bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La marge de manœuvre de la France dans le déclenchement d'un régime dérogatoire aux libertés fondamentales, une dénaturation de l’article 15 de la CEDH ?
Authors: Lambert Anaïs , Braconnier Moreno Laetitia
Published: January 2016

A la suite des attentats survenus le 13 novembre 2015, l’état d’urgence a été décrété selon le cadre législatif posé en 1955, actualisé par la loi du 20 novembre 2015. Parallèlement à la mise en œuvre de ce régime d’exception, la représentation permanente française a informé le Secrétaire Général du Conseil de l’Europe de la volonté de déroger à la Convention Européenne des Droits de l’Homme (CEDH) sur le fondement de son article 15. Pour autant, lors de la ratification de ce texte international en 1974, l’Etat français avait fait le choix de formuler une réserve d’interprétation concernant le déclenchement d’une éventuelle dérogation aux droits protégés par la Convention. Or, cette dernière confère une compétence discrétionnaire à la France dans la qualification du danger prévue à l’article 15 de la CEDH, en neutralisant la portée de cet article. En effet, elle indique que les circonstances de l’article 16 de la Constitution, de l’état d’urgence et de l’état de siège doivent être comprises comme correspondant à l’article 15 de la CEDH. La possibilité de dérogation prévue par la Convention fait toutefois l’objet d’un contrôle de la part de la Cour. Elle procède alors en deux temps. Elle vérifie, en premier lieu, que les conditions du déclenchement de l’article 15 sont bien remplies, puis, elle opère en second lieu, un contrôle de proportionnalité entre les mesures prises par l’Etat et le danger menaçant la Nation.
C1P Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Preventing NF-κB Activation in Neutrophils
Authors: Baudiß Kristin , de Paula Vieira Rodolfo , Cicko Sanja , Ayata Korcan , Hossfeld Madelon , Ehrat Nicolas , Gómez-Muñoz Antonio , Eltzschig Holger K. , Idzko Marco
Published: January 2016

Recently, ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) has been shown to modulate acute inflammatory events. Acute lung injury (Arnalich et al. 2000. Infect. Immun. 68: 1942–1945) is characterized by rapid alveolar injury, lung inflammation, induced cytokine production, neutrophil accumulation, and vascular leakage leading to lung edema. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of C1P during LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. To evaluate the effect of C1P, we used a prophylactic and therapeutic LPS-induced ALI model in C57BL/6 male mice. Our studies revealed that intrapulmonary application of C1P before (prophylactic) or 24 h after (therapeutic) LPS instillation decreased neutrophil trafficking to the lung, proinflammatory cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage, and alveolar capillary leakage. Mechanistically, C1P inhibited the LPS-triggered NF-κB levels in lung tissue in vivo. In addition, ex vivo experiments revealed that C1P also attenuates LPS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation and IL-8 production in human neutrophils. These results indicate C1P playing a role in dampening LPS-induced acute lung inflammation and suggest that C1P could be a valuable candidate for treatment of ALI.
Critical Role of Antimicrobial Peptide Cathelicidin for Controlling Helicobacter pylori Survival and Infection
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wu William K. K. , Gallo Richard L. , Fang Evandro F. , Hu Wei , Ling Thomas K. W. , Shen Jing , Chan Ruby L. Y. , Lu Lan , Luo Xiao M. , Li Ming X. , Chan Kam M. , Yu Jun , Wong Vincent W. S. , Ng Siew C. , Wong Sunny H. , Chan Francis K. L. , Sung Joseph J. Y. , Chan Matthew T. V. , Cho Chi H.
Published: January 2016

The antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin is critical for protection against different kinds of microbial infection. This study sought to elucidate the protective action of cathelicidin against Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated gastritis. Exogenous cathelicidin was found to inhibit H. pylori growth, destroy the bacteria biofilm, and induce morphological alterations in H. pylori membrane. Additionally, knockdown of endogenous cathelicidin in human gastric epithelial HFE-145 cells markedly increased the intracellular survival of H. pylori. Consistently, cathelicidin knockout mice exhibited stronger H. pylori colonization, higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and ICAM1, and lower expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the gastric mucosa upon H. pylori infection. In wild-type mice, H. pylori infection also stimulated gastric epithelium-derived cathelicidin production. Importantly, pretreatment with bioengineered Lactococcus lactis that actively secretes cathelicidin significantly increased mucosal cathelicidin levels and reduced H. pylori infection and the associated inflammation. Moreover, cathelicidin strengthened the barrier function of gastric mucosa by stimulating mucus synthesis. Collectively, these findings indicate that cathelicidin plays a significant role as a potential natural antibiotic for H. pylori clearance and a therapeutic agent for chronic gastritis.
Proresolving Actions of Synthetic and Natural Protease Inhibitors Are Mediated by Annexin A1
Authors: Vago Juliana P. , Tavares Luciana P. , Sugimoto Michelle A. , Lima Graziele Letícia N. , Galvão Izabela , de Caux Thais R. , Lima Kátia M. , Ribeiro Ana Luíza C. , Carneiro Fernanda S. , Nunes Fernanda Freire C. , Pinho Vanessa , Perretti Mauro , Teixeira Mauro M. , Sousa Lirlândia P.
Published: January 2016

Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a glucocorticoid-regulated protein endowed with anti-inflammatory and proresolving properties. Intact AnxA1 is a 37-kDa protein that may be cleaved in vivo at the N-terminal region by neutrophil proteases including elastase and proteinase-3, generating the 33-kDa isoform that is largely inactive. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of AnxA1 expression and the effects of synthetic (sivelestat [SIV]; Eglin) and natural (secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor [SLPI]; Elafin) protease inhibitors on the resolution of LPS-induced inflammation. During the settings of LPS inflammation AnxA1 cleavage associated closely with the peak of neutrophil and elastase expression and activity. SLPI expression increased during resolving phase of the pleurisy. Therapeutic treatment of LPS-challenge mice with recombinant human SLPI or Elafin accelerated resolution, an effect associated with increased numbers of apoptotic neutrophils in the pleural exudates, inhibition of elastase, and modulation of the survival-controlling proteins NF-κB and Mcl-1. Similar effects were observed with SIV, which dose-dependently inhibited neutrophil elastase and shortened resolution intervals. Mechanistically, SIV-induced resolution was caspase-dependent, associated to increased levels of intact AnxA1 and decreased expression of NF-κB and Mcl-1. The proresolving effect of antiproteases was also observed in a model of monosodium urate crystals–induced inflammation. SIV skewed macrophages toward resolving phenotypes and enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. A neutralizing antiserum against AnxA1 and a nonselective antagonist of AnxA1 receptor abolished the accelerated resolution promoted by SIV. Collectively, these results show that elastase inhibition not only inhibits inflammation but actually promotes resolution, and this response is mediated by protection of endogenous intact AnxA1 with ensuing augmentation of neutrophil apoptosis.
Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1A Is a Cell-Intrinsic Transcription Factor Required for B Cell Differentiation and Development in Mice
Authors: von Wnuck Lipinski Karin , Sattler Katherine , Peters Susann , Weske Sarah , Keul Petra , Klump Hannes , Heusch Gerd , Göthert Joachim R. , Levkau Bodo
Published: January 2016

The hepatocyte NF (HNF) family of transcription factors regulates the complex gene networks involved in lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. In humans, HNF1A mutations cause maturity onset of diabetes in the young type 3, whereas murine HNF6 participates in fetal liver B lymphopoiesis. In this study, we have identified a crucial role for the prototypical member of the family HNF1A in adult bone marrow B lymphopoiesis. HNF1A−/− mice exhibited a clear reduction in total blood and splenic B cells and a further pronounced one in transitional B cells. In HNF1A−/− bone marrow, all B cell progenitors—from pre-pro–/early pro–B cells to immature B cells—were dramatically reduced and their proliferation rate suppressed. IL-7 administration in vivo failed to boost B cell development in HNF1A−/− mice, whereas IL-7 stimulation of HNF1A−/− B cell progenitors in vitro revealed a marked impairment in STAT5 phosphorylation. The B cell differentiation potential of HNF1A−/− common lymphoid progenitors was severely impaired in vitro, and the expression of the B lymphopoiesis-promoting transcription factors E2A, EBF1, Pax5, and Bach2 was reduced in B cell progenitors in vivo. HNF1A−/− bone marrow chimera featured a dramatic defect in B lymphopoiesis recapitulating that of global HNF1A deficiency. The HNF1A−/− lymphopoiesis defect was confined to B cells as T lymphopoiesis was unaffected, and bone marrow common lymphoid progenitors and hematopoietic stem cells were even increased. Our data demonstrate that HNF1A is an important cell-intrinsic transcription factor in adult B lymphopoiesis and suggest the IL-7R/STAT5 module to be causally involved in mediating its function.
Differential Effects of Escherichia coli Nissle and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strain GG on Human Rotavirus Binding, Infection, and B Cell Immunity
Authors: Kandasamy Sukumar , Vlasova Anastasia N. , Fischer David , Kumar Anand , Chattha Kuldeep S. , Rauf Abdul , Shao Lulu , Langel Stephanie N. , Rajashekara Gireesh , Saif Linda J.
Published: January 2016

Rotavirus (RV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in modulating host–pathogen interactions, but little is known about the impact of commonly used probiotics on human RV (HRV) infection. In this study, we compared the immunomodulatory effects of Gram-positive (Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG [LGG]) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli Nissle [EcN]) probiotic bacteria on virulent human rotavirus (VirHRV) infection and immunity using neonatal gnotobiotic piglets. Gnotobiotic piglets were colonized with EcN, LGG, or EcN+LGG or uncolonized and challenged with VirHRV. Mean peak virus shedding titers and mean cumulative fecal scores were significantly lower in EcN-colonized compared with LGG-colonized or uncolonized piglets. Reduced viral shedding titers were correlated with significantly reduced small intestinal HRV IgA Ab responses in EcN-colonized compared with uncolonized piglets post-VirHRV challenge. However the total IgA levels post-VirHRV challenge in the intestine and pre-VirHRV challenge in serum were significantly higher in EcN-colonized than in LGG-colonized piglets. In vitro treatment of mononuclear cells with these probiotics demonstrated that EcN, but not LGG, induced IL-6, IL-10, and IgA, with the latter partially dependent on IL-10. However, addition of exogenous recombinant porcine IL-10 + IL-6 to mononuclear cells cocultured with LGG significantly enhanced IgA responses. The greater effectiveness of EcN in moderating HRV infection may also be explained by the binding of EcN but not LGG to Wa HRV particles or HRV 2/4/6 virus-like particles but not 2/6 virus-like particles. Results suggest that EcN and LGG differentially modulate RV infection and B cell responses.
Reassessing the Evolutionary Importance of Inflammasomes
Authors: Maltez Vivien I. , Miao Edward A.
Published: January 2016

