bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coarse-Scale Biases for Spirals and Orientation in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Freeman Jeremy , Heeger David J. , Merriam Elisha P.
Published: December 2013

Multivariate decoding analyses are widely applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, but there is controversy over their interpretation. Orientation decoding in primary visual cortex (V1) reflects coarse-scale biases, including an over-representation of radial orientations. But fMRI responses to clockwise and counter-clockwise spirals can also be decoded. Because these stimuli are matched for radial orientation, while differing in local orientation, it has been argued that fine-scale columnar selectivity for orientation contributes to orientation decoding. We measured fMRI responses in human V1 to both oriented gratings and spirals. Responses to oriented gratings exhibited a complex topography, including a radial bias that was most pronounced in the peripheral representation, and a near-vertical bias that was most pronounced near the foveal representation. Responses to clockwise and counter-clockwise spirals also exhibited coarse-scale organization, at the scale of entire visual quadrants. The preference of each voxel for clockwise or counter-clockwise spirals was predicted from the preferences of that voxel for orientation and spatial position (i.e., within the retinotopic map). Our results demonstrate a bias for local stimulus orientation that has a coarse spatial scale, is robust across stimulus classes (spirals and gratings), and suffices to explain decoding from fMRI responses in V1.
Development of GABA Circuitry of Fast-Spiking Basket Interneurons in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex oferbb4-Mutant Mice
Authors: Yang Jian-Ming , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiao-Juan , Geng Hong-Yan , Ye Mao , Spitzer Nicholas C. , Luo Jian-Hong , Duan Shu-Min , Li Xiao-Ming
Published: December 2013

erbb4is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia and ErbB4 signals have been hypothesized to function in a number of cortical developmental processes (Silberberg et al., 2006; Mei and Xiong, 2008). Several recent studies show that the expression of ErbB4 is mainly restricted to GABAergic interneurons (Yau et al., 2003; Woo et al., 2007), specifically, to parvalbumin-positive (PV) fast-spiking (FS) interneurons (Vullhorst et al., 2009; Fazzari et al., 2010), a large majority of which are PV FS basket cells (Kawaguchi, 1995; Taniguchi et al., 2013). However, in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region that is closely associated with neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, little is known about the roles of ErbB4 signals during the development of GABAergic circuitry particularly that associated with PV FS basket cells. Here, using molecular genetics, biochemistry, and electrophysiology, we deleted ErbB4 receptors in GABAergic forebrain neurons during the embryonic period and demonstrated that in the mouse mPFC, ErbB4 signals were dispensable for the development of GABAergic synapses by PV FS basket cells. Interestingly, they were required for the final maturation rather than the initial formation of glutamatergic synapses on PV FS basket cells. Furthermore, activity-dependent GABAergic PV FS pyramidal neuron transmission was decreased, whereas activity of pyramidal neurons was increased in KO mice. Together, these data indicate that ErbB4 signals contribute to the development of GABAergic circuitry associated with FS basket cells in component- and stage-dependent manners in the mPFCin vivo, and may suggest a mechanism for neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia.
The Coffin-Lowry Syndrome-Associated Protein RSK2 Regulates Neurite Outgrowth through Phosphorylation of Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) and Synthesis of Phosphatidic Acid
Authors: Ammar Mohamed-Raafet , Humeau Yann , Hanauer André , Nieswandt Bernard , Bader Marie-France , Vitale Nicolas
Published: December 2013

More than 80 human X-linked genes have been associated with mental retardation and deficits in learning and memory. However, most of the identified mutations induce limited morphological alterations in brain organization and the molecular bases underlying neuronal clinical features remain elusive. We show here that neurons cultured from mice lacking ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (Rsk2), a model for the Coffin-Lowry syndrome (CLS), exhibit a significant delay in growth in a similar way to that shown by neurons cultured from phospholipase D1 (Pld1) knock-out mice. We found that gene silencing ofPld1orRsk2as well as acute pharmacological inhibition of PLD1 or RSK2 in PC12 cells strongly impaired neuronal growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth. Expression of a phosphomimetic PLD1 mutant rescued the inhibition of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells silenced for RSK2, revealing that PLD1 is a major target for RSK2 in neurite formation. NGF-triggered RSK2-dependent phosphorylation of PLD1 led to its activation and the synthesis of phosphatidic acid at sites of neurite growth. Additionally, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy experiments revealed that RSK2 and PLD1 positively control fusion of tetanus neurotoxin insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein (TiVAMP)/VAMP-7 vesicles at sites of neurite outgrowth. We propose that the loss of function mutations inRSK2that leads to CLS and neuronal deficits are related to defects in neuronal growth due to impaired RSK2-dependent PLD1 activity resulting in a reduced vesicle fusion rate and membrane supply.
Early Onset of Ataxia in Moonwalker Mice Is Accompanied by Complete Ablation of Type II Unipolar Brush Cells and Purkinje Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Sekerková Gabriella , Kim Jin-Ah , Nigro Maximiliano J. , Becker Esther B. E. , Hartmann Jana , Birnbaumer Lutz , Mugnaini Enrico , Martina Marco
Published: December 2013

