bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Regions Influencing Implicit Violent Attitudes: A Lesion-Mapping Study
Authors: Cristofori Irene , Zhong Wanting , Mandoske Valerie , Chau Aileen , Krueger Frank , Strenziok Maren , Grafman Jordan
Published: March 2016

Increased aggression is common after traumatic brain injuries and may persist after cognitive recovery. Maladaptive aggression and violence are associated with dysfunction in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, but such dysfunctional behaviors are typically measured by explicit scales and history. However, it is well known that answers on explicit scales on sensitive topics—such as aggressive thoughts and behaviors—may not reveal true tendencies. Here, we investigated the neural basis of implicit attitudes toward aggression in humans using a modified version of the Implicit Association Task (IAT) with a unique sample of 112 Vietnam War veterans who suffered penetrating brain injury and 33 healthy controls who also served in combat in Vietnam but had no history of brain injury. We hypothesized that dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) lesions, due to the crucial role of the dlPFC in response inhibition, could influence performance on the IAT. In addition, we investigated the causal contribution of specific brain areas to implicit attitudes toward violence. We found a more positive implicit attitude toward aggression among individuals with lesions to the dlPFC and inferior posterior temporal cortex (ipTC). Furthermore, executive functions were critically involved in regulating implicit attitudes toward violence and aggression. Our findings complement existing evidence on the neural basis of explicit aggression centered on the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. These findings highlight that dlPFC and ipTC play a causal role in modulating implicit attitudes about violence and are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of aggressive behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMaladaptive aggression and violence can lead to interpersonal conflict and criminal behavior. Surprisingly little is known about implicit attitudes toward violence and aggression. Here, we used a range of techniques, including voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping, to examine the causal role of brain structures underpinning implicit attitudes toward aggression in a unique sample of combat veterans with traumatic brain injury. We found that damage to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) led to a more positive implicit attitude toward violence that under most normal situations would be considered inappropriate. These results suggest that treatments aimed at increasing cognitive control using cognitive behavioral therapies dependent on the intact dlPFC could treat aggressive and violent behavior.
Activation of Alpha 7 Cholinergic Nicotinic Receptors Reduce Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dash Pramod K. , Zhao Jing , Kobori Nobuhide , Redell John B. , Hylin Michael J. , Hood Kimberly N. , Moore Anthony N.
Published: March 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major human health concern that has the greatest impact on young men and women. The breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an important pathological consequence of TBI that initiates secondary processes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, which can exacerbate brain inflammation and contribute to poor outcome. While the role of inflammation within the injured brain has been examined in some detail, the contribution of peripheral/systemic inflammation to TBI pathophysiology is largely unknown. Recent studies have implicated vagus nerve regulation of splenic cholinergic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (nAChRa7) signaling in the regulation of systemic inflammation. However, it is not known whether this mechanism plays a role in TBI-triggered inflammation and BBB breakdown. Following TBI, we observed that plasma TNF-α and IL-1β levels, as well as BBB permeability, were significantly increased in nAChRa7 null mice (Chrna7−/−) relative to wild-type mice. The administration of exogenous IL-1β and TNF-α to brain-injured animals worsened Evans Blue dye extravasation, suggesting that systemic inflammation contributes to TBI-triggered BBB permeability. Systemic administration of the nAChRa7 agonist PNU-282987 or the positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596 significantly attenuated TBI-triggered BBB compromise. Supporting a role for splenic nAChRa7 receptors, we demonstrate that splenic injection of the nicotinic receptor blocker α-bungarotoxin increased BBB permeability in brain-injured rats, while PNU-282987 injection decreased such permeability. These effects were not seen when α-bungarotoxin or PNU-282987 were administered to splenectomized, brain-injured rats. Together, these findings support the short-term use of nAChRa7-activating agents as a strategy to reduce TBI-triggered BBB permeability.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBreakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) allows for the accumulation of circulating fluids and proinflammatory cells in the injured brain. These processes can exacerbate TBI pathology and outcome. While the role of inflammation in the injured tissue has been examined in some detail, the contribution of peripheral inflammation in BBB breakdown and ensuing pathology has not been well defined. We present experimental evidence to indicate that the stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine α7 receptors (nAChRa7s) can reduce peripheral inflammation and BBB breakdown after TBI. These results suggest that activators of nAChRa7 may have therapeutic utility for the treatment of TBI.
Impaired Serotonergic Brainstem Function during and after Seizures
Authors: Zhan Qiong , Buchanan Gordon F. , Motelow Joshua E. , Andrews John , Vitkovskiy Petr , Chen William C. , Serout Florian , Gummadavelli Abhijeet , Kundishora Adam , Furman Moran , Li Wei , Bo Xiao , Richerson George B. , Blumenfeld Hal
Published: March 2016

