bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Somatostatin Is Critical in Regulating the Acute Effects of l-Arginine on Growth Hormone and Insulin Release in Mice
Authors: Córdoba-Chacón Jose , Gahete Manuel D. , Pozo-Salas Ana I. , Castaño Justo P. , Kineman Rhonda D. , Luque Raul M.
Published: May 2013

l-arginine (l-Arg) rapidly stimulates GH and insulin release in vivo. It has been hypothesized that l-Arg stimulates GH release by lowering hypothalamic somatostatin (SST) tone. l-Arg may also act directly at the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Moreover, l-Arg has a direct stimulatory effect on β-cells, which is thought to be blunted by the release of SST from pancreatic δ-cells. To confirm the role of endogenous SST on l-Arg-induced GH and insulin release, wild-type (WT) and SST-knockout (SST-KO) mice were injected with l-Arg (ip; 0.8 g/kg), and pre-/post-injection GH, insulin, and glucose levels were measured. In WT mice, l-Arg evoked a 6-fold increase in circulating GH. However, there was only a modest increase in GH levels in WT pituitary cell cultures treated with l-Arg. In contrast, l-Arg failed to increase GH in SST-KO beyond their already elevated levels. These results further support the hypothesis that the primary mechanism by which l-Arg acutely increases GH in vivo is by lowering hypothalamic SST input to the pituitary and not via direct pituitary effects. Additionally, l-Arg induced a clear first-phase insulin secretion in WT mice, but not in SST-KO. However, SST-KO, but not WT mice, displayed a robust and sustained second-phase insulin release. These results further support a role for endogenous SST in regulating l-Arg-mediated insulin release.
Sex, drugs and sexually transmitted infections in British university students
Authors: Vivancos R , Abubakar I , Hunter P R
Published: May 2013

Summary:

Understanding predisposing factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young adults may identify targets for public health interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of university students’ sexual attitudes, behaviours and lifestyles and self-reported rates of STI. A total of 827 students responded, 22.4% had two or more sexual partners in the previous year with inconsistent condom use and the lifetime prevalence of STIs was 9.6%. Factors associated with a diagnosis of STI were increasing age and number of sexual partners ever, female gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31, 5.56) and use of crack (AOR 10.45, 95% CI 1.46, 75.16). For female students, these were increasing age and number of partners ever, whereas for male students having sex with other men (bisexual AOR 4.8, 95% CI 1.02, 22.595, homosexual AOR 17.66, 95% CI 3.03, 103.04) and use of crack (AOR 32.24, 95% CI 3.33, 312.08). Multiple partners and recreational drug use may predict incidence of STI. Prevention strategies need to aim at reducing risk behaviour across various activities.
Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from peripheral health centres and STD clinic attendees of a tertiary care centre in India
Authors: Bala M , Ray K , Gupta S M
Published: May 2013

Summary:

The aim of the study was to compare the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from urban and rural peripheral health centres and from sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic attendees. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 191 N. gonorrhoeae isolates (165 isolates from STD clinic attendees and 26 from peripheral health centres) was carried out in Delhi, India, using the calibrated dichotomous sensitivity technique for penicillin, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin and nalidixic acid, and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using E-test. Penicillin-resistant, ciprofloxacin-resistant, penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae and tetracycline-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains were higher in STD clinic attendees than in peripheral health centres, probably because of less antibiotic pressure in the peripheral areas. High-level resistance to ciprofloxacin and multiresistant strains were also higher in STD clinic attendees. The present study emphasizes the importance of surveillance of antimicrobial resistance of N. gonorrhoeae in different population subgroups in order to monitor the spread of multiresistant strains and to update the national treatment recommendations.
Audit of the management of antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV patients in Greater Manchester, UK
Authors: Ratcliffe Libuše , Mcquillan Orla , Higgins Stephen P , Wilkins Edmund G L , Vilar F J
Published: May 2013

Summary:

We evaluated the management of antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve HIV-positive patients in Greater Manchester against the 2005 British HIV association (BHIVA) guidelines. Fifty-seven HIV patients (median age 36 years, 61% males, 53% black Africans) commenced their first ART regimen between 1 October and 31 December 2005. Most of them presented with advanced HIV disease (74% had CD4 lymphocytes <200 and 33% were Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stage C) and 51% commenced ART within three months of their HIV diagnosis. Ninety-six percent had baseline laboratory investigations performed but only 53% had baseline blood pressure estimation. Only 25% had urinalysis performed. A combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and one non-NRTI was chosen in 76% of patients. Eighty-two percent of patients had a clinical review and blood tests within five weeks of starting treatment.
Characteristics of HIV-1-associated Kaposi's sarcoma among women and men in South Africa
Authors: Mosam A , Hurkchand H P , Cassol E , Page T , Cassol S , Bodasing U , Aboobaker J , Dawood H , Friedland G H , Coovadia H M
Published: May 2013

Summary:

