bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restraint Stress Alters Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and CRF Systems in the Rat Central Amygdala: Significance for Anxiety-Like Behaviors
Authors: Ciccocioppo Roberto , de Guglielmo Giordano , Hansson Anita C. , Ubaldi Massimo , Kallupi Marsida , Cruz Maureen T. , Oleata Christopher S. , Heilig Markus , Roberto Marisa
Published: January 2014

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is the primary mediator of stress responses, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) plays an important role in the modulation of these stress responses. Thus, in this multidisciplinary study, we explored the relationship between the N/OFQ and the CRF systems in response to stress. Usingin situhybridization (ISH), we assessed the effect of body restraint stress on the gene expression of CRF and N/OFQ-related genes in various subdivisions of the amygdala, a critical brain structure involved in the modulation of stress response and anxiety-like behaviors. We found a selective upregulation of the NOP and downregulation of the CRF1receptor transcripts in the CeA and in the BLA after body restraint. Thus, we performed intracellular electrophysiological recordings of GABAA-mediated IPSPs in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) to explore functional interactions between CRF and N/OFQ systems in this brain region. Acute application of CRF significantly increased IPSPs in the CeA, and this enhancement was blocked by N/OFQ. Importantly, in stress-restraint rats, baseline CeA GABAergic responses were elevated and N/OFQ exerted a larger inhibition of IPSPs compared with unrestraint rats. The NOP antagonist [Nphe1]-nociceptin(1–13)NH2 increased the IPSP amplitudes in restraint rats but not in unrestraint rats, suggesting a functional recruitment of the N/OFQ system after acute stress. Finally, we evaluated the anxiety-like response in rats subjected to restraint stress and nonrestraint rats after N/OFQ microinjection into the CeA. Intra-CeA injections of N/OFQ significantly and selectively reduced anxiety-like behavior in restraint rats in the elevated plus maze. These combined results demonstrate that acute stress increases N/OFQ systems in the CeA and that N/OFQ has antistress properties.
Advanced Age Dissociates Dual Functions of the Perirhinal Cortex
Authors: Burke Sara N. , Maurer Andrew P. , Nematollahi Saman , Uprety Ajay , Wallace Jenelle L. , Barnes Carol A.
Published: January 2014

The perirhinal cortex (PRC) is proposed to both represent high-order sensory information and maintain those representations across delays. These cognitive processes are required for recognition memory, which declines during normal aging. Whether or not advanced age affects the ability of PRC principal cells to support these dual roles, however, is not known. The current experiment recorded PRC neurons as young and aged rats traversed a track. When objects were placed on the track, a subset of the neurons became active at discrete locations adjacent to objects. Importantly, the aged rats had a lower proportion of neurons that were activated by objects. Once PRC activity patterns in the presence of objects were established, however, both age groups maintained these representations across delays up to 2 h. These data support the hypothesis that age-associated deficits in stimulus recognition arise from impairments in high-order stimulus representation rather than difficulty in sustaining stable activity patterns over time.
Axon Regeneration Genes Identified by RNAi Screening inC. elegans
Authors: Nix Paola , Hammarlund Marc , Hauth Linda , Lachnit Martina , Jorgensen Erik M. , Bastiani Michael
Published: January 2014

Axons of the mammalian CNS lose the ability to regenerate soon after development due to both an inhibitory CNS environment and the loss of cell-intrinsic factors necessary for regeneration. The complex molecular events required for robust regeneration of mature neurons are not fully understood, particularlyin vivo. To identify genes affecting axon regeneration inCaenorhabditis elegans, we performed both an RNAi-based screen for defective motor axon regeneration inunc-70/β-spectrin mutants and a candidate gene screen. From these screens, we identified at least 50 conserved genes with growth-promoting or growth-inhibiting functions. Through our analysis of mutants, we shed new light on certain aspects of regeneration, including the role of β-spectrin and membrane dynamics, the antagonistic activity of MAP kinase signaling pathways, and the role of stress in promoting axon regeneration. Many gene candidates had not previously been associated with axon regeneration and implicate new pathways of interest for therapeutic intervention.
Amygdala Inputs to the Ventral Hippocampus Bidirectionally Modulate Social Behavior
Authors: Felix-Ortiz Ada C. , Tye Kay M.
Published: January 2014

Impairments in social interaction represent a core symptom of a number of psychiatric disease states, including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Although the amygdala has long been linked to social interaction, little is known about the functional role of connections between the amygdala and downstream regions in noncompetitive social behavior. In the present study, we used optogenetic and pharmacological tools in mice to study the role of projections from the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) to the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) in two social interaction tests: the resident-juvenile-intruder home-cage test and the three chamber sociability test. BLA pyramidal neurons were transduced using adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV5) carrying either channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or halorhodopsin (NpHR), under the control of the CaMKIIα promoter to allow for optical excitation or inhibition of amygdala axon terminals. Optical fibers were chronically implanted to selectively manipulate BLA terminals in the vHPC. NpHR-mediated inhibition of BLA-vHPC projections significantly increased social interaction in the resident-juvenile intruder home-cage test as shown by increased intruder exploration. In contrast, ChR2-mediated activation of BLA-vHPC projections significantly reduced social behaviors as shown in the resident-juvenile intruder procedure as seen by decreased time exploring the intruder and in the three chamber sociability test by decreased time spent in the social zone. These results indicate that BLA inputs to the vHPC are capable of modulating social behaviors in a bidirectional manner.
The Developmental Switch in GABA Polarity Is Delayed in Fragile X Mice
Authors: He Qionger , Nomura Toshihiro , Xu Jian , Contractor Anis
Published: January 2014

