bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium Responses to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Somatostatin in Phospholipase Cβ3 Knockout Mice
Authors: Romoser Valerie A. , Graves Thomas K. , Wu Dianqing , Jiang Huiping , Hinkle Patricia M.
Published: January 2014

These studies examined the importance of phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) in the calcium responses of pituitary cells using PLCβ3 knockout mice. Pituitary tissue from wild-type mice contained PLCβ1 and PLCβ3 but not PLCβ2 or PLCβ4. Both Gαq/11 and Gβγ can activate PLCβ3, whereas only Gαq/11 activates PLCβ1 effectively. In knockout mice, PLCβ3 was absent, PLCβ1 was not up-regulated, and PLCβ2 and PLCβ4 were not expressed. Since somatostatin inhibited influx of extracellular calcium in pituitary cells from wild-type and PLCβ3 knockout mice, the somatostatin signal pathway was intact. However, somatostatin failed to increase intracellular calcium in pituitary cells from either wild-type or knockout mice under a variety of conditions, indicating that it did not stimulate PLCβ3. In contrast, somatostatin increased intracellular calcium in aortic smooth muscle cells from wild-type mice, although it evoked no calcium response in cells from PLCβ3 knockout animals. These results show that somatostatin, like other Gi/Go-linked hormones, can stimulate a calcium transient by activating PLCβ3 through Gβγ, but this response does not normally occur in pituitary cells. The densities of Gi and Go, as well as the relative concentrations of PLCβ1 and PLCβ3, were similar in cells that responded to somatostatin with an increase in calcium and pituitary cells. Calcium responses to 1 nm and 1μ m TRH and GnRH were identical in pituitary cells from wild-type and PLCβ3 knockout mice, as were responses to other Gq-linked agonists. These results show that in pituitary cells, PLCβ1 is sufficient to transmit signals from Gq-coupled hormones, whereas PLCβ3 is required for the calcium-mobilizing actions of somatostatin observed in smooth muscle cells.
Association of β-Arrestin 1 with the Type 1A Angiotensin II Receptor Involves Phosphorylation of the Receptor Carboxyl Terminus and Correlates with Receptor Internalization
Authors: Qian Hongwei , Pipolo Luisa , Thomas Walter G.
Published: January 2014

Arrestins bind to phosphorylated G protein-coupled receptors and participate in receptor desensitization and endocytosis. Although arrestins traffic with activated type 1 (AT1A) angiotensin II (AngII) receptors, the contribution of arrestins to AT1A receptor internalization is controversial, and the physical association of arrestins with the AT1A receptor has not been established. In this study, by coimmunoprecipitating AT1A receptors and β-arrestin 1, we provide direct evidence for an association between arrestins and the AT1A receptor that was agonist- and time-dependent and contingent upon the level ofβ -arrestin 1 expression. Serial truncation of the receptor carboxyl terminus resulted in a graded loss of β-arrestin 1 association, which correlated with decreases in receptor phosphorylation. Truncation of the AT1A receptor to lysine325 prevented AngII-induced phosphorylation and β-arrestin 1 association as well as markedly inhibiting receptor internalization, indicating a close correlation between these receptor parameters. AngII-induced association was also dramatically reduced in a phosphorylation- and internalization-impaired receptor mutant in which four serine and threonine residues in the central portion of the AT1A receptor carboxyl terminus (Thr332, Ser335, Thr336, Ser338) were substituted with alanine. In contrast, substitutions in another serine/threonine-rich region (Ser346, Ser347, Ser348) and at three PKC phosphorylation sites (Ser331, Ser338, Ser348) had no effect on AngII-inducedβ -arrestin 1 association or receptor internalization. While AT1A receptor internalization could be inhibited by a dominant-negative β-arrestin 1 mutant (βarr1319–418), treatment with hyperosmotic sucrose to inhibit internalization did not abrogate the differences in arrestin association observed between the wild-type and mutant receptors, indicating that arrestin binding precedes, and is not dependent upon, receptor internalization. Interestingly, a substituted analog of AngII,[ Sar1Ile4Ile8]-AngII, which promotes robust phosphorylation of the receptor but does not activate receptor signaling, stimulated strong β-arrestin 1 association with the full-length AT1A receptor. These results identify the central portion of the AT1A receptor carboxyl terminus as the important determinant for β-arrestin 1 binding and internalization and indicate that AT1A receptor phosphorylation is crucial for β-arrestin docking.
EAR2 and EAR3/COUP-TFI Regulate Transcription of the Rat LH Receptor
Authors: Zhang Ying , Dufau Maria L.
Published: January 2014

Our previous studies demonstrated regulation of the human LH receptor (hLHR) promoter by nuclear orphan receptors EAR2, EAR3/COUP-TFI (repression), and TR4 (activation) through a direct-repeat motif (hDR). The current studies investigated the differential binding of orphan receptors to rat (rLHR) and hLHR promoters, and their modulation of rLHR gene transcription in rat granulosa cells. The rLHR DR with one nucleotide difference from hDR at its core sequence mediated inhibition of the rLHR transcription, to which EAR2 and EAR3/COUP-TFI but not TR4 bound. The A/C mismatch was responsible for the lack of TR4 binding and function, but had no effect on EAR2 and EAR3/COUP-TFI. EAR2 and EAR3/COUP-TF bound to the rLHR DR with lower affinity than to the hDR, and exhibited lesser inhibitory capacity. This difference resulted from the lack of a guanine in the rDR, which is present 3′ next to the hDR core. These studies have identified sequence-specific requirements for the binding of EAR2, EAR3/COUP-TFI, and TR4 to the DRs that explain their differential regulation of rat and human LHR genes. In addition, hCG treatment significantly reduced the inhibition of rLHR gene in granulosa cells and also decreased EAR2 and EAR3/COUP-TFI protein levels. These results indicate that hormonally regulated expression of EAR2 and EAR3/COUP-TFI contributes to gonadotropin-induced derepression of LHR promoter activity in granulosa cells.
Serine Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1: A Novel Target for the Reversal of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Sykiotis Gerasimos P. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: January 2014

