bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrativas de Professores de História em Londrina-Paraná: SEUS SABERES E PRÁTICAS
Authors: Dornelas Eline Andréa
Published: January 2015

As ideias apresentadas nessa pesquisa procuram analisar de que forma as transformações ocorridas nos anos de 1990 em relação ao Ensino de História afetam a formação de professores licenciados em História. A literatura atual traz uma diversidade de abordagens teóricas e metodológicas na investigação dessa temática, destacando a preocupação e a compreensão como o conhecimento é construído pelo professor e utilizado em sala de aula. A perspectiva metodológica deste trabalho pautou-se na pesquisa com narrativas escritas de sete professores de História em Londrina-Paraná e o instrumento utilizado para a obtenção de dados da pesquisa foi o questionário. O resultado deste estudo gerou uma base de dados e a partir daí foi possível articular os domínios de conhecimentos mobilizados pelos professores durante suas ações pedagógicas, ou seja, seus saberes e fazeres. Compreendemos, portanto, a formação docente como um processo amplo e complexo, o qual envolve vários saberes, competências e conhecimentos que vão possibilitar uma estrutura para o profissional que se propõe a exercer o ofício da docência. Abordar a formação docente e ensino de História significa repensar o contexto político, social, econômico e cultural, os avanços tecnológicos, e o “novo perfil do professor” na contemporaneidade. Entender como essa História tem sido “ensinada”, como esse professor se apropria das variadas ferramentas para estabelecer a relação da história e das fontes históricas que o auxilie nesse processo, é um desafio para entendermos a articulação entre o pensar e o agir, a teoria e a prática, ou seja, como reelaboram as formas de pensar o processo o ensino e a aprendizagem em História.
O Rio Tibagi e suas representações: a polêmica da água e o desenvolvimento do Projeto Tibagi (1970 – 2000)
Authors: Biasetto Eliane Aparecida
Published: January 2015

O rio Tibagi na cidade de Londrina, durante os anos de 1970 e 1980 foi motivo de muita discussão e polêmica devido ao projeto de captação de suas águas para o abastecimento da população das cidades de Londrina e região. Em matérias publicadas em jornais, sobretudo no Jornal Folha de Londrina, nas décadas de 1970 e 1980, foi possível identificar que, neste momento, emergiu a percepção de que o rio estava poluído. Deste modo, o nosso objetivo principal na primeira parte desta pesquisa é investigar como se deu a formação desta imagem. Para tanto foi utilizado a coleção de recortes de jornais sobre a polêmica da captação das águas do Tibagi e entrevistas com o engenheiro civil Nelson Amanthea e com o engenheiro agrônomo Marcos Antonio Castanheira, ambos participaram das discussões sobre o Projeto. Foi neste período, que o ideário da era da ecologia penetrou e começou a circular na cidade no final da década de 1970. Neste contexto, o do surgimento da “era da ecologia”, as denúncias e ações de combate à poluição começavam a se tornar mais efetivas e amplas, assim também, surgiram as associações ambientalistas, órgãos governamentais especializados e legislação específica. Deste modo, o também objetivo dessa pesquisa é investigar a participação de cientistas e instituições na questão ambiental, através da investigação do rio Tibagi que tornou-se evidente no final dos anos de 1980 e início da década seguinte quando a Universidade Estadual de Londrina-PR iniciou pesquisas na bacia do rio Tibagi. Destaca-se a participação dos membros do Departamento de Biologia Animal e Vegetal – UEL, a empresa Klabin Celulose e Papel, de Telêmaco Borba-PR e o COPATI- Consórcio Intermunicipal da Bacia do Tibagi, nos projetos e ações com objetivo de promover a sua recuperação. Uma das principais ações investigadas foi o Projeto “Aspecto da Fauna e Flora do Rio Tibagi” que ficou conhecido como “Projeto Tibagi”. Neste sentido busquei investigar as origens do Projeto, os principais participantes envolvidos, o seu desenvolvimento, os resultados da pesquisa, as motivações que levaram o Projeto a ser encerrado e a relação dos cientistas com o rio. As principais fontes utilizadas foram os jornais Folha de Londrina e Notícias UEL; depoimentos de pesquisadores da UEL e relatórios do projeto Tibagi.
Uma máquina do tempo movida à imaginação: rpg e empatia histórica no ensino de história
Authors: Pereira Juliano da Silva
Published: January 2015

