bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Effect of Consumable Electrode Remelt Processes on Steel Cleanliness
Authors: Glaws Peter , Hyde R. Scott
Published: January 2015

A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based image/compositional system was employed to provide detailed quantitative information on the non-metallic inclusion populations found in air melt, electro-slag (ESR), and vacuum arc (VAR) produced steels. The air melt samples were from the parent heat that was used as electrodes for subsequent remelt processing to provide the ESR and VAR samples. A set of mid-radius samples were prepared from 210 mm diameter bars from the air melt and offspring ESR and VAR processed steels for steel cleanliness evaluation. Values from a series of cleanliness metrics are reported and compared for each sample set. Both the ESR and VAR processing of the original air melted electrodes had significant impact on the steel composition and non-metallic inclusion population. The ESR processing dramatically lowered the sulfur content and, consequently, the quantity of sulfide inclusions, whereas the VAR processing significantly lowered the quantity of oxide inclusions from that observed in the original air melt steel. Additionally, the average composition of both the oxides and sulfides in the remelted steels changed significantly. Explanations for these observed changes in the oxide and sulfide populations are proposed. Furthermore, comparisons are provided with previously evaluated remelted steel samples from different manufacturers. Finally, some general conclusions on the respective impact of distinctly different oxide populations from the various processing routes on fatigue performance are offered.
A53T Human α-Synuclein Overexpression in Transgenic Mice Induces Pervasive Mitochondria Macroautophagy Defects Preceding Dopamine Neuron Degeneration
Authors: Chen Linan , Xie Zhiguo , Turkson Susie , Zhuang Xiaoxi
Published: January 2015

In vitroevidence suggests that the inefficient removal of damaged mitochondria by macroautophagy contributes to Parkinson's disease (PD). Using a tissue-specific gene amplification strategy, we generated a transgenic mouse line with human α-synuclein A53T overexpression specifically in dopamine (DA) neurons. Transgenic mice showed profound early-onset mitochondria abnormalities, characterized by macroautophagy marker-positive cytoplasmic inclusions containing mainly mitochondrial remnants, which preceded the degeneration of DA neurons. Genetic deletion of either parkin or PINK1 in these transgenic mice significantly worsened mitochondrial pathologies, including drastically enlarged inclusions and loss of total mitochondria contents. These data suggest that mitochondria are the main targets of α-synuclein and their defective autophagic clearance plays a significant role during pathogenesis. Moreover, endogenous PINK1 or parkin is indispensable for the proper autophagic removal of damaged mitochondria. Our data for the first time establish an essential link between mitochondria macroautophagy impairments and DA neuron degeneration in anin vivomodel based on known PD genetics. The model, its well-defined pathologies, and the demonstration of a main pathogenesis pathway in the present study have set the stage and direction of emphasis for future studies.
ATP Binding to Synaspsin IIa Regulates Usage and Clustering of Vesicles in Terminals of Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Shulman Yoav , Stavsky Alexandra , Fedorova Tatiana , Mikulincer Dan , Atias Merav , Radinsky Igal , Kahn Joy , Slutsky Inna , Gitler Daniel
Published: January 2015

Synaptic transmission is expensive in terms of its energy demands and was recently shown to decrease the ATP concentration within presynaptic terminals transiently, an observation that we confirm. We hypothesized that, in addition to being an energy source, ATP may modulate the synapsins directly. Synapsins are abundant neuronal proteins that associate with the surface of synaptic vesicles and possess a well defined ATP-binding site of undetermined function. To examine our hypothesis, we produced a mutation (K270Q) in synapsin IIa that prevents ATP binding and reintroduced the mutant into cultured mouse hippocampal neurons devoid of all synapsins. Remarkably, staining for synaptic vesicle markers was enhanced in these neurons compared with neurons expressing wild-type synapsin IIa, suggesting overly efficient clustering of vesicles. In contrast, the mutation completely disrupted the capability of synapsin IIa to slow synaptic depression during sustained 10 Hz stimulation, indicating that it interfered with synapsin-dependent vesicle recruitment. Finally, we found that the K270Q mutation attenuated the phosphorylation of synapsin IIa on a distant PKA/CaMKI consensus site known to be essential for vesicle recruitment. We conclude that ATP binding to synapsin IIa plays a key role in modulating its function and in defining its contribution to hippocampal short-term synaptic plasticity.
Prefrontal Neuronal Responses during Audiovisual Mnemonic Processing
Authors: Hwang Jaewon , Romanski Lizabeth M.
Published: January 2015

