bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of tobacco pollen transcriptome unveils common pathways in polar cell expansion and underlying heterochronic shift during spermatogenesis
Authors: Hafidh Said , Breznenová Katarína , Růžička Petr , Feciková Jana , Čapková Věra , Honys David
Published: February 2012

Background

Many flowering plants produce bicellular pollen. The two cells of the pollen grain are destined for separate fates in the male gametophyte, which provides a unique opportunity to study genetic interactions that govern guided single-cell polar expansion of the growing pollen tube and the coordinated control of germ cell division and sperm cell fate specification. We applied the Agilent 44 K tobacco gene chip to conduct the first transcriptomic analysis of the tobacco male gametophyte. In addition, we performed a comparative study of the Arabidopsis root-hair trichoblast transcriptome to evaluate genetic factors and common pathways involved in polarized cell-tip expansion.

Results

Progression of pollen grains from freshly dehisced anthers to pollen tubes 4 h after germination is accompanied with > 5,161 (14.9%) gametophyte-specific expressed probes active in at least one of the developmental stages. In contrast, > 18,821 (54.4%) probes were preferentially expressed in the sporophyte. Our comparative approach identified a subset of 104 pollen tube-expressed genes that overlap with root-hair trichoblasts. Reverse genetic analysis of selected candidates demonstrated that Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (CSD1), a WD-40 containing protein (BP130384), and Replication factor C1 (NtRFC1) are among the central regulators of pollen-tube tip growth. Extension of our analysis beyond the second haploid mitosis enabled identification of an opposing-dynamic accumulation of core regulators of cell proliferation and cell fate determinants in accordance with the progression of the germ cell cycle.

Conclusions

The current study provides a foundation to isolate conserved regulators of cell tip expansion and those that are unique for pollen tube growth to the female gametophyte. A transcriptomic data set is presented as a benchmark for future functional studies using developing pollen as a model. Our results demonstrated previously unknown functions of certain genes in pollen-tube tip growth. In addition, we highlighted the molecular dynamics of core cell-cycle regulators in the male gametophyte and postulated the first genetic model to account for the differential timing of spermatogenesis among angiosperms and its coordination with female gametogenesis.
Elevated Interleukin-8 Enhances Prefrontal Synaptic Transmission in Mice with Persistent Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Cui Guang-Bin , An Jia-Ze , Zhang Nan , Zhao Ming-Gao , Liu Shui-Bing , Yi Jun
Published: February 2012

Background:

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is known for its roles in inflammation and plays critical roles in the development of pain. Its expression increases in the brain after peripheral inflammation. Prefrontal cortex, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), is a forebrain structure known for its roles in pain transmission and modulation. Painful stimuli potentiate the prefrontal synaptic transmission, however, little is known about the expression of IL-8 and its role in the enhanced ACC synaptic transmission in animals with persistent inflammatory pain.

Findings:

In the present study, we examined IL-8 expression in the ACC, somatosensory cortex (SSC), and the dorsal horn of lumbar spinal cord following hind-paw administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in mice and its effects on the ACC synaptic transmission. Quantification of IL-8 at protein level (by ELISA) revealed enhanced expression in the ACC and spinal cord during the chronic phases of CFA-induced peripheral inflammation. In vitro whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that IL-8 significantly enhanced synaptic transmission through increased probability of neurotransmitter release in the ACC slice. ACC local infusion of repertaxin, a non-competitive allosteric blocker of IL-8 receptors, notably prolonged the paw withdrawal latency to thermal radian heat stimuli bilaterally in mice.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that up-regulation of IL-8 in the ACC partly attributable to the enhanced prefrontal synaptic transmission in the mice with persistent inflammatory pain.
Chronic Pain, Perceived Stress, and Cellular Aging: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Sibille Kimberly T , Langaee Taimour , Burkley Ben , Gong Yan , Glover Toni L , King Chris , Riley Joseph L , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Staud Roland , Bradley Laurence A , Fillingim Roger B
Published: February 2012

Background:

Chronic pain conditions are characterized by significant individual variability complicating the identification of pathophysiological markers. Leukocyte telomere length (TL), a measure of cellular aging, is associated with age-related disease onset, psychosocial stress, and health-related functional decline. Psychosocial stress has been associated with the onset of chronic pain and chronic pain is experienced as a physical and psychosocial stressor. However, the utility of TL as a biological marker reflecting the burden of chronic pain and psychosocial stress has not yet been explored.