Transient receptor potential “canonical” cation channels (TRPC) are involved in many cellular activities, including neuronal synaptic transmission. These channels couple lipid metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and electrophysiological properties as they are calcium permeable and activated through the phospholipase C pathway and by diacylglycerol. The TRPC3 subunit is abundantly expressed in Purkinje cells (PCs), where it mediates slow metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated synaptic responses. Recently, it has been shown that heterozygous moonwalker mice, which are a model of cerebellar ataxia, carry a dominant gain-of-function mutation (T635A) in theTRPC3gene. This mutation leads to PC loss and dysmorphism, which have been suggested to cause the ataxia. However, the ataxic phenotype is present from a very early stage (before weaning), whereas PC loss does not appear until several months of age. Here we show that another class of cerebellar neurons, the type II unipolar brush cells (UBCs), express functional TRPC3 channels; intriguingly, these cells are ablated in moonwalker mice by 1 month of age. Additionally, we show that in moonwalker mice, intrinsic excitability of PCs is altered as early as 3 weeks after birth. We suggest that this altered excitability and the TRPC3-mediated loss of type II UBCs may both contribute to the ataxic phenotype of these mice and that different calcium handling in PCs and type II UBCs may account for the dramatic differences in sensitivity to the moonwalker mutation between these cell types.
The Indirect Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-8 in Defining Neurogenic Niches of the Olfactory/GnRH Systems
Authors: Forni Paolo Emanuele , Bharti Kapil , Flannery Ellen M. , Shimogori Tomomi , Wray Susan
Published: December 2013

Bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) and fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF8) are thought to have opposite roles in defining epithelial versus neurogenic fate in the developing olfactory/vomeronasal system. In particular, FGF8 has been implicated in specification of olfactory and gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) neurons, as well as in controlling olfactory stem cell survival. Using different knock-in mouse lines and Cre-lox-mediated lineage tracing,Fgf8expression and cell lineage was analyzed in the developing nose in relation to the expression ofBmp4and its antagonistNoggin(Nog). FGF8 is expressed by cells that acquire an epidermal, respiratory cell fate and not by stem cells that acquire neuronal olfactory or vomeronasal cell fate. Ectodermal and mesenchymal sources of BMP4 control the expression of BMP/TGFβ antagonistNog, whereas mesenchymal sources ofNogdefine the neurogenic borders of the olfactory pit.Fgf8hypomorph mouse models,Fgf8neo/neoandFgf8neo/null, displayed severe craniofacial defects together with overlapping defects in the olfactory pit including (1) lack of neuronal formation ventrally, where GnRH neurons normally form, and (2) altered expression ofBmp4andNog, withNogectopically expressed in the nasal mesenchyme and no longer defining the GnRH and vomeronasal neurogenic border. Together our data show that (1) FGF8 is not sufficient to induce ectodermal progenitors of the olfactory pit to acquire neural fate and (2) altered neurogenesis and lack of GnRH neuron specification after chronically reducedFgf8expression reflected dysgenesis of the nasal region and loss of a specific neurogenic permissive milieu that was defined by mesenchymal signals.
Extinction of Remotely Acquired Fear Depends on an Inhibitory NR2B/PKA Pathway in the Retrosplenial Cortex
Authors: Corcoran Kevin A. , Leaderbrand Katherine , Radulovic Jelena
Published: December 2013

As memories age, their processing increasingly relies upon cortical rather than hippocampal circuits, but the adaptive significance and mechanisms of this shift are not fully understood. Here we investigated the behavioral features and cortical mechanisms underlying extinction of remotely versus recently acquired context fear in mice. Behaviorally, extinction and reinstatement were similar, but re-extinction of remote fear was significantly faster, suggesting time-dependent engagement of mechanisms specific for processing remote memory. Using pharmacological manipulations of NMDA receptors and associated signaling pathways in the in the retrosplenial cortex, we demonstrated that extinction of remote fear uniquely required NR2B-mediated downregulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding protein pathway. Interestingly, NR2B/PKA interactions weakened independently of the age of the memory, but the functional significance of this molecular change was evident only as memory retrieval became PKA-dependent over time. Thus, cortical PKA signaling may provide a molecular signature of when a memory has become “remote,” and inhibition of this pathway may open the door for modulation of remote memories.
Formas bulbares da síndrome de Guillain-Barré
Authors: Pupo Paulo Pinto , Zukerman Eliova , Cruz Nelson Alvares , Lima J. Geraldo de Camargo , Jordy Ceme , Braga Fernando Menezes
Published: December 2013