Insulin resistance, the failure to respond to normal circulating concentrations of insulin, is a common state associated with obesity, aging, and a sedentary lifestyle. Compelling evidence implicates TNFα as the cause and link between obesity and insulin resistance. Serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 seems prominent among the mechanisms of TNFα-induced insulin resistance. Recent advances indicate that serine kinases may phosphorylate and thus inhibit the tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, revealing an integration point of TNFα and insulin signaling pathways. Selective targeting of the molecular scenery whereby this key phosphorylation occurs/operates represents a rich area for the development of rationally designed new antidiabetic drugs. In relation to efficacy and side effects, this prospect should permit a more precise and perhaps individualized approach to therapeutic intervention, allowing clinicians to focus the attack where the problem lies.
Stage-Sensitive Blockade of Pituitary Somatomammotrope Development by Targeted Expression of a Dominant Negative Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Roh Meejeon , Paterson Andrew J. , Asa Sylvia L. , Chin Edward , Kudlow Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2014

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its ligands EGF and transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) are expressed in the anterior pituitary, and overexpression of TGFα in the lactotrope cells of the pituitary gland in transgenic mice results in lactotrope hyperplasia and adenomata, suggesting a role for EGFR signaling in pituitary cell proliferation. To address the role of EGFR signaling in pituitary development in vivo, we blocked EGFR signaling in transgenic mice using the dominant negative properties of a mutant EGFR lacking an intracellular protein kinase domain (EGFR-tr). We directed EGFR-tr expression to GH- and PRL- producing cells using GH and PRL promoters, and a tetracycline-inducible gene expression system, to allow temporal control of gene expression. EGFR-tr overexpression in GH-producing cells during embryogenesis resulted in dwarf mice with pituitary hypoplasia. Both somatotrope and lactotrope development were blocked. However, when EGFR-tr overexpression was delayed to the postnatal period either by directing its expression with the PRL promoter or by delaying the onset of induction with tetracycline in the GH cells, no specific phenotype was observed. Lactotrope hyperplasia during pregnancy also occurred normally in the PRL-EGFR-tr mice. These data suggest that EGFR signaling is required for the differentiation and/or maintenance of somatomammotropes early in pituitary organogenesis but not later in life. (Molecular Endocrinology 15: 600–613, 2001)
Transcriptional Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Epithelial and Stromal Cells during Mouse Mammary Gland Development
Authors: Hovey Russell C. , Goldhar Anita S. , Baffi Judit , Vonderhaar Barbara K.
Published: January 2014

Accompanying changes in the development and function of the mammary gland is the establishment of a vascular network of critical importance for lactogenesis and tumorigenesis. A potent angiogenic and permeability factor that regulates vascular development in association with epithelial-stromal interactions is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Analysis of VEGF transcription by RT-PCR revealed mRNA for all three VEGF isoforms (VEGF120, 164, 188) within the mammary gland of nulliparous females. During pregnancy the level of VEGF188 declined and became undetectable during lactation in association with the increased abundance of VEGF120 and VEGF164 mRNAs. All three isoforms were expressed at consistent levels within the cleared mammary fat pad throughout development. Furthermore, the presence of VEGF188 mRNA in omental adipose tissue at various stages established that VEGF188 is expressed specifically in adipose tissue within the mammary gland. Using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes it was demonstrated that VEGF188 mRNA transcription occurs as a late event during lipogenesis distinct from earlier induction of VEGF120 and VEGF164 mRNA during differentiation. In contrast, HC11 mammary epithelial cells only expressed mRNA for VEGF120 and VEGF164. Localization of VEGF mRNA and protein revealed that VEGF is expressed in stromal cells of the mammary gland in nulliparous females and then undergoes a transition to epithelial expression during lactation. By contrast, mRNA for the VEGF receptors, Flk-1 and Flt-1, localized to stromal cells within the mammary fat pad during virgin and gestational development and was expressed in the interstitial tissue basal to epithelial cells during lactation. Taken together, these results support the conclusion that VEGF is differentially transcribed by specific cell types within the mammary gland, and that under hormonal regulation it functions in an autocrine/paracrine manner.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Human PRL-Releasing Peptide (PrRP) Receptor Gene by a Dopamine 2 Receptor Agonist: Cloning and Characterization of the Human PrRP Receptor Gene and Its Promoter Region
Authors: Ozawa Atsushi , Yamada Masanobu , Satoh Teturou , Monden Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Koshi , Kohga Hideaki , Hashiba Yasuhiro , Sasaki Tomio , Mori Masatomo
Published: January 2014

