bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic analysis of palatal transcriptome to identify cleft palate genes within TGFβ3-knockout mice alleles: RNA-Seq analysis of TGFβ3 Mice
Authors: Ozturk Ferhat , Li You , Zhu Xiujuan , Guda Chittibabu , Nawshad Ali
Published: February 2013

Background

In humans, cleft palate (CP) accounts for one of the largest number of birth defects with a complex genetic and environmental etiology. TGFβ3 has been established as an important regulator of palatal fusion in mice and it has been shown that TGFβ3-null mice exhibit CP without any other major deformities. However, the genes that regulate cellular decisions and molecular mechanisms maintained by the TGFβ3 pathway throughout palatogenesis are predominantly unexplored. Our objective in this study was to analyze global transcriptome changes within the palate during different gestational ages within TGFβ3 knockout mice to identify TGFβ3-associated genes previously unknown to be associated with the development of cleft palate. We used deep sequencing technology, RNA-Seq, to analyze the transcriptome of TGFβ3 knockout mice at crucial stages of palatogenesis, including palatal growth (E14.5), adhesion (E15.5), and fusion (E16.5).

Results

The overall transcriptome analysis of TGFβ3 wildtype mice (C57BL/6) reveals that almost 6000 genes were upregulated during the transition from E14.5 to E15.5 and more than 2000 were downregulated from E15.5 to E16.5. Using bioinformatics tools and databases, we identified the most comprehensive list of CP genes (n = 322) in which mutations cause CP either in humans or mice, and analyzed their expression patterns. The expression motifs of CP genes between TGFβ3+/− and TGFβ3−/− were not significantly different from each other, and the expression of the majority of CP genes remained unchanged from E14.5 to E16.5. Using these patterns, we identified 8 unique genes within TGFβ3−/− mice (Chrng, Foxc2, H19, Kcnj13, Lhx8, Meox2, Shh, and Six3), which may function as the primary contributors to the development of cleft palate in TGFβ3−/− mice. When the significantly altered CP genes were overlaid with TGFβ signaling, all of these genes followed the Smad-dependent pathway.

Conclusions

Our study represents the first analysis of the palatal transcriptome of the mouse, as well as TGFβ3 knockout mice, using deep sequencing methods. In this study, we characterized the critical regulation of palatal transcripts that may play key regulatory roles through crucial stages of palatal development. We identified potential causative CP genes in a TGFβ3 knockout model, which may lead to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms of palatogenesis and provide novel potential targets for gene therapy approaches to treat cleft palate.
Eosinophilic granulomatous gastrointestinal and hepatic abscesses attributable to basidiobolomycosis and fasciolias: a simultaneous emergence in Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Hassan Hemmin A , Majid Runnak A , Rashid Nawshirwan G , Nuradeen Bryar E , Abdulkarim Qalandar H , Hawramy Tahir A , Rashid Rekawt M , Farris Alton B , Guarner Jeannette , Hughson Michael D
Published: February 2013

Background

Deep eosinophilic granulomatous abscesses, as distinguished from eosinophilic subcutaneous abscesses, are rare. Most reports are from the Far-East and India where the most commonly attributed cause is Toxocara. Sulaimaniyah in Northeastern Iraq has experienced an outbreak of eosinophilic granulomatous liver and gastrointestinal (GI) abscesses beginning in 2009. The purpose of this study was to determine the etiology and guide treatment.

Methods

The study was an ongoing investigation of patients having a histopathologic diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatous abdominal abscesses in Sulaimaniyah hospitals from May 2009 to August 2012. Tissues were examined for organisms, and Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbent Assays (ELISA) were performed for serum antibodies to Fasciola hepatica, Toxocara, and Echinococcus granulosus.

Results

Fourteen patients had granulomatous inflammation surrounding a central necrotizing eosinophilic exudate identified in surgical pathology specimens from abdominal surgeries. Two children and four adults had abscesses that formed GI masses. These patients included a 39 year old male with oropharyngeal and transverse colon disease, and a 48 year old male with liver and GI abscesses. All sites demonstrated a Zygomycete fungus surrounded by eosinophilic Splendori-Hoeppli material consistent with basidiobolomycosis. Five of the six patients with fungal disease were treated by surgery and 4 to 7 months of itraconozol. One child died of intestinal perforation while receiving IV amphotericin B; two adults required additional surgery for recurrent GI obstruction. Eight patients had isolated liver abscesses with no organisms identified by histopathology: ELISA results for F. hepatica were positive for five, borderline for one, and negative for two patients. These eight patients were treated for fascioliasis by surgical resection of localized abscesses and albendazol. One patient serologically positive for F. Hepatica was found to have a common duct fluke two years after initial diagnosis. Serological testing for Toxocara and Echinococcus granulosus was negative in all 14 patients.

Conclusions

Basidiobolomycosis and F. hepatica are implicated as the cause of abdominal eosinophilic granulomatous abscesses in 12 of 14 patients identified over a period of 40 months in northern Iraq. Treatment was complicated by chronic biliary tract disease in fascioliasis and perforation and recurrent intestinal obstruction with basidiobolomycosis.
A case-linkage study of crime victimisation in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders over a period of deinstitutionalisation
Authors: Short Tamsin B R , Thomas Stuart , Luebbers Stefan , Mullen Paul , Ogloff James R P
Published: February 2013

Background

Despite high rates of self-reported crime victimisation, no study to date has compared official victimisation records of people with severe mental illness with a random community sample. Accordingly, this study sought to determine whether persons with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders have higher rates of recorded victimisation than the general population, and to explore whether there have been changes in rates of recorded victimisation over a period of deinstitutionalisation.

