bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productive performance, body chemical composition, and deposition of 42-day-old quail for meat subjected to quantitative dietary restriction
Authors: Grieser Daiane De Oliveira , Marcato Simara Márcia , Ferreira Mariana Fátima Zanon , Oliveira-Bruxel Taciana Maria de , Zancanela Vittor , Ferreira Mateus Silva , Stanquevis Caroline Espejo , Finco Eline Maria
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to assess the effect of quantitative dietary restriction during refeeding on the performance, body chemical composition, and deposition, weight gain of organs and carcass parts of quails reared for meat (Coturnix coturnix coturnix). A total of 144 quails, between 11 to 42 days old, were distributed in a completely randomized design, 4x2 factorial scheme, at four levels of feed restriction (ad libitum, 30%, 50% and 70% restrictions on the daily intake ad libitum) for both genders. Therefore, there was eight treatments with three replicates and six birds each. At the tenth day of age, the animals were housed in cages, where remained for four days under adaptation. Dietary restriction was applied between the days 15 and 35 while refeeding was carried out from day 36 to 42. Compensatory weight gain (CWG), i.e. weight gain of organs and carcass parts, and feed efficiency (FE) were improved for quails under feed restriction. Fat (F), crude protein (CP), protein deposition rate (PDR) and fat in females (FDf) and carcass retained energy in females (CREf) increased linearly as restriction levels decreased. Maximum estimates of feed intake for males (MFIm), compensatory weight gain for males (CWGm) and females (CWGf), feed efficiency for males (FEm), protein deposition for males (PDm) and carcass retained energy in males (CREm) were obtained with restriction levels of 43.56%, 30.56%, 63.93%, 62.63%, 80.25%, 1.94% and 09.34% if compared to ad libitum, respectively. As a result, we concluded that according to quantitative feed restriction level, significant increases in feed efficiency and body weight gain, as well as decreases in carcass fat throughout quail refeeding period. As for gender, given the existing sexual dimorphism, females lost greater body weight than males under dietary restriction, besides showing higher protein and fat gains in the carcass and an enhanced feed efficiency during refeeding.
Performance and serum chemistry profile of lambs fed on rations with increasing levels of urea
Authors: Vivian Diana Rosana , Garcez Neto Américo Fróes , Freitas José Antônio , Fernandes Sergio Rodrigo , Rozanski Sandra
Published: May 2017

Feed intake and efficiency, animal performance, and protein and energy metabolism were studied in lambs that were fed on increasing levels of urea (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of dry matter [DM]). A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments (urea levels) and six replicates. The lambs were fed ad libitum for 56 days until they reached an average body weight of 35 kg. The rations were composed of 34% Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and 66% concentrate. Crude protein (CP) constituted 17% of the diet on a dry matter basis, and total digestible nutrients (TDN) accounted for 65%, on average. The dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI) were not influenced by the urea levels in the diet, presenting average values of 1.175 and 0.206 kg animal-1 day-1, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gross feed efficiency (GFE) were also not influenced by urea levels (0.225 kg day-1, 5.33 kg DM kg gain-1 and 0.195 kg gain kg DM-1, respectively). Except for urea and glucose concentrations, blood parameters did not change with increasing urea in the diets. The mean values for total protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine in the serum were 7.11 g dL-1, 3.36 g dL-1, 3.75 g dL-1 and 0.91 mg dL-1, respectively. Serum urea decreased linearly and serum glucose increased linearly with urea levels in the diet. The addition of 1.5% of urea to the diets did not change feed intake and efficiency or animal performance, and did not cause metabolic disorders in feedlot lambs in the finishing phase.
Banana peel in the diet for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows
Authors: Pimentel Paulo Roberto Silveira , Rocha Júnior Vicente Ribeiro , Melo Marco Túlio Parrela de , Ruas José Reinaldo Mendes , Brant Lara Maria Santos , Costa Natanel Mendes , Leite Gabriela Duarte Oliveira , Leite Mariane Duarte Oliveira , Maranhão Camila Maida de Albuquerque
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of includingsun-dried banana peel in diets for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake, digestibility and milk production. Diets were composed of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% replacement of sorghum silage with banana peel provided to 10 cows in two simultaneous 5 x 5 Latin squares, with the experiment divided into five periods of 16 days. The dry matter intake showed a quadratic effect with maximum level at 38.30% substitution as well as intake of crude protein expressed in kg-1 day and percentage of body weight, with maximum at the levels of 50.09 and 45.69% inclusion of the peel, respectively. The intake of neutral detergent fiber and the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein showed a decreasing linear effect. Variation in weight and body condition score, milk production and feed conversion were not affected. The replacement of 60% sorghum silage with banana peel represents a viable alternative as it causes no change in cows with average production of 16.49 kg milk with 3.5% fat day-1, reducing feeding costs.
Waarom schakelen burgers (geen) rechtshulp in?
Authors: ter Voert Marijke , Klein Haarhuis Carolien
Published: May 2017

Why do citizens (not) use legal assistance?

