of Visual Perceptual Learning on Sleep and Local Slow-Wave Initiation
Authors: Mascetti Laura , Muto Vincenzo , Matarazzo Luca , Foret Ariane , Ziegler Erik , Albouy Geneviève , Sterpenich Virginie , Schmidt Christina , Degueldre Christian , Leclercq Yves , Phillips Christophe , Luxen André , Vandewalle Gilles , Vogels Rufin , Maquet Pierre , Balteau Evelyne
Published: February 2013

During non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, a global decrease in synaptic strength associated with slow waves (SWs) would enhance signal-to-noise ratio of neural responses during subsequent wakefulness. To test this prediction, 32 human volunteers were trained to a coarse orientation discrimination task, in either the morning or evening. They were retested after 8 h of wakefulness or sleep, respectively. Performance was enhanced only after a night of sleep, in the absence of any change in the abundance of NREM SWs but in proportion to the number of SWs “initiated” in lateral occipital areas during posttraining NREM sleep. The sources of these waves overlapped with the lateral occipital complex, in which responses to the learned stimulus, as assessed by fMRI, were selectively increased the next morning. This response enhancement was proportional to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration. These results provide an example of local sleep in which local initiation of SWs during NREM sleep predicts later skill improvement and foreshadows locally enhanced neural signals the next day. In addition, REM sleep also promotes local learning-dependent activity, possibly by promoting synaptic plasticity.
Quantitative Localization of Cav2.1 (P/Q-Type) Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels in Purkinje Cells: Somatodendritic Gradient and Distinct Somatic Coclustering with Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Authors: Indriati Dwi Wahyu , Kamasawa Naomi , Matsui Ko , Meredith Andrea L. , Watanabe Masahiko , Shigemoto Ryuichi
Published: February 2013

P/Q-type voltage-dependent calcium channels play key roles in transmitter release, integration of dendritic signals, generation of dendritic spikes, and gene expression. High intracellular calcium concentration transient produced by these channels is restricted to tens to hundreds of nanometers from the channels. Therefore, precise localization of these channels along the plasma membrane was long sought to decipher how each neuronal cell function is controlled. Here, we analyzed the distribution of Cav2.1 subunit of the P/Q-type channel using highly sensitive SDS-digested freeze-fracture replica labeling in the rat cerebellar Purkinje cells. The labeling efficiency was such that the number of immunogold particles in each parallel fiber active zone was comparable to that of functional channels calculated from previous reports. Two distinct patterns of Cav2.1 distribution, scattered and clustered, were found in Purkinje cells. The scattered Cav2.1 had a somatodendritic gradient with the density of immunogold particles increasing 2.5-fold from soma to distal dendrites. The other population with 74-fold higher density than the scattered particles was found within clusters of intramembrane particles on the P-face of soma and primary dendrites. Both populations of Cav2.1 were found as early as P3 and increased in the second postnatal week to a mature level. Using double immunogold labeling, we found that virtually all of the Cav2.1 clusters were colocalized with two types of calcium-activated potassium channels, BK and SK2, with the nearest neighbor distance of ∼40 nm. Calcium nanodomain created by the opening of Cav2.1 channels likely activates the two channels that limit the extent of depolarization.
Prefrontal Cortex Focally Modulates Hippocampal Place Cell Firing Patterns
Authors: Hok Vincent , Chah Ehsan , Save Etienne , Poucet Bruno
Published: February 2013

