bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiprobe NSOM fluorescence
Authors: Berezin Shirly , Kalanoor Basanth S. , Taha Hesham , Garini Yuval , Tischler Yaakov R.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we demonstrate simultaneous AFM/NSOM using a dual-tip normal tuning-fork based scanning probe microscope. By scanning two SPM probes simultaneously, one dedicated for AFM with a standard tip diameter of 20 nm, and the second having a 150 nm aperture NSOM fiber with 200 nm thick gold coating, we combine the benefits of ∼20 nm spatial resolution from the AFM tip with the spectral information of a near-field optical probe. The combination of simultaneous dual-tip scanning enables us to decouple the requirements for high resolution topography and probe functionality. Our method represents a marked shift from previous applications of multi-probe SPM where essentially a pump-probe methodology is implemented in which one tip scans the area around the second. As a model system, we apply dual-tip AFM/NSOM scanning to a sample of spin-cast nano-clustered Lumogen dyes, which show remarkable brightness and photochemical stability. We observe morphology features with a resolution of 20 nm, and a near-field optical resolution of 150 nm, validating our approach.
Biomineralized organic–inorganic hybrids aiming for smart drug delivery
Authors: Shi Jun , Zhang Li , Liu Yingliang , Xu Shengang , Cao Shaokui
Published: April 2014

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials have received great interest in the last 10 years in the controlled drug delivery area because of their excellent biocompatible, biomimetic, and pH-sensitive properties. Biomineralization is a biomineral-inspired route to prepare novel organic–inorganic hybrids, which involves a diffusion-controlled deposition of inorganic minerals within porous polymeric matrices. Proper combination of controlled biomineralization technique with the rational choice of polymer templates would lead to the successful development of smart self-assembled drug carriers. The present work mainly summarizes our recent work about the biomineralized organic–inorganic hybrid materials aiming for smart drug delivery including hybrid beads, membranes, and micro/nano gels. Furthermore, prospect for future development of the smart organic–inorganic hybrids is also discussed.
Novel π-conjugated bio-based polymer, poly(3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid), and its solvatochromism
Authors: Kan Kai , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kaneko Daisaku , Tateyama Seiji , Kaneko Tatsuo
Published: April 2014

Soluble π-conjugated polymer derived from a renewable monomer, 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-AHBA), was synthesized by an electropolymerization. The polymer has higher solubility in common solvents, compared to polyaniline, due to the polar side groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl. The polymer showed various chromic behaviors based on the solvation and ionization of the side groups, and gave a flexible film with a conductivity as high as that of semiconductor.
Unlearning: NMDA Receptor-Mediated Metaplasticity in the Anterior Piriform Cortex Following Early Odor Preference Training in Rats
Authors: Mukherjee Bandhan , Morrison Gillian L. , Fontaine Christine J. , Hou Qinlong , Harley Carolyn W. , Yuan Qi
Published: April 2014

Here we demonstrate metaplastic effect of a change in NMDA receptor (NMDAR) number in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) in rat induced by a 10 min pairing of peppermint odor + stroking, which significantly modifies later learning and memory. Using isolated synaptoneurosomes, we found NR1 receptor downregulation 3 h after training and upregulation at 24 h. Consistent with the NR1 pattern, the NMDAR-mediated EPSP was smaller at 3 h and larger at 24 h. Subunit composition was unchanged. Whereas LTP was reduced at both times by training, LTD was facilitated only at 3 h. Behaviorally, pups, given a pairing of peppermint + stroking 3 h after an initial peppermint + stroking training, lost the normally acquired peppermint preference 24 h later. To probe the pathway specificity of this unlearning effect, pups were trained first with peppermint and then, at 3 h, given a second training with peppermint or vanillin. Pups given peppermint training at both times lost the learned peppermint preference. Pups given vanillin retraining at 3 h had normal peppermint preference. Downregulating NR1 with siRNA prevented odor preference learning. Finally, the NMDAR antagonist MK-801 blocked the LTD facilitation seen 3 h after training, and giving MK-801 before the second peppermint training trial eliminated the loss of peppermint odor preference. A training-associated reduction in NMDARs facilitates LTD 3 h later; training at the time of LTD facilitation reverses an LTP-dependent odor preference. Experience-dependent, pathway-specific metaplastic effects in a cortical structure have broad implications for the optimal spacing of learning experiences.
The Serine/Threonine Kinase Ndr2 Controls Integrin Trafficking and Integrin-Dependent Neurite Growth
Authors: Rehberg Kati , Kliche Stefanie , Madencioglu Deniz A. , Thiere Marlen , Müller Bettina , Meineke Bernhard Manuel , Freund Christian , Budinger Eike , Stork Oliver
Published: April 2014

