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Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma distinguished by its infiltrative growth pattern and recurrence potential. Understanding the molecular characteristics of DFSP is essential for enhancing its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. The paper provides an overview of DFSP, highlighting the significance of its molecular understanding. The gene expression profiling has uncovered unique molecular signatures in DFSP, highlighting its heterogeneity and potential therapeutic targets. The Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors (PDGFRs) and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) signaling pathways play essential roles in the progression and development of DFSP. The abnormal activation of these pathways presents opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Several emerging therapies, i.e., immunotherapies, immunomodulatory strategies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, offer promising alternatives to surgical resection. In DFSP management, combination strategies, including rational combination therapies, aim to exploit the synergistic effects and overcome resistance. The article consisting future perspectives and challenges includes the discovery of prognostic and predictive biomarkers to improve risk stratification and treatment selection. Preclinical models, such as Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and genetically engineered mouse models, help study the biology of DFSP and evaluate therapeutic interventions. The manuscript also covers small-molecule inhibitors, clinical trials, immune checkpoint inhibitors for DFSP treatment, combination therapies, rational therapies, and resistance mechanisms, which are unique and not broadly covered in recent pieces of literature.

This article introduces a suite of mini-applications (mini-apps) designed to optimise computational kernels in ab initio electronic structure codes. The suite is developed from flagship applications participating in the NOMAD Center of Excellence, such as the ELPA eigensolver library and the GW implementations of the exciting, Abinit, and FHI-aims codes. The mini-apps were identified by targeting functions that significantly contribute to the total execution time in the parent applications. This strategic selection allows for concentrated optimisation efforts. The suite is designed for easy deployment on various High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, supported by an integrated CMake build system for straightforward compilation and execution. The aim is to harness the capabilities of emerging (post)exascale systems, which necessitate concurrent hardware and software development — a concept known as co-design. The mini-app suite serves as a tool for profiling and benchmarking, providing insights that can guide both software optimisation and hardware design. Ultimately, these developments will enable more accurate and efficient simulations of novel materials, leveraging the full potential of exascale computing in material science research.

Transcurrida una década desde la implementación de la Ley 19/2013, carecemos de una visión comparada del nivel de cumplimiento de la norma que incluya una selección amplia de los ayuntamientos españoles. A pesar de la existencia de estudios sobre el cumplimiento de la transparencia activa y de la presencia de varios índices, la mayoría de las contribuciones están centradas exclusivamente en los ayuntamientos de más población. Con el objetivo de subsanar esta carencia, hemos monitorizado los patrones de transparencia activa de los ayuntamientos españoles mayores de 10.000 habitantes y de una selección de 300 inferiores a 10.000. En total, hemos analizado el cumplimiento normativo de 1.031 municipios españoles. Para revisar el cumplimiento, hemos construido un índice con los principales elementos de la Ley. Los resultados arrojan una implementación dispar e insuficiente de las obligaciones de publicidad activa y, para un mejor cumplimiento normativo, se debería promover un sistema de monitorización externo del cumplimiento que promueva e incentive prácticas y experiencias y suponga una mayor difusión de los principios de la norma, así como alejarse de la homogenización, estableciendo articulaciones específicas de las obligaciones normativas en función de la naturaleza, la dimensión y la capacidad institucional.

In 1970, Brazilian composer Gilberto Mendes was invited to participate in the III Festival of Music from America and Spain in Madrid, which brought together composers from several countries of Latin America, in addition to the USA, Canada, and Spain. For Mendes, this festival was essential to establish a rapprochement between Latin American composers, more specifically between Brazilians and the Spanish-speaking countries, who, in his opinion, until that moment were little known. From that year on, there was an increase in the participation of Latin American composers in the Festival Música Nova, created by Gilberto Mendes in 1962 in Santos. Through the analysis of primary sources such as concert programs and testimonials, this work shows the importance of the Festival of Music from America and Spain in developing an integration project.

