bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prox1Regulates the Subtype-Specific Development of Caudal Ganglionic Eminence-Derived GABAergic Cortical Interneurons
Authors: Miyoshi Goichi , Young Allison , Petros Timothy , Karayannis Theofanis , McKenzie Chang Melissa , Lavado Alfonso , Iwano Tomohiko , Nakajima Miho , Taniguchi Hiroki , Huang Z. Josh , Heintz Nathaniel , Oliver Guillermo , Matsuzaki Fumio , Machold Robert P. , Fishell Gord
Published: September 2015

Neurogliaform (RELN+) and bipolar (VIP+) GABAergic interneurons of the mammalian cerebral cortex provide critical inhibition locally within the superficial layers. While these subtypes are known to originate from the embryonic caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE), the specific genetic programs that direct their positioning, maturation, and integration into the cortical network have not been elucidated. Here, we report that in mice expression of the transcription factor Prox1 is selectively maintained in postmitotic CGE-derived cortical interneuron precursors and that loss ofProx1impairs the integration of these cells into superficial layers. Moreover, Prox1 differentially regulates the postnatal maturation of each specific subtype originating from the CGE (RELN, Calb2/VIP, and VIP). Interestingly, Prox1 promotes the maturation of CGE-derived interneuron subtypes through intrinsic differentiation programs that operate in tandem with extrinsically driven neuronal activity-dependent pathways. ThusProx1represents the first identified transcription factor specifically required for the embryonic and postnatal acquisition of CGE-derived cortical interneuron properties.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite the recognition that 30% of GABAergic cortical interneurons originate from the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE), to date, a specific transcriptional program that selectively regulates the development of these populations has not yet been identified. Moreover, while CGE-derived interneurons display unique patterns of tangential and radial migration and preferentially populate the superficial layers of the cortex, identification of a molecular program that controls these events is lacking.

Here, we demonstrate that the homeodomain transcription factorProx1is expressed in postmitotic CGE-derived cortical interneuron precursors and is maintained into adulthood. We found thatProx1function is differentially required during both embryonic and postnatal stages of development to direct the migration, differentiation, circuit integration, and maintenance programs within distinct subtypes of CGE-derived interneurons.
Modulating Hippocampal Plasticity withIn VivoBrain Stimulation
Authors: Rohan Joyce G. , Carhuatanta Kim A. , McInturf Shawn M. , Miklasevich Molly K. , Jankord Ryan
Published: September 2015

Investigations into the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in relieving symptoms of neurological disorders and enhancing cognitive or motor performance have exhibited promising results. However, the mechanisms by which tDCS effects brain function remain under scrutiny. We have demonstrated thatin vivotDCS in rats produced a lasting effect on hippocampal synaptic plasticity, as measured using extracellular recordings.Ex vivopreparations of hippocampal slices from rats that have been subjected to tDCS of 0.10 or 0.25 mA for 30 min followed by 30 min of recovery time displayed a robust twofold enhancement in long-term potentiation (LTP) induction accompanied by a 30% increase in paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). The magnitude of the LTP effect was greater with 0.25 mA compared with 0.10 mA stimulations, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship between tDCS intensity and its effect on synaptic plasticity. To test the persistence of these observed effects, animals were stimulatedin vivofor 30 min at 0.25 mA and then allowed to return to their home cage for 24 h. Observation of the enhanced LTP induction, but not the enhanced PPF, continued 24 h after completion of 0.25 mA of tDCS. Addition of the NMDA blocker AP-5 abolished LTP in both control and stimulated rats but maintained the PPF enhancement in stimulated rats. The observation of enhanced LTP and PPF after tDCS demonstrates that non-invasive electrical stimulation is capable of modifying synaptic plasticity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTResearchers have used brain stimulation such as transcranial direct current stimulation on human subjects to alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders and enhance their performance. Here, using rats, we have investigated the potential mechanisms of howin vivobrain stimulation can produce such effect. We recorded directly on viable brain slices from rats after brain stimulation to detect lasting changes in pattern of neuronal activity. Our results showed that 30 min of brain stimulation in rats induced a robust enhancement in synaptic plasticity, a neuronal process critical for learning and memory. Understanding such molecular effects will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which brain stimulation produces its effects on cognition and performance.
3D Shape Perception in Posterior Cortical Atrophy: A Visual Neuroscience Perspective
Authors: Gillebert Céline R. , Schaeverbeke Jolien , Bastin Christine , Neyens Veerle , Bruffaerts Rose , De Weer An-Sofie , Seghers Alexandra , Sunaert Stefan , Van Laere Koen , Versijpt Jan , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Salmon Eric , Todd James T. , Orban Guy A. , Vandenberghe Rik
Published: September 2015

