bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in the Effects of Mental Work and Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity on Energy Intake in Young Adults
Authors: Pérusse-Lachance Emilie , Brassard Patrice , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Drapeau Vicky , Teasdale Normand , Sénécal Caroline , Tremblay Angelo
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of mental work and moderate-intensity physical activity on various components of energy balance in young and healthy adults. With the use of a randomized crossover design, 35 participants aged 24 ± 3 years completed three 45-min conditions, namely, (i) resting in a sitting position (control), (ii) reading and writing (mental work (MW)), and (iii) exercising on a treadmill at 40% of peak oxygen uptake (exercise), followed by an ad libitum lunch. The endpoints were spontaneous energy intake (EI), energy expenditure (EE), appetite sensations, and EI for the remainder of the day. We observed that the energy cost of the control and MW conditions was about the same whereas the exercise condition increased EE to a greater extent in men than women. Exercise induced a decrease in EI relative to EE compared to the control condition that was more pronounced in men than women. However, women tended to increase their energy intake after the MW condition compared to the control one whereas an opposite trend was observed in men. None of the appetite sensation markers differed significantly between both sexes. In conclusion, men and women have specific food intake patterns when submitted to cognitive and physical stimuli.
ADAMTS13 activity and genetic mutations in Japan
Authors: Kokame K. , Matsumoto M. , Fujimura Y. , Miyata T.
Published: May 2013

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a life threatening disease, can be induced by congenital or acquired deficiency of plasma metalloprotease ADAMTS13. Since the publication of the first genetic analysis in patients with congenital ADAMTS13 deficiency in 2001, more than 100 genetic defects in the ADAMTS13 gene have been reported worldwide. Genetic analysis in patients with ADAMTS13 deficiency has greatly contributed to the understanding of the etiology of TTP. A rapid and quantitative assay method for the plasma ADAMTS13 activity was developed recently in 2005 and opened a new area of TTP research – namely genetic research using a general population to evaluate age and gender differences of ADAMTS13 activity as well as phenotype – genotype correlations of genetic polymorphisms and estimation of a homozygote or a compound heterozygote ADAMTS13 deficiencies. The Japanese general population study included 3616 individuals with an age between 30 – 80 years confirming other studies that while ADAMTS13 activity decreased with age, VWF antigen increased and VWF antigen levels are lowest in blood group O indviduals, whereas ADAMTS13 activity levels were not associated with the AB0 blood group. 25 polymorphisms with a minor allele frequency of more than 0.01 were found, among them 6 missense mutations and 19 synonymous mutations, except P475S missense polymorphisms that was only idenitified in an East Asian population, characterized by reduced ADAMTS13 activity. Prevalence of congenital ADAMTS13 deficiency in the Japanese population was estimated about one individual in 1.1 × 106 to be homozygote or compound heterozygote for ADAMTS13 deficiency. So far more than 40 mutations in Japanese congenital TTP patients were found, but R193W, Q449*, C754Afs*24 (c.2259delA) and C908Y were identified in more than four patients suggesting the precipitaion of these mutations in the Japanese population.
The estimation of Adonis vernalis populations in chosen patches of Lublin Upland
Authors: Denisow Bożena , Wrzesień Małgorzata , Cwener Anna
Published: May 2013

The number of Adonis vernalis populations, their size and abundance in xerothermic communities of the Lublin Upland have decreased significantly in the last 40-50 years, which indicates that there is a real risk of species extinction in the studied area. The paper is an attempt to indicate the possible factors which influence the decrease of Adonis vernalis populations. Detailed studies were carried out in six sites differing habitat conditions, land use and the size of Adonis vernalis populations. Observations were made of the abundance of blooming and the number of anthers per flower. The ability for reproduction was estimated indirectly by the mass of pollen delivered and its biological value. The populations of Adonis vernalis differ in number of anthers per flower (94.4 - 131.5, on average), the mass of pollen delivered (0.83 mg - 3.18 mg per 100 anthers, on average), the biological value of pollen and the size of pollen grains. Generally, stronger populations were characterized by better quality and a higher quantity of pollen. Potential energy of pollen in flowers from Pliszczyn and Łabunie was 69-72%, compared to 36%-47% in the remaining populations. Grass burning did not cause a reduction of potential biological value of Adonis vernalis pollen. Xerothermic swards in Pliszczyn and Kąty regularly burnt developed strong, most abundant populations of Adonis vernalis with favorable pollen. The development of the shrub layer, if it is out of control, stands in the way of satisfactory reproduction of halophilous Adonis vernalis.
Preliminary evaluation of pollen quality, fertility relations and fruit set of selected sour cherry cultivars in polish conditions
Authors: Szpadzik Ewa , Jadczuk-Tobjasz Ewa , Łotocka Barbara
Published: May 2013

