Efeitos do conhecimento de resultados autocontrolado na aprendizagem motora

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar três diferentes estratégias de fornecer conhecimento de resultados (CR): autocontrolado, yoked pareado por tentativa e yoked pareado pela frequência média total de CR, na prática aleatória. A amostra foi constituída por 45 voluntários universitários, distribuídos em três grupos (n= 15 sujeitos). A tarefa consistiu em pressionar as teclas 2, 4, 8 e 6 do teclado numérico de um computador, em três diferentes tempos alvo (700, 900 e 1100 ms), praticados aleatoriamente. O experimento constou de fase de aquisição e testes de retenção e transferência atrasados. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da ANOVA e não foi constatada diferença significativa entre os grupos. Os resultados demonstraram que não houve efeito das frequências autocontroladas para a aprendizagem motora quando se utiliza a prática aleatória. Além disso, uma nova possibilidade de parear o grupo autocontrolado foi apresentada.

Central catheter dressing in a simulator: the effects of tutor's assistance or self-learning tutorial

Aims: to compare the performance of undergraduate students concerning semi-implanted central venous catheter dressing in a simulator, with the assistance of a tutor or of a self-learning tutorial. Method: Randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 35 undergraduate nursing students, who were divided into two groups after attending an open dialogue presentation class and watching a video. One group undertook the procedure practice with a tutor and the other with the assistance of a self-learning tutorial. Results: in relation to cognitive knowledge, the two groups had lower performance in the pre-test than in the post-test. The group that received assistance from a tutor performed better in the practical assessment. Conclusion: the simulation undertaken with the assistance of a tutor showed to be the most effective learning strategy when compared to the simulation using a self-learning tutorial. Advances in nursing simulation technology are of upmost importance and the role of the tutor in the learning process should be highlighted, taking into consideration the role this professional plays in knowledge acquisition and in the development of critical-reflexive thoughts and attitudes. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 01614314).

A New Species of Hypostomus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Upper Rio Paraguay Basin, Brazil

A new small Loricariidae, Hypostomus careopinnatus, is described from the Rio Taquari drainage, upper Rio Paraguay basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species can be easily distinguished from all congeners, except Hypostomus kids, by the absence of adipose fin. Hypostomus careopinnatus is distinguished from H. levis mainly by the presence of slender bifid teeth, with mesial cusp large and rounded, and lateral cusp small and pointed (vs. spoon-shaped teeth). The new species described herein completely lacks the adipose fin and also lacks the median pre-adipose plates in almost all specimens examined. The absence of adipose fin is probably an independent acquisition for Hypostomus careopinnatus and Hypostomus levis.

Underground leaves of Philcoxia trap and digest nematodes

The recently described genus Philcoxia comprises three species restricted to well lit and low-nutrient soils in the Brazilian Cerrado. The morphological and habitat similarities of Philcoxia to those of some carnivorous plants, along with recent observations of nematodes over its subterranean leaves, prompted the suggestion that the genus is carnivorous. Here we report compelling evidence of carnivory in Philcoxia of the Plantaginaceae, a family in which no carnivorous members are otherwise known. We also document both a unique capturing strategy for carnivorous plants and a case of a plant that traps and digests nematodes with underground adhesive leaves. Our findings illustrate how much can still be discovered about the origin, distribution, and frequency of the carnivorous syndrome in angiosperms and, more generally, about the diversity of nutrient-acquisition mechanisms that have evolved in plants growing in severely nutrient-impoverished environments such as the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots.

Leptospiral Immunoglobulin-like Proteins Interact With Human Complement Regulators Factor H, FHL-1, FHR-1, and C4BP

Leptospira, the causative agent of leptospirosis, interacts with several host molecules, including extracellular matrix components, coagulation cascade proteins, and human complement regulators. Here we demonstrate that acquisition of factor H (FH) on the Leptospira surface is crucial for bacterial survival in the serum and that these spirochetes, besides interacting with FH, FH related-1, and C4b binding protein (C4BP), also acquire FH like-1 from human serum. We also demonstrate that binding to these complement regulators is mediated by leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (Lig) proteins, previously shown to interact with fibronectin, laminin, collagen, elastin, tropoelastin, and fibrinogen. Factor H binds to Lig proteins via short consensus repeat domains 5 and 20. Competition assays suggest that FH and C4BP have distinct binding sites on Lig proteins. Moreover, FH and C4BP bound to immobilized Ligs display cofactor activity, mediating C3b and C4b degradation by factor I. In conclusion, Lig proteins are multifunctional molecules, contributing to leptospiral adhesion and immune evasion.