Previous work shows that medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) cells exhibit spatio-selective activity at a goal location when rats are trained in a goal-oriented navigation task. Damaging the ventral and intermediate hippocampal regions severely disrupts both mPFC goal firing and behavioral performance in the same task. Additionally, hippocampal place cells tend to develop a secondary place field at the goal location, suggesting that goal locations can be encoded by local changes in firing rate, within an otherwise stable spatial representation. Therefore, it has been suggested that the coordinated activity of a large fraction of hippocampal cells at the goal location may interact with the mPFC to compute accurate planning trajectories, relying on both precise location-specific firing of place cells and the coarse-coded, goal-trajectory planning function of the prefrontal cortex. To test this hypothesis, we inactivated the mPFC and recorded hippocampal place cell activity while animals were performing the navigation task. The results show that post-training inactivation of the prefrontal cortex does not affect behavioral performance, suggesting that this structure is no longer required when animals are overtrained. The goal-related activity of place cells was not affected at either single unit or local field potential level. Conversely, profound modifications of place cell firing variability (overdispersion) were observed after suppression of prefrontal input, suggesting a possible mechanism underlying behavioral flexibility.
The Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines IL-1β and TNFα Are Neurotrophic for Enteric Neurons
Authors: Gougeon P. -Y. , Lourenssen Sandra , Han Tian Y. , Nair Dileep G. , Ropeleski Mark J. , Blennerhassett Michael G.
Published: February 2013

Intestinal inflammation causes initial axonal degeneration and neuronal death but subsequent axon outgrowth from surviving neurons restores innervation density to the target smooth muscle cells. Elsewhere, the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β cause neurotoxicity, leading us to test their role in promoting enteric neuron death. In a rat coculture model, TNFα or IL-1β did not affect neuron number but did promote significant neurite outgrowth to twofold that of control by 48 h, while other cytokines (e.g., IL-4, TGFβ) were without effect. TNFα or IL-1β activated the NFκB signaling pathway, and inhibition of NFκB signaling blocked the stimulation of neurite growth. However, nuclear translocation of NFκB in smooth muscle cells but not in adjacent neurons suggested a dominant role for smooth muscle cells. TNFα or IL-1β sharply increased both mRNA and protein for GDNF, while the neurotrophic effects of TNFα or IL-1β were blocked by the RET-receptor blocker vandetanib. Conditioned medium from cytokine-treated smooth muscle cells mimicked the neurotrophic effect, inferring that TNFα and IL-1β promote neurite growth through NFκB-dependent induction of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression in intestinal smooth muscle cells.In vivo, TNBS-colitis caused early nuclear translocation of NFκB in smooth muscle cells. Conditioned medium from the intact smooth muscle of the inflamed colon caused a 2.5-fold increase in neurite number in cocultures, while Western blotting showed a substantial increase in GDNF protein. Pro-inflammatory cytokines promote neurite growth through upregulation of GDNF, a novel process that may facilitate re-innervation of smooth muscle cells and a return to homeostasis following initial damage.
Tuning and Timing in Mammalian Type I Hair Cells and Calyceal Synapses
Authors: Songer Jocelyn E. , Eatock Ruth Anne
Published: February 2013

Afferent nerve fibers in the central zones of vestibular epithelia form calyceal endings around type I hair cells and have phasic response properties that emphasize fast head motions. We investigated how stages from hair-cell transduction to calyceal spiking contribute tuning and timing to central (striolar)-zone afferents of the rat saccular epithelium. In an excised preparation, we deflected individual hair bundles with rigid probes driven with steps and sinusoids (0.5–500 Hz) and recorded whole-cell responses from hair cells and calyces at room temperature and body temperature. In immature hair cells and calyces (postnatal days (P)1–P4), tuning sharpened at each stage. Transducer adaptation and membrane-charging time produced bandpass filtering of the receptor potential with best frequencies of 10–30 Hz and phase leads below 10 Hz. For small stimuli, electrical resonances sharply tuned the hair-cell membrane in the frequency range of 5–40 Hz. The synaptic delay of quantal transmission added a phase lag at frequencies above 10 Hz. The influence of spike thresholds at the calyceal spike initiation stage sharpened tuning and advanced response phase. Two additional mechanisms strongly advanced response phase above 10 Hz when present: (1) maturing (P7–P9) type I hair cells acquired low-voltage-activated channels that shortened the rise time of the receptor potential and (2) some calyces had nonquantal transmission with little synaptic delay. By reducing response time, the identified inner-ear mechanisms (transducer adaptation, low-voltage-activated channels, nonquantal transmission, and spike triggering) may compensate for transmission delays in vestibular reflex pathways and help stabilize posture and gaze during rapid head motions.
Inward-Rectifying Potassium (Kir) Channels Regulate Pacemaker Activity in Spinal Nociceptive Circuits during Early Life
Authors: Li Jie , Blankenship Meredith L. , Baccei Mark L.
Published: February 2013

