bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KIF5B Promotes the Forward Transport and Axonal Function of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Nav1.8
Authors: Su Yuan-Yuan , Ye Mingyu , Li Lei , Liu Chao , Pan Jing , Liu Wen-Wen , Jiang Yanbo , Jiang Xing-Yu , Zhang Xu , Shu Yousheng , Bao Lan
Published: November 2013

Nav1.8 is a tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channel selectively expressed in primary sensory neurons. Peripheral inflammation and nerve injury induce Nav1.8 accumulation in peripheral nerves. However, the mechanisms and related significance of channel accumulation in nerves remains unclear. Here we report that KIF5B promotes the forward transport of Nav1.8 to the plasma membrane and axons in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of the rat. In peripheral inflammation induced through the intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant, increased KIF5 and Nav1.8 accumulation were observed in the sciatic nerve. The knock-down of KIF5B, a highly expressed member of the KIF5 family in DRGs, reduced the current density of Nav1.8 in both cultured DRG neurons and ND7–23 cells. Overexpression of KIF5B in ND7–23 cells increased the current density and surface expression of Nav1.8, which were abolished through brefeldin A treatment, whereas the increases were lost in KIF5B mutants defective in ATP hydrolysis or cargo binding. Overexpression of KIF5B also decreased the proteasome-associated degradation of Nav1.8. In addition, coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed interactions between the N terminus of Nav1.8 and the 511–620 aa sequence in the stalk domain of KIF5B. Furthermore, KIF5B increased Nav1.8 accumulation, Nav1.8 current, and neuronal excitability detected in the axons of cultured DRG neurons, which were completely abolished by the disruption of interactions between KIF5B and the N terminus of Nav1.8. Therefore, our results reveal that KIF5B is required for the forward transport and axonal function of Nav1.8, suggesting a mechanism for axonal accumulation of Nav1.8 in inflammatory pain.
Older Adults Benefit from Music Training Early in Life: Biological Evidence for Long-Term Training-Driven Plasticity
Authors: White-Schwoch Travis , Carr Kali Woodruff , Anderson Samira , Strait Dana L. , Kraus Nina
Published: November 2013

Aging results in pervasive declines in nervous system function. In the auditory system, these declines include neural timing delays in response to fast-changing speech elements; this causes older adults to experience difficulty understanding speech, especially in challenging listening environments. These age-related declines are not inevitable, however: older adults with a lifetime of music training do not exhibit neural timing delays. Yet many people play an instrument for a few years without making a lifelong commitment. Here, we examined neural timing in a group of human older adults who had nominal amounts of music training early in life, but who had not played an instrument for decades. We found that a moderate amount (4–14 years) of music training early in life is associated with faster neural timing in response to speech later in life, long after training stopped (>40 years). We suggest that early music training sets the stage for subsequent interactions with sound. These experiences may interact over time to sustain sharpened neural processing in central auditory nuclei well into older age.
EML1 (CNG-Modulin) Controls Light Sensitivity in Darkness and under Continuous Illumination in Zebrafish Retinal Cone Photoreceptors
Authors: Korenbrot Juan I. , Mehta Milap , Tserentsoodol Nomingerel , Postlethwait John H. , Rebrik Tatiana I.
Published: November 2013

The ligand sensitivity of cGMP-gated (CNG) ion channels in cone photoreceptors is modulated by CNG-modulin, a Ca2+-binding protein. We investigated the functional role of CNG-modulin in phototransductionin vivoin morpholino-mediated gene knockdown zebrafish. Through comparative genomic analysis, we identified the orthologue gene of CNG-modulin in zebrafish,eml1, an ancient gene present in the genome of all vertebrates sequenced to date. We compare the photoresponses of wild-type cones with those of cones that do not express the EML1 protein. In the absence of EML1, dark-adapted cones are ∼5.3-fold more light sensitive than wild-type cones. Previous qualitative studies in several nonmammalian species have shown that immediately after the onset of continuous illumination, cones are less light sensitive than in darkness, but sensitivity then recovers over the following 15–20 s. We characterize light sensitivity recovery in continuously illuminated wild-type zebrafish cones and demonstrate that sensitivity recovery does not occur in the absence of EML1.
Pathological Choice: The Neuroscience of Gambling and Gambling Addiction
Authors: Clark Luke , Averbeck Bruno , Payer Doris , Sescousse Guillaume , Winstanley Catharine A. , Xue Gui
Published: November 2013

Gambling is pertinent to neuroscience research for at least two reasons. First, gambling is a naturalistic and pervasive example of risky decision making, and thus gambling games can provide a paradigm for the investigation of human choice behavior and “irrationality.” Second, excessive gambling involvement (i.e., pathological gambling) is currently conceptualized as a behavioral addiction, and research on this condition may provide insights into addictive mechanisms in the absence of exogenous drug effects. This article is a summary of topics covered in a Society for Neuroscience minisymposium, focusing on recent advances in understanding the neural basis of gambling behavior, including translational findings in rodents and nonhuman primates, which have begun to delineate neural circuitry and neurochemistry involved.
Dopamine Transporter Endocytic Trafficking in Striatal Dopaminergic Neurons: Differential Dependence on Dynamin and the Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Gabriel Luke R. , Wu Sijia , Kearney Patrick , Bellvé Karl D. , Standley Clive , Fogarty Kevin E. , Melikian Haley E.
Published: November 2013