Inflammasomes monitor the cytosol for microbial contamination or perturbation and, thus, are predicted to provide potent defense against infection. However, the compendium of data from murine infection models suggests that inflammasomes merely delay the course of disease, allowing the host time to mount an adaptive response. Interpretations of such results are confounded by inflammasome-evasion strategies of vertebrate-adapted pathogens. Conversely, environmental opportunistic pathogens have not evolved in the context of inflammasomes and, therefore, are less likely to evade them. Indeed, opportunistic pathogens do not normally cause disease in wild-type animals. Accordantly, the extreme virulence of two opportunistic bacterial pathogens, Burkholderia thailandensis and Chromobacterium violaceum, is fully counteracted by inflammasomes in murine models. This leads us to propose a new hypothesis: perhaps animals maintain inflammasomes over evolutionary time not to defend against vertebrate-adapted pathogens but instead to counteract infection by a plethora of undiscovered opportunistic pathogens residing in the environment.
Human Endothelial Cell Activation by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Is Mediated by TNF and IL-1β Secondarily to Activation of C5 and CD14 in Whole Blood
Authors: Nymo Stig , Gustavsen Alice , Nilsson Per H. , Lau Corinna , Espevik Terje , Mollnes Tom Eirik
Published: January 2016

Endothelial cells (EC) play a central role in inflammation. E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression are essential for leukocyte recruitment and are good markers of EC activation. Most studies of EC activation are done in vitro using isolated mediators. The aim of the present study was to examine the relative importance of pattern recognition systems and downstream mediators in bacteria-induced EC activation in a physiological relevant human model, using EC incubated with whole blood. HUVEC were incubated with human whole blood. Escherichia coli– and Staphylococcus aureus–induced EC activation was measured by E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression using flow cytometry. The mAb 18D11 was used to neutralize CD14, and the lipid A analog eritoran was used to block TLR4/MD2. C5 cleavage was inhibited using eculizumab, and C5aR1 was blocked by an antagonist. Infliximab and canakinumab were used to neutralize TNF and IL-1β. The EC were minimally activated when bacteria were incubated in serum, whereas a substantial EC activation was seen when the bacteria were incubated in whole blood. E. coli–induced activation was largely CD14-dependent, whereas S. aureus mainly caused a C5aR1-mediated response. Combined CD14 and C5 inhibition reduced E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression by 96 and 98% for E. coli and by 70 and 75% for S. aureus. Finally, the EC activation by both bacteria was completely abolished by combined inhibition of TNF and IL-1β. E. coli and S. aureus activated EC in a CD14- and C5-dependent manner with subsequent leukocyte secretion of TNF and IL-1β mediating the effect.
Degranulating Neutrophils Promote Leukotriene B4 Production by Infected Macrophages To Kill Leishmania amazonensis Parasites
Authors: Tavares Natália , Afonso Lilian , Suarez Martha , Ampuero Mariana , Prates Deboraci Brito , Araújo-Santos Théo , Barral-Netto Manoel , DosReis George A. , Borges Valéria Matos , Brodskyn Cláudia
Published: January 2016

Neutrophils mediate early responses against pathogens, and they become activated during endothelial transmigration toward the inflammatory site. In the current study, human neutrophils were activated in vitro with immobilized extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin (FN), collagen, and laminin. Neutrophil activation by FN, but not other extracellular matrix proteins, induces the release of the granules’ contents, measured as matrix metalloproteinase 9 and neutrophil elastase activity in culture supernatant, as well as reactive oxygen species production. Upon contact with Leishmania amazonensis–infected macrophages, these FN-activated neutrophils reduce the parasite burden through a mechanism independent of cell contact. The release of granule proteases, such as myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, activates macrophages through TLRs, leading to the production of inflammatory mediators, TNF-α and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), which are involved in parasite killing by infected macrophages. The pharmacological inhibition of degranulation reverted this effect, abolishing LTB4 and TNF production. Together, these results suggest that FN-driven degranulation of neutrophils induces the production of LTB4 and TNF by infected macrophages, leading to the control of Leishmania infection.
Reporting and Interpreting Scores Derived from Likert-type Scales
Authors: Warmbrod J. Robert
Published: January 2016

