bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recentralization of Kampala City Administration in Uganda
Authors: Madinah Nabukeera , Boerhannoeddin Ali , Noriza Binti Raja Ariffin Raja , Michael Bwengye
Published: July 2015

The government disseminated a new constitution in 1995 with the provision on decentralization of Article 176 2 (b) that acted shortly before the rebirth of the local government act in 1997. Devolution as a form of decentralization transferred both political and administrative powers from the center to lower local councils specially to handle the responsibility of service delivery. Following the approval of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Act 2010, the city’s administration reverted to the central government. Detractors of decentralization allege that the conveyance in the policy and legislation for change of Kampala city administration was timely because decentralization failed to deliver desired services to residents. This article contends that recentralization of Kampala city administration was a necessary evil, it decreased the autonomy of sub-national governments in civil service administration, eroded accountability to the electorates, and transferred the allegiance of the accounting officer from local governments with and for which they work to the central government that designates and positions. To inflame accountability in local governments, the article champions for the reexamining of the KCCA Act 2010 to allow power sharing between the mayor and executive director to enhance bottom-up accountability, checks and balances, and for participation of central government in appointing of executive director to allow financial and security support. It additionally requests for a reconsideration of the 9th Parliament to lobby for the amendments owing to challenges in its implementation and impact on accountability.
Effect of Principal and Student Gender on New York City High School Performance Outcomes
Authors: Green Rupert
Published: July 2015

A mixed-methods study enabled the exploration of New York City high school data, analyzing performance/demographic scores based on principal and/or student gender, boroughs, and other factors found the following: Significant differences in boroughs’ college and career readiness scores, χ2(4, N = 369) = 26.830, p = .00, with (a) the highest mean rank of 251 for Staten Island, and the lowest mean rank of 156 for Brooklyn; (b) larger socioeconomically integrated schools more successful; (c) failure in small Manhattan and Bronx segregated/poverty female-majority schools; and (d) male students, F(4, 359) = 2.49, p = .043, partial η2 = .027, attained significantly lower scores. Enrollment was significant, F(1, 457) = 7.215, p < .05 partial η2 = .940, with male principals ( M = 746.40, SD = 903.58) leading larger schools. Recommendations include the following: gifted vocational education school, gauging for feminization, more Black/Hispanic principals; and assurance of licensed vocational educators.
Active Versus Passive Acquisition of Spatial Knowledge While Controlling a Vehicle in a Virtual Urban Space in Drivers and Non-Drivers
Authors: Sandamas George , Foreman Nigel
Published: July 2015

Historically, real-world studies have indicated a spatial learning advantage for people who actively explore the environment they inhabit as opposed to those whose experience is more passive. A common contrast is made between the spatial learning of car drivers and passengers. However, compared with walking and other forms of transportation, car-driving experience per se has a special status. An experiment was conducted to explore the dual hypotheses that active explorers learn more about the layout of a virtual environment (VE) than passive observers and that real-world car drivers will learn more regardless of their experimental active/passive status. Participants explored a virtual model of a small town in active/passive, pairs. Active exploration was self-directed and goal driven, and all learning tasks were explicit. Consistent with many earlier studies in VEs, there was no benefit from activity (controlling exploration/movement), arguably because input control competes with spatial information acquisition. When participants were divided according to whether they were licensed drivers or not, the results showed that drivers were significantly more accurate than non-drivers at indicating the positions of target locations on a map, in both the active and passive conditions. An interaction showed that in the active condition, drivers had significantly better route scores than non-drivers, and better than drivers in the passive condition. Driving may therefore be beneficial for spatial abilities over and above the general benefits of “activity” and when spatial skills are examined in VEs, driver experience is an important criterion that should be taken into account.
Exploring Constructivist Perspectives in the College Classroom
Authors: Mensah Emmanuel
Published: July 2015

The study used Explanatory Sequential Design (ESD) of Mixed-Methods to investigate college students’ and instructors’ perspectives of constructivist learning environment (CLE). Students, including graduates and undergraduates from a Midwestern university, rated their preference for personal relevance, collaboration, negotiation, and autonomy as key learning experiences embodied in CLE. Results indicated that undergraduates were more likely than graduate students to prefer collaboration and negotiation experiences. Expanding on the results of students’ quantitative ratings, students’ and instructors’ perspectives of collaboration were explored. Eight participants (four students and four instructors) participated in one-on-one interview sessions. Themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis showed that the differences in students’ preference for collaboration related to students’ perceptions of unequal opportunities to collaborate, perceived benefits, and diverse backgrounds and orientations. In addition, conditions necessary for effective collaboration in the college environment were explored. Thematic analysis produced three themes: understanding collaboration process; monitoring, assessment, and evaluation system; and group composition. Implications for practice in the college classroom have been discussed.
Are Pakistan’s Rice Markets Integrated Domestically and With the International Markets?
Authors: Ahmad Burhan , Gjølberg Ole
Published: July 2015

