bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DEAD Box Protein DP103 Is a Regulator of Steroidogenic Factor-1
Authors: Ou Qinglin , Mouillet Jean-François , Yan Xiaomei , Dorn Christoph , Crawford Peter A. , Sadovsky Yoel
Published: January 2014

The nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) is essential for development of the gonads, adrenal gland, and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. It also regulates the expression of pivotal steroidogenic enzymes and other important proteins in the reproductive system. We sought to elucidate the mechanisms that govern the transcriptional activity of SF-1. We demonstrate here that a previously uncharacterized domain, located C-terminal to the DNA binding domain of SF-1, exhibits transcriptional repression function. Point mutations in this domain markedly potentiate the transcriptional activity of native SF-1. Using an SF-1 region that spans this proximal repression domain as bait in a yeast two-hybrid system, we cloned an SF-1 interacting protein that is homologous to human DP103, a member of the DEAD box family of putative RNA helicases. DP103 directly interacts with the proximal repression domain of SF-1, and mutations in this domain abrogate its interaction with DP103. DP103 is expressed predominantly in the testis and is also expressed at a lower level in other steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic tissues. Functionally, DP103 exhibits a native transcriptional repression function that localizes to the C-terminal region of the protein and represses the activity of wild-type, but not mutant, SF-1. Together, the physical and functional interaction of DP103 with a previously unrecognized repression domain within SF-1 represents a novel mechanism for regulation of SF-1 activity.
Distinct Tissue-Specific Roles for Thyroid Hormone Receptors β and α1 in Regulation of Type 1 Deiodinase Expression
Authors: Amma Lori L. , Campos-Barros Angel , Wang Zhendong , Vennström Björn , Forrest Douglas
Published: January 2014

Type 1 deiodinase (D1) metabolizes different forms of thyroid hormones to control levels of T3, the active ligand for thyroid hormone receptors (TR). The D1 gene is itself T3-inducible and here, the regulation of D1 expression by TRα1 and TRβ, which act as T3-dependent transcription factors, was investigated in receptor-deficient mice. Liver and kidney D1 mRNA and activity levels were reduced in TRβ−/− but not TRα1−/− mice. Liver D1 remained weakly T3 inducible in TRβ–/– mice whereas induction was abolished in double mutant TRα1–/–TRβ–/– mice. This indicates that TRβ is primarily responsible for regulating D1 expression whereas TRα1 has only a minor role. In kidney, despite the expression of both TRα1 and TRβ, regulation relied solely on TRβ, thus revealing a marked tissue restriction in TR isotype utilization. Although TRβ and TRα1 mediate similar functions in vitro, these results demonstrate differential roles in regulating D1 expression in vivo and suggest that tissue-specific factors and structural distinctions between TR isotypes contribute to functional specificity. Remarkably, there was an obligatory requirement for a TR, whether TRβ or TRα1, for any detectable D1 expression in liver. This suggests a novel paradigm of gene regulation in which the TR sets both basal expression and the spectrum of induced states. Physiologically, these findings suggest a critical role for TRβ in regulating the thyroid hormone status through D1-mediated metabolism.
Synergistic Activation of the Serotonin-1A Receptor by Nuclear Factor-κB and Estrogen
Authors: Wissink Sacha , van der Burg Bart , Katzenellenbogen Benita S. , van der Saag Paul T.
Published: January 2014

Estrogen exerts profound effects on mood and mental state. The ability of estrogen to modulate serotonergic function raises the possibility that it may play a role in the mechanism associated with depression and its treatment. A cellular mechanism for estrogen to influence mood might be through the regulation of genes involved at various levels of the serotonin system. Here we report that estrogen can up-regulate the expression of the serotonin-1A receptor via a new mechanism involving synergistic activation by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) with estrogen receptor α. Interestingly, we observed that only estrogen receptor-α, and not -β, was able to mediate this effect of estrogens. The partial antiestrogen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, had the same effect as estrogen. In addition, mutation analysis showed that both the transactivation function of p65 and activation function 1 of estrogen receptor-α were essential for this synergistic regulation. Therefore, we propose that NF-κB complexes cooperate with estrogen receptor-α to recruit cofactors into the complex and thereby synergistically activate the serotonin-1A receptor promoter through nonclassical estrogen response elements by a mechanism that does not involve direct receptor binding to DNA.
Spontaneous and Receptor-Controlled Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Activity in Anterior Pituitary Cells
Authors: Kostic Tatjana S. , Andric Silvana A. , Stojilkovic Stanko S.
Published: January 2014