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare focal neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by progressive visuoperceptual and visuospatial deficits, most often due to atypical Alzheimer's disease (AD). We applied insights from basic visual neuroscience to analyze 3D shape perception in humans affected by PCA. Thirteen PCA patients and 30 matched healthy controls participated, together with two patient control groups with diffuse Lewy body dementia (DLBD) and an amnestic-dominant phenotype of AD, respectively. The hierarchical study design consisted of 3D shape processing for 4 cues (shading, motion, texture, and binocular disparity) with corresponding 2D and elementary feature extraction control conditions. PCA and DLBD exhibited severe 3D shape-processing deficits and AD to a lesser degree. In PCA, deficient 3D shape-from-shading was associated with volume loss in the right posterior inferior temporal cortex. This region coincided with a region of functional activation during 3D shape-from-shading in healthy controls. In PCA patients who performed the same fMRI paradigm, response amplitude during 3D shape-from-shading was reduced in this region. Gray matter volume in this region also correlated with 3D shape-from-shading in AD. 3D shape-from-disparity in PCA was associated with volume loss slightly more anteriorly in posterior inferior temporal cortex as well as in ventral premotor cortex. The findings in right posterior inferior temporal cortex and right premotor cortex are consistent with neurophysiologically based models of the functional anatomy of 3D shape processing. However, in DLBD, 3D shape deficits rely on mechanisms distinct from inferior temporal structural integrity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPosterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by progressive visuoperceptual dysfunction and most often an atypical presentation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) affecting the ventral and dorsal visual streams rather than the medial temporal system. We applied insights from fundamental visual neuroscience to analyze 3D shape perception in PCA. 3D shape-processing deficits were affected beyond what could be accounted for by lower-order processing deficits. For shading and disparity, this was related to volume loss in regions previously implicated in 3D shape processing in the intact human and nonhuman primate brain. Typical amnestic-dominant AD patients also exhibited 3D shape deficits. Advanced visual neuroscience provides insight into the pathogenesis of PCA that also bears relevance for vision in typical AD.
Characterization of Cortical Networks and Corticocortical Functional Connectivity Mediating Arbitrary Visuomotor Mapping
Authors: Brovelli Andrea , Chicharro Daniel , Badier Jean-Michel , Wang Huifang , Jirsa Viktor
Published: September 2015

Adaptive behaviors are built on the arbitrary linkage of sensory inputs to actions and goals. Although the sensorimotor and associative frontostriatal circuits are known to mediate arbitrary visuomotor mappings, the underlying corticocortico dynamics remain elusive. Here, we take a novel approach exploiting gamma-band neural activity to study the human cortical networks and corticocortical functional connectivity mediating arbitrary visuomotor mapping. Single-trial gamma-power time courses were estimated for all Brodmann areas by combing magnetoencephalographic and MRI data with spectral analysis and beam-forming techniques. Linear correlation and Granger causality analyses were performed to investigate functional connectivity between cortical regions. The performance of visuomotor associations was characterized by an increase in gamma-power and functional connectivity over the sensorimotor and frontoparietal network, in addition to medial prefrontal areas. The superior parietal area played a driving role in the network, exerting Granger causality on the dorsal premotor area. Premotor areas acted as relay from parietal to medial prefrontal cortices, which played a receiving role in the network. Link community analysis further revealed that visuomotor mappings reflect the coordination of multiple subnetworks with strong overlap over motor and frontoparietal areas. We put forward an associative account of the underlying cognitive processes and corticocortical functional connectivity. Overall, our approach and results provide novel perspectives toward a better understanding of how distributed brain activity coordinates adaptive behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn everyday life, most of our behaviors are based on the arbitrary linkage of sensory information to actions and goals, such as stopping at a red traffic light. Despite their automaticity, such behaviors rely on the activity of a large brain network and elusive interareal functional connectivity. We take a novel approach exploiting noninvasive recordings of human brain activity to reveal the cortical networks and corticocortical functional connectivity mediating visuomotor mappings. Parietal areas were found to play a driving role in the network, whereas premotor areas acted as relays from parietal to medial prefrontal cortices, which played a receiving role. Overall, our approach and results provide novel perspectives toward a better understanding of how distributed brain activity coordinates adaptive behaviors.
Idolatrous Reading
Authors: Carens Timothy L.
Published: September 2015

Timothy L. Carens, “Idolatrous Reading: Subversive Fantasy and Domestic Ideology” (pp. 238–266)

In nineteenth-century Britain, patriarchal culture revealed its anxieties about female subjectivity and anxiety through an extensive debate about what young women should read. As critics have already shown, many writers in the period disparaged romantic novels by comparing them to unhealthy food, addictive drugs, or even illicit sexual encounters. The figure of idolatry played a significant role in this debate as well, suggesting that young female readers might betray the true god of the middle-class patriarchal order by worshiping more gratifying alternatives. If the language of idolatry generally connoted heretical transgression, emergent feminist writers such as Mary Elizabeth Braddon found that they could also use it to articulate a woman’s longing for the power to shape her own dreams. In Braddon’s The Doctor’s Wife (1864), a figure used to disparage women who neglect their role within the domestic order thus acquires a new and intensely ironic life as a way to imagine an escape from it.
α‐Synuclein oligomers pump it up!
Authors: Kahle Philipp J , Sugeno Naoto , Skodras Angelos
Published: September 2015

Oligomeric forms of the Parkinson's disease‐causing protein α‐synuclein are suspected to mediate neurodegeneration, but the mechanisms are not understood. The present study of Shrivastava et al (2015) provides a fresh insight into this old mystery. α‐Synuclein oligomers are shown by a combination of top state‐of‐the‐art biochemical and super‐resolution microscopy methods to sequester the neuronal sodium–potassium pump. Such perturbation of ion currents would ultimately lead to Ca2+ excitotoxicity.
The role of reproductive hormones in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis
Authors: Gharwan Helen , Bunch Kristen P , Annunziata Christina M
Published: September 2015

