bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and molecular insights into Hox protein action
Authors: Rezsohazy René , Saurin Andrew J. , Maurel-Zaffran Corinne , Graba Yacine
Published: March 2015

Hox genes encode homeodomain transcription factors that control morphogenesis and have established functions in development and evolution. Hox proteins have remained enigmatic with regard to the molecular mechanisms that endow them with specific and diverse functions, and to the cellular functions that they control. Here, we review recent examples of Hox-controlled cellular functions that highlight their versatile and highly context-dependent activity. This provides the setting to discuss how Hox proteins control morphogenesis and organogenesis. We then summarise the molecular modalities underlying Hox protein function, in particular in light of current models of transcription factor function. Finally, we discuss how functional divergence between Hox proteins might be achieved to give rise to the many facets of their action.
Activin A directs striatal projection neuron differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Arber Charles , Precious Sophie V. , Cambray Serafí , Risner-Janiczek Jessica R. , Kelly Claire , Noakes Zoe , Fjodorova Marija , Heuer Andreas , Ungless Mark A. , Rodríguez Tristan A. , Rosser Anne E. , Dunnett Stephen B. , Li Meng
Published: March 2015

The efficient generation of striatal neurons from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is fundamental for realising their promise in disease modelling, pharmaceutical drug screening and cell therapy for Huntington's disease. GABAergic medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) are the principal projection neurons of the striatum and specifically degenerate in the early phase of Huntington's disease. Here we report that activin A induces lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) characteristics in nascent neural progenitors derived from hESCs and hiPSCs in a sonic hedgehog-independent manner. Correct specification of striatal phenotype was further demonstrated by the induction of the striatal transcription factors CTIP2, GSX2 and FOXP2. Crucially, these human LGE progenitors readily differentiate into postmitotic neurons expressing the striatal projection neuron signature marker DARPP32, both in culture and following transplantation in the adult striatum in a rat model of Huntington's disease. Activin-induced neurons also exhibit appropriate striatal-like electrophysiology in vitro. Together, our findings demonstrate a novel route for efficient differentiation of GABAergic striatal MSNs from human pluripotent stem cells.
Comparison of splice sites reveals that long noncoding RNAs are evolutionarily well conserved
Authors: Nitsche Anne , Rose Dominic , Fasold Mario , Reiche Kristin , Stadler Peter F.
Published: March 2015

Large-scale RNA sequencing has revealed a large number of long mRNA-like transcripts (lncRNAs) that do not code for proteins. The evolutionary history of these lncRNAs has been notoriously hard to study systematically due to their low level of sequence conservation that precludes comprehensive homology-based surveys and makes them nearly impossible to align. An increasing number of special cases, however, has been shown to be at least as old as the vertebrate lineage. Here we use the conservation of splice sites to trace the evolution of lncRNAs. We show that >85% of the human GENCODE lncRNAs were already present at the divergence of placental mammals and many hundreds of these RNAs date back even further. Nevertheless, we observe a fast turnover of intron/exon structures. We conclude that lncRNA genes are evolutionary ancient components of vertebrate genomes that show an unexpected and unprecedented evolutionary plasticity. We offer a public web service (http://splicemap.bioinf.uni-leipzig.de) that allows to retrieve sets of orthologous splice sites and to produce overview maps of evolutionarily conserved splice sites for visualization and further analysis. An electronic supplement containing the ncRNA data sets used in this study is available at http://www.bioinf.uni-leipzig.de/publications/supplements/12-001.
Environmental RNAi in herbivorous insects
Authors: Ivashuta Sergey , Zhang Yuanji , Wiggins B. Elizabeth , Ramaseshadri Partha , Segers Gerrit C. , Johnson Steven , Meyer Steve E. , Kerstetter Randy A. , McNulty Brian C. , Bolognesi Renata , Heck Gregory R.
Published: March 2015

Environmental RNAi (eRNAi) is a sequence-specific regulation of endogenous gene expression in a receptive organism by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Although demonstrated under artificial dietary conditions and via transgenic plant presentations in several herbivorous insects, the magnitude and consequence of exogenous dsRNA uptake and the role of eRNAi remains unknown under natural insect living conditions. Our analysis of coleopteran insects sensitive to eRNAi fed on wild-type plants revealed uptake of plant endogenous long dsRNAs, but not small RNAs. Subsequently, the dsRNAs were processed into 21 nt siRNAs by insects and accumulated in high quantities in insect cells. No accumulation of host plant-derived siRNAs was observed in lepidopteran larvae that are recalcitrant to eRNAi. Stability of ingested dsRNA in coleopteran larval gut followed by uptake and transport from the gut to distal tissues appeared to be enabling factors for eRNAi. Although a relatively large number of distinct coleopteran insect-processed plant-derived siRNAs had sequence complementarity to insect transcripts, the vast majority of the siRNAs were present in relatively low abundance, and RNA-seq analysis did not detect a significant effect of plant-derived siRNAs on insect transcriptome. In summary, we observed a broad genome-wide uptake of plant endogenous dsRNA and subsequent processing of ingested dsRNA into 21 nt siRNAs in eRNAi-sensitive insects under natural feeding conditions. In addition to dsRNA stability in gut lumen and uptake, dosage of siRNAs targeting a given insect transcript is likely an important factor in order to achieve measurable eRNAi-based regulation in eRNAi-competent insects that lack an apparent silencing amplification mechanism.
Tupaia small RNAs provide insights into function and evolution of RNAi-based transposon defense in mammals
Authors: Rosenkranz David , Rudloff Stefanie , Bastuck Katharina , Ketting René F. , Zischler Hans
Published: March 2015

