bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third-World “Sloggers” or Elite Global Professionals? Using Organizational Toolkits to Redefine Work Identity in Information Technology Offshore Outsourcing
Authors: Koppman Sharon , Mattarelli Elisa , Gupta Amar
Published: July 2016

Organizations increasingly rely on teams that span national and organizational boundaries, yet team members in emerging countries and vendor firms are not treated as professional peers by their Western and client-based peers. To understand how they respond to this identity threat, we integrate two literatures that suggest two possible answers: an organizational response, based on the critical literature on top-down identity regulation, and an individual response, based on the positive literature on bottom-up identity construction. Drawing on in-depth interviews and archival data from three Indian information technology (IT) offshore outsourcing firms, we examine how organizational and individual identity processes work in tandem to address this threat. We find that firms do not resolve this threat by regulating employee identity directly as they claim, but instead provide workers with an organizational toolkit—a set of organizationally available cultural resources (e.g., frames and stories) and political resources (e.g., policies and procedures) that workers use selectively and strategically to construct positive identities. By bringing a toolkit perspective to identity processes, we contribute to theory and research on cross-level identity linkages, the strategic nature of identity processes, and the local context of global identity.
Confidence intervals
Authors: Campbell Malcolm
Published: July 2016

In a previous article in this series, we looked at Normal distributions and the concept of a normal range or reference range covering 95% of data values ( Campbell, 2016 ). In this article, we will look at a related concept that is one way of generalising from a sample to a population: a confidence interval.
Knowledge and practice of pain management among nurses in labour wards in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: EZE Ojerinde Ogonna , Onibokun Adenike , Matthew Akpa Onoja
Published: July 2016

Background:

It is not clear whether awareness of pain management has influenced the management of labour pain by nurse/midwives in Ibadan, Nigeria. Many women in labour do not get optimal pain relief, despite awareness of the importance of pain management.

Aims:

This study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of labour pain management among nurse/midwives in Ibadan.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 87 nurse/midwives on duty in labour rooms of three hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, and Pearson's and Kendall's correlation coefficients were used for data analysis. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 at a 5% level of significance.

Findings:

Two thirds of respondents (66.7%) had a moderate level of knowledge, and 34.5% managed labour pain through back massage/psychotherapy. Knowledge of pain management was associated with level of education (τ = 0.82; P < 0.001) while good practice of pain management was associated with good knowledge (r = 0.49; P < 0.001). The association between good practice and years of working experience just failed to be statistically significant (P = 0.06).

Conclusions:

Nurse/midwives in Ibadan have moderate knowledge of labour pain management. Participants in this study primarily used back massage and psychotherapy. There is need for improvement in knowledge of labour pain management through continuing education for nurse/midwives in Ibadan.
Incidence and predictors of premalignant cervical lesions among women in Jos University teaching hospital, Plateau state, Nigeria
Authors: Abraham Dare Ajayi , Daniel Grace , Eunice Samuel Ari , Folashade Winna , Onyawole Rachael Jacob
Published: July 2016

Background:

Premalignant cervical lesions are a potential precursor of cervical cancer, which can be identified through screening. Approximately 80% of cervical cancers occur in developing countries, where routine screening is rare.

Aims:

This study aimed to examine the incidence and risk factors of premalignant cervical lesions among women screened at Jos University teaching hospital (JUth) in 2009.

Methods:

A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of all the women (1962) who were screened at JUth during January–December 2009. Data were retrieved with the help of the data manager of the cervical cancer screening unit. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were done to determine risk factors.

Findings:

Of the 1962 subjects, 5.8% tested positive and 94.2% negative. The majority (82.5%) of those with premalignant cervical lesions had experienced sexually transmitted infections. Those using oral contraceptives had a higher rate (44.7%) of lesions than women using other forms of contraception. Women who had first sexual intercourse aged 10–15 years had a higher rate (41.2%) of lesions, as did those who had seven or more sexual partners (50.9%), or with seven or more children (43.9%).

Conclusions:

There was a fairly low incidence of positive screening results among the study population. Major risk factors included sexually transmitted infections, early age of first sexual intercourse, increased number of sexual partners, use of oral contraceptive pills and increased parity. The authors recommend a public health campaign on the benefits of cervical cancer screening in Plateau state and across nigeria.
International research roundup
Authors: Seal Joanne , James Abigail
Published: July 2016

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles from around the world that may be of interest to midwives is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: July 2016

Mark Greener presents key studies published in healthcare journals
Conducting travel health consultations for backpackers
Authors: Gawthrop Mary
Published: July 2016

Mary Gawthrop explains the need for an individualised risk assessment and gives an overview of the key issues facing backpackers
Addressing pressure ulcer issues
Authors: Chamanga Edwin
Published: July 2016

Shear and pressure damage remain a significant issue for the NHS, explains Edwin Chamanga
Tackling insect anaphylaxis
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: July 2016