Este projeto surge de um desejo de dar continuidade ao trabalho de monografia realizado em 2010 no curso de Especialização em História Social e Ensino de História, na Universidade Estadual de Londrina cujo título foi “O uso do RPG como ferramenta pedagógica no ensino de História”. O RPG mostrou-se uma boa ferramenta pedagógica na medida em que despertou no aluno o gosto pela história e a possibilidade dele se colocar no lugar de alguém do passado, em outras palavras, estabelecer uma relação empática com o passado. É o aprofundamento do estudo desta relação que pretendemos discutir. A empatia histórica, para Ashby & Lee, funciona como “um empreendimento, onde alunos mostram a capacidade de reconstruir os objetivos, os sentimentos, os valores e crenças dos outros, aceitando que eles podem ser diferentes dos seus”, tornando-se assim elemento importante no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. O objetivo nesta nova etapa foi o de verificar a ocorrência de experiência empática histórica entre os alunos do 6º ano do Colégio Estadual Prof. Dr. Heber Soares Vargas relativamente aos conteúdos da História a partir de um jogo de RPG, observando sua relação na apreensão de conceitos históricos por parte dos alunos. Esta experiência empática ocorreu, ajudando muitos alunos a entender os conceitos substantivos relativos à matéria estudada a partir de uma perspectiva histórica criada em um jogo de RPG. O projeto se constituiu de pesquisa bibliográfica, afim de definir alguns conceitos como jogo e o conceito de empatia histórica e seu uso no ensino de história; criação de material de ensino, análise das ideias dos alunos e reflexão acerca da experiência realizada. Foi realizado entre os alunos da sexta série do ensino fundamental do Colégio Estadual Prof. Dr. Heber Soares Vargas.
Identifying Significant Biological Markers in Klotho Gene Variants Across Wide Ranging Taxonomy
Authors: Rodriguez Tommy
Published: January 2015

Biological aging is marked by progressively degenerative physiological change that causes damage to tissues and organs. Errors in biopolymers accumulate over time; mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition, and wider genomic instability lead to an altered state of intercellular communication. In this investigation, my focus will be aimed at examining and identifying specifically critical biomarkers in genetic variants of KLOTHO (a transmembrane protein involved in the genetic regulation of age-related disease) among organisms with varied life spans that range across wide taxonomical rankings. Here, I investigate the correlation between lower and higher frequency a-amino acid compositions in Klotho protein factors within a grouped methodology; as to also include several demonstrative techniques in comparative sequence analysis for inferring relatedness in evolutionary context.
Acid-fast Smear and Histopathology Results Provide Guidance for the Appropriate Use of Broad-Range Polymerase Chain Reaction and Sequencing for Mycobacteria
Authors: Miller Kennon , Harrington Susan M. , Procop Gary W.
Published: January 2015

Context

New molecular diagnostic tests are attractive because of the potential they hold for improving diagnostics in microbiology. The value of these tests, which is often assumed, should be investigated to determine the best use of these potentially powerful tools.

Objective

To investigate the usefulness of broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing, in mycobacterial infections.

Design

We reviewed the test performance of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) PCR and traditional diagnostic methods (histopathology, AFB smear, and culture). We assessed the diagnostic effect and cost of the unrestricted ordering of broad-range PCR for the detection and identification of mycobacteria in clinical specimens.

Results

The AFB PCR was less sensitive than culture and histopathology and was less specific than culture, AFB smear, and histopathology. During 18 months, $93 063 was spent on 183 patient specimens for broad-range PCR and DNA sequencing for mycobacteria to confirm one culture-proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection that was also known to be positive by AFB smear and histopathology. In this cohort, there was a false-negative AFB PCR for M tuberculosis and a false-positive AFB PCR for Mycobacterium lentiflavum.

Conclusion

Testing of AFB smear–negative specimens from patients without an inflammatory response supportive of a mycobacterial infection is costly and has not been proven to improve patient care. Traditional diagnostics (histopathology, AFB smear, and culture) should remain the primary methods for the detection of mycobacteria in clinical specimens.
Relationship between vaccination and atopy
Authors: Jagelavičienė Agnė , Usonis Vytautas
Published: January 2015

Background. The rising prevalence of atopic diseases during last decades brings concern for the “Western life-style” countries. Although there is general consensus on the importance of the genetic predisposition for atopic disorders (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis), only changes in environmental factors can explain the rise of allergic diseases during the last forty years. Vaccinations in infancy have been incriminated as an additional risk factor for development of atopic diseases. A potential relationship between vaccination and atopy could be analysed by two directions: either by activation of the Th2 network in the vaccine-specific memory response, or exposition to (attenuated or inactivated) pathogens or their components at a very young age of vaccinated children and possible promotion of Th1 proliferation.
Materials and methods. The major electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane Library) were searched using key words: vaccination, atopy, relationship and children. Recent studies analysing a relationship between atopic disorders and vaccination in infancy were reviewed. Moreover, possible mechanisms of immune response to vaccines in atopic children were analysed.
Results. Available evidence is rather convincing that the current regular childhood vaccination does not increase the risk of atopic disorders. Large epidemiological, prospective, cohort and multi-central studies all over the world published in last 10 years with quite large proportions of unvaccinated children included showed that vaccination in infancy was not related to development of atopic conditions starting from the first year of life up to the middle age. Even conversely, some studies detected that vaccinated children had a moderately reduced rate of atopic diseases. It was also denoted that atopy could be suppressed due to high vaccination coverage.
Conclusions. Allergic or atopic children just like non-atopic children require routine immunization to be protected from serious life and health threatening viral and bacterial infections. The risks of infection by vaccine avoidance outweigh by far the possible minimal risks of immunization, moreover, anti-infectious treatment or natural infection (like pertussis) per se could be potential triggers of atopic disorders.
The development of public health in early XXth century in Vilnius
Authors: Žalnora Aistis , Miežutavičiūtė Vitalija
Published: January 2015