Argonaute proteins comprising Piwi-like and Argonaute-like proteins and their guiding small RNAs combat mobile DNA on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. While Piwi-like proteins and associated piRNAs are generally restricted to the germline, Argonaute-like proteins and siRNAs have been linked with transposon control in the germline as well as in the soma. Intriguingly, evolution has realized distinct Argonaute subfunctionalization patterns in different species but our knowledge about mammalian RNA interference pathways relies mainly on findings from the mouse model. However, mice differ from other mammals by absence of functional Piwil3 and expression of an oocyte-specific Dicer isoform. Thus, studies beyond the mouse model are required for a thorough understanding of function and evolution of mammalian RNA interference pathways. We high-throughput sequenced small RNAs from the male Tupaia belangeri germline, which represents a close outgroup to primates, hence phylogenetically links mice with humans. We identified transposon-derived piRNAs as well as siRNAs clearly contrasting the separation of piRNA- and siRNA-pathways into male and female germline as seen in mice. Genome-wide analysis of tree shrew transposons reveal that putative siRNAs map to transposon sites that form foldback secondary structures thus representing suitable Dicer substrates. In contrast piRNAs target transposon sites that remain accessible. With this we provide a basic mechanistic explanation how secondary structure of transposon transcripts influences piRNA- and siRNA-pathway utilization. Finally, our analyses of tree shrew piRNA clusters indicate A-Myb and the testis-expressed transcription factor RFX4 to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of mammalian piRNA clusters.
Association between periodontitis, gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 in pregnant women
Authors: Esteves Lima Rafael Paschoal , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Cota Luis Otávio Miranda , Cyrino Renata Magalhães
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Diabetes is considered a risk factor for periodontitis. However, it is possible that periodontitis induces a systemic inflammatory process which could initiate and propagate an insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between periodontitis, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM 1) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) in pregnant women. Methods: The sample consisted of studying 20 pregnant women with DM 1 or DM 2, 20 women with GDM and 40 pregnant women without any endocrinopathy. Periodontal examination included analysis of bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Periodontitis was defined as the presence of four or more teeth with at least one site with PD ≥ 4 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm with BOP associated in the same site. Results: Results demonstrated an association between GDM and high maternal age, body mass index (BMI) and hypertension. The prevalence of periodontitis observed was 55%, 40% and 42,5% for women with DM 1 or DM 2 (p=0,360), with GDM (p=0,853) and in the control group, respectively. Conclusions: The sample showed high prevalence of periodontitis; however, there was no significant difference between pregnant women with DM 1 or DM 2, women with GDM or pregnant women in the control group.
A eficácia do Diflubenzuron no controle de larvas de duas populações de Aedes aegypti com diferentes níveis de suscetibilidade ao Temephos, em condições de laboratório
Authors: Machado Angela Aparecida , Coleone Ana Carla , Abe Flavia Renata , Américo Juliana Heloisa Pinê , Lima José Bento Pereira , Machado Neto Joaquim Gonçalves
Published: March 2015

O Temephos, durante muito tempo, foi o único larvicida disponível para o controle do Aedes aegypti. O larvicida diflubenzuron (DFB) destaca-se como um substituto do temephos. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do DFB sobre larvas de duas populações de Aedes aegypti sendo elas de Vila Velha – ES (VVE) e Santarém – PA (STR) com distintos níveis de suscetibilidade ao temephos e investigar as potenciais anormalidades morfológicas provocadas nos indivíduos. Os bioensaios foram realizados com o larvicida DFB, com larvas das duas populações resistentes ao Temephos e com a cepa Rockeffeller, utilizada como padrão de suscetibilidade para se obterem os valores de razão de resistência. Nos bioensaios com o DFB, os números de larvas, pupas e adultos foram registrados durante dez dias. O DFB causa 95% de redução na emergência de adultos da cepa Rockefeller na concentração de 2,88 µg.L-1, de 3,11 µg.L-1 na população VVE (RR95 = 1,07) e 3,30 µg.L-1 na população STR (RR95 = 1,15), além de provocar anormalidades morfológicas nos diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. O DFB, com concentrações acima de 3,0 µg.L-1, é efetivo para a VVE e para a STR, que apresentam resistência intermediária e baixa ao Temephos, respectivamente. Nesta concentração, o DFB causa a inibição total da emergência de adultos viáveis nestas populações.
Comparative analysis of TEC disturbances above regions of tropical cyclones in the north-west Pacific Ocean
Authors: Полякова Анна , Polyakova Anna , Перевалова Наталья , Perevalova Natalia
Published: March 2015

