bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of lung recruitment maneuvers in acute respiratory distress syndrome using computer simulation
Authors: Das Anup , Cole Oana , Chikhani Marc , Wang Wenfei , Ali Tayyba , Haque Mainul , Bates Declan G , Hardman Jonathan G
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Direct comparison of the relative efficacy of different recruitment maneuvers (RMs) for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) via clinical trials is difficult, due to the heterogeneity of patient populations and disease states, as well as a variety of practical issues. There is also significant uncertainty regarding the minimum values of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) required to ensure maintenance of effective lung recruitment using RMs. We used patient-specific computational simulation to analyze how three different RMs act to improve physiological responses, and investigate how different levels of PEEP contribute to maintaining effective lung recruitment.

Methods

We conducted experiments on five ‘virtual’ ARDS patients using a computational simulator that reproduces static and dynamic features of a multivariable clinical dataset on the responses of individual ARDS patients to a range of ventilator inputs. Three recruitment maneuvers (sustained inflation (SI), maximal recruitment strategy (MRS) followed by a titrated PEEP, and prolonged recruitment maneuver (PRM)) were implemented and evaluated for a range of different pressure settings.

Results

All maneuvers demonstrated improvements in gas exchange, but the extent and duration of improvement varied significantly, as did the observed mechanism of operation. Maintaining adequate post-RM levels of PEEP was seen to be crucial in avoiding cliff-edge type re-collapse of alveolar units for all maneuvers. For all five patients, the MRS exhibited the most prolonged improvement in oxygenation, and we found that a PEEP setting of 35 cm H2O with a fixed driving pressure of 15 cm H2O (above PEEP) was sufficient to achieve 95% recruitment. Subsequently, we found that PEEP titrated to a value of 16 cm H2O was able to maintain 95% recruitment in all five patients.

Conclusions

There appears to be significant scope for reducing the peak levels of PEEP originally specified in the MRS and hence to avoid exposing the lung to unnecessarily high pressures. More generally, our study highlights the huge potential of computer simulation to assist in evaluating the efficacy of different recruitment maneuvers, in understanding their modes of operation, in optimizing RMs for individual patients, and in supporting clinicians in the rational design of improved treatment strategies.
Integration of metabolic and inflammatory mediator profiles as a potential prognostic approach for septic shock in the intensive care unit
Authors: Mickiewicz Beata , Tam Patrick , Jenne Craig N , Leger Caroline , Wong Josee , Winston Brent W , Doig Christopher , Kubes Paul , Vogel Hans J ,   for the Alberta Sepsis Network
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Septic shock is a major life-threatening condition in critically ill patients and it is well known that early recognition of septic shock and expedient initiation of appropriate treatment improves patient outcome. Unfortunately, to date no single compound has shown sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used as a routine biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, the identification of new diagnostic tools remains a priority for increasing the survival rate of ICU patients. In this study, we have evaluated whether a combined nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabolomics and a multiplex cytokine/chemokine profiling approach could be used for diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of septic shock patients in the ICU.

Methods

Serum and plasma samples were collected from septic shock patients and ICU controls (ICU patients with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome but not suspected of having an infection). 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were analyzed and quantified using the targeted profiling methodology. The analysis of the inflammatory mediators was performed using human cytokine and chemokine assay kits.

Results

By using multivariate statistical analysis we were able to distinguish patient groups and detect specific metabolic and cytokine/chemokine patterns associated with septic shock and its mortality. These metabolites and cytokines/chemokines represent candidate biomarkers of the human response to septic shock and have the potential to improve early diagnosis and prognosis of septic shock.

Conclusions

Our findings show that integration of quantitative metabolic and inflammatory mediator data can be utilized for the diagnosis and prognosis of septic shock in the ICU.
Increasing expression of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in synovial tissue and fluid contribute to the progress of arthritis in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Xiang , He Ji-Ye , Zheng Xin-Feng , Li De , Li Zheng , Zhu Jun-Feng , Shen Chao , Cai Gui-Quan , Chen Xiao-Dong
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that has pain and loss of joint function as major pathological features. In the present study, we explored the mechanisms of possible involvement and regulation of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathological and inflammatory processes of arthritis in DDH.

Methods

Blood, synovial tissue and fluid samples were collected from patients diagnosed with different severities of DDH and from patients with femoral neck fracture. Levels of SP, CGRP and inflammatory cytokines in synovium and synovial fluid (SF) in the different groups were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlations between neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines in SF were evaluated by partial correlation analysis. The proinflammatory effects of SP and CGRP on synoviocytes obtained from patients with moderate DDH were investigated in vitro by real-time PCR and ELISA. The mechanisms of those effects were evaluated by Western blot analysis and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) DNA binding assay.

Results

Significantly increased levels of neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines were observed in synovium and SF from patients in the severe DDH group compared with the moderate DDH and control groups. In moderate DDH samples, SP in SF correlated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and CGRP in SF correlated with TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-10. In the severe DDH group, SP in SF correlated with interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α and IL-10. CGRP in SF correlated with TNF-α. Additionally, SP might have had obvious proinflammatory effects on synoviocytes through the activation of NF-κB.

