bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketoanalogue-Supplemented Vegetarian Very Low–Protein Diet and CKD Progression
Authors: Garneata Liliana , Stancu Alexandra , Dragomir Diana , Stefan Gabriel , Mircescu Gabriel
Published: January 2016

Dietary protein restriction may improve determinants of CKD progression. However, the extent of improvement and effect of ketoanalogue supplementation are unclear. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of safety and efficacy of ketoanalogue–supplemented vegetarian very low–protein diet (KD) compared with conventional low–protein diet (LPD). Primary end point was RRT initiation or >50% reduction in initial eGFR. Nondiabetic adults with stable eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, proteinuria <1 g/g urinary creatinine, good nutritional status, and good diet compliance entered a run-in phase on LPD. After 3 months, compliant patients were randomized to KD (0.3 g/kg vegetable proteins and 1 cps/5 kg ketoanalogues per day) or continue LPD (0.6 g/kg per day) for 15 months. Only 14% of screened patients patients were randomized, with no differences between groups. Adjusted numbers needed to treat (NNTs; 95% confidence interval) to avoid composite primary end point in intention to treat and per-protocol analyses in one patient were 4.4 (4.2 to 5.1) and 4.0 (3.9 to 4.4), respectively, for patients with eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Adjusted NNT (95% confidence interval) to avoid dialysis was 22.4 (21.5 to 25.1) for patients with eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 but decreased to 2.7 (2.6 to 3.1) for patients with eGFR<20 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in intention to treat analysis. Correction of metabolic abnormalities occurred only with KD. Compliance to diet was good, with no changes in nutritional parameters and no adverse reactions. Thus, this KD seems nutritionally safe and could defer dialysis initiation in some patients with CKD.
A Novel Extrinsic Pathway for the Unfolded Protein Response in the Kidney
Authors: Mami Iadh , Tavernier Quentin , Bouvier Nicolas , Aboukamis Rim , Desbuissons Geoffroy , Rabant Marion , Poindessous Virginie , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Beaune Philippe , Tharaux Pierre-Louis , Thervet Eric , Chevet Eric , Anglicheau Dany , Pallet Nicolas
Published: January 2016

The ribonuclease angiogenin is a component of the mammalian stress response, and functions in both cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous ways to promote tissue adaptation to injury. We recently showed that angiogenin regulates tissue homeostasis during AKI associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through the production of transfer RNA fragments that interfere with translation initiation and thereby alleviate ER stress. However, whether the paracrine signaling mediated by angiogenin secretion is a genuine component of the ER stress response to kidney injury is unknown. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms by which angiogenin is secreted upon ER stress, and determined how it modulates the inflammatory microenvironment. In cultured renal epithelial cells, ER stress specifically induced angiogenin secretion under the selective control of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α, a key activator of the unfolded protein response. The transcription factors spliced X-box–binding protein 1 and p65, which are activated by inositol-requiring enzyme 1α upon ER stress, each bound the angiogenin promoter and controlled the amount of angiogenin secreted. Furthermore, p65 promoted angiogenin transcription in an ER stress-dependent manner. Similar to secretion of the ER stress-induced proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, secretion of angiogenin required the ER-Golgi pathway. Notably, incubation of human macrophages with angiogenin promoted macrophage reprogramming toward an activated and proinflammatory phenotype. In patients, angiogenin expression increased upon renal inflammation, and the urinary concentration of angiogenin correlated with the extent of immune-mediated kidney injury. Collectively, our data identify angiogenin as a mediator of the ER stress-dependent inflammatory response and as a potential noninvasive biomarker of AKI.
Tubular Epithelial NF-κB Activity Regulates Ischemic AKI
Authors: Markó Lajos , Vigolo Emilia , Hinze Christian , Park Joon-Keun , Roël Giulietta , Balogh András , Choi Mira , Wübken Anne , Cording Jimmi , Blasig Ingolf E. , Luft Friedrich C. , Scheidereit Claus , Schmidt-Ott Kai M. , Schmidt-Ullrich Ruth , Müller Dominik N.
Published: January 2016

NF-κB is a key regulator of innate and adaptive immunity and is implicated in the pathogenesis of AKI. The cell type–specific functions of NF-κB in the kidney are unknown; however, the pathway serves distinct functions in immune and tissue parenchymal cells. We analyzed tubular epithelial-specific NF-κB signaling in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)–induced AKI. NF-κB reporter activity and nuclear localization of phosphorylated NF-κB subunit p65 analyses in mice revealed that IRI induced widespread NF-κB activation in renal tubular epithelia and in interstitial cells that peaked 2–3 days after injury. To genetically antagonize tubular epithelial NF-κB activity, we generated mice expressing the human NF-κB super-repressor IκBαΔN in renal proximal, distal, and collecting duct epithelial cells. Compared with control mice, these mice exhibited improved renal function, reduced tubular apoptosis, and attenuated neutrophil and macrophage infiltration after IRI-induced AKI. Furthermore, tubular NF-κB–dependent gene expression profiles revealed temporally distinct functional gene clusters for apoptosis, chemotaxis, and morphogenesis. Primary proximal tubular cells isolated from IκBαΔN-expressing mice and exposed to hypoxia-mimetic agent cobalt chloride exhibited less apoptosis and expressed lower levels of chemokines than cells from control mice did. Our results indicate that postischemic NF-κB activation in renal tubular epithelia aggravates tubular injury and exacerbates a maladaptive inflammatory response.
Downward Nominal Wage Rigidity in the United States During and After the Great Recession
Authors: Wascher William L. , Fallick Bruce C. , Lettau Michael
Published: January 2016

