bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-TermIn VivoImaging of Dendritic Spines in the Hippocampus Reveals Structural Plasticity
Authors: Gu Ligang , Kleiber Stefanie , Schmid Lena , Nebeling Felix , Chamoun Miriam , Steffen Julia , Wagner Jens , Fuhrmann Martin
Published: October 2014

Hippocampal function is important for learning and memory. During memory processing, hippocampal CA1 neurons play a crucial role by integrating excitatory synaptic input from CA3 and the entorhinal cortex. These neurons receive excitatory input almost exclusively on dendritic spines. The formation and elimination—structural plasticity—of dendritic spines reflect wiring changes within the hippocampal network. Despite the relevance of the hippocampus in learning and memory, mostin vivodata on structural plasticity derive from cortical regions. We established a chronic hippocampal window approach using two-photon microscopy to visualize dendritic spines throughout all CA1 hippocampal layers and over a time course of weeks. Moreover, even granule cells in dentate gyrus could be reliably detected. We found that the spine density in stratum radiatum (∼1.1 per micrometer) remained stable over weeks. However, a small fraction (3.4%) of spines were formed and eliminated between imaging sessions, which demonstrated that spines of CA1 neurons exhibit structural plasticity in adult mice. In addition, we tested for possible inflammatory or behavioral side effects of hippocampal window implantation. Mice exhibited a transient increase in microgliosis and astrogliosis, which declined within a few weeks. We did not detect any difference in behavioral performance in an open-field and contextual fear-conditioning paradigm. In conclusion, hippocampal long-term two-photon imaging revealed structural plasticity of dendritic spines in CA1 pyramidal neurons. This approach may provide a powerful tool to analyze changes in neuronal network rewiring during hippocampal learning and memory processes in health and disease.
Stimulus-Related Neuroimaging in Task-Engaged Subjects Is Best Predicted by Concurrent Spiking
Authors: Lima Bruss , Cardoso Mariana M.B. , Sirotin Yevgeniy B. , Das Aniruddha
Published: October 2014

The implicit goal of functional magnetic resonance imaging is to infer local neural activity. There is considerable debate, however, as to whether imaging correlates most linearly with local spiking or some local field potential (LFP) measurement. Through simultaneous neuroimaging (intrinsic-signal optical imaging) and electrode recordings from alert, task-engaged macaque monkeys, we showed previously that local electrophysiology correlates with only a specific stimulus-related imaging component. Here we show that this stimulus-related component—obtained by subtracting a substantial task-related component—is particularly linear with local spiking over a comprehensive range of response strengths. Matches to concurrent LFP measurements are, to varying degrees, poorer. As a control, we also tried matching the full imaging signal to local electrophysiology without subtracting task-related components. These control matches were consistently worse; they were, however, slightly better for gamma LFP than spiking, potentially resolving discrepancies between our findings and earlier reports favoring LFP.
Selective Activation of Ipsilateral Motor Pathways in Intact Humans
Authors: Tazoe Toshiki , Perez Monica A.
Published: October 2014

It has been proposed that ipsilateral motor pathways play a role in the control of ipsilateral movements and recovery of function after injury. However, the extent to which ipsilateral motor pathways are engaged in voluntary activity in intact humans remains largely unknown. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation over the arm representation of the primary motor cortex, we examined ipsilateral motor-evoked potentials (iMEPs) in a proximal arm muscle during increasing levels of unilateral and bilateral isometric force in a sitting position. We demonstrate that iMEP area and amplitude decreased during bilateral contraction of homonymous (elbow flexor) muscles and increased during bilateral contraction of heteronymous (elbow flexor and extensor) muscles compared with a unilateral contraction, regardless of the level of force tested. To further understand the neuronal inputs involved in the bilateral effects, we examined the contribution from neck afferents projecting onto ipsilateral motor pathways. Medial (away from the muscle tested) and lateral (toward the muscle tested) rotation of the head enhanced bilateral iMEP effects from homonymous and heteronymous muscles, respectively. In contrast, head flexion and extension exerted nonspecific bilateral effects on iMEPs. Intracortical inhibition, in the motor cortex where iMEPs originated, showed modulation compatible with the changes in iMEPs. We conclude that ipsilateral projections to proximal arm muscles can be selectively modulated by voluntary contraction of contralateral arm muscles, likely involving circuits mediating asymmetric tonic neck reflexes acting, at least in part, at the cortical level. The pattern of bilateral actions may represent a strategy to engage ipsilateral motor pathways in a motor behavior.
Multimodal Use of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Substance P in Itch and Acute Pain Uncovered by the Elimination of Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 2 from Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1 Neurons
Authors: Rogoz Katarzyna , Andersen Helena H. , Lagerström Malin C. , Kullander Klas
Published: October 2014