Uma revisão crítica do conceito, das formas clínicas, das teorias patogênicas relativas à síndrome de Guillain-Barré é feita preliminarmente, com finalidade de situar o ponto de vista dos autores em relação às idéias que encontraram na literatura, por vêzes bastante divergentes. A seguir, uma revisão relativa ao comprometimento dos nervos cranianos nos casos publicados veio mostrar que o nervo facial é o mais freqüentemente atingido, sendo bastante mais raro o comprometimento dos nervos motores oculares ou dos nervos bulbares. São relatadas 7 observações de casos de síndrome de Guillain-Barré com dissociação albumino-citológica no líqüido cefalorraqueano e evolução favorável para a cura em tempo relativamente curto, nos quais a lesão dos IX e X nervos cranianos foi constante. Êste acometimento foi isolado em 2 casos (em um dêles tendo sido também lesado o XI nervo), associada a outros nervos cranianos não bulbares em 4 casos e à paralisia de membros em 5 pacientes. Particular atenção merece o fato de estarem estas 7 observações incluídas em uma casuística de 18 casos de síndrome de Guillain-Barré, 6 dos quais observados no Serviço de Neurologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina em um curto período de 18 meses. Sua alta incidência contrasta, pois, com o que é habitualmente assinalado na literatura.
Tratamento da criptococose do sistema nervoso pelo Amphotericin B
Authors: Giorgi Dante , Pupo Paulo Pinto , Reis João Baptista dos , Lima José Geraldo de Camargo
Published: December 2013

Os autores descrevem a evolução dos conhecimentos sôbre a meningoen-cefalite produzida pelo Criptococcus neoformans, analisando as dificuldades anteriormente havidas para o diagnóstico em vida, as quais foram superadas depois que se usou rotineiramente a pesquisa do cogumelo no LCR pelo método de coloração de tinta da China e pela cultura. Assinalam, a seguir, o aparecimento do Amphotericin B, novo antibiótico fungicida que veio modificar o prognóstico desta afecção. Apresentam sua experiência com 14 casos de meningite por criptococos diagnosticados em vida e referem pormenorizadamente 2 casos tratados com o Amphotericin B. O primeiro, de paciente portadora desta afecção, evoluindo de maneira crônica, com períodos de exacerbação que melhoram nitidamente com o Amphotericin B e que está com uma sobrevida de 20 meses. O segundo, de paciente portadora de forma aguda desta afecção que teve cura clínica e está com LCR absolutamente normal, com seguimento de 11 meses. Em ambos os casos foi usada a via endovenosa, sendo feitas séries de 10 injeções, cada uma de 50 mg de Amphotericin B em 500 ml de sôro glicosado a 5%. No primeiro caso foram feitas 4 séries e no segundo apenas duas. Não foram registradas reações colaterais de importância. Os autores terminam considerando o Amphotericin B como um elemento que veio tornar muito mais favorável o prognóstico desta afecção até então mortal.
Granuloma paracoccidióidico cerebral: a propósito de um caso operado
Authors: Lemmi Octavio , Pimenta Aloysio Mattos
Published: December 2013

Os autores fazem rápida revisão da literatura, referindo-se aos casos de blastomicose sulamericana do sistema nervoso comprovados seja pelo exame bacteriológico do liqüido cefalorraqueano, seja pelo exame bacteriológico ou histopatológico de material cirúrgico ou de necropsia. Apresentam em seguida um caso operado de tumor cerebral granulomatoso, de localização frontal, produzido pelo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Houve suspeita clinica da etiologia através da anamnese e confirmação pelos exames bacteriológico e histopatológico do material cirúrgico.
Mucocele frontal com extensão intracraniana: a propósito de dois casos
Authors: Cruz Oswaldo Ricciardi
Published: December 2013

O autor apresenta dois casos de mucocele frontal com extensão intracraniana. Em um dos casos existia hipertensão intracraniana e quadro angiográfico normal; no outro, os valores tensionais do liqüido cefalorraquidiano eram normais e o exame angiográfico demonstrou a presença de um tumor de localização frontal. Em ambos os casos foi utilizada a via frontal - craniotomia osteoplástica - para o acesso intracraniano. O contato do material contido no cisto com as meninges não determinou alterações meningencefalíticas.
A Constituição invertida: a Suprema Corte Americana no combate à ampliação da democracia
Authors: Bercovici Gilberto
Published: December 2013

O presente texto oferece uma análise histórica das limitações à soberania popular plena nos Estados Unidos desde a Independência até o início do século XX, destacando o papel ativo da Suprema Corte no combate à ampliação da democracia norte-americana. O empenho da Suprema Corte na extensão da garantia dos direitos dos proprietários de escravos antes da Guerra Civil revela a força da rejeição da mesma Suprema Corte à realização dos direitos fundamentais incorporados à constituição pelas 13a. e 14ª. Emendas, depois da Guerra Civil, transformando o discurso da "Constituição de todos" na realidade da "Constituição invertida".
Democracia versus tecnocracia: apatia e participação em sociedades complexas
Authors: Pinzani Alessandro
Published: December 2013

Discutimos no presente artigo a questão da apatia política em nossas democracias não do ponto de vista empírico, mas por meio da análise de vários discursos e modelos teóricos que resultam ser, respectivamente, "dominantes" e "antagônicos" tanto na academia quanto na própria esfera pública. A primeira oposição analisada é aquela entre o modelo constitucionalista da democracia e o modelo da soberania popular. A partir dessa análise, passamos à discussão dos fenômenos sociais de judicialização e de indignação por parte dos cidadãos. Indignação esta, que, por sua vez, se opõe ao ativismo positivo de quem está disposto a participar diretamente do processo decisório, inclusive em formas não institucionalizadas de participação. Por fim, analisamos a oposição entre o discurso tecnocrático, caracterizado pela ênfase no consenso sobre leis socioeconômicas presumidamente formuláveis de maneira científica, e a ideia de uma democracia radical, caracterizada por uma visão de "agonismo" democrático.
A profetisa que amava Bruce Lee: Oriente e Ocidente na perspectiva de Persépolis
Authors: Tolentino Célia , Chaves Luana Hordones
Published: December 2013