Pacemaker neurons in neonatal spinal nociceptive circuits generate intrinsic burst firing and are distinguished by a lower “leak” membrane conductance compared with adjacent nonbursting neurons. However, little is known about which subtypes of leak channels regulate the level of pacemaker activity within the developing rat superficial dorsal horn (SDH). Here we demonstrate that a hallmark feature of lamina I pacemaker neurons is a reduced conductance through inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels at physiological membrane potentials. Differences in the strength of inward rectification between pacemakers and nonpacemakers indicate the presence of functionally distinct Kircurrents in these two populations at room temperature. However, Kircurrents in both groups showed high sensitivity to block by extracellular Ba2+(IC50∼ 10 μm), which suggests the presence of “classical” Kir(Kir2.x) channels in the neonatal SDH. The reduced Kirconductance within pacemakers is unlikely to be explained by an absence of particular Kir2.x isoforms, as immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of Kir2.1, Kir2.2, and Kir2.3 within spontaneously bursting neurons. Importantly, Ba2+application unmasked rhythmic burst firing in ∼42% of nonbursting lamina I neurons, suggesting that pacemaker activity is a latent property of a sizeable population of SDH cells during early life. In addition, the prevalence of spontaneous burst firing within lamina I was enhanced in the presence of high internal concentrations of free Mg2+, consistent with its documented ability to block Kirchannels from the intracellular side. Collectively, the results indicate that Kirchannels are key modulators of pacemaker activity in newborn central pain networks.
Neurons in Monkey Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Code Beginning and Progress of Step-by-Step Schedule, Reward Expectation, and Amount of Reward Outcome in the Reward Schedule Task
Authors: Inaba Kiyonori , Mizuhiki Takashi , Setogawa Tsuyoshi , Toda Koji , Richmond Barry J. , Shidara Munetaka
Published: February 2013

The dorsal raphe nucleus is the major source of serotonin in the brain. It is connected to brain regions related to reward processing, and the neurons show activity related to predicted reward outcome. Clinical observations also suggest that it is important in maintaining alertness and its apparent role in addiction seems to be related to reward processing. Here, we examined whether the neurons in dorsal raphe carry signals about reward outcome and task progress during multitrial schedules. We recorded from 98 single neurons in dorsal raphe of two monkeys. The monkeys perform one, two, or three visual discrimination trials (schedule), obtaining one, two, or three drops of liquid. In the valid cue condition, the length and brightness of a visual cue indicated schedule progress and reward amount, respectively. In the random cue condition, the visual cue was randomly presented with respect to schedule length and reward amount. We found information encoded about (1) schedule onset, (2) reward expectation, (3) reward outcome, and (4) reward amount in the mean firing rates. Information theoretic analysis showed that the temporal variation of the neuronal responses contained additional information related to the progress of the schedule toward the reward rather than only discriminating schedule onset or reward/no reward. When considered in light of all that is known about the raphe in anatomy, physiology, and behavior, the rich encoding about both task progress and predicted reward outcome makes the raphe a strong candidate for providing signals throughout the brain to coordinate persistent goal-seeking behavior.
Gata3 Is a Critical Regulator of Cochlear Wiring
Authors: Appler Jessica M. , Lu Cindy C. , Druckenbrod Noah R. , Yu Wei-Ming , Koundakjian Edmund J. , Goodrich Lisa V.
Published: February 2013

Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) play a key role in hearing by rapidly and faithfully transmitting signals from the cochlea to the brain. Identification of the transcriptional networks that ensure the proper specification and wiring of SGNs during development will lay the foundation for efforts to rewire a damaged cochlea. Here, we show that the transcription factor Gata3, which is expressed in SGNs throughout their development, is essential for formation of the intricately patterned connections in the cochlea. We generated conditional knock-out mice in whichGata3is deleted after SGNs are specified. Cochlear wiring is severely disrupted in these animals, with premature extension of neurites that follow highly abnormal trajectories toward their targets, as shown usingin vitroneurite outgrowth assays together with time-lapse imaging of whole embryonic cochleae. Expression profiling of mutant neurons revealed a broad shift in gene expression toward a more differentiated state, concomitant with minor changes in SGN identity. Thus, Gata3 appears to serve as an “intermediate regulator” that guides SGNs through differentiation and preserves the auditory fate. As the first auditory-specific regulator of SGN development, Gata3 provides a useful molecular entry point for efforts to engineer SGNs for the restoration of hearing.
Self-consistent Scale-bridging Approach to Compute the Elasticity of Multi-phase Polycrystalline Materials
Authors: Titrian Hajjir , Aydin Ugur , Friák Martin , Ma Duancheng , Raabe Dierk , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: February 2013

A necessary prerequisite for a successful theory-guided up-scale design of materials with application-driven elastic properties is the availability of reliable homogenization techniques. We report on a new software tool that enables us to probe and analyze scale-bridging structure-property relations in the elasticity of materials. The newly developed application, referred to as SC-EMA (Self-consistent Calculations of Elasticity of Multi-phase Aggregates) computes integral elastic response of randomly textured polycrystals. The application employs a Python modular library that uses single-crystalline elastic constants Cij as input parameters and calculates macroscopic elastic moduli (bulk, shear, and Young's) and Poisson ratio of both single-phase and multi-phase aggregates. Crystallites forming the aggregate can be of cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, or trigonal symmetry. For cubic polycrystals the method matches the Hershey homogenization scheme. In case of multi-phase polycrystalline composites, the shear moduli are computed as a function of volumetric fractions of phases present in aggregates. Elastic moduli calculated using the analytical self-consistent method are computed together with their bounds as determined by Reuss, Voigt and Hashin-Shtrikman homogenization schemes. The library can be used as (i) a toolkit for a forward prediction of macroscopic elastic properties based on known single-crystalline elastic characteristics, (ii) a sensitivity analysis of macro-scale output parameters as function of input parameters, and, in principle, also for (iii) an inverse materials-design search for unknown phases and/or their volumetric ratios.
Uma avaliação do Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento (PAC) no estado da Bahia (2007-10)
Authors: Pereira Aliger dos Santos
Published: February 2013

O artigo analisa os principais empreendimentos de infraestrutura (logística, energética e social e urbana) do Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento (PAC) no período de 2007 a 2010. A problemática do estudo foi: como o planejamento do PAC baiano contribuiu para o desenvolvimento do Estado? O artigo demonstra, por meio de dados quantitativos, o impacto e o desempenho do PAC para o desenvolvimento da Bahia. Para a realização dessa abordagem quantitativa, informações foram extraídas de dados secundários. Conclui-se que, em média, 76,93% dos projetos do PAC baiano não foram finalizados, mas, mesmo assim, ao associá-lo ao Produto Interno Bruto (PIB), utilizando uma simulação regressiva, antes, durante e depois dos anos de 2007 até 2010, percebe-se sua influência e interferência no processo de crescimento regional da Bahia.
A gestão de recursos humanos em hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e sua relação ao modelo de assistência: um estudo em hospitais de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
Authors: Morici Marina Campos , Barbosa Allan Claudius Queiroz
Published: February 2013

O artigo discute a gestão de recursos humanos em hospitais de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, considerando a relevância do debate no contexto gerencial contemporâneo e suas implicações ao modelo assistencial preconizado pelos hospitais analisados. A partir de levantamento de dados (entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores e profissionais de recursos humanos e análise de documentos pertinentes às práticas e normatizações existentes), o estudo aponta uma defasagem nas políticas e práticas de recursos humanos, com a contratação via concurso público não conseguindo suprir de forma ágil a atividade assistencial. Os resultados apontam ainda ser esse um fator determinante na fixação e motivação dos profissionais, o que diferencia em termos de autonomia aqueles hospitais onde a gestão de recursos humanos ocorre via regras do direito privado.
Montaigne, a descoberta do Novo Mundo e o ceticismo moderno
Authors: Marcondes Danilo
Published: February 2013