Delays in synaptic and neuronal development in the cortex are key hallmarks of fragile X syndrome, a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that causes intellectual disability and sensory deficits and is the most common known cause of autism. Previous studies have demonstrated that the normal progression of plasticity and synaptic refinement during the critical period is altered in the cortex of fragile X mice. Although the disruptions in excitatory synapses are well documented in fragile X, there is less known about inhibitory neurotransmission during the critical period. GABAergic transmission plays a crucial trophic role in cortical development through its early depolarizing action. At the end of cortical critical period, response properties of GABA transform into their mature hyperpolarizing type due to developmental changes in intracellular chloride homeostasis. We found that the timing of the switch from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing GABA is delayed in the cortex of fragile X mice and there is a concurrent alteration in the expression of the neuronal chloride cotransporter NKCC1 that promotes the accumulation of intracellular chloride. Disruption of the trophic effects of GABA during cortical development could contribute to the altered trajectory of synaptic maturation in fragile X syndrome.
Country, National, and Pan-national Identification in Taiwan and Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Frank C. S. , Lee Francis L. F.
Published: January 2014

This study, based on analysis of survey data collected in 2011 in Taiwan and Hong Kong, shows that cultural identification explains the choice of country and national identities and that Chinese nationalism emerges as an important factor connecting the minds of people in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Roles of extracellular ions and pH in 5-HT-induced sperm motility in marine bivalve
Authors: Alavi Sayyed Mohammad Hadi , Matsumura Natsuki , Shiba Kogiku , Itoh Naoki , Takahashi Keisuke G , Inaba Kazuo , Osada Makoto
Published: January 2014

Factors that inhibit and stimulate the initiation of sperm motility were determined for Manila clam (Ruditapesphilippinarum), Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), and Japanese scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis). Compared with artificial seawater (ASW), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine creatinine sulfate, 5-HT) could fully trigger sperm motility and increase sperm velocity and motility duration. Sperm motility was decreased in ASW at pH 6.5–7.0 and suppressed at pH 4.0. In Manila clam and Pacific oyster, 5-HT could overcome the inhibitory effects of acidic pH on sperm motility. In the presence of nigericin (a K+/H+exchanger), sperm motility was only triggered at pH 8.3. Testicular fluid K+concentrations were two- to fourfold higher than that in ASW. Sperm motility and velocity were decreased in ASW or 5-HT containing ≥40 mM K+or ≥2.5 mM 4-aminopyridine, suggesting K+efflux requirement to initiate motility. Sperm motility and velocity were reduced in ASW or 5-HT containing EGTA or W-7, suggesting that extracellular Ca2+is required for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent flagellar beating. Ca2+influx occurs via Ca2+channels because sperm motility and velocity were decreased in both ASW and 5-HT containing T-type and L-type Ca2+channel blockers. 5-HT-dependent initiation of sperm motility was associated with intracellular Ca2+rise, which was comparable to that seen in ASW but was not observed in the presence of EGTA or a Ca2+channel blocker. Extracellular Na+is also essential for sperm motility initiation via regulation of Na+/Ca2+exchange. Overall, 5-HT-dependent initiation of sperm motility in marine bivalve mollusks is an osmolality-independent mechanism and regulated by extracellular pH, K+, Ca2+, and Na+.
PKA and CaMKII mediate PI3K activation in bovine sperm by inhibition of the PKC/PP1 cascade
Authors: Rotfeld H , Hillman P , Ickowicz D , Breitbart H
Published: January 2014

To enable fertilization, spermatozoa must undergo several biochemical processes in the female reproductive tract, collectively called capacitation. These processes involve protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). It is not known how PKA, a serine/threonine (S/T) kinase, mediates tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins. We recently showed that inhibition of S/T phosphatase 1 (PP1) causes a significant increase in phospho-PI3K. In this study, we propose a mechanism by which PKA and PP1 mediate an increase in PI3K tyrosine phosphorylation and implicate calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) in this process. Inhibition of sperm PP1 or PKC, stimulated CaMKII phosphorylation/activation, and inhibition of PKC enhanced PP1 phosphorylation/inactivation. Inhibition of CaMKII, using KN-93, caused significant reduction in phospho-PP1, indicating its activation. Moreover, KN-93 prevented the dephosphorylation/inactivation of PKC. We therefore suggest that CaMKII inhibits PKC, leading to PP1 inhibition and the reciprocal auto-activation of CaMKII. Thus, CaMKII can regulate its own activation by inhibiting the PKC/PP1 cascade. Inhibition of Src family kinases (SFK) caused significant inhibition of CaMKII and PP1 phosphorylation, suggesting that SFK activity results in PP1 inhibition and CaMKII activation. Activation of sperm PKA by 8Br-cAMP revealed an increase in phospho-CaMKII, which was inhibited by PKA inhibitor. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PI3K was stimulated by 8Br-cAMP and by PKC or PP1 inhibition and was abrogated by CaMKII inhibition. Furthermore, phosphorylation/activation of the tyrosine kinase Pyk2 was enhanced by PP1 inhibition, and this activation is blocked by CaMKII inhibition. Thus, PKA activates Src, which inhibits PP1, leading to CaMKII and Pyk2 activation, resulting in PI3K tyrosine phosphorylation/activation.
A Dense Linkage Map for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Reveals Variable Chromosomal Divergence After an Ancestral Whole Genome Duplication Event
Authors: Brieuc Marine S O , Waters Charles D , Seeb James E , Naish Kerry A
Published: January 2014

