bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site-Directed Mutations of Two Histidine Residues in the D2 Protein Inactivate and Destabilize Photosystem II in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803
Authors: Vermaas Wim F. J. , Williams John G. K. , Arntzen Charles J.
Published: August 2016

Site-directed mutations were created in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803 to alter specific histidine residues of the photosystem II (PS II) D2 protein. In one mutant (tyr-197). the his-197 residue was replaced by tyrosine, in another mutant (asn-214), his-214 was changed into asparagine. The tyr-197 mutant did not show any low-temperature fluorescence attributable to PS II. but contained a PS II chlorophyll-protein, CP-47, in significant quantities. Another PS II chlorophyll-protein, CP-43, was absent, as was PS II-related herbicide binding. The asn-214 mutant showed a blue-shifted low-temperature fluorescence maximum around 682 nm. but did not have a significant amount of membrane-incorporated CP-43 or CP-47. Herbicide binding was also absent in this mutant. These data indicate a very important role of the his-197 and his-214 residues in the D 2 protein, and are interpreted to support the hypothesis that the D2 protein and the M subunit from the photosynthetic reaction center of purple bacteria have analogous functions. According to this hypothesis, his-197 is involved in binding of P680. and his-214 forms ligands with Qᴀ and Fe2+. In absence of a functional D2 protein, the PS II core complex appears to be destabilized as evidenced by loss of chlorophyll-proteins in the mutants.
Photosystem II Heterogeneity in Triazine-Resistant and Susceptible Biotypes of Chenopodium album
Authors: Rensen Jack J. S. van , M. Spätjens Leon E. E.
Published: August 2016

The heterogeneity of photosystem II with respect to a and β centers was investigated in triazine-resistant and susceptible biotypes of Chenopodium album. In both biotypes the light harvesting antenna sizes of photosystem II a centers was larger than those of β centers. In the resistant biotype the antenna size of the a centers was smaller than those in the susceptible one. There was not much difference in the antenna sizes of the β centers. The proportion of β centers was larger in the resistant biotype compared with the sensitive one.
The Effects of Photosystem I Electron Acceptors on Leaf Discs
Authors: Camilleri P. , Bowyer J. R. , McNeil P. H.
Published: August 2016

A leaf-disc chamber has been used to measure changes in photosynthesis by soybean leaf discs which have been supplied with photosystem I (PS I) electron acceptors via the transpiration stream. The uncharged heteropentalenes induce an inhibitory effect on CO2 fixation which is dependent on the n-octanol-water partition coefficient of these molecules. Paraquat, which carries a di-positive charge, was ineffective under the same conditions and at a concentration of 10-4 m. Cationic species such as K+, Ca+ and Mg2+ greatly enhanced the effect of paraquat on CO2 fixation while the presence of these ions did not affect inhibition by the heteropentalenes. Such differences between uncharged and charged PS 1 electron acceptors have been explained in terms of electrostatic interactions encountered by paraquat on its way to the site of action within the chloroplast. via the transpiration stream.
Chemical Control of Photorespiration: Steady-State Kinetic and Conformational Changes of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/ Oxygenase Obtained with O-p-Nitrophenylhydroxylamine
Authors: Van Assche C. J. , Reinier N. , Courtiade B. , Chancel A. , Huber S.
Published: August 2016

Spinach RuBP carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) purified from the commercially available enzyme, underwent kinetic changes when micromolar concentrations of O-p-nitrophenylhy-droxvlamine (NPHA) were applied on fully activated enzyme. Under steady-state conditions, a decrease of Km CO2 was observed without changes in Vmax. Double reciprocal plots showed a competitive stimulation of carboxylase function. The substrate specificity factor k = Vc Ko/Vo Kc was increased from approximatively 15-20% upon treatment with NPHA, using both parallel and simultaneous determinations of RuBP-carboxylase and oxygenase activities.

Such a limited change in partition between Rubisco functions actually resulted into an increase in CO2 fixation of intact soybeans leaves treated with NPHA. arising from a substantial alleviation of O2-inhibition of photosynthesis.

From spectrophotometric and sulfhydryl group titration data, evidence was accumulated for a conformational change of the native enzyme, induced by NPHA. bringing about an increased ratio of carboxylase to oxygenase activities. Direct interaction of NPHA with a cysteine residue of Rubisco near the catalytic site, appears as a candidate for such chemically-induced conformational modification.
ZZE -Configuration of Chromophore β-153 in C-Phycocyanin from Mastigocladus laminosus
Authors: Schmidt G. , Siebzehnrübl S. , Fischer R. , Rüdiger W. , Scheer H. , Schirmer T. , Bode W. , Huber R.
Published: August 2016

The photochemistry of C-phycocyanin has been studied after denaturation in the dark. It shows an irreversible reaction which has characteristics of a Z, Z, E- to Z, Z, Z-isomerization of dihydrobilins. Its amplitude depends on the reaction conditions, with a maximum corresponding to 15% conversion of one of the three PC chromophores. This chromophore is suggested to be β-153, for which recent X-ray data T. Schirmer, W. Bode, and R. Huber, J. Mol. Biol., submitted, show ring D being highly twisted out of the plane of the other rings. During unfolding, there is thus a probability of falling into the photochemically labile Z, Z, E-configuration.
Stereochemistry of Two Hydroxybiflavanonols from Garcinia cola Nuts
Authors: Sonnenbichler Johann , Madubunyi Ifeanyi , Scheer Hugo
Published: August 2016

The absolute configuration of two hydroxybiflavanonols from Garcinia cola nuts have been determined by CD and 500 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy. Additionally the occurrence of atrop-isomers at room temperature as the consequence of rotational hindrance in the molecules could be demonstrated.
"Epicuticular Waxes" from Exine Material of Pine Pollen
Authors: Niester Christiane , Gülz Paul-Gerhard , Wiermann Rolf
Published: August 2016

“Epicuticular waxes” from pine pollen and from pollen wings have been investigated. Various hydrocarbons, aldehydes, wax esters, free fatty acids and primary alcohols in the form of homologous series were identified. A noteworthy observation was the presence of a large number of unsaturated fatty acids.