O descobrimento do Novo Mundo é um dos fatores fundamentais de ruptura com a tradição, na inauguração do pensamento moderno. A descoberta de povos no novo continente com culturas radicalmente diferentes da europeia leva a um questionamento cético sobre a universalidade da natureza humana, o que denominamos "argumento antropológico". Montaigne é o mais importante pensador deste contexto a discutir esta questão nos Ensaios. Examinamos aqui alguns dos aspectos centrais de sua reflexão a este respeito.
Associação entre o índice de massa corporal e a coordenação motora em crianças
Authors: Melo Maria Mafalda , Lopes Vitor Pires
Published: February 2013

O propósito do estudo foi analisar a associação entre o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a coordenação motora (CM). Foram avaliadas 794 crianças (seis a nove anos) de ambos sexos na CM, com a bateria de testes KTK. O IMC foi calculado a partir das medidas de peso e estatura [Peso(kg)/Estatura (cm²)]. Quer nas meninas (χ² = 93,96; p < 0,001) quer nos meninos (χ² = 46,98; p < 0,001) ocorreram diferenças significativas na CM entre os três grupos do IMC (normoponderais, sobrepeso, obesos). Os normoponderais de ambos os sexos obtiveram melhores resultados do que os sujeitos com sobrepeso e estes obtiveram melhores resultados do que os obesos. A CM está moderada e negativamente associada com o IMC e a associação aumenta durante a infância (-0,16 a -0,50). As crianças com sobrepeso e obesas de ambos os sexos apresentaram menores níveis de CM do que as crianças normoponderais.
Sinopse das espécies de Lamiales Bromhead ocorrentes nas restingas do Estado do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Furtado Mônica Nazaré Rodrigues , Secco Ricardo de Souza , Rocha Antônio Elielson Sousa
Published: February 2013

Este trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo taxonômico das espécies de Lamiales Bromhead nas restingas do Estado do Pará. A restinga é uma formação vegetacional, que cresce na areia branca das praias do mar e dunas, e apresenta um complexo de formações vegetais. Lamiales está representada por 24 espécies, incluídas em sete famílias. Onze espécies são novas ocorrências para as restingas do Pará e duas para a Amazônia. São apresentadas chaves para identificação das espécies, descrições resumidas, ilustrações e comentários gerais.
O gênero Cordyline Comm. ex R.Br. (Asparagaceae Juss.) no Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Macagnan Tomas André , Smidt Eric de Camargo
Published: February 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a espécie de Cordyline que ocorre no Estado do Paraná, Cordyline sellowiana Kunth, a partir de análises de exsicatas de diversos herbários do Estado. C. sellowiana é caracterizada por folhas sésseis, lineares, inflorescências terminais e flores roxas, pediceladas; ápice das sépalas acuminado e das pétalas obtuso. Coletada em 26 municípios do Estado do Paraná, ocorre nos seguintes tipos de vegetação: Estepe Ombrófila, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual Subxérica, Floresta Ombrófila Densa e Floresta Ombrófila Mista. A partir dos critérios da lista vermelha da IUCN, foi definido o estado de conservação da espécie, que se enquadra na categoria de preocupação menor (LC). Popularmente conhecida como uvarana, varana, guaraíva ou cordiline, é utilizada na alimentação animal e humana, farmacologia, recuperação ambiental e como planta ornamental.
Riqueza e estratificação vertical de epífitas vasculares na Estação Ecológica de Jataí: área de Cerrado no Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Bataghin Fernando Antonio , Muller Adelcio , Pires José Salatiel Rodrigues , Barros Fábio de , Fushita Angela Terumi , Scariot Eliziane Carla
Published: February 2013

