bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome of human foetal heart compared with cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: van den Berg C.W. , Okawa S. , Chuva de Sousa Lopes S.M. , van Iperen L. , Passier R. , Braam S.R. , Tertoolen L.G. , del Sol A. , Davis R.P. , Mummery C.L.
Published: July 2015

Differentiated derivatives of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are often considered immature because they resemble foetal cells more than adult, with hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) being no exception. Many functional features of these CMs, such as their cell morphology, electrophysiological characteristics, sarcomere organization and contraction force, are underdeveloped compared to adult cardiomyocytes. However relatively little is known on how their gene expression profiles compare to the human foetal heart, in part because of the paucity of data on the human foetal heart at different stages of development. Here, we collected samples of matched ventricles and atria from human foetuses during the first and second trimester of development. This presented a rare opportunity to perform gene expression analysis on the individual chambers of the heart at various stages of development, allowing us to identify genes not only involved in the formation of the heart, but also specific genes upregulated in each of the four chambers and at different stages of development. The data showed that hPSC-CMs had a gene expression profile similar to first trimester foetal heart but after culture in conditions shown previously to induce maturation, they cluster closer to the second trimester foetal heart samples. In summary, we demonstrate how the gene expression profiles of human foetal heart samples can be used for benchmarking hPSC-CMs and also contribute to determining their equivalent stage of development.
The homeobox gene DLX4 regulates erythro-megakaryocytic differentiation by stimulating IL-1/NF-κB signaling
Authors: Trinh Bon Q. , Barengo Nicolas , Kim Sang Bae , Lee Ju-Seog , Zweidler-McKay Patrick A. , Naora Honami
Published: July 2015

Megakaryocyte and erythroid development are tightly controlled by a repertoire of cytokines, but it is not clear how cytokine-activated signaling pathways are controlled during development of these two lineages. Here, we identify that expression of DLX4, a transcription factor encoded by a homeobox gene, increases during megakaryopoiesis but decreases during erythropoiesis. Enforced expression of DLX4 in CD34+ stem/progenitor cells and in bipotent K562 cells induced lineage markers and morphologic features of megakaryocytes and repressed erythroid marker expression and hemoglobin levels. Converse results were obtained when DLX4 was knocked-down. Gene Ontology and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses of genome-wide changes in gene expression revealed that DLX4 induces a megakaryocytic transcriptional program and inhibits an erythroid transcriptional program. DLX4 also induced gene signatures that are associated with NF-κB signaling. The ability of DLX4 to promote megakaryocytic development at the expense of erythroid generation was diminished by blocking NF-κB activity or by repressing IL1B, a transcriptional target of DLX4. Collectively, our findings indicate that DLX4 exerts opposing effects on the megakaryocytic and erythroid lineages in part by inducing IL-1β/NF-κB signaling.
The pro-inflammatory cytokine s14-3-3ε is a ligand of CD13/Aminopeptidase N in cartilage
Authors: Nefla Meriam , Sudre Laure , Denat Guillaume , Priam Sabrina , Andre-Leroux Gwenaëlle , Berenbaum Francis , Jacques Claire
Published: July 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole-joint disease characterized by progressive destruction of articular cartilage involving abnormal communication between subchondral bone and cartilage. Our team identified 14-3-3ε protein as a subchondral bone soluble mediator altering cartilage homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of CD13/aminopeptidase N (CD13/APN) in the chondrocyte response to 14-3-3ε. After identifying CD13/APN in chondrocytes, we knocked down CD13/APN by siRNA and blocking antibodies in articular chondrocytes. 14-3-3ε–induced (MMP-3) and MMP-13 was significantly reduced with CD13/APN knockdown, which suggests its critical role in 14-3-3ε signal transduction. APN activity was identified in chondrocytes, but the activity was unchanged after stimulation of chondrocytes with 14-3-3ε. Direct interaction between CD13/APN and 14-3-3ε was then demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Using labeled 14-3-3ε, we showed also that 14-3-3ε binds to chondrocytes surface dependently of CD13/APN. All together, these results suggest that 14-3-3ε may directly bind to CD13/APN which transmits its signal in chondrocytes to induce a catabolic phenotype similar to that observed in OA. The 14-3-3ε–CD13/APN interaction could be a novel therapeutic target for exploration in OA.
The Drosophila retinoblastoma protein, Rbf1, induces a debcl and drp1-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis.
Authors: Clavier Amandine , Ruby Vincent , Rincheval-Arnold Aurore , Mignotte Bernard , Guénal Isabelle
Published: July 2015