Dopaminergic signaling profoundly impacts rewarding behaviors, movement, and executive function. The presynaptic dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) recaptures released DA, thereby limiting synaptic DA availability and maintaining dopaminergic tone. DAT constitutively internalizes and PKC activation rapidly accelerates DAT endocytosis, resulting in DAT surface loss. Longstanding evidence supports PKC-stimulated DAT trafficking in heterologous expression studies. However, PKC-stimulated DAT internalization is not readily observed in cultured dopaminergic neurons. Moreover, conflicting reports implicate both classic and nonclassic endocytic mechanisms mediating DAT trafficking. Prior DAT trafficking studies relied primarily upon chronic gene disruption and dominant-negative protein expression, or were performed in cell lines and cultured neurons, yielding results difficult to translate to adult dopaminergic neurons. Here, we use newly described dynamin inhibitors to test whether constitutive and PKC-stimulated DAT internalization are dynamin-dependent in adult dopaminergic neurons.Ex vivobiotinylation studies in mouse striatal slices demonstrate that acute PKC activation drives native DAT surface loss, and that surface DAT surprisingly partitions between endocytic-willing and endocytic-resistant populations. Acute dynamin inhibition reveals that constitutive DAT internalization is dynamin-independent, whereas PKC-stimulated DAT internalization is dynamin-dependent. Moreover, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy experiments demonstrate that constitutive DAT internalization occurs equivalently from lipid raft and nonraft microdomains, whereas PKC-stimulated DAT internalization arises exclusively from lipid rafts. Finally, DAT endocytic recycling relies on a dynamin-dependent mechanism that acts in concert with the actin cytoskeleton. These studies are the first comprehensive investigation of native DAT trafficking inex vivoadult neurons, and reveal that DAT surface dynamics are governed by complex multimodal mechanisms.
Modality-Based Organization of Ascending Somatosensory Axons in the Direct Dorsal Column Pathway
Authors: Niu Jingwen , Ding Long , Li Jian J. , Kim Hyukmin , Liu Jiakun , Li Haipeng , Moberly Andrew , Badea Tudor C. , Duncan Ian D. , Son Young-Jin , Scherer Steven S. , Luo Wenqin
Published: November 2013

The long-standing doctrine regarding the functional organization of the direct dorsal column (DDC) pathway is the “somatotopic map” model, which suggests that somatosensory afferents are primarily organized by receptive field instead of modality. Using modality-specific genetic tracing, here we show that ascending mechanosensory and proprioceptive axons, two main types of the DDC afferents, are largely segregated into a medial–lateral pattern in the mouse dorsal column and medulla. In addition, we found that this modality-based organization is likely to be conserved in other mammalian species, including human. Furthermore, we identified key morphological differences between these two types of afferents, which explains how modality segregation is formed and why a rough “somatotopic map” was previously detected. Collectively, our results establish a new functional organization model for the mammalian direct dorsal column pathway and provide insight into how somatotopic and modality-based organization coexist in the central somatosensory pathway.
Food for Thought: Hormonal, Experiential, and Neural Influences on Feeding and Obesity
Authors: Karatsoreos Ilia N. , Thaler Joshua P. , Borgland Stephanie L. , Champagne Frances A. , Hurd Yasmin L. , Hill Matthew N.
Published: November 2013

Obesity is a growing public health problem. Although convenient, the notion that obesity is simply a problem of will power is increasingly antiquated. It is becoming clear that complex interactions of environment, neurohormonal systems, and transgenerational effects directly contribute to obesity. This review highlights data presented at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting in San Diego, California in 2013; and although not meant as an exhaustive review of the area, this reivew will explore seemingly disparate areas of research that, when taken as a whole, illuminate the complex topography of the causes and consequences of obesity. We discuss how disruption of the biological clock, a consequence of modern society, can lead to changes in the brain and periphery that lead to obesity. We explore how obesity can actually cause pathological changes within the hypothalamus of the brain (a key regulator of food intake and metabolic homeostasis). How reward circuitry, particularly the ventral tegmental area, responds to insulin and how these effects modulate feeding and the salience of feeding cues are mechanistically described. We also investigate how nutrition may cross generational boundaries to affect the development and function of offspring, underscoring the long reach of metabolic effects. Finally, the role of the endocannabinoid system is emphasized as a critical node in the transduction of many of these effects. Together, this review should provide perspective into the neural causes and consequences of obesity, and hopefully lead to new areas of interdisciplinary research to tackle this important public health epidemic.
The Phase of Thalamic Alpha Activity Modulates Cortical Gamma-Band Activity: Evidence from Resting-State MEG Recordings
Authors: Roux Frédéric , Wibral Michael , Singer Wolf , Aru Jaan , Uhlhaas Peter J.
Published: November 2013

