bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ameliorating Effect of Myrrh on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairments in Mice
Authors: Baral Samrat , Cho Du-Hyong , Pariyar Ramesh , Yoon Chi-Su , Chang Bo-yoon , Kim Dae-Sung , Cho Hyoung-Kwon , Kim Sung Yeon , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn-Chul , Kim Jaehyo , Seo Jungwon
Published: November 2015

Myrrh has been used since ancient times for the treatment of various diseases such as inflammatory diseases, gynecological diseases, and hemiplegia. In the present study, we investigated the effects of aqueous extracts of myrrh resin (AEM) on scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. AEM was estimated with (2E,5E)-6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylhepta-2,4-dienal as a representative constituent by HPLC. The oral administration of AEM for 7 days significantly reversed scopolamine-induced reduction of spontaneous alternation in theY-maze test. In the passive avoidance task, AEM also restored the decreased latency time of the retention trial by scopolamine treatment. In addition, Western blot analysis and Immunohistochemistry revealed that AEM reversed scopolamine-decreased phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Our study demonstrates for the first time that AEM ameliorates the scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice and increases the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in the hippocampus of mice brain. These results suggest that AEM has the therapeutic potential in memory impairments.
Improvement in Isolation and Identification of Mouse Oogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Lu Zhiyong , Wu Meng , Zhang Jinjin , Xiong Jiaqiang , Cheng Jing , Shen Wei , Luo Aiyue , Fang Li , Wang Shixuan
Published: November 2015

Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) or oogonial stem cells (OSCs) have the capacity to generate newborn oocytes and thus open a new door to fight ovarian aging and female infertility. However, the production and identification of OSCs are difficult for investigators. Rare amount of these cells in the ovary results in the failure of the acquisition of OSCs. Furthermore, the oocyte formation by OSCs in vivo was usually confirmed using tissue sections by immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry in previous studies. STO or MEF feeder cells are derived from mouse, not human. In our study, we modified the protocol. The cells were digested from ovaries and cultured for 2‐3 days and then were purified by magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS). The ovaries and fetus of mice injected with EGFP‐positive OSCs were prepared and put on the slides to directly visualize oocyte and progeny formation under microscope. Additionally, the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) were also used as feeder cells to support the proliferation of OSCs. The results showed that all the modified procedures can significantly improve and facilitate the generation and characterization of OSCs, and hUC‐MSCs as feeder will be useful for isolation and proliferation of human OSCs avoiding contamination from mouse.
Metabolomics and Type 2 Diabetes: Translating Basic Research into Clinical Application
Authors: Klein Matthias S. , Shearer Jane
Published: November 2015

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its comorbidities have reached epidemic proportions, with more than half a billion cases expected by 2030. Metabolomics is a fairly new approach for studying metabolic changes connected to disease development and progression and for finding predictive biomarkers to enable early interventions, which are most effective against T2D and its comorbidities. In metabolomics, the abundance of a comprehensive set of small biomolecules (metabolites) is measured, thus giving insight into disease-related metabolic alterations. This review shall give an overview of basic metabolomics methods and will highlight current metabolomics research successes in the prediction and diagnosis of T2D. We summarized key metabolites changing in response to T2D. Despite large variations in predictive biomarkers, many studies have replicated elevated plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids and their derivatives, aromatic amino acids andα-hydroxybutyrate ahead of T2D manifestation. In contrast, glycine levels and lysophosphatidylcholine C18:2 are depressed in both predictive studies and with overt disease. The use of metabolomics for predicting T2D comorbidities is gaining momentum, as are our approaches for translating basic metabolomics research into clinical applications. As a result, metabolomics has the potential to enable informed decision-making in the realm of personalized medicine.
MicroRNAs: From Female Fertility, Germ Cells, and Stem Cells to Cancer in Humans
Authors: Virant-Klun Irma , Ståhlberg Anders , Kubista Mikael , Skutella Thomas
Published: November 2015

MicroRNAs are a family of naturally occurring small noncoding RNA molecules that play an important regulatory role in gene expression. They are suggested to regulate a large proportion of protein encoding genes by mediating the translational suppression and posttranscriptional control of gene expression. Recent findings show that microRNAs are emerging as important regulators of cellular differentiation and dedifferentiation, and are deeply involved in developmental processes including human preimplantation development. They keep a balance between pluripotency and differentiation in the embryo and embryonic stem cells. Moreover, it became evident that dysregulation of microRNA expression may play a fundamental role in progression and dissemination of different cancers including ovarian cancer. The interest is still increased by the discovery of exosomes, that is, cell‐derived vesicles, which can carry different proteins but also microRNAs between different cells and are involved in cell‐to‐cell communication. MicroRNAs, together with exosomes, have a great potential to be used for prognosis, therapy, and biomarkers of different diseases including infertility. The aim of this review paper is to summarize the existent knowledge on microRNAs related to female fertility and cancer: from primordial germ cells and ovarian function, germinal stem cells, oocytes, and embryos to embryonic stem cells.
The Paracrine Effect of Transplanted Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells on Ovarian Function Improvement in a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy‐Induced Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Yao Xiaofen , Guo Yuna , Wang Qian , Xu Minhua , Zhang Qiuwan , Li Ting , Lai Dongmei
Published: November 2015

Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) transplantation via tail vein has been reported to rescue ovarian function in mice with chemotherapy‐induced primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). To test whether intraperitoneally transplanted hAECs could induce therapeutic effect and to characterize the paracrine effect of transplanted hAECs, we utilized a chemotherapy induced mice model of POI and investigated the ability of hAECs and conditioned medium collected from cultured hAECs (hAECs‐CM) to restore ovarian function. We found that transplantation of hAECs or hAECs‐CM either 24 hours or 7 days after chemotherapy could increase follicle numbers and partly restore fertility. By PCR analysis of recipient mice ovaries, the presence of SRY gene was only detected in mice transplanted with male hAECs 24 hours following chemotherapy. Further, the gene expression level of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in the ovaries decreased, although VEGFA increased 2 weeks after chemotherapy. After treatment with hAECs or hAEC‐CM, the expression of both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 increased, consistent with the immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, both hAECs and hAECs‐CM treatment enhanced angiogenesis in the ovaries. The results suggested that hAECs‐CM, like hAECs, could partly restore ovarian function, and the therapeutic function of intraperitoneally transplanted hAECs was mainly induced by paracrine‐mediated ovarian protection and angiogenesis.
Endurance Exercise Mobilizes Developmentally Early Stem Cells into Peripheral Blood and Increases Their Number in Bone Marrow: Implications for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Marycz Krzysztof , Mierzejewska Katarzyna , Śmieszek Agnieszka , Suszynska Ewa , Malicka Iwona , Kucia Magda , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: November 2015

Endurance exercise has been reported to increase the number of circulating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in peripheral blood (PB) as well as in bone marrow (BM). We therefore became interested in whether endurance exercise has the same effect on very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSELs), which have been described as a population of developmentally early stem cells residing in BM. Mice were run daily for 1 hour on a treadmill for periods of 5 days or 5 weeks. Human volunteers had trained in long‐distance running for one year, six times per week. FACS‐based analyses and RT‐PCR of murine and human VSELs and HSPCs from collected bone marrow and peripheral blood were performed. We observed that endurance exercise increased the number of VSELs circulating in PB and residing in BM. In parallel, we observed an increase in the number of HSPCs. These observations were subsequently confirmed in young athletes, who showed an increase in circulating VSELs and HSPCs after intensive running exercise. We provide for the first time evidence that endurance exercise may have beneficial effects on the expansion of developmentally early stem cells. We hypothesize that these circulating stem cells are involved in repairing minor exercise‐related tissue and organ injuries.
Serum Superoxide Dismutase Is Associated with Vascular Structure and Function in Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients
Authors: Gómez-Marcos Manuel A. , Blázquez-Medela Ana M. , Gamella-Pozuelo Luis , Recio-Rodriguez José I. , García-Ortiz Luis , Martínez-Salgado Carlos
Published: November 2015

Oxidative stress is associated with cardiac and vascular defects leading to hypertension and atherosclerosis, being superoxide dismutase (SOD) one of the main intracellular antioxidant defence mechanisms. Although several parameters of vascular function and structure have a predictive value for cardiovascular morbidity‐mortality in hypertensive patients, there are no studies on the involvement of SOD serum levels with these vascular parameters. Thus, we assessed if SOD serum levels are correlated with parameters of vascular function and structure and with cardiovascular risk in hypertensive and type 2 diabetic patients. We enrolled 255 consecutive hypertensive and diabetic patients and 52 nondiabetic and nonhypertensive controls. SOD levels were measured with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Vascular function and structure were evaluated by pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, ambulatory arterial stiffness index, and carotid intima‐media thickness. We detected negative correlations between SOD and pressure wave velocity, peripheral and central augmentation index and ambulatory arterial stiffness index, pulse pressure, and plasma HDL‐cholesterol, as well as positive correlations between SOD and plasma uric acid and triglycerides. Our study shows that SOD is a marker of cardiovascular alterations in hypertensive and diabetic patients, since changes in its serum levels are correlated with alterations in vascular structure and function.
Overview: A New Era of Cancer Genome in Myeloid Malignancies
Authors: Kiyoi Hitoshi
Published: November 2015