Despite the increase of HIV-1-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), little is known about HIV-associated KS in the African setting, particularly among women. A descriptive study of the demographic, clinical, immunological and virological features of AIDS-associated KS from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was undertaken. Consecutively, recruited patients were clinically staged; CD4/CD8 cell counts, HIV-1 viral loads and clinical parameters were evaluated. Of the 152 patients (77 male and 75 female) 99% were black. Females were significantly younger (P = 0.02) and had poorer disease prognosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-5.4, P = 0.003) and were more likely to have extensive cutaneous KS when compared with males (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4-6.7, P = 0.003). One-third of patients had coexisting HIV-related disease, most commonly tuberculosis, and these were more frequent in females (56.7 vs. 43.3%). In conclusion, HIV-associated KS in South Africans has an equal female-to-male ratio. Females are younger and have more severe disease than males.
Investigation of Wake Effects on the Energy Production of Small Wind Turbines
Authors: Corscadden Kenneth W. , Lubitz William David , Thomson Allan , McCabe John
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the impact of natural and man-made obstructions on local wind conditions and the performance of small wind turbines when impacted by wake effects. The rural site used for this research contains three Skystream 3.7 turbines in close proximity to each other and several buildings. A 13 m meteorological tower with wind speed and direction sensors was installed in a nearby open area. An empirical analysis was conducted to provide a comparison of turbine performance and measured wind speed for each turbine as a function of localized disturbances caused by turbine placement. Turbine proximity to nearby buildings was observed to cause an overall reduction in power production, although cases of apparent wind speed-up induced by the buildings, and increased relative power output, were also observed. A reduction in wind turbine power output due to the wake of an adjacent turbine was observed. Overall, the turbine closest to the buildings produced about 10% less energy during the measurement period than the most distant turbine. This study confirmed the importance of careful micrositing of small wind turbines, and the complexity of the flow field near buildings and wind turbines.
Investigation of Self Yaw and its Potential Using a Hydraulic Soft Yaw System for 5 MW Wind Turbine
Authors: Stubkier Søren , Pedersen Henrik C.
Published: May 2013

The focus of the current paper is on a hydraulic soft yaw system, designed to reduce the loading of the turbine structure, by absorbing wind guest via the hydraulic system, but which also enables the system to be used as a self-aligning yaw system. The system is analyzed with basis in the NREL 5-MW turbine, modeled in FAST, in which a new robust method for implementing Coulomb friction is utilized. Based on this model and a model of the hydraulic system, the influence of friction and wind speed is investigated in relation to the possibility to use the system as a self-aligning yaw system. Similarly the behavior of the hydraulic system is analyzed and it is concluded that the hydraulic yaw system allows self-yaw under normal operating conditions for the turbine. Self-yaw control is possible in wind speeds above 12 m/s when yaw friction is kept below 1 MNm.
Adaptive Control Design for Aeroelastic Suppression of Wind Turbine Blade
Authors: Li N. , Balas M.J.
Published: May 2013

An aeroelastic model is introduced to analyze blade dynamics and design control strategy of blade vibration suppression. The model is a typical pitch and plunge system coupled with Beddoes-Leishman dynamic stall model, which describes unsteady flow over the spinning blade. The nonlinear B-L model is linearized for control design and stability analysis purpose. And the linearization is also validated by comparison of linear B-L model with nonlinear one, showing good agreement. The robustness and effectiveness of Adaptive Controller are shown by simulation tests with a wide range of aerodynamic loads, to guarantee the efficiency of wind power generation. In addition, stability of the controller is proven by the given Adaptive Stability Theorem, which is also demonstrated numerically by certain cases.
Physical properties of asphalt emulsion modified with natural rubber latex
Authors: Shafii M. , Ahmad J. , Shaffie E.
Published: May 2013

Asphalt is an important material that has been used widely in road paving industry as a binder for aggregate. There are a lot of studies that have been conducted to modify asphalt for the preparation of hot mix asphalt (HMA). From the study, it is proven that polymer modified asphalt can improve asphalt performance. However, there are very few studies that focus on modification of asphalt emulsion that were used for cold mix asphalt (CMA). In this study, natural rubber latex was selected as a modifier to modify asphalt emulsion. Post blending method was used to prepare polymer modified asphalt emulsion. The addition of natural rubber latex (NRL) into the asphalt emulsion was made in a cylindrical flask that is equipped with a propeller with three variables: the amount of polymer, mixing time and blending velocity. From the result, it can be concluded that natural rubber latex can be used to improve the rheological properties of modified asphalt emulsion residue. The maximum useful amount of polymer that could be added to the prepared asphalt emulsion is discovered by the study to be at 7 percent whereas the blending time of 20 minutes was selected as the useful blending time to blend NRL in prepared asphalt emulsion.
The Somatic Double—A Key Role in Psychodramatic Bodywork®
Authors: Aaron Susan G.
Published: May 2013

This article explores the role of somatic double as an innovation developed from Psychodramatic Bodywork®. Unlike other forms of doubling, a major component of the role of somatic double is the use of informed touch, which is based on some aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, meridians, and somatically based intuition. The somatic double is consistently used for auxiliary egos as well as protagonists.

