bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H3K9 Trimethylation Precedes DNA Methylation during Sheep Oogenesis
Authors: Russo Valentina , Bernabò Nicola , Di Giacinto Oriana , Martelli Alessandra , Mauro Annunziata , Berardinelli Paolo , Curini Valentina , Nardinocchi Delia , Mattioli Mauro , Barboni Barbara
Published: October 2012

The oocyte, to become a fully mature gamete, has to acquire a correct pattern of DNA methylation on its genome; this epigenetic event represents the major point of the molecular mechanisms that occur during postnatal oogenesis. It is known that an intimate link exists between DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications, such as trimethylation of lysine 9 on histone 3 (H3K9me3), that is essential in the silencing of gene transcription. What remains unclear is the precise sequence of these two epigenetic events and the protein expression of the enzymes that catalyze this epigenetic maturation during oogenesis. To identify the key molecules involved in global DNA methylation and H3K9me3, a biological network-based computational model was realized. Then, the spatiotemporal distribution of the proteins, identified from the biological network, was assessed during postnatal oogenesis. The results obtained suggest the existence of a sequential cascade of events in which H3K9me3 is the primary step followed by DNA methylation. These two epigenetic marks are realized due to the recruitment of the HDAC1, SUV39H1, G9a, HP1, and Dnmt3a, which were always localized in the nuclei of the oocytes and were dependent on chromatin configuration. These results involving DNA methylation and H3K9me3 are crucial in defining the oocyte developmental competence.
The Different Roles of Aggrecan Interaction Domains
Authors: Aspberg Anders
Published: October 2012

The aggregating proteoglycans of the lectican family are important components of extracellular matrices. Aggrecan is the most well studied of these and is central to cartilage biomechanical properties and skeletal development. Key to its biological function is the fixed charge of the many glycosaminoglycan chains, that provide the basis for the viscoelastic properties necessary for load distribution over the articular surface. This review is focused on the globular domains of aggrecan and their role in anchoring the proteoglycans to other extracellular matrix components. The N-terminal G1 domain is vital in that it binds the proteoglycan to hyaluronan in ternary complex with link protein, retaining the proteoglycan in the tissue. The importance of the C-terminal G3 domain interactions has recently been emphasized by two different human hereditary disorders: autosomal recessive aggrecan-type spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia and autosomal dominant familial osteochondritis dissecans. In these two conditions, different missense mutations in the aggrecan C-type lectin repeat have been described. The resulting amino acid replacements affect the ligand interactions of the G3 domain, albeit with widely different phenotypic outcomes.
From Saviors to Rapists: G.I.s, Women, and Children in Korean War Films
Authors: Chung Hye Seung
Published: October 2012

The Associated Press' September 29th, 1999 report on the alleged massacre of Korean civilians by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War shed newlight on what has long been considered a "forgotten war." According to the survivors, over the course of three days in late July 1950
U.S. soldiers machine- gunned hundreds of villagers (mostly women, children, and old men) huddled underneath the railroad bridge near Nogun-ri, 100 miles southeast of Seoul1. Their account was corroborated by the testimonies of ex-GIs interviewed by the AP. The massacre supposedly took place
because of the U.S. troops' fear of North Koreans infiltrating South Korean refugee groups. The Nogun-ri report fueled further claims of American civilian killings at other villages throughout the country, including Masan, Tanyang and Iksan. The U.S. government recently admitted the existence
of the Nogun-ri killing and offered $1 billion for monument-erection and $750,000 for school scholarships.
Has the Movie Red Corner Driven China into Its Corner ?
Authors: Zhengxing Faye
Published: October 2012

When Hollywood released its movie Red Corner starring Richard Gere in late 1997, it triggered waves of criticism throughout the world. The impact was explosive. This project, therefore, is to examine, through 87 articles from international and domestic newspapers and journals, 1) to
what extent Hollywood, at the center of American popular culture, is able to exercise its influence on the world, and 2) how effective our international/intercultural communication can be through films.
Satyajit Ray's Alien: Agantuk
Authors: Sil Narasingha P.
Published: October 2012

Satyajit Ray's conception of an alien is almost like his idea of a Bengali male–a missing link between the childlike (that is, somewhat unformed) and the ridiculous (that is, somewhat uncouth). The validity of this observation will be at once manifest upon viewing Ray's sketch
of "Bankubabu's Bandhu" ["Bankubabu's Friend"], a strange figure that is an amalgam of the stereotypical ghostly countenance and childlike character and naivete–to quote Ray himself, "a cross between a gnome and a famished refugee child ... {possessing] ... a
kind of ethereal innocence" (Banerjee, 1996, 201; see also Mandal, 1999:116-29). A similar image of the "alien" seems to have influenced Ray's vision of a "non-resident Indian," the much maligned NRI, who in the 1980s exercised strong and strange emotions among Indians
in general and Calcuttans in particular. The NRI became an object of envy for their wealth and of contempt for their imagined traitorous conduct, by fleeing their homeland and thereby depriving their socieity of their services. They also became an object of curiosity for their acquired foreign
accents and a heightened sense of hygiene (recall the neglected tourist inquiring about the "cooking medium" in Jai Baba Felunath or the agantuk's request for a drink with "no ice"), in short, for their acquired "othernesss."
Michelle Yeoh: Under Eastern Eyes
Authors: Williams Tony
Published: October 2012