PRL-releasing peptide receptor (PrRPR) mRNA was expressed in pituitary adenomas but was not detected in patients treated with bromocriptine, a specific agonist of dopamine 2 (D2) receptor. Although medical treatment with bromocriptine is effective for patients with pituitary adenomas, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation mediated by D2 receptors. The cloned human PrRPR gene spanned approximately 2.0 kb and contained two exons and one intron. Two functional polyadenylation signals located at 510 and 714 bp downstream from the stop codon. A primer extension analysis demonstrated two major transcriptional start sites at 139 and 140 bp upstream from the translational start site and an additional minor site at −161. The promoter region contained several putative binding sites for transcriptional factors including pituitary-specific transcription factor (Pit 1), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and specificity protein (Sp1), but no typical TATA or CAAT box. This promoter showed the strong activity in the pituitary-derived GH4C1 cells, and the region between −697 and −596 bp was responsible for the stimulation both by forskolin and overexpression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). These stimulations were significantly suppressed by incubation with bromocriptine in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the mutant CREB (S133A) completely abolished the inhibitory events of bromocriptine. However, EMSA studies demonstrated that CREB did not bind to this region, to which an approximately 60-kDa protein was strongly bound, and that antibodies against CREB, c-Fos, and Sp1 did not supershift this complex. Furthermore, the amount of this unknown protein was apparently reduced by treatment with bromocriptine. A series of mutation analyses demonstrated that the specific sequence, 5′-cccacatcat-3′, was required for both the binding to the 60-kDa protein and the repression by bromocriptine. Therefore, the transcriptional repression of the PrRPR gene by bromocriptine required CREB but was independent of direct binding of CREB to the gene and that the sequence −663∼−672, 5′-cccacatcat-3′, bound to the 60-kDa protein appeared to be critical for this event.
Multiprotein Bridging Factor-1 (MBF-1) Is a Cofactor for Nuclear Receptors that Regulate Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Brendel Carole , Gelman Laurent , Auwerx Johan
Published: January 2014

Multiprotein bridging factor (MBF-1) is a cofactor that was first described for its capacity to modulate the activity of fushi tarazu factor 1, a nuclear receptor originally implicated in Drosophila development. Recently, it has been shown that human MBF-1 stimulates the transcriptional activity of steroidogenic factor 1, a human homolog of fushi tarazu factor 1, which is implicated in steroidogenesis. Here we show that this cofactor enhances the transcriptional activity of several nonsteroid nuclear receptors that are implicated in lipid metabolism, i.e. the liver receptor homolog 1, the liver X receptor α, and PPARγ. MBF-1 interacts with distinct domains in these receptors, depending on whether the receptor binds DNA as a monomer or as a heterodimer with RXR. MBF-1 does not possess any of the classical histone modifying activities such as histone acetyl- or methyl transferase activities, linked to chromatin remodeling, but interacts in vitro with the transcription factor IID complex. MBF-1 seems therefore to act as a bridging factor enabling interactions of nuclear receptors with the transcription machinery.
Potential Role of Nuclear Factor κB and Reactive Oxygen Species in cAMP and Cytokine Regulation of Surfactant Protein-A Gene Expression in Lung Type II Cells
Authors: Islam Kazi Nazrul , Mendelson Carole R.
Published: January 2014

The human surfactant protein-A2 (hSP-A2) gene is developmentally regulated, expressed in type II pneumonocytes, and induced by cAMP. cAMP induction of hSP-A2 expression is O2 dependent and mediated by increased phosphorylation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activation of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1). The TTF-1-binding element (TBE) at −175 bp contains a reverse-oriented nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) binding site. IL-1 increased SP-A expression in lung type II cells and had additive stimulatory effects with cAMP. Nuclear extracts from cAMP- or IL-1-treated type II cells manifested increased binding to NF-κB consensus and TBE probes; cAMP and IL-1 had additive effects. Competitive and antibody supershift EMSA revealed that NF-κB and TTF-1 interact with TBE. IL-1 treatment of type II cells caused rapid (1 h) increases in nuclear levels of NF-κB (p50 and p65) and in binding to NF-κB and TBE probes; nuclear levels of TTF-1 were unaffected. Bt2cAMP increased binding to NF-κB and TBE probes more slowly; no changes in nuclear levels of p50, p65, or TTF-1 were evident, suggesting that IL-1 and cAMP act by different mechanisms. A role for endogenous NF-κB in cAMP and IL-1 regulation of SP-A was suggested by findings that dominant-negative forms of inhibitor of κB reduced binding of type II cell nuclear proteins to TBE and inhibited SP-A expression. In cotransfection assays, NF-κB and TTF-1 cooperatively interacted at TBE to stimulate SP-A promoter activity; this was further enhanced by IL-1. In coimmunoprecipitation assays using type II cell nuclear extracts, TTF-1 was found to interact with p65 in vivo. Finally, antioxidant inhibitors of NF-κB reduced type II cell nuclear protein binding to TBE and blocked stimulatory effects of cAMP on SP-A expression. This provides intriguing evidence that permissive effects of O2/reactive oxygen species on cAMP regulation of SP-A expression may be mediated by cooperative interactions of TTF-1 and NF-κB at the TBE.
Dual Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Differentiated and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jin Ning , Jiang Tianyun , Rosen D. Marc , Nelkin Barry D. , Ball Douglas W.
Published: January 2014

Context

Differentiated thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer tumors frequently have activation of the ras/raf /MAPK kinase (MEK)/ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways.

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of MEK and mTOR inhibitors in preclinical thyroid cancer treatment models with defined mutation status.

Experimental Design

The MEK inhibitor AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin were tested separately and in combination in 10 differentiated thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines and in a xenograft model for evidence of pathway inhibition, growth inhibition, apoptosis, and long-range adaptation and resistance.