Impaired breathing, cardiac function, and arousal during and after seizures are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Previous work suggests that these changes are associated with depressed brainstem function in the ictal and post-ictal periods. Lower brainstem serotonergic systems are postulated to play an important role in cardiorespiratory changes during and after seizures, whereas upper brainstem serotonergic and other systems regulate arousal. However, direct demonstration of seizure-associated neuronal activity changes in brainstem serotonergic regions has been lacking. Here, we performed multiunit and single-unit recordings from medullary raphe and midbrain dorsal raphe nuclei in an established rat seizure model while measuring changes in breathing rate and depth as well as heart rate. Serotonergic neurons were identified by immunohistochemistry. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute ventilation were all significantly decreased during and after seizures in this model. We found that population firing of neurons in the medullary and midbrain raphe on multiunit recordings was significantly decreased during the ictal and post-ictal periods. Single-unit recordings from identified serotonergic neurons in the medullary raphe revealed highly consistently decreased firing during and after seizures. In contrast, firing of midbrain raphe serotonergic neurons was more variable, with a mixture of increases and decreases. The markedly suppressed firing of medullary serotonergic neurons supports their possible role in simultaneously impaired cardiorespiratory function in seizures. Decreased arousal likely arises from depressed population activity of several neuronal pools in the upper brainstem and forebrain. These findings have important implications for preventing morbidity and mortality in people living with epilepsy.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSeizures often cause impaired breathing, cardiac dysfunction, and loss of consciousness. The brainstem and, specifically, brainstem serotonin neurons are thought to play an important role in controlling breathing, cardiac function, and arousal. We used an established rat seizure model to study the overall neuronal activity in the brainstem as well as firing of specific serotonin neurons while measuring cardiorespiratory function. Our results demonstrated overall decreases in brainstem neuronal activity and marked downregulation of lower brainstem serotonin neuronal firing in association with decreased breathing and heart rate during and after seizures. These findings point the way toward new treatments to augment brainstem function and serotonin, aiming to prevent seizure complications and reduce morbidity and mortality in people living with epilepsy.
17β-Estradiol Acutely Potentiates Glutamatergic Synaptic Transmission in the Hippocampus through Distinct Mechanisms in Males and Females
Authors: Oberlander Joseph G. , Woolley Catherine S.
Published: March 2016

Estradiol (E2) acutely potentiates glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the hippocampus of both male and female rats. Here, we investigated whether E2-induced synaptic potentiation occurs via presynaptic and/or postsynaptic mechanisms and which estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate E2's effects in each sex. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings of mEPSCs in CA1 pyramidal neurons showed that E2 increases both mEPSC frequency and amplitude within minutes, but often in different cells. This indicated that both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms are involved, but that they occur largely at different synapses. Two-photon (2p) glutamate uncaging at individual dendritic spines showed that E2 increases the amplitude of uncaging-evoked EPSCs (2pEPSCs) and calcium transients (2pCaTs) at a subset of spines on a dendrite, demonstrating synapse specificity of E2's postsynaptic effects. All of these results were essentially the same in males and females. However, additional experiments using ER-selective agonists indicated sex differences in the mechanisms underlying E2-induced potentiation. In males, an ERβ agonist mimicked the postsynaptic effects of E2 to increase mEPSC, 2pEPSC, and 2pCaT amplitude, whereas in females, these effects were mimicked by an agonist of G protein-coupled ER-1. The presynaptic effect of E2, increased mEPSC frequency, was mimicked by an ERα agonist in males, whereas in females, an ERβ agonist increased mEPSC frequency. Thus, E2 acutely potentiates glutamatergic synapses similarly in both sexes, but distinct ER subtypes mediate the presynaptic and postsynaptic aspects of potentiation in each sex. This indicates a latent sex difference in which different molecular mechanisms converge to the same functional endpoint in males versus females.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSome sex differences in the brain may be latent differences, in which the same functional endpoint is achieved through distinct underlying mechanisms in males versus females. Here we report a latent sex difference in molecular regulation of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus. The steroid 17β-estradiol is known to acutely potentiate glutamatergic synaptic transmission in both sexes. We find that this occurs through a combination of increased presynaptic glutamate release probability and increased postsynaptic sensitivity to glutamate in both sexes, but that distinct estrogen receptor subtypes underlie each aspect of potentiation in each sex. These results indicate that therapeutics targeting a specific estrogen receptor subtype or its downstream signaling would likely affect synaptic transmission differently in the hippocampus of each sex.
Voluntary exercise improves hypothalamic and metabolic function in obese mice
Authors: Laing Brenton T , Do Khoa , Matsubara Tomoko , Wert David W , Avery Michael J , Langdon Erin M , Zheng Donghai , Huang Hu
Published: March 2016

Exercise plays a critical role in regulating glucose homeostasis and body weight. However, the mechanism of exercise on metabolic functions associated with the CNS has not been fully understood. C57BL6 male mice (n=45) were divided into three groups: normal chow diet, high-fat diet (HFD) treatment, and HFD along with voluntary running wheel exercise training for 12 weeks. Metabolic function was examined by the Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System and magnetic resonance imaging; phenotypic analysis included measurements of body weight, food intake, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, as well as insulin and leptin sensitivity studies. By immunohistochemistry, the amount changes in the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, neuronal proliferative maker Ki67, apoptosis positive cells as well as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons in the arcuate area of the hypothalamus was identified. We found that 12 weeks of voluntary exercise training partially reduced body weight gain and adiposity induced by an HFD. Insulin and leptin sensitivity were enhanced in the exercise training group verses the HFD group. Furthermore, the HFD-impaired POMC-expressing neuron is remarkably restored in the exercise training group. The restoration of POMC neuron number may be due to neuroprotective effects of exercise on POMC neurons, as evidenced by altered proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, our data suggest that voluntary exercise training improves metabolic symptoms induced by HFD, in part through protected POMC-expressing neuron from HFD and enhanced leptin signaling in the hypothalamus that regulates whole-body energy homeostasis.
Entre naturaleza y cultura: Arquitectura ambigua en la Edad del Hierro del NO peninsular
Authors: García Quintela Marco V.
Published: March 2016