During communication we combine auditory and visual information. Neurophysiological research in nonhuman primates has shown that single neurons in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) exhibit multisensory responses to faces and vocalizations presented simultaneously. However, whether VLPFC is also involved in maintaining those communication stimuli in working memory or combining stored information across different modalities is unknown, although its human homolog, the inferior frontal gyrus, is known to be important in integrating verbal information from auditory and visual working memory. To address this question, we recorded from VLPFC while rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) performed an audiovisual working memory task. Unlike traditional match-to-sample/nonmatch-to-sample paradigms, which use unimodal memoranda, our nonmatch-to-sample task used dynamic movies consisting of both facial gestures and the accompanying vocalizations. For the nonmatch conditions, a change in the auditory component (vocalization), the visual component (face), or both components was detected. Our results show that VLPFC neurons are activated by stimulus and task factors: while some neurons simply responded to a particular face or a vocalization regardless of the task period, others exhibited activity patterns typically related to working memory such as sustained delay activity and match enhancement/suppression. In addition, we found neurons that detected the component change during the nonmatch period. Interestingly, some of these neurons were sensitive to the change of both components and therefore combined information from auditory and visual working memory. These results suggest that VLPFC is not only involved in the perceptual processing of faces and vocalizations but also in their mnemonic processing.
The Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia GeneVRK1Regulates Neuronal Migration through an Amyloid-β Precursor Protein-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Vinograd-Byk Hadar , Sapir Tamar , Cantarero Lara , Lazo Pedro A. , Zeligson Sharon , Lev Dorit , Lerman-Sagie Tally , Renbaum Paul , Reiner Orly , Levy-Lahad Ephrat
Published: January 2015

Spinal muscular atrophy with pontocerebellar hypoplasia (SMA-PCH) is an infantile SMA variant with additional manifestations, particularly severe microcephaly. We previously identified a nonsense mutation in Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1), R358X, as a cause of SMA-PCH.VRK1-R358X is a rare founder mutation in Ashkenazi Jews, and additional mutations in patients of different origins have recently been identified. VRK1 is a nuclear serine/threonine protein kinase known to play multiple roles in cellular proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and carcinogenesis. However, VRK1 was not known to have neuronal functions before its identification as a gene mutated in SMA-PCH. Here we show thatVRK1-R358X homozygosity results in lack of VRK1 protein, and demonstrate a role for VRK1 in neuronal migration and neuronal stem cell proliferation. Using shRNAin uteroelectroporation in mice, we show thatVrk1knockdown significantly impairs cortical neuronal migration, and affects the cell cycle of neuronal progenitors. Expression of wild-type human VRK1 rescues both proliferation and migration phenotypes. However, kinase-dead human VRK1 rescues only the migration impairment, suggesting the role of VRK1 in neuronal migration is partly noncatalytic. Furthermore, we found that VRK1 deficiency in human and mouse leads to downregulation of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), a known neuronal migration gene. APP overexpression rescues the phenotype caused byVrk1knockdown, suggesting that VRK1 affects neuronal migration through an APP-dependent mechanism.
Changes in Purkinje Cell Simple Spike Encoding of Reach Kinematics during Adaption to a Mechanical Perturbation
Authors: Hewitt Angela L. , Popa Laurentiu S. , Ebner Timothy J.
Published: January 2015

The cerebellum is essential in motor learning. At the cellular level, changes occur in both the simple spike and complex spike firing of Purkinje cells. Because simple spike discharge reflects the main output of the cerebellar cortex, changes in simple spike firing likely reflect the contribution of the cerebellum to the adapted behavior. Therefore, we investigated in Rhesus monkeys how the representation of arm kinematics in Purkinje cell simple spike discharge changed during adaptation to mechanical perturbations of reach movements. Monkeys rapidly adapted to a novel assistive or resistive perturbation along the direction of the reach. Adaptation consisted of matching the amplitude and timing of the perturbation to minimize its effect on the reach. In a majority of Purkinje cells, simple spike firing recorded before and during adaptation demonstrated significant changes in position, velocity, and acceleration sensitivity. The timing of the simple spike representations change within individual cells, including shifts in predictive versus feedback signals. At the population level, feedback-based encoding of position increases early in learning and velocity decreases. Both timing changes reverse later in learning. The complex spike discharge was only weakly modulated by the perturbations, demonstrating that the changes in simple spike firing can be independent of climbing fiber input. In summary, we observed extensive alterations in individual Purkinje cell encoding of reach kinematics, although the movements were nearly identical in the baseline and adapted states. Therefore, adaption to mechanical perturbation of a reaching movement is accompanied by widespread modifications in the simple spike encoding.
Evidence for Consolidation of Neuronal Assemblies after Seizures in Humans
Authors: Bower Mark R. , Stead Matt , Bower Regina S. , Kucewicz Michal T. , Sulc Vlastimil , Cimbalnik Jan , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Vasoli Vincent M. , St. Louis Erik K. , Meyer Fredric B. , Marsh W. Richard , Worrell Gregory A.
Published: January 2015