In the Myeloid session of the 30th Nagoya International Cancer Treatment Symposium, three speakers were invited. Prof. Clara Bloomfield emphasized the importance of genetic alterations for the prognostic stratification and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr. Eytan Stein showed that there are promising anti-leukemia effects of IDH2 inhibitor, AG-221, and DOT1L inhibitor, EPZ-5676, based on early-phase clinical studies. Prof. Seishi Ogawa presented a review of the clonal dynamics of secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) derived from aplastic anemia (AA). From these presentations, we are confident that molecular analysis-based individualized therapies will be realized within a few years.
Overview: A New Era of Cancer Genomics in Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Iida Shinsuke
Published: November 2015

Novel technologies including next-generation sequencing have not only delineated the molecular pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies but also identified novel biomarkers predicting the outcome of specific therapies. In addition, many actionable genetic alterations, which can be targeted by either specific therapeutic compounds or monoclonal antibodies, have been discovered. An appropriate selection of the patients enrolled in clinical trials using novel drugs targeting specific mutations will usher in a new era of personalized medicine in clinical practice of lymphoid malignancies.
Identification of TIM-3 as a Leukemic Stem Cell Surface Molecule in Primary Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Kikushige Yoshikane , Miyamoto Toshihiro
Published: November 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) originates from self-renewing leukemic stem cells (LSCs), an ultimate therapeutic target in AML. Eradication of LSCs should be a critical and efficient therapeutic approach for the cure of AML. T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) is expressed in most types of AML LSCs, but not in normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); therefore, TIM-3 would be one of the promising therapeutic targets to specifically kill AML LSCs, sparing normal HSCs. In xenograft models reconstituted with human AML LSCs or human normal HSCs, an anti-human TIM-3 mouse antibody with cytotoxic activities exerts a potent anti-leukemic effect by targeting AML LSCs but does not affect normal human hematopoiesis in vivo. Here, we would like to introduce the recent studies on TIM-3 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis.
Overview: New Modality for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: November 2015

Cancer immunotherapy is now becoming a promising modality of cancer treatment upon the clinical successes of adoptive T-cell transfer and immune checkpoint blockade. At the 30th Nagoya International Cancer Treatment Symposium, Marcel R.M. van den Brink (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, MSKCC, New York, N.Y., USA) showed novel strategies to control malignant relapse and graft-versus-host disease, both major obstacles for clinical benefits in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Alexander M. Lesokhin (MSKCC, New York, N.Y., USA) presented an overview of immune checkpoint blockade, particularly focusing on hematologic malignancies stressing the importance of immunomonitoring to identify biomarkers.
FGFR4 Is a Potential Predictive Biomarker in Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Koole Koos , van Kempen Pauline M.W. , van Bockel Liselotte W. , Smets Timo , van der Klooster Zoë , Dutman Annemiek C. , Peeters Ton , Koole Ron , van Diest Paul , van Es Robert J.J. , Willems Stefan M.
Published: November 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) could serve as a potential therapeutic target, prognostic biomarker or biomarker predicting radiotherapy sensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: FGFR4 immunohistochemistry and FGFR4/CEN5q FISH were performed on tissue microarrays from 212 OSCC and 238 OPSCC patients. FGFR4 genotypes were determined by PCR and DNA sequencing in 76 random OPSCC samples. The response to radiotherapy was evaluated 3 months after the last radiotherapy treatment session by a head and neck radiation oncologist and/or surgeon during clinic visits. The results were correlated to overall survival and response to radiotherapy. Results: The FGFR4 protein was overexpressed in 64% (153/238) of OPSCCs and 41% (87/212) of OSCCs. The FGFR4 gene was amplified in 0.47% (1/212) of OSCCs and 0.42% (1/238) of OPSCCs, and the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism was detected in 62% (47/76) of OPSCCs. FGFR4 protein expression, FGFR4 gene copy numbers and FGFR4 genotypes were not related to overall survival or response to radiotherapy in OSCC or OPSCC. Conclusion: FGFR4 is frequently overexpressed in OSCC and OPSCC in the absence of gene amplification, and may serve as a potential predictive marker for FGFR4-directed targeted therapy in OSCC and OPSCC.
Prevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus in Chronic Periapical Lesions
Authors: Popovic Jelena , Gasic Jovanka , Zivkovic Slavoljub , Kesic Ljiljana , Mitic Aleksandar , Nikolic Marija , Milasin Jelena
Published: November 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the tissue of chronic periapical lesions, and to compare the results in relation to the symptoms of patients and the size of the lesion. Methods: Periapical lesions analyzed in the study were collected from the roots of the teeth indicated for extraction. Samples were divided according to the symptoms into groups of symptomatic and asymptomatic, and according the size into groups of small and large lesions. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect HCMV and EBV. The amplification was performed in a DNA Thermal Cycler (Hybaid). Results: Symptomatic lesions were 7.68 times more likely to be infected with HCMV than asymptomatic lesions (p < 0.001). Large symptomatic lesions were 73.50 times more likely to harbor HCMV than small symptomatic lesions (p < 0.001). Large symptomatic lesions were 7.64 times more likely to be infected with EBV than small symptomatic lesions (p = 0.05). Large symptomatic lesions were 5.38 times more likely to harbor dual HCMV/EBV infection than small symptomatic lesions (p = 0.115). Conclusion: Detection of HCMV and EBV in the samples of periapical lesions suggests an important role of herpesviruses in periapical tissue destruction.
Protective Effect of Zingiber Officinale against CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis Is Mediated through Downregulating the TGF-ß1/Smad3 and NF-κB/IκB Pathways
Authors: Hasan Iman H. , El-Desouky M.A. , Hozayen Walaa G. , Abd el aziz Ghada M.
Published: November 2015

