bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Encoding of Stimulus Identity and Concentration in the Accessory Olfactory System
Authors: Arnson Hannah A. , Holy Timothy E.
Published: August 2013

Sensory systems represent stimulus identity and intensity, but in the neural periphery these two variables are typically intertwined. Moreover, stable detection may be complicated by environmental uncertainty; stimulus properties can differ over time and circumstance in ways that are not necessarily biologically relevant. We explored these issues in the context of the mouse accessory olfactory system, which specializes in detection of chemical social cues and infers myriad aspects of the identity and physiological state of conspecifics from complex mixtures, such as urine. Using mixtures of sulfated steroids, key constituents of urine, we found that spiking responses of individual vomeronasal sensory neurons encode both individual compounds and mixtures in a manner consistent with a simple model of receptor–ligand interactions. Although typical neurons did not accurately encode concentration over a large dynamic range, from population activity it was possible to reliably estimate the log-concentration of pure compounds over several orders of magnitude. For binary mixtures, simple models failed to accurately segment the individual components, largely because of the prevalence of neurons responsive to both components. By accounting for such overlaps during model tuning, we show that, from neuronal firing, one can accurately estimate log-concentration of both components, even when tested across widely varying concentrations. With this foundation, the difference of logarithms,log⁡ A−log⁡ B=log⁡AB, provides a natural mechanism to accurately estimate concentration ratios. Thus, we show that a biophysically plausible circuit model can reconstruct concentration ratios from observed neuronal firing, representing a powerful mechanism to separate stimulus identity from absolute concentration.
A Dramatic Increase of C1q Protein in the CNS during Normal Aging
Authors: Stephan Alexander H. , Madison Daniel V. , Mateos José María , Fraser Deborah A. , Lovelett Emilie A. , Coutellier Laurence , Kim Leo , Tsai Hui-Hsin , Huang Eric J. , Rowitch David H. , Berns Dominic S. , Tenner Andrea J. , Shamloo Mehrdad , Barres Ben A.
Published: August 2013

The decline of cognitive function has emerged as one of the greatest health threats of old age. Age-related cognitive decline is caused by an impacted neuronal circuitry, yet the molecular mechanisms responsible are unknown. C1q, the initiating protein of the classical complement cascade and powerful effector of the peripheral immune response, mediates synapse elimination in the developing CNS. Here we show that C1q protein levels dramatically increase in the normal aging mouse and human brain, by as much as 300-fold. This increase was predominantly localized in close proximity to synapses and occurred earliest and most dramatically in certain regions of the brain, including some but not all regions known to be selectively vulnerable in neurodegenerative diseases, i.e., the hippocampus, substantia nigra, and piriform cortex. C1q-deficient mice exhibited enhanced synaptic plasticity in the adult and reorganization of the circuitry in the aging hippocampal dentate gyrus. Moreover, aged C1q-deficient mice exhibited significantly less cognitive and memory decline in certain hippocampus-dependent behavior tests compared with their wild-type littermates. Unlike in the developing CNS, the complement cascade effector C3 was only present at very low levels in the adult and aging brain. In addition, the aging-dependent effect of C1q on the hippocampal circuitry was independent of C3 and unaccompanied by detectable synapse loss, providing evidence for a novel, complement- and synapse elimination-independent role for C1q in CNS aging.
Serotonin 2A Receptors Differentially Contribute to Abuse-Related Effects of Cocaine and Cocaine-Induced Nigrostriatal and Mesolimbic Dopamine Overflow in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Murnane Kevin S. , Winschel Jake , Schmidt Karl T. , Stewart LaShaya M. , Rose Samuel J. , Cheng Kejun , Rice Kenner C. , Howell Leonard L.
Published: August 2013

Two of the most commonly used procedures to study the abuse-related effects of drugs in laboratory animals are intravenous drug self-administration and reinstatement of extinguished behavior previously maintained by drug delivery. Intravenous self-administration is widely accepted to model ongoing drug-taking behavior, whereas reinstatement procedures are accepted to model relapse to drug taking following abstinence. Previous studies indicate that 5-HT2Areceptor antagonists attenuate the reinstatement of cocaine-maintained behavior but not cocaine self-administration in rodents. Although the abuse-related effects of cocaine have been closely linked to brain dopamine systems, no previous study has determined whether this dissociation is related to differential regulation of dopamine neurotransmission. To elucidate the neuropharmacological and neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we evaluated the effects of the selective 5-HT2Areceptor antagonist M100907 on intravenous cocaine self-administration and drug- and cue-primed reinstatement in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). In separate subjects, we evaluated the role of 5-HT2Areceptors in cocaine-induced dopamine overflow in the nucleus accumbens (n= 4) and the caudate nucleus (n= 5) usingin vivomicrodialysis. Consistent with previous studies, M100907 (0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) significantly attenuated drug- and cue-induced reinstatement but had no significant effects on cocaine self-administration across a range of maintenance doses. Importantly, M100907 (0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) attenuated cocaine-induced (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) dopamine overflow in the caudate nucleus but not in the nucleus accumbens. These data suggest that important abuse-related effects of cocaine are mediated by distinct striatal dopamine projection pathways.
Number of Spikes in Climbing Fibers Determines the Direction of Cerebellar Learning
Authors: Rasmussen Anders , Jirenhed Dan-Anders , Zucca Riccardo , Johansson Fredrik , Svensson Pär , Hesslow Germund
Published: August 2013

