bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurochemical Characterization and Sexual Dimorphism of Projections from the Brain to Abdominal and Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue in the Rat
Authors: Adler Elaine S. , Hollis Jacob H. , Clarke Iain J. , Grattan David R. , Oldfield Brian J.
Published: November 2012

Retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rWAT) and subcutaneous (inguinal) white adipose tissue (iWAT) are both innervated and regulated by sympathetic efferents, but the distribution and identity of the cells in the brain that regulate sympathetic outflow are poorly characterized. Our aim was to use two isogenic strains of a neurotropic virus (pseudorabies, Bartha) tagged with either green or red fluorescent reporters to identify cells in the brain that project to rWAT and/or iWAT. These viruses were injected into separate WAT depots in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Retrogradely labeled neurons in the CNS were characterized by immunohistochemistry and PCR. For the latter, laser capture of individual virally labeled neurons was used. All virally labeled brain regions contained neurons projecting to either and both WAT depots. Neurons to abdominal fat were the most abundant in males, whereas females contained a greater proportion of neurons to subcutaneous via private lines and collateral branches. Retrogradely labeled neurons directed to WAT expressed estrogen receptor-α (ERα), and fewer neurons to subcutaneous WAT expressed ERα in males. Regardless of sex, projections from the arcuate nucleus were predominantly from pro-opiomelanocortin cells, with a notable lack of projections from agouti-related protein-expressing neurons. Within the lateral hypothalamus, neurons directed to rWAT and iWAT expressed orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), but male rats had a predominance of MCH directed to iWAT. In conclusion, the neurochemical substrates that project through polysynaptic pathways to iWAT and rWAT are different in male and female rats, suggesting that metabolic regulation of rWAT and iWAT is sexually dimorphic.
Two Critical and Functionally Distinct Stages of Face and Body Perception
Authors: Pitcher David , Goldhaber Tanya , Duchaine Bradley , Walsh Vincent , Kanwisher Nancy
Published: November 2012

Cortical regions that respond preferentially to particular object categories, such as faces and bodies, are essential for visual perception of these object categories. However, precisely when these regions play a causal role in recognition of their preferred categories is unclear. Here we addressed this question using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Across a series of experiments, TMS was delivered over the functionally localized right occipital face area (rOFA) or right extrastriate body area (rEBA) at different latencies, up to 150 ms, after stimulus onset while adult human participants performed delayed match-to-sample tasks on face and body stimuli. Results showed that TMS disrupted task performance during two temporally distinct time periods after stimulus onset, the first at 40/50 ms and the second at 100/110 ms. These two time periods exhibited functionally distinct patterns of impairment: TMS delivered during the early time period (at 40/50 ms) disrupted task performance for both preferred (faces at rOFA and bodies at rEBA) and nonpreferred (bodies at rOFA and faces at rEBA) categories. In contrast, TMS delivered during the later time period (at 100/110 ms) disrupted task performance for the preferred category only of each area (faces at rOFA and bodies at rEBA). These results indicate that category-selective cortical regions are critical for two functionally distinct stages of visual object recognition: an early, presumably preparatory stage that is not category selective occurring almost immediately after stimulus onset, followed by a later stage of category-specific perceptual processing.
Neural Synchronization during Face-to-Face Communication
Authors: Jiang Jing , Dai Bohan , Peng Danling , Zhu Chaozhe , Liu Li , Lu Chunming
Published: November 2012

Although the human brain may have evolutionarily adapted to face-to-face communication, other modes of communication, e.g., telephone and e-mail, increasingly dominate our modern daily life. This study examined the neural difference between face-to-face communication and other types of communication by simultaneously measuring two brains using a hyperscanning approach. The results showed a significant increase in the neural synchronization in the left inferior frontal cortex during a face-to-face dialog between partners but none during a back-to-back dialog, a face-to-face monologue, or a back-to-back monologue. Moreover, the neural synchronization between partners during the face-to-face dialog resulted primarily from the direct interactions between the partners, including multimodal sensory information integration and turn-taking behavior. The communicating behavior during the face-to-face dialog could be predicted accurately based on the neural synchronization level. These results suggest that face-to-face communication, particularly dialog, has special neural features that other types of communication do not have and that the neural synchronization between partners may underlie successful face-to-face communication.
Neurodevelopmental Role for VGLUT2 in Pyramidal Neuron Plasticity, Dendritic Refinement, and in Spatial Learning
Authors: He Hongbo , Mahnke Amanda H. , Doyle Sukhjeevan , Fan Ni , Wang Chih-Chieh , Hall Benjamin J. , Tang Ya-Ping , Inglis Fiona M. , Chen Chu , Erickson Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2012

