bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smed-dynA-1 is a planarian nervous system specific dynamin 1 homolog required for normal locomotion
Authors: Talbot Jared A. , Currie Ko W. , Pearson Bret J. , Collins Eva-Maria S.
Published: June 2014

Dynamins are GTPases that are required for separation of vesicles from the plasma membrane and thus are key regulators of endocytosis in eukaryotic cells. This role for dynamin proteins is especially crucial for the proper function of neurons, where they ensure that synaptic vesicles and their neurotransmitter cargo are recycled in the presynaptic cell. Here we have characterized the dynamin protein family in the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea and showed that it possesses six dynamins with tissue specific expression profiles. Of these six planarian homologs, two are necessary for normal tissue homeostasis, and the loss of another, Smed-dynA-1, leads to an abnormal behavioral phenotype, which we have quantified using automated center of mass tracking. Smed-dynA-1 is primarily expressed in the planarian nervous system and is a functional homolog of the mammalian Dynamin I. The distinct expression profiles of the six dynamin genes makes planarians an interesting new system to reveal novel dynamin functions, which may be determined by their differential tissue localization. The observed complexity of neurotransmitter regulation combined with the tools of quantitative behavioral assays as a functional readout for neuronal activity, renders planarians an ideal system for studying how the nervous system controls behavior.
Selection for narrow gate of emergence results in correlated sex-specific changes in life history of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Varma Vishwanath , Kannan Nisha N. , Sharma Vijay Kumar
Published: June 2014

Since the ability to time rhythmic behaviours in accordance with cyclic environments is likely to confer adaptive advantage to organisms, the underlying clocks are believed to be selected for stability in timekeeping over evolutionary time scales. Here we report the results of a study aimed at assessing fitness consequences of a long-term laboratory selection for tighter circadian organisation using fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster populations. We selected flies emerging in a narrow window of 1 h in the morning for several generations and assayed their life history traits such as pre-adult development time, survivorship, adult lifespan and lifetime fecundity. We chose flies emerging during the selection window (in the morning) and another window (in the evening) to represent adaptive and non-adaptive phenotypes, respectively, and examined the correlation of emergence time with adult fitness traits. Adult lifespan of males from the selected populations does not differ from the controls, whereas females from the selected populations have significantly shorter lifespan and produce more eggs during their mid-life compared to the controls. Although there is no difference in the lifespan of males of the selected populations, whether they emerge in morning or evening window, morning emerging females live slightly shorter and lay more eggs during the mid-life stage compared to those emerging in the evening. Interestingly, such a time of emergence dependent difference in fitness is not seen in flies from the control populations. These results, therefore, suggest reduced lifespan and enhanced mid-life reproductive output in females selected for narrow gate of emergence, and a sex-dependent genetic correlation between the timing of emergence and key fitness traits in these populations.
An interplay between extracellular signalling and the dynamics of the exit from pluripotency drives cell fate decisions in mouse ES cells
Authors: Turner David A. , Trott Jamie , Hayward Penelope , Rué Pau , Martinez Arias Alfonso
Published: June 2014

Embryonic Stem cells derived from the epiblast tissue of the mammalian blastocyst retain the capability to differentiate into any adult cell type and are able to self-renew indefinitely under appropriate culture conditions. Despite the large amount of knowledge that we have accumulated to date about the regulation and control of self-renewal, efficient directed differentiation into specific tissues remains elusive. In this work, we have analysed in a systematic manner the interaction between the dynamics of loss of pluripotency and Activin/Nodal, BMP4 and Wnt signalling in fate assignment during the early stages of differentiation of mouse ES cells in culture. During the initial period of differentiation, cells exit from pluripotency and enter an Epi-like state. Following this transient stage, and under the influence of Activin/Nodal and BMP signalling, cells face a fate choice between differentiating into neuroectoderm and contributing to Primitive Streak fates. We find that Wnt signalling does not suppress neural development as previously thought and that it aids both fates in a context dependent manner. Our results suggest that as cells exit pluripotency they are endowed with a primary neuroectodermal fate and that the potency to become endomesodermal rises with time. We suggest that this situation translates into a “race for fates” in which the neuroectodermal fate has an advantage.
PKA-regulated VASP phosphorylation promotes extrusion of transformed cells from the epithelium
Authors: Anton Katarzyna A. , Sinclair John , Ohoka Atsuko , Kajita Mihoko , Ishikawa Susumu , Benz Peter M. , Renne Thomas , Balda Maria , Jorgensen Claus , Matter Karl , Fujita Yasuyuki
Published: June 2014

