bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the genericity of Whitehead minimality
Authors: Bassino Frédérique , Nicaud Cyril , Weil Pascal
Published: November 2015

We show that a finitely generated subgroup of a free group, chosen uniformly at random, is strictly Whitehead minimal with overwhelming probability. Whitehead minimality is one of the key elements of the solution of the orbit problem in free groups. The proofs strongly rely on combinatorial tools, notably those of analytic combinatorics. The result we prove actually depends implicitly on the choice of a distribution on finitely generated subgroups, and we establish it for the two distributions which appear in the literature on random subgroups.
An Ontology-based Approach for Knowledge Integration in Product Collaborative Development
Authors: Yu Guodong , Yang Yu , Qingsong Xing
Published: November 2015

Knowledge integrated model (KIM) is regarded as an effective and critical way to enhance efficiency of product collaborative development (PCD). However, it is much knotty to establish a unified description rule as there exists diverse and heterogeneous designer knowledge. In this paper, an approach based on ontology for KIM is proposed to straightforwardly descript heterogeneous knowledge and achieve a matching of knowledge and design mission objectives easily. First, a KIM of PCD is presented in accordance with the characteristics of product design activities. Hereafter, a knowledge transformation method based on “problem domain – functional domain” model is developed to accurately reflect customer expectations for new products, wherein, knowledge ontology tree including “customer creativity, emotional knowledge, customer needs, and basic knowledge” is constructed to standardize customer needs. Then, a knowledge matching function (KMF) and a Backus–Naur form (BNF) are introduced to measure similarity of request and candidate. Thereafter, a service engine (SE) including KMF and BNF is generated by the knowledge integrated system (KIS). Finally, simulations and experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods and models.
Uptake of uranium, thorium and radium isotopes by plants growing in dam impoundment Tasotkel and the Lower Shu region (Kazakhstan)
Authors: Matveyeva Ilona , Jaćimović Radojko , Planinšek Petra , Smodiš Borut , Burkitbayev Mukhambetkali
Published: November 2015

The activity concentrations of isotopes of uranium, thorium and radium-226 in dominant species of plants (Xantium strumarium,
Phragmites communis, Artemisia nitrosa and Artemisia serotina) growing on the territories contaminated by
uranium industry of Kazakhstan (close to dam impoundment Tasotkel and the Lower Shu region) are presented. The obtained data showed the
significant variations of activity concentrations of isotopes of uranium, thorium and radium-226 in above ground parts. The
concentrations of most of the investigated radionuclides in the root system are higher than in the aboveground parts; it can be
explained by root barrier. It was found that the highest root barrier has Xantium strumarium, especially for uranium
isotopes. The concentration ratios of radionuclides were calculated, and as the result it was found that the highest accumulation
ability in the investigated region has Artemisia serotina.
Rogue-Wave Interaction of a Nonlinear Schrödinger Model for the Alpha Helical Protein
Authors: Jia Hui-Xian , Liu Yu-Jun , Wang Ya-Ning
Published: November 2015

In this article, we investigate a fourth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which governs the Davydov solitons in the alpha helical protein with higher-order effects. By virtue of the generalised Darboux transformation, higher-order rogue-wave solutions are derived. Propagation and interaction of the rogue waves are analysed: (i) Coefficients affect the existence time of the first-order rogue waves; (ii) coefficients affect the interaction time of the second- and third-order rogue waves; (iii) direction of the rogue-wave propagation remain unchanged after interaction.
Sharp Wave Ripples during Visual Exploration in the Primate Hippocampus
Authors: Leonard Timothy K. , Mikkila Jonathan M. , Eskandar Emad N. , Gerrard Jason L. , Kaping Daniel , Patel Shaun R. , Womelsdorf Thilo , Hoffman Kari L.
Published: November 2015

Hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) are highly synchronous oscillatory field potentials that are thought to facilitate memory consolidation. SWRs typically occur during quiescent states, when neural activity reflecting recent experience is replayed. In rodents, SWRs also occur during brief locomotor pauses in maze exploration, where they appear to support learning during experience. In this study, we detected SWRs that occurred during quiescent states, but also during goal-directed visual exploration in nonhuman primates (Macaca mulatta). The exploratory SWRs showed peak frequency bands similar to those of quiescent SWRs, and both types were inhibited at the onset of their respective behavioral epochs. In apparent contrast to rodent SWRs, these exploratory SWRs occurred during active periods of exploration, e.g., while animals searched for a target object in a scene. SWRs were associated with smaller saccades and longer fixations. Also, when they coincided with target-object fixations during search, detection was more likely than when these events were decoupled. Although we observed high gamma-band field potentials of similar frequency to SWRs, only the SWRs accompanied greater spiking synchrony in neural populations. These results reveal that SWRs are not limited to off-line states as conventionally defined; rather, they occur during active and informative performance windows. The exploratory SWR in primates is an infrequent occurrence associated with active, attentive performance, which may indicate a new, extended role of SWRs during exploration in primates.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSharp-wave ripples (SWRs) are high-frequency oscillations that generate highly synchronized activity in neural populations. Their prevalence in sleep and quiet wakefulness, and the memory deficits that result from their interruption, suggest that SWRs contribute to memory consolidation during rest. Here, we report that SWRs from the monkey hippocampus occur not only during behavioral inactivity but also during successful visual exploration. SWRs were associated with attentive, focal search and appeared to enhance perception of locations viewed around the time of their occurrence. SWRs occurring in rest are noteworthy for their relation to heightened neural population activity, temporally precise and widespread synchronization, and memory consolidation; therefore, the SWRs reported here may have a similar effect on neural populations, even as experiences unfold.
An Endocytic Scaffolding Protein together with Synapsin Regulates Synaptic Vesicle Clustering in theDrosophilaNeuromuscular Junction
Authors: Winther Åsa M.E. , Vorontsova Olga , Rees Kathryn A. , Näreoja Tuomas , Sopova Elena , Jiao Wei , Shupliakov Oleg
Published: November 2015

