bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of light-emitting diodes and benzylaminopurin on adventitious shoot regeneration of water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri (L.) pennell) in vitro
Authors: Karataş Mehmet , Aasim Muhammad , Dazkirli Muraz
Published: April 2016

Water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell) is a medicinal plants. Its upper
and lower halves of leaf explants were incubated in Murashige and Skoog (MS)
medium supplemented with 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BA) for 8
weeks; the explants were exposed to white (W) and red and blue (R and B,
respectively) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), at 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 R and B
light ratios, respectively. Shoot regeneration (100%) was achieved from all
explants at all applied concentrations of BA and LED types. All explants
showed different BA concentration requirements for regeneration of the
maximum number of shoots. Longer shoots were obtained on medium with 0.25
mg/L BA. The W LED lighting system was found to be more effective for
regenerating the maximum number of shoots (26.11) per explant (on the upper
half of the leaf). Conversely, longer and shorter shoots were generated under
1:1 R:B and W LEDs, respectively. The number of shoots per explant ranged
from 9.67-24.0 (full leaf), 6.33-25.92 (lower half of the leaf) and
7.33-27.33 (upper half of the leaf), respectively, in response to BA and LED
light. Shoot length ranged from 0.94-1.90 cm (full lamina), 0.70-2.11 cm
(lower half of the leaf) and 0.93-1.83 cm (upper half of the lamina) in
response to BA and LED lifght. Regenerated shoots were successfully rooted
using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and acclimatized in the aquarium provided
with tap water.
Effects of antidepressants on serum concentrations of bone metabolism markers and major electrolytes in patients from routine psychiatric practice
Authors: Riznic Nikola , Milovanovic Dragan , Djukic-Dejanovic Slavica , Jankovic Slobodan , Ravanic Dragan , Ignjatovic-Ristic Dragana , Petrovic Dusan , Jovanovic Mirjana , Mladenovic Violeta , Ruzic-Zecevic Dejana , Janjic Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Background/Aim. Data about effects of antidepressant on calcium, phosphorous and magnesium metabolisms are very scorce. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of antidepressants on serum concentration of bone metabolism markers and main electrolytes in patients from routine psychiatric practice. Methods. A prospective, before-and-after, time-series research included 9 males and 24 females, with average 53.3 ? 11.5 years-of-age, suffering from depression (n = 26) and neurotic disorders (n = 7), mostly taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. We measured analytes at baseline, and 4th, 6th and 12th weeks during the treatment and tested the parameter changes from baseline and the trends with appropriate statistics at p ? 0.05 significance level. Results. The age above 60 years was a significant factor for appearance of negative cumulative changes (in percent) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D ? 25(OH)D concentrations from the base-line (OR = 11.4, 95% CI 1.2?113.1, p = 0.037). Serum concentrations of calcium significantly correlated with sodium (rs = 0.531, p < 0.001), with chloride (r = 0.496, p < 0.001), with magnesium (rs = 0.402, p < 0.001) and with osteocalcin (r = 0.240, p = 0.019). Significant correlations were among phosphorous with chloride (r = -0.218, p = 0.035); magnesium with sodium (r = 0.295, p = 0.004) and with potassium, (r = 0.273, p = 0.009); osteocalcin with C-telopeptide (r = 0.760, p < 0.001) with sodium (r = 0.215, p = 0.039) and with chloride (r = 0.209, p = 0.041); sodium with chloride (r = 0.722, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant changes between antidepressant treatment and changes of absolute serum concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, 25(OH)D, osteocalcin, C-telopeptide, sodium, potassium and chloride. There were no statistically significant changes in frequency of disturbances in values of laboratory analytes (below/above lower/upper normal limits), too. Conclusion. Antidepressant treatment was not significantly associated with the changes in study analytes but some of them positively correlated with each other, suggesting the need for individual patient approach and further research in the field of bone metabolism in patients with mental disorders.
Accurate Measurement of Postprandial Glucose Turnover: Why Is It Difficult and How Can It Be Done (Relatively) Simply?
Authors: Rizza Robert A. , Toffolo Gianna , Cobelli Claudio
Published: April 2016

Fasting hyperglycemia occurs when an excessive rate of endogenous glucose production (EGP) is not accompanied by an adequate compensatory increase in the rate of glucose disappearance (Rd). The situation following food ingestion is more complex as the amount of glucose that reaches the circulation for disposal is a function of the systemic rate of appearance of the ingested glucose (referred to as the rate of meal appearance [Rameal]), the pattern and degree of suppression of EGP, and the rapidity of stimulation of the Rd. In an effort to measure these processes, Steele et al. proposed what has come to be referred to as the dual-tracer method in which the ingested glucose is labeled with one tracer while a second tracer is infused intravenously at a constant rate. Unfortunately, subsequent studies have shown that although this approach is technically simple, the marked changes in plasma specific activity or the tracer-to-tracee ratio, if stable tracers are used, introduce a substantial error in the calculation of Rameal, EGP, and Rd, thereby leading to incorrect and at times misleading results. This Perspective discusses the causes of these so-called “nonsteady-state” errors and how they can be avoided by the use of the triple-tracer approach.
Heat Shock Protein 70 and Anti-heat Shock Protein 70 Antibodies in Nasal Secretions of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tsybikov Namjil N. , Egorova Elena V. , Kuznik Boris I. , Fefelova Elena V. , Magen Eli
Published: April 2016

Background

The issue of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and anti-HSP70 antibodies in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has never been explored.