Rigidity in wages has long been thought to impede the functioning of labor markets. One recent strand of the research on wage flexibility in the United States and elsewhere has focused on the possibility of downward nominal wage rigidity and what implications such rigidity might have for the macroeconomy at low levels of inflation. The Great Recession of 2008-09, during which the unemployment rate topped 10 percent and price deflation was at times seen as a distinct possibility, along with the subsequent slow recovery and persistently low inflation, has added to the relevance of this line of inquiry. In this paper, we use establishment-level data from a nationally representative establishment-based compensation survey collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to investigate the extent to which downward nominal wage rigidity is present in U.S. labor markets. We use several distinct methods proposed in the literature to test for downward nominal wage rigidity, and to assess whether such rigidity is more severe at low rates of inflation and in the presence of negative economic shocks than in more normal economic times. Like earlier studies, we find evidence of a significant amount of downward nominal wage rigidity in the United States. We find no evidence that the high degree of labor market distress during the Great Recession reduced the amount of downward nominal wage rigidity and some evidence that operative rigidity may have increased during that period.
Wholesale Banking and Bank Runs in Macroeconomic Modeling of Financial Crises
Authors: Gertler Mark , Kiyotaki Nobuhiro , Prestipino Andrea
Published: January 2016

There has been considerable progress in developing macroeconomic models of banking crises. However, most of this literature focuses on the retail sector where banks obtain deposits from households. In fact, the recent financial crisis that triggered the Great Recession featured a disruption of wholesale funding markets, where banks lend to one another. Accordingly, to understand the financial crisis as well as to draw policy implications, it is essential to capture the role of wholesale banking. The objective of this paper is to characterize a model that can be seen as a natural extension of the existing literature, but in which the analysis is focused on wholesale funding markets. The model accounts for both the buildup and collapse of wholesale banking, and also sketches out the transmission of the crises to the real sector. We also draw out the implications of possible instability in the wholesale banking sector for lender-of-last resort policy as well as for macroprudential policy.
Social Media and Libraries:A Scientometric Assessment of World Output, 2003-2014
Authors: Gupta B. M. , Dhawan S. M. , Visakhi P.
Published: January 2016

The paper examines 1472 global publications on "social media and libraries" covering the period 2003-14 on a series of indicators. The publications output averaged 62% annual growth. These 1472 global publications received 5350 citations since their publication, averaging 1.68 citations per paper. Only 47.55% publications were cited one or more times. The contribution of top most productive countries (namely USA, U.K., Canada, Spain, Germany, China, Australia, India, Netherlands and Singapore) together accounted for 74.86% share. Netherlands registered the highest share (38.89%) of international collaborative papers among the top 10 countries during 2003-14. The top 15 organizations out of 293 accounted for 12.57% share. The top 10 authors out of 410 accounted for 4.96% share during 2003-14. Journals (57%) and conference proceedings (26.09%) contributed the largest share to global output during 2003-14. The top 15 journals contributed 290 publications(34.20%) during 2003-14. The top 10 most highly cited papers received 1094 citations, from 51 to 401 citations per paper. Blogs contributed the largest share (34.99%) of publications among social media sites, followed by Wikipedia (19.97%), Facebook (13.65%) and others.
Impact of the Legend Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan's Cited Research Articles through Google Scholar
Authors: Kumar K.
Published: January 2016

This paper quantifies and analyzes the impact of research publications of Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan. The data for the study obtained using a web browser plug-in called Scholarometer through the Google Scholar, a search engine for scholarly communications. The study found 60 unique documents of S. R. Ranganathan. The paper analyzes the citations received by those research works through documents cited S. R. Ranganathan's work, citation count by document type, authorship pattern and discipline wise distribution of publications. This article also examines citation database using various research impact factors such as h-index, hm-index, hf-index and g-index. In addition, link analysis performed to provide interactive visualization of S. R. Ranganathan network displaying number of citation per author.
Multimedia Technologies and Student Learning:A Case Study of G.S. ST Michel EPA
Authors: Nyamboga Constantine , Ongus Raymond , Chweya Tinega Haron , Gilbert Okello
Published: January 2016

Information overload experienced in the information society calls for improved human information processing. Researchers around the globe are now focusing research on investigating the contributions of multimedia technologies on information processing. This research seeks to bring out the contributions of PowerPoint presentation on content recall, interpersonal interaction and attitudes towards PowerPoint presentation in communication. This research was conducted on the senior one (S1) secondary school students of GSS EPA, in Nyarugenge district, Kigali city province, Rwanda. A sample size of 180 students was selected based on Slovin's formula from a population of 330 senior one students. Through a completely randomized experimental pretest-posttest design, the sample size was randomly assigned to three groups: The group one (G1) is the control group while group two (G2) and group three (G3) experimental groups. Students in group one (G1) were exposed to only talk-and-chalk (less interactive communication strategy) while those in group two (G2) were exposed to talk-and-chalk with PowerPoint presentation and finally students in group three (G3) were exposed only to PowerPoint presentations (a more interactive communication strategy). The researchers used questionnaires, observations and test questions to collect and analyze the data collected in order to establish the relationship between multimedia and student learning attitude.
Information Needs and Information Seeking Behavior of Farmers in a Local Community in Odisha:An Analytical Study
Authors: Mahapatra Rabindra K.
Published: January 2016