The ability to sense information through the body is a common and pervasive experience but often exists below the level of consciousness. By making this experience conscious, many people discover they can be more effective in their lives and in the role of somatic double during a psychodrama.
Sociodrama à Deux: A New Hybrid
Authors: Overman Susan Mullins , Seeger Sandra
Published: May 2013

Sociodrama à deux (SAD) is a new variation of sociodrama which combines elements of psychodrama, sociodrama, and motivational interviewing. SAD allows clinicians to work with clients in the early stages of the change process. Safety is regulated by limiting the use of self-disclosure through the use of a fictional character. This article outlines the theory of this new hybrid technique and the procedure.
Doing Justice to the Environment
Authors: Adshead Julie
Published: May 2013

This article examines some of the characteristic features of environmental offences, in particular the ways in which these offences and their treatment in the courts deviate from general principles of criminal law. Despite the fact that environmental offences are often labelled as ‘quasi-criminal’, there has been long-standing criticism of penalties, particularly the low level of fines in magistrates' courts. The article also considers the possible reasons behind this and argues that, as well as the inexperience of lay magistrates, the perception of environmental crime, fuelled by the strict liability nature of most environmental offences, is a significant factor. The recent introduction of civil sanctions is evaluated along with recommendations for new sentencing powers and sentencing guidelines. The article concludes by considering further suggestions for more effective enforcement of environmental crime in the courts, including the introduction of specialist magistrates' courts and the use of more fault-based offences or a general defence of due diligence for environmental crimes.
The Reality of Trafficked People's Access to Technology
Authors: Elliott Jessica , McCartan Kieran
Published: May 2013

Human trafficking is a global phenomenon. The UK is predominantly, although not exclusively, a destination country for trafficked persons. There is a lack of empirical research and data available which addresses the reality of access by trafficked persons to certain means of communication (internet, mobile phone technology or a PC); therefore any attempts to use these mediums to assist or identify trafficked individuals are based on speculation rather than empiricism. This research through semi-structured interviews with professionals who work with trafficked people or in related fields (for example, immigration agencies, police, victim support, therapists) ( n = 14), identified via snowball and purposive sampling, aims to establish the level of access trafficked persons/putatively trafficked persons have to communication technology. This research identifies a general understanding of trafficked people's access to communication technology; how access to this technology either helps or hinders them escape their current situation; and, consequentially, how technology could assist in responding to trafficking.
Neuronal Mechanisms of Respiratory Pattern Generation Are Evolutionary Conserved
Authors: Cinelli Elenia , Robertson Brita , Mutolo Donatella , Grillner Sten , Pantaleo Tito , Bongianni Fulvia
Published: May 2013

A brainstem region, the paratrigeminal respiratory group (pTRG), has been suggested to play a crucial role in the respiratory rhythm generation in lampreys. However, a detailed characterization of the pTRG region is lacking. The present study performed on isolated brainstem preparations of adult lampreys provides a more precise localization of the pTRG region with regard to both connectivity and neurochemical markers. pTRG neurons projecting to the vagal motoneuronal pool were identified in a restricted area of the rostral rhombencephalon at the level of the isthmic Müller cell I1close to sulcus limitans of His. Unilateral microinjections of lidocaine, muscimol, or glutamate antagonists into the pTRG inhibited completely the bilateral respiratory activity. In contrast, microinjections of glutamate agonists enhanced the respiratory activity, suggesting that this region is critical for the respiratory pattern generation. The retrogradely labeled pTRG neurons are glutamatergic and surrounded by terminals with intense substance P immunoreactivity. Cholinergic neurons were seen close to, and intermingled with, pTRG neurons. In addition, α-bungarotoxin binding sites (indicating nicotinic receptors) were found throughout the pTRG area and particularly on the soma of these neurons. During apnea, induced by blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors within the same region, microinjections of 1 μmsubstance P or 1 mmnicotine into the pTRG restored rhythmic respiratory activity. The results emphasize the close similarities between the pTRG and the mammalian pre-Bötzinger complex as a crucial site for respiratory rhythmogenesis. We conclude that some basic features of the excitatory neurons proposed to generate respiratory rhythms are conserved throughout evolution.
The Class 4 Semaphorin Sema4D Promotes the Rapid Assembly of GABAergic Synapses in Rodent Hippocampus
Authors: Kuzirian Marissa S. , Moore Anna R. , Staudenmaier Emily K. , Friedel Roland H. , Paradis Suzanne
Published: May 2013

Proper circuit function in the mammalian nervous system depends on the precise assembly and development of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections between neurons. Through a loss-of-function genetic screen in cultured hippocampal neurons, we previously identified the class 4 Semaphorin Sema4D as being required for proper GABAergic synapse development. Here we demonstrate that Sema4D is sufficient to promote GABAergic synapse formation in rodent hippocampus and investigate the kinetics of this activity. We find that Sema4D treatment of rat hippocampal neurons increases the density of GABAergic synapses as detected by immunocytochemistry within 30 min, much more rapidly than has been previously described for a prosynaptogenic molecule, and show that this effect is dependent on the Sema4D receptor PlexinB1 usingPlxnB1−/−mice. Live imaging studies reveal that Sema4D elicits a rapid enhancement (within 10 min) in the rate of addition of synaptic proteins. Therefore, we demonstrate that Sema4D, via PlexinB1, acts to initiate synapse formation by recruiting molecules to both the presynaptic and the postsynaptic terminals; these nascent synapses subsequently become fully functional by 2 h after Sema4D treatment. In addition, acute treatment of an organotypic hippocampal slice epilepsy model with Sema4D reveals that Sema4D rapidly and dramatically alters epileptiform activity, which is consistent with a Sema4D-mediated shift in the balance of excitation and inhibition within the circuit. These data demonstrate an ability to quickly assemble GABAergic synapses in response to an appropriate signal and suggest a potential area of exploration for the development of novel antiepileptic drugs.
Blocking Glutamate-Mediated Inferior Olivary Signals Abolishes Expression of Conditioned Eyeblinks But Does Not Prevent Their Acquisition
Authors: Carrel Andrew J. , Zenitsky Gary D. , Bracha Vlastislav
Published: May 2013