Preliminary experiments were carried out in spring 2006. The percentage of fruit set of 'Schattenmorelle IR-2', 'Koral', 'Debreceni Bötermö', 'újfefértói Fürtos' and 'Karneol' was higher after open pollination compared with self-pollination. The cultivar Vowi had an inconsiderably higher percentage of fruit set after self-pollination compared with open pollination. The percentage of fruit set in 'Debreceni Bötermö' and 'újfehértói Fürtos' was about 25 % higher after pollination by 'Schattenmorelle IR-2' and 'Koral' compared with the percentage of fruit set after cross - pollination of both cultivars with each other. In general, they did not appear to be good pollinators with each other. The highest quality of pollen was observed for the following cultivars: 'Schattenmorelle IR-2', 'Koral' and Vowi and the lowest result was obtained in 'újfehértói Fürtos'. The highest yield was given by the following cultivars: Vowi, Schattenmorelle IR-2 and Koral.
The influence of pollen viability on seed set and fruit mass in strawberry (fragaria x ananassa duch.)
Authors: Kaczmarska Elżbieta , Dobrowolska Agnieszka M. , Hortyński Jerzy A.
Published: May 2013

This research was conducted in 2006 in the Experimental Station of the Department of Genetics and Horticultural Plant Breeding in Felin near Lublin. It included 7 cultivars of strawberry ('Pastel', 'Salut', 'Teresa', 'Jota', 'Paula', 'Senga Sengana', 'Plena') and two selected clones: 2395 and 3995 that belonged to the Department. Analysis of pollen fertility was carried out on the basis of materials collected on five occasions: on May 17 (at the beginning of florescence), May 20 and May 24 (the peak of florescence) and on June 2 and June 13 (the end of florescence). Smear preparations stained with 2% acetocarmin and glycerin solution (1:1) were used to test pollen viability. The highest percent of viable pollen in 2006 was in cultivar 'Jota' (70.88%). The lowest viability had pollen of 'Teresa' cultivar (33.83%). The average content of viable pollen grains was the lowest on May 20 (36.79%). The highest pollen fertility was noted on June 2 (62.15%), the percent of fertile pollen on a similar level was observed on May 17 and 24 and June13. The cultivar 'Jota' was characterized by an increased level of pollen fertility that was quite high during the whole period of florescence. The number of seeds has a great influence on the proper development of spurious strawberry fruit. The mass of seeds from a single fruit has a great influence on the mass of fruits in both large and small fruit categories. Pollen viability affected the mass of seeds on big fruits (r = 0.444), but there is no clear direct relationship between pollen fertility and mass of strawberry fruit(r = -0.193 and r = -0.052).
The downy willow (Salix lapponum L.) population on the peat bog near Lake Bikcze (Łęczyńsko-włodawskie Lakeland)
Authors: Pogorzelec Magdalena
Published: May 2013

Studies carried out in 2001-2003 were aimed at evaluation of the current structure and conditions of the population along with the recording of biometric traits of downy willow specimens at their natural stand on Lake Bikcze. It has been found that the population of downy willow on the peat bog near Lake Bikcze has much increased since the 1950's. The character of phytocoenoses, where Salix lapponum occurred most abundantly, may prove its wide requirements in terms of habitat conditions. S. lapponum specimens were in good condition. Furthermore, blooming of male and female specimens as well as great viability of pollen grains was recorded. High variability of selected biometric traits for studied species' specimens was found.
Effect of the cutting date on blooming and fruit-bearing of Ostericum palustre Beesser
Authors: Krasicka-Korczyńska Ewa
Published: May 2013

In fresh moist meadows, double-cut, located in the Bydgoszcz Canal Valley, you can find Ostericum palustre, a species of priority importance, which requires protection in the form of designation of Natura 2000 sites. The aim of the present research was to define the effect of the cutting date on blooming and fruit-bearing of O. palustre in meadows covered by the PO1b agro-environmental programme. Phenological observations included three populations of O. palustre. The first one occurs in a traditionally used meadow, not covered by the agro-environmental programme (2) where the date of the first cut falls in mid June. The second one is located in a meadow covered by the agro-environmental programme (1) where the first cutting date is possible from July 1, and the third population located in a natural meadow is not agriculturally used (0). The present research showed that individuals of O. palustre in the traditionally used meadows (2), prior to the first cut, reach the leaf rosette phase, while individuals which occur in the meadow covered by the agro-environmental programme (1), prior to the first cut, reach the generative tiller phase. Full bloom of O. palustre in the traditionally used meadows occurs after July 20, while individuals of O. palustre in the agro-environmental programme reach that phase only at the beginning of August. At the same time, about August 6, the first inflorescence in 70% of individuals in the agriculturally unused meadow (0) has ripe fruit, and in mid August all fruits are ripe. In mid August 70% of individuals in the meadow used for traditional cutting have ripe fruits of the first inflorescence, and right before the second cut, on August 27, almost 90% of fruits were ripe. Most O. palustre individuals in the meadows covered by the agro-environmental programme do not finish blooming of the first inflorescence before mid August. By the end of August, about 60% of individuals reach the phase of young fruits. The first ripe fruits occur as late as September 12. About September 20 most fruits are ripe. To sum up, delayed PO1b agro-environmental programme meadow cutting, after July 1, does not facilitate the production of ripe fruit in O. palustre individuals.
The influence of benzyladenine on the flowering of Liatris spicata L. 'Alba' cultivated for cut flowers in an unheated plastic tunnel and in the field
Authors: Pogroszewska Elżbieta , Sadkowska Patrycja
Published: May 2013