Epithelial ovarian cancer comprises ∼85% of all ovarian cancer cases. Despite acceptance regarding the influence of reproductive hormones on ovarian cancer risk and considerable advances in the understanding of epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis on a molecular level, complete understanding of the biologic processes underlying malignant transformation of ovarian surface epithelium is lacking. Various hypotheses have been proposed over the past several decades to explain the etiology of the disease. The role of reproductive hormones in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis remains a key topic of research. Primary questions in the field of ovarian cancer biology center on its developmental cell of origin, the positive and negative effects of each class of hormones on ovarian cancer initiation and progression, and the role of the immune system in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. The development of the female reproductive tract is dictated by the hormonal milieu during embryogenesis. Intensive research efforts have revealed that ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease that may develop from multiple extra-ovarian tissues, including both Müllerian (fallopian tubes, endometrium) and non-Müllerian structures (gastrointestinal tissue), contributing to its heterogeneity and distinct histologic subtypes. The mechanism underlying ovarian localization, however, remains unclear. Here, we discuss the role of reproductive hormones in influencing the immune system and tipping the balance against or in favor of developing ovarian cancer. We comment on animal models that are critical for experimentally validating existing hypotheses in key areas of endocrine research and useful for preclinical drug development. Finally, we address emerging therapeutic trends directed against ovarian cancer.
HC toxin (a HDAC inhibitor) enhances IRS1–Akt signalling and metabolism in mouse myotubes
Authors: Tan Hayden Weng Siong , Sim Arthur Yi Loong , Huang Su Ling , Leng Ying , Long Yun Chau
Published: September 2015

Exercise enhances numerous signalling pathways and activates substrate metabolism in skeletal muscle. Small molecule compounds that activate these cellular responses have been shown to recapitulate the metabolic benefits of exercise. In this study, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, HC toxin, was investigated as a small molecule compound that activates exercise-induced adaptations. In C2C12 myotubes, HC toxin treatment activated two exercise-stimulated pathways: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt pathways. HC toxin increased the protein content and phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 as well as the activation of downstream Akt signalling. The effects of HC toxin on IRS1–Akt signalling were PI3K-dependent as wortmannin abolishes its effects on IRS1 protein accumulation and Akt phosphorylation. HC toxin-induced Akt activation was sufficient to enhance downstream mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling including p70S6K and S6, which were consistently abolished by PI3K inhibition. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation were also enhanced in HC toxin-treated myotubes. When myotubes were challenged with serum starvation for the induction of atrophy, HC toxin treatment prevented the induction of genes that are involved in autophagy and proteasomal proteolysis. Conversely, IRS1–Akt signalling was not induced by HC toxin in several hepatoma cell lines, providing evidence for a favourable safety profile of this small molecule. These data highlight the potential of HDAC inhibitors as a novel class of small molecules for the induction of exercise-like signalling pathways and metabolism.
A Genomic Selection Index Applied to Simulated and Real Data
Authors: Ceron-Rojas J Jesus , Crossa José , Arief Vivi N , Basford Kaye , Rutkoski Jessica , Jarquín Diego , Alvarado Gregorio , Beyene Yoseph , Semagn Kassa , DeLacy Ian
Published: September 2015

A genomic selection index (GSI) is a linear combination of genomic estimated breeding values that uses genomic markers to predict the net genetic merit and select parents from a nonphenotyped testing population. Some authors have proposed a GSI; however, they have not used simulated or real data to validate the GSI theory and have not explained how to estimate the GSI selection response and the GSI expected genetic gain per selection cycle for the unobserved traits after the first selection cycle to obtain information about the genetic gains in each subsequent selection cycle. In this paper, we develop the theory of a GSI and apply it to two simulated and four real data sets with four traits. Also, we numerically compare its efficiency with that of the phenotypic selection index (PSI) by using the ratio of the GSI response over the PSI response, and the PSI and GSI expected genetic gain per selection cycle for observed and unobserved traits, respectively. In addition, we used the Technow inequality to compare GSI vs. PSI efficiency. Results from the simulated data were confirmed by the real data, indicating that GSI was more efficient than PSI per unit of time.
Transcriptomic Features of Bovine Blastocysts Derived by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
Authors: Min Byungkuk , Cho Sunwha , Park Jung Sun , Lee Yun-Gyeong , Kim Namshin , Kang Yong-Kook
Published: September 2015

Reprogramming incompletely occurs in most somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, which results in misregulation of developmentally important genes and subsequent embryonic malfunction and lethality. Here we examined transcriptome profiles in single bovine blastocysts derived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and SCNT. Different types of donor cells, cumulus cell and ear-skin fibroblast, were used to derive cSCNT and fSCNT blastocysts, respectively. SCNT blastocysts expressed 13,606 genes on average, similar to IVF (13,542). Correlation analysis found that both cSCNT and fSCNT blastocyst groups had transcriptomic features distinctive from the IVF group, with the cSCNT transcriptomes closer to the IVF ones than the fSCNT. Gene expression analysis identified 56 underrepresented and 78 overrepresented differentially expressed genes in both SCNT groups. A 400-kb locus harboring zinc-finger protein family genes in chromosome 18 were found coordinately down-regulated in fSCNT blastocysts, showing a feature of reprogramming-resistant regions. Probing into different categories of genes important for blastocyst development revealed that genes involved in trophectoderm development frequently were underrepresented, and those encoding epigenetic modifiers tended to be overrepresented in SCNT blastocysts. Our effort to identify reprogramming-resistant, differentially expressed genes can help map reprogramming error-prone loci onto the genome and elucidate how to handle the stochastic events of reprogramming to improve cloning efficiency.
Post-transcriptional Mechanisms Contribute Little to Phenotypic Variation in Snake Venoms
Authors: Rokyta Darin R , Margres Mark J , Calvin Kate
Published: September 2015

