bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isoform-Specific Transcriptional Regulation by Thyroid Hormone Receptors: Hormone-Independent Activation Operates through a Steroid Receptor Mode of Coactivator Interaction
Authors: Yang Zhihong , Privalsky Martin L.
Published: January 2014

Thyroid hormone receptors (T3Rs) are hormone-regulated transcription factors that play important roles in vertebrate homeostasis, differentiation, and development. T3Rs are synthesized as multiple isoforms that display tissue-specific expression patterns and distinct transcriptional properties. Most T3R isoforms associate with coactivator proteins and mediate transcriptional activation only in the presence of thyroid hormone. The pituitary-specific T3Rβ-2 isoform departs from this general rule and is able to interact with p160 coactivators, and to mediate transcriptional activation in both the absence and presence of hormone. We report here that this hormone-independent activation is mediated by contacts between the unique N terminus of T3Rβ-2 and an internal interaction domain in the SRC-1 (steroid receptor coactivator-1) and GRIP-1 (glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1) coactivators. These hormone-independent contacts between T3Rβ-2 and the p160 coactivators are distinct in sequence and function from the LXXLL motifs that mediate hormone-dependent transcriptional activation and resemble instead a mode of coactivator recruitment previously observed only for the steroid hormone receptors and only in the presence of steroid hormone. Our results suggest that the transcriptional properties of the different T3R isoforms represent a combinatorial mixture of repression, antirepression, and hormone-independent and hormone-dependent activation functions that operate in conjunction to determine the ultimate transcriptional outcome.
Reduction of Coactivator Expression by Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides Inhibits ERα Transcriptional Activity and MCF-7 Proliferation
Authors: Cavarretta Ilaria T. R. , Mukopadhyay Ratna , Lonard David M. , Cowsert Lex M. , Bennett C. Frank , O’Malley Bert W. , Smith Carolyn L.
Published: January 2014

Steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA) is a novel coactivator for steroid receptors that acts as an RNA molecule, whereas steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family members, such as steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and transcriptional intermediary factor 2 (TIF2) exert their biological effects as proteins. Individual overexpression of each of these coactivators, which can form multimeric complexes in vivo, results in stimulated ERα transcriptional activity in transient transfection assays. However there is no information on the consequences of reducing SRC-1, TIF2, or SRA expression, singly or in combination, on ERα transcriptional activity. We therefore developed antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (asODNs) to SRA, SRC-1, and TIF2 mRNAs, which rapidly and specifically reduced the expression of each of these coactivators. ERα-dependent gene expression was reduced in a dose-dependent fashion by up to 80% in cells transfected with these oligonucleotides. Furthermore, treatment of cells with combinations of SRA, SRC-1, and TIF2 asODNs reduced ERα transcriptional activity to an extent greater than individual asODN treatment alone, suggesting that these coactivators cooperate, in at least an additive fashion, to activate ERα-dependent target gene expression. Finally, treatment of MCF-7 cells with asODN against SRC-1 and TIF2 revealed a requirement of these coactivators, but not SRA, for hormone-dependent DNA synthesis and induction of estrogen-dependent pS2 gene expression, indicating that SRA and SRC family coactivators can fulfill specific functional roles. Taken together, we have developed a rapid method to reduce endogenous coactivator expression that enables an assessment of the in vivo role of specific coactivators on ERα biological action and avoids potential artifacts arising from overexpression of coactivators in transient transfection assays.
The Effects of Estrogen-Responsive Element- and Ligand-Induced Structural Changes on the Recruitment of Cofactors and Transcriptional Responses by ERα and ERβ
Authors: Yi Ping , Driscoll Mark D. , Huang Jing , Bhagat Sumedha , Hilf Russell , Bambara Robert A. , Muyan Mesut
Published: January 2014

Estrogen signaling is mediated by ERα and -β. ERs are converted from an inactive form to a transcriptionally active state through conformational changes induced by ligand and estrogen-responsive element (ERE) sequences. We show here that ERα and ERβ bind to an ERE independently from ER ligands. We found that although the binding affinity of ERβ for an ERE is 2-fold lower than that of ERα, both ERs use the same nucleotides for DNA contacts. We show that both EREs and ligands are independent modulators of ER conformation. Specifically, the ERE primarily determines the receptor-DNA affinity, whereas the structure of the ER ligand dictates the affinity of ER for particular cofactors. We found that the ligand-dependent cofactor transcriptional intermediary factor-2, through a distinct surface, also interacts with ERα preferentially and independently of ligand. The extent of interaction, however, is dependent upon the ER-ERE affinity. In transfected cells, ERα is more transcriptionally active than ERβ. The ERE sequence, however, determines the potency of gene induction when either ER subtype binds to an agonist. Antagonists prevent ERs from inducing transcription independently from ERE sequences. Thus, ERE- and ligand-induced structural changes are independent determinants for the recruitment of cofactors and transcriptional responses. The ability of ERα to differentially recruit a cofactor could contribute to ER subtype-specific gene responses.
8-Cl-Adenosine Inhibits Proliferation and Causes Apoptosis in B-Lymphocytes via Protein Kinase A-Dependent and Independent Effects: Implications for Treatment of Carney Complex-Associated Tumors
Authors: Robinson-White Audrey , Bossis Ioannis , Hsiao Hui-Pin , Nesterova Maria , Leitner Wolfgang W. , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: January 2014

Context

Carney complex, a multiple neoplasia syndrome, characterized primarily by spotty skin pigmentation and a variety of endocrine and other tumors, is caused by mutations in PRKAR1A, the gene that codes for the RIα subunit of protein kinase (PKA). PKA controls cell proliferation in many cell types. The cAMP analogue 8-Cl-adenosine (8-Cl-ADO) is thought to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Objective

The objective of the study was to study the antiproliferative effects of 8-Cl-ADO on growth and proliferation in B-lymphocytes of Carney complex patients that have PKA defects and to determine whether 8-CL-ADO could be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of Carney complex-associated tumors.

