bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Functioning of Patients with the Spinal Cord Stimulator
Authors: Kołpa Małgorzata , Jankowicz-Szymańska Agnieszka , Jurkiewicz Beata
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Despite recent advancement in medical science, the effectiveness of therapies preventing or curing neuropathic pain is still not satisfactory enough.Aim. To assess the functional state of persons with the Spinal Cord Stimulator and their beliefs about pain management.Material and Methods. A total of 44 respondents with the Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) due to pain complaints in the lumbosacral region of the spine participated in the survey, in which the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were applied.Results. Physicians scored 18 points (i.e.: 75.0% of the maximum score) in the RMDQ in their attempts to reduce the experience of pain and the respondents’ degree of disability was assessed as 15.8 (±3.2 pts).Conclusions. Pain complaints significantly decreased the quality of life in patients with the neurostimulator. The greatest influence on pain control was ascribed by respondents to physicians’ attempts. (JNNN 2016;5(2):53–57)
Nanoscale Molecular Reorganization of the Inhibitory Postsynaptic Density Is a Determinant of GABAergic Synaptic Potentiation
Authors: Pennacchietti Francesca , Vascon Sebastiano , Nieus Thierry , Rosillo Christian , Das Sabyasachi , Tyagarajan Shiva K. , Diaspro Alberto , Del Bue Alessio , Petrini Enrica Maria , Barberis Andrea , Cella Zanacchi Francesca
Published: January 2017

Gephyrin is a key scaffold protein mediating the anchoring of GABAA receptors at inhibitory synapses. Here, we exploited superresolution techniques combined with proximity-based clustering analysis and model simulations to investigate the single-molecule gephyrin reorganization during plasticity of inhibitory synapses in mouse hippocampal cultured neurons. This approach revealed that, during the expression of inhibitory LTP, the increase of gephyrin density at postsynaptic sites is associated with the promoted formation of gephyrin nanodomains. We demonstrate that the gephyrin rearrangement in nanodomains stabilizes the amplitude of postsynaptic currents, indicating that, in addition to the number of synaptic GABAA receptors, the nanoscale distribution of GABAA receptors in the postsynaptic area is a crucial determinant for the expression of inhibitory synaptic plasticity. In addition, the methodology implemented here clears the way to the application of the graph-based theory to single-molecule data for the description and quantification of the spatial organization of the synapse at the single-molecule level.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mechanisms of inhibitory synaptic plasticity are poorly understood, mainly because the size of the synapse is below the diffraction limit, thus reducing the effectiveness of conventional optical and imaging techniques. Here, we exploited superresolution approaches combined with clustering analysis to study at unprecedented resolution the distribution of the inhibitory scaffold protein gephyrin in response to protocols inducing LTP of inhibitory synaptic responses (iLTP). We found that, during the expression of iLTP, the increase of synaptic gephyrin is associated with the fragmentation of gephyrin in subsynaptic nanodomains. We demonstrate that such synaptic gephyrin nanodomains stabilize the amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic responses, thus identifying the nanoscale gephyrin rearrangement as a key determinant for inhibitory synaptic plasticity.
Metformin prevents metabolic side effects during systemic glucocorticoid treatment
Authors: Seelig Eleonora , Meyer Stefanie , Timper Katharina , Nigro Nicole , Bally Martina , Pernicova Ida , Schuetz Philipp , Müller Beat , Korbonits Marta , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Patients receiving glucocorticoid treatment are prone to develop metabolic complications. In preclinical studies, metformin prevented the development of the metabolic syndrome during glucocorticoid excess. We herein investigated the metabolic effect of metformin during glucocorticoid treatment in non-diabetic patients.

Methods

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients starting glucocorticoid treatment (prednisone, prednisolone or methylprednisolone) for four weeks were randomised to concomitantly receive metformin (850 mg once daily for one week followed by 850 mg twice daily for three weeks) or placebo. All patients underwent a standardised oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and after four weeks. The primary endpoint was change in the 2-h area under the curve (AUC) of glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test between baseline and four weeks.

Results

29 of 34 randomised non-diabetic patients completed the trial (17 metformin and 12 placebo). In patients allocated to placebo, median glucose 2-h AUC increased from baseline to four weeks (836 (IQR 770–966) to 1202 (1009–1271) mmol/L per min; P = 0.01). In contrast, glucose levels remained similar to baseline in the metformin group (936 (869–1003) to 912 (825–1011) mmol/L per min; P = 0.83). This change within four weeks was different between both groups (P = 0.005). Glucocorticoid equivalent doses were similar in both groups (placebo: 980.0 (560.0–3259.8) mg/28 days; metformin: 683.0 (437.5–1970.5) mg/28 days; P = 0.26).

