bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notch signaling activation contributes to cardioprotection provided by ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning
Authors: Zhou Xue-liang , Wan Li , Xu Qi-rong , Zhao Yong , Liu Ji-chun
Published: October 2013

Background

Notch signaling is known to be activated following myocardial ischemia, but its role in cardioprotection provided by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and ischemic postconditioning (IPost) remains unclear.

Methods

Lentiviral vectors were constructed to overexpress or knockdown N1ICD in H9c2 cardiomyocyte and rat heart exposed to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), IPC or IPost.

Results

Notch1 signaling was activated during myocardial IPC and IPost, and could enhance cell viability and inhibit apoptosis. Furthermore, activated Notch1 signaling stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced reactive oxygen species induced by IRI. The cardioprotection provided by activated Notch1 signaling resembled that of IPC and IPost, which was related to Stat3 activation and regulation of apoptosis related proteins. Furthermore, in langendorff heart perfusion model, activated Notch1 signaling restored cardiac function, decreased lactate dehydrogenase release and limited infarct size after myocardial ischemia. Conclusions: Notch1 signaling is activated and mediates cardioprotection provided by IPC and Ipost. Notch1 signaling may represent a potential new pharmacologic mimic for cardioprotection of ischemic heart disease.
Relating nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time distributions to void-size distributions for unconsolidated sand packs
Authors: Keating Kristina , Falzone Samuel
Published: October 2013

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used in near-surface geophysics to understand the pore-scale properties of geologic material. The interpretation of NMR data in geologic material assumes that the NMR relaxation time distribution ([Formula: see text]-distribution) is a linear transformation of the void-size distribution (VSD). This interpretation assumes fast diffusion and can be violated for materials with high surface relaxivity and/or large pores. We compared [Formula: see text]-distributions to VSDs using grain-size distributions (GSDs) as a proxy for VSDs. Measurements were collected on water-saturated sand packs with a range of grain sizes and surface relaxivities, such that some samples were expected to violate the fast diffusion assumption. Samples were prepared from silica sand with three different average grain sizes and were coated with the iron-oxide mineral hematite to vary the surface relaxivity. We found analytically that outside the fast diffusion regime, the [Formula: see text]-distributions are broader than in the fast diffusion regime, which could lead to misinterpretation of NMR data. The experimental results showed that the [Formula: see text]-distributions were not linear transformations of the GSDs. The GSDs were a single peak independent of the hematite coating. The [Formula: see text]-distributions were broader than the measured GSDs, and the center of the distribution depended on the coating. Using an equation that does not assume fast diffusion to transform the [Formula: see text]-distributions to NMR-estimated VSDs resulted in distributions that were centered on a single radius. However, our attempts to recover the VSDs, as estimated from laser particle size analysis, were unsuccessful; the NMR-estimated VSDs were broader and yielded average pore radii that were much smaller than expected. We found that our approach was useful for determining relative VSDs from [Formula: see text]-distributions; however, future research is needed to develop a method for calibrating the NMR-estimated VSDs for unconsolidated sands.
Seismic data decomposition into spectral components using regularized nonstationary autoregression
Authors: Fomel Sergey
Published: October 2013

Seismic data can be decomposed into nonstationary spectral components with smoothly variable frequencies and smoothly variable amplitudes. To estimate local frequencies, I use a nonstationary version of Prony’s spectral analysis method defined with the help of regularized nonstationary autoregression. To estimate local amplitudes of different components, I fit their sum to the data using regularized nonstationary regression. Shaping regularization ensures stability of the estimation process and provides controls on smoothness of the estimated parameters. Potential applications of the proposed technique include noise attenuation, seismic data compression, and seismic data regularization.
Rituximab, Methotrexate, Procarbazine, and Vincristine Followed by Consolidation Reduced-Dose Whole-Brain Radiotherapy and Cytarabine in Newly Diagnosed Primary CNS Lymphoma: Final Results and Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Morris Patrick G. , Correa Denise D. , Yahalom Joachim , Raizer Jeffrey J. , Schiff David , Grant Barbara , Grimm Sean , Lai Rose K. , Reiner Anne S. , Panageas Kathy , Karimi Sasan , Curry Richard , Shah Gaurav , Abrey Lauren E. , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Omuro Antonio
Published: October 2013

Purpose

A multicenter phase II study was conducted to assess the efficacy of rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) followed by consolidation reduced-dose whole-brain radiotherapy (rdWBRT) and cytarabine in primary CNS lymphoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients received induction chemotherapy with R-MPV (five to seven cycles); those achieving a complete response (CR) received rdWBRT (23.4 Gy), and otherwise, standard WBRT was offered (45 Gy). Consolidation cytarabine was given after the radiotherapy. The primary end point was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients receiving rdWBRT. Exploratory end points included prospective neuropsychological evaluation, analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter changes using the Fazekas scale, and evaluation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as a prognostic factor.