Conclusions

The upregulation of SP and CGRP in synovium and SF might participate in the inflammatory process of arthritis in DDH. The activation of the NF-κB pathway seems indispensable in the proinflammatory effect of SP on synoviocytes. This original discovery may indicate a potential clinical drug target and the development of innovative therapies for DDH.
DNA barcoding supports identification of Malacobdella species (Nemertea: Hoplonemertea)
Authors: Alfaya Jose E F , Bigatti Gregorio , Kajihara Hiroshi , Strand Malin , Sundberg Per , Machordom Annie
Published: January 2015

Background

Nemerteans of the genusMalacobdellalive inside of the mantle cavity of marine bivalves. The genus currently contains only six species, five of which are host-specific and usually found in a single host species, while the sixth species,M. grossa, has a wide host range and has been found in 27 different bivalve species to date. The main challenge ofMalacobdellaspecies identification resides in the similarity of the external morphology between species (terminal sucker, gut undulations number, anus position and gonad colouration), and thus, the illustrations provided in the original descriptions do not allow reliable identification. In this article, we analyse the relationships among three species ofMalacobdella:M. arrokeana,M. japonicaandM. grossa, adding new data for theM. grossaand reporting the first forM. japonica, analysing 658 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I gene (COI). Based on these analyses, we present and discuss the potential of DNA barcoding forMalacobdellaspecies identification.

Results

Sixty-four DNA barcoding fragments of the mitochondrialCOIgene from three differentMalacobdellaspecies (M. arrokeana,M. japonica and M. grossa) are analysed (24 of them newly sequenced for this study, along with four outgroup specimens) and used to delineate species. Divergences, measured as uncorrected differences, between the three species wereM. arrokeana-M. grossa11.73%,M. arrokeana-M. japonica10.62% andM. grossa-M. japonica10.97%. The mean intraspecific divergence within the ingroup species showed a patent gap with respect to the interspecific ones: 0.18% forM. arrokeana, 0.13% forM. grossaand 0.02% forM. japonica(ranges from 0 to 0.91%).

Conclusions

We conclude that there is a clear correspondence between the molecular data and distinguishing morphological characters. Our results thus indicate that some morphological characters are useful for species identification and support the potential of DNA barcoding for species identification in a taxonomic group with subtle morphological external differences.
Notch3-Jagged signaling controls the pool of undifferentiated airway progenitors
Authors: Mori Munemasa , Mahoney John E. , Stupnikov Maria R. , Paez-Cortez Jesus R. , Szymaniak Aleksander D. , Varelas Xaralabos , Herrick Dan B. , Schwob James , Zhang Hong , Cardoso Wellington V.
Published: January 2015

Basal cells are multipotent airway progenitors that generate distinct epithelial cell phenotypes crucial for homeostasis and repair of the conducting airways. Little is known about how these progenitor cells expand and transition to differentiation to form the pseudostratified airway epithelium in the developing and adult lung. Here, we show by genetic and pharmacological approaches that endogenous activation of Notch3 signaling selectively controls the pool of undifferentiated progenitors of upper airways available for differentiation. This mechanism depends on the availability of Jag1 and Jag2, and is key to generating a population of parabasal cells that later activates Notch1 and Notch2 for secretory-multiciliated cell fate selection. Disruption of this mechanism resulted in aberrant expansion of basal cells and altered pseudostratification. Analysis of human lungs showing similar abnormalities and decreased NOTCH3 expression in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suggests an involvement of NOTCH3-dependent events in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Evolution beyond neo-Darwinism: a new conceptual framework
Authors: Noble Denis
Published: January 2015

Experimental results in epigenetics and related fields of biological research show that the Modern Synthesis (neo-Darwinist) theory of evolution requires either extension or replacement. This article examines the conceptual framework of neo-Darwinism, including the concepts of ‘gene’, ‘selfish’, ‘code’, ‘program’, ‘blueprint’, ‘book of life’, ‘replicator’ and ‘vehicle’. This form of representation is a barrier to extending or replacing existing theory as it confuses conceptual and empirical matters. These need to be clearly distinguished. In the case of the central concept of ‘gene’, the definition has moved all the way from describing a necessary cause (defined in terms of the inheritable phenotype itself) to an empirically testable hypothesis (in terms of causation by DNA sequences). Neo-Darwinism also privileges ‘genes’ in causation, whereas in multi-way networks of interactions there can be no privileged cause. An alternative conceptual framework is proposed that avoids these problems, and which is more favourable to an integrated systems view of evolution.
A review of transgenerational epigenetics for RNAi, longevity, germline maintenance and olfactory imprinting in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rankin Catharine H.
Published: January 2015

Inheritance of acquired characteristics without changes in DNA sequence has been called transgenerational epigenetics. This review looks at studies that used the model system Caenorhabditis elegans to uncover mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetics in studies of RNA interference, studies of longevity, studies of germline continuity and a study on olfactory imprinting. In each case, researchers have uncovered critical roles for small RNAs and for Argonaute proteins. They have revealed several different genetic pathways that mediate RNA silencing of foreign RNA for a few or for many generations, as well as identifying a related pathway responsible for recognized self-generated RNAs. Together, these studies have greatly advanced our understanding of trangenerational epigenetics.
Oxidation and Deprotonation of a Ruthenium(II) Complex with Quinoline-2-carbaldehyde (Pyridine-2-carbonyl)hydrazone and Formation of Hydrazonato-Bridged Heterodimetallic Complexes
Authors: Mori Asami , Suzuki Takayoshi , Sunatsuki Yukinari , Kojima Masaaki , Nakajima Kiyohiko
Published: January 2015