Comparisons between the genomes of salmon species reveal that they underwent extensive chromosomal rearrangements following whole genome duplication that occurred in their lineage 58−63 million years ago. Extant salmonids are diploid, but occasional pairing between homeologous chromosomes exists in males. The consequences of re-diploidization can be characterized by mapping the position of duplicated loci in such species. Linkage maps are also a valuable tool for genome-wide applications such as genome-wide association studies, quantitative trait loci mapping or genome scans. Here, we investigated chromosomal evolution in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) after genome duplication by mapping 7146 restriction-site associated DNA loci in gynogenetic haploid, gynogenetic diploid, and diploid crosses. In the process, we developed a reference database of restriction-site associated DNA loci for Chinook salmon comprising 48528 non-duplicated loci and 6409 known duplicated loci, which will facilitate locus identification and data sharing. We created a very dense linkage map anchored to all 34 chromosomes for the species, and all arms were identified through centromere mapping. The map positions of 799 duplicated loci revealed that homeologous pairs have diverged at different rates following whole genome duplication, and that degree of differentiation along arms was variable. Many of the homeologous pairs with high numbers of duplicated markers appear conserved with other salmon species, suggesting that retention of conserved homeologous pairing in some arms preceded species divergence. As chromosome arms are highly conserved across species, the major resources developed for Chinook salmon in this study are also relevant for other related species.
Science of Swimming and the Swimming of the Soft Shelled Turtle
Authors: Ito Shinichiro
Published: January 2014

Swimming is dynamically a part of the hydrodynamic field and can be considered as a field of the optimal control motion. Animals move by instinct according to the situation which they are confronting with. Therefore, their instinctive motion is optimal most of the time. The movement of animals can be classified roughly into two kinds: the fast motion with the maximum speed and the motion with the minimum energy consumption. Considering the foreleg of the soft shelled turtle as a flat plane, several sets of movement of the foreleg were observed and calculated theoretically. The theoretical results agreed the observation results in the both cases with the maximum speed and the minimum energy consumption. Applying the theoretical movement of the soft shelled turtle foreleg to human movement in swimming, the general S-shaped pull stroke is the minimum energy consumption motion in free-style. It became clear that there was a different stroke for generating the maximum speed in free-style. That was the soft shelled turtle style of fast swimming, the I-shaped pull strokes. In 2002 when the author announced this theory, there was only one fast swimmer whose free-style swimming strokes coincidentally accorded with the I-shaped pull with fewer numbers of strokes at that time. He was the Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorp. Now the I-shaped stoke has become main stream in free style.
Via, homem e veiculo: fatores de risco associados a gravidade dos acidentes de transito
Authors: Almeida Rosa Livia Freitas de , Bezerra Filho Jose Gomes , Braga Jose Ueleres , Magalhaes Francismeire Brasileiro , Macedo Marinila Calderaro Munguba , Silva Kellyanne Abreu
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO Analisar as características das vítimas, vias e veículos envolvidos em acidentes de trânsito e os fatores de risco de acidentes com ocorrência de óbito.  MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte não concorrente considerando os acidentes de trânsito em Fortaleza, CE, de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2008. Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Informação de Acidente de Trânsito de Fortaleza, do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade, do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares e dos bancos de dados de Habilitação e Veículos do Departamento Estadual de Trânsito. Técnicas de relacionamento determinístico e probabilístico foram aplicadas para integrar as bases de dados. Efetuou-se a análise descritiva das variáveis relativas às pessoas, às vias, aos veículos e ao tempo. Foram utilizados os modelos lineares generalizados na investigação de fatores de risco para óbito por acidente de trânsito. O ajuste do modelo foi verificado pela razão de verossimilhança e análise ROC.  RESULTADOS Registraram-se 118.830 acidentes no período. Predominaram colisão/abalroamento (78,1%), atropelamentos (11,9%) e choque com obstáculo fixo (3,9%) e com motocicletas (18,1%). Ocorreram óbitos em 1,4% dos acidentes. Estiveram independentemente associados ao óbito por acidente de trânsito: bicicletas (OR = 21,2; IC95% 16,1;27,8), atropelamentos (OR = 5,9; IC95% 3,7;9,2), choque com obstáculo fixo (OR = 5,7; IC95% 3,1;10,5) e acidentes com motociclistas (OR = 3,5; IC95% 2,6;4,6). Os principais fatores contribuintes foram envolvimento de uma única pessoa (OR = 6,6; IC95% 4,1;10,73), presença de condutores não habilitados (OR = 4,1; IC95% 2,9;5,5) um único veículo envolvido (OR = 3,9; IC95% 2,3;6,4), sexo masculino (OR = 2,5; IC95% 1,9;3,3), tráfego em vias de jurisdição federal (OR = 2,4; IC95% 1,8;3,7), horário madrugada (OR = 2,4; IC95% 1,8;3,0) e dia de domingo (OR = 1,7; IC95% 1,3;2,2), todas ajustadas segundo modelo log-binomial.  CONCLUSÕES As ações de promoção e prevenção de acidentes no trânsito devem focar os acidentes com veículos de duas rodas, que mais frequentemente envolvem uma única pessoa, não habilitada, do sexo masculino, em horários noturnos, em finais de semana e nas vias onde se desenvolvem maiores velocidades.
Fatores associados aos sintomas depressivos em idosos: estudo EpiFloripa
Authors: Borges Lucelia Justino , Benedetti Tania R Bertoldo , Xavier Andre Junqueira , d'Orsi Eleonora
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO Analisar a prevalência e fatores associados a sintomas depressivos em idosos. MÉTODOS Estudo epidemiológico transversal e de base domiciliar (inquérito EpiFloripa Idoso) com 1.656 idosos, realizado por conglomerados em dois estágios, setores censitários e domicílios, em Florianópolis, SC. A prevalência de sintomas depressivos (desfecho) foi obtida por meio da Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), e testadas associações segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde, comportamentais e sociais. Foram calculadas razões de prevalências brutas e ajustadas com intervalo de 95% de confiança por regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi de 23,9% (IC95% 21,84;26,01). Os fatores de risco associados no modelo final foram: escolaridade de cinco a oito anos (RP = 1,50; IC95% 1,08; 2,08), um a quatro anos (RP = 1,62; IC95% 1,18; 2,23) e nenhum ano de estudo (RP = 2,11; IC95% 1,46;3,05); situação econômica pior quando comparada com a que tinha aos 50 anos (RP = 1,33; IC95% 1,02;1,74); déficit cognitivo (RP = 1,45; IC95% 1,21;1,75); percepção de saúde regular (RP = 1,95; IC95% 1,47;2,60) e ruim (RP = 2,64; IC95% 1,82;3,83); dependência funcional (RP = 1,83; IC95% 1,43; 2,33); e dor crônica (RP = 1,35; IC95% 1,10;1,67). Grupo etário de 70 a 79 anos (RP = 0,77; IC95% 0,64;0,93); atividade física de lazer (RP = 0,75; IC95% 0,59;0,94); participação em grupos de convivência ou religiosos (RP = 0,80; IC95% 0,64;0,99); e ter relação sexual (RP = 0,70; IC95% 0,53;0,94) mostraram-se fatores protetores ao aparecimento dos sintomas depressivos. CONCLUSÕES Situação clínica adversa, desvantagem socioeconômica e pouca atividade social e sexual mostraram-se associadas aos sintomas depressivos em idosos.
Landfill mining: objectives and assessment challenges
Authors: Ortner Maria E. , Knapp Julika , Bockreis Anke
Published: January 2014