Design

We used a multiparametric approach (i.e. growth and proliferation assays, PKA, and PKA subunit assays, cAMP and [3H] cAMP binding assays, and apoptosis assays) to understand the growth and proliferative effects of 8-Cl-ADO on human B-lymphocytes.

Results

8-Cl-ADO inhibited proliferation, mainly through its intracellular transport and metabolism, which induced apoptosis. PKA activity, cAMP levels, and 3H-cAMP binding were increased or decreased, respectively, by 8-Cl-ADO, whereas PKA subunit levels were differentially affected. 8-Cl-ADO also inhibited proliferation induced by G protein-coupled receptors for isoproterenol and adenosine and proliferation induced by other tyrosine kinase receptors.

Conclusions

8-Cl-ADO in addition to unambiguously inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in a PKA-independent manner also has PKA-dependent effects that are unmasked by a mutant PRKAR1A. Thus, 8-Cl-ADO could serve as a therapeutic agent in patients with Carney complex-related tumors.
Partial Primary Deficiency of Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I Activity Associated with IGF1 Mutation Demonstrates Its Critical Role in Growth and Brain Development
Authors: Netchine Irène , Azzi Salah , Houang Muriel , Seurin Danielle , Perin Laurence , Ricort Jean-Marc , Daubas Claudine , Legay Christine , Mester Jan , Herich Robert , Godeau François , Le Bouc Yves
Published: January 2014

Context

IGF-I is essential for fetal and postnatal development. Only three IGF1 defects leading to dramatic loss of binding to its type 1 receptor, IGF-1R, have been reported.

Patient

We describe a very lean boy who has intrauterine growth restriction and progressive postnatal growth failure associated with normal hearing, microcephaly, and mild intellectual impairment. He had markedly reduced concentrations of IGF-I, with IGFBP-3 and ALS serum levels in the upper normal range or above. IGF-I serum concentrations differed according to the immunoassay used. A higher than average GH dose was required for catch-up growth. Given the mismatch between IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels, we sequenced his IGF1 gene.

Result

We identified a homozygous missense IGF1 mutation. This causes the replacement of a highly conserved amino acid (arginine 36) by a glutamine (R36Q) in the C domain of the predicted peptide. We showed that the abnormal IGF-I peptide has reduced mitogenic activity and partial loss of binding to its receptor IGF-1R. The patient’s IGF-I level was undetectable in a highly specific monoclonal assay but elevated in a polyclonal assay.

Conclusion

This first report of mild deficiency of IGF-I activity demonstrates that the integrity of IGF-I signaling is important for normal growth and brain development. Molecular defects leading to partial loss of IGF-I activity may not be uncommon in patients born small for gestational age. The characterization of this complex phenotype and identification of such molecular defects have therapeutic implications, particularly now that, in addition to GH, recombinant IGF-I is available for clinical use.
Neonatal Diabetes Caused by Mutations in Sulfonylurea Receptor 1: Interplay between Expression and Mg-Nucleotide Gating Defects of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels
Authors: Zhou Qing , Garin Intza , Castaño Luis , Argente Jesús , Muñoz-Calvo Ma. Teresa , Perez de Nanclares Guiomar , Shyng Show-Ling
Published: January 2014

Context: ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels regulate insulin secretion by coupling glucose metabolism to β-cell membrane potential. Gain-of-function mutations in the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) or Kir6.2 channel subunit underlie neonatal diabetes.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the mechanisms by which two SUR1 mutations, E208K and V324M, associated with transient neonatal diabetes affect KATP channel function.

Design: E208K or V324M mutant SUR1 was coexpressed with Kir6.2 in COS cells, and expression and gating properties of the resulting channels were assessed biochemically and electrophysiologically.

Results: Both E208K and V324M augment channel response to MgADP stimulation without altering sensitivity to ATP4− or sulfonylureas. Surprisingly, whereas E208K causes only a small increase in MgADP response consistent with the mild transient diabetes phenotype, V324M causes a severe activating gating defect. Unlike E208K, V324M also impairs channel expression at the cell surface, which is expected to dampen its functional impact on β-cells. When either mutation was combined with a mutation in the second nucleotide binding domain of SUR1 previously shown to abolish Mg-nucleotide response, the activating effect of E208K and V324M was also abolished. Moreover, combination of E208K and V324M results in channels with Mg-nucleotide sensitivity greater than that seen in individual mutations alone.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that E208K and V324M, located in distinct domains of SUR1, enhance transduction of Mg-nucleotide stimulation from the SUR1 nucleotide binding folds to Kir6.2. Furthermore, they suggest that diabetes severity is determined by interplay between effects of a mutation on channel expression and channel gating.
A Heterozygous Mutation of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptor Causes Retention of the Nascent Protein in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Results in Intrauterine and Postnatal Growth Retardation
Authors: Wallborn Tillmann , Wüller Stefan , Klammt Jürgen , Kruis Tassilo , Kratzsch Jürgen , Schmidt Gabriele , Schlicke Marina , Müller Eva , Schmitz van de Leur Hildegard , Kiess Wieland , Pfäffle Roland
Published: January 2014

Background: Mutations in the IGF-I receptor (IGF1R) gene can be responsible for intrauterine and postnatal growth disorders.