Results

Seven of 10 tested lines had evidence of significant basal activity of the PI-3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, with elevated phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated p70 S6 kinase. Activation of ras/RAF/MEK/ERK was equally common in this panel. All 10 lines exhibited better than 60% growth inhibition with combined MEK and mTOR inhibition, including lines with BRAF, Ret-PTC, ras, and PTEN mutations. Rapamycin or AZD6244 alone achieved this threshold in six and two lines, respectively. Dual-pathway inhibition in the Ret-PTC mutant cell line TPC1 caused an intense G1 arrest in cell culture and reversible cytostatic inhibition in a xenograft model. We did not observe significant feedback up-regulation of AKT activation in either acute or prolonged exposures.

Conclusion

These preclinical results support the inclusion of thyroid cancer patients in early-phase clinical trials combining ras/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI-3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition.
Effects of Endogenous Growth Differentiation Factor 9 on Activin A-Induced Inhibin B Production in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells
Authors: Shi Feng-Tao , Cheung Anthony P. , Huang He-Feng , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: January 2014

Background

We recently reported on the effects of exogenous growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in enhancing activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA and inhibin B levels in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells by modulating key components of the activin signaling pathway. We undertook the following study to characterize the role of endogenous GDF9 in this regard.

Methods

We compared inhibin subunit (α, βA, and βB) mRNA and inhibin B levels and activation of activin receptors (ACVRs) and Smad signaling pathway in hGL cells obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and cultured with and without activin A treatment after GDF9-targeting small interfering RNA transfection. GDF9, inhibin subunits, ACVR2B/1B and Smad2/3/4/7 mRNA and/or protein levels, Smad phosphorylation, and inhibin B were assessed with RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and ELISA. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test.

Results

GDF9 was detected as mRNA and protein in hGL cells and protein in follicular fluid from all 11 patients tested. Reduced endogenous GDF9 expression after targeting small interfering RNA transfection was associated with decreased ACVR2B/1B and Smad2/3/4 but increased inhibitory Smad7 mRNA and protein levels and, consequently, reduced activin A-induced βB-subunit mRNA and inhibin B levels.

Conclusions

We report here for the first time autocrine roles for endogenous GDF9 in hGL cells in enhancing activin A-induced βB-subunit mRNA and inhibin B levels via key components of the activin signaling pathway. However, the relative contributions of GDF9 in granulosa cells vs. oocyte as autocrine/paracrine regulators of βB-subunit and inhibin B production in normal and abnormal human ovarian functions remain to be determined.
Phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A) Genetic Variants May Increase Susceptibility to Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Faucz Fabio Rueda , Horvath Anelia , Rothenbuhler Anya , Almeida Madson Q. , Libé Rossella , Raffin-Sanson Marie-Laure , Bertherat Jerome , Carraro Dirce Maria , Soares Fernando Augusto , de Campos Molina Gustavo , Campos Antonio H. , Alexandre Rodrigo B. , Bendhack Marcelo Luiz , Nesterova Maria , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: January 2014

Context: Among the genomic loci harboring potential candidate genes for prostatic cancer (PCa) is the 2q31-39 chromosomal region that harbors the gene encoding phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A). In addition, the combined cancer genome expression metaanalysis datasets included PDE11A among the top 1% down-regulated genes in PCa.

Objective: In the present study, we screened 50 unrelated PCa patients of Brazilian descent for PDE11A coding defects.

Design: The study consisted of sequencing of PDE11A, in vitro functional assays, and immunostaining analysis.

Results: We identified eight different sequence alterations in 15 patients (30%): one stop-codon and seven missense mutations. Three of the variants (R202C, Y658C, and E840K) were novel, and the remaining five (Y727C, R804H, R867G, M878V, and R307X) have been associated with predisposition to adrenal or testicular tumors. The overall prevalence of PDE11A-inactivating sequence variants among PCa patients was significantly higher than in 287 healthy controls (0.16 vs. 0.051, respectively, P < 0.001, odds ratio 3.81, 95% confidence interval 1.86–7.81) and the R202C, Y658C, and E840K substitutions were not found in controls. All missense mutations led to decreased PDE11A activity in human embryonic kidney 293 and PC3M cells and immunostaining of PCa samples with sequence changes showed decreased PDE11A protein expression.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that, like in the adrenal cortex and the testicular germ cells, PDE11A-inactivating genetic alterations may play a role in susceptibility to PCa.
Tumor Necrosis-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis as a Proinflammatory Cytokine in Human Adipocyte Cells: Up-Regulation in Severe Obesity Is Mediated by Inflammation But Not Hypoxia
Authors: Vendrell Joan , Maymó-Masip Elsa , Tinahones Francisco , García-España Antonio , Megia Ana , Caubet Enric , García-Fuentes Eduardo , Chacón Matilde R.
Published: January 2014

abstract

Context: Adipose tissue hypoxia and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may link the presence of chronic inflammation and macrophage infiltration in severely obese subjects. We previously reported the up-regulation of TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) axis in adipose tissue of severely obese type 2 diabetic subjects.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine TWEAK and Fn14 adipose tissue expression in obesity, severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes in relation to hypoxia and ER stress.

Design: In the obesity study, 19 lean, 28 overweight, and 15 obese nondiabetic subjects were studied. In the severe obesity study, 23 severely obese and 35 control subjects were studied. In the type 2 diabetes study, 11 type 2 diabetic and 36 control subjects were studied. The expression levels of the following genes were analyzed in paired samples of sc and visceral adipose tissue: Fn14, TWEAK, VISFATIN, HYOU1, FIAF, HIF-1a, VEGF, GLUT-1, GRP78, and XBP-1. The effect of hypoxia, inflammation, and ER stress on the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 was examined in human adipocyte and macrophage cell lines.