Cerebellar learning requires context information from mossy fibers and a teaching signal through the climbing fibers from the inferior olive. Although the inferior olive fires in bursts, virtually all studies have used a teaching signal consisting of a single pulse. Following a number of failed attempts to induce cerebellar learning in decerebrate ferrets with a nonburst signal, we tested the effect of varying the number of pulses in the climbing fiber teaching signal. The results show that training with a single pulse in a conditioning paradigmin vivodoes not result in learning, but rather causes extinction of a previously learned response.
Rescue of Peripheral and CNS Axon Defects in Mice Lacking NMNAT2
Authors: Gilley Jonathan , Adalbert Robert , Yu Gang , Coleman Michael P.
Published: August 2013

NMNAT2 is an NAD+-synthesizing enzyme with an essential axon maintenance role in primary culture neurons. We have generated anNmnat2gene trap mouse to examine the role of NMNAT2in vivo. Homozygotes die perinatally with a severe peripheral nerve/axon defect and truncated axons in the optic nerve and other CNS regions. The cause appears to be limited axon extension, rather than dying-back degeneration of existing axons, which was previously proposed for the NMNAT2-deficientBladmutant mouse. Neurite outgrowth in both PNS and CNS neuronal cultures consistently stalls at 1–2 mm, similar to the length of truncated axons in the embryos. Crucially, this suggests an essential role for NMNAT2 during axon growth. In addition, we show that the Wallerian degeneration slow protein (WldS), a more stable, aberrant NMNAT that can substitute the axon maintenance function of NMNAT2 in primary cultures, can also correct developmental defects associated with NMNAT2 deficiency. This is dose-dependent, with extension of life span to at least 3 months by homozygous levels of WldSthe most obvious manifestation. Finally, we propose that endogenous mechanisms also compensate for otherwise limiting levels of NMNAT2. This could explain our finding that conditional silencing of a singleNmnat2allele triggers substantial degeneration of established neurites, whereas similar, or greater, reduction of NMNAT2 in constitutively depleted neurons is compatible with normal axon growth and survival. A requirement for NMNAT2 for both axon growth and maintenance suggests that reduced levels could impair axon regeneration as well as axon survival in aging and disease.
Fast Modulation of Executive Function by Language Context in Bilinguals
Authors: Wu Yan Jing , Thierry Guillaume
Published: August 2013

Mastering two languages has been associated with enhancement in human executive control, but previous studies of this phenomenon have exclusively relied on comparisons between bilingual and monolingual individuals. In the present study, we tested a single group of Welsh–English bilinguals engaged in a nonverbal conflict resolution task and manipulated language context by intermittently presenting words in Welsh, English, or both languages. Surprisingly, participants showed enhanced executive capacity to resolve interference when exposed to a mixed compared with a single language context, even though they ignored the irrelevant contextual words. This result was supported by greater response accuracy and reduced amplitude of the P300, an electrophysiological correlate of cognitive interference. Our findings introduce a new level of plasticity in bilingual executive control dependent on fast changing language context rather than long-term language experience.
Synaptic State-Dependent Functional Interplay between Postsynaptic Density-95 and Synapse-Associated Protein 102
Authors: Bonnet Stéphanie A. D. , Akad Derya S. , Samaddar Tanmoy , Liu Yanling , Huang Xiaojie , Dong Yan , Schlüter Oliver M.
Published: August 2013

Activity-dependent regulation of AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic transmission is the basis for establishing differences in synaptic weights among individual synapses during developmental and experience-dependent synaptic plasticity. Synaptic signaling scaffolds of the Discs large (DLG)–membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein family regulate these processes by tethering signaling proteins to receptor complexes. Using a molecular replacement strategy with RNAi-mediated knockdown in rat and mouse hippocampal organotypic slice cultures, a postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) knock-out mouse line and electrophysiological analysis, our current study identified a functional interplay between two paralogs, PSD-95 and synapse-associated protein 102 (SAP102) to regulate synaptic AMPARs. During synaptic development, the SAP102 protein levels normally plateau but double if PSD-95 expression is prevented during synaptogenesis. For an autonomous function of PSD-95 in regulating synaptic AMPARs, in addition to the previously demonstrated N-terminal multimerization and the first two PDZ (PSD-95, Dlg1, zona occludens-1) domains, the PDZ3 and guanylate kinase domains were required. The Src homology 3 domain was dispensable for the PSD-95-autonomous regulation of basal synaptic transmission. However, it mediated the functional interaction with SAP102 of PSD-95 mutants to enhance AMPARs. These results depict a protein domain-based multifunctional aspect of PSD-95 in regulating excitatory synaptic transmission and unveil a novel form of domain-based interplay between signaling scaffolds of the DLG–MAGUK family.
Microsurgical ressection for parasagittal meningiomas with preservation of the parasagittal sinus and excelent neurovascular control
Authors: Lynch José Carlos , Schiavini Hugo , Bomfim Cleber , Fonseca Joelton Fernandes , Pereira Celestino
Published: August 2013