Although there were quantitative differences between the waxes from whole pollen and pollen wings, the distribution patterns of chain lengths of the individual compounds were very similar. It is demonstrated unequivocally, through the use of pollen wing material, that the waxes are components of the exine.

It is postulated that the pollen waxes provide an additional effective mechanism for protection against the effects of the physical and chemical environment.
In the Search for New Anticancer Drugs, XXI. Spin Labeled Nitrosoureas
Authors: Sosnovsky George , Li Shu Wen , Rao N. Uma Maheswara
Published: August 2016

The spin labeled nitrosoureas 7a-e and 12 were synthesized and evaluated in vivo for their anticancer activities against the murine lymphocytic leukemia P388. Compounds 7a-c, 7e and 12 possessed activities ranging from 31 to 542 percent increase in life span (%ILS), whereas compound 7d was marginal (%ILS = 21). All CD2F1 male mice treated with the most active com- pounds (7a and 12) at 35 mg/kg for 9 days were alive after 30 days, whereas all mice treated with the clinical drug CCNU (1c) succumbed. Compounds 7a-e and 12 were further evaluated for their antineoplastic activity against lymphoid leukemia L1210. Compounds 7a and 12 exhibited, on day 60, a %ILS of 713 and 620, respectively. The lipophilicities of compounds 7a-e and 12 were determined using the EPR and UV methods. Compounds 7a and 12 which differ from CCNU and MeCCNU by the replacement of the cyclohexyl and methylcyclohexyl groups with six and five membered nitroxyl radical moieties were more hydrophilic than the clinical drugs.
Sexual Pheromones and Related Egg Secretions in Laminariales (Phaeophyta)
Authors: Maier Ingo , Müller Dieter G. , Gassmann Günter , Boland Wilhelm , Jaenicke Lothar
Published: August 2016

Volatile egg secretions of 15 species belonging to 5 families of the brown algal order Laminariales have been analyzed by high resolution glass capillary gas chromatography. 16 components have been identified and partially determined quantitatively. The composition of the pheromone bouquets and pheromone specificity for induction of spermatozoid-release and -chemotaxis are discussed in respect to ecophysiological functions and significance as chemo- taxonomic markers.
γ-Decalactone, an Odoriferous Compound from the Male Butterfly, Lethe marginalis Motschulsky
Authors: Hayashi Nanao , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Nishi Akihiko , Komae Hisashi
Published: August 2016

The scent secretions of Lethe marginalis (Satyrid butter­ fly) were investigated by means of GC and GC-MS. The scent substance is found to be γ-decalactone.
The Phosphatidylinositol Species of Suspension Cultured Plant Cells
Authors: Heim Sabina , Wagner Karl G.
Published: August 2016

Suspension cultured Nicotiana tabacum and Catharanthus roseus cells were labeled with [3H]inositol, the phospholipid fraction extracted and separated by thin layer chromatography. Three different solvent systems and reference compounds were used to assign the different 3H-labeled species by autoradiography. The ratio of [3H]inositol incorporation into PI, PIP and PIP2 was found to be 95:4:1; with some preparations a lyso-PI band was obtained which incorporated about a tenth of the label of the PIP band. With Catharanthus roseus cells a very faint band between PI and lyso-PI was detected which could not be assigned to a reference compound.
SABRE Hyperpolarization of Bipyridine Stabilized Ir-Complex at High, Low and Ultralow Magnetic Fields
Authors: Pravdivtsev Andrey N.
Published: August 2016

A strong limitation of nuclear magnetic resonance is its low inherent sensitivity that can be overcome by using an appropriate hyperpolarization technique. Presently, dynamic nuclear polarization and spin-exchange optical pumping are the only hyperpolarization techniques that are used in applied medicine. However, both are relatively complex in use and expensive. Here we present a modification of the signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) hyperpolarization method – SABRE on stabilized Ir-complexes. A stabilized Ir-complex (here we used bipyridine for stabilization) can be hyperpolarized in a wide range of magnetic fields from a few μT upto 10 T with 15N polarization of about 1–3%. Moreover, the investigated complex can be incorporated into biomolecules or other bulky molecules; in this situation exchange with para-hydrogen will allow one to continuously generate hyperpolarization.
Multi-Frequency Pulsed Overhauser DNP at 1.2 Tesla
Authors: Schöps Philipp , Spindler Philipp E. , Prisner Thomas F.
Published: August 2016