In accordance with its tumor suppressor role, the Retinoblastoma protein pRb can ensure pro-apoptotic functions. rbf1, the Drosophila homolog of Rb, also displays a pro-apoptotic activity in proliferative cells. We previously showed that rbf1 pro-apoptotic activity depends on its ability to decrease the level of anti-apoptotic proteins such as the Bcl-2 family protein Buffy. Buffy often acts opposite to Debcl, the other Drosophila Bcl-2-family protein. Both proteins can localize at the mitochondrion, but the way they control apoptosis still remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that debcl and the pro-fission gene drp1 are necessary downstream of buffy to trigger a mitochondrial fragmentation during rbf1-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, rbf1-induced apoptosis leads to a debcl- and drp1-dependent Reactive Oxygen Species production, which in turn activates the Jun Kinase pathway to trigger cell death. Moreover, we show that Debcl and Drp1 can interact and that Buffy inhibits this interaction. Notably, Debcl modulates Drp1 mitochondrial localization during apoptosis. These results provide a mechanism by which Drosophila Bcl-2 family proteins can control apoptosis and shed light on a link between Rbf1 and mitochondrial dynamics, in vivo.
KCNK1 inhibits osteoclastogenesis via blocking Ca2+ oscillation/JNK-NFATc1 signaling axis
Authors: Yeon Jeong-Tae , Kim Kwang-Jin , Chun Sang Woo , Lee Hae In , Lim Ji Yeon , Son Young-Jin , Kim Seong Hwan , Choi Sik-Won
Published: July 2015

KCNK1 (K+ channel, subfamily K, member 1) is a member of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel family driving the membrane potential towards the potassium balance potential. Here, we investigated its functional relevance to osteoclast differentiation. KCNK1 was significantly induced during osteoclast differentiation, but its functional overexpression significantly inhibited the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation accompanied with the attenuation of the RANKL-induced Ca2+ oscillation, JNK activation and NFATc1 expression. In contrast, KCNK1 knockdown enhanced the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, JNK activation and NFATc1 expression. In conclusion, we suggested KCNK1 as a negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation; the increase of K+ influx by its functional blockade might inhibit osteoclast differentiation through inhibiting Ca2+ oscillation/JNK-NFATc1 signaling axis. Together with the increase of attention about the pharmacologic relevance of channel inhibition to the treatment of osteoclast-related disorders, further understanding for the functional roles and mechanisms of K+ channels underlying osteoclast-related diseases could be helpful to develop the relevant therapeutic strategy.
Centrosomal AKAP350 and CIP4 act in concert to define centrosome/Golgi polarity in migratory cells
Authors: Tonucci Facundo M. , Hidalgo Florencia , Ferretti Anabela , Almada Evangelina , Favre Cristián , Goldenring James R. , Kaverina Irina , Kierbel Arlinet , Larocca M. Cecilia
Published: July 2015

The acquisition of a migratory phenotype is central in processes as diverse as embryo differentiation and tumor metastasis. An early event in this phenomenon is the generation of a nucleus-centrosome-Golgi back to front axis. AKAP350 is a Golgi/centrosome scaffold protein involved in microtubule nucleation. AKAP350 interacts with CIP4, a cdc42 effector that regulates actin dynamics. The present study aimed to characterize the participation of centrosomal AKAP350 in the acquisition of migratory polarity, and the involvement of CIP4 in the pathway. The decrease in total or in centrosomal AKAP350 led to decreased formation of the nucleus-centrosome-Golgi axis and defective cell migration. CIP4 localized at the centrosome. That was enhanced in migratory cells, but inhibited in cells with decreased centrosomal AKAP350. The interference with CIP4 expression or with CIP4/AKAP350 interaction also led to defective cell polarization. Centrosome positioning, but not nuclear movement was affected by loss of CIP4 or AKAP350 function. Our results support a model where AKAP350 recruits CIP4 to the centrosome, providing a centrosomal scaffold to integrate microtubule and actin dynamics, thus enabling centrosome polarization, and ensuring cell migration directionality.
STX13 regulates cargo delivery from recycling endosomes during melanosome biogenesis
Authors: Jani Riddhi Atul , Purushothaman Latha Kallur , Rani Shikha , Bergam Ptissam , Gangi Setty Subba Rao
Published: July 2015

Melanosomes are a class of lysosome-related organelles produced by melanocytes. Biogenesis of melanosomes requires the transport of melanin synthesizing enzymes from tubular recycling endosomes to maturing melanosomes. The SNARE proteins involved in these transport or fusion steps have been poorly studied. We found that depletion of syntaxin 13 (STX13), a recycling endosomal Qa-SNARE, inhibits pigment granule maturation in melanocytes by rerouting the melanosomal proteins such as TYR and TYRP1 to lysosomes. Further, live cell imaging and electron microscopy studies showed STX13 co-distributed with melanosomal cargo in the tubular-vesicular endosomes that are closely associated with the maturing melanosomes. STX family proteins contain N-terminal regulatory domain, deletion of this domain in STX13 raises the SNARE activity in vivo and increases the melanosome cargo transport and pigmentation, suggesting that STX13 acts as a fusion SNARE in the melanosomal trafficking pathways. In addition, STX13-dependent cargo transport requires a melanosomal R-SNARE, VAMP7 and its silencing blocks the melanosome maturation, reflecting a defect in endosome-melanosome fusion. Moreover, we show mutual dependency between STX13 and VAMP7 in regulating their localization for efficient cargo delivery to melanosomes.
Dictyostelium Nramp1, structurally and functionally close to mammalian DMT1 transporter, mediates phagosomal iron efflux
Authors: Buracco Simona , Peracino Barbara , Cinquetti Raffaella , Signoretto Elena , Vollero Alessandra , Imperiali Francesca , Castagna Michela , Bossi Elena , Bozzaro Salvatore
Published: July 2015