Findings:

The relationship between chronic pain, stress, and TL was analyzed in 36 ethnically diverse, older adults, half of whom reported no chronic pain and the other half had chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Subjects completed a physical exam, radiographs, health history, and psychosocial questionnaires. Blood samples were collected and TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Four groups were identified characterized by pain status and the Perceived Stress Scale scores: 1) no pain/low stress, 2) no pain/high stress, chronic pain/low stress, and 4) chronic pain/high stress. TL differed between the pain/stress groups ( p = 0.01), controlling for relevant covariates. Specifically, the chronic pain/high stress group had significantly shorter TL compared to the no pain/low stress group. Age was negatively correlated with TL, particularly in the chronic pain/high stress group ( p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Although preliminary in nature and based on a modest sample size, these findings indicate that cellular aging may be more pronounced in older adults experiencing high levels of perceived stress and chronic pain.
Facilitation of neocortical presynaptic terminal development by NMDA receptor activation
Authors: Sceniak Michael P , Berry Corbett T , Sabo Shasta L
Published: February 2012

Background

Neocortical circuits are established through the formation of synapses between cortical neurons, but the molecular mechanisms of synapse formation are only beginning to be understood. The mechanisms that control synaptic vesicle (SV) and active zone (AZ) protein assembly at developing presynaptic terminals have not yet been defined. Similarly, the role of glutamate receptor activation in control of presynaptic development remains unclear.

Results

Here, we use confocal imaging to demonstrate that NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation regulates accumulation of multiple SV and AZ proteins at nascent presynaptic terminals of visual cortical neurons. NMDAR-dependent regulation of presynaptic assembly occurs even at synapses that lack postsynaptic NMDARs. We also provide evidence that this control of presynaptic terminal development is independent of glia.

Conclusions

Based on these data, we propose a novel NMDAR-dependent mechanism for control of presynaptic terminal development in excitatory neocortical neurons. Control of presynaptic development by NMDARs could ultimately contribute to activity-dependent development of cortical receptive fields.
Alterations in arterial function after high-voltage electrical injury
Authors: Park Kyoung-Ha , Park Woo Jung , Kim Min-Kyu , Kim Hyun-Sook , Kim Seong Hwan , Cho Goo-Yeong , Choi Young-Jin
Published: February 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional changes of the arterial endothelium and smooth muscle after a high-voltage electrical injury (HVEI), using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD).

Methods

Twenty-five male patients injured in the upper extremities by current due to contact with more than 20,000 volts were enrolled in the study. FMD and NMD were measured on the brachial artery within 48 hours after HVEI, and follow-up FMD and NMD were evaluated six weeks later. In addition, we enrolled an age, sex and body mass index matched healthy control group consisting of 25 individuals. Including FMD and NMD, all the variables of the control group were investigated one time and compared with the initial and six week follow-up data of the HVEI group.

Results

A significantly lower initial FMD was seen in the HVEI group compared with the control group (2.1 ± 1.2% versus 13.6 ± 3.4%, P < 0.01). At the six week follow-up, the FMD of the HVEI group had significantly improved compared to the initial FMD (2.1 ± 1.2% versus 5.1 ± 2.1%, P < 0.01), but it was still lower than the FMD of the control group (5.1 ± 2.1% versus 13.6 ± 3.4%, P < 0.01). A significantly lower NMD was seen both initially and at the six week follow-up compared with the NMD of the control group (7.3 ± 4.7% versus 20.4 ± 4.1%, P < 0.01 and 11.4 ± 6.7% versus 20.4 ± 4.1%, P < 0.01, respectively). The FMD study of the contralateral arm which was uninjured by HVEI was available in six patients. In those patients, the six week follow-up FMD was significantly improved in the HVEI arm compared with the initial FMD (1.8 ± 0.6% versus 4.4 ± 1.6%, P < 0.01). However, in the contralateral uninjured arm, there was no difference between the initial and the six week follow-up FMDs (5.5 ± 1.4% versus 6.9 ± 2.2%, P = 0.26).

Conclusions

After HVEI, the endothelial and smooth muscle functions of the brachial artery were significantly decreased for at least six weeks. Long term cautious care might be needed for all victims of HVEI, because there is a chance of increased risk of thrombosis or stenosis in the injured arm.
Inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients; expect surprises
Authors: Droogh Joep M , Smit Marije , Hut Jakob , de Vos Ronald , M Ligtenberg Jack J , Zijlstra Jan G
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients is increasing. When performed by specialized retrieval teams there are less adverse events compared to transport by ambulance. These transports are performed with technical equipment also used in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As a consequence technical problems may arise and have to be dealt with on the road. In this study, all technical problems encountered while transporting patients with our mobile intensive care unit service (MICU) were evaluated.

Methods

From March 2009 until August 2011 all transports were reviewed for technical problems. The cause, solution and, where relevant, its influence on protocol were stated.

Results

In this period of 30 months, 353 patients were transported. In total 55 technical problems were encountered. We provide examples of how they influenced transport and how they may be resolved.