The level and integrity of glutamate transmission during critical periods of postnatal development plays an important role in the refinement of pyramidal neuron dendritic arbor, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. Presently, it is not clear how excitatory transmission via the two predominant isoforms of the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT1 and VGLUT2) participate in this process. To assess a neurodevelopmental role for VGLUT2 in pyramidal neuron maturation, we generated recombinant VGLUT2 knock-out mice and inactivated VGLUT2 throughout development using Emx1-Cre+/+knock-in mice. We show that VGLUT2 deficiency in corticolimbic circuits results in reduced evoked glutamate transmission, release probability, and LTD at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses during a formative developmental period (postnatal days 11–14). In adults, we find a marked reduction in the amount of dendritic arbor across the span of the dendritic tree of CA1 pyramidal neurons and reduced long-term potentiation and levels of synaptic markers spinophilin and VGLUT1. Loss of dendritic arbor is accompanied by corresponding reductions in the number of dendritic spines, suggesting widespread alterations in synaptic connectivity. Conditional VGLUT2 knock-out mice exhibit increased open-field exploratory activity yet impaired spatial learning and memory, endophenotypes similar to those of NMDA receptor knock-down mice. Remarkably, the impairment in learning can be partially restored by selectively increasing NMDA receptor-mediated glutamate transmission in adult mice by prolonged treatment withd-serine and ad-amino acid oxidase inhibitor. Our data indicate that VGLUT2 expression is pivotal to the proper development of mature pyramidal neuronal architecture and plasticity, and that such glutamatergic deficiency leads to cognitive malfunction as observed in several neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders.
Impact of lymph node metastases identified on central neck dissection (CND) on the recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer: potential role of BRAFV600E mutation in defining CND
Authors: Alzahrani Ali S , Xing Mingzhao
Published: November 2012

The impact of metastasized cervical lymph nodes (CLN) identified on central neck dissection (CND) on the recurrence/persistence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and the extent of CND needed to reduce recurrence/persistence have not been firmly established. To assess the impact of CLN metastasis andBRAFmutation on the recurrence/persistence of PTC and the potential ofBRAFmutation in assisting CND. Analyses of 379 consecutive patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy with (n=243) or without CND (n=136) at a tertiary-care academic hospital during the period 2001–2010 for their clinicopathological outcomes andBRAFmutation status. Increasingly aggressive tumor characteristics were found as the extent of CND was advanced following conventional risk criteria from non-CND to limited CND to formal CND. Disease recurrence/persistence rate also sharply rose from 4.7% to 15.7% and 40.5% in these CND settings respectively (P<0.0001). CLN metastasis rate rose from 18.0 to 77.3% from limited CND to formal CND (P<0.0001). An increasing rate ofBRAFmutation was also found from less to more extensive CND. A strong association of CLN metastasis andBRAFmutation with disease recurrence/persistence was revealed on Kaplan–Meier analysis andBRAFmutation strongly predicted CLN metastasis. CLN metastases found on CND are closely associated with disease recurrence/persistence of PTC, which are both strongly predicted byBRAFmutation. Current selection of PTC patients for CND is appropriate but higher extent of the procedure, once selected, is needed to reduce disease recurrence, which may be defined by combination use of preoperativeBRAFmutation testing and conventional risk factors of PTC.
A SULT2A1 genetic variant identified by GWAS as associated with low serum DHEAS does not impact on the actual DHEA/DHEAS ratio
Authors: Haring Robin , Wallaschofski Henri , Teumer Alexander , Kroemer Heyo , Taylor Angela E , Shackleton Cedric H L , Nauck Matthias , Völker Uwe , Homuth Georg , Arlt Wiebke
Published: November 2012

DHEA is the major precursor of human sex steroid synthesis and is inactivated via sulfonation to DHEAS. A previous genome-wide association study related the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2637125, located near the coding region of DHEA sulfotransferase, SULT2A1, to serum DHEAS concentrations. However, the functional relevance of this SNP with regard to DHEA sulfonation is unknown. Using data from 3300 participants of the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania, we identified 43 individuals being homozygote for the minor allele of the SNP rs2637125 (AA) and selected two sex- and age-matched individuals with AG and GG genotype (n=172) respectively. Steroid analysis including measurement of serum DHEA and DHEAS was carried out by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, employing steroid oxime analysis for enhancing the sensitivity of DHEA detection. We applied quantile regression models to compare median hormone levels across SULT2A1 genotypes. Median comparisons by SULT2A1 genotype (AA vs AG and GG genotypes respectively) showed no differences in the considered hormones including DHEAS, DHEA, androstenedione, as well as cortisol and cortisone concentrations. SULT2A1 genotype also had no effect on the DHEA/DHEAS ratio. Sex-stratified analyses, as well as alternative use of the SULT2A1 SNP rs182420, yielded similar negative results. Genetic variants of SULT2A1 do not appear to have an effect on individual DHEA and DHEAS concentrations or the DHEA/DHEAS ratio as a marker of DHEA sulfonation capacity.
Architecture and Biosynthesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cell Wall
Authors: Orlean Peter
Published: November 2012

The wall gives a Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell its osmotic integrity; defines cell shape during budding growth, mating, sporulation, and pseudohypha formation; and presents adhesive glycoproteins to other yeast cells. The wall consists of β1,3- and β1,6-glucans, a small amount of chitin, and many different proteins that may bear N- and O-linked glycans and a glycolipid anchor. These components become cross-linked in various ways to form higher-order complexes. Wall composition and degree of cross-linking vary during growth and development and change in response to cell wall stress. This article reviews wall biogenesis in vegetative cells, covering the structure of wall components and how they are cross-linked; the biosynthesis of N- and O-linked glycans, glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane anchors, β1,3- and β1,6-linked glucans, and chitin; the reactions that cross-link wall components; and the possible functions of enzymatic and nonenzymatic cell wall proteins.
Genome Evolution Due to Allopolyploidization in Wheat
Authors: Feldman Moshe , Levy Avraham A
Published: November 2012

