bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in ncRNA gene LOC284889 and MIF-794CATT repeats are associated with malaria susceptibility in Indian populations
Authors: Jha Aditya N , Sundaravadivel Pandarisamy , Pati Sudhanshu S , Patra Pradeep K , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: September 2013

Background

There are increasing evidences on the role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) as key regulator of cellular homeostasis.LOC284889is an uncharacterized ncRNA gene on reverse strand toMIFmapped to 22q11.23. MIF, a lymphokine, regulates innate immune response by up-regulating the expression ofTLR4, suppressing the p53 activity and has been shown to be involved in malaria pathogenesis.

Methods

In this study, the possible effect ofMIFvariations on malaria susceptibility was investigated by re-sequencing the completeMIFgene along with 1 kb each of 5′ and 3′ region in 425 individuals from malaria endemic regions of the Orissa and Chhattisgarh states of India. The subjects comprised of 160 cases of severe malaria, 101 of mild malaria and 164 ethnically matched asymptomatic controls. Data were statistically compared between cases and controls for their possible association withPlasmodium falciparummalarial outcome.

Results

It is the first study, which shows that the alleleA(rs34383331T > A) in ncRNA is significantly associated with increased risk toP. falciparummalaria [severe: OR = 2.08, p = 0.002 and mild: OR = 2.09, P = 0.005]. In addition, it has been observed that the higherMIF-794CATTrepeats (>5) increases malaria risk (OR = 1.61, p = 0.01). Further, diplotype (MIF-794CATTand rs34383331T > A)5 Tconfers protection to severe malaria (OR = 0.55, p = 0.002) while6A(OR = 3.07, p = 0.001) increases malaria risk.

Conclusions

These findings support the involvement of ncRNA in malarial pathogenesis and further emphasize the complex genetic regulation of malaria outcome. In addition, the study shows that the higherMIF-794CATTrepeats (>5) is a risk factor for severe malaria. The study would help in identifying people who are at higher risk to malaria and adapt strategies for prevention and treatment.
The effects of a medical hypnotherapy on clothing industry employees suffering from chronic pain
Authors: Roja Zenija , Kalkis Valdis , Roja Inara , Kalkis Henrijs
Published: September 2013

Background

Problems associated with pain in several body regions due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), repetitive movement and negative stress at work are quite common in many manufacturing industries of Latvia, int.al. clothing industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of the psychotherapeutic intervention using medical hypnotherapy (MH) program for mind-body relaxation with pain-blocking imagery, cognitive restructuring of unpleasant physical and emotional experience.

Methods

300 sewers and 50 cutters with chronic pain were involved in the study. Self-rated WRMDs symptoms, pain intensity and interference were assessed using the extended version of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Brief Pain Inventory Scale. Assessment of the functional state of muscles was carried out using myotonometric (MYO) measurements. Work heaviness degree was estimated via heart rate monitoring (HRM). The MH program was composed of cognitive hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis training. Sunnen Trance Scale was used to determine person’s hypnotic susceptibility. Life quality assessment before and after MH program was carried out using Quality of Life Scale.

Results

At the beginning of MH program sessions both sewers and cutters reported on pain interference with general activities, mood, sleep, normal work, etc., but after MH the interference of pain significantly decreased. HRM data confirmed that work heaviness degree of sewers and cutters can be referred to as light and moderate work (energy expenditure for their tasks varies from 3.4 till 4.7 kcal/min). Using MYO measurements it was stated that before MH 22% of workers involved in the study fell under III MYO category indices, consequently, their muscle tone was increased, which is associated with muscular fatigue. After MH muscle tone remained within the normal range meaning that they were able to adapt to the existing workload (II MYO category) or fully relax (I MYO category).

Conclusions

MH program including exercises-workouts, cognitive hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis training sessions is an effective method to decrease composite chronic pain intensity for sewers and cutters, as well as to decrease psychogenic tension and muscle fatigue (proved by objective measurements of muscles tone) and to increase the life quality.
An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wayu Tuka District, East Welega Zone of Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia
Authors: Megersa Moa , Asfaw Zemede , Kelbessa Ensermu , Beyene Abebe , Woldeab Bizuneh
Published: September 2013

Background

This paper reports an ethnobotanical study that focused on the traditional medicinal plants used by local communities to treat human and livestock ailments. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from September 2009 to June 2010 in Wayu Tuka District of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The aim of the study is to document medicinal plants used by local people of the study area and the threats currently affecting medicinal plants.

Methods

Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussion in which 63 (41 men & 22 women) randomly selected informants participated. Of which, 11 (10 male and 1 female) were local healers. Paired comparison method, direct matrix ranking and Informant consensus factors (ICF) were used to analyze the importance of some plant species.

Results

A total of 126 medicinal plant species, distributed in 108 genera and 56 families, were collected together with their medicinal uses. Of the 126 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, eighty six (68%) were obtained from the wild whereas thirty three (26%) were from homegardens. The Fabaceae came out as a leading family with 15 medicinal species while the Solanaceae followed with eight species. Seventy eight (62%) of the medicinal plants were reported as being used for treating human ailments, 23 (18.2%) for the treatment of livestock ailments and 25 (20%) for both. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (43%), followed by roots (18.5%) while crushing, which accounted for (29%) and powdering (28%) were the widely used methods of preparation of traditional herbal medicines.