Objective:It was to observe whether a microsurgical gross total removal (GTR) of a parasagittal meningioma (PSM) outside the sinus is a safe and efficient procedure.Method:We identify 58 parasagittal meningiomas patients. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed.Results:GTR of the mass was achieved in 45 (77.7%) instances. The surgical mortality rate was 1.7%. The median follow-up time was 63 months.Conclusion:The surgical approach used in this group of patients afford that the great majority of tumors could be totally removed with low mortality, proving to be safe and effective.
Is there a consistent association between coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerosis?
Authors: Conforto Adriana B. , Leite Claudia da Costa , Nomura Cesar H. , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Santos Raul D.
Published: August 2013

Coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke are frequent coexistent conditions that share risk factors and pose major burdens to global health. Even though a clear relation has been established between extracranial internal carotid artery atherosclerosis and symptomatic or asymptomatic coronary heart disease, there is a gap in knowledge about the association between intracranial atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Intracranial atherosclerosis is associated with high risks of stroke recurrence and vascular death. More research and clinical trials are needed to answer whether early diagnosis of asymptomatic coronary heart disease and aggressive treatment can decrease the risk of vascular death in patients with ischemic stroke caused by intracranial atherosclerosis.
Frailty and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling elderly
Authors: Alencar Mariana Asmar , Dias Joao Marcos Domingues , Figueiredo Luisa Costa , Dias Rosangela Correa
Published: August 2013

The aim was to evaluate associations between frailty status and cognitive decline and the incidence of cognitive impairment over 12-month period. Two hundred seven older adults were assessed. Frailty was defined as having at least three of the following criteria: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low level of activity. Cognitive decline was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Relative risk (RR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Frailty was associated with subsequent cognitive decline in 12-month when assessed using the MMSE (p=;0.005; RR=;4.6; 95%CI 1.93–11.2). No association was found between frailty and cognitive decline measured by the CDR (p=;0.393; RR=;2.1; 95%CI 0.68–6.7) or between frailty and the incidence of cognitive impairment (p=;0.675; RR=;1.2; 95%CI 0.18–8.3). These findings reveal an association between frailty and subsequent cognitive decline when measured by the MMSE, even within a short period of time.
Care of patients with Huntington's disease in South America: a survey
Authors: Maciel Ricardo Oliveira Horta , Cardoso Francisco Eduardo Costa , Chana-Cuevas Pedro , Cosentino Carlos , Fernandez William , Rieder Carlos R. M. , Serrano-Duenas Marcos , Weiser Roberto
Published: August 2013

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with a multitude of symptoms, which requires access to specialized multidisciplinary care for adequate management. The aim of this study was to survey the characteristics of care in various HD centers in South America (SA). Methods A questionnaire was sent to 24 centers involved in the care for HD patients in SA. Results Of the total 24 centers, 19 (79.2%) are academic units. The majority of centers (62.5%) are general movement disorders clinics. Multidisciplinary care is available in 19 (79.2%) centers and in 20 (83.3%) care is provided free of charge. Genetic testing and counseling are available in 25 and 66.6% of centers, respectively. The majority of centers (83.3%) have no institutional support for end-stage care. Conclusions Although HD centers in SA are committed to providing multidisciplinary care, access to genetic counseling and end-stage care are lacking in most centers.
Primary neural leprosy: systematic review
Authors: Garbino Jose Antonio , Marques Jr Wilson , Barreto Jaison Antonio , Heise Carlos Otto , Rodrigues Marcia Maria Jardim , Antunes Sergio L. , Soares Cleverson Teixeira , Floriano Marcos Cesar , Nery Jose Augusto , Trindade Maria Angela Bianconcini , Carvalho Noemia Barbosa , Andrada Nathalia Carvalho de , Barreira Amilton Antunes , Virmond Marcos da Cunha Lopes
Published: August 2013

The authors proposed a systematic review on the current concepts of primary neural leprosy by consulting the following online databases: MEDLINE, Lilacs/SciELO, and Embase. Selected studies were classified based on the degree of recommendation and levels of scientific evidence according to the “Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine”. The following aspects were reviewed: cutaneous clinical and laboratorial investigations, i.e. skin clinical exam, smears, and biopsy, and Mitsuda's reaction; neurological investigation (anamnesis, electromyography and nerve biopsy); serological investigation and molecular testing, i.e. serological testing for the detection of the phenolic glycolipid 1 (PGL-I) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and treatment (classification criteria for the definition of specific treatment, steroid treatment, and cure criteria).
Craniovertebral junction malformation in Northeastern Brazil: the myth of the Dutch colonization
Authors: Vidal Claudio Henrique Fernandes , Silva Joacil Carlos da , Lins Cicero Jose Pacheco , Brainer-Lima Alessandra Mertens , Valenca Marcelo Moraes
Published: August 2013

