bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury in the Urban Topsoil of Athens, Greece
Authors: Kelepertzis Efstratios , Argyraki Ariadne
Published: April 2015

The present study documents the Hg content in 45 urban topsoil samples from the highly urbanized city of Athens, Greece. The Hg concentrations were quantified by applying aqua regia digestion on the <100 μm soil fraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with a detection limit of 5 μg·kg−1. The median concentration of Hg in Athens soil is 96 μg·kg−1; ten out of 45 soil samples were found to contain Hg concentrations higher than 200 μg·kg−1, which is the maximum concentration value expected to be present in normal uncontaminated soils. Results obtained by multivariate principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis incorporating a large suite of chemical elements were notably effective for elucidating the anthropogenic origin of Hg in the studied soil. The elevated concentrations are most likely related to site-specific point source contamination rather than to the widely documented influences from the vehicular traffic emissions in urban settings. Given the proximity of urban population to the contaminated urban soils, we suggest the implementation of different soil extraction tests with the aim to evaluate the fraction of soil Hg available for absorption by the human body.
Depleted Uranium and Its Effects on Humans
Authors: Hon Zdeněk , Österreicher Jan , Navrátil Leoš
Published: April 2015

The article summarizes contemporary scientific knowledge of depleted uranium effects on human health due to its use in military conflicts. The discussion covers cases of minimal risk due to external irradiation resulting from the storage and handling of depleted uranium ammunition and, in contrast, important toxicological and radio-toxicological risks of late effects resulting from the inhalation and ingestion of dust particles produced by the burning of the core of the anti-tank ammunition.
The Geological Characterization of Landscape in Major TV Series: A Suggested Approach to Involve the Public in the Geological Heritage Promotion
Authors: Lugeri Francesca , Farabollini Piero , Greco Roberto , Amadio Vittorio
Published: April 2015

The characterization of natural and cultural heritage using popular entertainment, such as TV movies and series, can become an effective and original way to involve society in protecting territory and enhancing local development, thanks to the dissemination of knowledge. The aim is to make the complex aspects of landscape related to its geological and ecological assessment understandable to the public. The tools here proposed are the episodes of the TV series “Inspector Montalbano” filmed in Sicily. The stories, written by Andrea Camilleri, are located in Sicily (the biggest Italian island in the southern Mediterranean Sea), in particular with some World Heritage Sites. The natural and cultural landscapes, which provide fascinating scenery to the films, represent a meaning in the representation of the plot. At the same time, if recognized and understood, they become part of the cultural heritage of each component of the local community and of society. The cognitive process activates a virtuous circle revitalizing the links between humanity and environment. Moreover, it promotes a creative participation of the public in new policies, oriented towards sustainable development, and tourism—especially geotourism and ecotourism—becomes an important resource, especially in these times of crisis.
Analysis of HDAC6 and BAG3-Aggresome Pathways in African Swine Fever Viral Factory Formation
Authors: Muñoz-Moreno Raquel , Barrado-Gil Lucía , Galindo Inmaculada , Alonso Covadonga
Published: April 2015

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a double-stranded DNA virus causing a hemorrhagic fever disease with high mortality rates and severe economic losses in pigs worldwide. ASFV replicates in perinuclear sites called viral factories (VFs) that are morphologically similar to cellular aggresomes. This fact raises the possibility that both VFs and aggresomes may be the same structure. However, little is known about the process involved in the formation of these viral replication platforms. In order to expand our knowledge on the assembly of ASFV replication sites, we have analyzed the involvement of both canonical aggresome pathways in the formation of ASFV VFs: HDAC6 and BAG3. HDAC6 interacts with a component of the dynein motor complex (dynactin/p150Glued) and ubiquitinated proteins, transporting them to the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and leading to aggresome formation, while BAG3 is mediating the recruitment of non-ubiquitinated proteins through a similar mechanism. Tubacin-mediated HDAC6 inhibition and silencing of BAG3 pathways, individually or simultaneously, did not prevent ASFV VF formation. These findings show that HDAC6 and Bag3 are not required for VFs formation suggesting that aggresomes and VFs are not the same structures. However, alternative unexplored pathways may be involved in the formation of aggresomes.
Ethnogéographie et savoirs géographiques : quelques problèmes méthodologiques et épistémologiques (Ethnogeography and geographical belief systems : some methodological and epistemological problems)
Authors: Staszak Jean-François
Published: April 2015