Methods

The schizophrenia-spectrum cases were drawn from a state-wide public mental health register, comprising all persons first diagnosed with a schizophrenic illness in five year cohorts between 1975 – 2005. The criminal histories of 4,168 persons diagnosed with schizophrenic-spectrum disorders were compared to those of a randomly selected community sample of 4,641 individuals.

Results

Compared to community controls, patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders were significantly more likely to have a record of violent (10.1% vs. 6.6%, odds ratio 1.4) and sexually violent victimisation (1.7% vs. 0.3%, odds ratio 2.77), but less likely to have an official record of victimisation overall (28.7% vs. 39.1%, odds ratio 0.5). Over the approximate period of deinstitutionalisation, the rate of recorded victimisation has more than doubled in schizophrenia-spectrum patients, but stayed relatively constant in the general community.

Conclusions

People with schizophrenic-spectrum disorders are particularly vulnerable to violent crime victimisation; although co-morbid substance misuse and criminality both heighten the chances of victimisation, they cannot fully account for the increased rates. Deinstitutionalisation may have, in part, contributed to an unintended consequence of increasing rates of victimisation amongst the seriously mentally ill.
Investigation of rare variants in LRP1, KPNA1, ALS2CL and ZNF480 genes in schizophrenia patients reflects genetic heterogeneity of the disease
Authors: Jouan Loubna , Girard Simon L , Dobrzeniecka Sylvia , Ambalavanan Amirthagowri , Krebs Marie-Odile , Joober Ridha , Gauthier Julie , Dion Patrick A , Rouleau Guy A
Published: February 2013

Background

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disease characterized by a high heritability and a complex genetic architecture. Recent reports based on exome sequencing analyses have highlighted a significant increase of potentially deleterious de novo mutations in different genes in individuals with schizophrenia.

Findings

This report presents the mutation screening results of four candidate genes for which such de novo mutations were previously reported (LRP1, KPNA1, ALS2CL and ZNF480). We have not identified any excess of rare variants in the additional SCZ cases we have screened.

Conclusions

This supports the notion that de novo mutations in these four genes are extremely rare in schizophrenia and further highlights the high degree of genetic heterogeneity of this disease.
Biochemical properties of a novel thermostable and highly xylose-tolerant β-xylosidase/α-arabinosidase from Thermotoga thermarum
Authors: Shi Hao , Li Xun , Gu Huaxiang , Zhang Yu , Huang Yingjuan , Wang Liangliang , Wang Fei
Published: February 2013

Background

β-Xylosidase is an important constituent of the hemicellulase system and it plays an important role in hydrolyzing xylooligosaccharides to xylose. Xylose, a useful monose, has been utilized in a wide range of applications such as food, light, chemical as well as energy industry. Therefore, the xylose-tolerant β-xylosidase with high specific activity for bioconversion of xylooligosaccharides has a great potential in the fields as above.

Results

A β-xylosidase gene (Tth xynB3) of 2,322 bp was cloned from the extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga thermarum DSM 5069 that encodes a protein containing 774 amino acid residues, and was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The phylogenetic trees of β-xylosidases were constructed using Neighbor-Joining (NJ) and Maximum-Parsimony (MP) methods. The phylogeny and amino acid analysis indicated that the Tth xynB3 β-xylosidase was a novel β-xylosidase of GH3. The optimal activity of the Tth xynB3 β-xylosidase was obtained at pH 6.0 and 95°C and was stable over a pH range of 5.0-7.5 and exhibited 2 h half-life at 85°C. The kinetic parameters K

m
and V

max
values for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside were 0.27 mM and 223.3 U/mg, 0.21 mM and 75 U/mg, respectively. The k

cat
/K

m
values for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside were 1,173.4 mM-1 s-1 and 505.9 mM-1 s-1, respectively. It displayed high tolerance to xylose, with K

i
value approximately 1000 mM. It was stimulated by xylose at higher concentration up to 500 mM, above which the enzyme activity of Tth xynB3 β-xylosidase was gradually decreased. However, it still remained approximately 50% of its original activity even if the concentration of xylose was as high as 1000 mM. It was also discovered that the Tth xynB3 β-xylosidase exhibited a high hydrolytic activity on xylooligosaccharides. When 5% substrate was incubated with 0.3 U Tth xynB3 β-xylosidase in 200 μL reaction system for 3 h, almost all the substrate was biodegraded into xylose.

Conclusions

The article provides a useful and novel β-xylosidase displaying extraordinary and desirable properties: high xylose tolerance and catalytic activity at temperatures above 75°C, thermally stable and excellent hydrolytic activity on xylooligosaccharides.
WISP3 - IGF1 interaction regulates chondrocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Rao R. Srinivasa , Patra Milan , Sen Malini
Published: February 2013

WISP3 (Wnt Induced Secreted Protein 3) is a multi-domain protein of mesenchymal origin. Mutations in several domains of WISP3 cause PPRD (Progressive Pseudo Rheumatoid Dysplasia), which is associated with cartilage loss and restricted skeletal development. Despite several studies focusing on the functional characterization of WISP3, the molecular details underlying the course of PPRD remain unresolved. We are interested in analyzing the function of WISP3 in the context of cartilage integrity. The current study demonstrates that WISP3 binds to IGF1 and inhibits IGF1 secretion. Additionally, WISP3 curbs IGF1 mediated collagen X expression, ROS accumulation and alkaline phosphatase activity, all of which are associated with the induction of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Interestingly, both IGF1 and ROS in turn trigger increase in WISP3 expression. Altogether, our experimental results are indicative of an operational WISP3-IGF1 regulatory loop whereby WISP3 preserves cartilage integrity by restricting IGF1 mediated hypertrophic changes in chondrocytes, at least partly, upon interaction with IGF1.
Mechanisms of CDC-42 activation during contact-induced cell polarization
Authors: Chan Emily , Nance Jeremy
Published: February 2013