Conclusion

The number of reported medicinal plants and their uses by the local people of the District indicate the depth of the local indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants and their application. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for future investigation of modern drug.
Multifocal infections of the musculoskeletal system: description of a safe one-step procedure for eradication of associated spinal infections
Authors: Voelker Anna , von der Hoeh Nicolas H , Gulow Jens , Tschoeke Sven Kevin , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard
Published: September 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after radical surgical treatment of multifocal infections involving the spine.

Methods

The study demonstrates a retrospective chart review of seven patients who had more than three different abscesses in the musculoskeletal system and at least one of them in the area of the spinal column. All patients had a sepsis.

Results

Beside different musculoskeletal abscesses four patients had a spondylodiscitis in the cervical spine segments C4/5 or C5/6. Six patients had inflammatory processes in the lumbar spine with epidural abscesses, diffuse thoracolumbar paravertebral abscesses and a spondylodiscitis in different segments. In all cases we performed a radical surgical treatment of all related inflammatory focuses. Prompt radical surgical treatment of the spine included decompression, debridement and in the cases of spondylodiscitis a fusion of the involved segments. For more than one focus at the spine, a surgical one-step procedure was performed. An antibiotic therapy was administered for six to eight weeks. In follow up examinations no signs of ongoing inflammatory processes were seen in imaging studies or laboratory tests.

Conclusions

In the event of multiple abscesses of the musculoskeletal system involving the spine an early correct diagnosis and radical surgical treatment is recommended. We strongly favor a surgical single-stage procedure for treatment of multiple infections of the spine. In addition to a radical debridement and a sufficient decompression, the segmental fusion of affected areas in spondylodiscitis is essential. At the same time a surgical therapy of all other infected sites should be performed.
The perspectives of iranian physicians and patients towards patient decision aids: a qualitative study
Authors: Rashidian Hamideh , Nedjat Saharnaz , Majdzadeh Reza , Gholami Jaleh , Haghjou Leila , Abdollahi Bahar Sadeghi , Davatchi Fereydoun , Rashidian Arash
Published: September 2013

Background

Patient preference is one of the main components of clinical decision making, therefore leading to the development of patient decision aids. The goal of this study was to describe physicians’ and patients’ viewpoints on the barriers and limitations of using patient decision aids in Iran, their proposed solutions, and, the benefits of using these tools.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in 2011 in Iran by holding in-depth interviews with 14 physicians and 8 arthritis patient. Interviewees were selected through purposeful and maximum variation sampling. As an example, a patient decision aid on the treatment of knee arthritis was developed upon literature reviews and gathering expert opinion, and was presented at the time of interview. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data by using the OpenCode software.

Results

The results were summarized into three categories and ten codes. The extracted categories were the perceived benefits of using the tools, as well as the patient-related and physician-related barriers in using decision aids. The following barriers in using patient decision aids were identified in this study: lack of patients and physicians’ trainings in shared decision making, lack of specialist per capita, low treatment tariffs and lack of an exact evaluation system for patient participation in decision making.

Conclusions

No doubt these barriers demand the health authorities’ special attention. Hence, despite patients and physicians’ inclination toward using patient decision aids, these problems have hindered the practical usage of these tools in Iran - as a developing country.
An alternative kernel-based method for estimating copepod growth rates from multimodal biomass distributions in artificial cohort experiments
Authors: Lin Kuan-Yu , Sastri Akash R , Hsieh Chih-hao
Published: September 2013

Background

Elucidating copepod growth and production rates is important in understanding the trophic role of copepods in marine systems. One of the most commonly used field methods for measuring copepod growth rates is the artificial cohort method.

Results

An ‘artificial cohort’ is established by limiting the incubated animals to relatively narrow size ranges or developmental stages. Thus, one can measure the change in body weight (BW; attributed to body growth) between the start and conclusion of incubation by following the shift in the biomass distribution. The critical issue here is determining how to describe the biomass distribution before and after incubation in a mathematically concise manner. Traditionally, the mean value of the biomass distribution is used as the representative BW, which assumes that the biomass distribution follows a unimodal distribution. However, in practice, the complex composition of copepod communities can commonly yield observations of multimodal distributions. To overcome this difficulty, we suggest that the representative BW of copepod communities be estimated by multiple-peak consideration instead of using the average value. Specifically, we used a kernel-based approach to determine peak values; as such, only BW values associated with a high frequency were used to determine the representative BW.