Protein expression is a major link in the genotype–phenotype relationship, and processes affecting protein abundances, such as rates of transcription and translation, could contribute to phenotypic evolution if they generate heritable variation. Recent work has suggested that mRNA abundances do not accurately predict final protein abundances, which would imply that post-transcriptional regulatory processes contribute significantly to phenotypes. Post-transcriptional processes also appear to buffer changes in transcriptional patterns as species diverge, suggesting that the transcriptional changes have little or no effect on the phenotypes undergoing study. We tested for concordance between mRNA and protein expression levels in snake venoms by means of mRNA-seq and quantitative mass spectrometry for 11 snakes representing 10 species, six genera, and three families. In contrast to most previous work, we found high correlations between venom gland transcriptomes and venom proteomes for 10 of our 11 comparisons. We tested for protein-level buffering of transcriptional changes during species divergence by comparing the difference between transcript abundance and protein abundance for three pairs of species and one intraspecific pair. We found no evidence for buffering during divergence of our three species pairs but did find evidence for protein-level buffering for our single intraspecific comparison, suggesting that buffering, if present, was a transient phenomenon in venom divergence. Our results demonstrated that post-transcriptional mechanisms did not contribute significantly to phenotypic evolution in venoms and suggest a more prominent and direct role for cis-regulatory evolution in phenotypic variation, particularly for snake venoms.
Cytogenetic and Sequence Analyses of Mitochondrial DNA Insertions in Nuclear Chromosomes of Maize
Authors: Lough Ashley N , Faries Kaitlyn M , Koo Dal-Hoe , Hussain Abid , Roark Leah M , Langewisch Tiffany L , Backes Teresa , Kremling Karl A G , Jiang Jiming , Birchler James A , Newton Kathleen J
Published: September 2015

The transfer of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into nuclear genomes is a regularly occurring process that has been observed in many species. Few studies, however, have focused on the variation of nuclear-mtDNA sequences (NUMTs) within a species. This study examined mtDNA insertions within chromosomes of a diverse set of Zea mays ssp. mays (maize) inbred lines by the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization. A relatively large NUMT on the long arm of chromosome 9 (9L) was identified at approximately the same position in four inbred lines (B73, M825, HP301, and Oh7B). Further examination of the similarly positioned 9L NUMT in two lines, B73 and M825, indicated that the large size of these sites is due to the presence of a majority of the mitochondrial genome; however, only portions of this NUMT (∼252 kb total) were found in the publically available B73 nuclear sequence for chromosome 9. Fiber-fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis estimated the size of the B73 9L NUMT to be ∼1.8 Mb and revealed that the NUMT is methylated. Two regions of mtDNA (2.4 kb and 3.3 kb) within the 9L NUMT are not present in the B73 mitochondrial NB genome; however, these 2.4-kb and 3.3-kb segments are present in other Zea mitochondrial genomes, including that of Zea mays ssp. parviglumis, a progenitor of domesticated maize.
Convergent Loss of Awn in Two Cultivated Rice SpeciesOryza sativaandOryza glaberrimaIs Caused by Mutations in Different Loci
Authors: Furuta Tomoyuki , Komeda Norio , Asano Kenji , Uehara Kanako , Gamuyao Rico , Angeles-Shim Rosalyn B , Nagai Keisuke , Doi Kazuyuki , Wang Diane R , Yasui Hideshi , Yoshimura Atsushi , Wu Jianzhong , McCouch Susan R , Ashikari Motoyuki
Published: September 2015

A long awn is one of the distinct morphological features of wild rice species. This organ is thought to aid in seed dispersal and prevent predation by animals. Most cultivated varieties of Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima, however, have lost the ability to form long awns. The causal genetic factors responsible for the loss of awn in these two rice species remain largely unknown. Here, we evaluated three sets of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) in a common O. sativa genetic background (cv. Koshihikari) that harbor genomic fragments from Oryza nivara, Oryza rufipogon, and Oryza glaberrima donors. Phenotypic analyses of these libraries revealed the existence of three genes, Regulator of Awn Elongation 1 (RAE1), RAE2, and RAE3, involved in the loss of long awns in cultivated rice. Donor segments at two of these genes, RAE1 and RAE2, induced long awn formation in the CSSLs whereas an O. sativa segment at RAE3 induced long awn formation in O. glaberrima. These results suggest that the two cultivated rice species, O. sativa and O. glaberrima, have taken independent paths to become awnless.
High-Throughput Cloning of Temperature-Sensitive Caenorhabditis elegans Mutants with Adult Syncytial Germline Membrane Architecture Defects
Authors: Lowry Josh , Yochem John , Chuang Chien-Hui , Sugioka Kenji , Connolly Amy A , Bowerman Bruce
Published: September 2015

