Topology and Dynamics in Complex Networks: The Role of Edge Reciprocity

A key issue in complex systems regards the relationship between topology and dynamics. In this work, we use a recently introduced network property known as steering coefficient as a means to approach this issue with respect to different directed complex network systems under varying dynamics. Theoretical and real-world networks are considered, and the influences of reciprocity and average degree on the steering coefficient are quantified. A number of interesting results are reported that can assist the design of complex systems exhibiting larger or smaller relationships between topology and dynamics

New segregates from the Neotropical genus Stryphnodendron (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade)

Non-monophyly is a prominent issue in mimosoid legumes, even in some of the less speciose genera such as the neotropical genus Stryphnodendron. This genus includes 35 species occurring from Nicaragua to Southern Brazil mostly in humid forests and savannas. Previous taxonomic studies of Stryphnodendron have highlighted morphologically distinct groups within the genus, recognized by differences on leaves (number of pinnae and size of leaflets), inflorescences (a simple or compound thyrse), and fruit types (legume, nucoid legume or follicle). Recent phylogenetic analyses have confirmed the non-monophyly of Stryphnodendron, supporting the recognition of three independent and morphologically well-delimited genera. Here we re-circumscribe Stryphnodendron and propose the two new genera Gwilymia and Naiadendron. In addition, we also provide an updated taxonomic account of the closely related genus Microlobius, including the proposal of a lectotype for the single species in the genus

Acute exercise induce endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation via Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase in aorta of rats: Role of reactive oxygen species

AbstractBackgroundAcute exercise increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). H2O2 promotes endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and phosphorylation in endothelial cells. With this in mind, the present study was designed to evaluate ex vivo eNOS phosphorylation in rat aortas incubated with H2O2 and to test this hypothesis in vivo in the aortas of rats submitted to acute exercise.MethodsFor ex vivo studies, six groups of aortic tissue were formed: control, H2O2, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), LY294002, compound C, and LY294002 plus compound C. While incubation with H2O2 increased Akt, AMPK and eNOS phosphorylation, pre-incubation with NAC strongly reduced the phosphorylation of these enzymes. For in vivo studies, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, cont+NAC, exercise, and exer+NAC. After a 3h swimming session, animals were decapitated and aortas were excised for biochemical and immunoblotting analysis.ResultsAcute exercise increased superoxide levels and dichlorofluorescein (DCF) concentrations, and this increase was related to phosphorylation of Akt, AMPK and eNOS. On the other hand, use of NAC reduced superoxide levels and DCF concentration. Reduced superoxide levels and DCF in the exer+NAC group were associated with decreased Akt, AMPK and eNOS phosphorylation. These results appear to be connected with vascular function because VASP phosphorylation increased in acute exercise and decreased in exer+NAC.ConclusionOur results indicate that ROS induced by acute exercise play the important role of activating eNOS, a process apparently mediated by Akt and AMPK

AKT can modulate the in vitro response of HNSCC cells to irreversible EGFR inhibitors

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in up to 90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors. Cetuximab is the first targeted (anti-EGFR) therapy approved for the treatment of HNSCC patients. However, its efficacy is limited due to primary and secondary resistance, and there is no predict biomarkers of response. New generation of EGFR inhibitors with pan HER targeting and irreversible action, such as afatinib and allitinib, represents a significant therapeutic promise. In this study, we intend to compare the potential cytotoxicity of two anti-EGFR inhibitors (afatinib and allitinib) with cetuximab and to identify potential predictive biomarkers of response in a panel of HNSCC cell lines. The mutational analysis in the eight HNSCC cell lines revealed an EGFR mutation (p.H773Y) and gene amplification in the HN13 cells. According to the growth inhibition score (GI), allitinib was the most cytotoxic drug, followed by afatinib and finally cetuximab. The higher AKT phosphorylation level was associated with resistance to anti-EGFR agents. Therefore, we further performed drug combinations with anti-AKT agent (MK2206) and AKT1 gene editing, which demonstrated afatinib and allitinib sensitivity restored. Additionally, in silico analysis of TCGA database showed that AKT1 overexpression was present in 14.7% (41/279) of HNSCC cases, and was associated with perineural invasion in advanced stage. In conclusion, allitinib presented a greater cytotoxic profile when compared to afatinib and cetuximab. AKT pathway constitutes a predictive marker of allitinib response and combination with AKT inhibitors could restore response and increase treatment success.FINEP (MCTI/FINEP/MS/SCTIE/DECIT-01/2013 - FPXII-BIOPLAT) and the Assistance Program and Incentive Research (PAIP), Barretos Cancer Hospital São Paulo, Brazil. The authors would like to acknowledge the technical support of Gabriela Lamberti in the clonogenic assays. A.L.C and R.M.R are recipients of a National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) scholarship and O.C.M is recipient of a Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) scholarship (SFRH/BPD/108351/2015)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Diagnóstico e Avanço no Ensino de Química para os Surdos na Cidade de Patos/PB