Forty-nine percent of the 706 articles published in the Journal of Agricultural Education from 1995 to 2012 reported quantitative research with at least one variable measured by a Likert-type scale. Grounded in the classical test theory definition of reliability and the tenets basic to Likertscale measurement methodology, for the target population of 344 articles using Likert-scale methodology, the objectives of the research were to (a) describe the scores derived from Likerttype scales reported and interpreted, (b) describe the reliability coefficients cited for the scores interpreted, and (c) ascertain whether there is congruence or incongruence between the reliability coefficient cited and the Likert-scale scores reported and interpreted. Twenty-eight percent of the 344 articles exhibited congruent interpretations of Likert-scale scores, 45% of the articles exhibited incongruent interpretations, and 27% of the articles exhibited both congruent and incongruent interpretations. Single-item scores were reported and interpreted in 63% of the articles, 98% of which were incongruent interpretations. Summated scores were reported and interpreted in 59% of the articles, 91% of which were congruent interpretations. Recommendations for analysis, interpretation, and reporting of scores derived from Likert-type scales are presented.
Mathematics Efficacy and Professional Development Needs of Wyoming Agricultural Education Teachers
Authors: Haynes J. Chris , Stripling Christopher T.
Published: January 2016

School-based agricultural education programs provide contextualized learning environments for the teaching of core academic subject matter. This study sought to examine the mathematics efficacy and professional development needs of Wyoming agricultural education teachers related to teaching contextualized mathematics. Wyoming agricultural education teachers were moderately efficacious in personal mathematics teaching efficacy and mathematics teaching outcome expectancy. Professional development needs varied based upon the teachers’ selfefficacy scores. With that in mind, integrating mathematics concepts from the ACT college readiness assessment was found in the top five responses of all mathematics efficacy groups reported, while modifying instruction for special needs students was found in the top five responses in 3 out of 4 of the mathematics efficacy groups. Based on the results of this study, professional development related to teaching contextualized mathematics would benefit Wyoming’s school-based agricultural education teachers and students.
Use of Citations within Manuscripts Published by the Journal of Agricultural Education
Authors: Estes Hanna E. , Zimmerman Bryan W. , Shoulders Catherine W. , Johnson Donald M.
Published: January 2016

Because publications serve as the institutional memory of a discipline, researchers have the responsibility of becoming familiar with and acknowledging previous literature. The use of citations in manuscripts is considered ethical best practice, and is a method of manuscript evaluation. In agricultural education, researchers have recommended that an evaluation of manuscript citations be conducted every ten years in order to ensure the integrity of the profession’s research repository. This study served as a descriptive evaluation of the use of citations in the Journal of Agricultural Education from 2003 to 2012. Findings indicated that the average number of citations used, the number of citations to support the conceptual framework, the number of citations from within and outside the profession, and the number of citations used to support findings increased over the 10-year time span.
Influence of FFA Activities on Critical Thinking Skills in Texas Three-Star FFA Chapters
Authors: Latham Lindsey , Rayfield John , Moore Lori L.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of FFA activities on critical thinking skills of Texas FFA members in three-star FFA chapters. This descriptive study was conducted in eight purposively selected three-star FFA chapters throughout Texas. Three-star chapters are those chapters who have emerged as outstanding programs within the state based on the National FFA Chapter Awards Program guidelines. Seniors within each chapter were selected to complete a demographic survey and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® (WGCTA) instrument (Watson & Glaser, 2008a). The mean score for all FFA members who completed the survey was 39.85, which is considerably lower than the WGCTA norm group at 48.5 (Watson & Glaser, 2008b). With a mean score of 39.85, the FFA members who completed the WGCTA scored between the 20th and 25th percentile of high school students in the 12th grade (Watson & Glaser, 2008b). FFA members performed best on the Evaluation of Arguments subtest with a mean of 9.02 and scored lowest on the Inference subtest with a mean of 5.35. The only FFA activity that was an indicator of FFA members’ critical thinking ability was the State Leadership Development (LDE) contest. Gender was an indicator of FFA members’ critical thinking ability.
Examining Oregon Agriculture Teachers’ Professional Development Needs by Career Phase
Authors: Sorensen Tyson J. , Lambert Misty D. , McKim Aaron J.
Published: January 2016

Agriculture teachers face challenges at every stage of their career, creating a need for professional development to meet their individual needs. Additionally, research suggests the need for periodic needs assessments to be conducted within individual states. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe, using the Borich needs assessment model, the inservice needs of agriculture teachers in Oregon by career phase. A list of 49 agricultural education competencies were developed from existing research, and responses were analyzed using mean weighted discrepancy scores (MWDS). We found induction-phase teachers (0-5 years of experience) had the highest inservice needs for the following competencies: (a) writing grant proposals for external funding, (b) utilizing a local advisory committee, and (c) utilizing the AET record book system. Non-induction phase agriculture teachers (6 or more years of experience) were most in need of: (a) balancing priorities to make time for career and family/personal life, (b) utilizing the AET record book system, and (c) utilizing techniques and skills to stay organized. Additionally, differences and similarities between inservice needs of induction and non-induction teachers were identified and discussed. Implications of these findings and recommendations are presented.
Attracting Youth to Agriculture: The Career Interests of Young Farmers Club Members in Uganda
Authors: Mukembo Stephen C. , Edwards M. Craig , Ramsey Jon W. , Henneberry Shida R.
Published: January 2016