The management of allergic reactions to insect bites and stings is explained by Jean Watkins
Whether we stay or go: pet travel and what you need to know
Authors: Stokes Laura
Published: July 2016

The recent UK vote to leave the EU has impacted strongly on many industries within the UK, and the veterinary industry is not exempt from this. Although there are many areas within the industry which would be affected, one of the most obvious is pet travel. This, naturally, also has strong implications for pet owners and the general public. So, how might the leave vote affect the advice and information we currently give pet owners when travelling abroad with their pets?
The chronic illness management plan
Authors: Marchbank Belinda
Published: July 2016

By providing accurate and appropriate advice under the direction of a veterinarian, veterinary nurses can assist clients to successfully manage pets with chronic illnesses in their homes. By extrapolating the Ability Model of Orpet and Jeffery 2007, advice can be provided to the client in the form of a Chronic Illness Management Plan which will inform the client on what to expect from the illness and how best to provide day to day care for their pet and ultimately improve the pet's quality of life.
Approach to the companion animal cancer patient part 1: an overview
Authors: Adams Vicki
Published: July 2016

Cancer is a common diagnosis, affecting most species of animals. This is the first in a series of articles looking at how cancer affects companion animals and their owners, and what best practice means in the veterinary profession today. This first article gives an overview of cancer in companion animal species, documenting the most common cancers seen in various species, clinical presentation and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis with staging. The reference list includes review articles, scientific papers and open access options for further reading. Future articles will look at cancer treatment, palliative care and end of life options.
Short Communication: Resistance of eleven new hybrid maize genotypes to Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum)
Authors: SETYAWAN BUDI , SULIANSYAH IRFAN , ANWAR ASWALDI , SWASTI ETTI
Published: July 2016

Setyawan B, Suliansyah I, Anwar A, Swasti E. 2016. Short Communication: Antidiabetic screening of some Indonesian marine cyanobacteria collection. Biodiversitas 17: 604-608. Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) is a leaf disease caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard and Suggs. In Indonesia, TLB was first discovered in North Sumatra in 1917 (Van Hall 1929), and now is found throughout Indonesia (Semangun 2008). Losses due to yield decrease will be greater when the plant is infected at the time of flowering and grain filling phase. Resistant varieties are the most effective way of controlling TLB. The purpose of this research was to test 11 new hybrid maize genotypes to determine the level of TLB resistance. The research was conducted in 2 season, usingrandomize complete block design, 3 replication and 2 control genotypes. Based on statistical examinations and CIMMYT (1999) scoring system, it could be concluded that 10 prospective genotypes (90.9%) which were SSU3X28871, SSU3X29131, SSU3X30735, SSU3X45172, SSU3X68276, SSUSX02791, SSUSX06145, SSUSX48274, SSUSX68849 and SSUSX76844 were significantly better than both control genotypes at LSD 5% (ï¡=0.05).
Molecular interactions in solutions of poly vinyl alcohol : an ultrasonic study
Authors: Vigneswari M , Saravanakumar S. S , Suresh V. N , Sankarrajan S
Published: July 2016

Ultrasonic velocity, density, viscosity have been measured experimentally in the binary and ternary mixtures of Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), water and borax with various concentration at 301.32 K. As the acoustical parameters like adiabatic compressibility, intermolecular free length, relaxation time, acoustic impedance, surface tension, Raoâ€™s and Wadaâ€™s constant, ultrasonic attenuation and free volume would be more useful to predict and confirm the molecular interaction, these have been determined by using ultrasonic velocity, density and viscosity of the prepared solution. It has been identified that the molecular interactions in binary mixture were stronger than that of in ternary mixtures. And also there is a strong solute â€“ solvent interaction occurring in both binary and ternary solutions. This may be due to the greater possibility of hydrogen bonding between PVA and Water molecules. When the borax is added, the molecular interaction is getting weaker due to greater affinity of borate ion towards the hydrogen in hydroxyl group of PVA.
Formação do professor de contabilidade: O tema em debate.
Authors: Laffin Marcos , Gomes Sonia Maria da Silva
Published: July 2016

Este texto objetiva apresentar o resultado de uma pesquisa que analisou artigos publicados em periódicos e, situa como objeto de estudo a formação pedagógica dos professores de contabilidade no âmbito da pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciências Contábeis no Brasil. Assim, o problema de pesquisa consistiu em reconhecer e discutir quais as contribuições dos artigos sobre essa formação pedagógica. A metodologia utilizada quanto aos objetivos é exploratória e quanto aos procedimentos é uma pesquisa de levantamento bibliográfico com abordagem qualitativa na análise de conteúdo. Com base em Sacristán (1995); Brandão (2002); Santos Neto (2004); Laffin (2005), realizou-se uma discussão sobre a docência e a partir destes autores apresentam-se argumentos da necessidade de princípios para formação pedagógica do professor de contabilidade nos programas Stricto Sensu. Depreende-se que, no âmbito da pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciências Contábeis, a formação para a docência ainda não assume uma expressão de apropriação do trabalho para o ensinar. Se, por um lado, enfatiza-se a produção intelectual, como forma de responder à avaliação externa, por outro, salienta-se que o trabalho de base sob a égide da epistemologia da docência, fica subsumida na realização desse trabalho.
Identification of expectations and encountered problems of the middle-school students participating in the sports activities
Authors: Yaman Menzure Sibel , Bar Mustafa , Sarıkabak Murat , Hergüner Gülten
Published: July 2016