Conclusions

In this first randomised controlled trial of metformin targeting metabolic complications in patients needing glucocorticoid therapy, we observed a beneficial effect of metformin on glycaemic control. Metformin thus seems to be a promising drug for preventing metabolic side effects during systemic glucocorticoid treatment.
The neuroendocrine sequelae of paediatric craniopharyngioma: a 40-year meta-data analysis of 185 cases from three UK centres
Authors: Tan Timothy Shao Ern , Patel Leena , Gopal-Kothandapani Jaya Sujatha , Ehtisham Sarah , Ikazoboh Esieza Clare , Hayward Richard , Aquilina Kristian , Skae Mars , Thorp Nicky , Pizer Barry , Didi Mohammed , Mallucci Conor , Blair Joanne C , Gaze Mark N , Kamaly-Asl Ian , Spoudeas Helen , Clayton Peter E
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The management of paediatric craniopharyngiomas was traditionally complete resection (CR), with better reported tumour control compared to that by partial resection (PR) or limited surgery (LS). The subsequent shift towards hypothalamic sparing, conservative surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) to any residual tumour aimed at reducing neuroendocrine morbidity, has not been systematically studied. Hence, we reviewed the sequelae of differing management strategies in paediatric craniopharyngioma across three UK tertiary centres over four decades.

Methods

Meta-data was retrospectively reviewed over two periods before (1973–2000 (Group A: n = 100)) and after (1998–2011 (Group B: n = 85)) the introduction of the conservative strategy at each centre.

Results

Patients had CR (A: 34% and B: 19%), PR (A: 48% and B: 46%) or LS (A: 16% and B: 34%), with trends reflecting the change in surgical approach over time. Overall recurrence rates between the two periods did not change (A: 38% vs B: 32%). More patients received RT in B than A, but recurrence rates were similar: for A, 28% patients received RT with 9 recurrences (32%); for B, 62% received RT with 14 recurrences (26%). However, rates of diabetes insipidus (P = 0.04), gonadotrophin deficiency (P < 0.001) and panhypopituitarism (P = 0.001) were lower in B than those in A. In contrast, post-operative obesity (BMI SDS >+2.0) (P = 0.4) and hypothalamic (P = 0.1) and visual (P = 0.3) morbidity rates were unchanged.

Conclusion

The shift towards more conservative surgery has reduced the prevalence of hormone deficiencies, including diabetes insipidus, which can be life threatening. However, it has not been associated with reduced hypothalamic and visual morbidities, which remain a significant challenge. More effective targeted therapies are necessary to improve outcomes.
Evidencias de segmentación y persistencia de exclusión laboral en Argentina
Authors: Sconfienza María Eugenia
Published: January 2017

La población de trabajadores en Argentina comprende segmentos más y menos favorecidos. En un período en el cual una parte importante de los indicadores laborales mejoraron, amerita la reflexión la persistencia de estructuras segmentadas. Los años recientes presentan evidencias que muestran la perseverante precarización y fragmentación del colectivo de trabajadores más pobres.En este documento se describen, a partir de los datos proporcionados por la Encuesta Permanente de Hogares (EPH) que elabora periódicamente el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos de Argentina (INDEC), algunos indicadores del mercado de trabajo observados entre 2004 y 2012 que estarían evidenciando esta dinámica. Período en el que se aplicaron un conjunto de medidas de protección socioeconómicas que propiciaron cierta recuperación luego de la crisis acontecida a principios del siglo.Se observa que el colectivo de trabajadores que presenta condiciones de mayor precariedad es aquel compuesto por quienes detentan menores niveles educativos (en forma más marcada para el caso de las mujeres), se desenvuelven en establecimientos más pequeños, y poseen menores niveles de calificación (los no calificados duplicarían el nivel de informalidad respecto de los profesionales).
Does the Global Competitiveness Index Demonstrate the Resilience of Countries to Economic Crises?
Authors: Petrylė Vaiva
Published: January 2017

The concept of a country’s competitiveness still does not have a clear and straightforward meaning and remains ambiguous. Different economists stress various aspects of the concept and use a number of different methods to evaluate how competitive a country is. This paper focuses on the Global Competitiveness Index, which is calculated by the World Economic Forum and is one of the most well-known measures of competitiveness. The World Economic Forum (2015) defines the competitiveness of a country as a “set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country” and argues that productivity “is the main long-run engine for growth, living standards and prosperity”. The definition suggests that a higher competitiveness ranking shows higher productivity of the country’s economy, which should lead to higher and more sustainable economic growth. In addition, economic growth leads to higher living standards and prosperity of the country’s citizens. In the light of the definition, the paper forms the hypothesis that if a country is ranked to be more competitive (i.e., its Global Competitiveness Index is higher), it should have greater resilience to an economic crisis than less competitive countries. In other words, more competitive countries should have higher and more sustainable economic growth rates than the less competitive countries. In order to check this hypothesis, the paper uses the graphical analysis method and examines the relationship between the Global Competitiveness Index and the economic growth of countries during the period of 2006-2015. The research findings show that there is a weak or no relationship between the Global Competitiveness Index and the GDP growth of countries; however, it is a negative relationship between the Global Competitiveness Index and the standard deviation of the country’s GDP growth. The results argue that the Global Competitiveness Index is not capable of forecasting the future GDP growth rates of a country; however, the Global Competitiveness Index indicates if the country avoids sharp fluctuations in its GDP growth rates and maintains sustainable economic growth throughout the period.
Urology- are we leaving junior doctors behind? A prospective study
Authors: Lyttle Margaret , Jones Richard , Mukherjee Rono
Published: January 2017