We analyze whether Pakistan has become one domestically integrated rice market and whether Pakistan’s rice markets are integrated with the international markets, using monthly data from 1994 to 2011. During this period, major policy shifts took place. In 2002, Pakistan terminated the price support policy; in 2002-2004 export subsidies were introduced, and in 2008, a minimum export price policy was adopted. We compare the degree of integration before and after 2002. We find that most of the regional rice markets in Pakistan are integrated domestically. Pakistan’s rice markets are also integrated with the international markets, using prices in Thailand and Vietnam as benchmarks. The price support policy abolition seems to have contributed to greater domestic integration, while the subsequent export policies seem to have decreased the extent of Pakistan’s integration with the international markets. However, although Pakistan’s rice markets generally are domestically integrated as well as integrated with the international market, price adjustments are quite slow. Thus, only 3% to 11% of deviations from long-run equilibrium are adjusted on a monthly basis, indicating that a shock in international markets takes several months to be fully transferred to prices in Pakistan.
Oxidation behaviour of nanostructured YSZ plasma sprayed coated Inconel alloy
Authors: Ghosh D. , Das S. , Roy H. , Mitra S. K.
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the effect of nanostructured and micrometre size YSZ powder coated plasma spray coating on high temperature oxidation resistance of Inconel (IN 718) substrate. The oxidation rate and reaction kinetics are studied, and the post-corroded scales are characterised in SEM, field emission SEM and X-ray diffraction. The results clearly indicate that there is an improvement of oxidation resistance in the case of nanostructured YSZ coating as compared to the micrometre size YSZ coated specimen. The detail mechanism of the significant improvement of the oxidation resistance of nanostructured coating is discussed in this paper.
PKR inhibits the DNA damage response, and is associated with poor survival in AML and accelerated leukemia in NHD13 mice
Authors: Cheng Xiaodong , Byrne Michael , Brown Kevin D. , Konopleva Marina Y. , Kornblau Steven M. , Bennett Richard L. , May W. Stratford
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Nuclear PKR activity represses DNA damage response signaling and DNA repair in primary hematopoietic cells. Increased PKR promotes genomic instability and inferior outcomes in both AML and the NHD13 mouse model of leukemia.
Low urinary indoxyl sulfate levels early after transplantation reflect a disrupted microbiome and are associated with poor outcome
Authors: Weber Daniela , Oefner Peter J. , Hiergeist Andreas , Koestler Josef , Gessner André , Weber Markus , Hahn Joachim , Wolff Daniel , Stämmler Frank , Spang Rainer , Herr Wolfgang , Dettmer Katja , Holler Ernst
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Urinary 3-IS levels predict outcome after ASCT and are associated with antibiotics and NOD2/CARD15 variants.
Targeting IL13Ralpha2 activates STAT6-TP63 pathway to suppress breast cancer lung metastasis
Authors: Papageorgis Panagiotis , Ozturk Sait , Lambert Arthur W. , Neophytou Christiana M. , Tzatsos Alexandros , Wong Chen K. , Thiagalingam Sam , Constantinou Andreas I.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is an aggressive subtype often characterized by distant metastasis, poor patient prognosis, and limited treatment options. Therefore, the discovery of alternative targets to restrain its metastatic potential is urgently needed. In this study, we aimed to identify novel genes that drive metastasis of BLBC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods

An unbiased approach using gene expression profiling of a BLBC progression model and in silico leveraging of pre-existing tumor transcriptomes were used to uncover metastasis-promoting genes. Lentiviral-mediated knockdown of interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Ralpha2) coupled with whole-body in vivo bioluminescence imaging was performed to assess its role in regulating breast cancer tumor growth and lung metastasis. Gene expression microarray analysis was followed by in vitro validation and cell migration assays to elucidate the downstream molecular pathways involved in this process.

Results

We found that overexpression of the decoy receptor IL13Ralpha2 is significantly enriched in basal compared with luminal primary breast tumors as well as in a subset of metastatic basal-B breast cancer cells. Importantly, breast cancer patients with high-grade tumors and increased IL13Ralpha2 levels had significantly worse prognosis for metastasis-free survival compared with patients with low expression. Depletion of IL13Ralpha2 in metastatic breast cancer cells modestly delayed primary tumor growth but dramatically suppressed lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, IL13Ralpha2 silencing was associated with enhanced IL-13-mediated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and impaired migratory ability of metastatic breast cancer cells. Interestingly, genome-wide transcriptional analysis revealed that IL13Ralpha2 knockdown and IL-13 treatment cooperatively upregulated the metastasis suppressor tumor protein 63 (TP63) in a STAT6-dependent manner. These observations are consistent with increased metastasis-free survival of breast cancer patients with high levels of TP63 and STAT6 expression and suggest that the STAT6-TP63 pathway could be involved in impairing metastatic dissemination of breast cancer cells to the lungs.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that IL13Ralpha2 could be used as a promising biomarker to predict patient outcome and provide a rationale for assessing the efficacy of anti-IL13Ralpha2 therapies in a subset of highly aggressive basal-like breast tumors as a strategy to prevent metastatic disease.
ROCK activity and the Gβγ complex mediate chemotactic migration of mouse bone marrow-derived stromal cells
Authors: Ryan Caroline M. , Brown James A. L. , Bourke Emer , Prendergast Áine M. , Kavanagh Claire , Liu Zhonglin , Owens Peter , Shaw Georgina , Kolch Walter , O’Brien Timothy , Barry Frank P.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs), also known as mesenchymal stem cells, are the focus of intensive efforts worldwide to elucidate their function and biology. Despite the importance of BMSC migration for their potential therapeutic uses, the mechanisms and signalling governing stem cell migration are still not fully elucidated.