Three-dimensional Doppler evaluation of single spherical samples from the placenta: intra- and interobserver reliability

Objective To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of assessment of three-dimensional power Doppler (3D-PD) indices from single spherical samples of the placenta. Methods Women with singleton pregnancies at 2440 weeks' gestation were included. Three scans were independently performed by two observers; Observer 1 performed the first and third scan, intercalated by the scan of Observer 2. The observers independently analyzed the 3D-PD datasets that they had previously acquired using four different methods, each using a spherical sample: random sample extending from basal to chorionic plate; random sample with 2 cm3 of volume; directed sample to the region subjectively determined as containing more color Doppler signals extending from basal to chorionic plate; or directed sample with 2 cm3 of volume. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were evaluated in each case. The observers were blinded to their own and each other's results. Additional evaluation was performed according to placental location: anterior, posterior and fundal or lateral. Intra- and interobserver reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results Ninety-five pregnancies were included in the analysis. All three placental 3D-PD indices showed only weak to moderate reliability (ICC < 0.66 and ICC < 0.48, intra- and interobserver, respectively). The highest values of ICC were observed when using directed spherical samples from basal to chorionic plate. When analyzed by placental location, we found lower ICCs for lateral and fundal placentae compared to anterior and posterior ones. Conclusion Intra- and interobserver reliability of assessment of placental 3D-PD indices from single spherical samples in pregnant women greater than 24 weeks' gestation is poor to moderate, and clinical usefulness of these indices is likely to be limited. Copyright (c) 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Intelligence systems methodology: a systemic approach to the organizational intelligence function

Organizational intelligence can be seen as a function of the viable structure of an organization. With the integration of the Viable System Model and Soft Systems Methodology (systemic approaches of organizational management) focused on the role of the intelligence function, it is possible to elaborate a model of action with a structured methodology to prospect, select, treat and distribute information to the entire organization that improves the efficacy and efficiency of all processes. This combination of methodologies is called Intelligence Systems Methodology (ISM) whose assumptions and dynamics are delimited in this paper. The ISM is composed of two simultaneous activities: the Active Environmental Mapping and the Stimulated Action Cycle. The elaboration of the formal ISM description opens opportunities for applications of the methodology on real situations, offering a new path for this specific issue of systems thinking: the intelligence systems. Knowledge Management Research & Practice (2012) 10, 141-152. doi:10.1057/kmrp.2011.44

EFFICIENT FAULT LOCATION IN UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS THROUGH OPTIMUM-PATH FOREST

In this article we propose an efficient and accurate method for fault location in underground distribution systems by means of an Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) classifier. We applied the time domains reflectometry method for signal acquisition, which was further analyzed by OPF and several other well-known pattern recognition techniques. The results indicated that OPF and support vector machines outperformed artificial neural networks and a Bayesian classifier, but OPF was much more efficient than all classifiers for training, and the second fastest for classification.

Both the dorsal hippocampus and the dorsolateral striatum are needed for rat navigation in the Morris water maze

The multiple memory systems theory proposes that the hippocampus and the dorsolateral striatum are the core structures of the spatial/relational and stimulus-response (S-R) memory systems, respectively. This theory is supported by double dissociation studies showing that the spatial and cue (S-R) versions of the Morris water maze are impaired by lesions in the dorsal hippocarnpus and dorsal striatum, respectively. In the present study we further investigated whether adult male Wistar rats bearing double and bilateral electrolytic lesions in the dorsal hippocampus and dorsolateral striatum were as impaired as rats bearing single lesions in just one of these structures in learning both versions of the water maze. Such a prediction, based on the multiple memory systems theory, was not confirmed. Compared to the controls, the animals with double lesions exhibited no improvement at all in the spatial version and learned the cued version very slowly. These results suggest that, instead of independent systems competing for holding control over navigational behaviour, the hippocampus and dorsal striatum both play critical roles in navigation based on spatial or cue-based strategies. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CANOPIES OF Eucalyptus spp. USING RADIOMETRIC DATA FROM TM/Landsat 5