Abstract. - This paper is an attempt to show that geographical belief-systems are constituted by knowledges and cognitive processes dealing with space and milieu. The study of these belief-systems takes place in the field of ethnogeography, the methods of which are specific or not. The analyse of geographical "reality" should necessarily integrate belief-systems, as they induce geographical behaviours. Some important epistemological difficulties are linked to the ambivalent status of geographical objects and the problematic culturalist approach.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Critically and Mutually Sustain Pluripotency of Rabbit Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Lo Neng-Wen , Intawicha Payungsuk , Chiu Yung-Tsung , Lee Kun-Hsiung , Lu Hsi-Chi , Chen Chien-Hong , Chang Yong-Hsuan , Chen Chun-Da , Ju Jyh-Cherng
Published: April 2015

Effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on establishment and maintenance of rabbit embryonic stem cell (rESC) lines were assessed. When grown on MEF feeders, rESC lines derived from fertilized embryos were established and maintained in medium containing paracrine factors LIF (via STAT3) and/or FGF2 (via MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT). However, high levels of ERK1/2 and AKT activities in rESCs were crucial for maintaining their undifferentiated proliferation. Although rESCs under the influence of either LIF (500, 1,000, and 2,000 U/ml) or FGF2 (5, 10, and 20 ng/ml) alone had enhanced expression of pluripotency markers, peak expression occurred when both LIF (1,000 U/ml) and FGF2 (10 ng/ml) were applied. Induced dephosphorylation of STAT3, ERK1/2, and AKT by specific inhibitors limited growth of rESCs and caused remarkable losses of self-renewal capacity; therefore, we inferred that STAT3, ERK, and AKT had essential roles in maintaining rESC proliferation and self-renewal. We concluded that LIF and FGF2 jointly maintained the undifferentiated state and self-renewal of rESCs through an integrative signaling module.
Current Proceedings of Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Fan Hueng-Chuen , Ho Li-Ing , Chi Ching-Shiang , Cheng Shin-Nan , Juan Chun-Jung , Chiang Kuo-Liang , Lin Shinn-Zong , Harn Horng-Jyh
Published: April 2015

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complicated disease with varying causes and outcomes. It has created significant burden to both affected families and societies, not to mention the quality of life of the patients themselves. There is no cure for the disease; therefore, development of effective therapeutic strategies is in great demand. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that the transplantation of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, umbilical cord blood cells, and human embryonic germ cells, focusing on the root of the problem, may provide the possibility of developing a complete cure in treating CP. However, safety is the first factor to be considered because some stem cells may cause tumorigenesis. Additionally, more preclinical and clinical studies are needed to determine the type of cells, route of delivery, cell dose, timing of transplantation, and combinatorial strategies to achieve an optimal outcome.
Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Neural Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Yeh Da-Chuan , Chan Tzu-Min , Harn Horng-Jyh , Chiou Tzyy-Wen , Chen Hsin-Shui , Lin Zung-Sheng , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: April 2015

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have two essential characteristics with regard to regenerative medicine: the convenient and efficient generation of large numbers of multipotent cells and in vitro proliferation without a loss of stemness. The implementation of clinical trials has prompted widespread concern regarding safety issues and has shifted research toward the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in dealing with neural degeneration in cases such as stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, cavernous nerve injury, and traumatic brain injury. Most existing studies have reported that cell therapies may be able to replenish lost cells and promote neuronal regeneration, protect neuronal survival, and play a role in overcoming permanent paralysis and loss of sensation and the recovery of neurological function. The mechanisms involved in determining therapeutic capacity remain largely unknown; however, this concept can still be classified in a methodical manner by citing current evidence. Possible mechanisms include the following: 1) the promotion of angiogenesis, 2) the induction of neuronal differentiation and neurogenesis, 3) reductions in reactive gliosis, 4) the inhibition of apoptosis, 5) the expression of neurotrophic factors, 6) immunomodulatory function, and 7) facilitating neuronal integration. In this study, several human clinical trials using ADSCs for neuronal disorders were investigated. It is suggested that ADSCs are one of the choices among various stem cells for translating into clinical application in the near future.
The Antisenescence Effect of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Rajamani Karthyayani , Lin Yi-Chun , Wen Tung-Chou , Hsieh Jeanne , Subeq Yi-Maun , Liu Jen-Wei , Lin Po-Cheng , Harn Horng-Jyh , Lin Shinn-Zong , Chiou Tzyy-Wen
Published: April 2015