The inferior olive (IO) is considered a crucial component of the eyeblink conditioning network. The cerebellar learning hypothesis proposes that the IO provides the cerebellum with a teaching signal that is required for the acquisition and maintenance of conditioned eyeblinks. Supporting this concept, previous experiments showed that lesions or inactivation of the IO blocked CR acquisition. However, these studies were not conclusive. The drawback of the methods used by those studies is that they not only blocked task-related signals, but also completely shut down the spontaneous activity within the IO, which affects the rest of the eyeblink circuits in a nonspecific manner. We hypothesized that more selective blocking of task-related IO signals could be achieved by using injections of glutamate antagonists, which reduce, but do not eliminate, the spontaneous activity in the IO. We expected that if glutamate-mediated IO signals are required for learning, then blocking these signals during training sessions should prevent conditioned response (CR) acquisition. To test this prediction, rabbits were trained to acquire conditioned eyeblinks to a mild vibrissal airpuff as the conditioned stimulus while injections of the glutamate antagonist γ-d-glutamylglycine were administered to the IO. Remarkably, even though this treatment suppressed CRs during training sessions, the postacquisition retention test revealed that CR acquisition had not been abolished. The ability to acquire CRs with IO unconditioned stimulus signals that were blocked or severely suppressed suggests that mechanisms responsible for CR acquisition are extremely resilient and probably less dependent on IO-task-related signals than previously thought.
The Aging Motor System as a Model for Plastic Changes of GABA-Mediated Intracortical Inhibition and Their Behavioral Relevance
Authors: Heise Kirstin-F. , Zimerman Maximo , Hoppe Julia , Gerloff Christian , Wegscheider Karl , Hummel Friedhelm C.
Published: May 2013

Since GABAA-mediated intracortical inhibition has been shown to underlie plastic changes throughout the lifespan from development to aging, here, the aging motor system was used as a model to analyze the interdependence of plastic alterations within the inhibitory motorcortical network and level of behavioral performance. Double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (dpTMS) was used to examine inhibition by means of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) of the contralateral primary motor cortex in a sample of 64 healthy right-handed human subjects covering a wide range of the adult lifespan (age range 20–88 years, mean 47.6 ± 20.7, 34 female). SICI was evaluated during resting state and in an event-related condition during movement preparation in a visually triggered simple reaction time task. In a subgroup (N= 23), manual motor performance was tested with tasks of graded dexterous demand.

Weak resting-state inhibition was associated with an overall lower manual motor performance. Better event-related modulation of inhibition correlated with better performance in more demanding tasks, in which fast alternating activation of cortical representations are necessary. Declining resting-state inhibition was associated with weakened event-related modulation of inhibition. Therefore, reduced resting-state inhibition might lead to a subsequent loss of modulatory capacity, possibly reflecting malfunctioning precision in GABAAergic neurotransmission; the consequence is an inevitable decline in motor function.
Protection from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss by Kv2.2 Potassium Currents in the Central Medial Olivocochlear System
Authors: Tong Huaxia , Kopp-Scheinpflug Cornelia , Pilati Nadia , Robinson Susan W. , Sinclair James L. , Steinert Joern R. , Barnes-Davies Margaret , Allfree Rebecca , Grubb Blair D. , Young Samuel M. , Forsythe Ian D.
Published: May 2013

The central auditory brainstem provides an efferent projection known as the medial olivocochlear (MOC) system, which regulates the cochlear amplifier and mediates protection on exposure to loud sound. It arises from neurons of the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB), so control of neuronal excitability in this pathway has profound effects on hearing. The VNTB and the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body are the only sites of expression for the Kv2.2 voltage-gated potassium channel in the auditory brainstem, consistent with a specialized function of these channels. In the absence of unambiguous antagonists, we used recombinant and transgenic methods to examine how Kv2.2 contributes to MOC efferent function. Viral gene transfer of dominant-negative Kv2.2 in wild-type mice suppressed outward K+currents, increasing action potential (AP) half-width and reducing repetitive firing. Similarly, VNTB neurons from Kv2.2 knock-out mice (Kv2.2KO) also showed increased AP duration. Control experiments established that Kv2.2 was not expressed in the cochlea, so any changes in auditory function in the Kv2.2KO mouse must be of central origin. Further,in vivorecordings of auditory brainstem responses revealed that these Kv2.2KO mice were more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss. We conclude that Kv2.2 regulates neuronal excitability in these brainstem nuclei by maintaining short APs and enhancing high-frequency firing. This safeguards efferent MOC firing during high-intensity sounds and is crucial in the mediation of protection after auditory overexposure.
Neonatal Hyperoxia Exposure Disrupts Axon–Oligodendrocyte Integrity in the Subcortical White Matter
Authors: Ritter Jonathan , Schmitz Thomas , Chew Li-Jin , Bührer Christoph , Möbius Wiebke , Zonouzi Marzieh , Gallo Vittorio
Published: May 2013