Primary afferents are known to use glutamate as their principal fast neurotransmitter. However, it has become increasingly clear that peptides have an influential role in both mediating and modulating sensory transmission. Here we describe the transmission accounting for different acute pain states and itch transmitted via the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) population by either ablating Trpv1–Cre-expressing neurons or inducing vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) deficiency in Trpv1–Cre-expressing neurons. Furthermore, by pharmacological inhibition of substance P or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling inVglut2-deficient mice, we evaluated the contribution of substance P or CGRP to these sensory modulations, with or without the presence of VGLUT2-mediated glutamatergic transmission in Trpv1–Cre neurons. This examination, together with c-Fos analyses, showed that glutamate via VGLUT2 in the Trpv1–Cre population together with substance P mediate acute cold pain, whereas glutamate together with CGRP mediate noxious heat. Moreover, we demonstrate that glutamate together with both substance P and CGRP mediate tissue-injury associated pain. We further show that itch, regulated by the VGLUT2-mediated transmission via the Trpv1–Cre population, depends on CGRP and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) transmission because pharmacological blockade of the CGRP or GRPR pathway, or genetic ablation ofGrpr, led to a drastically attenuated itch. Our study reveals how different neurotransmitters combined can cooperate with each other to transmit or regulate various acute sensations, including itch.
LRP4 Is Critical for Neuromuscular Junction Maintenance
Authors: Barik Arnab , Lu Yisheng , Sathyamurthy Anupama , Bowman Andrew , Shen Chengyong , Li Lei , Xiong Wen-cheng , Mei Lin
Published: October 2014

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, and is critical for control of muscle contraction. Its formation requires neuronal agrin that acts by binding to LRP4 to stimulate MuSK. Mutations have been identified inagrin,MuSK, andLRP4in patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome, and patients with myasthenia gravis develop antibodies against agrin, LRP4, and MuSK. However, it remains unclear whether the agrin signaling pathway is critical for NMJ maintenance because null mutation of any of the three genes is perinatal lethal. In this study, we generated imKO mice, a mutant strain whoseLRP4gene can be deleted in muscles by doxycycline (Dox) treatment. Ablation of theLRP4gene in adult muscle enabled studies of its role in NMJ maintenance. We demonstrate that Dox treatment of P30 mice reduced muscle strength and compound muscle action potentials. AChR clusters became fragmented with diminished junctional folds and synaptic vesicles. The amplitude and frequency of miniature endplate potentials were reduced, indicating impaired neuromuscular transmission and providing cellular mechanisms of adult LRP4 deficiency. We showed that LRP4 ablation led to the loss of synaptic agrin and the 90 kDa fragments, which occurred ahead of other prejunctional and postjunctional components, suggesting that LRP4 may regulate the stability of synaptic agrin. These observations demonstrate that LRP4 is essential for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the NMJ and that loss of muscle LRP4 in adulthood alone is sufficient to cause myasthenic symptoms.
Heterogeneously Expressedfezf2Patterns Gradient Notch Activity in Balancing the Quiescence, Proliferation, and Differentiation of Adult Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Berberoglu Michael A. , Dong Zhiqiang , Li Guangnan , Zheng Jiashun , Trejo Martinez Luz del Carmen G. , Peng Jisong , Wagle Mahendra , Reichholf Brian , Petritsch Claudia , Li Hao , Pleasure Samuel J. , Guo Su
Published: October 2014

Balancing quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation in adult stem cells is critical for tissue homeostasis. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain incompletely understood. Here we identify Fezf2 as a novel regulator of fate balance in adult zebrafish dorsal telencephalic neural stem cells (NSCs). Transgenic reporters show intermingledfezf2-GFPhiquiescent andfezf2-GFPloproliferative NSCs. Constitutive or conditional impairment offezf2activity demonstrates its requirement for maintaining quiescence. Analyses of genetic chimeras reveal a dose-dependent role offezf2in NSC activation, suggesting that the difference infezf2levels directionally biases fate. Single NSC profiling coupled with genetic analysis further uncovers afezf2-dependent gradient Notch activity that is high in quiescent and low in proliferative NSCs. Finally,fezf2-GFPhiquiescent andfezf2-GFPloproliferative NSCs are observed in postnatal mouse hippocampus, suggesting possible evolutionary conservation. Our results support a model in whichfezf2heterogeneity patterns gradient Notch activity among neighbors that is critical to balance NSC fate.
Neurons in the Nucleus Accumbens Promote Selection Bias for Nearer Objects
Authors: Morrison Sara E. , Nicola Saleem M.
Published: October 2014

Both animals and humans often prefer rewarding options that are nearby over those that are distant, but the neural mechanisms underlying this bias are unclear. Here we present evidence that a proximity signal encoded by neurons in the nucleus accumbens drives proximate reward bias by promoting impulsive approach to nearby reward-associated objects. On a novel decision-making task, rats chose the nearer option even when it resulted in greater effort expenditure and delay to reward; therefore, proximate reward bias was unlikely to be caused by effort or delay discounting. The activity of individual neurons in the nucleus accumbens did not consistently encode the reward or effort associated with specific alternatives, suggesting that it does not participate in weighing the values of options. In contrast, proximity encoding was consistent and did not depend on the subsequent choice, implying that accumbens activity drives approach to the nearest rewarding option regardless of its specific associated reward size or effort level.
China’s Structural Power Deficit and Influence Gap in the Monetary Policy Arena
Authors: Ciorciari John D.
Published: October 2014

As China rises, its influence on other states’ policy choices will depend partly on the extent of its “structural power.” This article examines China’s role in Asian monetary affairs and argues that deficient structural power has contributed to a significant gap between China’s waxing economic resources and its policy influence.
China’s Market Influence in North Korea
Authors: Reilly James
Published: October 2014