Every effort has been taken by Government authorities to empower the farming community with information. Farmers have taken interest to know the modern techniques of farming to improve agricultural productivity. Farmers must have latest information and technological know-how on modern agriculture. In this situation determining information needs and identifying their information seeking behavior is an imminent task for the information intermediary. Hence this study undertaken in four villages in Odisha is an attempt in this direction which is designed to reflect the current knowledge of the farmers on agriculture, their information needs, seeking behavior, communication channels, the priority of information, and ways and means of better information related situation, etc.
Vitamin D in the skin physiology and pathology.
Authors: Piotrowska Anna , Wierzbicka Justyna , Żmijewski Michał A
Published: January 2016

Vitamin D plays important, pleiotropic role in the maintenance of global homeostasis. Its influence goes far beyond the regulation of calcium and phosphorus balance, as diverse activities of vitamin D and its natural metabolites assure proper functioning of major human organs, including skin. Recently, we reviewed the current understanding of vitamin D impact on human health from historical perspective (Wierzbicka et al. (2014) The renaissance of vitamin D. Acta Biochim Pol 61: 679-686). This article focuses on its functions in the skin. The skin and its appendages, creates a platform connecting and protecting internal organs against, usually harmful, external environment. It uppermost layer - epidermis in order to maintain a protective barrier undergoes a constant exchange of cornified keratinocytes layer. Its disturbance leads to development of serious skin disorders including psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and skin cancer. All of those dermatopathologies have a huge impact on modern societies, affecting not only the physical, but also mental state of patients as well as their social status. Furthermore, multiple human systemic diseases (autoimmune, blood and digestive diseases) have skin manifestation, thus "condition of the skin" often reflects the condition and pathological changes within the internal organs. In humans, the skin is the natural source of vitamin D, which is produced locally from 7-dehydrocholesterol in photoreaction induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. It is also well established, that the process of proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes is tightly regulated by calcium and the active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3). Thus, the skin physiology is inseparably connected with vitamin D production and activity. Unfortunately, UVB, which is required for vitamin D production, is also known as the main cause of a skin cancer, including melanoma. Here, we are going to review benefits of vitamin D and its analogues in the maintenance of epidermal barrier and its potential use in the treatment of common skin diseases.
PIO DAMIÃO: A ENFERMAGEM COMO FORMA DE PARTICIPAÇÃO POLÍTICA
Authors: Silva Maria Regina Guimarães , Sanna Maria Cristina
Published: January 2016

Esta é uma pesquisa sócio-histórica que tem como objetivo identificar, descrever e analisar a trajetóriaprofissional de Pio Damião. No estudo foram empregados documentos cartoriais, livro-ata de reuniões daSanta Casa, testamento público, artigos de revistas e jornais da época e, documentos do Arquivo PúblicoMineiro. Como fontes indiretas, foram utilizados capítulos de livros que retratam a história da cidade e quetambém citaram Pio Damião. Os documentos foram submetidos a leituras repetidas para busca dasinformações e do estabelecimento das relações entre elas. O personagem em foco foi o primeiro“enfermeiro” a trabalhar na Santa Casa de Guaxupé, Minas Gerais. Iniciou suas atividades em 1913, sededicando à enfermagem, cozinha e lavanderia da instituição. Fundou a Frente Negra Brasileira emGuaxupé. Foi desligado da Santa Casa provavelmente por motivos religiosos, por não ser católico, epermaneceu prestando cuidados à população da cidade em seu próprio domicílio até seu adoecimento emorte, em 1953.Descritores: História da enfermagem; Prática profissional; Biografia
Electrocardiographic changes in pregnancy
and postpartum period
Authors: Kandzia Tomasz , Markiewicz-Łoskot Grażyna
Published: January 2016

Ciąża i poród, choć należą do fizjologicznego i naturalnego czasu w życiu kobiety, wiążą się z wieloma zmianami w jej organizmie. Całkowita objętość krwi, rzut serca i tętno u kobiet w ciąży znacznie odbiegają od wartości przedciążowych. Zmiany te mają znaczący wpływ na aktywność elektryczną serca. Zmieniona aktywność elektryczna serca może być mylona z trwającą lub nowo powstałą chorobą serca. Ponadto w okresie ciąży, porodu, a również połogu w sposób istotny zwiększa się ryzyko zdarzeń sercowych, w tym zaburzeń rytmu, zawału serca lub nawet nagłej śmierci sercowej, zwłaszcza u kobiet z chorobą serca w wywiadzie, takich jak LQTS (zespół wydłużonego odcinka QT). W celu zmniejszenia występowania niepożądanych zdarzeń sercowych oraz umożliwienia ich wcześniejszego wykrywania i diagnostyki istnieje potrzeba bardziej dogłębnego zrozumienia zmian elektrokardiograficznych zachodzących w okresie ciąży. Niestety, dane dotyczące zmian elektrokardiograficznych w ciąży są nieliczne. Celem naszej pracy poglądowej jest przedstawienie zarysu zmian elektrycznej aktywności serca u kobiety ciężarnej. Dostępne wyniki badań dowodzą, że intensywne zmiany w układzie krążenia spowodowane ciążą silnie wpływają na aktywność elektryczną serca.
Computer assisted sperm analysis of fresh and frozen-thawed buffalo semen and their interrelationship
Authors: Patel J.B. , Dhami* A.J.
Published: January 2016