No ideal hepatoprotective agents are available in modern medicine to effectively prevent liver disorders. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the potential of Zingiber officinale in the regression of liver fibrosis and its underlining mechanism of action. To induce liver fibrosis, male Wistar rats received CCl4 (2 ml/kg/2 times/week; i.p.), with and without 300 or 600 mg/kg Z. officinale extract daily through oral gavage. To assess the protective effect of Z. officinale, liver function parameters, histopathology, inflammatory markers and gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1)/Smad3 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB)/IĸB pathways were analyzed. Results demonstrate that Z. officinale extract markedly prevented liver injury as evident by the decreased liver marker enzymes. Concurrent administration of Z. officinale significantly protected against the CCl4-induced inflammation as showed by the decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels as well as the downregulation of the NF-κB/IκB and TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathways in CCl4-administered rats. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the protective effect of Z. officinale against rat liver fibrosis could be explained through its ability to modulate the TGF-ß1/Smad3 and NF-κB/IκB signaling pathways.
Amenorrhea after Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for a Failed Shunt in Spina Bifida: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Giordano Flavio , Spacca Barbara , Danti Alfredo , Taverna Maria , Losi Stefania , Stagi Stefano , Genitori Lorenzo
Published: November 2015

Background: Secondary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for the management of shunt failure may be efficacious, though it may be followed by more frequent complications (including endocrinological impairment, e.g. amenorrhea) compared to primary ETV. These complications are usually underreported in the literature. Aim: We report a case of secondary amenorrhea after ETV for the management of shunt failure in a young woman with hydrocephalus associated with myelomeningocele. Methods: A 25-year-old woman affected by hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele was admitted for secondary ETV for the management of shunt failure. The endoscopic procedure was preferred over shunt revision based on good results of secondary ETV, especially in patients with hydrocephalus associated with Chiari II malformation and spina bifida. Results: Despite the surgery being uneventful, the patient had early (postoperative seizure) and late (secondary amenorrhea) complications. In the early postoperative period, she received external ventricular drainage followed by VP shunt reimplantation 2 weeks later. There was no neurological morbidity, but 1 month after the ETV she reported secondary amenorrhea and weight gain. Laboratory investigations ruled out hyperprolactinemia, which had been treated with cabergoline administration with no efficacy since the patient was still without regular periods 1 year later. Conclusion: ETV may be followed by endocrinological complications like amenorrhea that are rarely reported.
Treatment of Renal Stones ≥20 mm with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Authors: Wu Haihu , Wang Jianwei , Lu Jiaju , Wang Yuqiu , Niu Zhihong
Published: November 2015

Aims: To identify subgroups of patients with renal stones ≥20 mm that are more suitable for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) monotherapy. Methods: A total of 376 patients with renal stones ≥20 mm underwent monotherapy with ESWL. The treatment outcome was evaluated after 3 months of follow-up. A stone-free status or fragmentation of stones to 4 mm or smaller was considered efficacious. Results: At 3 months after treatment, the overall stone-free rate was 64.4%, and the efficacy rate was 70.7%. The efficacy rate was 89.4% for patients with a residual stone surface area ≤50% of baseline after the first ESWL, while the efficacy rate was 32.4% for other patients. The efficacy was 92.2% for stones ≤400 mm2 and those with lower radiodensity, as determined by a plain (KUB) film. Conclusions: For renal stones with a surface area ≤400 mm2 and a radiodensity equal to or less than that of the 12th rib as determined by a KUB film, ESWL may be considered the first line of treatment, even for stones with a diameter ≥20 mm. For large stones requiring repeat treatments, the surface area of the residual stones after the first ESWL is a predictor of the final treatment result.
Statin Use and Adrenal Aldosterone Production in Hypertensive and Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Baudrand Rene , Pojoga Luminita H. , Vaidya Anand , Garza Amanda E. , Vöhringer Paul A. , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Hopkins Paul N. , Yao Tham M. , Williams Jonathan , Adler Gail K. , Williams Gordon H.
Published: November 2015

Background—

Statins substantially reduce cardiovascular mortality and appear to have beneficial effects independent of their lipid-lowering properties. We evaluated the hypothesis that statin use may modulate the secretion of aldosterone, a well-known contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