Reactions of a ruthenium(II) complex containing quinoline-2-carbaldehyde (pyridine-2-carbonyl)hydrazone (HL), trans(P,P)-[RuCl2(PPh3)2(HL)] (1), and 3d-metal(II) chlorides resulted in heterodimetallic complexes, [RuCl2(PPh3)2(µ-L)MCl2] (2M, M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn), in which the deprotonated hydrazonate (L−) bridged two metal ions in the µ-1(Ru)κ2N,O:2(M)κ3N′,N′′,N′′′ mode. The coordination bond lengths around the Ru and M centers suggested that the oxidation states in the complexes 2M could be assigned as RuIII and MII; this was also supported by magnetic, electrochemical, and spectroscopic measurements. In addition, oxidation of complex 1 by (NH4)2[Ce(NO3)6] gave the corresponding mononuclear RuIII complex with the deprotonated hydrazonate, trans(P,P)-[RuCl2(PPh3)2(L)] (3). It is suggested that oxidation of the Ru center lead to the concerted deprotonation from the hydrazone ligand. Addition of excess HClO4 to complex 3 gave a doubly protonated RuIII complex, 4(ClO4)2; in this complex the hydrazonate moiety was not protonated, but both the quinolyl and pyridyl N atoms were protonated. Complexes 3 and 42+ could be interconverted by the addition of acid or base without changing the oxidation state of the Ru center.
Palladium-catalyzed Insertion Reactions of Isocyanides into Thiocarbamates and Selenocarbamates
Authors: Shiro Daisuke , Fujiwara Shin-ichi , Tsuda Susumu , Iwasaki Takanori , Kuniyasu Hitoshi , Kambe Nobuaki
Published: January 2015

The insertion reaction of isocyanides with thiocarbamates and selenocarbamates in the presence of a Pd(0) catalyst to selectively give 2-oxoethanimidothioates and -selenoates is reported. This is the first example of the insertion of an isocyanide into a carbon–heteroatom bond using a transition-metal catalyst. DFT calculations suggest that the reaction proceeds through a thiopalladation pathway at the migratory insertion process.
Antibody Internalization into Living Cells via Crosslinker-mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Funamoto Daiki , Asai Daisuke , Sato Kazuki , Yamaguchi Yoko , Kim Chan Woo , Sato Hikari , Nakhaei Elnaz , Matsumoto Shingo , Yoshikawa Takuma , Sasaki Koichi , Yamamoto Tatsuhiro , Kishimura Akihiro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: January 2015

We reported here an alternative strategy of antibody internalization by crosslinker-mediated endocytosis. This crosslinker consists of IgG binding peptide and folic acid as cancer targeting ligands toward the folate receptor, which highly expresses in many cancer cells surface. This crosslinker successfully facilitated antibody internalization into cancer cell by the folate receptor-mediated endocytosis.
An Open Science Peer Review Oath
Authors: Aleksic Jelena , Alexa Adrian , Attwood Teresa K , Chue Hong Neil , Dahlö Martin , Davey Robert , Dinkel Holger , Förstner Konrad U , Grigorov Ivo , Hériché Jean-Karim , Lahti Leo , MacLean Dan , Markie Michael L , Molloy Jenny , Schneider Maria Victoria , Scott Camille , Smith-Unna Richard , Vieira Bruno Miguel ,   as part of the AllBio: Open Science & Reproducibility Best Practice Workshop
Published: January 2015

One of the foundations of the scientific method is to be able to reproduce experiments and corroborate the results of research that has been done before. However, with the increasing complexities of new technologies and techniques, coupled with the specialisation of experiments, reproducing research findings has become a growing challenge. Clearly, scientific methods must be conveyed succinctly, and with clarity and rigour, in order for research to be reproducible. Here, we propose steps to help increase the transparency of the scientific method and the reproducibility of research results: specifically, we introduce a peer-review oath and accompanying manifesto. These have been designed to offer guidelines to enable reviewers (with the minimum friction or bias) to follow and apply open science principles, and support the ideas of transparency, reproducibility and ultimately greater societal impact. Introducing the oath and manifesto at the stage of peer review will help to check that the research being published includes everything that other researchers would need to successfully repeat the work. Peer review is the lynchpin of the publishing system: encouraging the community to consciously (and conscientiously) uphold these principles should help to improve published papers, increase confidence in the reproducibility of the work and, ultimately, provide strategic benefits to authors and their institutions.
Emergency management of gut stasis in rabbits
Authors: Varga Molly
Published: January 2015

Gut stasis (paralytic ileus or gastrointestinal hypomotility) is a commonly seen symptom in rabbit patients. It is important to understand that it is not a diagnosis in and of itself. Any rabbit that is not eating, or is not passing droppings should be viewed as an emergency case. Prompt examination and comprehensive treatment allow stabilisation and enable the veterinary surgeon to both improve the immediate welfare of his patient and to get it well enough to undergo diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the gut stasis. In the longer term, treatment of gut stasis alone is insufficient and a diagnosis of the underlying cause will allow better long-term control.
Initial triage and assessment of the emergency patient
Authors: Donnelly Emma , Grave Tobias
Published: January 2015

