bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of artificial shading on performance and reproductive parameters of semi-confined young Brangus bulls
Authors: Chiquitelli Neto Marcos , Titto Cristiane Gonçalves , Titto Evaldo Antonio Lencioni , Costa e Silva Eliane Vianna da , Puoli Filho José Nicolau Prospero , Leme Thays Mayra Da Cunha , Henrique Fábio Luís , Pereira Alfredo Manuel Fraco
Published: April 2015

Foi avaliado o efeito do sombreamento artificial sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de animais semiconfinados em trinta novilhos Brangus durante o período de 90 dias. Os animais foram mantidos em quatro piquetes de 1 há cada, divididos em dois grupos de oito animais cada no tratamento sombra (5 m2/animal de tela de sombreamento de polipropileno com 80% de retenção solar) e dois grupos no tratamento sem acesso a sombra com sete animais em cada. As variáveis analisadas foram: o tempo gasto na sombra, o tempo em pé, ganho de peso, desenvolvimento testicular e qualidade espermática. Os animais passaram 24% do dia sob a sombra e os que não tiveram acesso a sombra permaneceram mais tempo em pé (P < 0,05). Não foi encontrada diferença no ganho de peso (P > 0,05) e no desenvolvimento testicular entre animais com acesso a sombra e os que não tinham acesso. No entanto, o perímetro escrotal foi maior para os animais submetidos ao sombreamento comparado com novilhos sem acesso a sombra (P < 0,10). A motilidade espermática aumentou durante o período experimental para os animais com acesso a sombra (P < 0,05), porem as anormalidades espermáticas também foram maiores para este grupo (P < 0,05). Embora os resultados não indiquem claramente os benefícios relacionados ao uso de sombreamento no desempenho produtivo de bovinos semiconfinados, este recurso se mostra como uma alternativa importante, pois proporcionou melhoria de alguns parâmetros reprodutivos e propiciou um melhor conforto térmico para os animais.
Incorporação das cláusulas da norma coletiva ao contrato de trabalho
Authors: Martins Sergio Pinto
Published: April 2015

O artigo trata da incorporação das cláusulas normativas no contrato de trabalho.
Tabagismo: maior causa evitável de morte do mundo
Authors: Muakad Irene Batista
Published: April 2015

Este estudo tem por objetivo apresentar o fato que o tabagismo é um dos maiores vícios da humanidade: cerca de um terço da população adulta do mundo faz uso de produtos do tabaco. O tabagismo atingiu a proporção de epidemia global, provocando a morte de quatro milhões de pessoas por ano, ou seja, uma morte a cada oito segundos. Por isso, assume-se que o tabagismo é a mais grave causa evitável de doenças e mortes prematuras da humanidade. A “tabaco-dependência” é um grande desafio para a sociedade e para os governos por conta dos elevados custos médico-sociais, levando em consideração que é dever do Estado zelar e preservar a vida de seus cidadãos. Esta problemática não envolve apenas o Brasil, atingindo também outros países do mundo. Percebe-se a estimulação dos órgãos públicos, responsáveis por campanhas e medidas que exercem uma verdadeira fiscalização ao fumante, a proibição do fumo em locais fechados, limitando o uso do tabaco a áreas livres. Dessa forma, os hábitos e o estilo de vida devem ser modificados de forma a priorizar a saúde, valores internos, familiares e morais, direcionando seus consumidores ao esporte, à cultura e à autoestima, isto é, a valorização de si mesmo.
Artigo 496 do código civil – venda de ascendente a descendente
Authors: Martins Sandra Regina Carvalho
Published: April 2015

A proibição da venda de ascendente a descendente sem o consentimento dos outros descendentes, antes regulada pelo Código Civil, de 1916, deixava dúvidas sobre serem tais vendas nulas ou anuláveis. O Código Civil atual deixou claro que tal venda é anulável, pondo fim ao debate e incluindo a necessidade de que haja também o consentimento do cônjuge, exceto quando o regime for o da separação obrigatória de bens. Neste trabalho, analisaremos os pontos polêmicos existentes tanto no Código Civil, de 1916, quanto no Código Civil atual em relação à proibição da venda de ascendente a descendente.
Pessoa deficiente, demanda judicial, e competência judicial: um estudo sobre o direito de acesso à justiça
Authors: Zveibil Daniel Guimarães
Published: April 2015

O presente estudo discute um problema comum no campo do acesso à justiça, o qual se torna muito mais grave em relação à pessoa deficiente: o órgão jurisdicional competente para uma ação ser distante do domicílio da pessoa deficiente que é parte. O estudo enfrenta esta difícil questão de acesso à justiça e tenta fornecer uma resposta: ou ao menos provoca uma discussão sobre este importante tema.
Blood Pressure, Sex, and Female Sex Hormones Influence Renal Inner Medullary Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity and Expression in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Sasser Jennifer M. , Brinson Krystal N. , Tipton Ashlee J. , Crislip G. Ryan , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: April 2015

Background

We previously reported that sexually mature female spontaneously hypertensive rats (
SHRs
) have greater nitric oxide (
NO
) synthase (
NOS
) enzymatic activity in the renal inner medulla (
IM
), compared to age‐matched males. However, the mechanisms responsible for this sexual dimorphism are unknown. The current study tested the hypothesis that sex differences in renal
IM NOS
activity and
NOS
1 expression in adult
SHRs
develop with sexual maturation and increases in blood pressure (BP) in a female sex hormone‐dependent manner.