The high prevalence of craniovertebral junction malformation in Northeastern Brazil is historically associated with brachycephalic biotype (flat head), also common in this region. It has been postulated that this trait was introduced to this region by the Dutch during the colonial period in Brazil's history. Based on the confrontation of this paradigm against some historical facts, the authors concluded that the brachycephalic phenotype was inherited from prehistoric ancestors (Amerindians) who were already living in this region when white European men arrived.
Clinical relevance of "bulging eyes" for the differential diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxias
Authors: Moro Adriana , Munhoz Renato Puppi , Arruda Walter Oleschko , Raskin Salmo , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the relevance of the clinical finding of bulging eyes (BE) in a large Brazilian cohort of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), to assess its importance in clinical differential diagnosis among SCA.MethodsThree hundred sixty-nine patients from 168 Brazilian families with SCA were assessed with neurological examination and molecular genetic testing. BE was characterized by the presence of eyelid retraction. Genetically ascertained SCA3 was detected in 167 patients, SCA10 in 68 patients, SCA2 in 20, SCA1 in 9, SCA7 in 6, and SCA6 in 3 patients.ResultsBE was detected in 123 patients with SCA (33.3%), namely 109 of the 167 SCA3 patients (65.3%) and in 5 of the others SCA patients (1 SCA10 patient, 2 SCA1 patients and 2 SCA2 patients).ConclusionBE was detected in the majority of patients with SCA3 (65.3%) and could be used with a clinical tool for the differential diagnosis of SCA.
Circadian variation of fatigue in both patients with paralytic poliomyelitis and post-polio syndrome
Authors: Viana Celiana Figueiredo , Pradella-Hallinan Márcia , Quadros Abrahão Augusto Juviniano , Marin Luis Fabiano , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveIt was to evaluate the degree of fatigue in patients with paralytic poliomyelitis (PP) and with post-polio syndrome (PPS), and correlate it with parameters of sleep and the circadian cycle.MethodsThirty patients, 17 female (56.7%), participated in the study: they answered the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and performed a nocturnal polysomnographic study. Eleven had PP (mean age±standard deviation of 47.9±6.4 years), and 19 had PPS (mean age±standard deviation of 46.4±5.6 years).ResultsOur study showed that fatigue was worse in the afternoon in the PP Group and had a progressive increase throughout the day in the PPS Group. We also observed compromised quality of sleep in both groups, but no statically significant difference was found in the sleep parameters measured by polysomnography.ConclusionFatigue has a well-defined circadian variation, especially in PPS Group. Poor sleep quality is associated with fatigue and, therefore, sleep disturbances should be evaluated and treated in this group of PPS.
Effects of early spasticity treatment on children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a preliminary study
Authors: Zonta Marise Bueno , Bruck Isac , Puppi Marilene , Muzzolon Sandra , Neto Arnolfo de Carvalho , Santos Lúcia Helena Coutinho dos
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo compare motor and functional performance of two groups of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). Only the study group (SG) received early treatment of spasticity with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BXT-A).MethodsGross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), functional performance (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - PEDI), range of movement, gait pattern (Physician Rating Scale - PRS) and the speed of hand movements were considered.ResultsThe SG, composed of 11 HCP (45.64±6.3 months), was assessed in relation to the comparison group, composed of 13 HCP (45.92±6.4 months). SG showed higher scores in four of the five GMFM dimensions, which included scores that were statistically significant for dimension B, and higher scores in five of the six areas evaluated in the PEDI. Active wrist extension, the speed of hand movements and PRS score were higher in the SG.ConclusionChildren who received early BXT-A treatment for spasticity showed higher scores in motor and functional performance.
Myasthenia gravis and thymus: long-term follow-up screening of thymectomized and non-thymectomized patients
Authors: Lorenzoni Paulo José , Augusto Lucas Pires , Kay Cláudia Suemi Kamoi , Scola Rosana Herminia , Werneck Lineu Cesar
Published: August 2013

Thymoma screening is recommended at the onset of myasthenia gravis (MG) or when patients with MG present with clinical deterioration or a progressive increase of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. However, it is unknown if it is necessary to repeat the screening of thymoma at fixed intervals, even in the absence of MG deterioration, when the initial screening is negative. We analyzed the recurrence rate and incidence of new thymoma in a series of patients with well-controlled MG. The sample consisted of 53 patients, aged 17 to 72 years, and the follow-up varied between 75 and 472 months. The chest computerized tomography detected thymus abnormalities in eight patients at the initial screening and no abnormalities in all patients at a second screening after five years. The findings of this study support the classical opinion that screening for thymoma should be recommended only if there is clinical deterioration due to the disease.
Shock, diaschisis and von Monakow
Authors: Engelhardt Eliasz , Gomes Marleide da Mota
Published: August 2013

The concept of shock apparently emerged in the middle of the 18th century (Whyett) as an occurrence observed experimentally after spinal cord transection, and identified as "shock" phenomenon one century later (Hall). The concept was extended (Brown-Séquard) and it was suggested that brain lesions caused functional rupture in regions distant from the injured one ("action à distance"). The term "diaschisis" (von Monakow), proposed as a new modality of shock, had its concept broadened, underpinned by observations of patients, aiming at distinguishing between symptoms of focal brain lesions and transitory effects they produced, attributable to depression of distant parts of the brain connected to the injured area. Presently, diaschisis is related mainly to cerebrovascular lesions and classified according to the connection fibers involved, as proposed by von Monakow. Depression of metabolism and blood flow in regions anatomically separated, but related by connections with the lesion, allows observing diaschisis with neuroimaging.
Análise microestrutural e tenacidade ao impacto da ZAC do aço inoxidável ferrítico com 11%Cr
Authors: Luz Temístocles de Sousa , Farias Jesualdo Pereira , Ferraresi Valtair Antonio
Published: August 2013

