bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duplication of the A17L Locus of Vaccinia Virus Provides an Alternate Route to Rifampin Resistance
Authors: Erlandson Karl J. , Cotter Catherine A. , Charity James C. , Martens Craig , Fischer Elizabeth R. , Ricklefs Stacy M. , Porcella Stephen F. , Moss Bernard
Published: July 2014

Specific gene duplications can enable double-stranded DNA viruses to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures despite the low mutation rate of their high-fidelity DNA polymerases. We report on the rapid positive selection of a novel vaccinia virus genomic duplication mutant in the presence of the assembly inhibitor rifampin. Until now, all known rifampin-resistant vaccinia virus isolates have contained missense mutations in the D13L gene, which encodes a capsid-like scaffold protein required for stabilizing membrane curvature during the early stage of virion assembly. Here we describe a second pathway to rifampin resistance involving A17, a membrane protein that binds and anchors D13 to the immature virion. After one round of selection, a rifampin-resistant virus that contained a genomic duplication in the A17L-A21L region was recovered. The mutant had both C-terminally truncated and full-length A17L open reading frames. Expression of the truncated A17 protein was retained when the virus was passaged in the presence of rifampin but was lost in the absence of the drug, suggesting that the duplication decreased general fitness. Both forms of A17 were bound to the virion membrane and associated with D13. Moreover, insertion of an additional truncated or inducible full-length A17L open reading frame into the genome of the wild-type virus was sufficient to confer rifampin resistance. In summary, this report contains the first evidence of an alternate mechanism for resistance of poxviruses to rifampin, indicates a direct relationship between A17 levels and the resistance phenotype, and provides further evidence of the ability of double-stranded DNA viruses to acquire drug resistance through gene duplication.

IMPORTANCE
The present study provides the first evidence of a new mechanism of resistance of a poxvirus to the antiviral drug rifampin. In addition, it affirms the importance of the interaction between the D13 scaffold protein and the A17 membrane protein for assembly of virus particles. Resistance to rifampin was linked to a partial duplication of the gene encoding the A17 protein, similar to the resistance to hydroxyurea enabled by duplication of the gene encoding the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase and of the K3L gene to allow adaptation to the antiviral action of protein kinase R. Gene duplication may provide a way for poxviruses and other DNA viruses with high-fidelity DNA polymerases to adjust rapidly to changes in the environment.
The 19S Proteasome Activator Promotes Human Cytomegalovirus Immediate Early Gene Expression through Proteolytic and Nonproteolytic Mechanisms
Authors: Winkler Laura L. , Kalejta Robert F.
Published: July 2014

Proteasomes are large, multisubunit complexes that support normal cellular activities by executing the bulk of protein turnover. During infection, many viruses have been shown to promote viral replication by using proteasomes to degrade cellular factors that restrict viral replication. For example, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pp71 protein induces the proteasomal degradation of Daxx, a cellular transcriptional repressor that can silence viral immediate early (IE) gene expression. We previously showed that this degradation requires both the proteasome catalytic 20S core particle (CP) and the 19S regulatory particle (RP). The 19S RP associates with the 20S CP to facilitate protein degradation but also plays a 20S CP-independent role promoting transcription. Here, we present a nonproteolytic role of the 19S RP in HCMV IE gene expression. We demonstrate that 19S RP subunits are recruited to the major immediate early promoter (MIEP) that directs IE transcription. Depletion of 19S RP subunits generated a defect in RNA polymerase II elongation through the MIE locus during HCMV infection. Our results reveal that HCMV commandeers proteasome components for both proteolytic and nonproteolytic roles to promote HCMV lytic infection.

IMPORTANCE
Proteasome inhibitors decrease or eliminate 20S CP activity and are garnering increasing interest as chemotherapeutics. However, an increasing body of evidence implicates 19S RP subunits in important proteolytic-independent roles during transcription. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of the 20S CP as a means to modulate proteasome function toward therapeutic effect is an incomplete capitalization on the potential of this approach. Here, we provide an additional example of nonproteolytic 19S RP function in promoting HCMV transcription. These data provide a novel system with which to study the roles of different proteasome components during transcription, a rationale for previously described shifts in 19S RP subunit localization during HCMV infection, and a potential therapeutic intervention point at a pre-immediate early stage for the inhibition of HCMV infection.
Do parents recall and understand children's weight status information after BMI screening? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dawson Anna M , Taylor Rachael W , Williams Sheila M , Taylor Barry J , Brown Deirdre A
Published: July 2014

Objectives

As parents of young children are often unaware their child is overweight, screening provides the opportunity to inform parents and provide the impetus for behaviour change. We aimed to determine if parents could recall and understand the information they received about their overweight child after weight screening.

Design

Randomised controlled trial of different methods of feedback.

Setting

Participants were recruited through primary and secondary care but appointments took place at a University research clinic.

Participants and intervention

1093 children aged 4–8 years were screened. Only overweight children (n=271, 24.7%) are included in this study. Parents of overweight children were randomised to receive feedback regarding their child's weight using best practice care (BPC) or motivational interviewing (MI) at face-to-face interviews typically lasting 20–40 min. 244 (90%) parents participated in a follow-up interview 2 weeks later to assess recall and understanding of information from the feedback session.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim before coding for amount and accuracy of recall. Scores were calculated for total recall and sub-categories of interest.

