bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lazer como mecanismo de apropriação democrática dos espaços públicos: um estudo sobre as práticas de lazer na Estação das Docas em Belém (Pará, Brasil)
Authors: Pereira Pablo Vitor Viana , Matos Lucília Da Silva
Published: June 2016

Na cidade de Belém (Pará, Brasil), percebe-se que alguns espaços muitas vezes limitam os moradores, através de seus muros e gestão excludente. Nesta perspectiva, o objetivo principal do presente artigo foi analisar as diferentes práticas de lazer vivenciadas na Estação das Docas, além de buscar identificar e analisar se havia barreiras para a vivência do lazer, e quais seriam essas barreiras. Neste estudo, os procedimentos metodológicos incluíram a pesquisa de campo, através da observação direta e pesquisa bibliográfica, além de entrevistas semiestruturadas junto a quarenta frequentadores da Estação. Concluiu-se que as práticas de lazer na Estação eram das mais diversas, constituindo-se como um lugar para passear, namorar, apreciar o pôr-do-sol e conversar nos barzinhos e restaurantes. No entanto, havia diversas barreiras para a apropriação de algumas atividades promovidas pela Estação, como cinema, teatro e outras apresentações artísticas, que eram pouco conhecidas pelos frequentadores.
The Effect of Using the Constructivist Learning Model in Teaching Science on the Achievement and Scientific Thinking of 8th Grade Students
Authors: Qarareh Ahmed O.
Published: June 2016

The study aims to investigate the effect of using constructivist learning model in teaching science, especially in the subject of light: its nature, mirrors, lens, and properties, on the achievement of eighth-grade students and their scientific thinking.

The study sample consisted of (136) male and female 8th graders were chosen from two basic schools in Tafila in the scholastic year 2015/2016. The four-class sample was divided into two groups (controlled & experimental).

For achieving the study aims, the researcher prepared lesson plans using constructivist learning model, achievement test and scientific thinking test, which validity and reliability were checked.

To answer the questions of the study, means, SD, ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to determine the differences in means of the groups of the study.

The results show that there is statistically significant difference at (α= 0.05) for the effect of the constructivist Learning model on the achievement and scientific thinking in favor of experimental group, and there is no statistically significant difference at (α= 0.05) for the constructivist Learning model on the achievement and scientific thinking attributed to gender, and there is no statistically significant difference at (α= 0.05) for the dual interaction between teaching method and gender on the achievement and scientific thinking.

In the light of the study results, the researcher presented a number of recommendations including: extra attention should be given to employ constructivist learning model within science courses, and conducting further studies about the effect of the constructivist Learning model on various learning outcomes.
Investigating the Relationship between Effective Communication of Spouse and Father—Child Relationship (Test Pattern Causes to Education Parents)
Authors: Ataeifar Robabeh , Amiri Sholeh , Nadi Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2016

This research is targeted with the plan of father-child model or effective relationship mediating of spouses or investigating attachment style, personality traits, communication skills and spouses’ sexual satisfaction. Based on this 260 people (father and child) were selected through random sampling method based on share. Participants were tested by relationship between spouses’ model questionnaire, adults’ attachment style, and communication skill, five factors of personality, sexual satisfaction and father-child relationship. The relationship of attachment style, personality traits , communication skills and sexual satisfaction of spouses or the effective relationship of spouses and father-child are clarified through performing structural equation model for test that proposed model was appropriately fitted and father-child relationship is explained and predicted through variables of attachment style, personality traits , communication skills, spouses’ sexual satisfaction and mediating variable of spouses’ effective relationship. A positive and significant relationship related to spouses’ relationship among men accountability, compatibility and communication skills in spousal relationship and a negative and significant relationship is obtained among neuroticism and men avoidant attachment in spousal relationship and there is also positive significant relationship related to father-child relationship among compatibility and negative significant relationship among anxiety attachment and neuroticism of father is obtained in father-child relationship. it is recommended that for improving family members’ relationship, the role and effect kind of effective factors on spouses’ relationship and father-child relationship be paid attention and based on proposed model a modification pattern for present defects in marital and parental context can be suggested.
Political Risks and Their Economic Effects: Evidence from Egypt
Authors: Helmy Ashraf , Wagdi Osama
Published: June 2016

This research aims at studying the effect of political changes on Egyptian economy by studying the direct and indirect effect of political risk index and its sub-indicators on number of important variables such as economic growth, employment, exchange rates, Egyptian Exchange main index (EGX30), foreign investment flows, domestic interest rates, and domestic public debt during the time period from 2006 to 2015 using parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. The study concluded that political risk index and its sub-indicators have had varying effects on financial and real investment and other macroeconomic variables in Egypt; and that achieving a successful economic development process cannot be reached without taking into account determinants of political risk.
Trans-frontier Environmental Damage in International Jurisprudence
Authors: Zamani Sayyed Ghasem , Alipour Mohammadreza
Published: June 2016