Despite bringing Michelle Yeoh long awaited recognition, the recent box-office success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is highly problematic. Although this sub-titled Mandarin speaking film has introduced Western audiences to the fact that the standard wu xia pian martial arts genre
is not to be limited to Bruce Lee films and the atrociously dubbed examples shown on "Kung Fu Theater" television channels, Ang Lee's film represents a highly unsatisfactory example of this cinematic movement. Crouching Tiger is really an Eastern parallel to William Wyler's The Big
Country (1958). It is a film aiming at respectability designed to attract audiences who don't like martial arts movies rather than aiming to explore the dynamic conventions within the genre.
Growing Old with Kurosawa and The Bomb: Japanese Aesthetic Traditions and the American Desire for an Authentic Response
Authors: Shapiro Jerome F.
Published: October 2012

Akira Kurosawa3 is like a Venn diagram––a discursive center constructed by intersecting other issues. Conceptualized in this way, three of Kurosawa's films stand out for both their controversial subject matter and critical reception, and thus make the practice and disciplinary
boundaries of cinema studies more open to criticism. Record of a Living Being (Ikimono no kiroku, 1955), Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (Yume, 1990), and Rhapsody in August (Hachigatsu no rapusodii, 1991), directly address the sensitive subject matter of the bomb. When we look closely at these films
(hereafter referred to by their Japanese titles), we also find several interesting characteristics common to most other Japanese films about the bomb.
Hollywood's Poorer Cousin -- Indian Cinema in an Era of Globalization
Authors: Thussu Daya Kishan
Published: October 2012

That the Indian cinema is in the process of globalization is evident from even a cursory acquaintance with contemporary popular culture. In September 2001, Indian director Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, a light-hearted account of a wedding in a wealthy family in India, was awarded the
Golden Lion for best picture at the Venice Film Festival. The British born-and-bred Asif Kapadia's The Warrior won the London Film Festival's prestigious Sutherland Trophy. In 2002, the first Indian-Hollywood co-production entitled Kaante or Thorns, starring India's best-known actor Amitabh
Bachchan, is being filmed. Bachchan, recently voted the greatest star of stage and screen by a BBC Internet poll, has acted in more than 100 movies over three decades and was given the "Star of the Century" award in September 2001 at the Alexandria International Film Festival. He
has also been immortalized in wax at London's Madame Tussauds, the first Indian film personality to merit this accolade.
Hou Hsiao-hsien and the Question of a Chinese Style
Authors: Udden James
Published: October 2012

Is the style of the Taiwanese film director Hou Hsiao-hsien Chinese? This question seems innocent enough, maybe even redundant to those who find its answer to be self-evident. In fact, more and more the critical and scholarly literature on Hou has answered largely in the affirmative
without exploring the deeper assumptions upon which this conclusion rests. Godfrey Cheshire, for example, says that in turning away from plot and character, and focusing more on objects and settings, Hou is returning to a longstanding, older tradition in Chinese art and culture.
Inhibition of Protein Kinase Mζ Disrupts the Stable Spatial Discharge of Hippocampal Place Cells in a Familiar Environment
Authors: Barry Jeremy M. , Rivard Bruno , Fox Steven E. , Fenton Andre A. , Sacktor Todd C. , Muller Robert U.
Published: October 2012

It is widely held that spatial computations in the rodent hippocampus require the location-specific discharge of place cells that together form a stable cognitive map used to solve and perform spatial tasks. It is not known, however, if map stability requires persistent hippocampal synaptic strength changes that are vulnerable to blockade of protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) phosphorylation activity, a manipulation that reverses hippocampal LTP and disrupts multiple forms of long-term memory. Here we report that acute intrahippocampal inhibition of PKMζ disrupts place cell activity in a familiar environment, where the map is expected to be stable. After this disruption, new, stable spatial firing patterns can later form, but the new and original maps are unrelated even though the rat is exposed to a constant environment. We therefore propose that the previously demonstrated erasure of stored spatial memory and the disruption of place cell firing are parallel effects of PKMζ blockade. We similarly propose that the known sparing of new spatial memory formation depends on the sparing of new map formation. On these bases, we argue that the loss of the map used to perform a practiced spatial task leads to behavioral performance deficits, and that synaptic plasticity maintained by PKMζ, which stabilizes the map, is essential for the proper expression of spatial memory.
Regulated Vesicular Trafficking of Specific PCDH15 and VLGR1 Variants in Auditory Hair Cells
Authors: Zallocchi Marisa , Delimont Duane , Meehan Daniel T. , Cosgrove Dominic
Published: October 2012

Usher syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by hearing and balance dysfunction and progressiveretinitis pigmentosa. Mouse models carrying mutations for the nine Usher-associated genes have splayed stereocilia, and some show delayed maturation of ribbon synapses suggesting these proteins may play different roles in terminal differentiation of auditory hair cells. The presence of the Usher proteins at the basal and apical aspects of the neurosensory epithelia suggests the existence of regulated trafficking through specific transport proteins and routes. Immature mouse cochleae and UB/OC-1 cells were used in this work to address whether specific variants of PCDH15 and VLGR1 are being selectively transported to opposite poles of the hair cells. Confocal colocalization studies between apical and basal vesicular markers and the different PCDH15 and VLGR1 variants along with sucrose density gradients and the use of vesicle trafficking inhibitors show the existence of Usher protein complexes in at least two vesicular subpools. The apically trafficked pool colocalized with the early endosomal vesicle marker, rab5, while the basally trafficked pool associated with membrane microdomains and SNAP25. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation experiments between SNAP25 and VLGR1 show a physical interaction of these two proteins in organ of Corti and brain. Collectively, these findings establish the existence of a differential vesicular trafficking mechanism for specific Usher protein variants in mouse cochlear hair cells, with the apical variants playing a potential role in endosomal recycling and stereocilia development/maintenance, and the basolateral variants involved in vesicle docking and/or fusion through SNAP25-mediated interactions.
Neuregulin Directly Decreases Voltage-Gated Sodium Current in Hippocampal ErbB4-Expressing Interneurons
Authors: Janssen Megan J. , Leiva-Salcedo Elias , Buonanno Andres
Published: October 2012