Methods

We investigated and detailed the effects of MCP-1 activation on BMSCs by using inhibitors of G protein-coupled receptor alpha beta (GPCR αβ), ROCK (Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase), and PI3 kinase (PI3K). The effects of MCP-1 stimulation on intracellular signalling cascades were characterised by using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The effectors of MCP-1-mediated migration were investigated by using migration assays (both two-dimensional and three-dimensional) in combination with inhibitors.

Results

We established the kinetics of the MCP-1-activated signalling cascade and show that this cascade correlates with cell surface re-localisation of chemokine (C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) (the MCP-1 receptor) to the cell periphery following MCP-1 stimulation. We show that MCP-1-initiated signalling is dependent on the activation of βγ subunits from the GPCR αβγ complex. In addition, we characterise a novel role for PI3Kγ signalling for the activation of both PAK and ERK following MCP-1 stimulation. We present evidence that the Gβγ complex is responsible for PI3K/Akt, PAK, and ERK signalling induced by MCP-1 in BMSCs. Importantly, we found that, in BMSCs, inhibition of ROCK significantly inhibits MCP-1-induced chemotactic migration, in contrast to previous reports in other systems.

Conclusions

Our results indicate differential chemotactic signalling in mouse BMSCs, which has important implications for the translation of in vivo mouse model findings into human trials. We identified novel components and interactions activated by MCP-1-mediated signalling, which are important for stem cell migration. This work has identified additional potential therapeutic targets that could be manipulated to improve BMSC delivery and homing.
Deeply sequenced metagenome and metatranscriptome of a biogas-producing microbial community from an agricultural production-scale biogas plant
Authors: Bremges Andreas , Maus Irena , Belmann Peter , Eikmeyer Felix , Winkler Anika , Albersmeier Andreas , Pühler Alfred , Schlüter Andreas , Sczyrba Alexander
Published: July 2015

Background

The production of biogas takes place under anaerobic conditions and involves microbial decomposition of organic matter. Most of the participating microbes are still unknown and non-cultivable. Accordingly, shotgun metagenome sequencing currently is the method of choice to obtain insights into community composition and the genetic repertoire.

Findings

Here, we report on the deeply sequenced metagenome and metatranscriptome of a complex biogas-producing microbial community from an agricultural production-scale biogas plant. We assembled the metagenome and, as an example application, show that we reconstructed most genes involved in the methane metabolism, a key pathway involving methanogenesis performed by methanogenic Archaea. This result indicates that there is sufficient sequencing coverage for most downstream analyses.

Conclusions

Sequenced at least one order of magnitude deeper than previous studies, our metagenome data will enable new insights into community composition and the genetic potential of important community members. Moreover, mapping of transcripts to reconstructed genome sequences will enable the identification of active metabolic pathways in target organisms.
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 mediates α1-antitrypsin internalization in CD4+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Zhou Xueyuan , Liu Zhu , Shapiro Leland , Yang Jun , Burton Gregory F
Published: July 2015

In α1-antitrypsin–deficient HIV patients, an accelerated decline of CD4+ T cell numbers is observed, suggesting that α1-antitrypsin is a potential endogenous HIV inhibitor. In infected T lymphocytes, α1-antitrypsin potently blocks NF-κB activation and HIV-1 replication by directly interacting with IκBα in the cytosol, thereby altering its ubiquitination pattern. However, the mechanism of α1-antitrypsin entry into the cytosol, where IκBα locates, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of α1-antitrypsin internalization in CD4+ T cells. Thus, primary CD4+ T cells were infected with HIV-1 and then incubated with α1-antitrypsin to detect its internalization. We found that CD4+ T cells internalized α1-antitrypsin through a clathrin-dependent endocytosis process. Next, intracellular α1-antitrypsin exerted the inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation and HIV-1 replication. On primary CD4+ T cells, α1-antitrypsin interacted with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 to initiate the internalization. Inside CD4+ T lymphocytes, α1-antitrypsin was transported from the endosome to the lysosome and then released into the cytosol, where it is possible for α1-antitrypsin to directly interact with IκBα. These results together suggest that α1-antitrypsin internalization is a clathrin-dependent and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1–mediated endocytosis process. Internalized α1-antitrypsin is transported through the endosome–lysosome–cytosol routine to interact with cytosolic IκBα and block NF-κB activation and HIV-1 replication.
Characterization of interbedded thin beds using zero-crossing-time amplitude stratal slices
Authors: Li Guofa , Sacchi Mauricio D. , Wang Yajing , Zheng Hao
Published: July 2015