Results

Fifty-two patients were enrolled, with median age of 60 years (range, 30 to 79 years) and median Karnofsky performance score of 70 (range, 50 to 100). Thirty-one patients (60%) achieved a CR after R-MPV and received rdWBRT. The 2-year PFS for this group was 77%; median PFS was 7.7 years. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached (median follow-up for survivors, 5.9 years); 3-year OS was 87%. The overall (N = 52) median PFS was 3.3 years, and median OS was 6.6 years. Cognitive assessment showed improvement in executive function (P < .01) and verbal memory (P < .05) after chemotherapy, and follow-up scores remained relatively stable across the various domains (n = 12). All examined MRIs (n = 28) displayed a Fazekas score of ≤ 3, and no patient developed scores of 4 to 5; differences in ADC values did not predict response (P = .15), PFS (P = .27), or OS (P = .33).

Conclusion

R-MPV combined with consolidation rdWBRT and cytarabine is associated with high response rates, long-term disease control, and minimal neurotoxicity.
“Celibacy Is a Social Crime”: The Politics of Clerical Marriage, 1793-1797
Authors: Cage Claire
Published: October 2013

As revolutionaries increasingly associated civic virtue and citizenship with men’s identities as fathers, the celibate priest’s place in the French nation became contested and precarious. Radical revolutionaries relied more and more often on marriage, rather than the ecclesiastical oath, as a litmus test for distinguishing the “patriot priest” from the politically suspect priest. They sought not only to incorporate priests into the nation through marriage but also to transform priests, whose celibacy they viewed as a flagrant violation of the laws of nature, into ideal pères de famille and paragons of public and private virtue. During the Revolution, marriage became an antidote to the social crime of celibacy and a civic duty for all priests.

Comme les révolutionnaires français ont de plus en plus assimilé la vertu civique et la citoyenneté à la figure du père de famille, la place du prêtre célibataire dans la nation française est devenue contestée et précaire. Les Jacobins ont invoqué le mariage, plutôt que le serment ecclésiastique, pour distinguer parmi les rangs du clergé les patriotes des suspects. Ils ont non seulement cherché à intégrer les prêtres dans la nation par le mariage mais aussi à les transformer en bons pères de familles, modèles de vertus publiques et privées, le célibat étant alors considéré comme une violation flagrante des lois de la nature. Le mariage n’était plus seulement un droit naturel mais une démonstration de patriotisme, un devoir moral et politique, ainsi qu’un antidote au crime social du célibat.
MicroRNA-141-3p plays a role in human mesenchymal stem cell aging by directly targeting ZMPSTE24
Authors: Yu Kyung-Rok , Lee SeungHee , Jung Ji-Won , Hong In-Sun , Kim Hyung-Sik , Seo Yoojin , Shin Tae-hoon , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: October 2013

Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) aging may lead to a reduced tissue regeneration capacity and a decline in physiological functions. However, the potential molecular mechanisms controlling hMSC aging in the context of prelamin A accumulation are not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the accumulation of prelamin A in the nuclear envelope results in cellular senescence and potential downstream regulatory mechanisms responsible for prelamin A accumulation in hMSCs. We show for the first time that ZMPSTE24, which is involved in the post-translational maturation of lamin A, is largely responsible for the prelamin A accumulation related to cellular senescence in hMSCs. Direct binding of miR-141-3p to 3′UTR of ZMPSTE24 transcripts was confirmed by 3′UTR-luciferase reporter assay. We also found that miR-141-3p, which is over-expressed during senescence by epigenetic regulations, is able to decrease ZMPSTE24 expression levels, and leads to an up-regulation of prelamin A in hMSCs. This study provides new insights into mechanisms regulating MSC aging and may have implications for therapeutic application to reduce age-associated MSC pool exhaustion.
Synthesis and Chiral Recognition Ability of Chitosan Derivatives with Different 4-Chlorophenylcarbamate–Urea Structures
Authors: Zhang Lili , Shen Jun , Zuo Wenli , Okamoto Yoshio
Published: October 2013

The chitosan derivatives bearing different 4-chlorophenylcarbamate–urea structures were synthesized under different reaction conditions, and their chiral recognition abilities were evaluated as chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These CSPs coated on silica gel exhibited different recognition ability depending on their structures and could be used with a few prohibited solvents as the eluent, which efficiently improved the resolution for some racemates.
Did the elimination of lead from petrol reduce crime in the USA in the 1990s?
Authors: Hall Wayne
Published: October 2013

This article assesses the evidence for the hypothesis that a decline in all types of crime since the early 1990s in the USA was a consequence of removing lead from petrol between 1975 and 1985. It describes ecological and econometric studies that have generally but not always found correlations between lead exposures in childhood and some types of crime 20 years later; a small number of epidemiological studies that have found a dose-response relationship between lead exposure in childhood and self-reported and officially recorded criminal offences in young adulthood; and evidence for the biological plausibility of a causal relationship. Lead exposure in childhood may have played a small role in rising and falling crime rates in the USA but it is unlikely to account for the very high percentage of the decline suggested by the ecological studies. The major anomaly in the evidence is that the associations reported in ecological studies are much stronger (explaining 56-90% of the variation in crime rates) than the weaker relationships found in the cohort studies (that typically explain less than 1% of the variance in offending).  Suggestions are made for research that will better assess the contribution that reduced lead exposure has made to declining crime rates in the USA.
Reviews
Authors: Klontzas Michael , Ala-Fossi Marko , Vukanovic Zvezdan
Published: October 2013

The Economics of Television in a Digital World: What Economics Tells Us for Future Policy Debates, Patrick Barwise and Robert G. Picard, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Oxford University.