Many endocytic proteins accumulate in the reserve pool of synaptic vesicles (SVs) in synapses and relocalize to the endocytic periactive zone during neurotransmitter release. Currently little is known about their functions outside the periactive zone. Here we show that in theDrosophilaneuromuscular junction (NMJ), the endocytic scaffolding protein Dap160 colocalizes during the SV cycle and forms a functional complex with the SV-associated phosphoprotein synapsin, previously implicated in SV clustering. This direct interaction is strongly enhanced under phosphorylation-promoting conditions and is essential for proper localization of synapsin at NMJs. In adap160rescue mutant lacking the interaction between Dap160 and synapsin, perturbed reclustering of SVs during synaptic activity is observed. Our data indicate that in addition to the function in endocytosis, Dap160 is a component of a network of protein–protein interactions that serves for clustering of SVs in conjunction with synapsin. During the SV cycle, Dap160 interacts with synapsin dispersed from SVs and helps direct synapsin back to vesicles. The proteins function in synergy to achieve efficient clustering of SVs in the reserve pool.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe provide the first evidence for the function of the SH3 domain interaction in synaptic vesicle (SV) organization at the synaptic active zone. UsingDrosophilaneuromuscular junction as a model synapse, we describe the molecular mechanism that enables the protein implicated in SV clustering, synapsin, to return to the pool of vesicles during neurotransmitter release. We also identify the endocytic scaffolding complex that includes Dap160 as a regulator of the events linking exocytosis and endocytosis in synapses.
Brain Connectivity Associated with Muscle Synergies in Humans
Authors: Rana Manku , Yani Moheb S. , Asavasopon Skulpan , Fisher Beth E. , Kutch Jason J.
Published: November 2015

The human brain is believed to simplify the control of the large number of muscles in the body by flexibly combining muscle coordination patterns, termed muscle synergies. However, the neural connectivity allowing the human brain to access and coordinate muscle synergies to accomplish functional tasks remains unknown. Here, we use a surprising pair of synergists in humans, the flexor hallucis longus (FHL, a toe flexor) and the anal sphincter, as a model that we show to be well suited in elucidating the neural connectivity underlying muscle synergy control. First, using electromyographic recordings, we demonstrate that voluntary FHL contraction is associated with synergistic anal sphincter contraction, but voluntary anal sphincter contraction occurs without FHL contraction. Second, using fMRI, we show that two important medial wall motor cortical regions emerge in relation to these tasks: one located more posteriorly that preferentially activates during voluntary FHL contraction and one located more anteriorly that activates during both voluntary FHL contraction as well as voluntary anal sphincter contraction. Third, using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we demonstrate that the anterior region is more likely to generate anal sphincter contraction than FHL contraction. Finally, using a repository resting-state fMRI dataset, we demonstrate that the anterior and posterior motor cortical regions have significantly different functional connectivity with distinct and distant brain regions. We conclude that specific motor cortical regions in humans provide access to different muscle synergies, which may allow distinct brain networks to coordinate muscle synergies during functional tasks.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHow the human nervous system coordinates activity in a large number of muscles is a fundamental question. The brain and spinal cord are believed to simplify the control of muscles by grouping them into functional units called muscle synergies. Motor cortex is involved in activating muscle synergies; however, the motor cortical connections that regulate muscle synergy activation are unknown. Here, we studied pelvic floor muscle synergies to elucidate these connections in humans. Our experiments confirmed that distinct motor cortical regions activate different muscle synergies. These regions have different connectivity to distinct brain networks. Our results are an important step forward in understanding the cortical control of human muscles synergies, and may also have important clinical implications for understanding movement dysfunction.
A Variable Oscillator Underlies the Measurement of Time Intervals in the Rostral Medial Prefrontal Cortex during Classical Eyeblink Conditioning in Rabbits
Authors: Caro-Martín C. Rocío , Leal-Campanario Rocío , Sánchez-Campusano Raudel , Delgado-García José M. , Gruart Agnès
Published: November 2015

