bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Drosophila FHOD1-like formin Knittrig acts through Rok to promote stress fiber formation and directed macrophage migration during the cellular immune response
Authors: Lammel Uwe , Bechtold Meike , Risse Benjamin , Berh Dimitri , Fleige Astrid , Bunse Ingrid , Jiang Xiaoyi , Klämbt Christian , Bogdan Sven
Published: February 2014

A tight spatiotemporal control of actin polymerization is important for many cellular processes that shape cells into a multicellular organism. The formation of unbranched F-actin is induced by several members of the formin family. Drosophila encodes six formin genes, representing six of the seven known mammalian subclasses. Knittrig, the Drosophila homolog of mammalian FHOD1, is specifically expressed in the developing central nervous system midline glia, the trachea, the wing and in macrophages. knittrig mutants exhibit mild tracheal defects but survive until late pupal stages and mainly die as pharate adult flies. knittrig mutant macrophages are smaller and show reduced cell spreading and cell migration in in vivo wounding experiments. Rescue experiments further demonstrate a cell-autonomous function of Knittrig in regulating actin dynamics and cell migration. Knittrig localizes at the rear of migrating macrophages in vivo, suggesting a cellular requirement of Knittrig in the retraction of the trailing edge. Supporting this notion, we found that Knittrig is a target of the Rho-dependent kinase Rok. Co-expression with Rok or expression of an activated form of Knittrig induces actin stress fibers in macrophages and in epithelial tissues. Thus, we propose a model in which Rok-induced phosphorylation of residues within the basic region mediates the activation of Knittrig in controlling macrophage migration.
Dbx1 triggers crucial molecular programs required for midline crossing by midbrain commissural axons
Authors: Inamata Yasuyuki , Shirasaki Ryuichi
Published: February 2014

Axon guidance by commissural neurons has been well documented, providing us with a molecular logic of how midline crossing is achieved during development. Despite these advances, knowledge of the intrinsic genetic programs is still limited and it remains obscure whether the expression of a single transcription factor is sufficient to activate transcriptional programs that ultimately enable midline crossing. Here, we show in the mouse that the homeodomain transcription factor Dbx1 is expressed by a subset of progenitor cells that give rise to commissural neurons in the dorsal midbrain. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses indicate that the expression of Dbx1 alone is sufficient and necessary to trigger midline crossing in vivo. We also show that Robo3 controls midline crossing as a crucial downstream effector of the Dbx1-activated molecular programs. Furthermore, Dbx1 suppresses the expression of the transcriptional program for ipsilateral neuron differentiation in parallel. These results suggest that a single transcription factor, Dbx1, has an essential function in assigning midline-crossing identity, thereby contributing crucially to the establishment of the wiring laterality in the developing nervous system.
Endosperm breakdown in Arabidopsis requires heterodimers of the basic helix-loop-helix proteins ZHOUPI and INDUCER OF CBP EXPRESSION 1
Authors: Denay Grégoire , Creff Audrey , Moussu Steven , Wagnon Pauline , Thévenin Johanne , Gérentes Marie-France , Chambrier Pierre , Dubreucq Bertrand , Ingram Gwyneth
Published: February 2014

In Arabidopsis seeds, embryo growth is coordinated with endosperm breakdown. Mutants in the endosperm-specific gene ZHOUPI (ZOU), which encodes a unique basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, have an abnormal endosperm that persists throughout seed development, significantly impeding embryo growth. Here we show that loss of function of the bHLH-encoding gene INDUCER OF CBP EXPRESSION 1 (ICE1) causes an identical endosperm persistence phenotype. We show that ZOU and ICE1 are co-expressed in the endosperm and interact in yeast via their bHLH domains. We show both genetically and in a heterologous plant system that, despite the fact that both ZOU and ICE1 can form homodimers in yeast, their role in endosperm breakdown requires their heterodimerization. Consistent with this conclusion, we confirm that ZOU and ICE1 regulate the expression of common target genes in the developing endosperm. Finally, we show that heterodimerization of ZOU and ICE1 is likely to be necessary for their binding to specific targets, rather than for their nuclear localization in the endosperm. By comparing our results with paradigms of bHLH function and evolution in animal systems we propose that the ZOU/ICE1 complex might have ancient origins, acquiring novel megagametophyte-specific functions in heterosporous land plants that were conserved in the angiosperm endosperm.
The putative PRC1 RING-finger protein AtRING1A regulates flowering through repressing MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shen Lisha , Thong Zhonghui , Gong Ximing , Shen Qing , Gan Yinbo , Yu Hao
Published: February 2014