We studied ionospheric total electron content (TEC) disturbances associated with tropical cyclones (TCs). The study was based on the statistical analysis of six cyclones with different intensity which occurred in the North-West Pacific Ocean in September–November 2005. We used TEC data from the international network of two-frequency ground-based GPS receivers and NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis meteorological archive. TEC variations of different period ranges (2–20 and 20–60 min) are shown to be more intense during TC peaks under quiet geomagnetic conditions. The highest TEC variation amplitudes are registered when the wind speed in the cyclone and the TC area are maximum. The intensification of TEC disturbances is more pronounced when several cyclones occur simulta-neously. We found that the ionospheric response to TC can be observed only after the cyclone has reached typhoon intensity. The ionospheric response is more pronounced at low satellite elevation angles.
Horizontal component of photospheric plasma flows during the emergence of active regions on the Sun
Authors: Хлыстова Анна , Khlystova Anna
Published: March 2015

The dynamics of horizontal photospheric plasma flows during the ﬁrst hours of the emergence of active regions in the solar photosphere have been analyzed using SOHO/MDI data. Four active regions emerging near the solar limb have been considered. It has been found that extended regions of high Doppler velocities with different signs are formed during the magnetic flux emergence in the horizontal velocity ﬁeld. The flows form at the beginning of the emergence of active regions and are present for a few hours. The peak values of the mean (inside the ±500 m/s isolines) and maximum Doppler velocities are 800–970 m/s and 1410–1700 m/s, respectively. The asymmetry was detected between velocity structures of leading and following polarities. Velocity structures located in a region of leading magnetic polarity are more powerful and exist longer than those in regions of following polarity. The asymmetry for the mean and maximal Doppler velocities reach 240–460 m/s and 710–940 m/s, respectively. An interpretation of the observable flow of photospheric plasma is given.
Scalable Rejection Sampling for Bayesian Hierarchical Models
Authors: Braun Michael , Damien Paul
Published: March 2015

Bayesian hierarchical modeling is a popular approach to capturing unobserved heterogeneity across individual units. However, standard estimation methods such as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) can be impracticable for modeling outcomes from a large number of units. We develop a new method to sample from posterior distributions of Bayesian models, without using MCMC. Samples are independent, so they can be collected in parallel, and we do not need to be concerned with issues like chain convergence and autocorrelation. The algorithm is scalable under the weak assumption that individual units are conditionally independent, making it applicable for large data sets. It can also be used to compute marginal likelihoods.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2014.0901 .
Transparent Reporting of Data Quality in Distributed Data Networks
Authors: Kahn Michael G. , Brown Jeffrey S. , Chun Alein T. , Davidson Bruce N. , Meeker Daniella , Ryan Patrick B. , Schilling Lisa M. , Weiskopf Nicole G. , Williams Andrew E. , Zozus Meredith Nahm
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Poor data quality can be a serious threat to the validity and
generalizability of clinical research findings. The growing availability of electronic
administrative and clinical data is accompanied by a growing concern about the quality
of these data for observational research and other analytic purposes. Currently, there
are no widely accepted guidelines for reporting quality results that would enable
investigators and consumers to independently determine if a data source is fit for use
to support analytic inferences and reliable evidence generation.Model and Methods: We
developed a conceptual model that captures the flow of data from data originator across
successive data stewards and finally to the data consumer. This “data lifecycle” model
illustrates how data quality issues can result in data being returned back to previous
data custodians. We highlight the potential risks of poor data quality on clinical
practice and research results. Because of the need to ensure transparent reporting of a
data quality issues, we created a unifying data-quality reporting framework and a
complementary set of 20 data-quality reporting recommendations for studies that use
observational clinical and administrative data for secondary data analysis. We obtained
stakeholder input on the perceived value of each recommendation by soliciting public
comments via two face-to-face meetings of informatics and comparative-effectiveness
investigators, through multiple public webinars targeted to the health services research
community, and with an open access online wiki.Recommendations: Our recommendations
propose reporting on both general and analysis-specific data quality features. The goals
of these recommendations are to improve the reporting of data quality measures for
studies that use observational clinical and administrative data, to ensure transparency
and consistency in computing data quality measures, and to facilitate best practices and
trust in the new clinical discoveries based on secondary use of observational
data.
Patients, Consumers, and Caregivers: The Original Data Stewards
Authors: Mackay Erin A.
Published: March 2015

Introduction: For patients and families, the issue of data quality is personal.
When treatment decisions or research conclusions are based on incomplete or inaccurate
information—a misdiagnosis, an incomplete medication list, the wrong demographic data—
care safety, quality, and outcomes suffer—and patients and families suffer.Opportunity
for Change: Thanks in part to the power of health information technology, individuals
have new opportunities to be part of the solution when it comes to assessing and
improving data quality. Building on a framework for data quality, there are numerous
opportunities for patients to be part of ‘feedback loops’ to understand and improve data
quality are presented.Foundation for the Future: As the source of patient-centered data,
consumers have important roles to play in reviewing and confirming their own health
information and should be engaged partners in efforts to understand and improve the
quality of electronic health data.This commentary is written in response to "Transparent
Reporting of Data Quality in Distributed Data Networks” (Kahn et al.) and builds on
recommendations outlined in the framework.
Updates on chemistry and use of annatto (Bixa orellana L.)
Authors: Demczuk Jr Bogdan , Hoffmann Ribani Rosemary
Published: March 2015

Food color is the first attribute evaluated by the consumer. Therefore, the food industry is concerned about the use of colorants in food materials to make them more attractive. Between the colorants used by the food industry, annatto is a raw material that allows the obtaining a large amount of natural pigments. The annatto dye is extracted from the outer layer of Bixa orellana L. seeds by immersion in alkaline solution, vegetable oil or organic solvents. In addition to the commercial preparations, a large amount of brazilian annatto seeds is used to prepare “colorífico”, a spice obtained from the mixture of pigment or grinded seeds with corn flour, vegetable oil and salt. Besides the bixin carotenoid, the seeds presents other components such as geranylgeraniol, with important pharmacological properties. The annatto seeds variability are influenced by conditions of post-harvest processing and the different cultivars used in industry. After the annatto processing, about 96% of waste are generated, which after dried and milled remain appropriate for reuse. During de pigment analysis in foodstuffs, the preparation techniques, the compounds separation and quantification requires, the use of standards with high purity and stability.