Integrins have been implicated in various processes of nervous system development, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neuronal cells. In this study, we show that the serine/threonine kinase Ndr2 controls integrin-dependent dendritic and axonal growth in mouse hippocampal neurons. We further demonstrate that Ndr2 is able to induce phosphorylation at the activity- and trafficking-relevant site Thr788/789of β1-integrin to stimulate the PKC- and CaMKII-dependent activation of β1-integrins, as well as their exocytosis. Accordingly, Ndr2 associates with integrin-positive early and recycling endosomes in primary hippocampal neurons and the surface expression of activated β1-integrins is reduced on dendrites of Ndr2-deficient neurons. The role of Ndr2 in dendritic differentiation is also evidentin vivo, because Ndr2-null mutant mice show arbor-specific alterations of dendritic complexity in the hippocampus. This indicates a role of Ndr2 in the fine regulation of dendritic growth; in fact, treatment of primary neurons with Semaphorin 3A rescues Ndr2 knock-down-induced dendritic growth deficits but fails to enhance growth beyond control level. Correspondingly, Ndr2-null mutant mice show a Semaphorin 3A−/−-like phenotype of premature dendritic branching in the hippocampus. The results of this study show that Ndr2-mediated integrin trafficking and activation are crucial for neurite growth and guidance signals during neuronal development.
Amyloid Deposition Is Linked to Aberrant Entorhinal Activity among Cognitively Normal Older Adults
Authors: Huijbers Willem , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Wigman Sarah E. , Ward Andrew M. , Vannini Patrizia , McLaren Donald G. , Becker J. Alex , Schultz Aaron P. , Hedden Trey , Johnson Keith A. , Sperling Reisa A.
Published: April 2014

Normal aging is often difficult to distinguish from the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Years before clinical memory deficits manifest, amyloid-β deposits in the cortex in many older individuals. Neuroimaging studies indicate that a set of densely connected neocortical regions, referred to as the default network, is especially vulnerable to amyloid-β deposition. Yet, the impact of amyloid-β on age-related changes within the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system is less clear. Here we demonstrate that cognitively normal older humans, compared with young adults, show reduced ability to modulate hippocampal activations and entorhinal deactivations during an episodic memory task. Among older adults, amyloid-β deposition was associated with failure to modulate activity in entorhinal cortex, but not hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that entorhinal regions demonstrating amyloid-β-related dysfunction are directly connected to the neocortical regions of the default network. Together these findings link neocortical amyloid-β deposition to neuronal dysfunction specifically in entorhinal cortex, while aging is associated with more widespread functional changes across the MTL.
Conditional Deletions of Epilepsy-Associated KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 Channels from Cerebral Cortex Cause Differential Effects on Neuronal Excitability
Authors: Soh Heun , Pant Rima , LoTurco Joseph J. , Tzingounis Anastasios V.
Published: April 2014

KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 potassium channels have emerged as central regulators of pyramidal neuron excitability and spiking behavior. However, despite an abundance of evidence demonstrating that KCNQ2/3 heteromers underlie critical potassium conductances, it is unknown whether KCNQ2, KCNQ3, or both are obligatory for maintaining normal pyramidal neuron excitability. Here, we demonstrate that conditional deletion ofKcnq2from cerebral cortical pyramidal neurons in mice results in abnormal electrocorticogram activity and early death, whereas similar deletion ofKcnq3does not. At the cellular level,Kcnq2-null, but notKcnq3-null, CA1 pyramidal neurons show increased excitability manifested as a decreased medium afterhyperpolarization and a longer-lasting afterdepolarization. As a result, theseKcnq2-deficient neurons are hyperexcitable, responding to current injections with an increased number and frequency of action potentials. Biochemically, theKcnq2deficiency secondarily results in a substantial loss of KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 protein levels, whereas loss ofKcnq3only leads to a modest reduction of other KCNQ channels. Consistent with this finding, KCNQ allosteric activators can still markedly dampen neuronal excitability inKcnq3-null pyramidal neurons, but have only weak effects inKcnq2-null pyramidal neurons. Together, our data reveal the indispensable function of KCNQ2 channels at both the cellular and systems levels, and demonstrate that pyramidal neurons have near normal excitability in the absence of KCNQ3 channels.
Learning-Induced Plasticity Regulates Hippocampal Sharp Wave-Ripple Drive
Authors: Girardeau Gabrielle , Cei Anne , Zugaro Michaël
Published: April 2014

Hippocampal sharp wave-ripples (SPW-Rs) and associated place-cell reactivations are crucial for spatial memory consolidation during sleep and rest. However, it remains unclear how learning and consolidation requirements influence and regulate subsequent SPW-R activity. Indeed, SPW-R activity has been observed not only following complex behavioral tasks, but also after random foraging in familiar environments, despite markedly different learning requirements. Because transient increases in SPW-R rates have been reported following training on memory tasks, we hypothesized that SPW-R activity following learning (but not routine behavior) could involve specific regulatory processes related to ongoing consolidation. Interfering with ripples would then result in a dynamic compensatory response only when initial memory traces required consolidation. Here we trained rats on a spatial memory task, and showed that subsequent sleep periods where ripple activity was perturbed by timed electrical stimulation were indeed characterized by increased SPW-R occurrence rates compared with control sleep periods where stimulations were slightly delayed in time and did not interfere with ripples. Importantly, this did not occur following random foraging in a familiar environment. We next showed that this dynamic response was abolished following injection of an NMDA receptor blocker (MK-801) before, but not after training. Our results indicate that NMDA receptor-dependent processes occurring during learning, such as network “tagging” and plastic changes, regulate subsequent ripple-mediated consolidation of spatial memory during sleep.
Long-Term Maintenance of Na+Channels at Nodes of Ranvier Depends on Glial Contact Mediated by Gliomedin and NrCAM
Authors: Amor Veronique , Feinberg Konstantin , Eshed-Eisenbach Yael , Vainshtein Anya , Frechter Shahar , Grumet Martin , Rosenbluth Jack , Peles Elior
Published: April 2014

