bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relação com o saber de estudantes universitários: aprendizagens e processos
Authors: Bicalho Maria Gabriela Parenti , Souza Maria Celeste Reis Fernandes
Published: March 2014

Este artigo apresenta resultados de uma investigação que buscou compreender a relação com o saber de estudantes universitários, utilizando como referencial a teoria da relação com o saber de Bernard Charlot. O campo de pesquisa foi uma universidade comunitária localizada em um município de porte médio do estado de Minas Gerais, sendo que os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 400 estudantes de 24 cursos de graduação. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio dos balanços de saber, instrumento proposto por Bernard Charlot, que consiste na demanda da produção de um texto a respeito das aprendizagens do sujeito. Após a apresentação dos aspectos quantitativos da classificação das aprendizagens evocadas pelos estudantes, o artigo discute a preponderância das aprendizagens ligadas ao desenvolvimento pessoal e utiliza as categorias mobilização e sentido para aprofundar a compreensão dos relatos produzidos pelos estudantes nos balanços de saber. Conclui que a relação com o saber dos sujeitos da pesquisa está baseada na valorização das aprendizagens ligadas a seu desenvolvimento pessoal, inclusive ao tratarem do que aprenderam na universidade, e que uma parcela deles consegue reconhecer as especificidades dessa instituição como espaço de aprendizagem. A pesquisa identificou três polos nos quais se organizam os sentidos atribuídos pelos estudantes à formação universitária: a conquista de uma vida melhor, a transformação da maneira de ver o mundo e a mobilização em relação ao saber em si.
A educação progressiva na atualidade: o legado de John Dewey
Authors: Branco Maria Luísa Frazão Rodrigues
Published: March 2014

A educação progressiva é uma das tradições educativas mais fascinantes dos Estados Unidos da América, destacando-se pela sua visão humanista da educação e pelo compromisso com o aprofundamento da democracia através da escolarização. Neste artigo, analisamos os principais desenvolvimentos da educação progressiva por meio da revisão de literatura recente a respeito do assunto e de escritos de seguidores mais proeminentes, estabelecendo a relação entre as propostas atuais e o pensamento fundador de John Dewey. O nosso objetivo consiste em elucidar qual o núcleo fundamental das ideias defendidas por esse movimento educativo, baseando-nos numa discussão dos conceitos centrais do pensamento pedagógico de John Dewey e na forma como esses foram apropriados e alargados pelos seus sucessores e atuais defensores. A partir da análise, concluímos que, apesar da influência dessa tradição educativa ter diminuído, fruto da generalização de uma perspectiva neoliberal na educação norte-americana, as suas propostas são fundamentais para a promoção de uma sociedade mais democrática e justa. Entre essas propostas, que permanecem fiéis aos aspectos fulcrais do pensamento de John Dewey, adaptando-o aos novos tempos, destacam-se o compromisso com a integração social e o pluralismo, além da concepção da aprendizagem como ampliação de uma experiência partilhada, favorecedora da promoção do capital social e do estabelecimento das bases de uma aprendizagem permanente.
A construção da cadeia referencial em textos de estudantes universitários
Authors: Marinho Janice Helena Chaves , Cunha Gustavo Ximenes
Published: March 2014

Neste artigo, focalizando a construção da cadeia referencial em fragmentos de textos acadêmicos, mostramos que a análise da forma de organização tópica dos textos possibilita a percepção de dificuldades que estudantes universitários manifestam nessa construção. Por meio das análises, identificamos e explicamos fragilidades na construção da cadeia referencial, tais como ambiguidades no reconhecimento dos tópicos, bem como dificuldades na introdução de novas informações e na manutenção de um tópico discursivo. Ainda, com as análises, verificamos que os textos acadêmicos constituem índices essenciais para a avaliação das capacidades de uso da linguagem de seus produtores. Por isso mesmo, essas análises podem funcionar como um ponto de partida precioso para o planejamento de atividades que auxiliem o estudante no desenvolvimento das habilidades necessárias para a construção da cadeia referencial de novos textos. Assim, evidenciamos que o Modelo de Análise Modular do Discurso constitui uma abordagem bastante relevante para o estudo de textos produzidos por estudantes universitários.
Fóruns online na formação crítico-reflexiva de professores de línguas estrangeiras: uma representação do pensamento crítico em fases na/pela linguagem
Authors: Rozenfeld Cibele Cecilio de Faria
Published: March 2014

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o recorte de uma investigação que focalizou a formação inicial de professores de língua estrangeira (alemão e inglês) e lançou luzes sobre os estágios obrigatórios do quarto ano, considerando a possibilidade que fóruns online de um ambiente virtual podem oferecer para a manifestação do pensamento crítico dos futuros professores. Analisamos os temas abordados e as mensagens de três fóruns, com base no conceito de pensamento crítico e no modelo teórico de Investigação Prática de Garrison, Anderson e Archer (2000, 2001). Para uma melhor compreensão das fases nas discussões dos tópicos, utilizamos o modelo dos autores, identificando também alguns marcadores discursivos característicos de cada uma delas, com base nos pressupostos da Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional (HALLIDAY, 1994) e nos tipos de movimentos conversacionais (moves) propostos por Eggins e Slade (1997). A partir dos subsídios teóricos selecionados e da análise dos dados, foi possível desenvolver um novo modelo e concluir que o fórum online pode ser considerado uma importante ferramenta para a manifestação do pensamento crítico de professores e para uma formação crítico-reflexiva, em um contexto marcado por especificidades da sociedade de informação.
Autocitação fictiva em português europeu e brasileiro
Authors: Rocha Luiz Fernando Matos
Published: March 2014