Objective: Here we report on a novel mutation in the IGF1R gene in a female patient. The aim of our study was to analyze the functional impact of this mutation.

Patient: At birth, the girl’s length was 47 cm [−1.82 sd score (SDS)], and her weight was 2250 g (−2.26 SDS). Clinical examination revealed microcephaly and retarded cognitive development. She showed no postnatal catch-up growth but had relatively high IGF-I levels (+1.83 to +2.17 SDS).

Results: Denaturing HPLC screening and direct DNA sequencing disclosed a heterozygous missense mutation resulting in an amino acid exchange from valine to glutamic acid at position 599 (V599E-IGF1R). Using various cell systems, we found that the V599E-IGF1R mutant was not tyrosine phosphorylated and had an impaired downstream signaling in the presence of IGF-I. Flow cytometry and live cell confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a lack of cell surface expression due to an extensive retention of V599E-IGF1R proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum.

Conclusion: The V599E-IGF1R mutation interferes with the receptor’s trafficking path, thereby abrogating proreceptor processing and plasma membrane localization. Diminished cell surface receptor density solely expressed from the patient’s wild-type allele is supposed to lead to insufficient IGF-I signaling. We hypothesize that this mechanism results in intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation of the affected patient. The reported retention of the nascent IGF1R in the endoplasmic reticulum presents a novel mechanism of IGF-I resistance.
pH-Responsive Wettable Fabrics with Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Zhang Yabin , Guo Zhiguang
Published: January 2014

An acid–base-responsive fabric was fabricated by combining a facile chemical deposition of micro- and nanostructure CuO microspheres with the following assembly of mixed thiols (containing HS(CH2)17CH3 and HS(CH2)10COOH). It was found that the hierarchical CuO fabric modified with mixed thiols containing 0.8 molar ratio of HS(CH2)10COOH shows good pH responsivity, which can switch between high hydrophobicity for an acid and a superhydrophilicity for base.
Creativity as a Factor for Socio-Economic Development of Polish Regions
Authors: Kola-Bezka Maria
Published: January 2014

This article aims to verify the hypothesis that creativity is an important factor for socio-economic development of Polish regions. The first part of the paper clarifies the idea of regional creativity, its factors and method of measurement. Following two parts present meth­odology and results of the research concerning creativity and development which uses multi­variate comparative analysis. The next one examines relationship between these phenomena. The research revealed that there is strong correlation between the level of creativity and socio-economic development of regions in Poland. In addition, there are large disparities in the level of creativity of these regions. It may be one of the reasons for persistence and even deepening of interregional differences in the level and dynamics of socio-economic development of these regions in the future.
Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses of Business Environment Institutions from Warmia-Masurian Voivodeship as Well as Opportunities and Threats for Their Operations
Authors: Kisiel Roman , Babuchowska Karolina , Marks-Bielska Renata , Wojarska Magdalena
Published: January 2014

Business environment institutions create an ambient for small and medium-sized enterprises, their activities are reflected in, among others the competitiveness of this group of entities. Within a dynamically changing market economy the BEI, similar to other entities, compete with one another. In the effort to achieve and maintain market advantage, BEI, simi­lar to other organisations, are forced to conduct in depth environment analysis. The paper aims at analysing the environment and internal conditions of operation for business environment in­stitutions in Warmia-Masurian voivodeship. The presented results come from the surveys con­ducted for implementation of the project Business Environment Institutions survey from the perspective of the competitiveness and innovation of services provided with recommendations, developed within the frameworks of the project Regional System of Services – InnoWaMa Network implemented with involvement of the Operational Programme Human Capital 2007–2013 (VIII. Regional Staff of the Economy, measure 8.2 Knowledge Transfer, sub-measure 8.2.2 Regional Innovation Strategies) by the Department of Regional Policy of the Marshal’s Office of the Warmia-Masurian Provence in Olsztyn. The main information source for the preparation of this publication was the primary research conducted using a survey method. The basis for an analysis was data collected from 24 BEI.
Modulation of Short-Term Plasticity in the Corticothalamic Circuit by Group III Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
Authors: Kyuyoung Christine L. , Huguenard John R.
Published: January 2014

Recurrent connections in the corticothalamic circuit underlie oscillatory behavior in this network and range from normal sleep rhythms to the abnormal spike-wave discharges seen in absence epilepsy. The propensity of thalamic neurons to fire postinhibitory rebound bursts mediated by low-threshold calcium spikes renders the circuit vulnerable to both increased excitation and increased inhibition, such as excessive excitatory cortical drive to thalamic reticular (RT) neurons or heightened inhibition of thalamocortical relay (TC) neurons by RT. In this context, a protective role may be played by group III metabotropic receptors (mGluRs), which are uniquely located in the presynaptic active zone and typically act as autoreceptors or heteroceptors to depress synaptic release. Here, we report that these receptors regulate short-term plasticity at two loci in the corticothalamic circuit in rats: glutamatergic cortical synapses onto RT neurons and GABAergic synapses onto TC neurons in somatosensory ventrobasal thalamus. The net effect of group III mGluR activation at these synapses is to suppress thalamic oscillations as assayedin vitro. These findings suggest a functional role of these receptors to modulate corticothalamic transmission and protect against prolonged activity in the network.
Dopaminergic Role in Regulating Neurophysiological Markers of Sleep Homeostasis in Humans
Authors: Holst Sebastian C. , Bersagliere Alessia , Bachmann Valérie , Berger Wolfgang , Achermann Peter , Landolt Hans-Peter
Published: January 2014