Objective

To determine the nasal secretion (NS) levels of HSP70 and anti-HSP70 antibodies in patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and to evaluate their associations with CRS clinical severity and correlation with NS interleukin (IL), IL-5 and interferon λ.

Methods

CRS severity was determined by Lund-Mackay scores. Levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-4, IL-5, interferon A, HSP70, and anti-HSP70 antibody levels in NS were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Forty-six patients with CRSsNP (25 women [543%] and 21 men [45.7%], mean [standard deviation {SD}]) age, 34.1 ± 123 years; 54 patients with CRSwNP (24 women [44.4%] and 30 men [55.6%], mean [SD] age, 37.9 ± 17.5 years). A group of 40 healthy subjects served as controls. Compared with the controls (with a mean [SD] NS HSP70 level of 0.05 ± 0.03 μg/mL), mean [SD]NS HSP70 levels in both the CRSsNP group (0.16 ± 0.07 ixg/mL) and CRSwNP group (0.21 ± 0.10 μg/mL) were increased (p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean (SD) NS anti-HSP70 antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with CRSwNP (0.25 ± 0.09 optical density value [ODV]) compared with CRSsNP (0.13 ± 0.04 ODV) (p < 0.001) and healthy controls (0.14 ± 0.02 ODV) (p < 0.001). NS HSP70 in subjects with CRSwNP showed a significant positive correlation with the Lund-Mackay score (r = 0.31; p < 0.05). NS levels of either HSP70 or anti-HSP70 antibodies were strongly correlated with NS IL-4 in the CRSwNP group (r = 0.62, p < 0.001; and r = 0.69, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

NS concentrations of HSP70 and secretory IgA anti HSP70 antibodies are increased in CRSwNP (but not in CRSsNP) and correlate positively with the Lund-Mackay score, NS IL-4, and NS IL-5.
A Rare Presentation of Sarcoidosis with Nasal Bone Involvement
Authors: Korkmaz Mukadder , Uslu Selen , Korkmaz Hakan , Çetinkol Yeliz
Published: April 2016

Background

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous inflammatory disease that is induced by infectious or noninfectious environmental antigens in a genetically susceptible host. Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are two diseases with similar clinical and pathologic findings. The link between these two diseases has been extensively studied.

Objective

Herein we describe a case of sarcoidosis associated with tuberculosis, treated for tuberculosis, and, 1 year, later presented with a nasal dorsal lump and skin lesions on the extremities.

Methods

Case report with clinical description.

Results

Our patient had a history of skin and cervical lymphadenopathy symptoms 1 year earlier and was treated with antituberculosis drugs in an outer medical center. Therapy had cured cervical lymphadenopathies, with no improvement in skin lesions. On appearance of the nasal dorsal lump, she presented to our outpatient clinic. We retrieved the previous specimens of the patient, which revealed coexistence of necrotizing granulomas with non-necrotizing granulomas, which was strongly indicative of the coexistence of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Radiologic, histopathologic, and microbiologic investigation revealed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis with nasal, cutaneous, and pulmonary involvement. Treatment with prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine resulted in dramatic improvement of nasal bone, pulmonary, and skin lesions within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

The clinical presentation of sarcoidosis can be complex, and the differential diagnosis from tuberculosis can be challenging. Atypical clinical pictures also can cause delays in diagnosis and proper management. In patients with granulomatous lesions that are unresponsive to antituberculosis therapy, physicians must be alerted to the possibility of coexistent sarcoidosis.
Carbapenem-resistant isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in a municipal wastewater treatment plant, Croatia, 2014
Authors: Hrenovic Jasna , Goic-Barisic Ivana , Kazazic Snjezana , Kovacic Ana , Ganjto Marin , Tonkic Marija
Published: April 2016

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging hospital pathogen. Whereas A. baumannii isolated from patients or hospitals has been reported, there are few data regarding propagation of viable A. baumannii in the natural environment. This study investigates the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of viable A. baumannii in municipal wastewater and its persistence through the wastewater treatment process. A total of 21 A. baumannii isolates were recovered at a secondary type of municipal wastewater treatment plant in Zagreb, Croatia: 15 from raw influent wastewater and six from final effluent. All isolates were carbapenem- and multidrug-resistant. Among 14 isolates tested for bla
OXA genes, all harboured the constitutive bla
OXA-51-like gene, while the acquired bla
OXA-23-like and bla
OXA-40-like genes were found in 10 and three isolates respectively. Six A. baumannii isolates recovered from effluent wastewater multiplied and survived in sterilised effluent wastewater up to 50 days. These findings support the idea that multidrug-resistant A. baumannii can occur and have the ability to survive in the environment.
A Post Publication Review of "Students' Computing Use and Study: When More is Less"
Authors: Vella Steven Francis
Published: April 2016

A short post publication review of a recent AJIS paper.
L’adoption des outils numériques dans les communautés de pratique
Authors: Arzumanyan Lusine , Mayrhofer Ulrike
Published: April 2016