We were interested in determining whether rostral medial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) neurons participate in the measurement of conditioned stimulus–unconditioned stimulus (CS-US) time intervals during classical eyeblink conditioning. Rabbits were conditioned with a delay paradigm consisting of a tone as CS. The CS started 50, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 ms before and coterminated with an air puff (100 ms) directed at the cornea as the US. Eyelid movements were recorded with the magnetic search coil technique and the EMG activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Firing activities of rmPFC neurons were recorded across conditioning sessions. Reflex and conditioned eyelid responses presented a dominant oscillatory frequency of ≈12 Hz. The firing rate of each recorded neuron presented a single peak of activity with a frequency dependent on the CS-US interval (i.e., ≈12 Hz for 250 ms, ≈6 Hz for 500 ms, and≈3 Hz for 1000 ms). Interestingly, rmPFC neurons presented their dominant firing peaks at three precise times evenly distributed with respect to CS start and also depending on the duration of the CS-US interval (only for intervals of 250, 500, and 1000 ms). No significant neural responses were recorded at very short (50 ms) or long (2000 ms) CS-US intervals. rmPFC neurons seem not to encode the oscillatory properties characterizing conditioned eyelid responses in rabbits, but are probably involved in the determination of CS-US intervals of an intermediate range (250–1000 ms). We propose that a variable oscillator underlies the generation of working memories in rabbits.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe way in which brains generate working memories (those used for the transient processing and storage of newly acquired information) is still an intriguing question. Here, we report that the firing activities of neurons located in the rostromedial prefrontal cortex recorded in alert behaving rabbits are controlled by a dynamic oscillator. This oscillator generated firing frequencies in a variable band of 3–12 Hz depending on the conditioned stimulus–unconditioned stimulus intervals (1 s, 500 ms, 250 ms) selected for classical eyeblink conditioning of behaving rabbits. Shorter (50 ms) and longer (2 s) intervals failed to activate the oscillator and prevented the acquisition of conditioned eyelid responses. This is an unexpected mechanism to generate sustained firing activities in neural circuits generating working memories.
VPS26A–SNX27 Interaction-Dependent mGluR5 Recycling in Dorsal Horn Neurons Mediates Neuropathic Pain in Rats
Authors: Lin Tzer-Bin , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Hsieh Ming-Chun , Wang Hsueh-Hsiao , Cheng Jen-Kun , Chau Yat-Pang , Chen Gin-Den , Peng Hsien-Yu
Published: November 2015

Retromer, which crucially contributes to endosomal sorting machinery through the retrieval and recycling of signaling receptors away from degradation, has been identified as a critical element for glutamatergic-receptor-dependent neural plasticity at excitatory synapses. We observed it accompanied by behavioral allodynia; neuropathic injury time-dependently enhanced VPS26A and SNX27 expression; VPS26A–SNX27 coprecipitation; and VPS26A-positive, SNX27-positive, and VPS26A–SNX27 double-labeled immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn of Sprague Dawley rats that were all sufficiently ameliorated through the focal knock-down of spinal VPS26A expression. Although the knock-down of spinal SNX27 expression exhibited similar effects, spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-enhanced VPS26A expression remained unaffected. Moreover, SNL also increased membrane-bound and total mGluR5 abundance, VPS26A-bound SNX27 and mGluR5 and mGluR5-bound VPS26A and SNX27 coprecipitation, and mGluR5-positive and VPS26A/SNX27/mGluR5 triple-labeled immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn, and these effects were all attenuated through the focal knock-down of spinal VPS26A and SNX27 expression. Although administration with MPEP adequately ameliorated SNL-associated allodynia, mGluR5 expression, and membrane insertion, SNL-enhanced VPS26A and SNX27 expression were unaffected. Together, these results suggested a role of spinal VPS26A–SNX27-dependent mGluR5 recycling in the development of neuropathic pain. This is the first study that links retromer-associated sorting machinery with the spinal plasticity underlying pain hypersensitivity and proposes the possible pathophysiological relevance of endocytic recycling in pain pathophysiology through the modification of glutamatergic mGluR5 recycling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTVPS26A–SNX27-dependent mGluR5 recycling plays a role in the development of neuropathic pain. The regulation of the VPS26A–SNX27 interaction that modifies mGluR5 trafficking and expression in the dorsal horn provides a novel therapeutic strategy for pain relief.
Endothelial CD36 Contributes to Postischemic Brain Injury by Promoting Neutrophil Activation via CSF3
Authors: Garcia-Bonilla Lidia , Racchumi Gianfranco , Murphy Michelle , Anrather Josef , Iadecola Costantino
Published: November 2015