Clustering of Na+channels at the nodes of Ranvier is coordinated by myelinating glia. In the peripheral nervous system, axoglial contact at the nodes is mediated by the binding of gliomedin and glial NrCAM to axonal neurofascin 186 (NF186). This interaction is crucial for the initial clustering of Na+channels at heminodes. As a result, it is not clear whether continued axon-glial contact at nodes of Ranvier is required to maintain these channels at the nodal axolemma. Here, we report that, in contrast to mice that lack either gliomedin or NrCAM, absence of both molecules (and hence the glial clustering signal) resulted in a gradual loss of Na+channels and other axonal components from the nodes, the formation of binary nodes, and dysregulation of nodal gap length. Therefore, these mice exhibit neurological abnormalities and slower nerve conduction. Disintegration of the nodes occurred in an orderly manner, starting with the disappearance of neurofascin 186, followed by the loss of Na+channels and ankyrin G, and then βIV spectrin, a sequence that reflects the assembly of nodes during development. Finally, the absence of gliomedin and NrCAM led to the invasion of the outermost layer of the Schwann cell membrane beyond the nodal area and the formation of paranodal-like junctions at the nodal gap. Our results reveal that axon-glial contact mediated by gliomedin, NrCAM, and NF186 not only plays a role in Na+channel clustering during development, but also contributes to the long-term maintenance of Na+channels at nodes of Ranvier.
Auditory Thalamus and Auditory Cortex Are Equally Modulated by Context during Flexible Categorization of Sounds
Authors: Jaramillo Santiago , Borges Katharine , Zador Anthony M.
Published: April 2014

In a dynamic world, animals must adapt rapidly to changes in the meaning of environmental cues. Such changes can influence the neural representation of sensory stimuli. Previous studies have shown that associating a stimulus with a reward or punishment can modulate neural activity in the auditory cortex (AC) and its thalamic input, the medial geniculate body (MGB). However, it is not known whether changes in stimulus–action associations alone can also modulate neural responses in these areas. We designed a categorization task for rats in which the boundary that separated low- from high-frequency sounds varied several times within a behavioral session, thus allowing us to manipulate the action associated with some sounds without changing the associated reward. We developed a computational model that accounted for the rats' performance and compared predictions from this model with sound-evoked responses from single neurons in AC and MGB in animals performing this task. We found that the responses of 15% of AC neurons and 16% of MGB neurons were modulated by changes in stimulus–action association and that the magnitude of the modulation was comparable between the two brain areas. Our results suggest that the AC and thalamus play only a limited role in mediating changes in associations between acoustic stimuli and behavioral responses.
Microcircuitry of Agranular Frontal Cortex: Testing the Generality of the Canonical Cortical Microcircuit
Authors: Godlove David C. , Maier Alexander , Woodman Geoffrey F. , Schall Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2014

We investigated whether a frontal area that lacks granular layer IV, supplementary eye field, exhibits features of laminar circuitry similar to those observed in primary sensory areas. We report, for the first time, visually evoked local field potentials (LFPs) and spiking activity recorded simultaneously across all layers of agranular frontal cortex using linear electrode arrays. We calculated current source density from the LFPs and compared the laminar organization of evolving sinks to those reported in sensory areas. Simultaneous, transient synaptic current sinks appeared first in layers III and V followed by more prolonged current sinks in layers I/II and VI. We also found no variation of single- or multi-unit visual response latency across layers, and putative pyramidal neurons and interneurons displayed similar response latencies. Many units exhibited pronounced discharge suppression that was strongest in superficial relative to deep layers. Maximum discharge suppression also occurred later in superficial than in deep layers. These results are discussed in the context of the canonical cortical microcircuit model originally formulated to describe early sensory cortex. The data indicate that agranular cortex resembles sensory areas in certain respects, but the cortical microcircuit is modified in nontrivial ways.
Glutamatergic Transmission Aberration: A Major Cause of Behavioral Deficits in a Murine Model of Down's Syndrome
Authors: Kaur Gurjinder , Sharma Ajay , Xu Wenjin , Gerum Scott , Alldred Melissa J. , Subbanna Shivakumar , Basavarajappa Balapal S. , Pawlik Monika , Ohno Masuo , Ginsberg Stephen D. , Wilson Donald A. , Guilfoyle David N. , Levy Efrat
Published: April 2014

Trisomy 21, or Down's syndrome (DS), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. Altered neurotransmission in the brains of DS patients leads to hippocampus-dependent learning and memory deficiency. Although genetic mouse models have provided important insights into the genes and mechanisms responsible for DS-specific changes, the molecular mechanisms leading to memory deficits are not clear. We investigated whether the segmental trisomy model of DS, Ts[Rb(12.1716)]2Cje (Ts2), exhibits hippocampal glutamatergic transmission abnormalities and whether these alterations cause behavioral deficits. Behavioral assays demonstrated that Ts2 mice display a deficit in nest building behavior, a measure of hippocampus-dependent nonlearned behavior, as well as dysfunctional hippocampus-dependent spatial memory tested in the object-placement and the Y-maze spontaneous alternation tasks. Magnetic resonance spectra measured in the hippocampi revealed a significantly lower glutamate concentration in Ts2 as compared with normal disomic (2N) littermates. The glutamate deficit accompanied hippocampal NMDA receptor1 (NMDA-R1) mRNA and protein expression level downregulation in Ts2 compared with 2N mice. In concert with these alterations, paired-pulse analyses suggested enhanced synaptic inhibition and/or lack of facilitation in the dentate gyrus of Ts2 compared with 2N mice. Ts2 mice also exhibited disrupted synaptic plasticity in slice recordings of the hippocampal CA1 region. Collectively, these findings imply that deficits in glutamate and NMDA-R1 may be responsible for impairments in synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus associated with behavioral dysfunctions in Ts2 mice. Thus, these findings suggest that glutamatergic deficits have a significant role in causing intellectual disabilities in DS.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Regulation of glucose metabolism by the ghrelin system: multiple players and multiple actions
Authors: Heppner Kristy M , Tong Jenny
Published: April 2014

Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide secreted mainly from the X/A-like cells of the stomach. Ghrelin is found in circulation in both des-acyl (dAG) and acyl forms (AG). Acylation is catalyzed by the enzyme ghrelinO-acyltransferase (GOAT). AG acts on the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the CNS to promote feeding and adiposity and also acts on GHSR in the pancreas to inhibit glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These well-described actions of AG have made it a popular target for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus pharmacotherapies. However, despite the lack of a cognate receptor, dAG appears to have gluco-regulatory action, which adds an additional layer of complexity to ghrelin's regulation of glucose metabolism. This review discusses the current literature on the gluco-regulatory action of the ghrelin system (dAG, AG, GHSR, and GOAT) with specific emphasis aimed toward distinguishing AG vs dAG action.
The small GTPase Rheb is required for spermatogenesis but not oogenesis
Authors: Baker M D , Ezzati M , Aloisio G M , Tarnawa E D , Cuevas I , Nakada Y , Castrillon D H
Published: April 2014

The process of germ cell development is under the tight control of various signaling pathways, among which the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway is of critical importance. Previous studies have demonstrated sex-specific roles for several components of this pathway. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Rheb, a member of the small GTPase superfamily and a critical component for mTORC1 activation, in male and female gametogenesis. The function of Rheb in development and the nervous system has been extensively studied, but little is known about its role in the germ line. We have exploited genetic approaches in the mouse to study the role of Rheb in the germ line and have identified an essential role in spermatogenesis. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Rheb in the male germ line resulted in severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and male sterility. More detailed phenotypic analyses uncovered an age-dependent meiotic progression defect combined with subsequent abnormalities in spermiogenesis as evidenced by abnormal sperm morphology. In the female, however, germ-cell specific inactivation of Rheb was not associated with any discernible abnormality; these cKO mice were fertile with morphologically unremarkable ovaries, normal primordial follicle formation, and subsequent follicle maturation. The absence of an abnormal ovarian phenotype is striking given previous studies demonstrating a critical role for the mTORC1 pathway in the maintenance of primordial follicle pool. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate an essential role of Rheb in diverse aspects of spermatogenesis but suggest the existence of functionally redundant factors that can compensate for Rheb deficiency within oocytes.
Sperm FISH and chromatin integrity in spermatozoa from a t(6;10;11) carrier
Authors: Olszewska Marta , Huleyuk Nataliya , Fraczek Monika , Zastavna Danuta , Wiland Ewa , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: April 2014

Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs) are structurally balanced or unbalanced aberrations involving more than two breakpoints on two or more chromosomes. CCRs can be a potential reason for genomic imbalance in gametes, which leads to a drastic reduction in fertility. In this study, the meiotic segregation pattern, aneuploidy of seven chromosomes uninvolved in the CCR and chromatin integrity were analysed in the ejaculated spermatozoa of a 46,XY,t(6;10;11)(q25.1;q24.3;q23.1)mat carrier with asthenozoospermia and a lack of conception. The frequency of genetically unbalanced spermatozoa was 78.8% with a prevalence of 4:2 segregants of 38.2%, while the prevalence of the adjacent 3:3 mode was 35.3%. Analysis of the aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 15, 18, 21, 22, X and Y revealed an approximately fivefold increased level in comparison with that of the control group, indicating the presence of an interchromosomal effect. Sperm chromatin integrity status was evaluated using chromomycin A3 and aniline blue staining (deprotamination), acridine orange test and TUNEL assay (sperm DNA fragmentation). No differences were found when comparisons were made with a control group. We suggest that the accumulation of genetically unbalanced spermatozoa, significantly increased sperm aneuploidy level and decreased sperm motility (20%, progressive) were not responsible for the observed lack of reproductive success in the analysed infertile t(6;10;11) carrier. Interestingly, in the case described herein, a high level of sperm chromosomal imbalance appears not to be linked to sperm chromatin integrity status.
Common fibroid-associated genes are differentially expressed in phenotypically dissimilar cell populations isolated from within human fibroids and myometrium
Authors: Holdsworth-Carson Sarah J , Zaitseva Marina , Girling Jane E , Vollenhoven Beverley J , Rogers Peter A W
Published: April 2014