Methods and Results

Renal
IM
were isolated from sexually immature 5‐week‐old and sexually mature 13‐week‐old male and female
SHRs
. Whereas
NOS
activity and
NOS
1 expression were comparable in 5‐ and 13‐week‐old male
SHRs
and 5‐week‐old female
SHRs
, 13‐week‐old females had greater
NOS
activity and
NOS
1 expression, compared to 5‐week‐old female
SHRs
and age‐matched males.
NOS
3 expression was greater in 5‐week‐old than 13‐week‐old
SHRs
regardless of sex. Treatment with antihypertensive therapy (hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine) from 6 to 12 weeks of age to attenuate age‐related increases in BP abolished the sex difference in
NOS
activity and
NOS
1 expression between sexually mature
SHR
males and females. To assess the role of female sex hormones in age‐related increases in
NOS
, additional females were ovariectomized (
OVX
), and
NOS
activity was studied 8 weeks post‐
OVX
.
OVX
decreased
NOS
activity and
NOS
1 expression.

Conclusions

The sex difference in renal
IM NOS
in
SHR
is mediated by a sex hormone‐ and BP‐dependent increase in
NOS
1 expression and
NOS
activity exclusively in females.
Effectiveness and Safety of Dabigatran and Warfarin in Real‐World US Patients With Non‐Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie C. , Farley Joel F. , Gehi Anil K. , Rhoney Denise H. , Brookhart M. Alan , Fang Gang
Published: April 2015

Background

The recent availability of dabigatran, a novel oral anticoagulant, provided a new treatment option for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation beyond warfarin, the main therapy for years. Little is known about their real‐world comparative effectiveness and safety, even less among patient demographic and clinical subgroups.

Methods and Results

Using a cohort of non‐valvular
AF
patients initiating anticoagulation from October 2010 to December 2012 drawn from a large
US
database of commercial and Medicare supplement claims, we applied propensity score weights to Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of dabigatran versus warfarin. Analyses were repeated among clinical and demographic subgroups using stratum‐specific propensity scores as an exploratory analysis. Of the 64 935 patients initiating anticoagulation, 32.5% used dabigatran. Compared with warfarin, dabigatran was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (composite adjusted Hazard Ratio [
aHR
], 95%
CI
: 0.86, 95%
CI
: 0.79 to 0.93), hemorrhagic stroke (
aHR
: 0.51, 0.40 to 0.65), and acute myocardial infarction (
aHR
: 0.88, 95%
CI
: 0.77 to 0.99), and no relation was seen between dabigatran and the composite harm outcome (
aHR
: 0.94, 95%
CI
: 0.87 to 1.01). However, dabigatran was associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (
aHR
: 1.11, 95%
CI
: 1.02 to 1.22). Estimates of effectiveness and safety appeared to be mostly similar across subgroups.

Conclusions

Dabigatran could be a safe and potentially more effective alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation managed in routine practice settings.
Courtesan vs. Literatus: Gendered Soundscapes and Aesthetics in Late-Ming Singing Culture
Authors: Xu Peng
Published: April 2015

This article examines the gendering of singing in the last few decades of the Ming dynasty and its connections with certain specific sonic environments. By reading together an assemblage of texts of a hybrid nature and considering each one as a complex literary or pictorial production growing out of the vibrant singing culture of the day, the author reconstructs the way in which certain soundscapes influenced and harmonized with two contrasting modes of vocal performance—the intimate “oriole”-like singing and the more masculine “crane” performing style. One observes further the rise of a new singing style that mingled the gendered categories of singing prevailing at the time and was related to the flourishing of outdoor singing festivals starting from the 1570s. 

Cet article s’intéresse à la sexualisation de l’art du chant pendant les dernières décennies des Ming et à la façon dont elle était connectée avec certains environ-nements acoustiques particuliers. La lecture combinée d’une série de textes de nature hybride, considéré chacun comme une production littéraire ou picturale complexe née du dynamisme qui marquait la culture vocale de l’époque, permet à l’auteur de reconstituer la façon dont certains “paysages acoustiques” influençaient deux modes contrastés d’interprétation vocale — le style intime assimilé au chant du loriot et le mode d’interprétation plus masculin associé à celui de la grue — et s’harmonisaient avec eux. On observe en outre l’émergence d’un nouveau style vocal qui mêle les catégories sexualisées prévalant alors dans l’art du chant et qui est associé à l’essor des festivals de chant en plein air à partir des années 1570.
From ‘Chaos’ to ‘Order’: The Transition of the Media in Macedonia from 1989 to 2014
Authors: Spasovska Katerina , Rusi Iso
Published: April 2015

The chapter examines the development of the media in Macedonia from 1989 to 2014 and their relationship with the political system, parties and government. It also looks at the legal environment that sets the rules or lack of such of engagement with political and economic forces.

The authors conclude that Macedonian media cannot be set outside the regressive political process. At the beginning of the 1990s it seemed that the media were part of the institutional structure leading democratization but generally, the media and the journalists in the last 22 years of independent Macedonia have played a negative role similar to that played by the political parties and politicians. The media and the journalists speeded up the transition of the society from closed to open, but at the same time helped create a hybrid of bogus democracy (intermediate) in which they are among its victims.
The Media and Politics: The Case of Serbia
Authors: Kisić Izabela
Published: April 2015

For over a decade media legislation, controversial as it was, has been a matter of controversy in Serbia. It was only in 2011 that a newly adopted media strategy developed by European Union and Council of Europe criteria hinted at change for the better as it envisaged the amendment of the entire media legislation (about 18 laws). Consequently, three new laws were passed in 2014: on public information and the media; on broadcast media; and, on public broadcasting service. Ten laws are still pending – either to be amended or adopted.