This embedded, quantitative case study included 102 participants who were members of Young Farmers Clubs (YFCs) from two secondary schools in eastern Uganda. The study’s multifold purpose was to describe YFC members’ personal characteristics and their reasons for joining the clubs. In addition, the study sought to determine the career interests/aspirations of the YFC members and factors influencing their decisions about career choices. Cross-sectional survey methodology was used to collect data. The findings showed a high number of members were interested in pursuing careers related to science. Students mainly joined the clubs to improve their academic performance, for personal interests, and to gain life skills. Intrinsic factors were the main influencers of career choice. Club activities had less influence on the members’ career aspirations. The results point to a need for teachers, guidance counselors, and parents to consider students’ interests and abilities when guiding them about career choices. Advisors should provide meaningful learning experiences for club members to explore their career interests and aptitudes. Future studies should assess the impact of childhood experiences on stimulating the career interests of adolescents, especially in developing countries.
Urban FFA Members’ Sense of the Organizational Culture of the FFA
Authors: Martin Michael J. , Kitchel Tracy
Published: January 2016

Organizational culture shapes how members of a group act. The culture has the power to exclude potential new members who do not fit into the culture of the organization. Research on urban school-based agriculture programs has indicated that urban agriculture students face barriers to their participation in the National FFA Organization (FFA). Experiences of urban FFA members at a National FFA Convention can provide researchers with an understanding of how urban agriculture students view the FFA organization. The purpose of the case study was to explore how urban FFA members experienced the FFA organizational culture while attending the 2012 National FFA Convention. We followed one urban FFA chapter during the 2012 National FFA Convention and conducted interviews before, during, and after the convention. We also conducted focus group interviews and made observations. Belmont FFA members did not generally perceive their experiences at the convention as a barrier to their involvement in FFA and were generally positive toward the FFA artifacts, beliefs, and values they identified at the convention. However, these findings need to be understood in the context of the members who attended the convention as their motivation to participate in FFA may have positively influenced their views.
A Cross-Case Comparison of the Academic Integration Human Capital Pre-service Agricultural Educators Retain Prior to Their Teaching Internship
Authors: Haynes J. Chris , Gill Bart E. , Chumbley Steven "Boot " , Slater Timothy F.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this cross-case comparison was to explore agricultural education pre-service teachers’ perceptions in regards to integrating academics into agricultural education curriculum. This study included three agricultural education teacher certification programs in the United States. The pre-service teachers queried held similar perceptions regarding the integration of academic related concepts into an agricultural education curriculum. (a) Participants felt agriculture was a natural integration and emphasis vehicle for a range of academic subjects. (b) Participants felt it was important to emphasize the core subject matter inherent to agriculture, but care must be taken to not fundamentally alter the purpose of the agricultural education program. (c) A consensus was reached that lessons should be “hands-on” and relate to real world applications. It was recommended prior knowledge was important for successful integration of core content into an agriculture curriculum. An examination of how many credit hours of mathematics, science, and English pre-service agricultural education teachers are required to take to be effective at integration of core material should occur. Further, collaboration between university faculty of agricultural education and other departments outlining ways to achieve successful integration of academic content was needed.
A Critical Thinking Benchmark for a Department of Agricultural Education and Studies
Authors: Perry Dustin K. , Retallick Michael S. , Paulsen Thomas H.
Published: January 2016

Due to an ever changing world where technology seemingly provides endless answers, today’s higher education students must master a new skill set reflecting an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and communications. The purpose of this study was to establish a departmental benchmark for critical thinking abilities of students majoring in agricultural education and studies. Seventy-five senior-level undergraduates completed a Critical Thinking Assessment Test (CAT) during the spring 2013 semester. A one-sample t-test utilizing national norm data and a step-wise regression model analyzing predictors of critical thinking ability were used to address research objectives. The only critical thinking skill area where participants’ mean scores were statistically higher than the national norm mean score was in the ability to summarize a pattern of results from a graph without making inappropriate inferences. Further, step-wise regression for total critical thinking score revealed ACT score was the only significant predictor of overall critical thinking ability.
An Assessment of the Needs of Middle School Agricultural Education Instructors in Georgia
Authors: Golden M. Elizabeth , Parr Brian , Peake Jason
Published: January 2016

Like their students, middle school agricultural education instructors are a unique group with special needs and concerns. However, the needs of middle school teachers and their programs may be misunderstood and overlooked in the professional world when compared to secondary teachers and programs. While middle school programs are still relatively new to the world of agricultural education and are expected to continue to grow across the country, little focus has been placed on the needs of these programs and their teachers. In order to ensure the success of these teachers and to promote the longevity of quality middle school agricultural education programs, it is necessary to identify what teachers need to be successful. This study focused on Georgia middle school agricultural education instructors’ perceived levels of needs in various competency areas. A needs assessment was used to gather data from current Georgia middle school agricultural education instructors. The findings of this study indicate that Georgia middle school agricultural education instructors’ greatest overall needs for in-service training were in community and FFA competency areas. Determining the needs of this group of teachers will help provide adequate in-service instruction to ensure that middle school teachers have ample opportunities to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom.
Determination of heavy metals concentration in raw sheep milk from mercury polluted area
Authors: Stanovič Radovan , Árvay Július , Hauptvogl Martin , Tomáš Ján , Kováčik Anton , Záhorcová Zuzana , Slávik Marek
Published: January 2016