A Autocitação Fictiva (ROCHA, 2004, 2006) é um tipo discursivo de fictividade por meio do qual seus conceptualizadores impõem uma perspectiva avaliativa ao discurso direto. Por meio de um cenário não verídico de reportação discursiva, o agente ilocutório remete-se a um cenário prévio e suposto de fala, com propósito de permitir acesso mental ao cenário verídico de pensamento. O objetivo deste artigo é a descrição e análise da autocitação fictiva e sua co-extensão factiva em corpora orais de Português Europeu e Brasileiro, a partir da construção (EU) DISSE/FALEI X-ORACIONAL. Utilizam-se como dados o corpus C-ORAL-ROM Português (BACELAR DO NASCIMENTO et al., 2005) e o corpus C-ORAL Brasil (RASO; MELLO, 2010, 2012), bem como os corpora CINTIL (2011), NURC (2011) e um reality show. Os resultados apontam para contrastes conceptuais e diafásicos entre usos de "disse" e "falei" nas variedades nacionais, uma vez que o verbo "falar" não costuma ser usado para introduzir discurso reportado em PE e que certos frames interacionais são propícios ao surgimento de autocitação fictiva, como o reality show. Contudo, a fictividade afeta a autocitação em ambas variedades, mapeada por pistas que incluem reportação monológica, co-texto epistêmico, escaneamento mental, incongruência dêitica e atos de fala como promessa.
A relação entre gênero e expressão verbal: uma abordagem discursiva para a manifestação da futuridade
Authors: Cintra Marcos Rogério
Published: March 2014

Neste artigo propomos uma descrição das formas verbais de futuro em articulação com o funcionamento discursivo do gênero em que se manifestam. Nosso enfoque concentra-se nas formas verbais que atualizam a expressão do futuro do presente no gênero radiofônico notícia com entrevista. Descrevemos a estruturação desse gênero em termos de recursos estratégicos (DIJK, 1990, 2010) que visam aumentar a percepção factual das informações veiculadas. Mostramos que o fato de as notícias com entrevista serem estrategicamente elaboradas implica não apenas que a forma de apresentação das informações é esquematicamente concebida para favorecer a interação, mas também que essa estruturação discursiva motiva a elaboração linguística do conteúdo da informação. Nossa investigação permite constatar que as formas de futuro do presente podem ser discursivamente descritas e distribuídas em decorrência de três diferentes eventos prospectivos que integram: eventos programados, eventos da interação em curso e eventos procedimentais. Além disso, nosso estudo mostra a viabilidade de se estabelecer uma relação entre gênero discursivo e expressão verbal, visto que algumas formas de futuridade, como o futuro perifrástico progressivo, são favorecidas por práticas discursivas como as notícias com entrevista.
A abordagem cognitiva da metáfora em perspectiva pragmática nos séculos dezoito e dezenove: as contribuições de Lambert e Wegener a discussões atuais
Authors: Schröder Ulrike Agathe
Published: March 2014

Desde o surgimento da Teoria Conceptual da Metáfora, há mais de trinta anos, houve uma série de autores que apontaram a falta de contextualização historiográfica, uma vez que a maioria das hipóteses sobre a metáfora conceptual e até boa parte dos exemplos já são antecipadas desde o século dezessete em reflexões filosóficas, antropológicas, psicológicas e linguísticas. O presente trabalho pretende apresentar dois pensadores dos séculos dezoito e dezenove, a saber, o filósofo Johann Heinrich Lambert (1965) e o linguista Philipp Wegener (1991), que não apenas já desenvolvem uma teoria cognitiva da metáfora cotidiana, como também já conseguem integrar aspectos pragmáticos, que atualmente são redescobertos como fatores descuidados pela primeira geração da Linguística Cognitiva. Sendo assim, as duas concepções podem lançar uma ponte a discussões atuais, uma vez que ambas conseguem apontar caminhos para superar tanto o abismo entre o sujeito solipsista e a sociedade, como a dicotomia entre universalismo e relatividade cultural. Os dois autores entendem a metáfora como fenômeno cognitivo e, ao mesmo tempo, intersubjetivo, por ser negociado entre os participantes em situações comunicativas concretas.
Internalismo e externalismo em linguística e a neurociência da linguagem
Authors: Modesto Marcello
Published: March 2014

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é discutir a possibilidade de investigação da realidade neurofisiológica da sintaxe das línguas naturais. Para que tal estudo seja possível, linguistas e neurocientistas teriam que achar uma base epistemológica comum. Entretanto, a visão prevalente em neurociência, que assume aprendizado associativo por correlação, não se combina bem com a visão internalista da sintaxe, tomada por linguistas gerativos. Em virtude disso, este trabalho discute as bases epistemológicas das teorias linguísticas mais aceitas atualmente, servindo de guia para neurocientistas que queiram investigar o processamento da linguagem pelo cérebro. Por outro lado, o artigo discute pesquisas desenvolvidas pela neurociência da linguagem para que os linguistas possam avaliar os problemas que surgem na intersecção das duas áreas. Conclui-se que qualquer pesquisador deve ter um entendimento claro dessas questões epistemológicas antes de montar qualquer experimento sobre a linguagem; e que qualquer conclusão acerca da realidade neural da sintaxe é, no presente, difícil de ser mantida.
Morfologia Construcional: principais ideias, aplicação ao português e extensões necessárias
Authors: Gonçalves Carlos Alexandre Victorio , Almeida Maria Lucia Leitão de
Published: March 2014