In healthy societies, physical education and sport activities carry important roles in raising individuals. Previous scientific researches point out that physical activity is very important in the development process of the children. Therefore, children need to be supported in joining planned and systematic physical education and sport activities in both family and school life, beginning at very young ages. Every possibility should be offered to the children for performing sport activities healthily in the habitat while also taking precautions.The purpose of the study is to identify the expectations of the middle-school students and the problems they encounter when attending sport activities in their family and school lives. The data was collected through a survey developed by the researchers. A descriptive method with the aim of revealing the current situation was used in the study. The population of this study consisted of 2500 students, studying in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades of the middle-school. Two middle schools from the schools within the Sakarya province were selected through a random selection method. The survey was applied to a total amount of 400 volunteer students that were selected as the sample group and studied in these schools. The SPSS 15.0 for Windows software was used for the data analysis. Frequency analysis was used in order to determine the quantity and percentage distributions of the demographic information of the participants. On the other hand, chi-square analysis was used for the comparison of the problems and expectations related to family and school life in regards to the demographic variables. The level of significance in the chi-square analysis was specified as p<0,05.As a result of the study, in relation to the family and school life, the male students were found to have more problems and expectations regarding the participation in physical education and sport activities, when compared to female students. In addition to this, the students who participated in physical education and sport activities regularly seemed to have bigger expectations and more problems with their families.The problems and expectations of participating students regarding the family and school life were identified and suggestions for possible solutions were presented. The study is hoped to be beneficial for the field.
Editorial 32(3)
Authors: Dalgarno Barney , Henderson Michael , Heinrich Eva
Published: July 2016

In this editorial Prof Barney Dalgarno reflects on the changes of AJET over the last three years. In doing so he offers a rough analysis of the extent of volunteering by editors and reviewers and makes a plea for authors to consider if they should or could contribute more.
Physiological expression of olfactory discrimination rule learning balances whole‐population modulation and circuit stability in the piriform cortex network
Authors: Jammal Luna , Whalley Ben , Ghosh Sourav , Lamrecht Raphael , Barkai Edi
Published: July 2016

Once trained, rats are able to execute particularly difficult olfactory discrimination tasks with exceptional accuracy. Such skill acquisition, termed “rule learning”, is accompanied by a series of long‐lasting modifications to three cellular properties which modulate pyramidal neuron activity in piriform cortex; intrinsic excitability, synaptic excitation, and synaptic inhibition. Here, we explore how these changes, which are seemingly contradictory at the single‐cell level in terms of their effect on neuronal excitation, are manifested within the piriform cortical neuronal network to store the memory of the rule, while maintaining network stability. To this end, we monitored network activity via multisite extracellular recordings of field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPS) and with single‐cell recordings of miniature inhibitory and excitatory synaptic events in piriform cortex slices. We show that although 5 days after rule learning the cortical network maintains its basic activity patterns, synaptic connectivity is strengthened specifically between spatially proximal cells. Moreover, while the enhancement of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic connectivity is nearly identical, strengthening of synaptic inhibition is equally distributed between neurons while synaptic excitation is particularly strengthened within a specific subgroup of cells. We suggest that memory for the acquired rule is stored mainly by strengthening excitatory synaptic connection between close pyramidal neurons and runaway synaptic activity arising from this change is prevented by a nonspecific enhancement of synaptic inhibition.
Characterization of oscillatory changes in hippocampus and amygdala after deep brain stimulation of the infralimbic prefrontal cortex
Authors: Cervera‐Ferri Ana , Teruel‐Martí Vicent , Barceló‐Molina Moises , Martínez‐Ricós Joana , Luque‐García Aina , Martínez‐Bellver Sergio , Adell Albert
Published: July 2016