After the change of the regime in 2000, the media legislation was changed but not in line with a democratic value system. This specially refers to media freedoms. Repression against the media characteristic of the 1990s was replaced by “soft censorship” and self-censorship.

Serbia’s media market is small and underdeveloped, and under strong influence of the government. The adopted strategy provides against state ownership of the media except in the case of the two public broadcasting services. Media outlets, especially electronic, are too many for such a limited media market; the state has a hand in media businesses in many ways, including subsidies and paid advertisements for large public enterprises. Non-transparent media ownership and money flow are among key problems of media transition.
Real-Time Applications of the Variational Version of the Local Analysis and Prediction System (vLAPS)
Authors: Jiang Hongli , Albers Steve , Xie Yuanfu , Toth Zoltan , Jankov Isidora , Scotten Michael , Picca Joseph , Stumpf Greg , Kingfield Darrel , Birkenheuer Daniel , Motta Brian
Published: April 2015

The accurate and timely depiction of the state of the atmosphere on multiple scales is critical to enhance forecaster situational awareness and to initialize very short-range numerical forecasts in support of nowcasting activities. The Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) of the Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)/Global Systems Division (GSD) is a numerical data assimilation and forecast system designed to serve such very finescale applications. LAPS is used operationally by more than 20 national and international agencies, including the NWS, where it has been operational in the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) since 1995.

Using computationally efficient and scientifically advanced methods such as a multigrid technique that adds observational information on progressively finer scales in successive iterations, GSD recently introduced a new, variational version of LAPS (vLAPS). Surface and 3D analyses generated by vLAPS were tested in the Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) to gauge their utility in both situational awareness and nowcasting applications. On a number of occasions, forecasters found that the vLAPS analyses and ensuing very short-range forecasts provided useful guidance for the development of severe weather events, including tornadic storms, while in some other cases the guidance was less sufficient.
Intraseasonal Persistence of European Surface Temperatures
Authors: Kolstad Erik W. , Sobolowski Stefan P. , Scaife Adam A.
Published: April 2015

Recent periods of extreme weather in Europe, such as the cold winter of 2009/10, have caused widespread impacts and were remarkable because of their persistence. It is therefore of great interest to improve the ability to forecast such events. Weather forecasts at midlatitudes generally show low skill beyond 5–10 days, but long-range forecast skill may increase during extended tropospheric blocking episodes or perturbations of the stratospheric polar vortex, which can affect midlatitude weather for several weeks at a time. Here a simple, linear approach is used to identify previously undocumented persistence in northern European summer and winter temperature anomalies in climate model simulations, corroborated by observations and reanalysis data. For instance, temperature anomalies of at least one standard deviation above or below climatology in March were found to be about 20%–120% more likely than normal if the preceding February was anomalous by 0.5–1.5 standard deviations (with the same sign). The corresponding range for April (i.e., persistence over two months) is between 20% and 80%. The persistence is observed irrespective of the data source or driving mechanisms, and the temperature itself is a more skillful predictor of the temperatures one month ahead than the stratospheric polar vortex or the NAO and even than both factors together. The results suggest potential to conditionally improve the skill of long-range forecasts and enhance recent advancements in dynamical seasonal prediction.
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Assess Social Work Students’ Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes About Human Trafficking Questionnaire (PKA-HTQ)
Authors: Nsonwu Maura Busch , Welch-Brewer Chiquitia , Heffron Laurie Cook , Lemke Melinda A. , Busch-Armendariz Noel , Sulley Caitlin , Cook Sharon Warren , Lewis Mary , Watson Elizabeth , Moore Wayne , Li Jilan
Published: April 2015

Objective:

This study sought to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a tool designed to assess social work students’ knowledge of and perceptions and attitudes toward human trafficking. To achieve this aim, the Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes toward Human Trafficking Questionnaire (PKA-HTQ) was developed and its psychometric properties were evaluated. Specifically, the factor structure and the internal consistency of the PKA-HTQ were evaluated.

Methods:

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a replication EFA were conducted on two independent samples of university students, an initial validation ( n = 325), and cross-validation ( n = 212) sample.

Findings:

The EFA revealed a three-factor structure, that is, self-appraisal of knowledge/skills (α = .89), worldview (α =.78), and help-seeking behavior (α =.66); this three-factor structure was supported by replication EFA.

Conclusion:

The PKA-HTQ questionnaire shows promise as a meaningful, potentially reliable and valid measure.
Evaluation of Parent and Child Enhancement (PACE) Program
Authors: Leung Cynthia , Tsang Sandra , Lo Cyrus
Published: April 2015

Objective:

This study examined the efficacy of the Parent and Child Enhancement (PACE) program on child learning, child behavior problems, and parental stress, using randomized controlled trial design, in social services centers.

Methods:

Eligibility criteria were (1) children aged 2 years at program commencement, (2) low-income, new immigrant, or single-parent families, and (3) parent–child dyads being Hong Kong residents. Intervention group dyads were offered the PACE program (40 two-hour sessions on child learning and parenting). Primary outcomes included child preschool concepts, child behavior problems, and parental stress. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (76 dyads) and control group (73 dyads) using a random number table, without blinding.