Polycomb group proteins play essential roles in the epigenetic control of gene expression in plants and animals. Although some components of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1)-like complexes have recently been reported in the model plant Arabidopsis, how they contribute to gene repression remains largely unknown. Here we show that a putative PRC1 RING-finger protein, AtRING1A, plays a hitherto unknown role in mediating the transition from vegetative to reproductive development in Arabidopsis. Loss of function of AtRING1A results in the late-flowering phenotype, which is attributed to derepression of two floral repressors, MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING 4/5 (MAF4/5), which in turn downregulate two floral pathway integrators, FLOWERING LOCUS T and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1. Levels of the H3K27me3 repressive mark at MAF4 and MAF5 loci, which is deposited by CURLY LEAF (CLF)-containing PRC2-like complexes and bound by LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1), are affected by AtRING1A, which interacts with both CLF and LHP1. Levels of the H3K4me3 activation mark correlate inversely with H3K27me3 levels at MAF4 and MAF5 loci. Our results suggest that AtRING1A suppresses the expression of MAF4 and MAF5 through affecting H3K27me3 levels at these loci to regulate the floral transition in Arabidopsis.
The APC/C activator FZR1 is essential for meiotic prophase I in mice
Authors: Holt Janet E. , Pye Victoria , Boon Evan , Stewart Jessica L. , García-Higuera Irene , Moreno Sergio , Rodríguez Rubén , Jones Keith T. , McLaughlin Eileen A.
Published: February 2014

Fizzy-related 1 (FZR1) is an activator of the Anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and an important regulator of the mitotic cell division cycle. Using a germ-cell-specific conditional knockout model we examined its role in entry into meiosis and early meiotic events in both sexes. Loss of APC/CFZR1 activity in the male germline led to both a mitotic and a meiotic testicular defect resulting in infertility due to the absence of mature spermatozoa. Spermatogonia in the prepubertal testes of such mice had abnormal proliferation and delayed entry into meiosis. Although early recombination events were initiated, male germ cells failed to progress beyond zygotene and underwent apoptosis. Loss of APC/CFZR1 activity was associated with raised cyclin B1 levels, suggesting that CDK1 may trigger apoptosis. By contrast, female FZR1Δ mice were subfertile, with premature onset of ovarian failure by 5 months of age. Germ cell loss occurred embryonically in the ovary, around the time of the zygotene-pachytene transition, similar to that observed in males. In addition, the transition of primordial follicles into the growing follicle pool in the neonatal ovary was abnormal, such that the primordial follicles were prematurely depleted. We conclude that APC/CFZR1 is an essential regulator of spermatogonial proliferation and early meiotic prophase I in both male and female germ cells and is therefore important in establishing the reproductive health of adult male and female mammals.
Tead2 expression levels control Yap/Taz subcellular distribution, zyxin expression, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Diepenbruck Maren , Waldmeier Lorenz , Ivanek Robert , Berninger Philipp , Arnold Phil , van Nimwegen Erik , Christofori Gerhard
Published: February 2014

The cellular changes during an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) largely rely on global changes in gene expression orchestrated by transcription factors. Tead transcription factors and their transcriptional co-activators Yap and Taz have been previously implicated in promoting an EMT, however, their direct transcriptional target genes and their functional role during EMT have remained widely elusive. We have uncovered a previously unanticipated role of the transcription factor Tead2 during EMT. During EMT in mammary gland epithelial cells and breast cancer cells, levels of Tead2 increase in the nucleus of cells, thereby directing a predominant nuclear localization of its co-factors Yap and Taz via the formation of Tead2/Yap/Taz complexes. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation/next generation sequencing in combination with gene expression profiling reveals the transcriptional targets of Tead2 during EMT. Among these, zyxin contributes to the migratory and invasive phenotype evoked by Tead2. The results demonstrate that Tead transcription factors are critical regulators of Yap/Taz cellular distribution and together they control the expression of genes critical for EMT and metastasis.
Tea4-phosphatase I landmark promotes local growth by dual Cdc42 GEF recruitment and GAP exclusion
Authors: Kokkoris Kyriakos , Castro Daniela Gallo , Martin Sophie G
Published: February 2014

