DARPA wants machines to have better communication skills

DARPA's Communicating with Computers (CwC) program is aimed at improving human/machine communications (Image: Shutterstock) DARPA’s new initiative, known as the Communicating with Computers (CwC) program, aims to improve the ability of machines to communicate effectively with their human counterparts. The agency has two initial experiments planned, focusing on the somewhat differing fields of improved conversational skills and better cancer detection. It’s difficult to miss DARPA’s intent to create more technologically advanced war machines, with initiatives such as the Ground X-Vehicles Technologies program aiming to make smarter, more agile vehicles. However, the agency is also aware of the importance of making machines communicate better with their human overlords, and that’s where the CwC program steps in. Two-way communication with machines is a significantly more difficult proposition than it might first seem. A simple conversation between two people involves constant assimilation and contextual understanding of information – a process that’s second nature to humans, but represents a huge challenge for machines. DARPA program manager Paul Cohen commented on this, stating, "Human communication feels so natural that we don’t notice how much mental work it requires. But try to communicate while you’re doing something else – the high account rate among people who text while driving says it all – and you’ll quickly realize how demanding it is." The goal of the CwC program is to develop computers that think more like people, and are therefore better able to communicate as people do. The team will work to develop a system that’s capable of completing tasks that require effective communication, the first of which will be collaborative story-telling. For the experiment, the two parties (one human, one machine) will be required to complete subsequent sentences to complete a story. This will require the machines to keep track of the ideas presented by its human counterparts, before creating their own ideas based upon established data – similar to a normal human conversation. The second initial CwC task approaches the same problem from an altogether different direction, building computer-based models of the molecular processes that cause cells to become cancerous. While machines are better at reading large quantities of data, their ability to autonomously process said information falls short. The project will tackle this, aiming to develop a system that’s better able to judge the biological plausibility of proposed molecular models. The CwC program is very much in its infancy, with the above being just the first of many experiments aimed squarely at the goal of improving machines’ communication skills. Source: DARPA

3D-printed guide could find use in better nerve repairs

PhD student Christopher Pateman with one of the NGCs (tiny yellow object at center) (Photo: University of Sheffield) When someone suffers an injury that results in a severed nerve, the usual treatment involves sewing the two severed ends directly back together, or bridging them by suturing in a nerve graft. Such repairs don't always function perfectly, however. What works better is to let the two ends grow back into each other. Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed a means of helping them do so, in the form of a 3D-printed nerve guidance conduit (NGC). An NGC is essentially just a tiny tube that the two nerve ends are fed into either end of. As they grow, they're guided towards one another, until they finally merge. Non-3D-printed NGCs are already sometimes used to repair damaged nerves, although because they're only available in a limited number of designs, their applications are limited. The Sheffield researchers, however, have been using Computer Aided Design software to create customized NGCs, which are then built up via laser direct writing – this is a form of 3D printing in which a laser illuminates select sections of a photocurable resin, causing it to harden into a polymer (in this case, polyethylene glycol) in only those areas. In lab tests on mice, the technology has already been used to successfully repair nerve injuries with an end-to-end gap of 3 mm, over the course of 21 days. The next steps are to look into the use of biodegradable materials, the ability to work over larger gaps, and to begin human trials. According to the university, the 3D-printed NGCs "can be adapted for any type of nerve damage or even tailored to an individual patient." A paper on the research was recently published in the journal Biomaterials. Source: University of Sheffield