Neste trabalho, apresentamos o modelo de Morfologia Construcional (Construction Morphology) desenvolvido por Booij (2005, 2007, 2010), condensando seus diferentes trabalhos. Com base nessa apresentação, mostramos as vantagens desse modelo na descrição de diversos fenômenos morfológicos do português. Como resultado, não somente propomos uma nova abordagem para a formação e a estruturação de palavras complexas, mas também sugerimos instrumentos teóricos adicionais, de modo a especificar, com maior riqueza de detalhes, o polo semântico das construções morfológicas. Focalizamos, no trabalho, sobretudo, (a) as chamadas formas combinatórias (GONÇALVES, 2011), a exemplo de -nejo e caipi-, que criam padrões lexicais semelhantes aos de afixos, (b) o salto de etapas na formação de palavras (SANDMANN, 1994), observável, por exemplo, em construções como "desratizar" e "churrascabilidade", com concatenação simultânea de dois afixos, e (c) os padrões derivacionais gerais (BASILIO, 1980), por meio dos quais duas construções morfológicas interagem, por se pressuporem mutuamente, como X-ista e X-ismo, em dados do tipo "marxismo"/"marxista" e "budismo"/"budista".
Uma proposta de modelamento da percepção da entoação do português brasileiro
Authors: Medeiros Beatriz Raposo de , Martins Marcus Vinícius Moreira
Published: March 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar considerações sobre um modelamento lógico-matemático desenvolvido para abordar o fenômeno da percepção da entoação para o Português Brasileiro. O modelamento foi feito com base no modelo de análise automática da entoação, desenvolvido por Ferreira Netto (2006, 2008, 2010), e utiliza os princípios desenvolvidos por Hart, Collier e Cohen (1990), no que tange ao fenômeno da conjugação entre a percepção e produção das curvas entoacionais. Além disso, aplicamos, em nosso modelo, os limiares de diferenciação tonal, estipulados por Consoni (2011), valores os quais nos asseguram a relativização em um estado neutro e estados relevantes para a percepção, por meio da entoação para palavras isoladas, bem como para frases de contexto. Nosso modelamento resume-se à criação de um sistema conjugado em que os valores de F0 são processados de acordo com uma componente denominada tom médio (FERREIRA NETTO, 2008). Os limiares de diferenciação tonal operam como limites sistêmicos de lateralidade gerados a partir do tom médio e têm o papel de restringir as variações e explicar possíveis variações modalizadas. O modelamento demanda mais estudos de base para uma melhor funcionalidade, além de uma implementação computacional funcional a fim de se verificar a sua aplicabilidade.
Diel responses of phytoplankton of an Amazon floodplain lake at the two main hydrological phases
Authors: Passarinho Kathrin Nere , Lopes Maria Rosélia Marques , Train Sueli
Published: March 2014

AIM: This study examines the short-term changes of phytoplankton in an oxbow lake on the floodplain of the Acre River, Amazonia, Brazil. METHODS: Samples were taken with a Van Dorn bottle, at three depths (surface, middle and bottom), in two periods (low waters and high waters), for seven consecutive days in two schedules, night and morning. RESULTS: Phytoplankton was represented by 198 taxa and the Class Euglenophyceae, with 62 taxa, was the best-represented group in both periods. There were abrupt changes in the community during the high waters (potamophase). During this period, in conditions of partial atelomixis, we recorded higher values of phytoplankton biovolume and dominance of Gonyostomum semen (Ehr.) Dies. (Raphidophyceae). CONCLUSIONS: In the low waters (limnophase), conditions in the lake were more stable, the diversity and rate of change in the community were lower, and the frequent periods of stratification and mixing were responsible for the dominance of Geitlerinema sp. (Cyanobacteria).
Spatial and temporal patterns of macroinvertebrates in drift and on substrate of a mountain stream (Cordoba, Central Argentina)
Authors: Barbero María Daniela , Oberto Ana María , Gualdoni Cristina Mabel
Published: March 2014

AIMS: The aims of this study are to evaluate the effects of spatial and temporal variability of the macroinvertebrate fauna in drift and in the substrate of a mountain stream. METHODS: The study site is located in Achiras stream (Central, Argentina). This is an endorheic fluvial course whose headwaters are located in the southern extreme of Los Comechingones Mountains. Three replicate Surber samples were collected from benthos with 300 µm, 0.09 m² nets. Three drifting fauna samples were collected using drift nets, 1 m long, 300 µm and 0.0192 m². The taxonomic identification of specimens was performed according to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In order to characterize the drifting and benthic fauna, total abundance, taxonomic richness, Shannon and evenness indices were estimated and they were tested with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In order to assess the distribution patterns of drift and benthos samples, we performed Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). RESULTS: A total of 61 taxa were identified in drift and 82 in benthos. A 26.3% taxonomic similarity between the two assemblages was observed, according to the Jaccard index. In drift and benthos, Arthropoda presented higher abundance and Insecta contributed with more taxa and it was also the most abundant. The most abundant orders were Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Diptera. In the present study, Anacroneuria sp. (Perlidae) and Podonominae (Chironomidae) were first recorded for benthic community of Achiras stream. CONCLUSION: In this study we found that the structural organization of the drifting and benthic macroinvertebrate community shows different patterns of variation at spatial and temporal scales.
Temporal and spatial variation of limnological variables and biomass of different macrophyte species in a Neotropical reservoir (São Paulo - Brazil)
Authors: Bottino Flávia , Calijuri Maria do Carmo , Murphy Kevin Joseph
Published: March 2014