Cell polarization relies on small GTPases, such as Cdc42, which can break symmetry through self-organizing principles, and landmarks that define the axis of polarity. In fission yeast, microtubules deliver the Tea1-Tea4 complex to mark cell poles for growth, but how this complex activates Cdc42 is unknown. Here we show that ectopic targeting of Tea4 to cell sides promotes Cdc42 local activation and cell growth. This activity requires Tea4 binding type I phosphatase (PP1) catalytic subunit Dis2 or Sds21, and ectopic targeting of either catalytic subunit is similarly instructive for growth. Cdc42 Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor Gef1 and GTPase-activating protein Rga4 are required for Tea4-PP1-dependent ectopic growth. Gef1 is recruited to ectopic Tea4 and Dis2 locations for Cdc42 activation. By contrast, Rga4 is locally excluded by Tea4 and forced colocalization with Tea4 blocks ectopic growth, indicating Rga4 must be present but at sites distinct from Tea4. Thus, a Tea4-PP1 landmark promotes local Cdc42 activation and growth both through Cdc42 GEF recruitment and by creating a local trough in a Cdc42 GAP.
An atlas of chromatoid body components
Authors: Meikar Oliver , Vagin Vasily V. , Chalmel Frédéric , Sõstar Karin , Lardenois Aurélie , Hammell Molly , Jin Ying , Da Ros Matteo , Wasik Kaja A. , Toppari Jorma , Hannon Gregory J. , Kotaja Noora
Published: February 2014

The genome of male germ cells is actively transcribed during spermatogenesis to produce phase-specific protein-coding mRNAs and a considerable amount of different noncoding RNAs. Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granule-mediated RNA regulation provides a powerful means to secure the quality and correct expression of the requisite transcripts. Haploid spermatids are characterized by a unique, unusually large cytoplasmic granule, the chromatoid body (CB), which emerges during the switch between the meiotic and post-meiotic phases of spermatogenesis. To better understand the role of the CB in male germ cell differentiation, we isolated CBs from mouse testes and revealed its full RNA and protein composition. We showed that the CB is mainly composed of RNA-binding proteins and other proteins involved RNA regulation. The CB was loaded with RNA, including pachytene piRNAs, a diverse set of mRNAs, and a number of uncharacterized long noncoding transcripts. The CB was demonstrated to accumulate nascent RNA during all the steps of round spermatid differentiation. Our results revealed the CB as a large germ cell-specific RNP platform that is involved in the control of the highly complex transcriptome of haploid male germ cells.
Experience of Realization of a Technique of Determination of Productivity of Quality Management System of Higher Education Institution
Authors: ��������  , Gadalova V. , ��������  , Mikhaylov A. , �������  , Frolova Marina
Published: February 2014

For the guaranteed sustainable development of an educational organization it is necessary to carry out continuous monitoring related to achievement

of planned results and in due time to carry out correcting and warning actions for elimination of possible failures in system. In this paper have been

reflected approaches to assessment of educational organization�s quality management system functioning on the basis of ISO 9000 series international

standards, has been reveled experience related to application of higher education institution�s quality management system productivity determination

technique constructed on analysis of its processes� productivity, have been presented the main stages of offered mechanism realization. This technique�s

purpose is providing a group of teachers and a staff of higher education institution led by a top management with necessary tools for quality management

system�s effective introduction, application and certification. The offered technique creates conditions for qualitative executive decision-making on

the basis of productive functioning of higher education institution�s process model with participation of all interested parties and taking into account the

established facts recorded documentary. The technique can be used for distribution of experience related to steady effective management for support

of regional educational systems in educational institutions of various types and education�s governing bodies, as well as for development of additional

professional education on quality management.
Motivation of Achievements as Means for Managers and Teachers� Professional Advancement in Conditions of Federal State Educational Standards Implementation
Authors: �������  , Sidenko Elena
Published: February 2014

In this paper the author tells about educational institutions� difficulties in connection with implementation of Federal State General Education Standard

of Second Generation. In the paper an experiment which has been made by the author within research of difficulties related to transition of educational

institutions� teaching staff of to introduction of Federal General Education Standards is described as well as stages of this experiment, and it is told

about interpretation of its results. The author touches upon such subjects as success achievement motivation and failures avoiding related to employees

of comprehensive schools, and also traces communication of prevalence related to this or that motive of work with transition to new type of work, in

particular, to introduction of The General Education Standard. The author also offers some ways of an exit from difficulties which are experienced by

teachers in connection with introduction of The General Education Standard. In particular, the features of pedagogical collective�s course preparation

based on trainees� achievement motivation formation by personal sense acquisition are revealed in this paper.
Usage of Interactive Methods in Teaching of Law
Authors: ����������  , Abrosimova Elena
Published: February 2014

The article addresses issues teaching of law in the secondary school using interactive methods. The analysis of different types of students and different

ways of presenting legal information to schoolchildren. Practical recommendations for using the following methods and forms of teaching of law:

an interactive lecture, small group activities, common group discussion, role-playing activities, using fragments of films and cartoons, as well as

recommendations on formulating an interactive homework.
To a Question of Axiological Content of Higher School Teacher�s Continuous Education
Authors: ���������  , Shafranova Olga
Published: February 2014

Experimental analysis related to main aspects of axiological content of higher school teacher�s continuous education has been presented in this paper.