Polarization of early embryos provides a foundation to execute essential patterning and morphogenetic events. In C. elegans, cell contacts polarize early embryos along their radial axis by excluding the cortical polarity protein PAR-6 from sites of cell contact, thereby restricting PAR-6 to contact-free cell surfaces. Radial polarization requires the cortically enriched Rho GTPase CDC-42, which in its active form recruits PAR-6 through direct binding. The Rho GTPase activating protein (RhoGAP) PAC-1, which localizes specifically to cell contacts, triggers radial polarization by inactivating CDC-42 at these sites. The mechanisms responsible for activating CDC-42 at contact-free surfaces are unknown. Here, in an over-expression screen of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which can activate Rho GTPases, we identify CGEF-1 and ECT-2 as RhoGEFs that act through CDC-42 to recruit PAR-6 to the cortex. We show that ECT-2 and CGEF-1 localize to the cell surface and that removing their activity causes a reduction in levels of cortical PAR-6. Through a structure-function analysis, we show that the tandem DH-PH domains of CGEF-1 and ECT-2 are sufficient for GEF activity, but that regions outside of these domains target each protein to the cell surface. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that the N-terminal region of ECT-2 may direct its in vivo preference for CDC-42 over another known target, the Rho GTPase RHO-1. We propose that radial polarization results from a competition between RhoGEFs, which activate CDC-42 throughout the cortex, and the RhoGAP PAC-1, which inactivates CDC-42 at cell contacts.
Fault-tolerance in VLSI systems design using data compression under constraints of failure probabilities-overview and current status
Authors: Das Sunil , Biswas Satyendra , Petriu Emil , Groza Voicu , Assaf Mansour , Nayak Amiya
Published: February 2013

The design of space-efficient support hardware for built-in self-testing (BIST) is of immense significance in the synthesis of present day very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits and systems, particularly in the context of design paradigm shift from system-on-board to system-on-chip (SOC). This paper presents an overview of the general problem of designing zero-aliasing or aliasing-free space compression hardware in relation to embedded cores-based SOC for single stuck-line faults in particular, extending the well-known concepts of conventional switching theory, and of incompatibility relation to generate maximal compatibility classes (MCCs) utilizing graph theory concepts, based on optimal generalized sequence mergeability, as developed by the authors in earlier works. The paper briefly presents the mathematical basis of selection criteria for merger of an optimal number of outputs of the module under test (MUT) for realizing maximum compaction ratio in the design, along with extensive simulation results on International Symposium on Circuits and Systems or ISCAS 85 combinational and ISCAS 89 full-scan sequential benchmark circuits, with simulation programs ATALANTA, FSIM, and COMPACTEST.
Global microRNA elevation by inducible Exportin 5 regulates cell cycle entry
Authors: Iwasaki Yuka W. , Kiga Kotaro , Kayo Hiroyuki , Fukuda-Yuzawa Yoko , Weise Jasmin , Inada Toshifumi , Tomita Masaru , Ishihama Yasushi , Fukao Taro
Published: February 2013

Proper regulation of gene expression during cell cycle entry ensures the successful completion of proliferation, avoiding risks such as carcinogenesis. The microRNA (miRNA) network is an emerging molecular system regulating multiple genetic pathways. We demonstrate here that the global elevation of miRNAs is critical for proper control of gene expression program during cell cycle entry. Strikingly, Exportin 5 (XPO5) is promptly induced during cell cycle entry by a PI3K-dependent post-transcriptional mechanism. Inhibition of XPO5 induction interfered with global miRNA elevation and resulted in a proliferation defect associated with delayed G1/S transition. During cell cycle entry, XPO5 therefore plays a paramount role as a critical molecular hub controlling the gene expression program through global regulation of miRNAs. Our data suggest that XPO5-mediated global miRNA elevation might be involved in a broad range of cellular events associated with cell cycle control.
Chemistry of antimony-based drugs in biological systems and studies of their mechanism of action
Authors: Frézard Frédéric , Demicheli Cynthia , Kato Kelly C. , Reis Priscila G. , Lizarazo-Jaimes Edgar H.
Published: February 2013

Antimonial drugs have been used for a century in the therapy of the parasitic disease leishmaniasis. Even though pentavalent antimonials are still first-line drugs, they exhibit several limitations, including severe side effects, the need for daily parenteral administration and drug resistance. The molecular structure of pentavalent antimonials, their metabolism and mechanism of action, are still being investigated. Previous studies suggest that pentavalent antimony acts as a prodrug which is converted to the active and more toxic trivalent antimony. Other works support the direct involvement of pentavalent antimony. Recent data indicate that thiols and ribose-containing biomolecules may mediate the pharmacological action of these drugs. Trypanothione reductase and zinc-finger proteins were identified as possible molecular targets. This review summarizes the progress achieved to date on the chemistry of antimonial drugs in biological systems.
Acute and Long-Term Suppression of Feeding Behavior by POMC Neurons in the Brainstem and Hypothalamus, Respectively
Authors: Zhan Cheng , Zhou Jingfeng , Feng Qiru , Zhang Ju-en , Lin Shuailiang , Bao Junhong , Wu Ping , Luo Minmin
Published: February 2013