This article serves to gain insight in the use and non-use of various types of legal advice, particularly in relation to income levels and legal costs. Based on (logistic regression) analyses involving survey data on 1,928 Dutch citizens who experienced a non-trivial problem in the period May 2009 to May 2014, main findings are as follows: (1) 37% of citizens facing a (potential) legal problem contacted various types of legal advisers once or repeatedly. (2) In the explanation of use/non-use of advocates, problem characteristics turned out to matter significantly, in contrast with the level of household income. Entitlements to subsidized legal aid (lower income groups) as well as legal expenses insurance have made income a factor of less importance. (3) Looking at the degree in which citizens reported (high) costs being a reason for not using legal advice, again no significant differences were found between income groups. Especially advocates were deemed too expensive, regardless of household income; a reason for non-use in half of the cases in which advocates had been considered.
Het dossier voorwaardelijke ontbinding gesloten? – Hoge Raad 23 december 2016, ECLI:NL:HR:2016:2998 (Mediant/werknemer)
Authors: Bij de Vaate Vivian
Published: May 2017

Samenvatting

De vraag naar de toelaatbaarheid van de voorwaardelijke ontbinding onder de Wet werk en zekerheid (Wwz) heeft de gemoederen flink beziggehouden. De opvattingen in de lagere rechtspraak en de literatuur liepen uiteen. Dat Kantonrechter Enschede op 20 mei 2016 de Hoge Raad prejudiciële vragen stelde op de voet van artikel 392 Rv, was derhalve niet vreemd. Het antwoord van de Hoge Raad, gegeven in een beschikking van 23 december 2016 (Mediant/werknemer) staat in deze bijdrage centraal. Wordt met deze beschikking het voorwaardelijke-ontbindingsdossier gesloten?
Vínculos para la gestión: dinámicas socio-institucionales y perspectivas para el manejo integrado de la pesca artesanal en Laguna de Rocha (Uruguay)
Authors: Lagos Miranda Ximena , Martin Dabezies Juan , Delgado Estela , Cetrulo Ricardo
Published: May 2017

El área protegida Laguna de Rocha es un importante sitio para la conservación de la biodiversidad del Uruguay y alberga una de las comunidades de pescadores artesanales más antiguas del pais.En el marco del Manejo Costero Integrado, este trabajo analiza las dinámicas y vínculos socio-institucionales en el area protegida, en su trayectoria de conformación y en torno a la pesca artesanal del lugar. Asimismo, se discute como estos procesos y las características del sistema de gobernanza, permiten evaluar las capacidades del sector para el desarrollo de instrumentos de gestión integrada, tales como la certificación de pesquerías.La conformación del área protegida muestra un proceso de innovación socionstitucional que permitió la consolidación de una red de actores robustecidos para su gestión. El sistema de gobernanza del área, los vínculos de alta intensidad y los aprendizajes de 20 años de experiencias en torno a la conservación del área, potencian las capacidades para promover un proceso de certificación pesquera adecuado al contexto local. Sin embargo, las mayores limitantes se encuentran en la falta de voluntad a nivel gubernamental para politicas de largo plazo, debilidad en los mecanismos de comunicación y el desconocimiento del potencial de este tipo de instrumentos.
Las redes sociales en la gestión de los recursos naturales: ¿qué hay que aprender de una perspectiva estructural?
Authors: Bodin Örjan , Crona Beatrice , Ernstson Henrik
Published: May 2017

Las redes sociales entre actores y grupos de interés están recibiendo cada vez más atención en los estudios sobre la gestión de los recursos naturales, especialmente en los que se refieren a la gestión adaptativa basada en diferentes formas de participación y cogestión. Las redes sociales se han concebido principalmente como recursos que habilitan la colaboración y la coordinación entre diferentes actores. Aquí, continuamos la discusión iniciada por Newman y Dale (2005), que destacaron el hecho de que no todas las redes sociales son creadas iguales. Discutimos la relación entre algunas características estructurales y las funciones de las redes sociales con respecto al manejo de los recursos naturales, centrándonos en las implicaciones estructurales que a menudo se pasan por alto al estudiar las redes en el contexto del manejo de los recursos naturales. Presentamos varias medidas que se utilizan para cuantificar las características estructurales de las redes sociales y vincularlas con una serie de procesos como el aprendizaje, el liderazgo y la confianza, que se consideran importantes en el manejo de recursos naturales. Se muestra esquemáticamente que puede haber yuxtaposiciones entre las diferentes características estructurales que necesitan ser equilibradas en lo que nos imaginamos como estructuras de redes sociales conducentes a la cogestión adaptativa de los recursos naturales. Sostenemos que es esencial desarrollar una comprensión de los efectos que las diferentes características estructurales de las redes sociales tienen sobre la gestión de los recursos naturales.
O fim do superciclo das commodities internacionais e seus reflexos na economia brasileira
Authors: Manzi Rafael Henrique Dias
Published: May 2017

O principal objetivo do trabalho é examinar os efeitos do fim do ciclo das commodities internacionais sobre a formação da atual crise da economia brasileira. 
Uma leitura da aproximação Cuba-EUA sob a Doutrina Obama
Authors: Reis Solange
Published: May 2017

A restauração das relações Cuba-EUA deriva de vários fatores, incluindo a reformulação da grande estratégia norte-americana. Sem o idealismo ou o realismo dos últimos 50 anos, Barack Obama adota pragmatismo na aproximação com Cuba, em resposta a novas forças sociais e à necessidade de recuperar a imagem dos Estados Unidos na região. 
Teachers as Mighty Stakeholders? (Dis)empowering Moments during Advancement of ‘Inclusion’ Policies in Education
Authors: Felcmanová Alena
Published: May 2017