 

DOI: 10.14685/rebrapa.v6i1.144
Cookies formulated with fermented Japanese grape biomass: a new proposal of use
Authors: Alves da Cunha Mário Antônio , Reineri Daniele , Schroll Loss Edenes Maria
Published: March 2015

Hovenia dulcis Thunberg, popularly known as Japanese grape, belongs to the Rhamnaceae family and it is Widely spread in Brazil southern. Its pseudo fruit is rich in sugars, fiber and minerals and it is well accepted for human consumption. However, there are no reports in literature about its use as food ingredient. In this context, an alternative use of fermented Japanese grape biomass has been studied and proposed in this work. A new type cookie biscuit containing flour of fermented biomass has been developed and characterized for proximal composition, microbiological quality and sensory acceptance. The fermented biomass has presented high content of total proteins due to the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells (rich in protein and minerals) originated from the fermentation process. The formulated cookie has microbiological quality according to the quality standards recommended by the Brazilian legislation. Attractive nutritional quality parameters as high contents of proteins (23.4g / 100g) and alimentary fiber (8.4 g / 100 g), as well as content of lipids inferior to similar products found in the market were observed in the developed cookie. The acceptance tests by hedonic scale indicated that the developed product has good acceptance and the purchase intention test revealed that 92% of tasters would buy the product suggesting that the cookie has potential for commercialization. The use of biomass Hovenia dulcis flour as an ingredient in formulating biscuits such as cookies has been technologically feasible and the obtained results contribute to a new use proposal of the by-product obtained from the alcoholic fermentation of the Japanese grape.

 

DOI: 10.14685/rebrapa.v6i1.156
Industry associations, health innovation systems and politics of development: the cases of India and South Africa
Authors: Papaioannou Theo , Watkins Andrew , Kale Dinar , Mugwagwa Julius
Published: March 2015

Over the last 20 years, developing countries have witnessed the increased role of non-governmental actors such as health industry associations and umbrella organizations in the diffusion and governance of health innovation. Utilizing extensive interviews with actors in the Indian and South African health industries, this paper argues that, in a context of emerging pluralism – i.e., a dynamic context of bargaining between competing (public and private) interests and values – these associations constitute public actors that play dual roles in the politics of innovation and development. Specifically, not only do they engage downstream by diffusing knowledge to their respective health innovation systems in order to achieve common objectives, they also engage upstream with their governments to co-develop policies and regulations. This dual role of health industry associations and umbrella organizations makes them less neutral politically but more effective institutionally, and their innovative and political role should be seriously taken into account in the healthcare sector.
Secretory sphingomyelinase in health and disease
Authors: Kornhuber Johannes , Rhein Cosima , Müller Christian P. , Mühle Christiane
Published: March 2015

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, hydrolyzes sphingomyelin to ceramide and phosphorylcholine. In mammals, the expression of a single gene,SMPD1,results in two forms of the enzyme that differ in several characteristics. Lysosomal ASM (L-ASM) is located within the lysosome, requires no additional Zn2+ions for activation and is glycosylated mainly with high-mannose oligosaccharides. By contrast, the secretory ASM (S-ASM) is located extracellularly, requires Zn2+ions for activation, has a complex glycosylation pattern and has a longerin vivohalf-life. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the physiology and pathophysiology of S-ASM, including its sources and distribution, molecular and cellular mechanisms of generation and regulation and relevantin vitroandin vivostudies. Polymorphisms or mutations ofSMPD1lead to decreased S-ASM activity, as detected in patients with Niemann-Pick disease B. Thus, lower serum/plasma activities of S-ASM are trait markers. No genetic causes of increased S-ASM activity have been identified. Instead, elevated activity is the result of enhanced release (e.g., induced by lipopolysaccharide and cytokine stimulation) or increased enzyme activation (e.g., induced by oxidative stress). Increased S-ASM activity in serum or plasma is a state marker of a wide range of diseases. In particular, high S-ASM activity occurs in inflammation of the endothelium and liver. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between S-ASM activity and mortality induced by severe inflammatory diseases. Serial measurements of S-ASM reveal prolonged activation and, therefore, the measurement of this enzyme may also provide information on past inflammatory processes. Thus, S-ASM may be both a promising clinical chemistry marker and a therapeutic target.
The pseudo-atomic structure of an RND-type tripartite multidrug efflux pump
Authors: Du Dijun , Voss Jarrod , Wang Zhao , Chiu Wah , Luisi Ben F.
Published: March 2015