Conclusion

The use of technical equipment is part of intensive care medicine. Wherever this kind of equipment is used, technical problems will occur. During inter-hospital transports, without extra personnel or technical assistance, the transport team is dependent on its own ability to resolve these problems. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of having some technical understanding of the equipment used and the importance of training to anticipate, prevent and resolve technical problems. Being an outstanding intensivist on the ICU does not necessarily mean being qualified for transporting the critically ill as well. Although these are lessons derived from inter-hospital transport, they may also apply to intra-hospital transport.
Window length selection for optimum slowness resolution of the local-slant-stack transform
Authors: Ventosa Sergi , Simon Carine , Schimmel Martin
Published: February 2012

One of the most critical decisions in the design of a local-slant-stack transform (LSST) is the selection of its aperture, or more precisely, the selection of the appropriate number of traces and their weighting coefficients for each slant stack. The challenge is to achieve a good compromise between the slowness and the spatial resolution. Conventionally, the window size is chosen in a more intuitive manner by visual inspection and some limited tests. We analyzed the LSST to establish rigorous criteria for the window selection to achieve the optimum slowness and spatial resolution in the transformed domain for a given data set. For this purpose, we estimated the slowness resolution in the LSST domain as a function of the spatial-window bandwidth and of the spectral characteristics of the waves. For a wave with a given bandpass spectrum, the slowness resolution, the stopband attenuation, and the wavefront-tracking capability are determined by the spatial window. For narrowband signals, the spatial window must be larger than the stopband bandwidth divided by the desired slowness resolution and the central frequency of the band. For wideband signals, the window length is determined by the lowest frequency components. Much longer windows can only be used when the slowness and the amplitude variations of the wavefront trajectories are small. We validated our approach with a synthetic example and applied it to a wide-angle seismic profile to show the filter performance on real data in which the LSST-window length is determined in an automatic, data-adaptive manner.
Scattering effect on shallow gas-obscured zone imaging in Bohai PL19-3 area
Authors: Zhu Xianhuai , Wallace Kirk , Zhu Qingrong , Hofer Robert
Published: February 2012

Seismic imaging is challenging in the Bohai Bay PL19-3 area, offshore China. Bohai Bay Field is seismically obscured, making well penetrations the only reliable source of data for subsurface interpretation. With the help of turning-ray tomography, we are able to obtain a reliable near-surface velocity model approximately down to 700 m below sea level, using the first arrivals picked from streamer data. Depth migration using velocities estimated from turning-ray tomography has improved shallow structures and fault definition. However, reservoir level structures from 800 to 1500 m are still poorly imaged. A viscoelastic modeling study with assigned variable Q and shallow velocity profiles, with and without shallow gas-induced scatterers, demonstrates that scattering is the primary controlling phenomenon causing imaging difficulty within the obscured zone. Due to scattering, imaging tests at the target level were unsuccessful even with precise knowledge of velocity.
Analysis of gravity gradiometer inverse problems using optimal design measures
Authors: Pilkington Mark
Published: February 2012

Tensor components provide related but independent measures of the gravity field. In commercial systems, some of the components are measured directly while others are calculated. With five independent tensor components available for interpretation, the question of which components to use arises. Using ideas from optimal survey design, we investigated the information content provided by each of the tensor components and combinations thereof. The main tool used is the singular value decomposition of the design matrix resulting from posing the 3D inversion problem of determining densities from gravity gradiometer data. Optimal design measures suggest that at larger measurement-source distances all components and combinations provide similar levels of information concerning the source density distribution. Simply adding more components to the inverted data set does not provide any advantages. This changes at smaller measurement-source distances where multicomponent combinations provide stronger information content and [Formula: see text] is the single tensor component with the largest information value.
Matched rabbit monoclonal antibodies against αv-series integrins reveal a novel αvβ3-LIBS epitope, and permit routine staining of archival paraffin samples of human tumors
Authors: Goodman Simon L. , Grote Hans Juergen , Wilm Claudia
Published: February 2012

The relationship between integrin expression and function in pathologies is often contentious as comparisons between human pathological expression and expression in cell lines is difficult. In addition, the expression of even integrins αvβ6 and αvβ8 in tumor cell lines is not comprehensively documented. Here, we describe rabbit monoclonal antibodies (RabMabs) against the extracellular domains of αv integrins that react with both native integrins and formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) human tissues. These RabMabs, against αvβ3 (EM22703), αvβ5 (EM09902), αvβ6 (EM05201), αvβ8 (EM13309), and pan-αv (EM01309), recognize individual integrin chains in Western blots and in flow cytometry. EM22703 detected a ligand-induced binding site (LIBS), reporting an epitope enhanced by the binding of an RGD-peptide to αvβ3. αvβ8 was rarely expressed in human tumor specimens, and weakly expressed in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, ovarian carcinoma cell lines expressed αvβ8, as did some melanoma cells, whereas U87MG glioma lacked αvβ8 expression. We observed an unexpected strong expression of αvβ6 in tumor samples of invasive ductal breast adenoma, colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and NSCLC. αvβ3 was strongly expressed in some invasive NSCLC cohorts. Interestingly, PC3 prostate cell and human prostate tumors did not express αvβ3. The RabMabs stained plasma membranes in FFPE-immunohistochemistry (IHC) samples of tumor cell lines from lung, ovary, colon, prostate, squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN), breast, and pancreas carcinomas. The RabMabs are unique tools for probing αv integrin biology, and suggest that especially αvβ6 and αvβ8 biologies still have much to reveal.
How Will Energy Demand Develop in the Developing World?
Authors: Wolfram Catherine , Shelef Orie , Gertler Paul
Published: February 2012