The enhancement of environmental awareness in both domestic and international level has been accompanied by the growing number of internal authorities and international bodies within which environmentally related disputes can be addressed. Over the years, environmental issues have been discussed by different international judicial courts and arbitration tribunals. Their contribution to enhance the legitimacy of international concerns to the protection of environment is a significant one. They have acted to clarify the international environmental rules within the international legal order and have augmented the ability of domestic legal systems to deal with associated problems more effectively. The international judicial bodies as well as arbitration tribunals have been faced with a rather vague set of rules and principles that made it an enormous task to apply the law to the particular facts of a case in question. Issues relating to the existence, contents and meaning of the certain related concepts took considerable spaces in the contributions of international courts and tribunals in the course of developing international environmental law, particularly the concepts of environmental damage and the liable party to make reparation. International judicial bodies mostly relied on procedural obligations of states and arbitration tribunals on damage itself and the necessity to compensate them. While the damage is mostly confined to significant damage of value-use aspects of the environment, and liable party is focused on the damage causing activities of the operator, the reparation modes are unsteady between only financial compensation and, if possible, near to restitution.
Study of the Legal Regime of Oil and Gas Transit in Energy Charter Treaty and Law of Iran
Authors: Doulah Abdolsamad , Shafee Mirshahbiz
Published: June 2016

The present thesis has analyzed the legal regime of oil and gas transit in energy charter treaty and law of Iran by the use of descriptive analytic method. The research findings show that the law of transportation and the transit of foreign goods through the Islamic Republic of Iran’s territory passed in 1995 and its executive by law generally deals with the transit affairs although because of its general application it can be stated that it includes energy transit especially oil and gas. This law has referred to the energy transit in a limited way and therefore the lack of law in this respect is quite conspicuous. The transportation law of Iran which was ratified about 14 years ago and since it was codified for the needs of those days need to be revised in case Iran intends to join the charter because in several cases there is lack of law. But despite the legal vacuum there is no contrast between the aforementioned law and the contents of the charter treaty in terms of the oil and gas transit. In fact it can be stated that the law of transportation of Iran has no limitation in accepting the contents of the charter but only in some cases for the sake of clarification and preventing the creation of difference some new rules need to be ratified and some of the present rules need to be modified.
Defining desirable natural product derived anticancer drug space: optimization of molecular physicochemical properties and ADMET attributes
Authors: Singh Deepika
Published: June 2016

As part of our endeavor to enhance survival of natural product derived drug candidates and to guide the medicinal chemist to design higher probability space for success in the anti cancer drug development area, we embarked on a detailed study of the property space for a collection of natural product derived anti cancer molecules. We carried out a comprehensive analysis of properties for 24 natural products derived anti cancer drugs including clinical development candidates and a set of 27 natural products derived anti cancer lead compounds. In particular, we focused on understanding the interplay among eight physicochemical properties including like partition coefficient (log P), distribution coefficient at pH=7.4 (log D), topological polar surface area (TPSA), molecular weight (MW), aqueous solubility (log S), number of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA), number of hydrogen bond donors (HBD) and number of rotatable bonds (nRot) crucial for drug design and  relationships between physicochemical properties, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) attributes, and in silico toxicity profile for these two sets of compounds. This analysis provides guidance for the chemist to modify the existing natural product scaffold or designing of new anti cancer molecules in a property space with increased probability of success and may lead to the identification of druglike candidates with favorable safety profiles that can successfully test hypotheses in the clinic.
A DESESTRUTURAÇÃO FAMILIAR E O ADOLESCENTE EM CONFLITO COM A LEI: PONTOS E CONTRAPONTOS
Authors: Campos Vanisse Monteiro , Resende Gisele Silva Lira de
Published: June 2016

A discussão sobre adolescentes que se envolvem em ações violentas tem sido considerada um problema social de grandes dimensões, seja como vítimas, seja como autores. Nessa conjuntura, esta pesquisa, realizada na área de Direitos Humanos, tem por objetivo maior compreender quais elementos da dinâmica familiar de adolescentes em conflito com a lei, que estão cumprindo medida de privação de liberdade, no sistema socioeducativo, do município de Barra do Garças – MT, contribuíram para que estes ingressassem no mundo da infração. Trata-se de uma a pesquisa exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, que analisa, de modo estreito, a dinâmica familiar desses internos. Utilizou-se em discussão teórica, obras de Kozen, Dias, Tepedino, Estatuto da criança e do Adolescente, dentre outras. Já a pesquisa de campo foi realizada na instituição supracitada. Conclui-se que o ambiente familiar pode influenciar os adolescentes à prática de atos ilícitos.
Erythropoietin Stimulates Endothelial Progenitor Cells to Induce Endothelialization in an Aneurysm Neck After Coil Embolization by Modulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Liu Peixi , Zhou Yingjie , An Qingzhu , Song Yaying , Chen Xi , Yang Guo-Yuan , Zhu Wei
Published: June 2016