A riqueza e a estratificação vertical das epífitas vasculares foram estudadas na Estação Ecológica de Jataí (EEJ), SP, Brasil. No total, 1.574 epífitas pertencentes a 29 espécies, 20 gêneros e sete famílias foram encontradas. As Angiospermas foram representadas por 23 espécies e as Samambaias, por seis espécies. Os holoepífitos característicos formam dominantes na área (93,1%). Epífitas especialistas foram predominantes na área, cerca de 55% das espécies (17% de epífitas de fuste e 38% de epífitas de copa); as espécies generalistas contribuíram com cerca de 42% e as hemiepífitas com 3%. As zonas intermediárias apresentaram maior número de espécies e maior número de registros. Houve diferença significativa entre as espécies que compõem as zonas inferiores e as zonas superiores nos forófitos. A riqueza e a distribuição de epífitas são determinadas pelos fatores microclimáticos, sendo a umidade e a intensidade luminosa os fatores reguladores mais importantes na área de Cerrado estudada.
Pozzolanic reaction rate of fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FC3R) in cement pastes
Authors: Payá Jordi , Monzó José M. , Borrachero María V. , Velázquez Sergio
Published: February 2013

Fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FC3R) is a waste material generated in the petroleum industry. Previous research has shown that FC3R exhibits excellent pozzolanic properties in Portland cement mixtures. The pozzolanic activity of FC3R was studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis (measurement of lime fixation) and cold hydrochloric acid treatment (quantification of FC3R reacted). A water/binder ratio of 0·40 was used in the study in the preparation of a control paste (without spent catalyst) and a 15% substituted FC3R paste. The selected curing temperatures were 20 and 40°C and several curing times were tested. The amount (grammes) of fixed lime by gramme of reacted catalyst indicated that approximately one part lime is chemically combined with 2·3 parts of spent catalyst. The combination of both study techniques allows determination of the optimal dosage in order to maximise use of this excellent pozzolan.
Assessment of environmental flow requirement effects at an estuary
Authors: Fatemi Seyed Ehsan , Vafaie Freydon , Bressers Hans
Published: February 2013

This paper describes the application of dynamic system modelling to investigate the consequences for water supply of maintaining environmental flow requirements in the Gorganrud River Basin in Iran. In this study the output results of Vensim and Weap models were compared and found to match each other closely. However, for a specific scenario on the same computer, Vensim was more than 100 times faster than Weap. Currently, about 55% of the time the Gorganrud Estuary is dry without any in-stream environmental flow, causing grave environmental problems, particularly in relation to fish habitat. If the reservoirs are operated to maintain environmental flow requirements, there is less than 10% supply–demand deficit for agricultural uses but flows are maintained to the estuary throughout the year at about 1 m3/s, which benefits the river ecosystem; in addition there are flood risk management benefits about 35% of the time. Accepting these minor deficits and maintaining the environmental flow requirements at the Gorganrud Estuary thus achieves a valuable trade-off.
Effect of Audio Clips of Heavily Accented Lecture on Teacher Evaluations
Authors: Choo Freddie , Tan Kim B.
Published: February 2013

This study examines the relation between using audio clips of a nonnative, English-speaking instructor's heavily accented lecture (hereafter, HAL) and student evaluations of the instructor's teaching. In Spring 2011, we recorded audio clips of our HAL and made them available to students through iLearn, a learning management system. We found a significant positive relation between audio clips usage and several improved teacher evaluation ratings. This finding is useful to nonnative, English-speaking instructors because accounting students are influential in teacher evaluations, and the majority of accounting administrators in the United States use teacher evaluations for decisions on retention, promotion, and tenure.