North Korea’s deepening economic interactions with China have encouraged the former’s localized trends toward a more market-oriented and externally engaged society. This article compares China’s engagement strategy to South Korea’s “Sunshine Policy” and then assesses China’s transformational influence on North Korean institutions, cross-border cooperation, businesspeople, and consumers.
Political Scandals and the Accountability of the Chief Executive in Hong Kong
Authors: Scott Ian
Published: October 2014

This article examines two political and constitutional issues arising from scandals concerning the past and present Hong Kong Chief Executive. These relate to whether existing measures are sufficient to ensure integrity in high office and to the role of the Chief Executive after the introduction of universal suffrage in 2017.
The Politics of Financial Reform in Indonesia
Authors: Omori Sawa
Published: October 2014

This research explains the politics of financial reforms in Indonesia by applying the theory of veto players. By comparing the periods during and after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, I analyze temporal variations in the effects of the IMF and the number of veto players on financial reforms in Indonesia.
Yucatecan-Mexican Relations and Yucatecan Politicking from 1829–1832: Centralism, Secession, and Federalism
Authors: Ali Shara
Published: October 2014

This paper will explore Yucatecan-Mexican relations and local Yucatecan politicking during the early national period, using Yucatán’s pronunciamientos of 1829 to 1832 as case studies. This examination will highlight that, while Yucatán has historically been perceived as a marginal and pro-autonomous state of early nineteenth-century Mexico, in fact, the years of Yucatecan secession from 1829–1832 were instigated by a small but powerful government, and the majority of Yucatecan economic, military and political factions still desired unification with and possessed loyalty to Mexico. In turn, this examination will contribute to re-defining the identification of Yucatán as a secessionist state.

Este artículo explora las relaciones México-Yucatán y la forma yucateca de hacer política durante los primeros años del periodo nacional, tomando como caso los pronunciamientos de 1829 y 1832. Nuestro examen subrayará que, aun cuando Yucatán haya sido percibido históricamente como un estado marginal y pro-autónomo de principios del siglo xix en México, los años de secesión yucateca, entre 1829 y 1832, realmente fueron instigados por un gobierno pequeño pero poderoso, y la mayoría de las facciones económicas, militares y políticas yucatecas aún deseaban la unificación y eran leales a México. A su vez, este examen contribuirá a redefinir la identificación de Yucatán como un estado secesionista.
Chucho el Roto in Mexico’s Post-1968 Cinema: Banditry, State-Sponsored Violence, and the Alternative National Family
Authors: Robinson Amy
Published: October 2014

Legendary bandit Chucho el Roto was portrayed by renowned actor Manuel López Ochoa in a film series made and released in the wake of violent repression of Mexico’s student movement. The four films provide entertainment with their charismatic leading man, melodrama, romance and comedy. Yet, the series also allegorizes and critiques Dirty War tactics employed in Mexico by portraying how the powerful abuse their authority to criminalize, imprison, torture and murder young idealists with an alternative vision for society. The popular figure of the bandit thus constituted a timely vehicle for critical reflection about political violence within a repressive climate.

Chucho el Roto, el bandido legendario, fue retratado por el afamado actor Manuel López Ochoa en una serie de películas filmadas y estrenadas tras la violenta represión del movimiento estudiantil mexicano. Las cuatro películas proporcionan entretenimiento gracias a su carismático protagonista, al melodrama, el romance y la comedia. Sin embargo la serie también alegoriza y critica las tácticas de la Guerra Sucia empleadas en México, y lo hace mediante un retrato del poderoso abuso de sus autoridades para criminalizar, apresar, torturar y asesinar a jóvenes idealistas con una visión alternativa para la sociedad. La figura popular del bandido constituyó así un vehículo oportuno para la reflexión crítica sobre la violencia política dentro de un clima represivo.
The Role of Financial Derivative Instruments in the Emerging Market Financial Crises of the Late 1990s: The Mexican Case
Authors: Hayali Ayca Sarialioglu
Published: October 2014

Although derivatives were developed for the treatment of some diseases, such as risks and volatilities, ironically, as experienced in the 1990s, they, themselves, created them as sometimes “adverse effects” of hedging or with deliberately harmful purposes of speculation. This paper aims to analyze the role of financial derivatives in the emerging markets financial crises of the 1990s. In this regard, it deals with the Mexican case through a VAR-GARCH approach. The paper found that financial derivatives had an increasing impact on the currency crises of Mexico. This was an immediate destabilizing effect on the volatility of the spot exchange rates.