This study explored a new approach to enhance aneurysm (AN) neck endothelialization via erythropoietin (EPO)-induced endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) stimulation. Results suggest that EPO enhanced the endothelialization of a coiled embolization AN neck by stimulating EPCs via vascular endothelial growth factor modulation. Thus, the promotion of endothelialization with EPO provides an additional therapeutic option for preventing the recurrence of ANs. Endovascular coil embolization is an attractive therapy for cerebral ANs, but recurrence is a main problem affecting long-term outcomes. In this study, we explored a new approach to enhance AN neck endothelialization via EPO-induced EPC stimulation. Ninety adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected for an in vivo assay, and 60 of them underwent microsurgery to create a coiled embolization AN model. The animals were treated with EPO, and endothelial repair was assessed via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, electronic microscopy, cytokine detection, and routine blood work. EPO improved the viability, migration, cytokine modulation, and gene expression of bone marrow-derived EPCs and the results showed that EPO increased the number of circulating EPCs and improved endothelialization compared with untreated rats (p < .05). EPO had no significant effect on the routine blood work parameters. In addition, the immunofluorescence analysis showed that the number of KDR+ cells in the AN neck was elevated in the EPO-treated group (p < .05). Further study demonstrated that EPO promoted EPC viability and migration in vitro. The effects of EPO may be attributed to the modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In particular, EPO enhanced the endothelialization of a coiled embolization AN neck by stimulating EPCs via VEGF modulation. Thus, the promotion of endothelialization with EPO provides an additional therapeutic option for preventing the recurrence of ANs.

Significance

Erythropoietin (EPO) is involved in erythropoiesis and related conditions and is reported to enhance stem-cell mobilization from bone marrow while elevating stem-cell viability and function. In this study, EPO was also found to stimulate endothelial progenitor cells to induce the endothelialization of a coiled embolic aneurysm neck via vascular endothelial growth factor modulation. Endothelialization induction provides an additional therapeutic opportunity during vascular inner layer repair and remodeling. The results provide important information on the unique role EPO plays during vascular repair and remodeling.
Enforced Expression of HOXB4 in Human Embryonic Stem Cells Enhances the Production of Hematopoietic Progenitors but Has No Effect on the Maturation of Red Blood Cells
Authors: Jackson Melany , Ma Rui , Taylor A. Helen , Axton Richard A. , Easterbrook Jennifer , Kydonaki Maria , Olivier Emmanuel , Marenah Lamin , Stanley Edouard G. , Elefanty Andrew G. , Mountford Joanne C. , Forrester Lesley M.
Published: June 2016

We have developed a robust, Good Manufacturing Practice-compatible differentiation protocol capable of producing scalable quantities of red blood cells (RBCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). However, translation of this protocol to the clinic has been compromised because the RBCs produced are not fully mature; thus, they express embryonic and fetal, rather than adult globins, and they do not enucleate efficiently. Based on previous studies, we predicted that activation of exogenous HOXB4 would increase the production of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from hPSCs and hypothesized that it might also promote the production of more mature, definitive RBCs. Using a tamoxifen-inducible HOXB4-ERT2 expression system, we first demonstrated that activation of HOXB4 does increase the production of HPCs from hPSCs as determined by colony-forming unit culture activity and the presence of CD43+CD34+ progenitors. Activation of HOXB4 caused a modest, but significant, increase in the proportion of immature CD235a+/CD71+ erythroid cells. However, this did not result in a significant increase in more mature CD235a+/CD71− cells. RBCs produced in the presence of enhanced HOXB4 activity expressed embryonic (ε) and fetal (γ) but not adult (β) globins, and the proportion of enucleated cells was comparable to that of the control cultures. We conclude that programming with the transcription factor HOXB4 increases the production of hematopoietic progenitors and immature erythroid cells but does not resolve the inherent challenges associated with the production of mature adult-like enucleated RBCs.

Significance

As worldwide blood donations decrease and transfusable transmitted infections increase, intense interest has ensued in deriving red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro from alternative sources such as pluripotent stem cells. A translatable protocol was developed to generate RBCs; however, these RBCs have an immature phenotype. It was hypothesized that the transcription factor HOXB4 could enhance their production and maturation. Although HOXB4 increased the production of erythroid progenitors, it did not promote their maturation. Despite the remaining challenges, a robust system has been established to test other candidates and add to the knowledge base in this field.
Radiation Dose Distribution Measurements of Kilo-Voltage Photons Using Optically Stimulated Luminescence Detectors (OSLs) in Radiological Procedures
Authors: Syed Mansoor Naqvi  , Zaheer Uddin  , Zafar Sajjad  , Imran Ahmed Siddiqui  , Amjad Hussan
Published: June 2016

OSL detectors were used for dose measurement in a solid water phantom. Two other detectors, Cobia Flex (RTI Electronics) and PTW-Diados were also used to verify the measurements. Radiation doses were measured for a wide range of radiographic techniques and set of parameters from very low (1 mAs, 55 kV) to very high (140 mAs, 120 kV) exposures. Multiple x-ray units were used to ensure that the measured doses are independent of x-ray units and are dependent on the specified radiographic parameters. Measurements were performed at the standard medical radiographic imaging Source-to-Image-Distances (SID) of 100 cm and 180 cm. all the x-ray beams were collimated to produce a 20 cm × 20 cm field size.We measured the radiation doses at different depths and estimated entrance surface doses during common radiological procedures. Measured doses fall exponentially with depths at all energies and exposures. A nonlinear relation is clearly evident between the dose and the x-ray beam energy. The measurements also show that the radiation dose is directly proportional to the exposure. Entrance Surface Doses (ESD) were also measured and found to be as low as 0.119 mGy±0.020 (0.092-0.141) for extremities to as high as 13.083 mGy±3.988(8.246-17.560) to the Spine and Abdomen. ESDs for the chest x-ray were measured to be 0.158 mGy±0.074(0.034-0.275).
Análisis de intensidades energéticas y emisiones de CO2 a partir de la matriz de contabilidad social de Andalucía del año 2000
Authors: Cardenete M. Alejandro , Fuentes Saguar Patricia D. , Polo Clemente
Published: June 2016