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a new investigational therapy that has generated positive results in refractory depression. Although the neurochemical and behavioral effects of DBS have been examined, less attention has been paid to the influence of DBS on the network dynamics between different brain areas, which could contribute to its therapeutic effects. Herein, we set out to identify the effects of 1 h DBS in the infralimbic cortex (IL) on the oscillatory network dynamics between hippocampus and basolateral amygdala (BLA), two regions implicated in depression and its treatment. Urethane‐anesthetized rats with bilaterally implanted electrodes in the IL were exposed to 1 h constant stimulation of 130 Hz of frequency, 60 μA of constant current intensity and biphasic pulse width of 80 μsec. After a period of baseline recording, local field potentials (LFP) were recorded with formvar‐insulated stainless steel electrodes. DBS of the IL increased the power of slow wave (SW, <1.5 Hz) and theta (3–12 Hz) frequencies in the hippocampus and BLA. Furthermore, IL DBS caused a precise coupling in different frequency bands between both brain structures. The increases in SW band synchronization in hippocampus and BLA after DBS suggest that these changes may be important for the improvement of depressive behavior. In addition, the augmentation in theta synchrony might contribute to improvement in emotional and cognitive processes.
Combined speed endurance and endurance exercise amplify the exercise‐induced PGC‐1α and PDK4 mRNA response in trained human muscle
Authors: Skovgaard Casper , Brandt Nina , Pilegaard Henriette , Bangsbo Jens
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA response related to mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, angiogenesis, and myogenesis in trained human skeletal muscle to speed endurance exercise (S), endurance exercise (E), and speed endurance followed by endurance exercise (S + E). Seventeen trained male subjects (maximum oxygen uptake (VO2‐max): 57.2 ± 3.7 (mean ± SD) mL·min−1·kg−1) performed S (6 × 30 sec all‐out), E (60 min ~60% VO2‐max), and S + E on a cycle ergometer on separate occasions. Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest and 1, 2, and 3 h after the speed endurance exercise (S and S + E) and at rest, 0, 1, and 2 h after exercise in E. In S and S + E, muscle peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 (PGC‐1α) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‐4 (PDK4) mRNA were higher (P < 0.05) 2 and 3 h after speed endurance exercise than at rest. Muscle PGC‐1α and PDK4 mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05) after exercise in S + E than in S and E, and higher (P < 0.05) in S than in E after exercise. In S and S + E, muscle vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA was higher (P < 0.05) 1 (S only), 2 and 3 h after speed endurance exercise than at rest. In S + E, muscle regulatory factor‐4 and muscle heme oxygenase‐1 mRNA were higher (P < 0.05) 1, 2, and 3 h after speed endurance exercise than at rest. In S, muscle hexokinase II mRNA was higher (P < 0.05) 2 and 3 h after speed endurance exercise than at rest and higher (P < 0.05) than in E after exercise. These findings suggest that in trained subjects, speed endurance exercise provides a stimulus for muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, substrate regulation, and angiogenesis that is not evident with endurance exercise. These responses are reinforced when speed endurance exercise is followed by endurance exercise.
Identification of Key Determinants of Satisfaction of Users of Electronic Banking Services
Authors: Gašević Dragana , Vranješ Marija , Drinić Dragana
Published: July 2016

Under the conditions of increased competition, imperatives for banking institutions are focusing on the provision of better quality services, meeting the needs of clients and adjusting to their specific demands, as these are the conditions for achieving satisfaction. Satisfaction has a consequent effect on the realisation of communication, but also economic business goals of market players. In accordance with these facts, the significance of measuring the quality of services needs to be pointed out. In recent years, the tendency of increase in the number of bank clients who use electronic banking services has been perceived in the Republic of Serbia. Advantages of this modern service are numerous, and the ones that stand out among them are saving time, more favourable price, comfortable and fast transaction execution. The purpose of this paper is to examine the satisfaction of clients in relation to electronic banking services, i.e. to come to a conclusion which elements of service quality have an impact on satisfaction, as well as to assess the intensity of such impact. In order to obtain the necessary information, we have used the measures of descriptive statistical analysis, reliability analysis, correlation and regression analysis. The data have been collected using the survey method and the questionnaire distributed to respondents for the purpose of specific research has been created on the basis of previous research in the quality of service field. The results have shown that three dimensions of modified SERVQUAL model (security, ease of use and responsibility) have a statistically significant impact on satisfaction, while other factors (reliability, empathy and website content) have, in their joint effect, indicated a non-significant impact on satisfaction. The contribution of this paper is reflected in the fact that the identification of factors (reliability, empathy, website content) that have not achieved a significant impact in their joint effect on the satisfaction of clients with electronic banking can be a signal for the management of financial institutions to take action in order to reduce the perceived risk, maintain trust, provide training and development of employees, modernize website appearance.
New Approaches to Revitalise Rural Economies and Communities – Reflections of a Policy Analyst
Authors: Dwyer Janet
Published: July 2016

Looking ahead, rural Europe faces significant challenges. Some of these are long-term and will require major adaptation, such as climate change, increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and the ageing indigenous population. Others are medium-term and subject to political uncertainty, such as economic stagnation and unemployment, pressures from in-migration, and constrained public finances. Markets appear likely to continue to encourage conventional farm modernisation and capitalization, but these may increase, rather than resolve, rural problems and tensions. Seen through an ecological lens, conventional patterns of development decrease rural social, environmental and economic resilience, and yet this is becoming increasingly important. New approaches are needed which can work with global and local processes to maintain rural diversity, quality and community: key factors in resilience-building. Interesting tactics may involve increasing local capacity to act, stimulating new local products, services and markets and new forms of pluri-activity. Business profitability and productivity will remain central, but can be realised in a variety of unconventional ways. Some examples and approaches are briefly presented and some general lessons identified for the new Rural Development Policy and Programmes, 2014–2020.
Interest of systematic screening of pheochromocytoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Képénékian Lori , Mognetti Thomas , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Giraudet Anne-Laure , Houzard Claire , Pinson Stéphane , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Combemale Patrick
Published: July 2016

Objective

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) may occur in 0.1–5.7% of patients presenting with a neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Current recommendations are to explore only symptomatic patients. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and the interest of a systematic PHEO screening in this population.