The adult Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite gonad consists of two mirror-symmetric U-shaped arms, with germline nuclei located peripherally in the distal regions of each arm. The nuclei are housed within membrane cubicles that are open to the center, forming a syncytium with a shared cytoplasmic core called the rachis. As the distal germline nuclei progress through meiotic prophase, they move proximally and eventually cellularize as their compartments grow in size. The development and maintenance of this complex and dynamic germline membrane architecture are relatively unexplored, and we have used a forward genetic screen to identify 20 temperature-sensitive mutations in 19 essential genes that cause defects in the germline membrane architecture. Using a combined genome-wide SNP mapping and whole genome sequencing strategy, we have identified the causal mutations in 10 of these mutants. Four of the genes we have identified are conserved, with orthologs known to be involved in membrane biology, and are required for proper development or maintenance of the adult germline membrane architecture. This work provides a starting point for further investigation of the mechanisms that control the dynamics of syncytial membrane architecture during adult oogenesis.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Ureide Concentration in Diverse Maturity Group IV Soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] Accessions
Authors: Ray Jeffery D , Dhanapal Arun Prabhu , Singh Shardendu K , Hoyos-Villegas Valerio , Smith James R , Purcell Larry C , King C Andy , Boykin Debbie , Cregan Perry B , Song Qijian , Fritschi Felix B
Published: September 2015

Ureides are the N-rich products of N-fixation that are transported from soybean nodules to the shoot. Ureides are known to accumulate in leaves in response to water-deficit stress, and this has been used to identify genotypes with reduced N-fixation sensitivity to drought. Our objectives in this research were to determine shoot ureide concentrations in 374 Maturity Group IV soybean accessions and to identify genomic regions associated with shoot ureide concentration. The accessions were grown at two locations (Columbia, MO, and Stuttgart, AR) in 2 yr (2009 and 2010) and characterized for ureide concentration at beginning flowering to full bloom. Average shoot ureide concentrations across all four environments (two locations and two years) and 374 accessions ranged from 12.4 to 33.1 µmol g−1 and were comparable to previously reported values. SNP–ureide associations within and across the four environments were assessed using 33,957 SNPs with a MAF ≥0.03. In total, 53 putative loci on 18 chromosomes were identified as associated with ureide concentration. Two of the putative loci were located near previously reported QTL associated with ureide concentration and 30 loci were located near genes associated with ureide metabolism. The remaining putative loci were not near chromosomal regions previously associated with shoot ureide concentration and may mark new genes involved in ureide metabolism. Ultimately, confirmation of these putative loci will provide new sources of variation for use in soybean breeding programs.
Sonographic evaluation of children with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Sedassari Anelise de Almeida , Souza Luis Ronan Marquez Ferreira de , Sedassari Nathalie de Almeida , Borges Maria de Fátima , Palhares Heloisa Marcelina da Cunha , Andrade Neto Genésio Borges de
Published: September 2015

Abstract Objective: To establish benchmarks and study some sonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in a group of euthyroid children aged up to 5 years as compared with age-matched children with congenital hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six children (17 female and 19 male) aged between 2 months and 5 years were divided into two groups – 23 euthyroid children and 13 children with congenital hypothyroidism – and were called to undergo ultrasonography. Results: In the group of euthyroid children (n = 23), mean total volume of the thyroid gland was 1.12 mL (minimum, 0.39 mL; maximum, 2.72 mL); a homogeneous gland was found in 17 children (73.91%) and 6 children (26.08%) had a heterogeneous gland. In the group of children with congenital hypothyroidism (n = 13), mean total volume of the thyroid gland was 2.73 mL (minimum, 0.20 mL; maximum, 11.00 mL). As regards thyroid location, 3 patients (23.07%) had ectopic thyroid, and 10 (69.23%) had topic thyroid, and out of the latter, 5 had a homogeneous gland (50%) and 5, a heterogeneous gland (50%). In the group with congenital hypothyroidism, 6 (46.15%) children had etiological diagnosis of dyshormoniogenesis, 3 (23.07%), of ectopic thyroid, and 4 (30.76%), of thyroid hypoplasia. Conclusion: Thyroid ultrasonography is a noninvasive imaging method, widely available, easy to perform and for these reasons could, and should, be performed at any time, including at birth, with no preparation or treatment discontinuation, to aid in the early etiological definition of congenital hypothyroidism.
Magnetic resonance imaging and BMB score in the evaluation of bone involvement in Gaucher’s disease patients
Authors: Mello Ricardo Andrade Fernandes de , Mello Melissa Bozzi Nonato , Pessanha Laís Bastos
Published: September 2015

Abstract Objective: To evaluate by magnetic resonance imaging changes in bone marrow of patients undergoing treatment for type I Gaucher’s disease. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study of Gaucher’s disease patients submitted to 3 T magnetic resonance imaging of femurs and lumbar spine. The images were blindly reviewed and the findings were classified according to the semiquantitative bone marrow burden (BMB) scoring system. Results: All of the seven evaluated patients (three men and four women) presented signs of bone marrow infiltration. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was found in three patients, Erlenmeyer flask deformity in five, and no patient had vertebral body collapse. The mean BMB score was 11, ranging from 9 to 14. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the method of choice for assessing bone involvement in Gaucher’s disease in adults due to its high sensitivity to detect both focal and diffuse bone marrow changes, and the BMB score is a simplified method for semiquantitative analysis, without depending on advanced sequences or sophisticated hardware, allowing for the classification of the disease extent and assisting in the treatment monitoring.
Good agricultural practices in broiler chicken production in the state of Paraná: focus on animal welfare
Authors: Souza Ana Paula Oliveira , Molento Carla Forte Maiolino
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT: Broiler chicken welfare regulation at farm level is scarce in Brazil. This research aimed to study good agricultural practices at farm level adopted by broiler chicken companies in the state of Paraná, analyzing them in relation to the promotion of animal welfare. Twenty exporting companies were contacted, 15 answered the questionnaire. The participating companies were responsible for 76.3% of the State broiler production. Indicators related to the availability and the quality of food and water are being adapted by the companies, but still need to be improved. Regarding environmental indicators, companies had concerns about air and litter quality and about the implementation of emergency systems on totally enclosed broiler houses. Natural light has been replaced by low intensity artificial lighting. Footpad dermatitis was the most cited disease used as a sanitary indicator (93.3%), but little information was given about the maximum percentages allowed. Environmental enrichment is not used in poultry houses. This study identified agricultural programs with positive and negative impacts on animal welfare. Investments on research seem to be the only way to conduct changes on broiler chicken chain without reducing the quality of animals' life.
Surface fire drives short-term changes in the vegetative phenology of woody species in a Brazilian savanna
Authors: Silvério Divino Vicente , Pereira Oriales Rocha , Mews Henrique Augusto , Maracahipes-Santos Leonardo , Santos Josias Oliveira dos , Lenza Eddie
Published: September 2015