The author has formulated main pedagogical conditions, allowing increase professional education�s efficiency. Aspect analysis related to axiological

bases of higher school teacher�s professional activity system has been carried out in this paper. The higher school teachers pay the greatest attention to

quality of future professionals� knowledge and abilities. Respondents� understanding of importance of training and educational component in professional

teacher�s activity structure is also high respectively.

From this point of view in the paper have been reflected such research directions as a problem related to development of pedagogical ensuring of higher

school teacher�s continuous education, character of axiological prerequisites allowing the teacher to design by education means his own professional

picture of the world. Parameters defining profession�s attraction, professionalizing efficiency and higher school teacher�s professional satisfaction in

system of his relations with himself, the world and other people have been emphasized.
Macular Electroretinography and Methods of Retina Visualization in Diagnostics of Standard Stargardt Disease, Verified by Molecular Genetic Methods
Authors: Стрельников  , Strelnikov V. , Рогова  , Rogova S. , Егорова  , Egorova I. , Рогатина  , Rogatina E. , Рябцев  , Ryabtsev D. , Иванова  , Ivanova M. , Ижевская  , Izhevskaya V. , Деменкова  , Demenkova O. , Зольникова  , Zolnikova Inna , Танас  , Tanas A.
Published: February 2014

The aim of the study was to assess the data concerning the modern methods of retina visualization (optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence) and its interrelation with the data concerning the modern elec-troretinographic methods for research of Stargardt desease, verified with the help of molecular genetic methods. It was found that the shift of macular electroretinogramm to the red stimulus correlates with the parameters of optic coherent tomography: inverse high correlation between the "transverse defect" and a-wave amplitude of macular electroretinogramm (r=-0,83, p<0,01), thus indicating interconnection between lowering of photoreceptor function and structural changes of junction between outer and inner photoreceptor segments. Correlation between the "transverse defect" and b-wave amplitude of macular electroretinogramm (r=-0,37, p<0,01) proves the existence of interrelation between electrogenesis of middle retina layers (bipolar cells) in fovea and biometrical markers of structural changes in photoreceptors caused by Stargardt desease. The hallmarks of Stargardt desease, revealed by the optical coherence tomography, are the hyperreflective spots, localized in retinal pigment epithelium and reaching the outer nuclear layer, together with the damaged interface line of the outer and inner photoreceptors segments. Autofluoresence caused by Stargardt desease demonstrates combination of hypofluorescence in fovea with hypofluorescence in the posterior pole. For the first time the following etiologic mutations of ABCA4 gene, associated with Stargardt desease were revealed in Russian population: rsl800553 (Glyl961Glu), rs61752418 (Aspl093Gly), rs61751374 (Alal038Val), rs201471607 (Asn965Ser), rsl801581 (Arg943Gln), rs75197161 (Gly863Ala delG863), rs76157638 (Arg653Cys) и rs61751392 (Leu541Pro) ABCA4.
The Value of Crystallization of Biological Liquids for Everyday Practice and Prospects (Scientific Review of Literature)
Authors: Цкипури  , Tskipuri Yu. , Борисова  , Borisova O. , Беляева  , Belyaeva Elena
Published: February 2014

The review is devoted to the role of crystals in biological liquids (blood, plasma) of the human body. Comparison of crystal formation in living and technical environments was carried out. The importance of natural biological nanotechnology in correlation to the structures of cells, tissues, organs was shown. The impact on thesiographic picture of the biological liquids of various external factors modulating was demonstrated. The significance of nanocrystalline structures in the creation of new materials for medicine and explain the features of crystallization in living organisms was determined. Necessity of development of the theory of cluster formation of crystals of multicomponent solutions was established. Processes of stone formation, including calculus, with positions biocrystallization and fractal representation, condition of stability and instability of the steady state of thesiograms were described. Synergetic approaches to the problem, including the significance of the theory of solitons, were identified. It is shown that thesiography can be used in the development of new technologies for obtaining of crystal liquids solids.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment Performance – a Critical Literature Review
Authors: Trąpczyński Piotr
Published: February 2014

Foreign direct investment (FDI), its motives, modes and location choice constitute key subjects in theory and research in international business, due to their long-term consequences for firm competitiveness. The determinants of results achieved in foreign markets can therefore be described as a fundamental research area, which specifically includes studies on FDI performance. In spite of its long tradition and methodical advancement, extant research show numerous inconsistencies and ambiguous findings. In both international and Polish literature, no complex summary of extant knowledge on FDI performance determinants can be found, which would allow for the consolidation and evaluation of earlier findings. The aim of this paper is to present the findings of a structured review of 95 studies on performance of foreign subsidiaries. Within extant studies, four main research streams were identified, focusing on FDI mode choice, resource determinants on a firm and subsidiary level, host-country characteristics and corporate strategy. Previous research has not adequately considered the role of expansion motives for evaluating FDI performance. Future studies should also to a greater extent account for a differentiated role of firm resources, particularly various types of international experience, as applied in host countries at different levels of economic and institutional development. Moreover, a more holistic FDI performance analysis requires a simultaneous consideration of financial and non-financial dimensions of a foreign subsidiary's competitive position. Based on the outcomes of the present review, areas for further studies have been proposed, especially as regards the context of outward FDI, increasingly undertaken by Polish companies, and its specific character.
Microfinance in Europe
Authors: Kłobukowska Justyna
Published: February 2014