De nombreuses entreprises choisissent de mettre en place des communautés de pratique dans le domaine de l’innovation. Cette recherche vise à contribuer à une meilleure compréhension de l’adoption des outils numériques par les membres de ces communautés. L’étude empirique a été menée au sein du Groupe SEB, une multinationale française spécialisée dans le petit équipement domestique. L’analyse effectuée montre qu’il est essentiel d’adapter les outils numériques aux attentes des utilisateurs. Elle met également en relief le rôle important joué par la direction de l’innovation dans le pilotage de l’animation de la communauté de pratique.
Clinical utility of a screening protocol for blunt cerebrovascular injury using computed tomography angiography
Authors: Tso Michael K. , Lee Myunghyun M. , Ball Chad G. , Morrish William F. , Mitha Alim P. , Kirkpatrick Andrew W. , Wong John H.
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) occurs in approximately 1% of the blunt trauma population and may lead to stroke and death. Early vascular imaging in asymptomatic patients at high risk of having BCVI may lead to earlier diagnosis and possible stroke prevention. The objective of this study was to determine if the implementation of a formalized asymptomatic BCVI screening protocol with CT angiography (CTA) would lead to improved BCVI detection and stroke prevention.

METHODS

Patients with vascular imaging studies were identified from a prospective trauma registry at a single Level 1 trauma center between 2002 and 2008. Detection of BCVI and stroke rates were compared during the 3-year periods before and after implementation of a consensus-based asymptomatic BCVI screening protocol using CTA in 2005.

RESULTS

A total of 5480 patients with trauma were identified. The overall BCVI detection rate remained unchanged postprotocol compared with preprotocol (0.8% [24 of 3049 patients] vs 0.9% [23 of 2431 patients]; p = 0.53). However, postprotocol there was a trend toward a decreased risk of stroke secondary to BCVI on a trauma population basis (0.23% [7 of 3049 patients] vs 0.53% [13 of 2431 patients]; p = 0.06). Overall, 75% (35 of 47) of patients with BCVI were treated with antiplatelet agents, but no patient developed new or progressive intracranial hemorrhage despite 70% of these patients having concomitant traumatic brain injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that a CTA screening protocol for BCVI may be of clinical benefit with possible reduction in ischemic complications. The treatment of BCVI with antiplatelet agents appears to be safe.
Use of 3D CT-based navigation in minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Joseph Jacob R. , Smith Brandon W. , Patel Rakesh D. , Park Paul
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is an increasingly popular technique used to treat degenerative lumbar disease. The technique of using an intraoperative cone-beam CT (iCBCT) and an image-guided navigation system (IGNS) for LLIF cage placement has been previously described. However, other than a small feasibility study, there has been no clinical study evaluating its accuracy or safety. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and safety of image-guided spinal navigation in LLIF.

METHODS

An analysis of a prospectively acquired database was performed. Thirty-one consecutive patients were identified. Accuracy was initially determined by comparison of the planned trajectory of the IGNS with post–cage placement intraoperative fluoroscopy. Accuracy was subsequently confirmed by postprocedural CT and/or radiography. Cage placement was graded based on a previously described system separating the disc space into quarters.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 63.9 years. A total of 66 spinal levels were treated, with a mean of 2.1 levels (range 1–4) treated per patient. Cage placement was noted to be accurate using IGNS in each case, as confirmed with intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative imaging. Sixty-four (97%) cages were placed within Quarters 1 to 2 or 2 to 3, indicating placement of the cage in the anterior or middle portions of the disc space. There were no instances of misguidance by IGNS. There was 1 significant approach-related complication (psoas muscle abscess) that required intervention, and 8 patients with transient, mild thigh paresthesias or weakness.

CONCLUSIONS

LLIF can be safely and accurately performed utilizing iCBCT and IGNS. Accuracy is acceptable for multilevel procedures.
Evaluation of Corporate Bond Market Performance in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Abu Hanifa Md Noman Bin , Islam Serajul , Chy Nazneen Jahan
Published: April 2016

Bond market plays a vital role in economic development of a country. Bond market provides long term finance to issuers by creating alternative source of finance through stock market, besides providing stable source of income to investors against volatile stock market. However, Bangladesh corporate Bond market is at very initial stage. Hence, it is needed to make an analysis of investors attitude towards corporate bonds in Bangladesh for determining investors finding on the issue. The study is limited to performance evaluation of three corporate bonds in corporate bond market in Bangladesh and investigate investors attitude towards it. We have collected secondary information from DSE web site and processed through SPSS to make performance analysis and collected primary data from investors of some brokerage houses in Chittagong metro through questionnaire survey for analyzing investors attitude towards corporate bond market. The study has found that price stability of ACI zero coupon bond is more than IBBL Perpetual Mudaraba Bond and BRAC subordinated convertible bond and it is also found that only 5% of respondents prefers to invest in corporate bonds due to lack of supply of corporate bond, lack of investors awareness, inadequate market regulations etc.IIUC Studies Vol.10 & 11 December 2014: 127-144
Generation and Characterization of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Lines Derived from a Patient with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Lazar-Karsten Pamela , Belge Gazanfer , Schult-Badusche Detlev , Focken Tim , Radtke Arlo , Yan Junfeng , Ranabhat Pramod , Mohamed Salah
Published: April 2016