Landfill mining (LFM) is a new term for a commonly used approach of excavating landfilled waste in order to utilise the contained resources. The first project documented in the literature dates to the middle of the last century. Since then, major developments in technology, patterns of resource consumption, standards of living, the composition of landfilled waste and regulatory frameworks have marked the waste and resource management sector. This study reviewed the literature on landfill mining, focusing on the objectives, trends and findings of 60 landfill mining projects conducted during the period 1953 to 2009. The results show that the recycling of excavated materials has always been a main objective, but the focus has shifted from organic and mineral fractions for compost or cover material to the extraction of more valuable fractions such as metals. Other categorised objectives are environmental pollution concerns, recovery of landfill volume, landfill rehabilitation, land recycling and post-closure activities. Frequency distribution varies over time. Along with a focus on previous studies in the field of assessment of landfill mining activities, emphasis is placed on the current situation and potential in Austrian and German landfills.
Wildfire and drought dynamics destabilize carbon stores of fire‐suppressed forests
Authors: Earles J. Mason , North Malcolm P. , Hurteau Matthew D.
Published: January 2014

Widespread fire suppression and thinning have altered the structure and composition of many forests in the western United States, making them more susceptible to the synergy of large‐scale drought and fire events. We examine how these changes affect carbon storage and stability compared to historic fire‐adapted conditions. We modeled carbon dynamics under possible drought and fire conditions over a 300‐year simulation period in two mixed‐conifer conditions common in the western United States: (1) pine‐dominated with an active fire regime and (2) fir‐dominated, fire suppressed forests. Fir‐dominated stands, with higher live‐ and dead‐wood density, had much lower carbon stability as drought and fire frequency increased compared to pine‐dominated forest. Carbon instability resulted from species (i.e., fir's greater susceptibility to drought and fire) and stand (i.e., high density of smaller trees) conditions that develop in the absence of active management. Our modeling suggests restoring historic species composition and active fire regimes can significantly increase carbon stability in fire‐suppressed, mixed‐conifer forests. Long‐term management of forest carbon should consider the relative resilience of stand structure and composition to possible increases in disturbance frequency and intensity under changing climate.
Effects of arctic shrub expansion on biophysical vs. biogeochemical drivers of litter decomposition
Authors: DeMarco Jennie , Mack Michelle C. , Bret-Harte M. Syndonia
Published: January 2014