Results

Overall, 39% of the information was recalled (mean score 6.3 from possible score of 16). Parents given feedback via BPC recalled more than those in the MI group (difference in total score 0.48; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.92). Although 94% of parents were able to correctly recall their child's weight status, fewer than 10 parents could accurately describe what the measurements meant. Maternal education (0.81; 0.25 to 1.37) and parental ratings of how useful they found the information (0.19; 0.04 to 0.35) were significant predictors of recall score in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

While parents remember that their child's body mass index is higher than recommended, they are unable to remember much of the information and advice provided about the result.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000749202.
BILEVEL PROGRAMMING BASED TIME CENSORED STEP-STRESS PALTSP USING TAMPERED FAILURE RATE MODEL AND WARRANTY
Authors: SRIVASTAVA PREETI WANTI , SHARMA DEEPMALA
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with optimal design of time-censored step-stress partially accelerated life test sampling plan (PALTSP) using Burr type-XII life distribution. The Burr type XII distribution has been found appropriate for modeling failures that occur with less frequency and also when there is high occurrence of early failures. This distribution has been found appropriate for accelerated life testing experiments. The optimum sampling plan obtained using bilevel programming approach consists in finding optimum sample size and optimum stress change point by minimizing expected total cost per lot comprising warranty costs with respect to acceptance or rejection of the lot, sampling cost and testing cost such that the producer's and consumer's interested are safeguarded. The methods developed has been illustrated using an example and sensitivity analyses carried out.
The closures of arithmetic progressions in Kirch's topology on the set of positive integers
Authors: Szczuka Paulina
Published: July 2014

In this paper we characterize the closures of arithmetic progressions in Kirch's topology [Formula: see text] on the set of positive integers with the base consisting of arithmetic progressions {an + b} such that numbers a and b are co-prime and a is square-free.
Short-term adaptation of the ruminal epithelium involves abrupt changes in sodium and short-chain fatty acid transport
Authors: Schurmann Brittney L. , Walpole Matthew E. , Górka Pawel , Ching John C. H. , Loewen Matthew E. , Penner Gregory B.
Published: July 2014

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of an increase in diet fermentability on 1) the rate and extent to which short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) absorption pathways adapt relative to changes in Na+transport, 2) the epithelial surface area (SA), and 3) the barrier function of the bovine ruminal epithelium. Twenty-five Holstein steer calves were assigned to either the control diet (CON; 91.5% hay and 8.5% supplement) or a moderately fermentable diet (50% hay; 41.5% barley grain (G), and 8.5% supplement) fed for 3 (G3), 7 (G7), 14 (G14), or 21 days (G21). All calves were fed at 2.25% body weight at 0800. Calves were killed (at 1000), and ruminal tissue was collected to determine the rate and pathway of SCFA transport, Na+transport and barrier function in Ussing chambers. Tissue was also collected for SA measurement and gene expression. Mean reticular pH decreased from 6.90 for CON to 6.59 for G7 and then increased (quadratic P < 0.001). While effective SA of the ruminal epithelium was not affected ( P > 0.10) by dietary treatment, the net Na+flux increased by 125% within 7 days (quadratic P = 0.016). Total acetate and butyrate flux increased from CON to G21, where passive diffusion was the primary SCFA absorption pathway affected. Increased mannitol flux, tissue conductance, and tendencies for increased expression of IL-1β and TLR2 indicated reduced rumen epithelium barrier function. This study indicates that an increase in diet fermentability acutely increases Na+and SCFA absorption in the absence of increased SA, but reduces barrier function.
PGE2EP3receptor downregulates COX-2 expression in the medullary thick ascending limb induced by hypertonic NaCl
Authors: Hao Shoujin , Hernandez Alejandra , Quiroz-Munoz Mariana , Cespedes Carlos , Vio Carlos P. , Ferreri Nicholas R.
Published: July 2014

We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of EP3receptors enhances cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in the thick ascending limb (TAL) induced by hypertonic stimuli. COX-2 protein expression in the outer medulla increased approximately twofold in mice given free access to 1% NaCl in the drinking water for 3 days. The increase was associated with an approximate threefold elevation in COX-2 mRNA accumulation and an increase in PGE2production by isolated medullary (m)TAL tubules from 77.3 ± 8.4 to 165.7 ± 10.8 pg/mg protein. Moreover, administration of NS-398 abolished the increase in PGE2production induced by 1% NaCl. EP3receptor mRNA levels also increased approximately twofold in the outer medulla of mice that ingested 1% NaCl. The selective EP3receptor antagonist L-798106 increased COX-2 mRNA by twofold in mTAL tubules, and the elevation in COX-2 protein induced by 1% NaCl increased an additional 50% in mice given L-798106. COX-2 mRNA in primary mTAL cells increased twofold in response to media made hypertonic by the addition of NaCl (400 mosmol/kg H2O). L-798106 increased COX-2 mRNA twofold in isotonic media and fourfold in cells exposed to 400 mosmol/kg H2O. PGE2production by mTAL cells increased from 79.3 ± 4.6 to 286.7 ± 6.3 pg/mg protein after challenge with 400 mosmol/kg H2O and was inhibited in cells transiently transfected with a lentivirus short hairpin RNA construct targeting exon 5 of COX-2 to silence COX-2. Collectively, the data suggest that local hypertonicity in the mTAL is associated with an increase in COX-2 expression concomitant with elevated EP3receptor expression, which limits COX-2 activity in this segment of the nephron.
Acute hepatic ischemic-reperfusion injury induces a renal cortical “stress response,” renal “cytoresistance,” and an endotoxin hyperresponsive state
Authors: Zager Richard A. , Johnson Ali C. M. , Frostad Kirsten B.
Published: July 2014