Design

A prospective study in a French tertiary center including consecutive NF1 patients older than 18 years.

Methods

A systematic screening combining abdominal imaging and urinary fractionated metanephrines was proposed. In case of positivity of one or both exams, 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy or [18F]-fluoro-dihydroxyphenylalanine PET imaging was performed. The diagnosis of secreting PHEO was retained in case of elevated urinary metanephrines associated with positive scintigraphy and non-secreting PHEO when urinary metanephrines were normal with a positive scintigraphy.

Results

Between January 2014 and August 2015, 234 patients were included and 156 patients (66.7%) completed both exams. In these 156 patients, 12 PHEOs were diagnosed, representing a prevalence of 7.7%. Of these, six PHEOs were secreting, with only two symptomatic patients. The tumor size of these PHEOs were bigger than that of non-secreting PHEO (25.2 ± 6.6 vs 14 ± 6.9 mm, P = 0.0165). One lesion was bilateral. Mean metanephrine and normetanephrine levels were 3.2 ± 2.6N and 2.8 ± 1N respectively. Three patients underwent surgery. The six patients with non-secreting PHEO were asymptomatic. One of them had bilateral lesion and one underwent surgery.

Conclusions

PHEO in NF1, whether or not secreting, are mostly asymptomatic. The current strategy to explore only symptomatic patients leads to an underestimation of prevalence with the risks inherent to the existence of an unrecognized PHEO.
Prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction in women with iron deficiency during early pregnancy: is it altered?
Authors: Veltri Flora , Decaillet Sarah , Kleynen Pierre , Grabczan Lidia , Belhomme Julie , Rozenberg Serge , Pepersack Thierry , Poppe Kris
Published: July 2016

Objective

Thyroid disorders and iron deficiency (ID) are associated with obstetrical and fetal complications. Iron is essential for the normal functioning of thyroid peroxidase (TPO-abs) and ID is frequent during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) and dysfunction during the first trimester of pregnancy in women with and without ID.

Design

Cross-sectional data analysis of 1900 pregnant women nested within an ongoing prospective collection of pregnant women’s data.

Method

The study was performed in a single, tertiary referral center. During the first antenatal visit, ferritin, TPO-abs, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4(FT4) were measured and age and BMI were recorded. ID was defined as ferritin <15µg/L, TAI when TPO-abs was >60kIU/L, and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) when TSH was >2.5mIU/L.

Results

ID was present in 35% of women. Age and BMI were comparable between both groups. In the ID group, the prevalence of TAI and SCH was significantly higher, compared with that in the non-ID group (10% vs 6% and 20% vs 16%;P=0.011 and 0.049 respectively). Ferritin was inversely correlated with serum TSH (ρ=−0.076;P=0.001) and positive with FT4levels (ρ=0.112;P<0.001). In the logistic regression model, ID remained associated with TAI after correction for confounding factors (P=0.017). The association with SCH was absent after correction for the confounders in the logistic regression model (P=0.082), but remained present in the linear regression model (P=0.035).

Conclusions

ID was frequent during the first trimester of pregnancy and was associated with a higher prevalence of TAI, higher serum TSH, and lower FT4levels.
Linking Gene Expression in the Intestine to Production of Gametes Through the Phosphate Transporter PITR-1 inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Balklava Zita , Rathnakumar Navin D , Vashist Shilpa , Schweinsberg Peter J , Grant Barth D
Published: July 2016

Inorganic phosphate is an essential mineral for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell metabolism and structure. Its uptake into the cell is mediated by membrane-bound transporters and coupled to Na+ transport. Mammalian sodium-dependent Pi cotransporters have been grouped into three families NaPi-I, NaPi-II, and NaPi-III. Despite being discovered more than two decades ago, very little is known about requirements for NaPi-III transporters in vivo, in the context of intact animal models. Here we find that impaired function of the Caenorhabditis elegans NaPi-III transporter, pitr-1, results in decreased brood size and dramatically increased expression of vitellogenin by the worm intestine. Unexpectedly, we found that the effects of pitr-1 mutation on vitellogenin expression in the intestine could only be rescued by expression of pitr-1 in the germline, and not by expression of pitr-1 in the intestine itself. Our results indicate the existence of a signal from the germline that regulates gene expression in the intestine, perhaps linking nutrient export from the intestine to production of gametes by the germline.
Modulation of Circadian Gene Expression and Metabolic Compensation by the RCO-1 Corepressor of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Olivares-Yañez Consuelo , Emerson Jillian , Kettenbach Arminja , Loros Jennifer J , Dunlap Jay C , Larrondo Luis F
Published: July 2016