Desde su fundación en 1947, la Universidad de Oriente, se ha caracterizado por su proyección social, expresada, fundamentalmente, a través de la extensión cultural. Para tales fines, se creó el Departamento de Extensión y Relaciones Culturales. Una de sus secciones era: Artes Dramáticas y Teatro Universitario, constituida definitivamente el 16 de octubre de 1956, con Francisco Morín como Director. El objetivo principal de este ensayo histórico es: revelar el proceso de gestación y actividades de dicha sección en el período de 1947 a 1961. Se sostiene la idea de que la formación y representación teatral en la Universidad de Oriente introdujo cambios en cuanto a las estéticas, temas y formas de llevarlos a escena que permitió reflejar las problemáticas sociales, dejando atrás lo vernáculo y dando a conocer obras paradigmáticas de la historia del teatro universal.

This work presents an analysis of Gilberto Mendes’ “Santos Football Music” performed by the Orquestra Sinfônica de Santos in 2005 and recorded on video as part of the documentary “A Odisseia Musical de Gilberto Mendes” (2006). This work is characterized as a practice of music-theater, in which scenic and visual elements are combined with sound elements. The participation of the audience in the performance is also a fundamental component of the work. Deviating from an analytical perspective focused on the object-score, in this article we seek to approach the musical work from the point of view of its performance. To do so, we rely on Thomas Turino's (2008) distinctions in ways of music making and Arjun Appadurai's (1996) locality perspective.

Flexible pressure sensors can be used to predict possible injuries and inform the wearer about their foot posture and landing positions during both walking and running. This work focuses on designing and producing capacitive pressure sensors and integrating them into a smart insole. The suitability of sensors was assessed using a mechanical test rig to measure the change of capacitance under different loads. The effects of introducing micropores into the dielectric layer using two fabrication methods were analysed. The results obtained imply that the use of micropores has the potential to increase the sensitivity and improve the response time of the sensors.

O Concretismo foi um marco no campo das artes plásticas mundial. Em fins dos anos 1940, essa estética se introjetou na plástica brasileira, tornando-se, na década seguinte, o paradigma da pintura no país. Sua disseminação atingiu outros campos artísticos, fecundando o solo para o surgimento da poesia concreta e resvalando sobre a música de vanguarda do Grupo Música Nova. Com o golpe militar, o projeto formalista do Concretismo se abriu para uma fase semântica, que se tornou conhecido como popcreto devido a uma exposição realizada pelo artista plástico Waldemar Cordeiro e por Augusto de Campos, com participação musical de Damiano Cozzella. Neste trabalho, partimos do pressuposto de que é possível identificar na música do Grupo Música Nova, especialmente em sua música-teatro, um dos procedimentos mais característicos do Concretismo paulista em sua fase semântica, a saber: a crítica social por meio da incorporação de objetos oriundos da cultura de massa e da sociedade de consumo. Para tal, fazemos uma análise comparativa entre o Manifesto Música Nova, publicado em 1963 pelo referido grupo, e textos de Waldemar Cordeiro e seus estudiosos. A partir da consonância encontrada entre os textos, analisamos a obra Cidade de Gilberto Mendes, composta em 1964, sobre o poema concreto de Augusto de Campos, identificando como tais procedimentos se materializam em uma composição musical. Chegamos à conclusão de que a música-teatro, por sua característica cênico-musical – portanto, visual e sonora –, ofereceu os meios para a elaboração do Concretismo semântico, popcreto, dentro do campo da música de concerto brasileira.

Los gobiernos locales de España han implementado normativas diversas, nacionales y autonómicas, de transparencia en los últimos años. Todo el acervo normativo aprobado establecía principios e imponía obligaciones de índole muy diversa al conjunto de entes públicos, entre ellos los más de 8.000 ayuntamientos. Este trabajo se interesa por el proceso de implementación de la(s) normativa(s) de transparencia en los gobiernos locales españoles de mayor población. Concretamente, se plantea hasta qué punto esta normativa ha impulsado el cambio organizacional e institucional en los entes locales y el nivel de desempeño en términos de publicidad activa. Mediante un cuestionario específico dirigido a los municipios de mayor población y el análisis de las páginas web de los ayuntamientos, obtenemos información sobre el proceso y el nivel de implementación efectiva. En este artículo discutimos sobre dos factores determinantes para comprender el proceso de implementación: la existencia de path dependency interna o el establecimiento de normativa y obligaciones legales. Los resultados apuntan hacia una explicación y efectos combinados de la existencia de normativa específica y la aplicación anticipada de la transparencia, tanto para el nivel de cumplimiento de ésta como para el cambio institucional provocado.