Nitric oxide (NO)-dependent soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is operative in mammalian cells, but its presence and the role in cGMP production in pituitary cells have been incompletely characterized. Here we show that sGC is expressed in pituitary tissue and dispersed cells, enriched lactotrophs and somatotrophs, and GH3 immortalized cells, and that this enzyme is exclusively responsible for cGMP production in unstimulated cells. Basal sGC activity was partially dependent on voltage-gated calcium influx, and both calcium-sensitive NO synthases (NOS), neuronal and endothelial, were expressed in pituitary tissue and mixed cells, enriched lactotrophs and somatotrophs, and GH3 cells. Calcium-independent inducible NOS was transiently expressed in cultured lactotrophs and somatotrophs after the dispersion of cells, but not in GH3 cells and pituitary tissue. This enzyme participated in the control of basal sGC activity in cultured pituitary cells. The overexpression of inducible NOS by lipopolysaccharide + interferon-γ further increased NO and cGMP levels, and the majority of de novo produced cGMP was rapidly released. Addition of an NO donor to perifused pituitary cells also led to a rapid cGMP release. Calcium-mobilizing agonists TRH and GnRH slightly increased basal cGMP production, but only when added in high concentrations. In contrast, adenylyl cyclase agonists GHRH and CRF induced a robust increase in cGMP production, with EC50s in the physiological concentration range. As in cells overexpressing inducible NOS, the stimulatory action of GHRH and CRF was preserved in cells bathed in calcium-deficient medium, but was not associated with a measurable increase in NO production. These results indicate that sGC is present in secretory anterior pituitary cells and is regulated in an NO-dependent manner through constitutively expressed neuronal and endothelial NOS and transiently expressed inducible NOS, as well as independently of NO by adenylyl cyclase coupled-receptors.
Members of the Kv1 and Kv2 Voltage-Dependent K+ Channel Families Regulate Insulin Secretion
Authors: MacDonald Patrick E. , Ha Xiao Fang , Wang Jing , Smukler Simon R. , Sun Anthony M. , Gaisano Herbert Y. , Salapatek Ann Marie F. , Backx Peter H. , Wheeler Michael B.
Published: January 2014

In pancreatic β-cells, voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels are potential mediators of repolarization, closure of Ca2+ channels, and limitation of insulin secretion. The specific Kv channels expressed in β-cells and their contribution to the delayed rectifier current and regulation of insulin secretion in these cells are unclear. High-level protein expression and mRNA transcripts for Kv1.4, 1.6, and 2.1 were detected in rat islets and insulinoma cells. Inhibition of these channels with tetraethylammonium decreased IDR by approximately 85% and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by 2- to 4-fold. Adenovirus-mediated expression of a C-terminal truncated Kv2.1 subunit, specifically eliminating Kv2 family currents, reduced delayed rectifier currents in these cells by 60–70% and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from rat islets by 60%. Expression of a C-terminal truncated Kv1.4 subunit, abolishing Kv1 channel family currents, reduced delayed rectifier currents by approximately 25% and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from rat islets by 40%. This study establishes that Kv2 and 1 channel homologs mediate the majority of repolarizing delayed rectifier current in rat β-cells and that antagonism of Kv2.1 may prove to be a novel glucose-dependent therapeutic treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Decreased Expression of the GHRH Receptor Gene Due to a Mutation in a Pit-1 Binding Site
Authors: Salvatori Roberto , Fan Xiaoguang , Mullis Primus E. , Haile Azeb , Levine Michael A.
Published: January 2014

A variety of mutations in the gene encoding the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) that are predicted to alter protein structure or function have been recently described in patients with isolated GH deficiency type IB. In the present report we describe a patient with isolated GH deficiency type IB who was heterozygous for two novel mutations in this gene: a missense mutation in codon 329 that replaces lysine with glutamic acid (K329E) and an A→C transversion (position −124) in one of the two sites of the promoter region that binds the pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1, which is required for GHRHR expression. Chinese hamster ovary cells that were transfected with a cDNA encoding the K329E GHRHR expressed the receptor but failed to show a cAMP response after treatment with GHRH, confirming the lack of functionality. To test the effect of the A→C mutation at position −124 of the promoter, we transfected rat GH3 pituitary cells, which express endogenous Pit-1, with plasmids in which the luciferase reporter gene was under the control of either the wild-type or the mutant promoter. GH3 cells expressing the mutant promoter showed significantly less luciferase activity than cells expressing the wild-type promoter. DNA-binding studies confirmed that the A→C base change markedly reduces DNA binding to the Pit-1 protein. These results demonstrate that mutations in the GHRHR are not limited to the coding sequence and that promoter mutations that impair Pit-1 binding can reduce expression of the GHRHR gene.
A Negative Coregulator for the Human ER
Authors: Norris John D. , Fan Daju , Sherk Andrea , McDonnell Donald P.
Published: January 2014

ERα is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a key regulator of the processes involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation. In addition, aberrant ERα activity is linked to several pathological conditions including breast cancer. A complex network of coregulatory proteins is largely believed to determine the transcriptional activity of ERα. We report here the isolation of a protein, denoted RTA for repressor of tamoxifen transcriptional activity, which contains an RNA recognition motif and interacts with the receptor N-terminal activation domain. RTA interacts with RNA in vitro, and its overexpression inhibits the partial agonist activity manifest by the antiestrogen tamoxifen while minimally affecting E2-activated transcription. Mutation of the RNA recognition motif alters RNA binding specificity and results in a dominant negative form of RTA that leads to derepression of ERα transcriptional activity, allowing all classes of antiestrogens to manifest partial agonist activity and enhancing agonist efficacy. These findings suggest a role for RNA binding proteins as coregulatory factors of the nuclear receptor family and reveal a novel mechanism by which antiestrogens can manifest agonist activities in some tissues.
Inhibition of the Dihydrotestosterone-Activated Androgen Receptor by Nuclear Receptor Corepressor
Authors: Cheng Shinta , Brzostek Sabrina , Lee Suzanne R. , Hollenberg Anthony N. , Balk Steven P.
Published: January 2014

Nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) mediates transcriptional repression by unliganded nuclear receptors and certain steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) bound to nonphysiological antagonists, but has not been found to regulate SHRs bound to their natural ligands. This report demonstrates that NCoR interacts directly with the androgen receptor (AR) and represses dihydrotestosterone-stimulated AR transcriptional activity. The NCoR C terminus, containing the receptor interacting domains, was necessary for repression, which was ablated by mutations in the corepressor nuclear receptor (CoRNR) boxes. In contrast, the NCoR N terminus, containing domains that can recruit histone deacetylases, was not necessary for repression. Binding studies in vitro with a series of glutathione-S-transferase-NCoR and -AR fusion proteins demonstrated a direct interaction that was similarly dependent upon the NCoR corepressor nuclear receptor boxes and AR ligand binding domain and was independent of ligand and helix 12 in the AR ligand binding domain. This NCoR-AR interaction was further demonstrated in mammalian two-hybrid assays and by coimmunoprecipitation of the endogenous proteins from a prostate cancer cell line. Finally, AR transcriptional activity could be enhanced in vivo by sequestration of endogenous NCoR with unliganded thyroid hormone receptor. These results demonstrate that AR, in contrast to other SHRs, is regulated by NCoR and suggest the possibility of developing selective AR modulators that enhance this interaction.
Training guides and guide-interpreters in the 1960s–1980s (on the example of the Kuibyshev region)
Authors: Кирсанова Ирина , Kirsanova Irina
Published: January 2014

The article discusses the process of education and advanced training of guides and guide -interpreters on the

example of the Kuibyshev region in 1960— 1980s. The reasons for differences in the organizational form of

training guides and guide-interpreters in the Kuibyshev region are given. The programs of training guides

and guides interpreters are studied. The characteristics of each system based on the comparison of the two

systems are identified.
"The only beauty is truth that become visible" (Urban sculpture as the factor of ethnical and civil identity construction in post-Soviet societies)
Authors: Аманжолова Дина , Amanzholova Dina
Published: January 2014

Author presents comparative analysis of urban sculpture in Kiev and Astana as important factors for construction of ethnical and civil identity in post-Soviet reality. Particular attention is paid to disbalance and continuity of present life with Soviet past, specifi cs and contradiction of ethno-social and cultural politics of Ukraine and

Kazakhstan, sculpture plastics as the element of modern urban area for basic components of public conscience formation and value reference points of complex system of self-identifi cation in post-Soviet societies.
Physical and Chemical Compatibility of Injectable Acetaminophen during Simulated Y-Site Administration
Authors: Anderson Collin , Boehme Sabrina , Ouellette Jacquelyn , Stidham Chanelle , MacKay Mark
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The physical and chemical compatibility of intravenous acetaminophen with commonly administered injectable medications was evaluated.

Methods

Simulated Y-site evaluation was accomplished by mixing 2 mL of acetaminophen (10 mg/mL) with 2 mL of an alternative intravenous medication and subsequently storing the mixture in a polypropylene syringe for 4 hours. The aliquot solutions were visually inspected and evaluated for crystal content at 4 hours by infusing 4 mL of the medication mixture through a 0.45-μm nitrocellulose filter disc. Medication mixtures that were selected for chemical stability testing were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography at 0, 1, and 4 hours using a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18, 4.6 × 100 mm, 3.5-μm column for separation of analytes with subsequent diode-array detection. Medications were considered chemically compatible if the concentrations of all components were >90% of the original concentrations during the 4 hour simulated Y-site compatibility test.

Results

U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) standards for physical particle counts were met for acetaminophen injection (10 mg/mL) when combined with cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, dolasetron, fentanyl, granisetron, hydrocortisone, hydromorphone, ketorolac, meperidine, methylprednisolone, midazolam, morphine, nalbuphine, ondansetron, piperacillin/tazobactam, ranitidine, and vancomycin. Injectable acetaminophen is incompatible with acyclovir and diazepam and therefore should not be administered concomitantly with either of these products. Further testing confirmed the chemical compatibility of acetaminophen with ceftriaxone, diphenhydramine, granisetron, ketorolac, nalbuphine, ondansetron, piperacillin/tazobactam, and vancomycin.

Conclusion

All medications tested with acetaminophen were physically compatible except for acyclovir and diazepam. All 8 medications tested for chemical compatibility with acetaminophen were stable over the 4 hour simulated Y-site administration study.
Der Glaube an die Wissenschaften und der methodische Atheismus – Zur religiösen Dialektik der wissenschaftlich-technischen Zivilisation
Authors: Tetens Holm
Published: January 2014

In der wissenschaftlich-technischen Zivilisation verbindet sich ein Glaube an die Realitätsbeschreibung durch die Wissenschaften mit der Hoffnung auf eine ungehemmte Verbesserung der Welt mit Hilfe einer wissenschaftsbasierten Technik. Der Aufsatz versucht herauszuarbeiten, wie diese Verbindung wesentlich einen methodischen Atheismus und ein Projekt der Selbsterlösung des Menschen einschließt und wie dadurch der Glaube an die Wissenschaften und die Weltverbesserungshoffnung in eine dialektische Spannung zueinander geraten, die in ihrer Tiefendimension religiös ist.
Phase-Amplitude Coupling in Rat Orbitofrontal Cortex Discriminates between Correct and Incorrect Decisions during Associative Learning
Authors: van Wingerden Marijn , van der Meij Roemer , Kalenscher Tobias , Maris Eric , Pennartz Cyriel M.A.
Published: January 2014