O aço inoxidável ferrítico possibilita, em função de suas características, o uso em diversos campos da engenharia. Dentre esses é possível citar a industria do petróleo e gás, de celulose açucareira, de transporte, entre outras. Atualmente, o desenvolvimento de novas ligas para a substituição dos aços ao carbono no que se refere ao setor de transporte de carga, levou muitos fabricantes a adotarem a liga ferrítica com base de cromo entre 11% e 12%, implementando a tal situação, uma maior vida util. A utilização dessa nova classe de aço inoxidável ferrítico gera uma demanda no que tange à pesquisas das soldas desses aços. Neste trabalho, buscou-se analisar a região soldada de um aço inoxidável ferrítico experimental contendo 11% de cromo, realizando para tal um estudo de sua microestrutura, e tenacidade ao impacto do metal de base e da zona afetada pelo calor (ZAC). A avaliação mostrou bons resultados nas propriedades mecânicas medidas nas duas regiões analisadas. Entretanto, verificou-se uma perda acentuada da tenacidade ao impacto na ZAC em relação ao metal de base.
Efeito dos parâmetros de processo na obtenção e na microestrutura de juntas alumínio-aço realizadas mediante soldagem por atrito com pino não consumível (SAPNC)
Authors: López Edwar Andrés Torres , Ramirez Antonio J.
Published: August 2013

Os resultados bem-sucedidos apresentados na literatura acerca da soldagem por atrito com pino não consumível das juntas alumínio-aço, desconsideram o aspecto e formação de defeitos na junta como pontos de referência para sua avaliação. Igualmente aumenta a controvérsia acerca da presença de compostos intermetálicos do tipo Fe xAl y, somado à falta de informação sobre sua origem. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar parâmetros adequados para a obtenção de juntas alumínio-aço livres de defeitos e sua relação com a formação de fases deletérias durante a soldagem por atrito com pino. Foram obtidas juntas soldadas consolidadas e foi determinada a microestrutura resultante destas juntas soldadas da liga de alumínio 6063-T5 e aço AISI SAE 1020. Utilizou-se uma ferramenta de carbeto de tungstênio (WC-14Co) a velocidades de rotação e de avanço de 300 rpm e 150 mm.min-1, respectivamente. Foram empregados deslocamentos da ferramenta de +0,5; +1,0 e +1,5 mm. Os resultados realçam a importância do aporte energético na obtenção de juntas alumínio-aço com aspecto superficial e penetração adequados. A análise microestrutural revela a formação de sete regiões na junta soldada, destacando a zona termo-mecanicamente afetada no lado do aço, uma banda de grãos ultra finos de ferrita e a ausência de compostos intermetálicos na interface alumínio-aço.
Da gerência para a docência: metáforas do discurso de transição
Authors: Oliveira Luiz Cláudio Vieira de , Kilimnik Zélia Miranda , Oliveira Rafael Parreira de
Published: August 2013

As mudanças do mundo contemporâneo e das relações de produção, provocadas pela globalização, a evolução da tecnologia e a competição entre organizações para conquista e manutenção de mercados exigiram novos padrões de desempenho e de competência de seus profissionais. A pressão por resultados levou esses profissionais à revisão da própria carreira dentro das organizações e à transição, total ou parcial, para as instituições de ensino superior, favorecedoras de maior liberdade e criatividade. A metodologia empregada foi a Análise do Discurso Francesa, a partir das transcrições de entrevistas realizadas com 22 gerentes que efetuaram a transição para a carreira docente. Investigou-se a relação entre o discurso desses profissionais e o ambiente de mudanças, pressões e exigências de competências que os atingiu. Investigou-se, também, a imagem de si que esses profissionais constroem ao realizarem o processo de transição. Com isso, os resultados apontaram: para a elaboração de uma imagem positiva e idealista de si mesmos e da atividade docente; para uma visão negativa das instituições de ensino (mundo da carochinha) em oposição à imagem positiva e séria do mundo organizacional (mundo real); para a constatação de que o alto nível de pressão por resultados e por competência levou os profissionais, competentes mas tolhidos pelo excesso de exigências, à transição de carreira.
An investigation into Spanish EFL learners' anxiety
Authors: Martínez Agudo Juan de Dios
Published: August 2013

This research article reports the results of a study designed to measure and analyse Spanish students' perceived anxiety when learning and using EFL inside the classroom. This article first includes a review of the literature on foreign language anxiety. Then it describes the participants of the investigation and the research methodology procedures. This is followed by the presentation and discussion of the results and, finally, the conclusions derived from this study. The resulting data revealed interesting information about the anxiety levels present among Spanish EFL learners. While relatively high levels of speaking anxiety have been identified, somewhat lower levels of listening anxiety associated with error correction, by contrast, have also been found. More specifically, the results suggested that the level of listening anxiety seems to slightly increase when error correction is somehow involved in the process.
Avaliação audiológica na ataxia espinocerebelar
Authors: Zeigelboim Bianca Simone , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni , Santos Rosane Sampaio , Arruda Walter Oleschko , Jurkiewicz Ari Leon , Mengelberg Heidi , França Denise , Marques Jair Mendes
Published: August 2013