Results: Up-regulation of TWEAK/Fn14 and hypoxia and ER stress surrogate gene expression was observed in sc and visceral adipose tissue only in our severely obese cohort. Hypoxia modulates TWEAK or Fn14 expression in neither adipocytes nor macrophages. On the contrary, inflammation up-regulated TWEAK in macrophages and Fn14 expression in adipocytes. Moreover, TWEAK had a proinflammatory effect in adipocytes mediated by the nuclear factor-κB and ERK but not JNK signaling pathways.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that TWEAK acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the adipose tissue and that inflammation, but not hypoxia, may be behind its up-regulation in severe obesity.
Financial Crisis in Central and Eastern Europe – Development Differentiation in the Regions
Authors: Kozub-Idźkowska Monika , Proniewski Marek
Published: January 2014

Crises existed not only in the last decades. In each country fluctuations such as upswings or downturns can be observed in the economy. The serious economic crisis can take place when the extending long-lasting decline continues. In the situation when the crisis ap­pears in the economy it is significant to have a stable financial system. The last financial crisis showed weakness of the contemporary model of social-economic development functioning in the global world, also in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The paper presents the situa­tion of Central and Eastern Europe during the financial crisis. The goal is to analyze the most important kinds of macroeconomic indicators of CEE countries, present development differ­entiation in the regions at NUTS2 level and systematize causes of the crisis and anti-crisis activities in Central and Eastern Europe. In this paper theoretical aspects of the financial crisis and financial crises’ types are shown as a basis for further analysis. The theoretical study, the observation method and the statistical data analysis were used to present the global financial crisis influence on the CEE economy. Finally, the method of coefficient of variation was im­plemented to confirm regional development differentiation in Central and Eastern Europe re­gions and to answer the question if the CEE regions can still narrow the development gap between them and other regions of the European Union.
Patrimonio y Turismo rural en Argentina: Exaltación de la Cruz, un caso del campo bonaerense
Authors: Pérez Winter Cecilia
Published: January 2014

Definir la “ruralidad” implica la selección de ciertos elementos, características y sujetos. En Argentina, existen “otros” sujetos que componen el campo pampeano y que han sido históricamente invisibilizados. Este artículo presenta el caso del “barrio de los Ombúes”, un asentamiento rural que existió a fines del siglo XIX en el partido de Exaltación de la Cruz, norte de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina). El objetivo es discutir algunas ideas sobre ruralidad que se fueron gestando en la Argentina y como éstas son recreadas en los procesos de patrimonialización y turistificación. Las informaciones utilizadas para examinar el caso se obtuvieron por medio de entrevistas semi-estructuradas y análisis de documentos y otras fuentes secundarias.
Turismo en Centroamérica. Un diagnóstico para el debate
Authors: Navarro Jurado Enrique
Published: January 2014

El crecimiento de las actividades turísticas en Centroamérica posiciona a esta región como uno de los destinos emergentes más interesante. Pese a la competencia de otros destinos cercanos (Islas caribeñas, México, Brasil…) las perspectivas de futuro parecen prometedoras y, por ello, todos los países centroamericanos apuestan por el turismo como un sector clave para alcanzar mayores cotas de desarrollo. Sin embargo, ya se ha demostrado en múltiples ocasiones que el crecimiento económico no conlleva siempre un mayor bienestar para los ciudadanos. El hecho es que se ha insistido en adoctrinarnos con la idea de que la lógica del crecimiento económico sirve como argumento para todo “como si esto automáticamente fuera a traducirse en un mayor bienestar general y no tuviera otras consecuencias”; y efectivamente, el desarrollo dependerá del modelo turístico que se implante, del modo en que se repartan los beneficios, del horizonte temporal en que se pretendan alcanzar los objetivos...Dados estos condicionantes, las preguntas obligadas -que he ido aprendiendo de mis colegas latinoamericanos- ahora son ¿Para qué queremos turismo si no es para mejorar el nivel de vida de la población?¿Quiénes son los máximos beneficiarios de la industria turística? ¿Hay otras maneras de hacer turismo? ¿Puede el turista hacer algo para mejorar el modelo? Estas y otras preguntas son las cuestiones que plantea esta publicación coordinada por Cañada.
Malaysia’s 13th General Elections
Authors: Weiss Meredith L.
Published: January 2014

The incumbent coalition claimed victory in Malaysia’s 13th general elections in May 2013, securing a simple majority of parliamentary seats despite losing the popular vote. The dramatic result raises questions not only about the probity of the electoral process in Malaysia but also about the future of party politics there.
Industrial Policies and Their Impact on China's Use of the WTO Dispute Settlement System
Authors: Liao Jessica Chia-yueh
Published: January 2014

Although China’s use of the WTO dispute settlement system has increased, its legal actions remain less aggressive than those of other large economies. This article examines how China’s subsidy policies make Chinese leaders reluctant to use WTO dispute settlement mechanisms in resolving trade disputes with other countries.
Comparison of pedotransfer functions to estimate the van Genuchten parameters from soil survey information
Authors: Tóth Brigitta , Makó András , Tóth Gergely , Farkas Csilla , Rajkai Kálmán
Published: January 2014