The establishment of memories involves reactivation of waking neuronal activity patterns and strengthening of associated neural circuits during slow-wave sleep (SWS), a process known as “cellular consolidation” (Dudai and Morris, 2013). Reactivation of neural activity patterns during waking behaviors that occurs on a timescale of seconds to minutes is thought to constitute memory recall (O'Keefe and Nadel, 1978), whereas consolidation of memory traces may be revealed and served by correlated firing (reactivation) that appears during sleep under conditions suitable for synaptic modification (Buhry et al., 2011). Although reactivation has been observed in human neuronal recordings (Gelbard-Sagiv et al., 2008; Miller et al., 2013), reactivation during sleep has not, likely because data are difficult to obtain and the effect is subtle. Seizures, however, provide intense and synchronous, yet sparse activation (Bower et al., 2012) that could produce a stronger consolidation effect if seizures activate learning-related mechanisms similar to those activated by learned tasks. Continuous wide-bandwidth recordings from patients undergoing intracranial monitoring for drug-resistant epilepsy revealed reactivation of seizure-related neuronal activity during subsequent SWS, but not wakefulness. Those neuronal assemblies that were most strongly activated during seizures showed the largest correlation changes, suggesting that consolidation selectively strengthened neuronal circuits activated by seizures. These results suggest that seizures “hijack” physiological learning mechanisms and also suggest a novel epilepsy therapy targeting neuronal dynamics during post-seizure sleep.
Hyperactivity of Newborn Pten Knock-out Neurons Results from Increased Excitatory Synaptic Drive
Authors: Williams Michael R. , DeSpenza Tyrone , Li Meijie , Gulledge Allan T. , Luikart Bryan W.
Published: January 2015

Developing neurons must regulate morphology, intrinsic excitability, and synaptogenesis to form neural circuits. When these processes go awry, disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or epilepsy, may result. The phosphatase Pten is mutated in some patients having ASD and seizures, suggesting that its mutation disrupts neurological function in part through increasing neuronal activity. Supporting this idea, neuronal knock-out of Pten in mice can cause macrocephaly, behavioral changes similar to ASD, and seizures. However, the mechanisms through which excitability is enhanced following Pten depletion are unclear. Previous studies have separately shown that Pten-depleted neurons can drive seizures, receive elevated excitatory synaptic input, and have abnormal dendrites. We therefore tested the hypothesis that developing Pten-depleted neurons are hyperactive due to increased excitatory synaptogenesis using electrophysiology, calcium imaging, morphological analyses, and modeling. This was accomplished by coinjecting retroviruses to either “birthdate” or birthdate and knock-out Pten in granule neurons of the murine neonatal dentate gyrus. We found that Pten knock-out neurons, despite a rapid onset of hypertrophy, were more activein vivo. Pten knock-out neurons fired at more hyperpolarized membrane potentials, displayed greater peak spike rates, and were more sensitive to depolarizing synaptic input. The increased sensitivity of Pten knock-out neurons was due, in part, to a higher density of synapses located more proximal to the soma. We determined that increased synaptic drive was sufficient to drive hypertrophic Pten knock-out neurons beyond their altered action potential threshold. Thus, our work contributes a developmental mechanism for the increased activity of Pten-depleted neurons.
Metacognitive Mechanisms Underlying Lucid Dreaming
Authors: Filevich Elisa , Dresler Martin , Brick Timothy R. , Kühn Simone
Published: January 2015

Lucid dreaming is a state of awareness that one is dreaming, without leaving the sleep state. Dream reports show that self-reflection and volitional control are more pronounced in lucid compared with nonlucid dreams. Mostly on these grounds, lucid dreaming has been associated with metacognition. However, the link to lucid dreaming at the neural level has not yet been explored. We sought for relationships between the neural correlates of lucid dreaming and thought monitoring.

Human participants completed a questionnaire assessing lucid dreaming ability, and underwent structural and functional MRI. We split participants based on their reported dream lucidity. Participants in the high-lucidity group showed greater gray matter volume in the frontopolar cortex (BA9/10) compared with those in the low-lucidity group. Further, differences in brain structure were mirrored by differences in brain function. The BA9/10 regions identified through structural analyses showed increases in blood oxygen level-dependent signal during thought monitoring in both groups, and more strongly in the high-lucidity group.

Our results reveal shared neural systems between lucid dreaming and metacognitive function, in particular in the domain of thought monitoring. This finding contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms enabling higher-order consciousness in dreams.
Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Suppression during Head-Fixed Saccades Reveals Gaze Feedback Control
Authors: Daye Pierre M. , Roberts Dale C. , Zee David S. , Optican Lance M.
Published: January 2015

Previous experiments have shown that the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is partially suppressed during large head-free gaze (gaze = eye-in-head + head-in-space) shifts when both the eyes and head are moving actively, on a fixed body, or when the eyes are moving actively and the head passively on a fixed body. We tested, in human subjects, the hypothesis that the VOR is also suppressed during gaze saccades made withen bloc, head and body together, rotations. Subjects made saccades by following a target light. During some trials, the chair rotated so as to move the entire body passively before, during, or after a saccade. The modulation of the VOR was a function of both saccade amplitude and the time of the head perturbation relative to saccade onset. Despite the perturbation, gaze remained accurate. Thus, VOR modulation is similar when gaze changes are programmed for the eyes alone or for the eyes and head moving together. We propose that the brain always programs a change in gaze using feedback based on gaze and head signals, rather than on separate eye and head trajectories.
Synaptic Consolidation: From Synapses to Behavioral Modeling
Authors: Ziegler Lorric , Zenke Friedemann , Kastner David B. , Gerstner Wulfram
Published: January 2015