AIM: This study reports an investigation of limnological characteristics and aquatic macrophyte occurrence in a neotropical reservoir in order to assess the spatio-temporal variation of water and sediment variables and their influence on plant distribution. METHODS: Macrophytes, water and sediment samples were collected from a Brazilian reservoir in different seasons from four main arms of the reservoir. In total sixteen water-sediment variables were analyzed including N:P ratio and Trophic State Index. The plants were collected using a quadrat sampling procedure and the dry weight per sample was measured. MANOVA was performed to evaluate spatial and temporal variation of environmental variables as well as seasonal biomass differences. To assess the relationship among environmental variables and macrophytes an ordination analysis (using Canonical Correspondence Analysis: CCA) was carried out. RESULTS: The spatial and temporal variation of limnological variables generated a heterogeneous system which supports the presence of different species of macrophyte. pH, dissolved oxygen and sediment composition were important predictors of Polygonum lapathifolium occurrence while nutrients were associated with Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes. Inorganic substances were related to biomass variation of Eichhornia azurea and Myriophyllum aquaticum. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial variation of the environmental variables has caused heterogeneity in the reservoir and it may support the occurrence of different species of macrophyte. Limnological variables highlighted in CCA are important to predict the species occurrence and their control in the study area.
Comparing the performance of different stream classification systems using aquatic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Vasconcelos Márlon de Castro , Melo Adriano Sanches , Schwarzbold Albano
Published: March 2014

AIM: We evaluated five stream classification systems observing: 1) differences in richness, abundance and macroinvertebrates communities among stream classes within classification systems; and 2) whether classification systems present better performance using macroinvertebrates. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of taxonomic resolution and data type (abundance and presence) on results. METHODS: Five stream classification systems were used, two based on hydroregions, one based on ecoregions by FEOW, a fourth one based on stream orders and the last one based on clusters of environment variables sampled in 37 streams at Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. We used a randomization test to evaluate differences of richness and abundance, a db-MANOVA to evaluate the differences of species assemblages and Classification Strength (CS) to evaluate the classifications performance. RESULTS: There were differences of richness and abundance among stream classes within each stream classification. The same result was found for community data, except for stream order classifications in family level. We observed that stream classes obtained for each stream classification differed in terms of environment variables (db-MANOVA). The classification based on environment variables showed higher CS values than other classification systems. The taxonomic resolution was important to the observed results. Data on genera level presented CS values 12% higher than family level for cluster classification, and the data type was dependent on the classification system and taxonomic resolution employed. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that classifications based on cluster of environment variables was better than other stream classification systems, and similar results using genera level can be obtained for management programs using family resolution in a geographical context similar to this study.
Diversity and spatial and temporal variation of benthic macroinvertebrates with respect to the trophic state of Lake Figueira in the South of Brazil
Authors: Lima Fernanda Blauth de , Schäfer Alois Edward , Lanzer Rosane Maria
Published: March 2014

Benthic macroinvertebrates are widely used in evaluations of environmental impact and recommended in biomonitoring, but little used in Brazilian lentic environments. One of the main objectives has been to explain and predict the distribution of those species according to environmental characteristics. Thus, the study aims to characterize the predominant fauna of the Lake Figueira sediment and its relationship with organic matter and depth, analyzing seasonal variation in communities and aiming to select bioindicators of the trophic state. Sampling was carried out from January 2008 to January 2009, along the lagoon fetch, with an Ekmann-Birge dredge (area 225 cm²). Taxon richness was not significantly related with depth and organic matter content, but those variables were highly correlated (r = 0.962; r² = 0.926 and p < 0.001). The constant oxygenation of the whole water column allows the occurrence of organisms, independent of depth and organic matter content. Chironomidae was the most abundant taxon and from the frequency of occurrence, abundance and clustering analysis it was possible to select Larsia sp. , Goeldichironomus maculatus, Xenochironomus sp. , Aedokritus sp. Cladopelma forcipis, Cryptochironomus brasiliensis, Nilothauma sp.1 and Caladomyia sp. C, Tanytarsus sp. , Tanytarsus rhabdomantis and Chironomus gr. salinarius as potential indicators related with the spatiotemporal faunal distribution of Lake Figueira.
Conservation unit and water quality: the influence of environmental integrity on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages
Authors: Sobczak Jessé Renan Scapini , Valduga Alice Teresa , Restello Rozane Maria , Cardoso Rafael Imlau
Published: March 2014

