bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are scientific abstracts written in poetic verse an effective representation of the underlying research?
Authors: Illingworth Sam
Published: August 2016

The central purpose of science is to explain (Purtill, 1970). However, who is that explanation for, and how is this explanation communicated once it has been deduced?

Scientific research is typically communicated via papers in journals, with an abstract presented as a summary of that explanation. However, in many instances they may be written in a manner which is non-communicatory to a lay reader (Halliday & Martin, 2003). This study begins to investigate if poetry could be used as an alternative form of communication, by first assessing if poetic verse is an effective form of communication to other scientists. In order to assess this suitability, a survey was conducted in which two different groups of participants were asked questions based on a scientific abstract. One group of participants was given the original scientific abstract, whilst the second group was instead given a poem written about the scientific study. Quantitative analysis found that whilst a scientific audience found a poetic interpretation of a scientific abstract to be no less interesting or inspiring than the original prose, they did find it to be less accessible. However, further qualitative analysis suggested that the poem did a good job in conveying a similar meaning to that presented in the original abstract. The results of this study indicate that whilst for a scientific audience poetry should not replace the prose abstract, it could be used alongside the original format to inspire the reader to find out more about the topic. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of this approach for a non-expert audience.

Alternative version:

Are scientific papers understood,

By anyone from outside of the field;

And is an abstract really any good,

If jargon means its secrets aren’t revealed?

Could poetry present a different way,

Of summing up research in a nutshell; 

Presented in a language for the lay,

Yet still useful for scientists as well?

This study aimed to find if it was true,

That poems could be a way to convey fact;

By splitting sample researchers in two:

And giving each a different abstract.

The findings showed that whilst prose was preferred,

Related meanings from both were inferred.
mTOR inhibitors in cancer therapy
Authors: Xie Jianling , Wang Xuemin , Proud Christopher G.
Published: August 2016

The mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, plays key roles in cell growth and proliferation, acting at the catalytic subunit of two protein kinase complexes: mTOR complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1/2). mTORC1 signaling is switched on by several oncogenic signaling pathways and is accordingly hyperactive in the majority of cancers. Inhibiting mTORC1 signaling has therefore attracted great attention as an anti-cancer therapy. However, progress in using inhibitors of mTOR signaling as therapeutic agents in oncology has been limited by a number of factors, including the fact that the classic mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, inhibits only some of the effects of mTOR; the existence of several feedback loops; and the crucial importance of mTOR in normal physiology.
Convex Relaxations for Gas Expansion Planning
Authors: Borraz-Sánchez Conrado , Bent Russell , Backhaus Scott , Hijazi Hassan , Hentenryck Pascal Van
Published: August 2016

Expansion of natural gas networks is a critical process involving substantial capital expenditures with complex decision-support requirements. Given the nonconvex nature of gas transmission constraints, global optimality and infeasibility guarantees can only be offered by global optimisation approaches. Unfortunately, state-of-the-art global optimisation solvers are unable to scale up to real-world size instances. In this study, we present a convex mixed-integer second-order cone relaxation for the gas expansion planning problem under steady-state conditions. The underlying model offers tight lower bounds with high computational efficiency. In addition, the optimal solution of the relaxation can often be used to derive high-quality solutions to the original problem, leading to provably tight optimality gaps and, in some cases, global optimal solutions. The convex relaxation is based on a few key ideas, including the introduction of flux direction variables, exact McCormick relaxations, on/off constraints, and integer cuts. Numerical experiments are conducted on the traditional Belgian gas network, as well as other real larger networks. The results demonstrate both the accuracy and computational speed of the relaxation and its ability to produce high-quality solutions.
Steroids and sweets: can liquorice make high-dose steroids more palatable in treating MS relapses?
Authors: Low Samantha , Porter Bernadette , Chataway Jeremy
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

High-dose corticosteroids are often used to treat acute relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS). A common side effect of this treatment is an unpleasant metallic taste. There was anecdotal evidence from patients that liquorice reduced this.

Methods:

An interventional study in patients attending an MS acute relapse clinic at a tertiary referral centre was performed. On day one, patients received treatment but were not given liquorice first; on day two, they were given liquorice to eat before treatment. They completed a questionnaire and scored the severity of the metallic taste on each day.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients were analysed. The mean pre-intervention and post-intervention severity scores, where higher scores equalled more unpleasant tastes, were 6.0±2.4 and 2.9±2.2 respectively, demonstrating an absolute reduction of 3.1±2.1 points (p<0.001) and a relative reduction of 51.5%. This benefit was seen in more than 90% of participants.