Microfinance is often considered as the most useful and effective tool in the fight against global poverty. Moreover, microfinance can be used to support the development of self-employment and micro-enterprises in European countries. It has a double impact: an economic impact as it allows the creation of income generating activities and a social impact as it contributes to financial inclusion and therefore to the social inclusion of societies. Because of financial crisis, which was the crisis of values as well, we could observe negative impact on trust level to financial institutions. This study focuses on the problem of impact microfinance on recovery confidence to financial institutions among their clients. The main purpose of the article was to present the idea of microfinance and it socio-economical profile as a part of European policies on background of crisis of confidence to financial institutions. The chapter is ended by the microfinance SWOT analysis, which characterize prospects and threats as well. To obtain main objective were used: a descriptive method, a comparative method and a literature analysis method.
U-500 Insulin Safety Concerns Mount; Improved Labeling Needed for Camphor Product; Cardizem-Cardene Mix-up; Initiative to Eliminate Tubing Misconnections
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: February 2014

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Dolutegravir
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: February 2014

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The February 2014 monograph topics are sofosbuvir, simeprevir capsules, ibrutinib, hydrocodone extended-release capsules, and eslicarbazepine. The DUE/MUE is on sofosbuvir.
Molecular Cloning, Characterization and Expression Analysis of Calreticulin Gene in the Ant Polyrhachis vicina Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Liu Liping , Dang Liang , Xi Gengsi , Wang Fang
Published: February 2014

Calreticulin (CRT) as a ubiquitous and highly conserved calcium-binding protein exists in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which possesses a variety of biological functions in the regulation of cell calcium homeostasis, molecular chaperoning and innate immunity. In our research, the calreticulin homologous gene (refered as PvCRT) was cloned from the ant Polyrhachis vicina Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), the full-length cDNA of PvCRT is 1584bp base pairs（bp）, contains a 5’-untranslated region of 87bp and a 3’-untranslated region of 246bp. The open reading frame (ORF) of 1251bp encodes 416 amino acids. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR to study PvCRT mRNA expression levels indicate that this gene was expressed in different developmental stages of castes of P. vicina. The mRNA expression level in both embryos and adults show that PvCRT gene may play some essential roles in the ant’s development.
Insecticidal Activity of the Whole Grass Extract of Typha angustifolia and its Active Component against Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Zhang Zhixiang , Zhou You , Song Xiangning , Xu Hanhong , Cheng Dongmei
Published: February 2014

In this study, the toxicity of whole grass Typha angustifolia L. extract was determined in vitro by a “water tube” method to investigate the bioactivity of T. angustifolia L. against micrergates of red imported fire ants. Results indicated that the ethanol extract exhibited toxicity against the micrergates of red imported fire ants. Mortality was 100% after the micrergates were treated with 2000 mg/mL of ethanol extract for 72 h. After 48 h of treatment, LC50 values of ethanol extract and petroleum ether fraction were 956.85 and 398.73 mg/mL, respectively. After 120 h, LC50 values of the same substances were 271.23 and 152.86 mg/mL, respectively. A bioactivity-guided fractionation and chemical investigation of petroleum ether fraction yielded an active component (compound 1). NMR spectra revealed that the structure of compound 1 corresponded to 3β-hydroxy-25-methylenecycloartan-24-ol. Compound 1 also exhibited strong toxicity against the micrergates of red imported fire ants, thereby eradicating all of the tested ants treated with 240 mg/mL for 120 h. LC50 values of compound 1 at 48 and 120 h were 316.50 and 28.52 mg/mL, respectively.
Nest entrance types of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae sensu lato) in a Tropical Dry Forest of mid-Western Brazil
Authors: Lima Felipe Varussa de Oliveira , Silvestre Rogerio , Balestieri José Benedito Perrella
Published: February 2014