Si bien los derivados fueron desarrollados para tratar ciertas enfermedades como los riesgos y la volatilidad, irónicamente, como se vivió en la década de 1990, ellos mismos crearon en ocasiones esos problemas como “efectos secundarios” de la cobertura, o bien, con intenciones deliberadamente dañinas de especulación. Este artículo busca analizar el rol de los derivados financieros en las crisis de los noventa dentro de los mercados emergentes. Así pues, se trata el caso mexicano mediante un enfoque VaR-GARCH. El artículo encuentra que los derivados financieros tuvieron un impacto creciente en las crisis monetarias de México. Éste fue un efecto desestabilizador inmediato sobre la volatilidad de las tasas de cambio al contado.
A PCR blood test outperforms chromogranin A in carcinoid detection and is unaffected by proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Modlin Irvin M , Aslanian Harry , Bodei Lisa , Drozdov Ignat , Kidd Mark
Published: October 2014

A critical requirement in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) management is a blood biomarker test that is sensitive, specific and reproducible. We evaluated a PCR-based 51-transcript signature to detect tumors, compared it with chromogranin A (CgA) and examined the confounding effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which cause falsely elevated CgA levels. The multigene signature was evaluated in two groups. Group 1: 125 prospectively collected NETs: gastroenteropancreatic NETs (n=91, including 42 pancreatic and 40 small intestinal), carcinoids of unknown primary (n=18) and other sites (n=16). Group 2: prospectively collected non-NET patients receiving PPIs (>1 month; dyspepsia, n=19; GERD, n=6; and pancreatitis, n=4) and 50 controls. All samples were analyzed by PCR (marker genes) and ELISA (DAKO–CgA). Sensitivity comparisons included χ2, non-parametric measurements, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Group 1: 123 NETs were PCR-positive (98.4%) compared with 50 (40%) CgA-positive (χ2=97.3, P<10−26). Significant differences (P<0.001) were noted between pancreas: PCR 95% vs CgA 29.2% (P<10−9) and small intestine: 100 vs 58% (P<10−4). The multigene test was elevated in all grades (G1–G3), in both local and disseminated disease, and was not normalized by somatostatin analog therapy. It was also elevated in 97% of CgA normal NETs. Group 2: PPI administration increased CgA in 83% and CgA was elevated in 26% of controls. PCR values were not elevated in either group. PCR performance metrics were as follows: sensitivity 98.4%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 97.8%, and the ROC-derived area under the curve (AUC) was 0.997. These were significantly better than CgA (all metrics <60%; AUC, 0.54; Z-statistic, 10.44, P<0.0001). A 51-panel multigene blood transcript analysis is significantly more sensitive than plasma CgA for NET detection and is unaffected by acid suppression therapy.
Nuevas claves en Mediación Educativa
Authors: Sánchez Garcia-Arista Mari Luz
Published: October 2014

En el presente artículo se analiza cuál es la situación de la educación actual afectada por cambios sociales significativos, que explican los problemas de convivencia generadores de la creciente demanda de Mediación Escolar. A través de su historia y evolución, se analizan sus luces y sombras concluyendo, desde una nueva perspectiva, con una propuesta, capaz de potenciar la transformación personal y contextual que implica, fortaleciendo el punto débil de su permanencia en el tiempo: La Mediación Educativa Contextualizada. Ésta, incardinada en un Plan de Convivencia, junto a otros programas que la contextualicen –Educación en gestión de conflictos, habilidades sociales y comunicación eficaz- y un enfoque educativo de la disciplina, transformarán de forma positiva y continuada la cultura de centro, promoviendo el aprendizaje de la convivencia.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ie.24.1926
Modelo para la incorporación de un sistema de mediación escolar en un centro educativo de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria
Authors: De Prada De Prado Jorge
Published: October 2014

Los sistemas de mediación como estrategia de resolución de conflictos se han extendido en España en los últimos quince años en muy diversas esferas de la sociedad, desde el ámbito judicial, al laboral o las relaciones de pareja. Se han convertido en estrategias con las que gestionar, de manera diferente, los conflictos entre personas y conseguir procesos de resolución no violentos y menos traumáticos y, que en la medida de lo posible, no sólo gestionen la consecución de objetivos por las partes, sino también la relaciones entre las mismas. Uno de estos ámbitos es el educativo y escolar, donde los proyectos de mediación se han ido incorporando, primero desde la práctica educativa y la innovación que genera el profesorado en los propios centros, y después desde la legislación educativa de algunas Comunidades Autónomas. El modelo que aquí presentamos se creó en el año 2001 en el Instituto de Educación Secundaria “Ramiro II”, en la localidad leonesa de La Robla. Su origen está en la necesidad de restablecer el clima de convivencia seriamente dañado por un conflicto que implicó a todos los sectores de la comunidad educativa: alumnado, familias y profesorado.Comenzaremos explicando el modelo global de mejora de la convivencia a partir del cual se introduce la Mediación Escolar en el centro, para después acercarnos a la estructura de funcionamiento del sistema de Equipo de Mediación y cómo se realiza todo el proceso mediador y finalizaremos con algunos datos sobre la casuística de los conflictos mediados y sobre la percepción del sistema en la comunidad educativa.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ie.24.1928
Passivation and Annealing for Improved Stability of High Performance IGZO TFTs
Authors: Mudgal T. , Walsh N. , Manley R.G. , Hirschman K.D.
Published: October 2014