Histories of Public Service Broadcasters on the Web, Maureen Burns and Niels Brügger (eds) (2012) New York: Peter Lang, 232 pp., ISBN 978-1-4331-1175-4, h/bk, £54.

Moving Data: The iPhone and the Future of Media, Pelle Snickars and Patrick Voncderau (eds) (2012) New York: Columbia University Press, 360 pp., ISBN: 978-0-231-15739-1, p/bk, £20.50
Lenguaje y dicción en las retransmisiones deportivas radiofónicas: La percepción según los oyentes castellanoleoneses
Authors: Herrero Gutiérrez Francisco Javier , Acle Vicente Daniel
Published: October 2013

En este artículo se analizan tres variables relacionadas con la percepción de los radioyentes castellanoleoneses de retransmisiones deportivas radiofónicas. Las variables estudiadas giran en torno a la percepción que dichos receptores tienen, por una parte, sobre el lenguaje empleado durante las retransmisiones así como, por otro lado, su percepción acerca de la velocidad de dicción de los narradores principales; por último, se estudia la percepción de una posible influencia que ejerza sobre dichos radioyentes el lenguaje empleado por los profesionales del medio radiofónico.
Hacia la democratización del periodismo participante: tres modelos de transparencia en la gestión de las entrevistas corales de MARCA.com
Authors: Barredo Ibáñez Daniel , Oller Alonso Martín
Published: October 2013

Las entrevistas corales de MARCA.com son una de las principales formas del ciberperiodismo híbrido: los usuarios organizan una entrevista ante los invitados que propone el cibermedio. Su atractivo radica, fundamentalmente, en los bajos costes de producción informativa, en la posibilidad de introducir el concepto de polifonía de Bakhtine (cit. por Araújo y Melo, 2003), y en la generación de un discurso más flexible, según describíamos en un trabajo anterior (Barredo y Oller, 2013a). La interrelación de estas características ocasiona que, en los cinco enfrentamientos entre el Real Madrid y el Barcelona de la temporada 2010 – 11, el 30% de las palabras totales se produjeran de manera coral (Barredo y Oller, 2013b). Sin embargo en esos estudios previos hemos percibido un funcionamiento arbitrario: el ciberdiario, además de las pautas explícitas de las normas de participación, escoge o descarta las preguntas en función de criterios no revelados. Con este artículo ofrecemos tres modelos de gestión que profundizan en el concepto de transparencia ciberperiodística, los cuales pueden evitar, en nuestra opinión, la fosilización de las entrevistas corales o su vinculación con formas derivadas del marketing (publientrevista) y no con el periodismo.
Continuity and finiteness of the radius of convergence of a p-adic differential equation via potential theory
Authors: Poineau Jérôme , Pulita Andrea
Published: October 2013

We study the radius of convergence of a differential equation on a smooth Berkovich curve over a non-archimedean complete valued field of characteristic 0. Several properties of this function are known: F. Baldassarri proved that it is continuous (see [Invent. Math. 182 (2010), no. 3, 513–584]) and the authors showed that it factorizes by the retraction through a locally finite graph (see [`The convergence Newton polygon of a p-adic differential equation I: Affinoid domains of the Berkovich affine line',
preprint 2012] and [`The convergence Newton polygon of a p-adic differential equation II: Continuity and finiteness on Berkovich curves',
preprint 2012]). Here, assuming that the curve has no boundary or that the differential equation is overconvergent, we provide a shorter proof of both results by using potential theory on Berkovich curves.
The End of the “French Paradox”?
Authors: Fourçans André
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this article is to provide a short- to medium-term analysis of the overall performance of the French economy. Unfortunately, this subject is all too frequently discussed in a manner that is perhaps not as clear as it could be. As a French economist trained in the United States, I hope to briefly outline what I feel are the major issues concerning the French economy in a way that I hope carries a few less biases than usual. First, we need to be clear that the performance of the French economy relative to most OECD countries has been less than what the underlying strengths of the country would lead one to expect. This problem is producing ongoing difficulties with the public finances. Without faster growth, paying for the social benefits the population prefers is becoming increasingly difficult. Third, slower growth coupled with structural impediments in the labor market are combining to produce shockingly high levels of unemployment among the young. As in much of Europe such reforms will be difficult but the need for change is pressing. Fourth, French banks are fortunately in rather good shape and problems in the financial system are not a major concern. Putting these factors together illustrates the “paradox” that is the French economy. This is a highly developed country whose economic performance in many ways is disappointing. However, France is, after all, a democracy. Navigating the country out of this paradox can be done, but only in a way that is French. Thinking that France will somehow transform itself into Germany is delusional. On the other hand, France needs to avoid becoming a larger version of Italy.
Evaluation and assessment of photoaging
Authors: Yu Sherry H. , Baron Elma D.
Published: October 2013