POMC-derived melanocortins inhibit food intake. In the adult rodent brain, POMC-expressing neurons are located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), but it remains unclear how POMC neurons in these two brain nuclei regulate feeding behavior and metabolism differentially. Using pharmacogenetic methods to activate or deplete neuron groups in separate brain areas, in the present study, we show that POMC neurons in the ARC and NTS suppress feeding behavior at different time scales. Neurons were activated using the DREADD (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) method. The evolved human M3-muscarinic receptor was expressed in a selective population of POMC neurons by stereotaxic infusion of Cre-recombinase–dependent, adeno-associated virus vectors into the ARC or NTS of POMC-Cre mice. After injection of the human M3-muscarinic receptor ligand clozapine-N-oxide (1 mg/kg, i.p.), acute activation of NTS POMC neurons produced an immediate inhibition of feeding behavior. In contrast, chronic stimulation was required for ARC POMC neurons to suppress food intake. Using adeno-associated virus delivery of the diphtheria toxin receptor gene, we found that diphtheria toxin–induced ablation of POMC neurons in the ARC but not the NTS, increased food intake, reduced energy expenditure, and ultimately resulted in obesity and metabolic and endocrine disorders. Our results reveal different behavioral functions of POMC neurons in the ARC and NTS, suggesting that POMC neurons regulate feeding and energy homeostasis by integrating long-term adiposity signals from the hypothalamus and short-term satiety signals from the brainstem.
Multiscale Modeling of CdTe Thin Film Deposition Process
Authors: Gavrikov Alexey , Knizhnik Andrey , Krasikov Dmitry , Potapkin Boris , Selezneva Svetlana , Sommerer Timothy
Published: February 2013

Deposition of semiconductor films is a key process for production of thin-film solar cells, such as CdTe or CIGS cells. In order to optimize photovoltaic properties of the film a comprehensive model of the deposition process should be build, which can relate deposition conditions and film properties. We have developed a multiscale model of deposition of CdTe film in close space sublimation (CSS) process. The model is based on kinetic Monte Carlo method on the rigid lattice, in which each site can be occupied by either Cd or Te atom. The model tabulates the energy of the site as a function of its local environment. These energies were obtained from first-principles calculates and then approximated with analytical formulas. Based on determined energies of each site we performed exchange (diffusion) processes using Metropolis algorithm. In addition the model included adsorption and desorption processes of Cd and Te2 species. The results of the model show that a steady-state structure of the surface layer is formed during film growth. The model can reproduce transition from film deposition to film etching depending on external conditions. Moreover, the model can predict deposition rates for non-stoichiometric gas compositions.
Theory and Simulation of Dopant Diffusion in SiGe
Authors: Liu Chun-Li , Orlowski Marius , Thean Aaron , Barr Alex , White Ted , Nguyen Bich-Yen , Rueda Hernan , Liu Xiang-Yang
Published: February 2013

Strained Si-based technology has imposed a new challenge for understanding dopant implantation and diffusion in SiGe that is often used as the buffer layer for a strained Si cap layer. In this work, we describe our latest modeling effort investigating the difference in dopant implantation and diffusion between Si and SiGe. A lattice expansion theory was developed to account for the volume change due to Ge in Si and its effect on defect formation enthalpy. The theory predicts that As diffusion in SiGe is enhanced by a factor of ∼10, P diffusion by a factor of ∼2, and B diffusion is retarded by a factor of ∼6, when compared to bulk Si. These predictions are consistent with experiment. Dopant profiles for As, P, and B were simulated using process simulators FLOOPS and DIOS. The simulated profiles are in good agreement with experiment.
Um modelo de otimização para alíquotas do IPTU socialmente mais justas
Authors: Sá José Delfino , Cavalcante Carlos Arthur Mattos Teixeira , Kalid Ricardo de Araújo , Malveira Ulisses de Araújo
Published: February 2013

Este artigo apresenta um modelo de otimização matemática não linear que determina novas alíquotas para o Imposto sobre a Propriedade Predial e Territorial Urbana (IPTU) incidente sobre os apartamentos residenciais no município do Salvador (BA). São considerados a progressividade das alíquotas, os valores venais dos imóveis, as rendas médias dos contribuintes e as usuais metodologias de cálculo do valor do imposto. Os resultados obtidos na aplicação desse modelo demonstram ser possível tratar de forma objetiva e socialmente mais justa a definição das alíquotas de IPTU para todos os tipos de imóveis de um município.
O contexto religioso-político da contraposição entre pirronismo e academia na "Apologia de Raymond Sebond"
Authors: Maia Neto José R.
Published: February 2013

Montaigne faz um ataque pirrônico ao conceito acadêmico de verossimilhança ou probabilidade na Apologia de Raymond Sebond. O ataque é paradoxal porque Montaigne parece seguir o verossímil na própria Apologia e em diversos outros ensaios. Para resolver este problema exegético proponho uma dupla restrição do escopo do ataque à verossimilhança. Por um lado, mostro que o ataque visa mais a leitura epistêmica da verossimilhança proposta por Filo de Larissa do que ao conceito original de ordem exclusivamente prática de Carnéades. Por outro, situo-o em um contexto político-religioso bem específico. O ataque pirrônico à verossimilhança é a estratégia oferecida por Montaigne à rainha católica de Navarra e irmã do rei da França, Marguerite de Valois, para eventual uso nas polêmicas religiosas em sua corte majoritariamente protestante de Nérac. Esta contextualização soluciona também outros problemas exegéticos da Apologia, como o da defesa paradoxal de Sebond, a inconsistência aparente entre as respostas de Montaigne às duas objeções feitas ao livro de Sebond, e o problema do fideísmo.
O método cético da oposição e as fantasias de Montaigne
Authors: Smith Plínio Junqueira
Published: February 2013