Emergency patients can be a challenging presentation in general practice. Prompt triage and assessment is of the utmost importance to allow early treatment of life-threatening conditions. This article gives an overview of patient assessment to facilitate the planning of ongoing management and treatment.
Dental examination in dogs and cats
Authors: Oxford Matthew
Published: January 2015

Dental examination in dogs and cats is the first diagnostic stage in carrying out a dental procedure. It comprises both conscious examination and examination under anaesthesia, with the aim of identifying and recording dental pathology in order to formulate a treatment plan. It is an essential procedure, and will reduce the risk of missing pathology, which, if happens, may require subsequent anaesthesia to identify and treat. An examination is also often the first point of contact with the client, and will allow for effective communication of the treatment plan ( Gorrel, 2004 ).
A root to success: a guide to implant osseointegration
Authors: Male Emma
Published: January 2015

Dental implants can be a successful replacement option for missing teeth, improving masticatory and speech function and aesthetics. The methods in which the long-term success of dental implants and osseointegration can be achieved are discussed in this article
Care Quality Commission audits: tips for dental nurses
Authors: Talati Shilla
Published: January 2015

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects practices and will speak to staff members as a result. This article provides some valuable tips to achieve a positive result from CQC inspections
‘Here to Stay’ – Tracing through health the development of New Zealand as a Pacific Nation
Authors: Park Julie , Littleton Judith
Published: January 2015

We use health research and demography as a window onto the process by which New Zealand became a South Pacific nation. The making of the nation is the other side of the coin to the making of citizens. Counting and categorization is an important part of that process and tracing that history of counting through health research from 1937 to 1990 is what we do here. Becoming a nation with Pacific peoples as part of its citizenry is integral to the political identity journey of New Zealand from being a Better Britain of the South (Belich 1996: 302) to being part of the Pacific.

We focus at the level of the state and state-funded health research. Our data are the official reports of the Medical Research Council of New Zealand and research published mainly in the New Zealand Medical Journal along with census materials. This work is part of a broader ethnographic project on Transnational Pacific Health, which focused on the Cook Islands, Tuvalu and New Zealand. In this larger project we have researched Pacific people’s active engagement with the health sector, particularly in relation to culturally accessible services (e.g., Dunsford et al. 2011), but that story is not represented here.
Rotumans in Australia and New Zealand: The problem of community formation
Authors: Rensel Jan , Howard Alan
Published: January 2015

As members of the Fiji polity, people from the isolated island of Rotuma have been able to move freely about the archipelago, leading to stepwise-migration internationally, with Australia and New Zealand as primary destinations. Rotuman men engaged in the pearl-diving industry in the Torres Strait in the late nineteenth century, who married local women, were among the first documented migrants to Australia. Following World War II, a steady stream of Rotumans, many of them married to white spouses, emigrated and formed communities in urban settings like Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and elsewhere, where they have been remarkably successful. Their very success in the work force, along with high rates of intermarriage and dispersed households, makes getting together a challenging prospect, requiring strong motivation, effective leadership, and a commitment to preserving their Rotuman cultural heritage.
Instrumento de Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida (IAQdV) – Estudo de Validação para a População Idosa Portuguesa
Authors: Fonseca A. M. , Nunes M. V. , Teles L. , Martins C. , Paúl Constança , Castro-Caldas Alexandre
Published: January 2015

O constructo Qualidade de Vida assumiu crescente relevância com a consciencialização de que “curar” uma doença não é o único resultado das intervenções de saúde. Torna-se importante possuir um instrumento de avaliação da qualidade de vida que seja apropriado, a nível psicométrico, para a avaliação do impacto de programas de intervenção na área da saúde. Foi realizada a validação para a população idosa portuguesa de um instrumento australiano de avaliação de Qualidade de Vida, o The Assessment of Quality of Life Instrument (AQoL.). Foram respeitadas as características da versão australiana na adaptação (factores e número de itens). A variância explicada pelos diferentes factores apresenta diferenças relativamente à versão original, sinalizando a seguinte ordem de valorização dos factores associados pelo IAQdV à qualidade de vida dos idosos portugueses: Vida independente > Bem-estar psicológico > Sentidos > Doença > Relações sociais. São discutidas variáveis condicionantes da qualidade de vida percepcionada nesta amostra.
O corpo e suas narrativas. Envelhecimento feminino e culto ao corpo
Authors: Vilhena Junia de , Novaes Joana de Vilhena
Published: January 2015

Na cidade do Rio de Janeiro é cada vez maior o número de mulheres maduras que procuram academias de ginástica e clínicas de cirurgia plástica como forma de manterem-se jovens e com o corpo considerado adequado e atraente. A exacerbação do culto ao corpo na cultura carioca tem levado um grande contingente de mulheres a práticas corporais cada vez mais radicais. Incentivadas pela mídia e pelo discurso médico estas mulheres são levadas a encarar o envelhecimento, apenas como uma questão hormonal ou estética, deixando de lado os aspectos subjetivos do envelhecer. O artigo busca fazer uma análise desta busca frenética pelo corpo ideal tomando como eixo condutor as diferenças existentes entre o corpo da medicina, visto como um organismo, da ordem da natureza, e o da psicanálise que demanda uma narrativa que signifique as experiências do sujeito.
Medindo as percepções de auto-eficácia no âmbito da aprendizagem e da carreira: Introdução da Secção Temática
Authors: Silva José M. Tomás da
Published: January 2015