The assessment of photoaging is a huge component not only in clinical practice, but also in human research studies geared towards anti-aging therapies, photoprotection or mechanistic studies to understand the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin. However, evaluation remains difficult to standardize. Photonumeric scales are superior to descriptive evaluations, and have been used with some validity and reproducibility. Newer techniques that employ more sophisticated imaging modalities may be necessary. In addition, consideration of skin color, ethnicity, gender, and specific anatomic regions of the face play a role in the evaluation.
The Case Against the Case Against the Death Penalty
Authors: Flanders Chad
Published: October 2013

Despite the continuing belief by a majority of Americans that the death penalty is morally permissible, the death penalty has few academic defenders. This lack of academic defenders is puzzling because of the strong philosophical justification the death penalty finds in traditional theories of punishment. The three major theories of punishment (the deterrent, the retributive, and the rehabilitative), far from showing that the death penalty is not justified, tend to provide good reasons to favor the death penalty. Indeed, every attempt to show that the major theories of punishment rule out the death penalty either involves smuggling in other assumptions that are not intrinsic to the theory of punishment or puts into question that theory’s ability to serve as a theory of punishment in general. Because arguments against the death penalty find little traction from within punishment theory, ideas outside of punishment theory, such as “dignity,” “decency,” or “civilization,” provide better grounds for criticizing capital punishment. The article begins sketching how such an argument might proceed, but does not give a fully fleshed-out version of the argument, in part because it is unclear whether such an argument can succeed.
Parent Health and Functioning 13 Months After Infant or Child NICU/PICU Death
Authors: Youngblut JoAnne M. , Brooten Dorothy , Cantwell G. Patricia , del Moral Teresa , Totapally Balagangadhar
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND:

After a child’s death, parents may experience depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and increased risk for cancers, diabetes, psychiatric hospitalization, and suicide. Racial/ethnic differences are unknown. This longitudinal study investigated health and functioning of Hispanic, black, and white parents through 13 months after NICU/PICU death.

METHODS:

Parents (176 mothers, 73 fathers) of 188 deceased infants/children were recruited from 4 NICUs, 4 PICUs, and state death certificates 2 to 3 weeks after death. Deaths occurred after limiting treatment/withdrawing life support (57%), unsuccessful resuscitation (32%), or brain death (11%). Data on parent physical health (hospitalizations, chronic illness), mental health (depression, PTSD, alcohol use), and functioning (partner status, employment) were collected in the home at 1, 3, 6, and 13 months after death.

RESULTS:

Mean age for mothers was 32 ± 8, fathers 37 ± 9; 79% were Hispanic or black. Thirteen months after infant/child death, 72% of parents remained partnered, 2 mothers had newly diagnosed cancer, alcohol consumption was below problem drinking levels, parents had 98 hospitalizations (29% stress related) and 132 newly diagnosed chronic health conditions, 35% of mothers and 24% of fathers had clinical depression, and 35% of mothers and 30% of fathers had clinical PTSD. At 6 months after infant/child death, 1 mother attempted suicide. Week 1 after infant/child death, 9% of mothers and 32% of fathers returned to employment; 7 parents took no time off. More Hispanic and black mothers than white mothers had moderate/severe depression at 6 months after infant/child death and PTSD at every time point.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents, especially minority mothers, have negative physical and mental health outcomes during the first year after NICU/PICU death.
Apnea in Children Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis
Authors: Schroeder Alan R. , Mansbach Jonathan M. , Stevenson Michelle , Macias Charles G. , Fisher Erin Stucky , Barcega Besh , Sullivan Ashley F. , Espinola Janice A. , Piedra Pedro A. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To identify risk factors for inpatient apnea among children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.

METHODS:

We enrolled 2207 children, aged <2 years, hospitalized with bronchiolitis at 16 sites during the winters of 2007 to 2010. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were obtained on all subjects, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to test NPA samples for 16 viruses. Inpatient apnea was ascertained by daily chart review, with outcome data in 2156 children (98%). Age was corrected for birth <37 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for inpatient apnea.

RESULTS:

Inpatient apnea was identified in 108 children (5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4%–6%). Statistically significant, independent predictors of inpatient apnea included: corrected ages of <2 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 9.67) and 2 to 8 weeks (OR 4.72), compared with age ≥6 months; birth weight <2.3 kg (5 pounds; OR 2.15), compared with ≥3.2 kg (7 pounds); caretaker report of previous apnea during this bronchiolitis episode (OR 3.63); preadmission respiratory rates of <30 (OR 4.05), 30 to 39 (OR 2.35) and >70 (OR 2.26), compared with 40 to 49; and having a preadmission room air oxygen saturation <90% (OR 1.60). Apnea risk was similar across the major viral pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this prospective, multicenter study of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis, inpatient apnea was associated with younger corrected age, lower birth weight, history of apnea, and preadmission clinical factors including low or high respiratory rates and low room air oxygen saturation. Several bronchiolitis pathogens were associated with apnea, with similar apnea risk across the major viral pathogens.
Screening for Primary Hypertension in Children and Adolescents: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
Authors: Moyer Virginia A.
Published: October 2013

Description:

Update of the 2003 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents.

Methods:

The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on screening and diagnostic accuracy of screening tests for blood pressure in children and adolescents, the effectiveness and harms of treatment of screen-detected primary childhood hypertension, and the association of hypertension with markers of cardiovascular disease in childhood and adulthood.

