bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of proteomic profiles between endometrial caruncular and intercaruncular areas in ewes during the peri-implantation period
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Chao , Hou Zhuocheng , Miao Kai , Zhao Haichao , Wang Rui , Guo Min , Wu Zhonghong , Tian Jianhui , An Lei
Published: October 2013

The endometrium of sheep consists of plenty of raised aglandular areas called caruncular (C), and intensely glandular intercaruncular areas (IC). In order to better understand the endometrium involved mechanisms of implantation, we used LC-MS/MS technique to profile the proteome of ovine endometrial C areas and IC areas separately during the peri-implantation period, and then compared the proteomic profiles between these two areas. We successfully detected 1740 and 1813 proteins in C areas and IC areas respectively. By comparing the proteome of these two areas, we found 170 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (P < 0.05), functional bioinformatics analysis showed these DEPs were mainly involved in growth and remodeling of endometrial tissue, cell adhesion and protein transport, and so on. Our study, for the first time, provided a proteomic reference for elucidating the differences between C and IC areas, as an integrated function unit respectively, during the peri-implantation period. The results could help us to better understand the implantation in the ewes. In addition, we established a relatively detailed protein database of ovine endometrium, which provide a unique reference for further studies.
At the Bedside: Innate immunity as an immunotherapy tool for hematological malignancies
Authors: Locatelli Franco , Merli Pietro , Rutella Sergio
Published: October 2013

The identification of an anti-tumor effect displayed by cells of innate immunity has opened new scenarios, not only in the field of allo-HSCT but also for nontransplanted patients with hematological malignancies or solid tumors. Donor-derived NK cells have been shown to contribute to the eradication of malignant cells after allo-HSCT, when recipients lack ligands for their inhibitory receptors. These alloreactive donor NK cells can also kill recipient APCs and CTLs, thus preventing the occurrence of GvHD and graft rejection. The role of activating receptors on the capacity of NK cells to kill leukemia targets has become evident in the last years. The adoptive infusion of ex vivo-activated NK cells has been investigated recently in Phase I/II trials on patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors, with promising results. γδ T lymphocytes are also able to display anti-tumor activity—this providing the biological rationale for Phase I/II trials in lymphoproliferative disorders and solid tumors. Aminobisphosphonates are clinically available compounds able to boost γδ T cell function. As γδ T cells do not cause GvHD, they could also be transduced with tumor-associated chimeric antigen receptors and safely infused in allo-HSCT recipients. Basic aspects of innate immunity relevant to the field will be covered by a companion review article.
Disruptive communication: Stealth signaling in the toadfish
Authors: Mensinger Allen F.
Published: October 2013

Male oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, produce long duration (250 to 650 msec duration) sexual advertisement calls or "boatwhistles" during the breeding season. When males are in close proximity, the fishes alternate the production of boatwhistles with other males to avoid call overlap. However, males can also produce a number of different sounds, including a single, short duration pulse or "grunt" (~100 ms). The vocalizations of competing males were recorded in situ with multiple hydrophones to examine intraspecific interactions. These short grunts were emitted almost exclusively during the boatwhistle of a conspecific male. The fundamental frequency (or pulse repetition rate) of the boatwhistles were modified by this disruptive grunt, "jamming" the signal and decreasing its frequency. The disruptive grunt specifically targeted the second stage or tonal portion of the boatwhistle, believed to be the primary acoustic attractant for females, and its brevity and precision may allow its emitter to remain undetectable. While the acoustic repertoire of teleost fishes may be less diverse compared to terrestrial species, the disruptive grunts indicate fish have the capacity for complex acoustic interactions.
Managing Conflicts in Relational Contracts
Authors: Li Jin , Matouschek Niko
Published: October 2013

A manager and a worker are in an infinitely repeated relationship in which the manager privately observes her opportunity costs of paying the worker. We show that the optimal relational contract generates periodic conflicts during which effort and expected profits decline gradually but recover instantaneously. To manage a conflict, the manager uses a combination of informal promises and formal commitments that evolves with the duration of the conflict. Finally, we show that liquidity constraints limit the manager's ability to manage conflicts but may also induce the worker to respond to a conflict by providing more effort rather than less. (JEL C73, D74, D86, J33, J41, M12)
Constructing Discrete Unbounded Distributions with Gaussian-Copula Dependence and Given Rank Correlation
Authors: Avramidis Athanassios N.
Published: October 2013

A random vector X with given univariate marginals can be obtained by first applying the normal distribution function to each coordinate of a vector Z of correlated standard normals to produce a vector U of correlated uniforms over (0,1) and then transforming each coordinate of U by the relevant inverse marginal. One approach to fitting requires, separately for each pair of coordinates of X, the rank correlation, r(ρ), or the product-moment correlation, rL(ρ), where ρ is the correlation of the corresponding coordinates of Z, to equal some target r*. We prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution for any feasible target, without imposing restrictions on the marginals. For the case where r(ρ) cannot be computed exactly because of an infinite discrete support, the relevant infinite sums are approximated by truncation, and lower and upper bounds on the truncation errors are developed. With a function [Formula: see text] defined by the truncated sums, a bound on the error r(ρ*) − r* is given, where ρ* is a solution to [Formula: see text]. Based on this bound, an algorithm is proposed that determines truncation points so that the solution has any specified accuracy. The new truncation method has potential for significant work reduction relative to truncating heuristically, largely because as required accuracy decreases, so does the number of terms in the truncated sums. This is quantified with examples. The gain appears to increase with the heaviness of tails.
Resource-Constrained Assignment Problems with Shared Resource Consumption and Flexible Demand
Authors: Rainwater Chase , Geunes Joseph , Romeijn H. Edwin
Published: October 2013