Results:

Intention-to-treat analysis with 149 dyads indicated improvement in child preschool concepts, decrease in child behavior problems and parental stress in the intervention group, compared with the control group ( d = 0.12–0.73).

Conclusions:

The results provided evidence for the efficacy of the PACE program.
When and Why Are Emotions Disturbed? Suggestions Based on Theory and Data From Emotion Research
Authors: Scherer Klaus R.
Published: April 2015

Diagnosing emotion disturbances should be informed by current knowledge about normal emotion processes. I identify four major functions of emotion as well as sources for potential dysfunctions and suggest that emotions should only be diagnosed as pathological when they are clearly dysfunctional, which requires considering eliciting events, realistic person-specific appraisal patterns, and adaptive responses or action tendencies. Evidence from actuarial research on the reported length of naturally occurring emotion episodes (including potential determinants) illustrates appropriateness criteria for the clinical evaluation of emotion duration—an essential element in the DSM-5 symptom catalogue for major depression episodes, especially in bereavement. The need for more actuarial evidence on normal emotion responses and its consideration by the clinical community is highlighted.
Temporary Agency Work and Trade Unions in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Doerflinger Nadja , Pulignano Valeria
Published: April 2015

The article examines local union approaches toward temporary agency work in Belgium and Germany. Heterogeneous plant-level use of temporary work is explained by differences in collective bargaining, together with representation structures and rights for agency workers. Specifically, within a context providing effective rights for representation, the Belgian unions responded to firms’ economic difficulties by improving the working conditions of agency workers through negotiating plant-level agreements that contributed to fostering equality between agency workers and regular workers. In contrast, agency work became instrumental in safeguarding the core workforce’s employment in the German workplaces, where the representation rights were absent. As a result, the status of agency workers remained vulnerable.
IgH-V(D)J NGS-MRD measurement pre- and early post-allotransplant defines very low- and very high-risk ALL patients
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Carlson Chris , Langholz Bryan , Wall Donna A. , Schultz Kirk R. , Bunin Nancy , Kirsch Ilan , Gastier-Foster Julie M. , Borowitz Michael , Desmarais Cindy , Williamson David , Kalos Michael , Grupp Stephan A.
Published: April 2015

Key Points

IgH-V(D)J NGS-MRD detection pretransplant identifies a cohort at low risk for relapse, for which treatment modification could be considered. Positive NGS-MRD was highly predictive of relapse and survival as early as 30 days after HCT.
MeCP2 Plays an Analgesic Role in Pain Transmission through Regulating CREB / miR-132 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ran , Huang Min , Cao Zhijuan , Qi Jieyu , Qiu Zilong , Chiang Li-Yang
Published: April 2015

Background

The Methyl CpG binding protein 2 gene (MeCP2 gene) encodes a critical transcriptional repressor and is widely expressed in mammalian neurons. MeCP2 plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation, neural development, and synaptic plasticity. Mutations and duplications of the human MECP2 gene lead to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Rett syndrome and autism. In this study we investigate the role of MeCP2 in the spinal cord and found that MeCP2 plays an important role as an analgesic mediator in pain circuitry.

Findings

Experiments using MeCP2 transgenic mice showed that overexpression of MeCP2 weakens both acute mechanical pain and thermal pain, suggesting an analgesic role of MeCP2 in acute pain transduction. We found that through p-CREB/miR-132 signaling cascade is involved in MeCP2-mediated pain transduction. We also examined the role of MeCP2 in chronic pain formation using spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Strikingly, we found that development of neuropathic pain attenuates in MeCP2 transgenic mice comparing to wild type (WT) mice.

Conclusions

Our study shows that MeCP2 plays an analgesic role in both acute pain transduction and chronic pain formation through regulating CREB-miR-132 pathway. This work provides a potential therapeutic target for neural pathologic pain, and also sheds new lights on the abnormal sensory mechanisms associated with autism spectrum orders.
Effects of Dulaglutide on Thyroid C Cells and Serum Calcitonin in Male Monkeys
Authors: Vahle John L. , Byrd Richard A. , Blackbourne Jamie L. , Martin Jennifer A. , Sorden Steven D. , Ryan Thomas , Pienkowski Thomas , Wijsman John A. , Smith Holly W. , Rosol Thomas J.
Published: April 2015

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, have caused hyperplasia/neoplasia of thyroid C cells in rodent carcinogenicity studies. Studies in monkeys have not identified an effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on thyroid C cells; however, group sizes were small. Dulaglutide is a once-weekly, long-acting human GLP-1 receptor agonist recently approved in the United States and the European Union. The objective of this study was to determine whether dulaglutide altered C-cell mass in monkeys. Male cynomolgus monkeys (20 per group) were sc injected with dulaglutide 8.15 mg/kg (∼500-fold maximum human plasma exposure) or a vehicle control twice weekly for 52 weeks. Basal and calcium gluconate-stimulated serum calcitonin concentrations were obtained at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Thyroid glands were weighed, fixed, and sectioned at 500-μm intervals. C-cell volumes were measured using an automated image analysis. C-cell proliferation was estimated using Ki67/calcitonin colabeling and cell counting. Administration of dulaglutide 8.15 mg/kg twice weekly for 52 weeks did not increase serum calcitonin in monkeys or affect thyroid weight, histology, C-cell proliferation, or absolute/relative C-cell volume. This study represents a comprehensive evaluation of the monkey thyroid C cells after dosing with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, with a large group size, and measurement of multiple relevant parameters. The lack of effect of dulaglutide on C cells is consistent with other studies in monkeys using GLP-1 receptor agonists and suggests that nonhuman primates are less sensitive than rodents to the induction of proliferative changes in thyroid C cells by GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Increased Bone Turnover and Possible Accelerated Fracture Healing in a Murine Model With an Increased Circulating C-Type Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: Kondo Eri , Yasoda Akihiro , Fujii Toshihito , Nakao Kazumasa , Yamashita Yui , Ueda-Sakane Yoriko , Kanamoto Naotetsu , Miura Masako , Arai Hiroshi , Mukoyama Masashi , Inagaki Nobuya , Nakao Kazuwa
Published: April 2015