Neurospora crassa is a model organism for the study of circadian clocks, molecular machineries that confer ∼24-hr rhythms to different processes at the cellular and organismal levels. The FREQUENCY (FRQ) protein is a central component of the Neurospora core clock, a transcription/translation negative feedback loop that controls genome-wide rhythmic gene expression. A genetic screen aimed at determining new components involved in the latter process identified regulation of conidiation 1 (rco-1), the ortholog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tup1 corepressor, as affecting period length. By employing bioluminescent transcriptional and translational fusion reporters, we evaluated frq and FRQ expression levels in the rco-1 mutant background observing that, in contrast to prior reports, frq and FRQ expression are robustly rhythmic in the absence of RCO-1, although both amplitude and period length of the core clock are affected. Moreover, we detected a defect in metabolic compensation, such that high-glucose concentrations in the medium result in a significant decrease in period when RCO-1 is absent. Proteins physically interacting with RCO-1 were identified through co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry; these include several components involved in chromatin remodeling and transcription, some of which, when absent, lead to a slight change in period. In the aggregate, these results indicate a dual role for RCO-1: although it is not essential for core-clock function, it regulates proper period and amplitude of core-clock dynamics and is also required for the rhythmic regulation of several clock-controlled genes.
The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation inCaenorhabditis elegansTelomere Length
Authors: Cook Daniel E , Zdraljevic Stefan , Tanny Robyn E , Seo Beomseok , Riccardi David D , Noble Luke M , Rockman Matthew V , Alkema Mark J , Braendle Christian , Kammenga Jan E , Wang John , Kruglyak Leonid , Félix Marie-Anne , Lee Junho , Andersen Erik C
Published: July 2016

Telomeres are involved in the maintenance of chromosomes and the prevention of genome instability. Despite this central importance, significant variation in telomere length has been observed in a variety of organisms. The genetic determinants of telomere-length variation and their effects on organismal fitness are largely unexplored. Here, we describe natural variation in telomere length across the Caenorhabditis elegans species. We identify a large-effect variant that contributes to differences in telomere length. The variant alters the conserved oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold of protection of telomeres 2 (POT-2), a homolog of a human telomere-capping shelterin complex subunit. Mutations within this domain likely reduce the ability of POT-2 to bind telomeric DNA, thereby increasing telomere length. We find that telomere-length variation does not correlate with offspring production or longevity in C. elegans wild isolates, suggesting that naturally long telomeres play a limited role in modifying fitness phenotypes in C. elegans.
Venerating Brother Nobody
Authors: Tyssens Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

Many American fraternal orders mythologized a founding father, whether or not he actually merited that distinction. These men were generally credited with great personal achievement, though the claims made on their behalf often fail to stand up to close examination. Their heroic stature was very much constructed by the rank-and-file of the respective fraternal orders for whom these iconic founders, even when they were still alive, were useful instruments to foster a particular image of their fraternal projects and the values they wanted to cherish. This practice could have unintended and undesirable consequences. Several of these ‘canonized’ fraternalists did not hesitate to make use of the veneration that was heaped upon them to foster their personal interests or that of their families. This did not necessarily go unnoticed by part of the membership but the need to present ‘desirable roles for group members’ through the manufacturing of a heroic ‘icon’ usually proved stronger than critical appreciations.
Kinetics of chemical bath deposition of zinc sulfide ZnS
Authors: Uritskaya A. A. , Kozhevnikova N. S. , Yakubova T. V.
Published: July 2016

The paper is devoted to kinetic methods of chemical bath deposition of zinc sulfide ZnS from aqueous alkaline solutions containing ehylenediamine complex zinc salt Zn(En)n2+ and diamide of thiocarbonic acid N2H4CS. It is established that the rate of formation of ZnS is weakly dependent on pH, depends on the concentration of the precipitant ((N2H4CS) and decreases with increasing concentration of ligand (ethylenediamine). The calculation of the theoretical curves on the experimentally obtained kinetic equation shows a satisfactory description of experimental data that allows to recommend it to calculate the rate of formation of ZnS in aqueous alkaline solutions of N2H4CS.
Cultivo in vitro da bananeira Prata Anã clone Gorutuba, em meio líquido, agitado e estacionário
Authors: Costa Annanda Mendes , Faria Renata Aparecida Neres , Londe Luciana Nogueira , Ribeiro Emerson Brito , Damascena Nayara de Souza
Published: July 2016