Conclusion:

In the majority of participants, administration of liquorice before steroid therapy reduced the severity of the metallic taste by half.
Covert medicine and deprivation of liberty
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: August 2016

In this article, Richard Griffith considers the practice implications of a decision by the Court of Protection that highlights the need for a formal ‘best interests’ decision and continued independent monitoring through the deprivation of liberty safeguards concerning the covert administration of medicine to an incapable patient.
Research Roundup
Authors: Costello John
Published: August 2016

John Costello provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting the key points to keep you up to date. A full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail.
Radiation Dosimetry of Some Selected Industrial Sites at Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Ononugbo C. P. , Komolafe E.
Published: August 2016

Measurement of radiation exposure rate of Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, Rivers State, Nigeria was carried out in order to assess the radiological health implication of the exposed individuals. The area was divided into four zones namely Zone A, Zone B, Zone C and Zone D. An in-situ approach was adopted using two calibrated Nuclear Radiation meters (Digilert -50 and Radalert -100) and a Global Positioning System (GPS map-765). At each zone, eight (8) readings were taken making a total of thirty two (32) sampling points. The measured mean exposure rate of the four zones is 0.014, 0.015, 0.017 and 0.018mRh-1 respectively. About 78% of the sampling points have exposure rate higher than the normal standard radiation exposure rate of 0.013mRh-1. The mean absorbed dose of the four zones is 118.54, 127.24, 147.9 and 152.3nGyh-1. These values were higher than the world safe value of 84.0nGyh-1. Annual effective doses of all the sampling point are within the safe value but the excess life time cancer risk estimated for all the sampling points exceeded the safe value of 0.29×10-3. This study shows that there is no immediate health hazard on the workers, staffs and the general populace of the host communities but continuous and prolonged exposure may pose health challenges to the staff working within the free trade zones and those residing around the area.
Human Health Risk Assessment: Arsenic Exposure Risks in Bangladesh
Authors: Farrow Cameron , McBean Edward A.
Published: August 2016

Arsenic-caused cancers in Bangladesh, arising from both water and food sources of arsenic (As) are characterized. The results indicate countrywide incremental As cancer cases as 1.27 million, a number which will increase by 1.2% per year unless a sustainable removal technology for As from groundwater is implemented. The site-specific magnitude of the incremental cancer, driven by local groundwater conditions is demonstrated where, for example, in Chandpur, 4% of the districts’ population will develop cancer due to As intake.
On average, 46% of the As body burden for Bangladeshis comes directly from water and 54% from food, although the range of percentages varies significantly from one district to the next, from a low of 0% water-based intake (indicating entire body burden from food sources) in the district of Dhaka, to a high of 91% in Chandpur. It is noteworthy that residents of Dhaka, since they are only exposed to food-related As, will see an estimated 42,000 incremental cancer cases.
Treating drinking water to the Bangladeshi standard of 50µg/L would decrease incremental cancer cases in Bangladesh by 353,000; further reduction to the WHO standard of 10µg/L would reduce the number of incremental cancer cases by an additional 298,000.
Funtzio anitzeko polimero metal-organiko porotsuak (MOF): etorkizuneko material adimendunei begira
Authors: Cepeda Javier , Pérez-Yáñez Sonia
Published: August 2016

MOF deritzen polimero metal-organikoak ioi metalikoz eta estekatzaile organikoz osatutako koordinazio-sare porotsuak dira. Azken urteotan beste material porotsuen artean gailentzen ari dira. Bere natura hibridoak propietate anitzak jorratzeko aukera ematen die, porositatearekin erlazionatuta daudenez gain (gasen bilketa eta banaketa) katalisia, sentsore magnetiko edota lumineszente bezala jokatzekoak ere bermatuz. Material hauek egitura eta funtzionalitatea aldatzeko erraztasun handia dutenez, aldi berean ikatz aktibatuaren eta zeoliten barne-azaleren mugak gainditzen dituzte. Hori dela eta, MOFen arloak garapen sakona sustatu du eta kimikaren barnean hazkunde azkarrenetariko esparrua izatea lortu du.
Testuliburuetatik domeinu-modulu eleaniztunak eraikitzen
Authors: Conde Ángel , Arruarte Ana , Larrañaga Mikel , Elorriaga Jon A. , Urizar Ruben
Published: August 2016

Lan honetan LiDom Builder tresnaren analisia, diseinua eta ebaluazioa aurkezten dira. Domeinu Modulu Eleaniztunak testuliburu elektronikoetatik era automatikoan erauztea ahalbidetzen du LiDom Builderek. Ezagutza eskuratzeko, Hizkuntzaren Prozesamendurako eta Ikaste Automatikorako teknikekin batera, zenbait baliabide eleaniztun erabiltzen ditu, besteak beste, Wikipedia eta WordNet.
Poli(metilmetakrilatoa)ren gainazal eraldakea. Sentsore adimendunak
Authors: Azkune Mikel , Larrakoetxea Garazi , Etxebarria Maria , Ruiz-Rubio Leire
Published: August 2016

Parametro biologikoak neurtzeko sentsore-plataforma adimendunak sortzea gainazalak eraldatzearen arrazoi nagusienetako bat da. Kontzentrazio baxuko disoluzioak neurtzeko, hautakortasun handia behar denerako edo sentikortasun itzela nahi den egoeretan neurketak egin ahal izateko, sentsore hauen garapena beharrezkoa da. Horrez gain, osasungintzan erabili ahal izateko, biobateragarritasuna ezinbesteko ezaugarria denez, polimerozko sentsoreen erabilpena hazi egingo dela aurresan daiteke. Esparru honetan, oso erabilia den poli(metilmetakrilatoa)ren historia, gaur egun gainazalaren modifikazioak egiteko teknika erabilienak eta horiek eragindako modifikazioa karakterizatzeko moduak azaltzen dira lan honetan. Gainera, poli(metilmetakrilatoa)n eginiko zenbait modifikazio eta emaitza erakusten dira eraldaketen parametroak optimizatu nahian.
Kannabinoide berriak: segurtasun eta eraginkortasun terapeutikoaren bila
Authors: Aostri Erik , Pineda Joseba , Mendiguren Aitziber
Published: August 2016