As assuring cell quality is an essential parameter for the success of stem cell therapy, the impact of various senescence-inducing stress signals, and strategies to circumvent them, has been an important area of focus in stem cell research. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the capacity of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) in reversing stress-induced senescence and maintaining the quality of stem cells in a chemically (H2O2)-induced cell senescence model. Because of the availability and the promising application potential in regenerative medicine, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were chosen for the study. We found that H2O2 treatment resulted in the expression of senescence characteristics in the ADSCs, including decreased proliferation rate, increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, decreased silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog ( SIRT1) expression, and decreased telomerase activity. However, TC treatment was sufficient to rescue or reduce the effects of H2O2 induction, ultimately leading to an increased proliferation rate, a decrease in the percentage of SA-β-gal-positive cells, upregulation of SIRT1 expression, and increased telomerase activity of the senescent ADSCs at the cellular level. Moreover, a chemically induced liver fibrosis animal model was used to evaluate the functionality of these rescued cells in vivo. Liver dysfunction was established by injecting 200 mg/kg thioacetamide (TAA) intraperitoneally into Wistar rats every third day for 60 days. The experimental rats were separated into groups: normal group (rats without TAA induction), sham group (without ADSC transplantation), positive control group (transplanted with normal ADSCs), H2O2 group (transplanted with H2O2-induced senescent ADSCs), and H2O2 + TC group (transplanted with ADSCs pretreated with H2O2 and then further treated with TC). In the transplantation group, 1 × 106 human ADSCs were introduced into each rat via direct liver injection. Based on the biochemical analysis and immunohistochemical staining results, it was determined that the therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis by the induced senescent ADSCs (H2O2 group) were not as significant as those exerted by the normal ADSCs (the positive control group). However, the H2O2 + TC group showed significant reversal of liver damage when compared to the H2O2 group 1 week posttransplantation. These data confirmed that the TC treatment had the potential to reduce the effects of H2O2-induced senescence and to restore in vivo functionality of the induced senescent ADSCs. It is therefore suggested that TC has potential applications in maintaining the quality of stem cells and could aid in treating senescence-related disorders.
Enhanced Antioxidant Capacity of Dental Pulp-Derived iPSC-Differentiated Hepatocytes and Liver Regeneration by Injectable HGF-Releasing Hydrogel in Fulminant Hepatic Failure
Authors: Chiang Chih-Hung , Wu Wai-Wah , Li Hsin-Yang , Chien Yueh , Sun Cho-Chin , Peng Chi-Hsien , Lin Alex Tong-Long , Huang Chi-Shuan , Lai Ying-Hsiu , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Hung Shuen-Iu , Chang Yuh-Lih , Lan Yuan-Tzu , Liu Dean-Mo , Chien Chian-Shiu , Huo Teh-Ia , Lee Shou-Dong , Wang Chien-Ying
Published: April 2015

