bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dining dichotomy: aquatic and terrestrial prey capture behavior in the Himalayan newtTylototriton verrucosus
Authors: Heiss Egon , De Vylder Marie
Published: September 2016

Transitions between aquatic and terrestrial prey capture are challenging. Trophic shifts demand a high degree of behavioral flexibility to account for different physical circumstances between water and air to keep performance in both environments. The Himalayan newt, Tylototriton verrucosus, is mostly terrestrial but becomes aquatic during its short breeding period. Nonetheless, it was assumed that it lacks the capability of trophic behavioral flexibility, only captures prey on land by its tongue (lingual prehension) and does not feed in water. This theory was challenged from stomach content analyses in wild populations that found a variety of aquatic invertebrates in the newts' stomachs during their breeding season. Accordingly, we hypothesized that T. verrucosus actively changes its terrestrial prey capture mechanism to hunt for aquatic prey at least during its aquatic stage. In fact, the kinematic analyses showed that T. verrucosus uses lingual prehension to capture prey on land but changes to suction feeding for aquatic strikes. The statistical analyses revealed that terrestrial and aquatic strikes differ significantly in most kinematic parameters while behavioral variability does not differ between both behaviors. In turn, the movement patterns in suction feeding showed a higher degree of coordination between jaw and hyoid movements compared to the putative primary feeding mode, namely lingual prehension. We conclude that T. verrucosus, though relatively slow compared to trophic specialists, benefits from a high degree of behavioral flexibility that allows exploiting food sources efficiently from two very different habitats.
αE-catenin-dependent mechanotransduction is essential for proper convergent extension in zebrafish
Authors: Han Mitchell K. L. , Hoijman Esteban , Nöel Emily , Garric Laurence , Bakkers Jeroen , de Rooij Johan
Published: September 2016

Cadherin complexes mediate cell-cell adhesion and are crucial for embryonic development. Besides their structural function, cadherin complexes also transduce tension across the junction-actomyosin axis into proportional biochemical responses. Central to this mechanotransduction is the stretching of the cadherin-F-actin-linker α-catenin, which opens its central domain for binding to effectors such as vinculin. Mechanical unfolding of α-catenin leads to force-dependent reinforcement of cadherin-based junctions as studied in cell culture. The importance of cadherin mechanotransduction for embryonic development has not been studied yet. Here we used TALEN-mediated gene disruption to perturb endogenous αE-catenin in zebrafish development. Zygotic α-catenin mutants fail to maintain their epithelial barrier, resulting in tissue rupturing. We then specifically disrupted mechanotransduction, while maintaining cadherin adhesion, by expressing an αE-catenin construct in which the mechanosensitive domain was perturbed. Expression of either wild-type or mechano-defective α-catenin fully rescues barrier function in α-catenin mutants; however, expression of mechano-defective α-catenin also induces convergence and extension defects. Specifically, the polarization of cadherin-dependent, lamellipodia-driven cell migration of the lateral mesoderm was lost. These results indicate that cadherin mechanotransduction is crucial for proper zebrafish morphogenesis, and uncover one of the essential processes affected by its perturbation.
tRNA base methylation identification and quantification via high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Clark Wesley C. , Evans Molly E. , Dominissini Dan , Zheng Guanqun , Pan Tao
Published: September 2016

Eukaryotic transfer RNAs contain on average 14 modifications. Investigations of their biological functions require the determination of the modification sites and the dynamic variations of the modification fraction. Base methylation represents a major class of tRNA modification. Although many approaches have been used to identify tRNA base methylations, including sequencing, they are generally qualitative and do not report the information on the modification fraction. Dynamic mRNA modifications have been shown to play important biological roles; yet, the extent of tRNA modification fractions has not been reported systemically. Here we take advantage of a recently developed high-throughput sequencing method (DM-tRNA-seq) to identify and quantify tRNA base methylations located at the Watson-Crick face in HEK293T cells at single base resolution. We apply information derived from both base mutations and positional stops from sequencing using a combination of demethylase treatment and cDNA synthesis by a thermophilic reverse transcriptase to compile a quantitative “Modification Index” (MI) for six base methylations in human tRNA and rRNA. MI combines the metrics for mutational and stop components from alignment of sequencing data without demethylase treatment, and the modifications are validated in the sequencing data upon demethylase treatment. We identify many new methylation sites in both human nuclear and mitochondrial-encoded tRNAs not present in the RNA modification databases. The potentially quantitative nature of the MI values obtained from sequencing is validated by primer extension of several tRNAs. Our approach should be widely applicable to identify tRNA methylation sites, analyze comparative fractional modifications, and evaluate the modification dynamics between different samples.
Codon optimality controls differential mRNA translation during amino acid starvation
Authors: Saikia Mridusmita , Wang Xiaoyun , Mao Yuanhui , Wan Ji , Pan Tao , Qian Shu-Bing
Published: September 2016