The study focused on the influence of benzyladenine (BA) on the flowering of Liatris spicata L.'Alba' cultivated for two years in an unheated plastic tunnel and in the field. Benzyladenine at a concentration of 0, 100, 200, 400 mg×dm-3 was applied on the leaf twice during both years of the experiment. It was noted that cultivation of Liatris spicata L.'Alba' in an unheated plastic tunnel leads to the growth of longer inflorescence stems with a bigger fresh weight and a larger number of primary shoots. However, in comparison with control plants, it decreases the yield of inflorescence stems in the first and second year of the plants' flowering. It is beneficial to apply benzyladenine at a concentration of 400 mg×dm-3 on the leaves of Liatris spicata L. 'Alba' cultivated in an unheated plastic tunnel, because this treatment increases the number and fresh weight of inflorescence stems as well as the number of primary shoots in the first and second year of the plants' flowering. It is also justified to apply benzyladenine at a concentration of 400 mg×dm-3 on Liatris spicata L. 'Alba' cultivated in the field, as it leads to a greater number and fresh weight of inflorescence stems in the first and second year of flowering.
Evaluation of the development and yielding potential of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. under the climatic conditions of Europe. Part Two: Yielding potential of Chenopodium quinoa under different conditions
Authors: Gęsiński Krzysztof
Published: May 2013

The evaluation of Chenopodium quinoa cultivation effects in Poland has been compared with European research results. It was found that the conditions in Europe are favorable to Chenopodium quinoa cultivation. Poland has the mean length of the vegetation period. The maximum value of this trait was found in Sweden. The conditions in Bydgoszcz (Poland) are very favorable to the cultivation for green matter and favorable as far as the seed yield is concerned. The most favorable seed yield was recorded in Greece.
Annual pollen sums of alnus in Lublin and Roztocze in the years 2001-2007 against selected meteorological parameters
Authors: Kaszewski Bogusław M. , Pidek Irena A. , Piotrowska Krystyna , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: May 2013

Alder (Alnus Mill.), as an anemophilous species, produces large quantities of easily dispersed pollen. Annual pollen sums recorded in south-eastern Poland (by the volumetric method - Lanzoni trap) and in the area of the village of Guciów in the Central Roztocze region (pollen deposition in Tauber traps) were compared. The height at which the respective trap sites were located as well as local and regional vegetation and the distance from the nearest alder communities differ in both cases, likewise, the climate of these two regions differ. The analysed pollen data series cover the years 1998-2007 in Roztocze and 2001-2007 in Lublin. Large differences have been noted in Alnus pollen deposition values between particular years. Among them, there were observed years of very high annual sums (2001, 2003, 2006), as well as years of very low pollen deposition values in both regions (2002, 2005, 2007). In the period in question, the mean value of annual Alnus pollen count for Lublin was 5372 alder pollen grains in m3 of air, and in Roztocze 1647 grains per cm2 of area. During the seven-year period of monitoring (2001-2007), very similar trends were noted with respect to airborne alder pollen concentrations at both trap sites. Pollen data have been analysed against meteorological factors affecting alder pollen production and deposition. These are total precipitation and mean monthly air temperature in June, July and August in the year preceding pollen emission and the same weather elements in January and February in the year of pollen emission. In Roztocze a statistically significant negative correlation has been found between Alnus pollen annual sums and total precipitation in August in the year preceding alder pollen emission and in February in the year of pollen emission. In both regions, the Spearman's correlation coefficient does not show any statistically significant values when comparing annual Alnus pollen sums with mean monthly temperatures of both January and February and summer months in the year preceding alder pollen emission.
The effect of Medicago arabica, M. hybrida and M. sativa saponins on the growth and development of Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht f. sp. tulipae apt.
Authors: Jarecka Anna , Saniewska Alicja , Biały Zbigniew , Jurzysta Marian
Published: May 2013