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o cultivo in vitro da bananeira Prata Anã (Musa spp.), clone Gorutuba, em diferentes volumes de meio líquido, nos sistemas estacionário e sob agitação, comparando-os com o cultivo tradicional em meio semissólido. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo um fatorial 5 x 2 + 1, com cinco volumes (10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 mL) de meio líquido e dois sistemas de cultivo (agitação e estacionário) e a testemunha (meio semissólido), com quatro repetições, sendo cada parcela constituída por um frasco com quatro explantes. O número de brotações por explante, observado pela testemunha no terceiro subcultivo, diferiu de alguns tratamentos em meio líquido. No quarto subcultivo, o número de brotações por explante da testemunha diferiu de todos os tratamentos em meio líquido e o sistema de cultivo sob agitação favoreceu um número de brotações por explante significativamente superior ao obtido pelo sistema estacionário. Na fase de alongamento e enraizamento, os resultados verificados em meio líquido foram melhores que os da testemunha. Comparando-se os dois sistemas de cultivo em meio líquido, constatou-se melhor crescimento das plântulas que permaneceram sob agitação com o volume de 30 mL. O cultivo em meio semissólido é mais eficiente na fase de multiplicação in vitro; nas fases de alongamento e de enraizamento, o melhor sistema a ser adotado é o cultivo em meio líquido sob agitação, com o volume de 30 mL.
Características físicas e químicas de cirigueleiras cultivadas na Zona da Mata Norte de Pernambuco
Authors: Silva Quésia Jemima da , Figueiredo Flávia Jamille de , Lima Vera Lúcia Arroxelas Galvão de
Published: July 2016

RESUMO A ciriguela (Spondias purpurea L.) é um fruto muito apreciado no nordeste brasileiro, o que tem proporcionado crescente interesse para seu cultivo comercial. Assim, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar as características físicas e químicas de frutos de 11 genótipos de cirigueleiras, cultivados no Banco Ativo de Germoplasma do Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco (IPA), localizado na zona da mata Norte de Pernambuco. Frutos maduros foram avaliados quanto à massa, aos diâmetros longitudinal e transversal, ao pH, aos teores de sólidos solúveis (SS), à acidez titulável (AT), ao ácido ascórbico, aos carboidratos solúveis totais e aos carotenoides totais. Com relação às características físicas, os resultados da massa e dos diâmetros longitudinal e transversal não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa. Quanto às características físico-químicas, os resultados demonstraram que o genótipo IPA-1 exibiu o maior teor de ácido ascórbico (32,88 mg 100g-1 de polpa) e, o genótipo IPA-7, a maior concentração de carotenoides totais, expressa em β-caroteno (22,63 µg g-1 de polpa). Os maiores teores de SS e de AT foram apresentados pelos genótipos IPA-9 e IPA-10, respectivamente. O genótipo IPA-4 apresentou maior relação SS/AT, enquanto o genótipo IPA-6 destacou-se dos demais por maior teor de carboidratos solúveis totais, expressos em glicose (32,78%). Desta forma, pode-se concluir que a variabilidade genética influenciou as características físico-químicas avaliadas.
Influence of the type of packaging on textural properties of minimally processed yellow Peruvian roots
Authors: Fernandes Lara Santana , Corrêa Paulo Cesar , Junqueira Mateus da Silva , Finger Fernando Luiz , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT The textural properties of minimally processed products indicate its quality, and the package is fundamental to maintain the conservation of these foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate texture alterations that occur during the storage period of minimally processed yellow Peruvian roots, using texture profile analysis (TPA) and relaxation, in function of four types of plastic packaging, combined to refrigeration. The roots were selected, sanitized, peeled and sliced. The processing continued with final sanitization, rinsing and immersion in ascorbic and citric acid solution. The slices were centrifuged and packed in expanded polystyrene trays covered with PVC film, and in high-density polyethylene bags (HDPE), polypropylene bags (PP) and multilayer polyolefin bags for vacuum, and stored at 5 ± 2 ºC and 90 ± 5% relative humidity during 12 days. For the TPA, the parameters of interest were hardness and adhesiveness, automatically calculated from the force curves (F) x time (s). For modeling the relaxation process, the generalized Maxwell model was used. The slices packed in PP and vacuum showed higher hardness and normalized force in the balance (0.7502 and 0.7580, respectively), indicating that they were more elastic, better preserving the quality during storage than slices packed in other packaging.
Pão sem glúten adicionado de farinha do mesocarpo de babaçu ( Orbignya phalerata ): avaliação física, química e sensorial
Authors: Couri Maria Heloiza de Souza , Giada Maria de Lourdes Reis
Published: July 2016