Cannabis sativa landarean kannabidiola, kannabigerola edo Δ9-tetrahidrokannabibarina bezalako kannabinoide ez-psikoaktiboak aurki daitezke. Oro har, kannabinoide horiek kannabinoideen hartzaileekiko (CB) afinitate txikia dutenez, ez daukate kannabinoide klasikoek (bereziki Δ9-THCak) duten aktibitate psikoaktiboa. Gizakietan eta animalietan kannabinoide ez-psikoaktiboekin egindako lehenengo ikerketek horien propietate terapeutikoak frogatu dituzte. Efektu horiek azaltzeko itu eta mekanismo desberdinak proposatu dira, besteak beste, hartzaile serotonergikoen aktibazioa edota entzima desberdinen modulazioa.
Dinâmica serial e contactos catenais das comunidades herbáceas anuais e vivazes do interior de Portugal continental (Beira Interior e Alentejo)
Authors: Ribeiro Silvia , Espírito-Santo M. Dalila
Published: August 2016

Neste estudo apresenta-se uma classificação fitossociológica com base em inventários próprios realizados, de acordo com a metodologia fitossociológica, em comunidades herbáceas vivazes e anuais, nas subprovíncias Luso-Estremadurense, Carpetana-Leonesa e Orolusitana Atlântica, abrangendo o SE & CE de Portugal continental. O objetivo principal é a descrição das comunidades herbáceas do ponto de vista da composição e variabilidade florística, da ecologia, da distribuição e abundância na área de estudo, da sintaxonomia, dos contactos catenais, da sindinâmica e do estatuto de conservação, tendo como base os dados recolhidos no campo e obtidos através de pesquisa bibliográfica. Foram identificadas 9 classes de vegetação herbácea, 3 classes de vegetação arbustiva, 3 classes de vegetação arbórea e 65 associações no total. Assim, as comunidades inventariadas distribuem-se pelas classes: Isoeto-Nanojuncetea; Magnocarici elatae-Phragmitetea australis; Stellarietea mediae; Tuberarietea guttatae; Poetea bulbosae; Festuco-Brometea; Lygeo-Stipetea; Stipo giganteae-Agrostietea castellanae e Molinio-Arrhenatheretea. Foram identificadas 14 ordens, 20 alianças, 43 associações e 7 subassociações, no conjunto das comunidades terofíticas e vivazes estudadas, desde biótopos oligotróficos, nitrófilos e higrófilos a mesofíticos. Obtiveram-se 12 sintaxa que correspondem a habitats da Diretiva Habitats, alguns dos quais prioritários para conservação. É apresentada uma aproximação a um modelo dinâmico-catenal no qual se identificam os padrões de resposta das comunidades herbáceas a vários fatores de perturbação. Conclui-se que o conhecimento obtido a partir da Geobotânica, nomeadamente da Sinfitossociologia, constitui uma ferramenta essencial para uma gestão sustentável do território.
Ikasle autoktonoak eta ikasle etorkinak Bilboko eskoletan: eskola mota eta praktika linguistikoak
Authors: Berasategi Sancho Naiara
Published: August 2016

El trabajo que se presenta está ubicado en un marco más amplio de investigación. En este artículo se presentan las características del tipo de centro y las prácticas lingüísticas (euskara, español y otras lenguas) del alumnado (autóctono e inmigrante) de 2 y 4 de la E.S.O. Revisados los datos socio demográficos y las políticas del Departamento de Educación del Gobierno Vasco respecto a la incorporación del alumnado recién llegado al Sistema Educativo Vasco, se procede al estudio de las características del alumnado de Bilbao sobre una muestra de 989 del alumnado de 2 y 4 de la ESO. Se analizan el tipo de centro que el alumnado elige teniendo en cuenta, la titularidad del centro, el porcentaje de alumnado inmigrante y el modelo lingüístico. Por otro lado, se analizan las prácticas de dicho alumnado en diferentes espacios (en la escuela, en el patio, en la familia y con los amigos). Finalmente, se plantean ciertas actuaciones que plantean optimizar y reconsiderar estrategias para mejorar el uso del euskara y el uso de las lenguas del alumnado inmigrante.
Eskola eta irratia: EHko 5 haur-irrati, Arabako 6 eskola-irrati eta Gasteizko Alai Bediren esperientzia
Authors: Gartzia Santamaria Mikel , Bustillo Bayón Jon
Published: August 2016

En este artículo se ha analizado la utilidad de la radio como recurso didáctico y el uso que actualmente se le da en 6 centros educativos de Álava, tanto en Educación Infantil como, en mayor medida, en Primaria. También se describen en otros territorios de Euskal Herria 4 casos en los que radios profesionales ofrecen sus servicios a las escuelas. Por último, se explica cómo durante el curso académico 2014-2015 se creó un nuevo programa infantil en la radio Hala Bedi de Vitoria-Gasteiz que permitió experimentar las posibilidades educativas de este medio de comunicación.
Euskal toponimia, baserrien izenak eta deituren ondarea, Gizarte-Zientziak ikasteko abiapuntu. Bigarren hezkuntzarako proposamena
Authors: Ugalde Ana Isabel , Arregi Orue Joseba
Published: August 2016