Over the next 25 to 30 years, nearly all of the growth in energy demand, fossil fuel use, associated local pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions is forecast to come from the developing world. This paper argues that the world's poor and near-poor will play a major role in driving medium-run growth in energy consumption. As the world economy expands and poor households' incomes rise, they are likely to get connected to the electricity grid, gain access to good roads, and purchase energy-using assets like appliances and vehicles for the first time. We argue that the current forecasts for energy demand in the developing world may be understated because they do not accurately capture growth in demand along the extensive margin, as low-income households buy their first durable appliances and vehicles. Within a country, the adoption of energy-using assets typically follows an S-shaped pattern: among the very poor, we see little increase in the number of households owning refrigerators, vehicles, air conditioners, and other assets as incomes go up; above a first threshold income level, we see rapid increases of ownership with income; and above a second threshold, increases in ownership level off. A large share of the world's population has yet to go through the first transition, suggesting there is likely to be a large increase in the demand for energy in the coming years.
Auditing a court assessment and advice service for defendants with mental health difficulties: utilizing electronic patient records
Authors: Gough Karen , Magness Laura , Winstanley Julia
Published: February 2012

This study is an audit of the Somerset Court Advice and Assessment Service (CAAS) throughout its first year of implementation. It reports that the service successfully met the six desired objectives as set out in its Service Level Agreement. Further to this, it reports that the use of National Health Service electronic patient records within a court setting facilitated the provision of apposite and timely information to the court. Specific findings were that deliberate self-harm/suicidal ideation and mood disorders were the primary reasons for a person requiring CAAS involvement. Violence against the person, breach of orders and theft were the most prevalent categories of offending within this referred group. The prevalence of previous psychiatric history was significantly higher than found in comparable audits. It is likely that this is due to the efficacy of proactive and in vivo utilization of electronic patient records. Conclusions include the need to work in partnership with drug and alcohol agencies and the importance of recognizing that these services have significant clinical benefits for defendants with mental health problems, and the court system in terms of financial savings. We suggest ongoing audit is necessary to guide the development of other schemes in this pioneering service area.
Athletes, Best Friends, and Social Activists: An Integrative Model Accounting for the Role of Identity in Organizational Identification
Authors: Brickson Shelley L.
Published: February 2012

Organizational identification links together organizational and member identity, yet we currently lack theory explicating the role of organizational and member identity variations in members' evaluations of organizations as identification targets. In this theoretical paper, I outline a model of organizational identification that aims to do three things—account for the role of identity in the identification process, integrate and extend disparate approaches to organizational identification, and illuminate social comparison processes underlying members' organizational evaluations. The model proposes that members undertake two identity comparisons to assess the value of organizational membership for identification purposes. In one, they compare the organization's current identity with their own identity, allowing them to assess the organization's ability to meet their motivation for self-continuity. In the other, they compare the organization's current identity with its expected identity, allowing them to assess the organization's ability to meet their motivation for self-esteem. After introducing the identity congruence framework, I apply to it the identity orientation lens to make specific predictions about how organizational and member identity shape the nature and outcomes of the specific social comparison content drawn upon in each of the two identity comparisons. This analysis reveals how the metrics used to evaluate organizations fundamentally vary by organizational and member identity. Implications for organizational studies are addressed, including those related to organizing and stakeholder theory.
Managing the List in the Lower Criminal Courts: Judgecraft or Crafty Judges?
Authors: Young Richard
Published: February 2012

In a recent special journal issue, the concept of judgecraft was explored and applied by several writers as a framework for analysing the work of judges. One of these contributions (K. Mack and S. Roach Anleu, ‘“Getting Through the List”: Judgecraft and Legitimacy in the Lower Courts' (2007) 16(3) Social & Legal Studies 341) focused in particular on the judgecraft deployed by magistrates seeking to ‘get through the list’ in the lower criminal courts of Australia. It is argued here that their evaluation of magisterial behaviour was predominantly, and perhaps unduly, positive and that this may be attributable to their use of the judgecraft concept itself. The advantages and disadvantages of using the judgecraft concept are examined both theoretically and by reference to empirical observations of how Resident Magistrates ‘manage the list’ in the lower criminal courts of Northern Ireland. Much of this management can aptly be seen as demonstrating judgecraft, but some involves an element better captured through the more negative concept of craftiness. It will be argued in conclusion that the value of a craft-based framework of analysis would be enhanced by making explicit the potential for judges to act in crafty ways.
Protection of the Small Business as a Credit Consumer: Paying Lip Service to Protection of the Vulnerable or Providing a Real Service to the Struggling Entrepreneur?
Authors: Brown Sarah
Published: February 2012