We evaluated the effects of fire on the vegetative phenological behavior (crown foliage cover, sprouting, mature and young leaves) of woody species at two sites in the Brazilian savanna, one of which had been accidentally burned. We used generalized additive mixed models to test the hypothesis that: 1) fire damages total foliage cover, thus leading to changes in vegetative phenological patterns. As this hypothesis was corroborated, we also tested whether 2) the damage caused by fire to the total crown foliage cover and mature leaves is greater in evergreen than in deciduous species, and 3) the negative effects of fire on vegetative phenology persist after the first fire-free year. The first two hypotheses were corroborated, but the third was not. Fire effects on total crown foliage cover and mature leaves were greatest during the first three months following the fire, and were significantly greater in evergreen species. For shoots and young leaves, the greatest differences found between three and seven months post-fire. On the other hand, no differences were observed in phenological events between burned and unburned sites in the second year post-fire, indicating that marked effects of the fire were only observed over a short period. Our results showed immediate negative effects on the vegetative phenophases, but also that these effects are transient, and cannot be discerned after the first fire-free year.
'Assimilação crítica' and research on the periphery
Authors: Candler Gaylord George
Published: September 2015

Abstract:As one of my two contributions to this discussion, I would like to first comment on the state of affairs regarding the development of "um pensamento nacional autêntico." Specifically, I would like to address the issue not from the perspective of the Brazilian trying to 'critically assimilate' foreign ideas, and so avoid the transplantation of inappropriate scholarship. Rather, I would like to look at it from the other end of this strained intellectual relationship. Much of my research related to Guerreiro Ramos has confirmed the threat that he raised regarding epistemic colonization, unwittingly exercised by a woefully parochial Anglophone scholarly community. The second topic I would like to discuss is a policy area in which Brazilians, especially in my discipline of public administration, might have something to learn from abroad, raised by Guerreiro Ramos himself in his Patologia social do branco brasileiro.
A Razão d'A Nova Ciência das Organizações
Authors: Azevedo Ariston , Albernaz Renata Ovenhausen
Published: September 2015

Resumo:Neste trabalho, propomos uma interpretação sobre o termo razão para Guerreiro Ramos, particularmente em seu último livro, A nova ciência das organizações.A partir dessa reflexão, temos a intenção de esclarecer aspectos que não foram devidamente aclarados por ele e, assim, oferecer uma linha compreensiva de suas ideias.
Cor, intelectuais e nação na sociologia de Guerreiro Ramos
Authors: Maio Marcos Chor
Published: September 2015

Resumo:Este artigo analisa os estudos sociológicos de Guerreiro Ramos sobre as relações raciais no Brasil durante seu engajamento no Teatro Experimental do Negro e por ocasião de suas críticas aos estudos da Unesco, sobretudo nos debates com os sociólogos Luiz de Aguiar Costa Pinto e Roger Bastide, quando já se tornara um intelectual vinculado ao Instituto Brasileiro de Estudos Sociais e Políticos (IBESP), futuro ISEB. A produção sociológica de Guerreiro Ramos não apenas apresenta o ambiente intelectual, os padrões de trabalho científico no domínio da sociologia, mas também revela os impactos dessas investigações na prática das ciências sociais no Brasil. As controvérsias denotam o desenvolvimento da institucionalização das Ciências Sociais marcado por disputas quanto aos rumos que este processo deveria tomar em um país em acelerado processo de mudança social.
LEISHMANIOSE TEGUMENTAR AMERICANA: ORIGENS E HISTÓRICO NO BRASIL
Authors: Costa Jackson Maurício Lopes
Published: September 2015

O presente trabalho baseou-se em uma revisão da literatura sobre o histórico da Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana no Brasil, onde foram destacados os três períodos distintos da doença em nosso país, observando a contribuição dos autores brasileiros para com a mesma.
MADEIRAS DA AMAZÔNIA QUE APRESENTAM RAIOS LARGOS
Authors: Freitas Jorge Alves de , Vasconcellos Francisco José de , Silva Nelson Barbosa da , Loureiro Arthur Araújo
Published: September 2015