A partir da ideia de que filosofar é duvidar, o artigo examina a relação do ceticismo de Montaigne com o ceticismo antigo. De um lado, mostram-se os elementos do ceticismo antigo de que Montaigne se apropria, como a divisão da filosofia em três seitas e o método cético da oposição. De outro lado, identificam-se as inovações introduzidas por Montaigne nesses mesmos elementos céticos. Finalmente, procura-se mostrar que Montaigne, com o projeto de pintar-se a si mesmo, desenvolveria uma maneira própria de duvidar.
A difícil arte de "deslizar sobre o mundo" ou Montaigne, um político discreto ("De poupar a própria vontade" - III, 10)
Authors: Scoralick Andre
Published: February 2013

De 1581 a 1585, Montaigne foi prefeito de Bordeaux. Foi acusado por detratores de não se ter aplicado o bastante e de não ter feito nada de marcante durante seus dois mandatos. Ao responder às acusações no ensaio "De poupar a própria vontade" (III, 10), o autor encontra a ocasião para uma crítica das paixões em geral e, em particular, das que pertencem ao contexto político. Isto porque ele visava, com sua aparente falta de aplicação aos deveres de prefeito, evitar a paixão que tantas vezes se oculta por trás do engajamento - a ambição, desejo de honras, glória, renome. Sobretudo, esperava evitar um duplo perigo, ao mesmo tempo ético e político: comprometer a própria liberdade numa busca servil da glória e subordinar o bem coletivo ao interesse pessoal. No presente estudo, procuraremos reconstituir a trama argumentativa do ensaio em questão, acompanhando de perto os argumentos que sustentam a crítica montaigniana das paixões, bem como a terapia muito particular a que o ensaísta as submete, a qual lhe permite fazer do episódio da Mairie de Bordeaux um modelo de conciliação entre o cuidado de si e o cumprimento dos deveres políticos.
Método e estilo, subjetividade e conhecimento nos ensaios de Montaigne
Authors: Azar Filho Celso Martins
Published: February 2013

A característica mais notável da filosofia renascentista foi também o que tornou sua assimilação pela história da filosofia tão difícil: a interação entre forma e conteúdo, entre ideia e sua expressão. Tal resulta da tentativa de realizar outra inter-relação que lhe é ainda mais essencial: aquela entre teoria e prática, pensamento e ação. Nos Ensaios de Montaigne, o método constitui antes de tudo um estilo de vida: a linguagem é aí o meio pelo qual a implicação entre mundos externos e internos, o eu e a realidade - assim entre intelecto e sensibilidade, arte e natureza, fato e valor, identidade e alteridade etc. - busca tornar-se evidente, permitindo a percepção de seu permanente remodelar recíproco.
Eficiência técnica da polícia militar em Minas Gerais
Authors: Scalco Paulo Roberto , Amorim Airton Lopes , Gomes Adriano Provezano
Published: February 2013

Calcular um índice de eficiência no combate à criminalidade, que permitisse a comparação entre as unidades da Polícia Militar no Estado de Minas Gerais, foi o objetivo deste trabalho. Os índices de eficiência foram calculados por meio da técnica Data Envelopment Analysis e os resultados apontaram para uma grande discrepância entre os municípios analisados de tal forma que uma sugestão de política de segurança pública seria buscar a elevação dos índices de eficiência nos municípios com desempenho pouco satisfatório, utilizando aqueles mais eficientes como referência. Além disso, um modelo Tobit também foi estimado para testar a relevância que o ambiente socioeconômico exercia na obtenção dos índices de eficiência. Os resultados mostraram que o conjunto de variáveis utilizadas explicou apenas 10% da variabilidade dos índices calculados.
Vivências de familiares no processo de nascimento e internação de seus filhos em UTI neonatal
Authors: Oliveira Kézia de , Veronez Marly , Higarashi Ieda Harumi , Corrêa Darci Aparecida Martins
Published: February 2013

A expectativa que envolve o nascimento de um filho está atrelada à ideia de levar um bebê saudável para casa. Contudo, tal desejo, acalentado ao longo de toda gestação, nem sempre se concretiza. Este estudo, de caráter qualitativo-descritivo, teve por objetivo conhecer a vivência de pais que tiveram seu bebê internado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) desde o nascimento. Participaram do estudo seis mães que tiveram seus filhos internados em um hospital de ensino e foram entrevistadas com o uso de um roteiro semiestruturado. Os dados foram analisados segundo o referencial de Bardin, originando a seguinte temática central: vivência dos pais no processo de hospitalização do filho em UTIN e três subtemáticas: vivenciando sentimentos de separação e abandono; experienciando o medo da perda; identificando dificuldades e encontrando fontes de apoio. O estudo evidenciou a importância de envolver a família no processo assistencial como fator precursor da qualidade da atenção humanizada.
O cultivo do algodão herbáceo no sistema de sequeiro no Nordeste do Brasil, no cenário de mudanças climática
Authors: Silva Madson T. , Silva Vicente de P. R. da , Azevedo Pedro V. de
Published: February 2013