At the early stages of carcinogenesis, transformation occurs in single cells within tissues. In an epithelial monolayer, such mutated cells are recognized by their normal neighbors and are often apically extruded. The apical extrusion requires cytoskeletal reorganization and cell shape changes, but it is poorly understood what molecular switches are involved in regulation of these processes. Here, using SILAC-based quantitative mass spectrometry we have identified proteins that are modulated in transformed cells upon their interaction with normal cells. Phosphorylation of VASP at serine 239 is specifically upregulated in RasV12-transformed cells when they are surrounded by normal cells. VASP phosphorylation is required for the cell shape changes and apical extrusion of Ras-transformed cells. Furthermore, PKA is activated in Ras-transformed cells surrounded by normal cells, leading to VASP phosphorylation. These results indicate that the PKA/VASP pathway is a crucial regulator for tumor cell extrusion from the epithelium and shed light on the events occurring at the early stage of carcinogenesis.
Aciculin interacts with filamin C and Xin and is essential for myofibril assembly, remodeling and maintenance
Authors: Molt Sibylle , Bührdel John B. , Yakovlev Sergiy , Schein Peter , Orfanos Zacharias , Kirfel Gregor , Winter Lilli , Wiche Gerhard , van der Ven Peter F. M. , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Just Steffen , Belkin Alexey M. , Fürst Dieter O.
Published: June 2014

Filamin C (FLNc) and Xin actin-binding repeat-containing proteins (XIRPs) are multi-adapter proteins mainly expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscles that play important roles in the assembly and repair of myofibrils and their attachment to the membrane. We identified the dystrophin-binding protein aciculin (PGM5), as a novel interaction partner of FLNc and Xin. All three proteins colocalize at intercalated discs of cardiac muscle and myotendinous junctions of skeletal muscle, while FLNc and aciculin also colocalize in mature Z-discs. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments in developing cultured mammalian skeletal muscle cells demonstrate that Xin and aciculin also interact in FLNc-containing immature myofibrils and areas of myofibrillar remodeling and repair induced by electrical pulse stimulation (EPS). FRAP experiments show that aciculin is a highly dynamic and mobile protein. Aciculin knockdown in myotubes leads to failure in myofibril assembly, alignment and membrane attachment, and massive reduction in myofibril number. A highly similar phenotype was found upon depletion of aciculin in zebrafish embryos. Our results point to a thus far unappreciated but essential function of aciculin in myofibril formation, maintenance and remodeling.
Target-induced DNAzyme Cleavage Accompanying Bioactive Enzymatic Assembly with Glucometer Readout for Quantitative Monitoring of Lead Ion
Authors: Liao Jia-Yao , Li Hang
Published: June 2014

Target-induced DNAzyme cleavage is designed for sensitive monitoring of lead ion with glucometer readout, coupling with an additional single-strand DNA accompanying glucoamylase assembly.
Building a stable RNA U-turn with a protonated cytidine
Authors: Gottstein-Schmidtke Sina R. , Duchardt-Ferner Elke , Groher Florian , Weigand Julia E. , Gottstein Daniel , Suess Beatrix , Wöhnert Jens
Published: June 2014

The U-turn is a classical three-dimensional RNA folding motif first identified in the anticodon and T-loops of tRNAs. It also occurs frequently as a building block in other functional RNA structures in many different sequence and structural contexts. U-turns induce sharp changes in the direction of the RNA backbone and often conform to the 3-nt consensus sequence 5′-UNR-3′ (N = any nucleotide, R = purine). The canonical U-turn motif is stabilized by a hydrogen bond between the N3 imino group of the U residue and the 3′ phosphate group of the R residue as well as a hydrogen bond between the 2′-hydroxyl group of the uridine and the N7 nitrogen of the R residue. Here, we demonstrate that a protonated cytidine can functionally and structurally replace the uridine at the first position of the canonical U-turn motif in the apical loop of the neomycin riboswitch. Using NMR spectroscopy, we directly show that the N3 imino group of the protonated cytidine forms a hydrogen bond with the backbone phosphate 3′ from the third nucleotide of the U-turn analogously to the imino group of the uridine in the canonical motif. In addition, we compare the stability of the hydrogen bonds in the mutant U-turn motif to the wild type and describe the NMR signature of the C+-phosphate interaction. Our results have implications for the prediction of RNA structural motifs and suggest simple approaches for the experimental identification of hydrogen bonds between protonated C-imino groups and the phosphate backbone.
The synergistic regulation of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis through miR-190 and target genes
Authors: Hao Yang , Yang Junyu , Yin Shenyi , Zhang Hanshuo , Fan Yu , Sun Changhong , Gu Jin , Xi Jianzhong Jeff
Published: June 2014

VEGF is a major contributor to angiogenesis, a vital process in normal growth and development and tumor transition. However, the current clinical efficacy of VEGF inhibitors is limited, and the molecular mechanism underlying VEGF regulation remains to be elucidated. Here we show that miR-190 directly targets a group of angiogenic effectors besides VEGF per se. Noted, these effectors can transcriptionally regulate VEGF expression in an intracellular or intercellular manner, thus demonstrating that miR-190 modulates the VEGF-mediated tumor angiogenesis at three levels. The synergistic effect of miR-190 and its target genes demonstrates a complex but apparently more stable system, allowing for the tight control of the level of VEGF. Finally, we showed that miR-190 significantly suppresses tumor metastasis, especially angiogenesis. Together, these results indicate that miR-190 is a promising antitumor target in clinical applications.
Information and Communication Technologies as the Tool of Increase of Efficiency of Public Administration: International and National Experience
Authors: Сороко  , Soroko A.
Published: June 2014