The wheat group has evolved through allopolyploidization, namely, through hybridization among species from the plant genera Aegilops and Triticum followed by genome doubling. This speciation process has been associated with ecogeographical expansion and with domestication. In the past few decades, we have searched for explanations for this impressive success. Our studies attempted to probe the bases for the wide genetic variation characterizing these species, which accounts for their great adaptability and colonizing ability. Central to our work was the investigation of how allopolyploidization alters genome structure and expression. We found in wheat that allopolyploidy accelerated genome evolution in two ways: (1) it triggered rapid genome alterations through the instantaneous generation of a variety of cardinal genetic and epigenetic changes (which we termed “revolutionary” changes), and (2) it facilitated sporadic genomic changes throughout the species’ evolution (i.e., evolutionary changes), which are not attainable at the diploid level. Our major findings in natural and synthetic allopolyploid wheat indicate that these alterations have led to the cytological and genetic diploidization of the allopolyploids. These genetic and epigenetic changes reflect the dynamic structural and functional plasticity of the allopolyploid wheat genome. The significance of this plasticity for the successful establishment of wheat allopolyploids, in nature and under domestication, is discussed.
Biogeochemistry of REE elements and tetrad effect in the soil-plant system: a study on volcanic rock covers in southernmost Brazil
Authors: Cunha Maria do Carmo Lima e , Nardi Lauro V.S. , Muller Ingke F.
Published: November 2012

This paper deals with the distribution of REE in rock, soil and plant in an area of monzonitic rocks from southernmost Brazil. The REE patterns in Schinus lensticifolius show a negative-Ce anomaly and a prominent tetrad effect, characterized as W-type that are not present in rock and soil samples. The REE patterns in the soils and rocks sampled are very similar and there is no fractionation of REE during the processes of soil formation. The W-type patterns are interpreted as indicating that REE were absorved by S. lentiscifolius as simple ions rather than as complex ions, or, alternatively, that the transport of REE in the plant metabolic processes was as free ions. The recognition of tetrads, either, M- or W-type patterns, is an additional tool for understanding the biogeochemistry of REE and can contribute to the study of monitoring processes of contaminated environment or to mineral prospecting.
Obtenção e caracterização de carvão ativado de caroço de buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) para a avaliação do processo de adsorção de cobre (II)
Authors: Pinto Marcos Vinicios de Souza , Silva Denilson Luz da , Saraiva Augusto César Fonseca
Published: November 2012

Na região amazônica, algumas indústrias despejam cobre nos corpos receptores que, em elevadas concentrações, é tóxico para os seres vivos. A remoção de cobre de efluentes industriais é realizada por diversos processos como a adsorção. Neste trabalho mostrou-se o resultado da adsorção de cobre (II) em carvão ativado de caroço de buriti carbonizado a 400 °C e ativado a 900 °C. O carvão ativado foi caracterizado em termos de área específica, tamanho dos poros, densidades aparente e real, porosidade, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, conteúdo de cinzas, pH, umidade, carbono fixo e grupos funcionais de superfície. O estudo de equilíbrio de adsorção avaliou a influência do diâmetro das partículas do carvão, do tempo de contato adsorvente/adsorbato, do pH e da concentração inicial da solução de cobre (II) sobre a remoção de cobre (II). Com base nos resultados, concluiu-se que há uma maior eficiência de remoção de cobre (II) para diâmetro < 0,595 mm, tempo de contato de 300 minutos, pH 4,0 e concentrações iniciais de cobre (II) de 50 e 80 mg L-1. O modelo matemático de Langmuir foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados de equilíbrio de adsorção. A partir do tempo de contato de 15 minutos todas as concentrações de equilíbrio ficaram abaixo do máximo permitido de 1,0 mg L-1 previsto pela legislação vigente para lançamento de efluentes em corpos receptores.
Arctiinae (Lepidoptera, Arctiidae) ocorrentes em uma área de pastagem na Amazônia Oriental em Altamira, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Delfina Márcia Cristina , Teston José Augusto
Published: November 2012

O presente estudo avaliou a fauna de Arctiinae numa área de pastagem na Amazônia Oriental em Altamira-Pará, por meio de armadilha luminosa, com duas capturas mensais noturnas a cada fase da lua nova, no período de dezembro de 2008 a novembro de 2010. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: riqueza, abundância, dominância, constância, índices de diversidade e uniformidade de Shannon (H' e E') e Brillouin (H e E), dominância de Berger-Parker (BP). As estimativas de riqueza foram feitas através dos procedimentos não paramétricos, "Bootstrap", "Chao1", "Chao2", "Jackknife1", "Jackknife2", e "Michaelis-Mentem". Foram capturados 910 exemplares pertencentes a 85 espécies de Arctiinae. Os valores dos parâmetros analisados para o período total foram: H'= 2,58, E'= 0,581, H= 2,45, E= 0,576 e BP= 0,433. Para os anos, tanto a riqueza quanto a abundância foi maior em 2009-2010. A diversidade e uniformidade de Shannon e Brillouin foram maiores para o ano de 2008-2009. Os estimadores previram um aumento entre 18,8% e 85,9 % na riqueza de espécies.
Registro de ocorrência de Panstrongylus lignarius (Walker, 1837) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Paula Aécio Moraes de , Castrillon Maria Ignez , Maciel Giovana Belém Moreira Lima , Galvão Cleber
Published: November 2012