Conclusions

Through a comparison of different methods, we show that the multiple-peak consideration yielded a higher proportion of realistic growth rate values. In addition, we noted that growth rates estimated with the multiple-peak method were more closely aligned with predictions based on the metabolic theory of ecology.
A reform agenda for improving the delivery of ALMPs in the MENA region
Authors: Angel-Urdinola Diego F , Leon-Solano Rene A
Published: September 2013

Given the labor market challenges that countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are facing (notably high unemployment, prevalence of skills mismatches, low labor market mobility, and lack of formal employment networks), Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) could be a relevant policy instrument to assist unemployed individuals find jobs. This study first introduces a conceptual framework for ALMPs and describes their overall impact on employment outcomes. The study then reviews the provision of ALMPs in a selected group of countries in the MENA region, with a focus on public provision through existing public employment agencies. The study also presents the results of some of the few available robust evaluations of AMLPs the region, in a context where information about program effectiveness and efficiency is largely lacking. Finally, the study identifies key challenges in the delivery of publicly provided ALMPs in MENA countries, namely poor administrative capacity, system fragmentation, lack of governance and accountability, regulation bottlenecks, and flaws in program design. To address these challenges, the study proposes a reform agenda based on a four-pillar policy framework: (i) develop results-based Public Private Partnerships (PPPs); (ii) promote systems and program integration; (iii) develop results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks; and (iv) promote entrepreneurship/self-employment, on-the-job training and life skills training among job seekers.

JEL codes

J20, J30, J40, J50
Prolactin Activates ERα in the Absence of Ligand in Female Mammary Development and Carcinogenesis in Vivo
Authors: O'Leary Kathleen A. , Jallow Fatou , Rugowski Debra E. , Sullivan Ruth , Sinkevicius Kerstin W. , Greene Geoffrey L. , Schuler Linda A.
Published: September 2013

Resistance of estrogen receptor positive (ERα+) breast cancers to antiestrogens is a major factor in the mortality of this disease. Although activation of ERα in the absence of ligand is hypothesized to contribute to this resistance, the potency of this mechanism in vivo is not clear. Epidemiologic studies have strongly linked prolactin (PRL) to both development of ERα+ breast cancer and resistance to endocrine therapies. Here we employed genetically modified mouse models to examine the ability of PRL and cross talk with TGFα to activate ERα, using a mutated ERα, ERα(G525L), which is refractory to endogenous estrogens. We demonstrate that PRL promotes pubertal ERα-dependent mammary ductal elongation and gene expression in the absence of estrogen, which are abrogated by the antiestrogen, ICI 182,780 (ICI). PRL and TGFα together reduce sensitivity to estrogen, and 30% of their combined stimulation of ductal proliferation is inhibited by ICI, implicating ligand-independent activation of ERα as a component of their interaction. However, PRL/TGFα-induced heterogeneous ERα+ tumors developed more rapidly in the presence of ICI and contained altered transcripts for surface markers associated with epithelial subpopulations and increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b expression. Together, these data support strong interactions between PRL and estrogen on multiple levels. Ligand-independent activation of ERα suggests that PRL may contribute to resistance to antiestrogen therapies. However, these studies also underscore ERα-mediated moderation of tumor phenotype. In light of the high expression of PRL receptors in ERα+ cancers, understanding the actions of PRL and cross talk with other oncogenic factors and ERα itself has important implications for therapeutic strategies.
GABAB receptors play an essential role in maintaining sleep during the second half of the night in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gmeiner Florian , Kołodziejczyk Agata , Yoshii Taishi , Rieger Dirk , Nässel Dick R. , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte
Published: September 2013

GABAergic signalling is important for normal sleep in humans and flies. Here we advance the current understanding of GABAergic modulation of daily sleep patterns by focusing on the role of slow metabotropic GABAB receptors in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We asked whether GABAB-R2 receptors are regulatory elements in sleep regulation in addition to the already identified fast ionotropic Rdl GABAA receptors. By immunocytochemical and reporter-based techniques we show that the pigment dispersing factor (PDF)-positive ventrolateral clock neurons (LNv) express GABAB-R2 receptors. Downregulation of GABAB-R2 receptors in the large PDF neurons (l-LNv) by RNAi reduced sleep maintenance in the second half of the night, whereas sleep latency at the beginning of the night that was previously shown to depend on ionotropic Rdl GABAA receptors remained unaltered. Our results confirm the role of the l-LNv neurons as an important part of the sleep circuit in D. melanogaster and also identify the GABAB-R2 receptors as the thus far missing component in GABA-signalling that is essential for sleep maintenance. Despite the significant effects on sleep, we did not observe any changes in circadian behaviour in flies with downregulated GABAB-R2 receptors, indicating that the regulation of sleep maintenance via l-LNv neurons is independent of their function in the circadian clock circuit.
Fluorescent Micropatterning of Betainized Zwitterionic Polymer Bearing Mussel-inspired Catechol Moiety and Borondipyttomethane Fluorophores
Authors: Mosaiab Tamim , Lee Myoung Sub , Lee So Yeong , In Insik , Park Sung Young
Published: September 2013

Zwitterionic fluorescent polymers (ZFPs) are developed by using poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate), NIPAAm, and BODIPY fluorophores to examine the patterning characteristics based on mussel-inspired surface modification. Water contact angle measurements of ZFP show changes in the angle upon altering the pH. The ZFP was developed on PDMS stamps and imprinted onto a glass substrate, which provided a green fluorescent micropattern under a fluorescence microscope, making the ZFP a powerful tool for development of a useful patterned substrate for various applications.
Reprogramming diminishes retention of Mycobacterium leprae in Schwann cells and elevates bacterial transfer property to fibroblasts
Authors: Masaki Toshihiro , McGlinchey Aidan , Tomlinson Simon R. , Qu Jinrong , Rambukkana Anura
Published: September 2013