Recent studies have revealed that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a potent stimulator of endochondral bone growth. Nevertheless, the effect of CNP on bone turnover has not yet been well studied. To elucidate this issue, we investigated the bone phenotype of a mouse model with elevated plasma CNP concentrations (SAP-CNP-Tg mice) in the present study. Microcomputed tomography (CT) analysis revealed less bone in femurs, but not in lumber vertebrae, of young adult SAP-CNP-Tg mice than that of wild-type mice. Bone histomorphometry of the tibiae from 8-week-old SAP-CNP-Tg mice showed enhanced osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities, in accordance with elevated serum levels of osteocalcin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b, respectively. Next we performed an open and stabilized femoral fracture using 8-week-old SAP-CNP-Tg mice and compared the healing process with age-matched wild-type mice. An immunohistochemical study revealed that CNP and its receptors, natriuretic peptide receptor-B and natriuretic peptide clearance receptor, are expressed in hard calluses of wild-type mice, suggesting a possible role of CNP/natriuretic peptide receptor-B signaling in fracture repair, especially in bone remodeling stage. On micro-CT analysis, a rapid decrease in callus volume was observed in SAP-CNP-Tg mice, followed by a generation of significantly higher new bone volume with a tendency of increased bone strength. In addition, a micro-CT analysis also showed that bone remodeling was accelerated in SAP-CNP-Tg mice, which was also evident from increased serum osteocalcin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b levels in SAP-CNP-Tg mice at the remodeling stage of fracture repair. These results indicate that CNP activates bone turnover and remodeling in vivo and possibly accelerates fracture healing in our mouse model.
Absence of Female-Typical Pheromone-Induced Hypothalamic Neural Responses and Kisspeptin Neuronal Activity in α-Fetoprotein Knockout Female Mice
Authors: Taziaux Melanie , Bakker Julie
Published: April 2015

Pheromones induce sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine responses, such as LH secretion. However, the neuronal network by which pheromones are converted into signals that will initiate and modulate endocrine changes remains unclear. We asked whether 2 sexually dimorphic populations in the anteroventral periventricular and periventricular nuclei that express kisspeptin and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) are potential candidates that will transduce the olfactory signal to the neuroendocrine system. Furthermore, we assessed whether this transduction is sensitive to perinatal actions of estradiol by using female mice deficient in α-fetoprotein (AfpKO), which lack the protective actions of Afp against maternal estradiol. Wild-type (WT) and AfpKO male and female mice were exposed to same- versus opposite-sex odors and the expression of Fos (the protein product of the immediate early gene c-Fos) was analyzed along the olfactory projection pathways as well as whether kisspeptin, TH, and GnRH neurons are responsive to opposite-sex odors. Male odors induced a female-typical Fos expression in target forebrain sites of olfactory inputs involved in reproduction in WT, but not in AfpKO females, whereas female odors induced a male-typical Fos expression in males of both genotypes. In WT females, opposite-sex odors induced Fos in kisspeptin and TH neurons, whereas in AfpKO females and WT males, only a lower, but still significant, Fos expression was observed in TH but not in kisspeptin neurons. Finally, opposite-sex odors did not induce any significant Fos expression in GnRH neurons of both sexes or genotypes. Our results strongly suggest a role for fetal estrogen in the sexual differentiation of neural responses to sex-related olfactory cues.
Impact of Adulthood Stage and Social-Environmental Context on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity of Individuals With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Hsieh Kelly , Heller Tamar , Bershadsky Julie , Taub Sarah
Published: April 2015

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at risk for obesity and physical inactivity. We analyzed a subset of 2009–2010 National Core Indicators (NCI) database to examine (1) the impact of three adulthood stages– younger (20–39 years), middle (40–59 years), and older (60 years and older) on Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity (PA); and (2) the relationship between social-environmental context (i.e., residence type, everyday choices, and community participation) and BMI and PA, with adjustment for individual characteristics of the adults with ID. Findings highlight the need to pay more attention to obesity by providing health education and emphasizing healthy choices. Results also suggest the importance of community participation as a way of promoting more physical activity.
A Comparative Analysis of Adult Siblings' Perceptions Toward Caregiving
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Fish Thomas , Lawton Kathy
Published: April 2015

Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are likely to become caregivers for their brothers and sisters. The expectations of and experiences with caregiving, however, may be different. In this study, using focus groups, we compared the perspectives of siblings who were current caregivers (n  =  25) to siblings who anticipated being caregivers (n  =  17). Responses were compared and contrasted across four areas: caregiving responsibilities, rewards, challenges, and opinions toward being paid as a caregiver. Both caregiver groups were knowledgeable about and invested in their brothers and sisters. Also, they both reported that they enjoyed bonding with their brothers and sisters. Challenges, for current caregivers, related to understanding and navigating the service system. In contrast, anticipated caregivers were concerned about planning for the future. Mixed viewpoints were expressed about receiving pay for providing care although a greater number of current caregivers were receptive to it as a means to supporting their own families.
Breast Cancer Screening for Women With Down Syndrome: Lessons Learned
Authors: Chicoine Brian , Roth Melody , Chicoine Laura , Sulo Suela
Published: April 2015

This study examined mammogram reports of women with Down syndrome (DS) treated in the largest medical facility specifically serving adults with DS in the United States. Records of 684 women and results of 993 mammograms were reviewed, including 902 screening and 93 diagnostic mammograms. Only 2 (0.7%) women had a diagnosis of breast cancer. This study found a low rate of breast cancer among women with DS, a finding which is consistent with previous studies. The financial cost per finding was high, the benefit of the mammograms questionable, and the potential for harm greater. With less than 1% of the women with DS in this study developing breast cancer, further discussion is recommended to assess whether mammography is a beneficial, cost-effective part of health maintenance for women with DS.
Reordering (social) sensibilities: Balancing realisms in Neighbouring Sounds
Authors: Marsh Leslie L.
Published: April 2015

This article treats the film O Som Ao Redor/Neighbouring Sounds (Mendonça Filho, 2012), one of the most innovative Brazilian films in recent years. The film is examined as an example of a Latin American film that renovates film form and contributes to new debates concerning conceptual and sensorial realism. The film intervenes at sensory thresholds, combining realist and surrealist strategies and a hypo-real soundscape to reflect on deep social disjunctions and an uncertain social landscape. Neighbouring Sounds appears to portray the everyday activities of residents in an upper-middle class neighbourhood in Recife but it subtly reveals feelings of ennui and fear to offer a broader reflection on tensions between interdependent social classes and debates concerning contemporary social transformation. In its reflection on changing social sensibilities, Neighbouring Sounds develops a particular aesthetic and political liminality and plays on tensions between the visible and invisible.
Book Reviews
Authors: Martínez-Expósito Alfredo , Deleyto Celestino , Martí-Olivella Jaume , Navitski Rielle , Allbritton Dean , Donovan Mary Kate , Melgosa Adrián Pérez
Published: April 2015

Spanish Cinema 1973–2010: Auteurism, Politics, Landscape and Memory, Maria M. Delgado and Robin Fiddian (eds) (2013) Manchester: Manchester University Press, xviii + 262 pp. ISBN: 9780719087110, h/bk, £65

The Three Amigos: The Transnational Film-Making of Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón, Deborah Shaw (2013) Manchester: Manchester University Press, 288 pp., ISBN: 9780719082702, h/bk, £70

Julio Medem, Rob Stone (2012) Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press, 236 pp., ISBN: 9780719072017, p/bk, £14.99

Experimental Latin American Cinema: History and Aesthetics, Cynthia Tompkins (2013) Austin: University of Texas Press, 306 pp., ISBN: 9780292744158, h/bk, $60.00

Spain On-Screen: Developments in Contemporary Spanish Cinema, Ann Davies (ed.) (2011) New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 200 pp., ISBN-13: 9780230236202, h/bk, £56

Gynocine: teoría de género, filmografía y praxis cinematográfica, Barbara Zecchi (ed.) (2013) Zaragoza: Prensas de la Universidad de Zaragoza, 328 pp., ISBN-13: 9788415770855, p/bk, £17.30

Desenfocadas: Cineastas españolas y discursos de género, BARBARA Zecchi (2014) Barcelona: Icaria Editorial, 246 pp., ISBN-13: 9788498885682, p/bk, £17.68

Transition Cinema: Political Filmmaking and The Argentine Left Since 1968, Jessica Stites Mor (2012) Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh University Press, 264 pp. ISBN: 9780822961918, p/bk, $22.46
Historias paralelas, sonidos diferentes
Authors: Sequeda Garrido Yezid David
Published: April 2015

El presente artículo tiene por objeto analizar rasgos propios y compartidos de dos géneros musicales con audiencias amplias en México y Colombia. La música norteña y la música vallenata, son analizadas desde una perspectiva general a partir de sus procesos de difusión y desde su empalme con formas distintivas de identidad regional y como expresión de vivencias e historias diversas. Ambos géneros musicales, han experimentado significativos procesos de difusión y trasformación que permite pensarlos como espacios de expresión de la cultura popular colombo-mexicana.
Las actuales transformaciones en Cuba y sus efectos en las relaciones Cuba-CARICOM
Authors: Laguardia Martínez Jacqueline
Published: April 2015

En 2011 Cuba aprobó una nueva política económica con el objetivo de relanzar su economía sin comprometer los principales logros sociales asociados a su modelo socialista. La apuesta es lo suficientemente ambiciosa como para generar dudas sobre la posibilidad real de instrumentar con éxito una transformación socioeconómica de tales dimensiones. Lo cierto es que, a pesar de los temores y resistencias a la “actualización” del modelo económico cubano, los cambios internos son obligatorios con el fin de construir un socialismo “próspero y sostenible”, idea que el presidente Raúl Castro ha promovido como objetivo central de los cambios. El artículo analiza las relaciones de Cuba y los países del CARICOM en el contexto de la cambiante realidad cubana actual y examina las posibles modificaciones que esta relación podría experimentar en un futuro próximo como consecuencia de la actualización económica cubana.
Longe do gabinete: viagens científicas àAmérica portuguesa e espanhola (1777-1792)e representação da natureza
Authors: Rodríguez García Margarita Eva
Published: April 2015