The paper focuses on determining the content of monitored contaminants (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in 53 samples of raw sheep milk collected in 2013 and 2014 on the sites Poráč and Matejovce nad Hornádom (middle Spiš). The area is characterized by historical mining and metalworking activity (mining and processing of polymetallic ores rich in Hg, Cd and Pb). Currently, the area is one of the most mercury contaminated areas in Central Europe. All statistical analyses were carried out using the statistical software Statistica 10.0 (Statsoft, USA). Descriptive data analysis included minimum value, maximum value, arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The results of the studied contaminant content show that the limit value for cadmium (10 μg.kg-1) was exceeded in 25 samples. In the case of lead, the limit value of 20 μg.kg-1 was exceeded in 16 cases. The limit value for copper (0.4 mg.kg-1) was exceeded in one case. The limit value for zinc is not defined by a legislative standard. The risk level of the studied contaminants in the samples of raw sheep milk decreases as follows: Cd > Pb > Hg > Cu > Zn. It can be concluded that frequent and long-term consumption of the raw sheep milk originating from the studied sites poses a health risk. The content of the contaminants in the milk and their eventual transition into dairy products should be monitored over a longer term in more detail.
Analyzing the Linkage between Agricultural Exports and Agriculture’s Share of Gross Domestic Products in South Africa
Authors: Bulagi Mushoni B. , Hlongwane Jan J. , Belete Abenet
Published: January 2016

The paper analyses the link between avocado, apple, mango and orange exports and agriculture’s share of Gross Domestic Product in South Africa. The study used secondary time series data that covered a sample size of 20 years (1994 - 2014) of avocado, apple, mango and orange exports in South Africa. Two Stages Least Square models were used for data analysis.  Empirical results for agricultural exports equation revealed that agricultural economic growth in South Africa was significant with a positive coefficient. Also a negative relationship between the Net Factor Income (NFI) and the agricultural exports in South Africa was noticed. Real Capital Investments had a significant positive coefficient.  Consequently, results from agricultural economic growth equation revealed that agricultural exports were significant with a positive correlation. A relationship between NFI and agricultural GDP was also witnessed. Like other variables, Real Capital Investment was significant but negatively correlated.
Craving for Quality Education in Tanzania: Dispelling the Myths
Authors: Kalolo John Fungulupembe
Published: January 2016

There has been widespread concern about the provision of quality education (QE) for all learners in all contexts, but research evidence to inform this debate is quite divergent and in most of cases the question about achieving this desire seems to be full of myths. This paper examines a selection of embedded myths about QE in Tanzanian education sector. The paper specifically aims at identifying the myths, their effects in education practice, and the appropriate ways to address them. The researcher’s own experiences and voices from secondary school teachers, parents, and students were merged to inform the study. Merging of these voices helped this paper to have a major contribution towards a better understanding of myths and their adverse influence in education practice, and spotting some alternative modes of practice towards addressing them.
Trogocytosis-associated cell to cell spread of intracellular bacterial pathogens
Authors: Steele Shaun , Radlinski Lauren , Taft-Benz Sharon , Brunton Jason , Kawula Thomas H
Published: January 2016

Macrophages are myeloid-derived phagocytic cells and one of the first immune cell types to respond to microbial infections. However, a number of bacterial pathogens are resistant to the antimicrobial activities of macrophages and can grow within these cells. Macrophages have other immune surveillance roles including the acquisition of cytosolic components from multiple types of cells. We hypothesized that intracellular pathogens that can replicate within macrophages could also exploit cytosolic transfer to facilitate bacterial spread. We found that viable Francisella tularensis, as well as Salmonella enterica bacteria transferred from infected cells to uninfected macrophages along with other cytosolic material through a transient, contact dependent mechanism. Bacterial transfer occurred when the host cells exchanged plasma membrane proteins and cytosol via a trogocytosis related process leaving both donor and recipient cells intact and viable. Trogocytosis was strongly associated with infection in mice, suggesting that direct bacterial transfer occurs by this process in vivo.
Unnatural amino acid photo-crosslinking of the IKs channel complex demonstrates a KCNE1:KCNQ1 stoichiometry of up to 4:4
Authors: Murray Christopher I , Westhoff Maartje , Eldstrom Jodene , Thompson Emely , Emes Robert , Fedida David
Published: January 2016

Cardiac repolarization is determined in part by the slow delayed rectifier current (IKs), through the tetrameric voltage-gated ion channel, KCNQ1, and its β-subunit, KCNE1. The stoichiometry between α and β-subunits has been controversial with studies reporting either a strict 2 KCNE1:4 KCNQ1 or a variable ratio up to 4:4. We used IKs fusion proteins linking KCNE1 to one (EQ), two (EQQ) or four (EQQQQ) KCNQ1 subunits, to reproduce compulsory 4:4, 2:4 or 1:4 stoichiometries. Whole cell and single-channel recordings showed EQQ and EQQQQ to have increasingly hyperpolarized activation, reduced conductance, and shorter first latency of opening compared to EQ - all abolished by the addition of KCNE1. As well, using a UV-crosslinking unnatural amino acid in KCNE1, we found EQQQQ and EQQ crosslinking rates to be progressively slowed compared to KCNQ1, which demonstrates that no intrinsic mechanism limits the association of up to four β-subunits within the IKs complex.
Systematic substrate identification indicates a central role for the metalloprotease ADAM10 in axon targeting and synapse function
Authors: Kuhn Peer-Hendrik , Colombo Alessio Vittorio , Schusser Benjamin , Dreymueller Daniela , Wetzel Sebastian , Schepers Ute , Herber Julia , Ludwig Andreas , Kremmer Elisabeth , Montag Dirk , Müller Ulrike , Schweizer Michaela , Saftig Paul , Bräse Stefan , Lichtenthaler Stefan F
Published: January 2016