The Nramp (Slc11) protein family is widespread in bacteria and eucaryotes, and mediates transport of divalent metals across cellular membranes. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum harbours two Nramp proteins. Nramp1, like its mammalian ortholog, is recruited to phagosomal and macropinosomal membranes, and confers resistance to pathogenic bacteria. Nramp2 is located exclusively in the contractile vacuole membrane and controls, synergistically with Nramp1, iron homeostasis. It has long been debated whether mammalian Nramp1 mediates iron import or export from phagosomes. By selectively loading the iron-chelating fluorochrome calcein in macropinosomes, we show that Dictyostelium Nramp1 mediates iron efflux from macropinosomes in vivo. To gain insight in ion selectivity and transport mechanism, the proteins were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Using a novel assay with calcein, electrophysiological and radiochemical assays, we show that Nramp1, similarly to rat DMT1, transports iron(II) and manganese, not iron(III) or copper. Metal ion transport is electrogenic and proton-dependent. By contrast, Nramp2 transports only iron(II) in a non-electrogenic and proton-independent way. These differences reflect evolutionary divergence of the prototypical Nramp2 protein sequence compared to the archetypical Nramp1 and DMT1 proteins.
The serum concentration of magnesium as a potential state marker in patients with diagnosis of bipolar disorder
Authors: Siwek Marcin , Styczeń Krzysztof , Sowa-Kućma Magdalena , Dudek Dominika , Reczyński Witold , Szewczyk Bernadeta , Misztak Paulina , Opoka Włodzimierz , Topór-Mądry Roman , Nowak Gabriel
Published: July 2015

Cel

Pojedyncze doniesienia naukowe wskazują na zmiany stężenia magnezu we krwi u osób z chorobą afektywną dwubiegunową (ChAD), jednak dotychczas przeprowadzono bardzo niewiele badań na temat tego zagadnienia. Celem przedstawionego badania było przeprowadzenie oceny stężenia magnezu w surowicy u chorych na ChAD w poszczególnych fazach choroby i w porównaniu do zdrowych ochotników

Metoda

Do badania zakwalifikowano 129 pacjentów z rozpoznaniem ChAD (typ I i II), w tym 58 osób w aktualnym epizodzie depresji, 23 osoby w aktualnym stanie maniakalnym i 48 pacjentów znajdujących się w stanie remisji. Grupa kontrolna liczyła 50 osób. Pomiaru stężenia magnezu dokonano metodą płomieniowej atomowej spektrometrii absorpcyjnej (FAAS)

Wyniki

U pacjentów będących w epizodzie depresyjnym oraz maniakalnym/hipomaniakalnym stężenie magnezu w surowicy było istotnie statystycznie większe w porównaniu z grupą zdrowych ochotników, oraz dodatnio skorelowane z czasem trwania epizodu manii/hipomanii i liczbą zaostrzeń choroby w ostatnim roku. Stężenie magnezu u pacjentów znajdujących się w fazie remisji nie różniło się istotnie od stężenia uzyskanego w grupie kontrolnej

Wnioski

Wyniki badania mogą sugerować rolę stężenia magnezu jako markera stanu, odzwierciedlającego zmiany patofizjologiczne towarzyszące ostrym epizodom CHAD
ABOUT ONE APPROACH TO AHP/ANP STABILITY MEASUREMENT
Authors: Tsyganok Vitaliy V
Published: July 2015

AHP/ANP stability measurement methods are described. In this paper we define the method's stability as the measure of its results dependence on the expert's errors, made during pair comparisons. Ranking Stability (order preservation in alternative ranking under natural expert's errors, made during expert estimation) and Estimating Stability (maintaining alternative weights within the specified maximal relative inaccuracy range) are considered. Targeted Genetic Algorithm search procedure is used for possible stability violation detection. Then division-in-half (dichotomy) method is applied to calculate stability metric of a given criteria hierarchy.

http://dx.doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v3i1.50
Exploring regionalism in public management reforms: the case of the Italian hospital sector
Authors: Sarto Fabrizia , Veronesi Gianluca , Kirkpatrick Ian , Cuccurullo Corrado
Published: July 2015

Although comparative research on new public management reforms has identified variable pathways of change between countries, less is known about variations within countries where there has been significant political and administrative decentralisation to regional tiers of government. In this paper we address this concern, focusing on public hospital management reforms in the Italian Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) as an illustrative case. Drawing on a range of publicly available administrative data sources we find that there is a significant regional dimension, with more autonomous regional governments with centre-right political majorities being more likely to adopt corporate-style management practices at hospital level.
Ceramic Firing Structures in Prehistoric and Ancient Societies of the Russian Far East
Authors: Zhushchikhovskaya Irina S. , Nikitin Yury G.
Published: July 2015