Neste artigo analisamos a obra Persépolis, longa metragem de animação que sintetiza os quatro volumes da obra homônima lançada na forma de história em quadrinhos na França, entre os anos de 2000 e 2003. Narrado pela autora Marjane Satrapi, conta os quinze anos sucessivos aos acontecimentos de 1979 no Irã, a partir de sua perspectiva pessoal. Pertencente a um grupo social de esquerda e ocidentalizado segundo o padrão iraniano, viu morrer as utopias deste segmento com a vitória da Revolução Islâmica. No entanto, num autoexílio em Viena, em plena adolescência, percebeu que a apregoada liberdade ocidental também cobrava o seu preço. Tomando a narrativa de Persépolis como um olhar literalmente em perspectiva, colocamos em debate aspectos políticos e sociais da relação Oriente/Ocidente, dialogando, particularmente, com a obra de Edward Said.
Desventuras de alguns críticos da política externa do governo Lula
Authors: Jakobsen Kjeld Aagaard
Published: December 2013

O presente artigo busca analisar algumas críticas de especialistas brasileiros à política externa dos dois mandatos do governo Lula, em particular quanto à coerência e fundamentação dos argumentos utilizados pelos autores. A constatação é que as críticas se baseiam em uma análise sistêmica particular, bem como na convicção de que a burocracia de Estado é o ator unitário na definição e operacionalização da Política Externa Brasileira (PEB).
A aprendizagem organizacional e suas bases econômicas
Authors: Amorim Wilson Aparecido Costa de , Fischer André Luiz
Published: December 2013

Este artigo objetiva apresentar os nexos teóricos que, a partir da Economia, justifiquem a importância do estudo do fenômeno da aprendizagem organizacional, mais tipicamente abordado na Administração. Em primeiro lugar, são discutidas as características das economias baseadas em conhecimento e suas exigências em termos de aprendizado e desenvolvimento de competências organizacionais. Em segundo lugar, a partir das limitações dos pressupostos neoclássicos em relação à organização, é abordada a noção de estratégia. A seguir, são apresentadas origens do conceito de competências na teoria da firma baseada em recursos e seus desdobramentos para os estudos sobre estratégia e competências. No próximo passo, são destacados elementos conceituais do campo da aprendizagem organizacional. Por fim, identificam-se ligações existentes entre a vida organizacional e a abordagem econômica, nos aspectos que relacionam o conhecimento e a aprendizagem organizacionais ao desenvolvimento econômico
O Brasil na Era Lula: retorno ao desenvolvimentismo?
Authors: Fonseca Pedro Cezar Dutra , Cunha André Moreira , Bichara Julimar da Silva
Published: December 2013

O artigo retoma variáveis sobre o desempenho recente da economia brasileira com o propósito de enfocar a questão se, a partir dessa análise conjuntural, pode-se detectar que o país estaria resgatando, sob nova roupagem, uma matriz de políticas desenvolvimentistas. Para ensaiar resposta à questão, parte-se de uma análise sobre o desempenho recente da economia e da contextualização do referido debate para, por fim, elaborar um contraponto entre o governo Lula e os traços estruturais da experiência histórica da economia brasileira no período que ficou conhecido na literatura como "era do desenvolvimentismo", esta entendida como cinco décadas, a partir de 1930, de elevado crescimento e de modernização do país.
Análise da incidência lesional na ginástica aeróbica espanhola de elite
Authors: Abalo Núñez Rocío , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Águeda , Vernetta Santana Mercedes
Published: December 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: A ginástica aeróbica (GA) é uma disciplina que possui exigências físicas específicas e treinamento adequado para prevenir ou minimizar a ocorrência de lesões esportivas. OBJETIVO: Analisar a incidência de lesões na GA e a sua vinculação com fatores de treinamento MÉTODO: Realizou-se um estudo em 40 desportistas valencianos com idades compreendidas entre nove e 17 anos. O procedimento de coleta de informações foi através de um questionário de morbidade. A variável dependente foram as lesões durante a temporada 2009-2010 e as variáveis independentes principais foram a carga de treinamento, o material de proteção, superfície de treinamento, gesto técnico e tipo de lesão e zona corporal lesionada. RESULTADOS: As lesões mais reincidentes foram as relacionadas a ligamentos, afetando por igual os membros superior e inferior. A metade das lesões ocorreu após a realização dos saltos, apesar do uso de algum material de proteção, além de terem ocorrido no início da temporada. Relações significativas entre o número de lesões e a experiência, os dias de treinamento e o número de competições (p < 0,05) foram encontradas. CONCLUSÕES: O número de lesões diminuiu enquanto o uso de medidas de proteção, com destaque para as munhequeiras, aumentou. Metade das lesões produziu-se durante o período de aprendizagem técnica de dificuldades.
Desenvolvimento de um método de familiarização individualizado para saltos verticais
Authors: Claudino João Gustavo , Mezêncio Bruno , Soncin Rafael , Ferreira Jacielle Carolina , Valadão Pedro Frederico , Takao Pollyana Pereira , Bianco Roberto , Roschel Hamilton , Amadio Alberto Carlos , Serrão Julio Cerca
Published: December 2013