O referido trabalho tem por finalidade apresentar as principais dificuldades e avanços no ensino de química na inclusão de alunos surdos na cidade de Patos/PB. Ao longo da pesquisa foi investigada a utilização de algumas abordagens pedagógicas que facilitam a aprendizagem dos alunos surdos. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida entre outubro e novembro de 2010 na Escola Normal Dom Expedito Eduardo de Oliveira. A utilização dos jogos educativos foi uma das principais estratégias para os alunos se alfabetizarem na língua portuguesa. Neste trabalho foi possível ver a importância de uma relação exemplar entre professor e alunos surdos, que facilita a aprendizagem entre todos a partir da inclusão. Além do mais é importante lembrar que o professor e o intérprete devem trabalhar em equipe, preocupando com as limitações de cada um e ajudando-os a suprir as dificuldades no ambiente educacional, principalmente na sala de aula em relação aos alunos ouvinte

Projeto Químicas nas Escolas Públicas no Sertão Paraibano: novos caminhos no processo ensino-aprendizagem da Química

O PRESENTE ARTIGO RELATA ATIVIDADADES REALIZADAS DURANTE EXECUÇÃO DO PROJETO QUÍMICAS NAS ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS DO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA − REGIÃO DO SERTÃO PARAIBANO.TRATA-SE DE UM PROJETO PILOTO PROMOVIDO PELA COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR (CAPES) E ESCOLAS PUBLICAS DO SERTÃO PARAIBANO. A PROPOSIÇÃO DE AÇÕES JUNTO AOS ESTUDANTES DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA PARTIU DA ARTICULAÇÃO DESTES TRÊS COMPONENTES – LICENCIADOS, ESTUDANTES E PROFESSORES DO ENSINO MÉDIO - NUMA INTERAÇÃO QUE VISA PROPOR, APLICAR E AVALIAR UM CONJUNTO DE TEMAS OS QUAIS EXPLORAM CONCEITOS QUÍMICOS IMPORTANTES. BUSCANDO ABORDAR CONTEÚDOS ESTABELECIDOS COMOCONTEÚDOS BÁSICOS PARA O ENSINO DE QUÍMICA NO NÍVEL MÉDIO, COM BASE NOS CONHECIMENTOS QUÍMICOSASSOCIADOS À MATRIZ DE COMPETÊNCIAS E HABILIDADES DO EXAME NACIONAL DO ENSINO MÉDIO (ENEM). A PERSPECTIVA APRESENTADA NESTE PROJETO SUGERE QUE O ENSINO DE QUÍMICA DEVE ENVOLVER A BUSCA PELA COMPREENSÃO SIGNIFICATIVA DA LINGUAGEM QUÍMICA, COM SEUS SÍMBOLOS E FIGURAS, COMO UMA FORMA PARTICULAR DE DESCREVER O MUNDO. PELO FATO DO OBJETO FUNDAMENTAL DE ESTUDO E INVESTIGAÇÃO CONCENTRAR-SE NO PROCESSO DE ENSINO-APRENDIZAGEM DO CONHECIMENTO QUÍMICO, DIFERENTEMENTE DAS OUTRAS ÁREAS DA QUÍMICA, QUE BASICAMENTE PREOCUPAM-SE COM INTERAÇÕES DE ÁTOMOS E MOLÉCULAS, COM A DINÂMICA E MECANISMOS DE TRANSFORMAÇÕES QUÍMICAS, NA CONDIÇÃO DE EDUCADORES, DA ÁREA DE EDUCAÇÃO QUÍMICA, NOS ENVOLVEMOS COM INTERAÇÕES DE PESSOAS (ALUNOS E PROFESSORES) E COM A DINÂMICA DO CONHECIMENTO NAS AULAS DE QUÍMICA