In the present work it was shown that total saponins originated from M. hybrida and M. sativa substantially limited mycelium growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. tulipae and symptoms of fusariosis on tulip bulbs. Out of 15 individual tested saponins originated from M. arabica, M. hybrida and M. sativa, four compounds: 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)α-L-arabinopyranosyl] hederagenin, hederagenin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, medicagenic acid, medicagenic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside had the strongest inhibitory effect on mycelium growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae on PDA medium. The total saponins from M. arabica, M. hybrida and M. sativa inhibited the number of colony forming units of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae in artificially infested substrate. The use of saponins originated from Medicago as a fungicide is suggested.
Differentiation of morphological traits of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) originating from different stands
Authors: Kęsik Tadeusz , Wojciechowska Anna E. , Pitura Karolina
Published: May 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of pH and soil chemical composition on morphological traits of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.). A two-year study was conducted based on observations, measurements and analyses of material collected from 24 stands in the following regions: Równina Włocławska (Włocławek Plain), Wyżyna Lubelska (Lublin Upland), Padół Zamojski (Zamość Depression), Działy Grabowieckie (Grabowiec Divide) Płaskowyż Suchedniowski (Suchedniów Plateau), Wysoczyzna Siedlecka (Siedlce High Plain) and Niecka Połaniecka (Połaniec Basin). Morphological traits of tansy shoots were determined: number of plants per clump, stem length, number of leaves per plant, total leaf length, petiole length, number of branches from the main stem, number of flower heads per corymb and flower head diameter. A soil analysis was performed determining the content of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus available for plants. The soil pH was also determined. The collected results indicate significant differentiation of the investigated samples, both in terms of morphological traits of the shoots and the chemical composition of the soils. A negative correlation was found between soil pH and number of leaves per shoot as well as number of branches per corymb. A positive correlation was noted between soil pH and total leaf length as well as between magnesium content and number of flower heads per corymb. The increased content of available phosphorus in the soil was associated with petiole shortening. A growth trend in the tansy shoot length was observed at larger amounts of available magnesium in the soil. On soils with low nutrient availability and a low pH, a reduced population density of the species in question was observed.
The intensity of competitive interactions between spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori et. Paol) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under different fertilisation conditions
Authors: Treder Kinga , Wanic Maria , Nowicki Janusz
Published: May 2013

Competitive interactions between spring wheat and spring barley were traced based on a pot experiment. In the years 2003-2004, three cycles of the experiment were carried out in a greenhouse. Two spring cereals - wheat and barley, sown in a mixture and in a monoculture, with different mineral fertilisation levels, were the object of evaluation and comparison. The experiment was set up according to the additive scheme, determining dry weight values for both species in 5 growth stages (emergence, tillering, shooting, heading and ripening). Results were used to determine relative yields and competition ratios. It was demonstrated that competition between the cereals started already from the emergence stage and lasted till the end of vegetation, manifesting itself with the greatest strength at the heading stage, but thereafter it weakened in the NPK poorer environment. Access to a larger pool of macroelements resulted in the intensification of competitive interactions. Spring barley used the limited growth factors better than wheat from shooting till the ripening period, and a reverse relation was exhibited only at the tillering stage.
The influence of different herbicide doses on weed infestation of winter triticale cultivated in monoculture
Authors: Kraska Piotr
Published: May 2013

The study was carried out in 2003-2005 in the Bezek Experimental Farm (University of Life Sciences in Lublin). The experimental field was situated on light loamy sand soil. The phosphorus content in soil was high, in potassium medium, in magnesium low. The humus content was 1.2%. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks in three replications. The aim of the investigation was to compare three doses of herbicides in winter triticale canopy (Janko cv., Woltario cv., Krakowiak cv.) cultivated in monoculture. The herbicides Atlantis 04 WG and Factor 365 EC were applied at full recommended doses (200 g×ha-1), at doses reduced to 75% and 50%. The control was not treated with the herbicides. The weed infestation level was determined by means of the quantitative-weighting method at two dates: the first one at the 6th week after herbicide application and the second one before harvest. The density of weed individuals was counted; the species composition and air- dry biomass of above-ground parts were estimated from the randomly selected areas of 1 m x 0.25 m at four sites of each plot. The density of weeds and weed air dry weight were statistically analysed by means of variance analysis, and the mean values were estimated with Tukey's confidence intervals (p=0.05). It was found that the number of weeds and air dry mass of weeds in the control were significantly higher in comparison with the herbicide treated objects. The application of different doses of herbicides did not differentiate significantly the weed infestation level in the winter triticale canopy. Viola arvensis, Matricaria maritima, Chenopodium album and Apera spicaventi were dominant species of weeds in the winter triticale canopy. The selection of cultivars did not influence the canopy weed infestation level.
Politeness strategies in academic digital discourse
Authors: Miššíková Gabriela
Published: May 2013

The paper explores the discourse strategies used in academic discourse in the informal setting of a personal web page. The aim is to study a digital variation of academic discourse that blends features of spoken and written academic discourse. It typically provides spontaneous responses using direct ways of expressing ideas. Unlike scholarly discussions at conferences, academic etiquette and diplomatic language are not always maintained and personal attacks and emotive statements occur; participants tend to express their preferences, professional standpoints, ideas and personal attitudes frankly and openly. Expressing criticism and disagreement, the participants may or may not use politeness strategies to mitigate face-threatening responses. Mapping the variety of these strategies, I work with those parts of academic web pages that are devoted to vivid and uncensored discussions of the subject matter. The analysis is theoretically rooted in the conception of interpersonal rhetoric as defined by Leech (1983). The research draws from a corpus of articles and related responses randomly chosen from personal and institutional academic web pages.
English and Serbian academic discourses analyzed in the light of ‘explicit reflexivity’ parameters
Authors: Blagojević Slavka
Published: May 2013