Characteristics of nest structure and nesting habits are useful in taxonomical, phylogenetic, and ecological studies, but for some environments this information is lacking. The external architecture of the nest entrance of native stingless bees (Apidae s.lato: Meliponina) was studied in the Serra da Bodoquena range mountain, Brazil. Our objective was to evaluate the pattern of nesting stingless bees in a tropical dry forest and check if the structure of micro-habitat can modify the default building entrance and the type of substrate used by bees. Colonies were discovered by active search and some workers were collected on the nest entrance with entomological nets. The following characteristics of the nest were described: the substrate used, shape and color of the nest entrance, entrance height aboveground, number of bees guarding the entrance of the colony, worker defense at the nest entrance, and description “in situ” of land use in the surroundings of the colony. We assessed a total of 26 nests of six species of Meliponina bees. The observed nest frequency were: Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Schwarz, 1938) (n=13), Scaptotrigona depilis Moure, 1942 (n=6), Plebeia sp.1 (n=4), Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius, 1804), Partamona cupira (Smith, 1863), and Oxytrigona tataira (Smith, 1863) (n=1). The substrates were used in the following order of preference: hollows of living or dead trees, cavities of limestone, termite mounds, and one nest in a wooden box. We detected different patterns of construction nest entrance in Plebeia sp.1; and observed a highest nest aggregation in open areas.
Pollen Content in Honey of Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in an Atlântica Forest Fragment in the Municipality of Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil.
Authors: Araujo Diogo Feliciano Dias , Moreti Augusta Carolina Carmelo Carmargo , Silveira Talita Antonia da , Marchini Luís Carlos , Otsuk Ivani Pozar
Published: February 2014

The productive and reproductive characteristics of Apis mellifera L. bees are directly affected by climatic conditions and food availability in the region where the bees are reared or kept; therefore, food storage (honey and pollen), oviposition and population growth of these bees are subject to seasonal variations. These variations lead the bees to constantly search for food, taking exploratory trips, called “foraging”. This study investigated the botanical origin of nectar sources collected by A. mellifera bees for six consecutive months, from October/2011 to March/2012 in six bee colonies. The study was carried out in the experimental apiary of the Entomology and Acarology Department of the College of Agriculture “Luiz de Queiroz”, from the University of São Paulo, in the municipality of Piracicaba, São Paulo State. The study site has a predominance vegetation of Semideciduous Forest (Atlântica Forest). In each sampling month, we analyzed the pollen types in the honey samples. We used the acetolysis method to prepare the samples for melissopalynology. We carried out the quantitative analysis by successive count of 900 sample grains. The samples were grouped in terms of botanical species, families and/or pollen types. The results show that bees used several plants from the region as a nectar source. However, Arecaceae, Fabaceae/Mimosoideae and Myrtaceae families were predominant throughout the sampling period. The occurrence of these plant species was significant and essential for the maintenance of the bee colonies.
Effects of Colors and Appearance of the Potential Aggressor on Defensive Behavior of Vespa crabro L. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Colonies.
Authors: Nadolski Jerzy
Published: February 2014

Defensive behavior of the European hornet Vespa crabro colonies were studied using the dummy and balloons in different colors. The strong aggressiveness level of hornet's workers was caused by dark colors (black and brown) and orange. The colors white and green did not cause their attack. However, the strongest reactions of hornets were caused by dummy with the animal snout and dark hair on the head. Thus people who are near wasp colonies should have clothes in white or green and hair obscured but when the whole nest is eliminate, they have to have a safe outfit properly constructed.
Aluminum Flame Temperature Measurements in Solid Propellant Combustion
Authors: Parigger Christian G. , Woods Alexander C. , Surmick David M. , Donaldson A.B. , Height Jonathan L.
Published: February 2014

The temperature in an aluminized propellant is determined as a function of height and plume depth from diatomic AlO and thermal emission spectra. Higher in the plume, 305 and 508 mm from the burning surface, measured AlO emission spectra show an average temperature with 1σ errors of 2980 ± 80 K. Lower in the plume, 152 mm from the burning surface, an average AlO emission temperature of 2450 ± 100 K is inferred. The thermal emission analysis yields higher temperatures when using constant emissivity. Particle size effects along the plume are investigated using wavelength-dependent emissivity models.
Does a humorous element characterize embarrassment?
Authors: Weisfeld Glenn E. , Weisfeld Miriam B.
Published: February 2014

Evidence is mixed on the question of the distinctiveness of embarrassment as a negative self-conscious emotion. Embarrassment is particularly likely to feature blushing, smiling and laughter, and to follow some minor and surprising social gaffe. Perhaps embarrassment can be distinguished from similar emotions by these observable expressive elements, rather than just in terms of contextual factors. Although slumped posture and averted gaze accompany all the negative self-conscious emotions, blushing may sometimes accompany embarrassment in order to accentuate one's submission disposition when the offense is minor and unusual. The frequent and distinctive smiles and laughter of embarrassment may reflect a truly humorous aspect to the embarrassing incident, and not just anxiety. As with other instances of humor, people are amused by embarrassing situations when the victim commits some unexpected, minor faux pas. These amusing, informative scenarios are a staple of conversation, and protect those present against committing a similar offense in the future. Thus, perhaps true embarrassment might be interpreted as a blend of two universal emotions, humor appreciation and shame, and defined operationally as exhibiting submission displays and smiling or laughter in response to having committed some unusual peccadillo.
An analysis of humor orientation on Facebook: A lens model approach
Authors: Pennington Natalie , Hall Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2014