Recent findings have implicated thalamic alpha oscillations in the phasic modulation of cortical activity. However, the precise relationship between thalamic alpha oscillations and neocortical activity remains unclear. Here we show in a large sample of healthy human participants (n= 45) using spatial filtering techniques and measures of phase amplitude coupling that the amplitude of gamma-band activity in posterior medial parietal cortex is modulated by the phase of thalamic alpha oscillations during eyes-closed resting-state recordings. In addition, our findings show that gamma-band activity in visual cortex was not modulated by thalamic alpha oscillations but coupled to the phase of strong cortical alpha activity. To overcome the limitations of electromagnetic source localization we estimated conduction delays using transfer entropy and found nonspurious information transfer from thalamus to cortex. The present findings provide novel evidence for magneto-encephalography-measured phase coupling between cortical gamma-band activity and thalamic alpha oscillations, which highlight the role of phasic inhibition in the coordination of cortical activity.
Forensic DNA Banding Patterns
Authors: Christensen Doug
Published: November 2013

Understanding how DNA banding patterns in a gel can aid in the conviction or exoneration of suspects and be utilized for positive identification of biological fathers in paternity cases can be intimidating. In reality, the logistics and technology used in such cases are rather straightforward. This exercise is designed for use in high school environments as a stand-alone paper lab and as a primer to an actual wet-lab experience, if available. Upon conclusion of the experience, students will have confidence in understanding how DNA fingerprinting can constitute strong evidence in forensic analysis.
Royal Hemophilia
Authors: Offner Susan
Published: November 2013

The mutation that caused hemophilia in European royal families during the 19th century has been characterized and presents excellent teaching opportunities.
Trying Out Genes for Size
Authors: Blazek Joshua D. , Cooper Gary L. , Judd Mariah V. , Roper Randall J. , Marrs Kathleen A.
Published: November 2013

The National Science Foundation’s GK–12 program provides a unique opportunity for STEM collaboration between the K–12 classroom and university research. This partnership benefits students through experiential learning, exposure to research, exceptional mentorship, and preparation for postsecondary education. Additionally, researchers gain valuable skills by explaining difficult scientific concepts to high school students and broadening their exposure to secondary education. We present graduate-research-based activities focused on understanding the genetic causes of Down syndrome. Modification of these activities could accommodate educational levels from middle school to entry-level college biology. This lesson involves several biological and data-collecting techniques. These experiential activities help students understand genetics and Down syndrome, and introduce basic scientific methodology and techniques useful for postsecondary education.
Role for leptin in promoting glucose mobilization during acute hyperosmotic stress in teleost fishes
Authors: Baltzegar David A , Reading Benjamin J , Douros Jonathon D , Borski Russell J
Published: November 2013

Osmoregulation is critical for survival in all vertebrates, yet the endocrine regulation of this metabolically expensive process is not fully understood. Specifically, the function of leptin in the regulation of energy expenditure in fishes, and among ectotherms, in general, remains unresolved. In this study, we examined the effects of acute salinity transfer (72 h) and the effects of leptin and cortisol on plasma metabolites and hepatic energy reserves in the euryhaline fish, the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Transfer to 2/3 seawater (23 ppt) significantly increased plasma glucose, amino acid, and lactate levels relative to those in the control fish. Plasma glucose levels were positively correlated with amino acid levels (R2=0.614), but not with lactate levels. The mRNA expression of liver leptin A (lepa), leptin receptor (lepr), and hormone-sensitive and lipoprotein lipases (hslandlpl) as well as triglyceride content increased during salinity transfer, but plasma free fatty acid and triglyceride levels remained unchanged. Both leptin and cortisol significantly increased plasma glucose levelsin vivo, but only leptin decreased liver glycogen levels. Leptin decreased the expression of liverhslandlplmRNAs, whereas cortisol significantly increased the expression of these lipases. These findings suggest that hepatic glucose mobilization into the blood following an acute salinity challenge involves both glycogenolysis, induced by leptin, and subsequent gluconeogenesis of free amino acids. This is the first study to report that teleost leptin A has actions that are functionally distinct from those described in mammals acting as a potent hyperglycemic factor during osmotic stress, possibly in synergism with cortisol. These results suggest that the function of leptin may have diverged during the evolution of vertebrates, possibly reflecting differences in metabolic regulation between poikilotherms and homeotherms.
Capacitation in the presence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin results in enhanced zona pellucida-binding ability of stallion spermatozoa
Authors: Bromfield Elizabeth G , Aitken R John , Gibb Zamira , Lambourne Sarah R , Nixon Brett
Published: November 2013

While IVF has been widely successful in many domesticated species, the development of a robust IVF system for the horse remains an elusive and highly valued goal. A major impediment to the development of equine IVF is the fact that optimised conditions for the capacitation of equine spermatozoa are yet to be developed. Conversely, it is known that stallion spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to damage arising as a consequence of capacitation-like changes induced prematurely in response to semen handling and transport conditions. To address these limitations, this study sought to develop an effective system to both suppress and promote thein vitrocapacitation of stallion spermatozoa. Our data indicated that the latter could be achieved in a bicarbonate-rich medium supplemented with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, a cyclic AMP analogue, and methyl-β-cyclodextrin, an efficient cholesterol-withdrawing agent. The populations of spermatozoa generated under these conditions displayed a number of hallmarks of capacitation, including elevated levels of tyrosine phosphorylation, a reorganisation of the plasma membrane leading to lipid raft coalescence in the peri-acrosomal region of the sperm head, and a dramatic increase in their ability to interact with heterologous bovine zona pellucida (ZP) and undergo agonist-induced acrosomal exocytosis. Furthermore, this functional transformation was effectively suppressed in media devoid of bicarbonate. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of efficient cholesterol removal in priming stallion spermatozoa for ZP bindingin vitro.
Age, the environment and our reproductive future: bonking baby boomers and the future of sex
Authors: Aitken R John
Published: November 2013