Aquest article analitza els quaranta anys d’eleccions municipals a Catalunya des de dues perspectives. La primera és la discussió acadèmica sobre la nacionalització del govern local. El concepte de nacionalització –o el seu complementari d’eleccions de segon ordre– remet al principi segons el qual les eleccions locals van adquirint progressivament una major similitud a les eleccions parlamentàries. Aquest punt de vista posa l’èmfasi en la integració vertical del nivell local en el sistema polític nacional i en la relació asimètrica entre tots dos nivells. La segona perspectiva és la de l’estabilitat política del govern local assolida al llarg d’aquests anys. El dubte que havia planat sobre el govern local durant la transició segons el qual aquesta seria una font d’inestabilitat política és una hipòtesi que cal testar mínimament. Així, doncs, de manera complementària a l’anàlisi del comportament electoral s’ha estudiat, d’una banda, la permanència i la taxa de renovació dels alcaldes, i, de l’altra, la morfologia dels executius fruit de cadascun dels mandats consistorials.

This article analyses Spanish Mayors’ perceptions on three areas of possible reforms that are currently on the local government agenda: re-scaling, amalgamations and metropolitanization. This study shows two main features: On the one hand, a relative homogeneity regarding mayors’ perceptions of reforms and, on the other hand, a consistent difference in the mayors’ orientations from two groups of autonomous communities. The first ones acceded to the “fast track” decentralization process that unfolded in Spain since 1978, due to the pressure exerted by their political leaders; the second group acceded to autonomy in a later wave, equating the distribution of power in all the territories of the state. Specifically, it is found that homogeneity in responses is only apparent when the two groups of mayors are considered. Thus, those from “fast track” regions are more in favor of decentralization towards their regions and structures of coordination or cooperation between levels of government than mayors in “slow track” autonomous communities. We conclude that, in a scenario of shared power and multilevel interdependence, fast-track mayors tend to protect more intergovernmental agreements that favor spaces where they can control the formulation of policies that affect them.

No abstract available.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo refletir sobre metodologias adequadas para a realização de repertório de música contemporânea com coros infantojuvenis. Parte-se da ideia de que, para que haja uma experiência musical plural e enriquecedora, é necessário que o aluno seja apresentado a todo tipo de repertório, incluindo a música dos séculos XX e XXI. A primeira parte da pesquisa apresenta um levantamento bibliográfico que discute a importância educacional e estética de se inserir a música contemporânea no repertório de coros infantojuvenis, e apresenta possíveis maneiras de realizar esta tarefa. A segunda parte apresenta a descrição da metodologia utilizada na montagem da obra Beba Coca-Cola de Gilberto Mendes com o Coro Juvenil da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Com este artigo, pretende-se mostrar a regentes e educadores musicais que os jovens são capazes de se interessar pela música contemporânea e de executá-la, desde que a proposta os motive e torne interessante sua realização.

This study aimed to investigate associations among body dissatisfaction, behaviors, feelings, and beliefs related to the body - and somatotypical profile. The sample included 142 undergraduate female students (21.81 ± 3 years) who underwent to assessment of Body Mass Index and somatotype, according to the World Health Organization and Heath-Carter protocols, respectively. To assess body image the following instruments were applied: Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Attitudes Questionnaire, Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale, Self-Subject Silhouettes To the analysis data we proceeded to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA one-way). As the main result, we find that body dissatisfaction, body avoidance and negative attitudes about appearance components are linked to each other and they are influenced by body profiles with mesomorphic and endomorphic predominance. We conclude that the somatotype profile can be an important predictor of changes in body image and is indicated for tracking risk groups.