OBJETIVO: Propor um método de familiarização individualizado para saltos verticais e verificar o seu efeito na variabilidade intrassujeito. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e três homes (média ± DP; idade 23,5 ± 3,3 anos; estatura 1,76 ± 0,08 m; massa 72,8 ± 8,6 kg; percentual de gordura 12,9 ± 5,2%) realizaram sucessivos saltos até atingir o nível de estabilidade proposto. Após 48 h este processo era repetido e a estabilidade entre dias era verificada, se necessário, mais sessões eram realizadas. O nível de estabilidade foi determinado por um teste z, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Após o processo de familiarização, duas sessões experimentais adicionais foram realizadas para determinar a confiabilidade do desempenho no salto agachado (SA) e no salto com contramovimento (SCM). O coeficiente de variação e o erro padrão de medida foram determinados individualmente (CVi e EPMi). Um teste t pareado foi realizado para verificar diferenças no CVi e EPMi antes e depois do processo de familiarização. RESULTADOS: O CVi apresentou uma redução significativa após o processo de familiarização (p < 0,001), alterando de 5,01 ± 2,40% para 2,95 ± 0,89% no SA e de 4,50 ± 2,19% para 2,58 ± 0,81% no SCM. O mesmo ocorreu para o EPMi variando de 1,29± 0,53 cm para 0,83 ± 0,25 cm no SA e de 1,35 ± 0,51 cm para 0,83 ± 0,26 cm no SCM. CONCLUSÃO: o método de familiarização individualizado proposto reduziu significativamente a variação intrassujeito, permitindo maior poder estatístico em estudos experimentais e maior sensibilidade para ferramentas de monitoramento do desempenho.
Efeito de 13 semanas de treinamento físico militar sobre a composição corporal e o desempenho físico dos alunos da escola preparatória de cadetes do exército
Authors: Avila Josiel Almeida de , Lima Filho Paulo Davi de Barros , Páscoa Mauro Alexandre , Tessutti Lucas Samuel
Published: December 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: Exércitos do mundo inteiro reconhecem a importância de uma boa condição física para o desempenho das funções militares. O treinamento físico militar (TFM) tenta proporcionar auxílio nessa busca por uma melhor condição física e corporal. OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito de 13 semanas de TFM na composição corporal e no desempenho físico dos alunos da Escola Preparatória de Cadetes do Exército (EsPCEx). MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída de 287 alunos do sexo masculino da EsPCEx com idade média de 18,33 ± 1,26 anos. Tais alunos cumpriram uma rotina de internato, com horários, refeições e atividades definidas, da qual eram liberados somente nos finais de semana. O TFM foi realizado numa frequência semanal de cinco dias e englobou treinamentos aeróbicos e resistivos. Foram realizadas no período pré e pós-treinamento medidas da massa corporal, altura, dobras cutâneas (tricipital, abdominal e suprailíaca) e realizados os seguintes testes: corrida de 12 minutos, abdominal parafuso, flexão de braço e flexão na barra fixa. Com os dados antropométricos coletados, foi calculado o percentual de gordura, massa livre de gordura (MLG) e massa gorda (MG) baseado no protocolo de três dobras de Guedes. RESULTADOS: Quando comparados os valores dos dados antropométricos e da composição corporal dos períodos inicial e final de treinamento foi observada redução significativa na MG, no percentual de gordura, nas dobras cutâneas tricipital e abdominal e aumento na dobra cutânea suprailíaca e na MLG. Ocorreram melhoras significativas também em todos os testes físicos realizados, nos quais um melhor desempenho foi alcançado. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos sugerem melhora significativa na composição corporal e no desempenho físico através da realização do TFM, com frequência semanal de cinco dias.
Sensibilidade e especificidade do diagnóstico de desempenho da força por diferentes testes de saltos verticais em futebolistas e voleibolistas na puberdade
Authors: Hespanhol Jefferson Eduardo , Arruda Miguel de , Bolaños Marcus Antonio Cossío , Silva Rodrigo Lopes Pignataro
Published: December 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade de diferentes protocolos de medida dos testes de saltos verticais para o diagnóstico da força explosiva em futebolistas e voleibolistas na puberdade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com população não probabilística de 110 jovens atletas do sexo masculino (60 futebolistas e 50 voleibolistas) na faixa etária de 13 a 18 anos pertencentes a clubes da região metropolitana de Campinas, SP, Brasil. Os participantes tiveram sua maturação biológica avaliada por dois métodos: autoavaliação e medida clínica. Após essa avaliação, foram incluídos os classificados como púberes (25 futebolistas e 23 voleibolistas). Foram coletados dados antropométricos (massa corporal, estatura e dobras cutâneas) e testes de saltos verticais: squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ; 40 cm height) e saltos verticais contínuos com cinco segundos de duração (CJ5s). Foram calculadas as medidas de desempenho diagnóstico: sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia. O nível de significância adotado foi 5% para todos os testes. RESULTADOS: As forças explosivas estimadas pelos métodos de SJ e CMJ apresentaram sensibilidades equivalentes, enquanto o SJ apresentou maior especificidade do que os três métodos, e a acurácia do SJ foi diferente dos outros métodos, a qual foi alta (superior a 80%). CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico da força explosiva como teste SJ apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade elevadas, com seu valor preditivo alto na puberdade.
Longitudinal analysis of concrete U-girder bridge decks
Authors: Raju Vurugonda , Menon Devdas
Published: December 2013