There has never been a greater need for scientists trained in reproductive science. Most developed countries are witnessing unprecedented rates of recourse to assisted conception sitting cheek-by-jowl with high rates of induced abortion. This article addresses these two incongruous faces of reproductive healthcare. Every year at least 44 million abortions are performed worldwide, many under unsafe and insanitary conditions that carry a significant risk to the lives of women deprived of safe, effective methods for controlling their fertility. Although birth control is a complex issue involving myriad social and political factors, the technical vacuum in this area is significant. Through no fault of the family planning authorities, there have been no radically new methods of fertility control since the oral contraceptive pill was introduced in 1960 and even this contribution to planned parenthood has its roots in the biochemistry of the 1920s and 1930s. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry has, by and large, turned its back on fundamental research activities in this area. At present, our major investment in reproductive healthcare involves treating ever-increasing numbers of couples with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, these treatments are often delivered without critically considering the underlying causes of this condition or seriously contemplating the long-term consequences of the current enthusiasm for such therapy. Significantly, the clinical factors underpinning the commitment of couples to ART include advanced maternal age and a variety of lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, which are known to compromise the developmental potential of the oocyte and DNA integrity in spermatozoa.
Efeitos in vitro da cafeína na cartilagem de crescimento de ratos
Authors: Reis Amanda Maria Sena , Raad Raquel Viana , Ocarino Natália de Melo , Serakides Rogéria
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos in vitro da cafeína na proliferação, apoptose e expressão de transcriptos gênicos de diferenciação condrogênica na cartilagem de crescimento. MÉTODO: As epífises cartilaginosas de fêmures de ratos neonatos foram divididas em dois subgrupos: os tratados com cafeína e o grupo controle, ambos observados nos tempos de 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias. As epífises cartilaginosas de fêmures de cada subgrupo e de cada tempo foram submetidas à histomorfometria, análise imunoistoquímica, técnica de túnel e RT-PCR em tempo real. RESULTADO: A diminuição da atividade proliferativa e o aumento de condroblastos em apoptose aos 21 dias foram encontrados em ambos os subgrupos. Entretanto a diminuição da proliferação celular causada pela cafeína foi menor quando comparada ao grupo controle e aumentou significativamente a expressão de transcriptos gênicos para diferenciação condrogênica, representada pelo SOX-9 e pelo RUNX-2. Entretanto o cultivo in vitro com cafeína demostrou efeitos antagônicos: apesar dos efeitos positivos na proliferação e diferenciação de condroblatos, cafeína aumentou a apoptose, caracterizada pelo aumento da expressão de caspase-3 e do numero de células em apoptose (p< 0.05). CONCLUSÃO: A cafeína apresenta efeitos antagônicos in vitro na cartilagem em crescimento, aumentando a proliferação, diferenciação e apoptose celular. Estudo experimental.
Análise clinica da espasticidade em indivíduos com lesão medular
Authors: Tancredo Janaina Roland , Maria Renata Manzano , Azevedo Eliza Regina Ferreira Braga Machado de , Alonso Karina Cristina , Varoto Renato , Cliquet Junior Alberto
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular na espasticidade nos pacientes com lesão medular. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo onze sujeitos lesados medulares (C4 a T5). Foram utilizados para esta avaliação a escala modificada de Ashworth e o teste pendular, que foi realizado através do Dispositivo de Teste Pendular - DTP (o equipamento possui um acelerômetro de transdutores de cristais de quartzo e eletrogoniômetro de fibra óptica flexível que mede as tensões e os deslocamentos angulares). Os pacientes realizaram estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) nos músculos quadríceps e nervo fibular, sendo que os testes foram aplicados antes e após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Os dados mostram uma diminuição da espasticidade após a EENM, com características tais como um aumento na variação entre o pico máximo e o mínimo, ou seja, aumento da amplitude das curvas. Além disso, os dados da escala subjetiva, e escala modificada de Ashworth, após a estimulação elétrica neuromuscular também apresentaram uma redução nos valores da espasticidade. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que a EENM é eficaz para reduzir a espasticidade imediatamente após a sua realização. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos Terapêuticos -Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.
Tradução, adaptação cultural e validação de uma escala para aferir limitação da atividade de subir e descer escadas
Authors: Mello Paula Macedo Sant'Anna de , Silva Anni Amorelli da , Gonçalves Priscila Pereira , Santos Nathalia Lima Rosário dos , Toledano Mariana , Mendes Priscila Wane , Maciel Marcella Haddad de Carvalho , Franzoi Ana Cristina
Published: November 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: Subir e descer escadas são tarefas importantes do cotidiano. A limitação dessa atividade é especialmente prevalente na população idosa, com implicações em sua independência funcional. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a tradução, adaptação cultural para a língua portuguesa e validação da escala Activity Limitations in Climbing Stairs, que afere se há limitação da atividade de subir e descer escadas. MÉTODOS: Tradução, tradução reversa e adaptação cultural. Instrumentos utilizados: teste de performance de membros inferiores de Guralnik; tempo de subida e descida de uma escada de sete degraus com corrimão, observando-se a utilização de corrimão e o uso de passos alternados durante a tarefa. Após 15 dias, a escala foi reaplicada na mesma população. Estatística descritiva e testes de correlação, sendo a diferença entre grupos α<0,05. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 22 pacientes (72,2% mulheres), idade média de 76 anos. Na fase de adaptação cultural, uma questão foi revista. O escore da escala se correlacionou significativamente com o tempo de subir e descer a escada, e diferenciou o grupo que utilizava pés alternados e corrimão. O teste de Guralnik se correlacionou significativamente com o tempo de subir e descer a escada. A consistência interna foi de 0,8477. A escala se manteve estável após a segunda aplicação. CONCLUSÃO: Foram realizadas tradução e adaptação cultural da Escala Activity Limitations in Climbing Stairs. Sua validade foi estabelecida em um grupo de idosos, pela correlação significativa com o tempo cronometrado de subir e descer uma escada e com a forma de realizar a atividade; apresentando alta consistência interna e estabilidade.
Reconhecendo a sobrecarga e a qualidade de vida de cuidadores familiares de idosos frágeis
Authors: Wachholz Patrick Alexander , Santos Rosa Cristina Cervi , Wolf Loreci Santos Pereira
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVOS: Analisar as correlações entre o grau de dependência funcional de idosos residentes na comunidade, o nível de sobrecarga relacionada ao cuidado e a percepção de qualidade de vida dos cuidadores familiares desses idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, descritivo e analítico, com amostragem não probabilística selecionada por conveniência entre dezembro de 2008 e maio de 2009 na área urbana de Curitiba e Colombo, estado do Paraná. As entrevistas foram aplicadas aos cuidadores, empregando-se: inquérito sociodemográfico; avaliação funcional do idoso; avaliação da sobrecarga (Zarit-Burden-Interview) e qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-Bref). Utilizaram-se os coeficientes de Spearman, de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal Wallis para avaliar as correlações entre as escalas e destas com variáveis sociodemográficas. Análise bivariada identificou quais variáveis se correlacionariam à sobrecarga, incluídas as significativas em modelo de regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 45 cuidadores, predominando mulheres (91,11%) com elevada escolaridade, assistindo idosos funcionalmente dependentes (66,77%). Percebeu-se sobrecarga moderada/severa em 75,55% da amostra. Observou-se correlação entre dependência funcional e maior sobrecarga no cuidador (r=-0,281, p=0,013) e pior percepção de qualidade de vida. A regressão linear múltipla identificou forte associação entre sobrecarga relacionada ao cuidado e o domínio psicológico do WHOQOL-bref e o tempo como cuidador (R²=0,58, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Em amostra de cuidadores familiares, foram identificadas correlações significativas entre menor nível de sobrecarga relacionada ao cuidado e melhores percepções de qualidade de vida, bem como associação entre maior grau de dependência do idoso assistido e maior sobrecarga e qualidade de vida menos satisfatórias.
Influência do treinamento da potência muscular sobre a capacidade de execução de tarefas motoras em mulheres idosas
Authors: Barros Celia Cohen , Caldas Célia Pereira , Batista Luiz Alberto
Published: November 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: A manutenção da capacidade de geração de potência muscular é fator preponderante para a independência física e funcional do idoso. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de treinamento contra resistência em velocidade (PTCRV) sobre a potência muscular e o desempenho em tarefas motoras em idosas. MÉTODOS: 58 voluntárias sedentárias e fisicamente independentes foram divididas em dois subgrupos: 31 pertencentes ao grupo intervenção (GI), 68,7±5,2 anos de idade e 27 ao grupo controle (GC) 67,7±3,8 anos de idade. O GI foi submetido a um programa de 24 sessões, três vezes semanais, de treinamento contra resistência em velocidade. Foram avaliadas a carga (CR), a potência (PT) e a velocidade (VL) no exercício extensão de joelhos (EJ) e no teste motor de levantar-se da cadeira (LC), utilizando o sistema computadorizado Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer (TWA). Foi avaliado também o tempo de execução das tarefas motoras: marcha em velocidade de conforto (MVC) e marcha em velocidade máxima (MVM). Para comparação das variáveis estudadas, aplicou-se o teste t, admitindo-se p=0,05. RESULTADOS: Foi observado no GI para o exercício EJ ganho significativo na capacidade de geração da potência (49,56±13,52w / 66,87±16,27w, p=0,0002). No teste LC, houve aumento significativo na capacidade de geração da potência (370,71±106,26w / 434,52±107,15w, p=0,02185) e da velocidade (0,61±0,14m/s / 0,72±0,14m/s, p=0,00274). Nos testes motores, MVC e MVM, houve redução significativa no tempo de execução (4,56±0,63s / 4,20±0,50s, p=0,01560) e (3,45±0,40s / 3,23±0,34s, p=0,02222), respectivamente. No GC não foi observada melhora significativa em nenhum dos testes aplicados. CONCLUSÃO: O PTCRV contribuiu para melhorar os níveis de potência muscular, além de melhorar o desempenho nas tarefas motoras no grupo estudado.
Relações entre avós e seus netos adolescentes: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Oliveira Alessandra Ribeiro Ventura , Pinho Diana Lúcia Moura
Published: November 2013