The influence of annealing ambient conditions and deposited passivation materials on indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) performance is investigated. Results from annealing experiments confirm that a nominal exposure to oxidizing ambient conditions is required, which is a function of temperature, time and gas environment. Nitrogen anneal with a controlled air ramp-down provided the best performance devices with a mobility (µsat) of 11-13 cm2/V·s and subthreshold slope (SS) of 135-200 mV/dec, with some hysteresis. Plasma-deposited passivation materials including sputtered quartz and PECVD SiO2 demonstrated a significant increase in material conductivity, which was not significantly reversible by an oxidizing ambient anneal. E-beam evaporated Al2O3 passivated devices that were annealed in air at 400 °C demonstrated improved stability over time and suppressed hysteresis in comparison to unpassivated devices. Devices which were passivated with B-staged bisbenzocyclobutene-based (BCB) resins and annealed in air at 250 °C also exhibited suppressed hysteresis.
Quantum chemistry computations of properties of acrylamide dimers
Authors: Wang Yi-Siang , Lin Yi-De , Chao Sheng D.
Published: October 2014

Intermolecular interaction potentials of the acrylamide dimer in 12 equilibrium configurations have been calculated using the second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory. We have employed Pople’s medium size basis sets [up to 6-311++G(3df,2p)] and Dunning’s correlation consistent basis sets (up to aug-cc-pVTZ). We have also carried out density functional theory (DFT) type calculations and compared the results with those calculated with the MP2 theory.
Materials Science Research to Open Doors for Economically Disadvantaged High School Students: The ACS Project SEED Program at Clark Atlanta University
Authors: Khan Ishrat , Reed James , Williams Myron , Willis Madge
Published: October 2014

The Center for Functional Nanoscale Materials (CFNM), an NSF Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology, at Clark Atlanta University has partnered with ACS (American Chemical Society) Project SEED. The ACS project SEED program is recognized nationally as providing hands-on research opportunities to disadvantaged high school students who historically lack exposures to scientific careers. The University is a minority serving institution (MSI) and has an excellent relationship with Atlanta area school systems, which serve the African American community. Students entering their junior and senior years in high school were selected based on their academic performance, an essay and letters of recommendation for participation the Center’s eight week summer nanoscholar Program. Professors served as advisors and/or mentors and graduate students and doctoral fellows served as mentors. The Program included a variety of enrichment activities. All summer nanoscholars had personal research projects that were integral to the research programs of their advisors, and they presented their work in the form of a symposium at the end of the Program. We have completed three summers as an ACS Project SEED site. So far we have had one SEED scholar submit a major manuscript, two were invited to present at ACS National Meetings and one was awarded an eight year Gates-Millennium fellowship. Evaluation of the project strongly suggests that our approach is effective for opening doors for the economically disadvantaged students and tapping the best and the brightest for careers in the sciences and engineering. In the words of one of our young scholars “I realized that research is a continuous learning process. You can never know everything. Even a professor has credentials but they’re still continuing to learn.”
Death over time: brief notes about death and dying in the West
Authors: Werlang Rosangela , Mendes Jussara Maria Rosa
Published: October 2014

This literature review deals with death and the changes in its concept and meanings over time, aiming to relate this to the different social organizations and issues that involve individuality and human finitude. It intends to arouse the reflection about this theme respected by all of us, and related to our own contingency. In this sense, the article provides several perspectives through different authors' voices, seeking to understand how we arrived at this contemporary stage where death must be forgotten at any cost. It is a forbidden subject even inevitably being part of our daily lives, and its guardians must increasingly insure the non-participation and non-involvement of the people. Therefore, understanding the past stages of death, from its proximity to its banishment from the social life, is a necessary condition to analyzing our own end, and the end of our own individuality.
Feasibility of transitioning from APACHE II to SAPS III as prognostic model in a Brazilian general intensive care unit. A retrospective study
Authors: Serpa Neto Ary , Assunção Murillo Santucci Cesar de , Pardini Andréia , Silva Eliézer
Published: October 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Prognostic models reflect the population characteristics of the countries from which they originate. Predictive models should be customized to fit the general population where they will be used. The aim here was to perform external validation on two predictive models and compare their performance in a mixed population of critically ill patients in Brazil.DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study in a Brazilian general intensive care unit (ICU).METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all patients admitted to a 41-bed mixed ICU from August 2011 to September 2012. Calibration (assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test) and discrimination (assessed using area under the curve) of APACHE II and SAPS III were compared. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated by dividing the number of observed deaths by the number of expected deaths.RESULTS: A total of 3,333 ICU patients were enrolled. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed good calibration for all models in relation to hospital mortality. For in-hospital mortality there was a worse fit for APACHE II in clinical patients. Discrimination was better for SAPS III for in-ICU and in-hospital mortality (P = 0.042). The SMRs for the whole population were 0.27 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.23 - 0.33) for APACHE II and 0.28 (CI: 0.22 - 0.36) for SAPS III.CONCLUSIONS: In this group of critically ill patients, SAPS III was a better prognostic score, with higher discrimination and calibration power.
Children and adolescents on hemodialysis: attributes associated with quality of life
Authors: Abreu Isabella Schroeder , Kourrouski Maria Fernanda Cabral , Santos Danielle Maria de Souza Serio dos , Bullinger Monika , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de , Santos Claudia Benedita dos
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of incidents related to medication, registered in the medical records of patients admitted to a Surgical Clinic, in 2010. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at a university hospital, with a sample of 735 hospitalizations. Was performed the categorization of types of incidents, multivariate analysis of regression logistic and calculated the prevalence. The prevalence of drug-related incidents was estimated at 48.0% and were identified, as factors related to the occurrence of these incidents: length of hospitalization more than four days, prescribed three or more medications per day and realization of surgery intervention. It is expected to have contributed for the professionals and area managers can identify risky situations and rethink their actions.
Correlation between depressive symptoms and quality of life in users of psychoactive substances
Authors: Marcon Samira Reschetti , Xavier Jéssica Saraiva , Barcelon Ariane Aguillar , Espinosa Mariano Martinez , Barbosa Dulce Aparecida
Published: October 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between the presence of depressive symptoms and quality of life in users of psychoactive substances from Psychosocial Attention Centers in Mato Grosso. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study, conducted in Psychosocial Attention Centers, with 109 users. The instruments used were: Medical Outcomes Study 36, Beck Depression Inventory, socio-demographic variables and the use of psychoactive substances. A Tukey analysis and a Spearman correlation were conducted with a significance level of α<0,05. Results: The most affected domains of quality of life were emotional, social and mental health aspects, besides the strong correlation between depressive symptoms and quality of life. Conclusion: The use of psychoactive substances and the presence of symptoms significantly interfere in the life of users, which can compromise the motivation to the treatment, negatively affecting the quality of life in this population.
Effectiveness of prayer in reducing anxiety in cancer patients
Authors: Carvalho Camila Csizmar , Chaves Erika de Cássia Lopes , Iunes Denise Hollanda , Simão Talita Prado , Grasselli Cristiane da Silva Marciano , Braga Cristiane Giffoni
Published: October 2014