Hepatic ischemic-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is considered a risk factor for clinical acute kidney injury (AKI). However, HIRI's impact on renal tubular cell homeostasis and subsequent injury responses remain ill-defined. To explore this issue, 30–45 min of partial HIRI was induced in CD-1 mice. Sham-operated or normal mice served as controls. Renal changes and superimposed injury responses (glycerol-induced AKI; endotoxemia) were assessed 2–18 h later. HIRI induced mild azotemia (blood urea nitrogen ∼45 mg/dl) in the absence of renal histologic injury or proteinuria, implying a “prerenal” state. However, marked renal cortical, and isolated proximal tubule, cytoprotective “stress protein” gene induction (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, heme oxygenase-1, hemopexin, hepcidin), and increased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression resulted (protein/mRNA levels). Ischemia caused release of hepatic heme-based proteins (e.g., cytochrome c) into the circulation. This corresponded with renal cortical oxidant stress (malondialdehyde increases). That hepatic derived factors can evoke redox-sensitive “stress protein” induction was implied by the following: peritoneal dialysate from HIRI mice, soluble hepatic extract, or exogenous cytochrome c each induced the above stress protein(s) either in vivo or in cultured tubule cells. Functional significance of HIRI-induced renal “preconditioning” was indicated by the following: 1) HIRI conferred virtually complete morphologic protection against glycerol-induced AKI (in the absence of hyperbilirubinemia) and 2) HIRI-induced TLR4 upregulation led to a renal endotoxin hyperresponsive state (excess TNF-α/MCP-1 gene induction). In conclusion, HIRI can evoke “renal preconditioning,” likely due, in part, to hepatic release of pro-oxidant factors (e.g., cytochrome c) into the systemic circulation. The resulting renal changes can impact subsequent AKI susceptibility and TLR4 pathway-mediated stress.
Adenosine Inhibits Tumor Cell Invasion via Receptor-Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Virtanen Sanna S. , Kukkonen-Macchi Anu , Vainio Minna , Elima Kati , Härkönen Pirkko L. , Jalkanen Sirpa , Yegutkin Gennady G.
Published: July 2014

Extracellular adenosine mediates diverse anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and other signaling effects via binding to adenosine receptors, and it also regulates cell proliferation and death via activation of the intrinsic signaling pathways. Given the emerging role of adenosine and other purines in tumor growth and metastasis, this study evaluated the effects of adenosine on the invasion of metastatic prostate and breast cancer cells. Treatment with low micromolar concentrations of adenosine, but not other nucleosides or adenosine receptor agonists, inhibited subsequent cell invasion and migration through Matrigel- and laminin-coated inserts. These inhibitory effects occurred via intrinsic receptor-independent mechanisms, despite the abundant expression of A2B adenosine receptors (ADORA2B). Extracellular nucleotides and adenosine were shown to be rapidly metabolized on tumor cell surfaces via sequential ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73/NT5E) and adenosine deaminase reactions with subsequent cellular uptake of nucleoside metabolites and their intracellular interconversion into ADP/ATP. This was accompanied by concurrent inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase and other signaling pathways. No differences in the proliferation rates, cytoskeleton assembly, expression of major adhesion molecules [integrin-1β (ITGB1), CD44, focal adhesion kinase], and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases were detected between the control and treated cells, thus excluding the contribution of these components of invasion cascade to the inhibitory effects of adenosine. These data provide a novel insight into the ability of adenosine to dampen immune responses and prevent tumor invasion via two different, adenosine receptor–dependent and –independent mechanisms.

Implications: This study suggests that the combined targeting of adenosine receptors and modulation of intracellular purine levels can affect tumor growth and metastasis phenotypes. Mol Cancer Res; 12(12); 1863–74. ©2014 AACR.
Plant food anthocyanins inhibit platelet granule secretion in hypercholesterolaemia: Involving the signalling pathway of PI3K–Akt
Authors: Song Fenglin , Zhu Yanna , Shi Zhenyin , Tian Jinju , Deng Xiujuan , Ren Jing , Andrews Marc C. , Ni Heyu , Ling Wenhua , Yang Yan
Published: July 2014