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is a methodology to increase the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It relies on the transfer of the electron spin polarization from a radical to coupled nuclear spins, driven by microwave excitation resonant with the electron spin transitions. In this work we explore the potential of pulsed multi-frequency microwave excitation in liquids. Here, the relevant DNP mechanism is the Overhauser effect. The experiments were performed with TEMPOL radicals in aqueous solution at room temperature using a Q-band frequency (1.2 T) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer combined with a Minispec NMR spectrometer. A fast arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) enabled the generation of multi-frequency pulses used to either sequentially or simultaneously excite all three 14N-hyperfine lines of the nitroxide radical. The multi-frequency excitation resulted in a doubling of the observed DNP enhancements compared to single-frequency microwave excitation. Q-band free induction decay (FID) signals of TEMPOL were measured as a function of the excitation pulse length allowing the efficiency of the electron spin manipulation by the microwave pulses to be extracted. Based on this knowledge we could quantitatively model our pulsed DNP enhancements at 1.2 T by numerical solution of the Bloch equations, including electron spin relaxation and experimental parameters. Our results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Whereas for a narrow and homogeneous single EPR line continuous wave excitation leads to more efficient DNP enhancements compared to pulsed excitation for the same amount of averaged microwave power. The situation is different for radicals with several hyperfine lines or in the presence of inhomogeneous line broadening. In such cases pulsed single/multi-frequency excitation can lead to larger DNP enhancements.
Relationship Between Internal Load Indicators and Changes on Intermittent Performance After the Preseason in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Campos-Vazquez Miguel A. , Toscano-Bendala Francisco J. , Mora-Ferrera José C. , Suarez-Arrones Luis J.
Published: August 2016

Campos-Vazquez, MA, Toscano-Bendala, FJ, Mora-Ferrera, JC, and Suarez-Arrones, LJ. Relationship between internal load indicators and changes on intermittent performance after the preseason in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(6): 1477–1485, 2017—The aim of this study was to examine the effects of accumulated internal training load (ITL) during the preseason (4 weeks) on changes in the intermittent performance, in a professional soccer team. Twelve professionals soccer players (Mean ± SD age: 27.7 ± 4.3 years; height: 177.1 ± 6.2 cm; body mass: 73.1 ± 5.2 kg; % body fat [Faulkner]: 10.2 ± 1.2) belonging to a Spanish second division team (2013–2014) participated in this study. The 30-15 intermittent fitness test was performed before and after the preseason, and the speed for the last period completed by each player was recorded (VIFT). During the preseason, the team alternated practice of training sessions (TRNs) with friendly matches (FMs). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), heart rate (HR), and HR reserve were analyzed every TRN and FM to calculate ITL (ITL: sRPE-TL, Edward's-TL and Edward's-TLres). The players' VIFT substantially increased after the preseason period (20.1 ± 0.8 vs. 21.1 ± 0.8 km·h−1; effect size [ES] = 1.15 ± 0.25; almost certainly). The average value of sRPE throughout FMs was substantially greater than the value of the TRNs (7.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.25 ± 0.2; ES = 2.31 ± 2.45; almost certainly). sRPE-TL, practice volume, and sum of RPE during the preseason were positively and largely correlated (r = 0.70–0.75) with changes on intermittent performance. No relationships were found between HR-derived measures of exercise load and changes on intermittent fitness. The present results suggest that practice volume and subjective measures of TL, related better than HR-based TL methods to changes on intermittent performance after the preseason, in professional soccer players.
Using Models to Support Argumentation in the Science Classroom
Authors: Chen Ying-Chih , Benus Mathew J. , Yarker Morgan B.
Published: August 2016

Scientists use models to represent their imagination and conceptualization of a particular phenomenon. They then use models to develop an argument to debate, defend, and debunk ideas in their peer community. Modeling is an essential practice of authentic science. To foster the pedagogical practice of incorporating models in argumentative contexts, we introduce an approach called “Science Negotiation Pedagogy.” We show how models can support argumentation practices in science classrooms in six phases of action: (1) create a driving question; (2) construct a tentative model in groups; (3) construct a tentative argument in groups; (4) negotiate models and arguments in a whole-class discussion, then revise models and arguments through negotiation; (5) consult the experts; and (6) reflect through writing. A unit on the human respiratory system is used as an example to demonstrate how Science Negotiation Pedagogy can be implemented in biology classrooms.
Studying Arthropod Species Richness in a School-Yard Natural Area: Using Inquiry to Engage Student Interest in Scientific Studies
Authors: Baker Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2016

The interdependence of living organisms and related ecology concepts are often difficult for students to grasp if they only study them from textbooks. To really understand how habitat fragmentation affects biodiversity, it is best to allow students to study it in the field. In the activities described here, I used inquiry as a basis for experiential learning. Focusing on two natural areas of unequal size, students investigated the areas to assess arthropod species richness and examine whether it was correlated with the size of the area. By establishing 10 daily observation periods and identifying arthropods in each session, students observed firsthand the relationship of species richness to biodiversity and that the size of the natural area was not significant. This translated to a greater understanding of biodiversity and its role in the relationships of living organisms in a local ecosystem. Students also gained valuable insight into how scientific studies are conducted.
“Uncooking” a Traditional DNA-Extraction Laboratory from the Scientific-Practices Perspective
Authors: Demir Kadir
Published: August 2016