Data Availability: Available upon request.
Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 by Epigenetic Modifications and the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhong Qing , Kowluru Renu A.
Published: February 2013

Diabetes activates retinal matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-9 damages the mitochondria and augments capillary cell apoptosis. Our aim is to elucidate the mechanism responsible for MMP-9 activation. Histone modifications and recruitment of the nuclear transcriptional factor-κB (p65 subunit) at the MMP-9 promoter and the activity of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) were measured in the retina from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The role of LSD1 in MMP-9 activation was investigated in isolated retinal endothelial cells transfected with LSD1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). The results were confirmed in the retina from human donors with diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes decreased histone H3 dimethyl lysine 9 (H3K9me2) and increased acetyl H3K9 (Ac-H3K9) and p65 at the retinal MMP-9 promoter. LSD1 enzyme activity and its transcripts were elevated. LSD1 siRNA ameliorated the glucose-induced decrease in H3K9me2 and increase in p65 at the MMP-9 promoter, and prevented MMP-9 activation, mitochondrial damage, and cell apoptosis. Human donors with diabetic retinopathy had similar epigenetic changes at the MMP-9 promoter. Thus, activated LSD1 hypomethylates H3K9 at the MMP-9 promoter and this frees up that lysine 9 for acetylation. Increased Ac-H3K9 facilitates the recruitment of p65, resulting in MMP-9 activation and mitochondrial damage. Thus, the regulation of LSD1 by molecular or pharmacological means has the potential to retard the development of diabetic retinopathy.
Combination of Obesity and High-Fat Feeding Diminishes Sensitivity to GLP-1R Agonist Exendin-4
Authors: Duca Frank A. , Sakar Yassine , Covasa Mihai
Published: February 2013

Gastrointestinal mechanisms involved in the suppression of appetite are compromised in obesity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released in response to nutrients, suppresses food intake, and has been shown to play a role in regulation of energy balance. It is not known whether obese-prone (OP) rats exhibit dysfunctional GLP-1 signaling that could contribute to decreased nutrient-induced satiation and hyperphagia. Therefore, we examined the effects of exogenous intraperitoneal administration of the GLP-1R agonist, exendin-4 (Ex-4), on food intake in OP and obese-resistant (OR) rats during chow or high-energy/high-fat (HE/HF) feeding. All doses of Ex-4 effectively suppressed intake in OP and OR rats fed chow; however, during HE/HF-feeding, OP rats suppressed intake significantly less than OR rats at all Ex-4 doses tested. This was associated with downregulation of GLP-1R mRNA expression in the vagal nodose ganglia of OP rats. Furthermore, HE/HF-fed OP rats had significantly lower plasma GLP-1 levels, decreased protein levels of GLP-1 in the intestinal epithelium, and reduced number of L cells in the distal ileum. These results demonstrate that HE/HF-feeding, coupled with OP phenotype, results in reduced endogenous GLP-1 and GLP-1R activation, indicating that impaired GLP-1 signaling during obesity may exacerbate hyperphagia and weight gain.
Metabolic Rescue of Obese Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Lin28/Let7 Pathway
Authors: Pérez Laura M. , Bernal Aurora , San Martín Nuria , Lorenzo Margarita , Fernández-Veledo Sonia , Gálvez Beatriz G.
Published: February 2013

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are promising candidates for autologous cell-based regeneration therapies by virtue of their multilineage differentiation potential and immunogenicity; however, relatively little is known about their role in adipose tissue physiology and dysfunction. Here we evaluated whether ASCs isolated from nonobese and obese tissue differed in their metabolic characteristics and differentiation potential. During differentiation to mature adipocytes, mouse and human ASCs derived from nonobese tissues both increased their insulin sensitivity and inhibition of lipolysis, whereas obese-derived ASCs were insulin-resistant, showing impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and resistance to the antilipolytic effect of insulin. Furthermore, obese-derived ASCs showed enhanced release of proinflammatory cytokines and impaired production of adiponectin. Interestingly, the delivery of cytosol from control ASCs into obese-derived ASCs using a lipid-based, protein-capture methodology restored insulin sensitivity on glucose and lipid metabolism and reversed the proinflammatory cytokine profile, in part due to the restoration of Lin28 protein levels. In conclusion, glucose and lipid metabolism as well as maturation of ASCs is truncated in an obese environment. The reversal of the altered pathways in obese cells by delivery of normal subcellular fractions offers a potential new tool for cell therapy.
High-Glucose Environment Enhanced Oxidative Stress and Increased Interleukin-8 Secretion From Keratinocytes
Authors: Lan Cheng-Che E. , Wu Ching-Shuang , Huang Shu-Mei , Wu I-Hui , Chen Gwo-Shing
Published: February 2013