The best foreign practice related to creation of specialized information resources, on which data on public service’s various aspects are allocated, is considered, experiment of Italy, Canada, Singapore, Norway, Brazil, USA, Great Britain, India, Finland is shown. Results of work on preparation to creation on a Portal basis a uniform information system of Russia’s civil service human resource management have been presented.
What the Environmental Security Strategy of the Russian Federation Should Be?
Authors: Rusin Sergey
Published: June 2014

According to the Security Council’s decision Environmental Security Strategy has been started to develop in Russia. The author thinks that the Strategy can be successful only if we have previously developed the concept of it. The Strategy’s concept should be based on extensive discussions with public authorities, experts in the field of national security, environmental protection and ecological safety, including lawyers. The article offers to discuss several proposals of the Strategy status and content. First, due to the variety of documents with the name of «strategy», is proposed to develop strategies to consider as a comprehensive plan to prevent threats to environmental security. Second, the strategy should be a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the National Security Strategy and the Concept of Sustainable Development, Environment doctrine, Principles of state policy in the field of environmental development in the part in which these documents are aimed at ensuring environmental safety as an element integral part of national Security. Third, under the threat of environmental safety are invited to understand the factors of the environment, have a negative impact on human society and the state (their physical, spiritual, cultural and other values). Source of threat is the state of the environment, changes in economic and other human activities, as well as natural hazards. Additionally, this article contains proposals for the classification of threats of environmental safety and legal measures to counter such threats. According to the author, stated approaches allow science-based strategies to determine the place in the documents of the state strategic planning, ensure environmental security as an element of national security, to separate it from the environment.
Marine Scientific Research and the Argo Program: International Law Regulation
Authors: Bobrova Yuliya , Golitsyn Vladimir
Published: June 2014

The article is devoted to the consideration of an issue of “marine scientific research” as it is regulated under international law and the applicable Russian legislation. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the relevant provision of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter UNCLOS) governing the conduct of marine scientific research in territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, continental shelf, the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction, high seas. The article is outlined the general principles of the conduct of marine scientific research which shall be conducted exclusively for peaceful purposes. Draws attention to marine scientific research in the exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf which shall be conducted with the consent of the coastal State. Emphasis is made on the analysis of legal aspects of the Argo Programme, launched for the purpose of conducting marine scientific research with the use of drifting buoys. The article considers practical and legal issues that arise in connection with the adoption in light of the relevant provisions of UNCLOS of the of international documents related to the Argo Programme, namely: Resolution XX-6 of the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1999); the Guidelines for the Implementation of Resolution XX-6 of the IOC Assembly regarding the deployment of profiling floats in the High Seas within the framework of the Argo Programme (2008). In accordance with it, an IOC Member State must be informed in advance of the deployment in the High Seas of any float within the framework of the Argo Programme that may enter its EEZ. In implementing this provision, the Executive Secretary of IOC will invite all IOC Member States to state that they wish to be notified of it. In this light, denotes the position of the Russian Federation on the Argo Programme as marine scientific research and its wish to be notified of the deployment in the High Seas of all Argo Programme floats that may enter its EEZ.
Forms of Participation of Indigenous Peoples of North America in Administration of Justice
Authors: Chernukhina Larisa
Published: June 2014

The author examines the legal status of the aboriginal people of North America in the USA and Canada as well as the protection of their rights. The article explores the legislation of these countries which provides protection of aboriginal people at the administration of justice.
Nasogastric tube depth: the ‘NEX’ guideline is incorrect
Authors: Taylor Stephen J , Allan Kaylee , McWilliam Helen , Toher Deirdre
Published: June 2014

Misplacing 17–23% of nasogastric (NG) tubes above the stomach ( Rollins et al, 2012 ; Rayner, 2013 ) represents a serious risk in terms of aspiration, further invasive (tube) procedures, irradiation from failed X-ray confirmation, delay to feed and medication. One causal factor is that in the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) guidance to place a tube, length is measured from nose to ear to xiphisternum (NEX) ( NSPA, 2011 ); NEX is incorrect because it only approximates the nose to gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) distance and is therefore too short. To overcome this and because the xiphisternum is more difficult to locate, local policy is to measure in the opposite direction; xiphisternum to ear to nose (XEN), then add 10 cm. The authors determined whether external body measurements can be used to estimate the NG tube length to safely reach the gastric body. This involved testing the statistical association of body length, age, sex and XEN in consecutive critically ill patients against internal anatomical landmarks determined from an electromagnetic (EM) trace of the tube path. XEN averaged 50 cm in 71 critically ill patients aged 53±20 years. Tube marking and the EM trace were used to determine mean insertion distances at pre-gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) (48 cm), where the tube first turns left towards the stomach and becomes shallow on the trace; gastric body (62 cm), where the tube reaches the left-most part of the stomach; and gastric antrum (73 cm) at the midline on the EM trace. Using body length, age, sex and XEN in a linear regression model, only 25% of variability was predicted, showing that external measurements cannot reliably predict the length of tube required to reach the stomach. A tube length of XEN (or NEX) is too short to guarantee gastric placement and is unsafe. XEN+10 cm or more complex measurements will reach the gastric body (mid-stomach) in most patients, but because of wide variation, external measurements often fail to predict a safe distance. Only the EM trace or possibly direct vision can show in real time whether the tip has safely reached the gastric body.
Anticipating grief – the role of pre-euthanasia discussions
Authors: Kerrigan Lynne
Published: June 2014

