A Análise Matemática no Ensino Universitário Brasileiro: a contribuição de Omar Catunda

The goal of this paper is to show the diffusion, reception, and utilization of Omar Catunda's book Course of Mathematical Analysis for mathematics and engineering teaching in Brazilian universities, e. g., University of Sao Paulo and the University of Bahia from 1950 to 1976. We used interviews of some ex-alumni or users of his book. We also present some signs of the influence of his book and of Catunda himself at University of Rio Grande do Sul. We argue that Catunda and his book were important agents of process of modernizing the teaching of calculus and analysis, through his classes as well as his book.

Sensitization Prevalence, Antibody Cross-Reactivity and Immunogenic Peptide Profile of Api g 2, the Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein 1 of Celery

Background: Celery (Apium graveolens) represents a relevant allergen source that can elicit severe reactions in the adult population. To investigate the sensitization prevalence and cross-reactivity of Api g 2 from celery stalks in a Mediterranean population and in a mouse model. Methodology: 786 non-randomized subjects from Italy were screened for IgE reactivity to rApi g 2, rArt v 3 (mugwort pollen LTP) and nPru p 3 (peach LTP) using an allergen microarray. Clinical data of 32 selected patients with reactivity to LTP under investigation were evaluated. Specific IgE titers and cross-inhibitions were performed in ELISA and allergen microarray. Balb/c mice were immunized with purified LTPs; IgG titers were determined in ELISA and mediator release was examined using RBL-2H3 cells. Simulated endolysosomal digestion was performed using microsomes obtained from human DCs. Results: IgE testing showed a sensitization prevalence of 25.6% to Api g 2, 18.6% to Art v 3, and 28.6% to Pru p 3 and frequent co-sensitization and correlating IgE-reactivity was observed. 10/32 patients suffering from LTP-related allergy reported symptoms upon consumption of celery stalks which mainly presented as OAS. Considerable IgE cross-reactivity was observed between Api g 2, Art v 3, and Pru p 3 with varying inhibition degrees of individual patients' sera. Simulating LTP mono-sensitization in a mouse model showed development of more congruent antibody specificities between Api g 2 and Art v 3. Notably, biologically relevant murine IgE cross-reactivity was restricted to the latter and diverse from Pru p 3 epitopes. Endolysosomal processing of LTP showed generation of similar clusters, which presumably represent T-cell peptides. Conclusions: Api g 2 represents a relevant celery stalk allergen in the LTP-sensitized population. The molecule displays common B cell epitopes and endolysosomal peptides that encompass T cell epitopes with pollen and plant-food derived LTP.

Orbitofrontal Cortex Volumes in Medication Naive Children with Major Depressive Disorder: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Objectives: Adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) are reported to have reduced orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) volumes, which could be related to decreased neuronal density. We conducted a study on medication naive children with MDD to determine whether abnormalities of OFC are present early in the illness course. Methods: Twenty seven medication naive pediatric Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4(th) edition (DSM-IV) MDD patients (mean age +/- SD = 14.4 +/- 2.2 years; 10 males) and 26 healthy controls (mean age +/- SD = 14.4 +/- 2.4 years; 12 males) underwent a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 3D spoiled gradient recalled acquisition. The OFC volumes were compared using analysis of covariance with age, gender, and total brain volume as covariates. Results: There was no significant difference in either total OFC volume or total gray matter OFC volume between MDD patients and healthy controls. Exploratory analysis revealed that patients had unexpectedly larger total right lateral (F = 4.2, df = 1, 48, p = 0.05) and right lateral gray matter (F = 4.6, df = 1, 48, p = 0.04) OFC volumes compared to healthy controls, but this finding was not significant following statistical correction for multiple comparisons. No other OFC subregions showed a significant difference. Conclusions: The lack of OFC volume abnormalities in pediatric MDD patients suggests the abnormalities previously reported for adults may develop later in life as a result of neural cell loss.