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. IntroductionUrology accounts for 16% of all surgical admissions. In addition there are many more inpatients with urological needs. Recently there has been concern about the undergraduate and postgraduate exposure to urology. This prospective questionnaire based study aims to look at the perception of a small cohort of junior doctors on their own urology knowledge and confidence before and after a simple teaching intervention.MethodsFoundation year (FY) 1 and 2 doctors, as well as general practice trainees (GPST), and core surgical trainees (CST), were sent an online survey enquiring about their exposure to, and knowledge of the management of urological patients. Following this a teaching session was devised addressing common urological problems and frequently asked questions. This was followed by further questionnaires looking into whether this simple intervention had improved confidence and patient care.ResultsThe results showed that only 8% of junior doctors felt they had had sufficient teaching and exposure to urology, although 42% said they felt comfortable managing most urological problems on call. Over three quarters of the doctors felt further urology teaching would improve patient care, and 95% of them felt emergency urology was the most important subject to be taught. The majority preferred to have a lecture based teaching session rather than mentoring or simulation. Following the session, 93% of the doctors felt they would be more comfortable managing patients on the ward, with 0% saying the session was 'not useful'.DiscussionOur questionnaire supports other data suggesting that doctors do not feel they have sufficient exposure, in terms of basic knowledge and skills, to provide safe and effective care to patients with urological problems in the acute setting. This can be addressed effectively with a simple urological teaching programme delivered in 1 or 2 teaching sessions. This basic curriculum can be shared Deanery-wide subsequently.
Genetic trends for mature body weight, visual scores, and growth traits in Nellore cattle
Authors: Koetz Júnior Celso ,   Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR),  Brasil, Roso Vanerlei Mozaquatro , Claus Luís Afonso Marques , Oliveira Rui Paulo Lopes de , Fávaro Patrícia da Cruz , Borges Marcelo Henrique Favaro , Barcellos Júlio Otavio Jardim , Ribeiro Edson Luís de Azambuja ,   Gensys Consultores Associados Ltda,  Brasil,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL),  Brazil,   Universidade Norte do Paraná,  Brazil,   Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR),  Brasil,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS),  Brazil,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL),  Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT: Mature weight (MW) of cows is related to the costs of their production. Usually, cows with moderate MW are more efficient in challenging environments, such as those available in the production systems in Brazil. In the present study, the selection index comprises the following traits: conformation, finishing precocity, musculature at weaning (WC, WP, WM) yearling (YC, YP and YM), scrotal circumference at yearling (SC), days to gain 160kg from birth to weaning (D160) and 240kg after weaning (D240). This are related to birth weight gain at weaning (WG) and from weaning to yearling (YG). The mature (MW) and birth weight (BW) traits were not considered in the selection index. The aim of this study was to estimate the values for the genetic trends (GT) of some important selection (MW) and economic traits (BW). A bi-character analysis of MW and other characteristics was performed to estimate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters. The GT results obtained for MW were null (0.0065% or 0.02718kg per year) in the period 1990-2007. The GT values were determined for BW (-0.0650% or -0.02017kg), WG (0.0758% or 0.0865kg), YG (0.1051% or 0.11377kg), and MW (0.0393% or 0.11276kg) per year. The visual score values (in score units) were also determined for GTat weaning [WC (0.2310%; 0.00707), WP (0.3624%; 0.3623%),aWM (0.01149; 0.01087)] yearling [YC (0.3256%; 0.00990), YP (0.4795%; 0.01496),YM (0.5041%; 0.01457)] per year. Index-based selection was effective to promote genetic progress in WG, WC, WP, WM, YG, YC, YP, and YM characteristics keeping BW and MW constant.
Substitution of wheat bran by corn gluten feed without steep water in cats feed
Authors: Ferreira Lívia Geraldi ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brazil, Pires Juliana de Melo , Zangeronimo Márcio Gilberto , Saad Flávia Maria de Oliveira Borges , Brandi Roberta Ariboni , Bueno Ives Cláudio da Silva , Barbosa Priscila Barros , Lisenko Karen Guttenkunst , Taffarel Taís Regina , Reis Jéssica Santana dos ,   Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting wheat bran (WB) by corn gluten feed without steep water (CGF) in cats feeds regarding the nutritional value of the diet, stool characteristics, time of food passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), intestinal gas production and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in blood and faeces. Twenty eight cats were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments (0, 2.6, 5.3 or 8.0% CGF, based on dry matter, substituting for WB) and seven replicates. Substitution of WB by CGF decreased (P<0.01) the digestibility of acid detergent fibre without influencing (P>0.05) the digestibility of other nutrients and apparent metabolizable energy. There was also no effect (P>0.05) on faeces moisture, faecal pH and score, food transit time in the GIT, intestinal gas area and SCFA concentrations in faeces, while blood concentrations of propionate were influenced differently by the different feeds and sampling times (P<0.05). Thus replacement of up to 8% of WB by CGF may be done safely in cats feed.
Persistent papillary membrane in Wistar laboratory rats ( Rattus Norvegicus, Albinus Variation, Wistar )
Authors: Chacaltana Flor Diana Yokoay Claros ,   Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Brazil, Kobashigawa Karina Kamachi , Padua Ivan Ricardo Martinez , Valdetaro Gisele Pereira , Aldrovani Marcela , Laus José Luiz
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to evaluate the presence of persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) in rats. Thirty rats between three and four months of age and weighing 300-500 grams, provided by the biothery section of the General Administration at Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil, were subjected to ophthalmological examination by slit lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein eye stain test and rebound tonometry. We found PPM with possible hereditary origin in 15 animals (50%).
Linear relationships between cherry tomato traits
Authors: Sari Bruno Giacomini ,   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil, Lúcio Alessandro Dal'Col , Santana Cinthya Souza , Lopes Sidinei José ,   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to identify the linear relationship between cherry tomato yield components. Two uniformity trials, without treatments, were conducted on Lilli cherry tomato plants in a plastic greenhouse during the 2014 spring/summer season, with the plants in two stems. Variables observed for each plant were mean fruit length, mean fruit width, mean fruit weight, number of bunches, number of fruits per bunch, total number of fruits, and total fruit weight; a Pearson's correlation matrix was used to estimate the relationship between the variables. Path analysis was then performed considering total fruit weight as the main variable and the remaining variables as explanatory. Due to the severe multicollinearity, the variable 'number of fruits per bunch' was eliminated. Pearson's correlation coefficients were significant between explanatory and main variables. Mean fruit weight has a low cause-and-effect relationship with the total weight of fruits produced. A low cause-and-effect relationship was also observed between number of fruits and number of bunches. Cherry tomato productivity is directly related to the number of fruits per plant.
Variation of the interphase heterochromatin in Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca) of the Americas is related to changes in nuclear size and ionic composition of hipersaline habitats
Authors: Parraguez M. , Gajardo G.
Published: January 2017