Objective. During the interwar period public health went over a difficult metamorphosis. Science of social hygiene developed. Specific researches in the field of social hygiene were done in the Medical Faculty of Vilnius Stephen Bathory University. In this paper we will discuss several global and local social strategies and also several social health policy cases.
Methods. In this research we used descriptive and comparative methods.
Results. A significant part of papers published by researchers in the Department of Hygiene of the Medical Faculty of Vilnius Stephen Bathory University was intended for social etiology of diseases. It was a characteristic feature of modern hygiene science in Interwar Poland. Since the annexation of Vilnius in 1920, the Polish social hygiene model has been developed in Vilnius.
Conclusions. Social medicine studies done in Vilnius Stephen Bathory University are still of significant importance today to the extent of similar social challenges such as cancer, alcoholism, tuberculosis, etc.
Technologically processed and natural foods in pregnant women nutrition
Authors: Laukytė Ieva , Vaicekauskaitė Dalia , Dubakienė Rūta
Published: January 2015

The objective of our study was to find out the tendencies of nutrition among pregnant women and to reveal which products, technologically processed or natural foods, were consumed more. 205 women took part in the first Lithuanian newborn cohort, PLANK-K. 62 questionnaires with 198 questions about products consumed during pregnancy were answered. In the main groups of products the majority of women consumed plant origin food. Most of the women ate bread products, grain and its products, cocoa and its products, dairy products, meat and its products. A lot of women consumed nuts and their products, various drinks, some of them ate eggs and their products. The least consumed during pregnancy were various origin fats and honey. In smaller subgroups the majority of women consumed vegetables, the minority of them ate rare meat (venison, lamb) and mixed origin fat. Speaking about technologically processed food, two groups were fit for comparison: processed meat products and canned corn. Processed meat products had big preponderance against consumption of other meat products and more than half of women chose canned corn. It is clear that in this case technologically processed food was chosen more often than non-processed food. The format of this questionnaire allows to accurately evaluate food products that mothers consume during pregnancy, but makes it harder to evaluate technologically processed and non-processed food consumption.
Reclaiming fertility awareness methods to inform timed intercourse for HIV serodiscordant couples attempting to conceive
Authors: Liao Caiyun , Wahab Maybel , Anderson Jean , Coleman Jenell S
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Increased life expectancy of HIV‐positive individuals during recent years has drawn attention to their quality of life, which includes fulfilment of fertility desires. In particular, heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples constitute a special group for whom the balance between desired pregnancy and the risk of viral transmission should be carefully considered and optimized. Although advanced assisted reproductive technologies are available, such treatments are expensive and are often unavailable. Moreover, standard viral load testing and antiretroviral therapy may not be accessible due to structural or individual barriers. To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, a lower cost alternative is timed condomless sex combined with other risk‐reduction strategies. However, timed condomless sex requires specific knowledge of how to accurately predict the fertile window in a menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to summarize inexpensive fertility awareness methods (FAMs) that predict the fertile window and may be useful for counselling HIV‐positive couples on lower cost options to conceive.

Methods

Original English‐language research articles were identified by a detailed Medline and Embase search in July 2014. Relevant citations in the included articles were also retrieved.

Results and discussion

Calendar method, basal body temperature and cervicovaginal mucus secretions are the most accessible and sensitive FAMs, although poor specificity precludes their independent use in ovulation detection. In contrast, urinary luteinizing hormone testing is highly specific but less sensitive, and more expensive. To maximize the chance of conception per cycle, the likelihood of natural conception needs to be assessed with a basic fertility evaluation of both partners and a combination of FAMs should be offered. Adherence to other risk‐reduction strategies should also be advised, and timely referral to reproductive medicine specialists is necessary when sub/infertility is suspected.

Conclusions

FAMs provide effective, economical and accessible options for HIV serodiscordant couples to conceive while minimizing unnecessary viral exposure. It is important for health care providers to initiate conversations about fertility desires in HIV‐positive couples and to educate identified couples on safer conception strategies.
Confocal Raman microscopy in sclerochronology: A powerful tool to visualize environmental information in recent and fossil biogenic archives
Authors: Beierlein Lars , Nehrke Gernot , Brey Thomas
Published: January 2015

Biological hard parts and skeletons of aquatic organisms often archive information of past environmental conditions. Deciphering such information forms an essential contribution to our understanding of past climate conditions and thus our ability to mitigate the climatic, ecological, and social impacts of a rapidly changing environment. Several established techniques enable the visualization and reliable use of the information stored in anatomical features of such biogenic archives, i.e., its growth patterns. Here, we test whether confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) is a suitable method to reliably identify growth patterns in the commonly used archive Arctica islandica and the extinct species Pygocardia rustica (both Bivalvia). A modern A. islandica specimen from Norway has been investigated to verify the general feasibility of CRM, resulting in highly correlated standardized growth indices (r > 0.96; p < 0.0001) between CRM‐derived measurements and measurements derived from the established methods of fluorescence microscopy and Mutvei's solution staining. This demonstrates the general suitability of CRM as a method for growth pattern evaluation and cross‐dating applications. Moreover, CRM may be of particular interest for paleoenvironmental reconstructions, as it yielded superior results in the analysis of fossil shell specimens (A. islandica and P. rustica) compared to both Mutvei staining and fluorescence microscopy. CRM is a reliable and valuable tool to visualize internal growth patterns in both modern and fossil calcium carbonate shells that notably also facilitates the assessment of possible diagenetic alteration prior to geochemical analysis without geochemically compromising the sample. We strongly recommend the CRM approach for the visualization of growth patterns in fossil biogenic archives, where conventional methods fail to produce useful results.
Shallow mantle velocities beneath the southern Appalachians from Pn phases
Authors: MacDougall Julia G. , Fischer Karen M. , Forsyth Donald W. , Hawman Robert B. , Wagner Lara S.
Published: January 2015