Cross-frequency interactions between oscillations in local field potentials (LFPs) are thought to support communication between brain structures by temporally coordinating neural activity. It is unknown, however, whether such interactions differentiate between different levels of performance in decision-making tasks. Here, we investigated theta (4–12 Hz) to gamma (30–100 Hz) phase-amplitude coupling in LFP recordings from rat orbitofrontal cortex. Across subsequent periods of a task in which rats learned to discriminate two odors associated with positive and negative outcomes, theta-to-gamma phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) was highest during the odor-sampling task period that preceded a Go/NoGo decision. This task-dependent modulation could not be explained by changes in oscillatory power and appeared to be time-locked to odor onset, not to the timing of the behavioral response. We found that PAC strength during odor sampling correlated with learning, as indexed by improved performance across trials. Moreover, this increase in PAC magnitude was apparent only on trials with correct Go and NoGo decisions, but not incorrect Go decisions. In addition, we found that PAC preferred coupling phase showed consistency over sessions only for correct, but not incorrect trials.

In conclusion, orbitofrontal cortex theta-gamma PAC strength differentiates between different levels of performance in an olfactory decision-making task and may play a role in the generation and utilization of stimulus-based outcome predictions, necessary for adaptive decision-making.
Differential Contributions of Infralimbic Prefrontal Cortex and Nucleus Accumbens during Reward-Based Learning and Extinction
Authors: Francois Jennifer , Huxter John , Conway Michael W. , Lowry John P. , Tricklebank Mark D. , Gilmour Gary
Published: January 2014

Using environmental cues for the prediction of future events is essential for survival. Such cue-outcome associations are thought to depend on mesolimbic circuitry involving the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Several studies have identified roles for both NAc and PFC in the expression of stable goal-directed behaviors, but much remains unknown about their roles during learning of such behaviors. To further address this question, we usedin vivooxygen amperometry, a proxy for blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal measurement in human functional magnetic resonance imaging, in rats performing a cued lever-pressing task requiring discrimination between a rewarded and nonrewarded cue. Simultaneous oxygen recordings were obtained from infralimbic PFC (IFC) and NAc throughout both acquisition and extinction of this task. Activation of NAc was specifically observed following rewarded cue onset during the entire acquisition phase and also during the first days of extinction. In contrast, IFC activated only during the earliest periods of acquisition and extinction, more specifically to the nonrewarded cue. Thus,in vivooxygen amperometry permits a novel, stable form of longitudinal analysis of brain activity in behaving animals, allowing dissociation of the roles of different brain regions over time during learning of reward-driven instrumental action. The present results offer a unique temporal perspective on how NAc may promote actions directed toward anticipated positive outcome throughout learning, while IFC might suppress actions that no longer result in reward, but only during critical periods of learning.
Serum levels of the myokine irisin in relation to metabolic and renal function
Authors: Ebert Thomas , Focke Denise , Petroff David , Wurst Ulrike , Richter Judit , Bachmann Anette , Lössner Ulrike , Kralisch Susan , Kratzsch Jürgen , Beige Joachim , Bast Ingolf , Anders Matthias , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: January 2014

Objective

Irisin has recently been introduced as a novel myokine which reverses visceral obesity and improves glucose metabolism in mice. However, regulation of irisin in humans in relation to renal and metabolic disease has not been comprehensively studied.

Design and methods

Serum irisin levels were quantified by ELISA and correlated with anthropometric and biochemical parameters of renal function, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as inflammation, in 532 patients with stages 1–5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results

Median serum irisin levels adjusted for age, gender, and BMI significantly decreased with increasing CKD stage and lowest concentrations were seen in patients with CKD stage 5. Furthermore, irisin concentrations were associated with facets of the metabolic syndrome including diastolic blood pressure, markers of impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia in univariate analysis. Moreover, markers of renal function, e.g. glomerular filtration rate, and insulin resistance, e.g. homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, remained independently associated with circulating irisin levels in robust multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

We show that irisin serum concentrations decrease with increasing CKD stage and are independently and positively predicted by renal function and insulin resistance. The physiological relevance of our findings, as well as the factors contributing to irisin regulation in humans, needs to be further defined in future experiments.
Influence of tissue, age, and environmental quality on DNA methylation in Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Parrott Benjamin B , Bowden John A , Kohno Satomi , Cloy-McCoy Jessica A , Hale Matthew D , Bangma Jacqueline T , Rainwater Thomas R , Wilkinson Phillip M , Kucklick John R , Guillette Louis J
Published: January 2014