The Neuregulin 1 (NRG1)/ErbB4 signaling pathway has been genetically and functionally implicated in the etiology underlying schizophrenia, and in the regulation of glutamatergic pyramidal neuron function and plasticity. However, ErbB4 receptors are expressed in subpopulations of GABAergic interneurons, but not in hippocampal or cortical pyramidal neurons, indicating that NRG1 effects on principal neurons are indirect. Consistent with these findings, NRG1 effects on hippocampal long-term potentiation at CA1 pyramidal neuron synapses in slices are mediated indirectly by dopamine. Here we studied whether NRG/ErbB signaling directly regulates interneuron intrinsic excitability by pharmacologically isolating ErbB4-expressing neurons in rat dissociated hippocampal cultures, which lack dopaminergic innervation. We found that NRG1 acutely attenuates ErbB4-expressing interneuron excitability by depolarizing the firing threshold; neurons treated with the pan-ErbB inhibitor PD158780 or negative for ErbB4 were unaffected. These effects of NRG1 are primarily attributable to decreased voltage-gated sodium channel activity, as current density was attenuated by ∼60%. In stark contrast, NRG1 had minor effects on whole-cell potassium currents. Our data reveal the direct actions of NRG1 signaling in ErbB4-expressing interneurons, and offer novel insight into how NRG1/ErbB4 signaling can impact hippocampal activity.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Cleavage Product GLP-1(9-36) Amide Rescues Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Authors: Ma Tao , Du Xueliang , Pick Joseph E. , Sui Guangzhi , Brownlee Michael , Klann Eric
Published: October 2012

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous intestinal peptide that enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Its natural cleavage product GLP-1(9-36)amidepossesses distinct properties and does not affect insulin secretion. Here we report that pretreatment of hippocampal slices with GLP-1(9-36)amideprevented impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) and enhanced long-term depression induced by exogenous amyloid β peptide Aβ(1–42). Similarly, hippocampal LTP impairments in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mutant mice that model Alzheimer's disease (AD) were prevented by GLP-1(9-36)amide. In addition, treatment of APP/PS1 mice with GLP-1(9-36)amideat an age at which they display impaired spatial and contextual fear memory resulted in a reversal of their memory defects. At the molecular level, GLP-1(9-36)amidereduced elevated levels of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species and restored dysregulated Akt–glycogen synthase kinase-3β signaling in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Our findings suggest that GLP-1(9-36)amidetreatment may have therapeutic potential for AD and other diseases associated with cognitive dysfunction.
Calcium-Dependent Isoforms of Protein Kinase C Mediate Glycine-Induced Synaptic Enhancement at the Calyx of Held
Authors: Chu YunXiang , Fioravante Diasynou , Thanawala Monica , Leitges Michael , Regehr Wade G.
Published: October 2012

Depolarization of presynaptic terminals that arises from activation of presynaptic ionotropic receptors, or somatic depolarization, can enhance neurotransmitter release; however, the molecular mechanisms mediating this plasticity are not known. Here we investigate the mechanism of this enhancement at the calyx of Held synapse, in which presynaptic glycine receptors depolarize presynaptic terminals, elevate resting calcium levels, and potentiate release. Using knock-out mice of the calcium-sensitive PKC isoforms (PKCCa), we find that enhancement of evoked but not spontaneous synaptic transmission by glycine is mediated primarily by PKCCa. Measurements of calcium at the calyx of Held indicate that deficits in synaptic modulation in PKCCaknock-out mice occur downstream of presynaptic calcium increases. Glycine enhances synaptic transmission primarily by increasing the effective size of the pool of readily releasable vesicles. Our results reveal that PKCCacan enhance evoked neurotransmitter release in response to calcium increases caused by small presynaptic depolarizations.
Brain Activity Mapping inMecp2Mutant Mice Reveals Functional Deficits in Forebrain Circuits, Including Key Nodes in the Default Mode Network, that are Reversed with Ketamine Treatment
Authors: Kron Miriam , Howell C. James , Adams Ian T. , Ransbottom Michael , Christian Diana , Ogier Michael , Katz David M.
Published: October 2012