This transformed DNA-extraction lab activity offers a framework that strategically draws upon the essential elements of both scientific and effective teaching practices to establish an alternative approach to the teaching and learning of science. The pedagogical methods utilized throughout this activity encourage students’ motivation, engagement, and learning through inquiry-based, teacher-facilitated scientific practices. Additionally, this activity emphasizes Dimension 1 of the Framework for K–12 Science Education (Scientific and Engineering Practices; National Research Council, 2012). In the activity, students worked in groups and were allowed to examine different traditional lab protocols and other resources. The students had the freedom of selecting an independent variable that could possibly have an effect on the DNA extraction. To demonstrate how this activity was implemented in the classroom, a running vignette of a DNA-extraction activity in a high school biology class, in which the teacher adhered to the elements of this framework, is included.
Using the Free Program MEGA to Build Phylogenetic Trees from Molecular Data
Authors: Newman Lucas , Duffus Amanda L. J. , Lee Cathy
Published: August 2016

Building evolutionary trees can be an excellent way for students to see how different gene sequences or organisms are related to one another. Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software is a free package that lets anyone build evolutionary trees in a user-friendly setup. There are several options to choose from when building trees from molecular data in MEGA, but the most commonly used are neighbor joining and maximum likelihood, both of which give good estimates on the relationship between different molecular sequences. In this article, we describe how to collect data from GenBank, insert the data into a text editor, import the data into MEGA, and use the dataset to create phylogenetic trees.
Sentimental Remembrance and the Amusements of Forgetting in Karl and Harty's “Kentucky”
Authors: Gopinath Sumanth , Schultz Anna
Published: August 2016

In the 1940s “Kentucky” was the greatest hit of Karl and Harty, one of radio's most popular country music duos during the heyday of live hillbilly music in Chicago. Soon after it was released in 1941, aspects of “Kentucky” were already being forgotten—indeed, were predicated on forgetting outmoded racial formations and modes of song transmission—though the song is explicitly about remembering the lost spaces of rural, southern youth. The nostalgic sentimentality of “Kentucky” occludes a secondary stratum of musical and textual qualities that evoke racialized modes of dance and entertainment. Through close analysis, interviews, and archival work, we examine the song's racial and geographical signifiers and source models to show how tensions between its dual dialectic of memory/forgetting and sentimentality/entertainment participated in the mid-twentieth-century decline of hillbilly music and rise of commercial country.
Long-term outcomes of letrozole treatment for precocious puberty in girls with McCune–Albright syndrome
Authors: Estrada Andrea , Boyce Alison M , Brillante Beth A , Guthrie Lori C , Gafni Rachel I , Collins Michael T
Published: August 2016

Objective

McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder with a broad spectrum including precocious puberty (PP) due to recurrent estrogen-secreting ovarian cysts. This study evaluates the long-term safety and efficacy of letrozole treatment in large cohort of girls with MAS-associated PP.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Methods

Clinical data, including history and physical examination, bone age, and pelvic ultrasounds, were reviewed on 28 letrozole-treated girls. Adult height was reviewed for 42 historical controls. Outcomes included rate of skeletal maturation, growth velocity, predicted adult height and adult height.

Results

Twenty-eight girls received letrozole treatment. Treatment duration was 4.1 ± 2.6 years (mean ± 1 s.d.) (range: 0.5–10.9) and mean follow-up was 6.0 ± 3.3 years (range: 0.5–15.0), for a total of 135.9 person-years of follow-up. Letrozole treatment was highly effective at decreasing the rate of skeletal maturation, with a decline in change in bone age over change in chronological age (ΔBA/ΔCA) from 1.7 (IQR: 2.3) to 0.5 (IQR: 0.4) (P < 0.0001), and growth velocity Z-scores, which declined from 2.2 ± 2.3 to −0.6 ± 1.6 (P = 0.0004). Predicted adult height Z-scores increased significantly from −2.9 ± 3.2 to −0.8 ± 1.5 for subjects on treatment (P = 0.004). Four subjects who completed treatment reached adult height Z-scores ranging from −1.5 to 1.7 (median: −0.6), which were increased in comparison with untreated historical controls (P = 0.02). There was no change in uterine size or ovarian volumes, and no adverse events over the treatment period.

Conclusions

In this study with the longest follow-up to date, letrozole treatment resulted in sustained beneficial effects on skeletal maturation, growth velocity and predicted adult height.
Successful treatment of residual pituitary adenoma in persistent acromegaly following localisation by 11C-methionine PET co-registered with MRI
Authors: Koulouri Olympia , Kandasamy Narayanan , Hoole Andrew C , Gillett Daniel , Heard Sarah , Powlson Andrew S , O’Donovan Dominic G , Annamalai Anand K , Simpson Helen L , Akker Scott A , Aylwin Simon J B , Brooke Antonia , Buch Harit , Levy Miles J , Martin Niamh , Morris Damian , Parkinson Craig , Tysome James R , Santarius Tom , Donnelly Neil , Buscombe John , Boros Istvan , Smith Rob , Aigbirhio Franklin , Antoun Nagui M , Burnet Neil G , Cheow Heok , Mannion Richard J , Pickard John D , Gurnell Mark
Published: August 2016

Objective

To determine if functional imaging using 11C-methionine positron emission tomography co-registered with 3D gradient echo MRI (Met-PET/MRI), can identify sites of residual active tumour in treated acromegaly, and discriminate these from post-treatment change, to allow further targeted treatment.

Design/methods

Twenty-six patients with persistent acromegaly after previous treatment, in whom MRI appearances were considered indeterminate, were referred to our centre for further evaluation over a 4.5-year period. Met-PET/MRI was performed in each case, and findings were used to decide regarding adjunctive therapy. Four patients with clinical and biochemical remission after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), but in whom residual tumour was suspected on post-operative MRI, were also studied.