We have developed a novel method to characterize thin beds using zero-crossing-time (ZCT) amplitude slices based on an interesting phenomenon we have noticed. Because of the reflection interferences and wavelet overlap, it is almost impossible to identify each thin bed from the composite response of interbedded thin beds. However, the seismic response of one thin bed does not always interfere with other thin beds at all times. At its ZCTs, a thin bed’s reflection makes no contribution to the composite response. Therefore, unlike standard amplitude stratal slices, the imprint of a thin bed does not appear in its ZCT amplitude stratal slices. The latter makes the interference pattern of ZCT amplitude stratal slices different from those of other amplitude stratal slices. Based on this difference, the ZCT amplitude stratal slices of each thin bed can be identified from consecutive amplitude slices, and the thickness, depth, and lateral distribution of each thin bed, as well as the vertical spacing between them, can be estimated from their ZCTs. This interpretive method has been systematically tested with synthetic 3D data and has also been applied to field seismic data.
Edge detection of potential-field sources using scale-space monogenic signal: Fundamental principles
Authors: Hidalgo-Gato Marlon C. , Barbosa Valéria C. F.
Published: July 2015

We have developed a new phase-based filter to enhance the edges of geologic sources from potential-field data using the local phase in the Poisson scale-space monogenic signal. The Poisson scale-space representation of a potential-field data is equivalent to performing an upward continuation of the data. We created a band-pass filter by taking the differences between two Poisson scale-space representations of the data. The local phase was defined as the arctangent of the ratio of the magnitude of the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-components of the first-order Riesz transform of the filtered data to these data. These components were computed in the wavenumber domain and then transformed back into the space domain by the inverse Fourier transform. In the wavenumber domain, we found that these components are the multiplication of the Fourier transform of the filtered data by a Fourier-domain kernel, which in turn is the multiplication of the first-order horizontal derivative filter by the first-order vertical integral filter. This operation is stable, making the local phase of the monogenic signal quite insensitive to noise. We proved that if the data were the vertical component [Formula: see text] of a conservative field [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-components of the first-order Riesz transform of [Formula: see text] were the horizontal components [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. Hence, the local amplitude of the monogenic signal of [Formula: see text] is the 3D analytic signal amplitude of the scalar potential of [Formula: see text] and the local phase resembles the tilt angle (TILT). Tests on synthetic total-field anomalies and a real aeromagnetic anomaly over the Pará-Maranhão Basin, Brazil, showed that the local phase in the scale-space monogenic signal had better performance than the TILT in delineating the geologic contacts that were not seen in the original data.
Influence of salt in the tectonic development of the frontal thrust belt of the eastern Cordillera (Guatiquía area, Colombian Andes)
Authors: Parravano Vanessa , Teixell Antonio , Mora Andrés
Published: July 2015

Geologic maps, seismic lines, and data from a dry exploration well were used to develop a new structural model for a segment of the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, emphasizing the role of salt tectonics. Milestones in the deformation history of the Guatiquía foothills were studied by sequential section restoration to selected steps. Uncommon structural geometries and sparse salt occurrences were interpreted in terms of a kinematic evolution in which Cretaceous salt migration in extension produced a diapiric salt wall, which was subsequently welded during the main episodes of the Andean compression, when the salt wall was squeezed generating a large overturned flap. Salt-weld strain hardening resulted in breakthrough thrusting across the overturned flap in late deformation stages. We have evaluated a pattern of salt tectonics previously unrecognized in the foothills thrust belt, which may be significant in other parts of the external Colombian Andes.
Improving 2D seismic interpretation in challenging settings by integration of restoration techniques: A case study from the Jura fold-and-thrust belt (Switzerland)
Authors: Malz Alexander , Madritsch Herfried , Kley Jonas
Published: July 2015

The structural geologic interpretation of reflection seismic data is affected by conceptual uncertainty, particularly in challenging onshore settings. This uncertainty can be significantly reduced by the integration of cross-section restoration and balancing techniques into the seismic interpretation workflow. Moreover, these techniques define a solid and comprehensive basis, grounding the interpretation and allowing a closer investigation of the deformation history that led to the interpreted structures. These benefits are demonstrated on the basis of a case study from the eastern Jura Mountains in northern Switzerland. This mountain range was formed by a thin-skinned foreland fold-and-thrust belt with a multiphase prethrusting tectonic history. Despite significant seismic acquisition and processing efforts, seismic imaging of the strongly deformed parts of the belt widely remains ambiguous. We have developed a detailed systematic interpretation workflow that is exemplified here for a single seismic profile across the Jura Main Thrust. Classical cross-section balancing techniques of equal bed lengths and areas were applied to validate and reinterpret the given seismic interpretation. Our results suggest that most of the observed structures resulted from thin-skinned deformation along a basal décollement in Lower Triassic evaporites, which is generally inferred for the Jura Mountains. Nevertheless, secondary detachment levels in above lying strata have to be considered as well. The stepwise restoration of the analyzed cross section points toward different styles of thin-skinned deformation and possibly several episodes of earlier basement-rooted faulting events, which are indicated by subtle stratigraphic thickness changes. In summary, our workflow allowed us to significantly improve the original seismic interpretation, highlight specific deformation styles, and illuminate possible prethrusting deformation events that would otherwise be easily overlooked.
Multiattribute rotation scheme: A tool for reservoir property prediction from seismic inversion attributes
Authors: Alvarez Pedro , Bolívar Francisco , Di Luca Mario , Salinas Trino
Published: July 2015