It is common wisdom that codon usage bias has evolved in the selection for efficient translation, in which highly expressed genes are encoded predominantly by optimal codons. However, a growing body of evidence suggests regulatory roles for non-optimal codons in translation dynamics. Here we report that in mammalian cells, non-optimal codons play a critical role in promoting selective mRNA translation during amino acid starvation. During starvation, in contrast to genes encoding ribosomal proteins whose translation is highly sensitive to amino acid deprivation, translation of genes involved in the cellular protein degradation pathways remains unaffected. We found that these two gene groups bear different codon composition, with non-optimal codons being highly enriched in genes encoding the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Supporting the selective tRNA charging model originally proposed in Escherichia coli, we demonstrated that tRNA isoacceptors decoding rare codons are maintained in translating ribosomes under amino acid starvation. Finally, using luciferase reporters fused with endogenous gene-derived sequences, we show that codon optimality contributes to differential mRNA translation in response to amino acid starvation. These results highlight the physiological significance of codon usage bias in cellular adaptation to stress.
Reducing avoidable deaths from failure to rescue: a discussion paper
Authors: Waldie James , Tee Stephen , Day Tina
Published: September 2016

Aim:

This article proposes a radical new approach to the monitoring and governance of services, and the education and training of nurses to meet ‘failure to rescue’ requirements.

Background:

Healthcare policy in the UK that seeks to ensure safe and effective services for the acutely ill has largely failed, resulting in adult patients dying unnecessarily. Despite grand rhetoric, UK governments have distanced themselves from implementation, resulting in patchy localised developments and creating inconsistent service responses.

Design and data sources:

This article draws on a review of research and UK policy literature and best international practice to propose a new national framework approach that combines competency development, governance and performance monitoring to address ‘failure to rescue’ shortcomings.

Implications for nursing:

Paramount is a nationally agreed and fit-for-purpose competency tool using simulation to assess staff in order to improve recognition of the deteriorating patient. Service improvements should include increased investment in telemedicine; service performance should be communicated through publicly available ratings and overseen by patient panels; and governance will require strengthening through enhanced Care Quality Commission/Monitor input, which should be linked to the maintenance of foundation trust status.

Conclusion:

Health professional bodies, regulators, providers and the Government must work together to strengthen the safety and effectiveness of acute services. This will require investment in staff competency and enhancement of the governance to ensure services consistently meet public expectations and reduce unnecessary deaths.
Citrate anticoagulation in the ICU: the Leeds experience
Authors: Trumper Charlotte
Published: September 2016

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is widely used in the management of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. It requires effective anticoagulation of the extracorporeal blood circuit. Although heparin is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant, there are issues associated with heparin, and there has been increasing interest in regional citrate anticoagulation as an alternative. In 2013, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust switched from heparin to citrate anticoagulant for CRRT in intensive care units (ICUs) across the Trust. This article examines the reasons for the switch, the implementation of citrate and the impact of this quality-improvement project in terms of patient outcome data and feedback from the ICU nursing team.
The nurse's role in delivering the Global Safe Surgery Campaign
Authors: Carter Chris
Published: September 2016

Chris Carter, Defence School of Healthcare Education, Birmingham City University discusses his involvement in a project to support critical care nursing in Zambia
Getting up to speed: adjusting to the pace of accident and emergency
Authors: Gracia Michelle
Published: September 2016

Michelle Gracia, Second Year Student Nurse (Adult), School of Health Studies, Gibraltar Health Authority looks reflects on the importance of communication with patients and colleagues
Improving the service for patients receiving extracorporeal photopheresis using Lean principles
Authors: Rushton Cherie , Robertson Leeah , Taylor Tracie , Taylor Peter , Button Paul , Alfred Arun
Published: September 2016

The photopheresis unit where the authors work has seen an increased demand both locally and as an outreach service. A Lean assessment of the unit was undertaken to improve processing time and productivity, which in turn would improve the availability of treatment and improve patient care. The assessment indicated that there were excellent nursing standards and patient care; however, patient waiting times and treatment times were prolonged in comparison with other units. The unit reviewed the patient pathway and identified where delays occurred and consequently changed patient scheduling.
Does cheating by students undermine the integrity of the nursing profession?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: September 2016

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the worrying media reports that suggest that large numbers of student nurses are cheating their way onto the professional register
Child safeguarding: the NHS can do much more
Authors: Tingle John
Published: September 2016

John Tingle, Reader in Health Law at Nottingham Trent University, discusses the Care Quality Commission's review of the arrangements for child safeguarding and health care for looked-after children in England
Reflective writing: a user-friendly guide
Authors: Hamilton Stephen
Published: September 2016

Stephen Hamilton, Nurse Education Consultant, Business Services Organisation. In this piece, he outlines the nature of the process of reflection to allay concerns that registered nurses may have about the process, as well as dispel any myths surrounding the purpose of reflection
Like it or not, the way we look matters
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: September 2016

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, discusses the tricky issue of dress codes, tattoos and piercings in the NHS after some high-profile media stories thrust the issue into the limelight
Understanding immunotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Thomas Rachel
Published: September 2016