Results

Met-PET/MRI demonstrated tracer uptake only within the normal gland in the four patients who had achieved complete remission after primary surgery. In contrast, in 26 patients with active acromegaly, Met-PET/MRI localised sites of abnormal tracer uptake in all but one case. Based on these findings, fourteen subjects underwent endoscopic TSS, leading to a marked improvement in (n = 7), or complete resolution of (n = 7), residual acromegaly. One patient received stereotactic radiosurgery and two patients with cavernous sinus invasion were treated with image-guided fractionated radiotherapy, with good disease control. Three subjects await further intervention. Five patients chose to receive adjunctive medical therapy. Only one patient developed additional pituitary deficits after Met-PET/MRI-guided TSS.

Conclusions

In patients with persistent acromegaly after primary therapy, Met-PET/MRI can help identify the site(s) of residual pituitary adenoma when MRI appearances are inconclusive and direct further targeted intervention (surgery or radiotherapy).
IL-33-driven ILC2/eosinophil axis in fat is induced by sympathetic tone and suppressed by obesity
Authors: Ding Xiaofeng , Luo Yan , Zhang Xing , Zheng Handong , Yang Xin , Yang Xuexian , Liu Meilian
Published: August 2016

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in white adipose tissue (WAT) promote WAT browning and assist in preventing the development of obesity. However, how ILC2 in adipose tissue is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, our study shows that ILC2s are present in brown adipose tissue (BAT) as well as subcutaneous and epididymal WAT (sWAT and eWAT). The fractions of ILC2s, natural killer T (NKT) cells and eosinophils in sWAT, eWAT and BAT are significantly decreased by high-fat-diet (HFD) feeding and leptin deficiency-induced obesity. Consistent with this, the adipose expression and circulating levels of IL-33, a key inducing cytokine of ILC2, are significantly downregulated by obesity. Furthermore, administration of IL-33 markedly increases the fraction of ILC2 and eosinophil as well as the expression of UCP1 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, in adipose tissue of HFD-fed mice. On the other hand, cold exposure induces the expression levels of IL-33 and UCP1 and the population of ILC2 and eosinophil in sWAT, and these promoting effects of cold stress are reversed by neutralization of IL-33 signaling in vivo. Moreover, the basal and cold-induced IL-33 and ILC2/eosinophil pathways are significantly suppressed by sympathetic denervation via local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in sWAT. Taken together, our data suggest that the ILC2/eosinophil axis in adipose tissue is regulated by sympathetic nervous system and obesity in IL-33-dependent manner, and IL-33-driven ILC2/eosinophil axis is implicated in the development of obesity.
Ovarian sex steroid receptors and sex hormones in androgenized rats
Authors: Simão Vinícius Augusto , de Almeida Chuffa Luiz Gustavo , Cherici Camargo Isabel Cristina
Published: August 2016

This study evaluated for the first time the effects of different doses of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate (ND) on the expression of ovarian steroid receptors (AR, ER-α (ESR1) and ER-β (ESR2)) and related sex hormones after treatment and recovery periods in adult rats. The animals were injected subcutaneously with doses of ND (1.87, 3.75, 7.5 or 15 mg/kg b.w.) or mineral oil (control group) for 15 days, and the experimental groups were divided into three periods of evaluation: (a) ND treatment for 15 days, (b) ND treatment and recovery for a period of 30 days and (c) ND treatment and recovery for a period of 60 days. Estrous cycle was monitored daily. At the end of each period, rats were killed for collection of blood and ovaries. Persistent diestrus occurred in all rats during ND treatment and after 30-day recovery. The highest dose of ND was able to maintain all rats arrested at diestrus until 60-day recovery. The expression of steroid receptors varied in a dose- and period-dependent manner, having a more pronounced response with the dose of 15 mg ND/kg. ND treatment increased serum levels of testosterone, 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, especially at the highest doses of 7.5 and 15 mg ND/kg. No change was observed in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), whereas levels of the luteinizing hormone (LH) varied according to the dose and period. In conclusion, the ovarian sex steroid receptors and sex hormones were restored only at lower doses of ND and after a longer period of recovery.
A Synthetic Dosage Lethal Genetic Interaction Between CKS1B and PLK1 Is Conserved in Yeast and Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Reid Robert J D , Du Xing , Sunjevaric Ivana , Rayannavar Vinayak , Dittmar John , Bryant Eric , Maurer Matthew , Rothstein Rodney
Published: August 2016