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a Conservation Unit (CU) in maintaining the quality of freshwater habitats and to evaluate the influence of environmental integrity on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. METHODS: The research was conducted at sampling sites located within and outside of the CU in the Alto Uruguai region, southern Brazil, and included two stages: (i) the collection of benthic macroinvertebrates and (ii) the application of a Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) to characterise the habitat quality. RESULTS: A total of 1,362 benthic macroinvertebrates were collected during the study, totalling 30 taxa. The densities within and outside the CU were significantly different (F= 160.08; p= 0.05), and the Shannon diversity and taxa richness followed the same pattern (F= 118.72, p= 0.05; and F= 176.33, p= 0.04, respectively). In contrast, the Pielou equitability did not differ within and outside the CU (F= 0.19, p= 0.74). The biotic index (Biological Monitoring Working Party) indicated that water quality was good or very good in the majority of cases. Most of the sampling sites were classified as ‘natural’ according to the RAP. The taxa richness was significantly related to habitat diversity (F= 7.24; p = 0.05), but no significant relationship was found between the habitat diversity and the Shannon diversity (F= 2.13, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: The CU was effective for the conservation of water quality and the freshwater biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates. The results show that the environmental integrity was related to the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates, primarily to the taxa richness. More detailed investigations need to be developed to better understand these relationships and to take into account the temporal scale. An analysis of the most significant sources of stress on the aquatic life outside the area is recommended.
Influence of local and landscape characteristics on the distribution and diversity of fish assemblages of streams in the Ivinhema River basin, Upper Paraná River
Authors: Lemke Ana Paula , Súarez Yzel Rondon
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES: Among the most relevant issues in community ecology is the influence of different ways of addressing the pattern of diversity and distribution of species, and based on this, the present study sought to evaluate the influence of landscape and local characteristics on the richness and composition of fish assemblages in the Ivinhema River basin. METHOD: In the present study, we used data of distribution of fish species in 25 stretches of streams of the Ivinhema River basin, Upper Paraná River, aiming to know the role of local characteristics and land use on fish assemblages. RESULTS: We identified 113 fish species, and those sampled in a greater number of sites were: Astyanax altiparanae and Serrapinnus notomelas. The richness varied between 4 and 65 species. The regression tree allowed explaining 89.3% of richness variation, and permitted to identify that altitude is the main predictor of richness. According to the canonical correspondence analysis, variables that most influenced the species distribution were: altitude, depth, width, velocity, conductivity and percentage of built-up areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that factors that most influenced fish assemblages in the Ivinhema River basin were physiographic and limnological characteristics, followed by land use.
Eribulin Monotherapy in Patients Aged 70 Years and Older With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Muss Hyman , Cortes Javier , Vahdat Linda T. , Cardoso Fatima , Twelves Chris , Wanders Jantien , Dutcus Corina E. , Yang Jay , Seegobin Seth , O'Shaughnessy Joyce
Published: March 2014

Purpose.

Following the demonstrated efficacy and safety of eribulin mesylate in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer, an exploratory analysis was performed to investigate the effect of age in these patients.

Methods.

Data were pooled from two single-arm phase II studies and one open-label randomized phase III study in which patients received eribulin mesylate at 1.4 mg/m2 as 2- to 5-minute intravenous infusions on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. The effect of age on median overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and incidence of adverse events (AEs) was calculated for four age groups (<50 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years, ≥70 years).

Results.

Overall, 827 patients were included in the analysis (<50 years, n = 253; 50–59 years, n = 289; 60–69 years, n = 206; ≥70 years, n = 79). Age had no significant impact on OS (11.8 months, 12.3 months, 11.7 months, and 12.5 months, respectively; p = .82), PFS (3.5 months, 2.9 months, 3.8 months, and 4.0 months, respectively; p = .42), ORR (12.7%, 12.5%, 6.3%, and 10.1%, respectively), or CBR (20.2%, 20.8%, 20.4%, and 21.5%, respectively). Although some AEs had higher incidence in either the youngest or the oldest subgroup, there was no overall effect of age on the incidence of AEs (including neuropathy, neutropenia, and leukopenia).

Conclusion.

Eribulin monotherapy in these selected older patients with good baseline performance status led to OS, PFS, ORR, CBR, and tolerability similar to those of younger patients with metastatic breast cancer. The benefits and risks of eribulin appear to be similar across age groups.
Mitomycin C and High-Dose 5-Fluorouracil With Folinic Acid as a Therapeutic Option for Heavily Pretreated Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Prospective Phase II Trial
Authors: Stec Rafał , Bodnar Lubomir , Smoter Marta , Korniluk Jan , Kuchar Agata , Młot Beata , Szczylik Cezary
Published: March 2014

Author Summary

Background.

Standard treatment for patients with unresectable colorectal cancer metastases includes chemotherapy regimens based on irinotecan, oxaliplatin, fluoropyrimidines, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, and anti-EGFR. Additional therapeutic options are needed for patients with good performance status who have disease progression during or after standard therapies.

Methods.

A nonrandomized phase II study was modeled as a two-stage Chen design. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with progression after prior cytotoxic regimens based on oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Treatment consisted of mitomycin C in combination with high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (the MLF regimen; mitomycin C as an intravenous bolus of 6 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 and 22 every 7 weeks; folinic acid at 250 mg/m2 in combination with 5-FU at 2,600 mg/m2 as a continuous intravenous infusion (24 hours) weekly for 6 of every 7 weeks.

Results.