Thoracic aortic dilation is the most common malformation of the proximal aorta and is responsible for 1%–2% of all deaths in industrialized countries. In approximately 50% of patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), dilation of any or all segments of the aorta occurs. BAV patients with aortic dilation show an increased incidence of cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) loss. In this study, VSMC, isolated from the ascending aorta of BAV, was treated with Simian virus 40 to generate a BAV-originated VSMC cell line. To exclude any genomic DNA or cross-contamination, highly polymorphic short tandem repeats of the cells were profiled. The cells were then characterized using flow cytometry and karyotyping. The WG-59 cell line created is the first reported VSMC cell line isolated from a BAV patient. Using an RT2 Profiler PCR Array, genes within the TGFβ/BMP family that are dependent on losartan treatment were identified. Endoglin was found to be among the regulated genes and was downregulated in WG-59 cells following treatment with different losartan concentrations, when compared to untreated WG-59 cells.
Developing Biomass Equations for Western Hemlock and Red Alder Trees in Western Oregon Forests
Authors: Poudel Krishna , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: April 2016

Biomass estimates are required for reporting carbon, assessing feedstock availability, and assessing forest fire threat. We developed diameter- and height-based biomass equations for Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) trees in Western Oregon. A system of component biomass equations was fitted simultaneously with a constrained seemingly unrelated regression. Additionally, a linear model that predicts total aboveground biomass as a function of DBH and height was also fitted. The predicted total biomass was then apportioned to different components according to the predicted proportions from beta, Dirichlet, and multinomial log-linear regressions. Accuracy of these methods differed between species with higher root mean squared error (RMSE) being produced in red alder trees. Within species, the accuracy of the equation for bole biomass was better than the equations for other components. None of these methods stood out as a clear winner, but the multinomial log-linear regression produced marginally better results compared to other methods in terms of RMSE, except for Western hemlock bark biomass and red alder bole and branch biomass. The equations based on a seemingly unrelated regression provided lower RMSEs for those species-component combinations.
Overexpression of the Transcription Factors GmSHN1 and GmSHN9 Differentially Regulates Wax and Cutin Biosynthesis, Alters Cuticle Properties, and Changes Leaf Phenotypes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Yangyang , Wu Hanying , Zhao Mingming , Wu Wang , Xu Yinong , Gu Dan
Published: April 2016

SHINE (SHN/WIN) clade proteins, transcription factors of the plant-specific APETALA 2/ethylene-responsive element binding factor (AP2/ERF) family, have been proven to be involved in wax and cutin biosynthesis. Glycine max is an important economic crop, but its molecular mechanism of wax biosynthesis is rarely characterized. In this study, 10 homologs of Arabidopsis SHN genes were identified from soybean. These homologs were different in gene structures and organ expression patterns. Constitutive expression of each of the soybean SHN genes in Arabidopsis led to different leaf phenotypes, as well as different levels of glossiness on leaf surfaces. Overexpression of GmSHN1 and GmSHN9 in Arabidopsis exhibited 7.8-fold and 9.9-fold up-regulation of leaf cuticle wax productions, respectively. C31 and C29 alkanes contributed most to the increased wax contents. Total cutin contents of leaves were increased 11.4-fold in GmSHN1 overexpressors and 5.7-fold in GmSHN9 overexpressors, mainly through increasing C16:0 di-OH and dioic acids. GmSHN1 and GmSHN9 also altered leaf cuticle membrane ultrastructure and increased water loss rate in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Transcript levels of many wax and cutin biosynthesis and leaf development related genes were altered in GmSHN1 and GmSHN9 overexpressors. Overall, these results suggest that GmSHN1 and GmSHN9 may differentially regulate the leaf development process as well as wax and cutin biosynthesis.
The Vitamin D Analog, MART-10, Attenuates Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Metastatic Potential
Authors: Chiang Kun-Chun , Yeh Ta-Sen , Chen Shin-Cheh , Pang Jong-Hwei , Yeh Chun-Nan , Hsu Jun-Te , Chen Li-Wei , Kuo Sheng-Fong , Takano Masashi , Kittaka Atsushi , Chen Tai , Sun Chi-Chin , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: April 2016

Regarding breast cancer treatment, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a difficult issue. Most TNBC patients die of cancer metastasis. Thus, to develop a new regimen to attenuate TNBC metastatic potential is urgently needed. MART-10 (19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)2D3), the newly-synthesized 1α,25(OH)2D3 analog, has been shown to be much more potent in cancer growth inhibition than 1α,25(OH)2D3 and be active in vivo without inducing obvious side effect. In this study, we demonstrated that both 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 could effectively repress TNBC cells migration and invasion with MART-10 more effective. MART-10 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 induced cadherin switching (upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin) and downregulated P-cadherin expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. The EMT(epithelial mesenchymal transition) process in MDA-MB-231 cells was repressed by MART-10 through inhibiting Zeb1, Zeb2, Slug, and Twist expression. LCN2, one kind of breast cancer metastasis stimulator, was also found for the first time to be repressed by 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 in breast cancer cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity was also downregulated by MART-10. Furthermore, F-actin synthesis in MDA-MB-231 cells was attenuated as exposure to 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10. Based on our result, we conclude that MART-10 could effectively inhibit TNBC cells metastatic potential and deserves further investigation as a new regimen to treat TNBC.
Toward the Integrated Framework Analysis of Linkages among Agrobiodiversity, Livelihood Diversification, Ecological Systems, and Sustainability amid Global Change
Authors: Zimmerer Karl , Vanek Steven
Published: April 2016