Abstract The populations of Artemia (or brine shrimp) from the Americas exhibit a wide variation in the amount of interphase heterochromatin. There is interest in understanding how this variation affects different parameters, from the cellular to the organismal levels. This should help to clarify the ability of this organism to tolerate brine habitats regularly subject to strong abiotic changes. In this study, we assessed the amount of interphase heterochromatin per nucleus based on chromocenter number (N-CHR) and relative area of chromocenter (R-CHR) in two species of Artemia, A. franciscana (Kellog, 1906) (n=9 populations) and A. persimilis (Piccinelli and Prosdocimi, 1968) (n=3 populations), to investigate the effect on nuclear size (S-NUC). The relationship of the R-CHR parameter with the ionic composition (IC) of brine habitats was also analysed. Our results indicate a significant variation in the amount of heterochromatin both within and between species (ANOVA, p<0.001). The heterochromatin varied from 0.81 ± 1.17 to 12.58 ± 3.78 and from 0.19 ± 0.34% to 11.78 ± 3.71% across all populations, for N-CHR and R-CHR parameters, respectively. N-CHR showed less variation than R-CHR (variation index 15.5-fold vs. 62-fold). At least five populations showed a significant association (p<0.05) between R-CHR and S-NUC, either with negative (four populations, r= from -0.643 to -0.443), or positive (one population, r= 0.367) values.Within each species, there were no significant associations between both parameters (p>0.05). The R-CHR and IC parameters were associated significantly for the magnesium ion (r= 0.496, p<0.05) and also for the chloride, sodium and calcium ions (r = from -0.705 to -0.478, p<0.05). At species level, a significant association between both parameters was also found in A. franciscana populations, for the sulphate and calcium ions, in contrast to A. persimilis. These findings suggest that the amount of interphase heterochromatin modifies the nuclear size in Artemia. Our data also indicate that change in the amount of interphase heterochromatin is in line with the ionic composition of brines. This would be a species-specific phenomenon, whose occurrence may be involved in the ability of this organism to survive in these environments.
Hematological and morphometric differences of blood cells from rheas, Rhea americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) on two conservation farms
Authors: Gallo S. S. M. , Ederli N. B. , Oliveira F. C. R.
Published: January 2017