O Intuitivo e o Lógico no Conhecimento Matemático: análise de uma proposta pedagógica em relação a abordagens filosóficas atuais e ao contexto educacional da matemática

In this paper, we consider Meneghetti & Bicudo's proposal (2003) regarding the constitution of mathematical knowledge and analyze it with respect to the following two focuses: in relation to conceptions of mathematical knowledge following the fundamentalist crisis in mathematics; and in the educational context of mathematics. The investigation of the first focus is done analyzing new claims in mathematical philosophy. The investigation of the second focus is done firstly via a theoretical reflection followed by an examination of the implementation of the proposal in the process of development of didactic materials for teaching and learning Mathematics. Finally, we present the main results of the application of one of those materials.

MEMORY TRAINING FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH LOW EDUCATION: MENTAL IMAGES VERSUS CATEGORIZATION

This study aimed to describe the benefits of memory training for older adults with low education. Twenty-nine healthy older adults with zero to two years of formal education participated. Sixteen participants received training based on categorization (categorization group = CATG) and 13 received training based on mental images (imagery group = IMG). One group served as control for the other because they trained with different strategies. Training was offered in eight sessions of 90 minutes. The participants were evaluated pre- and posttraining. IMG improved performance in episodic memory tests and had reduced depressive symptoms. CATG increased the use of categorization but did not increase performance in episodic memory tests. Results suggest that the strategy based on the creation of mental images was more effective for older adults with low formal education.

Influence of temperature on continuous high gravity brewing with yeasts immobilized on spent grains

Flavor compounds` formation and fermentative parameters of continuous high gravity brewing with yeasts immobilized on spent grains were evaluated at three different temperatures (7, 10 and 15 degrees C). The assays were performed in a bubble column reactor at constant dilution rate (0.05 h(-1)) and total gas flow rate (240 ml/min of CO(2) and 10 ml/min of air), with high-gravity all-malt wort (15 degrees Plato). The results revealed that as the fermentation temperature was increased from 7 to 15 degrees C, the apparent and real degrees of fermentation, rate of extract consumption, ethanol volumetric productivity and consumption of free amino nitrogen (FAN) increased. In addition, beer produced at 15 degrees C presented a higher alcohols to esters ratio (2.2-2.4:1) similar to the optimum values described in the literature. It was thus concluded that primary high-gravity (15 degrees Plato) all-malt wort fermentation by continuous process with yeasts immobilized on spent grains, can be carried out with a good performance at 15 degrees C.

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) as dietary additive for broilers: performance and oxidative stability of meat

Aqueous extract of mate (dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis) added to drinking water for broilers for the last 14 days prior to slaughter did not affect performance at 25 days of age, but improved oxidative stability of the chicken meat. Oxidative stability of precooked breast meat made from control meat (CON) and from meat of broilers raised on water with mate added was investigated during chill storage for up to 7 days. The use of mate showed no influence on the content of lipids in chicken breast meat; however, lipid oxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was significantly lower for meat from broilers raised on water with mate extracts in different concentrations (MA0.1, MA0.5, and MA1.0 corresponding to 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% of mate dried leaves). The relative effect was largest at 1 day of storage with more than 50% reduction on TBARS; the result was still significant after 3 days, but almost vanished after 7 days, when oxidative rancidity was very high in all samples. In meat from broilers raised on water with mate extract, vitamin E was protected during cooking, although in the very rancid meat balls at 7 days of storage, the protection almost disappeared. Nevertheless, mate can be an interesting natural alternative to be used in chicken diets to improve lipid stability of the meat.