O presente trabalho visa o estudo anatômico macroscópico de 80 espécies lenhosas da Amazônia representadas por 19 Famílias e 46 Gêneroe que apresentam raios considerados largos, segundo adaptação feita pela Divisão de Anatomia e Identificação de Madeiras/INPA, tomando como base a Norma Técnica COPANT (1974). Para cada espécie constam as seguintes informações: caracteres gerais, descrição macroscópica, usos comune, nomee vulgares, um atlas de fotomacrografias com 10x de aumento para auxiliar na identificação dae espécies, um gráfico comparativo contendo a classificação da largura doe raios estudados entre a Norma Técnica COPANT (1974) e a DAIM (1987), um histograma com a frequência da massa específica das espécies, uma listagem contendo as espécies estudadas com a classificação da massa específica, um índice alfabético por famílias e outro por nomee vulgares, ainda um glossário dos termos técnicos utilizados na descrição macroecópica de madeiras acompanhado de um desenho esquemático de um corpo de prova.
NOVAS LOCALIDADES DE MUSGOS NOS ESTADOS DO BRASIL
Authors: Yano Olga
Published: September 2015

Quarenta e uma espécies de musgos são relatadas como novas ocorrências em vários estados do Brasil. Estas espécies pertencem a 30 gêneros e 20 famílias. Para cada uma das espécies são apresentados dados quanto à distribuição geográfica no Brasil, localidade-tipo, basiônimo, bem como comentários sobre o substrato e características mais importantes para sua identificação. Philonotis ampliretisBroth., Sematophyllum panduraefolium(Broth.) Broth, e Syrrhopodon proliferSchwaegr. var. tenuifolius(Sull.) Reese estão ilustradas. Barbute cruegerisond ex C. Muell. e Neohyophila spreticelil(Schwaegr.) Crum são referidas pela primeira vez para o Brasil
ESTIMACION DE EDAD Y CRECIMIENTO EN LA "PACORA" (PLAGIOSCION SURINAMENSIS BLEECKER, 1873) POR MEDIO DE LA COMPARACION DE LOS METODOS DE ANALISIS DE DISTRIBUCION DE FRECUENCIAS Y LAS MARCAS EN ESCAMAS Y OTOLITOS
Authors: Sosa Diego Luis Muñoz
Published: September 2015

En la presente investigación se estima la edad y creecimiento de la pacora (Plagiosclon surinamensis), por medio de la comparación de los métodoe de distribución de frecuencias, marcas en las escamas y marcae en los otolitos; de esta comparación se concluye que la pacora forma tres anillos en las escamas por año y con base en este método, estableciendo los grupos de edad anuales, se calcula la ecuación de crecimiento de Von Bertalanffy, la cual se expressa de la siguiente manera:Lt (ram) = 775.1 * {1 - e -0.362 * (t - 0.0978)}. La relación talla-peso se calculó ordenando las tallas en intervalos de 10 ram y corresponde a la ecuación:Peso (gr) = 1.1 * 10-5 * L. E.(3.08), no encontrándose diferencias significativas entre el crecimiento de hembras y el de machos. Se complementa la investigación con información sobre tallas mínimas y medias de madurez sexual y espectro trófico de la especie en la parte baja de la cuenca del Río Magdalena y su plano inundable.
APROVEITAMENTO RACIONAL DE PESCADO DE ÁGUA DOCE DA AMAZÔNIA. II. AVALIAÇÃO DO FRESCOR DA MATRINXA (BRYCON SP.) EM GELO
Authors: Castelo Francisco Pereira
Published: September 2015

O estudo da conservação do matrinxã (Bryconsp.) em gelo, foi efetuado em caixas isotérmicas em onze lotes. A Tabela de avaliação sensorial utilizada, foi baseada nas características externas, internas e odores das queiras, tendo 25 pontos máximos, e o limite de 08, quando os exemplares se tornavam Impróprios para o consumo humano. Pelas determinações da composição química, as amostras examinadas apresentaram teores semelhantes a outros peixes, sendo classificado como espécie magra de acordo com a quantidade de lipídios no músculo. As determinações químicas de qualidade (AGL; TBA; BVT e TMA), não apresentam consistência; porém os Ácidos Graxos Livres (AGL), merecem estudos mais detalhados. Conclui-se que as matrinxãspodem se manter em gelo durante 22 dias em condições de consumo.
NOTA SOBRE ÂNGULO MICROFIBRILAR NO XILEMA DE ANDIRA PARVI FLORA DUCKE E SACCOGLOTIS GUIANENSIS BENTH DA AMAZÔNIA
Authors: Silva Ademir Castro e
Published: September 2015

O ângulo microfibrilar exerce um efeito sobre uma ampla faixa de propriedades da madeira e a fibra em si. Nas duas espécies estudadas o ângulo mostra um decréscimo em direção ao càmbio. Na base da árvore são menores. O grau de correlação com comprimento de fibra á altamente significante.
EFICIÊNCIA DE Bacillus thuringieneisE DE DELTAMETRINA, EM APLICAÇÃO AÉREA, PARA O CONTROLE DE Thyrinteina arnobiaSTOLL, 1782 (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE) EM EUCALIPTAL NO PARÁ
Authors: Zanuncio José Cola , Guedes Raul Narciso Carvalho , Cruz Adalton Pinheiro da , Moreira Antônio Maurício
Published: September 2015