Archaeological records reveal the history of pottery and roof-tile firing devices in the southern part of the Russian Far East, the neighboring Korean Peninsula, and northeast China. Chronological parameters are from the first millennium b . c . through the thirteenth century a . d ., including the Palaeometal period of the Prehistory epoch, Pre-State period, and Early States epoch. Different types of firing kilns varied in complexity of form and technology, including the tunneled sloping kiln, manthou kiln, and vertical up-draught kiln. These specific characteristics reflect the involvement of the ancient southern Russian Far East in the processes of cultural interaction within the larger East Asia region.
An Activist Engaged in the Process of “Guilt to Responsibility”: Revisiting the Remains of Badal Sircar in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Syed Jamil
Published: July 2015

Badal Sircar is a major figure in modern Bengali theatre. His imprint on Bengali theatre of the late twentieth century was strong, his plays also produced in this same era in Bangladesh, which shares language and cultural features with east India. This article investigates Badal Sircar’s theatre of activism of the radical humanist brand, noting the history of productions of his work in Bangladesh and discussing why, even if the embrace of his vision may not fit the current sociocultural situation, he is most alive in generating “floating islands” that repudiate all attempts at eradication.
Psychological Intervention in Portuguese College Students: Effects of Two Career Self-Management Seminars
Authors: Pinto Joana Carneiro , Loureiro Nazaré , Taveira Maria do Céu
Published: July 2015

This article describes the evaluation of a psychological intervention—the Career Self-Management Seminar, Version A, for undergraduate students, and Version B for postgraduate students—developed to support Portuguese college students in career exploration, goal setting, design and implementation of action plans, and decision-making. A total of 120 participants from CSMS-A (experimental group, n = 58; control group, n = 62) and 98 from CSMS-B (experimental group, n = 62; control group, n = 36) were assessed by the Career Exploration Survey according to a pretest and posttest plan. Results demonstrate a significant increase in most of the cognitive, behavioral, and affective career exploration dimensions among the CSMS-A and CSMS-B experimental groups.
Green economy planning in tourism destinations: An integrated, multi-method decision support aid
Authors: McGrath* G. Michael , Law Alexandra , DeLacy Terry
Published: July 2015

Currently, tourism is estimated to contribute around 5% to the world’s total anthropogenic GHG emissions and estimates show that tourism’s GHG emissions could grow by 161% by 2035 in a ‘business as usual’ scenario. The term ‘green economy’ refers to the realization of material wealth without major, consequent environmental and social problems. Many tourism destinations are currently pursuing green economy strategies but development of appropriate policies is complex and, consequently, decision support technologies can be used to advantage here. The design of one such decision support system is described in this paper. The research approach is based on the notion that the development (and use) of an information system can be considered a legitimate research activity in its own right and, in particular, a parallel is drawn with case study research: specifically, that systems may evolve through a series of prototypes with results of each stage informing requirements for the next and subsequent iterations. Innovative features of the system are that its design is underpinned both by a need to effectively manage the inherent complexity of the analysis domain and to allow iterative development with minimum impact on previous versions (i.e. to minimize ongoing maintenance costs). An additional important feature is that, while various subsystems may be developed using whatever software platform is deemed most appropriate, an abstracted conceptual schema facilitates effective integration of all components. To date, the DSS has been used in the field at two locations, Sharm El Sheik in Egypt and Bali, Indonesia. The Bali experience is overviewed and a specific information-sharing example is presented. The example is concerned with visitor goodwill and this concept’s link with the strategy objective of improving the environment through the establishment of more open space (especially forest land). Part of a system dynamics (SD) stock-flow application used to support scenario generation and testing, related to this objective, is presented and the importance of sharing data beyond this individual application was highlighted: specifically, expert system rules (from another application) utilizing this data are specified. Potentially, outputs from the expert system analysis could usefully be fed back into the original SD application.
Does contract farming improve productivity and income of farmers?: A review of theory and evidence
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tru , Dzator Janet , Nadolny Andrew
Published: July 2015