This paper presents estimates of energy intensities and CO2 emissions for Andalusia’s economy in 2000. Energy intensities of productive sectors are calculated in several scenarios using a SAM model specified with a social accounting matrix elaborated by the authors. Emissions are estimated with an input-output model, breaking down emissions into those due to intermediate and final uses. The results indicate there are important variations in energy intensities across sectors as well as substantial changes when consumption and investment are endogenous. Emission estimates are quite satisfactory in the base year and the simulations performed show the large impact resulting from changes in domestic final demand.
Las emisiones de metano (CH4) en el subsistema agroalimentario catalán: un análisis input-output alternativo
Authors: Navarro Francisco , Alcántara Vicent
Published: June 2016

In this paper we carry out a research of the CH4 emissions related to the Catalan agro-food sector through an alternative or at least complementary, input-output subsystems analysis, which is a useful tool to study the productive structure of the different sectors that make up an economy. The application of this technique allows the decomposition of the subsystem in different effects depending on the existing interindustry linkages with all the production sectors of the economy inside as well outside the subsystem. Results highlights the relevance of intrasectorial relations within the agro-food industry subsystem, which shows a significant autonomy respect to this type of emissions with regard to the rest of the economy. This feature guides the sort of environmental policies to be implemented in order to reduce the atmospheric impact of such activity.
La nueva economía institucional y la economía de los recursos naturales: Comunes, instituciones, gobernanza y cambio institucional
Authors: Caballero Miguez Gonzalo , Garza Gil María Dolores
Published: June 2016

In recent decades, the New Institutional Economics has brought about the “return of institutions” to the economic mainstream, and institutional theory and analysis have been developed from Ronald Coase’s notion of transaction costs and Douglass North’s view on institutions. The Nobel Prize award in Economics to Oliver Williamson and Elinor Ostrom in 2009 has pointed out the relevance of the new institutional approach. Natural Resource Economics has included the institutional determinants of the management of natural resources into its research agenda. In this sense, the advances of the New Institutional Economics allows the development of institutional analysis in the field of the Economics of Natural Resources, such as Elinor Ostrom’s work has shown. This paper presents an integral and updated perspective of the foundations of the New Institutional Economics that constitute a set of theoretical inputs for the analysis of institutions and governance in the management of natural resources.
Distribución óptima del transporte intermodal: aplicación a la exportación de perecederos
Authors: Pérez-Mesa Juan Carlos , Salinas Andújar José Antonio
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses the benefits using intermodal transport for fruit and vegetables. Multi-Criteria Decision Making techniques are applied for optimal allocation between land or intermodal transport. Also a sensitivity analysis is made for knowing changing priorities in decision-makers (exporters) to encourage a modal shift. The results show savings in intermodal transport costs in relation to land transport cost. However the exporter must assume increased time of delivery of goods.
Aux racines d’une exclusion féminine si « naturelle » : la chronique jazz, un univers très « masculin »
Authors: Buscatto Marie
Published: June 2016

Le « monde » des chroniqueurs de jazz est, en France, un monde d’hommes. Non seulement les femmes sont rares, en proportion, à signer des articles ou à réaliser des émissions de radio portant sur le jazz (moins de 10 %), mais les femmes présentes y occupent des positions marginalisées. Comment expliquer que la chronique jazz reste un univers si fermé aux femmes malgré les efforts contraires mis en oeuvre par les hommes chroniqueurs de jazz ? Cet article vise à éclairer aussi bien la faible présence et la position marginalisée des femmes dans cette activité que les manières dont certaines réussissent « quand même » à exercer l’activité de chroniqueuse de jazz. À travers ce cas exceptionnel – par sa petite taille et par la force de la marginalisation des femmes – apparaissent ainsi de manière exacerbée les processus sociaux transversaux de marginalisation et de transgression des femmes dans des univers très « masculins » – professionnels, sportifs, culturels, artistiques ou militants.
L’enjeu de l’équité salariale au Nouveau-Brunswick : une question de redistribution et de reconnaissance
Authors: Pelland Marie-Andrée , Savoie Lise
Published: June 2016