O principal objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o impacto das mudanças climáticas no algodoeiro herbáceo (Gossypium hirsutum L. latifolium Hutch) cultivado no Nordeste do Brasil a partir de estimativas da disponibilidade de terras aptas para a atividade agrícola de sequeiro. Essas informações, baseadas em cenários de aumento de temperatura e variabilidade da precipitação pluvial do Painel Intergovernamental de Mudanças Climáticas (IPCC), alimentam um modelo inter-regional de balanço hídrico. Os dados utilizados no estudo foram séries climatológicas diárias de precipitação pluvial, maior que 30 anos, coeficientes da cultura, evapotranspiração potencial e a duração do ciclo. Os cenários denominados A, B e C correspondem, respectivamente, aos aumentos de temperatura média do ar em 1,5; 3,0 e 5,0 ºC associados com as oscilações percentuais de precipitação de ±10; ±25 e ±40%. O Índice de Satisfação das Necessidades de Água para a cultura (ISNA), definido como a relação entre a evapotranspiração real e a evapotranspiração máxima (ETr/ETm) foi utilizado como critério na definição das áreas favoráveis ao cultivo do algodoeiro. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os cenários de mudanças climáticas podem provocar reduções de áreas favoráveis ao algodoeiro herbáceo em toda a região Nordeste do Brasil.
Criptógamos do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, Brasil: Pteridophyta: 7. Dryopteridaceae e 11. Lomariopsidaceae
Authors: Hirai Regina Yoshie , Prado Jefferson
Published: February 2013

Neste trabalho são apresentados os dados referentes ao levantamento florístico das famílias Dryopteridaceae e Lomariopsidaceae no Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI). No total foram encontrados na área cinco gêneros e nove espécies, sendo que Dryopteridaceae está representada por dois gêneros (Polybotrya e Rumohra) e quatro espécies: Polybotrya cylindrica Kaulf., P. semipinnata Fée, P. speciosa Schott e Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst.) Ching, enquanto Lomariopsidaceae está representada por três gêneros (Elaphoglossum, Mickelia e Lomariopsis) e cinco espécies: Elaphoglossum ornatum (Mett. ex Kuhn) Christ, E. nigrescens (Hook.) T. Moore ex Diels, E. macrophyllum (Mett. ex Kuhn) Christ, Mickelia scandens (Raddi) R.C. Moran et al. e Lomariopsis marginata (Schrad.) Kuhn. São apresentadas chaves para identificação dos gêneros e espécies, bem como descrições, distribuição geográfica, comentários e ilustrações para alguns dos táxons estudados.
Mechanical performance of corroded steel bars in concrete
Authors: Xia Jin , Jin Wei-liang , Zhao Yu-xi , Li Long-yuan
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the corrosion of reinforcing steel bars corroded in two different environments. Reinforcing steel bars of different diameters in four different grades were corroded using two accelerated corrosion methods; one was to simulate the corrosion induced by carbonation and the other was to simulate chloride aggression. The corrosion patterns and rust characteristics of the corroded steel bars were examined and compared with those observed in real reinforced concrete structures. Tensile tests were also carried out on the corroded reinforcing steel bars. The mechanical performance characteristics (yield strength, ultimate strength, yield ratio, elongation, etc.) were examined. Based on the experimental results, a time-dependent assessment method for the mechanical behaviour of corroded reinforcing steel bars in multi-environments is proposed.
Fetal Pancreas Transplants Are Dependent on Prolactin for Their Development and Prevent Type 1 Diabetes in Syngeneic but Not Allogeneic Mice
Authors: Fourcade Gwladys , Colombo Bruno M. , Grégoire Sylvie , Baeyens Audrey , Rachdi Latif , Guez Fanny , Goffin Vincent , Scharfmann Raphael , Salomon Benoît L.
Published: February 2013

Transplantation of adult pancreatic islets has been proposed to cure type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is rarely considered in the clinic because of its transient effect on disease, the paucity of donors, and the requirement for strong immunosuppressive treatment to prevent allogeneic graft rejection. Transplantation of fetal pancreases (FPs) may constitute an attractive alternative because of potential abundant donor sources, possible long-term effects due to the presence of stem cells maintaining tissue integrity, and their supposed low immunogenicity. In this work, we studied the capacity of early FPs from mouse embryos to develop into functional pancreatic islets producing insulin after transplantation in syngeneic and allogeneic recipients. We found that as few as two FPs were sufficient to control T1D in syngeneic mice. Surprisingly, their development into insulin-producing cells was significantly delayed in male compared with female recipients, which may be explained by lower levels of prolactin in males. Finally, allogeneic FPs were rapidly rejected, even in the context of minor histocompatibility disparities, with massive graft infiltration with T and myeloid cells. This work suggests that FP transplantation as a therapeutic option of T1D needs to be further assessed and would require immunosuppressive treatment.
Enhanced Lymph Vessel Density, Remodeling, and Inflammation Are Reflected by Gene Expression Signatures in Dermal Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Haemmerle Monika , Keller Thomas , Egger Gerda , Schachner Helga , Steiner Carl Walter , Stokic Dejan , Neumayer Christoph , Brown Markus K. , Kerjaschki Dontscho , Hantusch Brigitte
Published: February 2013