El artículo presenta una propuesta de enseñanza-aprendizaje de las Ciencias Sociales para Educación Secundaria, tomando como punto de partida los apellidos vascos que tienen su origen en el nombre del caserío, es decir, la casa tradicional de las provincias de Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, norte de Álava y de Navarra y el País Vasco Francés. En época difícil de determinar los terrenos comunales comenzaron a privatizarse, adoptando la forma de parcelas circulares. La documentación en romance los denomina seles, un vocablo de origen prerromano y en euskara han dado lugar a una serie de topónimos, algunos de los cuales pasaron a nombrar al caserío que se construyó en los mismos. Y los que habitaron en dichos caseríos lo adoptaron como patronímico. En la propuesta se ofrecen una serie de herramientas histórico-geográficas asequibles en Internet y se sugieren actividades para que el alumnado construya un conocimiento socio histórico conectado con su propia realidad.
Problemetan Oinarritutako Ikaskuntza (POI) unibertsitatean: bere aplikazioa ikerketa metodologiako irakasgai batean
Authors: Aliri Lazcano Jone , Lertxundi Iribar Nerea , Vozmediano Sanz Laura , Vergara Iraeta Ana Isabel , Gorostiaga Manterola Arantxa
Published: August 2016

La Universidad del País vasco pretende impulsar el Aprendizaje Cooperativo y Dinámico,y para ello, entre otras medidas, ha desarrollado el programa ERAGIN. Una de las metodologías activas que se trabaja en este programa es el Aprendizaje basado en Problemas (ABP). Así, este artículo tiene dos objetivos principales: describir la aplicación de la metodología ABP en la asignatura «Análisis de Datos y Diseños: Método no Experimental» de segundo curso del Grado de Psicología de la Universidad del País Vasco y, analizar los resultados obtenidos. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 242 estudiantes matriculados/as en la asignatura. Con el fin de adquirir las competencias de la asignatura, en el contexto ABP, el alumnado trabajó sobre un problema individualmente o en pequeños grupos. En relación a los resultados, de los/as estudiantes que optaron por la metodología ABP, la mayoría (87,9%) superó la asignatura. Además, las correlaciones entre las calificaciones de las actividades propuestas desde dicha metodología fueron positivas y estadísticamente significativas. En el futuro, para poder analizar la efectividad del ABP de forma integral, se observa la necesidad de evaluar, además de los resultados de los alumnos/as, la percepción del alumnado sobre dicha metodología.
Avaliação do uso da cromatografia gasosa para detecção de hidrocarbonetos monoaromáticos na água subterrânea na região norte do município de Fortaleza (CE)
Authors: Costa de Freitas Evla Vívia , De Sá Barreto Francisco Maurício , Da Franca Alencar Neto Mariano , Martins Cavalcante Rivelino
Published: August 2016

A contaminação das águas subterrâneas por derivados do petróleo, como a gasolina é um dos principais impactos causados pela atividade comercial varejista de revenda de combustíveis automotivos. Uma das formas de se detectar esse tipo de impacto é realizar a caracterização da qualidade das águas subterrâneas próximas a esses locais quanto à presença de hidrocarbonetos monoaromáticos, como benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e os isômeros do xileno (BTEX). Nesse sentido, buscou-se caracterizar a qualidade da água subterrânea quanto à presença de BTEX na região norte do município de Fortaleza - CE, área de estudo desta pesquisa. Para isso, foi implantada a metodologia analítica de detecção dos BTEX por cromatografia gasosa, acoplada aos detectores PID (fotoionização) e FID (ionização em chama), antecedida da técnica de pré-concentração da amostra headspace estático. O método foi validado através da avaliação dos parâmetros seletividade, linearidade, precisão (repetibilidade), exatidão (recuperação), limite de detecção (LD) e limite de quantificação (LQ). A amostragem da água subterrânea foi realizada pelo método de baixa-vazão, conforme a norma ABNT NBR 15847/2010, com o auxílio de um sistema de amostragem automatizado - Low-Flow Sampling, em 11 poços de monitoramento. O método analítico mostrou-se bastante seletivo, repetitivo, linear, apresentou boa recuperação (70 a 110%) e baixos limites de detecção (0,01 a 0,08 µg/L) e limite de quantificação (0,04 a 0,32 µg/L).  Os compostos BTEX foram detectados em todos os poços monitorados, entretanto as concentrações medidas ficaram muito a baixo dos valores máximos estabelecidos pela Resolução CONAMA 396/2008, que é de 5 µg.L-1, 170 µg.L-1, 200 µg.L-1 e 300µg.L-1, para o benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos, respectivamente.
Micronuclei and Nuclear Abnormalities in Erythrocytes from Barbel Barbus peloponnesius Revealing Genotoxic Pollution of the River Bregalnica
Authors: Ivanova Lozenka , Popovska-Percinic Florina , Slavevska-Stamenkovic Valentina , Jordanova Maja , Rebok Katerina
Published: August 2016