A avaliação da eficiência relativa de formulações de Bacillus thuringiensise de deltametrina, em aplicações aéreas para o controle de Thyrirrteina arnobiaStoll, 1782 (Lepidoptera: Geometndae) em Eucalyptus urophyllaem Monte Dourado no Pará, foi feita no presente ensaio, onde faixas de 10 ha (100x1000 m) foram pulverizadas com formulações comercoais de B. thuringiensise/ou deltametrina. Foram tomados cinco pontos de amostragem para cada tratamento e as avaliações foram feitas 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas após a aplicação dos inseticidas. Cerca de 144 horas após a aplicação, foi feita uma pulverização drástica de uma mistura de malation e deltametrina, para a verificação do número total de insetos presentes nos pontos amostrados. A deltametrina mostrou eficiência máxima nas doses de 200 e 400 ml/ha e grande efeito de impacto sobre a população de lagartas. A ação do B. thuringiensismostrou-se mais lenta, mas o uso de formulações de alta qualidade desta bactéria e promissor para o controle de lagartas em reflorestamentos no trópico úmido, podendo ser usadas isoladamente ou em mistura com a deltametrina para um maior efeito de impacto. Verificou-se, também, o\ue tanto B. thuringiensisquanto a deltametrina tiveram pouco efeito sobre a população de nemípteros predadores. Assim, a deltametrina pode ser usada no controle de lagartas de eucalipto, preservando-se esses inimigos naturais.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A LARGE-SCALE TREE INVENTORY OF UPLAND RAIN FOREST IN THE CENTRAL AMAZON
Authors: Rankin-de-Mérona Judy M. , Prance Ghillean T , Hutchings Roger W. , Silva Marlene Freitas da , Rodrigues William A. , Uehling Marie E.
Published: September 2015

A large-scale inventory of trees > 10cm DBH was conducted in the upland "terra firme" rain forest of the Distrito Agropecuário da SUFRAMA (Manaus Free Zone Authority Agricultural District) approximately 65Km north of the city of Manaus (AM), Srasil. Thegeneral appearance and structure of the forest is described together with local topography and soil texture. Thepreliminary results of the Inventory provide a minimum estimate of 698 tree species in 53 families in the 40Km radius sampled, including 17 undescribed species. Themost numerically abundant families, Lecythidaceae, Leguminosae, 5apotaceae and Burseraceae as also among the most species rich families. One aspect of this diverse assemblage is the proliferation of species within certain genera, Including 26 genera In 17 families with 6 or more species or morphospecies. Most species have very low abundances of less than 1 tree per hectare. While more abundant species do exist at densities ranging up to a mean of 12 trees per ha, many have clumped distributions leading to great variation in local species abundance. The degree of similarity between hectare samples based int the Coefficient of Community similarity Index varies widely over different sample hectares for five ecologically different families. Soil texture apparently plays a significant role In determining species composition in the different one hectare plots examined while results for other variable were less consistent. Greater differences in similarity indices are found for comparisons with a one hectare sample within the same formation approximately 40Km to the south. It is concluded that homogeneity of tree community composition within this single large and diverse yet continuous upland forest formation can not be assumed.
MODELES DES TRANSFERTS RADIATIFS A L'INTERIEUR DES COUVERTS VEGETAUX LES SOLUTIONS ANALYTIQUES
Authors: Marques Filho Ari de O
Published: September 2015

Cette étude décrit la modélisation mathématique des transferts radiatifs en milieu végétal, en focalisant l'attention sur le régime du rayonnement solaire au sein des couverts végétaux homogènes. Le rayonnement solaire est traité en quatre composantes principales: rayonnement primaire et complémentaire, chacune de ces parties étant constituée des composantes directe et diffuse. On a présenté, dans un contexte assez général, les équations différentielles ou les systèmes d'équations différentielles qui gouvernent les différents processus de interaction rayonnement-végétation, et des solutions analytiques sont proposées pour les différentes composantes.
SUSCEPTIBILIDADE DE Anopheles triannulatus(NEIVA & PINTO, 1922) E ESPÉCIES NÃO ALVO A LARVICIDAS À BASE DE TEMEPHOS E DE Bacillus thuringiensiaH-14
Authors: Andrade Carlos Fernando S. de
Published: September 2015

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido em uma área com ríeco de malária do Projeto Carajás (Carajás, PA). Foi avaliado um larvicida químico amplamente utilizado, o temephos, e um formulado a base da bactéria Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 (Bti), isoladamente ou em conjunto, contra larvae de Anopheles triannulatus; vetor da malária. A susceptibilidade foi expressa em termos do TL50 e da mortandade final. A mistura dos dois larvicidas mostrou sinergismo temporal, larvas de Culex rorotaensis e notonectideos também tiveram sua susceptibilidade avaliada respectivamente ao Bti e ao temephos. Discute-se a relevância dos resultados no manejo integrado de A. triannulatus.
O DESENVOLVIMENTO OVOCITÁRIO EM Macrobrachium amazonicum(Heller, 1862)(CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA: PALAEMONIDAE), CAMARÃO DULCÍCOLA DA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA
Authors: CHAVES Paulo de Tarso da C. , MAGALHÃES Célio
Published: September 2015

É descrito o desenvolvimento ovocitário em Macrobrachium amazonicum(Heller, 1862), um camarão dulcícola da família Palaemonidae da Amazônia Central. O seu desenvolvimento é semelhante ao de Macrobrachium acanthurus(Wiegmann, 1836). As fases iniciais do desenvolvimento ocupam a região intema do ovario, enquanto que as fases vitelogênica e madura situam-se perifericamente. São descritas ainda a morfologia dos folículos pós-ovulatórios e das células foliculares.