Sixty semen ejaculates from 10 mature bulls, 5 each of Jafarabadi and Mehsana breed, were studied for sperm motility and velocity parameters of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa using computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). The mean values of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa observed in fresh semen of Jafarabadi and Mehsana bulls (79.77±1.62 and 61.80±1.85, and 78.90±1.22 and 61.37±1.58%) were highly significantly (Pand medium motile sperm (%) increased, while beat-cross frequency (Hz), straightness (%), linearity (%), sperm area (µm2) and rapidly motile sperm (%) decreased significantly in post-thawed sperms when compared with the fresh sperm of both Jafarabadi and Mehsana bulls. The initial motility and live sperm per cent were significantly correlated with CASA traits of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, and all the sperm motility and velocity traits of fresh and frozen-thawed semen assessed by CASA were significantly interrelated among both the breeds. The interrelationships were stronger in Mehsana bulls as compared to Jafarabadi bulls.
Effect of propylene glycol on fertility of postpartum dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress
Authors: Yildiz* Atilla , Erisir1 Zeki
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of a daily oral drench of Propylene Glycol (PG) on fertility in dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress. In treatment group, cows (n=9) were treated with drenching 250 ml propylene glycol once daily from 3 to 15 days post-partum following the morning milking. Another group of cows (n=9) was selected as untreated control. The serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were used as indicators of energy status of the cows. Days to onset of luteal activity, calving to first service interval and pregnancy rate to first service were used to evaluate the reproductive performance. There was no difference in onset of luteal activity postpartum between the treatment and control groups. But the cows in the treatment group tended to have shorter intervals from calving to first insemination compared with cows in control group. The pregnancy rate to first service for cows treated with PG was 2.50 times greater compared with cows in control group. The energy balance was less negative for treatment group compared with control cows. In conclusion, although, drenching with 250 mL of PG per day from 3 to 15 days after calving did not improve the onset of luteal activity postpartum, treated cows tended to have shorter intervals from calving until first service. Propylene glycol administration would improve the negative energy balance status as observed by serum BHBA concentration, which might be an advantage to increase pregnancy rate at first AI in dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress.
Effect of a-tocopherol acetate and zinc supplementation on body condition, energy metabolites and milk production in Karan Fries cows
Authors: Maurya*1 Pankaj Kumar , Aggarwal Anjali , Singh2 A.K. , Chaudhari B.K.
Published: January 2016

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of a-tocopherol acetate and zinc on body condition, energy metabolites and milk production in Karan Fries cows. Sixteen pregnant Karan Fries cows were selected two months before expected date of calving. The experimental animals were randomly divided in to two groups namely control group (eight cows) and treatment group (eight cows). Treatment group cows were supplemented with a-tocopherol acetate @ 1000 IU/day/cow and zinc @ 60 ppm/day/cow. Blood samples were collected on the days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, +7, +15, +30, +45 and +60 with respect to expected date of calving. The body weight and body condition score of all the experimental animals was recorded on the day of blood collection. After calving milk yield of the experimental animals was recorded till 60 days in milk. At parturition, body weight and body condition score differ significantly (P less than 0.001) in treatment group than control group (448.00 vs. 416.33 Kg and 4.42 vs. 4.17, respectively). The overall mean (±SEM) of plasma glucose was found to be significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in treatment group as compared to control group (62.39±1.23 vs. 57.44±1.59 mg/dl). The overall mean of non-esterified fatty acids was found to be significantly (P less than 0.001) lower in treatment group as compared to control group (197.10±3.38 vs. 239.21±3.48 µM/L). The overall mean of milk yield was found significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in treatment group as compared to control group (20.48±1.16 vs. 16.94±1.38 Kg/day i.e. 20.90%). The results of this study indicated that supplementation of antioxidants like a-tocopherol acetate and zinc have beneficial effects on milk production along with improved body condition and metabolic status of the animals.
Antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats treated with vanadium complex
Authors: Kannan P. , Vijayaraj# A. , Sesh* P. S. L. , Narayanan# V. , Thangavel A. , Pandiyan V.
Published: January 2016

As lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes, the antioxidant status of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, treated with vanadium complex was explored in the present study. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at the dose rate of 45 mg per kg body weight. Diabetes was confirmed after 72 hours of STZ injection by estimating blood glucose level and those rats showing more than 250 mg/dL were considered as diabetic. Vanadium complex at the dose rates of 5 and 10 mg / kg body weight was administered orally to normal control and STZ induced diabetic rats. Glimepiride was used as the positive control and was given orally at the dose rate of 800 µg / Kg body weight. The study on the hepatic, renal and pancreatic tissues showed that vanadium complex at both the predetermined dosages significantly increased the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase along with a significant increase in the level of glutathione and a significant decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation. The study also revealed that there is a significant reduction in the activity of catalase after treatment with vanadium complex at both the dosage levels.
Determination of antibacterial activities of different Thymus praecox subsp. grossheimii var. grossheimii extracts
Authors: Ozkan Oktay , Metiner K. , Kart Asim , Ozkaya S.
Published: January 2016