Synaptic plasticity, a key process for memory formation, manifests itself across different time scales ranging from a few seconds for plasticity induction up to hours or even years for consolidation and memory retention. We developed a three-layered model of synaptic consolidation that accounts for data across a large range of experimental conditions. Consolidation occurs in the model through the interaction of the synaptic efficacy with a scaffolding variable by a read-write process mediated by a tagging-related variable. Plasticity-inducing stimuli modify the efficacy, but the state of tag and scaffold can only change if a write protection mechanism is overcome. Our model makes a link from depotentiation protocolsin vitroto behavioral results regarding the influence of novelty on inhibitory avoidance memory in rats.
A Genome-Wide Association Study for Nutritional Indices in Drosophila
Authors: Unckless Robert L , Rottschaefer Susan M , Lazzaro Brian P
Published: January 2015

Individuals are genetically variable for the way in which they process nutrients and in the effects of dietary content on reproductive success, immunity, and development. Here, we surveyed genetic variation for nutrient stores (glucose, glycogen, glycerol, protein, triglycerides, and wet weight) in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) after rearing the flies on either a low-glucose or high-glucose diet. We found significant genetic variation for these nutritional phenotypes and identified candidate genes that underlie that variation using genome-wide associations. In addition, we found several significant correlations between the nutritional phenotypes measured in this study and other previously published phenotypes, such as starvation stress resistance, oxidative stress sensitivity, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which reinforce the notion that these lines can be used to robustly measure related phenotypes across distinct laboratories.
Association of goal orientation with work engagement and burnout in emergency nurses
Authors: Adriaenssens Jef , Gucht Veronique De , Maes Stan
Published: January 2015

Association of goal orientation with work engagement and burnout in emergency nurses: Jef Adriaenssens, et al. Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Health Psychology Unit, The Netherlands

Objective

Goal orientation is a mindset towards the achievement of work‐related goals, and it has been found to be related to occupational well‐being. This study explored to what extent the 4‐dimensional model of goal orientation adds additional variance to the explanation of burnout and work engagement in emergency nurses, after controlling for demographics, job characteristics and organizational variables.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaires including the Leiden Quality of Work Questionnaire for Nurses, Goal Orientation Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were completed by 170 out of 274 emergency nurses from 13 secondary Belgian hospitals (response rate 62%). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Goal orientation explained 14 and 13% of the variance in burnout and work engagement respectively. Job control was predictive of both outcomes. Job demands was a predictor of burnout, and social support predicted work engagement. Reward was related to work engagement. The mastery‐approach goal orientation was strongly related to an increase in work engagement and to a decrease in burnout. The performance‐avoidance goal orientation was strongly related to a decrease in work engagement and to an increase in burnout. The performance‐approach and mastery‐avoidance goal orientations were not predictive for the two outcome variables.

Conclusions

Goal orientation explains additional variance in burnout and work engagement over and above work characteristics and organizational variables. A mastery‐approach goal orientation appears to be beneficial while a performance‐avoidance goal orientation is not. Hospital management should therefore invest in personal involvement and growth of ER‐nurses and in a rewarding organizational culture.
Clinicians’ Real World Perceptions of Pre-Nephrectomy Diagnostic Biopsy Performance as a Driver of Reduction in Unnecessary Surgeries in Renal Tumors
Authors: Fahy Kristin , Augustine Lauren , Sanden Mats O. , Wassman E. Robert
Published: January 2015

Operative removal of oncocytomas is generally unnecessary, but not infrequent in the context of renal masses. The infrequent use of pre-nephrectomy biopsies is a function of historical limitations of histopathological differential diagnosis in this setting. Assessment of clinicians’ receptiveness to a novel molecular diagnostic approach to this challenge was undertaken by means of a survey vehicle administered to 102 practicing urologists and pathologists who met inclusion criteria related to their actual clinical activity. Survey results supported the previously reported observations on misdiagnosis with urologists’ reported rates of 25% inconclusive results, and an additional 17% disagree with the final surgical diagnosis. The self-reported rate of 9% for pre-operative biopsies was comparable to prior reports, but 39% of urologists who are not currently performing pre-operative biopsies expressed interest in introducing them into their practice for this purpose with an improved diagnostic. Almost all urologists (94%) felt it important not to resect benign oncocytomas and 62% indicated they would use a test which improved the ability to sub-type renal tumors pre-operatively. The level of performance benchmark of the unidentified prototypic microRNA-based diagnostic as reported previously in the literature was deemed sufficient to change care in these cases by 73%. Overall they predicted a 38% rate of biopsies and resulting increases in decisions to forgo nephrectomy or to perform only partial nephrectomy. Pathologists also expressed support for the use of this technology in the context of inadequate specimens and for improved sub-typing of these tumors in inconclusive cases.
Gramicidin A: A New Mission for an Old Antibiotic
Authors: David Justin M. , Rajasekaran Ayyappan K.
Published: January 2015