Population:

This recommendation applies to children and adolescents who do not have symptoms of hypertension.

Recommendation:

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for primary hypertension in asymptomatic children and adolescents to prevent subsequent cardiovascular disease in childhood or adulthood.
Desempenho de clones de copa e painel de seringueira no sudoeste do Estado do Mato Grosso
Authors: Moraes Vicente Haroldo de Figueiredo , Moraes Larissa Alexandra Cardoso , Moreira Adônis , Souza Nilson Pereira de , Yokoyama Roberto , Pereira Ailton Vitor , Fialho Josefino de Freitas
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de 12 combinações de três clones de painel (PB 311, PB 314 e RRIM 600) com quatro clones de copa (F 4512, MDF 180, IAN 6158 e IAN 6543) de seringueira cultivados no sudoeste do Estado do Mato Grosso. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados: produção de borracha seca, percentagem de plantas aptas à sangria, secamento de painel, estado nutricional, teor de borracha seca, plasticidade Wallace (P0 e P30), índice de retenção de plasticidade e viscosidade Mooney. As combinações das copas IAN 6543 e MDF 180 com os painéis PB 311, RRIM 600 e PB 314 apresentaram estado nutricional adequado, com produtividade de borracha seca acima de 1,41 Mg ha-1 por ano. O clone de copa IAN 6158 propiciou, em oito anos, as maiores quantidades de plantas aptas à sangria. As combinações painel/copa apresentaram baixa incidência de secamento de painel, exceto PB 311 x IAN 6158. As borrachas das 12 combinações painel/copa apresentam boa resistência à degradação térmica e alta retenção de plasticidade.
Cultivable mushroom growth-promoting bacteria and their impact on Agaricus blazei productivity
Authors: Young Li-Sen , Chu Jiunn-Nan , Hameed Asif , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: October 2013

The objective of this work was to identify growth-promoting bacteria isolated from Agaricus blazei and to evaluate their effect on mushroom mycelial growth and productivity. A total of 56 A. blazei-associated bacterial isolates were obtained from casing soil and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacteria were evaluated as to phosphate-solubilization ability, nitrogen-fixation capability, and secretion of cellulase. Superior isolates were tested for their to effect on A. blazei productivity, micelial growth, and on the contents of the polysaccharide-protein complex and of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Bacterial isolates were identified as actinobacteria (60%), firmicutes (20%), and proteobacteria (20%). Among them, ten isolates had phosphate-solubilization ability, eight showed nitrogen-fixation capability, and 12 isolates promoted A. blazei mycelium growth. Bacterial inoculation reduces time till harvest in up to 26 days, increases fresh mushroom yield up to 215%, and increases total polysaccharide-protein complex content twofold when compared to the non-inoculated control. The actinobacteria group is the predominant A. blazei-associated phylum.
Yield and mineral nutrition of soybean, maize, and Congo signal grass as affected by limestone and slag
Authors: Castro Gustavo Spadotti Amaral , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa
Published: October 2013

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of superficial application of limestone and slag, and their effects on soil chemical attributes and on yield and mineral nutrition of soybean, maize, and Congo signal grass (Urochloa ruziziensis). The experiment was carried out in a Rhodic Hapludox under no tillage system. The treatments consisted of the use of limestone or slag (silicates of calcium and magnesium) to correct soil acidity, and of a control treatment without the use of soil correctives. Rates were calculated in order to raise soil base saturation up to 70%. Soybean was sown in November 2006 and maize in December 2007. Congo signal grass was sown right after the harvests of soybean and maize, and it was cropped during the off-seasons. Soil chemical attributes were evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 months after the application of the corrective materials. Slag is an efficient source for soil acidity correction, being able to raise the exchangeable base levels in the soil profile faster than lime. Both limestone and slag increase dry matter yield of Congo signal grass, and grain yield of soybean and maize. Slag is more effective in improving maize grain yield.
Comportamento de poedeiras criadas a diferentes densidades e tamanhos de grupo em ambiente enriquecido
Authors: Pereira Danilo Florentino , Batista Edna dos Santos , Sanches Filipe Teixeira , Gabriel Filho Luís Roberto Almeida , Bueno Leda Gobbo de Freitas
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar diferenças comportamentais entre poedeiras criadas sob diferentes densidades e tamanhos de grupo, em condições de ambiente enriquecido. Foram utilizadas poedeiras Isa Brown com idade entre 30 e 32 semanas alojadas em galpões de escala reduzida e distorcida. As aves foram criadas durante 28 dias, em baias com cama de maravalha, poleiro e ninho. Foram avaliados dois tamanhos de grupos (6 e 12 aves) e duas densidades de criação (774 e 1.440 cm² por ave), em arranjo fatorial com três repetições. Em amostras de vídeo de 15 min, foram registrados as frequências e os tempos de expressão dos comportamentos: arrumar penas, banho de areia, bater asas, beber água, bicar, coçar a cabeça, ciscar, comer, empoleirar, esticar perna, perseguir, sentar e visitar o ninho. Foram observados efeitos significativos dos tratamentos e da interação entre eles. O grupo de seis aves manifestou aumento da frequência de comportamentos que indicam maior frustração das aves, independentemente da densidade. O tamanho de grupo é o fator mais importante para o bem-estar das aves.
Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) Competition in Cotton
Authors: Barnett Kelly A. , Steckel Lawrence E.
Published: October 2013