Se define un modo de intervención antrópica sobre conjuntos rocosos en contextos de la Edad del Hierro del NO peninsular caracterizado por una ambigüedad que dificulta su apreciación. Esa acción antrópica es discreta porque las rocas manipuladas conservan su apariencia original o porque la alteración antrópica recrea intencionadamente un efecto de naturaleza. En algunos casos esas rocas están rodeadas por muros que las ocultan estableciendo un sutil juego de relaciones entre visible y oculto, natural y artificial, natural “natural” y natural “construido”. Su ubicación en áreas acotadas en el centro de los castros (croas en gallego) sugiere que esta arquitectura ambigua es un aspecto de la materialización de la actividad religiosa en la Edad del Hierro. En las saunas con pedras formosas se produce un juego similar entre monumentalidad y ocultación que apunta hacia la complejidad de la ideología que opera tras estas expresiones materiales.
A Indústria Macrolítica Holocénica da Praia de Rio de Moinhos (Marinhas, Esposende, NW de Portugal). Apresentaçâo de um estudo preliminar
Authors: Monteiro-Rodrigues Sérgio
Published: March 2016

Resumo Na praia de Rio de Moinhos (Esposende, NW de Portugal), em associação a um antigo depósito lagunar visível apenas durante a maré baixa, conhecido por “Formação da Aguçadoura”, foi descoberto um conjunto de artefactos macrolíticos talhados, aparentemente em posição primária. A sua idade holocénica está confirmada por duas datações 14C, que os remetem para dois momentos distintos: um mais antigo, dos meados/segunda metade do V milénio cal BC, e um mais recente, dos meados/segunda metade do IV milénio cal BC. A determinação da cronologia exacta depende do desenvolvimento da investigação actualmente em curso.
Aproximación a la distribución espacial de sitios arqueológicos de la Prehistoria Reciente en la Ría de Arousa (Pontevedra)
Authors: González Insua Félix
Published: March 2016

En el presente artículo se realiza un estudio territorial de la Prehistoria Reciente de la orilla sur de la Ría de Arousa. El análisis espacial desarrollado, mediante el empleo de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, tiene como objetivo el acercamiento a cuáles pudieron haber sido las decisiones locacionales de las comunidades de la Prehistoria Reciente del Noroeste Peninsular. Para ello se lleva a cabo un análisis locacional de los asentamientos en relación con su entorno y con otros yacimientos de la época, tales como túmulos o petroglifos. Además, se sistematiza el registro arqueológico de una comarca hasta ahora poco conocida en la historiografía arqueológica de Galicia.
“MEIRANDE”, centro de interpretación da batalla e o patrimonio cultural de Rande, unha experiencia de musealización
Authors: Constela Doce Xurxo
Published: March 2016

Presentase o MEIRANDE, un Centro de Interpretación sobre a Batalla e o Patrimonio Industrial na Ría de Vigo, no Estreito de Rande da Enseada de San Simón. Exponse o seu proceso de creación e citamos a liñas básicas da musealización. Localizado na Fábrica do Alemán, nos restos arruinados dunha factoría de salga reconvertida en conserveira. A Fábrica foi testemuña dos procesos históricos acontecidos na ría de Vigo en relación ao seu desenvolvemento industrial en época contemporánea e está situada ademais no lugar onde sucedeu a Batalla de Rande no ano 1702.
Persistencia en la tradición cultural del noroeste peninsular: una exploración del imaginario de la muerte hacia el pasado
Authors: Freán Campo Aitor
Published: March 2016

Se propone una exploración de elementos del imaginario de la muerte de la cultura oral del noroeste peninsular para obtener información acerca de las creencias y del pensamiento simbólico presente en dicho territorio en el pasado. Para ello, se parte de un análisis antropológico previo del imaginario para comprender la esencia significativa de sus creencias, a partir del cual rastrear la persistencia y continuidad de estas últimas por medio de documentación de época antigua, medieval y moderna. Se busca así interpretar el registro arqueológico relativo a la Prehistoria reciente en el campo de su religiosidad y de su ámbito funerario desde una perspectiva diferente.
La necrópolis del Monte de Santa Mariña revisitada: aportaciones del LIDAR aéreo para la cartografía megalítica de Galicia
Authors: Carrero-Pazos Miguel , Vilas Estévez Benito , Romaní Fariña Emiliana , Rodríguez Casal Antón Abel
Published: March 2016

El Lidar aéreo se ha constituido en la última década como una de las herramientas más interesantes para la prospección arqueológica, puesto que permite, entre otras cosas, analizar el terreno con gran detalle, obviando la vegetación. Planteamos un ejemplo de las posibilidades que para el Megalitismo la tecnología Lidar puede proporcionar. Para ello, hemos elegido la  necrópolis megalítica del Monte de Santa Mariña (provincia de Lugo, Galicia), que cuenta con una treintena de monumentos catalogados. Para el estudio del terreno se ha procedido a diseñar una metodología de prospección arqueológica basada en datos Lidar que, gracias a diferentes análisis visuales propuestos, han permitido situar los monumentos correctamente  e incluso encontrar uno nuevo.
Condiciones de vida reconstruidas mediante el estudio de los restos humanos hallados en la fortaleza Bajomedieval de A Rocha Forte, Santiago de Compostela
Authors: López-Costas Olalla , Teira Brión Andrés
Published: March 2016