Cet article porte sur les actions stratégiques menées par la Coalition pour l’équité salariale du Nouveau-Brunswick et par le gouvernement de cette province pour agir sur la question de l’équité salariale. Il s’agit ici de comprendre sur quoi se fondent les stratégies d’action de la Coalition et du gouvernement pour remédier aux iniquités salariales persistantes entre les hommes et les femmes. Cette analyse s’appuie sur les cadres théoriques de Nancy Fraser (2011, 2012) et d’Axel Honneth (2000, 2002, 2008). Pour bien cerner les actions de la Coalition et celles du gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick, nous avons effectué une analyse documentaire de la presse néo-brunswickoise entre 2001 et 2013 ainsi qu’une analyse de la documentation produite par ces groupes. L’analyse documentaire a permis de constater la présence de trois périodes distinctes dans la lutte de la redistribution et de la reconnaissance pour l’équité salariale : de 2001 à 2003, « Construction et sensibilisation à l’équité salariale » ; de 2004 à 2006, « Polarisation d’enjeux portant sur l’équité salariale » et, de 2007 à 2013, « Action du gouvernement et réaction de la Coalition pour l’équité salariale ». Durant chacune de ces périodes, on a relevé la présence de remèdes distinctifs pour corriger les iniquités salariales.
Les ancêtres, l’esclavage, la Négritude et l’art africain dans une Maison : politique du patrimoine et altérité
Authors: Barbe Noël , Sevin Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2016

La Maison de la Négritude et des Droits de l’Homme de Champagney, petite ville de Haute-Saône dans l’Est de la France, est née dans les années 1970 à la suite de la découverte dans les archives d’un extrait des cahiers de doléances de 1789 rédigé par des habitants de cette commune et demandant l’abolition de l’esclavage. Le qualificatif Négritude provient du parrainage que Léopold Sédar Senghor a voulu accorder à ce lieu, où la mise en valeur de ce « voeu de Champagney » s’articule à une muséographie obsolète consacrée à l’histoire de l’esclavage des Noirs à laquelle est juxtaposée une collection d’« art africain ». Sur le fond de ce patrimoine commun, un ensemble de pratiques et de points de vue différenciés se détachent nettement. Comment s’articulent ces expériences diverses? Peut-on parler de patrimoine interculturel? Ou plutôt d’une situation d’interculturalité en ce qu’elle tient de l’approche d’une altérité subsumée sous le thème de la Négritude. Cette altérité s’y trouve à la fois redoublée par la question de l’esclavage et en même temps incluse dans une commune humanité, sur le registre moral des Droits de l’Homme et au nom de l’héritage du Voeu de Champagney. Cette appréhension patrimoniale de l’altérité coexiste avec une volonté de traduire l’histoire de l’esclavage des Noirs pour en faire une ressource pour lutter contre les dominations et discriminations à l’oeuvre dans le monde contemporain, qui rentre elle-même en tension avec une mise en balance de ses propres souffrances sociales lorsque l’on est habitant ordinaire de Champagney au regard de la distance sociale qui peut être ressentie vis-à-vis des promoteurs de la Maison de la Négritude et des Droits de l’Homme.
AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is required for T cell priming and antiviral immunity
Authors: Schmid Edward T , Pang Iris K , Carrera Silva Eugenio A , Bosurgi Lidia , Miner Jonathan J , Diamond Michael S , Iwasaki Akiko , Rothlin Carla V
Published: June 2016

The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL is induced in response to type I interferons (IFNs) and limits their production through a negative feedback loop. Enhanced production of type I IFNs in Axl-/- dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro have led to speculation that inhibition of AXL would promote antiviral responses. Notwithstanding, type I IFNs also exert potent immunosuppressive functions. Here we demonstrate that ablation of AXL enhances the susceptibility to infection by influenza A virus and West Nile virus. The increased type I IFN response in Axl-/- mice was associated with diminished DC maturation, reduced production of IL-1β, and defective antiviral T cell immunity. Blockade of type I IFN receptor or administration of IL-1β to Axl-/- mice restored the antiviral adaptive response and control of infection. Our results demonstrate that AXL is essential for limiting the immunosuppressive effects of type I IFNs and enabling the induction of protective antiviral adaptive immunity.
Benefits of jasmonate-dependent defenses against vertebrate herbivores in nature
Authors: Machado Ricardo AR , McClure Mark , Hervé Maxime R , Baldwin Ian T , Erb Matthias
Published: June 2016

Endogenous jasmonates are important regulators of plant defenses. If and how they enable plants to maintain their reproductive output when facing community-level herbivory under natural conditions, however, remains unknown. We demonstrate that jasmonate-deficient Nicotiana attenuata plants suffer more damage by arthropod and vertebrate herbivores than jasmonate-producing plants in nature. However, only damage by vertebrate herbivores translates into a significant reduction in flower production. Vertebrate stem peeling has the strongest negative impact on plant flower production. Stems are defended by jasmonate-dependent nicotine, and the native cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus nuttallii avoids jasmonate-producing N. attenuata shoots because of their high levels of nicotine. Thus, endogenous jasmonates enable plants to resist different types of herbivores in nature, and jasmonate-dependent defenses are important for plants to maintain their reproductive potential when facing vertebrate herbivory. Ecological and evolutionary models on plant defense signaling should aim at integrating arthropod and vertebrate herbivory at the community level.
In vivo super-resolution RESOLFT microscopy of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Schnorrenberg Sebastian , Grotjohann Tim , Vorbrüggen Gerd , Herzig Alf , Hell Stefan W , Jakobs Stefan
Published: June 2016