This paper considers a very general class of customer-to-resource assignment problems relevant to a variety of manufacturing contexts. This problem class addresses settings in which subsets of customer types share resource capacities as well as a fixed amount of capacity consumption, independent of production volume. More broadly, our model addresses cross-facility production limits and shared capacity consumption within each customer type. To solve these large-scale optimization problems, we apply a branch-and-price solution approach. This approach relies on an effective solution method for a novel class of nonlinear knapsack pricing problems. As our computational results demonstrate, despite the fact that the resulting master problem is not a simple set-partitioning problem, the problem's relaxation is sufficiently tight to produce an algorithm that significantly outperforms CPLEX for a wide range of problem parameter settings.
Bilothorax as a rare sign of intra-abdominal bile leak in a patient without peritonitis
Authors: Jenkinson MRJ , Campbell W , Taylor MA
Published: October 2013

We present the case of a 60-year-old patient who developed a right-sided bilothorax following para-aortic lymph node sampling. Bilothorax is a very rare condition, with most of the reported cases resulting from direct flow of bile from the biliary system to the pleural space through a fistula or other defect in the diaphragm. In this case, there was no obvious communication found between peritoneal and pleural spaces. Our patient proceeded to an exploratory laparotomy following this finding in the absence of peritonitis. Bilothorax should be considered in patients who develop a progressive pleural effusion following upper gastrointestinal surgery, particularly if it involves manipulation of the biliary system.
Successful surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection without the use of blood products
Authors: Papalexopoulou N , Attia RQ , Bapat VN
Published: October 2013

We report successful surgical treatment of type A aortic dissection in a Jehovah’s Witness without the use of any blood products. An interposition graft replacement of the ascending aorta was carried out. This was under right axillo-atrial cardiopulmonary bypass with antegrade cerebral perfusion via right a subclavian and left carotid cannula for 24 minutes at 28ºC. Body temperature was kept at 32ºC throughout. Autologous transfusion was deployed using cell salvage and a preoperative haemodilution technique. The patient was given tranexamic acid, desmopressin, recombinant factor VIIa, folic acid and epoetin alfa.

Patients who object to transfusion represent a significant challenge, especially those who are at a high risk of coagulopathy associated with inherent aortic dissection leading to perturbed haemodynamics, cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest. Type A aortic dissection repair is possible in patients refusing the use of blood products with blood salvage techniques and synthetic products that can limit the risk of bleeding. Minimal hypothermia is vital to preserve platelet function and avoid coagulopathy. Thus, a combination of normothermic/minimal hypothermia and antegrade cerebral protection with a blood conservation strategy can be deployed for a successful surgical outcome in aortic dissection without transfusion.
Variations in selective nerve root block technique
Authors: Eastley NC , Spiteri V , Newey ML
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Much literature reports on selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) in cases of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Unfortunately, authors only inconsistently reveal the exact needle tip position relative to the causative pathology at the time of injection. Different injection sites may provide different symptomatic benefits. We investigated the variation in injection techniques of practitioners working in the UK.

Methods

A clinical scenario was devised depicting a patient with radiculopathy secondary to an L4/5 vertebral disc prolapse. Participants were questioned on their chosen management of this patient, focusing particularly on SNRB technique. Questionnaires were sent to spinal surgeons, pain management specialists and musculoskeletal radiologists.

Results

A total of 100 responses were detailed enough for inclusion. The majority (83%) of respondents reported they would inject local anaesthetic and steroids, 4% would inject local anaesthetic alone and 13% would inject a different substance. Over half (53%) would target the L5 nerve root, 26% the L4 nerve root, 12% the prolapsed disc itself and 9% two separate vertebral levels. Variation was also noted in needle tip location relative to the neural sheath.

Conclusions

When treating lumbar radiculopathy, there are apparent variations in the use and positioning of SNRBs for a given level of disc pathology. Needle tip position may have a direct influence on clinical outcome following SNRBs. Caution is therefore required when considering the validity of previously published studies investigating SNRBs and different injectates.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome following total thyroidectomy
Authors: Hung J AZ , Rajeev P
Published: October 2013

Group A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome following clean surgery is a rare occurrence. Its incidence following thyroid surgery has not been described in the literature. We report on the presentation and management of severe streptococcal toxic shock syndrome following a total thyroidectomy for a multinodular goitre in a patient with Cowden syndrome. This report presents an overview of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with a focus on the management issues to consider so as to improve patient outcome. All surgeons must maintain a high index of suspicion for this rare but dangerous entity.
Natural history of acalculous biliary symptoms
Authors: Warwick AM , Bintcliffe F , Wu E , Stell D
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The radiological criteria for the diagnosis of gallbladder disease rely largely on the detection of calculi using ultrasonography. Patients may, however, suffer symptoms typical of biliary pain without detectable gallstones. The aim of this study was to identify a cohort of patients presenting with recurrent episodes of biliary symptoms in the absence of identifiable pathology on ultrasonography and to record the outcome of subsequent imaging investigations.