Bimobil transforms the Mercedes Sprinter into compact, rugged expedition vehicle

The EX 366 is the latest expedition vehicle in Bimobil's line Image Gallery (8 images) The Sprinter isn't necessarily the Mercedes-Benz platform that immediately comes to mind when we think rugged, AWD expedition vehicle. Those types of vehicles usually find a home atop Unimog, Zetros or maybe G-Wagen underpinnings, leaving the Sprinter for pavement-centric camper van designs. In fact, Mercedes has said that the Sprinter is the number one base vehicle for luxury camper vans, not exactly a description that makes one think of muddy tracks and rocky hill climbs. That said, German camper manufacturer Bimobil has managed to create a convincingly tough expedition vehicle by planting its own living module on top of an AWD Sprinter chassis. This is one Sprinter that can travel and camp virtually anywhere in the world. Based on the models we've seen up close in the past – like the EX 345 – Bimobil doesn't mess around when it designs an expedition vehicle. The Sprinter-based EX 366 is the newest member of its expedition lineup, having launched for the 2014/2015 season. Bimobil secures its rugged "habitation cabin" directly to the Sprinter 4x4's chassis, a configuration that it says cuts chassis torsion during bumpy, off-road driving. This helps the EX 366 explore paths that could leave a more traditional camper van crippled and crying. The separate habitation module also helps to improve insulation over that of a standard-spec van, cutting out the interior connection with the driver cab, minus a lockable pass-through door, and putting 45-mm (1.8-in) thick walls and 60-mm (2.4-in) flooring between the cozy cabin and the howling cold outside. The 78.9-sq ft (7.33-sq m), two-person living cabin is snug but fully functional for long travels. It includes an innovative Froli-spring bed that can be used as a single or doubled in capacity by way of a slide-out mechanism that extends it across one side of the dinette. Interestingly, Bimobil says that the slide-out mechanism is designed to be quiet and simple enough that it can be deployed without waking someone sleeping on the rear-most single bed. So the second occupant can enjoy full use of the dinette set for eating, working, reading, etc, then pull out his or her side of the bed when ready to retire, all without disturbing a mate sleeping on the other half of the double bed. Alternatively, the second occupant can keep the bed pulled out and still use the front-most dinette seat. Across from the two-person dining platform with slide-adjustable table, the kitchen area includes a two-burner stove, stainless steel sink, 110L (29 US gal) compressor fridge, cutlery drawer and storage trays. At the front of the cabin, a bathroom compartment provides a shower basin, enameled steel sink, swiveling Thetford cassette toilet and shelf space. The corner opposite the bathroom is occupied by a wardrobe closet. The EX 366 comes standard with a 6-kW Truma diesel heater, 80L fresh water tank, 10L hot water heater, 100L waste water tank and 20L LPG gas tank. A 120Ah AGM battery powers the interior lighting, and the vehicle offers three 12V sockets and two 220V outlets. In addition to the aforementioned storage, the design includes under-seat storage, roof lockers and a rear trunk compartment. Five windows and two skylights connect occupants with the great outdoors, and the entryway makes for easy entry and exit with two integrated step and an electrically retractable stair. Bimobil presented the EX 366 at last year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon and showed it again at last month's CMT camper show. The camper is based on the Sprinter 316 with 161-hp (120-kW) TDI engine but can also be equipped to the Sprinter 319 with 188-hp (140-kW) TDI. Bimobil offers two interior package options: solid spruce framing with fir wood ply panels or "Luminum 2000," which combines aluminum door panels with maple frames and maple-veneered furniture. Prices start at €99,800 (US$113,000). Source: Bimobil

MAVEN digs deeper into Martian atmosphere

Artist's concept of MAVEN, which recently got a little closer to the surface of Mars (Image: NASA) NASA’S Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) orbiter has taken a deep dive into the Martian atmosphere. The first of a series of five planned deep-dip maneuvers by the unmanned spacecraft, its purpose was to gather information about the lower limits of the upper regions of the Red Planet's atmosphere. Launched in November 2013 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, MAVEN arrived at Mars on September 21 on a mission to study the Martian atmosphere, its mechanisms, and why the atmosphere is slowly escaping into space. The orbiter's first observations included taking ultraviolet images of the tenuous oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon coronas in the planet's upper atmosphere, and creating a comprehensive map of its ozone layers. According to NASA, in order to get a comprehensive picture of the atmosphere of Mars, it's necessary for MAVEN to periodically lower itself from its normal orbit of between 150 to 6,200 km (93 to 3,853 mi). For the maneuver carried out from February 10 to 18, mission control ordered MAVEN to drop the lowest point of its orbit to 125 km (78 mi). The difference in altitude is only 25 km (16 mi), but NASA points out that because the Martian atmosphere is so tenuous, this drop increases the atmospheric pressure by a factor of 10, which is enough to provide scientists with insights into how the atmosphere works and the mechanism by which Mars is losing its atmosphere. During the February dip, MAVEN spent three days maneuvering into a lower orbit, then spent a further five days skimming through the lower atmosphere through 20 orbits, before firing its engines twice to increase its altitude once more. This return is important because even at a height of 125 km, the Martian atmosphere is thick enough to produce enough drag to induce orbital decay and heat up the spacecraft and damage instruments. NASA says that over the coming months it will carry out four more such deep dips as scientists study the data sent back from this month's maneuver. Source: NASA

Together, nanotechnology, genetic interference may tackle “untreatable” brain tumors.