Neste trabalho, relata-se pela primeira vez a ocorrência de Panstrongylus lignarius no Estado de Mato Grosso. Entre 2001 e 2009, cinco espécimes foram capturados pelos moradores dos municípios de Paranaíta, Alta Floresta, Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso e Guarantã do Norte e enviados ao Laboratório de Entomologia da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Mato Grosso, onde foram identificados como Panstrongylus lignarius (Walker, 1837). O encontro dessa espécie no estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil, amplia a sua distribuição geográfica.
Ocorrência de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) no ambiente peridomiciliar em área de foco de transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar no município de Manaus, Amazonas
Authors: Reis Sônia Rolim , Gomes Luis Henrique Monteiro , Ferreira Natália Mota , Nery Liliane da Rocha , Pinheiro Francimeire Gomes , Figueira Luanda de Paula , Soares Fabiane Veloso , Franco Antonia Maria Ramos
Published: November 2012

A leishmaniose é uma antropozoonose com focos naturais, nos quais a infecção é mantida em ecótopos silvestres entre a população de vetores e seus hospedeiros vertebrados. Neste estudo foram identificadas espécies de flebotomíneos envolvidas na transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar no Bairro Cidade de Deus, onde há focos da doença humana e animal. O bairro está situado à margem da reserva florestal Adolpho Ducke. Foram capturados 122 espécimens em épocas variadas, utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC. As espécies de flebotomíneos mais encontradas foram Lutzomyia umbratilis, L. rorotaensis e L. olmeca nociva. Nas proximidades de uma das residências onde foram realizadas as coletas de flebotomíneos, verificou-se descarte de resíduos orgânicos (lixo), o que possibilita a atração de reservatórios silvestres presentes na reserva florestal favorecendo a ocorrência do ciclo de transmissão da doença no peridomicílio.
O excremento de vaca na alimentação de pintos em crescimento
Authors: Bergamin Armando
Published: November 2012

Foram tomados 2 lotes de pintos Rhode Island Red de 40 dias de idade que foram submetidos, o lote A a uma alimentação com ração sem proteina de origem animal, na qual a farinha de carne foi substituida por igual quantidade de farelo de torta de sementes de algodão, e adicionada à mesma 2 quilos de excremento de vaca, colhido fresco, secado ao sol e triturado; o lote B, que serviu de testemunha continha os mesmos ingredientes, com exceção de excremento de vaca e da torta de algodão, em lugar da qual figurava a farinha de carne. Alimentadas durante 6 semanas as aves se comportaram de maneira idêntica, acusando as do lote A um aumento leve e progressivo do peso médio, embora sem diferença estatística. O excremento de vaca foi satisfatório e supriu as deficiências da ração de tratamento em certos amino ácidos só presentes em proteinas de origem animal como a farinha de carne.
Reconhecendo ou construindo uma polaridade étnico-identitária?desafios do ensino de história no imediato contexto pós-Lei nº 10.639
Authors: Pereira Júnia Sales
Published: November 2012

Este artigo propõe reflexões sobre os desafios que se colocam aos docentes no cenário educacional posterior à Lei nº 10.639/03, que instituiu a obrigatoriedade do ensino de história e cultura afro-brasileira e africana e da educação das relações étnico-raciais na educação básica. Problematizando pressupostos e paradoxos presentes no texto da lei e das diretrizes correlatas, identificam-se os impactos, desafios e desdobramentos teórico-práticos de sua recepção no ensino de história.
O uso político do passado bandeirante: o debate entre Oliveira Vianna e Alfredo Ellis Jr. (1920-1926)
Authors: Ferretti Danilo J. Zioni
Published: November 2012

Este texto pretende estudar o uso político do passado bandeirante durante a década de 1920, concentrando-se nas obras do pensador antiliberal Oliveira Vianna e de Alfredo Ellis Jr., do Partido Republicano Paulista. Para tanto, segue as observações de Michel de Certeau sobre as três dimensões da operação historiográfica: seu lugar social de produção, os procedimentos de análise e a representação textual empregada. Demonstra-se a pluralidade de sentidos políticos conferidos ao bandeirante pela historiografia e sua relação com o duplo processo de construção de uma identidade regional para São Paulo e de um imaginário americanista, legitimador do republicanismo paulista.
Desafios do ensino de história
Authors: Ferreira Marieta de Moraes , Franco Renato
Published: November 2012

Este artigo discute a produção de material didático de história. Reflete sobre alguns debates recentes, focalizando a pertinência da escolha de conteúdos, e faz uma breve análise do mercado editorial e seu posicionamento na venda de obras para o PNLD e o mercado privado. O texto levanta algumas questões ligadas ao processo de formação de professores e aos cursos superiores de história, que em geral privilegiam a pesquisa em detrimento do ensino, o que dificulta a definição de um formato coerente para as licenciaturas.
Estudos de repetitividade e reprodutividade para dados funcionais
Authors: Pedott Alexandre Homsi , Fogliatto Flávio Sanson
Published: November 2012