Patients diagnosed with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (either squamous or non-squamous) have previously had limited treatment options after progression on chemotherapy. With the emergence of new drugs, particularly in the immuno-oncology setting, this is now changing. Recent clinical trial evidence demonstrates that compared with docetaxel, patients who received nivolumab had better overall survival and also significantly fewer grade 3-4 adverse events. This article reviews the clinical trial data for nivolumab and provides an overview of how this drug works. The adverse event profile of nivolumab is assessed and compared to that of docetaxel. The important role that nurses can play in supporting patients on nivolumab is also discussed.
Multiple myeloma: managing a complex blood cancer
Authors: Dowling Maura , Kelly Mary , Meenaghan Teresa
Published: September 2016

This article gives a comprehensive overview of multiple myeloma (MM), a complex blood cancer involving overproduction of plasma cells. Although MM remains incurable, patients are living longer as a result of multiple treatment options. However, MM patients are also living with a higher symptom burden. The overall aims in managing MM are therefore to control disease progression, prolong survival and improve quality of life.
Patient–practitioner perception gap in treatment-induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Vidall Cheryl , Sharma Sangeeta , Amlani Bharat
Published: September 2016

This UK cohort analysis of a European survey evaluated the differences between health professionals and cancer patients regarding the perceived incidence, impact and drug management of chemotherapy/radiotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV/RINV). The UK healthcare system is unique in that it has dedicated oncology clinical nurse specialists. The analysis found that more patients experienced nausea following their most recent treatment cycle than vomiting. Health professionals overestimated the incidence of CINV/RINV but underestimated its impact on patients' daily lives, particularly in cases of mild and moderate nausea/vomiting. The level of antiemetic cover initiated and degree of symptom control was often suboptimal. Patients under-reported symptoms, primarily because they considered nausea/vomiting an inevitable side effect of treatment. Altogether, 42% of patients reported full adherence to their antiemetic regimen. Leading factors for non-adherence included not having a ‘preventive mindset’, low symptom severity and a reluctance to increase pill burden. In conclusion, there is a perceptual gap between health professionals and patients around experiences of CINV/RINV. Advances in management depend on enhancing health professional–patient communication, and reporting and understanding nausea as a distinct issue.
Understanding Crohn's disease
Authors: Yarrow Hannah
Published: September 2016

This gastrointestinal condition can be distressing for patients, writes Hannah Yarrow
Top 10 questions: Rabies
Authors: Umeed Margaret
Published: September 2016

Margaret Umeed explains how nurses can advise travellers on the rabies vaccination
Managing wound exudate
Authors: Chamanga Edwin
Published: September 2016

This common feature of wound care presents a challenge to clinicians, writes Edwin Chamanga
Blood metal ion levels are not a useful test for adverse reactions to metal debris
Authors: Pahuta M. , Smolders J. M. , van Susante J. L. , Peck J. , Kim P. R. , Beaule P. E.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Alarm over the reported high failure rates for metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants as well as their potential for locally aggressive Adverse Reactions to Metal Debris (ARMDs) has prompted government agencies, internationally, to recommend the monitoring of patients with MoM hip implants. Some have advised that a blood ion level >7 µg/L indicates potential for ARMDs. We report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the performance of metal ion testing for ARMDs.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify articles from which it was possible to reconstruct a 2 × 2 table. Two readers independently reviewed all articles and extracted data using explicit criteria. We computed a summary receiver operating curve using a Bayesian random-effects hierarchical model.

Results

Our literature search returned 575 unique articles; only six met inclusion criteria defined a priori. The discriminative capacity of ion tests was homogeneous across studies but that there was substantial cut-point heterogeneity. Our best estimate of the “true” area under curve (AUC) for metal ion testing is 0.615, with a 95% credible interval of 0.480 to 0.735, thus we can state that the probability that metal ion testing is actually clinically useful with an AUC ≥ 0.75 is 1.7%.

Conclusion

Metal ion levels are not useful as a screening test for identifying high risk patients because ion testing will either lead to a large burden of false positive patients, or otherwise marginally modify the pre-test probability. With the availability of more accurate non-invasive tests, we did not find any evidence for using blood ion levels to diagnose symptomatic patients. Cite this article: M. Pahuta, J. M. Smolders, J. L. van Susante, J. Peck, P. R. Kim, P. E. Beaule. Blood metal ion levels are not a useful test for adverse reactions to metal debris: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:379–386. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0027.R1.
Energy Audit of an Industry: A Case Study of Fabrication Company
Authors: Oyelaran Olatunde Ajani , Twada Yau Yusuf , Sanusi Olawale Monsur
Published: September 2016