Objective: To evaluate the effect of prayer on anxiety in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: Quasi-experimental study, with pre and post-intervention. Twenty patients admitted to treatment of continuous intravenous chemotherapy were recruited. The volunteers were evaluated through interviews using a questionnaire of sociodemographic, clinical and spiritual characteristics, the Index of Religiosity Duke University and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Vital signs were measured and collected salivary cortisol. The intervention was applied prayer and data collection occurred in three phases: first collection (baseline), pre and post-intervention. Results: The data found between the pre and post-intervention samples showed different statistically significant for state anxiety (p= <0.00), blood pressure (systolic, p=0.00, diastolic, p=<0.00) and respiratory rate (p=0.04). Conclusion: Prayer, therefore, proved to be an effective strategy in reducing the anxiety of the patient undergoing chemotherapy.
Psychological distress in health sciences college students and its relationship with academic engagement
Authors: Liébana-Presa Cristina , Fernández-Martínez Mª Elena , Gándara África Ruiz , Muñoz-Villanueva Mª Carmen , Vázquez-Casares Ana María , Rodríguez-Borrego Mª Aurora
Published: October 2014

Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress and its relationship with academic engagement (absorption, dedication and vigor), sex and degree among students from four public universities. Method: A non-experimental,comparative correlational, quantitative investigation without intervention. Study population: 1840 nursing and physical therapy students. The data collection tool used was a questionnaire. Results: A 32.2% prevalence of psychological distress was found in the subjects; a correlation between vigor and psychological distress was found for all of the subjects and also for women. High absorption and dedication scores and low psychological distress scores predicted higher vigor scores. Conclusion: The risk of psychological distress is high, especially for women. Women seem to have a higher level of psychological distress than men. Vigor, energy and mental resilience positively influence psychological distress and can be a vehicle for better results during the learning and studying process.
Escopo e abrangência da Ciência da Informação e a Pós-Graduação na área: anotações para uma reflexão
Authors: González De Gómez Maria Nélida
Published: October 2014

A Ciência da Informação não teria como objeto a informação, fora de contexto, constrói seu objeto por um ponto de vista que organiza um domínio de conhecimentos, a partir da articulação informação/ação de informação. Os estratos e modalidades das ações de informação estabelecem novas zonas de vizinhança e solidariedade com outros conhecimentos. Nesse contexto, a pós-graduação resultaria de combinar um programa disciplinar, princípio institucionalizador do domínio, e um programa de pesquisa, inter e trans-disciplinar, orientado à descoberta e à inovação.
Marketing: uma ferramenta fundamental para o profissional da informação
Authors: Sugahara Cibele Roberta , Fuentes Ligia Ferrari , Oliveira Silas Marques de
Published: October 2014

O artigo analisa, em primeiro lugar, a importância da informação no mundo atual e a necessidade de tratá-la a partir da segmentação do mercado, apre-sentando o marketing como ferramenta capaz de desenvolver produtos e serviços e de comunicá-los a este mercado alterando e/ou influenciando o seu comportamento. A seguir apresenta os desafios que os profissionais da informação enfrentarão quando adotarem as técnicas mercadológicas, tendo como base discussões já apresentadas pelos pesquisadores Oliveira e Amaral. Na sua parte final propõe que os novos paradigmas do mundo atual e a utilização do marketing como ferramenta possam promover a aproximação e equilíbrio entre a técnica e a necessidade do usuário.
Necesidad de fortalecimiento de la extensión universitaria como componente del proyecto académico, con miras a la evaluación y acreditación
Authors: Escobar de Morel Margarita
Published: October 2014