Este trabalho é uma introdução da Secção Temática da Psychologica intitulada “Medindo as percepções de auto-eficácia no âmbito da aprendizagem e da carreira”. Depois de discutirmos, brevemente, o conceito de auto-eficácia e qual o seu papel e relevância na explanação do funcionamento psicossocial humano, procede-se a uma apresentação sumária das cinco contribuições integradas nesta colectânea de estudos.
O papel dos processos neurobiológicos na terapia de casal cognitivo-comportamental
Authors: Dattilio Frank M.
Published: January 2015

Recentemente, a literatura especializada sobre as relações de casal tem-se focado nos efeitos que a genética e a neurobiologia têm nas dinâmicas interaccionais. Tem sido dada uma atenção especial à forma como os padrões emocionais e comportamentais são afectados pelos proponentes neurobiológicos. Este artigo expõe uma revisão breve da literatura sobre este tópico e apresenta exemplos breves de casos ilustrativos de que considerar os processos neurobiológicos, em conjunto com as técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais, pode ser um componente crucial para ajudar alguns casais a lidar com problemas relacionais. Na discussão, destacam-se considerações futuras para a investigação e desenvolvimento futuros nesta área.
Características psicométricas da versão Portuguesa da Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CDSE–SF)
Authors: Silva José Tomás da , Paixão Maria Paula , Albuquerque Ana Margarida
Published: January 2015

Neste trabalho faz-se uma síntese dos principais resultados obtidos na adaptação da versão curta da Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSE-SF: Taylor & Betz, 1983), em amostras de respondentes Portugueses. Depois de uma breve apresentação do instrumento (base teórica, dimensões e propriedades métricas em amostras internacionais), os autores expõem, sucintamente, as principais evidências recolhidas até à data, acerca da precisão/fiabilidade e de validade dos resultados, em distintas amostras nacionais de estudantes de diferentes níveis de escolaridade. De seguida, recorrendo a uma amostra não probabilística de 123 estudantes do 9º ano de escolaridade, faz-se uma análise da precisão dos resultados e examina-se a validade estrutural das respostas aos 25 itens da CDSE-SF. Por fim, apresentam-se algumas das necessidades de investigação futuras com esta escala.
A auto-eficácia para a aprendizagem autodirigida como pilar fundamental da educação e aprendizagem ao longo da vida: Continuação dos estudos de validação do Self-Efficacy for Self-Directed Learning Questionnaire
Authors: Oliveira Albertina Lima de
Published: January 2015

Este artigo apresenta os resultados da continuidade dos estudos de validação psicométrica do Questionário de Auto-Eficácia para a Aprendizagem Autodirigida (Self-Efficacy for Self-Directed Learning Questionnaire) na população de adultos portugueses. O instrumento tem revelado boas qualidades psicométricas em amostras diversificadas, reunindo indicadores bastante satisfatórios de consistência interna e de validade, semelhantes aos dos estudos originais americanos. As investigações portuguesas realizaram-se com estudantes universitários de licenciatura, mestrado e doutoramento, bem como com adultos diplomados a nível do 12º ano, através de processos de Reconhecimento, Validação e Certificação de Competências (RVCC). Veio a apurar-se, com base na elevada consistência dos resultados obtidos nos vários estudos conduzidos até ao momento presente, que o questionário referido se pode considerar uma boa medida da auto-eficácia para a autodirecção da aprendizagem de sujeitos adultos, sendo particularmente adequado para investigações à luz do novo paradigma da educação e aprendizagem ao longo da vida. Adicionalmente, testou-se a hipótese do nível de auto-eficácia para a aprendizagem autodirigida ser diferente entre os estudantes universitários e os adultos certificados por processos de RVCC, o que efectivamente se verificou, sendo favorecidos estes últimos.
Interesses e competências percebidas em crianças do ensino básico
Authors: David Rute , Paixão Maria Paula , Silva José Tomás da
Published: January 2015

Apesar de a infância ser considerada como a base do desenvolvimento vocacional, poucos são os estudos desenvolvidos nesta faixa etária acerca das variáveis implicadas e qual o papel que desempenham neste processo. Pretendendo colmatar algumas dessas lacunas procurámos explorar algumas características estruturais e correlacionais dos interesses e competências percebidas de crianças do ensino básico (3º, 6º e 9º anos de escolaridade), recorrendo, para o efeito, à tradução e adaptação portuguesa do ICA-R de Tracey e Ward, que tem em consideração os seis tipos de personalidade enunciados por Holland (R-I-A-S-E-C).
Analysis and Assessment of Fatigue Response of Multilayer Asphalt Surfacing System on Orthotropic Steel Deck Bridge With the Five-Point Bending Beam Tests
Authors: Liu X. , Tzimiris G. , Scarpas A. , Li J.
Published: January 2015