Abstract Today, blood tests are an indispensable tool in avian medicine. This study aimed to describe and compare hematological and morphometric data of erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes of rhea, Rhea americana. To do so, 58 rheas of both sexes on two farms, one in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo (ES), and the other in São Carlos, São Paulo (SP), were selected. Blood samples were taken and their RBC counts, PCV and Hb levels were determined and used in hematimetric index calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts and the TPP and fibrinogen serum levels were also obtained. The results from the two farms analyzed were compared by means of the t test. There were differences in the parameters of the erythrocyte series between the two flocks because of a process of hypochromic macrocytic anemia observed among the rheas in ES. The values for the erythrocyte series and indexes were: RBC, 2.81 ± 0.15 x106/μl; PCV, 44.20 ± 2.86%; Hb, 12.12 ± 0.74 g/dL; MCV, 15.75 ± 0.89 fL; MCH, 43.18 ± 1.82 pg; and MCHC, 27.44 ± 0.80 g/dL. The values for the leukocyte series were: WBC, 12,072 ± 4116 /μL; heterophils, 64.10 ± 9.90%; eosinophils, 2.05 ± 2.06%; monocytes, 6.40 ± 2.99%; lymphocytes, 26.93 ± 9.62%; and basophils, 0.52 ± 1.27%. These can all be suggested as references for rheas reared in Brazil. Statistical differences were observed in erythrocyte length measurements, which were higher in the rheas in SP than in those in ES. Regarding width, the heterophils, lymphocytes and monocytes of the birds in ES were statistically greater than those of the birds in SP. It was concluded that rheas may exhibit morphometric alterations to blood cells and differences in blood elements according to the type of management to which they are subjected.
A new synonym and description of two new species of Portanus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Xestocephalinae) from Brazil and Bolivia
Authors: Carvalho Adenomar N. ,   Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará,  Brazil, Cavichioli Rodney R. ,   Universidade Federal do Paraná,  Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT One leafhopper species of the genus Portanus Ball, 1932 is synonymized: P. spinosus is considered junior synonym of P. hasemani. In this paper, we offer the redescription of P. hasemani as well as description of two new species of Portanus, based on specimens from the type series of Scaphoideus punctulatus Osborn, 1923 (= P. hasemani): P. bifurcus sp. nov. and P. delsara sp. nov. The descriptions are based on features from the external morphology and male genital structures. Comparisons of the two new taxa with the remaining Portanus species are provided.
Life history traits of Characidium pterostictum (Characiformes, Crenuchidae) along the longitudinal gradient of a Neotropical river in southern Brazil
Authors: Fitz Raquel C. ,   Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul,  Brazil, Rodenbusch Cesar A. , Dala-Corte Renato B. , Azevedo Marco A. ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul,  Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT Life history traits of Characidium pterostictum Gomes, 1947 (Characiformes, Crenuchidae) from three different reaches of the upper Sinos river, southern Brazil, were described and comparatively analyzed according to the longitudinal gradient. For all reaches, results indicated a seasonal reproductive strategy with a higher intensity during warmer months of higher photoperiod (November to February). Only females were found in the upstream reach and they were more numerous than males in all the sampled reaches. Mean absolute fecundity ranged from 5189 (±2131 SD) to 7394 (±3807 SD), whereas mean relative fecundity (oocytes per mg of female total weight) ranged from 1.08 (±0.40 SD) to 1.12 (±0.29 SD). Oocyte development was characterized as synchronic in two groups, typical of total spawning. Longitudinal gradient comparison suggests that body size (standard length) of C. pterostictum individuals and sex ratio were the only characteristics that differed between sampled reaches. Larger individuals and thus females tended to be more frequently found in upstream reaches of the Sinos river, with a decrease in body size and in the proportional number of females towards downstream.
Aspects of biology of Megalobulimus paranaguensis (Gastropoda, Acavoidea) in the coastal plain of the Brazilian southeast
Authors: Fontenelle José H. ,   Parque Zoobotânico Orquidário Municipal de Santos, Brasil, Miranda Marcel S. ,   Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT We studied the reproductive biology of Megalobulimus paranaguensis (Pilsbry & Ihering, 1900), a large and long-lived land gastropod from the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. The study was conducted at an urban park in the city of Santos, state of São Paulo. For 4 years, we counted the egg postures and annual eclosion rate of 32 captive snails and looked for associations between egg posture and the climatical variables of the period. The annual mean posture of 8.7 eggs per snail obtained in our results is a small number, but typical of Brazilian macromollusks. The annual eclosion rate was 31%. The beginning of the annual activity period of snails occurred in the middle of March, and lasted 33.97±3.02 weeks. The dormancy period started in the beginning of November, and lasted 18.39±3.11 weeks. There were two egg posture peaks, a minor peak between March and May, and a major peak between August and November, with greater values in September. Megalobulimus paranaguensis has a well-defined seasonal reproductive pattern influenced by environmental temperature and temperature range. Furthermore, in this snail, reproduction is negatively influenced by temperature increasing and temperature range.
Diversidade da ictiofauna de riachos de cabeceira em paisagens antropizadas na bacia do Alto Paraguai
Authors: Zanini Talitha S. ,   Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brazil, Queiroz Tadeu M. de , Troy Waldo P. , Nunes Josué R. S. , Lázari Patrick R. De ,   Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brazil,   Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brazil
Published: January 2017