Uterine fibroids are a prevalent gynaecological condition in reproductive-aged women and are the commonest reason for hysterectomy. The cellular composition of clonal fibroids are heterogeneous, with phenotypically dissimilar cells that include smooth muscle cells (SMC), vascular SMC (VSMC) and fibroblasts. The aim of our study was to investigate genes that are commonly differentially expressed between fibroid and myometrial whole tissues in phenotypically different sub-populations of cells isolated from fibroid and myometrium. Genes to be investigated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry include transforming growth factor β (TGFB) and retinoic acid (RA) signalling families and steroid hormone receptors. We hypothesised that each cell population isolated from fibroid and myometrium would differ in the expression of fibroid-associated genes. We demonstrated that phenotypically different cellular constituents of uterine fibroids differentially express cellular RA-binding protein 2 (CRABP2), progesterone receptor B (PRB) and TGFB receptor 2 mRNA in fibroid-derived cells of VSMC and SMC phenotype. CRABP2 mRNA was also differentially expressed in fibroblasts and VSMC sub-populations from within clonal fibroid tumours. We conclude that differential regulation of RA, TGFB and PR pathway transcription occurs in fibroid-associated SMC and -fibroblasts and that investigation of paracrine interactions between different cell types within the fibroid microenvironment provides an important new paradigm for understanding the pathophysiology of this common disease.
Long noncoding RNAs in spermatogenesis: insights from recent high-throughput transcriptome studies
Authors: Luk Alfred Chun-Shui , Chan Wai-Yee , Rennert Owen M , Lee Tin-Lap
Published: April 2014

Spermatogenesis is a complex developmental process in which undifferentiated spermatogonia are differentiated into spermatocytes and spermatids through two rounds of meiotic division and finally giving rise to mature spermatozoa (sperm). These processes involve many testis- or male germ cell-specific gene products that undergo strict developmental regulations. As a result, identifying critical, regulatory genes controlling spermatogenesis provide the clues not only to the regulatory mechanism of spermatogenesis at the molecular level, but also to the identification of candidate genes for infertility or contraceptives development. Despite the biological importance in male germ cell development, the underlying mechanisms of stage-specific gene regulation and cellular transition during spermatogenesis remain largely elusive. Previous genomic studies on transcriptome profiling were largely limited to protein-coding genes. Importantly, protein-coding genes only account for a small percentage of transcriptome; the majority are noncoding transcripts that do not translate into proteins. Although small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs, siRNAs, and Piwi-interacting RNAs are extensively investigated in male germ cell development, the role of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), commonly defined as ncRNAs longer than 200 bp, is relatively unexplored. Herein, we summarize recent transcriptome studies on spermatogenesis and show examples that a subset of noncoding transcript population, known as lncRNAs, constitutes a novel regulatory target in spermatogenesis.
Conditional operations on fuzzy numbers
Authors: Nykyforchyn Kh.O.
Published: April 2014

An estimate of a joint possibility distribution of two fuzzy numbers, based on fuzzy relations with a third fuzzy variable, is suggested. This leads to the operations of conditional addition and conditional multiplication, of interactive fuzzy numbers for which joint possibility distributions with a fuzzy variable are known.
On the strong and $\Delta$-convergence theorems for total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings on CAT(0) space
Authors: Basarir M. , Sahin A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we give the strong and $\Delta$-convergence theorems of the modified $S$-iteration and the modified two-step iteration processes for total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings on a CAT(0) space. Our results extend and improve the corresponding recent results announced by many authors in the literature.
Diagnóstico angiográfico dos hematomas subdurais: valor da fase venosa em incidência sagital
Authors: Zaclis José , Tenuto Rolando A.
Published: April 2014

Êste trabalho tem por fim demonstrar o valor da fase venosa em incidência sagital no diagnóstico angiográfico dos hematomas subdurais. Êle é baseado em 8 casos verificados cirürgicamente, dois dos quais com hematoma bilateral, compreendendo um total de 10 hematomas subdurals demonstrados pela angiografia cerebral. Em 9 exemplares a elipse avascular que caracteriza essa entidade nosológica só apareceu na fase venosa; sòmente em um caso êsse sinal patognomônico foi claramente revelado na fase arterial em incidência ântero-posterior. O arteriograma mostra, apenas, às mais das vêzes, deslocamento da artéria cerebral anterior e seus ramos para o lado oposto àquele em que se encontra o hematoma, como acontece nos casos de lesões expansivas em geral. Menos freqüentemente os principais troncos arteriais do encéfalo não sofrem modificações no seu trajeto, apesar do espaço intracraniano ocupado pelos hematomas. A existência de hematoma subdural no interior de um hemicrânio sem desvio da artéria cerebral anterior, embora não implique necessàriamente na existência de outra coleção sangüínea do lado oposto, é altamente sugestiva dessa dupla lesão. A exploração bilateral nesses casos é, portanto, obrigatória. Dos três casos desta série em que a angiografia em um dos lados revelou a elipse avascular característica e artéria cerebral anterior com trajeto normal, a angiografia do lado oposto resultou positiva em dois dêles e negativa em um. Pôsto que alguns Serviços especializados não sejam dotados de equipamento para angiografia em séries, o autor recomenda o flebograma em incidência sagital como tempo obrigatório, mesmo que para tanto seja necessária nova injeção de contraste.
Tratamento das bexigas neurogênicas
Authors: Levy José Antonio
Published: April 2014

Na micção normal existem duas fases: uma primeira, voluntária, na dependência da musculatura estriada-abdominal e do assoalho pélvico; uma segunda, reflexa, subordinada ao sistema nervoso parassimpático. Nas lesões agudas da medula, após uma fase inicial de atonia, a função vesical evolui para as formas autônoma, reflexa e não inibida, de acôrdo com a localização e a extensão da lesão. O tratamento das bexigas neurogênicas inicialmente visará manter o órgão em bom estado até que uma fase definitiva tenha sido alcançada; é por meio da lavagem contínua em sistema fechado com sonda de dupla corrente que são obtidos os melhores resultados. A segunda fase do tratamento (tratamento das seqüelas) visará, em primeiro lugar, o combate ao resíduo urinário, quase sempre presente nas bexigas neurogênicas; ulteriormente cuidará da reeducação do órgão.
Hematoma subdural em recém-nascido
Authors: Lefèvre Antonio B. , Cruz Oswaldo R.
Published: April 2014