The UK consumer credit legislation is designed to provide protection for consumers, including those borrowing for business purposes in certain circumstances. The amendments to the Consumer Credit Act 1974, brought about by the Consumer Credit Act 2006, had as an aim the protection of vulnerable consumers, including the small business borrower. However, the inclusion of those acting for business purposes appears to stand alone in relation to other consumer protection legislation, both in the UK and at a European level. The question is whether this can be theoretically justified; the recent reform in Australia, together with the European law's approach to the ‘business consumer’, gives some means of comparison, and allows some measurement of validity of UK legislative protection. In addition, further amendments to the UK regulation have now been effected, in line with the requirements of the Consumer Credit Directive 2008. The result is a complicated set of rules and it is unclear to what extent the law, as it now stands, in terms of the business borrower, really assists those it strives to protect. Further reform may be necessary.
Recognising Acute Intoxication as Diminished Responsibility? A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Wake Nicola
Published: February 2012

This article provides an analysis of the extent to which acute intoxication may or may not satisfy the ‘recognised medical condition’ requirement under s. 2 of the Homicide Act 1957, as amended by s. 52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. It is argued that jurisprudential authorities clarifying the parameters of the ‘recognised medical condition’ requirement are urgently needed. In the interim period the importation of the novel terminology remains open to conjecture. The author argues that ‘acute intoxication’ potentially satisfies the revised plea and utilises the position adopted in Scotland, New South Wales and New Zealand to demonstrate this proposition. The latter jurisdiction has never had a formal diminished responsibility plea, although it has been identified that evidence of a defendant's mental abnormality was often used to reduce a murder conviction to one of voluntary manslaughter via the legal conduit of provocation. Following the demise of the provocation defence, however, issues pertaining to provocative conduct and/or a defendant's mental abnormality fall to be considered by the sentencing judge, but only in restricted circumstances. The recent implementation of a tripartite sentencing regime in New Zealand means that the alcohol-dependent and/or provoked defendant who kills will not have such mitigation considered if they have previously committed a qualifying offence under the scheme. The position in New Zealand is set against the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill 2010–11 which proposes a ‘two-strike’ system for a variety of offences including voluntary manslaughter. It is submitted that this type of scheme has potentially significant consequences for the alcohol-dependent defendant who may not have had appropriate treatment for his mental abnormality following a first conviction.
IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC
Recommendations 2012)
Authors: Templeton Douglas M. , Schwenk Michael , Klein Reinhild , Duffus John H.
Published: February 2012

The primary objective of this “Glossary of Terms Used in Immunotoxicology” is to
give clear definitions for those who contribute to studies relevant to
immunotoxicology but are not themselves immunologists. This applies especially
to chemists who need to understand the literature of immunology without recourse
to a multiplicity of other glossaries or dictionaries. The glossary includes
terms related to basic and clinical immunology insofar as they are necessary for
a self-contained document, and particularly terms related to diagnosing,
measuring, and understanding effects of substances on the immune system. The
glossary consists of about 1200 terms as primary alphabetical entries, and
Annexes of common abbreviations, examples of chemicals with known effects on the
immune system, autoantibodies in autoimmune disease, and therapeutic agents used
in autoimmune disease and cancer. The authors hope that among the groups who
will find this glossary helpful, in addition to chemists, are toxicologists,
pharmacologists, medical practitioners, risk assessors, and regulatory
authorities. In particular, it should facilitate the worldwide use of chemistry
in relation to occupational and environmental risk assessment.
Use of Post-Consumer Corrugated Fiberboard as Fine Aggregate Replacement in Controlled Low-Strength Materials
Authors: Hanson James L. , Stone Gregory M. , Yesiller Nazli
Published: February 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the use of post-consumer corrugated board in controlled low-strength material (CLSM) applications. Corrugated fiberboard (termed corrugate), which constitutes a significant fraction of the municipal solid waste stream in the United States (approximately one third by weight), was used as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in CLSM at aggregate replacement ratios ranging from 0 % (i.e., control) to 6 %. The corrugate was fiberized (i.e., repulped) in a blender prior to being mixed with other constituents in the CLSM. The density, air content, and flow consistency of the fresh CLSM were determined, and bleeding was qualitatively assessed. Also, the unconfined compressive strength was determined for the resulting mixtures at different test ages. As the corrugate content increased, air content and water demand increased, density and compressive strength decreased, and some mixtures exhibited excessive bleeding. Corrugated fiberboard was determined to be effective as a fine aggregate replacement to produce mixtures with 28-day compressive strengths within the range for excavatable CLSM.
Physical and Linkage Maps forDrosophila serrata, a Model Species for Studies of Clinal Adaptation and Sexual Selection
Authors: Stocker Ann J , Rusuwa Bosco B , Blacket Mark J , Frentiu Francesca D , Sullivan Mitchell , Foley Bradley R , Beatson Scott , Hoffmann Ary A , Chenoweth Stephen F
Published: February 2012

Drosophila serrata is a member of the montium group, which contains more than 98 species and until recently was considered a subgroup within the melanogaster group. This Drosophila species is an emerging model system for evolutionary quantitative genetics and has been used in studies of species borders, clinal variation and sexual selection. Despite the importance of D. serrata as a model for evolutionary research, our poor understanding of its genome remains a significant limitation. Here, we provide a first-generation gene-based linkage map and a physical map for this species. Consistent with previous studies of other drosophilids we observed strong conservation of genes within chromosome arms homologous with D. melanogaster but major differences in within-arm synteny. These resources will be a useful complement to ongoing genome sequencing efforts and QTL mapping studies in this species.
Metabolism and Regulation of Glycerolipids in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Henry Susan A , Kohlwein Sepp D , Carman George M
Published: February 2012