The strong negative anthropogenic pressure on the River Bregalnica resulted in the increase of pollution in the river ecosystem. The aim of this study was to evaluate if aquatic pollutants generate genotoxic effects in barbel (Barbus peloponnesius). Thirty individuals were collected from three localities along the river: one control site and two locations in the middle and lower course of the river with the presence of different pollution sources. Blood smears were stained with May-Grünwald/Giemsa method and the frequency of micronuclei, vacuolated nuclei, binuclei, blebbed nuclei and notched nuclei expressed in per mill was recorded. In fish collected from the control site, the investigated erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities revealed lowest values compared to polluted sites. In general, significantly higher values for erythrocyte deformations, including micronuclei, were noted in the middle and lower part of the river. Significantly higher values of vacuolated and blebbed nuclei were detected in fish from the middle course of the river, while at the lower course the frequencies of occurrence of micronuclei and notched nuclei were significant compared with control site. The middle course of the River Bregalnica has more diverse pollutants compared to the lower course, and consequently the highest frequency of all nuclear deformations was found in barbel from the middle course of the river. Obtained results suggest that pollutants draining into the Bregalnica river ecosystem display a genotoxic effect on the local barbel population.
A note on soliton solutions of Klein-Gordon-Zakharov equation by variational approach
Authors: Khan Najeeb Alam , Riaz Fatima , Ara Asmat
Published: August 2016

In this paper, an investigation has been made to validate the variational approach to obtain soliton solutions of the Klein-Gordon-Zakharov (KGZ) equations. It is evident that to resolve the non-linear partial differential equations are quite complex and difficult. The presented approach is capable of achieving the condition for continuation of the solitary solution of KGZ equation as well as the initial solutions selected in soliton form including various unknown parameters can be resolute in the solution course of action. The procedure of attaining the solution reveals that the scheme is simple and straightforward.
The Scottish Constitutional Tradition: A Very British Radicalism?
Authors: Bulmer W. Elliot
Published: August 2016

This paper discusses recent developments in Scottish nationalist constitutional thought during the period of 2002 to 2014, showing how the Scottish constitutional conversation has diverged from, but continues to be influenced by, the UK-wide constitutional conversation at Westminster. It presents Scottish nationalist constitutional thought as a ‘very British radicalism’, which is characterised by certain constitutional forms and ideas that are radical in a British context (such as popular sovereignty, proportional representation, a written constitution, and a commitment to covenantal socio-economic and environmental provisions) while at the same time retaining a persistent ‘Britishness’ in terms of specific institutional proposals and ambivalence towards the principles of constitutional government. Finally, I will discuss possible designs of a future constitutional settlement in Scotland and the United Kingdom. Notably, I will explore how far the Scottish constitutional tradition might impact on the constitutional shape of the United Kingdom.
Animal models of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: optimal choices for the best outcomes
Authors: Huang Lan , Zhao Fengyan , Qu Yi , Zhang Li , Wang Yan , Mu Dezhi
Published: August 2016

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious disease leading to neonatal death, is becoming a key area of pediatric neurological research. Despite remarkable advances in the understanding of HIE, the explicit pathogenesis of HIE is unclear, and well-established treatments are absent. Animal models are usually considered as the first step in the exploration of the underlying disease and in evaluating promising therapeutic interventions. Various animal models of HIE have been developed with distinct characteristics, and it is important to choose an appropriate animal model according to the experimental objectives. Generally, small animal models may be more suitable for exploring the mechanisms of HIE, whereas large animal models are better for translational studies. This review focuses on the features of commonly used HIE animal models with respect to their modeling strategies, merits, and shortcomings, and associated neuropathological changes, providing a comprehensive reference for improving existing animal models and developing new animal models.
Glucocorticoids Mediate Short-Term High-Fat Diet Induction of Neuroinflammatory Priming, the NLRP3 Inflammasome, and the Danger Signal HMGB1
Authors: Sobesky Julia L. , D’Angelo Heather M. , Weber Michael D. , Anderson Nathan D. , Frank Matthew G. , Watkins Linda R. , Maier Steven F. , Barrientos Ruth M.
Published: August 2016

The impact of the foods we eat on metabolism and cardiac physiology has been studied for decades, yet less is known about the effects of foods on the CNS, or the behavioral manifestations that may result from these effects. Previous studies have shown that long-term consumption of high-fat foods leading to diet-induced obesity sensitizes the inflammatory response of the brain to subsequent challenging stimuli, causing deficits in the formation of long-term memories. The new findings reported here demonstrate that short-term consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) produces the same outcomes, thus allowing the examination of mechanisms involved in this process long before obesity and associated comorbidities occur. Rats fed an HFD for 3 d exhibited increases in corticosterone, the inflammasome-associated protein NLRP3 (nod-like receptor protein 3), and the endogenous danger signal HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1) in the hippocampus. A low-dose (10 μg/kg) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immune challenge potentiated the neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus of rats fed the HFD, and caused a deficit in the formation of long-term memory, effects not observed in rats fed regular chow. The blockade of corticosterone action with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone prevented the NLRP3 and HMGB1 increases in unchallenged animals, normalized the proinflammatory response to LPS, and prevented the memory impairment. These data suggest that short-term HFD consumption increases vulnerability to memory disruptions caused by an immune challenge by upregulating important neuroinflammatory priming and danger signals in the hippocampus, and that these effects are mediated by increases in hippocampal corticosterone.
Head Transcriptomes of Two Closely Related Species of Fruit Flies of theAnastrepha fraterculusGroup Reveals Divergent Genes in Species with Extensive Gene Flow
Authors: Rezende Victor Borges , Congrains Carlos , Lima André Luís A , Campanini Emeline Boni , Nakamura Aline Minali , Oliveira Janaína Lima de , Chahad-Ehlers Samira , Junior Iderval Sobrinho , Alves de Brito Reinaldo
Published: August 2016