Scientific and policy interest in the biological diversity of agriculture (agrobiodiversity) is expanding amid global socioeconomic and environmental changes and sustainability interests. The majority of global agrobiodiversity is produced in smallholder food-growing. We use meta-analyses in an integrated framework to examine the interactions of smallholder agrobiodiversity with: (1) livelihood processes, especially migration, including impacts on agrobiodiversity as well as the interconnected resource systems of soil, water, and uncultivated habitats; and (2) plant-soil ecological systems. We hypothesize these interactions depend on: (1) scope of livelihood diversification and type resource system; and (2) plant residues and above-/belowground component ecological specificity. Findings show: (1) livelihood diversification is linked to varied environmental factors that range from rampant degradation to enhancing sustainability; and (2) significant ecological coupling of aboveground and soil agrobiodiversity (AGSOBIO assemblages). The environmental impacts of livelihood interactions correspond to variation of diversification (migration, on-farm diversification) and resource system (i.e., agrobiodiversity per se, soil, water). Our findings also reveal mutually dependent interactions of aboveground and soil agrobiodiversity. Results identify livelihood diversification-induced reduction of environmental resource quality with lagged agrobiodiversity declines as a potentially major avenue of global change. Our contribution re-frames livelihood interactions to include both agrobiodiversity and ecological systems. We discuss this integrated social-environmental re-framing through the proposed spatial geographic schema of regional agri-food spaces with distinctive matrices of livelihood strategies and relations to biodiversity and resources. This re-framing can be used to integrate livelihood, agrobiodiversity, and ecological analysis and to guide policy and scientific approaches for sustainability in agriculture and food-growing.
Development of a New Radiofluorinated Quinoline Analog for PET Imaging of Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) in Brain
Authors: Liu Jianrong , Wenzel Barbara , Dukic-Stefanovic Sladjana , Teodoro Rodrigo , Ludwig Friedrich-Alexander , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Schröder Susann , Chezal Jean-Michel , Moreau Emmanuel , Brust Peter , Maisonial-Besset Aurélie
Published: April 2016

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that play a major role in cell signalling by hydrolysing the secondary messengers cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) throughout the body and brain. Altered cyclic nucleotide-mediated signalling has been associated with a wide array of disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, PDE5 has been shown to be involved in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, but its precise role has not been elucidated yet. To visualize and quantify the expression of this enzyme in brain, we developed a radiotracer for specific PET imaging of PDE5. A quinoline-based lead compound has been structurally modified resulting in the fluoroethoxymethyl derivative ICF24027 with high inhibitory activity towards PDE5 (IC50 = 1.86 nM). Radiolabelling with fluorine-18 was performed by a one-step nucleophilic substitution reaction using a tosylate precursor (RCY(EOB) = 12.9% ± 1.8%; RCP > 99%; SA(EOS) = 70–126 GBq/μmol). In vitro autoradiographic studies of [18F]ICF24027 on different mouse tissue as well as on porcine brain slices demonstrated a moderate specific binding to PDE5. In vivo studies in mice revealed that [18F]ICF24027 was metabolized under formation of brain penetrable radiometabolites making the radiotracer unsuitable for PET imaging of PDE5 in brain.
Retrieval of Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR) from VIIRS Time-Series Data
Authors: Xiao Zhiqiang , Liang Shunlin , Wang Tongtong , Jiang Bo
Published: April 2016

Long-term high-quality global leaf area index (LAI) and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) products are urgently needed for the study of global change, climate modeling, and many other problems. As the successor of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will continue to provide global environmental measurements. This paper aims to generate longer time series Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) LAI and FAPAR products after the era of the MODIS sensor. To ensure spatial and temporal consistencies between GLASS LAI/FAPAR values retrieved from different satellite observations, the GLASS LAI/FAPAR retrieval algorithms were adapted in this study to retrieve LAI and FAPAR values from VIIRS surface reflectance time-series data. After reprocessing of the VIIRS surface reflectance to remove remaining effects of cloud contamination and other factors, a database generated from the GLASS LAI product and the reprocessed VIIRS surface reflectance for all Benchmark Land Multisite Analysis and Intercomparison of Products (BELMANIP) sites was used to train general regression neural networks (GRNNs). The reprocessed VIIRS surface reflectance data from an entire year were entered into the trained GRNNs to estimate the one-year LAI values, which were then used to calculate FAPAR values. A cross-comparison indicates that the LAI and FAPAR values retrieved from VIIRS surface reflectance were generally consistent with the GLASS, MODIS and Geoland2/BioPar version 1 (GEOV1) LAI/FAPAR values in their spatial patterns. The LAI/FAPAR values retrieved from VIIRS surface reflectance achieved good agreement with the GLASS LAI/FAPAR values (R2 = 0.8972 and RMSE = 0.3054; and R2 = 0.9067 and RMSE = 0.0529, respectively). However, validation of the LAI and FAPAR values derived from VIIRS reflectance data is now limited by the scarcity of LAI/FAPAR ground measurements.
Measuring Eco-Efficiency of Agriculture in China
Authors: Pang Jiaxing , Chen Xingpeng , Zhang Zilong , Li Hengji
Published: April 2016