The pathological mechanisms underlying neurological deficits observed in individuals born prematurely are not completely understood. A common form of injury in the preterm population is periventricular white matter injury (PWMI), a pathology associated with impaired brain development. To mitigate or eliminate PWMI, there is an urgent need to understand the pathological mechanism(s) involved on a neurobiological, structural, and functional level. Recent clinical data suggest that a percentage of premature infants experience relative hyperoxia. Using a hyperoxic model of premature brain injury, we have previously demonstrated that neonatal hyperoxia exposure in the mouse disrupts development of the white matter (WM) by delaying the maturation of the oligodendroglial lineage. In the present study, we address the question of how hyperoxia-induced alterations in WM development affect overall WM integrity and axonal function. We show that neonatal hyperoxia causes ultrastructural changes, including: myelination abnormalities (i.e., reduced myelin thickness and abnormal extramyelin loops) and axonopathy (i.e., altered neurofilament phosphorylation, paranodal defects, and changes in node of Ranvier number and structure). This disruption of axon–oligodendrocyte integrity results in the lasting impairment of conduction properties in the adult WM. Understanding the pathology of premature PWMI injury will allow for the development of interventional strategies to preserve WM integrity and function.
A Dietary Regimen of Caloric Restriction or Pharmacological Activation of SIRT1 to Delay the Onset of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Gräff Johannes , Kahn Martin , Samiei Alireza , Gao Jun , Ota Kristie T. , Rei Damien , Tsai Li-Huei
Published: May 2013

Caloric restriction (CR) is a dietary regimen known to promote lifespan by slowing down the occurrence of age-dependent diseases. The greatest risk factor for neurodegeneration in the brain is age, from which follows that CR might also attenuate the progressive loss of neurons that is often associated with impaired cognitive capacities. In this study, we used a transgenic mouse model that allows for a temporally and spatially controlled onset of neurodegeneration to test the potentially beneficial effects of CR. We found that in this model, CR significantly delayed the onset of neurodegeneration and synaptic loss and dysfunction, and thereby preserved cognitive capacities. Mechanistically, CR induced the expression of the known lifespan-regulating protein SIRT1, prompting us to test whether a pharmacological activation of SIRT1 might recapitulate CR. We found that oral administration of a SIRT1-activating compound essentially replicated the beneficial effects of CR. Thus, SIRT1-activating compounds might provide a pharmacological alternative to the regimen of CR against neurodegeneration and its associated ailments.
Novel Flicker-Sensitive Visual Circuit Neurons Inhibited by Stationary Patterns
Authors: de Haan Roel , Lee Yu-Jen , Nordström Karin
Published: May 2013

Many animals use visual motion cues for navigating within their surroundings. Both flies and vertebrates compute local motion by temporal correlation of neighboring photoreceptors, via so-called elementary motion detectors (EMDs). In the fly lobula plate and the vertebrate visual cortex the output from many EMDs is pooled in neurons sensitive to wide-field optic flow. Although the EMD has been the preferred model for more than 50 years, recent work has highlighted its limitations in describing some visual behaviors, such as responses to higher-order motion stimuli. Non-EMD motion processing may therefore serve an important function in vision. Here, we describe a novel neuron class in the fly lobula plate that clearly does not derive its input from classic EMDs. The centrifugal stationary inhibited flicker excited (cSIFE) neuron is strongly excited by flicker, up to very high temporal frequencies. The non-EMD driven flicker sensitivity leads to strong, nondirectional responses to high-speed, wide-field motion. Furthermore, cSIFE is strongly inhibited by stationary patterns, within a narrow wavelength band. cSIFE's outputs overlap with the inputs of well described optic flow-sensitive lobula plate tangential cells (LPTCs). Driving cSIFE affects the active dendrites of LPTCs, and cSIFE may therefore play a large role in motion vision.
Apostrophe and the Rhetoric of Renaissance Lyric
Authors: Alpers Paul
Published: May 2013

Romantic models dominate our conception of lyric poetry. This essay questions the pertinence of these models to the Renaissance lyric by reading that poetry in the light of Jonathan Culler’s classic account of the romantic lyric in his Pursuit of Signs (1981). Culler famously argues that the definitive trope of lyric is apostrophe, in which first-person speakers address pointedly fictive personifications, such as a sick rose or the west wind, in order to emphasize subjective voicing over objective perception. As Culler helps us see, apostrophes are surprisingly important in Renaissance as well as romantic lyric. But the apostrophes of Renaissance lyric characteristically portray first-person speakers as writing in real time and space to “empirical listeners.” What makes Renaissance lyric distinctive is its persistently social mode of address. Through readings of apostrophic poetry by Waller, Donne, King, Sidney, Spenser, and Shakespeare, the essay calls for criticism of the lyric that pays closer attention to the differences among historically diverse lyric cultures.
The Index and the Interface
Authors: Paulsen Kris
Published: May 2013

In this essay I challenge the rhetoric of the “death of the index” in contemporary media and film theory. Rather than being “dead” in the digital age, I argue, the index reemerges as a particularly helpful category for understanding mediated information, “digital doubt,” and experiences through virtual interfaces.
The influence of patients’ gender and education level on the incidence of chemotherapy-induced anticipatory nausea and vomiting
Authors: Ruzsa Ágnes , Lelovics Zsuzsanna , Hegedűs Katalin
Published: May 2013