The multiattribute rotation scheme (MARS) is a methodology that uses a numerical solution to estimate a transform to predict petrophysical properties from elastic attributes. This is achieved by estimating a new attribute in the direction of maximum change of a target property in an [Formula: see text]-dimensional Euclidean space formed by an [Formula: see text] number of attributes and subsequent scaling of this attribute to the target unit properties. We have computed the transform from well-log-derived elastic attributes and petrophysical properties, and we have posteriorly applied it to seismically derived elastic attributes. Such transforms can be used to estimate reservoir property volumes for reservoir characterization and delineation in exploration and production settings and to estimate secondary variables in geostatistical workflows for static model generation and reserve estimation. To illustrate the methodology, we applied MARS to estimate a transform to predict the water saturation and total porosity from elastic attributes in a well located in the Barents Sea as well as to estimate a water-saturation volume in a mud-rich turbidite gas reservoir located onshore Colombia.
Relative P-impedance estimation using a dipole-based matching pursuit decomposition strategy
Authors: Wen Xiaotao , Zhang Bo , Pennington Wayne , He Zhenhua
Published: July 2015

The P-impedance is one of the most important elastic parameters of rocks, and it is commonly used for reservoir characterization. Conventional P-impedance inversion merges a low-frequency log-based model with a high-frequency seismic-derived model. We have proposed a method to estimate the P-impedance by employing dipole-based matching pursuit (DMP) decomposition. The matching pursuit decomposes the seismic traces into a superposition of scaled wavelets, and the associated scalar information represents the reflectivity series, which can be integrated for P-impedance estimation. Unfortunately, DMP analysis is usually performed trace by trace, resulting in a poor lateral continuity. Applying conventional lateral smoothing through mean or median filtering improves the lateral continuity but typically decreases the vertical resolution. We have evaluated an adaptive smoothing strategy that required the filtering to follow bed boundaries in an automated manner, sharpening the boundaries while maintaining the high quality of inversion. We have determined the effectiveness of our algorithm by first applying it to a synthetic wedge model and then to a real seismic data set.
High-resolution seismic velocity analysis as a tool for exploring gas hydrate systems: An example from New Zealand’s southern Hikurangi margin
Authors: Crutchley Gareth J. , Maslen Guy , Pecher Ingo A. , Mountjoy Joshu J.
Published: July 2015

The existence of free gas and gas hydrate in the pore spaces of marine sediments causes changes in acoustic velocities that overprint the background lithological velocities of the sediments themselves. Much previous work has determined that such velocity overprinting, if sufficiently pronounced, can be resolved with conventional velocity analysis from long-offset, multichannel seismic data. We used 2D seismic data from a gas hydrate province at the southern end of New Zealand’s Hikurangi subduction margin to describe a workflow for high-resolution velocity analysis that delivered detailed velocity models of shallow marine sediments and their coincident gas hydrate systems. The results showed examples of pronounced low-velocity zones caused by free gas ponding beneath the hydrate layer, as well as high-velocity zones related to gas hydrate deposits. For the seismic interpreter of a gas hydrate system, the velocity results represent an extra “layer” for interpretation that provides important information about the distribution of free gas and gas hydrate. By combining the velocity information from the seismic transect with geologic samples of the seafloor and an understanding of sedimentary processes, we have determined that high gas hydrate concentrations preferentially form within coarse-grained sediments at the proximal end of the Hikurangi Channel. Finer grained sediments expected elsewhere along the seismic transect might preclude the deposition of similarly high gas hydrate concentrations away from the channel.
Adolescent eating disorder behaviours and cognitions:
Gender-specific effects of child, maternal and family risk
factors
Authors: Micali N. , De Stavola B. , Ploubidis G. , Simonoff E. , Treasure J. , Field A. E.
Published: July 2015

Background

Eating disorder behaviours begin in adolescence. Few longitudinal studies
have investigated childhood risk and protective factors.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of eating disorder behaviours and
cognitions and associated childhood psychological, physical and parental
risk factors among a cohort of 14-year-old children.

Method

Data were collected from 6140 boys and girls aged 14 years.
Gender-stratified models were used to estimate prospective associations
between childhood body dissatisfaction, body mass index (BMI),
self-esteem, maternal eating disorder and family economic disadvantage on
adolescent eating disorder behaviours and cognitions.

Results

Childhood body dissatisfaction strongly predicted eating disorder
cognitions in girls, but only in interaction with BMI in boys. Higher
self-esteem had a protective effect, particularly in boys. Maternal
eating disorder predicted body dissatisfaction and weight/shape concern
in adolescent girls and dieting in boys.