Due to its genetic tractability and increasing wealth of accessible data, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model system of choice for the study of the genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of eukaryotic lipid metabolism. Glycerolipids (e.g., phospholipids and triacylglycerol) and their precursors are synthesized and metabolized by enzymes associated with the cytosol and membranous organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and lipid droplets. Genetic and biochemical analyses have revealed that glycerolipids play important roles in cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and anchoring of membrane proteins in addition to membrane structure. The expression of glycerolipid enzymes is controlled by a variety of conditions including growth stage and nutrient availability. Much of this regulation occurs at the transcriptional level and involves the Ino2–Ino4 activation complex and the Opi1 repressor, which interacts with Ino2 to attenuate transcriptional activation of UASINO-containing glycerolipid biosynthetic genes. Cellular levels of phosphatidic acid, precursor to all membrane phospholipids and the storage lipid triacylglycerol, regulates transcription of UASINO-containing genes by tethering Opi1 to the nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum membrane and controlling its translocation into the nucleus, a mechanism largely controlled by inositol availability. The transcriptional activator Zap1 controls the expression of some phospholipid synthesis genes in response to zinc availability. Regulatory mechanisms also include control of catalytic activity of glycerolipid enzymes by water-soluble precursors, products and lipids, and covalent modification of phosphorylation, while in vivo function of some enzymes is governed by their subcellular location. Genome-wide genetic analysis indicates coordinate regulation between glycerolipid metabolism and a broad spectrum of metabolic pathways.
O que revelam os estudos realizados no Brasil sobre política de dividendos?
Authors: Martins Andressa Iovine , Famá Rubens
Published: February 2012

O presente artigo consiste na revisão da literatura sobre política de dividendos no Brasil, com foco nos estudos empíricos realizados no período de 1990 até 2010, que tenham sido objeto de publicação nos principais periódicos nacionais de Administração, Contabilidade e Finanças ou disponíveis em anais dos principais congressos da matéria. A amostra analisada foi composta de 39 trabalhos com variadas metodologias e períodos. Com inspiração no modelo de Harris e Raviv (1991), buscou-se agrupar os trabalhos de acordo com o tipo de modelo, tendo sido identificadas cinco categorias predominantes. Algumas tendências puderam ser percebidas, tais como: relevância da política de dividendos no mercado brasileiro; confirmação da existência de problemas de agência; resultados conflitantes quanto à hipótese da clientela; sinalização e influência dos tributos na definição da política de dividendos; resultados não conflitantes quanto às determinantes da política de dividendos.
Associação entre sistema de incentivos gerenciais e práticas de contabilidade gerencial
Authors: Aguiar Andson Braga de , Teixeira Aridelmo J. C. , Nossa Valcemiro , Gonzaga Rosimeire Pimentel
Published: February 2012

O princípio da controlabilidade prevê que os gestores deveriam ser avaliados com base em fatores controláveis. Consequentemente, os incentivos gerenciais estariam relacionados a práticas de contabilidade gerencial capazes de evitar que os gestores sejam responsabilizados por resultados financeiros além do controle gerencial, tais como análise por centro de responsabilidade, custo padrão, preço de transferência, orçamento e avaliação de desempenho. Este artigo desenvolve um estudo de campo para investigar se há relação entre a presença de incentivos gerenciais e as práticas de contabilidade gerencial associadas ao princípio da controlabilidade. Entrevistas in loco foram realizadas para a coleta de dados em nível organizacional e testes estatísticos não paramétricos foram utilizados para a análise dos dados. Entre as práticas de contabilidade gerencial examinadas, os resultados sugerem que apenas orçamento anual, análise por centro de responsabilidade e avaliação de desempenho estão associados à presença de sistemas de incentivos nas empresas entrevistadas.
Key factors in working capital management in the Brazilian market
Authors: Palombini Nathalie Vicente Nakamura , Nakamura Wilson Toshiro
Published: February 2012

Many studies have been conducted in corporate finance regarding long-term investment and financing decisions. However, short-term asset investments play a significant role in the balance sheet of companies. Moreover, financial managers dedicate significant amounts of time and effort to the subject of working capital management, balancing current assets and liabilities. This paper provides insights regarding the key factors of working capital management by exploring the internal variables of a number of companies. This study used data from 2,976 Brazilian public companies from 2001 to 2008, and found that debt level, size and growth rate can affect the working capital management of companies.
Vantagem competitiva, criação de valor e seus efeitos sobre o desempenho
Authors: Brito Renata Peregrino de , Brito Luiz Artur Ledur
Published: February 2012