The share of agriculture in the gross domestic product of (GDP) in many countries has been declining. Yet agriculture still plays an important role in many developing country economies as the sector is a source of employment for an estimated 60 to 70 percent of the population in most developing countries. Most agricultural production in developing countries is associated with low productivity and poor income due to high dependence on subsistence farming with minimal technology as well as poor access to markets. Contract farming is believed to improve productivity and income because it facilitates coordination between farmers and other actors in terms of production, processing and marketing of agricultural products. The effect of contract farming on income and productivity has been a subject of increasing research but most of the available information is aggregated and there is lack of detail analysis on the mechanisms of the effects. We conducted a systematic literature review of contract farming studies using keyword search strategy Econlit, Scopus and Science Direct search engines. The keywords “contract”, “farming”, “contract farming” were used in combination with the words “income”, “productivity”, “quantitative”, “qualitative”, “agriculture”, “aquaculture”, “developing”, “developed” and “country”. Initially a selection criteria for the potential studies were defined and used by the authors separately to select and rank 20 studies by importance. In the second round, the authors were provided with their own rankings as well as with the results of the first round for others. A revision of ranking was requested. Based on this approach a shortlist of 23 studies emerged; 11 on the impact of contract farming on productivity and 12 were on the effects of contract farming on income of producers. We conduct an in depth analyses of the selected studies and present evidence on the effect of contract farming on farmer productivity and income. Almost all the selected studies analyzing the impact of contract farming on income argue that farmers’ on contract farming schemes experienced some increase in their income.
The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity: Evidence from panel data of Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Kazi , Siddique Md Abu Bakar
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in Bangladesh for the period 1975-2008 for 23 regions. First, the study relies on descriptive statistics to explore the long term changes at both country and local level in climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunshine. Second, it uses regression models to estimate the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. Unlike the existing literature, this study exploits within-region time series variations (regional fixed effect) to estimate the impact of long term changes in climatic variables on agricultural productivity in order to control for regional differences, both observed and unobserved. Descriptive statistics shows that overall average, maximum and minimum temperatures in the dry and wet seasons have increased in recent years. Fluctuations in the minimum and maximum temperatures have also increased. Average rainfall in the dry season has increased substantially with greater fluctuations. Regression results show that an increase in the average minimum temperature in the dry season by one unit increases per acre rice output by 3.7% to 11.6%. Average minimum temperature in the wet season is also found to have a negative and significant impact even after controlling for region and year fixed effects. Standard deviations of maximum temperature in both dry and wet seasons are found to have a negative impact on agricultural productivity, though the impact in the wet season loses its significance after controlling for the year fixed effect. In the case of Boro rice, the only variable that is significant after controlling region and year specific heterogeneity is the standard deviation of maximum temperature in the Boro season. The regression results indicate that long term changes in means and standard deviations of the climatic variables have differential impacts on the productivity of rice and thus the overall impact of climate change on agriculture is not unambiguous. We found that when regional variations are considered, it significantly changes the sign and size of the estimates. The impact differs significantly with the choice of weather variables – mean vs. standard deviation (fluctuation), minimum vs. maximum, dry vs. wet seasons. For example, the impact of an increase in one unit of minimum temperature and maximum temperature on rice productivity are different in the same wet season. The choice of weather variables should therefore be driven by scientific knowledge, which the current economics literature lacks.
Sustainability of current account balance in ASEAN countries: Evidence from a panel error correction model
Authors: Hassan Kamrul , Hoque Ariful , Rao Ananth
Published: July 2015

Sustained current account deficit and surplus are not good for an economy. Before 1997 financial crisis South East Asian countries experienced current account deficit, while after the crisis most of them have current account surplus. This paper is motivated by the absence of research on current account sustainability issues in selected crisis affected countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, within the framework of panel cointegration and error correction methods. The paper employs panel unit root, panel cointegration and panel dynamic OLS (PDOLS) methods to assess current account sustainability. Based on an inter-temporal analytical framework the paper examines co-integrating relationship between export as percentage of GDP (indicated by X) and the sum of import and interest on long-term external borrowing, both as percentage of GDP (indicated by MM). The paper also estimates current account sustainability parameter by PDOLS. Annual data from 1970 to 2013 for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand are sourced from World Development Indicator 2012 & 2014 . Exports, imports, and GDP data are in current US dollars. The interest payment on long-term external borrowing is used as a proxy for interest on net foreign debt. All variables are expressed as percentage of GDP. Different econometric tests indicate that X and MM are non-stationary at level; however, stationary at first difference. Panel co-integration tests indicate that the variables are co-integrated, which indicates that there is long-run equilibrium relationship between X and MM. Error correction parameter indicates that it takes less than four years to correct short-run disequilibrium. PDOLS estimate shows that the sustainability coefficient is 1 (one).Panel co-integration and PDOLS results together indicate that current accounts in the sample countries are strongly sustainable. This finding is consistent with previous single country study. This finding supports that the current account balance reflects the optimal decisions of the borrowers and lenders; therefore, policy intervention to correct the balance is unwarranted and could reduce welfare. To avoid future crises, policymakers should pay attention to other issues, such as supporting long-term capital flows and liberalizing short-term capital movements.
A Perspective on the Larger World: Newspaper Coverage of National and International Events in Three Small US Cities, 1870–1920
Authors: Ocepek Melissa G. , Karadkar Unmil P. , Aspray William
Published: July 2015

This article explores one of the principal channels through which residents of a small US city became knowledgeable about the world beyond their community—the newspaper. This exploratory study examines and compares newspaper coverage in three small cities in the United States—one from the South (Galveston, Texas), one from the Western Expansion (Boise, Idaho), and one from the more established East Coast (Fitchburg, Massachusetts). This study examines news events from 1870 (the post–Civil War Reconstruction era) to 1920 (just after the First World War and prior to the economic boom that followed the war, often known as the Roaring Twenties).
Review of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Imaging Mass Spectrometry for Lipid Biochemical Histopathology
Authors: Yalcin Emine B. , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: July 2015