Carotenoids production from a newly isolated Sporidiobolus pararoseus strain by submerged fermentation

This work aimed at evaluating the total carotenoids production by a newly isolated Sporidiobolus pararoseus. Bioproduction was carried out in an orbital shaker, using 10% (w/v) of inoculum (25 A degrees C, 180 rpm for 35 h), incubated for 120 h in a dark room. Liquid N(2) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) were used for cell rupture, and carotenoids were extracted with a solution of acetone/methanol (7:3, v/v). Optimization of carotenoids bioproduction was achieved by experimental design technique. Initially, a Plackett-Burman design was used for the screening of the most important factors, after the statistical analysis, a complete second-order design was carried out to optimize the concentration of total carotenoids in a conventional medium. Maximum concentration of 856 mu g/L of total carotenoids was obtained in a medium containing 60 g/L of glucose, 15 g/L of peptone, and 15 g/L of malt extract, 25 A degrees C, initial pH 4.0 and 180 rpm. Fermentation kinetics showed that the maximum concentration of total carotenoids was reached after 102 h of fermentation and that carotenoids bioproduction was associated with cell growth.

Sensory evaluation of precooked chicken meat with mate (Ilex paraguariensis) added as antioxidant

Dried mate leaves or aqueous extract of dried mate leaves added to chicken meat balls prior to cooking for antioxidant protection was found not to affect taste or smell of the product significantly for addition corresponding to 0.050% of dried mate leaves, while 0.10% changed the smell but not the taste and more significantly for dried leaves. Addition of aqueous mate extract corresponding to 0.050% of mate is recommended as an alternative to more strongly flavoured herbs for oxidative protection of meat products.

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) as a source of water extractable antioxidant for use in chicken meat

Aqueous extract of mate, made from dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, St. Hilaire, was shown to be effective during chilled storage for up to 10 days in protecting lipids and vitamin E against oxidation in pre-cooked meat balls made from chicken breast added 0.5% salt and packed in atmospheric air. Extracts made with water, methanol, ethanol or 70% aqueous acetone were evaluated by comparing (1) total phenolic content, (2) radical scavenging capacity, (3) effect on lipid oxidation in a food emulsion model, and in liposomes. Based on the three-step evaluation, aqueous mate extract was preferred for food use. Dried leaves were further compared to dried rosemary leaves in chicken meat balls, and mate (0.05 and 0.10%) found to yield equal or better protection than rosemary at the same concentration against formation of secondary lipid oxidation products.

Correlation between sensory and chemical markers in the evaluation of Brazil nut oxidative shelf-life

Sensory analysis is one of the most suitable processes for measuring oxidative damage and determining the shelf-life of nuts, but it is an expensive and time-consuming methodology. Thus, our objective was to correlate sensory data and chemical markers obtained during the accelerated oxidation of Brazil nuts and to determine the chemical parameters values associated with the sensory shelf-life of the nuts as established by the consumers. Brazil nuts were kept at 80 A degrees C for 21 days. At intervals of 2 days, the oxidized odor of the samples was analyzed by nine trained panelists using a discriminative scale, and the oil was extracted to quantify the chemical parameters. A high (r > 0.95) and significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the sensory data and the hydroperoxide concentration (PV), para-anisidine value (pAV), hexanal content, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentrations. When compared with fresh samples, sensory identification of oxidized odor occurred on the 4th day, noticeably earlier than changes in chemical markers (12th day). Consumers rejected the nuts after 12 days of storage, which corresponded to PV = 18.8 meq kg(-1) oil, pAV = 7.68, hexanal = 48.95 mu mol 100 g(-1) oil, alpha-tocopherol = 15.01 mg kg(-1) oil, and gamma + beta-tocopherol = 73.88 mg kg(-1) oil. Our study suggests that simple spectrometric methods, such as PV and pAV, can be used to estimate the oxidative shelf-life of nuts based on sensory analysis.