Introduction: The incidence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting is 30% among patients receiving repeat chemotherapy. Aims: The aim of the authors was to investigate the influence of gender and education level on the incidence of chemotherapy-induced anticipatory nausea and vomiting. Methods: Using a complex questionnaire 205 patients (60 men and 145 women; mean age: 63.3 years) were evaluated during an 8-months period from May 1 to December 31, 2008 in the Oncology Department of Zala County Hospital. The patients suffered from breast and colorectal cancer, treated by chemotherapy. The chemotherapy protocols contained drugs with high and moderate emetic risk. The patients were interviewed at the time of their second and third chemotherapeutical cycle. Besides clinical symptoms the questionnaires provided information about the patients’ gender and education level. Results: The incidence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting was 27.8% (men, 21.7%; women, 30.3%). The data obtained correlated well to those published in the literature. Alprazolam 0.5 mg twice a day was given to 21 female patients. Psychotherapy was not necessary. Conclusions: The anticipatory nausea and vomiting frequently occur among female patients, and they show correlation with the education level. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 820–824.
Estimativa amostral objetiva de área plantada regional, apoiada em imagens de sensoriamento remoto
Authors: Luiz Alfredo José Barreto , Formaggio Antônio Roberto , Epiphanio José Carlos Neves , Arenas‑Toledo John Mauricio , Goltz Elizabeth , Brandão Daniela
Published: May 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e avaliar um método para estimar a área plantada de soja em escala regional e calcular o erro estatístico associado à estimação. O método (Geosafras), que associa técnicas de amostragem estatística com características das imagens obtidas por sensoriamento remoto orbital, foi aplicado para obter estimativa amostral objetiva da área cultivada com soja, na safra de 2005/2006, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os municípios produtores de soja, no RS, foram distribuídos em dez estratos, com base em dados pré‑existentes de área cultivada com a cultura. O número de municípios selecionados, em cada estrato, seguiu a regra de alocação de Neyman. Em cada município selecionado, foram aleatorizados pontos correspondentes aos pixels das imagens, classificados como "soja" ou "não soja" após visita a campo. A partir dos dados de 3.000 pontos distribuídos nos 30 municípios selecionados, nos dez estratos, foi estimada a área cultivada com soja no RS, que totalizou 4.069.887 ha, com coeficiente de variação (CV) de 3,4%. Esta estimativa foi consistente com os dados oficiais. O método amostral objetivo estratificado, auxiliado por sensoriamento remoto, permite estimar a área cultivada com soja no Rio Grande do Sul e é capaz de quantificar o erro associado à estimativa realizada.
Avaliação sorológica e de fatores de risco para a infecção por Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis em rebanhos leiteiros da Microrregião de Garanhuns, Pernambuco
Authors: Sá Luenda de M. e , Oliveira Júnior M.B. de , Santos Gislaine R. , Brandespim Daniel F. , Silva Júnior José L. da , Mota Rinaldo A. , Pinheiro Júnior José W.
Published: May 2013

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho realizar um inquérito epidemiológico da infecção por Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) em bovinos leiteiros da microrregião de Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brasil. Para este estudo foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 408 animais, provenientes de 19 rebanhos localizados em 15 municípios. O exame sorológico foi realizado por Ensaio Imunoenzimático (ELISA) indireto para detecção de anticorpos frente ao MAP. Em todas as propriedades, foi aplicado um questionário investigativo para análise dos fatores de risco, e as coordenadas geográficas coletadas por um aparelho de Global Position System (GPS) para realização da distribuição espacial. A prevalência da infecção por MAP foi de 2,7% (11/408; I.C. 1,4-4,9). O número de focos foi 47,4% (9/19). Na análise de regressão logística foi identificado como fator de risco a taxa anual de nascimentos superior a 51 bezerros/ano (OR 3,8; I.C. 1,1-13,1). Desta forma, conclui-se que a infecção por MAP encontra-se presente nos rebanhos bovinos leiteiros da microrregião estudada e que medidas de controle baseadas nos fatores de risco identificados devem ser implementadas com o objetivo de reduzir o número de focos da infecção.
Efficacy of bacterin-, outer membrane protein- and fimbriae extract-based vaccines for the control of Salmonella Enteritidis experimental infection in chickens
Authors: Menão Márcia C. , Astolfi-Ferreira Claudete S. , Knöbl Terezinha , Ferreira Antonio J. Piantino
Published: May 2013

The efficacy of three vaccines was evaluated in chickens for the control of experimental infection with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) phage type 4. The vaccines were produced with bacterin, outer membrane proteins (OMP) and fimbriae crude extract (FE). The chickens were vaccinated intramuscularly with two doses of each vaccine at 12 and 15 weeks of age. The chickens were then orally challenged with 10(9) CFU/chicken Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 4 at 18 weeks of age. Fecal swabs were performed for the recovery of shedding SE, and SE was recovered from the liver and spleen. Additionally, antibody titers were measured in the serum by micro-agglutination test. The results indicated that the vaccine produced with bacterin yielded better results and resulted in reduction of fecal shedding and organ invasion by SE after oral challenge, although no vaccine was 100% effective for the control of SE experimental infection.
Sistemas produtivos de caprinocultura leiteira no semiárido paraibano: caracterização, principais limitantes e avaliação de estratégias de intervenção
Authors: Riet-Correa Beatriz , Simões Sara Vilar Dantas , Pereira Filho José Morais , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de , Melo Diego Barreto de , Batista Jouberdan Aurino , Miranda Neto Eldinê G. de , Riet-Correa Franklin
Published: May 2013

