Magnetic Field Dependent Behavior of the CDW ground state in Per2M(mnt)2 (M = Au, Pt)

The Per2M(mnt)2 class of organic conductors exhibit a charge density wave (CDW) ground state below about 12 K, which may be suppressed in magnetic fields of order 20 to 30 T. However, for both cases of counter ion M(mnt)2 species studied (M = Au (zero spin) and M = Pt (spin 1/2)), new high field ground states evolve for further increases in magnetic field. We report recent investigations where thermopower, Hall effect, high pressure and additional transport measurements have been carried out to explore these new high field phases.Comment: 6 pages, 10 figures, 27 reference

A Junta de Educação Nacional (JEN) e o apoio às instituições científicas (1929-1938)

A Junta de Educação Nacional (JEN) [16-Jan-1929] foi criada com o objectivo de desenvolver o trabalho científico nacional, não só o embrião que já existia nas Universidades, mas também em instituições científicas autónomas. Esperava-se ainda que a JEN criasse Centros de Investigação em diversas disciplinas e subsidiasse o seu funcionamento. Contudo, nos primeiros anos de funcionamento a JEN deparou-se com um panorama de “penúria” da actividade científica nacional e com os pedidos de financiamento de inúmeras instituições universitárias ou mesmo secções governamentais. A braços com orçamentos insuficientes, a JEN procurou representar o meio científico português perante o Governo, requisitando verbas e outros apoios. A actividade de apoio da JEN às instituições de investigação nacionais permite formar uma percepção acerca do campo institucional da ciência em Portugal. Ao longo da sua existência a JEN apoiou mais de 50 instituições científicas, em publicações ou no apetrechamento de material. Apoiou-as ainda, de forma indirecta, através da formação dos seus “cientistas profissionais” num âmbito internacional. No nosso trabalho analisamos os subsídios atribuídos pela JEN em termos geográficos e em relação à área científica bem como o tipo de Instituição subsidiada. Para a JEN, a reorganização das instituições de investigação a nível nacional e a criação de novos Centros de Investigação foram tarefas demoradas e quase impraticáveis. Foi o IAC (1936) que posteriormente começou a desenvolver estes desígnios

Unveiling the Role of the Integrated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in Leishmania Infection - Future Perspectives.

The integrated endoplasmic reticulum stress response (IERSR) is an evolutionarily conserved adaptive mechanism that ensures endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and cellular survival in the presence of stress including nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and imbalance of Ca(+) homeostasis, toxins, and microbial infection. Three transmembrane proteins regulate integrated signaling pathways that comprise the IERSR, namely, IRE-1 that activates XBP-1, the pancreatic ER kinase (PERK) that phosphorylates the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 and transcription factor 6 (ATF6). The roles of IRE-1, PERK, and ATF4 in viral and some bacterial infections are well characterized. The role of IERSR in infections by intracellular parasites is still poorly understood, although one could anticipate that IERSR may play an important role on the host's cell response. Recently, our group reported the important aspects of XBP-1 activation in Leishmania amazonensis infection. It is, however, necessary to address the relevance of the other IERSR branches, together with the possible role of IERSR in infections by other Leishmania species, and furthermore, to pursue the possible implications in the pathogenesis and control of parasite replication in macrophages

Eruption of ammonia-water cryomagmas on Titan 1: crystallisation and cooling during ascent

We are developing a semi-analytical model for the ascent of methane-expansion driven ammonia-water cryomagmas on Titan. The range of different crystal fractions resulting from decompression may help to explain the range of apparent rheological properties inferred for surface features

Surgical Gastrostomy: Current Indications And Complications In A University Hospital [gastrostomia Cirúrgica: Indicações Atuais E Complicações Em Pacientes De Um Hospital Universitário]