The scavenger receptor CD36 is a critical factor initiating ischemic brain injury, but the cell type(s) expressing CD36 and responsible for its harmful effects remain unknown. Using bone marrow (BM) chimeras subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, we found that CD36−/−mice transplanted with wild-type (WT) BM (WT→CD36−/−) have smaller infarcts (−67%), comparable with those of mice lacking CD36 both in brain and hematogenous cells (CD36−/−→CD36−/−; − 72%). Conversely, WT mice receiving CD36−/−BM (CD36−/−→WT) have infarcts similar to WT→WT mice, suggesting that CD36 in the host brain (i.e., in microglia and endothelial cells), and not in hematogenous cells is involved in the damage. As anticipated, postischemic neutrophil infiltration in CD36−/−→CD36−/−mice was attenuated. Surprisingly, however, in WT→CD36−/−mice, in which infarcts were small, neutrophil infiltration was large and similar to that of CD36−/−→WT mice, in which infarcts were not reduced. Postischemic neutrophil free radical production was attenuated in WT→CD36−/−mice compared with CD36−/−→WT mice, whereas expression of the neutrophil activator colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3) was suppressed in CD36−/−cerebral endothelial cells, but not microglia. In CD36−/−cerebral endothelial cultures exposed to extracts from stroke brains, the upregulation of CSF3, but not neutrophil attractant chemokines, was suppressed. Intracerebroventricular administration of CSF3, 24 h after stroke, reconstituted neutrophil radical production and increased infarct volume in WT→CD36−/−mice. The findings identify endothelial cells as a key player in the deleterious effects of CD36 in stroke, and unveil a novel role of endothelial CD36 in enabling neutrophil neurotoxicity through CSF3.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIschemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide with limited therapeutic options. The inflammatory response initiated by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion contributes to ischemic brain injury and is a potential therapeutic target. Here we report that CD36, an innate immunity receptor involved in the initiation of postischemic inflammation, is a previously unrecognized regulator of neutrophil cytotoxicity. The effect is mediated by endothelial CD36 via upregulation of the neutrophil activator CSF3 in cerebral endothelial cells. Therefore, approaches to modulate cerebral endothelial CD36 signaling or to neutralize CSF3 may provide novel therapeutic opportunities to ameliorate postischemic inflammatory injury.
Reduction of trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density at the proximal femur in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Valassi Elena , Crespo Iris , Malouf Jorge , Llauger Jaume , Aulinas Anna , Marín Ana Maria , Biagetti Betina , Webb Susan M
Published: November 2015

Objective

Data on dual energy absorptiometry (DXA)-measured bone mineral density (BMD) at the level of the total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN) in patients with acromegaly (ACRO) are conflicting. Increase in bone size associated with ACRO may limit the reliability of DXA. Our objective is to evaluate trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) across the proximal femur in ACRO patients.

Design

Cross sectional study in a clinical research center.

Patients

Thirty-five ACRO patients (19 males; mean age, 48±7 years; BMI, 27.5±4.4 kg/m2; 17 with active disease) and 35 age, gender, and BMI-matched controls.

Results

vBMD was assessed by quantitative computed tomography at the level of the TH, FN, trochanter (TR), and intertrochanteric (IT). Trabecular vBMD was lower in both total and active ACRO as compared with controls (P<0.01). Cortical vBMD was lower in ACRO patients (active and controlled) vs controls at both TH and TR sites (P<0.05). These findings were confirmed when only eugonadal patients were analyzed. Both total cross sectional area (CSA) and average cortical thickness (ACT) were greater in ACRO patients vs controls (P<0.05). An inverse association between disease duration and trabecular vBMD at TH (r=−0.42, P=0.023) and IT (r=−0.41, P=0.026) was also found.

Conclusion

Both cortical and trabecular vBMD are reduced at the proximal femur in ACRO patients, regardless of gender, gonadal status, and disease activity. Disease duration is negatively associated with trabecular vBMD at the TH and IT.
Divergent Residues Within Histone H3 Dictate a Unique Chromatin Structure in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McBurney Kristina L , Leung Andrew , Choi Jennifer K , Martin Benjamin J E , Irwin Nicholas A T , Bartke Till , Nelson Christopher J , Howe LeAnn J
Published: November 2015

Histones are among the most conserved proteins known, but organismal differences do exist. In this study, we examined the contribution that divergent amino acids within histone H3 make to cell growth and chromatin structure in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that, while amino acids that define histone H3.3 are dispensable for yeast growth, substitution of residues within the histone H3 α3 helix with human counterparts results in a severe growth defect. Mutations within this domain also result in altered nucleosome positioning, both in vivo and in vitro, which is accompanied by increased preference for nucleosome-favoring sequences. These results suggest that divergent amino acids within the histone H3 α3 helix play organismal roles in defining chromatin structure.
Orquídeas de Bolivia y Perú, novedades taxonómicas I (Pleurothallidinae)
Authors: Jiménez Pérez Iván
Published: November 2015

Se describen e ilustran siete especies nuevas de orquídeas pertenecientes a la subtribu Pleurothallidinae de los bosques montanos de la Cordillera Oriental de los Andes, seis de ellas Bolivia y una de Bolivia y Perú,: Brachionidium lopez-robertsiae, Brachionidium sulcatum, Lepanthopsis trulliformis, Stelis pertusa, Trichosalpinx adnata, Trichosalpinx gabi-villegasiae y Trichosalpinx giovi-mendietae. De cada especie se proporcionan datos de hábitat, distribución y fenología. Además se comentan rasgos sobresalientes y afinidades con especies similares.
Botánica y numismática: las plantas en las monedas de Costa Rica (1709-2004)
Authors: Vargas-Zamora José
Published: November 2015