We measured adrenal hormones in 2 intervention studies. In study 1 in hypertensive subjects, aldosterone was analyzed at baseline and after angiotensin II stimulation on both high- and low-sodium diets (1122 observations, 15% on statins for >3 months). Statin users had 33% lower aldosterone levels in adjusted models (
P
<0.001). Cortisol was not modified by statins. In secondary analyses, the lowest aldosterone levels were seen with lipophilic statins and with higher doses. Statin users had lower blood pressure and reduced salt sensitivity of blood pressure (both
P
<0.001). In study 2, aldosterone was measured in diabetic patients on a high-sodium diet, before and after angiotensin II stimulation (143 observations, 79% statin users). Again, statin users had 26% lower aldosterone levels (
P
=0.006), particularly those using lipophilic statins. Ex vivo studies in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells confirmed that lipophilic statins acutely inhibited aldosterone, but not corticosterone, in response to different secretagogues.

Conclusions—

Statin use among hypertensive and diabetic subjects was associated with lower aldosterone secretion in response to angiotensin II and a low-sodium diet in 2 human intervention studies. This effect appeared to be most pronounced with lipophilic statins and higher doses. Future studies to evaluate whether aldosterone inhibition may partially explain the robust cardioprotective effects of statins are warranted.
Interrogating Urban Climate Leadership: Toward a Political Ecology of the C40 Network
Authors: Davidson Kathryn , Gleeson Brendan
Published: November 2015

This article considers the rapid evolution and increased prominence of the C40 Cities Climate Change Leadership Group and its commitment to the development of a new style of thinking, and possibly a new urban construct. This new construct is not yet understood, perhaps due to the fact that it is an inchoate ideal being forged through the work of the network for the future of our cities. Such an assessment is well situated within the political economy of urban sustainability, with its ability to set up an interrogative frame to identify the progressive and regressive possibilities that the C40 signals. This article argues that the C40 cities propose nothing new in their ideas, providing a reinforcement of neoliberal urbanism. We need to deviate from technocratic and “econocratic” approaches toward pathways that emphasize the democratic content of socio-environmental development.
Bourdieu and the IPCC’s Symbolic Power
Authors: Hughes Hannah
Published: November 2015

This article introduces Pierre Bourdieu’s notions of field, interest, and symbolic power into the study of global environmental politics, for the purpose of positioning the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) within the international field of climate politics. Revisiting historical accounts of the IPCC’s establishment, the article explores the IPCC’s role in generating international interest in climate change and the field of forces and struggles that has emerged around the organization and its assessment activities as a result. The IPCC continues to hold a central position within the climate field because of its symbolic power to construct the meaning of climate change. This makes the organization, its assessment activities, and the knowledge it produces central objects of struggle within the climate field, and the forces that this contestation produces structure all aspects of the IPCC and its work. The article identifies how developing-country attitudes, climate skepticism, and bandwagoning impact the IPCC’s place in climate politics and its assessments of the climate problem.
Free Trade and/or Environmental Protection?
Authors: Bernauer Thomas , Nguyen Quynh
Published: November 2015

Many political leaders of the Global South oppose linkages between trade liberalization and environmental protection. We field-tested a combination of surveys and conjoint experiments in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Vietnam to examine whether citizens in developing countries share this position. The results show that citizens do not view economic integration and environmental protection as a trade-off. To the contrary, individuals with greener preferences are more supportive of trade liberalization. Furthermore, and in contrast to prevailing government rhetoric, the majority of citizens support environmental clauses in trade agreements. These findings suggest that there might be room for more ambitious efforts to include environmental standards in international trade agreements.
Additions to the checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Peru
Authors: GUÉNARD BENOIT , ECONOMO EVAN P.
Published: November 2015

A recent species checklist of the ants of Peru recorded 592 nominal species and 79 genera on the basis of a literature review. Here we complement the previously published checklist with the addition of 83 nominal species and six genera, including three genera recorded only from morphospecies. This increases the list of ants reported from Peru to at least 679 species and subspecies and 85 genera. We also modify the list of species known as endemic from Peru, discuss the historical importance of the Peruvian ant fauna in myrmecology, and highlight potential research for future studies.
A Measurement System for Shape Memory Alloy Wire Actuators
Authors: Daudpoto Jawaid , Dehghani-Sanij Abbas , Richardson Robert
Published: November 2015

In this paper, an experimental set-up for the measurement of actuation properties of shape memory alloy wire actuators is presented. A test rig is designed and developed to characterise shape memory alloy wire actuators. The test rig is equipped with force, displacement and temperature sensors. The test rig is validated by measuring the strain of bi-atomic nickel–titanium shape memory alloy actuators by supplying various actuation currents. At 420 mA, the 0.15-mm-diameter nickel–titanium actuators underwent 3.25% strain which lies within the guideline range (3%-4%) reported by the manufacturer of the actuators.
Boundaries in action: a framework to analyse boundary actions in multifunctional land-use developments
Authors: van Broekhoven Saskia , Boons Frank , van Buuren Arwin , Teisman Geert
Published: November 2015