Microorganisms encode several classes of transmembrane molecular pumps that can expel a wide range of chemically distinct toxic substances. These machines contribute to the capacity of the organisms to withstand harsh environments, and they help to confer resistance against clinical antimicrobial agents. In Gram-negative bacteria, some of the pumps comprise tripartite assemblies that actively transport drugs and other harmful compounds across the cell envelope. We describe recent structural and functional data that have provided insights into the architecture and transport mechanism of the AcrA-AcrB-TolC pump of Escherichia coli. This multidrug efflux pump is powered by proton electrochemical gradients through the activity of AcrB, a member of the resistance/nodulation/cell division (RND) transporter family. Crystallographic data reveal how the small protein AcrZ binds to AcrB in a concave surface of the transmembrane domain, and we discuss how this interaction may affect the efflux activities of the transporter.
The crystal structure of Sc5Co2In4
Authors: Tyvanchuk Yuriy , Gulay Nataliya , Bigun Inna , Galadzhun Yaroslav , Kalychak Yaroslav
Published: March 2015

The new intermetallic compound Sc5Co2In4 was synthesized by arc melting of the pure metals. Its crystal structure was investigated from single-crystal X-ray data: Pbam, a = 17.3400(7), b = 7.5940(5), c = 3.3128(2) Å, R1 = 0.0337, wR2 = 0.0620 for 1502 independent reflections with [I >2 σ(I)]. It is the first representative of the Lu5Ni2In4 type with cobalt.
Symptomatic empty sella syndrome: an unusual manifestation of Erdheim–Chester disease
Authors: Loh Wann Jia , Sittampalam Kesavan , Tan Suan Cheng , Chandran Manju
Published: March 2015

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a potentially fatal condition characterized by infiltration of multiple organs by non-Langerhans histiocytes. Although endocrine dysfunction has been reported in association with ECD, to date, there have been no previous reports of empty sella syndrome (ESS) associated with it. We report the case of a patient with ECD who had symptomatic ESS. A 55-year-old man of Chinese ethnicity initially presented with symptoms of heart failure, fatigue and knee joint pain. Physical examination revealed xanthelasma, gynaecomastia, lung crepitations, hepatomegaly and diminished testicular volumes. He had laboratory evidence of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, secondary hypoadrenalism and GH deficiency. Imaging studies showed diffuse osteosclerosis of the long bones on X-ray, a mass in the right atrium and thickening of the pleura and of the thoracic aorta on fusion positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed an empty sella. The diagnosis of ECD was confirmed by bone biopsy.

Learning points

ECD is a multisystemic disease that can affect the pituitary and other organs. The diagnosis of ECD is based on clinical and radiological features and histology, showing lipid-laden CD68+ CD1a− S100− histiocytes surrounded by fibrosis.

The finding of xanthelasmas especially in the presence of normal lipid levels in the presence of a multisystem infiltrative disorder should raise the suspicion of ECD.

Systemic perturbation of autoimmunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of ECD and is an area that merits further research.
Infectious and Autoantibody-Associated Encephalitis: Clinical Features and Long-term Outcome
Authors: Pillai Sekhar C. , Hacohen Yael , Tantsis Esther , Prelog Kristina , Merheb Vera , Kesson Alison , Barnes Elizabeth , Gill Deepak , Webster Richard , Menezes Manoj , Ardern-Holmes Simone , Gupta Sachin , Procopis Peter , Troedson Christopher , Antony Jayne , Ouvrier Robert A. , Polfrit Yann , Davies Nicholas W. S. , Waters Patrick , Lang Bethan , Lim Ming J. , Brilot Fabienne , Vincent Angela , Dale Russell C.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pediatric encephalitis has a wide range of etiologies, clinical presentations, and outcomes. This study seeks to classify and characterize infectious, immune-mediated/autoantibody-associated and unknown forms of encephalitis, including relative frequencies, clinical and radiologic phenotypes, and long-term outcome.

METHODS:

By using consensus definitions and a retrospective single-center cohort of 164 Australian children, we performed clinical and radiologic phenotyping blinded to etiology and outcomes, and we tested archived acute sera for autoantibodies to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, voltage-gated potassium channel complex, and other neuronal antigens. Through telephone interviews, we defined outcomes by using the Liverpool Outcome Score (for encephalitis).

RESULTS:

An infectious encephalitis occurred in 30%, infection-associated encephalopathy in 8%, immune-mediated/autoantibody-associated encephalitis in 34%, and unknown encephalitis in 28%. In descending order of frequency, the larger subgroups were acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (21%), enterovirus (12%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (7%), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody (6%), herpes simplex virus (5%), and voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibody (4%). Movement disorders, psychiatric symptoms, agitation, speech dysfunction, cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands, MRI limbic encephalitis, and clinical relapse were more common in patients with autoantibodies. An abnormal outcome occurred in 49% of patients after a median follow-up of 5.8 years. Herpes simplex virus and unknown forms had the worst outcomes. According to our multivariate analysis, an abnormal outcome was more common in patients with status epilepticus, magnetic resonance diffusion restriction, and ICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have defined clinical and radiologic phenotypes of infectious and immune-mediated/autoantibody-associated encephalitis. In this resource-rich cohort, immune-mediated/autoantibody-associated etiologies are common, and the recognition and treatment of these entities should be a clinical priority.
Collaborative Care for Children With ADHD Symptoms: A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial
Authors: Silverstein Michael , Hironaka L. Kari , Walter Heather J. , Feinberg Emily , Sandler Jenna , Pellicer Michelle , Chen Ning , Cabral Howard
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVES:

Although many attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care models have been studied, few have demonstrated individual-level symptom improvement. We sought to test whether complementing basic collaborative care with interventions that address common reasons for symptom persistence improves outcomes for children with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized comparative effectiveness trial of 2 care management systems for 6- to 12-year-old children being evaluated for ADHD (n = 156). All participants received care management with decision support. Care managers in the enhanced care arm also were trained in motivational and parent management techniques to help parents engage in their child’s treatment, address their own mental health needs, and manage challenging child behaviors. We used multivariable models to assess inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, oppositionality, and social skills over 1 year.