Las monedas de Costa Rica incluyen una variedad de ilustraciones de plantas, desde una palmera (Attalea rostrata ?) en la primera moneda de oro conocida (1825), hasta un alga marina (Caulerpa prolifera ?) en una pieza conmemorativa de 1974. Las semillas del cacao (Theobroma cacao) fueron uti- lizadas legalmente desde 1709 como moneda. El árbol nacional (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), y la flor nacional (Guarianthe skinneri), una orquídea, fueron ambas representadas en monedas conmemorativas de 1975 y la orquídea nuevamente en una pieza de plata de 1983. El café (Coffea arabica) y el tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum), están representadas como plantas completas en monedas de 1842 y 1847-1850, respectivamente. Las ramas de café han sido ilustradas en la mayoría de las monedas a partir de 1935. El árbol del algodón sedoso (Ceiba pentandra) y una especie siempre verde de encina (Quercus sp ?) han sido grabadas en piezas de mediados del siglo XIX. Ilustraciones similares al mirto (Myrtus communis) y a una especie desconocida de palma, fueron incluidas en coronas en las monedas desde 1842. El laurel (Laurus nobilis) es mencionado en decretos desde 1863. Sin embargo, diseños más similares a M. communis que a L. nobilis fueron incluidos en monedas de oro y plata.
Uterustumore bei älteren Miniaturschweinen – Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Nickoll I. , Kauffold J. , Puff C. , Waldmann K.-H. , von Altrock A. , Höltig D.
Published: November 2015

Miniaturschweine (Minipigs) gehören immer häufiger zu den Patienten der Kleintierpraxis. Da sie in der Regel ein deutlich höheres Lebensalter erreichen als Schweine in der Nutztierhaltung, treten bei ihnen Alterserkrankungen auf, die bei konventionell gehaltenen Schweinen keine Rolle spielen. Hierzu gehören neoplastische Veränderungen des Uterus. Die beiden präsentierten Fallbeispiele beschreiben ein uterines Adenokarzinom sowie ein Leiomyom bei zwei Minipigsauen. Diskutiert werden Optionen und Grenzen der Diagnostik (unspezifische klinische Symptomatik, Röntgen, Ultraschall und Computertomographie), die Gefahr der Verwechslung mit häufiger vorkommenden differenzialdiagnostisch zu berücksichtigenden Erkrankungen (Obstipation, Zystitis, Endometritis) in der Schweinemedizin sowie die Therapie bei Verdacht auf Vorliegen eines Uterustumors im Rahmen der gesetzlichen Möglichkeiten.
The Incongruous Self: Facing the Fallibility
Authors: Gill Charlotte
Published: November 2015

In contrast to humor derived from incongruity between the reader's own expectations and perceptions in Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent," post-World War I literature is characterized by a internal incongruity wrought by the characters' own subjectivity. As the period following World War I fostered internal skepticism through recognition of one’s fallibility and faulty perspective, the characters’ discovery of their own incongruity fuels the transition from external to internal subjectivity in Kingsley Amis' "Lucky Jim" and Graham Greene's "Heart of the Matter." However, the contradiction manifests itself differently in each – via humor in "Lucky Jim" and tragedy in "The Heart of the Matter." More specifically, Lucky Jim’s Dixon represents the clash with absurdity through comical outward expression, while Scobie in The Heart of the Matter commits suicide in the face of his own contradiction.
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH AGRICULTURAL AND NUTRITIONAL POLICY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: AN INFORMED PLATFORM FOR POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Martin Eliot
Published: November 2015

A food security based approach to development did not develop as quickly in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 1970s as it had in Asia, but over the past decade and a half, especially, a cumulative wealth of evidence has led to conclusions that suggest developmental efforts focusing on food systems and nutrition are the most cost-effective and far reaching of efforts to combat poverty and improve health. While hunger indicators have improved over the years, malnutrition remains the most significant challenge to development in the region. The poverty trap caused by malnutrition, and the broader impacts of inadequate nutrition, mean that policy targeting agriculture and nutrition have higher benefits-to-cost than any other policy measures. In analysis of research and developments in agriculture, nutrition, and human development over the past 40 years, the key areas of focus which are most pragmatic for future developmental policy pushes in Sub-Saharan Africa are funding and supporting sustainable intensification of agricultural productivity, promoting women’s economic involvement, coordinating multi-pronged programs centered around food security which include smart input subsides and safety nets, urging the dissemination of agricultural diversity in addition to furthering funding and research in biofortification and improved crops, instituting equitable infrastructure development, working towards the removal of barriers to trade, and accepting accountability through national government reforms in the region.
The National Data Center and the Federal Information Network: A Paradox
Authors: Cawley Sean
Published: November 2015

Technological advancement and increasing data collection activities compelled the call for a National Data Center in 1965. Theoretically, the Center would increase efficiency and diminish costs, as the inefficiencies of information transfer between agencies and organizations steadily rose. However, a firestorm of criticism met the proposal from a number of sectors due to a perceived lack of privacy concerns, which eventually spelled the Center's demise. The destruction of an explicit locale for data storage and retrieval, however, catalyzed the formation of numerous implicit data centers that jeopardized privacy to a far greater degree than it was originally feared the Center would. The history of the National Data Center's demise and the subsequent construction of implicit data centers consists of a useful case study when considering the proper reaction to perceived privacy concerns regarding new technologies.
2014 -2016 Editorial Board and Note from the Editors
Authors: Hanna Eriny , Belenzada Jelena
Published: November 2015