Several fruit flies species of the Anastrepha fraterculus group are of great economic importance for the damage they cause to a variety of fleshy fruits. Some species in this group have diverged recently, with evidence of introgression, showing similar morphological attributes that render their identification difficult, reinforcing the relevance of identifying new molecular markers that may differentiate species. We investigated genes expressed in head tissues from two closely related species: A. obliqua and A. fraterculus, aiming to identify fixed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and highly differentiated transcripts, which, considering that these species still experience some level of gene flow, could indicate potential candidate genes involved in their differentiation process. We generated multiple libraries from head tissues of these two species, at different reproductive stages, for both sexes. Our analyses indicate that the de novo transcriptome assemblies are fairly complete. We also produced a hybrid assembly to map each species’ reads, and identified 67,470 SNPs in A. fraterculus, 39,252 in A. obliqua, and 6386 that were common to both species. We identified 164 highly differentiated unigenes that had a mean interspecific index (D¯) of at least 0.94. We selected unigenes that had Ka/Ks higher than 0.5, or had at least three or more highly differentiated SNPs as potential candidate genes for species differentiation. Among these candidates, we identified proteases, regulators of redox homeostasis, and an odorant-binding protein (Obp99c), among other genes. The head transcriptomes described here enabled the identification of thousands of genes hitherto unavailable for these species, and generated a set of candidate genes that are potentially important to genetically identify species and understand the speciation process in the presence of gene flow of A. obliqua and A. fraterculus.
ADrosophilaLexA Enhancer-Trap Resource for Developmental Biology and Neuroendocrine Research
Authors: Kockel Lutz , Huq Lutfi M , Ayyar Anika , Herold Emma , MacAlpine Elle , Logan Madeline , Savvides Christina , Kim Grace E S , Chen Jiapei , Clark Theresa , Duong Trang , Fazel-Rezai Vahid , Havey Deanna , Han Samuel , Jagadeesan Ravi , Kim Eun Soo Jackie , Lee Diane , Lombardo Kaelina , Piyale Ida , Shi Hansen , Stahr Lydia , Tung Dana , Tayvah Uriel , Wang Flora , Wang Ja-Hon , Xiao Sarah , Topper Sydni M , Park Sangbin , Rotondo Cheryl , Rankin Anne E , Chisholm Townley W , Kim Seung K
Published: August 2016

Novel binary gene expression tools like the LexA-LexAop system could powerfully enhance studies of metabolism, development, and neurobiology in Drosophila. However, specific LexA drivers for neuroendocrine cells and many other developmentally relevant systems remain limited. In a unique high school biology course, we generated a LexA-based enhancer trap collection by transposon mobilization. The initial collection provides a source of novel LexA-based elements that permit targeted gene expression in the corpora cardiaca, cells central for metabolic homeostasis, and other neuroendocrine cell types. The collection further contains specific LexA drivers for stem cells and other enteric cells in the gut, and other developmentally relevant tissue types. We provide detailed analysis of nearly 100 new LexA lines, including molecular mapping of insertions, description of enhancer-driven reporter expression in larval tissues, and adult neuroendocrine cells, comparison with established enhancer trap collections and tissue specific RNAseq. Generation of this open-resource LexA collection facilitates neuroendocrine and developmental biology investigations, and shows how empowering secondary school science can achieve research and educational goals.
Genomes of Candidatus Wolbachia bourtzisii wDacA and Candidatus Wolbachia pipientis wDacB from the Cochineal Insect Dactylopius coccus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)
Authors: Ramírez-Puebla Shamayim T , Ormeño-Orrillo Ernesto , Vera-Ponce de León Arturo , Lozano Luis , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Rosenblueth Mónica , Martínez-Romero Esperanza
Published: August 2016

Dactylopius species, known as cochineal insects, are the source of the carminic acid dye used worldwide. The presence of two Wolbachia strains in Dactylopius coccus from Mexico was revealed by PCR amplification of wsp and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. A metagenome analysis recovered the genome sequences of Candidatus Wolbachia bourtzisii wDacA (supergroup A) and Candidatus Wolbachia pipientis wDacB (supergroup B). Genome read coverage, as well as 16S rRNA clone sequencing, revealed that wDacB was more abundant than wDacA. The strains shared similar predicted metabolic capabilities that are common to Wolbachia, including riboflavin, ubiquinone, and heme biosynthesis, but lacked other vitamin and cofactor biosynthesis as well as glycolysis, the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, and sugar uptake systems. A complete tricarboxylic acid cycle and gluconeogenesis were predicted as well as limited amino acid biosynthesis. Uptake and catabolism of proline were evidenced in Dactylopius Wolbachia strains. Both strains possessed WO-like phage regions and type I and type IV secretion systems. Several efflux systems found suggested the existence of metal toxicity within their host. Besides already described putative virulence factors like ankyrin domain proteins, VlrC homologs, and patatin-like proteins, putative novel virulence factors related to those found in intracellular pathogens like Legionella and Mycobacterium are highlighted for the first time in Wolbachia. Candidate genes identified in other Wolbachia that are likely involved in cytoplasmic incompatibility were found in wDacB but not in wDacA.
RNAi-Based Suppressor Screens Reveal Genetic Interactions Between the CRL2LRR-1 E3-Ligase and the DNA Replication Machinery inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ossareh-Nazari Batool , Katsiarimpa Anthi , Merlet Jorge , Pintard Lionel
Published: August 2016