Background: Bacterial pathogens can manipulate or subvert host tissue cells to their advantage at different stages during infection, from initial colonization in primary host niches to dissemination. Recently, we have shown that Mycobacterium leprae (ML), the causative agent of human leprosy, reprogrammed its preferred host niche de-differentiated adult Schwann cells to progenitor/stem cell-like cells (pSLC) which appear to facilitate bacterial spread. Here, we studied how this cell fate change influences bacterial retention and transfer properties of Schwann cells before and after reprogramming.

Results: Using primary fibroblasts as bacterial recipient cells, we showed that non-reprogrammed Schwann cells, which preserve all Schwann cell lineage and differentiation markers, possess high bacterial retention capacity when co-cultured with skin fibroblasts; Schwann cells failed to transfer bacteria to fibroblasts at higher numbers even after co-culture for 5 days. In contrast, pSLCs, which are derived from the same Schwann cells but have lost Schwann cell lineage markers due to reprogramming, efficiently transferred bacteria to fibroblasts within 24 hours.

Conclusions: ML-induced reprogramming converts lineage-committed Schwann cells with high bacterial retention capacity to a cell type with pSLC stage with effective bacterial transfer properties. We propose that such changes in cellular properties may be associated with the initial intracellular colonization, which requires long-term bacterial retention within Schwann cells, in order to spread the infection to other tissues, which entails efficient bacterial transfer capacity to cells like fibroblasts which are abundant in many tissues, thereby potentially maximizing bacterial dissemination. These data also suggest how pathogens could take advantage of multiple facets of host cell reprogramming according to their needs during infection.
Analysis of three-layer composite plates with a new higher-order layerwise formulation
Authors: Maturi Dalal A. , Ferreira Antonio J.M. , Zenkour Ashraf M. , Mashat Daoud S.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we combine a new higher-order layerwise formulation and collocation with radial basis functions for predicting the static deformations and free vibration behavior of three-layer composite plates. The skins are modeled via a first-order theory, while the core is modeled by a cubic expansion with the thickness coordinate. Through numerical experiments, the numerical accuracy of this strong-form technique for static and vibration problems is discussed.
Differential Roles of Postsynaptic Density-93 Isoforms in Regulating Synaptic Transmission
Authors: Krüger Juliane M. , Favaro Plinio D. , Liu Mingna , Kitlińska Agata , Huang Xiaojie , Raabe Monika , Akad Derya S. , Liu Yanling , Urlaub Henning , Dong Yan , Xu Weifeng , Schlüter Oliver M.
Published: September 2013

In the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic synapses, the discs large (DLG)-membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of scaffolding proteins coordinates a multiplicity of signaling pathways to maintain and regulate synaptic transmission. Postsynaptic density-93 (PSD-93) is the most variable paralog in this family; it exists in six different N-terminal isoforms. Probably because of the structural and functional variability of these isoforms, the synaptic role of PSD-93 remains controversial. To accurately characterize the synaptic role of PSD-93, we quantified the expression of all six isoforms in the mouse hippocampus and examined them individually in hippocampal synapses. Using molecular manipulations, including overexpression, gene knockdown,PSD-93knock-out mice combined with biochemical assays, and slice electrophysiology both in rat and mice, we demonstrate that PSD-93 is required at different developmental synaptic states to maintain the strength of excitatory synaptic transmission. This strength is differentially regulated by the six isoforms of PSD-93, including regulations of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor-active and inactive synapses, and activity-dependent modulations. Collectively, these results demonstrate that alternative combinations of N-terminal PSD-93 isoforms and DLG-MAGUK paralogs can fine-tune signaling scaffolds to adjust synaptic needs to regulate synaptic transmission.
Sodium-Mediated Plateau Potentials in Lumbar Motoneurons of Neonatal Rats
Authors: Bouhadfane Mouloud , Tazerart Sabrina , Moqrich Aziz , Vinay Laurent , Brocard Frédéric
Published: September 2013

The development and the ionic nature of bistable behavior in lumbar motoneurons were investigated in rats. One week after birth, almost all (∼80%) ankle extensor motoneurons recorded in whole-cell configuration displayed self-sustained spiking in response to a brief depolarization that emerged when the temperature was raised >30°C. The effect of L-type Ca2+channel blockers on self-sustained spiking was variable, whereas blockade of the persistent sodium current (INaP) abolished them. When hyperpolarized, bistable motoneurons displayed a characteristic slow afterdepolarization (sADP). The sADPs generated by repeated depolarizing pulses summed to promote a plateau potential. The sADP was tightly associated with the emergence of Ca2+spikes. Substitution of extracellular Na+or chelation of intracellular Ca2+abolished both sADP and the plateau potential without affecting Ca2+spikes. These data suggest a key role of a Ca2+-activated nonselective cation conductance (ICaN) in generating the plateau potential. In line with this, the blockade of ICaNby flufenamate abolished both sADP and plateau potentials. Furthermore, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), a common activator of thermo-sensitive vanilloid transient receptor potential (TRPV) cation channels, promoted the sADP. Among TRPV channels, only the selective activation of TRPV2 channels by probenecid promoted the sADP to generate a plateau potential. To conclude, bistable behaviors are, to a large extent, determined by the interplay between three currents: L-type ICa, INaP, and a Na+-mediated ICaNflowing through putative TRPV2 channels.
Neural Dynamics of Phonological Processing in the Dorsal Auditory Stream
Authors: Liebenthal Einat , Sabri Merav , Beardsley Scott A. , Mangalathu-Arumana Jain , Desai Anjali
Published: September 2013