Cílem článku je popsat faktory, které (ne)posilují učitele, aby zaujali aktivní roli ve vytváření a implementaci vzdělávacích politik na příkladu novely školského zákona a zaváděním tzv. inkluzivního vzdělávání. Článek vychází z kvalitativní analýzy hloubkových rozhovorů s různými aktéry ve vzdělávání. První část článku se věnuje teoretické diskuzi o vymezení pojmu empowerment a roli učitelů ve vzdělávací politice (včetně jejich role při navrhování a implementaci politik). Pojetí empowermentu, se kterým budu pracovat, chci navázat na Freireho conscientização. V článku chci ukázat, že hlavní faktory, které (ne)posilují učitele v jejich vlivu na realizaci inkluzivní vzdělávací politiky, jsou: vedení, jednotnost týmu, společné hodnoty, pověst školy, důvěra (vůči sobě a vůči druhým aktérům), role rodičů, obava z fenoménu white flight a segregace školy, ale také definice role učitele. Učitelé a školy sebe navzájem často považují za konkurenty a jejich nejasné povinnosti a zodpovědnosti vedou k omezené transparentnosti vzdělávací politiky a přístupu učitelů k rozhodovacím procesům. Všechny tyto faktory oslabují empowerment učitelů a jejich schopnost aktivně se podílet na rozhodovacích procesech.
Values and Attitudes Orientation of Czech Teachers and Students Focusing on Accepting or Rejecting the Otherness of Cultural and Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Preissová Krejčí Andrea , Cichá Martina , Máčalová Jana
Published: May 2017

Studie zkoumá hodnotovou orientaci českých učitelů a studentů a jejich postoje k rozličným kulturním a etnickým minoritám v České republice. Domníváme se, že klíčovým problémem multikulturního vzdělávání je sdílení stereotypů a předsudků mezi účastníky edukačního procesu. Pro naše téma je nejdůležitější výchovně vzdělávací proces ve vztahu k sociálně znevýhodněným, kterými jsou např. romské děti, děti cizinců apod. Od září 2014 do června 2015 jsme realizovali rozsáhlé výzkumné šetření mezi žáky a učiteli základních a středních škol ve třech krajích České republiky. Hlavní výzkumný záměr spočíval ve zjištění a deskripci postojové a hodnotové orientace žáků a jejich učitelů vůči odlišným kulturním či etnickým skupinám. Naše předpoklady se potvrdily v případě nižší míry tolerance adolescentů k romské minoritě ve srovnání s ostatními etnickými či kulturními menšinovými skupinami, pedagogové i žáci vnímají soužití majority s romskou menšinou jako problematické. Ve vztahu k multikulturní výchově jsme dospěli ke znepokojujícímu zjištění, že pod ní učitelé obecně rozumí „učení se o jiných kulturách“, tzn. že se zdůrazňují rozdíly, namísto toho, aby bylo prezentováno, co mají tyto kultury společného. Důraz je tak kladen pouze na formování kognitivní složky postojů. Takový přístup vede k posilování stereotypního myšlení žáků, namísto rozvoje kritického myšlení.
Taxonomic value of the leaf micro-morphology and quantitative phytochemistry of Jatropha integerrima Jacq. and Jatropha podagrica Hook. (Euphorbiaceae) – known horticultural plants in Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole Opeyemi Saheed , Jimoh Mahboob Adekilekun , Yakubu Fred , Chukwuma Emmanuel Chukwudi
Published: May 2017

Se examinó la micromorfología y la fitoquímica cuantitativa de J. integerrima y J. podagrica para para identificar caracteres útiles para la delimitación taxonómica, siguiendo protocolos estandarizados, descritos por autores anteriores. Ambas especies son hipostómicas (paracíticas). Los tricomas (multicelulares, no glandulares) estaban presentes sólo en la superficie adaxial de J. integerrrima y ausentes en otras superficies epidérmicas. Los análisis fitoquímos también señalaron pequeñas diferencias en la cantidad de compuestos bioactivos presentes en ambas especies. El contenido de fenol es el mayoritario en ambas especies: 37.65% en J. integerrima y 36.13% en J. podagrica. Las semejanzas y diferencias de los caracteres epidérmico-foliares y contenidos fitoquímicos pueden ser empleadas para delimitar taxonomicamente ambas especies.

The leaf micro-morphology and quantitative phytochemistry of J. integerrima and J. podagrica were examined to find useful characters for the delimitation of taxa, following standard protocols as described by previous authors. Both species are hypostomatic (paracytic). Trichome (multicellular, non-glandular) are only present on the adaxial surface of J. integerrima and absent in other epidermal surfaces. Phytochemical analysis also showed little differences in the amount of bioactive compounds present in both species. Phenol contents are the highest in the two species: 37.65% in J. integerrima and 36.13% in J. podagrica. The similarities and differences in the foliar epidermal characters and phytochemical content can be used to delimit the two studies species, as taxonomic characters.
Identification of octopaminergic neurons that modulate sleep suppression by male sex drive
Authors: Machado Daniel R , Afonso Dinis JS , Kenny Alexandra R , Öztürk-Çolak Arzu , Moscato Emilia H , Mainwaring Benjamin , Kayser Matthew , Koh Kyunghee
Published: May 2017