Acute hepatic failure (AHF) is a severe liver injury leading to sustained damage and complications. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be an alternative option for the treatment of AHF. In this study, we reprogrammed human dental pulp-derived fibroblasts into iPSCs, which exhibited pluripotency and the capacity to differentiate into tridermal lineages, including hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-Heps). These iPSC-Heps resembled human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells in gene signature and hepatic markers/functions. To improve iPSC-Heps engraftment, we next developed an injectable carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan hydrogel (CHC) with sustained hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) release (HGF-CHC) and investigated the hepatoprotective activity of HGF-CHC-delivered iPSC-Heps in vitro and in an immunocompromised AHF mouse model induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Intrahepatic delivery of HGF-CHC-iPSC-Heps reduced the TAA-induced hepatic necrotic area and rescued liver function and recipient viability. Compared with PBS-delivered iPSC-Heps, the HGF-CHC-delivered iPSC-Heps exhibited higher antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities that reduced hepatic necrotic area. Importantly, these HGF-CHC-mediated responses could be abolished by administering anti-HGF neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that HGF mediated the enhancement of iPSC-Hep antioxidant/antiapoptotic capacities and hepatoprotection and that HGF-CHC is as an excellent vehicle for iPSC-Hep engraftment in iPSC-based therapy against AHF.
A Proposed Novel Stem Cell Therapy Protocol for Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Lin Po-Cheng , Chiou Tzyy-Wen , Lin Zung-Sheng , Huang Ko-Chang , Lin Yi-Chun , Huang Pi-Chun , Syu Wan-Sin , Harn Horng-Jyh , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: April 2015

Currently, there is not an effective therapy for cirrhosis of the liver except for liver transplant. However, finding a compatible liver is difficult due to the low supply and increased demand for healthy livers. Stem cell therapy may be a solution for liver cirrhosis. In our previous report, stem cells from Wharton's jelly and bone marrow were shown to improve liver function in a chemically induced liver fibrosis animal model. However, the immunological rejection of an allograft is always a risk for clinical application. In this study proposal, we suggest using human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) because they are an immune-privileged cell type; they lack human leukocyte antigen-DR expression, and they also suppress the proliferation of activated allogenic lymphocytes and inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, ADSCs contain a sufficient amount of adult stem cells for autologous transplantation. Based on these benefits, ADSCs are promising candidates for clinical application when compared to other stem cell types. The aim of our study will be to investigate the safety and efficacy of autologous ADSCs for the clinical treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Femmes en quête de rôles
Authors: Ragaru Nadège
Published: April 2015

L’article explore les transformations intervenues, à l’instauration du socialisme, dans les identités de femme en Bulgarie, en étudiant l’univers social des comédiennes. À une époque de rupture avec l’art de jouer « bourgeois » et avec les mœurs supposées légères des muses des arts, les actrices furent investies de missions sociales inédites tout en devant satisfaire les attentes de publics anciens et nouveaux. L’invention de ces rôles s’opéra davantage dans un repliement que dans la disparition des sensibilités et des arts de faire précommunistes. Cet article, en refusant de postuler l’existence d’un contraste entre projet et « réalité » socialistes, montre enfin que les identités de genre furent médiatisées à travers des cadres générationnels et sociaux.
Femmes et hommes dans les partis communistes du bloc de l’Est
Authors: Christian Michel
Published: April 2015

Cet article traite de la place des femmes et des hommes dans les partis communistes au pouvoir, en s’intéressant au cas du SED est-allemand. Malgré une sous-représentation durable, le recrutement des femmes s’est amélioré à partir des années 1960, jusqu’à devenir plus dynamique que celui des hommes. Toutefois, il reflétait et parfois accentuait les particularités de genre des différents milieux professionnels où le Parti était implanté, une caractéristique qui s’observe aussi dans les partis communistes d’Europe occidentale. En outre, les femmes n’étaient pas des camarades comme les autres : tantôt leur spécificité était niée au nom d’un modèle militant neutre, mais calqué de fait sur une expérience masculine, tantôt elle était au contraire réaffirmée, mais en restreignant l’action des femmes à des domaines spécialisés considérés comme féminins.
Parti communiste et féminisme
Authors: Moreno-Seco Mónica
Published: April 2015