Gramicidin A (GA) is a channel-forming ionophore that renders biological membranes permeable to specific cations which disrupts cellular ionic homeostasis.  It is a well-known antibiotic, however it’s potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer has not been widely evaluated.  In two recently published studies, we showed that GA treatment is toxic to cell lines and tumor xenografts derived from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a devastating disease that is highly resistant to conventional therapy.  GA was found to possess the qualities of both a cytotoxic drug and a targeted angiogenesis inhibitor, and this combination significantly compromised RCC growth in vitro and in vivo.  In this review, we summarize our recent research on GA, discuss the possible mechanisms whereby it exerts its anti-tumor effects, and share our perspectives on the future opportunities and challenges to the use of GA as a new anticancer agent.
El modelo de perspectiva conductual como alternativa para la interpretación del comportamiento del consumidor
Authors: Robayo Pinzón Óscar Javier
Published: January 2015

Ante la posición preponderante que ha tenido el enfoque cognoscitivo en el desarrollo de la teoría y la investigación en el campo de la psicología del consumidor desde hace más de cuatro décadas, se ha venido desarrollando desde hace varios años el modelo de perspectiva conductual, el cual constituye una alternativa basada en los principios del análisis conductual para la interpretación de los patrones de compra del consumidor, así como de otras conductas de carácter complejo, como el comportamiento gobernado por contingencias y la conducta verbal, tanto pública como privada. Es precisamente, este último aspecto el que se desarrolla con mayor amplitud en este artículo, debido a la importancia que tienen estos estímulos verbales para el desarrollo del modelo, se plantea una revisión de la forma en la que han sido conceptualizados, en primer lugar, desde la psicología cognoscitiva, para luego pasar a considerar el abordaje que se le ha dado al tema desde el enfoque del conductismo radical.
Las relaciones Europa-América Latina: no van por buen camino
Authors: Samper Pizano Ernesto
Published: January 2015

Palabras del expresidente Ernesto Samper Pizano, en el acto de apertura del 11 Foro de Biarritz sobre el Estado de las Relaciones de Europa y América Latina.
La experimentación de la negentropía psíquica asociada al reto creativo. Una revisión de la teoría del flujo dentro del oficio publicitario en Bogotá
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Guillermo Andrés
Published: January 2015

La teoría del flujo sugerida por Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi fue cotejada en el medio publicitario bogotano. Los resul- tados obtenidos mediante la aplicación de encuestas, diarios de experiencias, sesiones de grupo y entrevistas a profundidad evidenciaron que conforme aumenta el nivel de desafío en el oficio publicitario, se incrementa la experimentación del estado de flujo (o negentropía psíquica), entendido este último como una dimensión perceptiva de la persona donde se siente una plenitud que conlleva el concepto del trabajo autotélico. El flujo, en palabras de Csikszentmihalyi (2008:20) “Es la manera en que la gente describe su estado mental cuando la conciencia está ordenada armoniosamente”. El trabajo a presión fue otra variable analizada: se encontró que los estados mayormente experimentados ante situacio- nes laborales de mucha presión fueron la ansiedad y la preocupación (no el estado de flujo); así mismo, desde la revisión de respuestas de orden cualitativo y cuan- titativo, se evidenció que los profesionales del medio publicitario tienen una opinión dividida sobre si la pre- sión incide favorablemente en el desempeño creativo. Según la investigación, deben darse ciertas condiciones para que la presión laboral redunde positivamente en el pensamiento creativo.
¿Me seguirás escuchando cuando tenga 64?
Authors: Martínez Jorge Edurdo
Published: January 2015

Después de una intensa y profunda investigación sobre un tema difícil deescribir como el grupo The Beatles, el autor se interna sobre vectoresdesconocidos del cuarteto de música rockprobablemente más escuchado y más versionado, analizando el comienzo de sucarrera a partir de sus instrumentistas, sus variables de composición, lainfluencia de la época sobre su obra, los diseñadores de sus carátulas y todoese universo que inicialmente era lo cotidiano y después se convirtió en puntoclave de una historia apasionante.
Brown adipose tissue: what have we learned since its recent identification in human adults
Authors: Halpern Bruno , Mancini Marcio Correa , Halpern Alfredo
Published: January 2015

Brown adipose tissue, an essential organ for thermoregulation in small and hibernating mammals due to its mitochondrial uncoupling capacity, was until recently considered to be present in humans only in newborns. The identification of brown adipose tissue in adult humans since the development and use of positron emission tomography marked with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-FDG) has raised a series of doubts and questions about its real importance in our metabolism. In this review, we will discuss what we have learnt since its identification in humans as well as both new and old concepts, some of which have been marginalized for decades, such as diet-induced thermogenesis. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):889-99
Uma questão de método: origens, limites e possibilidades da etnografia para a psicologia social
Authors: Souza Mauricio Rodrigues de
Published: January 2015

O presente trabalho, eminentemente voltado à metodologia de pesquisa em psicologia social, organiza-se em torno de três objetivos: definir em maiores detalhes algumas das principais características da etnografia, realizar um breve percurso histórico acerca das suas origens como prática cientificamente legitimada e, finalmente, discutir a sua atual utilização. De maneira conclusiva, enfatiza não apenas os limites, mas também as possibilidades da prática etnográfica, sustentando que a experiência de estranhamento que tradicionalmente a caracterizou continua trazendo em si mesma tanto o dinamismo quanto o potencial crítico necessários para manter em movimento o pensamento sobre ou, se preferirmos, com a diferença.
Comportamento suicida: epidemiologia
Authors: Botega Neury José
Published: January 2015