Methods

Records of patients having abdominal ultrasonography during a four-month period in 2006 were accessed retrospectively and those with symptoms suggesting biliary disease were identified. Radiology records were reviewed over a five-year follow-up period to identify patients undergoing further imaging for recurrent biliary symptoms and outcomes were recorded.

Results

A total of 512 patients had ultrasonography for investigation of symptoms consistent with biliary disease. Almost half (41.2%) of these were found to have gallbladder pathology on ultrasonography and 4.7% of patients went on to have further investigations for similar symptoms without achieving a diagnosis. The median age of this group was 47 years and 75% of these patients were female. During the follow-up period, 2.6% of patients with biliary symptoms and initially normal ultrasonography developed gallstones and in 1.3% pancreatitis was demonstrated on imaging.

Conclusions

A small minority of patients who present with biliary symptoms and have no abnormality on ultrasonography present with recurrent symptoms or develop significant biliary pathology. These patients should be identified by interview at routine follow-up visits and further investigations should be considered.
Operative treatment improves patient function in recalcitrant medial epicondylitis
Authors: Shahid M , Wu F , Deshmukh SC
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the outcome of open surgery for patients with recalcitrant medial epicondylitis following failed conservative management. The clinical results are presented for 15 patients (17 elbows) who were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 66 months. Operative treatment improved patient function significantly with a mean increase in grip strength of 10kg and a mean decrease (improvement) in DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score of 25.7. All but one patient experienced little or no residual elbow discomfort and had excellent Mayo elbow performance scores postoperatively. Eleven of the twelve patients who were previously in employment were able to return to work within eight weeks of surgery. This study demonstrates that operative treatment for recalcitrant medial epicondylitis is effective in restoring patient function and strength.
The role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis
Authors: Barlow AD , Haqq J , McCormack D , Metcalfe MS , Dennison AR , Garcea G
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to identify whether magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can be used selectively in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis to detect choledocholithiasis, based on liver function tests (LFTs) and ultrasonography appearance.

Methods

All patients admitted between January 2008 and January 2011 with gallstone pancreatitis (amylase >300u/l) who underwent MRCP were included in the study. LFTs and radiology reports were obtained from the respective computer systems. RESULTS Overall, 173 patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis underwent MRCP and 30% (52/173) showed choledocholithiasis. The mean bilirubin level was significantly higher in those with choledocholithiasis (46 ±5µmol/l vs 36 ±3µmol/l, p=0.0388) although there was no significant difference in alkaline phosphatase (276 ±25iu/l vs 229 ±16iu/l, p=0.1154). However, sensitivity of abnormal bilirubin (>21µmol/l) for choledocholithiasis was only 62% and specificity was 41%. Sensitivity of abnormal alkaline phosphatase (>140iu/l) for choledocholithiasis was only 75% and specificity was 37%. There was a significant association between biliary dilatation on ultrasonography and choledocholithiasis on MRCP (p=0.0099) although the sensitivity of biliary dilatation for choledocholithiasis was only 44% and the specificity was 79%. Furthermore, there was no difference in the incidence of choledocholithiasis on MRCP for those patients with persistently deranged LFTs versus those whose LFTs returned to normal (relative risk: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 0.61–1.89, p=1.00). Overall, 10% of patients with choledocholithiasis on MRCP had entirely normal LFTs on admission and no biliary dilatation or choledocholithiasis on ultrasonography.

Conclusions

All patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis should undergo specific imaging, preferably MRCP, to exclude choledocholithiasis as LFTs and ultrasonography are inaccurate in predicting common bile duct stones.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology for the Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Hall Brian J. , Schmidt Robert L. , Sharma Rohit R. , Layfield Lester J.
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

To perform a thorough review and meta-analysis of studies that have shown non–image-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to be highly sensitive and specific for assessing questionable metastatic melanoma to lymph nodes.

Methods:

MEDLINE and Scopus were searched for potentially relevant articles with a search string including the words “melanoma” and “fine needle.” All relevant articles were screened by two authors (B.J.H. and R.L.S.). Full articles were screened for extractable data, and the data was pooled for analysis.

Results:

Of 978 unique studies found, 10 (5,518 cases) met our inclusion criteria. In a pooled analysis of palpation and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirations, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–1.00). The summary estimates for the sensitivity and specificity were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.98–1.00), respectively.