Controlling platelet granule secretion has been considered an effective strategy to dampen thrombosis and prevent atherosclerosis. Anthocyanins are natural plant pigments and possess a wide range of biological activities, including cardiovascular protective activity. In the present study we explored the effects and the potential mechanisms of anthocyanins on platelet granule secretion in hypercholesterolemia. In a randomised, double-blind clinical trial, 150 hypercholesterolaemic individuals were treated with purified anthocyanins (320 mg/day) or placebo for 24 weeks. Anthocyanins consumption significantly reduced plasma levels of β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), soluble P-selectin, and of Regulated on Activation Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) as compared with the placebo. A minor reduction in platelet factor 4 (PF4) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels were also observed. In in vitro experiments, we observed that purified anthocyanin mixture, as well as its two main anthocyanin components, delphinidin-3-glucoside (Dp-3-g) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cy-3g) directly inhibited platelet á-granule, dense granule, and lysosome secretion evaluated by P-selectin, RANTES, β-TG, PF4, TGF-β1, serotonin, ATP, and CD63 release. Further, anthocyanins inhibited platelet PI3K/Akt activation and consequently attenuated eNOS phosphorylation and cGMP production, thus interrupting MAPK activation. LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, did not cause additional inhibitory efficacy, indicating that anthocyanin-induced effects may be involved in inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. These results provide evidence that by inhibiting platelet granule secretion, anthocyanins may be a potent cardioprotective agent.
TNF-induced endothelial barrier disruption: beyond actin and Rho
Authors: Marcos-Ramiro Beatriz , García-Weber Diego , Millán Jaime
Published: July 2014

The decrease of endothelial barrier function is central to the long-term inflammatory response. A pathological alteration of the ability of endothelial cells to modulate the passage of cells and solutes across the vessel underlies the development of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. The inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) mediates changes in the barrier properties of the endothelium. TNF activates different Rho GTPases, increases filamentous actin and remodels endothelial cell morphology. However, inhibition of actin-mediated remodelling is insufficient to prevent endothelial barrier disruption in response to TNF, suggesting that additional molecular mechanisms are involved. Here we discuss, first, the pivotal role of Rac-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate the integrity of endothelial cell-cell junctions and, second, the ability of endothelial adhesion receptors such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1, involved in leukocyte transendothelial migration, to control endothelial permeability to small molecules, often through ROS generation. These adhesion receptors regulate endothelial barrier function in ways both dependent on and independent of their engagement by immune cells, and orchestrate the crosstalk between leukocyte transendothelial migration and endothelial permeability during inflammation.
On precipitates in Fe–Ni base alloys used for USC boilers
Authors: Yan J. , Gu Y. , Lu J.
Published: July 2014

This paper overviews the effects of some precipitates in Fe–Ni base boilers materials. The volume fraction of these precipitates is usually below 10 for maintaining the microstructure stability and manufacture ability. They appear in a number of morphologies, but all of them improve the creep strength when they exist in small size. For the alloys serviced below 650°C, the strengthening precipitates disperse within the matrix and maintain their diameter below 100 nm during long time exposure. For the alloys serviced above 650°C, the strengthening precipitates are normally larger than 100 nm in equivalent diameter. They may experience long growth duration and thus keep their size below 500 nm. Meanwhile, the precipitates may improve creep strength when they are dispersed over the grain boundaries.
Chemical Evolution of Simple Amino Acids to Asparagine under Discharge onto the Primitive Hydrosphere: Simulation Experiments Using Contact Glow Discharge
Authors: Munegumi Toratane
Published: July 2014

Asparagine is an important amino acid for abiotic polypeptide synthesis. In simulation experiments, it was obtained in 3.0% yield (based on the amount of consumed alanine) from alanine (100 mM) and formamide (200 mM) by contact glow discharge (Harada discharge) onto aqueous solutions. The present results suggest that asparagine could be abiotically synthesized from simple amino acids under possible primitive earth conditions.
Investigation of New Cooling Systems Based on Complexes of Temperature-Responsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with Porous Materials
Authors: Suzue Atsushi , Honda Hisashi , Kadokura Meiko , Tanaka Susumu , Tukada Hideyuki
Published: July 2014

We have developed a new cooling material that uses vaporization heat. This system consists of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) [P(NIPAAm)] and C2H4-permeated mesoporous silica [MCM(C2H4)]. Although the polymer can dissolve in water below ca. 32 °C (above this temperature, it is insoluble in water), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that P(NIPAAm) adsorbed on MCM(C2H4) became water resistant below 32 °C. In addition, this system retained hydrophobic–hydrophilic switching at ca. 32 °C. When this material was used in a house model, the system absorbed water molecules from air during the night (below ca. 32 °C), and the room temperature was decreased by ca. 4 °C when the outside temperature exceeded ca. 32 °C. This system can cool rooms on hot days without using any electrical or human energy.
Thrombocytosis portends adverse prognostic significance in patients with stage II colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Guo Tianhua , Krzystanek Marcin , Szallasi Zoltan , Szallasi Arpad
Published: July 2014