A Note from the Editors

We are delighted to welcome you to Volume 10 of the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal (VURJ), a selection of some of the finest research conducted within the undergraduate community at Vanderbilt University. In the decade since its inception, VURJ has featured over 100 articles in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

After a brief hiatus in 2014, VURJ came back stronger than ever, boasting our most diverse and selective issue yet. With 73 submissions from students at all four of Vanderbilt’s undergraduate schools, 19 outstanding articles were selected for publication. All submitted manuscripts underwent a rigorous multi-step review process, including two to three rounds of readings by trained peer reviewers, and final selection for publication by VURJ’s team of associate editors. In this issue, you will learn about and explore a diverse selection of topics from arts in trauma therapy to the resurrection of extinct species, an exciting assortment that provides a small glimpse into Vanderbilt’s thriving and dynamic academic community.

We encourage you to engage further with this community by contributing some of your own work to our next issue, or by applying to join our team of editors.

Happy reading and best wishes,

Jelena Belenzada

Editor in Chief, 2014-2015

Eriny Hanna

Editor at Large, 2014-2015
Risk Assessments for Invasive Plants: A Midwestern U.S. Comparison
Authors: Buerger Amanda , Howe Katherine , Jacquart Ellen , Chandler Monika , Culley Theresa , Evans Christopher , Kearns Kelly , Schutzki Robert , Riper Laura Van
Published: November 2015

Several states in the Midwestern United States are using risk assessment to determine the invasiveness of introduced plant species, and each assessment process is different. This may lead to differences in results for the same species between states, creating concern about credibility by those using the assessments. In this study, risk assessments for six Midwestern states were compared, examining format, content, and assessment committee membership. Case studies were conducted for four species for which at least five of the six states in the study completed a risk assessment; results were compared in the context of general differences in assessment content and those specific to each species. Furthermore, 14 species for which only four of the six states completed assessments were briefly examined for outcome differences only, and possible reasons for these inconsistencies. Overall, differences in assessments did not result in incompatible conclusions for the species compared, suggesting that unique assessments in each state can provide consistent and credible results. We propose that these Midwestern states share species resources with each other to further improve consistency between the assessments.
La ciudad brasileña del comercio justo: una experiencia pionera en POÇOS DE CALDAS
Authors: Barone Marcela , Frederico Samuel
Published: November 2015

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo principal, analizar la implantación de la “Ciudad del Comercio Justo” (Fair Trade Town), en Poços de Caldas, Brasil. Es un proyecto pionero que pretende estimular el consumo interno de productos Fair Trade (Comercio Justo) en un país productor. Por tanto, la investigación fue dividida en tres partes: (i) enfatizar la inserción reciente de Brasil en el Comercio Justo, (ii) abordar la implantación de la “Ciudad del Comercio Justo” en Poços de Caldas, (iii) presentar algunos datos obtenidos en encuestas con consumidores locales sobre el conocimiento y consumo de productos Fair Trade. De manera general, la baja renta de una gran parte de la población y la fuerte desigualdad social son limitantes importantes en la difusión del consumo de productos de “Comercio Justo” en países subdesarrollados como Brasil. Sin embargo, ciudades con una fuerte capacidad turística y con indicadores sociales mayores que la media brasileña, como Poços de Caldas, poseen un gran potencial de crecimiento en estos mercados. Los datos obtenidos demuestran que el conocimiento de la sociedad local sobre este movimiento es todavía bajo, por lo que, se requiere de una mayor concientización y difusión de sus principios.
Comercio justo, producción cafetalera y sociedad civil en Centroamérica
Authors: Chávez Becker Carlos , Jurado Celis Silvia
Published: November 2015

El Comercio Justo (CJ) en Centroamérica se ha expandido, en parte, gracias a la labor de un creciente número de organizaciones rurales, principalmente dedicadas al cultivo de café, que han visto en esta iniciativa una opción para mejorar, aunque sea someramente, las condiciones de vida de sus agremiados y sus familias. Este conglomerado de organizaciones nutre y potencia la actividad de la sociedad civil en la región y apoya las tesis de quienes ven en el fortalecimiento del sector organizado de la sociedad, la posibilidad de revertir o aminorar los efectos de problemáticas añejas como la pobreza, la desigualdad y la marginación en que viven amplios sectores de la población. En el presente artículo se afirma que el CJ constituye un proyecto que muestra un potencial importante para mejorar las condiciones de vida de numerosos productores empobrecidos de café, pero se discuten algunas de sus contradicciones y problemas más notorios, expresados con nitidez en su materialización centroamericana, los cuales pueden limitar su capacidad de crecimiento e impacto en los años por venir. Se hace una revisión de la literatura especializada y un balance crítico pero constructivo del CJ en Centroamérica, a través del análisis del trabajo de algunas organizaciones de productores de café en la región.
Obstáculos y desafíos de la paridad de género. Violencia política, sistema electoral e interculturalidad
Authors: Albaine Laura
Published: November 2015