Background: Each year, around one out of two nursing home (NH) residents are hospitalized in France, and about half to the emergency department (ED). These transfers are frequently inappropriate. This paper describes the protocol of the FINE study. The first aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with inappropriate transfers to ED. Methods/design: FINE is a case-control observational study. Sixteen hospitals participate. Inclusion period lasts 7 days per season in each center for a total period of inclusion of one year. All the NH residents admitted in ED during these periods are included. Data are collected in 4 times: before transfer in the NH, at the ED, in hospital wards in case of patient's hospitalization and at the patient's return to NH. The appropriateness of ED transfers (i.e. case versus control NH residents) is determined by a multidisciplinary team of experts. Results: Our primary objective is to determine the factors predisposing NH residents to inappropriate transfer to ED. Our secondary objectives are to assess the cost of the transfers to ED; study the evolution of NH residents' functional status and the psychotropic and inappropriate drugs prescription between before and after the transfer; calculate the prevalence of potentially avoidable transfers to ED; and identify the factors predisposing NH residents to potentially avoidable transfer to ED. Discussion: A better understanding of the determinant factors of inappropriate transfers to ED of NH residents may lead to proposals of recommendations of better practice in NH and would allow implementing quality improvement programs in the health organization. Keywords: Inappropriate transfer, Nursing home resident, Emergency department transfer, Potentially avoidable transfer, Appropriateness of transfer, Inappropriate hospitalization

Se presenta el primer estudio sobre dendrocli - matología de Pinus pseudostrobus y Pinus devoniana en el estado de Michoacán (México). El estudio se realizó en los municipios de Áporo y Zitácuaro de la Reserva de la Biosfera de la Mariposa Monarca ( RBMM ). Se colectaron cien testimonios de madera tomados a 1.3 m de altura del árbol, repartidas en los ejidos del Rincón del Soto y Arro - yo Seco (Áporo), y en el ejido de San Juan de Zitácuaro. Las series dendrocronológicas en Áporo para la especie Pinus pseudostrobus se extendió a 62 años (1949-2010) y para Pinus devoniana 86 años (1925-2010); y las series en Zitácuaro para Pinus pseudostrobus y Pinus devoniana se extendieron a 47 años (1964-2010) y 44 años (1967-2010), respectivamente. Con el objetivo de establecer los parámetros climáticos que controlan el crecimiento radial de las especies estudiadas, se encontró que la serie potencial para hacer estudios den - drocronológicos es la de Pinus pseudostrobus en Zitácua ro. El valor de la serie de Pinus devoniana se encuentra ligera - mente por debajo (0.81) del valor de aceptación (0.85). Las series de crecimiento radial se compararon con datos climáticos de precipitación mensual, temperatura media mensual, temperatura máxima y mínima medias mensuales, de estaciones meteorológicas cercanas al área en estudio. Las funciones de correlación indican que la anchura de los anillos de ambas especies está regulada significativamente por la precipitación y la temperatura máxima media en Zitácuaro. Ambas especies reaccionan semejantemente con el clima, pero con algunas diferencias. Para Pinus pseu - dostrobus hay una relación positiva del crecimiento radial con el aumento de precipitación en el mes de abril del año actual; y hay una relación negativa del crecimiento radial con el aumento de temperatura máxima media en el mes de agosto del año previo. Para Pinus devoniana hay una relación negativa del crecimiento radial con el aumento de precipitación en el mes de noviembre del año previo, y una relación positiva en febrero del año actual; y hay una relación negativa del crecimiento radial con el aumento de tempe - ratura máxima media en los meses de julio y agosto del año previo.

Neste artigo, examinamos a atuação de Cecília Meirelles na ‘Pagina de Educação’, do Diario de Noticias, do Rio de Janeiro, particularmente os textos publicados na seção ‘Commentario’, entre 12 de junho de 1930, data da fundação desse jornal, e 03 de outubro de 1930, quando se verifica a revolução comandada por Getúlio Vargas. Durante esse período, Meirelles, além de divulgar os princípios do escolanovismo, abordando temas pontuais que pudessem esclarecê-lo, tratou de problemas que emergiram com a Reforma da Educação no Distrito Federal realizada por Fernando de Azevedo. De uma forma ou de outra, ela se mostrou uma autora combativa, que se colocou na linha de frente em prol da renovação da educação no Brasil, fazendo comentários diários sobre temas que, de um modo geral, entrelaçavam educação e política.