Molecular and circuit mechanisms for balancing competing drives are not well understood. While circadian and homeostatic mechanisms generally ensure sufficient sleep at night, other pressing needs can overcome sleep drive. Here, we demonstrate that the balance between sleep and sex drives determines whether male flies sleep or court, and identify a subset of octopaminergic neurons (MS1) that regulate sleep specifically in males. When MS1 neurons are activated, isolated males sleep less, and when MS1 neurons are silenced, the normal male sleep suppression in female presence is attenuated and mating behavior is impaired. MS1 neurons do not express the sexually dimorphic FRUITLESS (FRU) transcription factor, but form male-specific contacts with FRU-expressing neurons; calcium imaging experiments reveal bidirectional functional connectivity between MS1 and FRU neurons. We propose octopaminergic MS1 neurons interact with the FRU network to mediate sleep suppression by male sex drive.
The Impact of Length of Study Abroad on Collocational Knowledge: The Case of Saudi Students in Australia
Authors: R. Alqarni Ibrahim
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the impact that study in Australia has on the lexical knowledge of Saudi Arabian students. It focuses on: 1) the effects that the length of study in Australia has on the acquisition of lexical collocations, as reflected by lexical knowledge tests, and 2) whether there is a significant gender difference in the acquisition of lexical collocation knowledge. The results indicate that there is a positive correlation between the length of stay in Australia and the knowledge of lexical collocation, since the overall mean scores of the entire sample increased with the number of the years spent in Australia. Participants who stayed for one year had the lowest mean score of 7.39, whereas those with the longest length of stay of four years had the highest mean score of 8.76. Participants staying for two or three years had minimal improvements, with mean scores of 7.64 and 7.68 respectively. The results indicate that there was only a slight difference between male and female participants in their knowledge of lexical collocations, with overall mean scores of 7.56 and 8.35 out of 12 respectively.
Ungulates rely less on visual cues, but more on adapting movement behaviour, when searching for forage
Authors: Venter Jan A. , Prins Herbert H.T. , Mashanova Alla , Slotow Rob
Published: May 2017

Finding suitable forage patches in a heterogeneous landscape, where patches change dynamically both spatially and temporally could be challenging to large herbivores, especially if they have noa prioriknowledge of the location of the patches. We tested whether three large grazing herbivores with a variety of different traits improve their efficiency when foraging at a heterogeneous habitat patch scale by using visual cues to gaina prioriknowledge about potential higher value foraging patches. For each species (zebra (Equus burchelli), red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphussubspeciescamaa) and eland (Tragelaphus oryx)), we used step lengths and directionality of movement to infer whether they were using visual cues to find suitable forage patches at a habitat patch scale. Step lengths were significantly longer for all species when moving to non-visible patches than to visible patches, but all movements showed little directionality. Of the three species, zebra movements were the most directional. Red hartebeest had the shortest step lengths and zebra the longest. We conclude that these large grazing herbivores may not exclusively use visual cues when foraging at a habitat patch scale, but would rather adapt their movement behaviour, mainly step length, to the heterogeneity of the specific landscape.
Radiosensitization effect of hsa-miR-138-2-3p on human laryngeal cancer stem cells
Authors: Zhu Ying , Shi Li-Yun , Lei Yan-Min , Bao Yan-Hong , Li Zhao-Yang , Ding Fei , Zhu Gui-Ting , Wang Qing-Qing , Huang Chang-Xin
Published: May 2017

Background

Treatments that target cancer stem cells play an important role in the controlling and eliminating of tumor initiation as well as in development, progression, and chemotherapy/radiotherapy resistance. In our previous study, we cultured and harvested human laryngeal cancer stem cells (CSCs) and applied microRNA biochips to screen differentially expressed miRNAs that were related to radiation tolerance in irradiated human laryngeal CSCs. According to the predicted genes and pathways of differential miRNAs target, down-regulated expression of hsa-miR-138-2-3p under radiation was thought to play a key role in enhancing the radio-sensitivity in human laryngeal squamous cancer stem cells.

Method

To investigate the radiational enhancement of hsa-miR-138-2-3p, we transfected hsa-miR-138-2-3p mimics that were synthesized based on the sequences of hsa-miR-138-2-3pin vitrointo human laryngeal CSCs (Hep-2, M2e, and TU212 cell lines) to make hsa-miR-138-2-3p overexpressed, and the tumorous specialities of CSCs, like cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, invasion assay, flow cytometry, and comet assay. Furthermore, we explored the signal transduction pathways that regulated the cancer stem cell initiation, development, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which were controlled by hsa-miR-138-2-3p.

Result

Overexpressed hsa-miR-138-2-3p played a key role in many anti-cancer biological processes in human laryngeal CSCs: (1) it decreased laryngeal CSCs proliferation and invasion in response to radiotherapy; (2) it increased the proportion of early and late apoptosis in laryngeal CSCs after radiation, raised G1 phase arrest in laryngeal CSCs after radiation, and decreased the proportion of S stage cells of cell cycle that were related to radio-resistance in laryngeal CSCs; (3) it down-regulated the expression of β-catenin in Wnt signal pathway that was related to the tolerance of laryngeal CSCs to radiotherapy; (4) it down-regulated the expression of YAP1 in Hippo signal pathway that regulated cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis; (5) it up-regulated the expression of p38 and JNK1 in MAPK signal pathway that was concerned to radio-sensitivity.