Neuroanatomical models hypothesize a role for the dorsal auditory pathway in phonological processing as a feedforward efferent system (Davis and Johnsrude, 2007; Rauschecker and Scott, 2009; Hickok et al., 2011). But the functional organization of the pathway, in terms of time course of interactions between auditory, somatosensory, and motor regions, and the hemispheric lateralization pattern is largely unknown. Here, ambiguous duplex syllables, with elements presented dichotically at varying interaural asynchronies, were used to parametrically modulate phonological processing and associated neural activity in the human dorsal auditory stream. Subjects performed syllable and chirp identification tasks, while event-related potentials and functional magnetic resonance images were concurrently collected. Joint independent component analysis was applied to fuse the neuroimaging data and study the neural dynamics of brain regions involved in phonological processing with high spatiotemporal resolution. Results revealed a highly interactive neural network associated with phonological processing, composed of functional fields in posterior temporal gyrus (pSTG), inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and ventral central sulcus (vCS) that were engaged early and almost simultaneously (at 80–100 ms), consistent with a direct influence of articulatory somatomotor areas on phonemic perception. Left hemispheric lateralization was observed 250 ms earlier in IPL and vCS than pSTG, suggesting that functional specialization of somatomotor (and not auditory) areas determined lateralization in the dorsal auditory pathway. The temporal dynamics of the dorsal auditory pathway described here offer a new understanding of its functional organization and demonstrate that temporal information is essential to resolve neural circuits underlying complex behaviors.
Synaptic Mechanisms Underlying Strong Reciprocal Connectivity between the Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Little Justin P. , Carter Adam G.
Published: September 2013

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a critical role in the control of cognition and emotion. Reciprocal circuits between the mPFC and basolateral amygdala (BLA) are particularly important for emotional control. However, the neurons and synapses that link these brain regions remain largely unknown. Here we examine long-range connections between the mouse mPFC and BLA, using whole-cell recordings, optogenetics, and two-photon microscopy. We first identify two non-overlapping populations of layer 2 pyramidal neurons that directly project to either the BLA or contralateral mPFC. We then show that pyramidal neurons projecting to the BLA receive much stronger excitatory inputs from this same brain region. We next assess the contributions of both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms to this cell-type and input-specific connectivity. We use two-photon mapping to reveal differences in both the synaptic density and subcellular targeting of BLA inputs. Finally, we simulate and experimentally validate how the number, volume, and location of active spines all contribute to preferential synaptic drive. Together, our findings reveal a novel and strong reciprocal circuit that is likely to be important for how the mPFC controls cognition and emotion.
The Role of Sleep Spindles and Slow-Wave Activity in Integrating New Information in Semantic Memory
Authors: Tamminen Jakke , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. , Lewis Penelope A.
Published: September 2013

Assimilating new information into existing knowledge is a fundamental part of consolidating new memories and allowing them to guide behavior optimally and is vital for conceptual knowledge (semantic memory), which is accrued over many years. Sleep is important for memory consolidation, but its impact upon assimilation of new information into existing semantic knowledge has received minimal examination. Here, we examined the integration process by training human participants on novel words with meanings that fell into densely or sparsely populated areas of semantic memory in two separate sessions. Overnight sleep was polysomnographically monitored after each training session and recall was tested immediately after training, after a night of sleep, and 1 week later. Results showed that participants learned equal numbers of both word types, thus equating amount and difficulty of learning across the conditions. Measures of word recognition speed showed a disadvantage for novel words in dense semantic neighborhoods, presumably due to interference from many semantically related concepts, suggesting that the novel words had been successfully integrated into semantic memory. Most critically, semantic neighborhood density influenced sleep architecture, with participants exhibiting more sleep spindles and slow-wave activity after learning the sparse compared with the dense neighborhood words. These findings provide the first evidence that spindles and slow-wave activity mediate integration of new information into existing semantic networks.
Early BDNF Treatment Ameliorates Cell Loss in the Entorhinal Cortex of APP Transgenic Mice
Authors: Nagahara Alan H. , Mateling Michael , Kovacs Imre , Wang Ling , Eggert Simone , Rockenstein Edward , Koo Edward H. , Masliah Eliezer , Tuszynski Mark H.
Published: September 2013