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds, including giant ragweed, are among the most challenging weeds for growers to control in cotton. A field study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 to determine the competitiveness of giant ragweed with densities of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 plants m−1of row. Early in the growing season, giant ragweed competition with densities of at least 0.8 plants m−1row reduced cotton height compared with the weed-free control. Based on node above white flower (NAWF) and node above cracked boll (NACB) data, a delay in cotton maturity was observed for treatments with giant ragweed present at a density of 1.6 m−1of cotton row for NAWF and 0.8 m−1or 1.6 m−1of row for NACB. Lint yield losses of 50% were estimated for cotton with rows growing along side of giant ragweed at a density of 0.26 plants m−1row. Cotton in rows located 140 cm away from giant ragweed required an estimated 1.85 plants m−1row to reduce yield by 50%. These data suggest that giant ragweed sphere of influence was at least 1 m wide. Cotton fiber quality was not affected by giant ragweed at any density. Giant ragweed is a highly competitive weed in cotton, even at low densities, and efforts should be implemented to control giant ragweed early in the season to prevent cotton yield loss.
Determination of ACCase Sensitivity and Gene Expression in Quizalofop–Ethyl-Resistant and -Susceptible Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) Biotypes
Authors: Huan Zhibo , Xu Zhi , Lv Daizhu , Wang Jinxin
Published: October 2013

Mechanisms of herbicide resistance were studied in a quizalofop–ethyl-resistant barnyardgrass biotype. Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) sensitivity to quizalofop-p-ethyl was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and the trend in ACCase gene expression over time was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that an insensitive ACCase was present in Geqiushan resistant plants (R), with a resistance index of 106. The basal ACCase activities in Geqiushan R and Geqiushan susceptible plants (S) were similar, at 1.20 and 1.17 ng malonyl-CoA min−1µg−1extract protein, respectively. Basal ACCase gene expression in Geqiushan R was similar to that in Geqiushan S. The relative expression of ACCase gene decreased after spraying quizalofop–ethyl at 60 g ai ha−1in Geqiushan S, whereas it was almost not changed in Geqiushan R. From these results we concluded that plastid ACCase sensitivity change might be responsible for the resistance and gene overexpression does not play a role in this resistance.
Bioavailability of Aminocyclopyrachlor and Triclopyr plus Clopyralid from Turfgrass Clippings in Aquatic and Riparian Plants
Authors: Lewis Dustin F. , Richardson Robert J. , Yelverton Fred H. , Wentworth Thomas R.
Published: October 2013

Synthetic auxin herbicides are widely utilized in golf course settings for selective broadleaf weed control. Aminocyclopyrachlor (AMCP) is a newly registered pyrimidine carboxylic acid with similar chemical mode-of-action and structure to triclopyr (TRIC) and clopyralid (CLPY). Off-target injury on terrestrial plants has been documented following exposure to turfgrass clippings previously treated with TRIC and CLPY. Management practices on golf courses can distribute turfgrass clippings into water bodies; however, research has not evaluated the bioavailability of synthetic auxin residues from turfgrass clippings to aquatic and riparian plants within these environments. A bioassay study was conducted to determine the response of alligatorweed and parrotfeather to tall fescue clippings previously treated with synthetic auxin herbicides. Previously treated AMCP and TRIC + CLPY clippings were placed into growth containers mimicking a lentic system containing both alligatorweed and parrotfeather. Results indicated all herbicide treated clippings induced significant growth responses to alligatorweed and parrotfeather growth compared to a nontreated mulch and nontreated control. Alligatorweed control was greater from AMCP clippings treated 14, 7, 3, and 1 DBCC (49, 60, 90, and 80%, respectively) than comparative TRIC + CLPY clippings (33, 25, 37, and 64%, respectively) at 10 weeks after treatment (WAT). Parrotfeather control was greater from AMCP clippings (57 to 87%) than TRIC + CLPY clippings (9 to 63%) collected from all days before clipping collection (DBCC) timings when evaluated 6 WAT. At 10 WAT, greater parrotfeather control and shoot reduction was observed from AMCP than TRIC + CLPY clippings when treated 14, 7, and 3 DBCC. Based on these data, synthetic auxin residues can become bioavailable to aquatic and riparian plants within aqueous environments.
Top and base California bearing ratio behaviour of soaked gypsum-rich roadbed soils
Authors: Razouki Sabah Said , Abood Mahah Hattim , Al-Abbasy Kadhum Jawad
Published: October 2013

The effect of long-term soaking on the California bearing ratio (CBR) of the top (CBRT) and base (CBRB) of both gypsum sand and clayey gypsiferous soil was obtained. The gypsum contents of gypsum sand and clay were about 28ṡ9% and 25·6%, respectively. For each soil, CBR specimens were compacted at optimum moisture content and 95% of the modified American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) maximum dry density. For each soil, two specimens were soaked for periods of 0, 4, 7, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 d with 50 lb (222ṡ5 N) surcharge load. For each soil specimen, the CBR load–penetration test was carried out at the top (during soaking) and the inverted bottom (base) of the specimen, yielding CBRT and CBRB, respectively. The paper reveals that there is a significant drop in CBRT and CBRB with increasing soaking period. This effect is more pronounced in CBRT than CBRB for both soils. There is a strong correlation between CBRT and CBRB for each soil tested and the difference between CBRT and CBRB increases with increasing soaking period.
Influences of a composite addition on the strength of mortar and shrinkage of cement paste
Authors: Kang Jingfu , Sui Chune
Published: October 2013