Durante la campaña de excavaciones del año 2013, se halló parte de una necrópolis medieval (1300-1400 d C.) en la fortaleza santiaguesa de A Rocha Forte. Los restos humanos encontrados fueron estudiados mediante análisis osteológicos, paleopatológicos y tafonómicos. Se determinó un mínimo de tres individuos adultos jóvenes probablemente masculinos, los cuales mostraban marcas patológicas de haber tenido una vida dura (infecciones crónicas, déficits nutricionales en la infancia, etc.). Este yacimiento fue habitado durante un periodo bien documentado, por lo que el análisis antropológico se complementa con un contexto histórico bien definido. Este estudio permite acercarnos a las condiciones de vida de un castillo medieval en el Noroeste Ibérico.
Medical Therapy for Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors in a Teen With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Coshway Loyal , Broussard Julia , Acharya Kruti , Fried Karen , Msall Michael E , Lantos John D. , Nahata Leena
Published: March 2016

Teens with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit sexual behaviors in public that are disturbing to parents, teachers, and peers. Some have proposed that such behaviors can be curtailed with hormonal suppression. There is information on the Internet suggesting that such medications work, and some reports in the peer-reviewed medical literature support these claims. Such medications can have serious side effects. In this paper, we present a case in which parents requested such treatment of their teenage son with autism spectrum disorder.
Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of ginkgo teas
Authors: Koczka N. , Ombódi A. , Móczár Z. , Stefanovits-Bányai E.
Published: March 2016

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP method) of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves and of different commercial ginkgo teas were determined and compared. Different water extracts (infusions and decoctions) were prepared varying the time of infusing, boiling, and steeping, and also aqueous ethanolic (water/ethanol 80/20 v/v) extract was made.

Total phenolic contents and FRAP values of collected ginkgo leaves were similar to those of commercial ginkgo mono teas, while these parameters were significantly higher for ginkgo teas containing ginseng or green tea. Decoction was more effective than infusion for extracting antioxidative compounds, in contradiction to suggested preparation methods by the producers. Aqueous ethanolic extracts had significantly higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than water extracts. The correlation between phenolic content and FRAP values was very strong and positive for water extracts of collected leaves, while it was weak and negative for the tea products.
Enhanced phenylpyruvic acid production with Proteus vulgaris by optimizing of the fermentation medium
Authors: Coban H.B. , Demirci A. , Patterson P.H. , Elias R.J.
Published: March 2016

Alpha keto acids are important food additives, which commonly produced by microbial deamination of amino acids. In this study, production of phenylpyruvic acid (PPA), which is the alpha keto acid of phenylalanine was enhanced in 2-l bench scale bioreactors by optimizing of fermentation medium composition using the Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Optimum glucose, yeast extract, and phenylalanine concentrations were determined to be 119.4 g 1−1, 3.7 g 1−1, and 14.8 g 1−1, respectively, for PPA production, and 163.8 g 1−1, 10.8 g 1−1, and 9.8 g 1−1, respectively, for biomass production. Under these optimum conditions, PPA concentration was enhanced to 1349 mg 1−1, which was 28% and 276% higher than the unoptimized bioreactor and shake-flask fermentations, respectively. Moreover, P. vulgaris biomass concentration was optimized at 4.36 g 1−1, which was 34% higher than under the unoptimized bioreactor condition. Overall, this study demonstrated that optimization of the fermentation media improved PPA concentration and biomass production in bench scale bioreactors compared to previous studies in the literature and sets the stage for scale up to industrial production.
Determination of phthalates in plum spirit and their occurrence during plum spirit production
Authors: Jurica K. , Brčić Karačonji I. , Lasić D. , Vukić Lušić D. , Anić Jurica S. , Lušić D.
Published: March 2016

Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that, due to their lipophilicity, migrate more readily into beverages with higher ethanol content. The aim of this work was to study the occurrence of phthalates in samples during the plum spirit production and in the final product, plum spirit manufactured by registered producers from five European countries, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A decreasing trend of mean values was observed for diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP), and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) as the distillation process went on. Levels of benzyl-butyl phthalate (BBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) increased in the distillation phase compared to concentrations in the preceding phases. In commercial plum spirits, DEHP and DiBP were detected in the highest concentrations. Results also indicated that a moderate daily consumption of plum spirit does not pose a health risk regarding the Tolerable Daily Intake of BBP, DEHP, and DBP
Chemical analysis of king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) fruitbodies
Authors: Krüzselyi D. , Kovács D. , Vetter J.
Published: March 2016

King oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) is a worldwide cultivated mushroom of appreciated nutritional and medicinal quality. Aims of these investigations were to give new comparative data for the better evaluation of P. eryngii. Results of our investigations can be summarized as follows:

P. eryngii has higher (crude protein, crude fat) or at least the same concentrations (chitin and total carbohydrate) of organic nutritive components than the common cultivated Pleurotus hybrid (‘HK-35’). Regarding the classical protein fractions: albumins are the highest content in both mushrooms, but the quantity and the proportion in P. eryngii is better than in ‘HK-35’ hybrid. Occurrence and proportion of protein fractions is more valuable in P. eryngii, while the NPN contents of both mushrooms are the same.

