Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2010. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-138). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2006. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (M.A.)--Bowling Green State University, 2007. / Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 66 p. : ill. Includes bibliographical references.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline and hallmark neuropathology, including β-amyloid (Aβ). Therapeutic strategies for AD are focusing on reducing Aβ. Canines develop Aβ neuropathology and cognitive decline with age similar to AD patients. In previous studies, immunization with Aβ1-42 (VAC) in aged canines decreased brain Aβ but did not improve cognition. Behavioral enrichment (ENR) improved cognition without reducing brain Aβ. We hypothesized that VAC combined with ENR would provide cognitive benefits and reduce Aβ neuropathology, as compared individual VAC and ENR treatments. Aged beagles were placed into groups: control, VAC with fibrillar Aβ1-42, ENR, and combination treatment (VAC+ENR) for 18 months. Learning and memory was evaluated throughout the study. Serum IgG antibody titers, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and brain Aβ were measured. Serum anti-Aβ1-42 IgG increased significantly in VAC animals. ENR but not VAC significantly increased CSF Aβ1-40. No cognitive improvements were observed in any group. VAC significantly reduced brain Aβ1-40 and 1-42, as well as reduced plaque load. An overall slowing of plaque accumulation was seen in the ENR group. VAC and ENR were able to modify pathology when used as separate treatments; however, the combination treatment did not succeed in further reducing Aβ or improving cognition. Previous AD clinical trials using immunotherapy yielded similar outcomes to our study showing reduced Aβ pathology but little to no cognitive improvements. In combination these results suggest that future studies should focus on prevention approaches both in the canine model and in human clinical trials.

Olfactory signals are an important means of social communication among felids. However, not much is known about how individual volatiles of body-borne odours influence behavioural responses. 2-acetyl-1pyrroline has recently been identified as a characteristic component of tiger marking fluid, while being absent from lion marking fluid. One pride each of captive Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) and African lions (Panthera leo) were presented with wooden logs impregnated with four different odours and their behaviour was observed. The tigers displayed significantly more interactions towards the marking fluid component (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline), the conspecific urine odour, and the fruity odour (iso-pentyl acetate) than towards the near odourless control (diethyl phthalate). The lions displayed significantly more behaviours towards conspecific urine than towards any of the other odours.  In general all lions interacted more with the logs than tigers. Hence, these results support the notion that 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is a species-specific odorant for tiger olfactory communication. Furthermore, the results show that a single compound (2-acetyl-1pyrroline) can elicit behavioural responses to the same degree as a complex chemical mixture (tiger urine). The high number of interactions performed by both species towards the wooden logs impregnated with conspecific urine suggests that conspecific odours are suitable to use as olfactory enrichment for captive felids.

Orientador: Raul Aragão Martins / Banca: Soraia Napoleão Freitas / Banca: Vera Lúcia Messias Fialho Capelline / Banca: Olga Maria Piazentin Rolim Rodrigues / Banca: Tarícia U. Raphael Bataglia / Resumo: Segundo a literatura especializada, diversas contribuições e benefícios para aprendizagem são reiteradamente apontados como possíveis através do Enriquecimento Escolar Amplo (EEa) de Renzulli e da Estimulação da Memória Operacional (eMO). Diante disso, considerou-se importante avaliar os benefícios dos mesmos sobre o desenvolvimento cognitivo e moral de estudantes do ensino médio por meio de uma pesquisa de caráter quase experimental. Compreender qual o impacto que programas de EEa e de eMO, combinados ou não, causariam sobre as capacidades intelectivas e morais dos estudantes foi o cerne deste trabalho, desenvolvido em duas escolas, nas cidades de Fortaleza e Maracanaú (CE). Delineou-se o estudo com nove grupos de alunos, assim constituídos: (2) EEa em ciências naturais, (1) EEa em desenvolvimento moral, (2) EEa em ciências naturais combinados a eMO, (2) EEa em desenvolvimento moral combinados a eMO e (2) controles. Os programas tiveram duração de 4 meses ao longo do segundo semestre de 2015 e foram autorizados pelo Parecer do Comitê de Ética n. 1.092.233. Iniciaram a participação desta pesquisa 87 alunos de uma escola particular e 114 de uma escola pública de natureza militar, porém apenas concluíram 34 da escola particular e 35 da escola pública. Foram empregados os seguintes instrumentos: para medição da inteligência, o G38, WISC IV e WAIS III; para medição da competência moral, MCT_xt (Teste de Competência Moral); para medição do estágio moral, SROM-SF; e para avaliar a... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: According to specialized literature, several contributions and benefits to learning are really pointed as possible through Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) by Renzully and Working Memory Stimulation (sWM). In face of that, it was relevant to evaluate their benefits on cognitive and moral development of high school students by an experimental research. Understanding what impact caused by SEM and sWM programs combined or not would cause on students' moral and intellective capacities was the core of this study developed in two schools in Fortaleza and Maracanaú (CE). The study was designed with a nine student group. It was composed of: (2) SEM in natural sciences, (1) SEM in moral development, (2) SEM in natural sciences combined with sWM, (2) SEM in moral development combined with sWM and (2) control groups. The programs lasted 4 months during the second semester of 2015 and they were authorized by Ethic Committee n. 1.092.233. 87 private school students and 114 military public school students took part of this study; however, just 35 from public school and 34 from private school went all the way to the end. To measure intelligence, it was used G38, WISC IV and WAIS III; To measure moral competence, MCT_xt (Moral Competence Test); To measure moral stage, SROM-SF; and to evaluate self concept aspects, LHIPCEA (Skills, Interests, Preferences, Characteristics and Learning Styles). The subjects were evaluated by G38 and MCT_xt pre and post tests. Data were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. As results, as far as quantity is concerned, significant gains were observed by variance analysis when it comes to intelligence increase measured by G38 on public school students who took SEM + sWM, however, it was not possible to state which one of the variables, SEM or sWM, was more influential ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

This experiment was conducted in two zoos - ZOO Troja in Prague and ZOO Ohrada in Hluboká nad Vltavou. The animals were presented the food enrichment of a puzzle type with different difficulties. Solving each levels of puzzles was being compared with the dominance of individuals in the group that was being observed by the aggression among all examinees. Nosal and their accession to the normal diet. All data were statistically evaluated. With the obtained results, the theory of "index of balance in the group" was tested.

O presente estudo tem por objetivo demonstrar que, nas hipóteses em que alguém intervém na esfera jurídica alheia e obtém benefícios econômicos sem causar danos ao titular do direito ou, causando danos, o lucro obtido pelo ofensor é superior aos danos causados, as regras da responsabilidade civil, isoladamente, não são suficientes, à luz do ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, enquanto sanção eficaz pela violação de um interesse merecedor de tutela. Isto porque, como a principal função da responsabilidade civil é remover o dano, naquelas hipóteses, não fosse a utilização de um remédio alternativo, o interventor faria seu o lucro da intervenção, no primeiro caso integralmente e, no segundo, no valor equivalente ao saldo entre o lucro obtido e a indenização que tiver que pagar à vítima. A tese pretende demonstrar que o problema do lucro da intervenção não deve ser solucionado por intermédio das regras da responsabilidade civil, devendo, portanto, ser rejeitadas as propostas de solução neste campo, como a interpretação extensiva do parágrafo único, do artigo 944, do Código Civil, as indenizações punitivas e o chamado terceiro método de cálculo da indenização. Como alternativa, propõe-se o enquadramento dogmático do lucro da intervenção no enriquecimento sem causa, outorgando ao titular do direito uma pretensão de restituição do lucro obtido pelo ofensor em razão da indevida ingerência em seus bens ou direitos. Defende-se que a transferência do lucro da intervenção para o titular do direito tem por fundamento a ponderação dos interesses em jogo à luz da Constituição Federal, com especial atenção ao princípio da solidariedade, e da teoria da destinação jurídica dos bens. A tese procura demonstrar, ainda, que o ordenamento jurídico brasileiro não exige um efetivo empobrecimento do titular do direito para a configuração do enriquecimento sem causa e que a regra da subsidiariedade não impede a cumulação de ações, de responsabilidade civil para eliminar o dano (e no limite do dano), e de enriquecimento sem causa, para forçar a restituição do saldo positivo que permanecer no patrimônio do ofensor após o pagamento da indenização, se houver. Finalmente, a tese pretende provocar a discussão acerca da quantificação do objeto da restituição, propondo alguns critérios que deverão orientar o aplicador do direito. / The present study aims to demonstrate that when someone profits by interfering In: another persons rights without causing damage to the victim, or when the act does cause damage but the benefits so obtained are greater than the damage caused, tort rules alone are not enough, under Brazilian Law, as an efficient sanction for violation of an interest or right that deserves protection. Since the maIn: function of civil liability rules is to redress the damage, or make the victim whole, without an alternative remedy the wrongdoer would keep the benefits wrongfully obtained, fully In: the first case and In: the second case to the extent of the difference between the profits obtained and damages paid to the victim. I aim to show that the problem of benefits wrongfully obtained cannot be solved through tort rules alone, and some proposed measures In: this area, such as expansive interpretation of Article 944, sole paragraph, of the Civil Code, punitive damages and the so-called third method of quantifying damages should be rejected. As an alternative, I propose framing the question of benefits wrongfully obtained withIn: the rules on unjust enrichment, granting the victim the right to claim restitution of benefits obtained by the wrongdoer by interference In: the victims assets or rights. I argue that the transfer of the benefits wrongfully obtained to the victim should be based on a balance of conflicting interests In: light of the Federal Constitution, with special attention to the solidarity principle and on the theory of the juridical allocation of assets. Besides this, I argue that Brazilian law does not require the victim to suffer any kind of damage In: order to apply unjust enrichment rules and that the subsidiarity rule does not prohibit the filing of joint claims, a tort one to remedy the damage (limited to the actual damage caused) and an unjust enrichment one to force restitution of any positive balance that remains with the wrongdoer after payment of damages. Finally, I intend to stimulate discussions on how to quantify the amount of restitution In: these cases and offer some criteria that can guide judges.

Traditional methods of schooling can fail to bring about schools as places for developing the broadest and richest experiences for creating talent in the young. The field of gifted education has put forward many innovations that have become mainstays of the American educational system. The Schoolwide Enrichment Model comprises strategies for increasing student effort, enjoyment, and performance, and for integrating a range of advanced-level learning experiences and thinking skills into all curricular areas. Every school has students within it who possess the highest potential for advanced-level learning, creative problem solving, and the motivation to pursue rigorous and rewarding work. Rather than being sources for the acquisition of information, schools should be places for developing the talents of all students. / Los métodos tradicionales de escolaridad pueden llevar al fracaso la intención de hacer de los colegios lugares de desarrollo de experiencias enriquecedoras para el talento creativo de los jóvenes. El campo de la educación para el sobredotado ha formulado numerosas innovaciones que se han constituido en pilares del sistema educativo en EE. UU. El Modelo de Enriquecimiento Escolar comprende estrategias para incrementar el esfuerzo del estudiante, su gozo y desempeño, así como para integrar un rango de experiencias de aprendizaje de nivel avanzado, junto con destrezas de pensamiento, en todas las áreas curriculares. Cada colegio tiene estudiantes que poseen elevado potencial para el aprendizaje en niveles avanzados, la solución de problemas creativos y la motivación para seguir un trabajo de excelencia y rigor. Más que fuentes de adquisición de información, los colegios deben ser lugares para el desarrollo de talentos en todos sus estudiantes.