Climate warming in arctic tundra may shift dominant vegetation from graminoids to deciduous shrubs, whose functional traits could, in turn, alter biotic and abiotic controls over biogeochemical cycling of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). We investigated whether shrub‐induced changes in microclimate have stronger effects on litter decomposition and nutrient release than changes in litter quality and quantity. In arctic tundra near Toolik Lake, Alaska, USA, we incubated a common substrate in a snow‐addition experiment to test whether snow accumulation around arctic deciduous shrubs altered the environment enough to increase litter decomposition rates. We compared the influence of litter quality on the rate of litter and N loss by decomposing litter from four different plant functional types in a common site. We used aboveground net primary production values and estimated decay constant (k) values from our decomposition experiments to calculate community‐weighted mass loss for each site. Snow addition had no effect on decomposition of the common substrate, and the site with the highest abundance of shrubs had the lowest decomposition rates. Species varied in their decomposition rates, with species from the same functional type not always following similar patterns. Community‐weighted mass loss was 1.5 times greater in the high shrub site, and only slightly decreased when adjusted for soil environment, suggesting that litter quality and quantity are the primary drivers of community decomposition. Our findings suggest that on a short time scale, the changes in soil environment associated with snow trapping by shrubs are unlikely to influence litter nutrient turnover enough to drive positive snow–shrub feedbacks. The mechanisms driving shrub expansion are more likely to do with shrub–litter feedbacks, where the higher growth rates and N uptake by shrubs allows them to produce more leaves, resulting in a larger litter N pool and faster internal cycling of nutrients.
Prevalence of Septicaemia and Antibiogram of Different Etiological Agents in Patients of Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India
Authors: Mishra P P , Verma S K , Joshi H S , Sinha S
Published: January 2014

Background   Septicaemia is a leading cause of mortality in ICU patients. Any delay in diagnosis and /or antibiotic treatment have been shown to increase in mortality.We planned to study the prevalence, bacteriological profile of septicaemia along with their antibiogram in patients of different ICUs in a tertiary care Hospital, Northern region. Materials and Methods Blood culture was performed on total of 223 blood samples from 218 patients suspected for septicaemic episodes using Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. The isolates were identified by standard microbiological techniques and their antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby Bauer method. Results Bacterial growth was seen in 54 samples (54 episodes of septicaemia) from 49(22.47%) patients (40, 4, 5 from Neonatal ICU, Medicine ICU, Surgical ICU respectively). The commonest isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (45.45%) [80% in NICU, 12% in MICU & 8% in SICU], followed by Klebsiella (30.9%) [100% from NICU], and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.1%) [40% in NICU, 20% in MICU & 40% in SICU]. The Gram positive isolates showed high sensitivity against teicoplanin (96%), vancomycin (93%), netillin (76%), erythromycin (72%), & gentamicin (72%), The Gram negative isolates showed high sensitivity against imipenem & amikacin. Conclusion As prevalence of septicaemia and its etiology varies among hospitals, a rational protocol is warranted to manage sepsis of critically ill patients based on adequate knowledge of sensitivity pattern of prevalent causative agents.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v3i4.9516
Osteoporosis Self Assessment Tool for Asian (OSTA) Index in Comparison to Quantitative Ultrasound of the Calcaneal in Predicting Low Bone Density.
Authors: Sherchan Binod , Lamichhane Arjun , Mahara Deepak Prakash
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Osteoporosis represent a worldwide public health problem, frequently resulting in fractures and leading to psychological problem, social consequences, functional limitation and poor quality of life. So it is important to identify those people who have high risk of osteoporosis, in order to reduce the incidence of osteoporotic fractures. The Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) index is a simple tool based on age and body weight. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is another simple and low-cost instrument used to prescreen osteoporotic subjects. The aim of this study was to correlate between these two screening methods and to validate usefulness of Osteoporosis self assessment tool for Asian ( OSTA) in comparison with QUS of the calcaneum for the prediction of low bone density in Nepalese women. Methods: This was a two-year descriptive observational study comprising 100 subjects performed at TU Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, from 2007 January to 2009 January who completed semi structured questionnaire with subsequent measurement of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneum. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of OSTA index was validated with the QUS T-score. Results: When the risk category was defined as OSTA index ≤ -1, and low QUS value as t-score ≤ -2.5, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the index were 93.3%, 56.5%, and 62% respectively, and the area under the curve was 0.7651. When the low QUS value was taken as t score ≤ -1.0, the sensitivity, speciÞ city and diagnostic accuracy was 85.2%, 89.1% and 87% respectively. Conclusions: The OSTA index, a simple and free risk assessment tool, can be used to estimate the prevalence of low QUS values in Nepalese women and may help to increase awareness and prevention of low bone mineral density. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/noaj.v3i2.9524  NOAJ July-December 2013, Vol 3, Issue 2, 20-25
Human Resources and Logistic Requirements in Problem Based Learning Compared to Traditional Learning
Authors: Deo Satish Kumar
Published: January 2014

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject in the context of complex, multifaceted, and realistic problems. Working in groups, students identify what they already know, what they need to know, and how and where to access new information that may lead to resolution of the problem along with discussion of the solution within the group. Few medical schools in Nepal have already incorporated problem-based learning into their curricula and other medical schools are planning to adopt. However, when PBL is introduced into a curriculum, it has implications for staffing and learning resources and demands a different approach to timetabling, workload, and assessment. So, issues like human resources requirements and logistic requirements need to address specifically from Nepal Medical Council for the assurance quality of medical education which, in turn, has contributed in enhancing the quality of health care services in Nepal. Hence, this paper is prepared for developing further understanding about major difference between conventional method of Medical education and PBL in relation to human resources requirements and infrastructure. This article ends with some of the important recommendations that could be considered additionally to existing minimum requirements from Nepal Medical Council for the Medical Schools/ Universities in Nepal who are running or planning to implement Problem-based Learning in their curricula. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/noaj.v3i2.9530   NOAJ July-December 2013, Vol 3, Issue 2, 46-47
Public Policy, Access to Government, and Qualitative Research Practices: Conducting Research within a Culture of Information Control
Authors: Jiwani Farzana Nanji , Krawchenko Tamara
Published: January 2014