O Brasil encontra-se entre os dez países que registram os maiores números absolutos de suicídios, com 9.852 mortes em 2011. O coeficiente médio para o período 2004-2010 foi de 5,7%. Esse índice aumentou 29,5% nas duas últimas décadas e é mais elevado em homens, idosos, indígenas e em cidades de pequeno e de médio porte populacional. Transtornos mentais encontram-se presentes na maioria dos casos de suicídio, principalmente depressão, transtorno do humor bipolar e dependência de álcool e de outras drogas psicoativas. Um estudo populacional revelou que, ao longo da vida, 17,1% das pessoas tiveram ideação suicida, 4,8% chegaram a elaborar um plano para tanto, e 2,8% efetivamente tentaram o suicídio. Dar especial atenção à pessoa que tentou se suicidar é uma das principais estratégias de prevenção do suicídio.
Frequency of Epstein-Barr virus DNA sequences in human gliomas
Authors: Fonseca Renata Fragelli , Rosas Siane Lopes Bittencourt , Oliveira José Antônio , Teixeira Anselmo , Alves Gilda , Carvalho Maria da Glória Costa
Published: January 2015

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis and is also associated with several human tumors, including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, some cases of gastric carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, among other neoplasms. The aim of this study was to screen 75 primary gliomas for the presence of specific EBV DNA sequences by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with confirmation by direct sequencing. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prevalence study on EBV molecular genetics at a molecular pathology laboratory in a university hospital and at an applied genetics laboratory in a national institution. METHODS: A total of 75 primary glioma biopsies and 6 others from other tumors from the central nervous system were obtained. The tissues were immediately frozen for subsequent DNA extraction by means of traditional methods using proteinase K digestion and extraction with a phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol mixture. DNA was precipitated with ethanol, resuspended in buffer and stored. The PCRs were carried out using primers for amplification of the EBV BamM region. Positive and negative controls were added to each reaction. The PCR products were used for direct sequencing for confirmation. RESULTS: The viral sequences were positive in 11/75 (14.7%) of our samples. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EBV DNA was 11/75 (14.7%) in our glioma collection. Further molecular and epidemiological studies are needed to establish the possible role played by EBV in the tumorigenesis of gliomas.
Helminths and Pentastomida of two synanthropic gecko lizards, Hemidactylus mabouia and Phyllopezus pollicaris, in an urban area in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Sousa JGG , Brito SV , Ávila RW , Teles DA , Araujo-Filho JA , Teixeira AAM , Anjos LA , Almeida WO
Published: January 2015

Helminths and pentastomids were examined in exotic Hemidactylus mabouia and native Phyllopezus pollicaris lizards, living synanthropically in an urban area in the municipality of Crato, Ceará state, northeastern Brazil. A total of 194 lizards were collected, being 76 specimens of H. mabouia e 118 specimens of P. pollicaris. Six parasite species were found infecting H. mabouia: the cestode Oochoristica sp., the nematodes Parapharyngodon sceleratus, Physaloptera retusa, Physalopteroides venancioi, and Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis and the pentastomid Raillietiella mottae; while four parasite species were found associated with P. pollicaris: Oochoristica sp., P. sceleratus, P. retusa, and S. oxkutzcabiensis. Three new host records were reported: P. retusa infecting H. mabouia and P. retusa and Oochoristica sp. infecting P. pollicaris. About 75% of the parasites species found were shared by both lizards. Moreover, H. mabouia showed greater diversity than P. pollicaris (6 versus 4 species), while P. pollicaris had higher intensity of infection than H. mabouia (1536 versus 121 specimens).
Toxic concentrations of metronidazole to Microcystis protocystis
Authors: Magalhães SMS , Brêtas CM , Brêtas JM , Pianetti GA , Franco MW , Barbosa FAR
Published: January 2015

Antimicrobials are among the most commonly used drugs and have become a class of contaminants with great environmental importance. Metronidazole is an antimicrobial used for the therapeutic management of several human diseases. The toxicity of antimicrobials on aquatic species may affect sensitive microorganisms and reduce metabolic processes. Cyanobacteria is a group of organisms that are of great ecological importance in aquatic environments. Studies indicate that cyanobacteria are very sensitive to some antimicrobials. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of metronidazole contamination on phytoplankton. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metronidazole on the growth of the cyanobacterium Microcystis protocystis and to evaluate the stability of this antimicrobial agent in the culture medium over a period of 96 hours. M. protocystis was resistant to growth inhibition by metronidazole. The EC50 of this antimicrobial for M. protocystis was 117.3 mg L–1. Under the growth inhibition test conditions, neither a significant change in the MNZ concentration nor the presence of drug metabolites or degradation products was observed. These results indicate low cellular uptake of the antimicrobial agent and its persistence in the culture medium.
Factors influencing the structure and spatial distribution of fishes in the headwater streams of the Jaú River in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Kemenes A , Forsberg BR
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of spatial variation in river channels and habitats on the distribution of fish communities in the headwater streams of the Jaú River System, a blackwater tributary of the Negro River. Collections and measurements were made in 34 headwater streams during the period of November- December, 1998. Fish were captured with fish traps and hand nets along standard reaches of two meanders. Data on benthic habitat structure, stream depth and width were collected along lateral transects in each sample reach. A total of 66 fish species from 24 families were collected and classified into seven trophic guilds: allocthonous insectivore, autochthonous insectivore, general insectivore, piscivore, detritivorous planktivore, detritivorous insectivore and insectivorous piscivore. Variations in the distribution and diversity of bottom substrates were important factors influencing fish community structures in these systems. Also, variation in stream size explained the observed variability in fish communities.
Birds' nesting parameters in four forest types in the Pantanal wetland
Authors: Pinho JB , Marini MÂ
Published: January 2015