Metzincin metalloproteases have major roles in intercellular communication by modulating the function of membrane proteins. One of the proteases is the a-disintegrin-and-metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) which acts as alpha-secretase of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein. ADAM10 is also required for neuronal network functions in murine brain, but neuronal ADAM10 substrates are only partly known. With a proteomic analysis of Adam10-deficient neurons we identified 91, mostly novel ADAM10 substrate candidates, making ADAM10 a major protease for membrane proteins in the nervous system. Several novel substrates, including the neuronal cell adhesion protein NrCAM, are involved in brain development. Indeed, we detected mistargeted axons in the olfactory bulb of conditional ADAM10-/- mice, which correlate with reduced cleavage of NrCAM, NCAM and other ADAM10 substrates. In summary, the novel ADAM10 substrates provide a molecular basis for neuronal network dysfunctions in conditional ADAM10-/- mice and demonstrate a fundamental function of ADAM10 in the brain.
Characterization of differential pore‐forming activities of ESAT‐6 proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Peng Xiuli , Jiang Guozhong , Liu Wei , Zhang Qi , Qian Wei , Sun Jianjun
Published: January 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT‐6 (MtbESAT‐6) plays essential roles in pathogenesis. MtbESAT‐6 exhibits a unique pore‐forming activity (PFA) that is not found in its ortholog from non‐pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsESAT‐6). Here, we characterized the differential PFAs and found that exchange of I25‐H26/T25‐A26 between two proteins reciprocally affected their PFAs. MtbESAT‐6(IH/TA) had ~ 40% reduction, while MsESAT‐6(TA/IH) fully acquired its activity similar to MtbESAT‐6. Mutations of A17E, K38T, N67L or R74Q on MtbESAT‐6(IH/TA) further reduced the activity, with MtbESAT‐6(IH/TA‐17) being the lowest. This study suggests I25‐H26 as the pH‐sensor essential for MsESAT‐6 to fully acquire the activity, while multiple residues contributed to MtbESAT‐6 PFA.
Novel triterpene oxidizing activity of Arabidopsis thaliana CYP716A subfamily enzymes
Authors: Yasumoto Shuhei , Fukushima Ery O. , Seki Hikaru , Muranaka Toshiya
Published: January 2016

Triterpenoids have diverse chemical structures and bioactivities. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases play a key role in their structural diversification. In higher plants, CYP716A subfamily enzymes are triterpene oxidases. In this study, Arabidopsis thaliana CYP716A1 and CYP716A2 were characterized by heterologously expressing them in simple triterpene‐producing yeast strains. In contrast to the C‐28 oxidative activity of CYP716A1 shown in several CYP716A subfamily enzymes, remarkably, CYP716A2 displayed 22α‐hydroxylation activity against α‐amyrin that has not been previously reported, which produces the cytotoxic triterpenoid, 22α‐hydroxy‐α‐amyrin. Our results contribute to the enrichment of the molecular toolbox that allows for the combinatorial biosynthesis of diverse triterpenoids.
DELLA proteins physically interact with CONSTANS to regulate flowering under long days in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Feng , Li Ting , Xu Peng‐Bo , Li Ling , Du Sha‐Sha , Lian Hong‐Li , Yang Hong‐Quan
Published: January 2016

Proper timing of flowering is essential for reproduction of plants. Although it is well known that both light and gibberellin (GA) signaling play critical roles in promoting flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana, whether and how they are integrated to regulate flowering remain largely unknown. Here, we show through biochemical studies that DELLA proteins physically interact with CONSTANS (CO). Furthermore, the interaction of CO with NF‐YB2 is inhibited by the DELLA protein, RGA. Our findings suggest that regulation of flowering by GA signaling in leaves under long days is mediated, at least in part, through repression of DELLA proteins on CO, providing a molecular link between DELLA proteins, key components in GA signaling pathway, and CO, a critical flowering activator in photoperiod signaling pathway.
Long noncoding RNA H19 inhibits the proliferation of fetal liver cells and the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Shaobing , Wu Xia , Liu Yan , Yuan Jihang , Yang Fu , Huang Jinfeng , Meng Qingyang , Zhou Chuanchuan , Liu Feng , Ma Jinzhao , Sun Shuhan , Zheng Jiasheng , Wang Fang
Published: January 2016

In this study, we found that H19 is the most strongly differentially expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) during liver development. H19 may inhibit the proliferation of fetal liver cells by blocking the interaction between heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) U and actin, which results in gene transcriptional repression. Based on ChIP‐seq analysis, we found that genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway are enriched among hnRNP U‐binding genes. Further investigation demonstrated that hnRNP U has opposing effects on cell proliferation and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway activity compared to H19 and that hnRNP U is very important in this process.
A new kinematic model of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge between 55°55'N and the Bight Transform Fault for the past 6 Ma
Authors: Benediktsdóttir Á. , Hey R. , Martinez F. , Höskuldsson Á.
Published: January 2016