The influences of a composite addition on the strength of mortar as well as the shrinkage of cement paste were investigated. Portland cement, fly ash and a composite addition were used in binary and ternary cementitious blends. The composite addition used in this research was composed of an ultrafine dust collected from iron-smelting furnaces and a small amount of alkali chemicals. The test results indicate that the use of fly ash and the composite addition in the ternary blends enhanced the strength noticeably, especially at early age. Incorporation of the addition resulted in an increase of autogenous shrinkage, but the total shrinkage at 90 days was close to the control specimen when the sealed curing period was longer than 7 days. The longer the specimen cured under sealed conditions, the smaller the total shrinkage produced. An abrupt increase of drying shrinkage was observed as soon as the specimen was demoulded, no matter how long the specimen was cured under sealed conditions.
Community-Driven Development: A New Approach to Social Development in the Niger Delta
Authors: Reider Susan , Haastrup Deji O.
Published: October 2013

The Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) process was started in 2005 by Chevron Nigeria Limited (Chevron) as a significant departure from prior operating experience in the Niger Delta. Previously, the company's community relations effort primarily targeted "host communities" and involved relatively large, signature projects such as schools and hospital buildings. Serious conflict between "have" and "have-not" communities, and between communities and the company, had been escalating for years. The new approach, based on a community-driven development model, was intended to deliver equitable and sustainable social investments, build capacity in civil society, and promote peace and security. This paper will describe the model, as well as programs for training and capacity building, governance, planning, and field research.
Community Engagement: An Essential Component of Well-Being in Older African-American Adults
Authors: Tiernan Chad , Lysack Cathy , Neufeld Stewart , Lichtenberg Peter A.
Published: October 2013

Active engagement in life is a critical factor for successful aging. Research indicates that community engagement is strongly associated with health and well-being in late life. However, less is understood regarding the influence of neighborhood conditions on health and well-being, particularly in older African-American adults. The current study describes a convenience sample of older African Americans ( N = 501, mean age = 70.7 [range 55–95] years) living in Detroit. The specific goal is to examine the relationships between their perceptions of neighborhood conditions, level of community engagement, and their health and well-being. Survey findings reveal a sample of highly engaged older African Americans in reasonable health who perceive their neighborhoods favorably. Regression analysis results indicate that community engagement is closely associated with both neighborhood perceptions and well-being in this sample. We propose that community engagement or “participation” mediates the relationship between neighborhood conditions and well-being for older African Americans living in Detroit.
Non-Monotonic Dose Responses in Studies of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Bisphenol a as a Case Study
Authors: Vandenberg Laura N.
Published: October 2013

Non-monotonic dose response curves (NMDRCs) have been demonstrated for natural hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a variety of biological systems including cultured cells, whole organ cultures, laboratory animals and human populations. The mechanisms responsible for these NMDRCs are well known, typically related to the interactions between the ligand (hormone or EDC) and a hormone receptor. Although there are hundreds of examples of NMDRCs in the EDC literature, there are claims that they are not ‘common enough’ to influence the use of high-to-low dose extrapolations in risk assessments. Here, we chose bisphenol A (BPA), a well-studied EDC, to assess the frequency of non-monotonic responses. Our results indicate that NMDRCs are common in the BPA literature, occurring in greater than 20% of all experiments and in at least one endpoint in more than 30% of all studies we examined. We also analyzed the types of endpoints that produce NMDRCs in vitro and factors related to study design that influence the ability to detect these kinds of responses. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence for NMDRCs in the EDC literature, specifically for BPA, and question the current risk assessment practice where ‘safe’ low doses are predicted from high dose exposures.
Constitutively Active CaMKKα Stimulates Skeletal Muscle Glucose Uptake in Insulin-Resistant Mice In Vivo
Authors: Hinkley J. Matthew , Ferey Jeremie L. , Brault Jeffrey J. , Smith Cheryl A.S. , Gilliam Laura A.A. , Witczak Carol A.
Published: October 2013