RESULTS:

Both treatment arms generated guideline concordant diagnostic processes in 94% of cases; 40% of children had presentations consistent with ADHD. For the entire sample, there were no differences in symptom trajectories between study arms; mean differences in change scores at 12 months were –0.14 (95% confidence interval –0.34 to 0.07) for inattention; –0.13 (–0.31 to 0.05) for hyperactivity/impulsivity; –0.09 (–0.28 to 0.11) for oppositionality; and 3.30 (–1.23 to 7.82) for social skills. Among children with ADHD-consistent presentations, enhanced arm participants experienced superior change scores for hyperactivity/impulsivity of –0.36 (–0.69 to –0.03), oppositionality –0.40 (–0.75 to –0.05), and social skills 9.57 (1.85 to 17.28).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among children with ADHD-consistent presentations, addressing barriers to engagement with care and challenging child behaviors has potential to improve the effectiveness of collaborative care.
“Los del campo”, “los de la ciudad”. Ideología organizacional, vanguardia revolucionaria campesina y aislamiento político del Ejército de Liberación Nacional, 1962-1973
Authors: Vélez Rendón Juan Carlos
Published: March 2015

El argumento central es que, el Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) en sus primeros años, puso en práctica una ideología organizacional que propició contradicciones internas entre campesinos y citadinos, incidiendo de manera significativa en la forma como este grupo desarrolló su lucha armada, estableció vínculos con la sociedad y privilegió el crecimiento militar sobre el político. La combinación del carácter telúrico de los guerrilleros y la ideología organizacional del foco guerrillero, dieron origen a un antagonismo radical que marcó la relación entre los grupos sociales que integraban al ELN. Los fusilamientos y deserciones, la mayoría de estudiantes procedentes de la ciudad, con experiencia en la organización política se debieron a diferencias que definieron una contraposición entre lo urbano y lo rural, entre liderazgo político y militar, y entre el trabajo de masas y el crecimiento militar.
La participación ciudadana como ejercicio de aproximación a la construcción de cultura ciudadana en el marco del derecho y el deber
Authors: Álvarez Álvarez Lucía , Marrugo Padilla Albeiro , Barrera Díaz Edgar Alejandro , Serrato Arengas Katherin , Rodríguez Giraldo Mara , Jiménez Cantillo Andreas
Published: March 2015

Este texto presenta argumentos y reconocimientos sobre la importancia de la participación ciudadana, para definir derechos y deberes, bajo la hipótesis de que esto puede construir la costumbre de la colectividad y de la identidad de una cultura ciudadana convergente, integradora y facilitadora del desarrollo socio económico. A partir de los resultados de un ejercicio de participación ciudadana con estudiantes de secundaria en Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, se muestra los pasos de la reflexión a acción, de la propuesta a la puesta en marcha.
La Constitución negada
Authors: Borja Miguel
Published: March 2015

El artículo examina el destino de las propuestas realizadas por los pueblos indígenas y negros en Colombia, durante la Asamblea Nacional Constituyente del año de 1991. Propuestas encaminadas a definir una nueva organización territorial del Estado y que fueron rechazadas en la Constitución y el desarrollo legislativo posterior. Se está, por tanto, frente al desconocimiento de una de las realidades más importantes del país: la construcción del espacio por parte de las comunidades indígenas y negras y de sus programas políticos para la organización territorial de sus entornos geográficos. Idearios que conforman lo que en el texto se denomina La Constitución Negada. El escrito se apoya para el análisis en la sociología del espacio, y se fundamenta en el aporte de George Simmel y de Orlando Fals Borda, quienes participan del debate sobre los vínculos entre sociedad y espacio, y su impacto en la formación social de las constituciones y las leyes.
Álvaro Uribe Vélez Populismo y Neopopulismo
Authors: Fierro C. Marta I.
Published: March 2015

El articulo desarrolla dos conceptos, populismo y neopopulismo, para examinar el gobierno y la figura del expresidente Álvaro Uribe Vélez.El texto presenta el manejo de los medios de comunicación, la política económica, el trato con la Corte Suprema de Justicia, la relación con las Ongs y, por último, elementos de ilegalidad e ilegitimidad en su gobierno.
ESTRUCTURA ORGANIZACIONAL DE LOS PARAMILITARES Y DERECHOS DE PROPIEDAD EN EL CAMPO (1982-2007)*
Authors: Gutiérrez Sanín Francisco
Published: March 2015