RESUMO A estruturação das assembleias de peixes em riachos de cabeceira sofre forte influência dos modelos de uso e ocupação do solo. O avanço da fronteira agrícola tem se mostrado uma das principais ameaças às comunidades desses ambientes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência das formas de uso e ocupação do solo sobre a estrutura da comunidade de peixes em riachos de cabeceira, localizados na bacia do Alto Paraguai, Mato Grosso, Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas nos riachos Ararão, Queima Pé e Russo, no município de Tangará da Serra, MT, usando rede de arrasto e peneira, entre os meses de julho e dezembro de 2013. Foram coletados 4.192 indivíduos pertencentes a 35 espécies, sendo que Moenkhausia lopesi (Britski & de Silimon, 2001) e Knodus moenkhausii (Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903) mostraram-se dominantes, representando 68,5% dos indivíduos amostrados. A riqueza e abundância não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os três riachos, porém o índice de diversidade de Shannon foi maior no riacho Russo (H´ = 2,33). Os altos percentuais de conversão da vegetação nativa em campos de agricultura (49,20%) e pecuária (30,69%), revelaram forte relação negativa da agricultura com a riqueza, indicando que quanto menor a área de agricultura maior é a riqueza.
Spider community responds to litter complexity: insights from a small-scale experiment in an exotic pine stand
Authors: Podgaiski Luciana R. ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Rodrigues Gilberto G. ,   Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT Conservation of biodiversity in agroecosystems is an urgent need, and a suitable approach to maximize animal biodiversity and their services is the restoration of habitat heterogeneity. Here we investigated the value of increasing litter complexity in tree plantations of exotic pine for ground spiders. We hypothesized that increasing the litter complexity of these systems, as it would be the case in ecologically designed plantations, would increase spider aggregations. We performed a small-scale litter manipulation experiment within an exotic pine stand in the municipality of Minas do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and compared spider diversity in simple (only pine needles) and complex substrates (with the addition of diverse native broadleaves). We found 1,110 spiders, 19 families and 32 morphospecies. The most abundant families were Linyphiidae, Theridiidae and Salticidade, and the dominant morphospecies were Thymoites sp. 2 and Lygarina sp. Web-building spiders represented 61% of total spider abundance, and 17 species, while hunting spiders, 49% and 15 species. As expected, densities of spider individuals and species from both web-building and hunting spiders were higher in complex litter substrate. Potential preys (Collembola) also responded positively to the treatment, and had influence of spider community patterns. Our results suggest that ensuring some degree of plant and litter diversity within pine stands (e.g. understory establishment) might foster spider aggregations and possibly help to conserve their diversity at local-scales.
Ação Econômica e Religião: Igrejas como Empreendimentos no Brasil
Authors: Corrêa Victor Silva ,   Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais,  Brazil, Vale Gláucia Maria Vasconcellos
Published: January 2017

Resumo O Brasil tem presenciado, nas últimas décadas, transformações radicais na sua composição religiosa, com grande proliferação de igrejas evangélicas, que competem entre si, adotando uma postura ativa e mobilizadora, típica de empreendimentos produtivos. O presente trabalho procura analisar algumas dimensões dessa realidade, à luz de proposições presentes na abordagem da Escolha Racional da Religião, ainda pouco explorada no Brasil. Com isto, deixa claro, para estudiosos da administração, até então ausentes na área, a importância e escala do fenômeno observado, assim como a pertinência do novo aparato teórico.
Análise do Perfil dos Acadêmicos e de suas Publicações Científicas em Administração
Authors: Imasato Takeyoshi ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul,  Brazil, Perlin Marcelo Scherer , Borenstein Denis
Published: January 2017

Resumo A produção da ciência tem sido foco de diversas discussões, particularmente no que se refere à produtividade científica. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o perfil de pesquisadores doutores que atuam na área de Administração no Brasil e as suas respectivas publicações científicas, de modo a identificar fatores que expliquem esse aspecto da produtividade científica. Utilizando estatística descritiva e modelos estatísticos, com base em dados provenientes de 1976 docentes registrados na Plataforma Lattes, a pesquisa identificou fatores ligados à formação e experiência que influem na produtividade científica dos acadêmicos em Administração. Os resultados da pesquisa também indicam que houve importantes modificações nos padrões de formação acadêmica e de produtividade no país. Considerando a centralidade do tema da produtividade científica, o trabalho sugere novas pesquisas para que se ampliem as discussões sobre os rumos da produção intelectual e da pós-graduação em Administração no Brasil.
Indivíduo, Liderança e Cultura: Evidências de uma Gestão da Criatividade
Authors: Muzzio Henrique ,   Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil
Published: January 2017

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a prática gerencial do que se chama aqui gestão da criatividade, a partir do indivíduo em seu grupo, do processo de liderança e da cultura. Essa gestão se baseia na visão de deliberação de dirigentes com ações orquestradas para ampliar a criatividade coletiva. A literatura ressalta a importância da criatividade, vista como um processo gerenciável capaz de incrementar o ato de inovar, na consolidação da inovação organizacional, e enfatiza o valor da inovação no alcance da vantagem competitiva. Contudo, ainda existem lacunas na literatura. Dessa forma, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, por meio do uso de entrevistas com gestores do setor da economia criativa, a partir da perspectiva da análise de conteúdo. Os respondentes interpretaram que a atividade econômica baseada na criatividade requer novos valores e novas práticas. Os resultados evidenciaram as práticas gerenciais como gestões da criatividade, com ações envolvendo o indivíduo, o líder e a cultura organizacional. A contribuição dessa pesquisa na prática gerencial é dispor um conhecimento capaz de alavancar a vantagem competitiva e, no âmbito acadêmico, disponibilizar novas conexões teóricas para o avanço do campo da inovação.
Cholesterol and prevention of atherosclerotic events: limits of a new frontier
Authors: Macedo Luís Eduardo Teixeira de , E Faerstein
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT Control of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – a highly prevalent condition and one of the main causes of mortality in Brazil and worldwide – is a recurrent subject of great interest for public health. Recently, three new guidelines on dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis prevention have been published. The close release of these important publications is a good opportunity for comparison: the Brazilian model has greater sensitivity, the English model does not work with risk stratification, and the American model may be overestimating the risk. This will allow reflection on current progress and identification of controversial aspects which still require further research and debate. It is also an opportunity to discuss issues related to early diagnosis and its efficiency as a preventive strategy for atherosclerotic disease: the transformation of risk into disease, the gradual reduction of cut-off points, the limitations of the screening strategy, and the problem of overdiagnosis.
New code links design, delivery and operation of infrastructure through BIM
Authors: Kosandiak Stephanie , Atkin Brian
Published: January 2017