Despite remarkable developments in diffraction unlimited super-resolution microscopy, in vivo nanoscopy of tissues and model organisms is still not satisfactorily established and rarely realized. RESOLFT nanoscopy is particularly suited for live cell imaging because it requires relatively low light levels to overcome the diffraction barrier. Previously, we introduced the reversibly switchable fluorescent protein rsEGFP2, which facilitated fast RESOLFT nanoscopy (Grotjohann et al., 2012). In that study, as in most other nanoscopy studies, only cultivated single cells were analyzed. Here, we report on the use of rsEGFP2 for live-cell RESOLFT nanoscopy of sub-cellular structures of intact Drosophila melanogaster larvae and of resected tissues. We generated flies expressing fusion proteins of alpha-tubulin and rsEGFP2 highlighting the microtubule cytoskeleton in all cells. By focusing through the intact larval cuticle, we achieved lateral resolution of <60 nm. RESOLFT nanoscopy enabled time-lapse recordings comprising 40 images and facilitated recordings 40 µm deep within fly tissues.
Functional CRISPR screening identifies the ufmylation pathway as a regulator of SQSTM1/p62
Authors: DeJesus Rowena , Moretti Francesca , McAllister Gregory , Wang Zuncai , Bergman Phil , Liu Shanming , Frias Elizabeth , Alford John , Reece-Hoyes John S , Lindeman Alicia , Kelliher Jennifer , Russ Carsten , Knehr Judith , Carbone Walter , Beibel Martin , Roma Guglielmo , Ng Aylwin , Tallarico John A , Porter Jeffery A , Xavier Ramnik J , Mickanin Craig , Murphy Leon O , Hoffman Gregory R , Nyfeler Beat
Published: June 2016

SQSTM1 is an adaptor protein that integrates multiple cellular signaling pathways and whose expression is tightly regulated at the transcriptional and post-translational level. Here, we describe a forward genetic screening paradigm exploiting CRISPR-mediated genome editing coupled to a cell selection step by FACS to identify regulators of SQSTM1. Through systematic comparison of pooled libraries, we show that CRISPR is superior to RNAi in identifying known SQSTM1 modulators. A genome-wide CRISPR screen exposed MTOR signalling and the entire macroautophagy machinery as key regulators of SQSTM1 and identified several novel modulators including HNRNPM, SLC39A14, SRRD, PGK1 and the ufmylation cascade. We show that ufmylation regulates SQSTM1 by eliciting a cell type-specific ER stress response which induces SQSTM1 expression and results in its accumulation in the cytosol. This study validates pooled CRISPR screening as a powerful method to map the repertoire of cellular pathways that regulate the fate of an individual target protein.
Recycling at synapses
Authors: Gross Owen P , von Gersdorff Henrique
Published: June 2016

Synaptic vesicles in rodent neurons are recycled using at least two distinct mechanisms.
Effects of AlN buffer layer thickness on the crystallinity and surface morphology of 10-µm-thick a-plane AlN films grown on r-plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Lin Chia-Hung , Tamaki Shinya , Yamashita Yasuhiro , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa
Published: June 2016

10-µm-thick a-plane AlN

films containing a low-temperature AlN (LT-AlN) buffer layer and a high-temperature AlN (HT-AlN) film were prepared on r-plane sapphire

substrates. The crystallinity of all the samples with different LT-AlN buffer layer thicknesses was improved after thermal annealing and HT-AlN growth, mainly owing to the elimination of domain boundaries and the concurrent suppression of facet formation. The optimum crystallinity of HT-AlN films was obtained with full widths at half maximum of the X-ray rocking curves of 660 arcsec for AlN

AlN and 840 arcsec for (0002) using a 200-nm-thick LT-AlN buffer layer.
Flexible inverted polymer solar cells fabricated in air at low temperatures
Authors: Kuwabara Takayuki , Wang Xiaofan , Kusumi Takuji , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Taima Tetsuya , Takahashi Kohshin
Published: June 2016

A series of modified indium tin oxide (ITO) materials, including sol–gel zinc-oxide-coated ITO (ITO/ZnO), ZnO nanoparticle-coated ITO (ITO/ZnO-NP), 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (BAP)-modified ITO, and polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE)-modified ITO, were used for electron-collection electrodes in inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs). The modified ITO electrodes were prepared in air at temperatures below 100 °C, using various ITO films on flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates (PET–ITO) with sheet resistances ranging from 12 to 60 Ω sq−1. The PET–ITO (12 Ω sq−1)/ZnO-NP PSC exhibited an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) (2.93%), and this PCE was ∼90% of that observed for a cell using glass–ITO/ZnO-NP (sheet resistance = 10 Ω sq−1; PCE = 3.28%). Additionally, we fabricated a flexible inverted ZnO-NP PSC using an indene-C60 bisadduct (ICBA) as the acceptor material in place of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and obtained a PCE of 4.18%.
Protein-RNA linkage and posttranslational modifications of feline calicivirus and murine norovirus VPg proteins
Authors: Olspert Allan , Hosmillo Myra , Chaudhry Yasmin , Peil Lauri , Truve Erkki , Goodfellow Ian
Published: June 2016