RESUMO A adesão a uma dieta isenta de glúten, como no caso da doença celíaca, é dificultada pela monotonia alimentar, entre outros fatores. Por outro lado, o potencial de aproveitamento da farinha do mesocarpo de babaçu (FMB) na alimentação humana é grande. Este trabalho avaliou as propriedades físicas, químicas e sensoriais de um pão sem glúten, com adição de diferentes percentuais (F0 - controle, F1 - 5% e F2 - 10%) de FMB. Na avaliação física, foram determinados os valores de massa e de diâmetro, antes e após o forneamento, a altura, o volume aparente, o volume específico, o fator de expansão e o fator térmico. A avaliação química procedeu-se de acordo com os métodos oficiais. Na análise sensorial, 50 provadores não treinados, de ambos os sexos, realizaram o teste sensorial afetivo de escala hedônica de nove pontos. A aceitabilidade das amostras foi avaliada quanto aos atributos sensoriais, ao aspecto geral, cor, ao aroma, ao sabor e à textura. A formulação F1 apresentou os melhores resultados, com valores de diâmetro antes e após o forneamento entre F0 e F2 e os valores mais elevados de altura, de volume aparente e de volume específico. A adição de FMB melhorou também o valor nutritivo dos pães, aumentando o teor de fibras solúveis e diminuindo o de glicídios totais. Aumentou ainda o teor de minerais de F2. Os valores de pH das amostras foram significativamente diferentes. Todas apresentaram acidez dentro do aceitável. Na análise sensorial, as formulações adicionadas de FMB foram bem aceitas pelos provadores quanto aos atributos avaliados. Assim, a FMB mostrou-se uma alternativa promissora para o desenvolvimento e enriquecimento de pães sem glúten.
Quality of Brazil nuts stored in forced aeration silos
Authors: Costa David Aquino da , Álvares Virgínia de Souza , Nogueira Roberta Martins , Kusdra Jorge Ferreira , Maciel Vlayrton Tomé , Miqueloni Daniela Popim
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT The traditional system of collection and storage of Brazil nut compromises seriously the quality of these almonds as it contributes to the high incidence of contaminants, like fungi of the genus Aspergillus, which can produce aflatoxins. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the influence of the storage period in studied conditions, on the physicochemical characteristics and on the microbiological contamination of Brazil nuts. The experimental was designed as completely randomized, considering as treatments the storage period (0 - control, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days) with four replicates of 3 kg of Brazil nuts each. The samples were submitted to physicochemical and microbiological analysis. It was observed that almonds submitted to the storage had their moisture content reduced by 78.2% at 150 days of storage, however, this reduction was not fast enough to avoid surface contamination by filamentous and potentially aflatoxins producing fungi. The critical period of contamination occurred on the first 30 days of storage when there was an increase of the studied fungi, as well as B1 and total aflatoxin. The studied storage conditions were four times more effective in reducing the product moisture content than the traditional methods, however, pre-drying is necessary to avoid contamination of the product.
Chemical thinning affects yield and return flowering in 'Jubileu' peach
Authors: Giovanaz Marcos Antônio , Amaral Priscila Alvariza , Pasa Mateus da Silveira , Lima Ana Paula Fernandes de , Weber Diego , Fachinello José Carlos
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT Peach hand thinning improves fruit quality; however, it requires a high demand of labor and increases production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of growth regulators applied at post-flowering as an alternative to hand thinning of peaches. The experiment was conducted with peach cultivar Jubileu, in 2012. The treatments consisted of no thinning, hand thinning 45 days after full bloom (DAFB), ethephon (85 and 120 mg L-1), benzyladenine (BA) (400 mg L-1), and BA plus gibberellic acid (GA4 + 7) (400 mg L-1) applied 40 DAFB. BA-treated plants were not different from non-thinned plants, had excessive load, and smaller diameter fruit. Treatment with ethephon at 120 mg L-1 resulted in excessive thinning and decreased yield in comparison with other treatments. Plants treated with 85 mg L-1 ethephon and BA + AG4 + 7 (400 mg L-1) had fruit abscission, crop load, production per plant and fruit diameter similar to hand-thinned plants. In 2013, an increased number of flower buds was observed in treatments with ethephon and also reduction of this trait in BA and BA + GA4 + 7 applications. Ethephon at 85 mg L-1 can be an alternative of chemical thinning in 'Jubileu' peaches, without compromising the return of flower bud numbers in the next crop.
Cobertura plástica e densidade de plantio na qualidade das frutas de Physalis peruviana L.
Authors: Moura Pedro Henrique Abreu , Pio Rafael , Curi Paula Nogueira , Rodrigues Luiz Carlos de Almeida , Bianchini Flávio Gabriel , Bisi Rayane Barcelos
Published: July 2016

RESUMO Physalis peruviana L. é uma espécie pertencente à família Solanaceae, que vem sendo incorporada em plantios de pequenas frutas, com alto potencial produtivo para regiões subtropicais. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a qualidade das frutas de P. peruviana L., produzidas com ou sem cobertura plástica sobre o dossel das plantas e em duas densidades de plantio (0,5 e 1,0 m entre plantas), sendo de 3,0 m o espaçamento entre linhas. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2, com seis blocos e dez plantas por parcela. Foram avaliadas as características qualitativas das frutas, como coloração, quantidade de antocianinas totais, vitamina C, cinzas, sólidos solúveis totais, sacarose, glicose, açúcares totais, acidez titulável, firmeza e umidade. A maior densidade de plantio e o plantio sem cobertura plástica sobre o dossel das plantas resultaram em melhor qualidade das frutas de P. peruviana L.