Energy is one of the major inputs for the economic development of any country. In the case of the developing countries, the energy sector assumes a critical importance in view of the ever-increasing energy needs requiring huge investments to meet them. Energy audit will determine energy wastage and losses, and provide techniques and ways to minimize the losses. The payback period of the energy audit programmed for the industry was found to be 14 months. The energy consumption techniques suggested by the energy audit will not only minimize the losses but also reduce monthly electricity bill. The objective of Energy Management is to achieve and maintain optimum energy procurement and utilization, throughout the organization as to minimize energy costs and wastage without affecting production and quality. Energy Audit is the key to a systematic approach for decision-making in the area of energy management. It attempts to balance the total energy inputs with its use, and serves to identify all the energy streams in a facility.
The Preliminary Study on The Effect of Coarse Particles Content on OMC and Maximum Dry Unit Weight: A Case of Aceh’s Fill Materials
Authors: Setiawan Bambang
Published: September 2016

Empirical evidence suggests that the percentage of coarse fraction content on soil has an influence on the soil optimum moisture content (OMC) and soil maximum dry density (MDD). This phenomenon is used as a basis to examine the characteristics of Aceh’s fill materials. The major objective of the present study is to determine the relationship between coarse-grained content and OMC and MDD of the Aceh’s fill materials. This relationship is important in the justification of soil suitability as materials for engineering construction. Thirty (30) soil samples from various locations in the Province of Aceh have been collected and tested. The tests carried out include soil physical properties tests and standard compaction test. In the case of a relationship between soil coarse fraction content and soil OMC or MDD, two general findings have been deduced. The first finding of the present study shows that the soil OMC decreases when the content of coarse-grained particles in the soil increases. The later finding shows a positive correlation between coarse particles content and the soil MDD which the increase of the content of coarse-grained particles in the soil will increase the value of the soil’s MDD. In conclusion, the coarse particles content affects the OMC and MDD of Aceh’s fill materials
Spatial Statistic Analysis of Earthquakes in Aceh Province Year 1921-2014: Cluster Seismicity
Authors: Affan Muzailin , Syukri Muhammad , Wahyuna Linda , Sofyan Hizir
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study is to apply the analysis of spatial patterns of earthquakes in the province of Aceh by detecting clusters and looking for spatial patterns locally and globally during the period 1921-2014 using GIS (Geographic Information System). The selected techniques are Average Nearest Neighbor, Moran Global Index, the Getis-Ord General G, Anselin Local Moran Index, the Getis-Ord Gi*, and Kernel Density Estimation. Each technique is implemented using GIS so that calculations can be done efficiently and quickly. The results of this study indicate that (1) The techniques can detect clusters of dots on the spatial pattern of earthquakes; (2) Both globally and locally, it shows that earthquakes clustered in the southwestern heading to the northern part of the province; (3) An earthquake with a greater magnitude generally concentrated in the district of Simeulue, the western part of Aceh Besar and northwest of Sabang
Investigation of Shallow Structures as The Pathway of Oil Seep in The Alue Punoe Village, Bireuen District, Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Asrillah . , Syukri Muhammad , Marwan . , Akbar Fuad
Published: September 2016

Measurement of magnetic data has been done in the area of oil seeps in the village of the Alue Punoe, with 121 measurement points as a grid within 500 m x 500 m area where each grid is approximately in 250 m2. The total magnetic field measurement has been examined by using Proton Precession Magnetometer (PPM). Upward continuation correction was applied to obtain residual magnetic field anomaly. Residual magnetic field anomaly data are mapped using the Surfer software, while subsurface models are made using the Mag2DC software. Based on the models that have been sliced from the local magnetic anomalies along the cross section of A-B and C-D from which then obtained a shallow structure which is a fault whose an approximate depth from 30 to 100 meters and three stratified media. The stratified media of the study area are interpreted as an alluvial deposit, alternating sandstone and clay and igneous rocks. Interpretation of subsurface models shows that there exists a shallow structure assumed as a fault. Expected fault has an adjacent to the manifestations which are about 50 to 70 m. It strengthens the case that the fault is strongly related to as the pathways of oil seepsfrom possibly existed petroleum system below subsurface of unknown strata
Chebyshev neural network model with linear and nonlinear active functions
Authors: Seddighi Chaharborj Sarkhosh , Mahmoudi Yaghoub
Published: September 2016

In this paper the second order non-linear ordinary differential equations of Lane-Emden type as singular initial value problems using Chebyshev Neural Network (ChNN) with linear and nonlinear active functions has been studied. Active functions as, \(\texttt{F(z)=z}, \texttt{sinh(x)}, \texttt{tanh(z)}\) are considered to find the numerical results with high accuracy. Numerical results from Chebyshev Neural Network shows that linear active function has more accuracy and is more convenient compare to other functions.
Arquitectura Costa Oriental de Quintana Roo: un legado de Posclásico tardío en el Caribe mexicano
Authors: Zúñiga Carrasco Iván Renato
Published: September 2016