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) improves molecular, cellular, and behavioral measures of neural dysfunction in genetic models of Alzheimer's disease (Blurton-Jones et al., 2009; Nagahara et al., 2009). However, BDNF treatment after disease onset has not been reported to improve neuronal survival in these models. We now report prevention of neuronal loss with early life BDNF treatment in mutant mice expressing two amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutations associated with early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. APP transgenic mice underwent lentiviral BDNF gene delivery into the entorhinal cortices at age 2 months and were examined 5 months later. BDNF-treated mice exhibited significant improvements in hippocampal-dependent contextual fear conditioning compared with control-treated APP mice (p< 0.05). Stereological analysis of entorhinal cortical cell number demonstrated ∼20% reductions in neuronal number in layers II-VI of the entorhinal cortex in untreated APP mutant mice compared with wild-type mice (p< 0.0001), and significant amelioration of cell loss by BDNF (p< 0.001). Moreover, BDNF gene delivery improved synaptophysin immunoreactivity in the entorhinal cortex and, through anterograde BDNF transport, in the hippocampus (p< 0.01). Notably, BDNF did not affect amyloid plaque numbers, indicating that direct amyloid reduction is not necessary to achieve significant neuroprotective benefits in mutant amyloid models of Alzheimer's disease.
Microencapsulation of Polymer Coated Color Pigments for Multi-Color Electrophoretic Display
Authors: Joung Meyoung Ju , Kim Chul Am , Ahn Seong Deok , Lee Yong Eui , Kang Seung Youl , Suh Kyung Soo , Kim Chul Hwan
Published: September 2013

In this study, we have investigated microencapsulation of magenta, yellow, and cyan color polymer balls with white pigment for multi-color electrophoretic display implementation. The charged color pigments have been prepared by physical coating of magenta, yellow, and cyan with functionalized polymers, then surface charging with charge control agent. These color balls with white pigment were microencapsulated in suspending fluid through in-situ polymerization.
Development of a High-Throughput Impedance Spectroscopy Screening System (HT-IS) for Characterisation of Novel Nanoscaled Gas Sensing Materials
Authors: Sanders Daniel , Siemons Maike , Koplin Tobias , Simon Ulrich
Published: September 2013

A high-throughput work flow for rapid synthesis and testing of metal oxide nanoparticles for the discovery of new gas sensors of improved sensitivity and selectivity has been developed. The material libraries consist of nanoscaled metal oxide particles which are obtained either from pyrolysis of appropriate precursors or from polyol mediated synthesis. The design of a multielectrode array with 8x8 interdigital electrodes allows efficient and automated pipetting robot assisted sample preparation and material deposition. For characterisation of the sensor arrays high throughput impedance spectroscopy has been used. Test gas sequences and sensor temperatures can be varied. As an example, the properties of an In2O3-based library are introduced.
Pedotransfer functions to estimate retention and availability of water in soils of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Costa André da , Albuquerque Jackson Adriano , Almeida Jaime Antônio de , Costa Adriano da , Luciano Rodrigo Vieira
Published: September 2013

Studies on water retention and availability are scarce for subtropical or humid temperate climate regions of the southern hemisphere. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relations of the soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties with water retention and availability for the generation and validation of continuous point pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for soils of the State of Santa Catarina (SC) in the South of Brazil. Horizons of 44 profiles were sampled in areas under different cover crops and regions of SC, to determine: field capacity (FC, 10 kPa), permanent wilting point (PWP, 1,500 kPa), available water content (AW, by difference), saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, aggregate stability, particle size distribution (seven classes), organic matter content, and particle density. Chemical and mineralogical properties were obtained from the literature. Spearman's rank correlation analysis and path analysis were used in the statistical analyses. The point PTFs for estimation of FC, PWP and AW were generated for the soil surface and subsurface through multiple regression analysis, followed by robust regression analysis, using two sets of predictive variables. Soils with finer texture and/or greater organic matter content retain more moisture, and organic matter is the property that mainly controls the water availability to plants in soil surface horizons. Path analysis was useful in understanding the relationships between soil properties for FC, PWP and AW. The predictive power of the generated PTFs to estimate FC and PWP was good for all horizons, while AW was best estimated by more complex models with better prediction for the surface horizons of soils in Santa Catarina.
Antropossolos em sítios arqueológicos de ambiente cárstico no norte de Minas Gerais
Authors: Vasconcelos Bruno Nery Fernandes , Ker João Carlos , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud , Poirier André Pierre Prous , Andrade Felipe Vaz
Published: September 2013