OBJETIVO: Descrever os resultados das avaliações audiológica e eletrofisiológica da audição em pacientes portadores de ataxia espinocerebelar (AEC). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de corte transversal no qual se avaliou 43 pacientes portadores de AEC submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese e avaliações otorrinolaringológica, audiológica, imitanciométrica e do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (PEATE). RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram prevalência do desequilíbrio à marcha (83,7%), dificuldade para falar (48,8%), tontura (41,8%) e disfagia (39,5%). A perda auditiva foi referida em 27,9% dos casos; no exame audiométrico, 14 pacientes (32,5%) apresentaram alterações; na AEC 3, 33,3%; na AEC 2, 12,5%; na AEC 4, 100,0%; na AEC 6, 100,0%; na AEC 7, 100,0%; na AEC 10, 50,0%; e na AEC indeterminada, 21,4%. No PEATE, 20 pacientes (46,5%) apresentaram alterações, sendo 58,3% na AEC 3, 62,5% na AEC 2, 100,0% na AEC 6, 100,0% na AEC 7, 66,7% na AEC 10 e 14,2% na AEC indeterminada. No exame imitanciométrico, 19 pacientes (44,1%) apresentaram alterações, sendo 50,0% na AEC 3, 50,0% na AEC 2, 100,0% na AEC 4, 100,0% na AEC 6, 100,0% na AEC 7, 33,3% na AEC 10 e 28,5% na AEC indeterminada. CONCLUSÃO: As alterações mais evidenciadas na avaliação audiológica foram o predomínio da configuração audiométrica descendente a partir da frequência de 4 kHz bilateralmente e a ausência do reflexo acústico nas frequências de 3 e 4 kHz bilateralmente. Na avaliação eletrofisiológica, 50% dos pacientes apresentaram alterações com prevalência do aumento das latências das ondas I, III e V e do intervalo nos interpicos I-III, I-V e III-V.
Analgesia in newborns: a case-control study of the efficacy of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking stimuli
Authors: Lima Ana Henriques , Hermont Ana Paula , Friche Amélia Augusta de Lima
Published: August 2013

PURPOSE: To verify the nutritive and non-nutritive stimuli efficacy in the newborn's response to pain during venipuncture. METHODS: The main sample was composed of 64 newborns that were randomly divided into three groups. The first group (n=20) received nutritive sucking stimulus that was performed through maternal breastfeeding. The second group (n=21) received non-nutritive sucking stimulus that was performed through the introduction of the researcher little finger in the newborn's oral cavity. The third group or control group (n=23) did not receive any analgesia stimulus. The newborns were evaluated using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, and the responses to painful stimuli were compared. RESULTS: The nutritive as well as non-nutritive suction methods provided a comforting effect, resulting in lower pain response scores (p<0.05). There was no difference between the analgesia provided by both methods (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The nutritive and the non-nutritive sucking stimuli proved to be efficacious tools in relieving pain among newborns.
Effect of spatial processes and topography on structuring species assemblages in a Sri Lankan dipterocarp forest
Authors: Punchi-Manage Ruwan , Wiegand Thorsten , Wiegand Kerstin , Getzin Stephan , Gunatilleke C. V. Savitri , Gunatilleke I. A. U. Nimal
Published: August 2013

Niche and neutral theories emphasize different processes that contribute to the maintenance of species diversity and should leave different spatial structures in species assemblages. In this study we used variation partitioning in combination with distance‐based Moran's eigenvector maps and habitat variables to determine the relative importance of the effects of pure habitat, pure spatial, and spatially structured habitat processes on the spatial distribution of tree species composition and richness in a 25‐ha tropical rain forest of Sinharaja/Sri Lanka. We analyzed the contribution of those components at three spatial scales (10 m, 20 m, and 50 m) for all trees and the three life stages: recruits, juveniles, and adults. At the 10‐m scale, 80% of the variation in species composition remained unexplained for recruits and adults, but only 55% for juveniles. With increasingly broader scales these figures were strongly reduced, mainly by an increasing contribution of the spatially structured habitat component, which explained 4–30%, 20–47%, and 8–35% of variation in species composition for recruits, juveniles, and adults, respectively. The pure spatial component was most important at the 20‐m scale and reached 20%, 32%, and 23% for recruits, juveniles, and adults, respectively. The spatially structured habitat component described variability at broader scales than the pure spatial component. Our results suggest that stochastic processes and spatially structuring processes of community dynamics, such as dispersal limitation and habitat association, contributed jointly to explain species composition and richness at the Sinharaja forest, but their relative importance changed with scale and life stage. Species assembly at the local scale was more strongly impacted by stochasticity, whereas the signal of habitat was stronger at the 50‐m scale where plant‐scale stochasticity is averaged out. Recent research points to an emerging consensus on the relative contribution of stochasticity, habitat, and spatial processes in governing community assembly, but how these components change with life stage, and how this is influenced by sample size, remains to be explored.
Fire management in species‐rich Cape fynbos shrublands
Authors: van Wilgen Brian W
Published: August 2013