The investigated soluble oligo- and polysaccharides were present in high amounts in both mushrooms, but the free radical scavenging activity seems to be markedly higher in king oyster mushroom, making it more valuable. Mineral compositions of both species are similarly beneficial, but P. eryngii has basically higher P and lower K levels. More intensive cultivation and use of P. eryngii is clearly recommended.
Occurrence of Fumonisins B1 and B2 in homemade medicinal plants: Exposure assessment in northern Turkey
Authors: Gürer Soyogul Ü. , Omurtag Korkmaz I. , Ulusoylu Dumlu M. , Omurtag G.Z.
Published: March 2016

This study was conducted to determine the recent level of contamination with Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and Fumonisin B2 (FB2) in major medicinal plants and to assess consumer exposure in northern Turkey. FB1 and FB2 were investigated by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection after derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA). A total of 78 homemade medicinal plant samples from 14 species were analysed. The recovery in thyme was 67.2±5.2% for FB1 and 80.8±14.3% for FB2 spiked with 1 μg g–1 of each analyte. The minimum detectable amount for the OPA derivatives of FB1 and FB2 were 1 ng per injection and 2.5 ng per injection, respectively. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) S/N=10 was 0.078 and 0.313 μg g–1, and the limit of detection (LOD) S/N=3 was 0.023 and 0.093 μg g–1 for FB1 and FB2, respectively. FB1 was detected in thyme (0.125) and mint (0.125 and 0.256 μg g–1) samples; however. FB2 toxin was below the detection limit in all samples. These results indicate that toxins might be present in homemade medicinal plants; however, the risk of exposure to fumonisins by the consumption of those plants was lower than the estimated TDI limits (<2 μg kg–1 bw).
Metallographic Characterization of a Ti-Containing Low-Density Fe-Mn-Al-C Steel in As-Cast Condition
Authors: Mejía Ignacio , Díaz-Martínez Gladys Y. , Bedolla-Jacuinde Arnoldo
Published: March 2016

Low-density steels, with an excellent combination of outstanding mechanical properties, ultimate tensile strength and specific weight reduction, have been attracting great attention as a new group of materials in many industrial applications, particularly in the automotive industry. The aim of this work was to characterize the microstructure of a Ti-containing low-density Fe-Mn-Al-C steel in the as-cast condition. For this purpose, Ti-containing low-density steel was melted in an induction furnace using high purity raw materials and cast into a metal ingot mold. Chemical composition of the studied steel was Fe-32Mn-7.0Al-2.2C-0.5Ti (wt%). Samples were prepared by standard metallographic technique (grinding and polishing) and chemically etched with 2% nital solution, in order to reveal the dendritic microstructure. Microstructure observations were performed by scanning electron microscopy and the chemical nature of the present phases was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray. X-ray diffraction was performed at room temperature using a diffractometer with Cu Kα radiation. Phase equilibria by thermodynamic calculations for the studied steel were performed using JMatPro® software package. In general, results revealed a finer dendritic microstructure composed of ferritic matrix and austenite islands. The presence of ferrite and austenite in the steel was also confirmed by X-ray diffraction.
Optimization of the Atmospheric Plasma Spray Parameters using Design of Experiments for Coatings on AISI 410 Stainless Steel
Authors: Bautista Pérez E. , Cruz C.E. , Salgado Lopez Juan M. , Toscano J.A.
Published: March 2016

In this work, the effect of three principal and independent parameters of Atmospheric Plasma Spray on the properties of coatings deposited using mixtures of commercial powders of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and chromium oxide (Cr2O3) was studied. The results of this work are used for special applications on turbomachinery components such as wear protection in sliding seals and in steam valves for turbines, chemical protection for centrifugal compressor members, and special seal applications.

The design of experiments (DoE) technique has proved to be very useful to study the influence factors and optimization. Pierlot et al. [1] demonstrated that the application of the Hadamard and two factorial design techniques are useful for the optimization of thermal spray processes. An example of the application of the DoE is the one mentioned by Murugan et al. [2]. In their work, a factorial design was used to study the interactions between gas flow, oxygen flow, powder rate and spray distance on the percentage of porosity and hardness of TiO2- Cr2O3composite coatings generated by High Velocity Oxy-Fuel.