Neste artigo analisamos a obra de Pero de Magalhães Gândavo no interior do que denominamos escritos coloniais. São textos escritos entre as últimas décadas do século XVI e as primeiras do XVII. A intenção de Gândavo, assim como a dos demais autores coloniais, é defender os interesses dos colonos. Com isso, contrariamos a historiografia em geral e a historiografia da literatura brasileira em particular, que os veem como autores identificados com os interesses metropolitanos.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da percepção háptica na estabilidade locomotora do ser humano durante a condução de um cão com uma guia. Adultos (n=14), com e sem restrição da visão, andaram sobre uma trave de equilíbrio sozinhos, ou, com uma guia, andaram conduzindo um cão sobre um banco estreito ao lado. Quando os participantes caminharam conduzindo o cão, privados da visão, o desempenho locomotor-avaliado através da duração do deslocamento total, da duração das passadas, das fases de duplo suporte e balanço, do comprimento e velocidade das passadas, assim como da variabilidade da fase relativa-melhorou significativamente (p < 0,05) em relação ao desempenho locomotor na condição sem o cão. Nas condições com visão, conduzir o cão não resultou em mudanças nestas variáveis. Concluímos que estes indivíduos foram capazes de utilizar a guia do cão para detectar propriedades hápticas com propósito de melhorar a estabilidade na locomoção.

Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, retrospectivo, de tipo descriptivo, de 28 recién nacidos de bajo peso en el área de salud del Policlínico Docente "José Martí Pérez" de Santiago de Cuba, de enero a septiembre del 2012, con vistas a determinar la incidencia del bajo peso al nacer e identificar algunos factores de riesgo relacionados con este, a partir de las variables: edad materna, antecedentes de recién nacidos con bajo peso, hábitos tóxicos, ocupación, paridad, estado nutricional de la gestante en la captación, ganancia de peso durante el embarazo y presencia de algunas enfermedades asociadas a la gestación. Entre los resultados más importantes figuraron: índice de bajo peso al nacer de 6,6 %, edad materna de 18 a 24 años (53,6 %), ama de casa como ocupación en el embarazo (42,8 %), anemia (89,3 %) e infección vaginal (50,0 %) como enfermedades asociadas a la gravidez, ganancia insuficiente de peso en la gestante (46,6 %) y primiparidad (53,6 %).

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los 252 nacidos con bajo peso pertenecientes al área de salud del Policlínico Docente "José Martí Pérez" de Santiago de Cuba, durante el quinquenio 2007-2011, a fin de caracterizarles y determinar cómo se manifestó el bajo peso al nacer en ellos. Se incluyeron las variables: índices de bajo peso al nacer, peso al nacer, distribución y fallecidos según sus formas clínicas, mortalidad del nacido con peso menor de 2 000 g y su supervivencia, causa del nacimiento pretérmino e indicaciones médicas. En la serie el índice de bajo peso aumentó de 6,9 en 2007 a 7,1 en el 2011, predominó como forma clínica el crecimiento intrauterino retardado, la preeclampsia grave fue el diagnóstico médico más frecuente y el mayor número de fallecidos correspondió al grupo con peso menor de 2 000 g. De igual manera, se logró un incremento en la supervivencia de estos recién nacidos, en directa relación con la mejoría ostensible de los indicadores en el período.

Em nosso texto procuramos chamar a atenção para o fato de que, na questão das fontes, o aspecto mais importante é o pesquisador que as considera. Essa consideração é produto da história, o que faz com que, em cada época e segundo a posição social e política do investigador, se conceba as fontes de modo particular. Assim, não existe um modo de tratá-las que esteja desvinculada da maneira como o pesquisador se coloca diante das questões do presente.In our text we try to call the attention to the fact that, concerning the sources, the most important aspect is the researcher who considers them. This consideration is a product of history, thus in each period and according to his social and political status, the researcher will conceive the sources in a particular way. Therefore, there is no single way to deal with the sources, which is unrelated to how the researcher behaves in relation to contemporary issues.