Oito propriedades de leite caprino do semiárido paraibano foram acompanhadas, multidisciplinarmente, durante dois anos, com os objetivos de identificar os principais fatores limitantes da produção, assim como propor e avaliar estratégias de intervenção. Utilizou-se um questionário para obtenção de informações sobre as propriedades e práticas de manejo. Avaliou-se o balanço forrageiro de cada propriedade e foram feitas propostas para correção. Os animais foram identificados para que se viabilizasse a escrituração zootécnica e o controle da produção individual de leite. O diagnóstico das principais enfermidades foi estabelecido. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se análise de variância, regressão linear múltipla e o teste t. O número médio de animais nos rebanhos era 53 cabeças (início do estudo), 62 (final do primeiro ano) e 49 (último ano). Nenhum rebanho tinha padrão racial definido. Na análise do balanço anual de forragem do primeiro ano, sete propriedades tiveram déficit forrageiro na seca, enquanto apenas duas apresentaram déficit durante o período chuvoso. No segundo ano, após as intervenções, seis das oito propriedades apresentaram déficit durante a seca e duas durante a chuva. Entretanto, em seis propriedades, se fossem armazenadas forragens no período da chuva, a quantidade de alimento produzida durante a chuva seria suficiente para manter os animais durante a estação seca. A média da produção de leite diária nas propriedades foi 1,19 litros por cabra. Os problemas mais graves de instalações foram identificados nos cabriteiros. No início do estudo, nenhum produtor realizava escrituração zootécnica, a qual foi gradativa e parcialmente implantada. As principais enfermidades diagnosticadas foram parasitoses gastrintestinais, linfadenite caseosa, mastite subclínica, ectima contagioso e ceratoconjuntivite. A prevalência de linfadenite, mastite e parasitoses gastrintestinais foram reduzidas, após a adoção de práticas adequadas. Problemas reprodutivos foram relatados por 75% dos proprietários. Em quatro propriedades, as taxas de mortalidade de animais jovens foram maiores do que as aceitáveis (8%). Após análise dos dados, observou-se que a assistência técnica permanente e multidisciplinar pode minimizar os fatores limitantes à caprinocultura leiteira. O estudo demonstrou que os produtores aceitam a implantação de novas tecnologias, desde que estas sejam gradativamente implantadas e adequadas aos sistemas de produção.
Osteossíntese de fêmur em gato-do-mato-pequeno (Leopardus tigrinus)
Authors: Dal-Bó Ísis S. , Ferreira Márcio P. , Brun Maurício V. , Silva Filho José R. , Nóbrega Fernanda S. , Quadros Aparício M. , Feranti João P.S. , Chagas Joana A.B.
Published: May 2013

O gato-do-mato-pequeno (Leopardus tigrinus) apresenta porte e proporção corporal semelhante ao gato doméstico e é a menor espécie de felídeo não doméstico do Brasil, sendo classificado com espécie da fauna brasileira ameaçada de extinção. Em gatos domésticos, o fêmur é o osso que mais sofre trauma e a porção distal é a mais acometida por fraturas. Uma fêmea de gato-do-mato-pequeno, com cinco meses de idade, apresentando fratura completa transversa supracondilar de fêmur direito foi tratada com sucesso por meio de osteossíntese com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados. Aos 60 dias de evolução do procedimento cirúrgico, a paciente recebeu alta do Hospital Veterinário, sendo devolvida ao seu local de origem. Segundo o conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato de osteossíntese de fêmur com o uso de fios de Kirschner em Leopardus tigrinus. Assim, o tratamento foi desenvolvido com base em dados referentes ao gato doméstico em função da similaridade anatômica entre as duas espécies. O método de osteossíntese escolhido, nesse relato, mostrou-se eficaz, promovendo retorno adequado à função do membro.
Perfil hematológico, bioquímico sérico, proteína C reativa e cortisol de ararajubas (Guaroba guarouba) mantidas em cativeiro
Authors: Carvalho Cleyton C.D. , Ramos Janaina A.C. , Rameh-de-Albuquerque Luciana C. , Silva Márcio A. , Sousa Eduardo L. , Lustosa Danilo A.P.V. , Soares Pierre C.
Published: May 2013

Objetivou-se determinar os valores hematológicos, bioquímicos séricos, proteína C reativa e cortisol de 14 ararajubas (Guaroba guarouba) clinicamente saudáveis mantidas em cativeiro no zoológico do Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos Recife/PE. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas da veia jugular com volume médio de 0,8ml, fracionando em duas porções, a primeira depositada em tubo MiniCollect®CE contendo EDTA e a outra tubo com gel separador, para a separação do soro sanguíneo. Os indicadores bioquímicos e PCR foram determinados através do analisador ARCHITECT c8000. O cortisol foi analisado no Cobas E411 da Roche. Para a determinação dos números de eritrócitos e leucócitos, foi utilizada a metodologia da contagem em câmara de Neubauer. O hematócrito foi avaliado pelo método do microhematócrito e a hemoglobina pelo método da cianometahemoglobulina. Para a contagem diferencial de leucócitos, foi utilizada a técnica de Shilling. Os índices hematimétricos (VCM, HCM E CHCM) foram determinados com os valores encontrados na série eritrocítica. Os dados foram caracterizados por dispersão de freqüências, utilizando-se as seguintes medidas de tendência central: Média, desvio-padrão, mediana e percentil de 25 e percentil 75. A determinação de alguns parâmetros como ferro, triglicerídeos, PCR e cortisol foram identificados como sendo pioneiramente referenciados nesta espécie de ave. Os dados são apresentados como sendo de referência para a ararajuba (Guaroba guarouba) criada em cativeiro em condições similares de manejo e higidez e ainda pode contribuir para os trabalhos de conservação ex situ desta espécie.
Origem, ramificação e distribuição da artéria celíaca no tucano-de-bico-verde (Ramphastos dicolorus Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Silva Neto Osório J. , Rosa Matheus C.B. , Bonifácio Thais M.M. , Pinto Adriana Brasil F. , Guimarães Camila S.O. , Guimarães Gregório C.
Published: May 2013