One way to achieve more sustainable spatial development and deal with pressures on space is through integrated or multifunctional land use. Achieving effective integration, although attractive, presents governance challenges. One challenge is how to deal with boundaries. Actors from different backgrounds need to coordinate across and manage their boundaries to realise effective integration of land-use functions. We develop a framework to analyse how actors construct, maintain, challenge, and reconstruct boundaries in their (inter)actions, and we apply the framework to a case analysis of a multifunctional development. The analysis shows that, although integration seems to suggest only boundary crossing, actors also actively defend and reconstruct boundaries. We reflect on how the process of achieving effective integration is not only about overcoming boundaries but also about reconstructing and respecting joint boundary demarcations. These demarcations help to create a sense of order and clarity in terms of responsibility and accountability, and hence enable implementation.
Negotiating the farmland dilemmas: ‘barefoot planners’ in China’s urban periphery
Authors: Wang Yiming
Published: November 2015

China is confronted with three intrinsic dilemmas related to farmland conversion: (1) conserving farmland for national food security versus converting farmland to boost local government income; (2) protecting farmland to ensure the basic living conditions of vulnerable farmers versus developing farmland to encourage farmers’ transition toward urban livelihoods; (3) preserving farmland by exercising national regulatory controls versus managing farmland through localised negotiations among the concerned stakeholders. This paper analyses three cases based on interview data collected from Shanghai, Guizhou, and Henan between 2009 and 2012. Each case consists of an informal local resolution to one of the three farmland dilemmas, and involves a variety of actors—local entrepreneurs, ethnic minority farmers, and village committee members—who act as ‘barefoot planners’. On the basis of these findings, this paper makes a series of policy recommendations and calls for more flexible, spontaneous, and place-based farmland planning in China through social learning.
Storylines of institutional responses to climate change as a transformative stressor: the case of regional planning in South East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Matthews Tony
Published: November 2015

Institutional responses to climate change stresses through planning will require new and amended forms of governance. Institutional framing of change imperatives can significantly condition associated governance responses. This paper builds on scholarly conversations concerning the conceptual role of ‘storylines’ in shaping institutional responses to climate change through governance. I draw on conceptual perspectives of climate change as a ‘transformative stressor’, which can compel institutional transformation within planning. The concepts of storylines and transformative stressors are conceptually linked. The conceptual approach is applied to an empirical enquiry focused on the regional planning regime of South East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. In this paper I report on and examine three institutional storylines of responding to climate change through planning governance in SEQ. I conclude that the manifestation of climate change as a transformative stressor in SEQ prompted institutional transformation, leading to a dominant storyline focused on climate adaptation as an important facet of regional planning governance.
Marine spatial planning and terrestrial spatial planning: reflecting on new agendas
Authors: Gazzola Paola , Roe Maggie H , Cowie Paul J
Published: November 2015

This paper explores the ontological differences between terrestrial and marine environments from a spatial perspective and reflects on the usefulness of the application of established ideas of terrestrial spatial planning in marine spatial planning, using the UK system as the main reference. Through a critical review of the literature an analytical framework is developed that is informed by four interlinked deficiencies, namely disciplinary, conceptual, legitimacy and knowledge deficits. The paper provides two main conclusions. First, as a discipline and profession, planning must reassess the suitability of present approaches to marine spatial planning and provide innovative thinking to a complex and different potential area of planning theory and practice. Second, that marine spatial planning should develop its own responses to the particular needs of the marine environment and take into consideration influences from various disciplines and perspectives to ensure appropriate and adequate consideration of marine-based concerns.
A participatory integrated assessment approach for Natura 2000 network sites
Authors: Etxano Iker , Garmendia Eneko , Pascual Unai , Hoyos David , Díez María-Ángeles , Cadiñanos José A. , Lozano Pedro J.
Published: November 2015

Managing protected areas (PAs) requires dealing with complex social-ecological systems where multiple dimensions (i.e. social, institutional, economic and ecological) interact over time. Uni-dimensional and top-down approaches have been unable to capture this complexity. Instead, new integrated approaches that acknowledge the multidimensional nature of PAs and the diversity of social actors in the decision making process are required. In this paper we put forward a novel participatory assessment approach which integrates multiple methodologies to reflect value articulating institutions in the case of a Natura 2000 (N2000) network site in the Basque Country (Southern Europe). This novel approach is based on a social multi-criteria evaluation framework, that integrates (i) economic values derived from a choice experiment, (ii) ecological values by means of a spatial bio-geographic assessment, and (iii) a participatory process among diverse social actors. The case study shows that through the integration of diverse perspectives it is possible to achieve compromise solutions that foster the ecological values of PAs while enhancing other socio-economic benefits. Such co-benefits are important to enhance the acceptance and scope of N2000 and overcome undesirable social-ecological conflicts. We also show that the inclusion of all affected parties in a deliberative process is a key prerequisite to ensure ecologically effective and socially acceptable decisions that will lead to sustainable conservation policies.
A moving target: rethinking industrial recruitment in an era of growing economic uncertainty
Authors: Lowe Nichola , Freyer Allan
Published: November 2015