Eco-efficiency is a tool for sustainability analysis that indicates how to carry out economic activities effectively. This paper assesses agricultural eco-efficiency using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the Theil index approach. Using basic data of 31 provinces in China during 2003–2013, we analyzed the agricultural eco-efficiency development level and spatial pattern in China. The results show that the agricultural eco-efficiency of only four provinces has been relatively efficient in the entire study period, namely, Zhejiang, Hainan, Chongqing, and Tibet. The results also show that agricultural eco-efficiency was higher mainly in south of the Qinling Mountains-Huaihe River Line and north of the Yangtze River area, that agricultural eco-efficiency is mainly affected by pure technical efficiency, and that highly efficient areas are mainly concentrated in the densely populated areas, i.e., the economic developed areas (except Tibet). The Theil index results show that the agricultural eco-efficiency difference weakened between provinces in China, as did western and northeast regions, but eastern and central regions show a slight upward trend.
Why Was Moshe Sharett Sacked? Examining the Premature End of a Political Career, 1956
Authors: Caplan Neil
Published: April 2016

Drawing mainly on the diary of Israeli politician Moshe Sharett, this article examines the circumstances surrounding his forced resignation as foreign minister in 1956. It was Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion who insisted on Sharett's removal but refused to reveal his reasons publicly.
This examination of why Sharett was sacked also offers wider insight into conflicts between activism and restraint within Israel's political and military elite in the lead-up to the Sinai War.
Muraymycin nucleoside-peptide antibiotics: uridine-derived natural products as lead structures for the development of novel antibacterial agents
Authors: Wiegmann Daniel , Koppermann Stefan , Wirth Marius , Niro Giuliana , Leyerer Kristin , Ducho Christian
Published: April 2016

Muraymycins are a promising class of antimicrobial natural products. These uridine-derived nucleoside-peptide antibiotics inhibit the bacterial membrane protein translocase I (MraY), a key enzyme in the intracellular part of peptidoglycan biosynthesis. This review describes the structures of naturally occurring muraymycins, their mode of action, synthetic access to muraymycins and their analogues, some structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies and first insights into muraymycin biosynthesis. It therefore provides an overview on the current state of research, as well as an outlook on possible future developments in this field.
STAR FORMATION IN 3CR RADIO GALAXIES AND QUASARS AT z < 1*
Authors: Westhues Christian , Haas Martin , Barthel Peter , Wilkes Belinda J. , Willner S. P , Kuraszkiewicz Joanna , Podigachoski Pece , Leipski Christian , Meisenheimer Klaus , Siebenmorgen Ralf , Chini Rolf
Published: April 2016

Using the Herschel Space Observatory we have observed a representative sample of 87 powerful 3CR sources at redshift

z
<
1

. The far-infrared (FIR, 70-500 μm) photometry is combined with mid-infrared (MIR) photometry from the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer and cataloged data to analyze the complete spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of each object from optical to radio wavelength. To disentangle the contributions of different components, the SEDs are fitted with a set of templates to derive the luminosities of host galaxy starlight, dust torus emission powered by active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and cool dust heated by stars. The level of emission from relativistic jets is also estimated to isolate the thermal host galaxy contribution. The new data are in line with the orientation-based unification of high-excitation radio-loud AGN, in that the dust torus becomes optically thin longwards of

30

μ
m

. The low-excitation radio galaxies and the MIR-weak sources represent an MIR- and FIR-faint AGN population that is different from the high-excitation MIR-bright objects; it remains an open question whether they are at a later evolutionary state or an intrinsically different population. The derived luminosities for host starlight and dust heated by star formation are converted to stellar masses and star-formation rates (SFR). The host-normalized SFR of the bulk of the 3CR sources is low when compared to other galaxy populations at the same epoch. Estimates of the dust mass yield a 1–100 times lower dust/stellar mass ratio than for the Milky Way, which indicates that these 3CR hosts have very low levels of interstellar matter and explains the low level of star formation. Less than 10% of the 3CR sources show levels of star formation above those of the main sequence of star-forming galaxies.
MULTICOLOR LIGHT CURVE SIMULATIONS OF POPULATION III CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVAE: FROM SHOCK BREAKOUT TO 56CO DECAY
Authors: Tolstov Alexey , Nomoto Ken’ichi , Tominaga Nozomu , Ishigaki Miho N. , Blinnikov Sergey , Suzuki Tomoharu
Published: April 2016

The properties of the first generation of stars and their supernova (SN) explosions remain unknown due to the lack of actual observations. Recently, many transient surveys have been conducted and the feasibility of detecting supernovae (SNe) of Pop III stars is growing. In this paper, we study the multicolor light curves for a number of metal-free core-collapse SN models (25–100

M

⊙

) to determine the indicators for the detection and identification of first generation SNe. We use mixing-fallback supernova explosion models that explain the observed abundance patterns of metal-poor stars. Numerical calculations of the multicolor light curves are performed using the multigroup radiation hydrodynamic code stella. The calculated light curves of metal-free SNe are compared with non-zero-metallicity models and several observed SNe. We have found that the shock breakout characteristics, the evolution of the photosphere’s velocity, the luminosity, and the duration and color evolution of the plateau, that is, all of the SN phases from shock breakout to 56Co decay, are helpful for estimating the parameters of the SN progenitor: the mass, the radius, the explosion energy, and the metallicity. We conclude that the multicolor light curves could potentially be used to identify first-generation SNe in current (Subaru/HSC) and future transient surveys (LSST, James Webb Space Telescope). They are also suitable for identifying low-metallicity SNe in the nearby universe (PTF, Pan-STARRS, Gaia).
PREDICTING CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS USING MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
Authors: Bobra M. G. , Ilonidis S.
Published: April 2016