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a relação entre avós e seus netos adolescentes, e descrever suas diferentes representações no cotidiano de seus netos por meio de revisão integrativa. Realizou-se a busca de artigos e resumos publicados no período de janeiro 2002 a junho de 2012, nas bases de dados LILACS e MEDLINE, por meio dos seguintes descritores: avós, netos adolescentes, relações entre avós e netos. Seguindo as estratégias definidas para o estudo, a busca resultou em seis artigos na íntegra. Foram incluídos dois artigos da base de dados LILACS e quatro da MEDLINE. Concluiu-se que as relações entre avós e netos adolescentes se diferenciaram de acordo com a proximidade entre os sujeitos, sendo esta derivada de diversos fatores, como corresidência, trabalho e estado civil dos netos, opções sexuais GLBT, origem e doenças crônicas dos avós. Pesquisas futuras que estudem essa temática são importantes para contribuir com um melhor entendimento da relação entre avós e seus netos na perspectiva de ambos os sujeitos.
Competências gerenciais no contexto internacional: possíveis contribuições de cursos superiores brasileiros de Administração
Authors: Sousa Adriana de Faria e , Valadão Júnior Valdir Machado
Published: November 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar as competências gerenciais contempladas em ementas de disciplinas dos cursos superiores de Administração que, direta ou indiretamente, contribuem para o desenvolvimento de competências relevantes ao gestor que pretende assumir designações internacionais. Selecionou-se uma amostra de 24 instituições de ensino superior (IES) a partir dos seguintes critérios: (1) resultados do Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes (ENADE) e avaliação realizada pelo Ministério da Educação e Cultura (MEC); e (2) cursos participantes do Projeto de Pesquisa Pró-Administração, ligados à Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU). Para analisar as ementas dos cursos de Administração dessas IES, utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo clássica. A interpretação dos dados foi orientada por parâmetros que tiveram como base os resultados de levantamento junto a brasileiros que trabalham no exterior (SOUSA et al., 2010) e os estudos de Echeveste e outros, (1999) e McCall e Hollenbeck (2003). Foram avaliadas 1.324 ementas, tendo sido identificadas aderências às competências propostas em 622 (46,97% do corpus). Com maior frequência, foram encontradas: visão estratégica, capacidade de decisão, capacidade de correlação de fatos com importância para a empresa e capacidade para tratar com culturas diversas.
Do auge à retração: análise de um dos estágios de construção do ensino de Administração pública no Brasil (1966-1982)
Authors: Coelho Fernando de Souza , Nicolini Alexandre Mendes
Published: November 2013