A vantagem competitiva é a principal hipótese para explicar a heterogeneidade do desempenho entre as empresas. No entanto, vantagem competitiva é frequentemente tratada empiricamente como rentabilidade superior simplesmente, desprezando as demais implicações para o desempenho das empresas. Sob esse prisma, este trabalho desenvolve uma métrica para vantagem competitiva e pela avaliação de seus efeitos sobre o desempenho financeiro, combinando as curvas de lucratividade e de crescimento em participação de mercado. Por meio de um modelo multinível, são isolados os resultados individuais de cada empresa e posteriormente testados em relação à média dos seus setores. O modelo é aplicado a amostras de empresas americanas (Compustat), em quatro intervalos de tempo, ao longo do período de 1990 a 2009. Os resultados permitem identificar diferentes configurações de competitividade, com 16% de empresas em posição de vantagem e outros 16,5% em desvantagem (2005-2009), sendo que o teste para os demais intervalos demonstrou estabilidade dos resultados.
Entradas e Bandeiras: estratégia de interiorização das cadeias de fast-food
Authors: Moita Rodrigo Menon Simões , Guerra Alexandre
Published: February 2012

O presente trabalho analisa a estratégia de entrada de firmas da indústria de fast-food brasileira em novos mercados. Investigamos quais os atributos de uma cidade que atrai firmas dessa indústria e como firmas de diferentes cadeias interagem nas suas decisões de entrada. Os resultados indicam que as firmas adotam uma estratégia do tipo me-too: uma vez que uma firma entra em um mercado inexplorado, as demais tendem a também entrar nesse mercado. A hipótese do artigo é que há uma incerteza quanto ao potencial de um mercado, e a entrada de uma firma sinaliza para as demais que esse potencial é elevado Os ganhos da descoberta e da entrada em um novo mercado com alto potencial dissipam-se rapidamente com a entrada das firmas seguidoras, concedendo uma vantagem temporária para a firma pioneira.
Fatores associados ao declínio do déficit estatural em crianças e adolescentes em Pernambuco
Authors: Leal Vanessa Sá , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de , Menezes Risia Cristina Egito de , Oliveira Juliana Souza , Sequeira Leopoldina Augusta de Souza , Andrade Sônia Lúcia Lucena Sousa de , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: February 2012

OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução do déficit estatural em crianças e adolescentes e identificar seus fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com dados das Pesquisas Estaduais de Saúde e Nutrição realizadas em Pernambuco nos anos de 1997 e 2006. A amostra do tipo probabilística (aleatória estratificada), com representatividade para os estratos urbanos e rurais do estado. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados questionários com perguntas pré-codificadas referentes a informações sobre as variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e antropométricas (das mães, crianças e adolescentes). A população estudada foi de, respectivamente, 1.853 e 1.484 crianças e adolescentes de cinco a 19 anos. A análise de regressão múltipla com seleção hierarquizada foi utilizada para avaliar a associação das variáveis explanatórias sobre o déficit estatural. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do déficit de estatura apresentou redução significante de 43% (de 16,9% em 1997 para 9,6% em 2006). As variáveis socioeconômicas e a estatura materna estiveram associadas a este declínio, com reduções variando de 39% a 60% entre os estratos analisados. Na análise dos determinantes do déficit estatural, no ano de 2006, permaneceram como significantes: a renda familiar per capita (<0,25 salário mínimo), a posse de bens domésticos (< três), o maior número de pessoas por domicílio, a menor escolaridade e menor estatura materna. CONCLUSÕES: A redução do déficit de estatura refletiu a melhoria nas condições sociais e econômicas. Entretanto, permanecem necessários a manutenção e incremento de políticas públicas, de modo a aumentar o poder aquisitivo dos mais pobres e universalizar o acesso da população a serviços de saúde e educação.
Atenção primária como cenário de prática na percepção de estudantes de Medicina
Authors: Massote Alice Werneck , Belisário Soraya Almeida , Gontijo Eliane Dias
Published: February 2012