The parameters of ‘explicit reflexivity’ have been used as an analytical tool for examining English and Serbian academic research articles in order to depict their characteristics concerning this language phenomenon. Since the employment of discourse reflexivity in academic writing is seen as the writer’s readiness to facilitate the readers’ path through the text, its presence in the two academic discourses will be interpreted in the light of Hinds’s language typology (1987), which distinguishes writing cultures with respect to the writer’s vs. the reader’s responsibility for successful written communication. Therefore, the degree of the writer’s awareness of his/her role in the process of communicating will be mirrored by the number of reflexive elements identified, and the two types of discourses will be described on the same basis.
Verbs for referring to sources in humanities and social sciences: Grammatical and lexical analysis of their distribution
Authors: Vogel Radek
Published: May 2013

Verbs for referring to sources in academic style, i.e verbs which introduce explicitly mentioned sources in signal clauses of authorial text, rather than in bare parenthetic references in the form of brackets or notes, are by far not limited to say, ask and write. They display a variety including verbs of speaking and writing, reporting verbs, verbs of thinking, and verbs expressing different kinds of attitude and agreement. Similarly, referring verbs manifest a variety of grammatical forms, namely tenses, aspects, number, person and verbal voice. This paper is based on an analysis of academic papers in several disciplines of humanities and social sciences. The corpus consists of an equal share of native and expert non-native English papers to reflect the international status of English in academic discourse. However, possible differences between native and non-native distribution are of marginal interest; the main focus of the research is on establishing some rough ratios between individual types and forms of verbs for referring to sources, which would be beneficial in the instruction of future as well as novice authors, whether researchers or students.
Quantifying the effect of buffer strips for pathogen removal
Authors: Cinque Kathy , Jayasuriya Niranjali
Published: May 2013

Buffer strips are effective at minimizing waterway pollution. Their ability to trap human infectious pathogens, however, is largely unknown and is of utmost interest in a drinking water catchment. The aim of this research was to determine a modeling approach to quantify the reduction in pathogens attributable to the implementation of buffer strips in an agricultural catchment. To model reduction in pathogens through buffer strips, a model developed specifically for pathogens was essential. In this research, a simple lumped conceptual model known as EG was used; the model simulates pathogen fate and transport in a catchment on a continuous basis and has a hydrologic flow‐partitioning component. An understanding of pathogen movement at a catchment scale was necessary to enable buffer strip effectiveness to be incorporated into the model. A case study demonstrates the practical application and benefits of the model for drinking water quality managers.
Calculating the greenhouse gas emissions of water utilities
Authors: Johnston Anthony H. , Karanfil Tanju
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study was to develop and test a user‐friendly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting tool for water utilities. The tool was designed to assist utilities in calculating GHG emissions for the purposes of complying with future regulation and reporting requirements, providing information for city and state climate action plans, and fulfilling voluntary carbon emissions goals. For utilities lacking accurate energy use data, equations were developed to predict energy use for three phases of water production: raw water collection, water treatment, and finished water distribution. The tool was tested by seven Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina utilities, which had an average carbon intensity of 1,240 kg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2‐eq)/mil gal when scope 1 and 2 emissions were evaluated. However, the averages ranged from 550 to 2,190 kg CO2‐eq/mil gal, depending on the electrical grid used.
Geohelmintíases: prevalência amostral em Aracaju (SE) entre 2007 a 2010
Authors: Mota Lopes Anna Carolina , Bitencourt Fernanda Caroline , Melo Cláudia Moura de , Madi Rubens Riscala , Andrade Rachel de Melo Santana , Brito Ana Maria Guedes de
Published: May 2013

Para determinar a prevalência de geohelmintíases de um grupo amostral em Aracaju/SE entre 2007 a 2010, realizou-se busca em arquivos eletrônicos de três laboratórios clínicos do citado município. Nos arquivos se coletou variáveis para determinação de indicadores epidemiológicos. Das 153.912 pessoas investigadas, 49,37% estavam infectadas por algum parasita ou organismo comensal. Entre os geohelmintos, a prevalência foi de aproximadamente 20%, sendo Ascaris lumbricoides o mais prevalente (58,8%). Quanto ao gênero, o masculino foi mais acometido (70,65%), e as faixas etárias mais atingidas foram as de 21anos a 49 anos. Análises mais acuradas dos bancos de dados de Laboratórios de Análises Clínicas podem subsidiar o monitoramento da dinâmica de ocorrência das geohelmintíases e fornecer informações aos órgãos competentes que auxiliem nas tomadas de decisões quanto aos investimentos em saúde, educação em saúde e saneamento básico em Sergipe.
Drosophila: um importante modelo biológico para a pesquisa e o ensino de Genética
Authors: Rocha Luana Diniz Linhares e Souza , Faria Joana Cristina Neves de Menezes , Cruz Aline Helena da Silva , Reis Angela Adamski da Silva , Santos Rodrigo da Silva
Published: May 2013