A história do ensino na graduação em Administração Pública (AP) no país ainda carece de sistematização, dada a diminuta quantidade de estudos descritivos e de investigações analíticas do tema, como as teses de Fischer (1984), Coelho (2006), Nicolini (2007) e, tangencialmente, artigos ou relatórios de pesquisa. Defronte dessa lacuna, o objetivo deste trabalho é tanto propor uma periodização para tal ensino no Brasil, como contribuir com a descrição e análise de um dos seus ciclos ou estágios de construção. Metodologicamente, o artigo faz a revisão bibliográfica daquelas obras que abordam direta e indiretamente o tema, analisa as leis e pareceres sobre o ensino na graduação em AP e considera os projetos pedagógicos, prospectos e textos de discussão de instituições de ensino que ofereciam esse curso entre 1966 e 1982. No que se refere aos resultados, são identificáveis três ciclos da formação acadêmica em AP: o primeiro ciclo mostra a irradiação do ensino em sua graduação entre 1952 e 1965, o segundo ciclo enfoca o auge e o declínio desse ensino no período compreendido entre 1966 e 1982, no qual o trabalho se concentra, e o terceiro ciclo mostra um (re)alento para a área, quando novas proposições de formação emergem nos anos de 1983 a 1994. As conclusões mostram, no segundo ciclo, a influência norte-americana no ensino de Administração no Brasil, a indefinição entre os campos de AP e Administração de Empresas (AE), o impulso dado ao ensino de AE pelo Decreto-lei nº 200 e o desestímulo ao ensino de AP pelo enforcement do Currículo Mínimo e pela retração do mercado de trabalho para os administradores públicos.
A estratégia como prática social: o pensar e o agir em um programa social governamental
Authors: Sampaio Isabel Cristina , Fortunato Graziela , Bastos Sergio Augusto Pereira
Published: November 2013