Impaired wound healing frequently occurs in patients with diabetes. Interleukin (IL)-8 production by keratinocyte is responsible for recruiting neutrophils during healing. Intense inflammation is associated with diabetic wounds, while reduction of neutrophil infiltration is associated with enhanced healing. We hypothesized that increased neutrophil recruitment by keratinocytes may contribute to the delayed healing of diabetic wounds. Using cultured human keratinocytes and a diabetic rat model, the current study shows that a high-glucose environment enhanced IL-8 production via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner in keratinocytes. In addition, diabetic rat skin showed enhanced EGFR, ERK, and IL-8 expression compared with control rats. The dermal neutrophil infiltration of the wound, as represented by expression of myeloperoxidase level, was also significantly higher in diabetic rats. Treating diabetic rats with dapsone, an agent known to inhibit neutrophil function, was associated with improved healing. In conclusion, IL-8 production and neutrophil infiltration are increased in a high-glucose environment due to elevated ROS level and contributed to impaired wound healing in diabetic skin. Targeting these dysfunctions may present novel therapeutic approaches.
Detrimental effects of early rural life on blood pressure among urban male migrants in Wrocław, Poland
Authors: Kozieł Sławomir , Lipowicz Anna , Ulijaszek Stanley J.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of the study was to compare the blood pressure of rural–to–urban migrants and the sedentary population (non–migratory) of the city of Wrocław, Poland. Additionally, the effect of time spent in the rural area on blood pressure was also assessed. The study sample consisted of 2753 males aged 25–75 years, following a medical examination, underwent an interview and anthropometric measurements between 1989–90. Based on the place of origin all males were divided into rural–to–urban migrant inhabitants of Wrocław (N=1222) and sedentary inhabitants of Wrocław (N=921). The percentage of time spent in the rural area [(time spent in rural area/age)*100] was then calculated and was used in analysis. In each age category, the rural–urban migrants were found to be shorter in height. Age, BMI, level of education and time of migration had a significant effect on both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure irrespective of the level of education. It was demonstrated that the time of migration, allowing for age, body size and education level, significantly correlated with blood pressure. The later in time, the males migrated from rural to urban areas, the higher their blood pressure. It was hypothesized that unhealthy behavior could still have continued in a new urban environment, resulting in migrant – sedentary differences in health parameters.
Evaluation of somatic and functional parameters of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in rural women in Poland
Authors: Ignasiak Tomasz , Ignasiak Zofia , Ziółkowska-Łajp Ewa , Rożek Krystyna , Sławińska Teresa , Skrzek Anna
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was the diagnosis of selected somatic parameters and functional parameters of cardiovascular and respiratory systems of rural women in Poland. The study involved a group of 95 rural women aged 35–60 years, staying in 3-week rehabilitation camps. The two groups of women were selected: younger (x=43 years), which did not exceed 50 years of age (n=48) and older (x=53 years) aged 50 years and older (n=47). The present study examines the measurement of the body height and weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and functional parameters of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. For the evaluation of cardiovascular parameters, a 6 minute walk test was selected. Before the commencement of the test and in the first minute after it, the pulse and the blood pressure were measured. To assess the functional parameters of the respiratory system, the pattern of flow – volume curve was used. The test was performed with a Jaeger Flowscreen spirometer. The following parameters were determined: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and Tiffeneau index (FEV1 in% VC).

Examined rural women were likely to be similar to their urban counterparts. BMI of women was significantly higher than peers. Older rural women are particularly at risk of obesity. Heart rate and blood pressure, when at resting and after exercise, were normal and alike in both in young and older women. As expected, younger women had significantly higher levels of respiratory parameters. PEF values in younger women were slightly below the normal limit, and in their older peers, this value was significantly below the normal limit.