A conversão de áreas de florestas da Amazônia em áreas agrícolas e pastoris desregula processos relacionados ao estoque de carbono, sendo considerada depois da queima de combustíveis fósseis a atividade que mais contribui com a emissão de gases do efeito estufa, dentre os quais se encontra o metano. A produção de metano é intermediada pelas arquéias metanogênicas, que atuam na decomposição anaeróbia da matéria orgânica. Portanto, para compreender as alterações do fluxo desse gás no ecossistema amazônico, é necessário que as comunidades microbianas envolvidas nesse processo sejam estudadas. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve por objetivo monitorar e caracterizar comunidades de arquéias metanogênicas, por análises de enriquecimento destas comunidades, em amostras de solo provenientes de floresta primária, floresta secundária e pastagem da região amazônica. As amostras de solo foram colocadas em meio enriquecido com a adição de acetato, metanol ou H2:CO2, separadamente, para estimular os metabolismos aceticlástico, metilotrófico e hidrogenotrófico. O monitoramento desses cultivos foi realizado por análises de emissão de metano por cromatografia gasosa, quantificação do gene mcrA pela técnica de PCR quantitativo (qPCR) e caracterização da comunidade metanogênica por meio de microscopia e sequenciamento da região V4-V5 do gene 16S rRNA. Analisando a emissão de metano entre os três tipos de fontes de carbono para as três amostras de solo, os enriquecimentos com metanol apresentaram uma produção maior de metano em relação as amostras com o acetato e muito superior aos cultivos com atmosfera de H2:CO2. A maior média de produção de metano ocorreu nos enriquecimentos com metanol, indicando que a via metilotrófica embora considerada alternativa, pode ser importante na produção de metano no solo amazônico. Por meio da técnica de qPCR foi possível quantificar o gene mcrA das amostras de pastagens logo no tempo inicial da incubação, o que não foi possível para as amostras florestais. No tempo final, o número de cópias desse gene foi similar para os três perfis de solo. Foi possível observar pela caracterização fenotípica dos enriquecimentos agregados de células característicos do gênero Methanosarcina, gênero que foi identificado posteriormente pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA, além de células em formatos de bastonetes e cocos. Os resultados do sequenciamento permitiram identificar 7 grupos distintos de arqueias metanogênicas, afiliados aos filos Euryarchaeota e Bathyarchaeota. Nas amostras iniciais de pastagens foram identificadas sequências que se afiliaram a todos esses grupos, enquanto as amostras florestais apresentaram sequencias afiliadas apenas ao gênero Methanosarcina. A composição final da comunidade das amostras de pastagens foi similar a inicial, porém mais abundante. Os enriquecimentos de amostras de solo de floresta primária e secundária apresentaram uma composição distinta, devido ao enriquecimento de grupos que não foram identificados no início da incubação. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que embora as arqueias metanogênicas estejam em baixa abundância nos solos florestais, podem ser enriquecidos quando submetidos a condições favoráveis, atingindo produção de metano e alcançando composição similar as amostras de pastagens. / Amazonian forest conversion into agricultural and livestock areas disrupts processes related to carbon stock, being considered, after the fossil fuels burning, the activity contributes most to greenhouse gases emission, of which is methane. Methane production is mediated by methanogenic archaea, acting in organic matter anaerobic decomposition. Therefore, to understand the changes in the flow of this gas in the Amazonian ecosystem, it is necessary to study microbial communities involved in this process. This study aims to monitor and characterize methanogenic archaeal communities by population enrichment from soil samples collected in primary, secondary and pasture of the Amazon region. Soil samples were placed into an enriched medium and received separately acetate, methanol, and H2:CO2 to stimulate the three metabolism types: acetoclastic, methylotrophic and hydrogenotrophic. Monitoring was performed by methane emission analysis by gas chromatography, mcrA quantification by the quantitative PCR and the community characterization was performed by microscopy and sequencing of the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Analyzing the methane emission by the three types of carbon sources in the three soil samples, methanol enrichments presented a higher methane yield than the acetate samples and much larger than cultures with H2:CO2. These results indicate that methylotrophic pathway, although considered as an alternative, may be important in methane production in the Amazonian soil. Was possible to quantify the mcrA gene by qPCR from pasture samples at the initial incubation time, which was not possible for forest samples. In incubation final time, copies number of this gene was similar for the three soil profiles. The phenotypic characterization of enrichments revealed aggregated cells, characteristic of the genus Methanosarcina, later identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The cells in rod-shaped and cocci formats were also observed. Was identify by sequencing 7 different methanogenic archaeas groups affiliated with Euryarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota phylum. In the initial pasture samples, were identified sequences affiliated with all these groups, while forest samples presented sequences affiliated with only a Methanosarcina genus. Pasture samples showed a final community composition similar to initial, however more abundant. Soil samples enrichment from primary and secondary forest presented a distinct composition due to groups enrichment that was not identified at incubation beginning. These results showed that although methanogenic archaeas are in low abundance in forest soils, they can be enriched when submitted to favorable conditions, archive methane production and reaching similar composition pasture samples.