Conclusions

Risk factors for eating disorder behaviours and cognitions vary according
to gender. Prevention strategies should be gender-specific and target
modifiable predictors in childhood and early adolescence.
Frontal slow-wave activity as a predictor of negative symptoms,
cognition and functional capacity in schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Yu-Han , Stone-Howell Breannan , Edgar J. Christopher , Huang Mingxiong , Wootton Cassandra , Hunter Michael A. , Lu Brett Y. , Sadek Joseph R. , Miller Gregory A. , Cañive José M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Increased temporal and frontal slow-wave delta (1–4 Hz) and theta (4–7
Hz) activities are the most consistent resting-state neural abnormalities
reported in schizophrenia. The frontal lobe is associated with negative
symptoms and cognitive abilities such as attention, with negative
symptoms and impaired attention associated with poor functional
capacity.

Aims

To establish whether frontal dysfunction, as indexed by slowing, would be
associated with functional impairments.

Method

Eyes-closed magnetoencephalography data were collected in 41 participants
with schizophrenia and 37 healthy controls, and frequency-domain source
imaging localised delta and theta activity.

Results

Elevated delta and theta activity in right frontal and right
temporoparietal regions was observed in the schizophrenia
v. control group. In schizophrenia, right-frontal
delta activity was uniquely associated with negative but not positive
symptoms. In the full sample, increased right-frontal delta activity
predicted poorer attention and functional capacity.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that treatment-associated decreases in slow-wave
activity could be accompanied by improved functional outcome and thus
better prognosis.
MAFA and T3 Drive Maturation of Both Fetal Human Islets and Insulin-Producing Cells Differentiated From hESC
Authors: Aguayo-Mazzucato Cristina , DiIenno Amanda , Hollister-Lock Jennifer , Cahill Christopher , Sharma Arun , Weir Gordon , Colton Clark , Bonner-Weir Susan
Published: July 2015

Context:

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiated toward β-cells and fetal human pancreatic islet cells resemble each other transcriptionally and are characterized by immaturity with a lack of glucose responsiveness, low levels of insulin content, and impaired proinsulin-to-insulin processing. However, their response to stimuli that promote functionality have not been compared.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of our previous strategies for functional maturation developed in rodents in these two human models of β-cell immaturity and compare their responses.

Design, Settings, Participants, and Interventions:

In proof-of-principle experiments using either adenoviral-mediated overexpression of V-Maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA) or the physiologically driven path via thyroid hormone (T3) and human fetal islet-like cluster (ICC) functional maturity was evaluated. Then the effects of T3 were evaluated upon the functional maturation of hESCs differentiated toward β-cells.

Main Outcome Measures:

Functional maturation was evaluated by the following parameters: glucose responsiveness, insulin content, expression of the mature β-cell transcription factor MAFA, and proinsulin-to-insulin processing.

Results:

ICCs responded positively to MAFA overexpression and T3 treatment as assessed by two different maturation parameters: increased insulin secretion at 16.8 mM glucose and increased proinsulin-to-insulin processing. In hESCs differentiated toward β-cells, T3 enhanced MAFA expression, increased insulin content (probably mediated by the increased MAFA), and increased insulin secretion at 16.8 mM glucose.

Conclusion:

T3 is a useful in vitro stimulus to promote human β-cell maturation as shown in both human fetal ICCs and differentiated hESCs. The degree of maturation induced varied in the two models, possibly due to the different developmental status at the beginning of the study.
Compound Poisson Process with a Poisson Subordinator
Authors: Di Crescenzo Antonio , Martinucci Barbara , Zacks Shelemyahu
Published: July 2015

A compound Poisson process whose randomized time is an independent Poisson process is called a compound Poisson process with Poisson subordinator. We provide its probability distribution, which is expressed in terms of the Bell polynomials, and investigate in detail both the special cases in which the compound Poisson process has exponential jumps and normal jumps. Then for the iterated Poisson process we discuss some properties and provide convergence results to a Poisson process. The first-crossing time problem for the iterated Poisson process is finally tackled in the cases of (i) a decreasing and constant boundary, where we provide some closed-form results, and (ii) a linearly increasing boundary, where we propose an iterative procedure to compute the first-crossing time density and survival functions.
Sample-Path Optimal Stationary Policies in Stable Markov Decision Chains with the Average Reward Criterion
Authors: Cavazos-Cadena Rolando , Montes-De-Oca Raúl , Sladký Karel
Published: July 2015

This paper concerns discrete-time Markov decision chains with denumerable state and compact action sets. Besides standard continuity requirements, the main assumption on the model is that it admits a Lyapunov function ℓ. In this context the average reward criterion is analyzed from the sample-path point of view. The main conclusion is that if the expected average reward associated to ℓ2 is finite under any policy then a stationary policy obtained from the optimality equation in the standard way is sample-path average optimal in a strong sense.
First Passage Optimality and Variance Minimisation of Markov Decision Processes with Varying Discount Factors
Authors: Wu Xiao , Guo Xianping
Published: July 2015