A formação de médicos capacitados para atuar na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), cujo intuitoé promover um aprendizado vinculado às necessidades reais de saúde da comunidade, tem sido tema de estudos no Brasil há alguns anos. Em 1975, a Faculdade de Medicina da UFMG (FM/UFMG) inseriu seus estudantes em cenários de APS e atualmente busca ampliar essa inserção. Neste sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a percepção dos estudantes do oitavo período da FM/UFMG sobre as atividades realizadas nos centros de saúde, tomando como referência as propostas do SUS para a APS. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, que utilizou para a coleta de dados as técnicas de observação e grupos focais com estudantes de Medicina. A experiência de inserção na APS foi considerada válida e importante para a formação médica, contribuindo para construir uma nova visão do processo saúde- -doença e da organização do SUS. Conclui-se que é importante inserir os estudantes de Medicina na APS em seu processo de formação.
Avaliação do programa de Residência Médica do Departamento de Pediatria da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo
Authors: Koch Vera Hermina K. , Doria Filho Ulysses , Bollela Valdes Roberto
Published: February 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação do perfil do egresso é útil para investigar o sincronismo entre o treinamento fornecido e a demanda profissional. OBJETIVOS: Analisar, por meio de um questionário padronizado, o perfil profissional dos egressos do programa de Residência Médica (RM) de Pediatria FMUSP no período 1997-2008 e a compatibilidade entre esse perfil e a prática clínica na comunidade. MÉTODOS: Pôde-se localizar o endereço eletrônico de 297/446 egressos; 150 responderam à pesquisa, após consentimento informado. RESULTADOS: 126/150 respondentes do sexo feminino, idade média de 31,9 ± 2,8 anos, 61,3% oriundas do Estado de São Paulo (SP), 64% atuam profissionalmente em SP. Os egressos originários das regiões Norte, Nordeste e Centro-Oeste se estabeleceram profissionalmente em SP. A escolha da Pediatria foi relacionada a afeto pela criança, preferência de exercício profissional voltado à criança e característica generalista da especialidade. Os estágios considerados mais importantes para o exercício profissional foram na área de urgência/emergência, neonatologia, enfermarias de Pediatria geral e de especialidades pediátricas. A ampliação da RM em Pediatria para três anos foi aprovada por 72%, 66% destes com vistas a aumentar a exposição às especialidades pediátricas; 78% se consideraram profissionalmente realizados e 22% parcialmente realizados em virtude de renda mensal inferior à esperada e por não terem iniciado/concluído a pós-graduação; 54% exercem função docente, principalmente em serviços públicos. As expectativas se concentram no início/término da pós-graduação, aprimoramento/reconhecimento profissional e melhoria da renda, com foco em clínica privada. CONCLUSÕES: Os egressos sugerem formação mais sólida nas especialidades pediátricas e demonstram tendência a se estabelecer em SP, não retornando ao Estado de origem.
Os efeitos na formação de residentes de psiquiatria ao experimentarem grupos GAM
Authors: Otanari Thais Mikie de Carvalho , Leal Erotildes Maria , Campos Rosana Teresa Onocko , Palombini Analice de Lima , Pereira Eduardo Henrique Passos
Published: February 2012

Trata-se de uma dissertação de mestrado que propôs conhecer e descrever os efeitos desencadeados na formação de residentes de psiquiatria ao participarem de grupos constituídos por pessoas diagnosticadas com transtorno mental que utilizaram a intervenção GAM (Gestão Autônoma da Medicação) como norteadora. A aposta foi que, ao participarem dos encontros, os residentes experienciariam uma nova situação em que a palavra do paciente passaria a ser ouvida de forma diferente da trabalhada no currículo da residência, construindo um dispositivo capaz de transformar suas práticas clínicas. Para verificar esses efeitos, utilizamos dois grupos focais, realizados antes e depois dos grupos de intervenção, além de entrevistas individuais conduzidas após o término dos grupos. A análise do material indicou efeitos principalmente quanto à escuta clínica desses profissionais, mostrando a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados.
Estudantes de Medicina nos serviços de atenção primária: percepção dos profissionais
Authors: Caldeira Érika Soares , Leite Maisa Tavares de Souza , Rodrigues-Neto João Felício
Published: February 2012

Este artigo objetivou compreender a percepção dos profissionais de Equipes de Saúde da Família (ESF) sobre a inserção do estudante de Medicina neste cenário. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (24/10/08, nº 1.240/08). Participaram profissionais da ESF de Montes Claros, Norte de Minas Gerais. Na coleta dos dados foram realizados três grupos focais. O instrumental metodológico utilizado foi a análise do discurso. Foram construídas três categorias: integração ensino-serviço-comunidade, funcionamento do serviço e formação médica. Os profissionais percebem a necessidade do trabalho interdisciplinar e orientado na comunidade, mas com a visão de serviço de saúde centrado no médico. Verificou-se que, por meio de maior integração dos estudantes com a equipe e com a comunidade, pode-se obter um serviço mais efetivo e de qualidade, aumento da satisfação dos profissionais e diferencial positivo na formação dos estudantes. Para que esta integração ocorra, é importante construir a imagem do médico/estudante de Medicina como integrante da equipe de saúde. A inserção dos estudantes no serviço pode facilitar este processo.
A produção científica sobre docência em saúde: um estudo em periódicos nacionais
Authors: Araujo Erica Chagas , Batista Sylvia Helena , Gerab Irani Ferreira
Published: February 2012

Este estudo analisa artigos publicados em periódicos nacionais que abordam a formação docente em saúde. A metodologia compreende a busca nas bases Lilacs e SciELO, empreendendo-se análise documental no âmbito de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Das 76 publicações inclusas, a análise foi realizada a partir de: região brasileira, profissão do autor, concentração da produção em periódicos, abordagem de pesquisa e temática abordada nas produções. A produção científica analisada é predominante na Região Sudeste do Brasil (65,7%), tendo como autores, na maioria, enfermeiros (43,3%), com uso da metodologia qualitativa (40,7%) e trazendo como assunto central a graduação (43,4%). A análise evidencia as necessidades dos pesquisadores de compreensão do processo de mudança na área, permitindo delinear diretrizes para a elaboração de um projeto de desenvolvimento docente.