Uma das maiores dificuldades enfrentadas pelos professores de biologia é organizar o conteúdo a ser ministrado de maneira a garantir a eficiência do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Nesse sentido, as Drosophilas têm sido aliadas dos professores durante aulas teóricas e práticas não só de zoologia, mas também de genética e ecologia, além de serem modelos utilizados intensamente na pesquisa, o que permite aos professores uma complementação das aulas com debates de atualidades científicas utilizando um modelo conhecido pelos alunos. Estes organismos são modelos de referência no ensino e pesquisa devido a fácil manutenção laboratorial, baixo custo, por sobrevivem a temperatura ambiente, serem facilmente observáveis com lupa e possuírem genoma relativamente menor que de outros eucariontes. Dada à importância destes insetos, o presente trabalho consiste em um breve histórico sobre o uso das Drosophilas seja na pesquisa ou na educação, descrevendo o modo como estes organismos podem ser utilizados no ensino em aulas práticas e teóricas, como bioindicadores na natureza, e na pesquisa em testes de genotoxicidade e doenças humanas, como a doença de Parkinson, por exemplo. Tornando-se um trabalho formativo e informativo para graduandos de Ciências Biológicas e profissionais atuantes no ensino básico e superior, de instituições públicas e privadas, que possuem ou não boas condições laboratoriais para desenvolverem suas práticas.
A orientação homossexual e as investigações acerca da existência de componentes biológicos e genéticos determinantes
Authors: Alves Everton Fernando , Tsuneto Luiza Tamie
Published: May 2013

A orientação homossexual masculina e a feminina tem substancial prevalência em humanos e pode ser explicada por componentes de vários níveis: biológico, genético, psicológico e sociocultural. No entanto, as evidências biológicas e genéticas têm sido as principais hipóteses testadas em pesquisas científicas no mundo. Este artigo teve como objetivo revisar os estudos de investigação acerca da existência de evidências biológicas e genéticas que determinam a orientação homossexual. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura, utilizando as bases de dados MedLine/PubMed e Google acadêmico. Buscaram-se artigos científicos e livros nos idiomas português e inglês, utilizando-se os descritores: orientação sexual, comportamento sexual, homossexualidade, biologia do desenvolvimento, ordem de nascimento e genética. Foram selecionados trabalhos dos últimos 22 anos. Foram encontradas cinco principais teorias em torno dos componentes biológicos: (1) ordem de nascimento fraternal; (2) androgenização cerebral e a relação digital 2D:4D; (3) ativação cerebral por feromônios; e (4) hereditariedade epigenética; e quatro teorias acerca dos componentes genéticos: (1) polimorfismo genético; (2) padrão de herança ligada ao cromossomo X; (3) gêmeos univitelinos; e (4) seleção sexual antagônica. Conclui-se que foram muitas as evidências científicas encontradas ao longo do tempo para explicar alguns dos componentes biológicos e genéticos da homossexualidade, principalmente em indivíduos do sexo masculino. No entanto, ainda hoje, não há uma explicação definitiva sobre quais seriam os componentes determinantes da orientação homossexual.
A percepção dos resíduos sólidos (lixo) na visão dos catadores da lixeira da Terra Dura em Aracaju, Brasil
Authors: Mota Edmara Oliveira , Freitas Mayanna Machado , França Rafael dos Reis
Published: May 2013

Nas últimas décadas, o aumento da população aliado ao processo de urbanização desordenado e o modelo de desenvolvimento econômico foram responsáveis por uma série de impactos ambientais, onde se destaca a problemática dos resíduos sólidos urbanos. A formação de uma sociedade altamente consumista tem sido um fator importante para uma maior produção de rejeitos, que se acumulam e acabam sendo depositados em áreas muitas vezes impróprias para essa finalidade. Os resíduos sólidos representam no momento um dos grandes desafios dos gestores públicos, visto que causam danos à saúde, a higiene pública e ao meio ambiente. A cidade de Aracaju/SE enfrenta essa problemática ambiental, onde os materiais gerados pelos processos produtivos e atividades antrópicas são lançados a céu aberto. Diante desta realidade, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a dinâmica dos resíduos sólidos face ao modelo de ocupação urbana, econômica, socioambiental, segundo a percepção dos diferentes níveis de vida da população do Povoado Terra Dura. A metodologia do trabalho constou de pesquisa bibliográfica e exploratória. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados observação, com registro fotográfico, e entrevista semiestruturada com catadores. Na percepção dos catadores da lixeira de Terra Dura relação aos resíduos sólidos urbanos identificaram-se três níveis e/ou personagens envolvidos na mesma: a sociedade, ou seja, a população do bairro, incluindo residentes e trabalhadores locais; o poder público e o contexto socioambiental do bairro. Dessa forma, faz-se necessário o envolvimento de agentes ambientais colaboradores e toda a população local com o objetivo de se criar laços entre os moradores e os trabalhadores locais e o seu meio ambiente, através de um trabalho de sensibilização, conscientização, e mobilização ambiental em torno dos problemas ambientais locais.
Utilizing Simulink and MATLAB Graphical User Interface in Modelling and Simulation of Chaos-Based Digital Modulation Techniques
Authors: Oğraş Hidayet , Türk Mustafa
Published: May 2013