Epigenetic modifications are key mediators of the interactions between the environment and an organism's genome. DNA methylation represents the best-studied epigenetic modification to date and is known to play key roles in regulating transcriptional activity and promoting chromosome stability. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated the utility of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) as a sentinel species to investigate the persistent effects of environmental contaminant exposure on reproductive health. Here, we incorporate a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to directly measure the total (global) proportion of 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC) in ovarian and whole blood DNA from alligators. Global DNA methylation in ovaries was significantly elevated in comparison with that of whole blood. However, DNA methylation appeared similar in juvenile alligators reared under controlled laboratory conditions but originating from three sites with dissimilar environmental qualities, indicating an absence of detectable site-of-origin effects on persistent levels of global 5mdC content. Analyses of tissues across individuals revealed a surprising lack of correlation between global methylation levels in blood and ovary. In addition, global DNA methylation in blood samples from juvenile alligators was elevated compared with those from adults, suggesting that age, as observed in mammals, may negatively influence global DNA methylation levels in alligators. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining global levels of DNA methylation in the American alligator and provides a reference point for future studies examining the interplay of epigenetics and environmental factors in a long-lived sentinel species.
The 22-year residual effect of phosphorus fertilization on pseudomyceliar chernozem soil
Authors: Csathó Péter , Kádár Imre
Published: January 2014

Szabadföldi 22 éves, split-plot elrendezésű, 12 ismétléses P-utóhatás tartamkísérletünket az MTA TAKI Nagyhörcsöki Kísérleti Telepén — foszforral eredetileg gyengén ellátott mészlepedékes csernozjom talajon — 0, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600 és 720 kg P2O5·ha−1 feltöltő P-adagokkal 1972 őszén állítottuk be. A kísérlet első 8 évében őszi búza, a 9. évben köles, a 10–12. években lucerna, a 13. évben tavaszi árpa, a 14–22. években ismét őszi búza szerepelt jelzőnövényként. A kísérlet felépítése lehetőve tette, hogy az 1972 őszén kialakított „régi” P-szinteken (amelyek az utóhatás-kísérletet képezték), a műtrágya-P értékcsökkenését szabatosan megfigyelhessük az idő függvényében. Annak megállapítására, hogy a két-, négy-, hat-, nyolc-... húszéves utóhatás mekkora adagú frissen kiadott szuperfoszfát hatásával egyenértékű — a 12 ismétléses kísérlet párhuzamos parcelláit felhasználva —, a növekvő „régi” P-szinteken 1974-től 1990-ig kétévente 0, 40, 80 és 120 kg P2O5·ha-1 szuperfoszfátadaggal felültrágyáztuk a parcellákat. 1990-re így 36 különböző Pkezeléssel rendelkeztünk, és az ismétlések száma háromra csökkent.A feltöltő P-trágyázást követően négy éven keresztül erőteljesen csökkentek az AL-P-tartalmak, melyet hároméves egyensúly követett ezen a karbonátos, könnyű vályog, a foszfort gyengén megkötő csernozjom talajon. Ezt egy hároméves újabb, de már mérsékeltebb P-fixációs, majd újabb hatéves egyensúlyi szakasz követte.A 240, 480 és 720 kg P2O5·ha−1 adagok utóhatásai négy, hat, illetve nyolc évig biztosítottak kielégítő, nagy termésszinteket lehetővé tevő P-ellátottságot az őszi búzának (1,2–1,5 t·ha-1 terméstöbbletek). Bár egyre alacsonyabb termésszinteken, de a P-trágyázás utóhatása a 9. és 20. évek között is mérhető volt.Az évek során a P-trágyázás utóhatásának „friss” P egyenértéke fokozatosan lecsökkent. A „régi” P-műtrágyázás „felezési ideje”, hatásának felére csökkenése 3–4 évre volt tehető. Mérsékelt övi, kontinentális klíma alatt a korábbi P-trágyázás utóhatásának csökkenését a növényi P-felvétellel és a P-műtrágya megkötődésével magyarázhatjuk.Az idő múlásával a P-mérleg szerint a talajban maradó műtrágya-P egyre kisebb része volt a növény számára felvehető, ill. AL-oldható formában, a vízoldható monokalcium-foszfátoknak egyre kevésbé oldható kalcium-foszfátokká való átalakulása, az egyre erőteljesebb P-megkötődés következtében. A P-műtrágyázás hatékonyságának vizsgálatakor tanulságos lehet a P-műtrágya érvényesülési %-ának ismerete is. A kísérlet 22. éve után az adott 240, 480 és 720 kg P2O5·ha−1 P-adag 53, 43 és 36%-a érvényesült a P-kontroll (NK) parcelláknál mért P-felvételen (a talaj természetes P-szolgáltatásán) felül.A P-trágyázási terv készítése során a talaj P-ellátottságára, a foszfor megkötődését befolyásoló talajtulajdonságokra (kötöttség, pH, mészállapot stb.), ill. a Pműtrágya árára is tekintettel kell lennünk. A jelenlegi gazdasági környezetben még a foszfort kevésbé megkötő talajokon sem célszerű 2–3 évnél hosszabb időszakra Pelőretrágyázni.