Brain control of the reproductive system is mediated through hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which activates specific receptors (GnRHR) present at the surface of the pituitary gonadotropes to trigger secretion of the two gonadotropins LH and FSH. A unique feature of this system is the high dependence on the secretion mode of GnRH, which is basically pulsatile but undergoes considerable fluctuations in pulse frequency pattern in response to endogenous or external factors. How the physiological fluctuations of GnRH secretion that orchestrate normal reproduction are decoded by the gonadotrope cell machinery to ultimately control gonadotropin release and/or subunit gene transcription has been the subject of intensive studies during the past decades. Surprisingly, the mammalian GnRHR is unique among G protein-coupled receptor family as it lacks the carboxy-terminal tail usually involved in classical endocytotic process. Accordingly, it does not desensitize properly and internalizes very poorly. Both this atypical intrinsic property and post-receptor events may thus contribute to decode the GnRH signal. This includes the participation of a network of signaling pathways that differently respond to GnRH together with a growing amount of genes differentially sensitive to pulse frequency. Among these are two pairs of genes, the transcription factors EGR-1 and NAB, and the regulatory factors activin and follistatin, that function as intracellular autoregulatory feedback loops controlling respectively LHbeta and FSHbeta gene expression and hence, LH and FSH synthesis. Pituitary gonadotropes thus represent a unique model of cells functionally adapted to respond to a considerably fluctuating neuroendocrine stimulation, from short individual pulses to sustained GnRH as observed at the proestrus of ovarian cycle. Altogether, the data emphasize the adaptative reciprocal complementarity of hypothalamic GnRH neurones and pituitary gonadotropes to function as an original unit.

This article presents the first study on dendroclimatology of Pinus pseudostrobus and Pinus devoniana in the state of Michoacán (Mexico), specifically in the municipalities of Áporo and Zitácuaro, both municipalities within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR). The sampling in Áporo, northwest of the MBBR, was held in Los Ejidos del Rincón del Soto and Arroyo Seco, in Sierra Chincúa (May 2011). In Zitácuaro, southwest of the reserve, a sampling was performed in the Ejido de San Juan de Zitácuaro, in the area of Ocotal and Palma, and Meso Sedano (June 2011). There were a total of 38 Pinus pseudostrobus and 12 Pinus devoniana sampled in both areas of the study and distributed in 28 trees in the municipality of Áporo and 22 in Zitácuaro. Two samples per tree were taken at 1.3 m height, resulting in a total of 100 tree cores. The dendrochronological series in Áporo for the species Pinus pseudostrobus were extended to 62 years (1949-2010) and for Pinus devoniana 86 years (1925-2010); and the series in Zitácuaro for Pinus pseudostrobus and Pinus devoniana were extended to 47 years (1964-2010) and 44 years (1967-2010), respectively. The ring chronologies were validated using the program COFECHA, which calculates the cross correlations between individual series of the tree-growth, five series were eliminated due to very low or negative correlations. The climate data from Zitácuaro were obtained from two weather stations located in the same municipality. And, in the case of Áporo, the data was obtained from stations located in Senguio. The growth rates related to the climate were obtained by removing the growth trend of each tree due to the age, size and other factors such as the competition, using the program ARSTAN. The following statistics were used to evaluate the quality of the residual chronologies and to determine the potential dendrochronology of species for the different populations: the average correlation between series (Rbar), the signal expressed by the population (EPS), medium sensitivity (MS), and the auto-correlation of first order (AC). To analyze the correlation and the function of response between the radial growth and climate variables, the waste medium chronologies of the growth rates for both species, and the records of temperature and precipitation, were evaluated through the Dendroclim2002, which determines the period of the year that most influences the radial growth of Pinus in relation to monthly climate data. In order to establish the climatic parameters that control the radial growth of the studied species, the Pinus pseudostrobus was found to be the potential series to perform the dendrochronological study in Zitácuaro. The value of the series of Pinus devoniana is slightly lower (0.81) than the acceptance value (0.85). The series of radial growth were compared with the climate records of monthly precipitation, average monthly temperature, and average maximum and minimum monthly temperatures. Correlation functions indicate that the width of the rings of both species is regulated significantly by rainfall and the average maximum temperature in Zitácuaro. Both species react similarly to the climate, but with some differences. There is a positive relationship between radial growth of Pinus pseudostrobus and the increasing rainfall in April of the current year; and there is a negative relationship between radial growth and the increasing average maximum temperature in August the previous year. For Pinus devoniana there is a negative relationship between radial growth and the increasing rainfall in November of the previous year, and a positive relationship in February of the current year; and there is a negative relationship between radial growth and the increasing average of maximum temperature in July and August last year.