We tested the heterogeneity/productivity hypothesis with respect to the abundance and richness of birds and the vegetation density hypothesis with respect to birds' nest predation rates, and determined the relative importance of forested vegetation formations for the conservation of birds in the Pantanal. We estimated the apparent nesting success, and the abundance and richness of nesting birds' in four forest types, by monitoring nests during two reproductive seasons in four forested physiognomies (two high productivity/heterogeneity evergreen forests = Cambará and Landi; two low productivity/heterogeneity dry forests = Cordilheira and Carvoeiro) in the Pantanal wetland in Poconé, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. We found 381 nests of 46 species (35 Passeriformes and 11 non-Passeriformes) in the four forest types. Of these, we monitored 220 active nests belonging to 44 species, 101 during the reproductive season of 2001 and 119 in 2002. We supported the productivity/heterogeneity hypothesis since the two evergreen forests had higher nest abundance and one of them (Cambará) had higher nesting species richness than the dry forests. The number of nests found in each habitat differed with most nests monitored in the Cambará forest (82%), followed by Landi (9%), Cordilheira (6%) and Carvoeiro (3%) forests. The total number of nests monitored was significantly higher in evergreen forests than in dry forests. Also, more species nested in evergreen (37 species) than in dry (16 species) forests. A Correspondence Analysis revealed that only Carvoeiros had a different nesting bird community. The overall apparent nesting success of 220 nests was 26.8%. We did not support the vegetation density hypothesis since nest predation rates were similar between evergreen (73.5%) and dry (70%) forests, and were higher in the Landi (85%) than in the other three forests (69.2 to 72.2%). Our data indicate that Cambará forests seem to be a key nesting habitat for many bird species of the Pantanal. If this local pattern also occurs in other regions of the Pantanal, the use and management of Cambará forests might prove to be important for the conservation of forest birds of this biome. However, conflicting results with other taxonomic groups show that conservation measures for these forests and land use policies should be based on a more complete biodiversity evaluation of the region.
Distribution of the Planktonic Shrimp Lucifer (Thompson, 1829) (Decapoda, Sergestoidea) off the Amazon
Authors: Melo NFAC , Neumann-Leitão S , Gusmão LMO , Martins Neto FE , Palheta GDA
Published: January 2015

Lucifer faxoni (BORRADAILE, 1915) and L. typus (EDWARDS, 1837) are species first identified in the neritic and oceanic waters off the Amazon. Samplings were made aboard the vessel “Antares” at 22 stations in July and August, 2001 with a bongo net (500-µm mesh size). Hydrological data were taken simultaneously for comparative purposes. L. faxoni was present at thirteen of the fourteen neritic stations analysed, as well as at five of the eight oceanic stations. L. typus was present at three of the fourteen neritic stations and in one of the eight oceanic stations. The highest density of L. faxoni in the neritic province was 7,000 ind.m–3 (St. 82) and 159 ind.m–3 (St. 75) in the oceanic area. For L. typus, the highest density observed was 41 ind.m–3 (St. 64) in the neritic province. In the oceanic province, the highest single density value was recorded at station 75 (5 ind.m–3). Overall, L. faxonitypically presented the highest densities.
The insect gall collection of the Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro: biome cerrado, rupestrian fields
Authors: Maia VC , Rodrigues AR , Ascendino SHS , Boggi M
Published: January 2015

An inventory of the insect gall from Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) was elaborated based on samples of the collection of the Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Data on localities and host plants were obtained from the labels and information about the gall morphology (plant organ of occurrence, shape, and presence of trichomes) by observing the samples. The galling species was determined based on the literature. The collection includes 131 morphotypes of galls from Cerrado, obtained from 71 host plant species distributed in 50 genera and 30 botanical families (Table 1). All galls were collected in rupestrian fields (a rare vegetation physiognomy of the Brazilian Cerrado) in the state of Minas Gerais. As the collection comprises a great diversity of insect galls, it can be considered representative of this physiognomy.
Atraindo novos funcionários para empresas de alta performance: uma crítica às razões dos profissionais de recursos humanos
Authors: Souza Filipe Augusto Silveira de , Lemos Ana Heloísa da Costa , Cavazotte Flavia de Souza Costa Neves , Malva Teresa Rachel Jesus
Published: January 2015