La costa oriental de Quintana Roo conforma una región que ha sido definida por un estilo arquitectónico y escultórico peculiar el cual prosperó durante el periodo Posclásico las construcciones presentan variantes como son: mampostería con bóvedas o techos planos de morillos son construcciones sencillas de una cámara o varias desplantando de basamentos, plataformas o de zócalos bajos. La decoración se reduce al uso de molduras en la parte superior de las fachadas, así como nichos sencillos o decorados en el friso. Todo lo anterior provoca que la arquitectura en la región sea muy homogénea y en ocasiones monótona. Es evidente la existencia de influencias estilísticas y rasgos de diversa procedencia, varios elementos son considerados como de carácter mexicano, rasgos tales como: vestíbulos columnados, columnas con figuras esculpidas, columnas serpentiformes, basamentos en talud de los templos, estructuras circulares, la verticalidad de los remates de las alfardas. Se puede apreciar la utilización de otros elementos estilísticos como el desplome intencional y la curvatura de los paramentos, las cubiertas adinteladas, la utilización de molduras decorativas y el uso del dintel rehundido que, junto con los rasgos mencionado antes, en una asociación lograda, conducen a un estilo peculiar y definido.
On the impact of a refined stochastic model for airborne LiDAR measurements
Authors: Bolkas Dimitrios , Fotopoulos Georgia , Glennie Craig
Published: September 2016

Accurate topographic information is critical for a number of applications in science and engineering. In recent years, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has become a standard tool for acquiring high quality topographic information. The assessment of airborne LiDAR derived DEMs is typically based on (i) independent ground control points and (ii) forward error propagation utilizing the LiDAR geo-referencing equation. The latter approach is dependent on the stochastic model information of the LiDAR observation components. In this paper, the well-known statistical tool of variance component estimation (VCE) is implemented for a dataset in Houston, Texas, in order to refine the initial stochastic information. Simulations demonstrate the impact of stochastic-model refinement for two practical applications, namely coastal inundation mapping and surface displacement estimation. Results highlight scenarios where erroneous stochastic information is detrimental. Furthermore, the refined stochastic information provides insights on the effect of each LiDAR measurement in the airborne LiDAR error budget. The latter is important for targeting future advancements in order to improve point cloud accuracy.
A remark on the GNSS single difference model with common clock scheme for attitude determination
Authors: Chen Wantong
Published: September 2016

GNSS-based attitude determination technique is an important field of study, in which two schemes can be used to construct the actual system: the common clock scheme and the non-common clock scheme. Compared with the non-common clock scheme, the common clock scheme can strongly improve both the reliability and the accuracy. However, in order to gain these advantages, specific care must be taken in the implementation. The cares are thus discussed, based on the generating technique of carrier phase measurement in GNSS receivers. A qualitative assessment of potential phase bias contributes is also carried out. Possible technical difficulties are pointed out for the development of single-board multi-antenna GNSS attitude systems with a common clock.
Effect of changing P/Ge and Mn/Fe ratios on the magnetocaloric effect and structural transition in the (Mn,Fe)2 (P,Ge) intermetallic compounds
Authors: Wlodarczyk P. , Hawelek L. , Zackiewicz P. , Kaminska M. , Chrobak A. , Kolano-Burian A.
Published: September 2016

The magnetocaloric effect in the MnxFe2−xP1−yGey intermetallic compounds with the amount of Mn in the range of x = 1.05 to 1.17 and amount of Ge in the range of y = 0.19 to 0.22 has been studied. It was found that a higher Ge/P ratio causes an increase in Curie temperature, magnetocaloric effect at low field (up to 1 T), activation energy of structural transition and a decrease in thermal hysteresis, as well as transition enthalpy. Contrary to this observation, higher Mn/Fe ratio causes a decrease in Curie temperature, slight decrease of magnetocaloric effect at low magnetic field, and an increase in thermal hysteresis. Simultaneous increase of both ratios may be very advantageous, as the thermal hysteresis can be lowered and magnetocaloric effect can be enhanced without changing the Curie temperature. Some hints about optimization of the composition for applications at low magnetic fields (0.5 T to 2 T) have been presented.
An acoustic teaching model illustrating the principles of dynamic mode magnetic force microscopy
Authors: Reimer Mario , Niemeier Sybille , Laumann Daniel , Denz Cornelia , Heusler Stefan
Published: September 2016

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) represents a versatile technique within the manifold methods of scanning probe microscopy (SPM), focusing on the investigation of magnetic phenomena at the nanoscale. Although magnetism is a fundamental element of physics education, educational content at the cutting edge of actual scientific topics and techniques in magnetism, like MFM, is lacking. Therefore, we present a scaled teaching model imparting the core principles of MFM, implementing a macroscopic model operating in dynamic mode. The experimental configuration of the model is based on popular bricks by LEGO and drivers based on LEGO Mindstorms (Lego, Billund, Denmark), as well as on further off the shelf components being easily accessible for schools and universities. Investigations of macroscopic magnetic structures reveal numerical, visual and auditory information based on magnetic forces between an oscillating cantilever and ferromagnetic samples allowing a sensual experience of force microscopy for students. Along these lines, students obtain multiple representations to study the precision measurement process of SPM in general and MFM in particular at a scale that allows experiencing micro- and nanoscopic effects. The magnetic force gradients and spatial resolution of the macroscopic model are in agreement with those of an authentic microscopic magnetic force microscope.
Nature and culture in visual communication: Japanese variations onLudus Naturae
Authors: Leone Massimo
Published: September 2016