BSI has recently published a new code of practice on how to reinforce the links between design, delivery and operation of infrastructure assets through building information modelling (BIM). Stephanie Kosandiak of BSI and lead technical author Brian Atkin introduce BS 8536-2:2016.
Flexural strength of steel plate girders with a tubular compression flange
Authors: Kharoob Omnia Fawzy
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on a finite-element investigation conducted to study lateral torsional buckling of steel plate girders with a tubular compression flange. A parametric study was carried out on simply supported girders subjected to uniform bending by considering the radius of gyration of the hollow compression flange and the section modulus as key parameters. The results showed that using beams with less slender webs for medium-to-long spans optimised the girders by reducing their weight. Also, increasing the tubular compression flange depth resulted in lower fabrication costs by reducing the weld lengths. The flexural strengths of the girders were compared with the results predicted using a design method specified by the American Institute of Steel Construction. It was found that the design method provided highly conservative predictions in terms of limits between the behavioural stages of lateral torsional buckling and the design strength. A modified design method was developed to predict the flexural strength of tubular compression flange girders and the results agreed well with the finite-element results.
Validade, Reprodutibilidade e Confiabilidade do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Cordeiro Técia Maria Santos Carneiro e , Souza Danyella Santana , Araújo Tânia Maria De
Published: January 2017

Justificativa e objetivo: descrever os estudos de validade, reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT). Método: trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, a busca de dados foi realizada nas bases eletrônicas BVS e PUBMED. Resultados: foram encontrados 348 artigos, sendo selecionados doze para compor o corpus documental desta revisão. O ICT apresentou propriedades psicométricas adequadas com bom desempenho e níveis aceitáveis de confiabilidade e reprodutibilidade, sendo indicado para futuros estudos com populações semelhantes as quais participaram dos estudos de validação. Conclusão: os indicadores confirmam a validade do ICT, no entanto ainda há lacunas com relação aos pontos de corte das categorias do ICT para se utilizar com confiabilidade, além do uso de outros coeficientes de consistência interna ao considerar as limitações do alfa e, também, estudos de validação completa para as diferentes categorias de trabalhadores nas distintas regiões dos países.
picoLUCENT™ PLUS?HRP v1
Authors: not provided G-Biosciences
Published: January 2017

Chemiluminescence Detection System for Horseradish Peroxidase
Increased sensitivity of Euplotes crassus to selective agents using 0.3 M glucose-based culture conditions. v1
Authors: A. Klobutcher Lawrence
Published: January 2017

Numerous unpublished studies indicate that Euplotes crassus is resistant to extremely high concentrations of commonly used selective agents when grow in artificial seawater. We have found that when E. crassus is grown in 1 part artificial seawater + 9 parts 0.3 M glucose, they are much more sensitive to a number of selective agents. For example, 1080 ug/ml paromomycin in artificial seawater only inhibited growth, as little as 120 ug/ml was effective in killing cells when grown with 0.3 M glucose. Similarly, G418 at 400 ug/ml had little effect in seawater, but as little as 100 ug/ml blocked growth in 0.3 M glucose. This may not prove true for all selective agents, as we saw no effect with paclitaxel up to 100 uM under either growth condition.
The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative, Session 1 v2
Authors: O'Connor David , Natan Vega Potler not provided , Meagan Kovacs not provided , Xu Ting , Lei Ai not provided , John Pellman not provided , Tamara Vanderwal not provided , Lucas Parra not provided , Samantha Cohen not provided , Satrajit Ghosh not provided , Jasmine Escalera not provided , Natalie Grant-Villegas not provided , Yael Osman not provided , Anastasia Bui not provided , R Cameron Craddock not provided , Michael P Milham not provided
Published: January 2017

This protocol describes MRI and ADHD Quotient Test for Session 1 of the following work: David O'Connor, et. al. (2017) The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative. GigaScience...
The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative, Sessions 2-7 and 9-14 v2
Authors: O'Connor David , Natan Vega Potler not provided , Meagan Kovacs not provided , Xu Ting , Lei Ai not provided , John Pellman not provided , Tamara Vanderwal not provided , Lucas Parra not provided , Samantha Cohen not provided , Satrajit Ghosh not provided , Jasmine Escalera not provided , Natalie Grant-Villegas not provided , Yael Osman not provided , Anastasia Bui not provided , R Cameron Craddock not provided , Michael P Milham not provided
Published: January 2017