Excitatory-inhibitory imbalance has been identified within specific brain microcircuits in models of Rett syndrome (RTT) and other autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, macrocircuit dysfunction across the RTT brain as a whole has not been defined. To approach this issue, we mapped expression of the activity-dependent, immediate-early gene product Fos in the brains of wild-type (Wt) and methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2)-null (Null) mice, a model of RTT, before and after the appearance of overt symptoms (3 and 6 weeks of age, respectively). At 6 weeks, Null mice exhibit significantly less Fos labeling than Wt in limbic cortices and subcortical structures, including key nodes in the default mode network. In contrast, Null mice exhibit significantly more Fos labeling than Wt in the hindbrain, most notably in cardiorespiratory regions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS). Using nTS as a model, whole-cell recordings demonstrated that increased Fos expression in Nulls at 6 weeks of age is associated with synaptic hyperexcitability, including increased frequency of spontaneous and miniature EPSCs and increased amplitude of evoked EPSCs in Nulls. No such effect of genotype on Fos or synaptic function was seen at 3 weeks. In the mutant forebrain, reduced Fos expression, as well as abnormal sensorimotor function, were reversed by the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine. In light of recent findings that the default mode network is hypoactive in autism, our data raise the possibility that hypofunction within this meta-circuit is a shared feature of RTT and other ASDs and is reversible.
TNiK Is Required for Postsynaptic and Nuclear Signaling Pathways and Cognitive Function
Authors: Coba Marcelo P. , Komiyama Noboru H. , Nithianantharajah Jess , Kopanitsa Maksym V. , Indersmitten Tim , Skene Nathan G. , Tuck Ellie J. , Fricker David G. , Elsegood Kathryn A. , Stanford Lianne E. , Afinowi Nurudeen O. , Saksida Lisa M. , Bussey Timothy J. , O'Dell Thomas J. , Grant Seth G.N.
Published: October 2012

Traf2 and NcK interacting kinase (TNiK) contains serine-threonine kinase and scaffold domains and has been implicated in cell proliferation and glutamate receptor regulationin vitro. Here we report its rolein vivousing mice carrying a knock-out mutation. TNiK binds protein complexes in the synapse linking it to the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) via AKAP9. NMDAR and metabotropic receptors bidirectionally regulate TNiK phosphorylation and TNiK is required for AMPA expression and synaptic function. TNiK also organizes nuclear complexes and in the absence of TNiK, there was a marked elevation in GSK3β and phosphorylation levels of its cognate phosphorylation sites on NeuroD1 with alterations in Wnt pathway signaling. We observed impairments in dentate gyrus neurogenesis in TNiK knock-out mice and cognitive testing using the touchscreen apparatus revealed impairments in pattern separation on a test of spatial discrimination. Object-location paired associate learning, which is dependent on glutamatergic signaling, was also impaired. Additionally, TNiK knock-out mice displayed hyperlocomotor behavior that could be rapidly reversed by GSK3β inhibitors, indicating the potential for pharmacological rescue of a behavioral phenotype. These data establish TNiK as a critical regulator of cognitive functions and suggest it may play a regulatory role in diseases impacting on its interacting proteins and complexes.
Acetylcholine Facilitates Recovery of Episodic Memory after Brain Damage
Authors: Croxson Paula L. , Browning Philip G. F. , Gaffan David , Baxter Mark G.
Published: October 2012

Episodic memory depends on a network of interconnected brain structures including the inferior temporal cortex, hippocampus, fornix, and mammillary bodies. We have previously shown that a moderate episodic memory impairment in monkeys with transection of the fornix is exacerbated by prior depletion of acetylcholine from inferotemporal cortex, despite the fact that depletion of acetylcholine from inferotemporal cortex on its own has no effect on episodic memory. Here we show that this effect occurs because inferotemporal acetylcholine facilitates recovery of function following structural damage within the neural circuit for episodic memory. Episodic memory impairment caused by lesions of the mammillary bodies, like fornix transection, was exacerbated by prior removal of temporal cortical acetylcholine. However, removing temporal cortical acetylcholine after the lesion of the fornix or mammillary bodies did not increase the severity of the impairment. This lesion order effect suggests that acetylcholine within the inferior temporal cortex ordinarily facilitates functional recovery after structural lesions that impair episodic memory. In the absence of acetylcholine innervation to inferotemporal cortex, this recovery is impaired and the amnesia caused by the structural lesion is more severe. These results suggest that humans with loss of cortical acetylcholine function, for example in Alzheimer's disease, may be less able to adapt to memory impairments caused by structural neuronal damage to areas in the network important for episodic memory.
Pro-survival and anti-apoptotic properties of androgen receptor signaling by oxidative stress promote treatment resistance in prostate cancer
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Yokomizo Akira , Naito Seiji
Published: October 2012

Oxidative stress caused by an increase in reactive oxygen species levels or a decrease in cellular antioxidant capacity can evoke the modulation of various cellular events including androgen receptor (AR) signaling via direct or indirect interactions. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of AR activation by oxidative stress including: i) AR overexpression; ii) AR activation by AR co-regulators or intracellular signal transduction pathways; iii) generation of AR mutations or splice variants; and iv)de novoandrogen synthesis. AR signaling augmented by oxidative stress appears to contribute to pro-survival and anti-apoptotic effects in prostate cancer cells in response to androgen deprivation therapy. In addition, AR signaling suppresses anti-survival and pro-apoptotic effects in prostate cancer cells in response to various cytotoxic and tumor-suppressive interventions including taxanes and radiation through the modulation of βIII-tubulin and ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase expression respectively. Taken together, AR signaling appears to render prostate cancer cells refractory to various therapeutic interventions including castration, taxanes, and radiation, indicating that AR signaling is a comprehensive resistant factor and crucial target for prostate cancer treatment.
Local Electronic Structure and UV Electroluminescence of n-ZnO:N/p-GaN Heterojunction LEDs Grown by Remote Plasma Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Chien Jui F. , Chen Ching H. , Shyue Jing J. , Chen Miin J.
Published: October 2012