This paper describes a software package which is designed using MATLAB's Graphical User Interface (GUI) in order to provide a tool to be used for chaos-based digital communication systems. The basic working principle of this software package (Chaos-based Digital Communication System Simulation Package, CDCSSP) is to perform simulations of chaos-based digital modulation types under different conditions such as distinct chaotic oscillators and channel noise effects. Power spectra of the signals, some important time domain signals and Bit Error Rate (BER) curves for all the modulation types can be observed graphically by using CDCSSP. The main purpose of CDCSSP is to give preliminary information about chaos-based digital modulation schemes by using a visual interface with the graphical and numerical results of the simulations. T-test statistical analysis demonstrates how successful CDCSSP is in terms of enhancing student learning for educational purposes. CDCSSP can be used for educational purposes as an easy-to-use and user-friendly visual instruction tool.
Group Health Coaching: Strengths, Challenges, and Next Steps
Authors: Armstrong Colin , Wolever Ruth Q. , Manning Linda , Elam Roy , Moore Margaret , Frates Elizabeth Pegg , Duskey Heidi , Anderson Chelsea , Curtis Rebecca L. , Masemer Susan , Lawson Karen
Published: May 2013

There is great need for cost effective approaches to increase patient engagement and improve health and well-being. Health and wellness coaching has recently demonstrated great promise, but the majority of studies to date have focused on individual coaching (ie, one coach with one client). Newer initiatives are bringing a group coaching model from corporate leadership development and educational settings into the healthcare arena. A group approach potentially increases cost-effective access to a larger number of clients and brings the possible additional benefit of group support. This article highlights some of the group coaching approaches currently being conducted across the United States. The group coaching interventions included in this overview are offered by a variety of academic and private sector institutions, use both telephonic and in-person coaching, and are facilitated by professionally trained health and wellness coaches as well as trained peer coaches. Strengths and challenges experienced in these efforts are summarized, as are recommendations to address those challenges. A working definition of “Group Health and Wellness Coaching” is proposed, and important next steps for research and for the training of group coaches are presented.
Health Coaching and Genomics—-Potential Avenues to Elicit Behavior Change in those at Risk for Chronic Disease: Protocol for Personalized Medicine Effectiveness Study in Air Force Primary Care
Authors: Vorderstrasse Allison A. , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Kraus William E. , Maldonado Maj Carlos J. , Wolever Ruth Q.
Published: May 2013

Background:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are prevalent chronic diseases from which military personnel are not exempt. While many genetic markers for these diseases have been identified, the clinical utility of genetic risk testing for multifactorial diseases such as these has not been established. The need for a behavioral intervention such as health coaching following a risk counseling intervention for T2D or CHD also has not been explored. Here we present the rationale, design, and protocol for evaluating the clinical utility of genetic risk testing and health coaching for active duty US Air Force (AF), retirees, and beneficiaries.

Primary Study Objectives:

Determine the direct and interactive effects of health coaching and providing genetic risk information when added to standard risk counseling for CHD and T2D on health behaviors and clinical risk markers.

Design:

Four-group (2 X 2 factorial) randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Two AF primary care clinical settings on the west coast of the United States.

Participants:

Adult AF primary care patients.

Intervention:

All participants will have a risk counseling visit with a clinic provider to discuss personal risk factors for T2D and CHD. Half of the participants (two groups) will also learn of their genetic risk testing results for T2D and CHD in this risk counseling session. Participants randomized to the two groups receiving health coaching will then receive telephonic health coaching over 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures:

Behavioral measures (self-reported dietary intake, physical activity, smoking cessation, medication adherence); clinical outcomes (AF composite fitness scores, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipids, T2D/CHD risk scores) and psychosocial measures (self-efficacy, worry, perceived risk) will be collected at baseline and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months.

Conclusion:

This study tests novel strategies deployed within existing AF primary care to increase adherence to evidence-based diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and medication recommendations for CHD and T2D risk reduction through methods of patient engagement and self-management support.
The Impact of Telephonic Health Coaching on Health Outcomes in a High-risk Population
Authors: Lawson Karen L. , Jonk Yvonne , O'connor Heidi , Riise Kirsten Sundgaard , Eisenberg David M. , Kreitzer Mary Jo
Published: May 2013

Background:

Health coaching is a client-centric process to increase motivation and self-efficacy that supports sustainable lifestyle behavior changes and active management of health conditions. This study describes an intervention offered as a benefit to health plan members and examines health and behavioral outcomes of participants.

Methods:

High-risk health plan enrollees were invited to participate in a telephonic health coaching intervention addressing the whole person and focusing on motivating health behavior changes. Outcomes of self-reported lifestyle behaviors, perceived health, stress levels, quality of life, readiness to make changes, and patient activation levels were reported at baseline and upon program completion. Retrospectively, these data were extracted from administrative and health coaching records of participants during the first 2 full years of the program.

Results:

Less than 7% of the 114 615 potential candidates self-selected to actively participate in health coaching, those with the highest chronic disease load being the most likely to participate. Of 6940 active participants, 1082 fully completed pre- and post- health inventories, with 570 completing Patient Activation Measure (PAM). The conditions most often represented in the active participants were depression, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, asthma, and low back pain. In 6 months or less, 89% of participants met at least one goal. Significant improvements occurred in stress levels, healthy eating, exercise levels, and physical and emotional health, as well as in readiness to make change and PAM scores.