Os sujeitos organizacionais reproduzem específicas maneiras de fazer estratégia notadamente no caso de programas sociais governamentais. Isto pode ser observado no Programa Terra Mais Igual, em Vitória, Espírito Santo, que é ancorado na urbanização de áreas ocupadas por população de baixa renda e dedicado à melhoria da qualidade de vida. Considerando que estratégias são associadas às ações cotidianas nas suas formas de pensar, sentir e agir e tendo o objetivo de avaliar o processo de articulação dos sujeitos organizacionais na realização de estratégias, a teoria social de Certeau (1994) foi utilizada como principal referência deste estudo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado, observação não participante e pesquisa documental. A triangulação de métodos realizada foi adequada ao estudo de caso e como resultado, foram reveladas as particularidades das práticas sociais dos praticantes do programa nas suas formas de tomar decisão, socializar pessoas, adotar práticas administrativas formais, comunicar, negociar e administrar conflitos e aprender.
Estimating safe scaled distances for columns subjected to blast
Authors: Byfield Michael , Paramasivam Sakthivel
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with determining the minimum stand-off distance required to prevent column failures in reinforced concrete framed buildings. This is of interest because column failures can initiate progressive collapse, resulting in mass casualties. A technique is developed to determine the critical range at which failure will occur for a given weight of explosives and thus provide a safe scaled distance. The method is used to carry out a parametric study of a range of reinforced concrete columns of variable dimensions and strengths. The corresponding data were used to predict safe scaled distances for columns (with and without clearing). These values can be used to estimate the minimum stand-off distance required to prevent progressive collapses of buildings that may be subjected to deliberate blast loading.
Section classifications for cold-formed channel steel
Authors: Maduliat Soheila , Mendis Priyan , Ngo Tuan Duc
Published: November 2013

The inelastic reserve capacity, which is the additional capacity of a member beyond the first yielding, is very important for limit-state design of frame structures. The aim of this work was to investigate the inelastic bending capacity of cold-formed channel sections according to European standards and to propose revisions to current design rules. An extensive experimental and analytical analysis of 42 cold-formed channel sections was conducted. Material properties of the tested sections were examined using tension tests on metal coupons. The sections were cold-formed from G450 steel with a nominal thicknesses of 1·6 mm, and varying theoretical buckling stresses ranging between elastic and seven times the yield stress. The results from the pure bending experimental investigations and the European design standards for steel structures were compared. It is concluded that the section classifications defined in Eurocode 3 are not accurate for cold-formed channel sections. Therefore, modifications to the section classifications that have been derived for hot-rolled sections are required in the case of cold-formed sections to maintain accuracy (based on the presented test series). Design rules are developed to account for such behaviour.
Infants of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Rubarth Lori Baas
Published: November 2013

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) can present with various symptoms and disorders. The neonatal nurse must be able to assess the infant for glucose control and other anomalies.
Prematures and Feeding Therapy: New Lullaby-Powered Research
Authors: Discenza Deborah
Published: November 2013

Premature babies are at risk for feeding issues that can result in longer NICU stays, challenging feeding sessions at home, and potential concerns for long-term issues with weight gain, developmental milestones, and more. Interviewed is Jayne M. Standley, PhD, MT-BC, NICU-MT, who talks about how lullaby music combined with a specialized device that includes a pacifier can help premature infants learn to pace themselves during feeding sessions.
On generalized topological groups
Authors: Hussain Murad , Khan ud , Özel Cenap
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we initiate the study of generalized topological groups. A generalized topological group has the algebraic structure of groups and the topological structure of a generalized topological space defined by A. Cs?sz?r [2] and they are joined together by the requirement that multiplication and inversion are G-continuous. Every topological group is a G-topological group whereas converse is not true in general. Quotients of generalized topological groups are defined and studied.
Limit formulas for ratios between derivatives of the gamma and digamma functions at their singularities
Authors: Qi Feng
Published: November 2013

In the note, the author presents alternative proofs for limit formulas of ratios between derivatives of the gamma function and the digamma function at their singularities.
On a new class of operators and Weyl type theorems
Authors: Mecheri Salah
Published: November 2013

In the present article, we introduce a new class of operators which will be called the class of k-quasi *-paranormal operators that includes '-paranormal operators. A part from other results, we show that following results hold for a k-quasi *-paranormal operator T: (i) T has the SVEP. (ii) Every non-zero isolated point in the spectrum of T is a simple pole of the resolvent of T. (iii) All Weyl type theorems hold for T. (iv) Comments and some open problems are also presented.
Some new results for Jacobi matrix polynomials
Authors: Çekim Bayram , Altin Abdullah , Aktaş Rabia
Published: November 2013

The main aim of this paper is to obtain some recurrence relations and generating matrix function for Jacobi matrix polynomials (JMP). Also, various integral representations satisfied by JMP are derived.
Approximation theorems for q-Bernstein-Kantorovich operators
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim , Sabancigil Pembe
Published: November 2013

In the present paper we introduce a q-analogue of the Bernstein-Kantorovich operators and investigate their approximation properties. We study local and global approximation properties and Voronovskaja type theorem for the q-Bernstein-Kantorovich operators in case 0 < q < 1.
A note on Putinar's matricial models
Authors: Kim Jaewoong
Published: November 2013

In this note we consider the conjecture that every hyponormal Putinar's matricial model of rank two is subnormal. Related to this conjecture, we show that there exists a non rationally cyclic subnormal Putinar's matricial model of rank two and then give a sufficient condition for it to be a subnormal operator.
Consistent in invertibility operators and SVEP
Authors: Djordjevic Dragan , Duggal Bhagwati , Harte Robin
Published: November 2013