There are no effective available treatments for sufferers of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive and devastating form of brain tumor. The disease, always fatal, has a survival rate of only 6-18 months. Now a new Tel Aviv University study may offer hope to the tens of thousands diagnosed with gliomas every year. A pioneer of cancer-busting nanoscale therapeutics, Prof. Dan Peer of TAU's Department of Department of Cell Research and Immunology and Scientific Director of TAU's Center for NanoMedicine has adapted an earlier treatment modality -- one engineered to tackle ovarian cancer tumors -- to target gliomas, with promising results. Published recently in ACS Nano, the research was initiated by Prof. Zvi R. Cohen, Director of the Neurosurgical Oncology Unit and Vice Chair at the Neurosurgical Department at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. The Israeli Cancer Association provided support for this research. Trying a new approach to gliomas "I was approached by a neurosurgeon insistent on finding a solution, any solution, to a desperate situation," said Prof. Peer. "Their patients were dying on them, fast, and they had virtually no weapons in their arsenal. Prof. Zvi Cohen heard about my earlier nanoscale research and suggested using it as a basis for a novel mechanism with which to treat gliomas." Dr. Cohen had acted as the primary investigator in several glioma clinical trials over the last decade, in which new treatments were delivered surgically into gliomas or into the surrounding tissues following tumor removal. "Unfortunately, gene therapy, bacterial toxin therapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy had all failed as approaches to treat malignant brain tumors," said Dr. Cohen. "I realized that we must think differently. When I heard about Dan's work in the field of nanomedicine and cancer, I knew I found an innovative approach combining nanotechnology and molecular biology to tackle brain cancer." Dr. Peer's new research is based on a nanoparticle platform, which transports drugs to target sites while minimizing adverse effects on the rest of the body. Prof. Peer devised a localized strategy to deliver RNA genetic interference (RNAi) directly to the tumor site using lipid-based nanoparticles coated with the polysugar hyaluronan (HA) that binds to a receptor expressed specifically on glioma cells. Prof. Peer and his team of researchers tested the therapy in mouse models affected with gliomas and control groups treated with standard forms of chemotherapy. The results were, according to the researchers, astonishing. "We used a human glioma implanted in mice as our preclinical model," said Prof. Peer. "Then we injected our designed particle with fluorescent dye to monitor its success entering the tumor cells. We were pleased and astonished to find that, a mere three hours later, the particles were situated within the tumor cells." A safer, more promising approach Rather than chemotherapy, Prof. Peer's nanoparticles contain nucleic acid with small interference RNAs, which silence the functioning of a key protein involved in cell proliferation. "Cancer cells, always dividing, are regulated by a specific protein," said Prof. Peer. "We thought if we could silence this gene, they would die off. It is a basic, elegant mechanism and much less toxic than chemotherapy. This protein is not expressed in normal cells, so it only works where cells are highly proliferated." 100 days following the treatment of four injections over 30 days, 60 percent of the afflicted mice were still alive. This represents a robust survival rate for mice, whose average life expectancy is only two years. The control mice died 30-34.5 days into treatment. "This is a proof of concept study which can easily be translated into a novel clinical modality," said Prof. Peer. "While it is in early stages, the data is so promising -- it would be a crime not to pursue it." Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by American Friends of Tel Aviv University. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: Zvi R. Cohen, Srinivas Ramishetti, Naama Peshes-Yaloz, Meir Goldsmith, Anton Wohl, Zion Zibly, Dan Peer. Localized RNAi Therapeutics of Chemoresistant Grade IV Glioma Using Hyaluronan-Grafted Lipid-Based Nanoparticles. ACS Nano, 2015; 9 (2): 1581 DOI: 10.1021/nn506248s

Marine oil supplement has positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage

An Indiana University study has revealed that there may be a greater connection between mussels and muscles than previously thought. The study, by kinesiology professor Timothy Mickleborough at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, found that taking a pre-exercise supplement of the omega-3 PCSO-524, a marine oil lipid derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, has significant positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage. The pharmaceutical name of the supplement is Lyprinol, or Omega XL in the United States, and it has previously been used to effectively reduce the effects of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and exercise-induced asthma. Pharmalink International LTD, which funded the study, develops it. Mickleborough said his initial study of this particular marine oil supplement led him to further test its healing properties on other parts of the body. "I've worked with Pharmalink before when they approached me to do a study with this particular oil and its effects on exercise-induced asthma and respiratory inflammation," Mickleborough said. "I thought if it can be used as an anti-inflammatory for lungs, perhaps it could reverse muscle inflammation as well." For the study, lead author Mickleborough and his colleagues tested 32 "untrained male subjects" -- men who exercise less than three times a week for less than 30 minutes at a time -- who would elicit a greater muscle response than an athlete who is used to regular muscle damage. The subjects were randomly given either the marine oil supplement or a placebo for 26 days before a muscle-damaging exercise session and for 96 hours afterwards. The exercise session consisted of running at fairly high intensity for 20 minutes downhill on a treadmill. The body's reaction to the muscle-damaging exercise regimen was tested immediately, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-workout. The men who were given the PCSO-524 marine oil supplement exhibited less muscle soreness, less muscle pain, less strength loss, less fatigue and even less inflammatory proteins evident in their bloodstreams. Overall, they experienced less bodily stress after their workout in comparison to the subjects who were given the placebo. For people who are looking to start exercising again, or even for those who engage in intense workouts regularly, this discovery can have a variety of positive effects on how their bodies react to muscle damage, Mickleborough said. "It might have positive implications for triathletes if they're doing several different types of exercises, and it could potentially help diminish soreness in multisport, recreational athletes as well," he said. "Essentially, for anyone who is engaging in unaccustomed exercise, it's a nice product." Mickleborough's study "The effects PCSO-524®, a patented marine oil lipid and omega-3 PUFA blend derived from the New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), on indirect markers of muscle damage and inflammation after muscle damaging exercise in untrained men: a randomized, placebo controlled trial" is featured in the Feb. 2015 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by Indiana University. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: Timothy D Mickleborough, Jacob A Sinex, David Platt, Robert F Chapman, Molly Hirt. The effects PCSO-524®, a patented marine oil lipid and omega-3 PUFA blend derived from the New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), on indirect markers of muscle damage and inflammation after muscle damaging exercise in untrained men: a ra. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2015; 12 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s12970-015-0073-z

Minhas músicas preferidas–2–Da cor do pecado-

Sauna use associated with reduced risk of cardiac, all-cause mortality

A sauna may do more than just make you sweat. A new study suggests men who engaged in frequent sauna use had reduced risks of fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine. Although some studies have found sauna bathing to be associated with better cardiovascular and circulatory function, the association between regular sauna bathing and risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and fatal cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is not known. Jari A. Laukkanen, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, and coauthors investigated the association between sauna bathing and the risk of SCD, fatal coronary heart disease (CHD), fatal CVD and all-cause mortality in a group of 2,315 middle-aged men (42 to 60 years old) from eastern Finland. Results show that during a median (midpoint) follow-up of nearly 21 years, there were 190 SCDs, 281 fatal CHDs, 407 fatal CVDs and 929 deaths from all causes. Compared with men who reported one sauna bathing session per week, the risk of SCD was 22 percent lower for 2 to 3 sauna bathing sessions per week and 63 percent lower for 4 to 7 sauna sessions per week. The risk of fatal CHD events was 23 percent lower for 2 to 3 bathing sessions per week and 48 percent lower for 4 to 7 sauna sessions per week compared to once a week. CVD death also was 27 percent lower for men who took saunas 2 to 3 times a week and 50 percent lower for men who were in the sauna 4 to 7 times a week compared with men who indulged just once per week. For all-cause mortality, sauna bathing 2 to 3 times per week was associated with a 24 percent lower risk and 4 to 7 times per week with a 40 percent reduction in risk compared to only one sauna session per week. The amount of time spent in the sauna seemed to matter too. Compared with men who spent less than 11 minutes in the sauna, the risk of SCD was 7 percent lower for sauna sessions of 11 to 19 minutes and 52 percent less for sessions lasting more than 19 minutes. Similar associations were seen for fatal CHDs and fatal CVDs but not for all-cause mortality events. "Further studies are warranted to establish the potential mechanism that links sauna bathing and cardiovascular health," the study concludes. Editor's Note: Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing In a related Editor's Note, Rita F. Redberg, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, and editor-in-chief of JAMA Internal Medicine, writes: "Although we do not know why the men who took saunas more frequently had greater longevity (whether it is the time spent in the hot room, the relaxation time, the leisure of a life that allows for more relaxation time or the camaraderie of the sauna), clearly time spent in the sauna is time well spent." Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by The JAMA Network Journals. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: Tanjaniina Laukkanen, Hassan Khan, Francesco Zaccardi, Jari A. Laukkanen. Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015; DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8187

Não se preocupe, relaxe e viva feliz !