The median age of the 74 eligible patients was 62 years (range: 47–79 years). In these heavily pretreated patients with mCRC, the MLF regimen was the fourth or fifth line in more than 60% of the patients. Two patients (3.2%) achieved a partial response, and 33 (53.2%) achieved a best response of stable disease, defined as neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for partial response nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease. Median progression-free survival was 4.9 months. The median overall survival was 9.7 months. The most common nonhematologic side effects included mucositis (24.4% for all grades, and 9.5% with grade 3/4), diarrhea (15.0% for all grades, 13.6% with grade 3/4), fatigue (44.7% for all grades, 13.6% with grade 3/4), nausea (12.3% for all grades, 6.8% with grade 3/4), and peripheral neuropathy (17.6% for all grades, 2.7% with grade 3/4). Among the most frequent hematological toxicities were neutropenia (27.1% for all grades, 14.9% with grade 3/4), thrombocytopenia (18.9% for all grades, 8.1% with grade 3/4), and anemia (13.6% for all grades, 4.1% with grade 3/4). Dose reductions due to adverse events were necessary in 29 of 74 patients (37.6%), and discontinuation of therapy due to toxicity was necessary for 14 of 74 patients (18.2%).

Conclusion.

Our study shows the MLF regimen can be administered safely to patients with heavily pretreated mCRC. Median progression-free and overall survival compares favorably with other options used or approved in this setting. A randomized trial in this setting should be considered.
Cervical Cancer Screening: The Complex Interplay of Medical Infrastructure, Society, and Culture
Authors: Goodman Annekathryn , Nour Nawal
Published: March 2014

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in many low- and middle-income countries. Key issues that must be addressed include the obstacle of poverty, the importance of community representatives, and the credibility of the medical establishment. Better understanding of the complex layers of social ecology and the social determinants of health will allow public health planners to build sustainable programs.
Scratch Traces of Large Ediacara Bilaterian Animals
Authors: Gehling James G. , Runnegar Bruce N. , Droser Mary L.
Published: April 2014

Ediacara fan-shaped sets of paired scratches Kimberichnus teruzzii from the Ediacara Member of the Rawnsley Quartzite, South Australia, and the White Sea region of Russia, represent the earliest known evidence in the fossil record of feeding traces associated with the responsible bilaterian organism. These feeding patterns exclude arthropod makers and point to the systematic feeding excavation of seafloor microbial mats by large bilaterians of molluscan grade. Since the scratch traces were made into microbial mats, animals could crawl over previous traces without disturbing them. The trace maker is identified as Kimberella quadrata, whose death masks co-occur with the mat excavation traces in both Russia and South Australia. The co-occurrence of animals and their systematic feeding traces in the record of the Ediacara biota supports previous trace fossil evidence that bilaterians existed globally before the Cambrian explosion of life in the ocean.
A Multicellular Alga with Exceptional Preservation from the Ediacaran of Nevada
Authors: Rowland Stephen M. , Rodriguez Margarita G.
Published: April 2014

Elainabella deepspringensisnew genus new species is a one-mm-wide, non-biomineralized, three-dimensionally preserved fossil with segmented branches and apparent cellular structure. A single specimen was recovered from an interval of black shale within the Ediacaran portion of the Esmeralda Member of the Deep Spring Formation at Mt. Dunfee in Esmeralda County, Nevada. We interpret the fossil to be the thallus of a multicellular alga of uncertain division. EDS spectral analysis indicates that the exceptional preservation is not due to phosphatization or pyritization. Rather, it appears to be a case of Burgess Shale-type preservation, involving the kerogenization of non-mineralizing organisms. The fossil-bearing shale is closely associated with stromatolites, and we suggest thatE. deepspringensismay have been an epibiont on stromatolites or other firm substrates. This is the first multicellular alga and the first occurrence of Burgess Shale-type preservation reported from the Ediacaran of Laurentia.
Does morphology reflect osteohistology-based ontogeny? A case study of Late Cretaceous pterosaur jaw symphyses from Hungary reveals hidden taxonomic diversity
Authors: Prondvai Edina , Bodor Emese R. , Ősi Attila
Published: March 2014

With a single complete mandible and 56 mandibular symphyseal fragments of various sizes, the Late Cretaceous Hungarian azhdarchid material has been considered one of the most extensive monospecific pterosaur assemblages in the world. Representing a broad size range, these elements have been thought to demonstrate a developmental series ofBakonydraco galaczi. As such, they were ideal to test whether absolute size and/or morphology reliably indicate relative ontogenetic stages in this pterosaur. Forty-five specimens were selected for multivariate morphometrics and classified into four size classes. After acquiring the morphometric data set, we thin-sectioned eight symphyses representing all size groups and classified them into relative ontogenetic stages based on qualitative microstructural inspection prior to quantitative histological analyses. Microstructural characters suggestive of developmental state were then quantified for intra- and interindividual uni- and multivariate analyses to test the correspondence among the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses. In contrast to our expectations, histological features identified the smallest specimen as an adult and not an early juvenile. The substantial size difference between this specimen and other adults, along with its distinct microanatomical and histological features, implies the presence of at least two pterosaur taxa in this symphysis assemblage. This hypothesis is further supported by multivariate morphometrics, which separate the smallest symphyses from all other specimens that form one continuous group. Although the latter group also shows considerable size variability in corresponding ontogenetic stages, this suggests developmental plasticity rather than the presence of even more taxa, and indicates that symphysis size and morphology are poor indicators of skeletal maturity in these animals. Hence, bone histology is an important independent test of the assessment of ontogenetic stage using size and morphology.
A novel unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite in canines
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi , Sakane Masataka , Watanabe Arata , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Wadano Yasuyoshi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: March 2014