To constrain mantle structure that might contribute to the topography of the southern Appalachian Mountains, Pn phases from regional earthquakes recorded in northern Georgia by EarthScope Southeastern Suture of the Appalachian Margin Experiment and Transportable Array stations were used to solve for shallow mantle P wave velocities. Mantle velocities vary laterally, with values of 7.6–7.8 km/s beneath the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge terrane and northwestern flank of the Inner Piedmont terranes and values of 8.3–8.5 km/s farther south where elevation is lower. The zone of low‐velocity mantle could represent a source of buoyancy that helps to support the higher elevations, in addition to the root of thickened crust that also exists beneath the mountains.
Patterns of river width and surface area revealed by the satellite‐derived North American River Width data set
Authors: Allen George H. , Pavelsky Tamlin M.
Published: January 2015

As hydraulic, hydrologic, and biogeochemical models evolve toward greater spatial resolution and larger extent, robust morphometric data sets are essential to constrain their results. Here we present the Landsat‐derived North American River Width (NARWidth) data set, the first fine‐resolution, continental scale river centerline and width database. NARWidth contains measurements of >2.4 × 105 km of rivers wider than 30 m at mean annual discharge. We find that conventional digital elevation model‐derived width data sets underestimate the abundance of wide rivers. To calculate the total surface area of North American rivers, we extrapolate the strong observed relationship between river width and total surface area at different river widths (r2 > 0.99 for 100–2000 m widths) to narrower rivers and streams. We conservatively estimate the total surface area of North American rivers as  × 105 km2 (1σ confidence intervals), values % greater than previous estimates used to evaluate greenhouse gas efflux from rivers to the atmosphere.
Crust and subduction zone structure of Southwestern Mexico
Authors: Suhardja Sandy Kurniawan , Grand Stephen P. , Wilson David , Guzman‐Speziale Marco , Gomez‐Gonzalez Juan Martin , Dominguez‐Reyes Tonatiuh , Ni James
Published: January 2015

Southwestern Mexico is a region of complex active tectonics with subduction of the young Rivera and Cocos plates to the south and widespread magmatism and rifting in the continental interior. Here we use receiver function analysis on data recorded by a 50 station temporary deployment of seismometers known as the MARS (MApping the Rivera Subduction zone) array to investigate crustal structure as well as the nature of the subduction interface near the coast. The array was deployed in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacan. Crustal thickness varies from 20 km near the coast to 42 km in the continental interior. The Rivera plate has steeper dip than the Cocos plate and is also deeper along the coast than previous estimates have shown. Inland, there is not a correlation between the thickness of the crust and topography indicating that the high topography in northern Jalisco and Michoacan is likely supported by buoyant mantle. High crustalVp/Vsratios (greater than 1.82) are found beneath the trenchward edge of magmatism including below the Central Jalisco Volcanic Lineament and the Michoacan‐Guanajuato Volcanic Field implying a new arc is forming closer to the trench than the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt. Elsewhere in the region, crustalVp/Vsratios are normal. The subducting Rivera and Cocos plates are marked by a dipping shear wave low‐velocity layer. We estimate the thickness of the low‐velocity layer to be 3 to 4 km with an unusually highVp/Vsratio of 2.0 to 2.1 and a drop inSvelocity of 25%. We postulate that the low‐velocity zone is the upper oceanic crust with high pore pressures. The low‐velocity zone ends from 45 to 50 km depth and likely marks the basalt to eclogite transition.
Contributions of equatorial wave modes and parameterized gravity waves to the tropical QBO in HadGEM2
Authors: Kim Y.‐H. , Chun H.‐Y.
Published: January 2015

The contributions of the equatorial waves to the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) are investigated using Hadley Centre Global Environment Model version 2 (HadGEM2). A gravity wave parameterization that couples its source spectrum to the convection is used. The equatorial wave modes are identified in the spectral domain, based on their distinct characteristics associated with momentum and heat fluxes. The Kelvin waves and parameterized gravity waves (PGWs) transport westerly momentum into the equatorial stratosphere by ∼0.35 and 0.8 mPa, respectively, while easterly momentum is carried primarily by the PGWs (∼0.75 mPa). The resolved inertio‐gravity (IG) waves transport both easterly and westerly momentum by ∼0.2 mPa. In the lowermost stratosphere, gradual dissipation of the Kelvin waves occurs, and the remaining waves induce eastward forcing in the westerly shear layer by 3–5 m s−1 month−1. The PGWs primarily dissipate within the sheared layer and provide large easterly and westerly forcing in the middle stratosphere (∼17 m s−1 month−1), while the forcing in the lower stratosphere is comparable to the Kelvin wave forcing. The IG wave forcing is small because of the small wave dissipation rate. The Rossby and mixed Rossby‐gravity (MRG) waves contribute to the westerly‐to‐easterly QBO transition by ∼2 m s−1 month−1. The magnitudes of the simulated Kelvin and Rossby wave forcings are comparable with the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, whereas the MRG and IG wave forcings are underestimated in the lower stratosphere. Differences between the simulation and reanalysis and the uncertainties in both are discussed.
An empirical model relating U.S. monthly hail occurrence to large‐scale meteorological environment
Authors: Allen John T. , Tippett Michael K. , Sobel Adam H.
Published: January 2015