While dopamine affects fundamental brain processes such as movement control, emotional responses, addiction, and pain, the roles for this neurotransmitter in regulating wakefulness and sleep are incompletely understood. Genetically modified animal models with reduced dopamine clearance exhibit hypersensitivity to caffeine, reduced-responsiveness to modafinil, and increased homeostatic response to prolonged wakefulness when compared with wild-type animals. Here we studied sleep–wake regulation in humans and combined pharmacogenetic and neurophysiologic methods to analyze the effects of the 3′-UTR variable-number-tandem-repeat polymorphism of the gene (DAT1,SLC6A3) encoding dopamine transporter (DAT). Previous research demonstrated that healthy homozygous 10-repeat (10R/10R) allele carriers of this genetic variant have reduced striatal DAT protein expression when compared with 9-repeat (9R) allele carriers. Objective and subjective estimates of caffeine sensitivity were higher in 10R allele homozygotes than in carriers of the 9R allele. Moreover, caffeine and modafinil affected wakefulness-induced changes in functional bands (delta, sigma, beta) of rhythmic brain activity in wakefulness and sleep in aDAT1genotype-dependent manner. Finally, the sleep deprivation-induced increase in well established neurophysiologic markers of sleep homeostasis, including slow-wave sleep, electroencephalographic slow-wave activity (0.5–4.5 Hz), and number of low-frequency (0.5–2.0 Hz) oscillations in non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, was significantly larger in the 10R/10R genotype than in the 9R allele carriers ofDAT1. Together, the data suggest that the dopamine transporter contributes to homeostatic sleep–wake regulation in humans.
Iodine fortification may influence the age-related change in thyroid volume: a longitudinal population-based study (DanThyr)
Authors: Krejbjerg Anne , Bjergved Lena , Pedersen Inge Bülow , Carlé Allan , Jørgensen Torben , Perrild Hans , Ovesen Lars , Rasmussen Lone Banke , Knudsen Nils , Laurberg Peter
Published: January 2014

Objective

To assess the individuals' thyroid volume changes after the mandatory nationwide iodine fortification (IF) program in two Danish areas with different iodine intake at baseline (Copenhagen, mild iodine deficiency (ID) and Aalborg, moderate ID).

Design

A longitudinal population-based study (DanThyr).

Methods

We examined 2465 adults before (1997) and after (2008) the Danish IF of salt (2000). Ultrasonography was carried out by the same sonographers using the same equipment, after controlling performances. Participants treated for thyroid disease were excluded from analyses.

Results

Overall, median thyroid volume had increased in Copenhagen (11.8–12.2 ml, P=0.001) and decreased in Aalborg, although not significantly (13.3–13.1 ml, P=0.07) during the 11 years of follow-up.

In both regions, there was an age-related trend in individual changes in thyroid volume from baseline to follow-up; thyroid volume increased in women <40 years of age and decreased in women >40 years of age.

In a multivariate regression model, higher age at entry was a predictor (P<0.05) for thyroid volume decrease >20% during the follow-up period (women aged 40–45 years: odds ratio (OR) 4.3 (95% CI, 2.2–8.2); women aged 60–65 years: 5.8 (2.9–11.6)) and individuals of higher age were also less likely to have an increase in thyroid volume (women aged 40–45 years: OR 0.2 (0.1–0.3); women aged 60–65: OR 0.3 (0.2–0.4)).

Conclusions

Age-dependent differences in thyroid volume and enlargement had leveled out after the Danish iodization program. Thus, the previously observed increase in thyroid volume with age may have been caused by ID.
Effect of mineral and organic fertilization on the yield and soil CO2 production in field and pot experiments
Authors: Hoffmann Sándor , Berecz Katalin , Bálint Ágnes , Kristóf Krisztina , Kampfl Györgyi , Heltai György
Published: January 2014