Conclusion

In the present study, it was found that hsa-miR-138-2-3p regulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathways, the Hippo/YAP1 pathways, and the MAPK/p38/JNK1 pathways that were involved in cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, radio-resistance and radio-sensitivity in laryngeal CSCs. These results will be useful for a better understanding of the cell biology of hsa-miR-138-2-3p in laryngeal CSCs, and for serving hsa-miR-138-2-3p as a promising biomarker and as a target for diagnosis and for novel anti-cancer therapies for laryngeal cancers.
Worldwide exploration of the microbiome harbored by the cnidarian model,Exaiptasia pallida(Agassiz in Verrill, 1864) indicates a lack of bacterial association specificity at a lower taxonomic rank
Authors: Brown Tanya , Otero Christopher , Grajales Alejandro , Rodriguez Estefania , Rodriguez-Lanetty Mauricio
Published: May 2017

Examination of host-microbe interactions in early diverging metazoans, such as cnidarians, is of great interest from an evolutionary perspective to understand how host-microbial consortia have evolved. To address this problem, we analyzed whether the bacterial community associated with the cosmopolitan and model sea anemoneExaiptasia pallidashows specific patterns across worldwide populations ranging from the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. By comparing sequences of the V1–V3 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, we revealed that anemones host a complex and diverse microbial community. When examined at the phylum level, bacterial diversity and abundance associated withE. pallidaare broadly conserved across geographic space with samples, containing largelyProteobacteriaandBacteroides.However, the species-level makeup within these phyla differs drastically across space suggesting a high-level core microbiome with local adaptation of the constituents. Indeed, no bacterial OTU was ubiquitously found in all anemones samples. We also revealed changes in the microbial community structure after rearing anemone specimens in captivity within a period of four months. Furthermore, the variation in bacterial community assemblages across geographical locations did not correlate with the composition of microalgalSymbiodiniumsymbionts. Our findings contrast with the postulation that cnidarian hosts might actively select and maintain species-specific microbial communities that could have resulted from an intimate co-evolution process. The fact thatE. pallidais likely an introduced species in most sampled localities suggests that this microbial turnover is a relatively rapid process. Our findings suggest that environmental settings, not host specificity, seem to dictate bacterial community structure associated with this sea anemone. More than maintaining a specific composition of bacterial species some cnidarians associate with a wide range of bacterial species as long as they provide the same physiological benefits towards the maintenance of a healthy host. The examination of the previously uncharacterized bacterial community associated with the cnidarian sea anemone modelE. pallidais the first global-scale study of its kind.
Quantifying climate change impacts emphasises the importance of managing regional threats in the endangered Yellow-eyed penguin
Authors: Mattern Thomas , Meyer Stefan , Ellenberg Ursula , Houston David M. , Darby John T. , Young Melanie , van Heezik Yolanda , Seddon Philip J.
Published: May 2017

Climate change is a global issue with effects that are difficult to manage at a regional scale. Yet more often than not climate factors are just some of multiple stressors affecting species on a population level. Non-climatic factors—especially those of anthropogenic origins—may play equally important roles with regard to impacts on species and are often more feasible to address. Here we assess the influence of climate change on population trends of the endangered Yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) over the last 30 years, using a Bayesian model. Sea surface temperature (SST) proved to be the dominating factor influencing survival of both adult birds and fledglings. Increasing SST since the mid-1990s was accompanied by a reduction in survival rates and population decline. The population model showed that 33% of the variation in population numbers could be explained by SST alone, significantly increasing pressure on the penguin population. Consequently, the population becomes less resilient to non-climate related impacts, such as fisheries interactions, habitat degradation and human disturbance. However, the extent of the contribution of these factors to declining population trends is extremely difficult to assess principally due to the absence of quantifiable data, creating a discussion bias towards climate variables, and effectively distracting from non-climate factors that can be managed on a regional scale to ensure the viability of the population.
From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong
Authors: Camacho-Cervantes Morelia , Ortega-Iturriaga Adrián , del-Val Ek
Published: May 2017

The use of biological control agents to control pests is an alternative to pesticides and a tool to manage invasive alien species. However, biocontrol agents can themselves become invasive species under certain conditions. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is a native Asian biocontrol agent that has become a successful invader. We reviewed articles containing “Harmonia axyridis” to gather information on its presence and surveyed entomologists researching Coccinellidae around the world to investigate further insights about the current distribution, vectors of introduction, habitat use and threats this species pose. The harlequin ladybird has established populations in at least 59 countries outside its native range. Twenty six percent of the surveyed scientists considered it a potential threat to native Coccinellidae. Published studies and scientists suggestAdalia bipunctata, native to Europe, is under the highest risk of population declines. Strict policies should be incorporated to prevent its arrival to non-invaded areas and to prevent further expansion range. Managing invasive species is a key priority to prevent biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem services.
Morphology of an Early Oligocene beaverPropalaeocastor irtyshensisand the status of the genusPropalaeocastor
Authors: Li Lüzhou , Li Qiang , Lu Xiaoyu , Ni Xijun
Published: May 2017