The CKS1B gene located on chromosome 1q21 is frequently amplified in breast, lung, and liver cancers. CKS1B codes for a conserved regulatory subunit of cyclin–CDK complexes that function at multiple stages of cell cycle progression. We used a high throughput screening protocol to mimic cancer-related overexpression in a library of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants to identify genes whose functions become essential only when CKS1 is overexpressed, a synthetic dosage lethal (SDL) interaction. Mutations in multiple genes affecting mitotic entry and mitotic exit are highly enriched in the set of SDL interactions. The interactions between Cks1 and the mitotic entry checkpoint genes require the inhibitory activity of Swe1 on the yeast cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), Cdc28. In addition, the SDL interactions of overexpressed CKS1 with mutations in the mitotic exit network are suppressed by modulating expression of the CDK inhibitor Sic1. Mutation of the polo-like kinase Cdc5, which functions in both the mitotic entry and mitotic exit pathways, is lethal in combination with overexpressed CKS1. Therefore we investigated the effect of targeting the human Cdc5 ortholog, PLK1, in breast cancers with various expression levels of human CKS1B. Growth inhibition by PLK1 knockdown correlates with increased CKS1B expression in published tumor cell data sets, and this correlation was confirmed using shRNAs against PLK1 in tumor cell lines. In addition, we overexpressed CKS1B in multiple cell lines and found increased sensitivity to PLK1 knockdown and PLK1 drug inhibition. Finally, combined inhibition of WEE1 and PLK1 results in less apoptosis than predicted based on an additive model of the individual inhibitors, showing an epistatic interaction and confirming a prediction of the yeast data. Thus, identification of a yeast SDL interaction uncovers conserved genetic interactions that can affect human cancer cell viability.
Medicinal and aromatic species of Asteraceae commercialized in the conurbation Buenos Aires-La Plata (Argentina)
Authors: Hurrell Julio Alberto , Puentes Jeremías Pedro
Published: August 2016

The present contribution includes 50 species of Asteraceae whose products are marketed with therapeutic and aromatic purposes in the conurbation Buenos Aires-La Plata, the largest metropolitan area of Argentina. For each species, the scientific and vernacular names, types of products and samples are given. The plant products comprise fresh plants or parts thereof, herbal products, tinctures, and dietary supplements, among others. The uses assigned and the effects scientifically studied are indicated. Also, the ethnobotanical value of the diverse plant products and their commercial circulation are discussed. Circulating products and their uses were studied, both in the restricted context of immigrant segments (Bolivian and Chinese), and in the broader context of general commercial circuit (health food stores, named locally 'dietéticas'). Botanical knowledge of immigrants segments is considered linked to their traditions, and botanical knowledge of general commercial circuit is regarded nontraditional. Research conducted is framed within the urban ethnobotany context. Specially, it addresses some relevant theoretical and methodological topics within discipline: composition of botanical knowledge in urban pluricultural scenarios (linked to traditions, nontraditional), the embodiment of this knowledge in actions (such as selection of products to consume), and the dynamic of changes in urban botanical knowledge (dispersion of products and uses in the commercial circuit and media).
Linking local knowledge, conservation practices and ecosystem diversity: comparing two communities in the Tunari National Park (Bolivia)
Authors: Boillat Sébastien , Mathez-Stiefel Sarah-Lan , Rist Stephan
Published: August 2016

Combined approaches to conserve both biological and cultural diversity are seen as an alternative to classical nature conservation instruments. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of urbanization coupled with exclusive conservation measures, on land use, local knowledge and biodiversity in two Quechua speaking communities of Bolivia located within the Tunari National Park. We assessed and compared the links between land use, its transformation through conservation practices, local institutions and the worldviews of both communities and the implications they have for biodiversity at the level of ecosystems. Our results show that in both communities, people’s worldviews and environmental knowledge are linked with an integral and diversified use of their territory. However, the community most affected by urbanization and protected area regulations has intensified agriculture in a small area and has abandoned the use of large areas. This was accompanied by a loss of local environmental knowledge and a decrease in the diversity of ecosystems. The second community, where the park was not enforced, continues to manage their territory as a material expression of local environmental knowledge, while adopting community-based conservation measures with external support. Our findings highlight a case in which urbanization coupled with exclusive conservation approaches affects the components of both cultural and biological diversity. Actions that aim to enhance biocultural diversity in this context should therefore address the impact of factors identified as responsible for change in integrated social-ecological systems.
Phytochemical prospecting, modulator and antibacterial activity of aminoglycosides of the extract and fractions of the Annona squamosa
Authors: Souza Heloisa , Fernandes Cicera , Tintino Saulo , Morais-Braga Maria Flaviana , Araújo Antonia , Coutinho Henrique , Menezes Irwin , Kerntopf Marta
Published: August 2016

The medicinal plants and natural products are products with a great scientific interest due their possible use like phytodrugs. In this context, the phytochemical composition and the antibacterial and antibiotic modulatory activity of the extract and fractions of Annona squamosa against Staphylococus aureus and Escherichia coli were performed. All natural products have not showed clinically relevant antibacterial activity, with MIC ≥ 1024 mg/mL. However, the extract combined with some aminoglycoside showed a synergistic effect against multiresistant strains E. coli 27 and S. aureus 358. Due these results, A. squamosa (Annonaceae) must be more studied to be used as a source of natural products with adjuvant potential to enhance the antibiotic activity, combating by this way the microbial antibiotic resistance.
"They call me a woodsman": cognitive and social aspects on the relationships between woodsmen and forest researchers
Authors: Dantas Carolina Alencar , Silva Rafael Ricardo Vasconcelos da , Silveira Pedro Castelo Branco , Silva Ana Carolina Borges Lins , Alves Ângelo Giuseppe Chaves
Published: August 2016