U-shaped prestressed concrete bridge decks, simply supported, are now being increasingly used in railways and highways. Simplified methods of analysis are commonly used in design practice. In the longitudinal direction, the U-girder is modelled as a beam. However, under eccentric loading, simple beam analysis is found to yield unconservative estimates of longitudinal forces, mainly due to torsional warping. An understanding of U-girder bridge deck behaviour under torsional loading is facilitated by the application of Vlasov's thin-walled beam theory. This theory can be easily invoked as a substitute for simple beam analysis, resulting in vastly improved predictions of longitudinal stresses. The two U-girder decks have also been modelled in Structural Analysis Program software using shell elements, and the results of three-dimensional finite-element analysis validate the thin-walled beam theory. The scope of the study is limited to a straight and thin-walled U-girder bridge deck of uniform section. The effects of variation in load position have also been studied, and it is established that the thin-walled beam theory is well suited to estimate and design the U-girder for longitudinal stresses.
Drilling-Systems Automation: Current State, Initiatives, and Potential Impact
Authors: Macpherson John D. , de Wardt John P. , Florence Fred , Chapman Clinton D. , Zamora Mario , Laing Moray L. , Iversen Fionn P.
Published: December 2013

Drilling automation is the control of the drilling process by automatic means, ultimately reducing human intervention to a minimum. The concept of automating the drilling process has generated considerable interest, yet there is a lack of agreement on exactly what it is, what it entails, and how to implement it. As with industrial automation in the 1990s, the adoption of open standards enabling automation will have a significant impact on the underlying business model. In the oilfield-drilling industry, the business model describes the relationship between operator, drilling contractor, service company, and equipment supplier.

The goal of drilling-systems automation is to increase productivity and quality, improve personnel safety, and effectively manage risk. Principal drivers of drilling automation include well complexity, data overload, efficiency, repetitive well manufacturing, access to limited expert resources, knowledge transfer as a result of the exodus of skilled employees, and health, safety, and environmental concerns. With so many drivers, and their potential economic benefits, it is understandable that there are many automation-related initiatives within the industry.

Drilling through geopressured, possibly erratic, lithologies to a remote and possibly poorly defined target in a safe manner is not a simple task to automate. It is challenging. Drilling automation focuses on the drilling system and drilling operations, which entail combining various subsystems, including the downhole bottomhole assembly (BHA) and its measurement and active components, the drillstring, fluid, and drilling rig and its subassemblies. Operations include conventional overbalanced-, managed-pressure-, and underbalanced-drilling operations, and their various procedures, such as tripping and making connections.

This paper examines and defines drilling-systems automation, its drivers, enablers and barriers, and its current state and goals. In particular, the paper looks at the vision of drilling-systems automation, and the role played by open, collaborative initiatives among all segments of the drilling industry. Although commitment to automation by the drilling industry appears by many to lag behind the level of commitment in other major industries, there are segments of the drilling industry that have reached a high level of automation on a commercial basis. There is also significant collaboration among interested parties in creating a standardized, open environment for data flow to foster the development of systems automation.
Typing of Legionella strains isolated from environmental samples in Crete, Greece, during the period 2004–2011
Authors: Chochlakis Dimosthenis , Sandalakis Vassilios , Panoulis Christos , Goniotakis Ioannis , Makridaki Eirini , Tselentis Yannis , Psaroulaki Anna
Published: December 2013

In Greece, standard tests are performed in watering and cooling systems of hotels. A total of 1,494 water samples were collected during 2004–2011 from 124 hotels from four regions in Crete (Greece). Samples were tested for the presence of Legionella spp.; 103 isolates were identified and typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing and sequence-based typing (SBT) (in case of L. pneumophila sg 1). Of those, 48 belonged to various serogroups of L. pneumophila (sg 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, and 15), 32 were characterized as L. anisa, 17 as L. taurinensis and there was a single occurrence of L. quinlivanii, L. maceachernii, and L. oakridgensis. In the case of L. pneumophila SG1, one prevalent sequence type was revealed (ST37). The variability of Legionella spp. observed questions the existence of a single ST of the L. pneumophila sg1 species and leads towards the need for a genetic level investigation of all Legionnaires' disease cases.
Detection of vanA and vanB genes in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from groundwater using multiplex PCR analysis
Authors: Ateba Collins Njie , Lekoma Kgothatso Pontsho , Kawadza David Tonderai
Published: December 2013