A novel, unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite with a unidirectional and interconnected pore structure and an average pore size and porosity of 100–300 µm and 75%, respectively, was fabricated using a freeze-casting technique. The authors estimated the osteoconductive capacity and bioresorbable property of unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite following its long-term implantation in four dogs. A cortical bone defect at the proximal tibia and an osteochondral defect through the femur condyle were created. Unidirectional, porous hydroxyapatite was implanted into the each cavity. In the bone-defect model, bone ingrowth in one of the two samples at 1 year postimplantation was observed. In each sample at 2 and 3 years postimplantation, bone ingrowth as well as gradual resorption of unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite and the replacement by the trabecular bone was observed. The bone ingrowth area ratio (per cent of total newly formed bone area/unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite area of each region) was 0 and 36% after 1 year, 28% after 2 years and 49% after 3 years in each dog. In the osteochondral defect model, the resorption of unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite and bone remodeling were noted in all samples. Thus, unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite is bioresorbable and facilitates bone regeneration for several years after intraosseous implantation.
Spectroscopic determination of leaf morphological and biochemical traits for northern temperate and boreal tree species
Authors: Serbin Shawn P. , Singh Aditya , McNeil Brenden E. , Kingdon Clayton C. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: April 2014

The morphological and biochemical properties of plant canopies are strong predictors of photosynthetic capacity and nutrient cycling. Remote sensing research at the leaf and canopy scales has demonstrated the ability to characterize the biochemical status of vegetation canopies using reflectance spectroscopy, including at the leaf level and canopy level from air‐ and spaceborne imaging spectrometers. We developed a set of accurate and precise spectroscopic calibrations for the determination of leaf chemistry (contents of nitrogen, carbon, and fiber constituents), morphology (leaf mass per area, Marea), and isotopic composition (δ15N) of temperate and boreal tree species using spectra of dried and ground leaf material. The data set consisted of leaves from both broadleaf and needle‐leaf conifer species and displayed a wide range in values, determined with standard analytical approaches: 0.7–4.4% for nitrogen (Nmass), 42–54% for carbon (Cmass), 17–58% for fiber (acid‐digestible fiber, ADF), 7–44% for lignin (acid‐digestible lignin, ADL), 3–31% for cellulose, 17–265 g/m2 for Marea, and −9.4‰ to 0.8‰ for δ15N. The calibrations were developed using a partial least‐squares regression (PLSR) modeling approach combined with a novel uncertainty analysis. Our PLSR models yielded model calibration (independent validation shown in parentheses) R2 and the root mean square error (RMSE) values, respectively, of 0.98 (0.97) and 0.10% (0.13%) for Nmass, R2 = 0.77 (0.73) and RMSE = 0.88% (0.95%) for Cmass, R2 = 0.89 (0.84) and RMSE = 2.8% (3.4%) for ADF, R2 = 0.77 (0.69) and RMSE = 2.4% (3.9%) for ADL, R2 = 0.77 (0.72) and RMSE = 1.4% (1.9%) for leaf cellulose, R2 = 0.62 (0.60) and RMSE = 0.91‰ (1.5‰) for δ15N, and R2 = 0.88 (0.87) with RMSE = 17.2 g/m2 (22.8 g/m2) for Marea. This study demonstrates the potential for rapid and accurate estimation of key foliar traits of forest canopies that are important for ecological research and modeling activities, with a single calibration equation valid over a wide range of northern temperate and boreal species and leaf physiognomies. The results provide the basis to characterize important variability between and within species, and across ecological gradients using a rapid, cost‐effective, easily replicated method.
A study of the digestion process of sewage sludge from a dairy wastewater treatment plant to determine the composition and load of reject water
Authors: Da˛browski W.
Published: April 2014

The issue of reject water has to be considered in almost every biological municipal or industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that applies aerobic or anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. Reject water is usually returned to the beginning of the treatment process, which results in periodical disturbances in stable and efficient sewage treatment. Due to planned modernization of one of the biggest dairy WWTPs in Poland, a laboratory scale research has been carried out to determine quality characteristics of reject water. Aerobic and anaerobic digestion was applied to a mixture of two kinds of sludge: excessive and flotation. According to research performed by the author results (range value) of reject water were: 7.3 to 12.9 mg N-NH4/L after aerobic and 460.0 to 574.0 mg N-NH4/L after anaerobic digestion. The study has confirmed a higher value of organic substances in reject water after anaerobic digestion in comparison with aerobic. Due to high concentration of ammonia nitrogen in reject water obtained during co-digestion of excessive and flotation sludge, a separated system for its treatment should be applied. The results of research work presented in this paper provided a base for the project of the pilot installation with constructed wetland.
Hydrogenation of chloronitrobenzenes over Pd and Pt catalysts supported on cationic resins
Authors: Králik Milan , Vallušová Zuzana , Major Peter , Takáčová Adriana , Hronec Milan , Gašparovičová Dana
Published: March 2014