An empirical model relating monthly hail occurrence to the large‐scale environment has been developed and tested for the United States (U.S.). Monthly hail occurrence for each
grid box is defined as the number of hail events that occur there during a month; a hail event consists of a 3 h period with at least one report of hail larger than 1 in. The model is derived using climatological annual cycle data only. Environmental variables are taken from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR; 1979–2012). The model includes four environmental variables convective precipitation, convective available potential energy, storm relative helicity, and mean surface to 90 hPa specific humidity. The model differs in its choice of variables and their relative weighting from existing severe weather indices. The model realistically matches the annual cycle of hail occurrence both regionally and for the contiguous U.S. (CONUS). The modeled spatial distribution is also consistent with the observed hail climatology. However, the westward shift of maximum hail frequency during the summer months is delayed in the model relative to observations, and the model has a lower frequency of hail just east of the Rocky Mountains compared to observations. Year‐to‐year variability provides an independent test of the model. On monthly and annual time scales, the model reproduces observed hail frequencies. Overall model trends are small compared to observed changes, suggesting that further analysis is necessary to differentiate between physical and nonphysical trends. The empirical hail model provides a new tool for exploration of connections between large‐scale climate and severe weather.
Touch and Go: Merely Grasping a Product Facilitates Brand Perception and Choice
Authors: Streicher Mathias C. , Estes Zachary
Published: January 2015

Consumers often touch products, and such haptic exploration can improve consumers' evaluations of the product. We tested whether cross‐modal priming might contribute to this effect. Under the guise of a weight judgment task, which served as a haptic prime, we had blindfolded participants grasp familiar products (e.g., a Coca Cola bottle). We then had participants visually identify the brand name as quickly as possible (Experiments 1 and 2), list the first beverage brands that come to mind (Experiment 3), or choose between beverage brands as reward for participation (Experiment 4). Haptic exposure facilitated visual recognition of the given brand and increased participants' consideration and choice of that brand. Moreover, this haptic priming was brand specific and occurred even among participants who did not consciously identify the prime brand. These results demonstrate that haptic brand identities can facilitate recognition, consideration, and brand choice, regardless of consumers' conscious awareness of this haptic priming. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Multicomponent Gel for Nitric Oxide Photorelease with Fluorescence Reporting
Authors: Fraix Aurore , Kandoth Noufal , Gref Ruxandra , Sortino Salvatore
Published: January 2015

An engineered hydrogel platform has been developed, in the absence of any toxic solvents or reagents, by the supramolecular self‐assembly of three different components: a poly‐β‐cyclodextrin polymer, a hydrophobically modified dextran, and a photoactivatable bichromophoric molecular conjugate designed to photorelease nitric oxide (NO) with a fluorescent reporting function. The multivalent character of the interactions between the all components and the poor solubility of the conjugate in aqueous medium ensure the stability of the hydrogel and the lack of leaching of the photoactive cargo from the gel network under physiological conditions, even in the absence of protective coating agents. The photochemical properties of the molecular conjugate are retained in the supramolecular matrix, as demonstrated by the remote‐controlled release of NO upon visible light excitation simultaneously to the activation of a fluorescent reporting function, which allows easy monitoring of the photoreleased NO.
Luminescent Pincer Platinum(II) Complexes with Emission Quantum Yields up to Almost Unity: Photophysics, Photoreductive CC Bond Formation, and Materials Applications
Authors: Chow Pui‐Keong , Cheng Gang , Tong Glenna So Ming , To Wai‐Pong , Kwong Wai‐Lun , Low Kam‐Hung , Kwok Chi‐Chung , Ma Chensheng , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: January 2015

Luminescent pincer‐type PtII complexes supported by C‐deprotonated π‐extended tridentate RC^N^NR′ ligands and pentafluorophenylacetylide ligands show emission quantum yields up to almost unity. Femtosecond time‐resolved fluorescence measurements and time‐dependent DFT calculations together reveal the dependence of excited‐state structural distortions of [Pt(RC^N^NR′)(CC‐C6F5)] on the positional isomers of the tridentate ligand. Pt complexes [Pt(R‐C^N^NR′)(CC‐Ar)] are efficient photocatalysts for visible‐light‐induced reductive CC bond formation. The [Pt(R‐C^N^NR′)(CC‐C6F5)] complexes perform strongly as phosphorescent dopants for green‐ and red‐emitting organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with external quantum efficiency values over 22.1 %. These complexes are also applied in two‐photon cellular imaging when incorporated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs).
Tunable Release of Multiplex Biochemicals by Plasmonically Active Rotary Nanomotors
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Kim Kwanoh , Fan Donglei
Published: January 2015