The French five-point bending (5PB) beam test provides a laboratory scale test that allows studying the fatigue resistance of surfacing systems on orthotropic steel deck bridges (OSDB). The surfacing structure for OSDB in the Netherlands consists mostly of a multilayer system: top porous asphalt layer, Guss asphalt layer, steel deck, and two membrane layers between the asphalt surfacing layers. In this paper, the 5PB beam test was employed to evaluate the performance of the whole multilayer structure on a steel deck and also to evaluate the mechanical properties of both the top and bottom membrane and the influence they have on the structure. Four membrane products were used as the top and bottom membrane layers in the 5PB beams. Furthermore, in the last part of this paper, the dissipated energy was used to explain the incremental damage during the testing.
Circuit Formation and Function in the Olfactory Bulb of Mice with Reduced Spontaneous Afferent Activity
Authors: Lorenzon Paolo , Redolfi Nelly , Podolsky Michael J. , Zamparo Ilaria , Franchi Sira Angela , Pietra Gianluca , Boccaccio Anna , Menini Anna , Murthy Venkatesh N. , Lodovichi Claudia
Published: January 2015

The type of neuronal activity required for circuit development is a matter of significant debate. We addressed this issue by analyzing the topographic organization of the olfactory bulb in transgenic mice engineered to have very little afferent spontaneous activity due to the overexpression of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.1 in the olfactory sensory neurons (Kir2.1 mice). In these conditions, the topography of the olfactory bulb was unrefined. Odor-evoked responses were readily recorded in glomeruli with reduced spontaneous afferent activity, although the functional maps were coarser than in controls and contributed to altered olfactory discrimination behavior. In addition, overexpression of Kir2.1 in adults induced a regression of the already refined connectivity to an immature (i.e., coarser) status. Our data suggest that spontaneous activity plays a critical role not only in the development but also in the maintenance of the topography of the olfactory bulb and in sensory information processing.
Persistent CaMKII Activation Mediates Learning-Induced Long-Lasting Enhancement of Synaptic Inhibition
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Reuveni Iris , Lamprecht Raphael , Barkai Edi
Published: January 2015

Training rats in a particularly difficult olfactory-discrimination task results in acquisition of high skill to perform the task superbly, termed “rule learning” or “learning set.” Such complex learning results in enhanced intrinsic neuronal excitability of piriform cortex pyramidal neurons, and in their excitatory synaptic interconnections. These changes, while subserving memory maintenance, must be counterbalanced by modifications that prevent overspreading of activity and uncontrolled synaptic strengthening. Indeed, we have previously shown that the average amplitude of GABAA-mediated miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) in these neurons is enhanced for several days after learning, an enhancement mediated via a postsynaptic mechanism. To unravel the molecular mechanism of this long-term inhibition enhancement, we tested the role of key second-messenger systems in maintaining such long-lasting modulation. The calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) blocker, KN93, significantly reduced the average mIPSC amplitude in neurons from trained rats only to the average pretraining level. A similar effect was obtained by the CaMKII peptide inhibitor, tatCN21. Such reduction resulted from decreased single-channel conductance and not in the number of activated channels. The PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, reduced the average mIPSC amplitude in neurons from naive, pseudo-trained, and trained animals, and the difference between the trained and control groups remained. Such reduction resulted from a decrease in the number of activated channels. The PKA inhibitor H89 dihydrochloride did not affect the average mIPSC amplitude in neurons from any of the three groups. We conclude that learning-induced enhancement of GABAA-mediated synaptic inhibition is maintained by persistent CaMKII activation.
Pharmacogenetic Excitation of Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex Restores Fear Prediction Error
Authors: Yau Joanna Oi-Yue , McNally Gavan P.
Published: January 2015

Pavlovian conditioning involves encoding the predictive relationship between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an unconditioned stimulus, so that synaptic plasticity and learning is instructed by prediction error. Here we used pharmacogenetic techniques to show a causal relation between activity of rat dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) neurons and fear prediction error. We expressed the excitatory hM3Dq designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug (DREADD) in dmPFC and isolated actions of prediction error by using an associative blocking design. Rats were trained to fear the visual CS (CSA) in stage I via pairings with footshock. Then in stage II, rats received compound presentations of visual CSA and auditory CS (CSB) with footshock. This prior fear conditioning of CSA reduced the prediction error during stage II to block fear learning to CSB. The group of rats that received AAV–hSYN–eYFP vector that was treated with clozapine-N-oxide (CNO; 3 mg/kg, i.p.) before stage II showed blocking when tested in the absence of CNO the next day. In contrast, the groups that received AAV–hSYN–hM3Dq and AAV–CaMKIIα–hM3Dq that were treated with CNO before stage II training did not show blocking; learning toward CSB was restored. This restoration of prediction error and fear learning was specific to the injection of CNO because groups that received AAV–hSYN–hM3Dq and AAV–CaMKIIα–hM3Dq that were injected with vehicle before stage II training did show blocking. These effects were not attributable to the DREADD manipulation enhancing learning or arousal, increasing fear memory strength or asymptotic levels of fear learning, or altering fear memory retrieval. Together, these results identify a causal role for dmPFC in a signature of adaptive behavior: using the past to predict future danger and learning from errors in these predictions.
Bùi Quang Chiêu in Calcutta (1928)
Authors: Larcher-Goscha Agathe , Abu-Zeid Kareem James
Published: January 2015