Ran, a member of the Ras-GTPase superfamily, has a well-established role in regulating the transport of macromolecules across the nuclear envelope (NE). Ran has also been implicated in mitosis, cell cycle progression, and NE formation. Over-expression of Ran is associated with various cancers, although the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unclear. Serendipitously, we found that Ran possesses the ability to move from cell-to-cell when transiently expressed in mammalian cells. Moreover, we show that the inter-cellular transport of Ran is GTP-dependent. Importantly, Ran displays a similar distribution pattern in the recipient cells as that in the donor cell and co-localizes with the Ran binding protein Nup358 (also called RanBP2). Interestingly, leptomycin B, an inhibitor of CRM1-mediated export, or siRNA mediated depletion of CRM1, significantly impaired the inter-cellular transport of Ran, suggesting a function for CRM1 in this process. These novel findings indicate a possible role for Ran beyond nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, with potential implications in inter-cellular communication and cancers.

La diffusion Raman anti-Stokes cohérente (DRASC) est devenue une technique de thermométrie aujourd'hui opérationnelle. Après un rappel du principe de la mesure, un montage de DRASC est décrit. Les diverses contraintes auxquelles l'expérimentateur doit faire face sont présentées. Les avantages et les inconvénients des spectroscopies DRASC par balayage et multiplex sont comparés. Deux expériences, l'une dans un écoulement à haute enthalpie, l'autre dans un foyer de simulation de turbomachine, illustrent, par leurs résultats, les performances obtenues ainsi que les difficultés le plus souvent rencontrées. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman diffusion (CARS) has now become an operational thermometric technique. After reviewing the principle of the measurement, this article describes a CARS set-up. The different constraints that an experimenter must cope with are described. The advantages and disadvantages of CARS spectroscopy by scanning and multiplexing are compared. The results of two experiments, one in a high-enthalpy flow and the other in a turbojet engine simulation combustion chamber illustrate the performances obtained as well as the difficulties most often encountered.

This article examines the particulareffects that the electoral systemapplicable to Catalonia have hashad on the last two elections (in1999 and in 2003). These effects,quite anomalous for a proportionalsystem, meant that the mostvotedpolitical party did not obtain,in turn, the largest numberof Parliamentaing seats. Moreover,these anomalous effects areone of the issues that have openedthe recent political debatefor establishing a new electoralsystem. From this starting point,the author firstly analyzes theconcrete electoral and politicalconsequences derived from thedifferent elements of the electoralsystem with one objective: to pinpointthose elements that couldbe subject to reform. Secondlyand in the light of this previousanalysis, the author presents anddiscusses the different electoralsystem proposals supported bythe main Catalan political parties.He finally provides some generalconclusions about a possible newelectoral system.

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as relações existentes entre o ensino superior com os demais níveis de ensino. No Brasil, alguns desafios foram lançados para o cumprimento de melhoria no ensino/aprendizagem que abrange um desenvolvimento científico com o envolvimento de várias instâncias, dentre elas, a ciência e a sociedade. Para tanto, segundo o Plano Nacional de Pós-Graduação- PNPG, a estreita relação entre ciência e sociedade requer uma formação cultural-científica que deve ter início no ensino superior, com a formação de professores, e que esses conhecimentos possam acompanhar a sociedade, perpassando todos os níveis de ensino que antecedem a formação superior. Dessa forma, analisaremos a formação de professores como um dos eixos da nossa discussão, procurando entender que em diferentes momentos, homens se atentaram para a re/organização da sociedade, no sentido de mestres/professores terem o conhecimento que possibilitava transmitir aos indivíduos um aprendizado teórico que favorecesse a reflexão na prática. Assim, nos fundamentamos em alguns clássicos, como Boaventura de Bagnoregio (1217-1274), que trataram sobre a formação de professores (as) em períodos distintos, expressando a preocupação com a qualidade no ensino e em documentos que tratam sobre a situação da educação no Brasil.

Neste artigo, procuramos chamar a atenção para o fato de a documentação relativa à decisão de se colonizar o Brasil, bem como a das primeiras fases da colonização, comportarem duas interpretações quanto aos motivos de se ocupar, povoar e organizar a produção em terras americanas. A historiografia brasileira aderiu à explicação de que a pressão das nações europeias levou a Coroa portuguesa a decidir por uma ocupação mais efetiva. No entanto, sem desconsiderar este motivo, nós nos apoiamos na documentação para mostrar que é possível levar em conta as próprias circunstâncias históricas criadas pelo desenvolvimento do comércio. Tais condições foram imprescindíveis para o surgimento e efetivação da proposta de se colonizar o Brasil. Assim, ao considerar apenas a pressão das nações européias, a historiografia brasileira permaneceu na superfície dos fatos, sem levar em conta na documentação que é possível apreender o processo colonial como um fenômeno histórico e não apenas como ato de vontade.

Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants interfering with endocrine systems and causing reproductive and developmental disorders. The objective of our project was to determine the impact of an in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on reproductive function of male and female offspring in the rat with a special emphasis on the immature period. We used a low dose of TCDD (unique exposure by oral gavage of 200 ng/kg at 15.5 days of gestation) in order to mirror a response to an environmental dose of TCDD not altering fertility of the progeny. We choose a global gene expression approach using Affymetrix microarray analysis, and testes of 5 days and ovaries of 14 days of age. Less than 1% of the expressed genes in gonads were altered following embryonic TCDD exposure; specifically, 113 genes in ovaries and 56 in testes with 7 genes common to both sex gonads. It included the repressor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahrr), the chemokines Ccl5 and Cxcl4 previously shown to be regulated by dioxin in testis, Pgds2/Hpgds and 3 others uncharacterized. To validate and extend the microarray data we realized real-time PCR on gonads at various developmental periods of interest (from 3 to 25 days for ovaries, from 5 to the adult age for testes). Overall, our results evidenced that both sex gonads responded differently to TCDD exposure. For example, we observed induction of the canonic battery of TCDD-induced genes coding enzymes of the detoxifying machinery in ovaries aged of 3-14 days of age (except Cyp1a1 induced at 3-10 days) but not in testes of 5 days (except Ahrr). We also illustrated that inflammatory pathway is one pathway activated by TCDD in gonads. Finally, we identified several new genes targeted by TCDD including Fgf13 in testis and one gene, Ptgds2/Hpgds regulated in the two sex gonads.

Em nosso texto procuramos chamar a atenção para o fato de que, na questão das fontes, o aspecto mais importante é o pesquisador que as considera. Essa consideração é produto da história, o que faz com que, em cada época e segundo a posição social e política do investigador, se conceba as fontes de modo particular. Assim, não existe um modo de tratá-las que esteja desvinculada da maneira como o pesquisador se coloca diante das questões do presente

The lecture deals with the challenge of converting a reservoir building dating from the nineteenth century into the main library of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and of maintaining an equilibrium between the functional requirements of a modern university library and the architectural and historical features of the building.

Abstract Background In chickens, as in most birds, female gonad morphogenesis is asymmetrical. Gonads appear first rather similarly, but only the left one undergoes full differentiation and gives rise to a functional ovary. The right gonad, in which the cortex does not develop, remains restricted to the medulla and finally regresses. Opportunity was taken of this left-right asymmetry to perform a suppression subtractive hybridization screening to select for transcripts preferentially expressed in the developing left ovary as compared to the right one, and thus identify genes that are potentially involved in the process of ovarian differentiation. Results One of these transcripts, named Ovex1 according to its expression profile, corresponds to an endogenous retrovirus that has not been previously characterized. It is transcribed as full-length and singly spliced mRNAs and contains three uninterrupted open reading frames coding potentially for proteins with homology to Gag and Pro-Pol retroviral polyproteins and a third protein showing only a weak similarity with Env glycoproteins. Ovex1 is severely degenerated; it is devoid of typical long terminal repeats and displays some evidence of recombination. An orthologous Ovex1 locus was identified in the genome of zebra finch, a member of a different bird order, and similar sequences were detected in turkey, guinea fowl, and duck DNA. The relationship between these sequences follows the bird phylogeny, suggesting vertical transmission of the endogenous retrovirus for more than 100 million years. Ovex1 is transcribed in chicken gonads with a sex-dependent and left-right asymmetrical pattern. It is first expressed in the cortex of the left indifferent gonads of both sexes. Expression is transient in the left testis and absent in the right one. In developing ovaries, Ovex1 transcription increases sharply in the left cortex and is weakly detected in the medulla. After folliculogenesis, Ovex1-expressing cells constitute the follicular granulosa cell layer. Ovex1 expression highlights a striking desquamation process that leads to profound cortical remodeling associated with follicle morphogenesis. Conclusion Evidence for a selection pressure at the protein level suggests that this endogenous retrovirus, expressed in the ovarian supporting cell lineage, might play an active role in bird ovarian physiology.