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) is a rapidly evolving method used for the in situ visualization and localization of molecules such as drugs, lipids, peptides, and proteins in tissue sections. Therefore, molecules such as lipids, for which antibodies and other convenient detection reagents do not exist, can be detected, quantified, and correlated with histopathology and disease mechanisms. Furthermore, MALDI-IMS has the potential to enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis through the use of “biochemical histopathology”. Herein, we review the underlying concepts, basic methods, and practical applications of MALDI-IMS, including post-processing steps such as data analysis and identification of molecules. The potential utility of MALDI-IMS as a companion diagnostic aid for lipid-related pathological states is discussed.
Epitope Recognition in the Human–Pig Comparison Model on Fixed and Embedded Material
Authors: Scalia Carla Rossana , Gendusa Rossella , Basciu Maria , Riva Lorella , Tusa Lorenza , Musarò Antonella , Veronese Silvio , Formenti Angelo , D’Angelo Donatella , Ronzio Angela Gabriella , Cattoretti Giorgio , Bolognesi Maddalena Maria
Published: July 2015

The conditions and the specificity by which an antibody binds to its target protein in routinely fixed and embedded tissues are unknown. Direct methods, such as staining in a knock-out animal or in vitro peptide scanning of the epitope, are costly and impractical. We aimed to elucidate antibody specificity and binding conditions using tissue staining and public genomic and immunological databases by comparing human and pig—the farmed mammal evolutionarily closest to humans besides apes. We used a database of 146 anti-human antibodies and found that antibodies tolerate partially conserved amino acid substitutions but not changes in target accessibility, as defined by epitope prediction algorithms. Some epitopes are sensitive to fixation and embedding in a species-specific fashion. We also find that half of the antibodies stain porcine tissue epitopes that have 60% to 100% similarity to human tissue at the amino acid sequence level. The reason why the remaining antibodies fail to stain the tissues remains elusive. Because of its similarity with the human, pig tissue offers a convenient tissue for quality control in immunohistochemistry, within and across laboratories, and an interesting model to investigate antibody specificity.
Wnt3a Mediates the Inhibitory Effect of Hyperoxia on the Transdifferentiation of AECIIs to AECIs
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhao Ying , Zhang Binglun , Xu Bo , Yang Yang , Wang Yujing , Liu Chunfeng
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Wnt3a in the transdifferentiation of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs) to type I alveolar epithelial cells (AECIs) under hyperoxia condition. In the in vivo study, preterm rats were exposed in hyperoxia for 21 days. In the in vitro study, primary rat AECIIs were subjected to a hyperoxia and normoxia exposure alternatively every 24 hr for 7 days. siRNA-mediated knockout of Wnt3a and exogenous Wnt3a were used to investigate the effect of Wnt3a on transdifferentiation of AECIIs to AECIs. Wnt5a-overexpressed AECIIs were also used to investigate whether Wnt3a could counteract the effect of Wnt5a. The results showed that hyperoxia induced alveolar damage in the lung of preterm born rats, as well as an increased expression of Wnt3a and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. In addition, Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling was activated in isolated AECIIs after hyperoxia exposure. Wnt3a knockout blocked the inhibition of the transdifferentiation induced by hyperoxia, and Wnt3a addition exacerbated this inhibition. Furthermore, Wnt3a addition blocked the transdifferentiation-promoting effect of Wnt5a in hyperoxia-exposed Wnt5a-overexpressed AECIIs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the activated Wnt3a/β-catenin signal may be involved in the hyperoxia-induced inhibition of AECIIs’ transdifferentiation to AECIs.
Inside the Yellow Box: Chang Tsong-Zung (Johnson Chang) in conversation with Lynne Howarth-Gladston and Paul Gladston
Authors: Tsong-Zung Chang , Howarth-Gladston Lynne , Gladston Paul
Published: July 2015

During the early 2000s, Hong Kong-based curator and critic Chang Tsong-Zung (Johnson Chang) developed the concept of the 'Yellow Box' – initially in collaboration with Gao Shiming and Qiu Zhijie – as a critical alternative to the now internationally dominant modes of museum and gallery display known as the White Cube and Black Box. The intention of the Yellow Box is to provide viewing conditions conducive to the showing of contemporary works of art produced using modes of visual expression prevalent traditionally within Chinese cultural contexts, such as those associated with shan shui ink and brush landscape painting. In this conversation Chang reflects critically on implications of the Yellow Box, including its relationship to public space and cultural politics.
Nationalist patriarchy and women painters in Taiwan under the Guomindang
Authors: Ju Jane C
Published: July 2015