Os autores apresentam um caso de hematoma subdural em recém-nascido de 10 dias de idade, cujo principal interesse reside na documentação mediante eletrencefalografia e angiografia cerebral. O eletrencefalograma revelou depressão da atividade elétrica na região temporal esquerda e a angiografia cerebral mostrou uma área avascular localizada entre a tábua óssea e a superfície do hemisfério cerebral delineado pelo contraste. Baseados na ino-cuidade desse exame, observada em casos de recém-nascidos com menos dias de idade, preconizam os autores a angiografia cerebral nos casos em que o exame clínico não fôr suficiente para o diagnóstico.
Análise morfológica e funcional do processo espermatogênico em cobaios (Cavia porcellus) da pré-puberdade até a pós-puberdade
Authors: Nunes Amanda K.R. , Gouveia Bruna B. , Matos Maria Helena T. , Pires Isabelle Caroline , Franzo Vanessa S. , Faria Marcelo D. , Gradela Adriana
Published: April 2014

Este estudo descreveu as análises morfológica e funcional do processo espermatogênico em cobaios (Cavia porcellus) de cinco (S5); seis (S6); nove (S9) e onze (S11) semanas de idade (N=5/grupo). Os aspectos analisados incluíram a contagem das populações celulares presentes no estádio 1 do ciclo do epitélio seminífero (CES), eficiência das mitoses espermatogoniais (RMi), produção meiótica (RMe), rendimento geral da espermatogênese (RGE), índice de células de Sertoli (ICS) e capacidade de suporte das células de Sertoli (CSCS). Os resultados mostraram que número médio de espermatogônias A, espermatócitos primários em pré-leptóteno/leptóteno, espermatócitos primários em paquíteno, células espermatogênicas totais e células de Sertoli mostraram variações numéricas em função da idade, entretanto, não detectadas estatisticamente, enquanto espermátides arredondadas aumentaram significativamente na puberdade e depois se estabilizaram. A produção espermatogênica de cobaios de 5 a 11 semanas não atingiu o ponto de estabilização e o RMi, RMe, RGE, ICS e CSCS mostraram variação numérica significativa em função da idade. Os resultados demonstraram que Cavia porcellus na pós-puberdade 2 são um modelo experimental vantajoso para estudos de processos de reconhecimento homólogos, alinhamento, e sinapses durante a prófase meiótica; o rendimento intrínseco da espermatogênese em cobaios é semelhante ao relatado para ratos Wistar, pacas e cutias (Dasyprocta sp.) e menor do que em preás, enquanto que a eficiência funcional das células de Sertoli é superior a de cutias e ratos Wistar e inferior à de pacas, rato espinhoso e catetos. Concluiu-se que em cobaios a espermatogênese está completamente estabelecida na semana 6 de idade, indicando a fase púbere do desenvolvimento sexual, e até a semana 11 eles não atingiram a produção espermática diária máxima e, portanto, a maturidade sexual.
Ultraestrutura comparativa da língua do sagui-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata) e do bugio-preto (Alouatta caraya) em diferentes faixas etárias
Authors: Nitta Cayo Y. , Silva Luana C.S. , Miglino Maria A. , Ambrosio Carlos E. , Bombonato Pedro P. , Rici Rose E.G.
Published: April 2014

Para a análise e descrição comparativa da morfologia da língua e de suas papilas, bem como a distribuição destas, foram utilizados três animais de faixas etárias distintas (filhote, jovem, adulto), de duas espécies de primatas, Callithrix penicillata (sagui-de-tufo-preto) e Alouatta caraya (bugio-preto), ambas sendo observadas através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os animais da espécie Callithrix penicillata eram procedentes de um criadouro comercial de animais selvagens em Atibaia/SP e vieram a óbito por causas naturais, e os da espécie Alouatta caraya eram provenientes do acervo do Laboratório de Anatomia Macroscópica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ-USP). Com o material analisado e a técnica empregada pôde-se constatar que as línguas dos saguis-de-tufo-preto e dos bugios-pretos analisadas apresentavam papilas linguais similares às descritas para outras espécies de primatas. As línguas possuíam diferenças morfológicas, principalmente para alguns tipos de papilas linguais, em detrimento do avançar da idade dos animais. De forma geral, foram observados quatro tipos de papilas linguais, sendo estas: filiforme, fungiforme, valada e folhada. As línguas dos bugio-pretos apresentavam características de animais com dietas herbívoras. Possuindo desta forma papilas filiformes com formatos variados (coroa, lança, multifilamentar), de acordo com as regiões da língua, e também robustas papilas, principalmente na proeminência lingual. Já as línguas dos saguis-de-tufo-preto possuíam características de animais onívoros. Com papilas filiformes em formato de coroa, grandes quantidades de papilas fungiformes e desenvolvidas papilas folhadas. Observou-se que as modificações das papilas linguais que ocorrem nos animais após o nascimento apresentaram correlação com a mudança nos tipos de alimentos consumidos. Sendo presumível então concluir que as dietas possuem relação direta para com as alterações morfológicas e estruturais das papilas linguais nos animais ora aqui analisados.
Stereological study of the elastic fiber and smooth muscle cell system in the bovine and buffalo penis
Authors: Ribeiro Ilma C.A. , Abidu-Figueiredo Marcelo , Costa Fabíola B. , Pereira-Sampaio Marco A. , Chagas Maurício A.
Published: April 2014