This protocol describes MRI, voice recoding, and some basic physiological measurements and questionnaires for Sessions 2-7 and 9-14 of the following work: David O'Connor, et. al. (2017) The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative. GigaScience...
The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative, Session 8 v2
Authors: O'Connor David , Natan Vega Potler not provided , Meagan Kovacs not provided , Xu Ting , Lei Ai not provided , John Pellman not provided , Tamara Vanderwal not provided , Lucas Parra not provided , Samantha Cohen not provided , Satrajit Ghosh not provided , Jasmine Escalera not provided , Natalie Grant-Villegas not provided , Yael Osman not provided , Anastasia Bui not provided , R Cameron Craddock not provided , Michael P Milham not provided
Published: January 2017

This protocol describes MRI and ADHD Quotient Test for Session 8 of the following work: David O'Connor, et. al. (2017) The Healthy Brain Network Serial Scanning Initiative. GigaScience...
Uma teoria conservadora de democracia? Aportes para um diálogo entre Michael Oakeshott e Joseph Schumpeter / A conservative theory of democracy? Contributions to a dialogue between Michael Oakeshott and Joseph Schumpeter
Authors: Ferri Caroline , Marchiori Neto Daniel Lena
Published: January 2017

Resumo:Joseph Schumpeter e Michael Oakeshott são autores vinculados a um conservadorismo em política. O primeiro trata a democracia como um método de decisão política; os indivíduos adquirem o poder de decisão através da luta competitiva pelos votos dos eleitores. Oakeshott, ao descrever o Estado como uma associação civil sob o regime do império da lei, afirma que a deliberação política deve ser limitada à manutenção da ordem, para garantir a coexistência pacífica e evitar grandes rupturas institucionais. Este trabalho tem por objetivo estabelecer um paralelo entre os dois autores, avaliando uma possível compatibilidade de suas teorias no que tange à natureza do processo democrático.Palavras-chave: Oakeshott; Schumpeter; democracia. Abstract:Joseph Schumpeter and Michael Oakeshott are linked to certain conservatism in politics. Schumpeter deals with democracy as a political deliberation method; individuals acquire the power to decide through a competitive struggle for votes of the voters. Oakeshott, in describing State as a civil association under the rule of law argues that political deliberation should be limited to the maintenance of order to ensure peaceful coexistence and to avoid large institutional mutations. This paper aims to establish a dialogue between them, evaluating a possible compatibility of their theories concerning the nature of democratic process.Keywords: Oakeshott; Schumpeter; democracy.
Modernizar se conjuga no pretérito: as funções da privação de liberdade de adolescentes no discurso dos deputados federais brasileiros / "To Modernize" is in the past tense: the deprivation of liberty in the Brazilian legislative discourse
Authors: De Nardin Budó Marília
Published: January 2017

Resumo:Desde a publicação do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, numerosas foram as propostas de sua alteração, muitas inseridas na onda punitivista que caracteriza as iniciativas legislativas nos últimos vinte anos no Brasil. Este trabalho tem por objetivo elucidar de que maneira os deputados federais brasileiros compreendem as funções da privação de liberdade de adolescentes, através da análise crítica do discurso das justificativas dos projetos de lei que buscam aumentar o prazo de internação, bem como dos votos, pareceres e relatórios das comissões a esses projetos de lei. Para tanto, foram analisados 67 textos, dentre eles, 44 propostas e 23 pareceres, relatórios e votos de comissões, produzidos entre os anos de 2000 e 2012 na Câmara dos Deputados. O trabalho parte do marco teórico da criminologia crítica, concebendo a criminalidade como resultante de processos de criminalização seletiva dos excluídos. Os resultados indicam uma percepção equívoca sobre a função da privação da liberdade, compreendendo desde a integração da sociedade até a exclusão total do indivíduo.Corresponde às representações sociais sobre quem é o adolescente infrator e sobre a natureza jurídica das medidas socioeducativas. Sob o rótulo de modernização, as propostas e justificações remontam à legislação pré-Estatuto, como punição ou como tutela.Palavras-chave: Discurso legislativo; medidas socioeducativas; funções da pena; ato infracional; criminologia crítica. Abstract:Since the publication of the Statute of the Children and the Adolescent, many bills aiming to change this law were proposed by parliamentarians in Brazil. In many cases, they were inserted in the context of moral panics, with the objective of increasing the punishment of teenagers. This study aims to elucidate how the Brazilian Federal Deputies comprehend the functions of imprisonment of teenagers through critical discourse analysis of the justifications of the bills seeking to increase the deprivation of liberty duration, as well as of the votes and reports of the committees to these bills. Therefore, we analyzed 67 texts, including 44 proposals and 23 other related discourses, produced between 2000 and 2012. The study uses the theoretical framework of Critical Criminology, conceiving crime as a result of selective and exclusive criminalization processes. The results point to an equivocal perception of the function of deprivation of liberty, which ranges from social integration to total exclusion. It corresponds to the social representations of who is the adolescent offender and what is the nature of educational measures. Under the label of modernization, the proposals and justifications date back to the legislation pre-Statute, as punishment or tutelage.Keywords: Legislative discourse; socio-educational measures; functions of the punishment; juvenile delinquency; critical criminology.