Este artículo propone explorar la forma en que los grupos paramilitares afectaron, es decir, minaron y transformaron, los derechos de propiedad en el campo colombiano. El texto se circunscribe al período 1982-2007, que corresponde a la existencia formal de tales grupos. El artículo no pretende llevar a cabo un análisis empírico sistemático, sino más bien presentar y desarrollar algunos conceptos básicos que resultan relevantes para interpretar las transformaciones agrarias que ha sufrido Colombia al calor de su conflicto armado.
Land transactions and violent conflict, a review of the cases of Turbo, Antioquia and El Carmen de Bolívar, Bolívar
Authors: García Reyes Paola , Vargas Reina Jenniffer
Published: March 2015

This paper offers an analysis of the links between war, land markets and dispossession based on two case studies: the municipality of Turbo, Antioquia and El Carmen de Bolívar, Bolivar. To this end, firstly, the phenomenon of active paramilitary dispossession is placed in the framework of the general discussion on land grab. Then the general dynamics of the conflict, abandonment and land dispossession in both municipalities is described. Afterwards a broad typology is proposed on land transactions,1 including abandonment and asymmetrical and symmetrical transactions, based on the observed cases. Then the sequences, actors and associated mechanisms are defined for each case. Lastly, we conclude that even though dispossession did not occur in an institutional vacuum, in the cases studied the use of force as a form of appropriation is the result of specific conditions that are closer to the Hobbesian state of nature, where the armed actor can use and make the rules, whereas the transactions that arise from advantages in asymmetries of power and information are closer to market situations in which the appropriating actor uses the rules, but does not make them.
EFICACIA DE LA PARTICIPACIÓN EN ORGANIZACIONES SOCIALES DE VíCTIMAS:PERCEPCIÓN DE LÍDERES EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DEL ATLÁNTICO
Authors: Rico Revelo Diana , Bolivar de la Ossa Lorena
Published: March 2015

Se indagó por sentidos de eficacia que líderes de la mesa departamental de victimas del Atlántico, otorgan a su participación en organizaciones sociales en un escenario que supone elevados riesgos. Los datos fueron analizados con el software Atlas.ti.; teniendo como referentes teóricos los marcos para la acción colectiva, la acción racional, y planteamientos actuales sobre procesos morales y emocionales vinculados a la protesta social. Los resultados exponen que dadas las circunstancias amenazantes que rodean los casos estudiados, se requiere profundizar en variables de orden moral y emocional, que pueden alterar modelos teóricos aplicados en otras regiones donde participar no supone jugarse la vida.
EE.UU.-RUSIA: ¿HACIA UNA RECONFIGURACIÓN GEOPOLÍTICA DE AMÉRICA LATINA Y EL GRAN CARIBE?
Authors: Patiño Villa Carlos Alberto
Published: March 2015

En el período transcurrido desde el final de la Guerra Fría, en diciembre de 1991, la supremacía geopolítica de los Estados Unidos en América Latina y el Gran Caribe, no solo parecía sólida sino que se descartaba cualquier competencia en estas áreas hemisféricas por parte de potencias extrarregionales. No obstante, potencias globales como China, Rusia e Irán se afianzan en la zona, creando tanto acuerdos comerciales como alianzas estratégicas, que incluyen activos mercados de armas. En este nuevo escenario Rusia ha tomado una iniciativa de importancia considerable, y con una proyección en crecimiento que desafían cada vez más la supremacía de los Estados Unidos sobre el hemisferio.
Critical undrained shear strength of sand-silt mixtures under monotonic loading
Authors: Bensoula Mohamed , Missoum Hanifi , Bendani Karim
Published: March 2015

This study uses experimental triaxial tests with monotonic loading to develop empirical relationships to estimate undrained critical shear strength. The effect of the fines content on undrained shear strength is analyzed for different density states. The parametric analysis indicates that, based on the soil void ratio and fine content properties, the undrained critical shear strength first increases and then decreases as the proportion of fines increases, which demonstrates the influence of fine content on a soil’s vulnerability to liquefaction. A series of monotonic undrained triaxial tests were performed on reconstituted saturated sand-silt mixtures. Beyond 30% fines content, a fraction of the silt participates in the soil’s skeleton chain force. In this context, the concept of the equivalent intergranular void ratio may be an appropriate parameter to express the critical shear strength of the studied soil. This parameter is able to control the undrained shear strength of non-plastic silt and sand mixtures with different densities.

 

Resumen

Este estudio utiliza evaluaciones experimentales triaxiales con cargas repetitivas para desarrollar relaciones empíricas y estimar la tensión crítica de corte bajo condiciones no drenadas. El efecto de contenido de finos en la tensión de corte sin drenar se analizó en diferentes estados de densidad. El análisis paramétrico indica que, basado en la porosidad del suelo y las propiedades del material de finos, la tensión de corte sin drenar primero se incrementa y luego decrece mientras la proporción de finos aumenta, lo que demuestra la influencia de contenido de finos en la vulnerabilidad del suelo a la licuación. Una serie de las evaluaciones se realizó en  mezclas rehidratadas y saturadas de arena y cieno. Más allá del 30 % de los contenidos finos, una fracción del cieno hace parte principal de la cadena de fuerza del suelo. En este contexto, el concepto de porosidad equivalente intergranular puede ser un parámetro apropiado para expresar la tensión crítica de corte del suelo estudiado. Este parámetro nos permite controlar la tensión de corte sin drenar de cieno no plástico y mezclas de arena de densidades diferentes.
Study of the mineralization potential of the intrusives around Valis (Tarom-Iran)
Authors: Bahajroy Mojtaba , Taki Saeed
Published: March 2015