Conclusions:

With a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 0.99, the overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC for metastatic melanoma is quite high, and with a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 58 and 0.03, FNAC for metastatic melanoma should be the first-line option in a patient with a clinically suspected mass and a history of melanoma.
Review
Authors: Bird Jessica
Published: October 2013

Beauty Shop Politics: African American Women’s Activism in the Beauty Industry, Tiffany M. Gill (2010) Urbana: University of Illinois Press, ix, 192 pp., ISBN-13: 978-0252076961 (pbk), $25.00
Review
Authors: Mertens Jacob
Published: October 2013

Walking through Limbo’s German Expressionistic Nightmare. Limbo, Playdead (2010) Redmond, WA,USA/Copenhagen, Denmark: Microsoft Game Studios/Playdead, $9.99 (USD)
Pear Drying: Thermodynamics Studies and Coefficients of Convective Heat and Mass Transfer
Authors: da Silva Alexandre Navarro , dos Reis Coimbra Jane Sélia , Botelho Fernando Mendes , de Moraes Moysés Naves , de Faria Janaína Teles , Bezerra Maria da Conceição Trindade , Martins Márcio Arêdes , Marcos de Oliveira Siqueira Antônio
Published: October 2013

The objective of this work was to study the convective drying process used for cylindrical samples of two different pear varieties, one originating from Europe (Pyrus communis) and the other from Asia (Pyrus pyrifolia), submitted to two blanching treatments, as well as determine some coefficients referring to heat and mass transfer and thermodynamic parameters of the process, being: enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and Gibbs energy of activation (ΔG*). All samples were dried in a forced air oven at temperatures of (62, 76, 84 and 92)°C until reaching a constant mass. The heat and mass transfer coefficients referring to the constant and falling-rate drying periods were obtained by adjusting the experimental data to wet bulb temperature and liquid diffusion models, respectively. The heat and mass transfer coefficients varied linearly with temperature. Blanching altered the drying behavior of the two varieties in relation to the non-blanched samples, mainly at the elevated drying temperatures of 84°C and 92°C. ΔH* and ΔS* decreased while ΔG* increased with the elevation of drying temperature; therefore, it was possible to verify that variation in the diffusion process in pears during drying is dependent on energetic contributions of the environment.
SNPs within the GH-signaling pathway are associated with the early IGF1 response to GH replacement therapy in GHD adults
Authors: Glad Camilla A M , Barbosa Edna J L , Filipsson Nyström Helena , Carlsson Lena M S , Nilsson Staffan , Nilsson Anna G , Svensson Per-Arne , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: October 2013

Objective

GH-deficient (GHD) adults have reduced serum concentrations of IGF1. GH replacement therapy increases serum IGF1 concentrations, but the interindividual variation in treatment response is large and likely influenced by genetic factors. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes within the GH signaling pathway influence the serum IGF1 response to GH replacement.

Design and methods

A total of 313 consecutive GHD adults (58.1% men; mean age 49.7 years) were studied before and after 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year of GH treatment. GH dose was individually titrated to normalize serum IGF1 levels. Six SNPs in the GH receptor (GHR) and the GH signaling pathway (JAK2,STAT5B,SOCS2, andPIK3CB) genes were selected for genotyping. TheGHRexon 3-deleted/full-length (d3/fl) polymorphism was analyzed using tagSNP rs6873545.

Results

After 1 week of GH replacement, homozygotes of the fl-GHR showed a better IGF1 response to GH than carriers of the d3-GHR (P=0.016). Conversely, homozygotes of the minor allele ofPIK3CBSNP rs361072 responded better than carriers of the major allele (P=0.025). Compared with baseline, both SNPs were associated with the IGF1 response at 6 months (P=0.041 andP=0.047 respectively), and SNP rs6873545 was further associated with the IGF1 response at 1 year (P=0.041).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that common genetic variants in the GH signaling pathway may be of functional relevance to the response to GH replacement in GHD adults.
Estradiol regulates GH-releasing peptide's interactions with GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin in postmenopausal women
Authors: Norman Catalina , Rollene Nanette L , Erickson Dana , Miles John M , Bowers Cyril Y , Veldhuis Johannes D
Published: October 2013

Objective

Estrogen stimulates pulsatile secretion of GH, via mechanisms that are largely unknown. An untested hypothesis is that estradiol (E2) drives GH secretion by amplifying interactions among GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SS), and GH-releasing peptide (GHRP).

Design

The design comprised double-blind randomized prospective administration of transdermal E2vs placebo to healthy postmenopausal women (n=24) followed by pulsatile GHRH or SS infusions for 13 h overnight with or without continuous GHRP2 stimulation.

Methods

End points were mean concentrations, deconvolved secretion, and approximate entropy (ApEn; a regularity measure) of GH.

Results

By generalized ANOVA models, it was observed that E2vs placebo supplementation: i) augmented mean (13-h) GH concentrations (P=0.023), GHRH-induced pulsatile GH secretion over the first 3 h (P=0.0085) and pulsatile GH secretion over the next 10 h (P=0.054); ii) increased GHRP-modulated (P=0.022) and SS-modulated (P<0.001) GH ApEn; and iii) did not amplify GHRH/GHRP synergy during pulsatile GH secretion. By linear regression, E2concentrations were found to be positively correlated with GH secretion during GHRP2 infusion (P=0.022), whereas BMI was found to be negatively correlated with GH secretion during GHRH (P=0.006) and combined GHRH/GHRP (P=0.015) stimulation. E2and BMI jointly determined triple (combinedl-arginine, GHRH, and GHRP2) stimulation of GH secretion after saline (R2=0.44 andP=0.003) and pulsatile GHRH (R2=0.39 andP=0.013) infusions.