Type 2 diabetes is associated with microvascular damage that causes frequent infections in the skin and chronic ulcers as a result of impaired wound healing. To trace the pathological changes, we performed a comprehensive analysis of lymphatic vessels in the skin of type 2 diabetic versus nondiabetic patients. The dermis revealed enhanced lymphatic vessel density, and transcriptional profiling of ex vivo isolated lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) identified 160 genes differentially expressed between type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic LECs. Bioinformatic analysis of deregulated genes uncovered sets functionally related to inflammation, lymphatic vessel remodeling, lymphangiogenesis, and lipid and small molecule transport. Furthermore, we traced CD68+ macrophage accumulation and concomitant upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in type 2 diabetic skin. TNF-α treatment of LECs and its specific blockade in vitro reproduced differential regulation of a gene set that led to enhanced LEC mobility and macrophage attachment, which was mediated by the LEC-derived chemokine CXCL10. This study identifies lymph vessel gene signatures directly correlated with type 2 diabetes skin manifestations. In addition, we provide evidence for paracrine cross-talk fostering macrophage recruitment to LECs as one pathophysiological process that might contribute to aberrant lymphangiogenesis and persistent inflammation in the skin.
Effects of psychological stress on skin and hair pigmentation in Polish adolescents
Authors: Sitek Aneta , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Rosset Iwona
Published: February 2013

The effects of psychological stress, gender and age on hair and skin pigmentation levels were evaluated in the reported study. The material included Polish high-school and university students aged 18–22 (in the age range 17.50–22.49). All subjects who had sunbathed or used tanning beds or lamps, skin tanning agents, tanning extenders and/or medical agents affecting skin pigmentation during the 60 days preceding the beginning of the study were excluded. The use of hormonal contraceptives within a month prior to the study was also an excluding factor. Stress levels were evaluated by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS–10) in the Polish adaptation, while hair and skin pigmentation levels were assessed with a dermaspectrometer (Cortex Technology®, Denmark, 2007). The study was carried out with the exclusion of the summer period. Skin pigmentation was evaluated in 395 subjects (264 women and 131 men). Hair pigmentation was analyzed in a smaller group of 351 subjects (223 women and 128 men), as some had had their hair dyed within 12 months prior to the study while in some others the hair was too short to be correctly measured.

Regardless of their age, the studied women felt much more stress related to their life situation and were characterized by stronger skin pigmentation than the examined men. No sex differences were identified with regard to hair pigmentation. In the studied period of ontogenesis (18–22 years of age), hair pigmentation levels increased with age, while skin melanization remained stable. Disregarding the effects of age and sex, the level of perceived stress was negatively correlated with skin pigmentation levels; no such relationship was found for hair melanization.
Miocene burrows of the Ghost Crab Ocypode and their environmental significance (Mykolaiv Sands, Fore-Carpathian Basin, Ukraine)
Authors: Radwański Andrzej , Wysocka Anna , Górka Marcin
Published: February 2013

Radwański, A., Wysocka, A. and Górka, M. 2012. Miocene burrows of the Ghost CrabOcypodeand their environmental significance (Mykolaiv Sands, Fore-Carpathian Basin, Ukraine).Acta Geologica Polonica,62(2), 217-229. Warszawa. The huge lithosome of the Middle Miocene (Early Badenian) Mykolaiv Sands, developed at the external margin of the Fore-Carpathian Basin in western Ukraine, is recognized to represent a shallowing-up sequence. Special attention is paid to burrows of the Ghost CrabOcypodewhich are pantropical in present-day littoral habitats. In the Stratyn section, burrows of this type become a crucial tool in the interpretation of basin bathymetry, which starts from distal offshore depths, through the foreshore, to the backshore where theOcypodeburrows record a temporary break in sedimentation. Lithification of the sand layers and theOcypodeburrows subsequently progressed in beachrock mode. The Stratyn section demonstrates that the development of submerged shoals and/or emergent parts, throughout the huge mass of the Mykolaiv Sands, is probably responsible for their great variation in thickness in western Ukraine, which has long proved difficult to explain.
Clay minerals as palaeoenvironmental indicators in the Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) ore-bearing clays from Gnaszyn, Kraków-Silesia Homocline
Authors: Dudek Teresa
Published: February 2013

Dudek, T. 2012. Clay minerals as palaeoenvironmental indicators in the Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) ore-bearing clays from Gnaszyn, Kraków-Silesia Homocline. Acta Geologica Polonica, 62 (3), 297-305. Warszawa.

This paper reports the results of X-ray diffraction quantitative mineralogical studies of the clay-rich Middle Jurassic sedimentary rocks from Gnaszyn, central Poland and their palaeoenvironmental interpretation. The palaeoenvironmental interpretation is aided by the fact that the sediments have not been significantly altered by diagenesis. The mineral composition is uniform throughout the succession: quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, calcite, gypsum, anhydrite, pyrite, illite, kaolinite, chlorite, and glauconite. The clay assemblage is dominated by illite, which alone accounts for about 20 wt% of the total mineral content. Kaolinite amounts usually <10 wt% and chlorite and glauconite occur in subordinate quantities. The clay mineral assemblage is largely of detrital origin and indicates rather cool and/or dry climatic conditions favouring mechanical erosion of the source rocks.
Testing the congruence of the microfossil versus microfossil record in the Turonian–Coniacian boundary succession of the Wagon Mound–Springer composite section (NE New Mexico, USA)
Authors: Walaszczyk Ireneusz , Lees Jackie A. , Peryt Danuta , Cobban William A. , Wood Christopher J.
Published: February 2013

Walaszczyk, I., Lees, J.A., Peryt, D., Cobban, W.A. and Wood, C.J. 2012. Testing the congruence of the microfossil versus microfossil record in the Turonian-Coniacian boundary succession of the Wagon Mound-Springer composite section (NE New Mexico, USA). Acta Geologica Polonica, 62 (4), 581-594. Warszawa.