The neurophysiology of vision and cognition shapes the way in which human beings visually “read” the environment. A biological instinct, probably selected as adaptive through evolution, pushes them to recognize coherent shapes in chaotic visual patterns and to impute the creation of these shapes to an anthropomorphic agency. In the west as in the east, in Italy as in Japan, human beings have identified faces, bodies, and landscapes in the bizarre chromatic, eidetic, and topologic configurations of stones, clouds, and other natural elements, as though invisible painters and sculptors had depicted the former in the latter. However, culture-specific visual ideologies immediately and deeply mold such cross-cultural instinct of pattern recognition and agency attribution. Giants and mythical monsters are seen in clouds in the west as in the east; both the Italian seventeenth-century naturalist and the Japanese seventeenth-century painter identify figures of animals and plants in stones. And yet, the ways in which they articulate the semantics of this visual recognition, identify its icons, determine its agency, and categorize it in relation to an ontological framework diverge profoundly, according to such exquisitely paths of differentiation that only the study of culture, together with that of nature, can account for.
Signs as functions: Edusemiotic and ontological foundations for a semiotic concept of a sign
Authors: Pikkarainen Eetu
Published: September 2016

As a branch of theoretical semiotics that aims to contribute to the development of the theory of both semiotics and education, edusemiotics must also problematize the most foundational semiotic conceptions of sign and semiosis. The biosemiotic notion that a sign relation is necessarily dependent on learning restricts semiotics to the biological sphere, to living beings. This fits well with education, which can be seen as transition from the zoosemiotic sphere to the anthroposemiotic sphere. However this radical discontinuity between living and non-living spheres makes it difficult to understand how signs and semiosis are viable at all and what their basic nature is. Ontologically we can imagine that sign relations must also be somehow based on the features of non-living beings. In this article I will analyze how a concept of a sign can be seen as a general model of interaction between any beings. This paper develops the conception of semiosis and signification with regard to the competence (or habits) of the subject experiencing the meaning. Such task requires the explication of the ontological basis of semiosis – a step often perceived as dangerous by semioticians or ignored by educators.
Writing and Différance
Authors: Trifonas Peter Pericles
Published: September 2016

The theme of pedagogy and more generally education as supplementarity has been all but ignored in critical discussions engaging Jacques Derrida’s of grammatology. By and large, the sustained emphasis of inquiry has instead been on evaluating the epistemological and methodological parameters of deconstruction as a theory of reading and writing and not as a treatise on the ethics of pedagogical praxis. The essay rereads “... That Dangerous Supplement...,” the chapter on Rousseau on writing, while keeping the theme of pedagogy at the forefront of the analysis of supplementarity. Derrida presents for the “science of a new writing” in the “gram” that flourishes within the codic play of differences. But it is as différance that the grammatological conversion of semiology takes place via deconstruction. Such a focus provides new insights into deconstruction that could allow us to effectively gauge the edusemiotic potential of its influence on educational theory, not only as a theoretical departure from classical modes of reading and writing, but as the inaugural steps toward and beyond a theory of education that could ground an ethical praxis.
The effects of proteasomal inhibition on synaptic proteostasis
Authors: Hakim Vicky , Cohen Laurie D , Zuchman Rina , Ziv Tamar , Ziv Noam E
Published: September 2016

Synaptic function crucially depends on uninterrupted synthesis and degradation of synaptic proteins. While much has been learned on synaptic protein synthesis, little is known on the routes by which synaptic proteins are degraded. Here we systematically studied how inhibition of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) affects the degradation rates of thousands of neuronal and synaptic proteins. We identified a group of proteins, including several proteins related to glutamate receptor trafficking, whose degradation rates were significantly slowed by UPS inhibition. Unexpectedly, however, degradation rates of most synaptic proteins were not significantly affected. Interestingly, many of the differential effects of UPS inhibition were readily explained by a quantitative framework that considered known metabolic turnover rates for the same proteins. In contrast to the limited effects on protein degradation, UPS inhibition profoundly and preferentially suppressed the synthesis of a large number of synaptic proteins. Our findings point to the importance of the UPS in the degradation of certain synaptic proteins, yet indicate that under basal conditions most synaptic proteins might be degraded through alternative pathways.
MicroRNA-593-3p regulates insulin-promoted glucose consumption by targeting Slc38a1 and CLIP3
Authors: Yang Xilin , Tao Zezhang , Zhu Zhanyong , Liao Hua , Zhao Yueqiang , Fan Huajun
Published: September 2016