We present a new fine‐scaled tectonic model of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge between 55°55'N and the Bight Transform Fault for the past 6 Ma. We model our new marine magnetic data, providing a robust kinematic model for the area. The new model uses propagating rifts to explain observed asymmetry in high‐resolution marine magnetic data. The area closest to the Bight Transform Fault has undergone two relatively large (9 km and 6 km) relocations of the spreading center within the past 1 Ma, which explains the divided central anomaly; we attribute this relocation to two very fast propagations. The amount of lithosphere transferred between the plates during each propagation event is 2–10 km, and the propagators identified are short‐lived (0.5–4.0 Ma). Most of the propagation in the area is to the north, and all but two propagators transfer lithosphere from the Eurasian plate to the North American plate, which is consistent with the overall eastward relocation of the Reykjanes Ridge.
An evaluation of gas transfer velocity parameterizations during natural convection using DNS
Authors: Fredriksson Sam T. , Arneborg Lars , Nilsson Håkan , Zhang Qi , Handler Robert A.
Published: January 2016

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of free surface flows driven by natural convection are used to evaluate different methods of estimating air‐water gas exchange at no‐wind conditions. These methods estimate the transfer velocity as a function of either the horizontal flow divergence at the surface, the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation beneath the surface, the heat flux through the surface, or the wind speed above the surface. The gas transfer is modeled via a passive scalar. The Schmidt number dependence is studied for Schmidt numbers of 7, 150 and 600. The methods using divergence, dissipation and heat flux estimate the transfer velocity well for a range of varying surface heat flux values, and domain depths. The two evaluated empirical methods using wind (in the limit of no wind) give reasonable estimates of the transfer velocity, depending however on the surface heat flux and surfactant saturation. The transfer velocity is shown to be well represented by the expression,
, where
is a constant,
is the buoyancy flux,
is the kinematic viscosity,
is the Schmidt number, and the exponent
depends on the water surface characteristics. The results suggest that
and
and
for slip and no‐slip boundary conditions at the surface, respectively. It is further shown that slip and no‐slip boundary conditions predict the heat transfer velocity corresponding to the limits of clean and highly surfactant contaminated surfaces, respectively.
Impact of atmospheric convectively coupled equatorial Kelvin waves on upper ocean variability
Authors: Baranowski Dariusz B. , Flatau Maria K. , Flatau Piotr J. , Matthews Adrian J.
Published: January 2016

Convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) are atmospheric weather systems that propagate eastward along the equatorial wave guide with phase speeds between 11 and 14 m s−1. They are an important constituent of the convective envelope of the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO), for which ocean‐atmosphere interactions play a vital role. Hence, ocean‐atmosphere interactions within CCKWs may be important for MJO development and prediction and for tropical climate, in general. Although the atmospheric structure of CCKWs has been well studied, their impact on the underlying ocean is unknown. In this paper, the ocean‐atmosphere interactions in CCKWs are investigated by a case study from November 2011 during the CINDY/DYNAMO field experiment, using in situ oceanographic measurements from an ocean glider. The analysis is then extended to a 15 year period using precipitation data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and surface fluxes from the TropFlux analysis. A methodology is developed to calculate trajectories of CCKWs. CCKW events are strongly controlled by the MJO, with twice as many CCKWs observed during the convectively active phase of the MJO compared to the suppressed phase. Coherent ocean‐atmosphere interaction is observed during the passage of a CCKW, which lasts approximately 4 days at any given longitude. Surface wind speed and latent heat flux are enhanced, leading to a transient suppression of the diurnal cycle of sea surface temperature (SST) and a sustained decrease in bulk SST of 0.1°C. Given that a typical composite mean MJO SST anomaly is of the order of 0.3°C, and more than one CCKW can occur during the active phase of a single MJO event, the oceanographic impact of CCKWs is of major importance to the MJO cycle.
Quantification of relative contribution of Antarctic ozone depletion to increased austral extratropical precipitation during 1979–2013
Authors: Bai Kaixu , Chang Ni‐Bin , Gao Wei
Published: January 2016

Attributing the observed climate changes to relevant forcing factors is critical to predicting future climate change scenarios. Precipitation observations in the Southern Hemisphere indicate an apparent moistening pattern over the extratropics during the time period 1979 to 2013. To investigate the predominant forcing factor in triggering such an observed wetting climate pattern, precipitation responses to four climatic forcing factors, including Antarctic ozone, water vapor, sea surface temperature (SST), and carbon dioxide, were assessed quantitatively in sequence through an inductive approach. Coupled time‐space patterns between the observed austral extratropical precipitation and each climatic forcing factor were firstly diagnosed by using the maximum covariance analysis (MCA). With the derived time series from each coupled MCA modes, statistical relationships were established between extratropical precipitation variations and each climatic forcing factor by using the extreme learning machine. Based on these established statistical relationships, sensitivity tests were conducted to estimate precipitation responses to each climatic forcing factor quantitatively. Quantified differential contribution with respect to those climatic forcing factors may explain why the observed austral extratropical moistening pattern is primarily driven by the Antarctic ozone depletion, while mildly modulated by the cooling effect of equatorial Pacific SST and the increased greenhouse gases, respectively.