Conclusion

In summary, in postmenopausal women, E2supplementation augments the amount (mass) and alters the pattern (regularity) of GH secretion via interactions among GHRH, SS, GHRP, and BMI. These outcomes introduce a more complex model of E2supplementation in coordinating GH secretion in aging women.
Peri-Implant Strain in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Hussaini Souheil , Vaidyanathan Tritala K. , Wadkar Abhinav P. , Quran Firas A. Al , Ehrenberg David , Weiner Saul
Published: October 2013

An in vitro experimental model was designed and tested to determine the influence that peri-implant strain may have on the overall crestal bone. Strain gages were attached to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) models containing a screw-type root form implant at sites 1 mm from the resin-implant interface. Three different types of crown superstructures (cemented, 1-screw [UCLA] and 2-screw abutment types) were tested. Loading (1 Hz, 200 N load) was performed using a MTS Mechanical Test System. The strain gage data were stored and organized in a computer for statistical treatment. Strains for all abutment types did not exceed the physiological range for modeling and remodeling of cancellous bone, 200–2500 μɛ (microstrain). For approximately one-quarter of the trials, the strain values were less than 200 μɛ the zone for bone atrophy. The mean microstrain obtained was 517.7 μɛ. In conclusion, the peri-implant strain in this in vitro model did not exceed the physiologic range of bone remodeling under axial occlusal loading.
In vitro trypanocidal activity of solamargine and extracts from Solanum palinacanthum and Solanum lycocarpum of brazilian cerrado
Authors: MOREIRA RAQUEL R.D. , MARTINS GILMARCIO Z. , MAGALHAES NATHALIA O. , ALMEIDA ADELIA E. , PIETRO ROSEMEIRE C.L.R. , SILVA FLAVIA A. J. , CICARELLI REGINA M.B.
Published: October 2013

The present investigation was to evaluate the potential trypanocidal activity of crude ethanolic extract of the fruits of Solanum palinacanthum, Solanum lycocarpum and the glycoalcaloid, solamargine. S. palinacanthum and S. lycocarpum fruit powders were submitted to exhaustively extraction with 96% ethanol and solamargine were isolated from the extract of S. palinacanthum. Both extracts and solamargine were analysed for trypanocidal activity by using MTT colorimetric assay. Extracts of S. palinacanthum showed to be more active (IC50 = 175.9 µg.ml–1) than S. lycocarpum (IC50 = 194.7 µg.ml–1). Solamargine presented a strong activity (IC50 = 15.3 µg.ml–1), which can explain the better activity of the both extracts. Benznidazol (IC50 = 9.0 µg.ml–1) is the only drug used to treat Chagas' disease. These findings demonstrate for the first time that ethanol extracts obtained from both fruits of S. palinacanthum and S. lycocarpum and also solamargine have a potential anti-trypanosomal activity.
The Brazilian research contribution to knowledge of the plant communities from Antarctic ice free areas
Authors: PEREIRA ANTONIO B. , PUTZKE JAIR
Published: October 2013

This work aims to summarize the results of research carried out by Brazilian researchers on the plant communities of Antarctic ice free areas during the last twenty five years. Since 1988 field work has been carried out in Elephant Island, King George Island, Nelson Island and Deception Island. During this period six papers were published on the chemistry of lichens, seven papers on plant taxonomy, five papers on plant biology, two studies on UVB photoprotection, three studies about the relationships between plant communities and bird colonies and eleven papers on plant communities from ice free areas. At the present, Brazilian botanists are researching the plant communities of Antarctic ice free areas in order to understand their relationships to soil microbial communities, the biodiversity, the distribution of the plants populations and their relationship with birds colonies. In addition to these activities, a group of Brazilian researchers are undertaking studies related to Antarctic plant genetic diversity, plant chemistry and their biotechnological applications.
Anurans in a forest remnant in the transition zone between cerrado and atlantic rain forest domains in southeastern Brazil
Authors: PIRANI RENATA M. , NASCIMENTO LUCIANA B. , FEIO RENATO N.
Published: October 2013

This study presents the species richness, temporal distribution and reproductive activity of anurans from the Uaimií State Forest (Floresta Estadual do Uaimií – FLOE Uaimií), situated in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region, municipality of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Field activities were performed monthly from September 2009 to August 2010. We recorded 36 anurans species, distributed in 10 families. The greatest richness of the sampled sites corresponds to a permanent rivulet in a secondary forest. The majority of anuran species presented seasonal vocalization activity pattern, mainly in the rainy season. The anuran species composition of FLOE Uaimií is similar to others studied areas from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region.
Handling sticky Resin by Stingless Bees: Adhesive Properties of Surface Structures
Authors: GASTAUER MARKUS , CAMPOS LUCIO A.O. , WITTMANN DIETER
Published: October 2013