Os chamados sistemas de trabalho de alta performance refletem a necessidade de organizações fortalecerem o envolvimento do trabalhador para que este responda mais rapidamente às demandas por resultados. Apesar de as práticas de alta performance promoverem uma gradual intensificação no trabalho e o aumento do nível de stress dos trabalhadores, e, portanto, restringirem a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar no trabalho, empresas de alta performance exercem grande poder de atração nos profissionais qualificados, o que enseja a indagação sobre os mecanismos que promovem essa atratividade. Para investigar esta questão, este estudo se debruça sobre os discursos proferidos por profissionais que atuam na área de recursos humanos de empresas de alta performance atuantes no Brasil. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de entrevistas em profundidade com esses profissionais, com perguntas amplas sobre as atividades de recrutamento e seleção de funcionários. Os argumentos e motivos que permeiam os discursos desses profissionais foram analisados à luz do repertório conceitual da Teoria Crítica, particularmente o debate sobre as racionalidades que orientam a ação social. O exame dos discursos aponta para uma comunicação instrumentalmente orientada e para a distorção sistemática do processo comunicativo no interior das organizações, em detrimento do equilíbrio entre vida e trabalho e do bem-estar individual e interpessoal.
Administrando o imensurável: uma crítica às organizações acadêmicas
Authors: Meyer Júnior Victor , Lopes Maria Cecilia Barbosa
Published: January 2015

Este ensaio teórico focaliza temas concernentes à administração das universidades. Os ensaístas refletem sobre o papel do administrador universitário, oferecendo críticas à utilização de modelos empresariais que não observam as características e complexidade das organizações acadêmicas. De um lado, os autores criticam a utilização de abordagens gerenciais racionais com excessivo foco na eficiência e em elementos mensuráveis, desconsiderando princípios e valores essenciais à natureza das organizações acadêmicas. Por outro lado, destaca-se a inexistência de modelos e teorias administrativas prontas, que atendam às especificidades dessas organizações. Os ensaístas lembram que a teoria da administração universitária ainda está em formação, com base em estudos científicos e na análise de boas práticas observadas em instituições de Ensino Superior. Conclui-se que há necessidade de adoção de uma prática gerencial que privilegie diversas dimensões de caráter objetivo e, principalmente, de caráter subjetivo, notoriamente de difícil mensuração e que integram a essência do trabalho acadêmico. A adoção de tais práticas exige administradores capazes de integrar técnica e arte, racionalidade e intuição.
O produtivismo acadêmico e seus impactos na pós-graduação stricto sensu: uma ameaça à solidariedade entre pares?
Authors: Patrus Roberto , Dantas Douglas Cabral , Shigaki Helena Belintani
Published: January 2015

O produtivismo acadêmico, entendido neste ensaio como um fenômeno derivado dos processos de avaliação da pós-graduação, se caracteriza pela excessiva valorização da quantidade da produção acadêmica, tendendo a desconsiderar a sua qualidade. Já a solidariedade acadêmica é entendida aqui como um compromisso mútuo entre os pesquisadores, que voluntariamente dedicam-se à avaliação de produtos da atividade de um programa de pós-graduação. Entre essas atividades, escolhemos a avaliação de artigos por pares como "paradigma exemplar" da solidariedade acadêmica. Objetiva-se, com este texto, discutir os impactos do produtivismo na pós-graduação stricto sensu e avaliar o quanto o produtivismo ameaça a solidariedade acadêmica que o torna possível. A partir da distinção entre os conceitos de colaboração e solidariedade, forjados pelos autores, chama-se a atenção para o risco de o produtivismo corroer a noção de solidariedade acadêmica. Mesmo que isso ocorra, não haverá produtivismo sem colaboração, sem o trabalho silencioso e anônimo de um sem-número de avaliadores de periódicos que disponibilizam o seu tempo e sua expertise para avaliar os trabalhos de seus pares. Tal colaboração, entretanto, ocorreria de forma algo alienada, sem a noção de participação em uma comunidade de pesquisadores. Em suma, não pode existir produtivismo sem colaboração, embora possa haver produtivismo sem solidariedade.
Movido pelo transcendente: a religiosidade como estímulo ao "espírito empreendedor"
Authors: Serafim Mauricio C. , Feuerschütte Simone Ghisi
Published: January 2015

Tendo como suporte teórico principal a sociologia clássica weberiana, que debate a relação entre a vida religiosa e o empreendedorismo, e a abordagem schumpeteriana ao empreendedor, este artigo trata da influência da crença religiosa sobre seguidores reconhecidos como empreendedores. A estratégia de pesquisa foi um estudo de caso qualitativo e comparativo sobre empreendedores de duas organizações religiosas: a Igreja Evangélica Renascer em Cristo e a organização católica Movimento dos Focolares. Os dados foram coletados por meio de observação, entrevistas e pesquisa documental. Os resultados indicam que os empreendedores de ambas as organizações preenchem os espaços de incerteza gerados pelas circunstâncias do mercado, por meio da busca pelo "transcendente", o que lhes oferece a segurança subjetiva necessária para a ação. Também foi possível verificar que eles desenvolvem aptidões que não se restringem à mera conduta econômica, dimensão em que suas ações se apresentam como irracionais, porém, alinhadas com o "espírito empreendedor", como a fé e a esperança. Essas aptidões se aproximam do conceito do empreendedor schumpeteriano.