La efectividad de la extensión universitaria como uno de los pilares de la educación superior sólo puede lograrse mediante el mejoramiento de la calidad de sus resultados y su impacto en los grupos con los cuales se relaciona. La evaluación representa una de las estrategias que pueden contribuir a ese mejoramiento; por ello, se propone un esquema de auto-evaluación institucional y, particularmente, se detallan los criterios de evaluación de la extensión.
A dimensão pedagógica da pesquisa nos cursos de Biblioteconomia do Mercosul: reflexões sobre uma trajetória de harmonização curricular
Authors: Rodrigues Mara Eliane Fonseca , Guimarães José Augusto Chaves
Published: October 2014

Partindo da concepção de pesquisa como mola mestra para um ensino de qualidade e considerando-se o fato da mesma constituir uma das áreas curriculares acordadas para os cursos de Biblioteconomia do Mercosul, analisam-se, sob uma ótica histórica, as concepções de pesquisa desenvol-vidas no âmbito dos Encontros de Diretores e Docentes de Biblioteconomia do Mercosul (Porto Alegre, 1996; Buenos Aires, 1997; Santiago do Chile, 1998, Montevidéu, 2000 e Assunção, 2001) como subsídios ao delineamento de políticas de pesquisa para a graduação em Biblioteconomia no Mercosul. Com tal objetivo, este trabalho parte da reflexão teórica sobre pesquisa no ensino (em especial, no ensino de Biblioteconomia) para, a seguir, analisar a evolução das discussões da área curricular 6 _ Investigação _ levadas a cabo no âmbito dos referidos eventos.
Pesquisa docente no espaço constitutivo da formação dos profissionais da Ciência da Informação no Brasil
Authors: Souza Francisco das Chagas de
Published: October 2014

Este trabalho analisa o tema da pesquisa docente, o modo como ele pode ser percebido em nosso ambiente educacional próximo constituído pelo campo mais amplo das Ciências da Informação realizada no Brasil. Considera as conseqüências dessa percepção e alerta para a necessidade de criar-se um quadro mais favorável à pesquisa; especialmente, à pesquisa voltada para a ação pedagógica, o que viria a fortalecer consideravelmente o ensino de graduação nos cursos da área existentes -e ofertados neste ano de 2002- em 40 Instituições de Ensino Superior brasileiras.
Comunicação científica dos docentes da Universidade Federal do Maranhão no período de 1998 a 2001
Authors: Pecegueiro Cláudia Maria Pinho de Abreu , Jesus Silvana Maria de
Published: October 2014

O objetivo é a caracterização da comunicação científica na Universidade Federal do Maranhão -UFMA, no período de 1998 a 2001. Dado que o papel da ciência é buscar aproximar o homem da verdade científica, enfatiza-se a importância da divulgação dos resultados dos estudos para validação da pesquisa. Tal divulgação ocorre através da comunicação científica, envolvendo canais (formais, informais e eletrônicos) facilitadores da tramitação da informação. Neste trabalho, apresentam-se os resultados de levantamento sobre as formas de comunicação científica utilizadas pelos docentes da UFMA, via canais formais.
Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica de los investigadores con proyectos aprobados por la Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba: 1996/1999
Authors: Bustos Argañaraz Eugenia , Centeno Sosa Alicia , Rapela María Virginia
Published: October 2014

El presente análisis tiene por objeto conocer la productividad científica de los directores y colaboradores cuyos proyectos de investigación han sido aprobados por la Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, durante el período 1996-1999. Estos proyectos se utilizan como una muestra de tal productividad y la aplicación de leyes bibliométricas al análisis de la producción científica de catorce Unidades Académicas, permite identificar quiénes y dónde publican los investigadores sus trabajos. De la investigación se concluye que, en el período 1997-1998, existe un aumento no significativo de los proyectos, que la diferencia entre la participación de uno u otro sexo no es significativa, y que prevalece la autoría múltiple, siendo más frecuentes los trabajos de dos o tres autores. Cuanto a los autores más productivos, se corrobora que, a su mayor colaboración, corresponde una menor productividad fraccionaria. Por último, se verifica que los investigadores publican predominantemente en revistas internacionales y lo hacen en menor escala en revistas y congresos nacionales. Esto refuerza los resultados de la investigación al constatar que los investigadores de las Unidades Académicas centran su producción en revistas científicas.
Investigación de fuentes de información jurídica en materia de discriminación
Authors: Cap Alicia S.
Published: October 2014

El objetivo del proyecto fue elaborar estrategias de búsqueda eficaces, con el objeto de seleccionar citas para la composición de una bibliografía referente a la discriminación en el ámbito laboral a personas afectadas de SIDA. Se analizaron los términos de indización utilizados y la estructura de las fuentes de información, tanto impresas cuanto electrónicas, de uso más frecuente en el ámbito jurídico de la Argentina. Mediante el estudio comparativo del tratamiento que cada fuente da al tema, respecto a estructuración y términos de indización, se llegó a una hipótesis de trabajo para efectuar búsquedas específicas en materia de doctrina, legislación y jurisprudencia. En conclusión, se comprueba la efectividad de analizar la nomenclatura jurídica de los diferentes repertorios, con el fin de ajustar las estrategias de búsqueda a dichos términos y obtenerse el mayor grado de pertinencia de la información requerida, en el menor tiempo de recuperación.
Alicerces da administração na construção do ensino e da pesquisa em Unidades de Informação
Authors: Reis Daniela Pereira dos , Caldas Rosangela Formentini
Published: October 2014