Many Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) like Tetragonisca angustula collect resin to defend their nests against intruders like ants or Robber Bees. Small portions of resin are attached to intruders bodies and extremities causing their immobilization. It has been observed that resin is removed easily from the bee's mandible but adheres strongly to the intruder's cuticle. We tested the hypothesis that resin sticks lesser to the mandibles of Stingless Bees than to the surface of intruders due to special surface structures or adhesive properties of these structures. The surface structures of the mandible of T. angustula and the trochanter of Camponotus sericeiventris were studied by scanning electron microscopy. To measure adhesion properties, selected surfaces were fixed on a fine glass pin and withdrawn from a glass tip covered with resin. The deformation of the glass pin indicates adhesion forces operating between the resin and the selective surface. The absolute value of the forces is computed from the glass pin's stiffness. It has been shown that resin sticks more to the smooth mandible of the bee than to the structured trochanter of the ant. A new hypothesis to be tested says that the bees might lubricate their mandibles with nectar or honey to reduce the resin's adhesion temporarily.
The role of phytophysiognomies and seasonality on the structure of ground-dwelling anuran (Amphibia) in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil
Authors: MARAGNO FRANCIELE P. , SANTOS TIAGO G. , CECHIN SONIA Z.
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT Considering that habitat use by amphibians is related both with climate and environmental features, we tested the hypothesis that anuran assemblages found in different phytophysiognomies and in different seasons vary in structure. Additionally, we searched for species which can be indicators of habitat and seasons. The study was conducted in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil. Sampling was done through pitfall traps placed in three phytophysiognomies: grassland, ecotone grassland/forest; and forest. The seasonality factor was created by grouping months in warn and cold seasons. Sixteen species were found and the assemblages were influenced both by phytophysiognomies and climatic seasonality. In a paired comparison, the three phytophysiognomies differed in structure of assemblage from each other. Physalaemus henselii, P. riograndensis, Pseudopaludicola falcipes and Pseudis minuta were indicators of ecotone. Leptodactylus gracilis and Physalaemus biligonigerus were indicators of grassland. None species was indicator of forest. Most of the species were indicators of warm season: Elachistocleis bicolor, Leptodactylus fuscus, L. gracilis, L. latinasus, L. latrans, L. mystacinus, Physalaemus biligonigerus, P. cuvieri and Pseudis minuta. None species was indicator of cold season. We found that even for species of open areas, as Pampa, heterogeneous phytophysiognomies are important for maintaining abundance and constancy of populations of anuran.
Evaluation of wound healing and antimicrobial properties of aqueous extract from Bowdichia virgilioides stem barks in mice
Authors: AGRA ISABELA K.R. , PIRES LUANA L.S. , CARVALHO PAULO S.M. , SILVA-FILHO EURIPEDES A. , SMANIOTTO SALETE , BARRETO EMILIANO
Published: October 2013

The decoction of the stem barks from Bowdichia virgilioides KUNTH is a folk remedy used to treat inflammatory disorders in Latin American and Brazil. In the present study, the wound healing activity of aqueous extract of the stem bark from B. virgilioides, called AEBv, was evaluated by the rate of healing by wound contraction and period of epithelization at different days post-wound using the wound excisional model. On day 9, the AEBv-treated animals exhibited significative reduction in the wound area when compared with controls. In wound infected with S. aureus, the AEBv significantly improved the wound contraction when compared to the saline-treated mice. The histological analysis showed that AEBv induced a collagen deposition, increase in the fibroblast count and few inflammatory cells than compared to saline-treated group. The expression of collagen type I was increased in the group treated with AEBv as indicated by immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, the AEBv was effective only against S. aureus but not against P. aeruginosa. Together, the results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, the healing and antimicrobiological effects of aqueous extract of the stem bark from B. virgilioides in the therapy of skin wounds.
Predictive factors of subjective sleep quality and insomnia complaint in patients with stroke: implications for clinical practice
Authors: ROCHA PATRICIA C. DA , BARROSO MARINA T.M. , DANTAS ANA AMALIA T.S.G. , MELO LUCIANA P. , CAMPOS TANIA F.
Published: October 2013

The complaints regarding sleep problems have not been well identified after a stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors of sleep quality and insomnia complaints in patients with stroke. A total of 70 subjects, 40 patients (57 ± 7 years) and 30 healthy controls (52 ± 6 years) assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Sleep Habits Questionnaire took part in the study. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, the Student's t-test and logistic regression analysis. On average, the patients showed poor sleep quality (patients: 6.3 ± 3.5; controls: 3.9 ± 2.2; p= 0.002) and insomnia complaint was the most prevalent (patients: 37.5%; controls: 6.7%; p= 0.007). The absence of insomnia complaint (OR= 0.120; 95%CI= 0.017-0.873; p= 0.036) and the decreased latency of sleep (OR= 0.120; 95%CI= 0.017-0.873; p= 0.036) were the protective factors of sleep quality. Female sex (OR= 11.098; 95%CI= 1.167-105.559; p= 0.036) and fragmented sleep (OR= 32.040; 95%CI= 3.236-317.261; p= 0.003) were the risk factors for insomnia complaint. We suggest that complaints of poor sleep quality and insomnia should be given priority assessment during clinical diagnosis of sleep disorders in stroke.
Regional movements of the tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, off northeastern Brazil: inferences regarding shark attack hazard
Authors: HAZIN FABIO H.V. , AFONSO ANDRE S. , CASTILHO PEDRO C. DE , FERREIRA LUCIANA C. , ROCHA BRUNO C.L.M.
Published: October 2013