Este artigo apresenta um método adaptado do estudo de repetitividade e reprodutividade (R& R) para analisar a capacidade e o desempenho de sistemas de medição, no contexto da análise de dados funcionais. Dados funcionais ocorrem quando a variável de resposta é caracterizada por uma coleção de dados que formam um perfil ou uma curva, e não por uma observação individual. O método proposto é uma alternativa ao uso de métodos tradicionais de análise, que são ineficientes para dados funcionais. O método apresenta uma adaptação da análise de variância de dois fatores. Foi usada a distância de Hausdorff como medida de proximidade entre as curvas. O método proposto foi aplicado a um estudo simulado de R& R. O estudo foi estruturado para analisar cenários em que o sistema de medição foi aprovado e reprovado. Os resultados foram comparados com os obtidos através da aplicação da ANOVA ponto a ponto nas curvas. O método proposto foi denominado de ANOVA das distâncias.
Espaçamentos dendríticos primários da liga Sn-5%Pb solidificada direcionalmente em um sistema horizontal
Authors: Nogueira M.R. , Carvalho D.B. , Moreira A.L. , Dias Filho J.M. , Rocha O.L.
Published: November 2012

Este trabalho desenvolve um estudo teórico-experimental sobre a correlação entre parâmetros térmicos e os espaçamentos dendríticos primários da liga Sn-5%Pb solidificada direcionalmente em um sistema horizontal sob condições transientes de extração de calor. Os perfis de temperatura foram medidos em diferentes posições do lingote e os dados obtidos foram armazenados automaticamente. São apresentados resultados para o coeficiente de transferência de calor na interface metal/molde o qual foi calculado a partir de uma análise comparativa entre os perfis térmicos experimentais e valores teóricos fornecidos por um modelo numérico. Um método teórico-experimental é aplicado para determinar as velocidades de deslocamento da isoterma liquidus e as taxas de resfriamento. Os resultados teóricos e experimentais levantados apresentaram boa concordância. Um estudo comparativo é realizado entre os dados encontrados neste trabalho e aqueles apresentados na literatura para os espaçamentos dendríticos primários da liga investigada quando solidificada direcionalmente nos sistemas verticais ascendente e descendente, sob as mesmas condições assumidas neste trabalho. A análise das microestruturas indica que os espaçamentos dendríticos primários são bastante influenciados pelos parâmetros térmicos de solidificação.
Influência das espécies do plasma na modificação das propriedades superficiais do titânio tratado por plasma de N2 - Ar - O2
Authors: Braz D.C. , Barbosa J.C.P. , Nunes Filho A. , Rocha R.C.S. , Silva D.R. , Alves JR C.
Published: November 2012

O presente estudo mostra uma relação entre o comportamento das espécies ativas do plasma com as propriedades superficiais do titânio. Para tanto, espécies ativas como N2+ (391,4 nm) e O (844,6 nm) foram analisadas por espectroscopia de emissão óptica (OES) em plasma produzido por uma mistura de gases N2 - Ar - O2. O fluxo de nitrogênio e argônio foram fixados em 1 e 4 sccm (centímetro cúbico padrão), respectivamente e o fluxo de oxigênio foi variado entre 2 e 4 sccm. Este processo apresentou uma não linearidade da intensidade da espécie N2+(391,4 nm) com o aumento do fluxo de O2, onde no fluxo de 3 sccm apresentou maior intensidade comparado com os demais fluxos utilizados. Foi observado que as espécies ativas influenciam na modificação das propriedades após o tratamento a plasma. As espécies N2+ (391,4 nm) mostraram ser mais efetivas na formação de fases de nitreto. Os parâmetros de rugosidade foram mais altos quando as espécies N2+ (391,4 nm) apresentavam maior intensidade. A dureza foi maior para o fluxo onde houve maior intensidade da espécie N2+ (391,4 nm). Medidas de tensão superficial também apresentaram maiores valores para o fluxo onde as espécies N2+ (391,4 nm) estavam em maior evidência. Enquanto, a espécie N2+ (391,4 nm) influenciou na componente dispersiva, a espécie O (844,6 nm) teve influência na componente polar.
Parasitoids Attacking Larvae of a Recently Introduced Weed Biological Control Agent,Neomusotima conspurcatalis(Lepidoptera: Crambidae): Key to Species, Natural History, and Integrative Taxonomy
Authors: Boughton Anthony J , Kula Robert R , Gates Michael , Zhang Yali , Nunez Melissa , O'connor Jaqui , Whitfield James B , Center Ted D
Published: November 2012

The extent to which introduced weed biocontrol agents are subject to attack by generalist natural enemies within the area of introduction is believed to be an important determinant of program success. We monitored larval populations of a recently introduced weed biocontrol agent, Neomusotima conspurcatalis Warren, at field sites in Florida to investigate parasitism by native parasitoids and to assess the overall rate of parasitism. Of six native parasitoid species reared from wild larvae of N. conspurcatalis, five, Rhygoplitis choreuti (Viereck), Stantonia pallida (Ashmead), Elasmus apanteli Gahan, Hyphantrophaga sellersi (Sabrosky), and an unidentified Cotesia sp. were primary parasitoids of the biocontrol agent. The sixth species, Mesochorus apantelis Dasch, is likely a hyperparasitoid of R. choreuti. From 1,100 N. conspurcatalis larvae collected from three sites, adult parasitoids emerged from 6.8% of those larvae and 73.6% of the N. conspurcatalis developed to adulthood. R. choreuti was the most common parasitoid, accounting for 81% of adults reared. Photographs of parasitoid species are provided, aspects of their natural histories and host ranges are described, and accumulation of native parasitoids on introduced weed biocontrol agents is discussed.
Developmental Time and Survival of Trash-Carrying Versus Naked Green Lacewings, with Implications for Their Utility as Augmentative Biological Control Agents
Authors: Haruyama Naoto , Miyazaki Yuta , Nakahira Kengo , Mochizuki Atsushi , Nomura Masashi
Published: November 2012