Nitrogen-doped ZnO (ZnO:N) films have been prepared by remote plasma atomic layer deposition (RP-ALD) and treated by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in oxygen atmosphere. The local electronic structures of the (ZnO:N) films were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the O K-edge. The XPS reveals the presence of the Zn-N bond in the ZnO:N films, indicating that partial amounts of oxygen sites are occupied by nitrogen species. This is correspondent with the decrease of electron concentration in ZnO:N films with the nitrogen doping concentration, as indicated by the Hall effect measurement. The RP-ALD technique was applied to fabricate the n-type ZnO:N/p-type GaN heterojunction LEDs. Dominant ultraviolet electroluminescence at 371 nm from the ZnO:N layer was observed at room temperature.
Influence of Post Growth Annealing on the Optical Properties of Gallium Nitride Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Haider M. Baseer , Al-Kuhaili M. F. , Durrani S. M. A. , Bakhtiari Imran
Published: October 2012

Gallium nitride thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition. Subsequently, post-growth annealing of the samples was performed at 400, and 600 oC in the nitrogen atmosphere. Surface morphology of the as-grown and annealed samples was performed by atomic force microscopy, surface roughness of the films improved after annealing. Chemical analysis of the samples was performed using x-ray photon spectroscopy, stoichiometric Gallium nitride thin films were obtained for the samples annealed at 600 oC. Optical measurements of the samples were performed to investigate the effect of annealing on the band gap and optical constants the films.
GaN HEMT Reliability: From Time Dependent Gate Degradation to On-state Failure Mechanisms
Authors: Zanoni Enrico , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Meneghini Matteo , Stocco Antonio
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we compare degradation modes and failure mechanisms of different AlGaN/GaN HEMT technologies. We present data concerning reverse-bias degradation of GaN-based HEMTs, which results in a dramatic increase of gate leakage current, and present a timedependent model for gate degradation. Some of the tested technologies demonstrated to be immune from this failure mechanism up to drain-gate voltages in excess of 100 V. When this was the case, the main failure mode consisted of drain current degradation during on-state tests, resulting from charge trapping in the gate-drain access region attributed to hot-electron effects. Finally, the use of diagnostic techniques such as electroluminescence microscopy and Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy for the identification of failure modes and mechanisms of GaNbased HEMTs is reviewed. Concerning reverse-bias degradation of GaN-based HEMTs, we demonstrate that, (i) when submitted to reverse-gate stress, HEMTs can show both recoverable and permanent degradation. (ii) recoverable degradation consists of a decrease in gate current and threshold voltage, which are ascribed to the simultaneous trapping of negative charge in the AlGaN layer, and of positive charge close to the AlGaN/GaN interface. (iii) permanent degradation is manifested by the generation of parasitic leakage paths. Time-dependent analysis suggests that permanent degradation can be ascribed to a defect generation and percolation process. Results supports the existence of a time to breakdown for HEMT degradation, which significantly depends on the stress voltage level. On the contrary, AlGaN/GaN technologies which were found to be resistant to gate degradation (off-state critical voltage larger than 100 V for a 0.25 um gate device) were subjected to on-state tests at different gate and drain voltage levels. All tests showed a non-recoverable degradation of electrical parameters (drain saturation current, threshold voltage and on-state resistance) and electroluminescence signal EL, with a strong dependence on the EL value of the bias point, and a negligible dependence of temperature. Once verified that EL intensity represents a reliable estimate of channel hot electron effects, we attributed the degradation to hot electron trapping in the gate-drain access region. Using EL intensity as a measure of the stress acceleration factor, we derived an acceleration law for GaN HEMT hot electron degradation similar to the one already demonstrated for GaAs devices.
MEMS-CMOS Integrated Tactile Sensor with Digital Signal Processing for Robot Application
Authors: Makihata M. , Muroyama M. , Tanaka S. , Yamada H. , Nakayama T. , Yamaguchi U. , Mima K. , Nonomura Y. , Fujiyoshi M. , Esashi M.
Published: October 2012

An ultra-small tactile sensor with functions of signal processing and digital communication has been prototyped based on MEMS-CMOS integration technology. The designed analog-digital mixed signal ASIC allows many tactile sensors to connect each other on a common bus line, which drastically reduces the number of wire. The ASIC capacitively detects the deformation of a force sensor and sends digital data to the common bus line when the force exceeds a threshold. The digital data contain a physical ID of each sensor, 32-bit sensing data and 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code. In this study, a novel wafer-level integration and packaging technology were developed, and a chip-size-packaged tactile sensor with a small footprint (2.5mm×2.5mm) and a low profile (0.27mm) was prototyped and tested. The sensor autonomously sends digital data like a tactile receptor of human.
Modeling of Exciplex Recombination in Organic Bilayer Structures
Authors: Liu Feilong , Ruden P. Paul , Campbell Ian H. , Smith Darryl L.
Published: October 2012