In-depth interviews with government officials are a critical research method for the study of government. Historical and institutional factors, and particularly the informal internal dynamics that influence policy, require a depth of understanding that is often best investigated through such interview methods. At the federal level in Canada we see many trends that point to the increasing centralization and control of government information. There has been political interference in Access to Information Requests; the outcomes of scientific research have been suppressed; and media access to politicians has become highly constrained. This led us to ask whether tightening controls on information have also affected access to research interviews with government officials. This paper explores this issue by interviewing both academics and public servants in the Canadian federal government. We ask is there evidence of a tightening grip on access to governmental research interviews and, if so, is this affecting how and what we research?
Book Reviews
Authors: Sheail John , Chester David K. , Schroeder Nicolas , Vettese Troy
Published: January 2014

Bernhard Gissibl, Sabine Hoehler and Patrick Kupper (eds.), Civilizing Nature; National Parks in Global Historical Perspective (John Sheail)
Deborah R. Coen, The Earthquake Observers: Disaster Science from Lisbon to Richter (David K. Chester)
Ellen Fenzel Arnold, Negotiating the Landscape. Environment and Monastic Identity in the Medieval Ardennes (Nicolas Schroeder)
Christina Folke Ax, NielsBrimnes, Niklas Thode Jensen and Karen Oslund, eds., Cultivating the Colonies: Colonial States and Their Environmental Legacies (Troy Vettese)
EXPRESSION OF REPORTER GENES IN TRANSFORMED INDICA RICE THROUGH Agrobacterium MEDIATED METHOD
Authors: Prodhan Shamsul H. , Komamine A.
Published: January 2014

Genetic transformation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been confirmed for japonica varieties and extended to include more recalcitrant indica varieties. Scutellum-derived calli from mature seeds of Kasalath and BR-5 were used. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain, EHA101, harboring the binary vector pIG121Hm/Km/GUS was used for transformation. The vector contains b-glucuronidase (GUS) gene as a reporter gene and hygromycin resistance (HPT) as well as kanamycin resistance gene (NPTII) as selection genes in the T-DNA region. After co-cultivation with the bacteria, calli were inoculated on selection medium in which hygromycin concentration was 50 mg/l for Kasalath and 20 mg/l for BR-5. Carbenicillin (500 mg/l) was used for removal of Agrobacterium after co-cultivation. Inclusion of acetosyringone 50100 mM in the Agrobacterium suspension in co-culture medium increased the frequency of transformation. Frequency of transformed calli (hygromycin resistant cells) was 82% in Kasalath and 6% in BR-5. Regeneration efficiency from transformed calli in Kasalath was about 63% and in BR-5 was about 34%. Most of the transgenic plants were morphologically normal but seed fertility was lower than the control. In transformed calli, roots and immature inflorescence showed positive response in GUS assay. Presence of GUS, HPT and NPTII genes was confirmed by PCR analysis and PCR Southern blot analysis. Expression of GUS gene was 100% in T1 progeny of Kasalath, whereas that of HPT gene was 51%. BR-5 could not be tested because of low seed fertility of T0 plants. In T1 plants, seed fertility of transformed Kasalath was 79% which is lower than that of the respective non-transformants.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v20i1.10633
GENOTYPE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION FOR SEED YIELD AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING CHARACTERS IN CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Mahmud F. , Ullah M. Z. , Huda K. M. K.
Published: January 2014

Genotype-environment interaction was studied in seven genotypes of chickpea under four different cultural environments. Significant variation for genotype (G), environment (E) and G × E interactions were found for the characters days to maturity, plant height, pods/plant, seeds/plant, 100-seed weight and seed yield/plant. On the basis of stability parameters the genotypes Barichola-2, Barichola-3, Barichola-4, Barichola-7 and Barichola-8 could be considered stable for seed yield but suitable only under poor environments where no fertilizers were used. The genotype Barichola-1 was highly responsive but suitable for favorable environments only. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v20i1.17012
GENETIC ANALYSIS AND SELECTION CRITERIA IN ADVANCED BREEDING LINES OF DEEP WATER RICE
Authors: Akter Khaleda , Habib S. H. , Bashar M. K. , Nurunnabi A. M.
Published: January 2014