Hypoxia Inducible Factor-Dependent Regulation of Angiogenesis by Nitro-Fatty Acids

Objective-Nitro-fatty acids (NO(2)-FAs) are emerging as a new class of cell signaling mediators. Because NO(2)-FAs are found in the vascular compartment and their impact on vascularization remains unknown, we aimed to investigate the role of NO(2)-FAs in angiogenesis. Methods and Results-The effects of nitrolinoleic acid and nitrooleic acid were evaluated on migration of endothelial cell (EC) in vitro, EC sprouting ex vivo, and angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane assay in vivo. At 10 mu mol/L, both NO(2)-FAs induced EC migration and the formation of sprouts and promoted angiogenesis in vivo in an NO-dependent manner. In addition, NO(2)-FAs increased intracellular NO concentration, upregulated protein expression of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) transcription factor by an NO-mediated mechanism, and induced expression of HIF-1 alpha target genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, glucose transporter-1, and adrenomedullin. Compared with typical NO donors such as spermine-NONOate and deta-NONOate, NO(2)-FAs were slightly less potent inducers of EC migration and HIF-1 alpha expression. Short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of HIF-1 alpha attenuated the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression and EC migration stimulated by NO(2)-FAs. Conclusion-Our data disclose a novel physiological role for NO(2)-FAs, indicating that these compounds induce angiogenesis in an NO-dependent mechanism via activation of HIF-1 alpha. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2011;31:1360-1367.)

The Ethics and Citizenship Program: a Brazilian experience in moral education

This article describes the Ethics and Citizenship Program, a moral education project developed by the Brazilian government to promote education in ethics and citizenship in Brazilian fundamental and middle schools through four key themes: ethics, democratic coexistence, human rights and social inclusion. Some findings from a research project that investigated whether such a program did in fact promote the ethical and citizenship awareness of participating students are outlined. As an introduction to the paper`s main concerns, the Brazilian socioeconomic context is characterised, followed by a description of the historical background of moral education in Brazil.

Knowledges and practices of successful literacy teachers (Brazil, 1950-1980)

Significant changes have marked Brazilian education in the period focused on by this research. Aiming to understand the configurations of the teaching profession in that period, this work focuses on the issue of the school success in the area of literacy by means of an analysis of the practices of literacy teachers who were at work between the 1950s and 1980s. The research is based on life-history accounts. The study aimed at describing the various experiences of these teachers identifying the knowledges and practices that sustained their successful literacy work as well as the various factors of a social, religious, political, familiar or other nature that, in the history of each of these teachers, favoured the development of a pedagogical style of literacy particular to each one of them. Despite the peculiarities and originality of each history, the success in the literacy process, as the defining feature of the profile of the four teachers, results from two main aspects: first, the autonomy that each one managed to keep in the development of his/her teaching work, particularly in the organisation of the teaching practices that indicated greater chances of a pupil`s learning to read and write; second, their trust in the capacity of every child for learning, independently of his/her social, economic and cultural conditions. Based on this evidence it is argued that the success of the pedagogical work, particularly during the early years of schooling, lies in an ethics of the teaching work with a double implication: first, it requires the teachers` dedication to their pupils, and second, it requires respect for the work of the teacher, so that she/he can maintain her/his autonomy and inventiveness. These aspects indicate the need for reflection on teaching work and a review of current teacher education policies, particularly the policies targeted at teachers working with literacy practices.

Teacher strikes in Brazil and its representations: ""orderly disciplined class"" and ""education workers"" (Sao Paulo, 1963-1979)

This article analyses the teacher strikes that took place in the state of Sao Paulo ( Brazil). These strikes produced new representations of the profession and gave a particular visibility to its interest aggregation processes. These same strikes appeared as major incentives for the organisation of teachers in Brazil. The October 1963 strike - about six months before the military coup of 1964 - was the first to mobilise the whole of the teaching profession of the Sao Paulo state: primary and secondary education, public and private schools were all involved. The two other strikes, organised by teachers in the public schools in 1978 and 1979, took place under the dictatorship. As such, they had a particular significance in the process of recovering civil liberties in the final stages of the military regime in the 1980s. This article is based on an analysis of the front-page covering of these teacher strikes by the two major journals of the state, O Estado de S. Paulo and Folha de S. Paulo. With Chartier`s concept collective representations in mind, this approach allows us to grasp how large-circulation journals diffuse images of the profession and its organisational configurations. These press pictures are analysed by dint of the analytical frame Roland Barthes advanced in the 1960s, i.e. by reading their denoted, connoted and symbolic messages.