This paper deals with the first passage optimality and variance minimisation problems of discrete-time Markov decision processes (MDPs) with varying discount factors and unbounded rewards/costs. First, under suitable conditions slightly weaker than those in the previous literature on the standard (infinite horizon) discounted MDPs, we establish the existence and characterisation of the first passage expected-optimal stationary policies. Second, to further distinguish the expected-optimal stationary policies, we introduce the variance minimisation problem, prove that it is equivalent to a new first passage optimality problem of MDPs, and, thus, show the existence of a variance-optimal policy that minimises the variance over the set of all first passage expected-optimal stationary policies. Finally, we use a computable
example to illustrate our main results and also to show the difference between the first passage optimality here and the standard discount optimality of MDPs in the previous literature.
The Coalescent in Peripatric Metapopulations
Authors: Lambert Amaury , Ma Chunhua
Published: July 2015

We consider a dynamic metapopulation involving one large population of sizeNsurrounded by colonies of size εNN, usually called peripheral isolates in ecology, whereN→ ∞ and εN→ 0 in such a way that εNN→ ∞. The main population, as well as the colonies, independently send propagules to found new colonies (emigration), and each colony independently, eventually merges with the main population (fusion). Our aim is to study the genealogical history of a finite number of lineages sampled at stationarity in such a metapopulation. We make assumptions on model parameters ensuring that the total outer population has size of the order ofNand that each colony has a lifetime of the same order. We prove that under these assumptions, the scaling limit of the genealogical process of a finite sample is a censored coalescent where each lineage can be in one of two states: an inner lineage (belonging to the main population) or an outer lineage (belonging to some peripheral isolate). Lineages change state at constant rate and (only) inner lineages coalesce at constant rate per pair. This two-state censored coalescent is also shown to converge weakly, as the landscape dynamics accelerate, to a time-changed Kingman coalescent.
The DFR Property for Counting Processes Stopped at an Independent Random Time
Authors: Badía F. G. , Sangüesa C.
Published: July 2015

In this paper we consider general counting processes stopped at a random time T, independent of the process. Provided that T has the decreasing failure rate (DFR) property, we present sufficient conditions on the arrival times so that the number of events occurring before T preserves the DFR property of T. In particular, when the interarrival times are independent, we consider applications concerning the DFR property of the stationary number of customers waiting in queue for specific queueing models.
Effect of shear forces and ageing on the compliance of adhesive pads in adult cockroaches
Authors: Zhou Yanmin , Robinson Adam , Viney Christine , Federle Walter
Published: July 2015

The flexibility of insect adhesive pads is crucial for their ability to attach on rough surfaces. Here we use transparent substrates with micropillars to test in adult cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea) whether and how the stiffness of smooth adhesive pads changes when shear forces are applied, and whether the insect's age has any influence. We found that during pulls towards the body, the pad's ability to conform to the surface microstructures was improved in comparison to a contact without shear, suggesting that shear forces make the pad more compliant. The mechanism underlying this shear-dependent increase in compliance is still unclear. The effect was not explained by viscoelastic creep, changes in normal pressure, or shear-induced pad rolling, which brings new areas of cuticle into surface contact. Adhesive pads were significantly stiffer in older cockroaches. Stiffness increased most rapidly in cockroaches aged between 2.5 and 4 months. The increase in stiffness is likely based on wear and repair of the delicate adhesive cuticle. Recent wear (visualised by methylene blue staining) was not age-dependent, whereas permanent damage (visible as brown scars) accumulated with age, reducing the pads' flexibility.
Distinct or shared actions of peptide family isoforms: II. Multiple pyrokinins exert similar effects in the lobster stomatogastric nervous system
Authors: Dickinson Patsy S. , Kurland Sienna C. , Qu Xuan , Parker Brett O. , Sreekrishnan Anirudh , Kwiatkowski Molly A. , Williams Alex H. , Ysasi Alexandra B. , Christie Andrew E.
Published: July 2015

Many neuropeptides are members of peptide families, with multiple structurally similar peptide isoforms frequently found even within a single species. This raises the question of whether the individual peptides serve common or distinct functions. In the companion paper to this article (Dickinson, P.S., Sreekrishnan, A., Kwiatkowski, M.A. and Christie, A.E. 2015. Distinct or shared actions of peptide family isoforms: I. Peptide-specific actions of pyrokinins in the lobster cardiac neuromuscular system. J. Exp. Biol, submitted), we found high isoform specificity in the responses of the lobster (Homarus americanus) cardiac neuromuscular system to members of the pyrokinin peptide family: only one of five crustacean isoforms showed any bioactivity in the cardiac system. Because previous studies in other species had found little isoform specificity in pyrokinin actions, we examined the effects of the same five crustacean pyrokinins on the lobster stomatogastric nervous system (STNS). In contrast to our findings in the cardiac system, the effects of the five pyrokinin isoforms on the STNS were indistinguishable: they all activated or enhanced the gastric mill motor pattern, but did not alter the pyloric pattern. These results, in combination with those from the cardiac ganglion, suggest that members of a peptide family in the same species can be both isoform-specific and highly promiscuous in their modulatory capacity. The mechanisms that underlie these differences in specificity have not yet been elucidated; one possible explanation, which has yet to be tested, is the presence and differential distribution of multiple receptors for members of this peptide family.
Análise crítica do Processo de Elaboração e Implantação do Plano Diretor Participativo de Santo André (SP)
Authors: Teixeira Marco Antonio Carvalho
Published: July 2015