Thirty advanced breeding lines of deep-water rice were evaluated during T. Aman season (rainfed ecosystem) with a view to finding out variability and genetic association for grain yield and its component characters. All the tested characters showed significant variation. The highest genetic variability was obtained in filled grains/panicle followed by plant height. Panicles/plant, filled grains/panicle and grain yield had high genetic coefficient of variation and heritability in broad sense coupled with high genetic advance in percentage of mean. Panicle length, panicles/plant, plant height, filled grains/panicle and harvest index showed significant positive association with grain yield. Path coefficient analysis also revealed maximum positive and direct contribution of filled grain to grain yield followed by panicles/plant, 1000-grain weight and flag leaf area. Moreover, plant height had the highest indirect effect on grain yield through filled grains/panicle. Flag leaf area, harvest index and panicle length also had higher positive indirect effect on grain yield through filled grains/panicle.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v20i1.17024
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY IN FINE GRAIN AND AROMATIC LANDRACES OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.) USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS
Authors: Hossain M. Z. , Rasul M. G. , Ali M. S. , Iftekharuddaula K. M. , Mian M. A. K.
Published: January 2014

A total of thirty microsatellite molecular markers were used across 21 rice genotypes for their characterization and discrimination. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three (RM165, RM219, RM248, RM463, RM470 and RM517) to nine (RM223), with an average of 4.53 alleles across the 30 loci obtained in the study. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.30 (RM219) to 0.84 (RM223) in all 30 loci. RM223 was found the best marker for the identification of 21 genotypes as revealed by PIC values. The frequency of the most common allele at each locus ranged from 24% (RM223 and RM334) to 81% (RM219). A two dimensional principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) with 21 genotypes showed that the genotypes Supper Basmoti, Basmati370, BasmatiD, Keora, Chinisakkora, Thakurbhog, Benaful, Kolgochi, Buchi, Awnedtapl and Kalijira-11 were found far away from centroid of the cluster than rest of the genotypes which placed around the centroid. The pair-wise genetic dissimilarity coefficients indicated that the highest genetic distance was obtained between Thakurbhog and Supper Basmoti (0.81) as well as between Benaful and Keora (0.81). Basmati (Basmoti D, Super Basmati, Basmati 370) and Kalijira (Kalijira 11, 12, 13, 14) genotypes had close similarity among them but showed wide dissimilarity with other local genotypes. Being grouped into distant clusters, SupperBasmoti, Thakurbhog, Keora, and Benaful could be utilized as potential parents for the improvement of fine grain aromatic rice varieties. Genotypes Kolgochi and Buchi (having zero dissimilairty) might be possessed same genetic background. The microsatellite marker based molecular fingerprinting could serve as a sound basis in the identification of genetically distant accessions as well as in the duplicate sorting of the morphologically close accessions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v20i2.17028
GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC CORRELATION AND PATH ANALYSIS FOR LODGING RESISTANCE TRAITS IN BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Sarker Z. I. , Shamsuddin A. K. M. , Rahman L. , Ara R.
Published: January 2014

Relationships between the traits associated with lodging resistance in wheat were studied within the period of 1999-2002 at Wheat Research Center, Dinajpur in both F1 and F2 generations of a 9 × 9 diallel cross without reciprocal. The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients studied in F1 and F2 generations were similar with some exceptions. In both F1 and F2 generation, the second internode breaking strength was positively correlated with diameter, wall thickness and unit-stem weight of second internode, and main shoot weight but negatively with plant height and second internode length at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. It was observed from path coefficient analysis in both F1 and F2 generations that the second internode unit-stem weight had high positive direct effect on its breaking strength. Main shoot weight, second internode diameter and wall thickness positively influenced breaking strength through its unit-stem weight. Simultaneous selection for the traits contributing to lodging resistant in semi-dwarf wheat might be effective in the improvement of lodging resistance in bread wheat.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v20i2.17036
COMBINING ABILITY FOR QUANTITATIVE ATTRIBUTES IN LABLAB BEAN (Lablab purpureus L.)
Authors: Raihan M. S. , Newaz M. A.
Published: January 2014

General (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability for ten quantitative characters of seven parental genotypes and 21 F1­s derived from a 7x7 diallel cross without reciprocal was assessed. Combining ability analysis following Griffing,s approaches suggested the association of both additive and non-additive gene action in the genetic system with the preponderance of additive gene effect in the expression of all the traits except number of inflorescences per plant. The non-additive genetic component was exclusive or predominant for inflorescence per plant. Ranking of the parents for ten characters on GCA performance indicated that the parental genotype DS-7 was the best general combiner for pollen sterility percent, 10-green pod weight, 20-seed weight and the genotype DS-27 for the trait pod yield per plant. The estimates of SCA effect revealed that in most of the cases, combinations of high x low or even low x low exhibited high SCA effect for many characters rather than high x high cross combinations indicating the importance of gene interaction. Based on SCA performances the crosses S12 x S11 and DS-164 x DS-27 were the best specific combiners for days to 1st flowering. The crosses DS-164 x S12, DS-52 x S11, DS-164 x DS-9(t) were the best specific combinations for pollen sterility percent, pod length, and pod yield per plant respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v21i1.17046
In vitro Embryo Morphogenesis and Micropropagation of Dendrobium aggregatum Roxb.
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Musharof
Published: January 2014