An abnormally high shark attack rate verified off Recife could be related to migratory behavior of tiger sharks. This situation started after the construction of the Suape port to the south of Recife. A previous study suggested that attacking sharks could be following northward currents and that they were being attracted shoreward by approaching vessels. In this scenario, such northward movement pattern could imply a higher probability of sharks accessing the littoral area of Recife after leaving Suape. Pop-up satellite archival tags were deployed on five tiger sharks caught off Recife to assess their movement patterns off northeastern Brazil. All tags transmitted from northward latitudes after 7-74 days of freedom. The shorter, soak distance between deployment and pop-up locations ranged between 33-209 km and implied minimum average speeds of 0.02-0.98 km.h−1. Both pop-up locations and depth data suggest that tiger shark movements were conducted mostly over the continental shelf. The smaller sharks moved to deeper waters within 24 hours after releasing, but they assumed a shallower (< 50 m) vertical distribution for most of the monitoring period. While presenting the first data on tiger shark movements in the South Atlantic, this study also adds new information for the reasoning of the high shark attack rate verified in this region.
Suape em construção, peões em luta: o novo desenvolvimento e os conflitos do trabalho
Authors: Oliveira Roberto Véras de
Published: October 2013

Este artigo discute, pela ótica do trabalho e de seus conflitos, a emergência de uma nova agenda de desenvolvimento no Brasil. Tem como foco as revoltas e greves dos trabalhadores que atuam na construção de dois dos principais empreendimentos do Complexo Industrial Portuário de Suape, a Refinaria Abreu e Lima e a Petroquímica Suape, durante os anos de 2011 e 2012. Esta abordagem pretende apreender os processos desencadeados pelos conflitos, mediações e negociações e o que tem estado em disputa, com as demandas dos trabalhadores e os discursos e práticas governamentais, empresariais e sindicais. Perguntamo-nos se essas mobilizações, além de trazerem ganhos imediatos para os trabalhadores, têm permitido que estes se façam reconhecer como legítimos portadores de demandas sociais. E em que medida tais demandas vêm sendo não só objeto de denúncia pública, mas, também, um modo de problematizar os termos que dão sustentação ao novo discurso desenvolvimentista.
A imagem do etanol como "desenvolvimento sustentável" e a (nova) morfologia do trabalho
Authors: Silva Maria Aparecida de Moraes , Verçoza Lúcio Vasconcellos de , Bueno Juliana Dourado
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste texto é a análise das relações e condições de trabalho nos canaviais, resultantes do processo de reconfiguração do trabalho, em face do momento atual, caracterizado pela intensificação do processo de mecanização do corte de cana. Em função da rapidez das mudanças ocorridas no processo de trabalho, considera-se que estas relações de trabalho devam ser analisadas no contexto da imagem do "desenvolvimento sustentável" produzida pelas empresas sucroalcooleiras e pelo Estado brasileiro. A intensificação da exploração da força de trabalho no quadro de uma (nova) morfologia combina, de um lado, tecnologias altamente avançadas, e, de outro, aumento da desqualificação da força de trabalho. As reflexões procurarão trazer à superfície a realidade social escondida atrás da ideologia fabricada para sustentar essa atividade econômica. Visa-se a uma análise crítica da ideologia desenvolvimentista inerente a essa produção. A metodologia empregada baseia-se na história oral e observação direta nos canaviais paulistas e alagoanos.
Juventude, trabalho e desenvolvimento: elementos para uma agenda de investigação
Authors: Cardoso Adalberto
Published: October 2013

A crise econômica pós-2008, acompanhada de grandes protestos sociais em toda parte, acendeu a luz vermelha nos países mais ricos quanto às oportunidades de trabalho e estudo dos jovens. Aumentou muito a proporção daqueles que não estudam nem trabalham, em especial na Espanha e na Grécia, mas o fenômeno é disseminado nos países mais ricos. O artigo mostra que, no Brasil, a condição "nem nem" é estrutural, e propõe um modelo analítico de explicação das transformações ocorridas entre 2000 e 2010. Sugere que as mudanças estruturais por que passou o país e as políticas públicas de redução de barreiras ao acesso à escola e ao mercado de trabalho reduziram o impacto das desigualdades regionais e aumentaram o peso da pobreza na explicação da condição "nem nem" dos jovens.
Revisitando a literatura sobre o empresariado industrial brasileiro: dilemas e controvérsias
Authors: Barbosa Agnaldo Sousa
Published: October 2013

Ao longo das últimas cinco décadas, diferentes tradições interpretativas se ocuparam da tarefa de buscar explicar a gênese do empresariado industrial brasileiro e analisar seu padrão de conduta do ponto de vista do empreendimento econômico e, por outro lado, diante das principais questões políticas do país. Não obstante ser esse um tema pulsante, tendo em vista a centralidade do papel a ser desempenhado por esse ator social na urdidura dos fios e tramas do processo de modernização capitalista do país no século XX, seu estudo não é objeto de uma produção profícua, ao contrário do que acontece, por exemplo, com as investigações sobre a classe operária. Este trabalho realiza um breve balanço do que julgamos constituir as mais expressivas dentre as variáveis possíveis na interpretação da experiência de classe do empresariado industrial, reivindicando a complexidade inerente ao tema em contraponto à generalização simplificadora recorrente na maioria dos trabalhos sobre o assunto.
Concentração regional do valor bruto de produção da banana do Paraná, Brasil ( 1995 a 2010)
Authors: Coelho Junior Luiz Moreira
Published: October 2013