Kutatásunk célja a víztartóképesség-függvény (VKF) paramétereit az átnézetes térképeink adattartalmával becslő módszerek megbízhatóságának összehasonlítása és továbbfejlesztésük vizsgálata a Magyarországi Részletes Talajfizikai és Hidrológiai Adatbázison (MARTHA).Az irodalomban fellehető módszerek közül VKF-becslő módszert hazai átnézetes talajtérképi információkra eddig egyedül a Kreybig térképekre alkalmazták (Bakacsi et al., 2012). Ők a talaj higroszkópossága (hy) alapján becsülték adott talaj FAO (1995) fizikai féleség kategóriába tartozását. Wösten és munkatársai (1999) és Nemes (2003) pedotranszfer-függvényei alapján rendelték továbbá a talajhoz a fizikai féleség kategóriára meghatározott víztartóképesség-függvény (VKF) van Genuchten paramétereit (HYPRES_hy és HUNSODA_hy módszerek).Bakacsi és munkatársai (2012) eljárását követve, a MARTHA adatbázison vizsgáltuk a hy és az ötkategóriás FAO fizikai féleség kapcsolatát. A fizikai féleség becslését az Arany-féle kötöttség (KA) alapján is kidolgoztuk.Wösten és munkatársai (1999) módszerével meghatároztuk a MARTHA adatbázis talajainak a FAO fizikai féleség kategóriákra jellemző víztartóképességfüggvényeinek van Genuchten paramétereit. A meghatározást a pF6,2 értéken felül a legalább három, majd a legalább öt mért víztartóképesség-értékű talajmintákon végeztük.Megállapítottuk, hogy a KA alapján hatékonyabb a talajminták FAO fizikai féleség kategóriába sorolása, mint a hy alapján.Abban az esetben, amikor nem áll rendelkezésre mechanikai összetétel és a fizikai féleség kategóriába történő besorolást a talaj higroszkópossága alapján végezzük, akkor a VKF-becslés megbízhatósága szignifikánsan rosszabb. Hazai talajmintákon vizsgálva a MARTHA adatbázison pontosított VKF-becslő módszerek szignifikánsan megbízhatóbbak a HYPRES és HUNSODA VKF-becslő módszereinél. A hy-ból kiinduló MARTHA VKF-becslések annak ellenére szignifikánsan megbízhatóbbak a WÖSTEN és munkatársai (1999) módszerénél (HYPRES), hogy utóbbit nem rontja a fizikai féleségbe sorolás hibája.A dolgozat az EU FP7/2007-2013 (Nr. 263188) MyWater és a TÁMOP-4.2.2.A-11/1/KONV-2012-0064 projekt keretében készült. A TÁMOP projekt az Európai Unió támogatásával, az Európai Szociális Alap társfinanszírozásával valósul meg.
Influence of mineral and organic fertilization on the production of CO2 and N2O gases in soil
Authors: Heltai György , Anton Attila , Hoffmann Sándor , Szili-Kovács Tibor , Berecz Katalin , Kampfl Györgyi , Kristóf Krisztina , Molnár Erik , Horváth Márk , Bálint Ágnes
Published: January 2014

A Keszthelyen 1963-ban beállított „Szerves- és műtrágyák hatását összehasonlító tartamkísérlet” kiválasztott kezeléseiből vett talajokkal beállított tenyészedénykísérletben és ezzel párhuzamosan a szegélyparcellákból kiemelt bolygatatlan talajoszlopokban vizsgáltuk az ásványi- és istállótrágyák, valamint a talajba bedolgozott növényi szerves anyag hatását a talajlevegőben a tenyészidő folyamán felhalmozódó CO2és N2O gázok képződésének dinamikájára.A CO2-koncentráció a tenyészidő folyamán a kezdeti stagnálás után egy, vagy több maximum elérése után a kezdeti szintre csökkent mindkét kísérleti rendszerben, s a változás jó korrelációt mutatott a napi középhőmérséklet változásával.A N2O képződésének időbeli változása a talajoszlopokban nem mutatott egyértelmű tendenciát, míg a tenyészedényekben csak a vetést követő 6. napig mértünk koncentrációnövekedést.A bolygatatlan talajoszlopokban a felszíntől 40 cm mélységig a CO2-koncentráció szignifikánsan növekedett, 40–60 cm között már nem változott számottevően. Ugyanez a tendencia mutatkozott a N2O-koncentráció mélység szerinti változásában, de a nagyobb mérési bizonytalanság miatt kevésbé egyértelműen. A tenyészedényekben a 20 cm mélyen elhelyezett csapdákban mért CO2-koncentráció értékek nagyságrendileg megegyeztek a talajoszlopban 20 cm mélyen mért értékekkel. A trágyázatlan kezelésekben a növények jelenléte mind a talajoszlopban, mind a tenyészedényekben növelte a CO2- és a N2O-produkciót. A trágyázási kezelések hatására a talajoszlopokban csökkent mindkét gáz produkciója. Szerves trágya alkalmazásakor növény jelenlétében ez a csökkenés kisebb mértékű volt, mint ásványi trágya esetében. A trágyázási kezelések hatására a tenyészedényekben növények jelenlétében növekedett a talajban a CO2és N2O produkciója. A növekedés a trágyakezelések termésnövelő hatása sorrendjében istállótrágya < ásványi trágya < (istállótrágya+ásványi trágya) fokozódott.Összegezve megállapítható, hogy a CO2és N2O gázképződés és a talajból történő kilépés feltételei a bolygatatlan és a művelt talajban eltérnek, s e folyamatra jelentős hatással van a növények jelenléte és anyagcseréje. Kísérleteink eredményeként létrehoztunk egy olyan adatbázist, amelyre alapozva megfelelő matematikai modellek alkalmazásával reálisan becsülhető a mezőgazdasági talajok CO2 és N2O emissziója különböző tápanyagellátási és művelési módok esetén.
Digital mapping of the organic matter content of chernozem soils on an area endangered by erosion in the Mezőföld region
Authors: Szatmári Gábor , Barta Károly
Published: January 2014