This article studies the trip to India in late 1928 by Bùi Quang Chiêu and Dương Văn Giáo. These two Vietnamese leaders of the Constitutionalist Party had been invited to participate in the Forty-third Indian National Congress as the “delegates from Annam.” On this occasion, they solemnly affirmed Vietnamese solidarity with the Indian anticolonial cause. Using Bùi Quang Chiêu’s long travelogue published upon his return to Cochinchina, this article seeks to underline a paradox: the Indian non-cooperation movement was discovered and described enthusiastically by the leader of the main Vietnamese nationalist movement who was himself in favor of colonial collaboration with the French in Indochina during the interwar period. This essay analyzes this paradox and presents a mirror-like reflection on the internal breakdown of colonial nationalism in Indochina in the 1920s and how French colonizers undermined it from the outside in a never ending quest for docile Vietnamese interlocutors.
Treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism: effect on left ventricular mass and function of the heart using magnetic resonance imaging technique
Authors: Mark Peter D , Andreassen Mikkel , Petersen Claus L , Kjaer Andreas , Faber Jens
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate structure and function of the heart in subclinical hyperthyroidism (SH) before and after obtaining euthyroidism by radioactive iodine treatment, using high precision and observer-independent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.

Methods

Cardiac MRI was performed before and after euthyroidism was obtained by radioactive iodine treatment in 12 otherwise healthy patients (11 women and one man, mean age 59 years, range 44–71 years) with a nodular goiter and SH, and compared with eight healthy controls investigated at baseline. Cardiac data were expressed as an index, as per body surface area, except for heart rate (HR) and ejection fraction.

Results

Post-treatment cardiac MRI was performed in median 139 days after a normalized serum TSH value had been recorded. During treatment, serum TSH increased from (median (range)) 0.01 (0.01–0.09) to 0.88 (0.27–3.99) mU/l. Patients with untreated SH had increased resting HR (P<0.01) as well as cardiac index (cardiac output as per body surface area) (P<0.01) compared with controls. Obtaining euthyroidism resulted in a significant decrease in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of 2.7 g/m2 (P=0.034), in HR of 8 bpm (P=0.001), and in cardiac index of 0.24 l/min per m2 (P=0.017).

Conclusions

Normalization of thyroid function by radioactive iodine treatment of SH resulted in significant reductions in clinically important heart parameters such as LVMI, HR, and cardiac index. SH should be regarded as a condition in which aggressive treatment should be considered to protect cardiac function.
TMEFF2 is an endogenous inhibitor of the CRH signal transduction pathway
Authors: Labeur Marta , Wölfel Barbara , Stalla Johanna , Stalla Günter K
Published: January 2015

TMEFF2 is a transmembrane protein with unknown function, containing an altered epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like motif, two follistatin-like domains, and a cytosolic tail with a putative G-protein-activating motif. TMEFF2 is predominantly expressed in brain and prostate and has been implicated in cell signaling, neuronal cell survival, and tumor suppression. We found that expression of TMEFF2 in pituitary corticotrope cells inhibits the effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on the production of intracellular cAMP, and CREB, and transcription ofPomc. Regulation of the activity of CRH by TMEFF2 requires neither the cytoplasmic tail nor the EGF domain, while deletion of the follistatin modules abolishes the inhibitory function of TMEFF2. Moreover, a soluble secreted protein containing the complete extracellular domain is sufficient for inhibition of CRH signaling. TMEFF2-induced inhibition depends on serum components. Furthermore, TMEFF2 regulates the non-canonical activin/BMP4 signaling, PI3K, and Ras/ERK1/2 pathways. Thus, TMEFF2 inhibits the CRH signaling pathway and the PI3K/AKT and Ras/ERK1/2 pathways, contributing to a significant inhibition of transcription ofPomc. We found that expression of TMEFF2 in human Cushing's adenoma is reduced when compared with normal human pituitary, which may indicate that TMEFF2 acts as a tumor suppressor in these adenomas. Furthermore, the overexpression of TMEFF2 decreased proliferation of corticotrope cells. Our results indicate a potential therapeutic use of TMEFF2 or factors that stimulate the activity of TMEFF2 for the treatment of corticotrope tumors in order to reduce their secretion of ACTH and proliferation.
Comparison of T7E1 and Surveyor Mismatch Cleavage Assays to Detect Mutations Triggered by Engineered Nucleases
Authors: Vouillot Léna , Thélie Aurore , Pollet Nicolas
Published: January 2015

Genome editing using engineered nucleases is used for targeted mutagenesis. But because genome editing does not target all loci with similar efficiencies, the mutation hit-rate at a given locus needs to be evaluated. The analysis of mutants obtained using engineered nucleases requires specific methods for mutation detection, and the enzyme mismatch cleavage method is used commonly for this purpose. This method uses enzymes that cleave heteroduplex DNA at mismatches and extrahelical loops formed by single or multiple nucleotides. Bacteriophage resolvases and single-stranded nucleases are used commonly in the assay but have not been compared side-by-side on mutations obtained by engineered nucleases. We present the first comparison of the sensitivity of T7E1 and Surveyor EMC assays on deletions and point mutations obtained by zinc finger nuclease targeting in frog embryos. We report the mutation detection limits and efficiencies of T7E1 and Surveyor. In addition, we find that T7E1 outperforms the Surveyor nuclease in terms of sensitivity with deletion substrates, whereas Surveyor is better for detecting single nucleotide changes. We conclude that T7E1 is the preferred enzyme to scan mutations triggered by engineered nucleases.
Strategy of Air Supremacy and Defense for a Quick End to Twenty- First Century Conflict – Research Required
Authors: Kaufui Vincent Wong
Published: January 2015