It is highly desirable to precisely tune the molecule release rate from the surfaces of nanoparticles (NPs) that are relevant to cancer therapy and single‐cell biology. An innovative mechanism is reported to actively tune the biochemical release rate by rotation of NPs. Plasmonic nanomotors were assembled from NPs and applied in multiplex biochemical release and detection. Both single and multiplex biosignals can be released in a tunable fashion by controlling the rotation speed of the nanomotors. The chemistry and release rate of individual chemicals can be revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The fundamental mechanism was modeled quantitatively and attributed to the fluidic boundary‐layer reduction owing to the liquid convection. This work, which explored the synergistic attributes of surface enhanced Raman scattering and nanoelectromechanical systems, could inspire new sensors that are potentially interesting for various bio‐applications.
Photoactivable Platforms for Nitric Oxide Delivery with Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Fraix Aurore , Sortino Salvatore
Published: January 2015

The multifaceted role nitric oxide (NO) plays in human physiology and pathophysiology has stimulated a massive interest on NO‐releasing compounds for therapeutic purposes. A main issue associated with use of NO donors is the precise spatiotemporal control of the NO release, as its effects are strictly site‐ and dose‐dependent. NO photochemical precursors permit surmounting this difficulty since triggering with light offers an exquisite control of location and timing of NO delivery. On the other hand, the combination of NO photodonors with fluorescent components remains an urgent need for image‐guided phototherapeutic treatments based on the use of NO. Fluorescence techniques permit not only an easy tracking of the photoprecursor in a biological environment but also the real‐time quantification of the NO photoreleased therein in a non‐invasive fashion. In this Focus Review we seek to provide an overview of recent advances in photoactivable platforms developed in our and other laboratories which combine the photoregulated release of NO with fluorescent functionalities. We shall focus attention on NO photoreleasing systems exhibiting 1) persistent fluorescence and 2) photoactivable fluorescence signals, highlighting their logical design and potential developments for phototheranostics.
Antiproliferative effects of ZnO, ZnO‐MTCP, and ZnO‐CuMTCP nanoparticles with safe intensity UV and X‐ray irradiation
Authors: Sadjadpour Susan , Safarian Shahrokh , Zargar Seyed Jalal , Sheibani Nader
Published: January 2015

In photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer both the light and the photosensitizing agent are normally harmless, but in combination they could result in selective tumor killing. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with the amino acid cysteine to provide an adequate arm for conjugation with porphyrin photosensitizers (meso‐tetra (4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin [MTCP] and CuMTCP). Porphyrin‐conjugated nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, and UV–vis, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure cell viability in the presence or absence of porphyrin conjugates following UV and X‐ray irradiation. The uptake of the porphyrin‐conjugated ZnO nanoparticles by cells was detected using fluorescence microscopy. Our results indicated that the survival of T‐47D cells was significantly compromised in the presence of ZnO‐MTCP‐conjugated nanostructures with UV light exposure. Exhibition of cytotoxic activity of ZnO‐MTCP for human prostate cancer (Du145) cells occurred at a higher concentration, indicating the more resistant nature of these tumor cells. ZnO‐CuMTCP showed milder cytotoxic effects in human breast cancer (T‐47D) and no cytotoxic effects in Du145 with UV light exposure, consistent with its lower cytotoxic potency as well as cellular uptake. Surprisingly, none of the ZnO‐porphyrin conjugates exhibited cytotoxic effects with X‐ray irradiation, whereas ZnO alone exerted cytotoxicity. Thus, ZnO and ZnO‐porphyrin nanoparticles with UV or X‐ray irradiation may provide a suitable treatment option for various cancers.
Hepatitis C Stigma and Empowerment Through Positive Speaking in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Cama Elena J. , Wilson Hannah , Mackenzie Althea , Brener Loren
Published: January 2015

Although the adverse impacts of health‐related stigma are well established, there is growing evidence to suggest that some people reject stigma and become empowered through involvement in education and advocacy. C‐een and Heard (C&H) is a positive speaking programme in Sydney, Australia, using educational presentations by people living with hepatitis C to increase understanding of the illness among health and community workers. This study explored C&H speakers' experiences of and responses to stigma, as well as their motivations to participate in the C&H programme. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine C&H positive speakers. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Experiences of discrimination were common especially in healthcare and were linked to misinformation and negative attitudes towards injecting drug use. Although discriminatory experiences were distressing, many participants reacted with anger and challenged their stigmatised identity, ultimately leading participants to take part in positive speaking. Speakers reported feeling empowered by participation in the C&H programme and by the support received from audience members, peers and programme organisers. Findings highlight the potential benefits of positive speaking programmes for people with chronic illness in relation to overcoming stigma and experiencing empowerment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current Progresses in Phytase Research: Three‐Dimensional Structure and Protein Engineering
Authors: Chen Chun‐Chi , Cheng Kuo‐Joan , Ko Tzu‐Ping , Guo Rey‐Ting
Published: January 2015