A ocupação e a dispersão territorial dos primeiros colonizadores da América do Sul, sobretudo do Brasil, são ainda pouco conhecidas e exigem esforço interdisciplinar contínuo, envolvendo a antropologia, arqueologia e pedologia. Sob abrigos naturais de rochas calcárias, populações pré-colombianas viveram por milhares de anos, aportando e removendo matérias de naturezas e procedências distintas, desenvolvendo solos antropogênicos muito peculiares, sobre os quais ainda não se têm estudos pedológicos. Para melhor conhecer os solos, procedeu-se à caracterização física, química e mineralógica de solos de dois abrigos calcários, Lapas do Boquete e do Malhador, situados no Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu, norte de Minas Gerais, tido como uma das mais importantes regiões arqueológicas do país. As amostras foram submetidas à caracterização física, química e mineralógica, ao ataque total, à determinação do carbono orgânico total, além de fracionamento das formas inorgânicas de fósforo. As características químicas dos solos estudados estão condizentes com a natureza calcária da rocha local, apresentando valores de pH elevados (> 7,7). O complexo de troca catiônica é praticamente todo preenchido pelas bases trocáveis, principalmente Ca e Mg, alcançando valores de V de 100 %. Os teores de P-extraível (Mehlich-1) encontrados foram elevados, de 131 a 749 mg dm-3. Nos solos analisados, predominou a fração areia, sendo todas as camadas enquadradas na classe textural franco. É marcante a presença de óxidos com atração magnética em todas as frações, especialmente na fração areia, associada principalmente a camadas carbonizadas. Os solos apresentaram predomínio, em sua matriz, de minerais silicatados do tipo 1:1 (caulinita), associados a minerais do tipo 2:1, basicamente illita. De acordo com os resultados encontrados, os solos estudados apresentaram gênese policíclica, marcada por pronunciada alternância climática associada a distintos períodos de ocupação antrópica, que resultaram na formação de camadas aparentemente sem relação pedogenética entre si.
Brachiaria sp yield and nutrient contents after nitrogen and sulphur fertilization
Authors: Heinrichs Reges , Grano Fernanda Grecco , Bueno Leda Gobbo de Freitas , Soares Filho Cecílio Viega , Fagundes Jailson Lara , Rebonatti Melina Daniel , Oliveira Katia de
Published: September 2013

Among the production factors, adequate fertilization is an important tool to raise the productivity of pastoral systems and consequently increase the share of Brazil in the supply chain of primary agricultural products at the global level. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of nitrogen and sulfur fertilization in BRACHIARIA DECUMBENS: Stapf. The experiment in pots with Dystrophic Oxisol was evaluated in a completely randomized design with four replications in a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement, involving five N doses (0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg dm-3) in the form of ammonium nitrate and three S doses (0, 20 and 80 mg dm-3) in the form of calcium sulfate, with a total of 15 treatments. In the treatments with low S dose, calcium was provided as calcium chloride, to ensure a homogeneous Ca supply in all treatments. The results showed that the tiller production and dry weight of green leaves and of stems + sheaths and total dry weight were favored by the combination of N and S fertilizer, while the proportion of dry leaves was reduced. Nitrogen fertilization raised the N contents in green leaves and stems + sheaths and reduced K contents in fresh and dry leaves. The response to S rates in the N content of green leaves was quadratic.
Avaliação do efeito da urbanização na produção de sedimentos da bacia do rio Jacarecica/AL mediante uso de modelo hidrossedimentológico distribuído
Authors: Cabral Samuellson Lopes , Reis Rosangela Sampaio , Fragoso Júnior Carlos Ruberto
Published: September 2013

A urbanização sem planejamento ao longo da bacia do rio Jacarecica, em Maceió, AL, causa grandes impactos ambientais. A substituição de áreas vegetadas por áreas urbanizadas agrava esses impactos. No entanto, o potencial efeito dessas modificações na produção de sedimentos é desconhecido. Neste trabalho, avaliaram-se mudanças da produção de sedimentos na bacia do rio Jacarecica, no ano de 2010, em razão da alteração de parte da cobertura do solo por urbanização, por meio de modelagem matemática. Os resultados evidenciaram que o mês com maior produção produziu mais de 120 t/ha/mês, perfazendo o total de 131 t, correspondente a uma área de 24,5 km² da área total da bacia, revelando que grande parte da bacia é realmente susceptível ao processo de erosão. Este trabalho apresenta que a aplicação do modelo KINEROS2 é viável e o seu acoplamento ao SIG é de grande valia para identificação e análise das principais áreas de produção de sedimentos na bacia deste rio, podendo ser considerado ferramenta promissora para simulação da produção de sedimentos em bacias hidrográficas do nordeste brasileiro.
Variabilidade espacial de atributos físicos em um cambissolo háplico, sob diferentes usos na região sul do Amazonas
Authors: Oliveira Ivanildo Amorim de , Campos Milton César Costa , Soares Marcelo Dayron Rodrigues , Aquino Renato Eleotério de , Marques Júnior José , Nascimento Ediana Pereira do
Published: September 2013

Considerando a importância do conhecimento da distribuição espacial dos atributos do solo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a variabilidade espacial de atributos físicos em um Cambissolo Háplico, sob diferentes usos na região sul do Amazonas. O estudo foi realizado em três propriedades rurais com cultivo de mandioca, cana-de-açúcar e agrofloresta, localizadas na região de Humaitá, sul do Estado do Amazonas. Nessas áreas, foram estabelecidas malhas de 70 x 70 m, com espaçamento regular de 10 x 10 m, totalizando 64 pontos e, em seguida, coletadas amostras de solos na profundidade de 0,0-0,10 m. Determinaram-se a textura (areia, silte e argila), macroporosidade, microporosidade, porosidade total, densidade do solo e estabilidade de agregado. Os dados foram analisados, utilizando-se técnicas de estatística descritiva e geoestatística. Verificou-se que os atributos estudados apresentaram variabilidade espacial, e os alcances foram diferentes entre os usos, evidenciando que o manejo de cana-de-açúcar apresentou maior variabilidade dos dados.
Cultura mundial y mundos de significado culturalmente específicos
Authors: Schriewer Jürgen
Published: September 2013