Empirical approaches and, more recently, physical approaches, have grounded the establishment of logical connections between radiometric variables derived from remote data and biophysical variables derived from vegetation cover. This study was aimed at evaluating correlations of dendrometric and density data from canopies of Eucalyptus spp., as collected in Capao Bonito forest unit, with radiometric data from imagery acquired by the TM/Landsat-5 sensor on two orbital passages over the study site (dates close to field data collection). Results indicate that stronger correlations were identified between crown dimensions and canopy height with near-infrared spectral band data (rho(s)4), irrespective of the satellite passage date. Estimates of spatial distribution of dendrometric data and canopy density (D) using spectral characterization were consistent with the spatial distribution of tree ages during the study period. Statistical tests were applied to evaluate performance disparities of empirical models depending on which date data were acquired. Results indicated a significant difference between models based on distinct data acquisition dates.

FTIR and SEM analysis of CO2 laser irradiated human enamel

Objectives: Considering the enamel chemical structure, especially carbonate band, which has a major role in the caries prevention, the objective of the present study was to assess the chemical alterations on the enamel irradiated with CO2 laser by means of FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. Design: The enamel surfaces were analysed on a spectrometer for acquisition of the absorption spectrum relative to the chemical composition of the control sample. The irradiation was conducted with a 10.6-mu m CO2 laser (0.55 W, 660 W/cm(2)). The carbonate absorption band at 1600-1291 cm(-1) as well as the water absorption band at 3793-2652 cm(-1) was measured in each sample after the irradiation. The water band was measured again 24-h after the irradiation. The band area of each chemical compound was delimited, the background was subtracted, and the area under each band was integrated. Each area was normalized by the phosphate band (1190-702 cm(-1)). Results: There was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the water content after irradiation (control: 0.184 +/- 0.04; irradiated: 0.078 +/- 0.026), which increased again after rehydration (0.145 +/- 0.038). The carbonate/phosphate ratio was measured initially (0.112 +/- 0.029) and its reduction after irradiation indicated the carbonate loss (0.088 +/- 0.014) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 10.6-mu m CO2 laser irradiation diminishes the carbonate and water contents in the enamel after irradiation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crianças com implante coclear: habilidades comunicativas e qualidade de vida

Dado o âmbito multidimensional do implante coclear, há crescente necessidade em avaliar não somente medidas clínicas de eficácia relacionadas às habilidades comunicativas, mas também aspectos mais genéricos envolvidos na efetividade do tratamento, como a qualidade de vida. OBJETIVOS: Tradução e adaptação de questionário internacional para o Português Brasileiro; análise das correlações entre fatores relacionados à qualidade de vida; análise das correlações entre qualidade de vida e medidas clínicas de resultado. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo realizado com pais de crianças com implante coclear consistindo na aplicação de instrumentos validados para avaliar aspectos de qualidade de vida e habilidades comunicativas. RESULTADOS: A tradução e adaptação cultural do questionário foi satisfatoriamente realizada e este estudo proporciona a disponibilização do questionário em versão para o Português Brasileiro. Pelos dados obtidos, o implante coclear apresentou efeito positivo na qualidade de vida das crianças implantadas e de suas famílias. As correlações observadas para a variável comunicação demonstram uma relação direta entre comunicação oral e outras variáveis de qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo disponibiliza o questionário em versão para o Português Brasileiro. Para os pais de crianças brasileiras usuárias de implante coclear, a habilidade lexical (aquisição e uso das palavras) é a variável de maior impacto na qualidade de vida de seus filhos.

The 1420 Ma Indiavai Mafic Intrusion (SW Amazonian Craton): Paleomagnetic results and implications for the Columbia supercontinent