Tenyészedény-kísérleteket végeztünk egy szántóföldi tartamtrágyázási kísérletre épülve, hogy összehasonlítsuk a szerves- és ásványi trágyázás, valamint ezek kombinációjának hatását kukoricanövények szárazanyag-produkciójára és N-felhalmozására, valamint a talajlevegő CO2-koncentrációjára.A Keszthelyen, Ramann-típusú barna erdőtalajon, 1963-ban beállított szántóföldi kísérlet alábbi kezeléseinek parcelláiról töltöttünk meg nagyméretű, 40 literes tenyészedényeket: a) kontroll; b) növekvő adagú istállótrágyázás (FYM) (35, 70, 105 t·ha−1·év−1); c) ezzel ekvivalens hatóanyag-tartalmú NPK-trágyázás (1ekv, 2ekv, 3ekv); d) ezek nagy NPK-adagokkal történő kombinációja (640-360-660 kg·ha−1·év−1 N-P2O5-K2O), szervesanyag-visszapótlással vagy anélkül. Az üvegházban, teljes érésig felnevelt növényeket szervrészekre bontva vizsgáltuk. A tenyészedényekben, 20 cm talajmélységben gázcsapdákat helyeztünk el és a teljes vegetáció során vizsgáltuk a talajlevegő CO2-koncentrációját.A három kísérleti év és a kétféle kísérleti szint terméseredményeit összegezve megállapíthatjuk, hogy mind a tenyészedény-, mind a szántóföldi kísérletek az istállótrágya NPK-tartalmával azonos mennyiségű ásványi trágyázás előnyét mutatták az istállótrágyázáshoz képest. Ez az előny a tenyészedényekben csaknem minden esetben szignifikánsan megmutatkozott a kukoricanövények szemtermésében és szem N-hozamában a kísérleti évek átlagában. A nagy ásványitrágya-adagokat tartalmazó, kombinált kezelések adták a legmagasabb értékeket a kukoricaszemek, az egyes vegetatív szervrészek, valamint a teljes föld feletti növények szárazanyagprodukcióját és N-hozamát, valamint a szántóföldi kísérlet terméseredményeit illetően is. Ezek a tápanyagadagok nagyságukat illetően azonban már többnyire nem voltak gazdaságosak.A különböző szerves és/vagy ásványi trágya kezeléskombinációk a vegetációs periódus első felében növelték a talajlevegő CO2-koncentrációját. A CO2 gáz képződése a tenyészidő második felében csökkenő tendenciát mutatott. A méréseket megelőző két nap átlagos külső léghőmérsékletének napi középértéke jó összefüggést mutatott a talajban mért CO2-koncentrációkkal. A nagyadagú NPK kezeléskombinációk átlagosan 26,2%-kal növelték a kumulatív gázkoncentrációt a trágyázatlan kontrollhoz képest, az eltérő tápanyagellátási módok hatása között a szemtermés-hozamban és a vegetatív produkcióban kimutatott különbségek azonban nem voltak egyértelműen igazolhatók.
Moisture regime of chernozem soil at different water supply levels
Authors: Dóka Lajos
Published: January 2014

A növénytermesztési tér, ezen belül a csernozjom talaj vízháztartási folyamatainak sokoldalú vizsgálata, elemzése, a folyamatok parametrizálása különösen fontos. A vizsgálatokat — az 1983-ban Ruzsányi László által beállított, 2004-től Pepó Péter által vezetett — polifaktoriális tartamkísérletben kukoricával végeztük, melyet nemcsak jelentős vetésterülete, hanem a vízellátás, a növénytermesztési tér vízháztartása szempontjából kifejezett szenzibilitása, érzékenysége is indokol. A kísérletet különböző vetésváltási rendszerekben (mono-, bi- és trikultúra), három eltérő csapadékellátottságú [egy aszályos (2007), egy csapadékos (2008) és egy száraz (2009)] évjáratban végeztük. A kísérletben N120+PK tápanyagszinttel, két öntözési kezeléssel (Ö1-kezelés: nem öntözött, Ö3-kezelés: öntözött), valamint 60 000 tő·ha−1 állománysűrűséggel dolgoztunk.A mértékadó talajréteget három szintre osztottuk, (0–60; 61–120 és 121–200 cm), melyekben vizsgáltuk a talajnedvesség tenyészidőbeli alakulását. Az eredmények alapján a felső (0–60 cm) talajszint nedvességkészlet-változása volt a legintenzívebb, mind a csapadék, mind az öntözés közvetlen hatása itt mutatható ki a legegyértelműbben.Vizsgálataink alapján megállapítottuk, hogy a csernozjom talaj vízkészletét a vetésváltás nagymértékben befolyásolja. A három vetésváltás közül a monokultúrás vetésváltásban számítottuk a legkisebb talajnedvesség térfogatszázalékos értékeket, bi- és trikultúrában már az induló vízkészlet is 3–4 tf%-kal nagyobb értékeket mutatott, és ez a tendencia a teljes tenyészidőszakban megmaradt, mind a nem öntözött, mind az öntözött kezelésekben. A vizsgálati eredmények alapján megállapítható, hogy a csernozjom talaj vízháztartása, a kukoricaállomány vízellátása szempontjából a monokultúrás termesztés függ a legnagyobb mértékben a vízellátottsági viszonyoktól.A kísérleti adatokból megállapítható, hogy az öntözés főként a 0–60 cm-es gyökérzónában fejtette ki hatását, megközelítőleg vízkapacitásig feltöltötte a talaj felső rétegét, ezáltal kedvező víz- és tápanyagellátási körülményeket teremtve a növényállomány számára.
Composites and Structures for Regenerative Engineering
Authors: Laurencin Cato T. , James Roshan
Published: January 2014

Regenerative engineering was conceptualized by bridging the lessons learned in developmental biology and stem cell science with biomaterial constructs and engineering principles to ultimately generate de novo tissue. We seek to incorporate our understanding of natural tissue development to design tissue-inducing biomaterials, structures and composites than can stimulate the regeneration of complex tissues, organs, and organ systems through location-specific topographies and physico-chemical cues incorporated into a continuous phase. This combination of classical top-down tissue engineering approach with bottom-up strategies used in regenerative biology represents a new multidisciplinary paradigm. Advanced surface topographies and material scales are used to control cell fate and the consequent regenerative capacity.