The ½ fractional two-level factorial DoE technique was used to analyze and optimize the Atmospheric Plasma Spray process parameters. In the current research, experiments were conducted varying the deposition velocity, gas flow and stand-off distance. The effect of these process variables were evaluated by thickness, hardness and microstructure analysis. In this study, an empirical relationship between process variables and response parameters was developed. The entire relationship was made using the results of the DoE.
Binder Microstructures Developed during the Hydration Process in the System Portland Cement – Calcium Aluminate Cement – Calcium Sulfate
Authors: Moncea Andreea M. , Panait Ana M. , Deák György , Poteraș George
Published: March 2016

Lately, the investigations of binders from ternary system Portland cement (PC), calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and calcium sulfate ($C\overline S$), have gone through a larger stage of development due to their special properties such as fast setting and rapid hardening, early strength, non-efflorescence, etc. These special properties are ensured by the binder’s microstructure, developed through hydration processes and reactions between hydrate components, which allows us to use them in special environments (aggressive environments with very low or very high level of pH, environments with high temperature, etc.). The binders from this system were simply named “dry mortars”, and provide the final user with an easy processing. In order to explain the mechanical behavior of the specimens exposed in normal curing conditions (T = 20 ± 2 °C and R.H. ≈ 95%), and with different percentages of calcium sulfate (added as hemihydrate or anhydrite), research on the microstructure of the hardened system was performed using SEM and XRD investigation techniques. The analyses have been performed on the binder pastes, hydrated for 1 and 28 days. The tests results showed that the specimen with anhydrous $C\overline S$ content had the best mechanical behavior.
Synthesis of Biodegradable Copolymer of Poly(isobutyl vinyl ether)-co-Poly(ε-Caprolactone) using Half-Sandwich Metallocene Catalyst and their Application as Plasticizer for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
Authors: Comparán Padilla Víctor E. , Guerrero Mildred Flores , Álvarez Marissa Pérez , Textle Hortensia Maldonado , Camacho Odilia Pérez , Pliego Gregorio Cadenas
Published: March 2016

In this work, we studied the synthesis of biodegradable copolymers of the type poly(isobutyl vinyl ether)-co-(ε-caprolactone) (PIBVE-co-PCL) using a homogeneous mono-cyclopentadienyltitanium catalyst and methylaluminoxane (MAO) as co-catalyst. These copolymers can also be used as plasticizers for flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), improving its thermal properties. The copolymer PIBVE-co-PCL could be synthesized with a high conversion (>90%). The use of 39 wt.% of the copolymer in the formulation of PVC decreases its glass transition temperature (Tg) by -6.51 °C. By varying the copolymer composition it is possible to obtain PVC with different Tg values that could be used for different applications. A particular application where one could use this type of copolymer is in PVC formulations for the fabrication of blood bags. The toxicity of dioctyl phthalate (DOP), which is the more commonly used plasticizer for PVC, limits the use of these formulations for the mentioned purpose. The PVC plasticized with the biodegradable copolymer showed an increase in the degradation temperature, improving the thermal stability of the PVC formulation in comparison with the phthalates usually used as plasticizers.
Effect of Ti Microaddition on Cavitation Behavior During Uniaxial Hot-Tensile of Fe-22Mn-1.5Al-1.3Si-0.5C Austenitic TWIP Steel
Authors: Salas-Reyes Antonio E. , Mejía Ignacio , Cabrera José M.
Published: March 2016

It is well-known that metal and alloys develop internal cavities when subjected to uniaxial or multiaxial tensile strains at elevated temperature. In most cases, cavitation may lead to premature failure during forming. Therefore, damage and fracture behavior imposes significant limitations in hot metal-forming processes. Although high-Mn austenitic TWIP steels exhibit a unique combination of strength and ductility, cavitation during hot working is one issue that must be tackled. The aim of this research work is to determine the effect of Ti microaddition on cavity mechanisms of Fe-22Mn-1.5Al-1.3Si-0.5C TWIP steel under uniaxial hot-tensile condition at 800 °C and constant true strain rate of 10-3 s-1. For this purpose, light optical (LOM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopies and image analysis were applied to quantify cavities formation along longitudinal section of deformed samples near to the fracture surface. The number of cavities greater than 10 µm (critical length) in non-microalloyed and Ti microalloyed TWIP steels were 2.75 and 3.75 cavities/mm2, respectively. On the other hand, average cavity area was 125 and 152 µm2, respectively. Both TWIP steels showed cavities type “r”, “l” and “A”. Finally, Ti microaddition to TWIP steel resulted in a predominant brittle fracture behavior due to finer grain-boundary precipitation, which weakens grains cohesion and accelerates crack growth by grain-boundary sliding. In this case, crack growth behavior is explained in terms of a void interconnection mechanism.
Kanine peritoneale larvale Zestodose durch Mesocestoides spp.
Authors: Peppler C. , Schmitz S. , Bauer C. , Hirzmann J. , Kramer M. , Häußler T. C.
Published: March 2016