The distinctions of works by women artists in Taiwan in recent years are usually linked with influences of feminism and the lifting of martial law in 1987. In truth, women artists in Taiwan have been active since the beginning of the twentieth century and many more became influential after World War II during the period when Madame Chiang Kai-shek and her husband�s Guomindang government directed cultural policies. The efforts of these early artists have been neglected in art historical studies because their works were mostly traditional and not innovative. This article will re-evaluate the meaning of these artists in Taiwan art history from alternate perspectives of modernity, namely, the importance of traditionalism in modern art and the role of patriarchal nationalism in defining a national art form.
Walking at the extreme edge of rationality: Yu Haibo in Conversation with Yu Tianqi Kiki
Authors: Yu Haibo , Yu Tianqi Kiki
Published: July 2015

Yu Haibo is one of the first photographers in the People�s Republic of China to be directly influenced by Surrealist thinking and practice after the ending of the Cultural Revolution. In this conversation with his daughter Yu Tianqi Kiki, Yu reflects on his development as a photographer and the relationship of his work to the western philosophical tradition and the shifting socio-economic and political context in the PRC since the early 1980s.
Oil price volatility, macro-finance interactions and the role of monetary chocks
Authors: Algia Hammami , Samia Gmidéne
Published: July 2015

This paper deals the impact of major external (monetary, financial, Oil supply, aggregate demand) shocks on the real oil price. For this reason, we use the structural VAR methodology (SVAR) on the basis of which we define five structural shock estimate SVAR models to determine the relationship between these five shocks.

This paper presents the dynamic effects of these shocks on the real oil price and estimates the estimated contribution of these shocks to real oil price during the M11995– M2 2013 periods. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to identify the structural shocks underlying the real oil price.

The results show that financial and monetary chocks are two key determinants of oil prices. The results indicate that the period of financial stress has contributed to the downturn of the economy by boosting the cost of credit and making businesses, households, and financial institutions highly cautious, and consequently to rise of oil price.
Damage zone propagation and support pressure estimation around two access tunnels of the Barapukuria coalmine in Bangladesh: a two-dimensional numerical modeling approach
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Omar Faruque Mohammed , Shinjo Ryuichi
Published: July 2015

The present study uses a two-dimensional boundary element method (BEM) numerical analysis to predict damage zone propagation associated with the required support pressure estimation around the two access tunnels of Barapukuria coalmine in northwest Bangladesh. Two tunnels at different depths are presented here. The stability of the two tunnels that was driven through the weak rocks' strata of Gondwana formation is examined at depths below the surface 290 m and 453 m. The two tunnels involve horseshoe-shaped design. The shallower tunnels, which are located below the surface 290 m, are presented by model A. The deeper tunnels, which are located below the surface 453 m, are presented by model B. Both tunnels are horseshoe-shaped with a height and span of about 4.5 m and 4 m, respectively. The modeling analysis was carried out in two stages to predict the damage zone and required support pressure. The first stage considered the model without support installation. The second stage measured the model with non-uniform internal support pressure installation. It is reasonable to mention that prior and subsequent to the support pressure estimation, three important parameters, like- strength factor, failure trajectories, and deformation boundaries in the vicinity of the two tunnels have been computed properly. Final results reveal that the strength factor values ranged from 0.33 to 0.99 would create the intense deformation at the roof and sidewalls. The damage zone would be extended from 0.64 to 0.74 m towards the roof and sidewalls. The damage zone would be ranged from 1.95 to 2.21 m, for shallower and deeper tunnels, respectively. For shallower tunnels, the required support pressure would be ranged from 4.0 to 9.0 MPa. For deeper tunnels, the essential support pressure would be ranged from 7.0 to 14 MPa.
Logarithmic convexity of the eigenfunction of the Hessian operator in the ball
Authors: Ye Yunhua
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with the logarithmic convexity of the eigenfunction of the Hessian operator. It is proved that the logarithm of the eigenfunction of the Hessian operator is strictly convex in the ball.
Accommodating Students with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders: Effective Strategies for Teachers
Authors: Hart Barnett Juliet E , Gay Catherine
Published: July 2015

The most common chronic neurological condition in children is epilepsy. Because it often occurs in childhood, epilepsy is likely the most common neurological condition encountered by school professionals including teachers. Given the impact that epilepsy can have on academic functioning and specifically on the day-to-day performance of a student in the classroom, it is important for teachers to be aware not only of the presence of the disorder but also of the potential consequences and appropriate ways to handle these consequences should they arise. Herein we synthesize recommendations from several scientific sources to provide specific, evidence-based strategies that teachers of students with epilepsy can employ in the classroom as part of their naturally occurring instructional routines. These practical tips have useful application for both general and special education teachers.
A Module-Based Approach: Training Paraeducators on Evidence-Based Practices
Authors: Da Fonte M. Alexandra , Capizzi Andrea M.
Published: July 2015

Paraeducators are on the front lines in special education settings, providing support to teachers and students with significant disabilities and specific health-care needs. The important role they play demands efficient and cost-effective training in core skills. This study utilized a multiple-baseline across behaviors design to evaluate a module-based training program for paraeducators targeting three instructional strategies that are commonly used in the education of students with a wide range of disabilities: praise, pause, and prompts. Results demonstrated variability in accurate and consistent use of these practices across participants after completion of the modules. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
School Performance and Disease Interference in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Crosby Lori E , Joffe Naomi E , Irwin Mary Kay , Strong Heather , Peugh James , Shook Lisa , Kalinyak Karen A , Mitchell Monica J
Published: July 2015