A total of 22 groundwater samples were randomly collected from three rural communities in the Mafikeng area. Bile esculin agar was used for selective isolation of enterococci. Standard preliminary tests (Gram staining, oxidase test, catalase test) and confirmatory tests (Prolex™ Streptococcal Grouping Rapid Latex Agglutination test kit) were used to determine the identities of presumptive enterococci. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed on all positively identified enterococci; percentage resistance and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) phenotypes were generated. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect vanA and vanB genes vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). A total of 179 enterococci were positively identified and the proportion of isolates from Dibate (62.5%) was higher compared to those from Majemantsho and Motlhabeng (22.3 and 15.0, respectively). A large proportion (81.5 to 100%) of the isolates from Dibate, Motlhabeng and Majemantsho were resistant to ampicillin, vancomycin and penicillin G. Two main MAR phenotypes, PG-VA-Ap-A-OX and PG-VA-Ap-OX, were identified. Multiplex PCR analysis of 50 VRE indicated that 17 (34%) were positive for vanA and vanB genes. This highlights the need to determine the cause of vancomycin resistance in enterococci in the sampled sites and suggests that sequence analysis be used to confirm the identities of these amplicons.
Uptake of household disinfection kits as an additional measure in response to a cholera outbreak in urban areas of Haiti
Authors: Gartley M. , Valeh P. , de Lange R. , DiCarlo S. , Viscusi A. , Lenglet A. , Fesselet J. F.
Published: December 2013

Médecins Sans Frontières-Operational Centre Amsterdam piloted the distribution of household disinfection kits (HDKs) and health promotion sessions for cholera prevention in households of patients admitted to their cholera treatment centres in Carrefour, Port au Prince, Haiti, between December 2010 and February 2011. We conducted a follow-up survey with 208 recipient households to determine the uptake and use of the kits and understanding of the health promotion messages. In 61% of surveyed households, a caregiver had been the recipient of the HDK and 57.7% of households had received the HDKs after the discharge of the patient. Among surveyed households, 97.6% stated they had used the contents of the HDK after receiving it, with 75% of these reporting using five or more items, with the two most popular items being chlorine and soap. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in self-reported use items in the HDK was observed in households that received kits after 24 January 2011 when the education messages were strengthened. To our knowledge, this is the first time it has been demonstrated that during a large-scale cholera outbreak, the distribution of simple kits, with readily available cleaning products and materials, combined with health promotion is easy, feasible, and valued by the target population.
Resistance of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. to selected antimicrobial agents present in municipal wastewater
Authors: Luczkiewicz Aneta , Felis Ewa , Ziembinska Aleksandra , Gnida Anna , Kotlarska Ewa , Olanczuk-Neyman Krystyna , Surmacz-Gorska Joanna
Published: December 2013

In this study, the susceptibility to erythromycin (E) and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) among isolates of Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli was tested, respectively. Both fecal indicators were detected and isolated from raw (RW) and treated wastewater (TW) as well as from samples of activated sludge (AS) collected in a local wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Biodiversity of bacterial community in AS was also monitored using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Additionally, distribution of sul1–3 genes conferring sulfonamide resistance was tested among SXT-resistant E. coli. Simultaneously, basic physicochemical parameters and concentrations of eight antimicrobial compounds (belonging to folate pathway inhibitors and macrolides class) were analyzed in RW and TW samples. Six of the selected antimicrobial agents, namely: erythromycin, clarithromycin, trimethoprim, roxithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and N-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole were detected in the wastewater samples. Bacterial biodiversity of AS samples were comparable with no relevant differences. Among tested Enterococcus spp., E-resistant isolates constituted 41%. SXT resistance was less prevalent in E. coli with 11% of isolates. The genes conferring resistance to sulfonamides (sul1–3) were detected in SXT-resistant E. coli of wastewater origin with similar frequencies as in other environmental compartments, including clinical ones.
Microbial reduction in wastewater treatment using Fe3+ and Al3+ coagulants and PAA disinfectant
Authors: Pradhan Surendra K. , Kauppinen Ari , Martikainen Kati , Pitkänen Tarja , Kusnetsov Jaana , Miettinen Ilkka T. , Pessi Matti , Poutiainen Hannu , Heinonen-Tanski Helvi
Published: December 2013

Wastewater is an important source of pathogenic enteric microorganisms in surface water and a major contaminating agent of drinking water. Although primary and secondary wastewater treatments reduce the numbers of microorganisms in wastewater, significant numbers of microbes can still be present in the effluent. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of tertiary treatment for municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using PIX (FeCl3) or PAX (AlCl3) coagulants and peracetic acid (PAA) the disinfectant to reduce microbial load in effluent. Our study showed that both PIX and PAX efficiently reduced microbial numbers. PAA disinfection greatly reduced the numbers of culturable indicator microorganisms (Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, F-specific RNA coliphages and somatic DNA coliphages). In addition, pathogenic microorganisms, thermotolerant Campylobacter, Salmonella and norovirus GI, were successfully reduced using the tertiary treatments. In contrast, clostridia, Legionella, rotavirus, norovirus GII and adenovirus showed better resistance against PAA compared to the other microorganisms. However, interpretation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis results will need further studies to clarify the infectivity of the pathogenic microbes. In conclusion, PIX and PAX flocculants followed by PAA disinfectant can be used as a tertiary treatment for municipal WWTP effluents to reduce the numbers of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N4-Sulfonamido-Succinamic, Phthalamic, Acrylic and Benzoyl Acetic Acid Derivatives as Potential DPP IV Inhibitors
Authors: Khalaf Reema Abu , Sheikha Ghassan Abu , Al-Sha'er Mahmoud , Taha Mutasem
Published: December 2013