Phytase is one of the most important feed additive enzymes for monogastric animal, because it hydrolyzes the indigestible phytate in the cereal‐based feedstock to release phosphate as an essential nutrient. To understand its molecular machinery, the three‐dimensional structures of various types of phytases and complexes have been studied extensively. For commercial applications, important properties such as higher catalytic efficiency and higher thermostability are desired. Since a phytase with both beneficial characteristics is hardly found in nature, various protein engineering strategies are popular in modifying the existing enzymes with enhanced performance. In this review, the up‐to‐date status of phytase structural and engineering studies is summarized. In addition, structural perspectives of some engineered phytases with improved properties are also provided. These results broaden the understanding of phytases and will be important for phytase applications in the future.
Computational and Biochemical Design of a Nanopore Cleavable by a Cancer‐Secreted Enzyme
Authors: Pittel Ilya , Alper Naomi , Yonai Shiran , Basch Shani , Blum Leah , Bachur Ayelet , Paas Yoav
Published: January 2015

Many proteinaceous macromolecules selectively transport substrates across lipid bilayers and effectively serve as gated nanopores. Here, we engineered cleavage‐site motifs for human matrix metalloprotease 7 (MMP‐7) into the extracellular and pore‐constricting loops of OprD, a bacterial substrate‐specific transmembrane channel. Concurrent removal of two extracellular loops allowed MMP‐7 to access and hydrolyze a cleavage‐site motif engineered within the pore's major constricting loop, in both membrane‐incorporated and detergent‐solubilized OprDs. Import of antibiotics by the engineered OprDs into living bacteria pointed to their proper folding and integration in biological membranes. Purified engineered OprDs were also found to be properly folded in detergent. Hence, this study demonstrates the design of nanopores with a constriction cleavable by tumor‐secreted enzymes (like MMP‐7) for their potential incorporation in lipid‐based nanoparticles to accelerate drug release at the tumor site.
Ultrastructural maturation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells‐derived cardiomyocytes under alternative induction of 5‐azacytidine
Authors: Piryaei Abbas , Soleimani Masoud , Heidari Mohammad Hassan , Saheli Mona , Rohani Razieh , Almasieh Mohammadali
Published: January 2015

Adult cardiomyocytes lack the ability to proliferate and are unable to repair damaged heart tissue, therefore differentiation of stem cells to cardiomyocytes represents an exceptional opportunity to study cardiomyocytes in vitro and potentially provides a valuable source for replacing damaged tissue. However, characteristic maturity of the in vitro differentiated cardiomyocytes and methods to achieve it are yet to be optimized. In this study, differentiation of human bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs) into cardiomyocytes is accomplished and the process investigated ultrastructurally. The hBM‐MSCs were alternatively treated with 5 μM of 5‐azacytidine (5‐aza) for 8 weeks resulting in differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Expressions of cardiomyocyte‐specific genes [cardiac α‐actinin, cardiac β‐myosin heavy chain (MHC) and connexin‐43] and proteins (cardiac α‐actinin, cardiac troponin and connexin‐43) were confirmed in a time‐dependent manner from the first to the fifth weeks post‐induction. Ultrastructural maturation of hBM‐MSCs‐derived cardiomyocyte (MSCs‐CM) corresponded with increase in number and organization of myofilaments in cells over time. Starting from week five, organized myofibrils along with developing sarcomeres were detectable. Later on, MSCs‐CM were characterized by the presence of sarcoplasmic reticulum, T‐tubules and diads as cardiomyocytes connected to each other by intercalated disc‐like structures. Here, we showed the potential of hBM‐MSCs as a source for the production of cardiomyocytes and confirmed mature ultrastructural characteristics of these cells using our alternative incubation method.
Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation in apoptosis induced by removal of the growth factors
Authors: Ning Yue‐Bao , Du Zhi‐Qiang
Published: January 2015

Apoptosis plays a crucial role for generation of lymphocyte repertoire, clonal contraction, and elimination of virus‐infected cells. Since IL‐3‐dependent pro‐B cell line Baf‐3 resulted in rapid induction of apoptotic cell death upon IL‐3 withdrawal, it would by very valuable for analysis of apoptosis induction by growth factor deprivation. First, we confirmed that Baf‐3 cells underwent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis in a time‐dependent manner when they were cultured in the RPMI‐1640 medium without IL‐3. Induction of apoptosis and loss of ΔΨm was determined by DiOC6 and annexin V staining method using flow cytometer, respectively. Deprivation of IL‐3 induced upregulation of proapoptotic molecule Bax, in conjunction with slight down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic molecule Bcl‐xL, which was assessed by Western blotting. Since Bcl‐xL‐overexpressing Baf‐3 cells showed some resistance to IL‐3‐deprivation, Bcl‐xL prevents apoptosis induced by IL‐3 withdrawal. Finally, a sustained JNK1 activation was observed prior to induction of apoptosis upon IL‐3 deprivation. Dominat‐negative form of JNK1 and JNK inhibitor sp600125 partially inhibit the apoptosis upon IL‐3 deprivation, suggesting that a sustained JNK1 activation was involved in the induction of apoptosis. Together, IL‐3 deprivation of IL‐3‐dependent cell line Baf‐3 induces a sustained JNK1 activation, followed by a decline of the ratio of Bcl‐xL to Bax, leading to loss of ΔΨm, and finally apoptosis.
Isolation and identification of ovarian theca‐interstitial cells and granulose cells of immature female mice
Authors: Tian Yong , Shen Wei , Lai Zhiwen , Shi Liangyan , Yang Shuhong , Ding Ting , Wang Shixuan , Luo Aiyue
Published: January 2015