Thrombocytosis portends adverse prognostic significance in many types of cancers including ovarian and lung carcinoma. In this study, we determined the prevalence and prognostic significance of thrombocytosis (defined as platelet count in excess of 400 K/μl) in patients with colorectal cancer. We performed a retrospective analysis of 310 consecutive patients diagnosed at our institution between 2004 and 2013. The patients (48.7% male and 51.3% female) had a mean age of 69.9 years (+/- 12.7 years) at diagnosis. Thrombocytosis was found in a total of 25 patients, with a higher incidence in those with stage III and IV disease (14.4% of patients). Although the mean platelet count increased with the depth of tumor invasion (pT), its values remained within normal limits in the whole patient cohort. No patient with stage I cancer (n=57) had elevated platelet count at diagnosis. By contrast, five of the 78 patients (6.4%) with stage II cancer showed thrombocytosis, and four of these patients showed early recurrence and/or metastatic disease, resulting in shortened survival (they died within one year after surgery). The incidence of thrombocytosis increased to 12.2% and 20.6%, respectively, in patients with stage III and IV disease. The overall survival rate of patients with thrombocytosis was lower than those without thrombocytosis in the stage II and III disease groups, but this difference disappeared in patients with stage IV cancer who did poorly regardless of their platelet count. We concluded that thrombocytosis at diagnosis indicates adverse clinical outcome in colorectal cancer patients with stage II or III disease. This observation is especially intriguing in stage II patients because the clinical management of these patients is controversial. If our data are confirmed in larger studies, stage II colon cancer patients with thrombocytosis should be upstaged and treated as stage III/IV disease patients.
Reaching Future Scientists, Consumers, & Citizens
Authors: Hicks Melissa A. , Cline Rebecca J. , Trepanier Angela M.
Published: July 2014

An understanding of how genomics information, including information about risk for common, multifactorial disease, can be used to promote personal health (personalized medicine) is becoming increasingly important for the American public. We undertook a quantitative content analysis of commonly used high school textbooks to assess how frequently the genetic basis of common multifactorial diseases was discussed compared with the “classic” chromosomal–single gene disorders historically used to teach the concepts of genetics and heredity. We also analyzed the types of conditions or traits that were discussed. We identified 3957 sentences across 11 textbooks that addressed multifactorial and “classic” genetic disorders. “Classic” gene disorders were discussed relatively more frequently than multifactorial diseases, as was their genetic basis, even after we enriched the sample to include five adult-onset conditions common in the general population. Discussions of the genetic or hereditary components of multifactorial diseases were limited, as were discussions of the environmental components of these conditions. Adult-onset multifactorial diseases are far more common in the population than chromosomal or single-gene disorders; many are potentially preventable or modifiable. As such, they are targets for personalized medical approaches. The limited discussion in biology textbooks of the genetic basis of multifactorial conditions and the role of environment in modifying genetic risk may limit the public’s understanding and use of personalized medicine.
Thin Film WSe2 for Use as a Photovoltaic Absorber Material
Authors: Ma Qinglei , Kyureghian Hrachya , Banninga Joel D. , Ianno N. J.
Published: July 2014

An excellent candidate for an earth abundant absorber material is WSe2 which can be directly grown as a p-type semiconductor with a band gap near 1.4 eV. In this work we present the structural, optical, and electrical properties of thin film WSe2 grown via the selenization of sputter deposited tungsten films. We will show that highly textured films with an optical band gap in range of 1.4 eV, and absorption coefficients greater than 105/cm across the visible spectrum can be easily achieved. In addition we will present Hall Effect and carrier density measurements as well, where will show densities in the 1017cm-3 range and p-type Hall mobilities greater than 10 cm2/V-s range can be obtained. We employ these results to numerically simulate solar cells based on this material, where we will show efficiencies greater than 20% are possible.
Stem, root, and older leaf N:P ratios are more responsive indicators of soil nutrient availability than new foliage
Authors: Schreeg L. A. , Santiago L. S. , Wright S. J. , Turner B. L.
Published: July 2014

Foliar nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) ratios are widely used to indicate soil nutrient availability and limitation, but the foliar ratios of woody plants have proven more complicated to interpret than ratios from whole biomass of herbaceous species. This may be related to tissues in woody species acting as nutrient reservoirs during active growth, allowing maintenance of optimal N:P ratios in recently produced, fully expanded leaves (i.e., “new” leaves, the most commonly sampled tissue). Here we address the hypothesis that N:P ratios of newly expanded leaves are less sensitive indicators of soil nutrient availability than are other tissue types in woody plants. Seedlings of five naturally established tree species were harvested from plots receiving two years of fertilizer treatments in a lowland tropical forest in the Republic of Panama. Nutrient concentrations were determined in new leaves, old leaves, stems, and roots. For stems and roots, N:P ratios increased after N addition and decreased after P addition, and trends were consistent across all five species. Older leaves also showed strong responses to N and P addition, and trends were consistent for four of five species. In comparison, overall N:P ratio responses in new leaves were more variable across species. These results indicate that the N:P ratios of stems, roots, and older leaves are more responsive indicators of soil nutrient availability than are those of new leaves. Testing the generality of this result could improve the use of tissue nutrient ratios as indices of soil nutrient availability in woody plants.
Landscape corridors can increase invasion by an exotic species and reduce diversity of native species
Authors: Resasco Julian , Haddad Nick M. , Orrock John L. , Shoemaker DeWayne , Brudvig Lars A. , Damschen Ellen I. , Tewksbury Joshua J. , Levey Douglas J.
Published: July 2014