Avaliacao da confiabilidade e validade do Indice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado
Authors: Andrade Samantha Caesar de , Previdelli Agatha Nogueira , Marchioni Dirce Maria Lobo , Fisberg Regina Mara
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO Avaliar a confiabilidade e a validade do Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado de acordo com as propriedades psicométricas. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal em amostra probabilística do município de São Paulo, SP, com 2.375 indivíduos com idade maior ou igual a 12 anos, de ambos os sexos, incluídos no Inquérito de Saúde, realizado em 2003. As informações sobre características da população foram obtidas por meio de questionário. Dados do consumo alimentar foram obtidos pela aplicação do Recordatório de 24 horas, utilizado para calcular o Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado (IQD-R). Foram avaliados (1) validade de conteúdo, comparando os componentes com as recomendações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira; (2) validade de constructo, por meio da análise fatorial pelo método dos componentes principais e verificando se o índice consegue mensurar a qualidade da dieta independente da energia ingerida; (3) validade discriminante; e (4) a confiabilidade do IQD-R pela análise da consistência interna dos itens utilizando o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS As correlações entre os escores dos componentes e a energia consumida foram fracas (r #< 0,30). A análise de componentes principais indicou a presença de quatro fatores com autovalores #> 1 que representaram 67% da variância do índice. A validade discriminante do IQD-R foi observada comparando os indivíduos por sexo e hábito de fumar, identificando diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as médias dos componentes do IQD-R e o escore final. O valor do alfa de Cronbach (α = 0,7) indicou a presença de consistência interna entre os componentes do IQD-R. O componente Gord_AA, seguido dos componentes frutas totais e frutas integrais, apresentaram maior correlação com a pontuação final do índice. CONCLUSÕES O Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado mostrou-se confiável e estruturalmente válido quando utilizado para avaliar e monitorar a qualidade da dieta de brasileiros.
Introducao e expansao da Leishmaniose visceral americana em humanos no estado de Sao Paulo, 1999-2011
Authors: Cardim Marisa Furtado Mozini , Rodas Lilian A Colebrusco , Dibo Margareth Regina , Guirado Marluci Monteiro , Oliveira Agda Maria , Chiaravalloti Neto Francisco
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO : Analisar a expansão da ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana em humanos e identificar localidades prioritárias para o desenvolvimento de ações de vigilância e controle. MÉTODOS : A área de estudo constituiu-se dos 316 municípios do estado de São Paulo pertencentes às cinco regiões de saúde com ocorrência da leishmaniose visceral americana em humanos, utilizando os casos autóctones e óbitos, com ano de notificação e município de ocorrência. Calcularam-se taxas de incidência e de mortalidade e letalidade por município, por região e para a área de estudo. Utilizaram-se o estimador bayesiano empírico para obtenção de taxas de incidência e de mortalidade bayesianas locais para cada município e a krigagem para visualização da distribuição espacial das temperaturas e das precipitações pluviométricas. RESULTADOS : Foram detectados 73 municípios com transmissão da doença. As primeiras ocorrências deram-se em áreas com maiores temperaturas e menores pluviosidades, mas sua disseminação também ocorreu em áreas menos quentes e mais úmidas. A expansão da leishmaniose visceral americana em humanos apresentou um eixo principal de disseminação no sentido noroeste para sudeste, acompanhando a rodovia Marechal Rondon e o gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil, e um eixo secundário, na direção norte-sul, acompanhando a malha rodoviária. As taxas de incidência, segundo regiões de saúde, apresentaram um pico seguido de queda, com exceção da região de São José do Rio Preto. Observou-se maior concentração de municípios com altas taxas de incidência e mortalidade nas regiões de saúde de Araçatuba, Presidente Prudente e Marília. CONCLUSÕES : Possíveis fatores determinantes da expansão da doença incluíram a rodovia Marechal Rondon e a construção do gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil. Fatores climáticos pareceram não ter papel determinante nessa expansão. O uso de técnicas de análise espacial permitiu identificar municípios com possível subnotificação de casos e óbitos e indicar municípios prioritários para o desenvolvimento de ações de vigilância e controle.
Optimum phenol sorption in peat by the response surface method
Authors: Pal Supriya , Mukherjee Somnath , Ghosh Sudipta
Published: January 2014