Given the deep emotional relationships that many people share with their pets, discussing euthanasia is stressful for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Such discussion is however essential, and the manner in which veterinary personnel provide care for a client whose pet is approaching the end of its life has the potential to alleviate or aggravate grief. Where the loss can be anticipated, as is the case with terminally ill pets, discussion prior to the loss of the pet can be extremely helpful in lessening owners' feelings of responsibility, validating their decisions and enabling them to know they did their best for their treasured companion.
Ensinar e aprender a investigar – reflexões a pretexto de um programa de iniciação à pesquisa qualitativa
Authors: Amado João
Published: June 2014

Neste artigo, centrado sobre a fundamentação teórica e curricular de um programa de investigação qualitativa, começaremos por invocar o papel da pesquisa como estratégia de ensino e como competência que se espera venha a ser adquirida pelos formandos. Seguidamente daremos conta dos objectivos que nos movem nesta iniciação, da estrutura geral e fundamentação do programa e, muito sinteticamente, das estratégias e métodos de ensino. Terminaremos expondo a nossa definição de investigação qualitativa, tal como gostaríamos que ela viesse a ser interiorizada e praticada pelos nossos formandos.
A formação inicial de professores de Física e Química na Universidade de Coimbra: a evolução dos currículos no âmbito do processo de Bolonha
Authors: Nunes Maria Laura Guimarães Castro , Vaz-Rebelo Maria da Piedade Pessoa , Nascimento Maria Augusta Vilalobos
Published: June 2014

O presente artigo reporta parte de um estudo4 que incidiu na caracterização e análise da formação inicial de professores de Física e Química ministrada na Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra (FCTUC), tendo por principal objectivo enquadrar e analisar a evolução dos currículos de formação decorrente da implementação do Processo de Bolonha. Da análise efectuada constata-se que, no âmbito do Processo de Bolonha, a qualificação profissional para a docência passa a ser ao nível de 2º Ciclo, ou seja, de mestrado, sendo que a principal alteração encontrada nos currículos de formação se prende com a introdução de uma componente de metodologia da investigação em educação. Acentua-se a importância de um reequacionamento do funcionamento da componente prática da formação, nomeadamente na sua articulação com o desenvolvimento dos projectos de investigação, bem como a necessidade de desenvolverem novas perspectivas e abordagens que dinamizem a prática pedagógica supervisionada e que promovam a antecipação da aproximação à realidade escolar.
The role of vitamin D and melatonin in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Absatarova J S , Andreeva E N
Published: June 2014

The article presents data on new possible mechanisms of pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. In the past years there have been a lot of studies on the effect of vitamin D on the development of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. The amount of evidence for of the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and obesity is growing. The search for genetic markers predisposing to polycystic ovary syndrome among vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms seems quite premising. Considering of detected connections, therapy with vitamin D may be an effective treatment for this disease. In addition to the influence on reproductive function vitamin D is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm, and it’s disturbance may lead to the development of anovulation. Another important factor in control of sleep and wakefulness cycles is melatonin. It’s participation in development and maturation of follicles by inhibiting of oxidative stress was proved, and the use of melatonin in women as a treatment for infertility helped to improve reproductive function. Thus, further studies of the role of vitamin D and melatonin may allow developing principally new approaches and medical guidelines for clinical practice.
STUDENT POLITICS IN URBAN TERNATE, NORTH MALUKU
Authors: Amin Basri
Published: June 2014

This article examines student politics articulated by university students in contemporary Ternate, North Maluku. The involvement of students in the political arena in the region is mostly organized through regional (ethnic) organizations.The larger context of such political process is decentralisation, which make religional resource  resources dominated by the state. At the same time competition among local elites and ethnic groups flourish. This is the main background of a new formation of group interests in local level –-including local university students-- to gain group advantages. The case of Ternate, North Maluku, is an example of how groups of students organize their practical interests in the arena of politics by exploiting youth associations and ethnic organizations. Artikel ini mengkaji tentang politik yang diartikulasikan oleh kalangan mahasiswa dalam percaturan politik lokal di Ternate, Maluku Utara. Keterlibatan mahasiswa dalam arena kekuasaan di kawasan ini lebih banyak dilakukan melalui instrumen organisasi kedaerahan (etnis). Konteks besar yang menjadi landasan dari proses sosial ini adalah desentralisasi yang menempatkan sedemikian rupa sumberdaya pembangunan lebih banyak didominasi oleh negara, tapi pada saat yang sama perkembangan politik etnis terus menyertai persaingan kelompok dan elit lokal. Kasus Maluku Utara adalah sebuah contoh bagaimana kaum muda memainkan kepentingannya sendiri dalam percaturan kekuasaan dan dalam hal memanfaatkan kesempatan-kesempatan praktis untuk mereka.
Elevated serum levels of free triiodothyronine in adolescent boys with gynaecomastia compared with controls
Authors: Mieritz Mikkel G , Sorensen Kaspar , Aksglaede Lise , Mouritsen Annette , Hagen Casper P , Hilsted Linda , Andersson Anna-Maria , Juul Anders
Published: June 2014

Objective

Pubertal gynaecomastia is a frequent phenomenon occurring in 20–40% of otherwise healthy adolescent boys. Little is known about the aetiology of pubertal gynaecomastia. Markedly elevated thyroid hormone levels in adults with hyperthyroidism are associated with gynaecomastia.