Este trabajo se propone contribuir al debate sobre la adopción de la paridad política en América Latina a través del análisis de ciertos obstáculos y desafíos vinculados a la implementación de este principio. Los sistemas electorales tienden a optimizar o perjudicar el impacto de la paridad política. Al igual que con las cuotas, la magnitud del distrito y el tipo de lista son las dos variables de mayor incidencia que condicionan la eficacia de este mecanismo. Por otro lado, el escenario sociocultural también incide sobre los resultados de la implementación de la paridad. En sociedades
patriarcales –con altos indíces de violencia de género– la competencia electoral en términos de género suele estar acompañada por acoso y violencia política en razón de género, lo que constituye uno de los obstáculos más graves para la participación política de las mujeres. Este escenario es aún más complejo cuando se trata de sociedades atravesadas por la varible étnica, ya que se presenta el desafío de incluir a un grupo social doblemente discriminado y violentado.
Corpus Mysticum estatal o ¿Cómo pensar el estado en América Latina hoy?
Authors: Krupa Christopher , Prieto Mercedes
Published: November 2015

Presetación del dossier "Interpretaciones del estado en América Latina".
Los constructores del Estado Nacional: 1830-2010 de Patricia De la Torre Arauz
Authors: Aguilar Adriana
Published: November 2015

Reseña de Los constructores del Estado Nacional: 1830-2010

 
Construyendo una coalición para romper el paisaje congelado: alcances y límites de la reforma de la salud en Uruguay (2005-2014)
Authors: Freigedo Martín , Fuentes Guillermo , Rodríguez Araújo Martín
Published: November 2015

El Frente Amplio llegó al gobierno en 2005 con la promesa de construir un Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud, en un entorno institucional muy resistente a los cambios. La revisión de este proceso de reforma a partir del Advocacy Coalition Framework, parece dar cuenta que la coalición promotora presentó entre sus integrantes acuerdos inestables en su núcleo duro de creencias, producto de la coyuntura de crisis. Por ende, una vez que la reforma garantizó la supervivencia de cada actor, las diferencias existentes dentro de la coalición entre los aspectos políticos y secundarios, podría haber puesto un importante freno al impulso reformista, consolidando así un nuevo “congelamiento”. De confirmarse esta hipótesis, podría argumentarse que este resultado podría explicarse por la secuencia de implementación de los cambios, que al mismo tiempo que le brindó viabilidad política, re-fortaleció actores que venían muy debilitados, reconstruyendo así vetos históricos.
Mecanismos de difusión de los Programas de Transferencia Condicionada en América Latina. El caso chileno
Authors: Osorio Gonnet Cecilia
Published: November 2015

Los Programas de Transferencia Condicionada (PTC) se difundieron en América Latina desde mediados de 1990, y para el año 2010, 17 países de la región ya los habían implementado. La literatura científica presenta diversos mecanismos de difusión para comprender la lógica de este proceso, no obstante, se requiere mayor discusión sobre sus componentes y cómo abordarlos en el análisis empírico. Se presenta entonces una propuesta que avanza en identificar las características y en la operacionalización de los mecanismos de difusión de emulación, aprendizaje y coerción. Esta es testeada cualitativamente en el caso del proceso de formulación del programa Chile Solidario. Las conclusiones recogen el aporte de esta propuesta y se discuten los desafíos pendientes para continuar analizando procesos de difusión que permitan comprender los cambios de políticas públicas en la región.
Dialogue with the patient in low consciousness state after severe brain damages
Authors: Bykova V.I. , Lukyanov V.I. , Fufaeva E.V.
Published: November 2015

In this work we study the possibility of children communication who suffer from long-term deep altered states of consciousness (ASC) after severe brain damage. The authors developed a scale that can be used to assess the clinical psychologist in eval¬uation of patients' signaling capabilities in a vegetative state, minimal consciousness, etc. Scale Сommunication Аctivity — Bykova, Lukyanov (SCABL) has a significant correlation with the scale of Rancho Los Amiqos Medical Center Level of Cognitive Functioning (RLAS-LCF-R) and Dobrokhotova-Zaitsev scale of recovery of con¬sciousness. Scale captures a significant amount of communication signals (104 sig¬nals), a measure of their manifestations, being a sensitive tool for the objectification of recovery of children consciousness, both with verbal communication, and with¬out it. Totally 28 children who underwent severe traumatic brain injury, hypoxic brain damage and rupture of arteriovenous malformation from 3 to 16 years were involved. Each child, starting with the stabilization of his/her vital functions in the acute period of recovery and without medical sedation was held 3—5 tests. This study allows picturing not only the picture of the recovery of various communication sig¬nals (physical, vegetative, facial, gestural, verbal) after cerebral trauma, but also shows the change in children's contact with outer world. The study reveals a differ¬ence in the restoration of communication in two groups of children: who recovered to clear consciousness and remain with profound disabilities.
The concept of encounter in psychotherapy and developmental psychology
Authors: Ermolaeva M.V. , Lubovsky D.
Published: November 2015