Cullin-RING E3-Ligases (CRLs), the largest family of E3 ubiquitin-Ligases, regulate diverse cellular processes by promoting ubiquitination of target proteins. The evolutionarily conserved Leucine Rich Repeat protein 1 (LRR-1) is a substrate-recognition subunit of a CRL2LRR-1 E3-ligase. Here we provide genetic evidence supporting a role of this E3-enzyme in the maintenance of DNA replication integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Through RNAi-based suppressor screens of lrr-1(0) and cul-2(or209ts) mutants, we identified two genes encoding components of the GINS complex, which is part of the Cdc45-MCM-GINS (CMG) replicative helicase, as well as CDC-7 and MUS-101, which drives the assembly of the CMG helicase during DNA replication. In addition, we identified the core components of the ATR/ATL-1 DNA replication checkpoint pathway (MUS-101, ATL-1, CLSP-1, CHK-1). These results suggest that the CRL2LRR-1 E3-ligase acts to modify or degrade factor(s) that would otherwise misregulate the replisome, eventually leading to the activation of the DNA replication checkpoint.
Production of Small Noncoding RNAs from the flamenco Locus Is Regulated by the gypsy Retrotransposon of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Guida Vincenzo , Cernilogar Filippo M , Filograna Angela , De Gregorio Roberto , Ishizu Hirotsugu , Siomi Mikiko C , Schotta Gunnar , Bellenchi Gian Carlo , Andrenacci Davide
Published: August 2016

Protective mechanisms based on RNA silencing directed against the propagation of transposable elements are highly conserved in eukaryotes. The control of transposable elements is mediated by small noncoding RNAs, which derive from transposon-rich heterochromatic regions that function as small RNA-generating loci. These clusters are transcribed and the precursor transcripts are processed to generate Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs), which silence transposable elements in gonads and somatic tissues. The flamenco locus is a Drosophila melanogaster small RNA cluster that controls gypsy and other transposable elements, and has played an important role in understanding how small noncoding RNAs repress transposable elements. In this study, we describe a cosuppression mechanism triggered by new euchromatic gypsy insertions in genetic backgrounds carrying flamenco alleles defective in gypsy suppression. We found that the silencing of gypsy is accompanied by the silencing of other transposons regulated by flamenco, and of specific flamenco sequences from which small RNAs against gypsy originate. This cosuppression mechanism seems to depend on a post-transcriptional regulation that involves both endo-siRNA and piRNA pathways and is associated with the occurrence of developmental defects. In conclusion, we propose that new gypsy euchromatic insertions trigger a post-transcriptional silencing of gypsy sense and antisense sequences, which modifies the flamenco activity. This cosuppression mechanism interferes with some developmental processes, presumably by influencing the expression of specific genes.
Ethnobiology and conservation: Why do we need a new journal?
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: August 2016

No Abstract as this is an Editorial Article.
Relationships between fauna and people and the role of ethnozoology in animal conservation
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: August 2016

Faunal resources have played a wide range of roles in human life from the earliest days of recorded history. In addition to their utilitarian importance, animals have been recognized in religion, art, music and literature and other different cultural manifestations of mankind. Animals uses and the means by which they are exploited by humans, as well as the cultural aspects which conduct interactions between people and animals, are implicated in a lower or higher pressure on populations of exploited species, reflected in either their sustainable use or even lead to their extinction. The variety of interactions between humans and animals is the subject matter of ethnozoology - the branch of ethnobiology that investigates the knowledge human societies have accumulated concerning animals, as well as their significance to those people and their uses. Ethnozoological studies can be a valuable asset to increase our understanding of the cultural, economic, social, and traditional roles of played by animals. In this context, they have a central role in conservation and management. This work provides a brief review on the main forms of interactions between humans and the fauna along history, and their ecological implications, and discusses the role of the ethnozoology in animal conservation.
The role of individuals in the resilience of local medical systems based on the use of medicinal plants – a hypothesis
Authors: Ferreira Júnior Washington Soares , Santoro Flávia Rosa , Nascimento André Borba , Ladio Ana Haydée , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: August 2016

Some studies in the field of ethnobiology investigate the knowledge and use of biological resources, especially medicinal plants, to infer the resilience of local medical systems. However, little is known about the resilience of such systems in the context of the distribution of knowledge among individuals in the studied communities. For example, although a medical system is formed by a diverse set of species, the distribution of knowledge may be limited to a small number of individuals, which reduces its flexibility and does not favor its resilience. Thus, this manuscript proposes the hypothesis that the medical system appears resilient when assessing the knowledge of the individuals who compose the system. The knowledge of medicinal plants for the treatment of therapeutic targets among the individuals is used as an example. Additionally, predictions are made and a methodological protocol is described to test the hypothesis by a simple analysis.
Motorboat noise can potentially mask the whistle sound of estuarine dolphins (Sotalia guianensis)
Authors: Albuquerque Natalia de Souza , Souto Antonio da Silva
Published: August 2016