Objective: To analyze the surgical gastrostomies performed at a public University Hospital, their indications and complications. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, nonrandomized review of medical records of patients who underwent surgical gastrostomy from 2007 to 2011; Results:, In the period of studied, 86 patients underwent surgical gastrostomies for enteral nutrition. The Stamm technique was employed in all cases. Men constituted 76 (88%) of the cases and the mean age was 58.4 years, the maximum age being 87 years and the minimum 19. We observed 16 (18.60%) minor complications, 17 (19.76%) serious complications and 8 (9.3%) perioperative deaths. Conclusion: Surgical gastrostomy, while considered a smaller procedure, is not without complications and mortality. The Stamm technique, despite the complications reported, is easy to perform and to handle, as well as safe.406458462Witzel, O., Zur technik der magenfistulaeinlegung (1891) Zbl Chir, 18, pp. 601-604Stamm, M., Gastrostomy: A new method (1894) Med News, 65, p. 324Grant, J.P., Comparison of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with Stamm gastrostomy (1988) Ann Surg, 207 (5), pp. 598-603Gauderer, M.W., Ponsky, J.L., Izant Jr., R.J., Gastrostomy without laparoscopy: A percutaneous endoscopic technique (1980) J Pediatr Surg, 15 (6), pp. 872-875Kwon, R.S., Banerjee, S., Desilets, D., Diehl, D.L., Farraye, F.A., Enteral nutrition access devices (2010) Gastrointest Endosc, 72 (2), pp. 236-248. , ASGE Technology CommitteeHerman, L.L., Hoskins, W.J., Shike, M., Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for decompression of the stomach and small bowel (1992) Gastrointest Endosc, 38 (3), pp. 314-318Möller, P., Lindberg, C.G., Zilling, T., Gastrostomy by various techniques: Evaluation of indications, outcome, and complications (1999) Scand J Gastroenterol, 34 (10), pp. 1050-1054Wollman, B., D'Agostino, H.B., Walus-Wigle, J.R., Easter, D.W., Beale, A., Radiologic, endoscopic, and surgical gastrostomy: An institutional evaluation and meta-analysis of the literature (1995) Radiology, 197 (3), pp. 699-704Ljungdahl, M., Sundbom, M., Complication rate lower after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy than after surgical gastrostomy: A prospective, randomized trial (2006) Surg Endosc, 20 (8), pp. 1248-1251Pisano, G., Calò, P.G., Tatti, A., Farris, S., Erdas, E., Licheri, S., Surgical gastrostomy when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is not feasible: Indications, results and comparison between the two procedures (2008) Chir Ital, 60 (2), pp. 261-266Martins, F.P., Sousa, M.C.B., Ferrari, A.P., New "introducer" PEG-gastropexy with T fasteners: A pilot study (2011) Arq Gastroenterol, 48 (4), pp. 231-235Ocaña, L.F.O., Crocifoglio, V.A., La gastrostomía laparoscópica como una alternative a la gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (1995) Rev Gastroenterol Mex, 60 (4), pp. 218-220Bergstrom, L.R., Larson, D., Zinsmeister, A.R., Sarr, M.G., Silverstein, M.D., Utilization and outcomes of surgical gastrostomies and jejunostomies in an era of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A population- based study (1995) Mayo Clin Proc, 70 (9), pp. 829-836Nicholson, F.B., Korman, M.G., Richardson, M.A., Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A review of indications, complications and outcome (2000) J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 15 (1), pp. 21-25Shellito, P.C., Malt, R.A., Tube gastrostomy. Techniques and complications (1985) Ann Surg, 201 (2), pp. 180-185Cox, W.D., Gillesby, W.J., Gastrostomy in postoperative decompression: Indications and methods (1967) Am J Surg, 113 (2), pp. 298-302Cosentini, E.P., Sautner, T., Gnant, M., Winkelbauer, F., Teleky, B., Jakesz, R., Outcomes of surgical, percutaneous endoscopic, and percutaneous radiologic gastrostomies (1998) Arch Surg, 133 (10), pp. 1076-1083Rustom, I.K., Jebreel, A., Tayyab, M., England, R.J., Stafford, N.D., Percutaneous endoscopic, radiological and surgical gastrostomy tubes: A comparison study in head and neck cancer patients (2006) J Laryngol Otol, 120 (6), pp. 463-466Grilo, A., Santos, C.A., Fonseca, J., Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for nutritional palliation of upper esophageal cancer unsuitable for esophageal stenting (2012) Arq Gastroenterol, 49 (3), pp. 227-231Zorrón, R., Flores, D., Meyer, C.A.F., Castro, L.M., Madureira, F.A.V., Madureira, F.D., Single-wound gastrostomy: A simple method as an option for endoscopy (2005) Rev Col Bras Cir, 32 (3), pp. 153-15

Overexpression of adenosine A2A receptors in rats: effects on depression, locomotion, and anxiety

Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) are a sub-type of receptors enriched in basal ganglia, activated by the neuromodulator adenosine, which interact with dopamine D2 receptors. Although this reciprocal antagonistic interaction is well-established in motor function, the outcome in dopamine-related behaviors remains uncertain, in particular in depression and anxiety. We have demonstrated an upsurge of A2AR associated to aging and chronic stress. Furthermore, Alzheimer's disease patients present A2AR accumulation in cortical areas together with depressive signs. We now tested the impact of overexpressing A2AR in forebrain neurons on dopamine-related behavior, namely depression. Adult male rats overexpressing human A2AR under the control of CaMKII promoter [Tg(CaMKII-hA2AR)] and aged-matched wild-types (WT) of the same strain (Sprague-Dawley) were studied. The forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), and the open-field test (OFT) were performed to evaluate behavioral despair, anhedonia, locomotion, and anxiety. Tg(CaMKII-hA2AR) animals spent more time floating and less time swimming in the FST and presented a decreased sucrose preference at 48 h in the SPT. They also covered higher distances in the OFT and spent more time in the central zone than the WT. The results indicate that Tg(CaMKII-hA2AR) rats exhibit depressive-like behavior, hyperlocomotion, and altered exploratory behavior. This A2AR overexpression may explain the depressive signs found in aging, chronic stress, and Alzheimer's disease