Design

A cross-sectional examination of 444 healthy boys with and without pubertal gynaecomastia.

Methods

We evaluated TSH, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T4 and free T3 in a cohort of healthy boys with and without pubertal gynaecomastia.

Results

Boys with gynaecomastia had significantly higher serum free T3, even after correction for age, BMI and pubertal stage. After inclusion of IGF1 in the model the differences disappeared. TSH, T4, free T4 and T3 did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

We speculate that the GH/IGF1 axis and thyroid hormones interact and influence the development of pubertal gynaecomastia.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in tumors originating from the adrenal gland and extra-adrenal paraganglia
Authors: Papathomas Thomas G , Oudijk Lindsey , Zwarthoff Ellen C , Post Edward , Duijkers Floor A , van Noesel Max M , Hofland Leo J , Pollard Patrick J , Maher Eamonn R , Restuccia David F , Feelders Richard A , Franssen Gaston J H , Timmers Henri J , Sleijfer Stefan , de Herder Wouter W , de Krijger Ronald R , Dinjens Winand N M , Korpershoek Esther
Published: June 2014

Hotspot mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been recently reported in human cancers and proposed as a novel mechanism of telomerase activation. To exploreTERTpromoter mutations in tumors originating from the adrenal gland and extra-adrenal paraganglia, a set of 253 tumors (38 adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs), 127 pheochromocytomas (PCCs), 18 extra-adrenal paragangliomas (ea PGLs), 37 head and neck PGLs (HN PGLs), and 33 peripheral neuroblastic tumors) was selected along with 16 human neuroblastoma (NBL) and two ACC cell lines to assessTERTpromoter mutations by the Sanger sequencing method. All mutations detected were confirmed by a SNaPshot assay. Additionally, 36 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) were added to explore an association betweenTERTpromoter mutations and SDH deficiency.TERTpromoter mutations were found in seven out of 289 tumors and in three out of 18 human cell lines; fourC228Tmutations in 38 ACCs (10.5%), twoC228Tmutations in 18 ea PGLs (11.1%), oneC250Tmutation in 36 GISTs (2.8%), and threeC228Tmutations in 16 human NBL cell lines (18.75%). No mutation was detected in PCCs, HN PGLs, neuroblastic tumors as well as ACC cell lines.TERTpromoter mutations preferentially occurred in a SDH-deficient setting (P=0.01) being present in three out of 47 (6.4%) SDH-deficient tumors vs zero out of 171 (0%) SDH-intact tumors. We conclude thatTERTpromoter mutations occur in ACCs and ea PGLs. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates a potential association with the acquisition ofTERTpromoter mutations in SDH-deficient tumors.
Complexities of androgen receptor signalling in breast cancer
Authors: McNamara Keely M , Moore Nicole L , Hickey Theresa E , Sasano Hironobu , Tilley Wayne D
Published: June 2014

While the clinical benefit of androgen-based therapeutics in breast cancer has been known since the 1940s, we have only recently begun to fully understand the mechanisms of androgen action in breast cancer. Androgen signalling pathways can have either beneficial or deleterious effects in breast cancer depending on the breast cancer subtype and intracellular context. This review discusses our current knowledge of androgen signalling in breast cancer, including the relationship between serum androgens and breast cancer risk, the prognostic significance of androgen receptor (AR) expression in different breast cancer subtypes and the downstream molecular pathways mediating androgen action in breast cancer cells. Intracrine androgen metabolism has also been discussed and proposed as a potential mechanism that may explain some of the reported differences regarding dichotomous androgen actions in breast cancers. A better understanding of AR signalling in this disease is critical given the current resurgence in interest in utilising contemporary AR-directed therapies for breast cancer and the need for biomarkers that will accurately predict clinical response.
Regulation of Inflorescence Branch Development in Rice Through a Novel Pathway Involving the Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein sped1-D
Authors: Jiang Guanghuai , Xiang Yanghai , Zhao Jiying , Yin Dedong , Zhao Xianfeng , Zhu Lihuang , Zhai Wenxue
Published: June 2014

Panicle type has a direct bearing on rice yield. Here, we characterized a rice clustered-spikelet mutant, sped1-D, with shortened pedicels and/or secondary branches, which exhibits decreased pollen fertility. We cloned sped1-D and found that it encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat protein. We investigated the global expression profiles of wild-type, 9311, and sped1-D plants using Illumina RNA sequencing. The expression of several GID1L2 family members was downregulated in the sped1-D mutant, suggesting that the gibberellin (GA) pathway is involved in the elongation of pedicels and/or secondary branches. When we overexpressed one GID1L2, AK070299, in sped1-D plants, the panicle phenotype was restored to varying degrees. In addition, we analyzed the expression of genes that function in floral meristems and found that RFL and WOX3 were severely downregulated in sped1-D. These results suggest that sped1-D may prompt the shortening of pedicels and secondary branches by blocking the action of GID1L2, RFL, and Wox3. Moreover, overexpression of sped1-D in Arabidopsis resulted in the shortening of pedicels and clusters of siliques, which indicates that the function of sped1-D is highly conserved in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.
Modeling the impact of net primary production dynamics on post-disturbance Amazon savannization
Authors: SENNA MÔNICA C.A. , COSTA MARCOS H. , DAVIDSON ERIC A. , NOBRE CARLOS A.
Published: June 2014