Of all the activity observed on the Sun, two of the most energetic events are flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Usually, solar active regions that produce large flares will also produce a CME, but this is not always true. Despite advances in numerical modeling, it is still unclear which circumstances will produce a CME. Therefore, it is worthwhile to empirically determine which features distinguish flares associated with CMEs from flares that are not. At this time, no extensive study has used physically meaningful features of active regions to distinguish between these two populations. As such, we attempt to do so by using features derived from (1) photospheric vector magnetic field data taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory’s Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager instrument and (2) X-ray flux data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite’s X-ray Flux instrument. We build a catalog of active regions that either produced both a flare and a CME (the positive class) or simply a flare (the negative class). We then use machine-learning algorithms to (1) determine which features distinguish these two populations, and (2) forecast whether an active region that produces an M- or X-class flare will also produce a CME. We compute the True Skill Statistic, a forecast verification metric, and find that it is a relatively high value of ∼0.8 ± 0.2. We conclude that a combination of six parameters, which are all intensive in nature, will capture most of the relevant information contained in the photospheric magnetic field.
Conciliation travail-famille, encore et toujours un défi
Authors: Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle , d’Amours Liette
Published: April 2016

La conciliation travail-famille est-elle encore, de nos jours, une « histoire de femmes » ? La situation des travailleurs s’est-elle améliorée ou détériorée à ce chapitre ? Les technologies mobiles leur facilitent-elles ou non la vie ? Quels sont les principaux obstacles à franchir et les mesures à mettre en œuvre pour mieux soutenir son personnel ?
L’accroissement de la fiscalité des entreprises pénaliserait les travailleurs
Authors: Deslauriers Jonathan , Gagné Robert , Paré Jonathan , d’Amours Liette
Published: April 2016

Non seulement l’accroissement du fardeau fiscal des entreprises québécoises contribuerait à pénaliser les travailleurs mais ce sont davantage les moins nantis qui en payeraient le prix, révèle une analyse réalisée par le Centre sur la productivité et la prospérité de HEC Montréal.
Donner au suivant ...
Authors: Normandin François
Published: April 2016

Avec l’accroissement des inégalités économiques, des politiques budgétaires étatiques teintées d’austérité et des situations géopolitiques explosives dans certaines régions du globe, l’apport de la philanthropie n’a jamais été aussi important ni aussi recherché. Certaines personnes fortunées (Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg) n’hésitent d’ailleurs pas à offrir des milliards de dollars afin de faire de notre planète un monde meilleur. De quelle manière répondons-nous collectivement à ces efforts singuliers ? Le Canada est-il un pays philanthrope ? Gestion vous offre quelques réponses à ce sujet.
Les rapports de responsabilité sociale des entreprises : comment partir du bon pied
Authors: Wegener Matthew , Tessier Sophie
Published: April 2016

La pratique des rapports de responsabilité sociale (RSE) des entreprises prend de l’ampleur, mais cette popularité a entraîné l’apparition de plusieurs cadres de présentation comportant chacun leurs propres instructions sur ce qu’il faut divulguer. Pour vous aider à bien démarrer, les auteurs ont fait un examen approfondi de la littérature sur les rapports RSE et ont discuté avec deux directeurs du développement durable au sein d’entreprises reconnues pour leur excellence en la matière. Ils vous font leurs recommandations.
L’efficacité pérenne d’une économie verte : démystifier l’écofiscalité
Authors: Lanoie Paul , Auger Claudine
Published: April 2016

Écofiscalité. Un terme légèrement rébarbatif, encore mal connu, mais qui s’infiltre peu à peu dans les mentalités. En mettant un prix sur l’utilisation de nos précieuses ressources, l’écofiscalité influence efficacement le virage vers une économie verte et incite à intégrer de nouvelles habitudes ainsi qu’à réduire les comportements indésirables. Alliance entre l’économie et l’environnement, elle pourrait bien représenter le moyen d’une révolution dont tout le monde ressortirait gagnant.
Embajada de U.S.A., Atenas
Authors: Gropius W.
Published: April 2016

Este nuevo edificio de la embajada está situado en las proximidades del centro de la ciudad de Atenas, entre una avenida que conduce al norte de la ciudad y la zona montañosa de Lykabettos, y se halla rodeado de nuevas construcciones sin carácter ni estilo arquitectónicos dominantes. Por este motivo, los arquitectos han podido proyectar esta edificación representativa como un conjunto aislado, independiente, sin relación urbanística determinada.
General Atomic Laboratories. San Diego - California
Authors: Luckman Charles
Published: April 2016

El edificio está emplazado en un espacioso solar de Torrey Pines Mesa, situado en la parte norte de la ciudad de San Diego (California). Los servicios fundamentales comprenden un bloque administrativo; una gran construcción experimental; dos edificios de forma semicilíndrica, en los que se encuentran los laboratorios particulares y las oficinas correspondientes; y otro edificio, de planta circular, en el que está la biblioteca y que, además, sirve para centro de reuniones, conferencias e información técnica. También existe un edificio en el que se encuentra el acelerador lineal de partículas, otros dos que sirven para la investigación de la fisión nuclear y el salón de reuniones. El complejo de los laboratorios, incluyendo los edificios auxiliares y de servicio, ocupa aproximadamente 24.000 m2 y es uno de los mayores y mejor acondicionados para la investigación nuclear privada del mundo.
El suelo estabilizado, material de construcción. La cal, como adición para estabilizar suelos arcillosos
Authors: Nadal Jaime
Published: April 2016