The Early to Late OligocenePropalaeocastoris the earliest known beaver genus from Eurasia. Although many species of this genus have been described, these species are defined based on very fragmentary specimens.Propalaeocastor irtyshensisfrom the Early Oligocene Irtysh River Formation in northwestern Xinjiang, China is one of the earliest-known members ofPropalaeocastor. This species is defined on a single maxillary fragment. We revise the diagnosis ofP. irtyshensisand the genusPropalaeocastor, based on newly discovered specimens from the Irtysh River Formation. The dental morphology ofP. irtyshensisis very similar to other early castorids. The caudal palatine foramen ofP. irtyshensisis situated in the maxillary-palatine suture. This is a feature generally accept as diagnostic character for the castorids. On the other hand,P. irtyshensishas two upper premolars, a rudimentarily developed sciuromorph-like zygomatic plate, and a relatively large protrogomorph-like infraorbital foramen. Some previous researchers suggested thatPropalaeocastoris a junior synonym ofSteneofiber, while other took it as a valid genus. Our morphological comparison and phylogenetic analysis suggest thatPropalaeocastordiffers fromSteneofiberand is a valid genus. We also suggest thatAgnotocastor aubekerovi,A. coloradensis,A.galushai,A. readingi,Oligotheriomys primus, and “Steneofiberaff.dehmi” should be referred toPropalaeocastor.Propalaeocastoris the earliest and most basal beaver. The origin place ofPropalaeocastorand castorids is uncertain. The Early Oligocene radiation of castorids probably is propelled by the global climate change during the Eocene-Oligocene transition.
Changes in the spatial and temporal pattern of natural forest cover on Hainan Island from the 1950s to the 2010s: implications for natural forest conservation and management
Authors: Lin Siliang , Jiang Yaozhu , He Jiekun , Ma Guangzhi , Xu Yang , Jiang Haisheng
Published: May 2017

The study of the past, present, and future state and dynamics of the tropical natural forest cover (NFC) might help to better understand the pattern of deforestation and fragmentation as well as the influence of social and natural processes. The obtained information will support the development of effective conservation policies and strategies. In the present study, we used historical data of the road network, topography, and climatic productivity to reconstruct NFC maps of Hainan Island, China, from the 1950s to the 2010s, using the random forest algorithm. We investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of NFC change from the 1950s to the 2010s and found that it was highly dynamic in both space and time. Our data showed that grid cells with low NFC were more vulnerable to NFC decrease, suggesting that conservation actions regarding natural forests need to focus on regions with low NFC and high ecological value. We also identified the hot spots of NFC change, which provides insights into the dynamic changes of natural forests over time.
Regression assumptions in clinical psychology research practice—a systematic review of common misconceptions
Authors: Ernst Anja F. , Albers Casper J.
Published: May 2017

Misconceptions about the assumptions behind the standard linear regression model are widespread and dangerous. These lead to using linear regression when inappropriate, and to employing alternative procedures with less statistical power when unnecessary. Our systematic literature review investigated employment and reporting of assumption checks in twelve clinical psychology journals. Findings indicate that normality of the variables themselves, rather than of the errors, was wrongfully held for a necessary assumption in 4% of papers that use regression. Furthermore, 92% of all papers using linear regression were unclear about their assumption checks, violating APA-recommendations. This paper appeals for a heightened awareness for and increased transparency in the reporting of statistical assumption checking.
An exhaustive survey of regular peptide conformations using a new metric for backbone handedness (h)
Authors: Mannige Ranjan V.
Published: May 2017

The Ramachandran plot is important to structural biology as it describes a peptide backbone in the context of its dominant degrees of freedom—the backbone dihedral anglesφandψ(Ramachandran, Ramakrishnan & Sasisekharan, 1963). Since its introduction, the Ramachandran plot has been a crucial tool to characterize protein backbone features. However, the conformation or twist of a backbone as a function ofφandψhas not been completely described for bothcisandtransbackbones. Additionally, little intuitive understanding is available about a peptide’s conformation simply from knowing theφandψvalues of a peptide (e.g., is the regular peptide defined byφ = ψ =  − 100°  left-handed or right-handed?). This report provides a new metric for backbone handedness (h) based on interpreting a peptide backbone as a helix with axial displacementdand angular displacementθ, both of which are derived from a peptide backbone’s internal coordinates, especially dihedral anglesφ,ψandω. In particular,hequals sin(θ)d∕|d|, with range [−1, 1] and negative (or positive) values indicating left(or right)-handedness. The metrichis used to characterize the handedness of every region of the Ramachandran plot for bothcis(ω = 0°) and trans (ω = 180°) backbones, which provides the first exhaustive survey of twist handedness in Ramachandran (φ,ψ) space. These maps fill in the ‘dead space’ within the Ramachandran plot, which are regions that are not commonly accessed by structured proteins, but which may be accessible to intrinsically disordered proteins, short peptide fragments, and protein mimics such as peptoids. Finally, building on the work of (Zacharias & Knapp, 2013), this report presents a new plot based ondandθthat serves as a universal and intuitive alternative to the Ramachandran plot. The universality arises from the fact that the co-inhabitants of such a plot include every possible peptide backbone includingcisandtransbackbones. The intuitiveness arises from the fact thatdandθprovide, at a glance, numerous aspects of the backbone including compactness, handedness, and planarity.
Serotonergic activation during courtship and aggression in the brown anole,Anolis sagrei
Authors: Hartline Jacob T. , Smith Alexandra N. , Kabelik David
Published: May 2017