Because of their importance and abundance as predators of pest insects in agroecosystems around the world, eight species of lacewings from four genera (Apertochrysa, Chrysopa, Chrysoperla, and Dichochrysa) were investigated to evaluate their performance when reared on eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, a factitious prey commonly used in mass rearing systems. In particular, a comparative assessment of trash-carrying versus naked species (ones not carrying trash on their backs) was performed. We measured the developmental times and survival rates of the eight green lacewings and compared these characteristics between trash-carrying and naked lacewing species. Survival during immature development was higher (77–87%) for the two naked species (Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) and Chrysoperla suzukii (Okamoto)) than for the trash-carrying species D. alcestes (33%). Immature and larval developmental times were significantly longer among the trash-carrying species than the naked species. The rapid development of naked green lacewings may be a strategy to decrease predation risk by aphid guarding ants and intra-guild predators.
Phenology in the Native Range of Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), a Biological Control Agent of Giant Reed in North America
Authors: Cortés E , Marcos-García M A
Published: November 2012

Population phenology studies in the native range of a potential biological control agent are indispensable to understand and manage the establishment of populations. At the same time, is important to know the responses of this agent to climatic variation if it were to be released in its target range. The life cycle and phenology of the armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis Leonardi, 1920 (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) under field conditions in part of its native range, the southeast of Spain, was studied from 2008 to 2010 as part of an evaluation of this scale for biological control of the giant reed, Arundo donax L. (Poaceae) in the south—western United States and Mexico, as this rhizomatous grass becomes invasive and extremely harmful in riparian areas. The results observed were that R. donacis has one generation per year. The crawlers are the infective and dispersive life stage and they occurred during spring, from March to June and the reproductive period identified by the adult males emergence, was found from May to July. Temperature was one of the climatic variables considered with most influence on the variation of stages abundance.
Revision ofBucaphallanus, a New Subgenus ofParanomala(Coleoptera: Melolonthidae, Rutelinae, Anomalini) with Description of Six New Species from Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Ponce Andrés , Morón Miguel Angel
Published: November 2012

The new subgenus Bucaphallanus is proposed to place the species of Paranomala Casey that has the apex of the mentum widely bilobed and provided with a dense fringe of setae and with lateral carinae on the abdominal sternites, as P. castaniceps (Bates) and P. capita (Ohaus). Six new species from Mexico are described and included in the new subgenus. We discuss and illustrate the diagnostic structures of the eight species. A distribution map, key to the species, and comments on its affinities with other members of the genus Paranomala are provided.
Ecology, Acoustic Behavior, and Morphology of the Cicada Cornuplura nigroalbata (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae)
Authors: Sanborn Allen F , Phillips Polly K
Published: November 2012

Cornuplura nigroalbata (Davis, 1936) is a rarely collected cicada species represented by some 20 specimens deposited in institutional collections. We almost doubled the number of previously collected specimens and provide information on the acoustic behavior, ecology, distribution, and morphology of the species. The Arizona population studied appears to be the northernmost extension of the population and specimens are restricted to Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties in Arizona. The species is associated with the Sonoran desert vegetation. Males call primarily in the morning from desert oaks and mesquite with a preference for ocotillo at the beginning of the calling period. The song is an amplitude modulated call with dominant frequency of ≈6.5 kHz. We illustrate the genitalia and opercula of both males and females of the species for the first time.
New Records of Termite Hosts for Two Species ofHoplopyga,with Notes on the Life Cycle ofHoplopyga brasiliensis(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)
Authors: Puker Anderson , Lopes-Andrade Cristiano , Rosa Cassiano S , Grossi Paschoal C
Published: November 2012

We provide the first report of larvae of Hoplopyga brasiliensis (Gory and Percheron) and H. singuhris (Gory and Percheron) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in nests of Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) (Isoptera: Termitidae: Syntermitinae) and Dwersitermes diversimiles (Silvestri) (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), respectively. We also provide new information on the life cycle of H. brasiliensis and the feeding behavior of adults of H. singularis. In total, 44 larvae of H. brasiliensis were found in a single nest of C. cumulans in apastureland in Coimbra, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Larvae of H. singularis were found under nests of D. diversimites at two urban parks in the state of Parana, Brazil. ≈15 larvae of H. singulis in different stages of development and some opened pupal cells were found in some nests of D. diversimiles. We increase the number of known termitophilous Hoplopyga species to three and discuss such relationships in light of published data and new information provided here.
Temperature-Dependent Development and Cold Tolerance of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a Pest of Cruciferous Crops in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Manrique Veronica , Diaz Rodrigo , Montemayor Cecil , Serrano Dafne , Cave Ronald D
Published: November 2012

The yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microthecaochroloma (Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae ), is an adventive pest of cruciferous crops in the southeastern United States. Despite its pest status, there is limited information about the infiuence of temperature on development and survival of M. ochroloma. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of temperature on the development and survival of immature stages, and determine the cold tolerance of immature and adult stages. Development was evaluated at 15,20, 25, and 30°C, and cold tolerance was measured at 5,0, and -5°C inside environmentally controlled chambers. Survival of M. ochroloma from egg to adult was ≈80% at 15,20, and 25°C, but only 24% at 30°C. Mean developmental time was longest at 15°C (57 d) and shortest at 30°C (17 d). Leaf area consumed by the fourth instar was 7.4-fold lower at 30°C compared with consumption at 15, 20, or 25°C. The lower developmental threshold varied from 7.3 to 9.8°C and the total degree-days required to complete development from egg to adult was 333. At 5,0, and -5°C, the LT90 values for the first instar were shorter compared with all other stadia, suggesting that the first instar is the most susceptible to cold temperatures. Eggs were most cold tolerant, followed by pupae and adults. Based on the LT50 (13d) andLT90 (38d) of eggs at 0°C, the predicted northern distribution of M. ochroloma extends to Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Virginia.
The organization of plant communities: negative plant–soil feedbacks and semiarid grasslands
Authors: Reinhart Kurt O.
Published: November 2012

Understanding how plant communities are organized requires uncovering the mechanism(s) regulating plant species coexistence and relative abundance. Negative soil feedbacks may affect plant communities by suppressing dominant species, causing rarity of most plants, or reducing the competitive abilities of all species. Here, three soil feedback experiments were used to differentiate the effects of soil feedbacks on mid‐ to late‐successional and semiarid grasslands. Then I tested whether the direction and degree of soil feedback accounts for variation in relative abundance among species that coexist within each plant community. Negative soil feedbacks predominated across all species and sites and were individually discernible for 40% of plant species. Negative soil feedbacks affected rare to dominant plant species. Negative soil feedbacks, capable of having negative frequency‐dependent effects, have the potential to act as a fundamental driver of species coexistence.
Using reference conditions in ecosystem restoration: an example for riparian conifer forests in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Pollock Michael M. , Beechie Timothy J. , Imaki Hiroo
Published: November 2012

Quantifying the attributes of reference sites is a crucial problem in the restoration of ecosystems, driving both the evaluation of current conditions and the setting of management targets for specific points in the future. Restoration of riparian ecosystems, particularly those dominated by conifers, has become a priority because of the numerous ecosystem services they provide, including a high number of vertebrate species in population decline that utilize these structurally complex forests. By way of example, we illustrate a three‐step process to assess the effects of proposed riparian ecosystem restoration efforts: (1) identify reference sites (2) quantify metrics that describe the reference sites, and (3) use models to predict the likely effects of restoration actions relative to reference conditions. To this end, we identified 117 natural, late‐successional conifer dominated stands from existing forest inventories in the Pacific Northwest for the purpose of establishing reference conditions. We did this to establish quantitative metrics for structural attributes essential to the maintenance of biodiversity in these forests, and to assess whether there were any important quantitative differences between upland and riparian forests or whether upland and riparian forest reference sites could be used interchangeably. Both forest types were generally similar, but riparian stands had higher average live tree wood volumes and basal areas, suggesting they may be growing on sites that are more productive. Both riparian and upland forests had abundant large diameter (>50 cm) live trees and snags. Collectively, our data suggest that mature, late‐successional conifer dominated forests have well developed structural characteristics in terms of abundant large trees in the overstory, abundant large snags, and a well‐developed understory of shade‐tolerant trees. We modeled the growth of young conifer stands to assess whether a common restoration treatment would accelerate development of structural characteristics typical of reference conditions. We found that left untreated, the stands followed a trajectory towards developing forest structure similar to the average reference condition. In contrast, the restoration treatment followed a developmental trajectory along the outside range of reference conditions.
Practical Resources for Nurses and Other Health Care Providers Involved in the Care of Children at Risk for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Bracht Marianne , Basevitz Debbie , Cranis Marilyn , Paulley Rose , Paes Bosco
Published: November 2012

Health care staff and families with young children are often unware of the ease of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread and potential clinical consequences of serious respiratory illness. Successful Canadian RSV prophylaxis (RSVP) programs (a) provide practical educational resources on RSV and respiratory disease that consider language and cultural barriers; (b) develop policies to identify all children eligible for RSVP with palivizumab; (c) emphasize compliance with RSVP, particularly during patient transfer between hospitals, community clinics, and remote outpost centers; and (d) establish collaborative networks to help ensure optimum RSVP compliance for all high-risk children. Herein, we share practical resources and key educational references for counseling of caregivers with infants or young children at risk for RSV infection, and health care providers participating in RSVP program development.
Recent Advances Involving Palladium (II) Complexes for the Cancer Therapy
Authors: Caires Antonio Carlos Favero
Published: November 2012