No disponible
Edificio de oficinas, en Dusseldorf
Authors: Hentrich Helmut , Petschnigg Hubert , Eller Fritz , Moser Enrich , Walter Robert
Published: April 2016

En el centro cívico de la ciudad de Dusseldorf, con un ritmo de acusada verticalidad, se yergue, esbelta y brillante, la escueta línea de este soberbio edificio, cuyas fachadas resplandecen vibrantemente al recibir los rayos del sol. Es, sin duda, un hito de gran visibilidad cuyas fachadas ciegas —norte y sur— miran hacia la Plaza Jan-Wellem, de gran tráfico, y hacia el parque tranquilo y sedante, respectivamente.
Colegio Alemán Madrid
Authors: Scmoebel Willi
Published: April 2016

El edificio del Colegio Alemán en Madrid es un Centro docente cuidadosamente proyectado y construido con especial cariño, circunstancias estas que han permitido un logro perfecto y son la causa de que podamos catalogarlo como ejemplar en su género.
Salto de Truel
Authors: Delmas F. , Pineau J.
Published: April 2016

En este salto sobre el rio Tarn (Francia) se aprovechan las aguas del rio con un desnivel comprendido entre el del remanso del salto de La Jourdanie (situado aguas abajo) y el nivel de restitución de aguas del salto de Pinet (emplazado aguas arriba).
Centro musical Gunma, Takasaki, Japón
Authors: Raymond Antonin , Rado L. L.
Published: April 2016

La apariencia y la forma del teatro, como un edificio modelo, ha intrigado durante siglos a los arquitectos y se han desarrollado grandes esfuerzos en los diversos proyectos con el fin de conseguir estructuras para teatros de carácter adecuado. Las partes destinadas al auditorio y al escenario han presentado siempre dificultades para proyectar esfuerzos destinados a la consecución de una forma sencilla.
Una teoría de la flexión con esfuerzo cortante en piezas de hormigón armado
Authors: López Jamar J. A. , Tirado Cruz J. J.
Published: April 2016

En la Monografía número 221, el Instituto Eduardo Torroja de la Construcción y del Cemento ha publicado recientemente el trabajo arriba titulado, original de los ingenieros citados. Creemos constituye un interesante intento de explicar el comportamiento del hormigón armado en el caso de existir esfuerzos cortantes, simultáneamente con la flexión simple o compuesta. Actualmente se están realizando una serie de ensayos de rotura de vigas, en nuestros Laboratorios y bajo el patronato del Instituto, para contrastar esta teoría. Pero como consideramos interesará el asunto a muchos de nuestros lectores, exponemos a continuación un resumen de los principales puntos de aquélla y su comparación con los criterios clásicos que se han venido siguiendo hasta ahora.
Escuela de altos estudios mercantiles en Barcelona
Authors: De Castro Peña Rafael G. , Carvajal Ferrer Javier
Published: April 2016

El edificio proyectado estará situado en la zona norte de la Avenida del Generalísimo, próximo al Palacio Real de Pedralbes.
Fachadas ligeras
Authors: Ruiz Duerto A. , Aguirre Iraola F.
Published: April 2016

Entre los temas objeto de estudio de la «Union Européenne pour l'agrément technique dans la construction», figura el genérico de «Fachadas ligeras». Los grupos de trabajo de la Asociación, integrados por técnicos especialistas, representan a los Centros de investigación de los diversos países europeos que la forman, donde se realizan los estudios y ensayos, eminentemente científicos y técnicos, los cuales son analizados en común en las llamadas Reuniones «ad-hoc» que vienen celebrándose desde hace unos años, como es sabido, en diferentes ciudades europeas.
Factores económicos que condicionan el empleo de traíllas. Traíllas en tándem.
Authors: Chinchilla M.
Published: April 2016

Un movimiento de tierras puede efectuarse obteniendo el mismo volumen de carga transportada, con una carga determinada y un número de viajes, o bien con una carga mitad de la anterior y doble número de viajes. El inconveniente de esta versión simplista radica en que se prescinde del factor COSTE, y es este factor el que subordina la técnica de empleo de los equipos de movimiento de tierras.
Stress and Resilience in Parents of Intellectually Disabled Children
Authors: Santhosh K. R.
Published: April 2016

The present study is an attempt to find out the factors of stress that could act against the resilience in the parents of intellectually disabled children. The sample consisted of 50 parents of intellectually disabled children from different panchayats in the Calicut, Kannur, Wayanad districts in the state of Kerala, India. Resilience in the parents was measured using “Bharathiar University Resilience Scale” developed by Annalakshmi (2009). To measure stress among the parents “Stress Scale for Parents of mentally challenged (SPMC)”, developed by Rejitha, Biji and Jayan (2005) was used. As per the results, extra-familial stress was a negative predictor of resilience in the parents of the intellectually disabled children. Results further indicated that the parents who were in a late part of the young adulthood period and old were relatively more resilient than the parents who were in the earlier part of the young adulthood period.