Liquid phase hydrogenation of chloronitrobenzene isomers (x-CNB x = 2, 3, 4) to the corresponding chloroanilines (x-CAN) at mild reaction conditions (0.6 MPa, 25°C, diethyl ether-methanol as solvents) over palladium and platinum catalysts containing 1 mass % of metal on trimethylammonium functionalized poly{styrene-co-divinylbenzene} (Dowex-D) was studied. The average selectivities to x-CAN over Pd/D-Cl and Pd/D-OH catalysts were 72 % and 42 %, respectively, at the x-CNB conversion of about 80 %. The average selectivities of 81 % and 84 % were achieved using Pt/D-Cl and Pt/D-OH, respectively, at the x-CNB conversion of approximately 90 %, whereas the average starting reaction rates were 1.2 × 10−3 mol g−1 s−1 and 2.6 × 10−3 mol g−1 s−1 (hydrogen consumption rate per mass of platinum), respectively. Under similar reaction conditions, using palladium catalysts supported on a resin with anionic groups anchored to polymeric chains at the average reaction rate equal to 3.8 × 10−3 mol g−1 s−1 (hydrogen consumption rate per mass of palladium), the selectivities from 85 % (2-CAN and 3-CAN) to 95 % (4-CAN) were achieved (Kratky et al., 2002).
Effect of apple pomace powder addition on farinographic properties of wheat dough and biscuits quality
Authors: Kohajdová Zlatica , Karovičová Jolana , Magala Michal , Kuchtová Veronika
Published: March 2014

In the present study, dietary fibre rich powders obtained from two apple cultivars (Gala, Golden Delicious) were analysed for their chemical composition and functional properties. Apple powders contained more than 50 mass % of total dietary fibre and showed high values of hydration properties such as water holding (11.73–18.34 g g−1), water retention (11.31–11.68 g g−1) and swelling capacity (7.19–8.03 cm3 g−1). Incorporation of apple pomace powders (5 mass %, 10 mass %, and 15 mass %) to wheat dough resulted in a significant increase of water absorption (58.60–71.80 mass %), dough development time (from 3.43 min to 5.53 min) and dough stability (from 9.40 min to 10.90 min). The results also indicate that an addition of higher amounts (10 mass % and 15 mass %) of apple pomace powders negatively affects the volume, thickness, width, and spread ratio of biscuits and reduces their overall acceptance. Sensory analysis also showed that no significant differences between the control biscuits and biscuits containing 5 mass % of apple pomace powder from cultivar Gala were found.
Effect of temperature on the equilibrium and kinetics of galactose, glucose, and lactose adsorption on a cation exchanger
Authors: Wiśniewski Łukasz , Vaňková Katarína , Ačai Pavel , Polakovič Milan
Published: March 2014

Galacto-oligosaccharides are typically produced by an enzymatic reaction when the post-reaction mixture contains considerable amounts of lactose and glucose and a smaller amount of galactose. In order to develop a process of chromatographic removal of saccharide impurities, adsorption equilibria and kinetics of these di- and monosaccharides were investigated for Diaion UBK 530, an industrialgrade strong cation-exchanger in the Na+ form. Frontal chromatographic experiments were carried out in the temperature range of 30–70°C and a broad interval of saccharide concentrations up to 350 g L−1. Breakthrough curves were described using the equilibrium-dispersive model with the linear adsorption isotherm. Both the distribution and the axial dispersion coefficient values depended on the saccharide molecule type and size. No significant effect of temperature or concentration on the distribution coefficient was observed. The apparent dispersion coefficients of all saccharides exhibited some decrease with the temperature, which was caused by the decrease of the intraparticle mass transfer resistance. An analysis showed that both the intraparticle mass transfer and the axial dispersion had a significant influence on the front dispersion.
Effects of propylene glycol supplementation on blood indicators of hepatic function, body condition score, milk fat-protein concentration and reproductive performance of dairy cows
Authors: Borş Silviu Ionuţ , Solcan Gheorghe , Vlad-Sabie Alina
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of propylene glycol on metabolic variables of hepatic function, body condition score, milk fat-protein concentration and reproductive performance of dairy cows after ending administration. Postparturient dairy cows (n = 200) of Holstein Friesian breed were divided into two groups of 100 individuals. The experimental group received during days 0-7 post partum an oral daily dose of 600 ml of propylene glycol; the control group was without any supplement. The hepatic enzymes, glucose, cholesterol and serum albumin were measured on days 10-15, 45-50 and 70 post partum. Reproduction indicators of dairy cows were calculated from the farm recording data and the milk data record from a regular dairy control (days 10, 20, 30, and 50 post partum). Animals that received propylene glycol in the first 7 days post partum had reduced activities of aspartate transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, elevated cholesterol concentration (P < 0.05) and low milk fat percentage (P < 0.05) compared to control animals. Direct influence of propylene glycol drenching on the calving to first oestrus interval was observed, the smallest values being detected for the cows in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that some blood indicators of hepatic function, milk fat concentration and calving to first oestrus interval can be improved for 70 days post partum by the use of propylene glycol drenching in the first 7 days post partum. The beneficial effect of this treatment could be evaluated by easily available data, which can be used by practitioners in the field to analyze fertility problems in dairy herds and more exactly to examine whether metabolic stress, among other factors, is involved in the fertility problem.