In this study, 4 different extracts of Thymus praecox subsp. grossheimii var. grossheimii (Ronniger) an endemic species of genus Thymus were investigated on gram positive and gram negative test bacteria for the antibacterial activity. The plant extracts were obtained via Soxhlet method, and the antibacterial activities were determined by macrodilution liquid (tube) method (MIC). Results indicated that 4 different extracts at different concentrations showed antibacterial activities on both gram positive and gram negative strains. The highest antibacterial activity was observed in acetone extract against Bacillus cereus, whereas the lowest activity was seen in methanol extract against Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella Enteritidis. In conclusion, it was determined that Thymus praecox subsp. grossheimii var. grossheimii (Ronniger) has an antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative test bacteria.
Back to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Authors: Budin Wendy C.
Published: January 2016

In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses the need for continued education about promoting vaginal birth after cesarean. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth.
Application of somatic hybridization for the improvement of horticultural crops
Authors: Singh A.K. , Mishra N.K. , Kumar Sanjeev , Pandey Sudhakar
Published: January 2016

Somatic hybridization (SH) using protoplast fusion is a promising tool to produce symmetrical and asymmetrical polyploidy somatic hybrids in many agricultural crops. The technique of SH could facilitate conventional breeding by providing of novel lines so as to use them as elite breeding materials in conventional crosses for both scion and rootstock improvement. Further, SH can overcome those problems associated with sexual hybridization viz., sexual incompatibility, nucellar embryogenesis, and male/female sterility. Successful exploitation of SH in horticultural crops mainly comes from transfer of resistance genes for biotic and abiotic stresses from related species in several horticultural crops, viz., citrus, potato, brinjal, tomato, mango, avocado, banana, strawberry, pear, cherry etc. Unlike transgenic technology, SH is not affected by legal formalities and able to transfer uncloned multiple genes. However, certain boundaries and limitations of SH restricts its use over sexual hybridization but, envisage of new genomic technologies providing better insight into the plant genomes will increase the potentiality of SH in betterment of agriculture.
Effect of Organic Manure on Wheat Grain Yield, Nutrient Accumulation, and Translocation
Authors: Koutroubas Spyridon D. , Antoniadis Vasileios , Damalas Christos A. , Fotiadis Sideris
Published: January 2016

A field study was conducted for two consecutive growing seasons to assess the effect of organic manure on the growth, productivity and nutrient dynamics of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), as well as on the concentration of trace elements in soil and wheat plants. Treatments consisted of two rates of farmyard manure (16 and 32 Mg dry weight ha−1 yr−1), one rate of inorganic fertilizer (IF, 120 kg N ha−1 yr−1 plus 80 kg P2O5 ha−1 yr−1), and an unamended control. Manure improved wheat growth and productivity compared to the unamended control; the response was dependent on the application rate. The high manure rate increased the number of spikes m−2 and resulted in grain yield similar to that of the IF. Manure application caused no changes in N, P, and K concentrations in plant tissues. At the high manure rate, N and P uptake was similar to that of the IF. Averaged across years, manure application resulted in nutrient translocation from vegetative parts to grain at a lower (for the N) or similar (for the P) rate to that of the IF. No differences among treatments in nutrient translocation efficiency were observed. Nitrogen and P translocation was correlated with total aboveground N or P accumulation at anthesis, respectively. The N use efficiency of manure‐N was lower compared with that of inorganic fertilizer‐N, mainly because of the corresponding differences in uptake efficiency. Trace elements did not increase with added manure either in soil or in wheat plant tissues.
Winter Rye Cover Crop Biomass Production, Degradation, and Nitrogen Recycling
Authors: Pantoja Jose L. , Woli Krishna P. , Sawyer John E. , Barker Daniel W.
Published: January 2016

Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop (RCC) use in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] production can alter N dynamics compared to no RCC. The objectives of this study were to evaluate RCC biomass production (BP) and subsequent RCC degradation (BD) and N recycling in a no‐till corn–soybean (CS) rotation. Aboveground RCC was sampled at spring termination for biomass dry matter (DM), C, and N. To evaluate BD and remaining C and N, RCC biomass was put into nylon mesh bags, placed on the soil surface, and collected multiple times over 105 d. Treatments included rye cover crop following soybean (RCC‐FS) and corn (RCC‐FC), and prior‐year N applied to corn. Overall, the RCC BP and N was low due to low soil profile NO3–N. Across sites and years, the greatest BP was with RCC‐FC that received 225 kg N ha−1 (1280 kg DM ha−1), with similar N uptake as with RCC‐FS (27 kg N ha−1). The RCC biomass and N remaining decreased over time following an exponential decay. An average 62% biomass with RCC‐FS and RCC‐FC degraded after 105 d; however, N recycled was greater with RCC‐FS than RCC‐FC [22 (80%) vs. 14 (64%) kg N ha−1, respectively], and was influenced by the RCC C/N ratio. The RCC did not recycle an agronomically meaningful amount of N, which limited N that could potentially be supplied to corn. Rye cover crops can conserve soil N, and with improved management and growth, recycling of crop‐available N should increase.
Designing Corn Management Strategies for High Yield and High Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Guo Jiameng , Wang Yonghong , Fan Tinglu , Chen Xinping , Cui Zhenling
Published: January 2016