Musculoskeletal tissues are critical to the normal functioning of an individual and following damage or degeneration they show extremely limited endogenous regenerative capacity. The increasing demand for biologically compatible donor tissue and organ transplants far outstrips the availability leading to an acute shortage. We have developed several biomimetic structures using various biomaterial platforms to combine optimal mechanical properties, porosity, bioactivity, and functionality to effect repair and regeneration of hard tissues such as bone, and soft tissues such as ligament and tendon. Starting with simple structures, we have developed composite and multi-scale systems that very closely mimic the native tissue architecture and material composition. Ultimately, we aim to modulate the regenerative potential, including proliferation, phenotype maturation, matrix production, and apoptosis through cell-scaffold and host –scaffold interactions developing complex tissues and organ systems.
Incremental yield of bronchial washing for diagnosing smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Soto Alonso , Acurio Vilma , Solari Lely , Van der Stuyft Patrick
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE To assess the increased diagnostic yield for pulmonary tuberculosis using bronchial washing cultures compared with sputum cultures. METHODS Study conducted with 61 adults in Lima, Peru, from January 2006 to December 2007. The yield of sputum cultures was compared with the yield of acid-fast bacilli smears and cultures of bronchial washing for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis in suspected cases of clinical tuberculosis with negative acid fast bacilli sputum smears. RESULTS Twenty seven (95%CI 32;58) of the cases were eventually diagnosed with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis. Bronchial washing samples detected 23 (95%CI 72;99) of the smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases compared with 15 (95%CI 37;74) for sputum cultures (p = 0.02). The incremental diagnostic yield of acid fast bacilli smear and culture of bronchial washing specimens over sputum culture was 44% (95%CI 25;65). CONCLUSIONS In function of the epidemiological context and the resources available, bronchoscopy should be deployed as part of a comprehensive work up that optimizes smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and minimizes risk and costs.
Determinantes sociais da saude e o Programa Saude da Familia no municipio de Sao Paulo
Authors: Dowbor Tatiana Pluciennik , Westphal Marcia Faria
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO Analisar a situação do trabalho com determinantes sociais da saúde no âmbito do Programa Saúde da Família. MÉTODOS Estudo de caso com métodos mistos de pesquisa, ancorados em estratégia sequencial explanatória, com 171 gerentes das unidades do Programa Saúde da Família em São Paulo, SP, em 2005/2006. Questionários autopreenchíveis foram aplicados. Entrevistas semiestruturadas e grupos focais foram realizados com amostra intencional de profissionais envolvidos no trabalho com determinantes sociais da saúde. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados por análise descritiva, análise de correspondência múltipla, análise de agrupamento e testes de correlação entre variáveis. Os dados qualitativos foram apurados por análise de conteúdo e a criação de categorias temáticas. RESULTADOS Apesar da concentração de atividades direcionadas ao cuidado com a doença, o Programa Saúde da Família realizou atividades relacionadas à determinação social da saúde, contemplando todas as formas de abordagem da promoção da saúde (biológico, comportamental, psicológico, social e estrutural) e os principais determinantes sociais da saúde descritos na literatura. Houve diferença significativa quanto à abrangência dos determinantes trabalhados nas unidades em relação às diferentes regiões do município. Constatou-se fragilidade das iniciativas e a sua desconexão com a estrutura programática do Programa Saúde da Família. CONCLUSÕES A quantidade e variedade de atividades com determinantes sociais da saúde realizadas no Programa Saúde da Família mostram potencial para trabalhar a determinação social da saúde. Mas a fluidez de objetivo e o caráter extraordinário das atividades descritas questionam sua sustentabilidade como parte integral da atual estrutura organizacional do programa.
Polishing of optical media by dielectric barrier discharge inert gas plasma at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Gerhard C. , Weihs T. , Luca A. , Wieneke S. , Viöl W.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, surface smoothing of optical glasses, glass ceramic and sapphire using a low-power dielectric barrier discharge inert gas plasma at atmospheric pressure is presented. For this low temperature treatment method, no vacuum devices or chemicals are required. It is shown that by such plasma treatment the micro roughness and waviness of the investigated polished surfaces were significantly decreased, resulting in a decrease in surface scattering. Further, plasma polishing of lapped fused silica is introduced. Based on simulation results, a plasma physical process is suggested to be the underlying mechanism for initialising the observed smoothing effect.
Bodenschäden durch Freizeitaktivitäten im Wald: Regeneration durch Einzäunen
Authors: Rusterholz Hans-Peter , Baur Bruno
Published: January 2014

Soil damage from recreational activities in forests: regeneration by fencing

Urban forests are popular recreation areas. Recreational activities, particularly the use of picnic places and playing areas, can cause damages to soil and above-ground vegetation, which in turn negatively affect other forest functions. Forest management plans propose management tools for resolving these conflicts. So far, little is known concerning the restoration success of temporary fencing of heavily impacted forest areas in order to prevent any further recreational use. Here, we report the results of a field experiment designed to examine the effects of fencing and soil scarification upon regeneration of soil and above-ground vegetation in a highly impacted forest in Allschwil, Switzerland. We assessed different soil and vegetation parameters in plots with and without soil scarification in the fenced area in the year before the regeneration experiment was initiated and over the following seven years. In parallel, the same variables were recorded in an undisturbed area and in an area with ongoing recreational use. Our study showed successful regeneration of the formerly degenerated soil and ground vegetation within seven years. In addition, the scarification of the upper soil layer accelerated regeneration of some soil parameters but had no effect on ground vegetation. We conclude that temporary fencing is a useful tool for the restoration of forest soil and vegetation in areas heavily impacted by recreational activities.
A Context of Challenges
Authors: de Stricker Ulla
Published: January 2014