Munkánkban egy mezőföldi, döntően szántóföldi hasznosítású, vízerózióval veszélyeztetett mintaterület talajtakarójának szervesanyag-tartalmára vonatkozóan kívántunk geostatisztikai alapú becslést adni. Az Előszállástól DNy-ra elhelyezkedő kutatási területen löszön képződött mészlepedékes csernozjom, illetve az erózió bizonyítékaként lejtőhordalék és földes kopár talajokat találunk.Munkánkban a legnagyobb kihívást a száz darab szervesanyag-tartalom adat átlagában megjelenő szisztematikus változás jelentette, mely trend (vagy drift) jelenlétére utalt. A trend jelenléte sérti a geostatisztikában ismeretes belső hipotézist, melynek fontos következménye, hogy a számított tapasztalati félvariogram alkalmatlan a szervesanyag-tartalom valoszin.segi fuggvenyenek masodik momentumanak a jellemzesere. E problema kikuszobolesere a regresszio krigelest, mint terbeli becslesi algoritmust hasznaltuk, mely szimultan alkalmazza a fugg. valtozo es a segedadatok kozotti regressziot es a regresszio reziduumain alapulo krigelest.A segedadatokat az altalunk elkeszitett digitalis domborzatmodellb.l es terulet-hasznositasi terkepb.l szarmaztattuk. A fuggetlen valtozok multikollinearitasanak elkerulese vegett f.komponens analizist vegeztunk. A tobbszoros linearis regresszio analizis soran 5%-os szignifikancia szint mellett 6 darab prediktor bizonyult szignifikansnak. A vizsgalat eredmenyekent kapott regresszio R2 erteke 54%-nak adodott, ami azt jelenti, hogy a szervesanyag-tartalom terbeli valtozekonysaganak tobb mint 50%-at le tudtuk irni a modellel. Ezt kovet.en elkeszitettuk a reziduumok tapasztalati felvariogramjat, mely kielegitette a bels. hipotezist. A felvariogramra elmeleti modellt illesztettunk. A regresszios fuggveny es az elmeleti felvariogram modell segitsegevel elvegezhet. volt a regresszio krigeles.A terbeli becsles eredmenyekent kapott humusztartalom terkepet 15 darab fuggetlen meresi adattal ertekeltuk. A kiszamitott ME (Mean Error), RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) es RMNSE (Root Mean Normalized Square Error) parameterek erteke 0,063; 0,224 es 0,978 volt. A kapott eredmenyek alapjan azt a kovetkeztetest vontuk le, hogy a megszerkesztett szervesanyag-tartalom terkep jol kozeliti a mintateruleten varhato humusztartalom terbeli eloszlasat. Tovabbi vizsgalatokat vegeztunk az iranyban, hogy a humuszterkep kategoriai mikent viszonyulnak a terulethasznositasi tipusokhoz. A legalacsonyabb szervesanyag-tartalom kategoria maximalis terulettel a szantofoldeken jelentkezett, melynek oka a szerves anyag mestersegesen felgyorsitott mineralizaciojaval es a szantokat sujto vizerozioval magyarazhato.
High Performance of Y-doped Sn-Zn-O Films Fabricated by Solution-process for Amorphous Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Yu Yunxuan , Gong Xian , Liu Dong , Wang Yan , Kang Jinfeng
Published: January 2014

The effect of Y dopant incorporated into ZTO with different Y ratios in Y-ZTO system on the performances of ZTO-based TFTs is investigated by using sol-gel process. The proper Y doped ZTO present both high film crystallization temperature and superior electrical properties as an active channel layer of TFTs. The fabricated YZTO-based TFTs with 11% Y show the excellent devices performance such as the channel field effect mobility of 1.756 cm2/Vs, SS of 2.13 V/dec, threshold voltage of 0.8V and on/off ratio of 3.12×106.
Reducing Infections Using Nanotechnology
Authors: Webster Thomas J.
Published: January 2014

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious and costly clinical problem. Specifically, receiving mechanical ventilation for over 24 hours increases the risk of VAP and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and medical costs. Cost effective endotracheal tubes (ETTs) that are resistant to bacterial infection could help prevent this problem. The objective of this study was to determine differences in the growth ofStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) on nanomodified and unmodified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ETTs under dynamic airway conditions. PVC ETTs were modified to have nanometer surface features by soaking them inRhizopus arrhisus,a fungal lipase. Twenty-four hour experiments (supported by computational models) showed that air flow conditions within the ETT influenced both the location and concentration of bacterial growth on the ETTs especially within areas of tube curvature. More importantly, experiments revealed a 1.5 log reduction in the total number ofS. aureuson the novel nanomodified ETTs compared to the conventional ETTs after 24 hours of air flow. This dynamic study showed that lipase etching can create nano-rough surface features on PVC ETTs that suppressS. aureusgrowth and, thus, may provide clinicians with an effective and inexpensive tool to combat VAP.
Classe social: conceitos e esquemas operacionais em pesquisa em saude
Authors: Barata Rita Barradas , Ribeiro Manoel Carlos Sampaio de Almeida , Silva Zilda Pereira da , Antunes Jose Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: January 2014