Este artigo ocupa-se de duas expedições científicas enviadas a América pelas coroas ibéricas no final do século XVIII: as viagens de Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira às Capitanias de Grão-Pará, Rio Negro, Mato Grosso e Cuiabá, e Hipólito Ruiz e Antonio Pavón ao Vice-reino do Peru. O objectivo será analisar de que forma a botânica serviu os interesses imperiais e a percepção que os naturalistas que protagonizaram estas expedições, armados com novos saberes ilustrados e novos instrumentos, tiveram da natureza americana e dos recursos naturais que esta oferecia. A partir da perceção destes viajantes e de suas práticas científicas, destacam-se algumas diferenças entre os dois impérios e os territórios que os integravam.
The Segmented Third Rail: The Politics of Social Security from Carter to Obama
Authors: Béland Daniel
Published: April 2015

Social Security is widely known as “The Third Rail of American Politics” and the program has proved been remarkably stable and politically resilient, over time. While true, this basic story about the institutional stability of Social Security in the US should not hide the segmented, discontinuous nature of its politics over the last four decades. As suggested in this article, the changing nature of Social Security politics is reflected in the variety of the policy options debated, which range from incremental benefit cuts and revenue increases adopted during the Carter and the Reagan years to structural, path-shifting proposals associated with the idea of Social Security privatization, which only became a mainstream policy alternative during the Clinton years. The following analysis explores the debate about these diverse policy alternatives, if and when they entered the federal policy agenda during the periods under consideration.
Effects of Team-Based Learning on Self-Regulated Online Learning
Authors: Whittaker Alice A.
Published: April 2015

Online learning requires higher levels of self-regulation in order to achieve optimal learning outcomes. As nursing education moves further into the blended and online learning venue, new teaching/learning strategies will be required to develop and enhance self-regulated learning skills in nursing students. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of team-based learning (TBL) with traditional instructor-led (IL) learning, on self-regulated online learning outcomes, in a blended undergraduate research and evidence-based practice course. The nonrandomized sample consisted of 98 students enrolled in the IL control group and 86 students enrolled in the TBL intervention group. The percentage of total possible online viewing time was used as the measure of self-regulated online learning activity. The TBL group demonstrated a significantly higher percentage (p< 0.001) of self-regulated learning activities than the IL control group. The TBL group scored significantly higher on the course examinations (p= 0.003). The findings indicate that TBL is an effective instructional strategy that can be used to achieve the essential outcomes of baccalaureate nursing education by increasing self-regulated learning capabilities in nursing students.
LRP1 Downregulates the Alzheimer’s β-Secretase BACE1 by Modulating Its Intraneuronal Trafficking
Authors: Tanokashira Daisuke , Motoki Kazumi , Minegishi Seiji , Hosaka Ai , Mamada Naomi , Tamaoka Akira , Okada Takashi , Lakshmana Madepalli K. , Araki Wataru
Published: April 2015

The β-secretase called BACE1 is a membrane-associated protease that initiates the generation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), a key event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanism of intraneuronal regulation of BACE1 is poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a multi-functional receptor, has a previously unrecognized function to regulate BACE1 in neurons. We show that deficiency of LRP1 exerts promotive effects on the protein expression and function of BACE1, whereas expression of LRP-L4, a functional LRP1 mini-receptor, specifically decreases BACE1 levels in both human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and rat primary neurons, leading to reduced Aβ production. Our subsequent analyses further demonstrate that (1) both endogenous and exogenous BACE1 and LRP1 interact with each other and are colocalized in soma and neurites of primary neurons, (2) LRP1 reduces the protein stability and cell-surface expression of BACE1, and (3) LRP1 facilitates the shift in intracellular localization of BACE1 from early to late endosomes, thereby promoting lysosomal degradation. These findings establish that LRP1 specifically downregulates BACE1 by modulating its intraneuronal trafficking and stability through protein interaction and highlight LRP1 as a potential therapeutic target in AD.
Conditional Inhibition of Adult Neurogenesis by Inducible and Targeted Deletion of ERK5 MAP Kinase Is Not Associated with Anxiety/Depression-Like Behaviors
Authors: Zou Junhui , Wang Wenbin , Pan Yung-Wei , Abel Glen M. , Storm Daniel R. , Xia Zhengui
Published: April 2015

Although there is evidence that adult neurogenesis contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of chronic antidepressant treatment for anxiety and depression disorders, the role of adult neurogenesis in the onset of depression-related symptoms is still open to question. To address this issue, we utilized a transgenic mouse strain in which adult neurogenesis was specifically and conditionally impaired by Nestin-CreER-driven, inducible knockout (icKO) oferk5MAP kinase in Nestin-expressing neural progenitors of the adult mouse brain upon tamoxifen administration. Here, we report that inhibition of adult neurogenesis by this mechanism is not associated with an increase of the baseline anxiety or depression in non-stressed animals, nor does it increase the animal’s susceptibility to depression after chronic unpredictable stress treatment. Our findings indicate that impaired adult neurogenesis does not lead to anxiety or depression.
ENDOCRINOLOGY IN PREGNANCY: Influence of maternal vitamin D status on obstetric outcomes and the fetal skeleton
Authors: Moon Rebecca J , Harvey Nicholas C , Cooper Cyrus
Published: April 2015