The effect of exciplex dynamics on the device characteristics of organic semiconductor bilayer structures is explored. Exciplex formation, dissociation, and relaxation to the ground state are incorporated into a physics-based device model. The model is applied to both organic light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells. In the examples, C60and tetracene parameters are used for the electron and hole transport layers, respectively.
Absence of Lateral Composition Fluctuations in Aberration-corrected STEM Images of an InGaN Quantum Well at Low Dose
Authors: Yankovich Andrew B. , Kvit A. V. , Li X. , Zhang F. , Avrutin V. , Liu H.Y. , Izyumskaya N. , Özgür Ü. , Morkoç H. , Voyles P. M.
Published: October 2012

By using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy we have found no small scale lateral In composition fluctuations exist in the In0.15Ga0.85N active region of a light emitting diode. Images were acquired at 2% of the electron dose known to create electron beam damage, so the acquired images reflect the intrinsic structure of the InGaN active region. Position averaged convergent beam electron diffraction reveals the local sample thickness where images were acquired is 4.8 nm, eliminating the possibility that the absence of composition variation was observed due to projection through a thick sample. In addition, 2-3 atomic layer steps were observed in the top surface of In0.08Ga0.92N layers and the In0.15Ga0.85N active layers, providing a possible mechanism for lateral carrier confinement.
Characterization of rf-sputtered HfMgZnO thin films
Authors: Chung Hantsun , Chen Jian-Zhang , Cheng I-Chun
Published: October 2012

MgZnO becomes amorphous or short-range-ordered with the addition of hafnium oxide. The films are rf-sputter deposited onto glass substrates (Eagle 2000, Corning Inc.) from Mg0.05HfxZn0.95-xO targets (x=0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1) in pure Ar ambient at room temperature. The sputtered Mg0.05Zn0.95O exhibits strong (002) preferred orientation with XRD peak located at 2θ=34.16o. The XRD peak intensity is also greatly reduced, indicating the material amorphorization proceeds with the addition of Hf. The grain size, estimated from the full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of the (002) XRD peak, decreases from 24.1 to 3.3 nm as the Hf content x increases from 0 to 0.025 in Mg0.05HfxZn0.95-xO. No sharp XRD peaks are detected in the as-sputtered films when more than 5.0 at.% Hf are added into the materials. The films remain in amorphous or short-range-ordered states after annealing at 600 oC for 30 mins. All Mg0.05HfxZn0.95-xO films (100 nm in thickness) are highly transparent (> 80 %) in the visible region from 400 to 800 nm and have sharp absorption edges in the UV region. The tauc bandgap ΔE (eV), as a function of hafnium composition x, is fitted as ΔE=3.336+6.08x for room temperature as-deposited films, and ΔE=3.302+2.60x for films after 30 min 600 oC annealing. The annealing process decreases the bandgap shift caused by the incorporation of Hf in the materials.
Imersão social e institucional e capacidades: o setor calçadista de Nova Serrana
Authors: Vasconcelos Geraldo Magela Rodrigues de , Oliveira Janete Lara de
Published: October 2012