Bei einer Hündin mit unspezifischer Symptomatik, sonographischen Veränderungen (hyperechogenes Gewebe) im mittleren Abdomen sowie einer mittelgradigen systemischen Entzündungsreaktion bei der Blutuntersuchung zeigte sich bei der Laparotomie eine peritoneale larvale Zestodose (PLZ). Die Diagnose einer Infektion mit Tetrathyridien einer Mesocestoides-Art wurde durch eine parasitologische und molekularbiologische Untersuchung bestätigt. Eine Reduktion der Parasiten durch Bauchhöhlenspülung sowie die hochdosierte Behandlung mit Fenbendazol über 3 Monate führte zu einem Therapieerfolg, der sich anhand zurückgehender sonographischer Veränderungen sowie abfallender Konzentrationen des C-reaktiven Proteins (CRP) nachweisen ließ. Sieben Monate nach Absetzen der Fenbendazol-Therapie kam es zu einem Rezidiv mit Wiederanstieg der CRP-Konzentration, sodass gemäß Empfehlung in der Literatur eine lebenslange Fenbendazol-Therapie gestartet wurde. Differenzialdiagnostisch muss bei Hunden mit Hinweisen auf chronisch granulomatöse Entzündungen im Abdomen eine PLZ in Betracht gezogen werden. Die CRP-Konzentration und sonographische Untersuchungen eignen sich zur Überprüfung des Therapieerfolgs und zur Kontrolle hinsichtlich eines Rezidivs.
Microbial, physical and chemical properties of irrigation water in rice fields of Southern Brazil
Authors: RECHE MARIA HELENA L.R. , MACHADO VILMAR , SAUL DANILO A. , MACEDO VERA R.M. , MARCOLIN ELIO , KNAAK NEIVA , FIUZA LIDIA M.
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of the statistical analysis of microbiological, physical and chemical parameters related to the quality of the water used in rice fields in Southern Brazil. Data were collected during three consecutive crop years, within structure of a comprehensive monitoring program. The indicators used were: potential hydrogen, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, total and fecal coliforms. Principal Component and Discriminant Analysis showed consistent differences between the water irrigation and drainage, as the temporal variation demonstrated a clear reduction in the concentration of most of the variables analyzed. The pattern of this reduction is not the same in the two regions - that is, the importance of each of the different variables in the observed differentiation is modified in two locations. These results suggested that the variations in the water quality utilized for rice irrigation was influenced by certain specific aspects of each rice region in South Brazilian - such as anthropic action or soil/climate conditions in each hydrographic basin.
Analysis of results of biomass forest inventory in northeastern Amazon for development of REDD+ carbon project
Authors: MELLO LEONEL N.C. , SALES MARCIO H.R. , ROSA LUIZ P.
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT In Brazil, a significant reduction in deforestation rates occurred during the last decade. In spite of that fact, the average annual rates are still too high, approximately 400.000 ha/year (INPE/Prodes). The projects of emissions reduction through avoided deforestation (REED+) are an important tool to reduce deforestation rates in Brazil. Understanding the amazon forest structure, in terms of biomass stock is key to design avoided deforestation strategies. In this work, we analyze data results from aboveground biomass of 1,019.346,27 hectares in the state of Pará. It was collected data from 16,722 trees in 83 random independent plots. It was tested 4 allometric equations, for DBH > 10cm: Brown et al. (1989), Brown and Lugo (1999), Chambers et al. (2000), Higuchi et al. (1998). It revealed that the biggest carbon stock of above ground biomass is stocked on the interval at DBH between 30cm and 80cm. This biomass compartment stocks 75.70% of total biomass in Higuchi et al. (1998) equation, 75.56% of total biomass in Brown et al. (1989) equation, 78.83% of total biomass in Chambers et al. (2000) equation, and 73.22% in Brown and Lugo (1999) equation.
Composition and structure of bird communities in vegetational gradients of Bodoquena Mountains, western Brazil
Authors: GODOI MAURICIO N. , SOUZA FRANCO L. , LAPS RUDI R. , RIBEIRO DANILO B.
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT The informations of bird species distribution in different habitats and the structure of their communities are crucial for bird conservation. We tested the differences in composition, richness and abundance of birds in different phytophysiognomies at Bodoquena Mountains, western Brazil, and we demonstrated the variations in richness and abundance of birds between different trophic groups. Sampling was conducted between July 2011 and June 2012 in 200 point counts arranged in the study area. A total of 3350 contacts were obtained belonging to 156 bird species. Woodland savannas, seasonal forests and arboreal savannas had higher bird abundance and richness, while riparian forests, clean pastures and dirty pastures had smaller values of these parameters. The bird community was organized according to local vegetational gradient, with communities of forests, open areas and savannas, although many species occurred in more than one vegetation type. The insectivorous, omnivorous, frugivorous and gramnivorous birds composed most of the community. These data showed how important environmental heterogeneity is to bird communities. Furthermore, the presence of extensive patches of natural habitats, the small distance between these patches and the permeability of pastures, with high arboreal and shrubby cover, are indicated as important factors to maintain the bird diversity.
Solitary pulmonary nodule and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Part 1: epidemiology, morphological evaluation and cancer probability
Authors: Mosmann Marcos Pretto , Borba Marcelle Alves , Macedo Francisco Pires Negromonte de , Liguori Adriano de Araujo Lima , Villarim Neto Arthur , Lima Kenio Costa de
Published: March 2016

Abstract Solitary pulmonary nodule corresponds to a common radiographic finding, which is frequently detected incidentally. The investigation of this entity remains complex, since characteristics of benign and malignant processes overlap in the differential diagnosis. Currently, many strategies are available to evaluate solitary pulmonary nodules with the main objective of characterizing benign lesions as best as possible, while avoiding to expose patients to the risks inherent to invasive methods, besides correctly detecting cases of lung cancer so as the potential curative treatment is not delayed. This first part of the study focuses on the epidemiology, the morfological evaluation and the methods to determine the likelihood of cancer in cases of indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodule.
Multidetector computed tomography angiography of the celiac trunk and hepatic arterial system: normal anatomy and main variants
Authors: Araujo Neto Severino Aires , Mello Júnior Carlos Fernando de , Franca Henrique Almeida , Duarte Cláudia Martina Araújo , Borges Rafael Farias , Magalhães Ana Guardiana Ximenes de
Published: March 2016