Samples of ten penises of Mediterranean buffaloes and ten penises of Red Sindhi cattle were used. The thickness of the tunica albuginea (TA), distribution of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and volume density (Vv) of elastic system fibers in TA, corpus cavernosum (CC) and corpus spongiosum (CS) were evaluated. The Vv of elastic system fibers in buffalo and bovine penis was respectively 4.07% ±0.88% and 3.36% ±1.21% in TA; 17.32% ±2.21% and 13.14% ±1.27% (CC), 26.58% ±4.31% and 31.36% ±3.67% (CS). The CC of buffalo presented higher Vv of elastic fibers than bovine, while in the CS the Vv of elastic fibers in buffaloes was smaller than in cattle. The TA thickness showed a significant difference among the species studied. The arrangement of SMC in the bovine penises and in the water buffalo suggests that this pattern is common to animals that have fibroelastic penises.
Critical points on egg production: causes, importance and incidence of eggshell breakage and defects
Authors: Mazzuco Helenice , Bertechini Antonio Gilberto
Published: April 2014

The occurrence of broken eggs directly depends on the quality of the shell. It is important to consider that the problem of broken eggs is not due to a single factor but a combination of factors. Shell defects, irregularities in shell shape, texture and surface are commonly observed during a regular egg laying cycle and the causes are varied. The incidence of downgraded eggs still represents an important source of economic loss for the egg industry due to products damage and need for further processing. It is possible to obtain significant reduction in the number of eggs lost due to the inferior quality of the shell attempting to an adequate nutrition, disease control, good management practices, and use of genetic lines with higher quality eggshell traits.
Activity of some isoenzymatic systems in stored coffee grains
Authors: Saath Reni , Broetto Fernando , Biaggioni Marco Antônio Martin , Borém Flávio Meira , Rosa Sttela Dellyzete Veiga Franco da , Taveira José Henrique da Silva
Published: April 2014

Considering the worldwide consumption of coffee, it is natural that throughout the history many people have dedicated the research to markers that contribute somehow on gauging its quality. This research aimed to evaluate the biochemical performance of arabica coffee during storage. Coffee in beans (natural) and in parchment (pulped) dried in concrete terrace and in dryer with heated air were packed in jute bags and stored in not controlled environmental conditions. Enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, esterase and lipoxygenase in coffee grains were evaluated at zero, three, six, nine and twelve months by means of electrophoresis. Independently of the drying method, the activity of isoenzymatic complexes highlighted deteriorative processes in stored grains of coffee. The treatments 60/40º C and 60º C used to reduce the water content imposed a greater stress condition, accelerated metabolism of natural coffee in the storage with decreased activity of defense mechanisms due to latent damage in these grains. Natural coffees are more sensible to high drying temperatures and its quality reduces faster than pulped coffee in the storage.
Anatomic and physiological modifications in seedlings of Coffea arabica cultivar Siriema under drought conditions
Authors: Melo Emanuelle Ferreira , Fernandes-Brum Christiane Noronha , Pereira Fabrício José , Castro Evaristo Mauro de , Chalfun-Júnior Antonio
Published: April 2014

Due to the weather changes prognostic for the coming years, the understanding of water deficit and physiological responses of plants to drought becomes an important requirement in order to develop technologies such as mechanisms to assist plants to cope with longer drought periods, which will be essential to maintenance of Brazilian and worldwide production. This study aimed to evaluate ecophysiological and anatomical aspects as well as the nitrate reductase activity in Siriema coffee seedlings subjected to four treatments: Daily irrigated, non-irrigated, re-irrigated 24 hours and re-irrigated 48 hours after different stress periods. Non-irrigation promoted a reduction in leaf water potential being accented from the ninth day of evaluation onwards. Re-irrigation promoted a partial recovery of the plant water potential. Non-irrigated plants showed an increase in stomatal resistance and reduction of transpiration and nitrate reductase activity. In the roots, there was a decrease in nitrate reductase activity under water stress. Leaf anatomical modifications were significant only for the adaxial surface epidermis and palisade parenchyma thickness, this latter characteristic being higher in control plants. Stomatal density and polar and equatorial diameter ratios showed the highest values in plants under water stress. In the roots, differences only in the cortex thickness being bigger in the non-irrigated treatment could be observed. Therefore, Siriema coffee plants under water stress show physiological, biochemical and anatomical modifications that contribute to the tolerance of this genotype to these conditions.
Chemical treatment of banana tree pseudostem particles aiming the production of particleboards
Authors: Guimarães Bárbara Maria Ribeiro , Mendes Lourival Marin , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin , Bufalino Lina , Mendes Rafael Farinassi , Guimarães Junior José Benedito
Published: April 2014