Industrial recruitment is often portrayed by economic development scholars as an inferior or ‘second-best’ strategy to those that promote ‘home-grown’ enterprise. But this characterization overlooks improvements to industry recruitment that state and local agencies have adopted in recent decades and the underlying factors that contribute to this effort. Drawing on two case studies of strategic industrial recruitment in the U.S. South, this paper makes the case for industrial recruitment as embedded practice—rooted in placespecific contexts, adaptive and open to change, and governed by a range of institutional actors. The result is both a more strategic approach to local industrial recruitment, and also one designed to complement—not undermine—other local economic development practices.
Long-Term Effects of a Parent-Based Language Intervention on Language Outcomes and Working Memory for Late-Talking Toddlers
Authors: Buschmann Anke , Multhauf Bettina , Hasselhorn Marcus , Pietz Joachim
Published: November 2015

A randomized control intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the highly structured Heidelberg Parent-Based Language Intervention (HPLI). The outcomes of 43 children ( n = 23 intervention, n = 20 control) who had been identified as late talkers during routine developmental check-ups carried out in pediatric practices at the age of 2 years were examined at 4 years 3 months of age. To address these results, we used standardized instruments to assess language and memory performance. At the age of 4 years, expressive language abilities did not differ as a function of the early language intervention. Results in language comprehension, phonological memory, and episodic buffer were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group. These findings demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of the parent-based language intervention HPLI, and have practical implications for dealing with children with specific expressive language disorder (SELD).
Accuracy of Knowledge of Child Development in Mothers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services
Authors: Zand Debra H. , Pierce Katherine J. , Bultas Margaret W. , McMillin Stephen Edward , Gott Rolanda Maxim , Wilmott Jennifer
Published: November 2015

Parents’ involvement in early intervention (EI) services fosters positive developmental trajectories in young children. Although EI research on parenting skills has been abundant, fewer data are available on parents’ knowledge of normative child development. Sixty-seven mothers of children participating in a Midwestern city’s EI program completed the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory. Compared with mothers in normative referent samples, mothers of children enrolled in EI reported significantly less knowledge of normative child development and were significantly more likely to underestimate the timing of normative developmental milestones. The race/ethnicity of mothers of children in EI was significantly related to their milestone accuracy scores even after the mothers’ education level was controlled. Implications of the findings are discussed within the context of providing EI services that are family centered.
A Comprehensive Inclusion Program for Kindergarten Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Sainato Diane M. , Morrison Rebecca S. , Jung Sunhwa , Axe Judah , Nixon Patricia A.
Published: November 2015

To date, reports of empirically validated comprehensive intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been limited to preschool-age children. We examined the effects of a model inclusive kindergarten program for children with ASD. Forty-one children received instruction in an inclusive kindergarten program with their peers for 28 hrs a week. A comparison group ( n = 21) received an eclectic intervention in public, general education, kindergarten classrooms. Examiners administered standardized tests of cognitive, language, and adaptive behavior skills to children in both groups at the beginning and end of the school year. There were no differences in test scores between the two groups at baseline. Following intervention, the model program group had higher mean standard scores in all skill domains. The differences were statistically significant for all domains except adaptive behavior and spoken language. These findings are consistent with reports of success for inclusive programs for preschool children with ASD.
Reflections on the SAGE Encyclopedia of Action Research and what it says about action research and its methodologies
Authors: Dick Bob
Published: November 2015

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Action Research consists of 314 entries totalling around 600,000 words by people expert in their topic. What if it was treated as a corpus of data about the current state of action research and related matters? So treated, it can provide a valuable current perspective on what action research is, who uses it for what purpose, and how it is done.

A companion paper by Davydd Greenwood reports on what the Encyclopedia has to say about theory in current action research. This paper does the same for action research methodology. I report and reflect on what the Encyclopedia says about the broad family of action research approaches, and its key features of participation, an action orientation, the use of critical reflection and the integration of those features within a cyclic process.
Transplantation of rat embryonic stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells preserves the retinal structure and function in rat retinal degeneration
Authors: Qu Zepeng , Guan Yuan , Cui Lu , Song Jian , Gu Junjie , Zhao Hanzhi , Xu Lei , Lu Lixia , Jin Ying , Xu Guo-Tong
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Degenerative retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the leading cause of blindness. Cell transplantation showed promising therapeutic effect for such diseases, and embryonic stem cell (ESC) is one of the sources of such donor cells. Here, we aimed to generate retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from rat ESCs (rESCs) and to test their therapeutic effects in rat model.