Theca‐interstitial cells (TICs) and granulosa cells (GCs) are important components of follicles that support follicle development and hormone secretion, and are considered to be important cell models for basic research. However, no method currently exists for simultaneously isolating TICs and GCs from a single ovary of the immature mouse. Here, we sought to develop such a protocol using mechanical dissection combined with brief collagenase‐DNase digestion. Morphological characteristics and molecular markers were detected to identify TICs and GCs. In isolated TICs, cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc) was expressed abundantly, but anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) was expressed only at very low levels. This expression profile was reversed in GCs. In addition, TICs secreted large amounts of testosterone (T) and minimal amounts of estradiol (E2), while the converse was found in GCs. T concentrations rose gradually in TIC culture media as the concentration of added luteinizing hormone (LH) was increased. In GCs, E2 secretion increased as the follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration increased. Thus, mechanical dissection combined with collagenase‐DNase digestion is a simple, effective and reproducible method for obtaining large numbers of highly purified and hormonally stimulated TICs and GCs from one ovary.
Fndc5 overexpression facilitated neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Forouzanfar Mahboobeh , Rabiee Farzaneh , Ghaedi Kamran , Beheshti Siamak , Tanhaei Somayeh , Shoaraye Nejati Alireza , Jodeiri Farshbaf Mohammad , Baharvand Hossein , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2015

Fndc5 has been recently recognized as a myokine which could be cleaved and secreted into blood stream. It is termed as irisin with an important role in thermogenesis and energy homeostasis. Increased expression of Fndc5 has been reported upon retinoic acid treatment during neural differentiation and its knockdown decreased neural differentiation and neurite outgrowth. This study tries to evaluate the effect of Fndc5 overexpression on rate of neural differentiation in mouse. (Thus, transduced cell line of mouse embryonic stem cell with ability to express Fndc5 under Doxycycline treatment was established. Subsequently, the effect of overexpression of Fndc5 on different stages of neural differentiation was studied). Our study showed an increase enhancement in neuronal precursor markers and mature neuron markers upon overexpression of Fndc5, concluding that Fndc5 facilitates neural differentiation. This effect might be related to increased expression of BDNF following overexpression of Fndc5. Our findings are consistent with recent studies reporting a similar role for Fndc5 in proliferation of neural cells and increase in the expression of neurotrophins like BDNF.
Differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes is inhibited under a modified ceiling culture
Authors: Song Ziyi , Cheng Jia , Yang Hao , Li Yuefeng , Gao Qian , Shi Xin'e , Yang Gongshe
Published: January 2015

Ceiling culture is an inverted and closed cell culture system which represents a novel method for exploring adipocyte characteristics and function. Although the role of ceiling culture in mature adipocyte dedifferentiation has been extensively studied, its potential effects on preadipocyte differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we established a simplified dish ceiling culture method for 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and showed that our novel ceiling culture method could reproduce the function of the traditional flask ceiling culture. Then, we investigated the effects of ceiling culture on 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation by Oil red O staining and RT‐qPCR. The results showed that ceiling culture significantly impaired triglyceride accumulation and adipogenic marker genes expression in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. These findings suggest that ceiling culture inhibited 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation while inducing mature adipocytes dedifferentiation. Taken together, our data facilitate the understanding of the property of ceiling culture and promote the study of revealing the underlying mechanisms of mature adipocytes dedifferenatiation.
Lineage specific expression of Polycomb Group Proteins in human embryonic stem cells in vitro
Authors: Pethe Prasad , Pursani Varsha , Bhartiya Deepa
Published: January 2015

Human embryonic (hES) stem cells are an excellent model to study lineage specification and differentiation into various cell types. Differentiation necessitates repression of specific genes not required for a particular lineage. Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are key histone modifiers, whose primary function is gene repression. PcG proteins form complexes called Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRCs), which catalyze histone modifications such as H2AK119ub1, H3K27me3, and H3K9me3. PcG proteins play a crucial role during differentiation of stem cells. The expression of PcG transcripts during differentiation of hES cells into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineage is yet to be shown. In‐house derived hES cell line KIND1 was differentiated into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages; followed by characterization using RT‐PCR for HNF4A, CDX2, MEF2C, TBX5, SOX1, and MAP2. qRT‐PCR and western blotting was performed to compare expression of PcG transcripts and proteins across all the three lineages. We observed that cells differentiated into endoderm showed upregulation of RING1B, BMI1, EZH2, and EED transcripts. Mesoderm differentiation was characterized by significant downregulation of all PcG transcripts during later stages. BMI1 and RING1B were upregulated while EZH2, SUZ12, and EED remained low during ectoderm differentiation. Western blotting also showed distinct expression of BMI1 and EZH2 during differentiation into three germ layers. Our study shows that hES cells differentiating into endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages show distinct PcG expression profile at transcript and protein level.