In vitro embryo morphogenesis and micropropagation of Dendrobium aggregatum Roxb. were described. The gradual developmental stages of embryos to seedlings were traced out. Within two weeks of culture the cells of undifferented embryos underwent repeated aniclinal and periclinal division producing a compact, green parenchymatous cell mass called spherule that emerged out by rupturing the testa. The spherules subsequently differentiated into greenish protocorms were considered as typical seed germination. Germination occurred on both (MS and Phytamax (PM) medium but MS medium proved to be more efficient. The primary protocorms underwent profuse proliferation through production of secondary (2º) protocorms when transferred to different plant growth regulators (PGRs) supplemented MS; the medium fortified with 2.0 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l NAA proved to be most effective for induction of 2º protocorms and seedling development. Multiple shoot buds (MSBs) were induced in pseudobulb segments of the in vitro grown seedlings when cultured on different PGRs supplemented media; and the maximum number of MSBs were obtained MS + 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l picloram. The MSBs underwent elongation and then they rooted when they were transferred to half strength of MS + 0.5 mg/l IAA. The well rooted plantlets were finally transferred to outside natural environment with 80% survival. D. O. I. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i2.17525 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(2): 241-249, 2013  (December)
Effect of Media Types and Carbon Sources on In vitro Shoot Proliferation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray
Authors: Joshi Veenu , Jadhav S. K.
Published: January 2014

D. O. I. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i2.17529Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(2): 283-288, 2013  (December)
La crise des subprimes : une crise historique du capitalisme
Authors: Plihon Dominique
Published: January 2014

La crise des subprimes qui a éclaté aux États-Unis en 2007 et s’est propagée à l’économie mondiale, a donné lieu à une abondante littérature. La plupart des économistes y ont vu principalement le résultat d’un dysfonctionnement du système financier. Il s’agit en réalité d’une crise beaucoup plus profonde du capitalisme contemporain, dans la lignée des grandes crises de 1873 et 1929 1 . Pour comprendre la spécificité de cette crise, il est bien sûr nécessaire de décrire les mécanismes financiers qui ont contribué à son déclenchement 2 , mais il est tout aussi important de faire apparaître la nature systémique de cette crise, qui se manifeste par son caractère pluridimensionnel – idéologique, social, politique et écologique.
La crise de l'euro est-elle derrière nous ?
Authors: Marteau Didier
Published: January 2014

La question de la stabilité à court ou moyen terme de la zone euro est une question devenue politiquement incorrecte. Grâce à la multiplication de mécanismes de soutien aux noms le plus souvent opaques – FESF, MES, PSI... –, le risque d’occurrence d’une grave crise de la dette souveraine ou d’éclatement de la zone euro aurait disparu. La démonstration s’apparente cependant plus à un sophisme qu’à un raisonnement construit.
Consommation et épargne :
Authors: Cotelette Patrick
Published: January 2014

Suite au déclenchement de la crise financière au courant de l’été 2008, le pessimisme n’a cessé de monter parmi les ménages américains et européens. Celui-ci s’est notamment manifesté par une augmentation de l’épargne de précaution qui a conduit à une baisse des dépenses de consommation des mêmes ménages. Il semblerait ainsi qu’il existe une relation claire entre la consommation et l’épargne. Mais qu’en est-il réellement ? Les relations entre la consommation et l’épargne ne sont-elles pas plus complexes que le bon sens – et certains courants économiques – ne veulent le croire ?
Keynes et les synthèses néoclassico-keynésiennes :
Authors: Piluso Nicolas
Published: January 2014

À l’aune du développement de modèles macroéconomiques issus d’une nouvelle synthèse entre néoclassiques et keynésiens, il semble intéressant de réactiver une réflexion qui fut particulièrement vive dès les premières tentatives de « colonisation » de Keynes par les néoclassiques : qu’est-ce qui peut expliquer que des économistes se qualifiant de néokeynésiens puissent fournir une grille d’analyse si éloignée des enseignements initiaux de la Théorie générale [1] 1  ?
Détruire pour exister : les grèves du lait en France (1964, 1972 et 2009)
Authors: Lynch Édouard
Published: January 2014

Les manifestations menées par les agriculteurs en France à l’automne 2009, sous la forme de grèves du lait, se sont principalement caractérisées par des destructions importantes de lait, épandu dans les champs ou déversé dans les fosses à lisier, rencontrant un fort écho médiatique. Au-delà des effets recherchés d’interpellation et de scandalisation, de telles pratiques s’inscrivent dans le temps long de l’élaboration d’un répertoire d’action spécifique au monde agricole, que l’on peut observer à travers les trois grèves du lait qui se sont produites depuis un demi-siècle. Les modes d’action déployés en 1964, 1972 et 2009, reflètent ainsi les transformations des rapports de force économiques et syndicaux et la nécessité de proposer des actions toujours plus visibles. L’importance décisive de l’accès aux médias – et notamment à la télévision – dans la mise en œuvre des mobilisations collectives conduit à souligner les mutations des systèmes de représentation de l’agriculture et de la paysannerie et de leurs usages par les acteurs professionnels et médiatiques.
La taqiyya en las fuentes cristianas: indicios de su presencia entre los moriscos
Authors: Rubio Diego
Published: January 2014

Es habitual remitirse a la taqiyya para explicar la actitud religiosa de los moriscos y el fracaso de las políticas asimiladoras. En los últimos anos, sin embargo, varios investigadores han puesto en tela de juicio esta interpretación. Tres han sido sus argumentos: la ausencia del término en los textos hispánicos, la escasez de literatura jurídica que lo justifique y la condición sunní de los musulmanes espanoles. Refutar algunos de estos razonamientos escépticos es el objetivo de este breve artículo. Para ello menciono varios textos peninsulares de la época que, sin emplear este mismo término, sugieren que los moriscos conocieron y abrazaron tal doctrina.