Este estudo analisou o grau de concentração do valor bruto da produção de banana no estado do Paraná, no período 1995-2010. Os dados utilizados estão disponíveis no Instituto Paranaense de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social. O grau de concentração foi determinado por meio da Razão de Concentração, do Índice de Herfindahl-Hirschman e do Índice de Theil. No período estudado, foi observado um crescimento médio anual de 12,92% a.a. no valor bruto de produção da banana no Paraná; os polos de produção de banana se encontram na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba e a mesorregião do Norte Pioneiro; a razão de concentração municipal foi moderadamente alta a muito alta e, em nível microrregional, foi ainda mais concentrada; o índice de Herfindahl-Hirschman apresentou concentração com grandezas similares nos níveis mesorregional e microrregional. Enquanto indicador, o municipal apontou leve concentração; o índice de Theil mostrou concentração estacionária nos níveis microrregional e municipal e indicou concentração em nível de mesorregião.
O "clamor do pobre" e o "poder do povo": pobreza, cidadania e ação coletiva nas cidades da África Romana Tardia
Authors: Oliveira Julio Cesar Magalhães de
Published: October 2013

A passagem de um modelo cívico para um modelo cristão das relações sociais tem sido vista por muitos autores como uma das mais cruciais transformações da Antiguidade Tardia. Essa visão não deixa, porém, de ter o inconveniente de apresentar as categorias cívicas como fósseis destinados a desaparecer e o discurso sobre a caridade e a pobreza como uma força transformadora que dá um lugar aos "pobres", mas que não é nunca moldada por eles. O objetivo deste artigo é questionar a pertinência desta abordagem no caso particular das cidades da África do Norte durante os séculos IV e V Ao fazer isso, espero demonstrar como esse novo discurso sobre a caridade e a pobreza podia coexistir e se articular nos meios populares citadinos com as antigas noções de cidadania e de direitos como parte de um mesmo conjunto de estratégias de sobrevivência e de formas de ação coletiva.
A teia de relações entre índios e missionários: a complementaridade vital entre o abastecimento e o extrativismo na dinâmica econômica da Amazônia Colonial
Authors: Ravena Nirvia , Marin Rosa Elizabeth Acevedo
Published: October 2013

O artigo analisa o papel do abastecimento na dinâmica sócioeconômica da Amazônia no período colonial, através da descrição das relações sociais construídas entre índios e missionários nesse período. A análise apresenta a complementaridade entre o abastecimento e o extrativismo destacando as formas específicas que estas atividades assumiram na região. O artigo apresenta a domesticidade, a reciprocidade e a redistribuição como elementos chave na reprodução dos costumes indígenas no espaço dos aldeamentos. Por outro lado, demonstra também o papel que a demanda do mercado mundial pelas drogas do sertão impunha a esses grupos causando uma abrupta dizimação das populações indígenas que foram as responsáveis pela manutenção da vida na Amazônia Colonial.
O "imperscrutável vínculo": corpo e alma na medicina lusitana setecentista
Authors: Edler Flavio Coelho , Freitas Ricardo Cabral de
Published: October 2013

Este artigo discute a emergência do discurso médico sobre questões relativas ao comportamento transgressor no contexto intelectual lusitano do século XVIII, através das obras Dissertação sobre as paixões da alma (1753), de Antonio Ribeiro Sanches (1699-1783), e Medicina Theologica (1794), de Francisco de Melo Franco (1757-1823). Ambas escritas e publicadas durante as reformas ilustradas em Portugal, no período que se estende entre o consulado pombalino e o reinado mariano. Calcadas em referenciais filosóficos de matriz racional-empirista, os respectivos autores se utilizam de um vocabulário médico que se renovava através dos debates entre correntes vitalistas, animistas e mecanicistas, para interpelar os discursos tradicionais, sobretudo o Direito e a Teologia, e reivindicar a legitimidade do discurso médico para tratar da alma como um objeto próprio à sua jurisdição.
O comércio civiliza, Portugal oprime: a História do Brasil de John Armitage e a linguagem do humanismo comercial
Authors: Varella Flávia Florentino
Published: October 2013

O principal objetivo deste artigo consiste em apresentar a linguagem do humanismo comercial como horizonte historiográfico interpretativo para John Armitage na escrita de sua História do Brasil, publicada em 1836. Esta linguagem é definida por John Pocock como a junção dos conceitos de virtude e comércio, os quais compunham vocabulários políticos opostos antes do século XVIII, no intuito de formar uma nova linguagem em que a esfera do social adquiriu centralidade. Nesse sentido, o desenvolvimento das virtudes desse novo homem social deveria ser dado justamente no contato com pessoas e coisas propiciado pelo comércio. Armitage tendeu a caracterizar a história nacional brasileira como o inverso do que seria a história de uma sociedade comercial, principalmente pela restrição comercial que enfrentava e pela falta de estímulo de Portugal, tido como um país estagnado. Aliado a isso, Armitage também apresenta a figura de D. Pedro I como propícia a fomentar guerras ao invés de estimular o comércio e as interações sociais.