Whenever professionals meet—be their topic of conversation talent recruitment, customer service, or product innovation—they are in fact discussing knowledge management even though the term may never be uttered. It is now widely realized that technology was not the answer to the challenge of harnessing “what the organization knows” and applying it for efficiencies and strategic advantage. The chapter takes a look at common stresses experienced in today's organizations – from dealing with information overload to facing the question “who owns knowledge management – and who should?” Contrary to the tempting assumption that “it is all figured out now,” knowledge management is very much surrounded by a number of enduring organizational challenges not solved by the evolution of technology.
Getting Started with Social Media for Knowledge Management
Authors: Crosby Connie
Published: January 2014

This chapter explores how, as social media tools and platforms become more common inside organizations, KM teams need to incorporate them into their toolbox. It is necessary to learn how they work and how they can be used to be effective in accomplishing the organization’s knowledge and information-related goals. It is not as easy as jumping onto Facebook or Twitter and suddenly engaging. The technology is more difficult to set up; getting buy-in from senior executives is not always easy; and getting a sufficiently wide adoption of the tools can be a challenge if employees are not ready for it. Planning and change management are needed to encourage success.
The Learning Organization
Authors: Keller Deborah
Published: January 2014

The practice of using reviews of past events as (often expensive) investments in learning for the future pays off. Why don't all organizations use the practice as a matter of course? The chapter explores how barriers are similar to all other barriers to successful knowledge management and include such obvious elements as high level ownership and a culture of valuing the learning every employee can contribute to the organization's future. A key element is the organizational will to learn from what happened in the past. The After Action Review is used to illustrate a model for organizational learning.
Assessment of Positional Variation of Maxillary Permanent First Molar with respect to the Infrazygomatic Crest (Key Ridge) in Skeletal Class I, II and III Cases
Authors: Kamble Ranjit , Hazarey Ananya , Hazarey Pushpa , Singh Jeet
Published: January 2014

Introduction

To assess the positional variations of maxillary first permanent molar in horizontal and vertical plane with respect to infrazygomatic crest (key ridge) in skeletal class I, II and III cases.

Materials and methods

A total of 103 lateral cephalograms comprising of 40 skeletal class I (control group), 35 class II and 28 class III cases were selected and analyzed. Six parameters were chosen to compare the vertical and the horizontal variations of first permanent molars.

Results

The angulation of maxillary first molar with respect to key ridge in class II and III was 2.42° and 6.97° as compared to class I which was 5.35°. The mesiobuccal cusp tip of maxillary first molar from key ridge in class II and III was 2.11 and 5.46 mm respectively as compared to class I (1.62 mm). The mesiobuccal root tip of maxillary first molar from key ridge in class II and III was 2.14 and 2.82 mm as compared to class I (1.27 mm).

Conclusion

The maxillary first molar was not directly under the infrazygomatic crest and was ahead of the key ridge in all the groups. The maxillary first permanent molar was placed more mesially in class II and III cases as compared to the class I cases but, in class III, it was more upright as compared to class I and II.

How to cite this article

Kamble R, Hazarey A, Hazarey P, Singh J. Assessment of Positional Variation of Maxillary Permanent First Molar with respect to the Infrazygomatic Crest (Key Ridge) in Skeletal Class I, II and III Cases. World J Dent 2013;4(4):228-234.
A Prosthetic Alternative Treatment for Severe Anterior Ridge Defect using Fixed Removable Partial Denture Andrew's Bar System
Authors: Jain Ashish R
Published: January 2014

It has been well documented that anterior ridge defects present in a patient are very difficult to treat properly. These defects have been treated with great amount of planning and complexities while using the conventional treatment approaches like removable or fixed prosthesis and options of implant. Though totally implant-supported restorations are very successful, dentists may resort to prescribe implant overdentures because of functional, anatomical economical or esthetic considerations. However, the loading conditions of the partially implant- supported overdenture may affect the long-term predictability of this type of restoration. The concept of the Andrew's bar system can be utilized. In some cases the Andrew's bar system is superior to the implant-supported fixed partial denture and other techniques for implant overdentures. The purpose of this article is to evaluate and describe the Andrew's bar system (a fixed removable partial denture), to treat a class III anterior ridge defect using natural teeth as abutments for its fixed component followed a removable component. The use of Andrew's bar system over implants offered the dentist another option in meeting patient's needs.