Discussion:

The types of client-selected goals most often met were physical activity, eating habits, stress management, emotional health, sleep, and pain management, resulting in improved overall quality of life regardless of condition. Positive shifts in activation levels and readiness to change suggest that health coaching is an intervention deserving of future prospective research studies to assess the utilization, efficacy, and potential cost-effectiveness of health coaching programs for a range of populations.
Decoding the neural mechanisms of human tool use
Authors: Gallivan Jason P , McLean D Adam , Valyear Kenneth F , Culham Jody C
Published: May 2013

Sophisticated tool use is a defining characteristic of the primate species but how is it supported by the brain, particularly the human brain? Here we show, using functional MRI and pattern classification methods, that tool use is subserved by multiple distributed action-centred neural representations that are both shared with and distinct from those of the hand. In areas of frontoparietal cortex we found a common representation for planned hand- and tool-related actions. In contrast, in parietal and occipitotemporal regions implicated in hand actions and body perception we found that coding remained selectively linked to upcoming actions of the hand whereas in parietal and occipitotemporal regions implicated in tool-related processing the coding remained selectively linked to upcoming actions of the tool. The highly specialized and hierarchical nature of this coding suggests that hand- and tool-related actions are represented separately at earlier levels of sensorimotor processing before becoming integrated in frontoparietal cortex.
Pharmacological brake-release of mRNA translation enhances cognitive memory
Authors: Sidrauski Carmela , Acosta-Alvear Diego , Khoutorsky Arkady , Vedantham Punitha , Hearn Brian R , Li Han , Gamache Karine , Gallagher Ciara M , Ang Kenny K-H , Wilson Chris , Okreglak Voytek , Ashkenazi Avi , Hann Byron , Nader Karim , Arkin Michelle R , Renslo Adam R , Sonenberg Nahum , Walter Peter
Published: May 2013

Phosphorylation of the α-subunit of initiation factor 2 (eIF2) controls protein synthesis by a conserved mechanism. In metazoa, distinct stress conditions activate different eIF2α kinases (PERK, PKR, GCN2, and HRI) that converge on phosphorylating a unique serine in eIF2α. This collection of signaling pathways is termed the ‘integrated stress response’ (ISR). eIF2α phosphorylation diminishes protein synthesis, while allowing preferential translation of some mRNAs. Starting with a cell-based screen for inhibitors of PERK signaling, we identified a small molecule, named ISRIB, that potently (IC50 = 5 nM) reverses the effects of eIF2α phosphorylation. ISRIB reduces the viability of cells subjected to PERK-activation by chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress. eIF2α phosphorylation is implicated in memory consolidation. Remarkably, ISRIB-treated mice display significant enhancement in spatial and fear-associated learning. Thus, memory consolidation is inherently limited by the ISR, and ISRIB releases this brake. As such, ISRIB promises to contribute to our understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders.
Building for the future
Authors: Pelham Hugh
Published: May 2013

As the staff of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology settle into their new building in Cambridge, its director Hugh Pelham explains the challenges of living up to its prestigious past.
Less translational control, more memory
Authors: Pavitt Graham D
Published: May 2013

A small molecule can enhance the memories of rats and mice by blocking the integrated stress response in these animals.
A Novel Decision Tree Approach Based on Transcranial Doppler Sonography to Screen for Blunt Cervical Vascular Injuries
Authors: Purvis Dianna , Aldaghlas Tayseer , Trickey Amber W. , Rizzo Anne , Sikdar Siddhartha
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Early detection and treatment of blunt cervical vascular injuries prevent adverse neurologic sequelae. Current screening criteria can miss up to 22% of these injuries. The study objective was to investigate bedside transcranial Doppler sonography for detecting blunt cervical vascular injuries in trauma patients using a novel decision tree approach.

Methods

This prospective pilot study was conducted at a level I trauma center. Patients undergoing computed tomographic angiography for suspected blunt cervical vascular injuries were studied with transcranial Doppler sonography. Extracranial and intracranial vasculatures were examined with a portable power M‐mode transcranial Doppler unit. The middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity, pulsatility index, and their asymmetries were used to quantify flow patterns and develop an injury decision tree screening protocol. Student t tests validated associations between injuries and transcranial Doppler predictive measures.

Results

We evaluated 27 trauma patients with 13 injuries. Single vertebral artery injuries were most common (38.5%), followed by single internal carotid artery injuries (30%). Compared to patients without injuries, mean flow velocity asymmetry was higher for single internal carotid artery (P = .003) and single vertebral artery (P = .004) injuries. Similarly, pulsatility index asymmetry was higher in single internal carotid artery (P = .015) and single vertebral artery (P = .042) injuries, whereas the lowest pulsatility index was elevated for bilateral vertebral artery injuries (P = .006). The decision tree yielded 92% specificity, 93% sensitivity, and 93% correct classifications.

Conclusions

In this pilot feasibility study, transcranial Doppler measures were significantly associated with the blunt cervical vascular injury status, suggesting that transcranial Doppler sonography might be a viable bedside screening tool for trauma. Patient‐specific hemodynamic information from transcranial Doppler assessment has the potential to alter patient care pathways to improve outcomes.