Members of theCaliciviridaefamily of positive sense RNA viruses cause a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. The detailed characterization of the calicivirus life cycle had been hampered due to the lack of robust cell culture systems and experimental tools for many of the members of the family. However, a number of caliciviruses replicate efficiently in cell culture and have robust reverse genetics systems available, most notably feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus (MNV). These are therefore widely used as representative members with which to examine the mechanistic details of calicivirus genome translation and replication. The replication of the calicivirus RNA genome occurs via a double-stranded RNA intermediate that is then used as a template for the production of new positive sense viral RNA, which is covalently linked to the virus-encoded protein VPg. The covalent linkage to VPg occurs during genome replication via the nucleotidylylation activity of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Using FCV and MNV, we used mass spectrometry-based approach to identify the specific amino acid linked to the 5′ end of the viral nucleic acid. We observed that both VPg proteins are covalently linked to guanosine diphosphate (GDP) moieties via tyrosine positions 24 and 26 for FCV and MNV respectively. These data fit with previous observations indicating that mutations introduced into these specific amino acids are deleterious for viral replication and fail to produce infectious virus. In addition, we also detected serine phosphorylation sites within the FCV VPg protein with positions 80 and 107 found consistently phosphorylated on VPg-linked viral RNA isolated from infected cells. This work provides the first direct experimental characterization of the linkage of infectious calicivirus viral RNA to the VPg protein and highlights that post-translational modifications of VPg may also occur during the viral life cycle.
Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking of the Fetal Heart
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Polanco Bardo , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark
Published: June 2016

Various approaches to 2‐dimensional speckle tracking have been used to evaluate left ventricular function and deformation in the fetus, child, and adult. In 2015, because of differences in imaging devices and analytical programs, the cardiology community published a consensus document proposing standards for pediatric/adult deformation imaging using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking. The understanding and application of deformation imaging in the fetus have been limited by a lack of uniform software, terminology, techniques, and display. This article provides a practical, step‐by‐step approach for deformation analysis of the fetal heart using offline software that is independent of specific ultrasound vendors.
Expected Sonographic Appearance of the Spleen in Children and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Gale Heather I. , Bobbitt Christopher A. , Setty Bindu N. , Sprinz Philippa G. , Doros Gheorghe , Williams Don D. , Morrison Trevor C. , Kalajian Tyler A. , Tu Powen , Mundluru Shankar N. , Castro-Aragon Ilse
Published: June 2016

Objectives

: To update the imaging literature regarding spleen appearances in young patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study and included 112 patients age 0 to 21 years with SCD who had at least 1 abdominal sonogram at our institution between 1999 and 2011. Radiologic findings were compared between risk groups by χ2 analysis. Findings were correlated with other imaging modalities when available.

Results

In our cohort, 35.7% of patients had autosplenectomy, and 8.0% had undergone surgical splenectomy. Only 5.0% of individuals age 0 to 5 years had autosplenectomy. In those who had not undergone surgical splenectomy or autosplenectomy, 76.2% had echogenic spleens, heterogeneous‐appearing spleens, or both, and patients with the homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS) genotype were more likely to have an abnormal spleen echo texture. Patients treated with transfusions had echogenic spleens and had a higher frequency of splenic regeneration nodules. Most patients (80%) with splenomegaly did not require surgical splenectomy after 5.7 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Twenty years ago, children with HbSS SCD were expected to have autosplenectomy by age 5 years. There have been changes in the radiologic appearance of the spleen in patients with SDC, likely due to improved supportive care and the use of acute and chronic transfusion therapy. We found that autosplenectomy is rare by age 5 years, and during childhood and adolescence, the spleen typically appears echogenic, heterogeneous, or both, depending on disease severity.
Atypical antipsychotics: A review on the prevalence, monitoring, and management of their metabolic and cardiovascular side effects
Authors: Wei Xin Chong Joyce , Hsien-Jie Tan Earl , Chong Chia Eng , Ng Yiwei , Wijesinghe Ruki
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Excessive weight gain, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia are well-known physical side effects of the metabolic syndrome commonly associated with atypical antipsychotic (AAP) treatment. We review these side effects of AAPs and their monitoring and management strategies.

Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify articles published on the prevalence, monitoring, and management of cardiometabolic side effects of AAPs.

Results: Comparative risk of AAPs on weight gain, hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, and QT interval corrected for heart rate prolongation varies across the AAPs currently available. Likewise, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options investigated for management of these side effects, and monitoring those at appropriate intervals, differ based on the clinical condition and risk factors identified.

Discussion: Atypical antipsychotics in general have little difference among them in short-term efficacy; however, the prevalence of their physical side effects substantially distinguishes them. It is of importance that clinicians carefully select AAPs bearing in mind the presence of risk factors, initiating patients directly on AAPs with a low risk of cardiometabolic side effects, and monitoring and managing those side effects at appropriate intervals.
Large expansion of oil industry in the Ecuadorian Amazon: biodiversity vulnerability and conservation alternatives
Authors: Lessmann Janeth , Fajardo Javier , Muñoz Jesús , Bonaccorso Elisa
Published: June 2016