Este artigo apresenta uma análise crítica do processo de negociação política para a elaboração e implantação do plano diretor da cidade de Santo André. A partir da analise de documentos e de entrevistas buscou-se identificar como se deu à incorporação dos mais diversos atores sociais nos debates públicos e nos momentos decisórios, bem como as estratégias de obtenção de consensos e como se superou os dissensos não resolvidos.
Temas Emergentes em Gestão e Políticas Públicas: tendências gerais
Authors: Farah Marta Ferreira Santos
Published: July 2015

A experiência recente de governos locais no Brasil caracteriza-se pela presença de inovações no plano da gestão e das políticas públicas. A reflexão sobre esta experiência permite identificar temas de análise relevantes para o campo de estudos de governos locais, alguns dos quais já integrados pela literatura, outros ainda não explorados. Mesmo temas já abordados, requerem, por outro lado, novas abordagens e perspectivas analíticas. Este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar, a partir da análise de políticas e programas promovidos por governos locais no período recente, temas de investigação relevantes, trazidos pela própria prática. Dentre estes temas, incluem-se gênero e políticas públicas; geração de emprego e renda, gestão ambiental; racionalização de gastos e aumento de arrecadação municipal; transparência e controle da gestão pública; novos arranjos institucionais, dentre outros. Mas, a ausência de políticas e a “omissão” do Estado em determinadas áreas também apontam para temas emergentes. Dentre os temas em que a ação estatal ainda é incipiente ou mesmo inexistente, incluem-se juventude e raça. Outra lacuna decorre da tradição brasileira de identificação do Estado com o poder executivo. Assim é notável a ausência de ações inovadoras e de reflexão sobre o poder legislativo também no âmbito local de governo.
O centro de referência e apoio à vitima(CRAVI) e o trabalho com as vítimas de violência indireta
Authors: Barboza Hélio Batista
Published: July 2015

Este artigo apresenta e discute o trabalho realizado pelo Centro de Referência e Apoio a vítima (CRAVI). O Centro foi criado em 1988 pela Secretaria da Justiça e Defesa da Cidadania do Estado de São Paulo para apoiar as vítimas indiretas de violência. Os dados aqui apresentados foram obtidos através da observação participante e de entrevistas realizadas com os profissionais que atuam no centro e os usuários. Buscou-se identificar os aspectos centrais desta experiência, tanto do ponto de vista da gestão como da atuação direta com os usuários e da resolutividade das ações empreendidas.
Atividade de pesquisa e formação de gestores: a contribuição do projeto Conexão Local
Authors: Bresler Ricardo , Spink Peter , Santos Fernando Burgos P. dos , Alves Mario Aquino
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever a experiência de quatro anos de existência do projeto Conexão Local da FGV-EAESP, a abordagem adotada e apresentar algumas das lições aprendidas. O projeto Conexão Local tem como meta aproximar os alunos da FGV-EAESP às diversas realidades brasileiras por intermédio de viagens de imersão que ocorrem no mês de julho de cada ano. Anualmente, são escolhidas diferentes experiências inovadoras com ênfase nas ações locais de melhoria e desenvolvimento, tanto na área pública quanto na área de organizações da sociedade civil, e os alunos – em duplas – passam um mês convivendo no dia a dia destas experiências. Distingue-se do Projeto Rondon, no qual busca-se disponibilizar o conhecimento a serviço da comunidade uma vez que o Conexão Local trilha o caminho inverso: quem vai para aprender são os estudantes e quem ensina são as experiências e os membros de uma comunidade inteligente (Dowbor, 2002).
A conversação cívica sobre o Bolsa Família: contribuições para a construção da cidadania e da autonomia política de mulheres pobres
Authors: Marques Ângela Cristina Salgueiro
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir acerca da construção da cidadania e da autonomia política de mulheres pobres e beneficiárias do programa Bolsa Família. Tal programa procura encorajar os municípios brasileiros a investir em contextos cívicos de comunicação informal, orientação e realização de cursos. Em espaços municipais mantidos pela Assistência Social, as beneficiárias elaboram intersubjetivamente capacidades expressivas, críticas e autônomas indispensáveis à construção de sua cidadania. Nas conversações cívicas e públicas aí estabelecidas, elas fazem uso de diferentes discursos públicos e privados para expressarem seus pontos de vista, reformulando os enquadramentos fornecidos pela elite política e pela mídia. Contudo, a persistência de códigos simbólicos que desvalorizam essas mulheres dificulta o alcance do status moral necessário à sua participação autônoma em instâncias formais de debate. A análise de algumas dessas conversações foi realizada por meio da constituição de grupos de discussão em duas cidades brasileiras: Campinas (SP) e Belo Horizonte (MG).