Este trabalho investiga a influência da imersão social e institucional na aquisição de capacidades de empresas calçadistas em suas relações com clientes, fornecedores e entidades setoriais. Imersão social foi considerada na perspectiva da imersão relacional, e imersão institucional, no âmbito de sua influência sobre as capacidades das firmas e sobre o grau de imersão com clientes e fornecedores. As ligações das firmas com outros atores, não participantes do setor, foram também investigadas como influenciando as capacidades e a participação das firmas em entidades setoriais. A coleta de dados envolveu pesquisa realizada com 78 firmas, e utilizou-se de modelagem de equações estruturais para avaliar as relações propostas. Os resultados indicam que os relacionamentos das firmas com fornecedores e a participação em entidades são os elementos que têm maior relevância para a aquisição de capacidades. As relações com clientes e com outros atores não apresentaram contribuição para a aquisição de capacidades.
Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT): explorando seus parâmetros psicométricos
Authors: Santos Walberto Silva dos , Gouveia Valdiney Veloso , Fernandes Darlene Pinho , Souza Sarah Stella Bomfim de , Grangeiro Alex Sandro de Moura
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer evidências de validade e precisão do Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). MÉTODOS: Contou-se com uma amostra de conveniência (não probabilística) de 547 estudantes universitários de Fortaleza (CE), com idade média de 21,6 anos (dp = 4,86; amplitude de 18 a 53), a maioria do sexo masculino (51,5%), solteira (91,4%) e católica (62,5%). Os participantes responderam ao AUDIT e a perguntas demográficas. Procurando conhecer a estrutura fatorial, além de estatísticas descritivas, realizou-se uma Análise de Componentes Principais. Adicionalmente, a fim de avaliar a precisão do instrumento, efetuaram-se cálculos de alfa de Cronbach (consistência interna), correlações de r de Pearson e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse - ICC (precisão teste-reteste). RESULTADOS: De acordo com a análise de componentes principais com rotação oblimin, a estrutura bifatorial do AUDIT mostrou-se coerente, com todos os itens apresentando saturações satisfatórias, superior a |0,40|, tendo o Fator 1 explicado 47,5% da variância total com alfa de 0,84 e o Fator 2 explicado 11,6% da variância total com alfa de 0,69. Os resultados do teste-reteste indicaram correlação forte entre os dados obtidos na primeira (t1) e segunda (t2) aplicação (r tt = 0,94, p < 0,01), sem diferença significativa de médias nos dois tempos (m t1 = 0,37, dp = 0,49; m t2 = 0,34, dp2= 0,47; p > 0,05), com ICC satisfatório (0,96). CONCLUSÕES: Os achados apoiaram a adequação psicométrica do AUDIT, com as análises fatoriais exploratórias apontando como mais satisfatória a estrutura com dois fatores, bem como atestaram sua boa estabilidade temporal.
Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com os Serviços de Saúde Mental (SATIS-BR): estudo de validação
Authors: Bandeira Marina , Silva Mônia Aparecida da
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Fazer um estudo da validade de construto, validade convergente e consistência interna da Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com os Serviços de Saúde Mental (SATIS-BR). MÉTODO: Participaram da pesquisa 110 pacientes psiquiátricos, atendidos em cinco serviços públicos de saúde mental do interior de Minas Gerais. A escala foi aplicada em entrevistas individuais estruturadas. A escala possui 12 itens que avaliam a satisfação dos pacientes, com alternativas de resposta dispostas em escala Likert de 5 pontos. Foi também aplicada a Escala de Mudança Percebida (EMP) para a análise de validade convergente da SATIS-BR. RESULTADOS: A análise fatorial pelo método Principal Axis Factoring revelou uma estrutura fatorial de três fatores, que avaliam a satisfação dos pacientes em relação às dimensões: 1. Competência e compreensão da equipe; 2. Ajuda e acolhida; 3. Condições físicas do serviço. A análise pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach mostrou boa consistência interna (alfa = 0,88). A análise da validade convergente foi adequada, tendo sido obtida uma correlação de Pearson positiva significativa com a escala EMP, que avalia um construto teoricamente relacionado ao de satisfação (r = 0,41; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A escala SATIS-BR apresenta qualidades psicométricas adequadas de validade de construto, validade convergente e fidedignidade.
Análise da percepção da fadiga, estresse e ansiedade em trabalhadores de uma indústria de calçados
Authors: Medeiros Neto Ciro Franco de , Almeida Graciele Aquino de , Ramos Berivaldo da Costa , Costa Suetânia Karen Pereira da , Silva Hélderes Peregrino Alves da , Sousa Maria Bernardete Cordeiro de
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Descrever e correlacionar os aspectos envolvidos com a percepção de fadiga e estresse laboral e percebido em trabalhadores de ambos os sexos, em função do setor de trabalho e traço de ansiedade. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 46 trabalhadores de uma indústria calçadista, por meio dos instrumentos: Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (IDATE), Questionário de Fadiga de Yoshitake, Escala de Estresse no Trabalho e Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) para o estresse percebido. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste t de Student e do teste de correlação de Pearson para p ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: Não foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre os sexos e entre os trabalhadores dos diferentes setores, quanto a fadiga, traço de ansiedade, estresse laboral e percebido. Quanto à fadiga, os trabalhadores com traço de ansiedade alto apresentaram maior nível de fadiga comparados àqueles que apresentavam traço de ansiedade baixo (p < 0,001). Foram observadas também correlações positivas entre as variáveis investigadas conforme o sexo, setor de trabalho e nível de ansiedade entre os trabalhadores. CONCLUSÃO: A percepção de fadiga afeta principalmente os trabalhadores que apresentam traço de ansiedade alto. Contudo, percebe-se, por meio dos testes de correlações, que as variáveis sexo, setor de trabalho e traço de ansiedade podem modular os níveis de fadiga e estresse laboral e percebido entre os trabalhadores.
Comorbidities of mental and behavioral disorders in chemically dependent patients in different periods of abstinence
Authors: Costa Maria de Lourdes Pereira , Oliveira Luiz Carlos Marques de
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of comorbidities of mental and behavioral disorders (CMBD) in psychoactive substance (PAS)-dependent patients with different periods of abstinence cared for at Alcohol and Other Drug Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS-ad). METHOD: All patients under treatment in the two CAPS-ad of the city of Uberlândia-MG, between April and September 2010, were consecutively assessed. The ICD-10 symptom checklist was used to diagnose CMBD; additional information was obtained from interviews and medical records. The patients were divided according to duration of abstinence: < 1 week (Group 1); 1-4 weeks (Group 2); and > 4 weeks (Group 3). RESULTS: Of all patients assessed, 62.8% were diagnosed with CMBD, which were more frequent (p < 0.05) in Group 1 (72%) than Group 3 (54.2%), and both groups were similar to Group 2 (61%). Depressive and anxiety disorders were more frequent among patients of Group 1. Mood disorders were more frequent (p < 0.05) in women [22/34 (65%) vs. 54/154 (35.1%)], whereas psychotic disorders were more frequent (p = 0.05) in men [16/154 (10.4%) vs. 0]. The presence of CMBD was associated with more severe clinical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The higher frequency of diagnosis of CMBD in patients of Group 1 may have resulted from the difficulties in distinguishing mental disorders that are due to PAS intoxication or withdrawal from those that are not. However, to make the diagnosis of CMBD, even during detoxification, can increase the likelihood of better response to treatment.
Influência de fatores afetivos, antropométricos e sociodemográficos sobre o comportamento alimentar em jovens atletas
Authors: Fortes Leonardo de Sousa , Oliveira Flávio Garcia de , Ferreira Maria Elisa Caputo
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a influência de diversos fatores sobre o comportamento alimentar inadequado (CAI) em jovens atletas femininas. MÉTODOS: Participaram 116 esportistas. Avaliou-se o CAI mediante aplicação do Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). A insatisfação corporal e o comprometimento psicológico ao exercício foram avaliados pelo Body Shape Questionnaire e pelo Commitment Exercise Scale, respectivamente. O nível econômico foi obtido pelo "Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil". Aferiram-se peso e estatura para calcular o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e dobras cutâneas para estimar o percentual de gordura. Conduziu-se regressão linear múltipla utilizando o software SPSS 17.0 e adotando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADO: A insatisfação corporal, seguida do percentual de gordura, foram as únicas variáveis que modularam as pontuações do EAT-26. Contudo, o modelo de regressão linear múltipla explicou um terço da variância do CAI nessas esportistas. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que o CAI de atletas femininas foi influenciado basicamente pela insatisfação corporal.
Matricídio, seguido de canibalismo e automutilação de pênis e mão em paciente esquizofrênico motivado por delírios religiosos
Authors: Teixeira Eduardo Henrique , Meneguette Juliana , Dalgalarrondo Paulo
Published: October 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A automutilação em pacientes psiquiátricos ocorre, sobretudo, associada a psicoses esquizofrênicas ou tóxicas, podendo estar relacionada a crenças religiosas, impulsividade, abuso de substâncias e outros sintomas psicóticos como alucinações ou delírios. MÉTODO: Relatamos o caso de um jovem de 22 anos que cometeu matricídio, seguido de canibalismo e automutilação do pênis e mão direita em primeiro surto psicótico, motivado por delírio religioso. RESULTADOS: Relatos de mutilação genital e olhos em pacientes esquizofrênicos são encontrados na literatura médica, contudo são raríssimos os casos que cometeram tais atos em primeiro surto psicótico. O matricídio é menos frequente que o parricídio e o agressor é geralmente filho homem. CONCLUSÃO: Trata-se de um caso grave, complexo e possivelmente o primeiro caso descrito na literatura de matricídio seguido de canibalismo e automutilação do pênis e mão.
Desempenho de cultivares de morango submetidas a diferentes tipos de polinização em cultivo protegido
Authors: Witter Sidia , Radin Bernadete , Lisboa Bruno Brito , Teixeira Juliana Stephanie Galaschi , Blochtein Betina , Imperatriz-Fonseca Vera Lúcia
Published: October 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos de polinização sobre a qualidade de frutos de cultivares de morangueiro e sua contribuição isolada para a massa dos frutos, bem como determinar o potencial de Plebeia nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) como agente polinizador em ambiente protegido. As cultivares Aromas, Diamante e Cegnidarem foram submetidas a tratamentos com autopolinização, polinização por P. nigriceps e polinização livre. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em estufa tipo pampeana, coberta com polietileno transparente e desprovida de telas anti-insetos nas laterais, com 1.344 plantas. Para as avaliações, foram marcadas 56 flores primárias em botão, de cada cultivar, e considerou-se cada planta uma repetição. Avaliaram-se massa de matéria fresca, peso, diâmetro, comprimento e presença de deformação nos frutos. A polinização entomófila tem contribuição variada à massa dos frutos, de acordo com a cultivar. As cultivares apresentam sensibilidade variada à autopolinização, no que se refere à incidência de frutos deformados. A interferência da polinização entomófila na produtividade do morangueiro está mais relacionada à redução do percentual de frutos deformados do que ao aumento da massa dos frutos em si. O comportamento de P. nigriceps indica que a espécie apresenta potencial para polinização da cultura do morangueiro em ambiente protegido.
Improvement of productivity and polysaccharide-protein complex in Agaricus blazei
Authors: Chu Jiunn-Nan , Young Chiu-Chung , Tan Chen-Chung , Wu Szu-Pei , Young Li-Sen
Published: October 2012