The challenge of increasing crop productivity and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has led to a search for novel pathways leading to more sustainable agriculture. Here, we designed a whole‐corn (Zea mays L.) production system based on the local environment, drawing on appropriate crop varieties, sowing dates, densities, and advanced N management on the Loess Plateau in the Northwest of China. A 4 site‐years field experiment was performed to examine this corn system based on grain yield, biomass, N application rate, and NUE. Grain yield with designed crop management varied from 16.1 to 19.1 Mg ha−1 for these 4 site‐years, which attained 98 to 108% of the yield potential (ranging from 15.5–19.3 Mg ha−1). Equally importantly, the optimal N rate ranged from 207 to 222 kg N ha−1 with a high over ratio of 65 to 80 kg grain per kg applied N. Designing an integrated crop management system and N practice is an alternative approach for maximizing the use of solar radiation and periods with favorable temperature, ultimately achieving high yield and high NUE.
Conception to set up a new groundwater monitoring network in Serbia
Authors: Stevanovic Zoran , Ristic-Vakanjac Vesna , Milanovic Sasa
Published: January 2016

The Water Framework Directive of the European Union (WFD) adopted in year
2000. outlines number of water policy and management actions, where
monitoring is of primary importance. Following WFD principles Serbia adopted
new legislation in water sector aiming to conserve or achieve good
ecological, chemical and quantitative status of water resources. Serbia, as
most of the countries of former Yugoslavia mostly uses groundwater for
drinking water supply (over 75%). However, the current situation in
monitoring of groundwater quality and quantity is far from satisfactory.
Several hundred piezometers for observation of groundwater level under
auspices of the Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia are located mostly in
alluviums of major rivers, while some 70 piezometers are used by the Serbian
Environmental Protection Agency for controlling groundwater quality.
Currently only 20% of delineated groundwater bodies are under observation.
This paper evaluates current conditions and proposes to expand national
monitoring network to cover most of groundwater bodies or their groups, to
raise number of observation points to a density of ca. 1 object /200 km2 and
to include as much as possible actual waterworks in this network. Priority in
selecting sites for new observation piezometers or springs has to be given to
groundwater bodies under threats, either to their water reserves or their
water chemical quality. For the former, an assessment of available renewable
reserves versus exploitation capacity is needed, while to estimate pressures
on water quality, the best way is to compare aquifers? vulnerability against
anthropogenic (diffuse and punctual) hazards.
Hydrogeothermal characteristics of groundwater from Ribarska Banja spa, central Serbia
Authors: Dragisic Veselin , Petrovic-Pantic Tanja , Zivanovic Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Ribarska Banja spa is one of the most popular balneotherapy and recreation
centers in Serbia. It features several thermal groundwater sources whose
temperatures range from 26 to 54?C. The mineral content of these waters is
low and their composition is of the SO4-Na or HCO3-Na type. Thermal water
exploration has been conducted in the general area for many years, to assess
the hydrogeothermal potential in order to extract larger amounts of thermal
water for multiple uses. The hydrogeothermal system of Ribarska Banja spa was
defined based on a synthesis of the results of comprehensive structural
geology, geophysical, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and geothermal research.
The primary groundwater reservoir of the hydrogeothermal system is comprised
of tectonic zones (systems of faults and fractures) within
Cretaceous-Paleogene metamorphosed and non-metamorphosed rocks. The overlying
hydrogeological and temperature barrier is made up of a series of low
metamorphosed rocks (chlorite, chlorite-sericite schists, gabbros, etc.),
highly metamorphosed rocks (gneisses) and Neogene clay and sand sediments.
The system is recharged by infiltration of atmospheric precipitation and
surface water at the highest elevations of Mt. Jastrebac. Investigations have
also shown that the system?s heat source is younger granitoide intrusion
spreading northwest of Ribarska Banja spa. Based on the quartz
geothermometers, expected reservoir temperatures are in the range of 85-97?C
that can be expected at a depth of 1.87 km. Total energy usage at Ribarska
Banja spa is 31 TJ/y with thermal capacity of 1.65 MWt and utilization factor
of 0.58. Geothermal gradient is 0,051?C/m, while heat flow density is 163.5
mW/m2.
A Case for Company-Specific Public Disclosure of Corporate Tax Returns
Authors: Morris Donald
Published: January 2016