The configuration and the timing of assembly and break-up of Columbia are still matter of debate. In order to improve our knowledge about the Mesoproterozoic evolution of Columbia, a paleomagnetic study was carried out on the 1420 Ma Indiavai mafic intrusive rocks that crosscut the polycyclic Proterozoic basement of the SW Amazonian Craton, in southwestern Mato Grosso State (Brazil). Alternating field and thermal demagnetization revealed south/southwest ChRM directions with downward inclinations for sixteen analyzed sites. These directions are probably carried by SD/PSD magnetite with high coercivities and high unblocking temperatures as indicated by additional rock magnetic tests, including thermomagnetic data, hysteresis data and the progressive acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetization. Different stable magnetization components isolated in host rocks from the basement 10 km NW away to the Indiavai intrusion, further support the primary origin of the ChRM. A mean of the site mean directions was calculated at Dm = 209.8 degrees, Im = 50.7 degrees (alpha(95) = 8.0 degrees, K = 22.1), which yielded a paleomagnetic pole located at 249.7 degrees E, 57.0 degrees S (A(95) = 8.6 degrees). The similarity of this pole with the recently published 1420 Ma pole from the Nova Guarita dykes in northern Mato Grosso State suggests a similar tectonic framework for these two sites located 600 km apart, implying the bulk rigidity of the Rondonian-San Ignacio crust at that time. Furthermore these data provide new insights on the tectonic significance of the 1100-1000 Ma Nova Brasilandia belt-a major EW feature that cuts across the basement rocks of this province, which can now be interpreted as intracratonic, in contrast to previous interpretation. From a global perspective, a new Mesoproterozoic paleogeography of Columbia has been proposed based on comparison of these 1420 Ma poles and a 1780 Ma pole from Amazonia with other paleomagnetic poles of similar age from Baltica and Laurentia, a reconstruction in agreement with geological correlations. (C) 2012 International Association for Gondwana Research. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Upper airway expansion after rapid maxillary expansion evaluated with cone beam computed tomography

Objective: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a reliable method of assessing the oral cavity and upper airways. We conducted this study to examine the changes introduced by rapid maxillary expansion in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and oropharynx as seen with images obtained by CBCT. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 15 patients with maxillary width deficiency treated with RME. Patients were subjected to CBCT at the beginning of RME and after the retention period of 4 months. Results: The nasal cavity presented a significant transverse increase in the lower third, in the anterior (1.08 mm +/- 0.15), medium (1.28 mm +/- 0.15), and posterior regions (0.77 mm +/- 0.12). No significant change occurred in the nasopharynx in volume (P = .11), median sagittal area (P = .33), or lower axial area (P = .29) resulting from the RME. A significant change was noted in the oropharynx in volume (P = .05), median sagittal area (P = .01), and lower axial area (P = .04) before and immediately after the RME. Conclusions: RME is able to increase the transverse width of the nasal cavity, but it does not have the same effect in the nasopharynx. Changes noted in the oropharynx may be due to the lack of a standardized position of the head and tongue at the time of image acquisition. (Angle Orthod. 2012;82:458-463.)

Serotonin-2C receptors in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala mediate the anxiogenic effect of acute imipramine and fluoxetine administration

A growing body of evidence indicates that facilitation of serotonin-2C receptor (5-HT2CR)-mediated neurotransmission in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) is involved in anxiety generation. We investigated here whether BLA 5-HT(2C)Rs exert a differential role in the regulation of defensive behaviours related to generalized anxiety (inhibitory avoidance) and panic (escape) disorders. We also evaluated whether activation of BLA 5-HT(2C)Rs accounts for the anxiogenic effect caused by acute systemic administration of the antidepressants imipramine and fluoxetine. Male Wistar rats were tested in the elevated T-maze after intra-BLA injection of the endogenous agonist 5-HT, the 5-HT2CR agonist MK-212 or the 5-HT2CR antagonist SB-242084. This test allows the measurement of inhibitory avoidance acquisition and escape expression. We also investigated whether intra-BLA administration of SB-242084 interferes with the acute anxiogenic effect caused by imipramine and fluoxetine in the Vogel conflict test, and imipramine in the elevated T-maze. While intra-BLA administration of 5-HT and MK-212 facilitated inhibitory avoidance acquisition, suggesting an anxiogenic effect, SB-242084 had the opposite effect. None of these drugs affected escape performance. Intra-BLA injection of a sub-effective dose of SB-242084 fully blocked the anxiogenic effect caused either by the local microinjection of 5-HT or the systemic administration of imipramine and fluoxetine. Our findings indicate that 5-HT(2C)Rs in BLA are selectively involved in the regulation of defensive behaviours associated with generalized anxiety, but not panic. The results also provide the first direct evidence that activation of BLA 5-HT(2C)Rs accounts for the short-term aversive effect of antidepressants.