The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in social behavior regulation is not fully understood. While 5-HT release in nuclei of the social behavior network has generally been associated with inhibition of aggressive behavior across multiple classes of vertebrates, less is known about its effects on sexual, especially non-copulatory courtship display behaviors. Furthermore, most research has examined effects at 5-HT release sites, while studies examining the behavioral relevance of source cell populations have generated contradictory findings. This study utilized immunohistochemistry to examine the colocalization of 5-HT with Fos, an immediate early gene product and marker of neural activity, in the raphe and superior reticular nuclei of male brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) exposed to either aggression, courtship, or control social interactions. Supporting previous research, copulation was associated with a decrease in 5-HT activity, while a novel link between 5-HT activity and latency to non-copulatory courtship was also found. Within the aggression group, intensity and frequency of behavior were both associated with decreased 5-HT activity. An effect of social context was also seen, with anoles exposed to either courtship or aggression encounters showing decreased 5-HT activity in certain raphe and superior reticular nuclei populations compared to controls. Interestingly, context effects and behavioral effects were seen at separate brain nuclei, suggesting the presence of separate systems with distinct functional roles.
EDUCAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL NA AGENDA INTERNACIONAL: DE JOMTIEN (1990) A INCHEON (2015)
Authors: Zotti Solange , Vizzotto Liane , Corsetti Berenice
Published: May 2017

Nas últimas décadas a educação passa a ser chamada para tomar sua responsabilidade na concretização de um planeta sustentável. Nesse sentido, o objetivo dessa reflexão é discutir a concepção de educação para o desenvolvimento sustentável em documentos oficiais transnacionais dos quais o Brasil é signatário. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como documental, sendo analisados os documentos: Década das Nações Unidas da Educação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (2005-2014) e os documentos produzidos nas Conferências de Jomtien (1990), Dakar (2000) e Incheon (2015). As análises evidenciam a relação educação e desenvolvimento sustentável, como um elemento importante do conjunto das orientações dos organismos multilaterais, mas revelam um discurso reformista, cuja superação de modelos externos e voltados ao capital está longe de se efetivar.
DESAFIOS DA PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO: ARTICULAÇÃO ENTRE ENSINO, PESQUISA E EXTENSÃO E DIÁLOGO COM OUTRAS FORMAS DE PRODUÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO
Authors: Nunes Flaviana Gasparotti
Published: May 2017

Neste texto pretendemos refletir sobre a pós-graduação brasileira no que concerne a dois grandes desafios: a integração entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão e a necessidade de outras formas de produção do conhecimento. Inicialmente, apontamos que a hegemonia da pesquisa assentada numa dada concepção de ciência e produção do conhecimento é um problema que limita e, muitas vezes, inviabiliza as relações ou articulações da pós-graduação com o ensino e a extensão. A partir disso, argumentamos sobre a necessidade de pensar o conhecimento produzido na pós-graduação para além da esfera reduzida da racionalidade cognitivo-instrumental da ciência moderna buscando outras formas de produção do conhecimento que dialoguem estabeleçam trocas com o científico.
PANORAMA DOS ARTIGOS CIENTÍFICOS EM EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL: UMA ANÁLISE TEMÁTICA E METODOLÓGICA
Authors: Mota Junior Cesar
Published: May 2017

A Educação Ambiental (EA) ocupa um lugar significativo no campo educacional brasileiro, alavancando as pesquisas e produções científicas na área. Com isto, esse artigo propõe analisar as tendências temáticas e metodológicas que predominam nos artigos científicos sobre EA entre os anos de 2009 e 2014, publicados na base Scielo e apresentados nas reuniões da Anped. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e utiliza-se dos pressupostos de Bardin referente à análise de conteúdo para a coleta, categorização e apreciação dos dados. Os achados apontam para uma diversidade de produções científicas com temáticas e metodologias diferenciadas, mas que compartilham, implícita ou explicitamente, o mesmo objetivo: a articulação e integração da EA e suas limitações no sistema educativo.
A ESCOLA DESIGUAL E O CONHECIMENTO: REFLEXÕES A PARTIR DA SOCIOLOGIA DA EDUCAÇÃO DE BASIL BERNSTEIN
Authors: Stefenon Daniel Luiz , Castellar Sônia Maria Vanzella
Published: May 2017

O acesso desigual aos conhecimentos oferecidos pela escola básica é um tema que se coloca no centro do debate sobre os desafios da educação pública no Brasil atual. Este ensaio pretende refletir sobre esse problema a partir das contribuições do sociólogo britânico Basil Bernstein, destacando seu modelo do dispositivo pedagógico e sua proposta de classificação das diferentes formas de discurso sujeitas à transformação pedagógica. A teoria de Bernstein, ao demonstrar sua preocupação com a questão do controle simbólico que a escola exerce sobre as diferentes classes sociais, aponta para a necessidade de se pensar uma escola de conhecimento para todos, a fim de que se possa democratizar verdadeiramente os saberes necessários para que os estudantes possam agir com autonomia e protagonismo no âmbito geral da sociedade contemporânea, independente de sua origem social.
COVID-19 Therapeutics for Nonhospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Patel Pragna , Wentworth David E. , Daskalakis Demetre
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint summarizes the factors contributing to increased risk of severe outcomes and hospitalization associated with COVID-19 among older adults, stresses the importance of assessing COVID-19 risk before infection occurs, calls for all immunocompromised older adults to be considered for COVID-19 treatment, and details 3 recommended COVID-19 therapies.
Cardiovascular Events After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for Advanced Hematologic Malignant Neoplasms
Authors: Koeckerling David , Reddy Rohin K. , Barker Joseph , Eichhorn Christian , Divall Pip , Howard James P. , Korell Felix , Schmitt Michael , Dreger Peter , Frey Norbert , Lehmann Lorenz H.
Published: October 2024

Importance

The frequency and clinical phenotypes of cardiotoxic events in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell recipients remain poorly understood given that landmark approval trials typically exclude patients with high-risk cardiovascular profiles and data from nontrial settings are scarce.