Woodsmen or "mateiros" are people who are commonly hired or contracted to work as special local collaborators, often guiding scientists inside the forest, providing local names of plants and other useful information. We interviewed forest researchers and woodsmen to unveil the process of forest science production in the coastal zone of Northeast Brazil. The concept of network is used as a basis for discussing the connections involving forest knowledge production in and outside scientific academic environments. We presumed that the so-called social invisibility of woodsmen would be a consequence of the asymmetric relationship they have with formal researchers. Information from the interviews was analyzed by means of thematic coding through the content-analysis technique. We found that the "woodsman" category is mainly an academic construct; a designation attributed generally in an unilateral way by scientific professionals towards some people who work as local experts on plants and other components of forest ecosystems. All of the woodsmen we found were men with a low degree of formal education. Researchers tended to recognize woodsmen as bearers of some indispensable information, although treated as a subordinate and local source of knowledge. Although most researchers realized that woodsmen are key collaborators, most of them never referred explicitly to the aid received from these partners. People from both groups agreed that woodsmen are more and more difficult to find. We suggest that forest researchers dealing with woodsmen should develop a more critical vision on the social relationships in which they are involved while doing fieldwork.
Analysis of the flawed spatial structure of land in selected villages of the south-eastern Poland
Authors: Leń Przemysław , Mika Monika
Published: August 2016

Faulty spatial structure of villages in south-eastern Poland is a result of historical, socio-economic and demographic processes. They are responsible for many long-lived inconsistencies
and errors in the Register of Land and Buildings (EGiB) acting as the Cadastre in Poland. The
article discusses the problem of the flawed structure of the possession of land, land use and
the fragmentation of cadastral parcels in the villages Konieczkowa and Lutcza in the Strzyżów
District (powiat), Podkarpackie Voivodeship.
Correction of the flawed spatial structure of rural areas, through the known agricultural arrangement treatments such as consolidation and exchange of land, is a chance to improve the
economic conditions of the Subcarpathian villages. This process is long-lasting, requiring the
cooperation of local authorities with inhabitants and proper legal safeguards. The advantage of
carrying out this process would provide a basis for EGiB reforms in order to transform it into
the real estate cadastre.
MKSCAL — system for land consolidation project based on CAD platform
Authors: Janus Jarosław , Zygmunt Mariusz
Published: August 2016

Consolidation works are a complicated and lengthy set of legal, technical and administrative
operations. IT tools used in this process are developed in many countries, and the scope of
their functions is very wide: from a decision-making aid, through support in solving technical
aspects, to assisting the evaluation of the effects of consolidation projects. Practically all existing
solutions are based on GIS systems, which has many advantages but also imposes some limitations related to supporting typically geodetic aspects of these works. The article presents a different approach to implementing this kind of projects, which is based on CAD platform. It is used
as an aid in various stages of land consolidation works in more or less half of the area of Poland.
The formation and structure of clones of forest herbs in ecosystems of north-eastern Ukraine
Authors: Kovalenko Ihor Mykolayovych
Published: August 2016

The clonal structure of forest herbs of north-eastern Ukraine, such as Aegopodium podagraria L.,
Asarum europaeum L., Carex pilosa Scop., Stellaria holostea L., has been examined using the
total mapping method. The regularities of changes within the radii of clones, density of partial
bushes and their age have been found out. The author has suggested an original statistical and
graphical method which allows to estimate age state of each clone and make its land zoning.
Data presentation on the map in Google Charts and jQuery JavaScript technologies
Authors: Król Karol
Published: August 2016

The article presents selected software development tools and technologies that enable the presentation of statistical data on digital maps in the browser. The aim of the study was to describe
them, and to conduct their comparative evaluation. In our studies, we have used ad-hoc tests,
performed on the basis of usability and functionality, using the technique of self-evaluation.
Based on the criteria of global popularity and availability, the following were subjected to ad-hoc
tests: Google Visualization – Geomap and Geo Chart, as well as selected solutions developed on
the basis of the jQuery JavaScript.
In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that the tested design and development technologies are
complementary, while the selection of tools to carry out the design principles assumed remains
at the discretion of the user.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ПРОЦЕСУ ОБСМАЖУВАННЯ КАРТОПЛЯНИХ ЧІПСІВ
Authors: Коваленко О. А. , Ковбаса В. М. , Гребень Б. В. , Нагорний В. Ю. , Купріянова Т. М.
Published: August 2016

У роботі встановлено вплив температурного режиму обсмаження картопляних чіпсів, а також впливпитомої поверхні (форми та розміру) скибочок картоплі на вміст жиру в картопляних чіпсах. Необхідну якість готово-го продукту можна досягти при обсмаженні картопляних слайсів з питомою поверхнею 10,7 – 14,0 см-1. Встановлено,що температура обсмаження впливає на масову частку жиру в чіпсах: з підвищенням температури масова частка жирузменшується. Взявши до уваги, що при 140 °С обсмажування готові картопляні чіпси недосмажені, а при 170 °С ма-ють тверду консистенцію та підгорілу поверхню по краях, рекомендованою температурою обсмаження є 160 °С, оскі-льки картопляні чіпси, обсмажені за такої температури, мають світло-золотистий колір, хрустку консистенцію та вла-стивий даному продукту смак і запах.
ТЕХНОЛОГІЯ ПІСОЧНИХ КОНДИТЕРСЬКИХ ВИРОБІВ З ПОРОШКОМ ЛИСТЯ ВОЛОСЬКОГО ГОРІХА ТА БОРОШНОМ «ЗДОРОВ’Я»
Authors: Поп, Т. М.
Published: August 2016