Ecuador will experience a significant expansion of the oil industry in its Amazonian region, one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. In view of the changes that are about to come, we explore the conflicts between oil extraction interests and biodiversity protection and apply systematic conservation planning to identify priority areas that should be protected in different oil exploitation scenarios. First, we quantified the current extent of oil blocks and protected zones and their overlap with two biodiversity indicators: 25 ecosystems and 745 species (whose distributions were estimated via species distribution models). With the new scheme of oil exploitation, oil blocks cover 68% (68,196 km2) of the Ecuadorian Amazon; half of it occupied by new blocks open for bids in the southern Amazon. This region is especially vulnerable to biodiversity losses, because peaks of species diversity, 19 ecosystems, and a third of its protected zones coincide spatially with oil blocks. Under these circumstances, we used Marxan software to identify priority areas for conservation outside oil blocks, but their coverage was insufficient to completely represent biodiversity. Instead, priority areas that include southern oil blocks provide a higher representation of biodiversity indicators. Therefore, preserving the southern Amazon becomes essential to improve the protection of Amazonian biodiversity in Ecuador, and avoiding oil exploitation in these areas (33% of the extent of southern oil blocks) should be considered a conservation alternative. Also, it is highly recommended to improve current oil exploitation technology to reduce environmental impacts in the region, especially within five oil blocks that we identified as most valuable for the conservation of biodiversity. The application of these and other recommendations depends heavily on the Ecuadorian government, which needs to find a better balance between the use of the Amazon resources and biodiversity conservation.
Blockade of sigma 1 receptors alleviates sensory signs of diabetic neuropathy in rats
Authors: Paniagua N. , Girón R. , Goicoechea C. , López‐Miranda V. , Vela J.M. , Merlos M. , Martín Fontelles M.I.
Published: June 2016

Background

E‐52862 (S1RA, 4‐[2‐[[5‐methyl‐1‐(2‐naphthalenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl]oxy]ethyl]‐morpholine), a novel selective sigma 1 receptor (σ1R) antagonist, has demonstrated efficacy in nociceptive and neuropathic pain models. Our aim was to test if σ1R blockade with E‐52862 may modify the signs of neuropathy in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a type 2 diabetes model.

Methods

Mechanical and thermal response thresholds were tested on 7‐, 13‐, 14‐ and 15‐week‐old ZDF rats treated with saline or with E‐52862 acutely administered on week 13, followed by sub‐chronic administration (14 days). Axonal peripheral activity (skin–saphenous nerve preparation) and isolated aorta or mesenteric bed reactivity were analysed in 15‐week‐old ZDF rats treated with saline or E‐52862 and in LEAN rats.

Results

Zucker diabetic fatty rats showed significantly decreased thermal withdrawal latency and threshold to mechanical stimulation on week 13 compared to week 7 (prediabetes) and with LEAN animals; single‐dose and sub‐chronic E‐52862 administration restored both parameters to those recorded on week 7. Regarding axonal peripheral activity, E‐52862 treatment increased the mean mechanical threshold (77.3 ± 21 mN vs. 19.6 ± 1.5 mN, saline group) and reduced the response evoked by mechanical increasing stimulation (86.4 ± 36.5 vs. 352.8 ± 41.4 spikes) or by repeated mechanical supra‐threshold steps (39.4 ± 1.4 vs. 83.5 ± 0.9). E‐52862 treatment also restored contractile response to phenylephrine in aorta and mesenteric bed.

Conclusions

E‐52862 administration reverses neuropathic (behavioural and electrophysiological) and vascular signs in the ZDF rat.

Significance

Blockade of σ1R avoids the development of diabetic neuropathy in rats, and may represent a potentially useful therapeutic approach to peripheral neuropathies in diabetic patients.

What does this study add?

This study presents evidences for the potential usefulness of sigma receptor blockade on diabetic neuropathy in rats.

The methodology includes behavioural evidences, electrophysiological data and vascular‐isolated models.
Gaussian signal relaxation around spin echoes: Implications for precise reversible transverse relaxation quantification of pulmonary tissue at 1.5 and 3 Tesla
Authors: Zapp Jascha , Domsch Sebastian , Weingärtner Sebastian , Schad Lothar R.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To characterize the reversible transverse relaxation in pulmonary tissue and to study the benefit of a quadratic exponential (Gaussian) model over the commonly used linear exponential model for increased quantification precision.

Methods

A point‐resolved spectroscopy sequence was used for comprehensive sampling of the relaxation around spin echoes. Measurements were performed in an ex vivo tissue sample and in healthy volunteers at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3 T. The goodness of fit using
and the precision of the fitted relaxation time by means of its confidence interval were compared between the two relaxation models.

Results

The Gaussian model provides enhanced descriptions of pulmonary relaxation with lower
by average factors of 4 ex vivo and 3 in volunteers. The Gaussian model indicates higher sensitivity to tissue structure alteration with increased precision of reversible transverse relaxation time measurements also by average factors of 4 ex vivo and 3 in volunteers. The mean relaxation times of the Gaussian model in volunteers are
 = (1.97 ± 0.27) msec at 1.5 T and
 = (0.83 ± 0.21) msec at 3 T.

Conclusion

Pulmonary signal relaxation was found to be accurately modeled as Gaussian, providing a potential biomarker
with high sensitivity. Magn Reson Med 77:1938–1945, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine