bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
tDCS-Induced Modulation of GABA Levels and Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Older Adults
Authors: Antonenko Daria , Schubert Florian , Bohm Florian , Ittermann Bernd , Aydin Semiha , Hayek Dayana , Grittner Ulrike , Flöel Agnes
Published: March 2017

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates human behavior, neuronal patterns, and metabolite concentrations, with exciting potential for neurorehabilitation. However, the understanding of tDCS-induced alterations on the neuronal level is incomplete, and conclusions from young adults, in whom the majority of studies have been conducted, cannot be easily transferred to older populations. Here, we investigated tDCS-induced effects in older adults (N= 48; age range, 50–79 years) using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify GABA levels as well as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess sensorimotor network strength and interhemispheric connectivity. In a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design, we applied anodal tDCS (atDCS), cathodal tDCS (ctDCS), and sham tDCS (stDCS) over the left sensorimotor region. We observed a significant reduction of GABA levels after atDCS compared with stDCS, reflecting the preserved neuromodulatory effect of atDCS in older adults. Moreover, resting-state functional coupling was decreased during atDCS compared with stDCS, most likely indicating augmented efficiency in brain network functioning. Increased levels of interhemispheric connectivity with age were diminished by atDCS, suggesting stimulation-induced functional decoupling. Further, the magnitude of atDCS-induced local plasticity was related to baseline functional network strength. Our findings provide novel insight into the neuronal correlates underlying tDCS-induced neuronal plasticity in older adults and thus might help to develop tDCS interventions tailored to the aging brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates human behavior, neuronal patterns, and metabolite concentrations, with exciting potential for neurorehabilitation. However, the understanding of tDCS-induced alterations on the neuronal level is incomplete, and conclusions from young adults cannot be easily transferred to older populations. We used a systematic multimodal imaging approach to investigate the neurophysiological effects of tDCS in older adults and found stimulation-induced effects on GABA levels, reflecting augmented local plasticity and functional connectivity, suggesting modulation of network efficiency. Our findings may help to reconcile some of the recent reports on the variability of tDCS-induced effects, not only implicating age as a crucial modulating factor, but detailing its specific impact on the functionality of neural networks.
Characterization of a Human Point Mutation of VGLUT3 (p.A211V) in the Rodent Brain Suggests a Nonuniform Distribution of the Transporter in Synaptic Vesicles
Authors: Ramet Lauriane , Zimmermann Johannes , Bersot Tiphaine , Poirel Odile , De Gois Stéphanie , Silm Katlin , Sakae Diana Yae , Mansouri-Guilani Nina , Bourque Marie-Josée , Trudeau Louis-Eric , Pietrancosta Nicolas , Daumas Stéphanie , Bernard Véronique , Rosenmund Christian , El Mestikawy Salah
Published: March 2017

The atypical vesicular glutamate transporter type 3 (VGLUT3) is expressed by subpopulations of neurons using acetylcholine, GABA, or serotonin as neurotransmitters. In addition, VGLUT3 is expressed in the inner hair cells of the auditory system. A mutation (p.A211V) in the gene that encodes VGLUT3 is responsible for progressive deafness in two unrelated families. In this study, we investigated the consequences of the p.A211V mutation in cell cultures and in the CNS of a mutant mouse. The mutation substantially decreased VGLUT3 expression (−70%). We measured VGLUT3-p.A211V activity by vesicular uptake in BON cells, electrophysiological recording of isolated neurons, and its ability to stimulate serotonergic accumulation in cortical synaptic vesicles. Despite a marked loss of expression, the activity of the mutated isoform was only minimally altered. Furthermore, mutant mice displayed none of the behavioral alterations that have previously been reported in VGLUT3 knock-out mice. Finally, we used stimulated emission depletion microscopy to analyze how the mutation altered VGLUT3 distribution within the terminals of mice expressing the mutated isoform. The mutation appeared to reduce the expression of the VGLUT3 transporter by simultaneously decreasing the number of VGLUT3-positive synaptic vesicles and the amount of VGLUT3 per synapses. These observations suggested that VGLUT3 global activity is not linearly correlated with VGLUT3 expression. Furthermore, our data unraveled a nonuniform distribution of VGLUT3 in synaptic vesicles. Identifying the mechanisms responsible for this complex vesicular sorting will be critical to understand VGLUT's involvement in normal and pathological conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTVGLUT3 is an atypical member of the vesicular glutamate transporter family. A point mutation of VGLUT3 (VGLUT3-p.A211V) responsible for a progressive loss of hearing has been identified in humans. We observed that this mutation dramatically reduces VGLUT3 expression in terminals (∼70%) without altering its function. Furthermore, using stimulated emission depletion microscopy, we found that reducing the expression levels of VGLUT3 diminished the number of VGLUT3-positive vesicles at synapses. These unexpected findings challenge the vision of a uniform distribution of synaptic vesicles at synapses. Therefore, the overall activity of VGLUT3 is not proportional to the level of VGLUT3 expression. These data will be key in interpreting the role of VGLUTs in human pathologies.
Respiration-Deficient Astrocytes Survive As Glycolytic CellsIn Vivo
Authors: Supplie Lotti M. , Düking Tim , Campbell Graham , Diaz Francisca , Moraes Carlos T. , Götz Magdalena , Hamprecht Bernd , Boretius Susann , Mahad Don , Nave Klaus-Armin
Published: March 2017

Neurons and glial cells exchange energy-rich metabolites and it has been suggested, originally based onin vitrodata, that astrocytes provide lactate to glutamatergic synapses (“lactate shuttle”). Here, we have studied astrocytes that lack mitochondrial respirationin vitroandin vivo. A novel mouse mutant (GLASTCreERT2::Cox10flox/flox) was generated, in which the administration of tamoxifen causes mutant astrocytes to fail in the assembly of mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase (COX). Focusing on cerebellar Bergmann glia (BG) cells, which exhibit the highest rate of Cre-mediated recombination, we found a normal density of viable astrocytes even 1 year after tamoxifen-inducedCox10gene targeting. Our data show that BG cells, and presumably all astrocytes, can survive by aerobic glycolysis for an extended period of time in the absence of glial pathology or unspecific signs of neurodegeneration.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhen astrocytes are placed into culture, they import glucose and release lactate, an energy-rich metabolite readily metabolized by neurons. This observation led to the “glia-to-neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis,” butin vivoevidence for this hypothesis is weak. To study astroglial energy metabolism and the directionality of lactate flux, we generated conditionalCox10mouse mutants lacking mitochondrial respiration in astrocytes, which forces these cells to survive by aerobic glycolysis. Here, we report that these mice are fully viable in the absence of any signs of glial or neuronal loss, suggesting that astrocytes are naturally glycolytic cells.
Topography and Lateralized Effect of Acute Aromatase Inhibition on Auditory Processing in a Seasonal Songbird
Authors: De Groof Geert , Balthazart Jacques , Cornil Charlotte A. , Van der Linden Annemie
Published: March 2017

It is increasingly recognized that brain-derived estrogens (neuroestrogens) can regulate brain physiology and behavior much faster than what was previously known from the transcriptional action of estrogens on nuclear receptors. One of the best examples of such neuromodulation by neuroestrogens concerns the acute regulation of sensory coding by the auditory cortex as demonstrated by electrophysiological studies of selected neurons in zebra finches. Yet, the spatial extent of such modulation by neuroestrogens is not known. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we demonstrate here that acute estrogen depletion alters within minutes auditory processing in male European starlings. These effects are confined to very specific but large areas of the auditory cortex. They are also specifically lateralized to the left hemisphere. Interestingly, the modulation of auditory responses by estrogens was much larger (both in amplitude and in topography) in March than in December or May/June. This effect was presumably independent from changes in circulating testosterone concentrations since levels of the steroid were controlled by subcutaneous implants, thus suggesting actions related to other aspects of the seasonal cycle or photoperiodic manipulations. Finally, we also show that estrogen production specifically modulates selectivity for behaviorally relevant vocalizations in a specific part of the caudomedial nidopallium. These findings confirm and extend previous conclusions that had been obtained by electrophysiological techniques. This approach provides a new very powerful tool to investigate auditory responsiveness in songbirds and its fast modulation by sex steroids.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeuroestrogens can acutely modulate sensory processing in a manner similar to neuromodulators. We report that acute estrogen depletion rapidly disrupts auditory processing in large areas of the male starling brain. Effects were larger in March than in December or May/June, lateralized to the left hemisphere and specific to behaviorally relevant stimuli. These findings confirm and extend previous data that identified an acute regulation of auditory neurons in zebra finches by (1) delineating the extent of the brain region affected, (2) confirming its lateralization, and (3) demonstrating that a large part of the auditory brain regions are acutely affected by estrogens. These findings provide a very powerful tool to investigate auditory responsiveness in songbirds and its fast modulation by sex steroids.
Allometric Analysis Detects Brain Size-Independent Effects of Sex and Sex Chromosome Complement on Human Cerebellar Organization
Authors: Mankiw Catherine , Park Min Tae M. , Reardon P.K. , Fish Ari M. , Clasen Liv S. , Greenstein Deanna , Giedd Jay N. , Blumenthal Jonathan D. , Lerch Jason P. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Raznahan Armin
Published: March 2017

The cerebellum is a large hindbrain structure that is increasingly recognized for its contribution to diverse domains of cognitive and affective processing in human health and disease. Although several of these domains are sex biased, our fundamental understanding of cerebellar sex differences—including their spatial distribution, potential biological determinants, and independence from brain volume variation—lags far behind that for the cerebrum. Here, we harness automated neuroimaging methods for cerebellar morphometrics in 417 individuals to (1) localize normative male–female differences in raw cerebellar volume, (2) compare these to sex chromosome effects estimated across five rare sex (X/Y) chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) syndromes, and (3) clarify brain size-independent effects of sex and SCA on cerebellar anatomy using a generalizable allometric approach that considers scaling relationships between regional cerebellar volume and brain volume in health. The integration of these approaches shows that (1) sex and SCA effects on raw cerebellar volume are large and distributed, but regionally heterogeneous, (2) human cerebellar volume scales with brain volume in a highly nonlinear and regionally heterogeneous fashion that departs from documented patterns of cerebellar scaling in phylogeny, and (3) cerebellar organization is modified in a brain size-independent manner by sex (relative expansion of total cerebellum, flocculus, and Crus II-lobule VIIIB volumes in males) and SCA (contraction of total cerebellar, lobule IV, and Crus I volumes with additional X- or Y-chromosomes; X-specific contraction of Crus II-lobule VIIIB). Our methods and results clarify the shifts in human cerebellar organization that accompany interwoven variations in sex, sex chromosome complement, and brain size.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCerebellar systems are implicated in diverse domains of sex-biased behavior and pathology, but we lack a basic understanding of how sex differences in the human cerebellum are distributed and determined. We leverage a rare neuroimaging dataset to deconvolve the interwoven effects of sex, sex chromosome complement, and brain size on human cerebellar organization. We reveal topographically variegated scaling relationships between regional cerebellar volume and brain size in humans, which (1) are distinct from those observed in phylogeny, (2) invalidate a traditional neuroimaging method for brain volume correction, and (3) allow more valid and accurate resolution of which cerebellar subcomponents are sensitive to sex and sex chromosome complement. These findings advance understanding of cerebellar organization in health and sex chromosome aneuploidy.
An ATR‐dependent function for the Ddx19 RNA helicase in nuclear R‐loop metabolism
Authors: Hodroj Dana , Recolin Bénédicte , Serhal Kamar , Martinez Susan , Tsanov Nikolay , Abou Merhi Raghida , Maiorano Domenico
Published: March 2017

Coordination between transcription and replication is crucial in the maintenance of genome integrity. Disturbance of these processes leads to accumulation of aberrant DNA:RNA hybrids (R‐loops) that, if unresolved, generate DNA damage and genomic instability. Here we report a novel, unexpected role for the nucleopore‐associated mRNA export factor Ddx19 in removing nuclear R‐loops formed upon replication stress or DNA damage. We show, in live cells, that Ddx19 transiently relocalizes from the nucleopore to the nucleus upon DNA damage, in an ATR/Chk1‐dependent manner, and that Ddx19 nuclear relocalization is required to clear R‐loops. Ddx19 depletion induces R‐loop accumulation, proliferation‐dependent DNA damage and defects in replication fork progression. Further, we show that Ddx19 resolves R‐loops in vitro via its helicase activity. Furthermore, mutation of a residue phosphorylated by Chk1 in Ddx19 disrupts its interaction with Nup214 and allows its nuclear relocalization. Finally, we show that Ddx19 operates in resolving R‐loops independently of the RNA helicase senataxin. Altogether these observations put forward a novel, ATR‐dependent function for Ddx19 in R‐loop metabolism to preserve genome integrity in mammalian cells.
Sex‐specific, reciprocal regulation of ERα and miR‐22 controls muscle lipid metabolism in male mice
Authors: Schweisgut Judith , Schutt Christian , Wüst Stas , Wietelmann Astrid , Ghesquière Bart , Carmeliet Peter , Dröse Stefan , Korach Kenneth S , Braun Thomas , Boettger Thomas
Published: March 2017

Control of energy homeostasis and metabolism is achieved by integrating numerous pathways, and miRNAs are involved in this process by regulating expression of multiple target genes. However, relatively little is known about the posttranscriptional processing of miRNAs and a potential role for the precursors they derive from. Here, we demonstrate that mature miRNA‐22 is more abundant in muscle from male mice relative to females and that this enables sex‐specific regulation of muscular lipid metabolism and body weight by repressing estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression. We found that the ERα adjusts its own activity by preventing processing of miR‐22 via direct binding to a conserved ERα‐binding element within the primary miR‐22 precursor. Mutation of the ERα binding site within the pri‐miR‐22 in vivo eliminates sex‐specific differences in miR‐22 expression. We reason that the resulting tissue selective negative feedback regulation is essential to establish sex‐specific differences in muscle metabolism and body weight development.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and bone mass
Authors: Papachristou Nicholaos I , Blair Harry C , Kypreos Kyriakos E , Papachristou Dionysios J
Published: March 2017

It is well appreciated that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and bone physiology and pathology are tightly linked. Studies, primarily in mouse models, have shown that dysfunctional and/or disturbed HDL can affect bone mass through many different ways. Specifically, reduced HDL levels have been associated with the development of an inflammatory microenvironment that affects the differentiation and function of osteoblasts. In addition, perturbation in metabolic pathways of HDL favors adipoblastic differentiation and restrains osteoblastic differentiation through, among others, the modification of specific bone-related chemokines and signaling cascades. Increased bone marrow adiposity also deteriorates bone osteoblastic function and thus bone synthesis, leading to reduced bone mass. In this review, we present the current knowledge and the future directions with regard to the HDL–bone mass connection. Unraveling the molecular phenomena that underline this connection will promote the deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of bone-related pathologies, such as osteoporosis or bone metastasis, and pave the way toward the development of novel and more effective therapies against these conditions.
Changes in the viability of Strongyloides ransomi larvae (Nematoda, Rhabditida) under the influence of synthetic flavourings
Authors: Boyko A. A. , Brygadyrenko V. V.
Published: March 2017

One of the most common nematodes of pigs globally is Strongyloides ransomi Schwartz and Alicata 1930. It usually causes aggravation of physiological indicators of its hosts and damage to their immune system. Also it is a good modelling object for the evaluation of the antiparasitic activity of new antihelminthic drugs. We conducted laboratory experiments to assess the effect of flavouring additives with flower odour (benzaldehyde, citral, D-limonene and β-ionone) upon the viability of S. ransomi larvae. The mortality rate was calculated for 24 hours exposure at four concentrations of each substance (10, 1, 0.1 и 0.01 g/l) with eight replications. The lowest LD50 values were obtained for citral (97 mg/l) and benzaldehyde (142 mg/l). These substances are recommended for further evaluation of their antihelminthic effect in experiments using laboratory animals. Unlike other substances, the effect of β-ionone and D-limonene even at a concentration of 10 g/l after 24 hours caused the death of <50% of S. ransomi larvae. The study of flavouring additives with flowery odour, which are permitted to be used in food for humans and also to be used in cosmetics, is a promising field for research aimed at the development of new antiparasitic drugs.
Stepping back to advance: Why IGD needs an intensified debate instead of a consensus
Authors: Quandt Thorsten
Published: March 2017

Based on their analysis of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) criteria, Kuss, Griffiths, and Pontes (2017) come to the conclusion that the current situation can be described as “chaos and confusion.” Their assessment is not an exaggeration. It can be argued that there are even more issues, on logical/definitional and political/social levels: (a) the IGD diagnosis is lacking a well-defined object, (b) the cause and effect cannot be differentiated outside lab conditions, (c) the social and political effects of declaring a social behavior as a disease are worrying, and (d) a rushed diagnosis may construct an addiction with potentially harmful effects on (formerly) healthy populations. Instead of closing the debate by declaring a consensus and codifying IGD in the DSM, an undogmatic, intensified, and broader discussion is needed.
Paramagnetic Centers in Microcrystalline Silicon
Authors: de Lima M. M. , Morrison S. , LeGeune A. , Marques F. C. , Taylor P. C.
Published: March 2017

We have studied hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon, μc-Si:H, using dark and lightinduced electron spin resonance (ESR). In dark ESR measurements only one center is observed. The g values obtained empirically, assuming axial symmetry, from powder pattern lineshape simulations are g⊥∥ = 2.0096 and gτ = 2.0031. We suggest that this center is related to defects in the crystalline phase. Another signal, which occurs only after illumination, at low temperatures, is best described by two powder patterns indicating the presence of two centers. One center is slightly asymmetric (g∥ = 1.999, g⊥ = 1.996) and the other has a large unresolved broadening such that unique g-values cannot be obtained. The average g value for this center is 1.998. We interpret the light-induced electron spin resonance (LESR) signal as coming from electrons and holes trapped in the band tails at the crystalline grain boundaries.
Microstructural Evolution of Nickel Induced Crystallization of Amorphous Silicon
Authors: Park Kyu Ho , Jeong Young Woo , Kwon Hyun Ja , Lee Jeong Soo , Kim Binn , Yeol Hae , Seo Hyun Sik
Published: March 2017

The Ni silicide-mediated phase transformation of amorphous to crystalline silicon (c-Si) was studied using transmission electron microscopy. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) films coated with very thin Ni layer (∼10-1Å) were annealed at various temperatures. Randomly oriented NiSi2 precipitates were observed in the Ni deposited a-Si film annealed at 400°C. The nucleation of the epitaxial c-Si has occurred on the {111} faces of the octahedral NiSi2 precipitate at 430°C and then caused to the variation in the shape of the NiSi2 precipitates. During the growth of c-Si, the needle-like morphology developed from the migration of NiSi2 precipitates through the a-Si matrix leaving a trail of c-Si. The collision of a migrating NiSi2 precipitate with a stationary NiSi2 precipitates in the a-Si film gave rise to the change in the morphology of the growing Si grain and the formation of additional c-Si needles on variants of the <111> direction.
High Efficiency Thin Film Solar Cells with Intrinsic Microcrystalline Silicon Prepared by Hot Wire CVD
Authors: Klein S. , Finger F. , Carius R. , Rech B. , Houben L. , Luysberg M. , Stutzmann M.
Published: March 2017

Thin film microcrystalline silicon solar cells were prepared with intrinsic absorber layers by Hot Wire CVD at various silane concentrations and substrate temperatures. Independently from the substrate temperature, a maximum efficiency is observed close to the transition to amorphous growth, i.e. the best cells already show considerable amorphous volume fractions. A detailed analysis of the thickness dependence of the solar cell parameters in the dark and under illumination indicate a high electronic quality of the i-layer material. Solar cells with very high open circuit voltages Voc up to 600mV in combination with fill factors above 70% and high short circuit current densities jsc of 22mA/cm2 were obtained, yielding efficiencies above 9%. The highest efficiency of 9.4% was achieved in solar cells of 1.4μm and 1.8μm thickness. These cells with high Voc have considerable amorphous volume fractions in the i-layer, leading to a reduced absorption in the infrared wavelength region.
Growth of High Quality Fluorinated Silicon Dioxide for Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Keen Roger , Dalal Vikram L.
Published: March 2017

Thin film transistors(TFT) in microcrystalline and amorphous Si require high quality gate insulators that can be grown at low temperatures. In this paper, we show that one can oxidize Si wafers to produce high quality fluorinated silicon dioxide gate insulator using a low pressure remote plasma. The insulating film was grown on c-Si substrates using a low pressure ECR oxygen plasma, with small quantities of fluorine added to the mixture. Helium was used as the carrier gas for both oxygen and fluorine. The growth temperatures were in the range of 400–450 C. MOS type capacitors were made to judge the quality of the oxide/semiconductor interface, and interface defect densities were measured using capacitance-voltage techniques. It was found that when no fluorine was present in the oxide, the interface defect density was ∼1-2 x 1011/cm2 eV. The addition of F2 to oxygen immediately reduced the defect density by an order of magnitude, to ∼1.5 x 1010/cm2eV. The addition of more F2 slowly increased the defect density. Thermal cycling measurements showed that the semiconductor/oxide interface is very stable under cycling.
Effects of Audiovisual Media on L2 Listening Comprehension: A Preliminary Study in French
Authors: Becker Shannon R. , Sturm Jessica L.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether integrating online audiovisual materials into the listening instruction of L2 French learners would have a measurable impact on their listening comprehension development. Students from two intact sections of second-semester French were tested on their listening comprehension before and after a four-week learning phase during which the treatment group received listening instruction via audiovisual materials while the control group completed a different listening task that did not involve audiovisual materials. Results from the pretest indicated that the two groups began the study at a nearly identical level of listening ability. The experimental group subsequently increased its listening proficiency in the immediate and delayed posttests, achieving considerably higher scores when compared to the control group. While the difference in scores on the posttests was not significant, effect sizes suggested a positive outcome for the experimental group. This study represents a preliminary indication that activities using online audiovisual materials may have a positive impact on the acquisition of listening comprehension skills.
Critical theory: understanding the impact language has on workers’ safety and health
Authors: McAleenan Ciaran , McAleenan Philip
Published: March 2017

Knowledge and awareness of safety, health and well-being concepts in construction, and how engineers positively engage with them, result in clearer understanding, contextualised with function and agency, contributing to the facilitation of prevention through design and safe and healthful construction that enhances well-being. Terminologies such as ‘risk assessment’ and ‘risk management’ have long been central to the business and public health discourses as vehicles for measuring the threats and uncertainties that could disrupt or harm either. Epistemologically, the concepts underpinning them are inherently contradictory. Risk assessment measures uncertainty and, being unpredictable, contains the negation of control, whereas applying management to risk, focusing on targets and processes, equates to control, albeit control of uncertainty and the unpredictable. This inherent contradiction is the driver of solutions aimed at preserving the concept rather than embracing its negation. Using critical theory, the authors deconstruct the language of safety, its meanings, interpretations and impact on workers’ safety, health and well-being. In the context of the human ontological project (nature of being), the research contextualises and contrasts the humanising objectives of construction and engineering with the dehumanising language in the safety discourse. It explores the complexity of meanings, developing new understandings of legal and moral obligations.
Crime e Castigo no Brasil: o Perfil dos Encarcerados
Authors: Luciane Castiglioni  , Gerardo Maria de Araújo Filho
Published: March 2017

O Brasil figura há tempos em posição de destaque no ranking dos países mais violentos do mundo e também dos países com maiores populações carcerárias, o que não significa que o sistema judiciário brasileiro seja eficaz, vez que a taxa da população prisional para cada 100,000 habitantes é altíssima. A presente pesquisa de revisão objetiva analisar o perfil das pessoas que estão presas no Brasil. Para tanto, foram considerados dados publicados a partir do Ministério da Justiça e Departamento Penitenciário Nacional no ano de 2015, onde por meio de uma análise quantitativa de tais dados, levando em consideração elementos de natureza sóciodemográfico e criminal, pudemos interpretar o perfil dessa população. Concluímos que o sistema prisional brasileiro não deve configurar como o único referencial para saber quem são os delinquentes no país, haja vista que tal sistema revela, em verdade, que tipo criminal vai preso. A título de exemplo, os crimes da alta cúpula da administração pública, que fazem originar as demais mazelas sociais e ensejam as práticas da maioria dos outros crimes, devido mau uso de verbas e desvios para pagamento de propinas, por mais que sejam investigados e condenados, não figuram nas estatísticas oficiais como grupos de referência. Destarte, o abismo social que separa os puníveis dos impuníveis se acentua cada vez mais, e acaba por refletir um cenário que já está solidificado: o cárcere é essencialmente composto por jovens negros de escolaridade baixa. Discutir tais elementos torna-se essencial para se pensar em políticas públicas de prevenção primária da violência, a partir da educação, já que a relação entre criminalidade e grau de escolaridade é um indicativo forte, senão o maior, da raiz da violência, conforme demonstrado no presente trabalho.
Solanceae family in Mexico
Authors: Martínez Mahinda , Vargas-Ponce Ofelia , Rodríguez Aarón , Chiang Fernando , Ocegueda Susana
Published: March 2017

Background: Knowledge on Mexican Solanaceae is uneven. Several areas are well collected and have been floristically treated in recent times, but others have been neglected and are poorly represented in herbaria.

Question: Which species of Solanaceae grow in Mexico and which is their state distribution.

Study site: Mexico from 2009 to 2011.

Methods: We reviewed family literature as well as Mexican and North American herbaria. We analyzed species distribution for each state, and endemism for the country and MegaMexico.

Results: We found three subfamilies (Cestroideae Juanulloideae and Solanoideae), 34 genera, 381 species, and 18 varieties. We include state distributions and endemism for the country, as well as for MegaMexico 1, in which the natural limits of the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Tamaulipean deserts are included, and MegaMexico 2 which includes Central America up to northern Nicaragua. There are no endemic genera to Mexico, but Nectouxia, Datura and Chamaesaracha are endemic to MegaMexico 1, and Plowmania , Tzeltalia, Capsicophysalis and Schraderanthus are endemic to MegaMexico2. Three genera, Brugmansia, Petunia and Nicandra are introduced and have naturalized species. Solanum has the highest number of species (130), then Physalis with 65, and Cestrum 42. Mexico harbors all the species of Datura and Tzeltalia , 80 % of Chamaesaracha and 77 % of   Physalis . As to state richness, Oaxaca has 172 species, Chiapas 167, Jalisco 148, and Veracruz 145. The states with less species are Tlaxcala with 16, Campeche with 19, and Colima with 27.

Conclusions: Mexico is an important center of diversity and endemism of Solanaceae. One hundred thirty-five species are endemic to Mexico, with eight varieties. MegaMexico 1 has 30 endemic species with two varieties, and MegaMexico 2 has 57 endemic species. Endemism figures will probably vary once nomenclatural problems of under collected 2 has 57 endemic species. Endemism figures will probably vary once nomenclatural problems of under collected taxa are resolved.
Edge effect on the population structure and the reproductive success of two Bursera species
Authors: Suzán-Azpiri Humberto , Ponce-González Oscar O , Malda-Barrera Guadalupe X. , Cambrón-Sandoval Victor H. , Carrillo-Angeles Israel G.
Published: March 2017

Antecedentes. Las condiciones ambientales en los bordes de los fragmentos de vegetación afectan las características del ciclo de vida de la biota nativa (efecto de borde). Evaluamos el efecto de borde en dos especies de Bursera , las cuales son representativas de la comunidad madura del bosque tropical caducifolio (BTC) en México.

Hipótesis. Esperábamos una estructura poblacional que reflejara la afectación de la reproducción supervivencia y crecimiento en los bordes de los fragmentos de BTC.

Especies en estudio. Bursera fagaroides, B. palmeri .

Sitio de estudio y fechas. Querétaro (Qro.), Apaseo el Grande (Gto.), México. Trabajo de campo: mayo-septiembre 2012.

Métodos. Dentro de cada uno de los nueve fragmentos de BTC, trazamos parcelas en dos condiciones ambientales contrastantes (de borde e interior), entre las que se comparó la densidad, estructura de la población y el éxito reproductivo de las dos especies de Bursera, así como estimadores de la radiación solar y la compactación del suelo.

Resultados. La radiación solar y la compactación del suelo no fueron diferentes entre las condiciones ambientales. En ambas especies la densidad de individuos fue mayor en el borde, donde los individuos con tamaños medianos y grandes fueron predominantes. El potencial reproductivo de los individuos, así como la viabilidad y la germinación de sus semillas, fueron similares entre los ambientes de borde e interior.

Conclusiones. La densidad y la estructura poblacional mostraron una variación congruente con mayores tasas de reclutamiento, crecimiento y supervivencia en el ambiente de borde, las cuales podrían haberse presentado en las condiciones iniciales de mayor incidencia de la radiación en los bordes. La similitud que se observa actualmente en la radiación solar entre el borde y el interior de los fragmentos, pudo ser el resultado de la recuperación rápida del dosel bajo condiciones de una incidencia de la luz más alta en los bordes.
Cystatins, cysteine peptidase inhibitors, as regulators of immune cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Prunk Mateja , Perišić Nanut Milica , Sabotič Jerica , Kos Janko
Published: March 2017

Cystatins comprise a superfamily of evolutionarily related proteins, present in all living organisms, from protozoa to mammals. They act as inhibitors of cysteine peptidases although they can also function independently of their inhibitory function. Cysteine cathepsins are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. In the immune response they are involved in antigen processing and presentation, the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), migration and adhesion of immune cells, cytokine and growth factor regulation and toll-like receptor signalling. Cystatins are probably involved in the regulation of all these processes; importantly, cystatin F has a crucial role in the regulation of immune cell cytotoxicity. NK cells and CTLs exploit the granzyme/perforin pathway for target cell killing, with perforin and granzymes as crucial effector molecules. Granzymes are synthesized as inactive pro-granzymes and need to be proteolytically activated by cathepsins C and H. Cystatin F is the main regulator of the activity of cathepsins C and H in cytotoxic cells and, consequently, regulates their cytotoxicity. The role of cystatins and cysteine cathepsins in the immune response is presented, with emphasis on their role in the regulation of cytotoxicity of NK cells and CTLs.
Printing tattoo effect after use of Dermabond®Prineo® Skin closure system
Authors: Wani Shabeer Ahmad , Alsalmi Loai Abdullah , Alshehri Waleed
Published: March 2017

Abdominoplasty is a very common procedure in the plastic surgery practice and may lead to a variety of unfavorable results including incision site complications. The surgical adhesives system, which entered into daily practice to replace the need for subcuticular closure for skin, saves time and may have better wound appearance. Dermabond® Prineo® Skin Closure System (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) has two major components: 2–Octyl cyanoacrylate glue and a flexible, self-adhesive polyester mesh. It can be used with or without sutures, and has the added benefit of waterproofing, and microbial resistance. It also saves time. This case describes a male patient who experienced a “printing tattoo” effect following an elective procedure of abdominoplasty and the results after this closure system was used.
Exploración y explotación de petróleo: enfoque geográfico de los efectos ambientales en el Piedemonte llanero
Authors: Vargas Tejedor Yesenia , León Rodríguez Nohra
Published: March 2017

La investigación sobre los efectos ambientales de actividades económicas de gran incidencia para el país como lo son la exploración y la explotación de petróleo, abordadas desde la perspectiva de la geografía económica y la geografía ambiental (Eco geografía y Ecología política), permite desarrollar y utilizar métodos y técnicas para dimensionar de forma integral el conflicto existente en zonas de explotación de petróleo, como es el caso del Piedemonte llanero en el departamento de Casanare así como en otras áreas de similares características. En la identificación y el análisis de efectos ambientales se realizó una revisión crítica de los resultados obtenidos en dos componentes (ambiental y económico), generando una matriz por década que permitió comparar los principales hitos reconocibles en la implementación de las políticas sectoriales y ambientales. Esto contrasta con variables como los cambios de cobertura, licencias ambientales, y otros resultados que lograron evidenciarse con la metodología empleada.
Propuesta metodológica para la gestión de los paisajes de páramo en el marco de la Iniciativa Latinoamericana del Paisaje (LALI)
Authors: Muñoz Guerrero Diego Andrés , Gómez Zotano José
Published: March 2017

La presente investigación propone una metodología que permita la implementación de la Iniciativa Latinoamericana del Paisaje en los páramos de Colombia. La propuesta retomó y adaptó algunos aspectos de otras metodologías y para su calibración, se aplicó a tres páramos en el sur de Colombia: Galeras, Paja Blanca y Chiles (Departamento de Nariño). Dicha propuesta se articula en las siguientes etapas: (a) identificación de los paisajes; (b) análisis de las transformaciones paisajísticas en los últimos años; (c) simulación prospectiva del paisaje; (d) cualificación del paisaje; y (e) políticas o propuestas de gestión paisajística. Los resultados del método permitieron establecer de manera integral las principales actuaciones paisajísticas necesarias, acordes a las características actuales de los paisajes de páramo, a su comportamiento histórico, sus tendencias futuras y sobre todo a las preferencias de la comunidad.
ANÁLISE EXPLORATÓRIA DAS DIMENSÕES DO PERFIL EMPREENDEDOR E DAS VARIÁVEIS DO GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONITOR (GEM)
Authors: Oliveira Barcelos Bartholomeo , Ruppenthal Janis Elisa , Souza Adriano Mendonça
Published: March 2017

O objetivo do estudo é explorar e identificar quais as variáveis mais representativas, dentre as três dimensões do perfil empreendedor do projeto Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). A investigação é de natureza qualitativa de abordagens exploratória, descritiva e inferencial; como procedimento realizou-se um comparativo entre os índices de empreendedorismo dos países da base de dados do GEM com o Brasil e utilizou-se da técnica multivariada de Análise de Clusters para a verificação da movimentação das variáveis tratadas. Como resultados identificou-se que as variáveis mais representativas do GEM Global são: Suboanyy, Busangyy, Teayyido, Teayynwp, Teayyint e Knontyy . Na análise dos índices do empreendedorismo no Brasil, as variáveis que se destacaram foram: Teanec_p, Teayyfem, Teayynwp, Teayyint, Teayyjg5 e Knontyy. A técnica de análise de clusters, aplicada nos dados do GEM Global, colaborou para a confirmação do modelo das três dimensões do perfil empreendedor do GEM. As análises realizadas e os critérios de determinação dos agrupamentos e de corte estabelecidos reuniram a maioria das variáveis nas respectivas dimensões do perfil empreendedor, corroborando com as afirmações teóricas de que as atitudes empreendedoras influenciam a atividade empreendedora, e que as aspirações empreendedoras explicam qualitativamente a atividade empreendedora.

Palavras-chave: Empreendedorismo, global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM), análise de clusters
UMA PROPOSTA DE PLANEJAMENTO ESTRATÉGICO: O CASO DE UMA EMPRESA FAMILIAR DO INTERIOR GAÚCHO
Authors: Ávila Lucas Veiga , Lixisnki Cátia Lixisnki , Da Silva Rodrigo Belmonte , Arigony Marcelo Mendes
Published: March 2017

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida na empresa Supermercados Pazini, na cidade de São Francisco de Assis/RS, com o objetivo de analisar a organização e seu ambiente, propondo um modelo de planejamento estratégico que oriente a empresa a um melhor posicionamento competitivo. Para isto, utilizou a abordagem da pesquisa qualitativa, quanto ao objetivo se caracterizou como exploratória e adotou a técnica de estudo de caso. Desse modo, para cumprir o objetivo geral foi realizada a avaliação da gestão organizacional, visando conhecer a empresa e seu ambiente para propor um modelo de planejamento estratégico que melhor se adequasse a realidade. Foi apresentado um modelo de planejamento estratégico para a empresa Supermercados Pazini, de acordo com o referencial teórico; foram propostas ações para implementação e controle do planejamento estratégico. Para a obtenção dos dados, foram realizadas entrevistas com os proprietários, bem como a observação direta das operações realizadas na empresa. Após a análise dos dados coletados, foram propostos, à empresa, objetivos, estratégias e ações, abrangendo as áreas de recursos humanos, operação, marketing e finanças. Aplicado de forma eficaz, esse planejamento estratégico poderá tornar a empresa Supermercados Pazini referência em qualidade supermercadista na Região do Vale do Jaguari, proporcionando uma experiência de consumo diferenciada pelo atendimento e primando pela qualidade de vida de seus clientes, com lucratividade adequada para o seu desenvolvimento.
INOVAÇÃO NO MODELO DE GESTÃO PARA A MICRO E PEQUENA EMPRESA
Authors: Dalongaro Roberto Carlos , Oliveira Envall Marisa Fernandes de , Souto Augusto José Pinto , Machado Assmann Rita De Cássia Leite
Published: March 2017

No Brasil as micros e pequenas empresas caracterizam-se pela administração não profissional e gestão pessoal, insuficiência de recursos, principalmente financeiros e falta de mão-de-obra qualificada. Todavia, para serem competitivas e se manterem no mercado necessitam atualizar-se permanente e sistemáticamente, em termos de gestão e livrar-se de atividades com baixo valor agregado. Nesse contexto, tais empresas convivem com a necessidade imperiosa de focar seus modelos de gestão na inovação, contudo sem depender de onerosos investimentos, à semelhança das grandes empresas. Diante disso, investigou-se  mediante uma pesquisa exploratória e bibliográfica de que forma a inovação pode se converter em uma ferramenta de gestão que produza diferencial competitivo para a micro e pequena empresa. Dentre as principais constatações resultantes, desponta a que indica a necessidade de desmistificar a inovação e de extendê-la à toda a economia e não apenas a determinados setores, grupos ou segmentos econômicos. É preciso que a inovação alcance, sem estardalhaço, nichos de micros e pequenas empresas de forma sistemática e persistente, contribuindo efetivamente para a solidez e sustentabilidade dos empreendimentos empresariais. Nessa empreitada, sugere-se a adoção de um modelo de gestão baseado em processo de inovação contínuo, mediante a utilização da técnica de benchmarking.

Palavras chave: Micro e Pequena Empresa, Gestão da Inovação, Benchmarking.
A MODALIDADE LICITATÓRIA CONVITE: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Authors: Bueno D’Almeida Rozelaine Rubia , Dias Lopes Luis Felipe , Almeida Damiana Machado de , Oliveira Goulart Sheila de , Corrêa Jonathan Saidelles
Published: March 2017

A licitação está regulamentada pela Lei Federal nº 8.666/1993, tendo como intuito a igualdade de condições para todos os participantes e a busca pela proposta mais vantajosa. Dessa forma, as escolas da rede pública estadual de educação fazem uso de suas modalidades para a compra de materiais ou contratação de serviços necessários para o seu funcionamento. Nesse contexto, esse estudo pretende averiguar como ocorre o processo licitatório na modalidade convite em uma escola estadual do Rio Grande do Sul. Para isso, empregou-se como objetivo geral analisar os procedimentos necessários para realização da modalidade convite no âmbito escolar. O método utilizado foi o estudo de caso, numa abordagem qualitativa. Foi utilizada a análise documental, juntamente com a pesquisa bibliográfica para viabilizar a pesquisa. Após a análise dos dados, verificou-se que o processo licitatório no estabelecimento escolar em estudo é realizado com base num documento disponibilizado pela Secretaria da Educação do Estado, o qual apresenta todos os formulários necessários para a elaboração dos procedimentos. A partir do fluxograma proposto nessa pesquisa, é possível verificar todas as etapas da elaboração de um processo licitatório na modalidade convite, abrangendo desde a fase de designação da comissão de licitação até a homologação do processo.
ANÁLISE DA IDENTIDADE ORGANIZACIONAL: O CASO DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO PÚBLICA DE ENSINO SUPERIOR NO SUDOESTE PARANAENSE
Authors: Ceretta Gilberto Francisco , Canterle Nilsa Maria Guarda , Rocha Adilson Carlos da
Published: March 2017

O objetivo da presente pesquisa constitui-se na pretensão de apresentar a identidade organizacional de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior, mais precisamente a identidade organizacional dos membros de um campus de uma universidade, através do uso de pesquisa qualitativa, formularam-se entrevistas semi-estruturadas com amostragem intencional. Os resultados encontrados mostram que a identidade da instituição pesquisada é uma identidade de manutenção, onde o conservadorismo em relação a forças externas, o paternalismo com o governo do estado e os sentimentos de exclusividade estão presentes em sua cultura, bem como houve a percepção de conflitos internos e falta de conhecimento pelos membros de sua missão e objetivos.
HUMANIZAÇÃO NO SERVIÇO PÚBLICO DE SAÚDE O CASO DE SÃO BORJA – RS
Authors: Homrich Jefferson Olea , Diel Patrícia Belle , Rosa Nara Regina da , Rigon Giovani Carlos , Cenci Daniel Rubens
Published: March 2017

A humanização é uma política nacional do Ministério da Saúde e vem sendo aplicada no país seguindo os princípios do SUS. Na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de São Borja foi implantado devido a questões levantadas em uma série de reuniões junto às equipes da SMS, como falta de comunicação, comprometimento, valorização e acolhimento, sentiu-se a necessidade de implantar um programa que atendesse essas questões, e foi então elaborado o programa “Humanizar é Ser Humano”. O objetivo do estudo foi o de avaliar a efetividade do programa. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa e qualitativa que ouviu uma mostra de 102 colaboradores, onde puderam responder dando sua opinião quanto a importância do programa, as dificuldades de implantação, ao entendimento das metas, ao trabalho em equipe, a melhora no acolhimento da comunidade, do relacionamento com o gestor, atingimento dos objetivos e metas propostos, se frente ao programa sentiu-se mais envolvido e comprometido com seu trabalho, se houve melhora na sua função, se deve ser aplicado nas demais secretarias do Município, e se gostaria de contribuir com sugestões para melhoria ou correções no programa. Na análise final das respostas foi possível concluir que houve uma excelente participação dos colaboradores e os resultados alcançados pelo programa foram ótimos, incluindo um número considerável de sugestões para sejam adotadas pelo programa.

 