Tax returns of both public and private corporations are protected from IRS disclosure by Internal Revenue Code §6103. Historically, most arguments against public disclosure of tax information were aimed at personal returns. This article evaluates arguments both opposing and favoring company-specific public disclosure of corporate tax returns, focusing on public companies and federal government contractors. Among reasons against disclosure are the fear that (1) it will add to, rather than reduce, confusion about corporate accounting and tax practices, (2) compliance will be reduced as companies seek to hide details of their revenue and expenses, and (3) proprietary information, including trade secrets, will be disclosed. Among reasons favoring disclosure are the (1) results of a national survey, (2) improvement of tax compliance, (3) limited value of privacy given that it does not cover disagreements with the IRS that wind up in court, (4) fiduciary responsibility corporations owe to the public, and (5) tendency of increased transparency to intensify public pressure for tax reform. Based on this analysis, it is argued that the benefits to be gained by increasing disclosure—especially encouraging tax reform—outweigh the objections raised, which either lack empirical basis or may be met with available remedies.
Deficiency in Apoptosis-Inducing Factor Recapitulates Chronic Kidney Disease via Aberrant Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Authors: Coughlan Melinda T. , Higgins Gavin C. , Nguyen Tuong-Vi , Penfold Sally A. , Thallas-Bonke Vicki , Tan Sih Min , Ramm Georg , Van Bergen Nicole J. , Henstridge Darren C. , Sourris Karly C. , Harcourt Brooke E. , Trounce Ian A. , Robb Portia M. , Laskowski Adrienne , McGee Sean L. , Genders Amanda J. , Walder Ken , Drew Brian G. , Gregorevic Paul , Qian Hongwei , Thomas Merlin C. , Jerums George , Macisaac Richard J. , Skene Alison , Power David A. , Ekinci Elif I. , Wijeyeratne Xiaonan W. , Gallo Linda A. , Herman-Edelstein Michal , Ryan Michael T. , Cooper Mark E. , Thorburn David R. , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: January 2016

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein with dual roles in redox signaling and programmed cell death. Deficiency in AIF is known to result in defective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), via loss of complex I activity and assembly in other tissues. Because the kidney relies on OXPHOS for metabolic homeostasis, we hypothesized that a decrease in AIF would result in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we report that partial knockdown of Aif in mice recapitulates many features of CKD, in association with a compensatory increase in the mitochondrial ATP pool via a shift toward mitochondrial fusion, excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and Nox4 upregulation. However, despite a 50% lower AIF protein content in the kidney cortex, there was no loss of complex I activity or assembly. When diabetes was superimposed onto Aif knockdown, there were extensive changes in mitochondrial function and networking, which augmented the renal lesion. Studies in patients with diabetic nephropathy showed a decrease in AIF within the renal tubular compartment and lower AIFM1 renal cortical gene expression, which correlated with declining glomerular filtration rate. Lentiviral overexpression of Aif1m rescued glucose-induced disruption of mitochondrial respiration in human primary proximal tubule cells. These studies demonstrate that AIF deficiency is a risk factor for the development of diabetic kidney disease.
Unacylated Ghrelin Reduces Skeletal Muscle Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Inflammation and Prevents High-Fat Diet–Induced Hyperglycemia and Whole-Body Insulin Resistance in Rodents
Authors: Gortan Cappellari Gianluca , Zanetti Michela , Semolic Annamaria , Vinci Pierandrea , Ruozi Giulia , Falcione Antonella , Filigheddu Nicoletta , Guarnieri Gianfranco , Graziani Andrea , Giacca Mauro , Barazzoni Rocco
Published: January 2016

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inflammation may contribute to obesity-associated skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Ghrelin is a gastric hormone whose unacylated form (UnAG) is associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity in humans and may reduce oxidative stress in nonmuscle cells in vitro. We hypothesized that UnAG 1) lowers muscle ROS production and inflammation and enhances tissue insulin action in lean rats and 2) prevents muscle metabolic alterations and normalizes insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity. In 12-week-old lean rats, UnAG (4-day, twice-daily subcutaneous 200-µg injections) reduced gastrocnemius mitochondrial ROS generation and inflammatory cytokines while enhancing AKT-dependent signaling and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In HFD-treated mice, chronic UnAG overexpression prevented obesity-associated hyperglycemia and whole-body insulin resistance (insulin tolerance test) as well as muscle oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered insulin signaling. In myotubes, UnAG consistently lowered mitochondrial ROS production and enhanced insulin signaling, whereas UnAG effects were prevented by small interfering RNA–mediated silencing of the autophagy mediator ATG5. Thus, UnAG lowers mitochondrial ROS production and inflammation while enhancing insulin action in rodent skeletal muscle. In HFD-induced obesity, these effects prevent hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Stimulated muscle autophagy could contribute to UnAG activities. These findings support UnAG as a therapeutic strategy for obesity-associated metabolic alterations.
HLA-DRB1*15:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*06:02 Haplotype Protects Autoantibody-Positive Relatives From Type 1 Diabetes Throughout the Stages of Disease Progression
Authors: Pugliese Alberto , Boulware David , Yu Liping , Babu Sunanda , Steck Andrea K. , Becker Dorothy , Rodriguez Henry , DiMeglio Linda , Evans-Molina Carmella , Harrison Leonard C. , Schatz Desmond , Palmer Jerry P. , Greenbaum Carla , Eisenbarth George S. , Sosenko Jay M. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Study Group
Published: January 2016