This article presents the results of a mixed method analysis of the use and perception of humor orientation (HO) on Facebook (FB) profiles (
Milk demystified by chemistry
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: February 2014

This article traces the decline of milk from a heavenly elixir to a tradeable food. Early cultures regarded milk not as a simple nutrient, but a living fluid. Heroes and gods were believed to have been nurtured by animals after being abandoned. Character traits were assumed to be transmitted by milk; infantile diseases were attributed to “bad milk”, whereas “good milk” was used as a remedy. With chemical methods developed at the end of the 18th century, it became known that human milk was higher in sugar and lower in protein than cow’s milk. During the 19th century, “scientific” feeding emerged that meant modifying cow’s milk to imitate the proportion of nutrients in human milk. In Boston from 1893, Rotch initiated the “percentage” method, requiring a physician’s prescription. In Paris from 1894, Budin sterilized bottled infant milk. In Berlin in 1898, Rubner measured oxygen and energy uptake by calorimetry, prompting feeding by calories, and Czerny introduced regulated feeding by the clock. These activities ignored the emotional dimension of infant nutrition and the anti-infective properties of human milk. They may have also enhanced the decline in breastfeeding, which reached an all-time low in 1971. Milk’s demystification made artificial nutrition safer, but paved the way for commercially produced infant formula.
Parameters characterizing the kinetics of the non-isothermal crystallization of polyamide 5,6 determined by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Eltahir Yassir A. , Saeed Haroon A.M. , Yuejun Chen , Xia Yumin , Yimin Wang
Published: February 2014

The non-isothermal crystallization behavior of polyamide 5,6 (PA56) was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics were analyzed using the modified Avrami equation, the Ozawa model, and the method combining the Avrami and Ozawa equations. It was found that the Avrami method modified by Jeziorny could only describe the primary stage of non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of PA56, the Ozawa model failed to describe the non-isothermal crystallization of PA56, while the combined approach could successfully describe the non-isothermal crystallization process much more effectively. Kinetic parameters, such as the Avrami exponent, kinetic crystallization rate constant, relative degree of crystallinity, the crystallization enthalpy, and activation energy, were also determined for PA56.
Social Capital, Sensemaking, and Recovery: Japanese Companies and the 2011 Earthquake
Authors: Olcott George , Oliver Nick
Published: February 2014

The earthquake that hit East Japan in March 2011 caused massive damage. While widespread disruption to global supply chains was predicted, production resumed with remarkable speed. This article describes how resources from the networks of damaged companies were rapidly mobilized and deployed, enabling rapid restoration of production. It uses the concepts of social capital and sensemaking to explain the speed of recovery. Social capital facilitated rapid mobilization, and strategies to build shared mental models permitted effective coordination under complex and rapidly evolving conditions. The ability to mobilize and focus resources is crucial to disaster recovery.
Clinical challenges in the management of isolated GH deficiency type IA in adulthood
Authors: Casteràs Anna , Kratzsch Jürgen , Ferrández Ángel , Zafón Carles , Carrascosa Antonio , Mesa Jordi
Published: February 2014

Isolated GH deficiency type IA (IGHDIA) is an infrequent cause of severe congenital GHD, often managed by pediatric endocrinologists, and hence few cases in adulthood have been reported. Herein, we describe the clinical status of a 56-year-old male with IGHDIA due to a 6.7 kb deletion in GH1 gene that encodes GH, located on chromosome 17. We also describe phenotypic and biochemical parameters, as well as characterization of anti-GH antibodies after a new attempt made to treat with GH. The height of the adult patient was 123 cm. He presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, and low physical and psychological performance, compatible with GHD symptomatology. Anti-GH antibodies in high titers and with binding activity (>101 IU/ml) were found 50 years after exposure to exogenous GH, and their levels increased significantly (>200 U/ml) after a 3-month course of 0.2 mg/day recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment. Higher doses of rhGH (1 mg daily) did not overcome the blockade, and no change in undetectable IGF1 levels was observed (<25 ng/ml). IGHDIA patients need lifelong medical surveillance, focusing mainly on metabolic disturbances, bone status, cardiovascular disease, and psychological support. Multifactorial conventional therapy focusing on each issue is recommended, as anti-GH antibodies may inactivate specific treatment with exogenous GH. After consideration of potential adverse effects, rhIGF1 treatment, even theoretically indicated, has not been considered in our patient yet.