Landscape corridors are commonly used to mitigate negative effects of habitat fragmentation, but concerns persist that they may facilitate the spread of invasive species. In a replicated landscape experiment of open habitat, we measured effects of corridors on the invasive fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, and native ants. Fire ants have two social forms: polygyne, which tend to disperse poorly but establish at high densities, and monogyne, which disperse widely but establish at lower densities. In landscapes dominated by polygyne fire ants, fire ant abundance was higher and native ant diversity was lower in habitat patches connected by corridors than in unconnected patches. Conversely, in landscapes dominated by monogyne fire ants, connectivity had no influence on fire ant abundance and native ant diversity. Polygyne fire ants dominated recently created landscapes, suggesting that these corridor effects may be transient. Our results suggest that corridors can facilitate invasion and they highlight the importance of considering species' traits when assessing corridor utility.
Sampling/stochastic dynamic programming for optimal operation of multi-purpose reservoirs using artificial neural network-based ensemble streamﬂow predictions
Authors: Anvari Sedigheh , Mousavi S. Jamshid , Morid Saeed
Published: July 2014

Due to limited water resources and the increasing demand for agricultural products, it is significantly important to operate surface water reservoirs optimally, especially those located in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper investigates uncertainty-based optimal operation of a multi-purpose water reservoir system by using four optimization models. The models include dynamic programming (DP), stochastic DP (SDP) with inflow classification (SDP/Class), SDP with inflow scenarios (SDP/Scenario), and sampling SDP (SSDP) with historical scenarios (SSDP/Hist). The performance of the models was tested in Zayandeh-Rud Reservoir system in Iran by evaluating how their release policies perform in a simulation phase. While the SDP approaches were better than the DP approach, the SSDP/Hist model outperformed the other SDP models. We also assessed the effect of ensemble streamflow predictions (ESPs) that were generated by artificial neural networks on the performance of SSDP/Hist. Application of the models to the Zayandeh-Rud case study demonstrated that SSDP in combination with ESPs and the K-means technique, which was used to cluster a large number of ESPs, could be a promising approach for real-time reservoir operation.
Temporal multi-level coordination techniques oriented to regional water networks: application to the Catalunya case study
Authors: Sun Cong Cong , Puig Vicenç , Cembrano Gabriela
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a multi-layer model predictive control (MPC) with temporal multi-level coordination for regional water supply systems is proposed. First, a multi-layer control structure resulting from a functional decomposition of water network is briefly presented. Inside each layer, an MPC based controller is used. Between related layers, a temporal multi-level coordination mechanism is used to generate control strategies which consider objectives and time scales of both layers. The upper layer which is named supply layer works in a daily scale in order to achieve the global management policies for the different reservoirs. The lower layer which is named transportation layer works in an hourly scale and is in charge of manipulating the actuators (pumps and valves) set-point to satisfy the local objectives. The results of the modelling will be applied to the Catalunya Regional Water Network and this paper presents the simulation results based on an aggregate model of this network.
New Insulin Glargine 300 Units/mL Versus Glargine 100 Units/mL in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Basal and Mealtime Insulin: Glucose Control and Hypoglycemia in a 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial (EDITION 1)
Authors: Riddle Matthew C. , Bolli Geremia B. , Ziemen Monika , Muehlen-Bartmer Isabel , Bizet Florence , Home Philip D.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of new insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) with glargine 100 units/mL (Gla-100) in people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin (≥42 units/day) plus mealtime insulin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

EDITION 1 (NCT01499082) was a 6-month, multinational, open-label, parallel-group study. Adults with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.0–10.0% (53–86 mmol/mol) were randomized to Gla-300 or Gla-100 once daily with dose titration seeking fasting plasma glucose 4.4–5.6 mmol/L. Primary end point was HbA1c change from baseline; main secondary end point was percentage of participants with one or more confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L) or severe nocturnal hypoglycemia from week 9 to month 6.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 807) had mean age 60 years, diabetes duration 16 years, BMI 36.6 kg/m2, and HbA1c 8.15% (65.6 mmol/mol). HbA1c reduction was equivalent between regimens; least squares mean difference –0.00% (95% CI –0.11 to 0.11) (–0.00 mmol/mol [–1.2 to 1.2]). Fewer participants reported one or more confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L) or severe nocturnal hypoglycemic events between week 9 and month 6 with Gla-300 (36 vs. 46% with Gla-100; relative risk 0.79 [95% CI 0.67–0.93]; P < 0.005); nocturnal hypoglycemia incidence and event rates were also lower with Gla-300 in the first 8 weeks of treatment. No between-treatment differences in tolerability or safety were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-300 controls HbA1c as well as Gla-100 for people with type 2 diabetes treated with basal and mealtime insulin but with consistently less risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Surgical management and follow-up of triceps tendon avulsion after repeated local infiltration of steroids: two cases
Authors: Quero Martín P. , Mayenco A. , Gardoqui M. , Calvo I. , García-Fernández P.
Published: July 2014

Disruption of the triceps tendon insertion is an uncommon injury, with only a few reports of traumatic triceps tendon avulsion in dogs or cats present in the veterinary literature. Although this injury has been previously described in two dogs that had received a local injection of corticosteroids for the treatment of soft tissue injuries, reports with long term clinical follow-up and outcome in working dogs are lacking.