The HLA-DRB1*15:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*06:02 haplotype is linked to protection from the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is not known at which stages in the natural history of T1D development this haplotype affords protection. We examined a cohort of 3,358 autoantibody-positive relatives of T1D patients in the Pathway to Prevention (PTP) Study of the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet. The PTP study examines risk factors for T1D and disease progression in relatives. HLA typing revealed that 155 relatives carried this protective haplotype. A comparison with 60 autoantibody-negative relatives suggested protection from autoantibody development. Moreover, the relatives with DRB1*15:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*06:02 less frequently expressed autoantibodies associated with higher T1D risk, were less likely to have multiple autoantibodies at baseline, and rarely converted from single to multiple autoantibody positivity on follow-up. These relatives also had lower frequencies of metabolic abnormalities at baseline and exhibited no overall metabolic worsening on follow-up. Ultimately, they had a very low 5-year cumulative incidence of T1D. In conclusion, the protective influence of DRB1*15:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*06:02 spans from autoantibody development through all stages of progression, and relatives with this allele only rarely develop T1D.
Euglycemia Restoration by Central Leptin in Type 1 Diabetes Requires STAT3 Signaling but Not Fast-Acting Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Xu Yuanzhong , Chang Jeffrey T. , Myers Martin G. , Xu Yong , Tong Qingchun
Published: January 2016

Central leptin action is sufficient to restore euglycemia in insulinopenic type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. To examine the role of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways, we used LepRs/s mice with disrupted leptin-phosphorylated STAT3 signaling to test the effect of central leptin on euglycemia restoration. These mice developed streptozocin-induced T1D, which was surprisingly not associated with hyperglucagonemia, a typical manifestation in T1D. Further, leptin action on euglycemia restoration was abrogated in these mice, which was associated with refractory hypercorticosteronemia. To examine the role of fast-acting neurotransmitters glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), two major neurotransmitters in the brain, from leptin receptor (LepR) neurons, we used mice with disrupted release of glutamate, GABA, or both from LepR neurons. Surprisingly, all mice responded normally to leptin-mediated euglycemia restoration, which was associated with expected correction from hyperglucagonemia and hyperphagia. In contrast, mice with loss of glutamate and GABA appeared to develop an additive obesity effect over those with loss of single neurotransmitter release. Thus, our study reveals that STAT3 signaling, but not fast-acting neurotransmitter release, is required for leptin action on euglycemia restoration and that hyperglucagonemia is not required for T1D.
PGC-1α Coordinates Mitochondrial Respiratory Capacity and Muscular Fatty Acid Uptake via Regulation of VEGF-B
Authors: Mehlem Annika , Palombo Isolde , Wang Xun , Hagberg Carolina E. , Eriksson Ulf , Falkevall Annelie
Published: January 2016

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) B belongs to the VEGF family, but in contrast to VEGF-A, VEGF-B does not regulate blood vessel growth. Instead, VEGF-B controls endothelial fatty acid (FA) uptake and was identified as a target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The regulatory mechanisms controlling Vegfb expression have remained unidentified. We show that peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) together with estrogen-related receptor α (ERR-α) regulates expression of Vegfb. Mice overexpressing PGC-1α under the muscle creatine kinase promoter (MPGC-1αTG mice) displayed increased Vegfb expression, and this was accompanied by increased muscular lipid accumulation. Ablation of Vegfb in MPGC-1αTG mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) normalized glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. We suggest that VEGF-B is the missing link between PGC-1α overexpression and the development of the diabetes-like phenotype in HFD-fed MPGC-1αTG mice. The findings identify Vegfb as a novel gene regulated by the PGC-1α/ERR-α signaling pathway. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of PGC-1α as a master metabolic sensor that by regulating the expression levels of Vegfa and Vegfb coordinates blood vessel growth and FA uptake with mitochondrial FA oxidation.
Sorcin Links Pancreatic β-Cell Lipotoxicity to ER Ca2+ Stores
Authors: Marmugi Alice , Parnis Julia , Chen Xi , Carmichael LeAnne , Hardy Julie , Mannan Naila , Marchetti Piero , Piemonti Lorenzo , Bosco Domenico , Johnson Paul , Shapiro James A.M. , Cruciani-Guglielmacci Céline , Magnan Christophe , Ibberson Mark , Thorens Bernard , Valdivia Héctor H. , Rutter Guy A. , Leclerc Isabelle
Published: January 2016

Preserving β-cell function during the development of obesity and insulin resistance would limit the worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium (Ca2+) depletion induced by saturated free fatty acids and cytokines causes β-cell ER stress and apoptosis, but the molecular mechanisms behind these phenomena are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that palmitate-induced sorcin downregulation and subsequent increases in glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-2 (G6PC2) levels contribute to lipotoxicity. Sorcin is a calcium sensor protein involved in maintaining ER Ca2+ by inhibiting ryanodine receptor activity and playing a role in terminating Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. G6PC2, a genome-wide association study gene associated with fasting blood glucose, is a negative regulator of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). High-fat feeding in mice and chronic exposure of human islets to palmitate decreases endogenous sorcin expression while levels of G6PC2 mRNA increase. Sorcin-null mice are glucose intolerant, with markedly impaired GSIS and increased expression of G6pc2. Under high-fat diet, mice overexpressing sorcin in the β-cell display improved glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, and GSIS, whereas G6PC2 levels are decreased and cytosolic and ER Ca2+ are increased in transgenic islets. Sorcin may thus provide a target for intervention in type 2 diabetes.