Sickle cell disease (SCD) results in neuropsychological complications that place adolescents at higher risk for limited educational achievement. A first step to developing effective educational interventions is to understand the impact of SCD on school performance. The current study assessed perceptions of school performance, SCD interference and acceptability of educational support strategies in adolescents with SCD. To identify potential risk factors, the relationships between school performance, SCD interference and demographics were also examined. Thirty adolescents aged 12 to 20 years completed demographics and SCD school performance questionnaires. Approximately 37% of participants reported receiving special education services, but more than 60% reported that SCD interfered with their school performance. Females reported that SCD impacted their schooling more than males (X2 (1, n = 30) = 5.00, p < .05). Study findings provide important insights into demographic risk factors and support the need for individualized health and educational plans for adolescents with SCD.
Mapping the Profit Motive: A Comparative Analysis of For-­Profit and Non-­Profit Charter Schools
Authors: Robertson William Brett
Published: July 2015

For-profit charter schools represent a controversial new market-based education reform (Garcia, Barber, & Molnar, 2009; Conn, 2002). This essay explores how schools operated by for-profit corporations differ from those operated by non-profit organizations. Specifically, do for-profit charter schools locate in demographically distinct areas and serve different student populations than similar schools operated by non-profit providers? Research suggests that charter school operators in some districts appear to strategically locate their schools in an effort to exclude certain student populations (Lubienski, Gulosino, & Weitzel, 2009). If charter schools seek to exclude certain students, as these schools proliferate in a district or region there may be an intensifying stratification effect detrimental to the most disadvantaged students (Bifulco, Ladd, & Ross, 2009). This essay undertakes a broad comparative analysis of the neighborhood demographic and student population characteristics of charter schools operated by for-profit corporations and nonprofit organizations, using multilevel modeling and geographic information systems, to compare the two school types across dissimilar state contexts. In so doing, the study seeks to isolate the impact of a school being operated by a for-profit corporation and illuminate what impact the proliferation of for-profit schools might have on the distribution of student populations across regions.
The Influence of Multiple Administrations of a State Achievement Test on Passing Rates for Student Groups
Authors: Nese Joseph F. T. , Tindal Gerald , Stevens Joseph J. , Elliott Stephen N.
Published: July 2015

The stakes of large-scale testing programs have grown considerably in the past decade with the enactment of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race To The Top (RTTT) legislations. A significant component of NCLB has been required reporting of annual yearly progress (AYP) of student subgroups disaggregated by sex, special education status, English language proficiency, and race/ethnicity. In this study we address the implications of a state policy that allows students to have multiple test opportunities to reach proficiency within an academic year, and its effect on passing rates. We found through logistic regression analyses that additional testing opportunities benefited specific majority student subgroups: White, non-free or reduced lunch program, non- limited English proficient, general education, and students close to the proficiency score. As states move to new achievement standards and assessments in 2015, policymakers may want to assess the potential benefits and costs of a multiple testing policy.
Neo-shamans, Curanderismo and Scholars
Authors: Hendrickson Brett
Published: July 2015

This essay explores how some contemporary curanderas/os (“healers”) in the American Southwest, in concert with North American New Age clients and interlocutors, have incorporated neo-shamanic techniques into their healing practices. Curanderismo, a religious and folk healthway, emerged from the colonial encounter between Spanish Catholics and indigenous North and Mesoamericans and did not typically involve the ecstatic dream states characteristic of shamanism. This makes the emergence of neo-shamanic dream journeying, trance states and use of “power animals” all the more surprising in contemporary curanderismo. This essay traces the history of how shamanism first entered the New Age counterculture in the 1970s by way of spiritually curious and enterprising anthropologists and later influenced contemporary Mexican American curanderas/os. Mexican American and other Latino/a healers using neo-shamanic techniques continue to heal, teach and achieve wholeness for themselves and others even as their metaphysical knowledge and ritual practices are valorized by multiethnic, metaphysically inclined clients.
Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment
Authors: Duncan Ann W.
Published: July 2015

The recent Pew Forum study, “‘Nones’ on the Rise,” indicates a growing percentage of religiously unaffiliated adults in the United States and suggests that these individuals do not seek new religions or denominations but nontraditional means of exploring spiritual questions, facilitating religious practice and finding community. This article examines Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) as a case study for the non-traditional religious affiliation and experience of Nones in the twenty-first century. Through staff and participant interviews and attention to the current work of the A.R.E. at its Virginia Beach headquarters and its summer camp in Rural Retreat, Virginia, this article shows how A.R.E. innovation and tradition have allowed this organization to reach Nones and embrace the digital age even as it advocates approaches to religion and spirituality that have deep historical roots in American religious history.