Proposição da inserção dos conteúdos relacionados à Administração nos cursos de graduação em Biblioteconomia. Apresenta a experiência de reestruturação curricular do Departamento de Ciência da informação da Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências da UNESP/Marília, que possibilitou a inserção da linha de pesquisa em administração nas unidades de informação. Considera ainda que, para o desenvolvimento dos conteúdos programáticos, são necessários processos adequados de ensino-aprendizagem, sintonizados com um paradigma que estimula a pesquisa docente e discente.
Por espaços democráticos de aprendizagem
Authors: Carvalho Ana Maria Sá de , Pontes Rute Batista de
Published: October 2014

Este trabalho trata da formação do profissional da informação, focalizando a interação ensino/pesquisa e visando a um ensino mais qualificado e humanizado. Com este objetivo elaborou-se o projeto de pesquisa intitulado: "Práticas Leitoras nas Escolas Públicas do Conjunto Ceará", contando-se com a participação de alunos do Departamento de Ciências da Informação. Através da investigação, discute-se a problemática existente no âmbito das políticas de leitura em voga e da biblioteca escolar, além de fazer-se uma reflexão sobre as deficiências observadas no Ensino Fundamental e Médio relativas às práticas leitoras. Os aportes teóricos derivam de Vigotsky e Bakhtin, estudiosos sócio-interacionistas, bem como da estética da recepção e do letramento. Os resultados do trabalho apontam o êxito da interação aluno de graduação/professores nas escolas sob estudo, e permitem afirmar que, dentre as alternativas propostas pela Associação Brasileira de Educação em Ciência da Informação, é a dualidade ensino/pesquisa uma das mais adequadas para a melhor qualificação da graduação. Além disso, os resultados indicam, não obstante, a necessidade de maior sensibilização para novas práticas leitoras, de treinamento para os recursos humanos dos centros de multi-meios e da presença, nestes, de um profissional bibliotecário.
O ensino, a pesquisa e a aprendizagem baseada em problemas
Authors: Bufrem Leilah Santiago , Sakakima Andréia Massamí
Published: October 2014

Discute e propõe a aplicação da metodologia conhecida como Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas, com o intuito de aproximar o ensino e a pesquisa em informação. Utilizada com sucesso em outras áreas do conhecimento, a metodologia incentiva o uso de técnicas de pesquisa ainda no contexto acadêmico, estimulando o aluno a encontrar seu próprio ritmo de estudo e a construir o conhecimento de acordo com as suas reais necessidades. No caso de um profissional voltado para uma área tão diversificada como o caso da informação, a metodologia apresenta-se como uma proposta viável e útil, tendo em vista proporcionar um currículo mais dinâmico, fundamentado na pesquisa científica e na sólida construção de saberes, práticas e conhecimentos. Para favorecer a sua compreensão, traça historicamente a metodologia, apresenta passos para sua implantação e alerta para possíveis barreiras a serem enfrentadas. Destaca a importância de espaços e recursos de informação adequados, principalmente da biblioteca, local por excelência de leitura e pesquisa.
Informação: fenômeno e objeto de estudo da sociedade contemporânea
Authors: Kobashi Nair Yumiko , Tálamo Maria de Fátima Gonçalves Moreira
Published: October 2014

O estudo da informação assume importância primordial na cultura contem-porânea, sendo tema desenvolvido por várias áreas do conhecimento. Cada disciplina deve, no entanto, identificar na informação o seu objeto específico, para que uma atividade compreensiva sobre o assunto substitua a explicação mecânica e funcionalista, largamente difundida, que não raro introduziu mais dúvidas e imprecisões do que soluções. É objetivo deste artigo discutir tanto o papel da Ciência da Informação no contexto das disciplinas que estão se constituindo, quanto a sua relevância sócio-política e econômica. Enfatiza-se a importância da elaboração conceitual para o entendimento do seu objeto e para a proposição de alternativas compreensivas do fenômeno. Conclui-se que a compreensão não se dá na amplitude do fenômeno geral, que está presente em todos os contextos disciplinares; ao contrário, ela requer a delimitação do contexto específico no qual a informação está sendo vista como valor e produtora de valor. A partir daí, os traços simplificados e fragmentados que a caracterizam serão consecutivamente analisados e substituídos através de uma abordagem que considere a complexidade da informação.
Informação empresarial: dos sistemas transacionais à latência zero
Authors: Falsarella Orandi Mina , Jannuzzi Celeste Aída Sirotheau Corrêa , Beraquet Vera Sílvia Marão
Published: October 2014

De cunho teórico e conceitual, o texto discorre sobre o uso das Tecnologias de Informação nas empresas em geral. Apresenta os conceitos básicos atribuídos à informação nesse ambiente e discorre sobre os diversos tipos de sistemas computadorizados de informações, disponíveis atualmente para as empresas. Discute o conceito de Latência Zero que, por meio de indicadores, contribui para o monitoramento do ambiente nas organizações, permitindo melhorar o tempo entre a ocorrência de um determinado evento e a tomada de decisão.