Abstract Although digital angiography remains as the gold standard for imaging the celiac arterial trunk and hepatic arteries, multidetector computed tomography in association with digital images processing by software resources represents a useful tool particularly attractive for its non invasiveness. Knowledge of normal anatomy as well as of its variations is helpful in images interpretation and to address surgical planning on a case-by-case basis. The present essay illustrates several types of anatomical variations of celiac trunk, hepatic artery and its main branches, by means of digitally reconstructed computed tomography images, correlating their prevalence in the population with surgical implications.
Prevalence and sonographic changes compatible with fatty liver disease in patients referred for abdominal ultrasound examination in Aracaju, SE
Authors: Cruz Josilda Ferreira , Cruz Mário Augusto Ferreira , Machado Neto José , Santana Demetrius Silva de , Oliveira Cristiane Costa da Cunha , Lima Sônia Oliveira
Published: March 2016

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence and evaluate sonographic findings compatible with changes consistent with hepatic steatosis in patients referred for abdominal ultrasonography at four reference centers in Aracaju, SE, Brazil. Materials and Methods: Prospective, descriptive survey, with analytical and quantitative approach, comprising abdominal ultrasonography scans performed with a convex, dynamic 3.75 MHz transducer. Liver dimensions and parenchymal echotexture were evaluated, classifying hepatic steatosis into grades (1, 2 or 3). The SPSS® 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis, adopting p < 0.05 as significance level. Results: A total of 800 individuals (561 women and 239 men) were evaluated. The prevalence of steatosis was 29.1%, and the male patients were most affected, presenting with more advanced grades of disease (p = 0.021), as follows: 119 grade 1 (51.0%); 94 grade 2 (40.4%); and 20 grade 3 (8.6%). The median age patients' was 46 years. Conclusion: In the present study sample, the prevalence of hepatic steatosis was high, particularly in the male patients. Ultrasonography is suggested as a first choice for the diagnosis of this condition, considering its wide availability, low cost and absence of side effects or risks to the patient.
Locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: single-institution outcomes in a cohort of patients curatively treated either with or without larynx preservation
Authors: Reis Isabel , Aguiar Artur , Alzamora Cristiana , Ferreira Carolina , Castro Vera , Soares André , Lobão Marisa
Published: March 2016

Abstract Objective: The present study was aimed at describing a single-institution experience in the curative treatment of patients diagnosed with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Data concerning all patients treated for locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between January 2006 and June 2012 were reviewed. Results: A total of 144 patients were included in the present study. The median follow-up period was 36.6 months. Median survival was 26 months, and 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates were, 51% and 30.5%, respectively. Median recurrence-free survival was 18 months and 2-year and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 42.8% and 28.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The outcomes in the present series are in line with the literature.
Experiências de abortos provocados em clínicas privadas no Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Silveira Paloma ,   Universidade Federal da Bahia,  Brasil, McCallum Cecilia , Menezes Greice
Published: March 2016

Resumo Baseado numa investigação qualitativa desenvolvida em 2012, o artigo analisa experiências de abortos provocados de pessoas de estratos sociais médios realizados em clínicas privadas. Foram narradas 34 histórias de gravidezes interrompidas em clínicas por 19 mulheres e cinco homens, residentes em duas capitais do Nordeste brasileiro. Uma análise temática revela que existem diferentes tipos de clínicas e de atendimento prestados pelos médicos. O artigo mostra que a realização de um aborto em uma clínica privada não é garantia de um atendimento humanizado e seguro. As narrativas fornecem descrições de diversas situações e práticas, desde aquelas com algumas falhas, como a falta de informações sobre os medicamentos, até outras com abusos graves, como procedimentos realizados sem anestesia. Assim, conclui-se que a ilegalidade da prática do aborto, no Brasil, permite que as clínicas funcionem sem qualquer tipo de regulação do Estado, não impedindo que as mulheres realizem abortos, mas as expondo a situações de total vulnerabilidade e de violação dos direitos humanos.
Impacto da redução do teor de sódio em alimentos processados no consumo de sódio no Brasil
Authors: Souza Amanda de Moura ,   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro,  Brazil, Souza Bárbara da Silva Nalin de , Bezerra Ilana Nogueira , Sichieri Rosely ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense,  Brazil,   Universidade de Fortaleza,  Brazil,   Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro,  Brazil
Published: March 2016

Resumo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o potencial impacto da redução do teor de sódio em alimentos processados no consumo médio de sódio na população brasileira. Um total de 32.900 participantes do primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação (2008-2009), com 10 anos e mais de idade, que forneceram dados de dois dias de consumo foram avaliados. As metas de redução de sódio pactuadas pelo Ministério da Saúde em 2010 e 2013 foram utilizadas como referência para determinar o teor máximo de sódio em 21 grupos de alimentos processados. Os resultados indicam que as metas de redução de sódio em alimentos processados têm pequeno impacto no consumo médio de sódio na população brasileira. Em 2017, a redução média esperada é de 1,5%, ficando os valores de consumo médio de sódio ainda acima do limite máximo recomendado de 2.000mg/dia. Portanto, dificilmente será possível alcançar a redução necessária no consumo de sódio no Brasil a partir de acordos voluntários nos moldes dos que aconteceram até o momento.