In insulin-sensitive skeletal muscle, the expression of constitutively active Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase α (caCaMKKα) stimulates glucose uptake independent of insulin signaling (i.e., Akt and Akt-dependent TBC1D1/TBC1D4 phosphorylation). Our objectives were to determine whether caCaMKKα could stimulate glucose uptake additively with insulin in insulin-sensitive muscle, in the basal state in insulin-resistant muscle, and if so, to determine whether the effects were associated with altered TBC1D1/TBC1D4 phosphorylation. Mice were fed a control or high-fat diet (60% kcal) for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance. Muscles were transfected with empty vector or caCaMKKα plasmids using in vivo electroporation. After 2 weeks, caCaMKKα protein was robustly expressed. In insulin-sensitive muscle, caCaMKKα increased basal in vivo [3H]-2-deoxyglucose uptake approximately twofold, insulin increased glucose uptake approximately twofold, and caCaMKKα plus insulin increased glucose uptake approximately fourfold. caCaMKKα did not increase basal TBC1D1 (Ser237, Thr590, Ser660, pan-Thr/Ser) or TBC1D4 (Ser588, Thr642, pan-Thr/Ser) phosphorylation. In insulin-resistant muscle, caCaMKKα increased basal glucose uptake approximately twofold, and attenuated high-fat diet–induced basal TBC1D1 (Thr590, pan-Thr/Ser) and TBC1D4 (Ser588, Thr642, pan-Thr/Ser) phosphorylation. In cell-free assays, CaMKKα increased TBC1D1 (Thr590, pan-Thr/Ser) and TBC1D4 (Ser588, pan-Thr/Ser) phosphorylation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that caCaMKKα stimulates glucose uptake additively with insulin, and in insulin-resistant muscle, and alters the phosphorylation of TBC1D1/TBC1D4.
SLC30A8 Nonsynonymous Variant Is Associated With Recovery Following Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Size and Strength
Authors: Sprouse Courtney , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Orkunoglu-Suer E. Funda , Lipof Jason S. , Moeckel-Cole Stephanie , Patel Ronak R. , Adham Kasra , Larkin Justin S. , Hubal Monica J. , Kearns Amy K. , Clarkson Priscilla M. , Thompson Paul D. , Angelopoulos Theodore J. , Gordon Paul M. , Moyna Niall M. , Pescatello Linda S. , Visich Paul S. , Zoeller Robert F. , Hoffman Eric P. , Tosi Laura L. , Devaney Joseph M.
Published: October 2013

Genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of variants that are associated with numerous phenotypes. One such variant, rs13266634, a nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the solute carrier family 30 (zinc transporter) member eight gene, is associated with a 53% increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). We hypothesized that individuals with the protective allele against T2D would show a positive response to short-term and long-term resistance exercise. Two cohorts of young adults—the Eccentric Muscle Damage (EMD; n = 156) cohort and the Functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Muscle Size and Strength Study (FAMuSS; n = 874)—were tested for association of the rs13266634 variant with measures of skeletal muscle response to resistance exercise. Our results were sexually dimorphic in both cohorts. Men in the EMD study with two copies of the protective allele showed less post-exercise bout strength loss, less soreness, and lower creatine kinase values. In addition, men in the FAMuSS, homozygous for the protective allele, showed higher pre-exercise strength and larger arm skeletal muscle volume, but did not show a significant difference in skeletal muscle hypertrophy or strength with resistance training.
Grapevine yellows affecting the Croatian indigenous grapevine cultivar Grk
Authors: Ježić Marin , Kontić Jasminka Karoglan , Preiner Darko , Maletić Edi , Ćurković-Perica Mirna
Published: October 2013

- The grapevine cultivar Grk, a close relative of Crljenak kaštelanski/Zinfandel, is grown exclusively in southern Croatia. Grapevine yellows-like symptoms were observed on vines in the vineyards in Lumbarda (southern Croatia) and in propagated grapevines near Zadar and Zagreb. The majority of the detected phytoplasma isolates belonged to the 16SrI group. However, RFLP pattern and R16F2n/R2 fragment sequence assigned one isolate to the 16SrIII group. Thus far, on cv. Grk, phytoplasmas belonging to three different groups have been detected: 16SrI, 16SrIII, and 16SrXII, which was confirmed previously. Aside from the 16SrI, 16SrV and 16SrXII phytoplasma groups previously found on grapevines in Croatia, the finding of 16SrIII group, which is not common on grapevines in Europe, adds to the diversity of phytoplasmas in a very small geographic region.
Visitor management in protected areas
Authors: Zelenka Josef , Kacetl Jaroslav
Published: October 2013

Visitor management is often too narrowly connected with mass/individual tourism in protected areas. Generally, visitor management can be used in any destination for mass and individual tourism also in connection with optimization of visitor flows, visitor concentration, and optimization of visitor impacts in a very broad sense. This paper focuses on the introduction of the theoretical concept of visitor management; it discusses different visitor management approaches and their principles, compares these approaches, and shortly describes typical visitor management tools. The discussion focuses on the appropriate use of chosen selected tools, mainly carrying capacity approaches, zoning and optimization of tourism infrastructure and monitoring, including tourism sustainability indicators. The computer simulation and prediction of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the phenomena in destination is also shortly described. The typical application of visitor management in protected areas is described as a case study and a set of recommendations for visitor management are declared.
DMO – A dummy-made organ or a really working destination management organization
Authors: Holešinská Andrea
Published: October 2013

Destination management is considered as an advanced form of cooperation among tourism stakeholders who are associated in a destination management organization (DMO). In developed tourist destinations such as the Alpine regions, these institutions were formed spontaneously after a few years dealing with the socio-economic changes in demand to prove their competitiveness. This process strengthened their cooperation. In the Czech and Slovak Republic destination management does not have a long tradition. Although numerous tourism organizations have been established, their identification as DMOs is questionable especially considering the length of cooperation development in the Alpine regions. Therefore the article examines on an example of the Slovak Republic.