Amazon tropical forests are being replaced by pasturelands and croplands, but they sometimes revert to regrowth forest when abandoned after a period of agricultural use. Research suggests that this secondary regrowth is limited by climate and nutrient availability and, using a coupled biosphere-atmosphere model, we investigated patterns in the regrowth of the Amazon rainforest after a full deforestation event, considering different types of nutrient stress. We found that, over a 50 year regrowth period, the reduction of precipitation caused by large-scale deforestation was not sufficient to prevent secondary forest regrowth, but this decrease in precipitation combined with nutrient limitation, due to logging and frequent fires, did indeed prevent forest regrowth in central and southern Amazonia, leading to a savannization. These results are concerning, as the northern Mato Grosso region has the highest clearing rate in Amazonia. The low resilience of the forest under nutrient stress indicates that a large scale disturbance could greatly expand the area suitable for cropland, accelerating forest disappearance.
Current perspectives in stem cell therapy for spinal cord repair in humans: a review of work from the past 10 years
Authors: Mariano Eric Domingos , Batista Chary Marquez , Barbosa Breno José Alencar Pires , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Morgalla Matthias , Tatagiba Marcos , Li Jun , Lepski Guilherme
Published: June 2014

Spinal cord injury (SCI) and amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS) are devastating neurological conditions that affect individuals worldwide, significantly reducing quality of life, both for patients and their relatives. Objective : The present review aims to summarize the multiple restorative approaches being developed for spinal cord repair, the use of different stem cell types and the current knowledge regarding stem cell therapy. Method : Review of the literature from the past 10 years of human studies using stem cell transplantation as the main therapy, with or without adjuvant therapies. Conclusion : The current review offers an overview of the state of the art regarding spinal cord restoration, and serves as a starting point for future studies.
Resveratrol reduces chronic inflammation and improves insulin action in the myocardium of high-fat diet-induced obeserats
Authors: Luciano Thaís Fernandes , Marques Schérolin De Oliveira , Pieri Bruno Luiz Da Silva , Souza Daniela Roxo De , Lira Fabio Santos De , Souza Cláudio Teodoro De
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of resveratrol on insulin signaling and inflammation pathway in the myocardium of high-fat diet-induced obese rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=10, standard diet), obese group (n=10, high-fat diet), and obese supplemented with resveratrol group (n=10, 20 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks. An insulin tolerance test was performed at the end of the study period "0" (without insulin), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after an intraperitoneal injection of insulin (2 U/kg). Body and epididymal adipose tissue were weighed. Fragments of the myocardium were extracted for Western blot analyses of insulin pathway and proinflammatory molecules. RESULTS: Resveratrol increased the rate of glucose disappearance, phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, and protein kinase B; and reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and of the molecules involved in proinflammatory signal transduction, namely Ikappa B kinase and nuclear factor kappa B complex. The results also suggest that higher insulin sensitivity and lower levels of proinflammatory molecules occurred regardless of weight and epididymal adipose tissue loss. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol increases insulin action and reduces inflammatory molecules in the myocardium.
Neck circumference as predictor of excess body fat and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents
Authors: Gonçalves Vivian Siqueira Santos , Faria Eliane Rodrigues De , Franceschini Sylvia Do Carmo Castro , Priore Silvia Eloiza
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether neck circumference can predict cardiovascular risk factors and excess body fat in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included male and female adolescents aged 10 to 14 years from Viçosa, Minas Gerais. The following data were collected: anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, percentage of body fat according to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. The anthropometric measurements were used for calculating indices and assessing nutritional status. The receiver operating characteristic curve tested whether neck circumference could predict cardiovascular risk. We also investigated how neck circumference related to the study parameters. The significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 260 adolescents were assessed of which 50.4% (n=131) were females, 20.4% (n=53) had excess body weight according to the body mass index-for-age index, and 42.7% (n=111) had excess body fat. Blood pressure (3.9%, n=10) and all biochemical parameters were affected, varying from 1.9% (n=5) for glucose to 65% (n=169) for total cholesterol. Neck circumference correlated with body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, height, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, homeostasis model of assessment - insulin resistance, fasting insulin, blood pressure, and high-density lipoprotein (<0.05). It predicted excess body fat and changes in fasting insulin and blood pressure in both sexes, blood glucose and high-density lipoprotein in females, and triglycerides in males (area under the curve >0.5; p<0.05, varying from 0.610 for high-density lipoprotein to 0.817 for blood pressure). CONCLUSION: Neck circumference was capable of predicting excess fat and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.
Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) of Porto Mauá, Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
Authors: Thiele Sabrina Campos , Milcharek Oscar , Santos Fábio Luis dos , Kaminski Lucas Augusto
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a list of species of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) sampled in Porto Mauá municipality (27°34’S, 28°40’W), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Sampling was carried out monthly between March 2008 and March 2009. After 204 net-hours of sampling effort, a total of 1,993 individuals from 253 species were recorded. With a single additional expedition, eight new species were added, reaching a total of 261 species recorded in the region of Porto Mauá. These new reports and the species accumulation curves may indicate a much richer fauna. The distribution of richness among butterfly families is compared with other inventories in seasonal semi-deciduous forest areas in the Atlantic Forest. We also discuss the importance of riparian forests of the Uruguay River as an ecological corridor that enables the maintenance of the butterfly fauna on the southern edge of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest Ecoregion.
¿Qué tiene que ver el género con el parentesco?
Authors: Stolcke Verena
Published: June 2014