The study area is located in northwestern Iran in the central Iran zone, specifically the western Alborz sub-zone south of the Tarom-Hashtjin metallogenic zone. The exposed rock units in this area generally include Eocene volcanic rocks (lava flows and pyroclasts belonging to the Karaj formation) and Oligocene granitoid intrusive bodies. The intrusive bodies in the area have a petrographic composition of granite, syenite and monzonite and are mostly metaluminous. The dual characteristics of these intrusives (for example, the behavior of elements such as Rb, P, Ga/Al, Y/Nb, K/Na, and FeO/Fe2O3, the Rb/Nb ratios, the A/CNK molar ratios and the ACF and A/CNK-Fe2O3+FeO diagrams), some of which are consistent with the I nature and others with the S and A natures, show that the rocks are among hybrid granitoids and, in terms of the tectonic setting, lie within the WPG range. According to the Rb/Sr, Zr/Hf, K/Rb ratios, the granite melts that form the aforementioned bodies are not extremely evolved and have not undergone post magmatic activity, which would lead to mineralization. The Sm/Eu and Rb/Ba ratios and the behavior of Rb, Ba and Sr within the aforementioned granitoids show that the rocks are similar to average granitoids unrelated to Li, Be, Sn, W and Ta deposits; they fall within the range of barren granitoids but are partially fertile in Cu.

 

Resumen

El área de este estudio está localizada en el noroeste de la zona central de Irán, específicamente en el oeste de la subzona de Alborz y al sur de la zona metalogénica de Tarom-Hashtjin. Las unidades de roca expuesta en esta área se clasifican generalmente como rocas volcánicas del Eoceno (flujos de lava y piroclastos pertenecientes a la formación Karaj) y como cuerpos granitoides intrusivos del Oligoceno. Los cuerpos intrusivos en el  área tienen una composición petrográfica de granito, sienita y monzonita mayormente metaluminosa. Las  características duales de estas intrusiones (por ejemplo, el comportamiento de de elementos como Rb, P, Ga/ Al, Y/Nb, K/Na, y Feo/Fe2O3, los índice de Rb/Nb, la proporción molar de los A/CNK y los diagramas ACF y A/CNK-Fe2O3+FeO), algunas de las cuales son consistentes con la índole I y otras con las índoles S y A, muestran que las rocas son granitoides híbridos y, en términos de orden tectónico, subyacen en la cadena WPG. De acuerdo con los índices Rb/Sr, Zr/Hf, K/Rb, los granitos fundieron la forma de los cuerpos sin desarrollarse completamente y sin registrar actividad magmática posterior, lo que llevó a la mineralización. Los índices Sm/Eu y Rb/Ba y el comportamiento del Rb, Ba y Sr al interior de los granitoides mencionados muestran que las rocas son similares al promedio de los granitoides no relacionados con los depósitos de Li, Be, Sn, W y Ta; estos incluyen en el rango de granitoides estériles, pero son parcialemente fértiles en Cu.
DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL, REDEFINIÇÃO DO PODER LOCAL E TURISMO COMO ALTERNATIVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SÓCIO-ECONÔMICO
Authors: França Julimar Pereira , Araujo Iara Jane
Published: March 2015

A escassez dos recursos naturais resultante da degradação dos ecossistemas fez emergir a discussão sobre novos paradigmas de desenvolvimento e relacionamento homem/natureza. Nesse sentido, o modelo de desenvolvimento sustentável vem ganhando espaço na agenda Político-administrativa e os poderes locais passaram a incorporar no planejamento do seu desenvolvimento princípios da sustentabilidade. Assim, atividades econômicas como o turismo vem se tornando uma alternativa econômica viável e sustentável para esse novo momento político-econômico de redefinição das competências que vêm passando as esferas locais.
PRESERVANDO CECROPIAIS NATIVOS EM PAISAGENS AMAZÔNICAS: UMA ESTRATÉGIA ECOLÓGICA EM SOLOS DEFICIENTES POR FÓSFORO
Authors: De Oliveira Patricia Chaves , Mota Licio
Published: March 2015

A conservação de espécies prestadoras de serviços ecológicos em paisagens amazônicas como os agros-ecossistemas locais do Baixo Amazonas é de extrema importância no input de minerais através da serrapilheira produzida por estas espécies. Os cecropiais nativos, formados pela espécie Cecropia palmata, dentre outras, a qual é acumuladora de fósforo (P) em tecidos foliares e cascas podem prestar um serviço ecológico em paisagens amazônicas com deficiência por fósforo. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram a observação da translocação do fósforo em folhas ontogeneticamentes diferentes de Cecropia palmata; bem como, a análise da dinâmica do fósforo em solos sob conglomerados de Cecropia palmata. Os teores de fósforo (P) em tecidos foliares de Cecropia palmata demonstraram valores elevados, em torno de 8.4 mg/kg em folhas novas e 5,6mg/kg em folhas com maturação fisiológica, sugerindo serrapilheira de alta qualidade para o ambiente. Além disso, os solos sob influência da rizosfera desta espécie apresentaram importantes hot spots de fósforo.