Доведено можливість використання порошку з листя волоського горіха та борошна «Здоров’я» у технологіїпісочного напівфабрикату. Введення до рецептури пісочних напівфабрикатів нетрадиційних компонентів сприяє зба-гаченню їхнього хімічного складу. Надано органолептичні характеристики порошку з листя волоського горіха, боро-шна «Здоров’я» та випеченого пісочного напівфабрикату. Визначено масові частки порошку з листя волоського горіхата борошна «Здоров’я» у рецептурі пісочного напівфабрикату. Досліджено вміст білків, жирів, вуглеводів, вітамінів тамінеральних речовин у готовому пісочному напівфабрикаті. Визначено мікробіологічну та токсикологічну безпекувипеченого пісочного напівфабрикату.
МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ПРОЦЕСУ ПЕРЕРОБКИ ПЛОДІВ КІСТОЧКОВИХ КУЛЬТУР У СВІЖОМУ СТАНІ НА ПЕРФОРОВАНІЙ ПОВЕРХНІ В ПОЛІ ВІДЦЕНТРОВАНИХ СИЛ
Authors: Кепін М. І.
Published: August 2016

У статті представлено огляд літератури та експериментальні дослідження, що стосуються процесупервинної переробки плодів кісточкових культур на прикладі абрикосу сорту «Домашній» у свіжому стані (холоднимспособом) на перфорованій поверхні в полі відцентрових сил з метою розділення вихідної сировини на напівфабрикат(м’якоть) та відходи (кісточки). Вказане розділення відбувається внаслідок поступового відокремлення фрагментівм’якоті гострими кромками отворів круглої форми нерухомої перфорованої оболонки. Рухомою силою процесу є обе-ртовий рух лопатевого ротора.Запропонований спосіб дозволяє процес розділення плодів виконувати в безперервному режимі з одночаснимрозділенням на фракції в робочому просторі машини, приводить до зберігання теплової енергії та раціонального вико-ристання відходів (кісточок) як вторинної сировини.
МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ І ОБҐРУНТУВАННЯ РОБОЧОГО ПРОЦЕСУ ПЛАСТИФІКАТОРА ВВ-ПМЛ
Authors: Хомічук, В. А. , Бескровний О. І. , Макаринський В. В.
Published: August 2016

я. У статті досліджено робочий процес пластифікації кондитерських мас у пластифікаторі ВВ-ПМЛ.Розглянуто реологічну модель руйнування кондитерських блоків під дією динамічного навантаження у маслорізціпластифікатора ВВ-ПМЛ у вигляді диференціального рівняння. За цією моделлю одержано розрахункові залежностінапружень від швидкості ударяючої маси, які дозволяють визначити конструктивні характеристики механічного об-ладнання та параметри процесів. Запропоновано нестаціонарну модель механізму прогрівання кондитерських мас зреологічними параметрами, залежними від температури та показано, що процес прогрівання визначається як внутріш-німи, так і зовнішніми термічними опорами. Побудовано статистичну модель процесу аерування кондитерської маси,на основі якої установлено, що оптимальними характеристиками процесу аерування даного кондитерського жиру є:час вимішування – від 570 до 600 с; температура води у сорочці – від 39 до 40 С. Методами чисельного моделюванняпоказано: рух лопаті пластифікатора ВВ-ПМЛ є динамічно стійким; перемішування відбувається значно інтенсивнішепри куті нахилу лопатей змішувача до осі валу 60 та наявності отворів. Визначено оптимальну форму отворів та їхплощу у лопатях змішувача.
Identificação de necessidades de intervenção psicológica: um estudo-piloto no ensino superior português
Authors: Pinto Joana Carneiro , Faria Liliana , Pinto Helena Rebelo , Taveira Maria do Céu
Published: August 2016

Resumo Este estudo analisa as necessidades de intervenção psicológica dos estudantes da Faculdade de Ciências Humanas da Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Participaram 157 alunos, avaliados nas suas preocupações e necessidades pessoais, de carreira e de aprendizagem, bem como nas preferências relativas ao apoio, por meio do questionário de identificação de necessidades de intervenção psicológica. Os resultados indicam necessidade de apoio nas áreas: (i) controlo de ansiedade e nervosismo, (ii) medo de falhar, (iii) estratégias de procura de emprego, (iv) escolha de uma carreira e (v) competências de gestão do tempo. Verifica-se uma preferência, no apoio pretendido, pelas modalidades de aconselhamento individual e cursos breves. Registram-se diferenças em função do sexo, da média no curso, da regularidade de contato com a família e dos níveis de satisfação acadêmica e satisfação global com a vida. Retiram-se implicações para a disponibilização de sistemas, estratégias e atividades de apoio psicológico que possam responder às preocupações dos estudantes.
A percepção sobre o trabalho em equipe multiprofissional dos trabalhadores de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Anjos Filho Nilton Correia dos , Souza Ana Maria Portela de
Published: August 2016

Este artigo aborda o desenvolvimento e resultados de uma pesquisa, realizada em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) tipo II, do município de Salvador-BA, com o objetivo de conhecer a percepção dos profissionais integrantes da equipe sobre o trabalho multiprofissional, especialmente no que concerne aos aspectos que facilitam e dificultam esta atuação. Adotou-se, para este fim, abordagem qualitativa, configurada como estudo de caso, apoiada em entrevistas com 21 trabalhadores da instituição. Os resultados obtidos apontam que, embora o trabalho multiprofissional se apresente predominantemente valorizado, ocorrem problemas de conceituação e prática no interior da equipe, bem como a emergência de críticas relativas às condições de planejamento e gestão e ao padrão de investimento nas estruturas físicas do CAPS diante da elevada demanda do público por este serviço de saúde.