Debemos el concepto de intersectionality (interseccionalidad) a un grupo de feministas y lesbianas afro-descendientes quienes hacia fines de los 1970s denunciaron la ceguera racial de sus compañeras blancas al ignorar las discriminaciones particulares en función de clase social, de "raza", de sexo/género, de sexualidad de que padecían éstas. La boga actual de esas interseccionalidades entre categorías de clasificación sociocultural diversas está, no obstante, en relación inversa con la carencia de investigaciones empíricas al respecto en la teoría feminista. En este artículo recurro a mi estudio clásico Racismo y Sexualidad en la Cuba Colonial (1974, 1992) precisamente para documentar tales interseccionalidades dinámicas en esa sociedad desigual legitimada por una doctrina racista y el consecuente control de los cuerpos sexuados de las mujeres de las elites, contra el trasfondo ontológico de la disociación binaria moderna de la cultura de la naturaleza.
Teoria do currículo: o que é e por que é importante
Authors: Young Michael
Published: June 2014

Este artigo discute a importância da teoria do currículo e de seus especialistas no debate contemporâneo sobre currículo escolar. Após um breve relato sobre a evolução no campo dos estudos curriculares, o autor discorre sobre os papéis crítico e normativo da teoria do currículo, sugerindo que esses dois objetivos têm sido separados, em detrimento de ambos. Em seguida, ao defender que a educação é uma atividade prática e especializada, o autor sugere que a teoria do currículo una esses dois papéis e enxergue o currículo como forma de conhecimento especializado. Finalmente, postula que os teóricos do currículo se debrucem sobre como desenvolver currículos que ampliem - e não somente reproduzam - as oportunidades de aprendizagem.
Revelações manifestas por crianças pré-escolares portadoras de doenças crônicas em tratamento ambulatorial
Authors: Matos Ana Paula Keller de , Canela Priscilla Caires , Silveira Aline Oliveira , Wernet Monika
Published: June 2014

Objetivo: Identificar e caracterizar as revelações manifestas por crianças portadoras de doenças crônicas em tratamento ambulatorial. Métodos: Tratou-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, norteada pelos referenciais do Interacionismo Simbólico e da análise de conteúdo temática de Bardin. A coleta dos dados foi desenvolvida por meio de sessões de brinquedo terapêutico com quatro crianças pré-escolares que convivem com a doença crônica. Resultados: Identificaram-se quatro categorias temáticas que marcam o cotidiano destas crianças: "Interações", "Luta", "Apoio" e "Dúvida". Conclusão: Estas crianças buscam transformar as interações de seu cotidiano com vistas a serem reconhecidas enquanto pessoas com voz, desejos, vontades, detentoras e formadoras de opinião.
Análise da hemorragia no parto vaginal pelos índices de eritrócitos e hematócrito
Authors: Gabrielloni Maria Cristina , Armellini Cláudia Junqueira , Barbieri Márcia , Schirmer Janine
Published: June 2014

Objetivo: Analisar a hemorragia no parto vaginal através dos índices de eritrócitos e hematócrito. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 328 partos vaginais divididos em: espontâneo, com e sem episiotomia, e parto fórceps. A amostragem foi aleatória estratificada por tipo de parto vaginal. Os dados foram coletados na internação para o parto, na alta hospitalar e no retorno puerperal. Resultados: Foram estudados 122 (37,2%) partos sem episiotomia, 147 (44,8%) com episiotomia e 59 (18,0%) com uso de fórceps e episiotomia. O valor individual de hemoglobina, entre a internação para o parto e a alta hospitalar variou de -5,9 g/dl a 0,7 g/dl.A redução da hemoglobina foi significativamente maior no parto fórceps comparado aos partos espontâneos, com e sem episiotomia, p=0,0133 e p<0,0001, respectivamente. No parto fórceps a hemorragia é maior quando comparada aos outros tipos de parto. Conclusão: A análise da hemorragia no parto vaginal através dos índices de eritrócitos e hematócrito evidenciou que há variação nos três tipos de parto vaginal estudados, sendo a hemorragia maior no parto fórceps e menor no parto vaginal espontâneo. No puerpério, nos casos de partos fórceps estes índices mantiveram-se inferiores aos da internação.
The effect of air cargo traffic on regional job creation in Turkey
Authors: Ozcan Ismail Cagri
Published: June 2014