Brazil is one of the major banana producers in the world, and consequently generates a great amount of residues from this crop, which could be utilized in particleboard production. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of different chemical treatments of the particles of Musa sp. pseudostem, on their chemical and physical properties (basic density), and on the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboards produced with the same material. Five treatments were applied to the particles: 1) without treatment (control); 2) 2% acetic acid; 3) 0.5% NaOH; 4) acetone (1/1 in volume/volume); and 5) water. Panels with medium density were produced (0.70 g/cm³), bonded with 12% (in relation to the particle mass) of urea-formaldehyde adhesive. The pressing cycle was conducted at 160º C, under 4 MPa, during 8 min. The results obtained indicated that the chemical treatments performed in the particles of banana tree pseudostem affected their chemical composition. The basic density of the particles was 0.10 g/cm³, and only the NaOH treatment led to its increase for values around 0.13 g/cm3. The panels produced with particles without treatment (control) and particles treated with acetic acid presented the lowest values of water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 h of immersion. Mechanical properties of all the panels produced were below the minimum recommended by the standard CS 236-66 (COMMERCIAL STANDARD - CS, 1968).
Hydrosedimentologic disturbance index applied to watersheds of Minas Gerais state
Authors: Durães Matheus Fonseca , Mello Carlos Rogério de
Published: April 2014

Ecological indicators have become important tools for assessment and monitoring of natural resources, being the understanding of the relationship between antropic activities and the environmental response essential for their structuring. Although the development of potential indicators may prove sensitive to many variables, they must demonstrate their ability to take the surrounding conditions, from those relatively preserved to those highly disturbed. Based on this premise, the development of the Hydrossedimentological DisturbanceIndex (HSDI) for environmental assessment at watersheds in Minas Gerais state, emerges as a potential tool to support decisions which should be focused on the improvement of natural resources management. A HSDI proposal was developed from the hydrological, climate and water quality database available in Minas Gerais state, highlighting sediment transport (ST), hydrological stress (HS), groundwater recharge (Rec) and current soil erosion potential (SEP), working with a robust tool for determining the weights of factors with appropriate scientific background and subsequent development of map for analyzing its distribution, having Paraopeba river watershed as study case.
Saúde mental e vulnerabilidade social: a direção do tratamento
Authors: Gama Carlos Alberto Pegolo da , Campos Rosana Teresa Onocko , Ferrer Ana Luiza
Published: April 2014

O objetivo do texto é refletir sobre as relações entre saúde mental e vulnerabilidade social a partir do encontro da Psiquiatria Biológica com a Reforma Psiquiátrica. Problematizamos o conceito de saúde mental, o conceito de vulnerabilidade social, os manuais diagnósticos, as pesquisas epidemiológicas, tendo como pano de fundo as Políticas Públicas de Saúde. Identificamos a necessidade de superação da lógica técnico-científico tradicional incorporando a singularidade e saberes ligados aos sujeitos que são afetados pelo sofrimento.
Sofrimento psíquico e trabalho
Authors: Vieira Sarah Rosa Salles
Published: April 2014

O presente artigo aprofunda questões clínico-téoricas relacionadas especificamente ao trabalho docente e ao sofrimento psíquico a ele relacionado a partir da observação clínica e vivência grupal nos atendimentos terapêuticos ocupacionais realizados no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo "Francisco Morato de Oliveira" (HSPE-FMO). Partindo dos estudos acerca da Psicopatologia do Trabalho de Christophe Dejours, do trabalho docente e do relato de um caso clínico, caracteriza a problemática do sofrimento no trabalho, os sistemas de defesa contra este sofrimento, a ameaça à subjetividade do próprio trabalhador, as representações e conflitos vivenciados no trabalho docente, bem como a relação aditiva estabelecida como uma estratégia inconsciente de sobrevivência psíquica.
Disputas cognitivas e exercício da capacidade crítica: o caso dos conflitos ambientais no Brasil
Authors: Acselrad Henri
Published: April 2014

O debate sobre as questões ambientais incide sobre objetos complexos, em torno ao qual se enfrentam interesses contraditórios, entrecruzam-se competências múltiplas, desenvolvem-se controvérsias científicas e políticas. A temporalidade da controvérsia científica não é, porém, a mesma da temporalidade do debate político. Uma incerteza se produz, dado que o saber especializado não consegue fechar o debate, mas, sim tenderia a abri-lo com relação a valores, para a reflexividade e não necessariamente para um acordo. O presente texto propõe-se a discutir as condições em que o campo de forças em que se instaura o conflito político-cognitivo em torno aos chamados impactos ambientais habilita-se a garantir a autonomia da produção científica.
Dilemas identitários no mundo dos serviços: da invisibilidade à interação
Authors: Nunes Jordão Horta
Published: April 2014

O objetivo do artigo é analisar a construção das formas identitárias no trabalho em serviços. O repertório conceitual remete principalmente à sociologia do trabalho francesa e ao interacionismo simbólico. Uma breve reconstrução das teorias sociológicas da identidade laboral, com ênfase no mundo dos serviços, antecede a análise empírica de duas ocupações: serventes de limpeza e vendedores/as. A metodologia empregada recorre a uma triangulação de fontes, em que dados quantitativos de bases governamentais (Censo, PNAD e RAIS) são articulados com dados qualitativos primários e secundários. No caso de serventes de limpeza a contratação terceirizada afeta negativamente a dinâmica do reconhecimento, embora a depreciação do self remeta mais à construção cultural do "trabalho sujo" e à invisibilidade que caracteriza o trabalho em serviços, sobretudo em atividades que remetem ao trabalho doméstico, como limpeza, manutenção e conservação. Já os/as vendedores enfrentam dilemas relacionados a formas de interagir com o cliente, por sua vez influenciadas por estratégias gerenciais e de marketing, bem como deslocamentos identitários relacionados à crescente relevância da própria prática de consumir como marcador identitário na moderna sociedade de consumidores.