In this study, the attenuation capacity of peat soil as an adsorbent for the removal of phenol was optimised by conducting laboratory-scale batch experiments using response surface methodology (RSM). The factor-based Box–Behnken experimental design of RSM was applied to examine the combined effect of selected process parameters that is, initial phenol concentration (1–20 mg/l), soil dosage (50–200 g/l) and initial solution pH (2–10), and the percentage phenol removal were considered as a response function. A quadratic model was developed by regression analysis, using the experimental data from 17 batch runs. The predicted values of phenol removal in the model were found to be in close agreement with experimental values (R2 = 0·99). With the use of a desirability function, the optimum values of initial phenol concentration, adsorption dose and initial solution pH were found to be 20 mg/l, 80·08 g/l and 6·4, respectively, with a desirability of 0·922. Under these conditions, the phenol removal efficiency was found to be 45·05%.
Species‐ and sex‐specific connectivity effects of habitat fragmentation in a suite of woodland birds
Authors: Amos J. Nevil , Harrisson Katherine A. , Radford James Q. , White Matt , Newell Graeme , Nally Ralph Mac , Sunnucks Paul , Pavlova Alexandra
Published: January 2014

Loss of functional connectivity following habitat loss and fragmentation could drive species declines. A comprehensive understanding of fragmentation effects on functional connectivity of an ecological assemblage requires investigation of multiple species with different mobilities, at different spatial scales, for each sex, and in different landscapes. Based on published data on mobility and ecological responses to fragmentation of 10 woodland‐dependent birds, and using simulation studies, we predicted that (1) fragmentation would impede dispersal and gene flow of eight “decliners” (species that disappear from suitable patches when landscape‐level tree cover falls below species‐specific thresholds), but not of two “tolerant” species (whose occurrence in suitable habitat patches is independent of landscape tree cover); and that fragmentation effects would be stronger (2) in the least mobile species, (3) in the more philopatric sex, and (4) in the more fragmented region. We tested these predictions by evaluating spatially explicit isolation‐by‐landscape‐resistance models of gene flow in fragmented landscapes across a 50 × 170 km study area in central Victoria, Australia, using individual and population genetic distances. To account for sex‐biased dispersal and potential scale‐ and configuration‐specific effects, we fitted models specific to sex and geographic zones. As predicted, four of the least mobile decliners showed evidence of reduced genetic connectivity. The responses were strongly sex specific, but in opposite directions in the two most sedentary species. Both tolerant species and (unexpectedly) four of the more mobile decliners showed no reduction in gene flow. This is unlikely to be due to time lags because more mobile species develop genetic signatures of fragmentation faster than do less mobile ones. Weaker genetic effects were observed in the geographic zone with more aggregated vegetation, consistent with gene flow being unimpeded by landscape structure. Our results indicate that for all but the most sedentary species in our system, the movement of the more dispersive sex (females in most cases) maintains overall genetic connectivity across fragmented landscapes in the study area, despite some small‐scale effects on the more philopatric sex for some species. Nevertheless, to improve population viability for the less mobile bird species, structural landscape connectivity must be increased.
On the dynamics of a vaccination model with multiple transmission ways
Authors: Liao Shu , Yang Weiming
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we present a vaccination model with multiple transmission ways and derive the control reproduction number. The stability analysis of both the disease-free and endemic equilibria is carried out, and bifurcation theory is applied to explore a variety of dynamics of this model. In addition, we present numerical simulations to verify the model predictions. Mathematical results suggest that vaccination is helpful for disease control by decreasing the control reproduction number below unity.
Landmark-Based Morphometric Study in the Fore and Hind Wings of an Iranian Race of European Honeybee (Apis mellifera meda)
Authors: Dolati Lotfali , Rafie Javad Nazemi , Khalesro Hoda
Published: January 2014

Honeybee (Apis mellifera ) populations are usually distinguished using standard morphometric methods, mainly based on multivariate analysis of distances and angles. Recently, geometric morphometrics, another method of statistical analysis of shape, has been developed. This research was conducted on European honeybees in Iran in 2012. Multivariate analysis on hind wings identified significant differences between honeybee populations from different areas and significant differences in centroid size of fore wings in different geographical areas (F = 10.6, p = 0.000). Populations from nine areas were classified using discriminate function analysis based on shape variables of fore and hind wings. Crossvalidation tests based on discriminant functions of front wings correctly classified 68.2% of the colonies, and cross-validation tests based on discriminant functions of hind wings correctly classified 43% of the colonies.
Unusual complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Ojo Omotayo A. , Elebute Olumide , Kanu Okezie O. , Popoola Olusegun Adebisi
Published: January 2014

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the conventional method of managing hydrocephalus until recently that endoscopic third ventriculostomy is becoming popular. The major disadvantage of VPS is the fact that it constitutes a foreign body and prone to complications such as mechanical blockage, shunt infection, shunt migration and rarely shunt protrusion. Shunt extrusion through the vagina and anus are rare but have been documented. We present a rare case of shunt migrating through the external inguinal ring into the scrotal sac in a patient.
Extramedullary Myxopapillary Ependymoma of the Filum Terminale Associated With Syringomyelia: A Case Report
Authors: Samanci Yavuz , Celik Suat Erol
Published: January 2014

Aim: Ependymomas compose the majority of all intradural intramedullary spinal lesions. Filum terminale lesions are rarely associated with syringomyelia. Here we describe a case of extramedullary myxopapillary ependymoma associated with extensive syringomyelia located in the filum terminale.

Material and Methods: A 34-year-old man admitted to our clinic with complaints of bilateral leg weakness, back pain and urinary dysfunction. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient showed us a contrast enhanced intraspinal mass at the level of L2 with a syringomyelia extending from L2 level to Th7 level.

Results: The patient was operated via lumbar laminoplasty and tumor was totally resected.

Conclusion: The removal of tumor is also sufficient for the resolution of syringomyelia and no additional procedure is essential for the treatment of syringomyelia in such cases. This is the first case of extramedullary tumors of the cauda equine with extensive syringomyelia.
A FEW NOTES ON THE LANGUAGE OF EU ANTITRUST LAW IN ENGLISH-POLISH TRANSLATION
Authors: Piszcz Anna
Published: January 2014

In this paper I would like to present a brief description of the issues in English-Polish translation in the field of antitrust. Ever since Poland became a part of the broadening European integration, the Polish antitrust laws have been strongly “Europeanised”. Many new linguistic elements exist in both the Polish language of antitrust law and Polish legal language. Whatever the cause, the result is a decrease in the quality of the language. The issues of concern are divided into two groups. The first relates to producing Polish versions of EU legal documents concerning antitrust (part 2 of the paper). The second is related to translating English language of antitrust for the purposes of drafting national documents concerning antitrust, both legal documents and documents that are not legally binding (part 3 of the paper). I will then (in part 4 of the paper) turn to areas where a change is needed and propose measures that might be helpful in the current circumstances.
One-Pot Solvothermal Synthesis of Highly Emissive, Sodium-Codoped, LaF3 and BaLaF5 Core-Shell Upconverting Nanocrystals
Authors: Stecher Joshua , Rohlfing Anne , Therien Michael
Published: January 2014