How to cite this article

Jain AR.A Prosthetic Alternative Treatment for Severe Anterior Ridge Defect using Fixed Removable Partial Denture Andrew's Bar System. World J Dent 2013;4(4):282-285.
Spatial variability in iron nutritional status of large diatoms in the Sea of Okhotsk with special reference to the Amur River discharge
Authors: Suzuki K. , Hattori-Saito A. , Sekiguchi Y. , Nishioka J. , Shigemitsu M. , Isada T. , Liu H. , McKay R. M. L.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The Sea of Okhotsk is known as one of the most biologically productive regions among the world's oceans, and its productivity is supported in part by the discharge of iron (Fe)-rich water from the Amur River. However, little is known about the effect of riverine-derived Fe input on the physiology of the large diatoms which often flourish in surface waters of the productive continental shelf region. We conducted diatom-specific immunochemical ferredoxin (Fd) and flavodoxin (Fld) assays in order to investigate the spatial variability of Fe nutritional status in the microplankton-sized (20–200 μm; hereafter micro-sized) diatoms. The Fd index, defined as the proportion of Fd to the sum of Fd plus Fld accumulations in the cells, was used to assess their Fe nutritional status. Additionally, active chlorophyll fluorescence measurements using pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometry were carried out to obtain the maximum photochemical quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) of photosystem II for the total micro-sized phytoplankton assemblages including diatoms. During our observations in the summer of 2006, the micro-sized diatoms were relatively abundant (> 10 μg C L−1) in the neritic region, and formed a massive bloom in Sakhalin Bay near the mouth of the Amur River. Values of the Fd index and Fv/Fm were high (> 0.9 and > 0.65, respectively) near the river mouth, indicating that Fe was sufficient for growth of the diatoms. However, in oceanic waters of the Sea of Okhotsk, the diatom Fd index declined as cellular Fld accumulation increased. These results suggest that there was a distinct gradient in Fe nutritional status in the micro-sized diatoms from near the Amur River mouth to open waters in the Sea of Okhotsk. A significant correlation between dissolved Fe (D-Fe) concentration and the Fd index was found in waters off Sakhalin Island, indicating that D-Fe was a key factor for the photophysiology of this diatom size class. In the vicinity of the Kuril Islands between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean, micro-sized diatoms only accumulated Fld (i.e., Fd index = 0), despite strong vertical mixing consistent with elevated surface D-Fe levels (> 0.4 nM). Since higher Fe quotas are generally required for diatoms growing under low light conditions, the micro-sized diatoms off the Kuril Islands possibly encountered Fe and light co-limitations. The differential expressions of Fd and Fld in micro-sized diatoms helped us to understand how these organisms respond to Fe availability in the Sea of Okhotsk in connection with the Amur River discharge.
Quantifying the biophysical climate change mitigation potential of Canada's forest sector
Authors: Smyth C. E. , Stinson G. , Neilson E. , Lemprière T. C. , Hafer M. , Rampley G. J. , Kurz W. A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The potential of forests and the forest sector to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is widely recognized, but challenging to quantify at a national scale. Forests and their carbon (C) sequestration potential are affected by management practices, where wood harvesting transfers C out of the forest into products, and subsequent regrowth allows further C sequestration. Here we determine the mitigation potential of the 2.3 × 106 km2 of Canada's managed forests from 2015 to 2050 using the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3), a harvested wood products model that estimates emissions based on product half-life decay times, and an account of emission substitution benefits from the use of wood products and bioenergy. We examine several mitigation scenarios with different assumptions about forest management activity levels relative to a base-case scenario, including improved growth from silvicultural activities, increased harvest and residue management for bioenergy, and reduced harvest for conservation. We combine forest management options with two mitigation scenarios for harvested wood product use involving an increase in either long-lived products or bioenergy uses. Results demonstrate large differences among alternative scenarios, and we identify potential mitigation scenarios with increasing benefits to the atmosphere for many decades into the future, as well as scenarios with no net benefit over many decades. The greatest mitigation impact was achieved through a mix of strategies that varied across the country and had cumulative mitigation of 254 Tg CO2e in 2030, and 1180 Tg CO2e in 2050. We conclude that (i) national-scale forest sector mitigation options need to be assessed rigorously from a systems perspective to avoid the development of policies that deliver no net benefits to the atmosphere, (ii) a mix of strategies implemented across the country achieves the greatest mitigation impact, and (iii) because of the time delays in achieving carbon benefits for many forest-based mitigation activities, future contributions of the forest sector to climate mitigation can be maximized if implemented soon.
El Padre de la perversa. Antígona materna en la poética de Gabriela Mistral
Authors: Del Río Rodrigo Fernando
Published: January 2014

Licia Fiol-Matta, en su libro A Queer Mother for the Nation, explica la relación entre la identidad queer de Gabriela Mistral y su apropiación por los distintos proyectos estatales de la época. Sostiene que el discurso político de la maternidad en Gabriela Mistral tiene consecuencias privatistas en último término. “Antígona”, breve poema de Lagar II, sirve para reinterpretar la maternidad mistraliana desde una óptica diferente. En lugar del sujeto narcisista y paranoico que nutre el relato de Fiol-Matta propongo la perversión como un concepto más adecuado para articular las esferas de lo público y lo privado en la obra y figura de la poeta. En este sentido, la madre sería el soporte de la fantasía del Estado.
Un apocalipsis perverso: reflexiones en torno a la violencia simbólica en Eloy
Authors: Concha Ferreccio Pablo
Published: January 2014

El artículo propone una lectura de la violencia simbólica en la novela Eloy (1960), de Carlos Droguett. Se comienza analizando el vínculo entre Eloy y las mujeres para presentar la estructura psíquica de la perversión. Luego se aborda la violencia simbólica a la luz de la teoría de René Girard sobre el motivo literario de los hermanos. Habría dos dobles de Eloy: el policía y el barbero. La relación de ambos con el bandido rural se caracteriza por su naturaleza perversa, que funciona del mismo modo: la violencia es caracterizada como violencia estatal, contenida y secular, que denuncia la existencia de un lazo social reificado entre campo y ciudad. Se termina ensayando una explicación para este doble uso de la perversión desde el contexto de producción de la novela.