Gastos em saúde e incidência de benefício no município de Senhor do Bonfim (BA) em 2003

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a desigualdade no acesso e utilização dos serviços de saúde no município de Senhor do Bonfim (BA). O método utilizado é o “benefit incidence”, ou incidência de benefício, que permite identificar quais os grupos sociais que se beneficiam dos gastos do Governo. A incidência de benefício no município de Senhor do Bonfim, para 2003, foi estimada por grupos da população previamente definidos (renda, gênero e cor da pele), com o objetivo de avaliar o grau de iniqüidade dos gastos públicos em saúde. Os gastos públicos foram desagregados por nível de complexidade. Combinando os dados referentes aos subsídios com os resultados da pesquisa domiciliar, observou-se iniqüidade da distribuição dos gastos públicos com saúde em Senhor do Bonfim

High-resolution genetic map and QTL analysis of growth-related traits of Hevea brasiliensis cultivated under suboptimal temperature and humidity conditions

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is the main source of natural rubber worldwide and has been extended to areas with suboptimal climates and lengthy drought periods; this transition affects growth and latex production. High-density genetic maps with reliable markers support precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), which can help reveal the complex genome of the species, provide tools to enhance molecular breeding, and shorten the breeding cycle. In this study, QTL mapping of the stem diameter, tree height, and number of whorls was performed for a full-sibling population derived from a GT1 and RRIM701 cross. A total of 225 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 186 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a base map with 18 linkage groups and to anchor 671 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to produce a very dense linkage map with small intervals between loci. The final map was composed of 1,079 markers, spanned 3,779.7 cM with an average marker density of 3.5 cM, and showed collinearity between markers from previous studies. Significant variation in phenotypic characteristics was found over a 59-month evaluation period with a total of 38 QTLs being identified through a composite interval mapping method. Linkage group 4 showed the greatest number of QTLs (7), with phenotypic explained values varying from 7.67 to 14.07%. Additionally, we estimated segregation patterns, dominance, and additive effects for each QTL. A total of 53 significant effects for stem diameter were observed, and these effects were mostly related to additivity in the GT1 clone. Associating accurate genome assemblies and genetic maps represents a promising strategy for identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rubber trees. Then, further research can benefit from the QTLs identified herein, providing a better understanding of the key determinant genes associated with growth of Hevea brasiliensis under limiting water conditions

Linkage disequilibrium and population structure in wild and cultivated populations of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Abstract: Among rubber tree species, which belong to the Hevea genus of the Euphorbiaceae family, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis. LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation

Inclusão de Alunos Surdos: Desafios e Possibilidades no Ensino de Química

O referido trabalho tem por finalidade apresentar as dificuldades, superações e possibilidades enfrentadas por alunos surdos em relação ao Ensino de Química, entre a relação intérprete/professor, e ainda, a importância da inclusão social em escolas regulares na Paraíba/PB. Ao longo da pesquisa foi investigada a utilização de algumas abordagens pedagógicas que facilitam a aprendizagem dos alunos surdos. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em 2010 na Escola Normal Dom Expedito Eduardo de Oliveira, e enriquecida em 2012 na Escola E.E.F.M. Engenheiro José D´Ávila Lins, ambas no Estado da Paraíba. Neste trabalho foi possível ver a importância de uma relação exemplar entre professor e alunos surdos, que facilita a aprendizagem entre todos a partir da inclusão. Além do mais é importante lembrar que o professor e o intérprete devem trabalhar em equipe, preocupando com as limitações de cada um e ajudando-os a suprir as dificuldades no ambiente educacional, principalmente na sala de aula em relação aos alunos ouvintes