This review deals with the most important results published on the structures, reactivity and biomedical applications of palladium( II) complexes in the cancer therapy in the last five years. Biological mechanisms of palladium(II) complexes, especially of palladacycle compounds were boarded. Among the most recent advances in the studies involving correlations between chemical structures of palladacycle compounds and biological activities we mention i) the synthesis of metallic isomer complexes containing ligands derivatives of pyridine and imines in trans position having high antitumoral activities, ii) the development of cationic complexes with biological activity, iii) the discovery of preferential nucleotides for the intercalation of metallic complexes in the double helix of DNA of cancerous cells, configuring irreparable lesions in the macromolecule and iv) the interaction of metallic complexes with other biological molecules, like proteins and peptides, through terminal amine groups, carboxylate groups, imidazolic group of histidine and mostly with the thiol group of methionine. Some of these interactions are related to drug nefrotoxicity effect, which understanding is of fundamental importance. v) Novel ortho-cyclopalladated compounds synthesized from p-isopropylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone have been described with specific cytotoxic properties in tumor cells sensitive to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II). The lysosomal cysteine proteinases cathepsins B and L have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, especially in diseases involving tissue-remodeling states, such as tumor metastasis. Our research group is studying inhibition of Cathepsin B by new palladacycle compounds derived from N, Ndimethyl- 1-phenethylamine and having biphosphine ligands. New palladacycle compounds derived from N,N-dimethyl-1- phenethylamine and the ligand bis(diphenylphosphine)ferrocene were presented as effective antitumoral agents.
Targeting Aberrant TGF-β Signaling in Pre-Clinical Models of Cancer
Authors: Mourskaia Anna Alexeyevna , Northey Jason Jonathan , Siegel Peter Michael
Published: November 2012

The TGF-β signaling pathway is central to the control of diverse biological processes including cellular proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis, extracellular matrix deposition/remodeling, migration, invasion and immune regulation/inflammation. Given the pleiotropic effects of this cytokine, it comes as no surprise that numerous pathological conditions are associated with alterations in the TGF-β pathway, including chronic fibrosis, airway remodeling (asthma), cardiovascular disease and cancer. Thus, there are increasing efforts to develop reagents and therapeutic strategies to impair TGF-β signaling. Here we review several classes of inhibitors, including knockdown strategies aimed at signaling components of the TGF-β pathway, TGF-β neutralizing antibodies, TGF-β receptor extracellular domains that function as ligand traps and small molecule kinase inhibitors. Strategies with potential for application as anti-cancer therapeutics that have been evaluated in pre-clinical animal models will be discussed. TGF-β action is complex, shifting from a tumor suppressor to a promoter of tumor cell invasion and metastasis in several types of cancer. This raises important issues regarding not only the status of the TGF-β pathway in the individual patient but also the precise stage during disease progression that such inhibitors should be employed. Potential consequences of targeting the TGF-β pathway will also be considered.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: Latest Developments, Trends and Medicinal Chemistry Perspective
Authors: Balakin Konstantin V. , Ivanenkov Yan A. , Kiselyov Alex S. , Tkachenko Sergey E.
Published: November 2012

Regulation of gene expression is mediated by several mechanisms such as DNA methylation, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and post-translational modifications of histones. The latter mechanism includes dynamic acetylation and deacetylation of η- amino groups of lysine residues present in the tail of the core histones. Enzymes responsible for the reversible acetylation/deacetylation processes are histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), respectively. There are three mammalian HDAC families, namely HDACs I, II and III based on their sequence homology. Inhibitors of HDACs induce hyperacetylation of histones that modulate chromatin structure and gene expression resulting in growth arrest, cell differentiation, and apoptosis of tumor cells. In addition, HDAC inhibitors enhance efficacy of anticancer agents that target DNA. Several formidable challenges associated with their development include non-specific toxicity and poor PK properties, including cell permeability. In this review, we comment on the current progress in design, discovery, in vitro/ex vivo activity and clinical potential of the synthetic modulators of HDACs.
Recent Advances in Classical and Non-Classical Antifolates as Antitumor and Antiopportunistic Infection Agents: Part I
Authors: Gangjee Aleem , Jain Hiteshkumar D. , Kurup Sonali
Published: November 2012

Antifolates that inhibit the key enzymes thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) have found clinical utility as antitumor and antiopportunistic agents. Methotrexate {MTX, (1)} and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were among the first clinically useful DHFR and TS inhibitors, respectively. The development of resistance to 5-FU, its occasional unpredictable activity and toxicity resulted in the search of novel antifolates. Pemetrexed (4) and raltitrexed (5) specifically inhibit TS, and are clinically useful as antitumor agents. A major mechanism of tumor resistance to clinically useful antifolates is based on their need for polyglutamylation via the enzyme folylpoly-γ-glutamate synthetase (FPGS). Novel antifolates have been developed that do not need to be polyglutamylated and include plevitrexed (6) and GW1843 (7). Nonclassical antifolates for antitumor and parasitic chemotherapy, such as nolatrexed (8), trimethoprim {TMP, (11)} and piritrexim {PTX, (12)}, can passively diffuse into cells and hence do not have to depend on FPGS or the reduced folate carrier (RFC). Variations in the structures of antifolates have helped delineate the structural influence on the interaction with TS, DHFR, FPGS, and RFC utilization. The differences in the active site of human and pathogen DHFR have also been exploited. The literature contains excellent reviews on the design and synthesis of antifolates prior to 1996. This two-part review discusses the design, synthesis and structural requirements for TS and DHFR inhibition and their relevance to antitumor and parasitic chemotherapy, since 1996. Monocyclic and 6-5 fused bicyclic antifolates will be discussed in Part I, while 6-6 bicyclic and tricyclic antifolates will be discussed in Part II.