O tucano-de-bico-verde (Ramphastos dicolorus) é uma ave encontrada nas florestas tropicais americanas e pertence à Ordem Piciforme, Família Ramphastidae. Neste trabalho objetivou-se descrever a origem, a ramificação e a distribuição da artéria celíaca do tucano-de-bico-verde. Foram utilizados três espécimes provenientes do Criatório Científico e Cultural de Poços de Caldas, MG (IBAMA, 2.31.94-00006), doados após óbito por causas naturais. As aves tiveram a artéria isquiática direita canulada para injeção de solução de látex corado, e após fixação em solução de formol a 10% foram dissecadas. A artéria celíaca originou-se a partir da porção descendente da aorta, emitindo como primeiro ramo colateral a artéria pró-ventricular dorsal. Esta emitiu ramos esofágicos e continuou-se como artéria gástrica dorsal, de aspecto tortuoso, terminando em anastomose com a artéria gástrica direita. Após curto trajeto, a artéria celíaca formou dois ramos colaterais, o esquerdo e o direito. O ramo esquerdo logo se ramificou formando a artéria pró-ventricular ventral com seus ramos esofágicos, artéria gástrica esquerda, que originou a artéria hepática esquerda, e finalmente a artéria gastroduodenal, que emitiu as artérias gástricas ventrais e duodenais. O ramo direito da artéria celíaca emitiu as artérias lienais e hepática direita, continuando-se como artéria pancreático-duodenal. Esta formou a artéria pilórica dorsal, duas artérias gástricas direitas, vários ramos duodenais, pancreáticos e a artéria duodeno-jejunal. Assim, a artéria celíaca nos três espécimes de tucano-de-bico-verde, exibiu um arranjo que se assemelha tanto ao descrito em aves domésticas quanto ao de aves silvestres.
Computed tomography image of the mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes in clinically sound Rottweilers
Authors: Pinto Ana Carolina B. Fonseca , Aneli Elisângela , Patara Andreza C. , Lorigados Carla A.B. , Banon Gabriela Paola R. , Figueiredo Claudia
Published: May 2013

Trough computed tomography (CT), it is possible to evaluate lymph nodes in detail and to detect changes in these structures earlier than with radiographs and ultrasound. Lack of information in the veterinary literature directed the focus of this report to normal aspects of the axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes of adult dogs on CT imaging. A CT scan of 15 normal adult male and female Rottweilers was done. To define them as clinically sound, anamnesis, physical examination, complete blood count, renal and hepatic biochemistry, ECG, and thoracic radiographs were performed. After the intravenous injection of hydrosoluble ionic iodine contrast medium contiguous 10mm in thickness thoracic transverse images were obtained with an axial scanner. In the obtained images mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes were sought and when found measured in their smallest diameter and their attenuation was compared to musculature. Mean and standard deviation of: age, weight, body length and the smallest diameter of the axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes were determined. Mean and standard deviation of parameters: age 3.87±2.03 years, weight 41.13±5.12, and body length 89.61±2.63cm. Axillary lymph nodes were seen in 60% of the animals, mean of the smallest diameter was 3.58mm with a standard deviation of 2.02 and a minimum value of 1mm and a maximum value of 7mm. From 13 observed lymph nodes 61.53% were hypopodense when compared with musculature, and 30.77% were isodense. Mediastinal lymph nodes were identified in 73.33% of the dogs; mean measure of the smallest diameter was 4.71mm with a standard deviation of 2.61mm and a minimum value of 1mm, and a maximum value of 8mm. From 14 observed lymph nodes 85.71% were isodense when compared with musculature and 14.28% were hypodense. The results show that it is possible to visualize axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes in adult clinically sound Rottweilers with CT using a slice thickness and interval of 10mm. The smallest diameter of the axillary and mediastinal lymph nodes not surpassed 7mm and 8mm respectively. Their attenuations were equal or smaller than that of musculature in the post contrast scan.
A dialética da transformação de valores em preços
Authors: Gontijo Cláudio
Published: May 2013

Este artigo examina o estatuto metodológico da transformação de valores em preços. Para tanto, resgata a evolução da dialética, que se tornou método com Platão, assumiu a forma de sistema de demonstrações necessárias que partem dos princípios incondicionados alcançados através da synagoge com Aristóteles e de lógica do Espírito Absoluto com Hegel. Invertendo a dialética hegeliana, Marx concebe a dialética como a lógica da realidade objetiva reproduzida pela razão. Em particular, na dialética de O Capital, mostra como, na sequência do desdobramento da mercadoria, ponto de partida da exposição (Darstellung) do capitalismo, a transformação dos valores em preços surge necessariamente como o momento do aparecer da essência do capitalismo (o trabalho abstrato) no âmbito do fenômeno. Com os preços de produção, encerra-se a explicação racional da realidade efetiva (Wirklichtkeit), concebida como emergência da essência ao nível do fenômeno, englobando o âmbito da acidentalidade, inescapável em toda ciência empírica.