Insulin plays an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are not entirely clarified. In this context, we found that miR-593-3p negatively regulates insulin-regulated glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Bel7402 cells. We then identified Slc38a1 and CLIP3 as novel targets of miR-593-3p. Further studies demonstrated that Slc38a1 and CLIP3 mediate insulin-regulated glucose metabolism. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that miR-593-3p expression was negatively associated with Slc38a1 and CLIP3 expression in insulin-treated HepG2 cells, and insulin-induced Slc38a1 and CLIP3 expression via downregulation of miR-593-3p. Taken together, this study indicates that inhibition of miRNA-593-3p by insulin promotes glucose metabolism through the regulation of Slc38a1 and CLIP3 expression, and provides a new insight into the role and mechanism of insulin-induced glycolysis.
Effects of essential amino acids on lipid metabolism in mice and humans
Authors: Xiao Fei , Du Ying , Lv Ziquan , Chen Shanghai , Zhu Jianmin , Sheng Hongguang , Guo Feifan
Published: September 2016

Eight amino acids are considered essential for human nutrition, and three of them, including leucine, isoleucine and valine, are called as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). We recently discovered that dietary deficiency of any BCAA for 7 days rapidly reduces the abdominal fat mass in mice. The goal of this study was to investigate (1) whether dietary deficiency of the other five essential amino acids (EAAs), including phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine and lysine, would produce similar effects and (2) whether an association between serum AAs and obesity was observed in humans in Chinese Han population. Similar to BCAAs deprivation, dietary deficiency of any of these five EAAs for 7 days significantly reduced abdominal fat mass, which is likely caused by increased energy expenditure. Expression of genes and proteins related to lipolysis, however, were differentially regulated by different EAAs. These results suggest a crucial role of EAAs deprivation on lipid metabolism in mice. Our human studies revealed that levels of four EAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine and phenylalanine) were elevated in obese humans compared with those in lean controls in Chinese Han population. Based on the results obtained from mice, we speculate that these four EAAs might play important roles in human obesity.
Modeling the impact of growth and leptin deficits on the neuronal regulation of blood pressure
Authors: Steinbrekera Baiba , Roghair Robert
Published: September 2016

The risk of hypertension is increased by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm birth. In the search for modifiable etiologies for this life-threatening cardiovascular morbidity, a number of pathways have been investigated, including excessive glucocorticoid exposure, nutritional deficiency and aberration in sex hormone levels. As a neurotrophic hormone that is intimately involved in the cardiovascular regulation and whose levels are influenced by glucocorticoids, nutritional status and sex hormones, leptin has emerged as a putative etiologic and thus a therapeutic agent. As a product of maternal and late fetal adipocytes and the placenta, circulating leptin typically surges late in gestation and declines after delivery until the infant consumes sufficient leptin-containing breast milk or accrues sufficient leptin-secreting adipose tissue to reestablish the circulating levels. The leptin deficiency seen in IUGR infants is a multifactorial manifestation of placental insufficiency, exaggerated glucocorticoid exposure and fetal adipose deficit. The preterm infant suffers from the same cascade of events, including separation from the placenta, antenatal steroid exposure and persistently underdeveloped adipose depots. Preterm infants remain leptin deficient beyond term gestation, rendering them susceptible to neurodevelopmental impairment and subsequent cardiovascular dysregulation. This pathologic pathway is efficiently modeled by placing neonatal mice into atypically large litters, thereby recapitulating the perinatal growth restriction–adult hypertension phenotype. In this model, neonatal leptin supplementation restores the physiologic leptin surge, attenuates the leptin-triggered sympathetic activation in adulthood and prevents leptin- or stress-evoked hypertension. Further pathway interrogation and clinical translation are needed to fully test the therapeutic potential of perinatal leptin supplementation.
Oestradiol effects on neuroendocrine responses induced by water deprivation in rats
Authors: Vilhena-Franco Tatiane , Mecawi André Souza , Elias Lucila Leico Kagohara , Antunes-Rodrigues José
Published: September 2016

Water deprivation (WD) induces changes in plasma volume and osmolality, which in turn activate several responses, including thirst, the activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) secretion. These systems seem to be influenced by oestradiol, as evidenced by the expression of its receptor in brain areas that control fluid balance. Thus, we investigated the effects of oestradiol treatment on behavioural and neuroendocrine changes of ovariectomized rats in response to WD. We observed that in response to WD, oestradiol treatment attenuated water intake, plasma osmolality and haematocrit but did not change urinary volume or osmolality. Moreover, oestradiol potentiated WD-induced AVP secretion, but did not alter the plasma OT or angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations. Immunohistochemical data showed that oestradiol potentiated vasopressinergic neuronal activation in the lateral magnocellular PVN (PaLM) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei but did not induce further changes in Fos expression in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) or subfornical organ (SFO) or in oxytocinergic neuronal activation in the SON and PVN of WD rats. Regarding mRNA expression, oestradiol increased OT mRNA expression in the SON and PVN under basal conditions and after WD, but did not induce additional changes in the mRNA expression for AVP in the SON or PVN. It also did not affect the mRNA expression of RAS components in the PVN. In conclusion, our results show that oestradiol acts mainly on the vasopressinergic system in response to WD, potentiating vasopressinergic neuronal activation and AVP secretion without altering AVP mRNA expression.
The role of the p53 tumor suppressor in metabolism and diabetes
Authors: Kung Che-Pei , Murphy Maureen E
Published: September 2016