The article discusses possibilities for application of the concept of encounter in two areas of practical developmental psychology — in the work with the aesthetic experience gained by people in the perception of artworks and in relation to mental health services for older people, for whom one of the most important activities is the recollection of their life. Authors take as basic the understanding of the encounter proposed by W. Schutz, who showed psychological tools to achieve it in psychotherapy, and R. May, who applied this concept in the psychology of creativity. The authors clarify psychotechnical tools to achieve basic aspects (openness, self-consciousness, responsibility, etc.) in relation to the work of psychologist with the aesthetic experience as a result of the perception of artworks, and recollections of the life in mature and advanced age. The importance of encounter with aesthetic experience is considered in the context of forming a system of means mastering our own emotions (L.S. Vygotsky). Authors stressed the importance of the encounter with recollections of the past for the growth of psychological new formations of mature ages.
A perspective on 4D bioprinting
Authors: An Jia , Chua Chee Kai , Mironov Vladimir
Published: November 2015

3D bioprinting has been invented for more than a decade. A disruptive progress is still lacking for the field to significantly move forward. Recently, the invention of 4D printing technology may point a way and hence the birth of 4D bioprinting. However, 4D bioprinting is not well defined and appear to have a few distinct early forms. In this article, a personal perspective on the early forms of 4D bioprinting is presented and a definition for 4D bioprinting is proposed. Keywords: 4D printing, bioprinting, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, tissue engineering.
Una vista panorámica de huelgas, manifestaciones y mítines en Caras y Caretas: prensa y fotografía a principios del siglo XX en Argentina
Authors: Yujnovsky Inés
Published: November 2015

En este trabajo se expondrán algunas conclusiones preliminares relacionadas al mundo del trabajo a principios del siglo XX en Argentina, analizando fuentes fotográficas. Es importante señalar que al tratarse de un acercamiento novedoso al análisis de investigación histórica, las propuestas que se desarrollan aquí están en proceso de trabajo y pretenden ampliar las discusiones respecto al uso de la imagen en la investigación. A partir de un breve análisis de las fotografías, en tanto forman parte de las disputas por la definición de significados, se realizará una descripción de la diversidad de trabajadores participantes en huelgas y manifestaciones. Se observan ámbitos de lucha, la importancia de la exposición pública de los reclamos, el rol de las mujeres y niños y la existencia de códigos gestuales particulares. Finalmente se propone una periodización que divide un momento de afinidad y otro de aversión de la revista “Caras y Caretas” hacia los sectores obreros.
Presentación
Authors: Marichal Salinas Carlos
Published: November 2015

<span lang="ES" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Los avances alcanzados desde hace varios decenios en la historia económica y su hermana menor, la historia empresarial, han contribuido a importantes cambios en la historiografía en un gran número de países. Tanto así, que hoy en día ya no es posible ofrecer una explicación de cualquier acontecimiento o proceso significativo del siglo XX sin tener en cuenta el papel fundamental de las empresas (públicas o privadas) tanto en el plano económico como en el político o el social.
Fuentes para la historia empresarial de los ferrocarriles de México
Authors: Kuntz Ficker Sandra
Published: November 2015

Con el propósito de introducir el tema de este trabajo, quisiera hacer una distinción que considero importante al abordar muchos de los temas que estudia la historia económica, pero que resulta crucial cuando nos referimos a empresas de transporte. Se trata de la distinción entre historia empresarial e historia económica de los ferrocarriles. Aunque ambas se relacionan cercanamente y a veces su tratamiento resulta inseparable, existen diferencias relevantes entre una y otra, que vale la pena recordar aunque sólo sea brevemente.
Los archivos del petróleo y la revolución mexicana
Authors: Brown Jonathan
Published: November 2015

<span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ES; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ES; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span lang="ES" style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ES; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Este artículo aborda el tema de los archivos en México, Estados Unidos y Europa, que son indispensables para la investigación de la historia de las compañías privadas que desarrollaron la industria petrolera mexicana en el primer tercio del siglo XX. Se incluye una discusión de diversos aspectos, tanto económicos como políticos y laborales, de las operaciones de dichas empresas petroleras, desde su comienzo en el Porfiriato hasta su nacionalización en 1938, con especial énfasis en la época revolucionaria.
El patrimonio industrial histórico de México y sus fuentes
Authors: Niccolai Sergio
Published: November 2015

El propósito de esta contribución es atraer la atención hacia el importante y multifacético patrimonio histórico heredado de las empresas industriales (monumentos arquitectónicos y técnicos, productos, culturas del trabajo, paisajes, además de archivos documentales), resaltando que el conjunto de las fuentes que se requieren para su análisis e interpretación constituye un universo extenso y variado, que no puede limitarse a la información escrita.
Temas y controversias del debate histórico internacional reciente en torno a la industria azucarera
Authors: Santamaría García Antonio
Published: November 2015

Este artículo revisa la evolución reciente del debate internacional sobre la historia de la industria azucarera. Tras los congresos organizados por B. Albert y A. Graves en el Reino Unido en la década de 1980, la discusión sufrió un impasse, pero se ha recuperado en los últimos años. Usando las ponencias presentadas en dichos congresos y las contribuciones a eventos y obras colectivas realizados y publicados en los últimos siete años, examinamos cómo han variado las preocupaciones y los enfoques. En general, se ha mantenido el interés por determinados temas de especial relevancia, como los cambios tecnológicos, y se han incorporado nuevos aspectos y métodos de investigación que enriquecen considerablemente el conocimiento.