The management of fire‐dependent biodiversity hotspots must be based on sound ecological knowledge and a pragmatic approach that accommodates the constraints within which fire managers must operate. South Africa's fynbos biome (shrubland or heathland vegetation found in the Western Cape of South Africa) is one such hotspot. In this region, the implementation of prescribed burning to conserve biodiversity must take into account the area's rugged and inaccessible terrain and recurrent wildfires, the presence of fire‐adapted invasive alien plants, and the imperatives for ensuring human safety. These constraints limit the potential for prescribed burning to be effective everywhere, and prioritization and trade‐offs will be needed to ensure the efficient use of limited funding and management capacity. In such environments, management must be adaptive, based on clearly defined and shared goals, monitoring, and assessment, and should be flexible enough to adjust as new lessons are learned.
Managing fire regimes in north Australian savannas: applying Aboriginal approaches to contemporary global problems
Authors: Russell-Smith Jeremy , Cook Garry D , Cooke Peter M , Edwards Andrew C , Lendrum Mitchell , Meyer CP (Mick) , Whitehead Peter J
Published: August 2013

Savannas constitute the most fire‐prone biome on Earth and annual emissions from savanna‐burning activities are a globally important source of greenhouse‐gas (GHG) emissions. Here, we describe the application of a commercial fire‐management program being implemented over 28 000 km2 of savanna on Aboriginal lands in northern Australia. The project combines the reinstatement of Aboriginal traditional approaches to savanna fire management – in particular a strategic, early dry‐season burning program – with a recently developed emissions accounting methodology for savanna burning. Over the first 7 years of implementation, the project has reduced emissions of accountable GHGs (methane, nitrous oxide) by 37.7%, relative to the pre‐project 10‐year emissions baseline. In addition, the project is delivering social, biodiversity, and long‐term biomass sequestration benefits. This methodological approach may have considerable potential for application in other fire‐prone savanna settings.
Prescribed burning in southwestern Australian forests
Authors: Burrows Neil , McCaw Lachlan
Published: August 2013

Prescribed burning is an important but often controversial fire‐management tool in fire‐prone regions of the world. Here, we explore the complex challenges of prescribing fire for multiple objectives in the eucalypt forests of southwestern Australia, which could be regarded as a model for temperate landscapes elsewhere. Prescribed fire has been used in a coordinated manner to manage fuels in Australia's eucalypt forests since the 1950s and continues to be an important tool for mitigating the impacts of unplanned wildfires on human society and on a broad range of ecosystem services. Prescribed fire is increasingly being used to manage fire regimes at the local and landscape scales to achieve biodiversity outcomes through maintenance of spatial and temporal patterns of post‐fire seral stages. The prescribed burning program in southwestern eucalypt forests has been informed by a long‐term program of applied research into fire behavior and fire ecology. To remain successful in the future, the prescribed burning program in this region will need to adapt to changing expectations of government and the community, emerging land‐use issues, resource limitations, and a drying climate.
Mapping habitat suitability for at‐risk plant species and its implications for restoration and reintroduction
Authors: Questad Erin J. , Kellner James R. , Kinney Kealoha , Cordell Susan , Asner Gregory P. , Thaxton Jarrod , Diep Jennifer , Uowolo Amanda , Brooks Sam , Inman-Narahari Nikhil , Evans Steven A. , Tucker Brian
Published: August 2013

The conservation of species at risk of extinction requires data to support decisions at landscape to regional scales. There is a need for information that can assist with locating suitable habitats in fragmented and degraded landscapes to aid the reintroduction of at‐risk plant species. In addition, desiccation and water stress can be significant barriers to the success of at‐risk plant reintroduction programs. We examine how airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data can be used to model microtopographic features that reduce water stress and increase resource availability, providing information for landscape planning that can increase the success of reintroduction efforts for a dryland landscape in Hawaii. We developed a topographic habitat‐suitability model (HSM) from LiDAR data that identifies topographic depressions that are protected from prevailing winds (high‐suitability sites) and contrasts them with ridges and other exposed areas (low‐suitability sites). We tested in the field whether high‐suitability sites had microclimatic conditions that indicated better‐quality habitat compared to low‐suitability sites, whether plant‐response traits indicated better growing conditions in high‐suitability sites, whether the locations of individuals of existing at‐risk plant species corresponded with our habitat‐suitability classes, and whether the survival of planted individuals of a common native species was greater in high‐suitability, compared to low‐suitability, planting sites. Mean wind speed in a high‐suitability field site was over five times lower than in a low‐suitability site, and soil moisture and leaf wetness were greater, indicating less stress and greater resource availability in high‐suitability areas. Plant height and leaf nutrient content were greater in high‐suitability areas. Six at‐risk species showed associations with high‐suitability areas. The survival of planted individuals was less variable among high‐suitability plots. These results suggest that plant establishment and survival is associated with the habitat conditions identified by our model. The HSM can improve the survival of planted individuals, reduce the cost of restoration and reintroduction programs through targeted management activities in high‐suitability areas, and expand the ability of managers to make landscape‐scale decisions regarding land‐use, land acquisition, and species recovery.
Quantifying wave attenuation to inform coastal habitat conservation
Authors: Pinsky Malin L. , Guannel Greg , Arkema Katie K.
Published: August 2013