Vitamin D status has been increasingly associated with wide-ranging clinical outcomes. There is now a wealth of observational studies reporting on its associations with obstetric complications, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and the mode and timing of delivery. The findings are inconsistent, and currently there is a lack of data from high-quality intervention studies to confirm a causal role for vitamin D in these outcomes. This is similarly true with regards to fetal development, including measures of fetal size and skeletal mineralisation. Overall, there is an indication of possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy for offspring birthweight, calcium concentrations and bone mass as well as for reduced maternal pre-eclampsia. However, for none of these outcomes is the current evidence base conclusive, and the available data justify the instatement of high-quality randomised placebo controlled trials in a range of populations and health care settings to establish the potential efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation to improve particular outcomes.
Establishing Some Measures of Absolute and Relative Reliability of a Motor Test / Određivanje nekih mjera apsolutne i relativne pouzdanosti motoričkih testova
Authors: Šerbetar Ivan
Published: April 2015

Abstract Relative and absolute reliability are discussed in this paper on the bases of some empirical motor data. Relative reliability was assessed via the calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; Shrout & Fleiss, 1979; Nunnally & Berstein, 1994). Absolute reliability was assessed by calculating standard error of measurement (SEM), and additionally by calculating the smallest detectable change (SDC; de Veet et al., 2006a, b), a relatively new measure which originates from clinical disciplines but has an ever-growing use in other areas. Bland-Altman method (1986, 1995) for determining the limits of agreement and bias between two measurements, was also used. ICC coefficients were high with narrow limits of confidence but ICC masked some differences in trials revealed by SEM and Bland-Altman technique. As stated in Hopkins (2000), and Atkinson and Nevill (1998), more than one measure of reliability should be provided in reliability studies.Key words: Bland-Altman limits of agreement; intraclass correlation; reliability of the measurement, smallest detectable change (SDC); standard error of the measurement (SEM).  --- SažetakRad u kojem se raspravlja o relativnoj i apsolutnoj pouzdanosti utemeljen je na empirijskim motoričkim podacima. Relativna pouzdanost određena je izračunavanjem koeficijenata intraklas korelacije (ICC; Shrout i Fleiss, 1979; Nunnally i Berstein, 1994). Određivanje apsolutne pouzdanosti izvedeno je izračunavanjem standardne pogreške mjerenja (SEM) i dodatno izračunavanjem najmanjih uočljivih promjena (smallest detectable change; SDC; de Veet i sur., 2006a,b), relativno nove mjere koja potječe iz kliničkih disciplina, a sve veću primjenu nalazi i u drugim područjima. U radu je upotrijebljen i Bland-Altmanova metoda (1986, 1995) određivanja razina slaganja (limits of agreement; LOA), odnosno biasa između dva mjerenja. Dobiveni su visoki ICC koeficijenti i suženi limiti pouzdanosti, no ICC koeficijenti su prikrili neke razlike u ponovljenim izvedbama testa koje su uočene primjenom SEM i Bland-Altman metode. Kao što su naveli Hopkins (2000), Atkinson i Nevill (1998) u istraživanjima pouzdanosti treba primijeniti više mjera. Ključne riječi: Bland-Altmanove razine slaganja (LOA); intraklas korelacija; najmanja uočljiva promjena (SDC); pouzdanost mjerenja, standardna pogreška mjerenja (SEM)
POKAZATELJI PROVEDBE INKLUZIVNE PRAKSE U PROCESU SAMOVREDNOVANJA ŠKOLE
Authors: Kudek Mirošević Jasna
Published: April 2015

Samovrednovanje kao proces unapređivanja kvalitete rada škole zasniva se na pronalaženju jakih strana i utvrđivanju mogućih nedostataka svih subjekata, sudionika koji sudjeluju u odgojno-obrazovnom procesu (učenici, roditelji, učitelji i stručni suradnici) radi utvrđivanja postojećeg stanja i unapređenja kvalitete škole. Važnost inkluzivnog obrazovanja je u promjeni i primjeni nastavnih oblika i metoda rada u cilju ostvarivanja različitih odgojno-obrazovnih potreba učenika. Stoga je u procesu samovrednovanja škole naglasak na promjeni strukture i primjeni prakse koja može odgovoriti na individualne potrebe učenika. Za praćenje inkluzivne prakse to znači osiguravanje optimalnog razvoja svakog učenika uključujući učenike s teškoćama sukladno njihovim sposobnostima i mogućnostima te osiguranje jednakih mogućnosti obrazovanja i adekvatnih sustava podrške. Za procjenu uspješ­nosti kvalitete odgojno-obrazovnog rada, cilj ovoga istraživanja je uočavanje pokazatelja provedbe inkluzivne prakse kroz stavove učenika i roditelja u procesu samovrednovanja škole. Na uzorku od 74 učenika i 48 roditelja iz jedne osnovne škole na području grada Zagreba, postavljena je hipoteza prema kojoj ne postoji statistički značajna razlika između učenika i roditelja u procjeni inkluzivnog odgojno-obrazovnog rada u školi. Rezultati pokazuju da učenici i roditelji inkluzivni odgojno-obrazovni rad i školu procjenjuju pozitivno.