This report describes two surgically treated cases of complete triceps tendon avulsion rupture in Malinois police dogs. These two dogs had a history of repeated local infiltration of a corticosteroid preparation used to treat adventitial bursitis. The clinical features, surgical treatment, long-term management and outcome are reported. A modified triple locking loop pattern was used to suture the tendons. The long-term outcome was considered excellent with both dogs resuming work. Although it is an uncommon condition in small animals, avulsion of the triceps tendon should remain on the differential diagnosis list for acute onset forelimb lameness, particularly if there is a history of local infiltration with corticosteroids. The diagnosis should be based on clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination.
Elementos para pensar a transição agroambiental: as lógicas da mudança técnica na agricultura familiar
Authors: Almeida Luciano de
Published: July 2014

Este trabalho aborda as lógicas de escolha técnica dos produtores de hortaliças do município de Colombo-PR. São analisadas práticas de intensificação produtiva no padrão convencional e técnicas de sistemasmais conservacionistas, tais como o uso reduzido de agrotóxicos e a agricultura orgânica. As dimensõeseconômica, sociocultural e ambiental são priorizadas na análise enquanto condicionantes das escolhasdos agricultores. Predomina em Colombo a combinação de solos frágeis com uma agricultura convencional,cujo manejo intensivo dos solos e uso de agroquímicos gera fortes impactos ambientais. Osagricultores fazem suas opções técnicas frente a um conjunto de restrições e oportunidades sinalizadosou efetivados pelo mercado, pela comunidade e por grupos de referência com os quais se articulam, pelonúcleo familiar, pelo meio físico, pelas estratégias técnicas e pelas instituições e serviços relacionadosà gestão dos recursos naturais, à geração e à socialização de conhecimentos técnicos. É nesse contextocomplexo e dinâmico que os agricultores se orientam, fazendo uso de sua lógica prática para se apropriar,ao seu modo, das opções técnicas e decidir como vão gerir os recursos naturais. Diante de diversasinformações, necessidades práticas cotidianas, oportunidades e restrições, os agricultores reservam parasi um campo de autonomia, onde desenvolvem processos de elaboração e filtragem. Com a integraçãoao mercado, a lógica econômico-instrumental ocupa, não sem resistência, um grau de importância cadavez maior, onde a dimensão econômica-mercantil, concretizada na maximização da produtividade e dosrendimentos, predomina na gestão. Valores sócioculturais, como segurança e autonomia, associados àagricultura familiar, surgem como outros elementos constitutivos dessas lógicas.
Crise agroambiental, globalização e capacidade de inovação dos pequenos agricultores familiares no Sahel: um exemplo africano pertinente para o Brasil?
Authors: Raynaut Claude
Published: July 2014

A crise agrícola e alimentar grave que, no curso dos últimos anos, tem atingido o Niger e os paísesvizinhos da região saariana da África remete uma vez mais aos holofotes da atualidade uma região daÁfrica, o Sahel, que conhece dificuldades crônicas há muitas décadas (déficits climáticos, desertificação,queda na produção alimentar). Essa crise ecológica maior que, já há quase quarenta anos, atinge demaneira recorrente esta parte do continente africano é inseparável do movimento que se designou pelonome genérico de “mundialização” ou “globalização” e que afeta com uma violência especial as pequenascomunidades camponesas colocadas na periferia desse sistema. Sob formas diferentes, é a mesmadinâmica que se verifica na África, Ásia e América Latian. Esse artigo não aborda essa questão de umaforma mais geral, mas traz o testemunho de um exemplo particular de modo a estimular a reflexão sobreoutras realidades locais, em particular entre as que se pode encontrar no Brasil. Mostra especialmenteque pequenos agricultores familiares que se encontram entre os mais pobres e marginalizados do mundo,expostos a condições naturais particularmente severas, provam sua capacidade de reagir, com um sucessolimitado mas real, às exigências e limitações que se desenvolvem numa escala temporal e espacial quevai muito além do seu contexto cotidiano de vida. Isso coloca uma questão teórica maior: a de saber seexistem respostas globais aos mecanismos globais de dominação ou se uma estratégia pertinente deveincluir também respostas locais, apoiando-se sobre a capacidade de inovação e iniciativa dos próprios pequenos agricultores.
Educação para compatibilizar desenvolvimento e sustentabilidade
Authors: D’Ambrosio Ubiratan
Published: July 2014

Promover uma Educação adequada para que a sociedade possa buscar e consolidar o desenvolvimentovoltado para a sustentabilidade, no mais amplo sentido, é, sem dúvida, uma questão essencialmentepolítica. Mas é, sobretudo, uma questão que leva às perguntas: com que freqüência, com qual atitude,com quais pesquisas e ações, a academia pode sugerir caminhos neste sentido? Este artigo demonstraque a resposta depende de um reconhecimento da relação entre os sistemas de conhecimento e os valoreshumanos. De forma geral, pode-se afirmar que este tipo de educação voltada para pensar, conjuntamente,valores éticos e saberes transdisciplinares é, no fundo, o que poderia ser nominado de Educação paraa Paz, ou seja, uma conduta que pode conduzir o ser humano a atingir o estado de real consciência, sópossível quando conhecimento e comportamento humano estejam solidários.
Jornalismo Ambiental: explorando além do conceito
Authors: Bueno Wilson Da Costa
Published: July 2014