If S(X) ? B(X), where B(X) denotes the algebra of operators on a Banach space X, then A ? B(X) is S(X) consistent if AB ? S(X) ? BA ? S(X) for every B ? B(X). SVEP is a powerful tool in determining the S(X) consistency of operators A for various choices of the subset S(X).
The duals of certain matrix domains of factorable triangles and some related visualisations
Authors: Malkowsky Eberhard , Velickovic Vesna
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a connection between some new results from the theory of sequence spaces in functional analysis and computer science, with an application to physical chemistry and crystallography. We determine the ?-duals of the matrix domains of factorable triangles in the spaces of strongly C1 summable and bounded sequences, with index p. Furthermore we apply our results to crystallography, in particular, to determine the shape of Wulff's crystals which, in some cases, can be considered as neighbourhoods in certain metrizable topologies. Finally we use our own software for the graphical representations of some of the crystals.
Coefficient estimates for a general subclass of analytic and bi-univalent functions
Authors: Srivastava Harim , Bulut Serap , Ҫaǧlar Murat , Yağmur Nihat
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we introduce and investigate an interesting subclass N?h,p (?, ?) of analytic and bi-univalent functions in the open unit disk U. For functions belonging to the class N?h,p (?, ?), we obtain estimates on the first two Taylor-Maclaurin coefficients |a2| and |a3|. The results presented in this paper would generalize and improve some recent works of ?a?lar et al. [3], Xu et al. [10], and other authors.
A note on spacelike surfaces in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Nistor Ana
Published: November 2013

We characterize and classify spacelike surfaces endowed with a canonical principal direction in Minkowski 3-space E13. Under the maximality condition, a new characterization for the catenoid of the 1st kind is obtained.
Some causal connections between stochastic dynamic systems
Authors: Petrovic Ljiljana
Published: November 2013

In this paper we consider a problem that follows directly from realization problem: how to find Markovian representations , even minimall, for a given family of Hilbert spaces, understood as outputs of a stochastic dynamic system S1, provided it is in a certain causality relationship with another family of Hilbert spaces , i. e. with some informations about states of a stochastic dynamic system S2. This paper is continuation of the papers Gill and Petrovic [7] and Petrovic [16,17].
Slowly oscillating continuity in abstract metric spaces
Authors: Çakallı Hüseyin , Sӧnmez Ayșe
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we investigate slowly oscillating continuity in cone metric spaces. It turns out that the set of slowly oscillating continuous functions is equal to the set of uniformly continuous functions on a slowly oscillating compact subset of a topological vector space valued cone metric space.
On double sequences of continuous functions having continuous P-limits II
Authors: Patterson Richard , Savaș Ekrem
Published: November 2013

The goal of this paper is to relax the conditions of the following theorem: Let A be a compact closed set; let the double sequence of function s1,1 (x), s1,2 (x) s1,3 (x) . . . s2,1 (x), s2,2 (x) s2,3 (x) . . . s3,1 (x), s3,2 (x) s3,3 (x) . . . have the following properties: 1. for each (m, n) sm,n (x) is continuous in A; 2. for each x in A we have P - limm,n sm,n (x) = s(x); 3. s(x) is continuous in A; 4. there exists M such that for all (m, n) and all x in A |sm,n (x)| ? M. Then there exists a T -transformation such that P lim ?m,n (x) = s(x) uniformly in A m,n and to that end we obtain the following. In order that the transformation be such that P - lim s?s0 (S);t?t0 (T) ?(s; t; x) = 0 uniformly with respect x for every double sequence of continuous functions (sm,n (x)) define over A such that sm,n (x) is bounded over A and for all (m, n) and P - limm,n sm,n (x) = 0 over A it is necessary and sufficient that P - lim ?,? ? |ak,l (s, t)| = 0. s?s0 (S);t?t0 (T) k,l=1,1 .
Applicability of visual-analogue scale in patients with orofacial pain
Authors: Loncar Jovana , Panic Zorica , Stojsin Ivana , Savovic Slobodan , Petrovic Bojan
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Orofacial pain occurs in various disorders of the orofacial
region. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine applicability of the
visual-analogue scale (VAS) in patients with orofacial pain (model of acute
and chronic pain). Methods. The study involved 60 patients, aged 18-70 years.
The first group consisted of patients with dentin hypersensitivity, and the
second group of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. All patients were asked
to fill-in a pain questionnaire and to rate pain intensity on the modified
visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10). Air indexing method was performed in the
patients with dentin hypersensitivity in order to provoke pain, while the
patients with chronic rhinosinusitis underwent CT imaging of paranasal
sinuses. Wilcoxon?s test and Pearson?s correlation coefficient were used for
statistical analysis. Results. In patients with dentin hypersensitivity
provocation increased subjective feeling of pain, but without statistical
significance (t=164.5; p>0.05). In patients with chronic rhinosinusitis a
significant statistical correlation (r=0.53; p<0.05) was found between
subjective pain assessment of VAS and CT findings. Conclusion. Applying VAS
in the evaluation of acute and chronic pain can indicate progression or
regression of pathological state under clinical conditions. This study showed
that VAS, as a method for follow-up of pathological state, is more applicable
and efficient when applied in chronic pain evaluation.