The objective of this work was to assess the productivity and polysaccharide-protein complex content of Agaricus blazei on rice straw medium, in comparison to conventional sawdust, using four casing soils. The A. blazei strain used was BCRC36814T, purchased from the Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan. The two media were evaluated as to A. blazei productivity, harvesting time, and production costs. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block, with four replicates. Three local casing soils - Typic Paleudult (CCe), Typic Udorthent (Tq) and Oxyaquic Paleudult (TSp) - were compared to imported peat soil (PS, Saprists, Histosols), used as the control. The productivity of A. blazei using Tq and TSp soil was significantly higher. The TSp casing treatment resulted in earlier harvest by at least 14 to 27 days, when compared to the other treatments. The polysaccharide content in CCe (13.2%) and Tq soils (13.2%) did not differ significantly from the PS (13.4%) and TSp (10.6%) treatments. Local casing soils decreased the production costs of A. blazei cultivation. Composted rice straw can substitute sawdust as the culture medium for A. blazei production with increased yield.
Aplicação da função hiperbólica na construção de curvas de índice de local
Authors: Binoti Daniel Henrique Breda , Binoti Mayra Luiza Marques da Silva , Leite Hélio Garcia
Published: October 2012

Neste estudo foi avaliada a eficiência da função hiperbólica, para geração de curvas anamórficas e polimórficas de índices de local. As curvas de índice de local foram construídas utilizando os métodos: da curva-guia, da equação das diferenças, da predição de parâmetros, de Hammer e dos índices de local definidos preliminarmente. Para aplicação desses métodos foram utilizados dados de parcelas permanentes de povoamentos de eucalipto. A eficiência foi confirmada, sendo a função indicada para descrever tendências polimórficas e anamórficas, podendo ser utilizada na classificação da capacidade produtiva de povoamentos de eucalipto.