Masking the sounds uttered by cetaceans is an important issue in underwater noise pollution produced by vessels. This research aimed to determine whether noises produced by the engines of tourism boats can mask whistles emitted by estuarine dolphins (Sotalia guianensis). Data collection was conducted at Baía dos Golfinhos (English: Dolphin Bay) (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil), an area mainly used for foraging by these animals. We recorded underwater vocalizations of the animals and the sound generated by motorboats in the Bay using equipment capable of capturing sounds with frequencies up to 40 kHz. Sound amplitude was compared at 6, 10, 16 and 30 kHz. We also observed the boats activity in the area. The results showed that the noise produced by motorboats can reach frequencies of up to 40 kHz (average: petrol = 17.1 kHz, ± 8.4; diesel = 13.1 kHz, ± 4.9) and is similar to the whistles uttered by the estuarine dolphin (up to 35 kHz; average: 19 kHz, ± 6.2). The sound amplitude also reached similar values at the frequencies of 6, 10, 16 and 30 kHz for petrol engines, and 6 kHz for diesel motorboats (whistles were higher at 10 and 16 kHz). Thus, engine noise is a potential source of disturbance to the whistles uttered by these cetaceans. Even the presence of one tourism boat can potentially interfere with the communication between individuals and, as a consequence, on the performance of natural behaviours. Thus, our results can help to explain previous studies on estuarine dolphins that found behavioural disturbances in the presence of tourism boats. In addition, such findings are in accordance with a number of studies on other cetacean species that recorded negative impacts caused by motorboats. As a precautionary measure, a number of areas constantly used by the estuarine dolphins, such as the Baía dos Golfinhos, should be closed to motorboat traffic. This would minimize the negative impact caused by human activities on the welfare and conservation of the estuarine dolphins.
What is evolutionary ethnobiology?
Authors: Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , Medeiros Patrícia Muniz
Published: August 2016

No Abstract as this is an Editorial Article.
Herbicidal Activity of Monoterpenes Is Associated with Disruption of Microtubule Functionality and Membrane Integrity
Authors: Chaimovitsh David , Shachter Alona , Abu-Abied Mohamad , Rubin Baruch , Sadot Einat , Dudai Nativ
Published: August 2016

Aromatic plants and their volatile compounds affect seed germination and plant growth, and therefore hold potential for agriculture uses as plant growth regulators and bioherbicides. In the present study 17 major monoterpenes were selected, and their mechanisms of plant toxicity were elucidated using transgenicArabidopsis thalianaat various growth stages. Microtubulin and the plant cell membrane were identified as the focal targets through which phytotoxicity and herbicidal activity acted. Variability in monoterpene mechanisms was observed. Limonene and (+)-citronellal had strong antimicrotubule efficacy, whereas citral, geraniol, (−)-menthone, (+)-carvone, and (−)-citronellal demonstrated moderate antimicrotubule efficacy. Pulegone, (−)-carvone, carvacrol, nerol, geranic acid, (+)/(−)-citronellol, and citronellic acid lacked antimicrotubule capacity. An enantioselective disruption of microtubule assembly was recorded for (+)/(−)-citronellal and (+)/(−)-carvone. The (+) enatiomers were more potent than their (−) counterparts. Citral, limonene, carvacrol, and pulegone were also tested for phytotoxicity and herbicidal activity. Pulegone had no detectable effect on microtubules or membranes. Citral disrupted microtubules but did not cause membrane damage. Carvacrol lacked a detectable effect on microtubules but incited membrane leakage, and limonene disrupted microtubules and membrane leakage. Therefore, only limonene was herbicidal at the tested concentrations.In plantaquantification of residues revealed that citral was biotransformed into nerol and geraniol, and limonene was converted into carvacrol, which could explain its dual capacity with respect to microtubules and membrane functionality. The results obtained are an important added value to commercial efforts in selecting appropriate aromatic plants to be sources of bioherbicidal compounds for sustainable weed management with a limited potential for herbicide resistance evolution in weed populations.
Confirmation and Control of Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) with Resistance to Prodiamine and Glyphosate
Authors: Breeden Shane M. , Brosnan James T. , Mueller Thomas C. , Breeden Gregory K. , Horvath Brandon J. , Senseman Scott A.
Published: August 2016

Poor annual bluegrass control was reported in golf course roughs following treatment with prodiamine (1120 gaiha−1) and glyphosate (840 gaeha−1) during hybrid bermudagrass dormancy. Research was conducted to determine if this annual bluegrass phenotype was resistant to both prodiamine and glyphosate and to determine the efficacy of herbicide mixtures for controlling this phenotype in the field. In PRE or POST dose-response experiments, 9 to 31 times more prodiamine or glyphosate was needed to control (or reduce dry biomass of) this resistant phenotype by 50% compared to an herbicide-susceptible phenotype. Moreover, glyphosate-susceptible plants accumulated 50% more shikimic acid (898 mgkg−1) 6 d after treatment than those resistant to glyphosate (394 mgkg−1). October (fall) applications of herbicide mixtures containing trifloxysulfuron, simazine,S-metolachlor, or mesotrione controlled this resistant annual bluegrass phenotype 84 to 98% in April (spring), with no differences detected among treatments. Our findings document the second instance of annual bluegrass evolving multiple resistance in a managed turfgrass system. However, several herbicide mixtures can be used to effectively manage this resistant phenotype.
What was the British Dam Society like 50 years ago?
Authors: Pepper Andrew
Published: August 2016

As part of our special 50th anniversary edition, we thought it may be interesting to look back to 1966 and consider how the British dam industry has changed and developed and how the British Dam Society has evolved.