Coastal vegetation can protect people and property from erosion and flooding, potentially providing a win‐win solution for conservation and development. However, the conditions under which natural habitats provide protection have been controversial, partly because the geomorphic, ecological, and hydrodynamic factors that determine wave attenuation vary greatly among locations, times, and studies. We re‐analyzed existing wave attenuation studies in kelp, mangrove, marsh and seagrass habitats and found that much of the variation in wave attenuation can be explained by differences in vegetation characteristics and by the change in bulk drag with flow conditions. We found that vegetation can exert substantial drag on passing waves, but that the bulk drag coefficient declines in flow conditions characterized by high Reynolds numbers. This decline is important because storm conditions are highly turbulent (typical Reynolds numbers are greater than 104), and we lack empirical measurements of bulk drag coefficients from such conditions. Failing to account for the decline can over‐estimate wave attenuation in storms by 19% to 1600%. These results suggest that larger habitat areas will need to be set aside for coastal protection than previously thought. Our approach provides predictions for designing practical habitat conservation and restoration plans that also protect humans and property from flooding and erosion.
Characterisation and fluidisation of synthetic pit latrine sludge
Authors: Radford J. T. , Fenner R. A.
Published: August 2013

Half of the world's urban population will live in informal settlements or ‘slums’ by 2030. Affordable urban sanitation presents a unique set of challenges as the lack of space and resources to construct new latrines makes the de-sludging of existing pits necessary, and this is something that is currently done manually, with significant associated health risks. Various mechanised technologies have therefore been developed to facilitate pit emptying, with the majority using a vacuum system to remove material from the top of the pit. However, this results in the gradual accumulation of unpumpable sludge at the bottom of the pit, which eventually fills the latrine and forces it to be abandoned. This study has developed a method for fluidising unpumpable pit latrine sludge, based on laboratory experiments using a harmless synthetic sludge. The implications for sludge treatment and disposal are discussed, and the classification of sludges according to the equipment required to remove them from the latrine is proposed. Finally, further work is suggested, including the ongoing development of a device to physically characterise latrine sludge in-situ within the pit.
ANN versus SARIMA models in forecasting residential water consumption in Tunisia
Authors: Sebri Maamar
Published: August 2013

Water scarcity and increasing water demand, especially for residential end-use, are major challenges facing Tunisia. The need to accurately forecast water consumption is useful for the planning and management of this natural resource. In the current study, quarterly time series of household water consumption in Tunisia was forecast using a comparative analysis between the traditional Box–Jenkins method and an artificial neural networks approach. In particular, an attempt was made to test the effectiveness of data preprocessing, such as detrending and deseasonalization, on the accuracy of neural networks forecasting. Results indicate that the traditional Box–Jenkins method outperforms neural networks estimated on raw, detrended, or deseasonalized data in terms of forecasting accuracy. However, forecasts provided by the neural network model estimated on combined detrended and deseasonalized data are significantly more accurate and much closer to the actual data. This model is therefore selected to forecast future household water consumption in Tunisia. Projection results suggest that by 2025, water demand for residential end-use will represent around 18% of the total water demand of the country.
Evaluation of user satisfaction of rural water supply in Yemen
Authors: Alderwish Ahmed M. , Dottridge Jane
Published: August 2013

This paper compares rural water supply (RWS) and sanitation project schemes where national policies on RWS had been adopted against schemes constructed by public authorities as part of the General Authority for RWS Project. This evaluation tests the policies and provides a comparison of donor supported and government projects. The results indicate that policies will result in relatively high levels of beneficiary satisfaction and will increase the likelihood that the communities will sustain the systems over their design lives. More confidence in Water User Associations as governing and management bodies for water schemes is medium and more transparent selection processes are required. Although beneficiaries are agreeing to and paying tariffs that cover operation and maintenance costs, it affects the quantity of water they use and leads to negative health impact. High percentages of respondents have expressed dissatisfaction with current water charges, water quantity and water quality. Findings suggest that RWS Project's strategy for developing communities' capacity and meaningful involvement in planning and managing their own water systems is effective, however, progress is needed in two areas: RWS subsector still lacks a clearly agreed strategy and a demand-responsive approach should be adopted strictly in all programs.
The impact of loading frequency and copper as a biocide on biosand filter performance
Authors: Hyde Elizabeth M. , Lackey Laura W.
Published: August 2013

Biological sand filters (BSFs) can appropriately serve as point-of-use water treatment in developing nations. This study examined the benefit of adding copper to a BSF, and evaluated the impact of its addition in relation to extended pause times. Four 70-L BSFs were created – copper was incorporated in the packing of the two BSFs labeled Filter 1 and Filter 3. Filters 1 and 2 were loaded daily while Filters 3 and 4 were watered every third day. Source water was taken from the Ocmulgee River in Macon, Georgia. To investigate variation due to watering frequency and biocidal addition, BSF performance was quantified using coliforms, turbidity, solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, and copper analyses. E. coli removal efficiencies for Filters 1, 2, 3, and 4 averaged 90, 77, 87, and 80%, respectively. Paired t-tests at α = 0.05 indicate that effluent coliform concentrations from filters watered daily were significantly impacted by the presence of copper. Filters loaded every third day showed no significant performance effect from copper addition on coliform removal efficiency. Similar paired t-tests at α = 0.05 for turbidity, solids, and COD showed no significant difference between filter performance.