Methods

The rESCs (DA8-16) were cultured in N2B27 medium with 2i, and differentiated to two types of RPCs following the SFEBq method with modifications. For rESC-RPC1, the cells were switched to adherent culture at D10, while for rESC-RPC2, the suspension culture was maintained to D14. Both RPCs were harvested at D16. Primary RPCs were obtained from P1 SD rats, and some of them were labeled with EGFP by infection with lentivirus. To generate Rax::EGFP knock-in rESC lines, TALENs were engineered to facilitate homologous recombination in rESCs, which were cotransfected with the targeting vector and TALEN vectors. The differentiated cells were analyzed with live image, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometric analysis, gene expression microarray, etc. RCS rats were used to mimic the degeneration of retina and test the therapeutic effects of subretinally transplanted donor cells. The structure and function of retina were examined.

Results

We established two protocols through which two types of rESC-derived RPCs were obtained and both contained committed retina lineage cells and some neural progenitor cells (NPCs). These rESC-derived RPCs survived in the host retinas of RCS rats and protected the retinal structure and function in early stage following the transplantation. However, the glia enriched rESC-RPC1 obtained through early and longer adherent culture only increased the b-wave amplitude at 4 weeks, while the longer suspension culture gave rise to evidently neuronal differentiation in rESC-RPC2 which significantly improved the visual function of RCS rats.

Conclusions

We have successfully differentiated rESCs to glia enriched RPCs and retinal neuron enriched RPCsin vitro. The retinal neuron enriched rESC-RPC2 protected the structure and function of retina in rats with genetic retinal degeneration and could be a candidate cell source for treating some degenerative retinal diseases in human trials.
Social Interdependencies in Consumption: An Early Economic Debate on Social Distinction, Emulation, and Fashion
Authors: Bianchi Marina , Sanfilippo Eleonora
Published: November 2015

This article analyzes an early and relatively little known debate on the role of social interdependencies in consumption and their implications for economic theory. The debate began in the pages of the Economic Journal when, in 1892, Alfred Marshall's student Henry Cunynghame addressed the consequences that an increase in the supply of goods might have for individual utility when this includes external effects such as a desire for display and distinction. Such interdependencies in consumption were also taken very seriously by A. C. Pigou who, in successive articles in the same journal (1903, 1910, 1913), explored in great detail the impact of third-party consumption on an individual's utility function and, potentially, on social welfare. In fact, in such cases, the derivation of the market demand curve, and even the very notion of consumer surplus, seemed to become problematic. Both Marshall and F. Y. Edgeworth remained skeptical toward the theoretical treatment of externalities in consumption, offering reasons of both practical and analytical relevance. In the same period in the Economic Journal, Caroline Foley (1893) analyzed the phenomenon of social interrelations among consumers in a more evolutionary perspective, emphasizing in addition more general possibilities in interdependencies, including change and innovation. What is of interest in this debate is that it was the first attempt in the history of economic analysis to examine the analytical consequences that considerations of social interdependencies in consumption may have for economic theory. These related to the drawing of the market demand curve, the measurement of consumer surplus, and the more general issue of how to deal with time and change in economic models. These considerations, however, proved difficult to be addressed with the then available economic tools and this, in turn, led to their being simply shelved. We conclude by noting that the participants in this debate cast the problem of social interrelations in consumption almost exclusively in terms of positional rivalry and emulation. This overshadowed the creative dimension and positive externalities that can arise through such interrelations. Foley's more historical perspective has the merit of highlighting precisely this dimension.
An adaptable toolkit to assess commercial fishery costs and benefits related to marine protected area network design
Authors: Daigle Rémi M. , Monaco Cristián J. , Elgin Ashley K.
Published: November 2015

Around the world, governments are establishing Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks to meet their commitments to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. MPAs are often used in an effort to conserve biodiversity and manage fisheries stocks. However, their efficacy and effect on fisheries yields remain unclear. We conducted a case-study on the economic impact of different MPA network design strategies on the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) fisheries in Canada. The open-source R toolbox that we developed to analyze this case study can be customized to conduct similar analyses for other systems. We used a spatially-explicit individual-based model of population growth and dispersal coupled with a fisheries management and harvesting component. We found that MPA networks that both protect the target species’ habitat (particularly the spawning grounds), and were spatially optimized to improve population connectivity had the highest net present value (i.e., were most profitable for the fishing industry). These higher profits were achieved primarily by reducing the distance travelled for fishing and reducing the probability of a moratorium event. These findings add to a growing body of knowledge demonstrating the importance of incorporating population connectivity in the MPA planning process, as well as the ability of this R toolbox to explore ecological and economic consequences of alternative MPA network designs.