We report a one-pot solvothermal synthesis of sub-10 nm, dominant ultraviolet (UV) emissive upconverting nanocrystals (UCNCs), based on sodium-codoped LaF3 and BaLaF5 (0.5%Tm; 20%Yb) and their corresponding core@shell derivatives. Elemental analysis shows a Na-codopant in these crystal systems of ~20% the total cation content; X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicate a shift in unit cell dimensions consistent with these small codopant ions. Similarly, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis reveals primarily substitution of Na+ for La3+ ions (97% of total Na+ codopant) in the crystal system, and interstitial Na+ (3% of detected Na+) and La3+ (3% of detected La3+) present in (Na)LaF3 and only direct substitution of Na+ for Ba2+ in Ba(Na)LaF5. In each case, XPS analysis of La 3d lines show a decrease in binding energy (0.08–0.25 eV) indicating a reduction in local crystal field symmetry surrounding rare earth (R.E.3+) ions, permitting otherwise disallowed R.E. UC transitions to be enhanced. Studies that examine the impact of laser excitation power upon luminescence intensity were conducted over 2.5–100 W/cm2 range to elucidate UC mechanisms that populate dominant UV emitting states. Low power saturation of Tm3+ 3F3 and 3H4 states was observed and noted as a key initial condition for effective population of the 1D2 and 1I6 UV emitting states, via Tm-Tm cross-relaxation.
Sphodromantis viridis (Forskal, 1775): New for Portugal and new records of the rare and small mantids Apteromantis aptera (Fuente, 1894) and Perlamantis allibertii Guérin-Méneville, 1843 in the country (Mantodea: Mantidae and Amorphoscelidae)
Authors: Marabuto Eduardo , Rodrigues Ivo , Henriques Sérgio
Published: January 2014

Several new records are presented on some of the least known mantis species in the Iberian Peninsula. From data collected in Portugal, their analysis has proven to represent an important advancement in the knowledge of this group of insects for the country and the Western Mediterranean area. Twenty new citations provide a better understanding on the distribution of the crepuscular species Perlamantis allibertii, the IUCN red listed Apteromantis aptera and the first Portuguese records of Sphodromantis viridis, extending their western limits of occurrence in Europe. The data thus gathered emphasizes the need to invest in biodiversity assessment for increased knowledge on species distribution and phenology but also for monitoring over time, essential to better ascertaining ecosystem services, the effects of climate change and habitat conservation.
Quand la « bio » rebat les cartes de la représentation des agriculteurs
Authors: Samak Madlyne
Published: January 2014

Les agriculteurs biologiques ont longtemps été marginalisés par le syndicalisme majoritaire. Leur représentation professionnelle, construite sur la base d’associations, s’est dès le départ constituée en force centrifuge de la profession agricole. Depuis quelques années, les injonctions politiques au développement de l’agriculture biologique en France se multiplient, et les pouvoirs publics invitent les divers organismes professionnels à travailler de concert. L’enquête menée dans les Alpes-Maritimes permet d’analyser les effets de ces évolutions politiques sur la profession agricole. Alors qu’ailleurs les politiques de promotion de l’agriculture biologique ont pu mener à l’absorption des structures associatives par le syndicalisme majoritaire, sur notre terrain, les organismes professionnels continuent de lutter (à armes inégales) pour à la fois exister, capter des financements et faire advenir l’image sociale du métier d’agriculteur biologique qu’ils souhaitent défendre.
La disimulación en el islam sunní y la taqiyya morisca
Authors: Stewart Devin
Published: January 2014

Este trabajo ofrece un resumen de la doctrina religiosa de taqiyya o disimulación en el islam sunní, recurriendo a comentarios del Qur’ān, compendios de ḥadīṯ, obras de ley islámica y tratados de principios éticos. En las fuentes andaluces antes de la conquista cristiana aparecen discusiones acerca del concepto de taqiyya y del de coerción (ikrāh), ambos exenciones legales, y algunas de ellas continuaron estando a disposición de los moriscos y de los juristas norteafricanos que les aconsejaban. El análisis de estos materiales facilita la interpretación de la fatwā que Ibn Abī Ȳum’a al-Wahrānī envió a los moriscos en el ano 1504 y particularmente la comprensión de su tratamiento de la blasfemia bajo coacción.
La integración de la prevención en la fase de diseño. El papel del Proyectista en España y en los países de la Europa de los 15
Authors: Esteban J. , Ros A. , Sanz M. , Lozano R. V.
Published: January 2014

En este estudio (1) se ha pretendido analizar conjuntamente todos los factores que pueden influir en el desarrollo metodológico del trabajo del proyectista en España y su vinculación con la gestión preventiva en fase de diseño, teniendo en cuenta asimismo el marco normativo existente en la EU-15, realizando dos tipos de análisis: uno cualitativo y otro cuantitativo. En el primero se ha analizado la situación en distintos ámbitos: técnico, formativo, estadístico, normativo, y jurisprudencial así como un análisis normativo de lo establecido en los países de la Europa de los 15 – EU-15. En el segundo, se ha analizado la metodología de los proyectistas españoles en edificación en España.

Las conclusiones obtenidas en los mismos ámbitos que los análisis realizados nos permitirán seguir avanzando en la implementación de la prevención en fase de proyecto.