Learning points

Severe isolated GHD may be caused by mutations in GH1 gene, mainly a 6.7 kb deletion.

Appearance of neutralizing anti-GH antibodies upon recombinant GH treatment is a characteristic feature of IGHDIA.

Recombinant human IGF1 treatment has been tested in children with IGHDIA with variable results in height and secondary adverse effects, but any occurrence in adult patients has not been reported yet.

Metabolic disturbances (diabetes and hyperlipidemia) and osteoporosis should be monitored and properly treated to minimize cardiovascular disease and fracture risk.

Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging should be repeated in adulthood to detect morphological abnormalities that may have developed with time, as well as pituitary hormones periodically assessed.
Urban Water Infrastructure Renewal: Assessment of Quantities, Costs, and Quality of Materials
Authors: Rodriguez Mario Buenfil
Published: February 2014

Any world’s metropolis requires urban public water networks composed by thousands of kilometres of pipelines and various other installations. Such infrastructure ensemble is expected to be in service for rather long periods of time, as it involved decades of costly investments. Anyway, and independently of careful operation and maintenance of such assets, eventually and unavoidable they will decay and will need replacement. This will occur sooner when soil conditions, or operation and maintenance is unfavourable. The paper explores typical and general problems for renewing infrastructure, with examples from specific studies for some Mexican cities and from other countries found in literature. Also mentions usual materials and elements and their life spans under different conditions, along with replacement techniques and probable costs.

The topics, elements and focuses of attention around water infrastructure renewal are broad and varied and must cover the WHY, HOW, WHEN, WHERE, and WITH WHAT money. They range from technical, constructive and diagnosis tasks, to institutional organization, financial and public awareness. As it is impossible to cover everything in a single paper, the present one is a modest intent to give a brief panorama of the state of the art on several of those issues and focuses. The paper underlines and gives recommendations regarding gaps and needs requiring research, as well as the production of more technical papers and discussion forums particularly in Mexico and the Latin America Regions.
Influence of surface treatment on adhesion of iCVD PGMA thin films for wafer-level bonding
Authors: Bharamaiah Jeevendrakumar Vijay Jain , Altemus Bruce A. , Gildea Adam J. , Bergkvist Magnus
Published: February 2014

This work demonstrates wafer bonding using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) poly(glycidylmethacrylate) (PGMA) thin films, and studies the impact of surface treatment to manipulate adhesion energy between polymer film and silicon substrate. Substrates were modified with organosilanes or nitrogen plasma prior to iCVD and bonding. Adhesion was characterized by measuring critical energy release rate (Gc) using a 4-point bend technique. Results demonstrate a correlation between substrate surface energy and polymer-substrate adhesion energy where, depending on the functional group, close to an order of magnitude variation in adhesion energy was observed. These results point to minimal covalent interaction between polymer and substrate for these samples. Exposing the bonded wafers to a thermal anneal step led to an improved grafting of PGMA to substrate. For grafted films, the sample failure mode shifted from adhesive to cohesive, with drastic increase in Gc. These findings demonstrate that the adhesion energy and failure mode of iCVD-PGMA bonded wafers can be manipulated through surface functionalization and thermal treatment, which enable both temporary and permanent chip-bonding applications using iCVD polymer films as adhesives.
Influence of Different Mechanisms of Fluoride Release from Adhesive Systems
Authors: Basso Gabriela Romanini , Borba Márcia , Bona Alvaro Della
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the time-dependent fluoride (F) release from three adhesive systems: Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB - Kuraray), FL Bond II (FLB- Shofu) and Adper Single Bond 2 (SB2 - 3M ESPE) (negative control). CPB and FLB are fluoride containing adhesives that use different F releasing mechanisms. The tested hypothesis was that the F releasing mechanism influences the amount of released F in water. Disc-shaped specimens (5 mm × 3 mm) were fabricated using a plastic matrix (Demetron Research Corp). Three specimens were produced for each material and each period of evaluation (1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days) (n=3). Subsequently, the specimens were stored in 10 mL distilled water at 37° C until the analyses were done using a liquid membrane for selective F ion electrode (Orion 710). Four readings were performed on the first day and the remaining evaluation times had one reading/day. Results were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). CPB released the greatest amount of fluoride in all evaluated periods with the greatest value at 6th h (0.183 ppm) thereafter decreasing gradually up to the 7th day when it significantly increased again until the 21st day. In most measurements, FLB showed similar mean fluoride release values as SB2. Therefore, the fluoride release mechanism influenced the amount of fluoride released in water, confirming the study hypothesis.