As incidence rate of type II diabetes mellitus continues to rise, there is a growing need to identify novel therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is a multifunctional protein involved in many physiological processes. It deactivates the natural hypoglycemic incretin hormone effect. Inhibition of this enzyme increases endogenous incretin level, incretin activity and should restore glucose homeostasis in type II diabetic patients making it an attractive target for the development of new antidiabetic drugs. One of the interesting reported anti- DPP IV hits is Gemifloxacin which is used as a lead compound for the development of new DPP IV inhibitors. In the current work, design and synthesis of a series of N4-sulfonamido-succinamic, phthalamic, acrylic and benzoyl acetic acid derivatives was carried out. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-DPP IV activity. Some of them have shown reasonable bioactivity, where the most active one 17 was found to have an IC50 of 33.5 μM.
Prevalence of Anaemia among Pregnant Women of Rural Community in Vizianagaram, North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Vemulapalli Bhargavi , Rao K Kameswara
Published: December 2013

Objective: Anemia is the most frequently observed nutritional diseases in the world. It is a major health problem that affects 25-50% population of world and nearly 50% of pregnant women. In India, anemia is the second most common cause of maternal deaths, accounting for 20% of maternal deaths. The main objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence of anemia among rural pregnant women of Vizianagram and to explore associated factors with anemia. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Mother and child hospital, Vizianagram, Vizianagram district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Pregnant women with any age of gestation period, parity and age were recruited for study. Estimation of hemoglobin was carried by standard sahli’s pipette method. Anemia was classified according to WHO grading criteria. Results: Nine hundred eighty-six subjects were enrolled for the study of whom all the study subjects did not meet the criteria of WHO standards of normal grade i.e >11gm/dl. 100% anemic condition was seen. 52.73% has a mild degree of anemia, 40.97% have moderate degree of anemia and 6.28% of population has severe degree of anemia. Pregnant women in 1st trimester of their gestation period has higher prevalence rate than in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Parity has not showed any significant relation with anemia. Conclusion: The study confirms that preventing anemia is a challenge. Efforts should be geared towards the early detection and treatment of anemia before delivery to avoid various maternal and fetal complications.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i2.5295   Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(2) 2014: 21-25
Aggressive nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting as diminution of vision: a case report
Authors: Ahmad Kaleem , Ansari Sajid , Dhungel Kanchan , Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Rauniyar Raj Kumar , Siddiqui Mohammad Azfar
Published: December 2013

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant disease and is more common in males than in females with M:F ratio of 3:1. It has a bimodal peak at 16-20 and 46-50 years of age. Orbital involvement is seen in 3.2% and bilateral orbital invasion occurs in 0.7% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Imaging has significant role in detecting the early nasopharyngeal carcinoma, tumor staging, involvement of lymph node, monitoring the patients after the therapy, to detect recurrence and radiation associated changes in the soft tissue and bone. We report a case of aggressive nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 22 years old male who presented with rapidly progressive diminution of vision. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i2.8297 Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(2) 2014: 130-133
Subnasio-Sella Distance for Transnasal Approach to the Sella Region: Indirect vs. Direct Measurement on Sagittal Section of the Skull in Nigerians
Authors: Igwilo Ihuoma A , Oremosu Ademola A , Kanu Okezie O , Dosumu Olufunke
Published: December 2013

Objectives: The incidence of pituitary pathology requiring surgery is on the increase. The transnasal approach to anterior skull base is a technique which demands a thorough knowledge of the surgical anatomy. There is a dearth of knowledge on reference values for transnasal surgery on subjects of African descent. Thus the aim of this study is to ultimately improve visualisation of the surgical corridor, minimize surgical risks and improved maneuverability of surgical instruments during transnasal microsurgery (ergonomics). Methods & Materials: A total of 11 cadavers of Nigerian descent were employed in this study. Using the 3 piece caliper set (Big Horn Corporation®,India), an indirect measurement of the Subnasio-sella distance was obtained. Subsequently, a direct measurement was obtained from sagittal sections of the same skulls. Result: All randomly selected cadavers employed in the study were adult males of Sub-saharan descent. The mean indirect (distance from the anterior nasal spine i.e. subnasal point to the sella floor in an intact skull), direct A (subnasio-sella distance in a sagitally transected skull) and sella thickness measurements were found to be 8.6cm ± 0.38 cm, 8.7 cm ± 0.37 cm and 0.2 cm±0.05 cm respectively ,at 95% confidence interval. Comparison of the indirect and the direct A measurements showed statistical significance (p<0.5). A semi-logarithmic equation was derived: Direct A= 8.297 ln(Indirect measurement) – 9.079 Conclusion: Since transnasal transsphenoidal approach has been successfully used in the treatment of various anterior skull base pathologies, applying a relationship equation would guide choice of instruments employed and immensely minimize associated operative risks. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i2.8453 Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(2) 2014: 120-129