Air supremacy including land supremacy depends on equipment and weapons researched and developed with superior engineering knowledge, design and practice. There is the analytical and computational part, as well as the essential product realization portion. Superiority in engineering knowledge and practice is requisite. There are also telltale clues from the lyrics of national anthems, which may speak of a nation’s desire for military superiority, or at least of being undaunted by military conflict to maintain a nation’s independence. Airborne drones are being recognized as being essential for air supremacy in the twenty-first century, and are the focus of this article. The technology of airborne drones rests on the shoulders of aircraft technology, on robotics and computer technology, especially at the micro-scale end of fast and powerful computers. This work is focused on the research and development required to maintain/ acquire air supremacy in this twenty-first century, so that military conflicts need not drag on. Numerous lives can be spared as a consequence.
First record of Chlorostrymon kuscheli (Ureta, 1949) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Peru
Authors: Gutierrez José Cerdeña , Larico Jackie Farfan , Coila Marco Delgado
Published: January 2015

We provide the first record of Chlorostrymon kuscheli (Ureta, 1949) for Peru. One male specimen collected  in October, 2008 in the Valle Chilina, Arequipa, Peru.
Yacon: benefícios à saúde e aplicações tecnológicas
Authors: Gusso Ana Paula , Mattanna Paula , Richards Neila
Published: January 2015

No início dos anos 90, foi introduzido na cultura Brasileira o plantio da batata yacon, uma raiz tuberosa, que vem despertando grande interesse por parte dos pesquisadores, devido as suas propriedades nutricionais e tecnológicas. Essa raiz caracteriza-se principalmente por ser rica em frutanos e ácidos fenólicos, apresentando efeito prebiótico e antioxidante, respectivamente. Muitos estudos in vivo e in vitro já foram realizados, utilizando este tubérculo e seus derivados, comprovando suas atividades benéficas à saúde, além deter grande potencial na tecnologia do desenvolvimento de novos produtos alimentícios. A presente revisão objetivou agrupar alguns desses estudos, tanto na área da saúde como na da tecnologia de alimentos. O potencial prebiótico, redução do índice glicêmico e a melhora na saúde óssea são os efeitos que se destacam nas pesquisas in vivo. Percebe-se também uma tendência na elaboração de produtos de panificação utilizando-se a farinha de yacon, e os resultados apresentam-se satisfatórios, tanto nas propriedades tecnológicas quanto nas avaliações sensoriais
Smoke-Isolated Trimethylbutenolide Inhibits Seed Germination of Different Weed Species by Reducing Amylase Activity
Authors: Papenfus Heino B. , Kulkarni Manoj G. , Pošta Martin , Finnie Jeffrey F. , Van Staden Johannes
Published: January 2015

Weeds pose a great problem to farmers worldwide, and controlling weeds demands a high input cost for herbicides and labor. Because of current environmental regulations, a limited number of herbicides are commercially available (with limited modes of action) to control weeds. Smoke water and the biologically active compounds isolated from smoke affect seed germination in a significant way. Smoke water (SW) and karrikinolide (KAR1, the germination stimulant isolated from smoke) have been tested extensively for their ability to promote seed germination in a vast array of plant species. In addition to KAR1, a germination inhibitor, trimethylbutenolide (TMB), was also isolated from plant-derived smoke. The effects of SW, KAR1, and TMB were tested on five major weed species of South Africa: fleabane, hairy wild lettuce, bugweed, spilanthes, and fameflower. Seeds of these weed species were subjected to 16/8 h light/dark conditions or to constant dark conditions at constant temperatures of 20, 25, 30 C and alternating 30/20 C. SW and KAR1significantly increased germination, whereas TMB significantly inhibited germination of these weed species. Furthermore, TMB treatment reduced the amylase activity of the tested weed seeds compared with the water control. These results indicate the possibility of manipulating germination of certain weed seeds by SW, KAR1, and TMB. Thus, smoke and smoke-isolated compounds could potentially be used in new weed management strategies.
Field Evaluation of Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) Seed Meal for Weed Management
Authors: Intanon Suphannika , Hulting Andrew G. , Mallory-Smith Carol A.
Published: January 2015

Meadowfoam seed meal (MSM), a by-product after oil extraction, has potential uses for crop growth enhancement or weed control. The herbicidal effect of MSM is the result of a secondary metabolite, glucosinolate glucolimnanthin (GLN). Field evaluations were conducted using concentrations of 3, 5, and 7% by weight and two forms (nonactivated and activated) of MSM applied as soil amendments. No injury was observed on lettuce transplanted 7 d after MSM incorporation in 2011. Activated MSM at 7% reduced weed emergence up to 71%. Lettuce leaf N content was at least 8.5-fold greater in MSM treatments compared to the untreated control. Greater soil nitrate levels correlated with greater weed biomass in MSM-amended plots. Isothiocyanate, a potent herbicidal compound, was detected in soil incorporated with 7% activated MSM. In 2012, 2.86 g m−2 of activated MSM, applied as a split or single dose, was evaluated for weed control efficacy and crop injury response. The split MSM application provided weed control similar to that from the single MSM application. The split and single MSM applications inhibited spiny sowthistle emergence more than 95% compared to the untreated control. A single application of activated MSM as a PRE soil amendment suppressed weeds and increased lettuce yield.