While there is a large body of literature on air passenger traffic's impact on local employment, the interaction between air cargo traffic and local employment remains relatively untouched. This paper tries to fill in the gap by analyzing the impact of air cargo traffic on local employment in 20 Turkish provinces using Census 2000 data. The results of 2-stage least squares estimations show that air cargo traffic stimulates employment in finance, insurance, real estate and business services and increases the total number of administrative and managerial workers and the total number of clerical and related workers while it tends to reduce employment in agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing activities and the total number of agricultural, animal husbandry, forestry workers, fishermen and hunters.
Adaptation of the tetrazolium test method for estimating the viability of sorghum seeds
Authors: Carvalho Tereza Cristina de , Grzybowski Camila Ribeiro de Souza , Ohlson Osvaldo de Castro , Panobianco Maristela
Published: June 2014

The tetrazolium test is part of internal programs of seed quality control because it allows a quick, reliable and accurate assessment of seed viability. The purpose of this study was to determine, among the various methodologies suggested in the literature, a practical and efficient procedure for carrying out the tetrazolium test in sorghum seeds, with a view toward a rapid estimate of their viability. Four seed lots of the simple hybrid Buster were used, testing two forms of seed pre-conditioning (direct immersion in water and between moistened paper towels); two types of preparation (longitudinal cut of the seed through the embryo with immersion of one of the halves in the tetrazolium solution or placement of the two halves on filter paper moistened with tetrazolium solution); two forms of staining (on paper and with direct immersion in the solution) and three concentrations of tetrazolium solution (0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0%). The tetrazolium test may be efficiently conducted for sorghum seeds through pre-conditioning between paper towels for 18 hours at 20 ºC, with immersion staining of one half of the seed in tetrazolium solution at 0.1% for three hours at 40 ºC.
Effect of drying, pelliculation and storage on the physiological quality of eggplant seeds
Authors: Zamariola Natassia , Oliveira João Almir , Gomes Luiz Antônio Augusto , Jácome Michelle Fonseca , Reis Leandro Vilela
Published: June 2014

The use of methods and technologies such as drying and film coating can bring significant contributions to the farmer. This experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of drying and film coating on the physiological quality of eggplant seeds during storage. Hybrid seeds UGA MS1 produced by the company Hortiagro - Ijaci, MG were used. Seeds were subjected to two types of drying: slow (room temperature) and quick (oven with forced air circulation at 35 ºC). The chemical treatment was performed with the Captan product at a dose of 250 grams per 100 kilograms of seed and for the recoating were used three doses of polymer: (0, 3 and 6 mL.kg-1 of seeds). The physiological quality of seeds was evaluated every three months until reaching the period of nine months using germination test, seedling emergence test and seedling establishment. There is a reduction of physiological seed quality during the storage. The slow drying of eggplant seeds results in better quality seeds. The use of polymer reduces the germination percentage, germination speed index and the percentage of seedling emergence.
Estimativas de repetibilidade de híbridos diploides (AA) de bananeira
Authors: Lessa Lauro Saraiva , Ledo Carlos Alberto da Silva , Amorim Edson Perito , Silva Sebastião de Oliveira e
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade em híbridos diploides de bananeira e predizer o número de medições necessárias para as principais características quantitativas. Os híbridos avaliados foram 042079-06, TH03-01, 089087-01, 003023-03, 013018-01, 001016-01, 086094-20, 013004-06 e 091079-03. Em três ciclos, mediram-se doze características agronômicas. Para a estimativa dos coeficientes de repetibilidade foram utilizadas as análises de variância, de componentes principais a partir das matrizes de variância e covariância fenotípica, de correlação e análise estrutural. Determinou-se para cada característica o número mínimo de medições, para predizer o valor real dos híbridos. Observou-se variabilidade genética entre os genótipos. As estimativas de repetibilidade foram elevadas, o que mostra a regularidade dos acessos. Para predizer o valor real dos caracteres de produção são necessárias de uma a cinco medições. Os métodos baseados em análise multivariada de componentes principais são os mais eficientes para estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade.
Manitol para a conservação ex situ de coqueiro por crescimento mínimo
Authors: Lédo Ana da Silva , Moura Catrine Regina Feitosa , Machado Caroline de Araújo , Ramos Semíramis Rabelo Ramalho , Silva Ana Veruska Cruz da , Lédo Carlos Alberto da Silva
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a concentração de manitol para a germinação e crescimento mínimo in vitro do coqueiro (Cocos nucifera). Os seguintes acessos foram utilizados: Anão-vermelho-do brasil-de-gramame (BRDG), Anão-amarelo-da-malásia (MYD), Gigante-do-brasil-praia-do-forte (BRA), Gigante-da-polinésia (PYT) e Gigante-de-rennel (RIT). Os embriões foram colocados em meio de cultura Y3 a diferentes concentrações de manitol (0, 0,1, 0,2, 0,3 e 0,4 mol L-1). Verificou-se inibição do crescimento da parte aérea na presença de 0,1, 0,2 e 0,3 mol L-1, para MYD e BRDG, e de 0,1 e 0,2 mol L-1, para PYT, BRA e RIT. O uso do manitol é uma estratégia promissora para a conservação por crescimento mínimo.