Objective

To summarize the prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events among adults receiving CAR T-cell therapies for advanced hematologic malignant neoplasms.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from database inception until February 26, 2024.

Study Selection

Observational studies were included if they comprised adult CAR T-cell recipients with advanced hematologic malignant neoplasms and if they systematically evaluated cardiovascular complications.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Extraction of prespecified parameters related to the patient population, study design, and clinical events was performed at the study level by 2 independent reviewers in accordance with the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline. Meta-analysis of single proportions was conducted using random-effect models with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformations to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed using generalized linear mixed models with logit transformations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, heart failure events, reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Results

Thirteen studies comprising 1528 CAR T-cell recipients (median [IQR] age, 61 [58.7-63.0] years; 1016 males [66%]; 80% patients with lymphoma) were included. The median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 487 (294-530) days. On random-effects meta-analysis, we observed a pooled prevalence of 0.66% (95% CI, 0.00%-2.28%) for ventricular arrhythmia, 7.79% (95% CI, 4.87%-11.27%) for supraventricular arrhythmia, 8.68% (95% CI, 2.26%-17.97%) for left ventricular dysfunction, 3.87% (95% CI, 1.77%-6.62%) for heart failure events, 0.62% (95% CI, 0.02%-1.74%) for myocardial infarction, and 0.63% (95% CI, 0.13%-1.38%) for cardiovascular death. The pooled prevalence of all-cause mortality was 30.01% (95% CI, 19.49%-41.68%). Sensitivity analyses generated similar findings.

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis found a low prevalence of ventricular arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death among CAR T-cell recipients over a short-term to midterm follow-up. Left ventricular dysfunction and supraventricular arrhythmia were the most commonly reported cardiovascular complications, suggesting that cardiovascular surveillance strategies should focus on decreases in ejection fraction and supraventricular arrhythmia.
Feasibility and Performance of a Point-of-Care Hepatitis C RNA Assay in a Community Supervision Cohort
Authors: Harvey Leah , Jacka Brendan , Bazerman Lauri , Thomas Aurielle , Moody Marc , Irvin Risha , Beckwith Curt G.
Published: October 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the feasibility and clinical performance of a fingerstick point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA assay in a community supervision (probation or parole) setting.
Mitochondria: the beating heart of the eukaryotic cell
Authors: Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: October 2024

Mitochondria are essential organelles of eukaryotic cells. They consist of hundreds of proteins, which are synthesized in the cytosol and imported into mitochondria via different targeting routes. In addition, a small number of proteins are encoded by the organellar genome and synthesized by mitochondrial ribosomes. In this ‘In the Limelight’ special issue of FEBS Open Bio, five review articles describe these different biogenesis routes of mitochondrial proteins and provide a comprehensive overview of the structures and mechanisms by which mitochondrial proteins are synthesized and transported to their respective location within the organelle. These reviews, written by leading experts, provide a general overview, but also highlight current developments in the field of mitochondrial biogenesis.
Stroke‐like episodes in patients with adult‐onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease and patients with late‐onset MELAS: A comparative study
Authors: Shi Yuzhi , Dong Gehong , Pan Hua , Tai Hongfei , Zhou Yi , Wang An , Niu Songtao , Chen Bin , Wang Xingao , Zhang Zaiqiang
Published: October 2024

Objective

To delineate the characteristics of stroke‐like episodes (SLEs) in patients with adult‐onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) and to compare these characteristics with those of patients with MELAS.

Methods

Twenty‐three adult‐onset NIID patients who presented with acute or subacute brain disorders and 13 late‐onset MELAS patients were enrolled in the study. Patients with NIID were categorized into the SLEs group and the encephalopathy‐like episodes (ELEs) group according to the associated stroke‐like lesions (SLLs) findings. Clinical characteristics were compared between the SLEs group and the ELEs group among NIID patients and between NIID patients with SLEs and MELAS patients.

Results

Eleven (47.8%) NIID patients who manifested acute or subacute brain disorders had detectable associated SLLs and were categorized into SLEs group. SLEs patients were more likely to report fever, headache, and seizures instead of sleep disorders than ELEs patients. Four (36.4%) NIID patients with SLEs absence of diagnostic or suggestive NIID imaging features. The clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and neuroimaging and muscle biopsy histological features of NIID patients with SLEs majorly overlapped with those of late‐onset MELAS patients. Older age at the first SLE (OR [95% CI], 1.203 [1.045–1.384]), symptoms of movement disorders on admission (OR [95% CI], 9.625 [1.378–67.246]), and white matter hyperintensity in corpus callosum (OR [95% CI], 16.00 [1.542–166.46]) associated with the NIID diagnosis in patients with SLEs.

Interpretation

NIID patients with SLEs exhibit evident features of mitochondrial disorders. Interventions aimed at mitochondrial dysfunction might be a promising therapeutic approach for treating this disease.