"Cultura mundial" no es - sobre todo en el título de un ensayo - un concepto de alcance modesto, ni carece tampoco de contenidos teóricos elaborados. Requiere, por tanto, de unas aclaraciones previas. En consecuencia, abriré este trabajo con un delineamiento del concepto de "cultura mundial", así como del horizonte teórico del que está tomado. Se trata de un marco teórico que intenta comprender y explicar los procesos del creciente entrelazamiento de las relaciones de comunicación e intercambio que se está llevando a cabo a nivel mundial y en casi todos los ámbitos sociales, económicos y científico-tecnológicos. En la segunda parte, voy a presentar algunas líneas de investigación de la sociología y la educación comparadas, cuyos resultados apuntan en una dirección opuesta a las tesis desarrolladas por los teóricos de la "cultural mundial". Por consiguiente, en la tercera parte, pasaré al concepto alternativo de "mundos de significado culturalmente específicos", para, en la cuarta y última parte, abordar brevemente el actual debate entre teorías "de la convergencia" y "de la divergencia", y plantear algunas expectativas respecto de una conceptualización que, a partir de su capacidad explicativa, tenga el potencial de superar tales concepciones opuestas.
A relação família e escola em um contexto de escolarização do aluno com deficiência: reflexões desde uma abordagem sociológica figuracional
Authors: Celio Sobrinho Reginaldo , Alves Edson Pantaleão
Published: September 2013

Neste texto refletimos sobre dilemas e perspectivas na relação família e escola. Constituíram sujeitos da pesquisa os pais e os profissionais do ensino envolvidos nas atividades de um Fórum de Famílias de alunos com deficiência organizado em uma escola pública do município de Vitória/ES. A investigação pautou-se na pesquisa-ação colaborativo-crítica e nos pressupostos da Sociologia Figuracional - elaborada por Norbert Elias. Das reflexões, destacamos que nas interdependências dos familiares dos profissionais do ensino, emergiram tensões que favoreceram, a uns e a outros, a construção de crenças mais positivas quanto à educabilidade do aluno com deficiência. Essas "novas" crenças, desde então, mobilizaram as pessoas, provocando "reagrupamentos", aproximações, afastamentos, enfim, desenharam outras relações que, por um lado, não se baseavam unicamente na formação ou ocupação profissional, nas questões de gênero, ou ainda, nas condições econômicas das pessoas envolvidas e, por outro lado, colocavam em movimento a balança de poder da relação família e escola. Observamos que, pouco a pouco, ao longo da trajetória do Fórum de Famílias de Alunos com Deficiência, as crenças dos profissionais do ensino relativas à inclusão escolar e as expectativas dos familiares acerca da escolarização de seus filhos concorreram para a produção de outros referentes de poder que, então, passavam a explicar os sentimentos de pertencimento e de empoderamento e também de inclusão, de escolarização, de aprendizagem e de deficiência.
A violência da escola na voz de futuros professores: uma probabilidade da produção da cultura da violência em ambientes escolares?
Authors: Silva Marilda da
Published: September 2013

O objetivo desta pesquisa é mostrar os tipos de violência cometidos por professores que foram testemunhados e/ou vivenciados por futuros professores durante sua história de escolarização. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa cuja forma é descritivo-analítica. A coleta, organização e análise de dados foram procedidas por meio da Análise de Conteúdo (BARDIN, 1977). A conceituação foi triangulada a partir de Bernard Charlot, Pierre Bourdieu e do Relatório do Núcleo de Estudos da Violência da Universidade de São Paulo (NEV/USP) (CARDIA, 2012). Os sujeitos são 12 alunos que, em 2011, cursavam a licenciatura em Pedagogia na Faculdade de Ciências e Letras - Campus de Araraquara - Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). A grande maioria do grupo de sujeitos afirmou ter testemunhado ou vivenciado violência por parte de professores durante sua formação básica. Segundo esses sujeitos, os tipos de violência mais recorrentes são de natureza simbólica. Eles frequentaram, não igualmente, o sistema público de ensino e o sistema privado. A violência, sobretudo simbólica, ocorreu nos dois sistemas de ensino. Portanto, trata-se de um fenômeno que atinge diferentes frações de classes. Levando em conta que os sujeitos deste estudo são futuros professores, estabeleceu-se relação com a noção de "ciclo de abusos" e "produção da cultura da violência", tendo em vista o futuro exercício docente do grupo em questão. Busca-se, aqui, compreender a complexidade do fenômeno da violência em meio escolar e não estabelecer um jogo entre culpados e inocentes. Tampouco estabelecer estigmas indissociáveis, ou não, sobre a violência da escola.