Immunization rates improve with centralized reminder system

February 23, 2015 University of Colorado - Denver Childhood immunization rates would improve with a centralized notification system that reminded families when immunizations were due, according to a new study. The study found that a centralized notification system run in collaboration with public health departments and physician practices was more effective and cost-effective than a practice-based notification system, which few practices implemented. Childhood immunization rates would improve with a centralized notification system that reminded families when immunizations were due, according to a new study, published online by JAMA Pediatrics, developed by researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus. The study found that a centralized notification system run in collaboration with public health departments and physician practices was more effective and cost-effective than a practice-based notification system, which few practices implemented. Reminder/recall notification systems for immunizations have been shown to be a way to help increase immunization rates. However, the use of such systems by primary care practices has been less than 20 percent nationally because of numerous barriers to implement a system that relies on phone calls and mailings, according to the study background. Allison Kempe, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics and director of the Children's Outcomes Research Program, and her coauthors conducted a randomized trial using the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) to measure the effectiveness of a collaborative centralized (CC) system compared with a practice-based (PB) reminder/recall system. Public health entities, most pediatric practices and many family medicine practices were enrolled in CIIS, which collects vaccination data. The study included 18,235 children (ages 19 to 35 months) in 15 Colorado counties. Patients in the CC group received autodial and mail reminders or mail reminders only. Practices in the PB group were invited to attend training on a notification system and they were offered reimbursement to help with mailing or generating phone calls. Study results indicate that 7,873 of 9,049 (87 percent) children in the CC group received at least one contact, while in the PB group the reach was just 75 of 9,189 (0.8 percent) children because only two practices conducted reminder/recall notifications. Documentation rates for at least one immunization were 26.9 percent for the CC group vs. 21.7 percent for the PB counties and 12.8 percent vs. 9.3 percent of patients, respectively, achieved up-to-date (UTD) status. The CC reminder/recall system was also more cost-effective. "Our findings and those of previous studies support consideration of a CC compared with a PB reminder/recall approach to increase immunization rates during the preschool years. Sustainable funding mechanisms will be needed to support such an approach and may involve a shared investment between practice organizations or accountable care organizations and the public sector. With minimal contributions from each, substantial cost savings should be realized from a societal perspective," the study concludes. Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by University of Colorado Denver. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: Allison Kempe, Alison W. Saville, L. Miriam Dickinson, Brenda Beaty, Sheri Eisert, Dennis Gurfinkel, Sarah Brewer, Heather Shull, Diana Herrero, Rachel Herlihy. Collaborative Centralized Reminder/Recall Notification to Increase Immunization Rates Among Young Children. JAMA Pediatrics, 2015; DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.3670

'Walking Football' phenomenon has great health benefits

Walking Football participants. Aston University (UK) researchers have said that 'walking football' could have a multitude of health benefits. The new sporting craze of 'Walking Football' may enable people to continue playing football into their 60s and 70s while reaping a multitude of health benefits, according to Aston University researchers. The sport was created in 2011 to help keep older players involved in football for longer and from hanging up their boots before they need to. Games are played at a slower pace to reduce the threat of pain, discomfort and injury, with players briskly walking through matches. Across the country, new Walking Football clubs and groups are setting up every week as its popularity rockets. Although it is known that regular football, including 11-a-side and 5-a-side versions of the sport, has considerable health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving blood pressure, little research has been done into the impact of Walking Football. Aston University researcher, Peter Reddy, felt compelled to conduct a study into the sport to discover just how healthy it is. The investigation will assess two groups of men and women over the age of 48 playing Walking Football once a week for 12 weeks. Participants will be regularly assessed to measure changes in their postural balance, blood pressure and resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and bone density -- all indicators of general good health. The study will also look into the psychological advantages of playing Walking Football. Recent research into older males exposed to lifelong football found they had high levels of 'flow' while playing football -- a state of psychological reward and satisfaction. They also reported low levels of stress and exertion while playing, despite working hard. Peter hopes to see similarly positive results in his investigation. Peter, a Reader in Psychology, said: "Football is a fantastically good way of staying fit and healthy. Studies have shown it can be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and that it can produce high aerobic activity with marked improvements in fat oxidation and aerobic power. Most people who play the sport, at amateur and professional levels, give it up in their late 30s but there's no reason not to enjoy the beautiful game until well into your 60s and even 70s. "We hope this study will establish that Walking Football has health benefits on proportionally similar lines to regular football and that older adults can happily play every week without pain or discomfort. If the data is positive, it will form a basis for local and national charities and authorities to set up and support local Walking Football groups. We want to ensure people are healthy for longer -- and that they can enjoy a kickabout at any age." In the context of an aging society, rising levels of obesity and the growing incident of late onset diabetes, it is thought Walking Football has the potential to make a significant impact. In the UK around 22% of men die before the age of 65, compared to 13% of women. Although physically active men have a 20 -- 30% reduced risk of premature death and 50% less chronic disease, by the age of 55-64 only 32% of men say they take the recommended half hour of exercise five times a week.