In the context of tumor suppression, p53 is an undisputedly critical protein. Functioning primarily as a transcription factor, p53 helps fend off the initiation and progression of tumors by inducing cell cycle arrest, senescence or programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cells at the earliest stages of precancerous development. Compelling evidence, however, suggests that p53 is involved in other aspects of human physiology, including metabolism. Indeed, recent studies suggest that p53 plays a significant role in the development of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, and further that p53’s role in metabolism may also be consequential to tumor suppression. Here, we present a review of the literature on the role of p53 in metabolism, diabetes, pancreatic function, glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. Additionally, we discuss the emerging role of genetic variation in the p53 pathway (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) on the impact of p53 in metabolic disease and diabetes. A better understanding of the relationship between p53, metabolism and diabetes may one day better inform the existing and prospective therapeutic strategies to combat this rapidly growing epidemic.
Characterization of stably simple curve singularities
Authors: Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Khan Junaid Alam , Janjua Faira Kanwal , Hussain Naveed
Published: September 2016

In this article we characterize the classification of stably simple curve singularities given by V. I. Arnold, in terms of invariants. On the basis of this characterization we describe an implementation of a classifier for stably simple curve singularities in the computer algebra system SINGULAR.
Hungarian psychology in context. Reclaiming the past
Authors: Szokolszky Ágnes
Published: September 2016

The “contextualizing” and “internationalizing” of the history of psychology is an ongoing project, however, Central Europe, as a coherent perspective, and the history of Hungarian psychology specifically, is acutely missing in current surveys of international psychology, and more broadly, in “western consciousness”. This paper is an attempt at presenting a comprehensive, socially and politically contextualized framework of the history of Hungarian psychology, from its beginnings until the fall of communism. The paper situates the history of psychology in the history of Hungary since without this broader background Hungarian psychology cannot be treated as a contextualized phenomenon. Reconstructing the history of Hungarian psychology is, at the same time, reclaiming the past, since continuity with, and remembrance of the past was once forcefully obstructed by the communist regime, and the effects proved to be long lasting. Hungarian psychology was, in part, a genuine “extension” of psychology as it developed in Germany and more broadly in Europe, but also a unique and remarkable phenomenon greatly shaped by specific socio-political context. Scholarship on the history of Hungarian psychology is growing fast, but the richness of this history has yet to be more fully explored and appreciated, inside and outside of Hungary.
“Who is who—the face as a mask” Péter Esterházy’S autobiographical pact with his readers (Celestial Harmonies, Revised Edition)
Authors: Görözdi Judit
Published: September 2016

The much-cited theorist of autobiography, Philippe Lejeune, uses the term autobiographical pact to describe the silent contract between the author and reader, in which textual (and extra-textual) signals about referential and autobiographical nature of a narrative are understood as coming from the author and are accepted by the reader (Lejeune, 1989, 3–30). Autobiographical themes, connections and concrete allusions have always been present in Péter Esterházy’s fiction (e.g., Termelési regény, 1979; Helping Verbs of the Heart—A szív segédigéi, 1985; The Book of Hrabal—Hrabal könyve, 1990; Celestial Harmonies—Harmonia cælestis, 2000; Not Art—Semmi művészet, 2008). In this context, the text Revised Edition (Javított kiadás, 2002), written in the form of a diary, which describes a real event in the form of one of the most authentic autobiographical genres, signifies not only a change in the author’s understanding of the relationship between autobiography and literature, but also changes the reader’s expectations, i.e. the aforementioned silent covenant between him and the author. I will attempt to explicate the character of Esterházy’s autobiographical writing (understood on the one hand as autobiographical referentiality and on the other as an autobiographical way of writing1) on the basis of the texts Celestial Harmonies and Revised Edition.
Béla Hamvas (1897–1968). Reconstituer la tradition perdue de l’humanité. L’Individu et la nation à l’aune de l’être
Authors: Désfalvi-Tóth András
Published: September 2016

Le langage de Béla Hamvas, tel qu’il apparaît notamment dans son ouvrage inachevé, acta sacra, dont la première partie fut terminée en 1944, est riche en terminologie particulière. Hamvas fait notamment référence, en écho à René Guénon, à une « tradition archaïque » renvoyant à un « état primordial » qui était, en quelque sorte, celui du rapport direct entre l’homme et Dieu, là où régnait l’harmonie, l’amour fraternel et la charité. Hélas, la corruption s’est emparée du monde, par le péché originel. Ces éléments qui relèvent de l’époque mythique ont laissé place à des régimes et à des religions spécifi ques aux diverses communautés humaines. Hamvas considère cela comme un temps de crise. D’ailleurs, le temps historique est un temps de crise dont il s’agit de sortir en « renormalisant » le monde. Parmi les diverses religions, le christianisme occupe une place spéciale, selon Hamvas, car il offre en lui-même tous les moyens de l’existence « normale ».