Discute-se a utilização do conceito de classe em pesquisas em saúde, as diferentes abordagens sociológicas de estratificação social e de estrutura de classes, o potencial explicativo do conceito em estudos de determinação social e desigualdades em saúde, os modelos de operacionalização elaborados para uso em pesquisas sociológicas, demográficas ou de saúde e os limites e possibilidades desses modelos. Foram destacados quatro modelos de operacionalização: de Singer para estudo da distribuição de renda no Brasil, adaptado por Barros para uso em pesquisas epidemiológicas; de Bronfman & Tuirán para o censo demográfico mexicano, adaptado por Lombardi et al para pesquisas epidemiológicas; de Goldthorpe para estudos socioeconômicos ingleses, adaptado pela Sociedade Espanhola de Epidemiologia; e o modelo de Wright para pesquisa em sociologia e ciência política, também usado em inquéritos populacionais em saúde. Em conclusão, conceitualmente cada um dos modelos apresentados é coerente com a concepção teórica que os embasam, mas não há como optar por qualquer deles, descartando os demais.
Medidas de experiencia e cienciometria para avaliar impacto da producao cientifica
Authors: Akerman Marco
Published: January 2014

Propõe-se a “experienciometria” como medida da experiência acadêmica de pesquisadores de modo a complementar a medida consagrada da cienciometria nas avaliações de competências em pesquisa. O artigo baseia-se em parte na produção cientifica do autor, utilizada sob uma perspectiva qualitativa para explorar possibilidades de análise de impactos. Ensaia-se uma síntese com possíveis implicações dessa análise, indicando algumas possibilidades para se avaliar impacto de pesquisas e artigos que não se restrinjam exclusivamente à contagem de números de citações dos autores para o cálculo do fator de impacto.
Challenges and perspectives of academic evaluation
Authors: Bastos Francisco Inacio P M
Published: January 2014

Academic evaluation has been an essential component of modern science since its inception, as science has moved away from personalized patronage toward its contemporary role as an essential enterprise of contemporary, democratic societies. In recent years, Brazil has experienced sustained growth in its scientific output, which is nowadays fully compatible with its status as a high middle-income country striving to become a fully developed, more equitable country in the years to come. Growth usually takes place amidst challenges and dilemmas and, in Brazil as elsewhere, academic evaluation is not exempt from such difficulties. In a large, profoundly heterogeneous country with a national evaluation system and nationwide on-line platforms disseminating information on the most disparate fields of knowledge, the main challenges refer to how to pay attention to detail without losing sight of comprehensiveness and how to handle social and regional diversity while preserving academic excellence as the fundamental benchmark.
Changing prejudice with evaluative conditioning
Authors: Balas Robert , Sweklej Joanna
Published: January 2014

The presented study investigates attitude change using a cross-modal evaluative conditioning (EC) paradigm. EC is a change in evaluative responses towards initially neutral stimulus (CS) due to its repeated pairing with affectively valenced stimulus (US). A positive scent of instant chocolate (US+) was used together with pictures of homeless people (US-) to change affective responses towards neutral names (CS). We show that a classic EC effect, i.e. more negative CS evaluations after its pairing with negative images of the homeless, can be eliminated when a competitive US, i.e. a positive chocolate scent, is present in the environment. Additionally, the study demonstrates chocolate scent selectively increased attitude towards homeless as measured by perceived distance to self and a self-report questionnaire. Moreover, this effect was not mediated by mood changes. We argue that scents can be used to change attitudes towards stigmatized groups.
Associations Between Death Fascination, Death Anxiety and Religion among Polish College Students
Authors: Lee Sherman A. , Piotrowski Jarosław P. , Różycka Joanna , Żemojtel-Piotrowska Magdalena A.
Published: January 2014

Previous research examining the relationship between religion and attitudes about death have yielded mixed results due to over-simplified conceptualizations of constructs, lack of theory, and an over-reliance on Western samples. To overcome these issues, the present study examined the relationship between three types of religious orientation and two types of death attitudes among a sample of 532 college students in Poland. The results demonstrated unique relations between religion and death attitudes, as well emphasized the importance of considering religious engagement as a moderating variable. Although the results were generally consistent with Terror Management Theory, other theoretical perspectives were considered as well.
Aging Population and Driver Licensing: A Policy Perspective
Authors: Kelly Mary , Nielson Norma , Snoddon Tracy
Published: January 2014

This paper examines public policy relating to the licensing of older Canadian drivers. We focus on licence renewal frequency, assessment of driving competence, and the role of medical professionals, insurers, and police in assessing fitness-to-drive. Our evaluation of the current regimes finds shortcomings with respect to cost-effectiveness, equity, transparency, and feasibility. We propose a new elderly licensing regime which includes a two-stage assessment process with an age-based trigger, a mandatory education session, and adoption of graduated delicensing. These reforms will overcome some of the identified weaknesses of the current regime and improve road safety.
COMBING ABILITY OF CMS AND RESTORERS IN RICE (O. sativa L.)
Authors: Biswas P. S. , Julfiquar A. W. , Wazuddin M.
Published: January 2014

General and specific combining ability effects were estimated from a 5 line × 8 tester crosses to explore the genetic behavior of CMS and restorers in rice. The variance for GCA and SCA showed predominance of non-additive gene action for all the ten morpho-physiological traits. The estimates of GCA effects revealed that none of the parent was general combiner for all the traits in desired direction. Gan46A and BR827R were good general combiners for higher grain yield coupled with earliness, and IR46R and BR168R was good general combiner for grain yield and lateness in maturity. Good x poor general combiners (Gan46A × Gui99R) for grain yield produced the best specific cross for higher grain yield coupled with earliness, longer panicle, panicles/plant, filled grains/panicle and less sterility (%). Additive × additive, additive × dominance and dominance × dominance gene interactions were involved in deriving good specific cross for grain yield.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v20i1.17013