Um nome complicado.

Do outro lado da linha, a funcionária da empresa de ônibus pediu uma informação básica para Lady, que queria comprar uma passagem de Bogotá para Santa Marta, na Colômbia: o nome completo da passageira. Ela, que havia se preparado para pronunciar seu novo nome, meditou por alguns segundos antes de responder. "A, B, C, D, E, F", começou a soletrar. A funcionária ficou confusa e achou que era piada. Mas Lady estava falando sério. Reflexão Desde fevereiro de 2013 seu nome e sobrenome são formados pelas 26 letras do alfabeto. "Sempre fui classificada com letras, como LGTB e BDSM. Então quis que meu nome significasse que sou tudo isso, mas também que sou nada", disse a BBC Mundo ABCDEFG, que antes da mudança de nome era conhecida como Ladyzunga. É um nome de fantasia, escolhido pela artista performática, DJ e desenhista. "Sempre senti que o nome que meus pais haviam me dado não me representava. Era parecido com todos os outros nomes." Com a mudança, ela cumpre um objetivo que sempre teve: seu nome não é de mulher nem de homem. Não há um gênero reconhecível. ABCDEFG nasceu na cidade montanheira de Popayán, no sudoeste da Colômbia, em 1978. Depois de concluir o curso de desenho industrial na Universidade de Cauca, foi para Bogotá e começou a realizar performances embaladas por música. "Com o tempo me dei conta de que queria mudar de nome. Refleti muito e decidi ir adiante", lembra. "Primeiro pensei em algo grosseiro, para chocar as pessoas. Mas me dei conta de que ninguém iria pronunciar meu nome assim. Foi por isso que pensei no alfabeto." Entraves Em dezembro de 2012, durante uma apresentação em Cali, que fica a apenas duas horas de Popayán, ABCDEFG decidiu ir a sua cidade natal fazer a mudança. "Disseram-me que era um procedimento que durava cinco dias e custava o equivalente a US$ 20." Giraldo Zuluaga Desde 2004, este homem se chama Deportivo Independiente Medellin Giraldo Zuluaga No caso dela, porém, foram necessários três meses e bem mais dinheiro. Uma lei de 1851 dá aos colombianos o direito de mudar nome e sobrenome. No Brasil, a Lei de Registros Públicos estabelece que a mudança apenas pode ser feita nos casos em que o nome provoque constrangimentos ou problemas. O caso colombiano mais famoso desde então era de um torcedor de futebol que adotou o nome de seu time e em 2004 passou a ser chamado Deportivo Independiente Medellín Giraldo Zuluaga. A mudança, porém, só pode ser feita uma única vez. Vida imita a arte Mas quando Ladyzunga chegou ao cartório em Popayán, foi informada de que a mudança de nome não seria aceita. "Eu sabia que tinha o direito (de mudar de nome). Eles (o cartório) diziam que precisavam consultar superiores, mas eu sabia que o cartório tinha autonomia para realizar a mudança." Durante meses o processo ficou parado. Até o dia em que a artista foi a um cartório de Bogotá e enfim resolveu o problema. "Não me fizeram perguntas. Simplesmente pediram documentos e o pagamento da taxa. Em cinco dias fui recolher tudo." ABCDEFG diz não se preocupar com os problemas práticos causados pela mudança, como o da compra da passagem pelo telefone. Isso porque ela vê sua vida atual como uma intensa sequência de performances. "Todas as vezes que interajo com alguém por causa de meu nome o momento se transforma em um happening ('acontecimento', em inglês), uma experiência artística diferente", explica. Seu novo nome também representa uma demonstração de rebeldia contra o sistema. "Não fiz isso para ficar famosa ou dar entrevistas. Fiz isso contra um sistema que quer ver todos nós clonados." Fonte : BBC Brasil