O jornalismo brasileiro se ressente de várias síndromes que penalizam a qualidade cobertura ambiental,como o sensacionalismo, o uso quase exclusivo de autoridades como fontes ou mesmo a fragmentaçãodo olhar em virtude da sua segmentação em editorias. A análise da cobertura na mídia carioca e paulistaindica que a pauta ambiental já ocupa espaço relevante, com variações importantes em termos de temáticae perspectiva nos jornais de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro.
Desenvolvimento, agropecuária e meio ambiente no Brasil: instrumentos e possibilidades de reconciliação
Authors: Souza Osmar Tomaz de , Santin Maria Fernanda , Alvim Augusto Mussi
Published: July 2014

O objetivo deste estudo é discutir as possíveis soluções para o problema de conservação do meio ambientena atividade agropecuária brasileira, tendo como referência a utilização de instrumentos econômicosde política ambiental. Para isto, inicialmente abordamos os principais instrumentos de gestão do meioambiente, enfatizando as principais diretrizes e a estrutura da política ambiental brasileira. Na segundaparte, são apresentados, de forma resumida, os principais aspectos do Mecanismo de DesenvolvimentoLimpo (MDL) e dois projetos desta natureza em atividades agropecuárias no Rio Grande do Sul quepermitem conciliar o desenvolvimento econômico e a preservação do meio ambiente.
As áreas naturais protegidas e a responsabilidade social e ambiental das empresas: o caso do Mosaico da Mata Atlântica Central Fluminense e do Comperj
Authors: Giuliani Gian Mario
Published: July 2014

Queremos refletir sobre as tensões que as Unidades de Conservarão (UCs) enfrentam para sustentar suapolítica de conservação em um o território que acaba sendo escolhido para a implantação de um grandescomplexo industrial. Referimos-nos à construção do Complexo Petroquímico do Rio de Janeiro (Comperj)da Petrobras, a ser localizado muito próximo do Mosaico da Mata Atlântica Central Fluminense (MMACF)e, mais particularmente, da Área de Proteção Ambiental (Apa) de Guapimirím. Apesar dos ConselhosGestores das respectivas áreas, prevendo impactos ambientais e sociais muito fortes, ter se manifestadocontrários à localização escolhida pela empresa, procedeu-se ao licenciamento prévio dessa grande obra.Buscamos mostrar como o lema da responsabilidade social e ambiental da empresa que responde peloprojeto não se realizam na prevenção e na precaução, no sentido de planejar as intervenções no sentido deevitar os problemas previstos. A responsabilidade social e ambiental funda-se em atitudes que priorizamos interesses da empresa, tornando-a disponível somente para limitar os problemas previstos e compensarou reparar os danos causados.
O planejamento do espaço rural periurbano: da abordagem funcional do território às territorialidades da autonomia
Authors: Floriani Nicolas
Published: July 2014

O texto discute a questão da crescente demanda urbana pela preservação dos recursos naturais em áreasperiurbanas. Nesse sentido, adverte-se ao fato do espaço rural periurbano caracterizar-se atualmentecomo um ambiente de conflito pelo uso do território, sendo concebido pelas políticas de planejamentoterritorial como espaço de interesses ambientais conflitantes e como espaço de risco socialmenteconstruído. Assim sendo, evidencia a relação, muitas vezes oposta e conflituosa, entre campo e cidade,encerrando em si a contradição entre projetos de desenvolvimento econômico e de preservação ambiental.Por outro lado, aponta-se para a necessidade de um recorte espacial das práticas agrícolas, capaz depermitir o entendimento das relações entre os agricultores familiares ecológicos e a natureza, passandopelo estudo das representações e percepções da paisagem, que se expressam materialmente no territórioda agricultura familiar. Defende-se a idéia que tal abordagem permite pensar políticas alternativas dedesenvolvimento territorial condizentes com as realidades socioambientais locais.
Variação temporal e espacial da cobertura vegetal da floresta ombrófila densa na Área de Proteção Ambiental de Guaraqueçaba no Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Muller Ana Cláudia de Paula , Bessa Jr. Oduvaldo
Published: July 2014

Em decorrência da urgente necessidade de conservação de amostras significativas dos ecossistemas esobre os meios efetivos e ações legais para se atingir esta meta, este estudo pretende avaliar as variaçõesespaciais e temporais da cobertura vegetal natural e os padrões de uso da terra, em períodos anteriorese posteriores à criação da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) de Guaraqueçaba, PR, Brasil. Nesta área,o bioma da Floresta Atlântica é dominante e está protegido em um território de 315.241 ha em unidadede conservação de uso sustentável. Para tanto, foram avaliadas as variações das tipologias da coberturavegetal natural e as mudanças nos padrões de uso do solo em diversos períodos de desenvolvimento eocupação, tendo como referência a data da criação da APA de Guaraqueçaba (1985). Pretende-se, assim,identificar, de forma preliminar, a influência e a importância da ação conservacionista desta modalidadede unidade de conservação na região em questão.
Agricultura sustentável e agricultura racional: quais princípios e quais práticas para a sustentabilidade do desenvolvimento rural?
Authors: Féret Samuel , Douguet Jean-Marc
Published: July 2014

Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir dois modelos de agricultura na França: agricultura racional e agricultura sustentável, comumente confundidas pelo senso comum. Considerando esses dois modelos emergentes, com a crise do modelo produtivísta agrícola, o trabalho analisa seus princípios, as formas de organização social e produtiva e a relação com a natureza.