The Turonian-Coniacian boundary succession from the Wagon Mound-Springer composite section in the US Western Interior shows a virtually identical macrofaunal record to that revealed in the proposed candidate Coniacian GSSP in the Salzgitter-Salder-Słupia Nadbrzeżna composite section in central Europe, with easy identification in both regions of the base of the Coniacian Stage, as defined by the first appearance of the inoceramid bivalve species, Cremnoceramus deformis erectus (Meek). The macrofaunal boundary definition is additionally confirmed by the foraminiferal and nannofossil data, demonstrating the high potential of the inoceramid marker for the base of the Coniacian. The former claims about distinct diachroneity between macrofossil and microfossil dates in the trans-Atlantic correlations, resulted from methodological deficiencies, and have no factual basis.
Influence of Inflammation to Lymphangiogenesis in Human Dental Pulp
Authors: Dačić Simonović Dragica , Veličković Janković Ljubinka , Veličković Stefan , Ristić Petrović Ana , Veličković Stefan , Petrović Aleksandra , Rakonjac Martina
Published: February 2013

During inflammation, lymphangiogenesis takes place to enhance the transport of filtered fluid, proteins, and immune cells. Dental pulp tissue is frequently exposed to inflammatory insults, but the lymphatic system of the pulp and its responses to injury have not been investigated in detail using specific lymphatic markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the lymphatic system in health dental pulp and pulp with inflammation, and to establish whether lymphangiogenesis takes place during dental pulp inflammation.

Ten pulps with irreversibile pulpitis and eleven samples of healthy dental pulps were included in this study. All pulp samples were analyzed microscopically using the standard hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to detect the presence of inflammation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using monoclonal anti-CD31 antibody (DAKO) at dilution 1:20. Microvessels identified by CD31, in which lumen the red blood cells were not detected, were considered as lymph vessels. Active areas of lymphangiogenesis (“hot spots”) were selected using low magnification. Images from five high power fields in the hot spot areas were recorded for each sample. Lymph vessels were counted using ImageJ program. The total number of lymph vessels so obtained was then divided by the number of the counted hot spots, and the result was used to denote the lymph vessel density.

The mean number of lymphatic vessels, detected by CD31, in the group without inflammation was significantly lower than in the group with inflammation (3.75 versus 13.58, t=7.093, p<0.001).

The present study established an increased number of lymphatic vessels in the inflamed human dental pulp suggesting that inflammation contributes to lymphangiogenesis.
Exploring some uses for instrumental-variable calibration weighting
Authors: Kott Phillip
Published: February 2013

The WTADJX procedure incorporated into the 2012 release of SUDAAN 11® does instrumental-variable calibration weighting using a flexible nonlinear weight-adjustment function. We review the theory behind this procedure and discuss two potential uses. The first tends to reduce mean squared errors in the absence of unit nonresponse or coverage errors. The second adjusts for unit nonresponse when the variables governing the response mechanism differ from the variables used to calibrate the weights. This occurs either because the survey variables of interest cannot be roughly modeled as a linear function of the response-model variables or because the values of the response-model variables are known only for the respondents.
Les Érinyes de quatre mères. Clinique subjective et casuelle d'infanticides maternels
Authors: Génuit Philippe
Published: February 2013

Résumé Dans cet article, l’infanticide est illustré par quatre cas cliniques sous la forme de récit. Le récit concerne des séances de psychothérapies de femmes incarcérées pour avoir donné la mort à leur nouveau-né. Ce récit tient compte de l’histoire de l’acte criminel inscrit dans l’histoire personnelle de la mère dans une situation transférentielle, où affleure le thérapeute. L’analyse contingente du récit rend compte de la trame sociohistorique de la place du féminin générique et criminel ; trame sans laquelle seraient oblitérés le sens et l’arbitraire de l’acte infanticide. Si l’on peut postuler une « psychotisation » ponctuelle de l’agi maternel infanticide, les quatre illustrations cliniques montrent une hétérogénéité psychopathologique, où la névrose concurrence la psychose. Comme chez les Érinyes, la haine, la vengeance et le retournement (perversio) implacables attaquent le lien filial, mais paradoxalement protègent la mère criminelle d’un effondrement psychique.
Le meurtre d'enfant, du câlin à sa réalisation extrême : un acte extra-ordinaire
Authors: Morhain Yves
Published: February 2013

Résumé La question de l’infanticide ou du filicide est à intégrer d’une manière plus générale au mythe de l’enfant, préoccupation majeure de toute actualité de manière tout autant positive que négative, lieu aussi bien de fascination et d’amour que de destructivité. À partir d’un filicide, l’auteur traite de la singularité du mode de déclenchement de cet acte extra-ordinaire, afin de montrer l’aspect processuel du passage à l’acte, sous-tendu par la question du traumatisme dans son aspect destructeur. Dénouement d’un itinéraire complexe, cet étrange meurtre réfère à la froideur terrifiante, à l’inexplicable, figé dans la monstruosité. Acte solitaire, acte d’amour, acte de haine, le libéricide ou filicide vient-il « résoudre » une situation insoutenable ? « Solution » agie du fantasme à une situation insoutenable, l’acte criminel déporte la vie imaginaire du sujet sur la scène du réel. Dans un moment de bascule qui court-circuite la dimension temporelle et le travail psychique, l’enfant tant investi devient un objet à détruire.