Dans les années 1930, les femmes membres du Parti communiste espagnol (PCE) collaborent avec des représentantes du féminisme et réclament une égalité pour les femmes sans pour autant se déclarer féministes. Pendant la guerre civile, elles ne remettent pas en question l’attribution de tâches maternelles aux femmes, mais elles revendiquent une participation politique dans les mêmes conditions que les hommes. Au cours des années 1970 cependant, la culture politique communiste traditionnelle, qui repose sur une relation de genre inégale, est remplacée par une nouvelle culture, dans laquelle socialisme et égalité vont de pair. Pendant la transition démocratique, les militantes se considèrent comme féministes et demandent que les fondements théoriques du féminisme soient assumés par le Parti.
Bugs for atopy: the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strategy for food allergy prevention and treatment in children
Authors: Cosenza L. , Nocerino R. , Di Scala C. , di Costanzo M. , Amoroso A. , Leone L. , Paparo L. , Pezzella C. , Aitoro R. , Berni Canani R.
Published: April 2015

Food allergy (FA) is a major health issue for children living in Western countries. At this time the only proven treatment for FA is elimination of offender antigen from the diet. It is becoming clear that the development of gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on immune system maturation and tolerance acquisition. Increasing evidence suggests that perturbations in gut microbiota composition of infants are implicated in the pathogenesis of FA. These findings have unveiled new strategies to prevent and treat FA using probiotics bacteria or bacterial substance to limit T-helper (Th)/Th2 bias, which changes during the disease course. Selected probiotics administered during infancy may have a role in the prevention and treatment of FA. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is the most studied probiotic in this field. Administration of LGG in early life have a role in FA prevention. Preliminary evidence shows that LGG accelerates oral tolerance acquisition in cow's milk allergic infants. We are understanding the mechanisms elicited by LGG and metabolites in influencing food allergen sensitization. A deeper definition of these mechanisms is opening the way to new immunotherapeutics for children affected by FA that can efficiently limit the disease burden.
Sex differences on the acute effects of caffeine on maximal strength and muscular endurance
Authors: Sabblah S. , Dixon D. , Bottoms L.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to look at the effects of caffeine on strength performance and to examine any differences between sexes. Sixteen moderately active, resistance-trained individuals (10 males and 8 females) performed 2 trials (excluding a familiarisation trial). The effect of 5 mg/kg body mass (BM) caffeine or a placebo on bench press (BP) one repetition maximum (1RM), squat 1RM, the number of BP reps to failure at 40% 1RM (total weight lifted; TWL), pain rating (0-10) were recorded after each final successful lift. BP 1RM was significantly greater (P=0.016), with an increase of 5.91% for males and an increase of 10.69% for females. However, there was no sex difference in squat 1RM with males producing 130.3±27.8 and 134.0±28.9 kg and females producing 66.9±6.2 and 65.3±7.0 kg for placebo and caffeine, respectively. TWL tended to increase with caffeine for males from 1,246.8±704.9 to 1,545.5±920.3 kg; with females having no effect of caffeine (397.8±245.1 to 398.8±182.7kg; P=0.06). Caffeine had no effect on pain perception. This study found that 5 mg/kg BM caffeine improved BP 1RM in resistance-trained males and females. However, for TWL there was a tendency towards improvement in males only, suggesting a sex difference to caffeine ingestion for TWL.
Elementos auxiliares de construcción en la arquitectura gótica. El pilar «major» de la catedral de Tortosa
Authors: I Ginovart J. Lluis , Costa-Jover A. , Fortuny i Anguera G.
Published: April 2015

La construcción gótica no habría sido posible sin la utilización de medios auxiliares que soportaran los empujes de la estructura durante el proceso de montaje. En el caso de la catedral gótica de Tortosa, los libros de obra hacen referencia a un gran pilar utilizado durante la construcción del ábside, al que se refieren como pilar major.

La lógica constructiva, junto con el conocimiento sobre las fases de ejecución, han permitido deducir el funcionamiento y ubicación de este elemento. De manera complementaria, se ha verificado gráficamente que el equilibrio del ábside no es posible antes del cierre del presbiterio sin un elemento de contrarresto.

El estudio del subsuelo por medio de un georadar ha permitido identificar una masa sólida situada en el centro del ábside, que coincide con la ubicación del pilar major y que habría servido como base de cimentación para su construcción.
Successful management of mummified fetus in a heifer by prostaglandin therapy and episiotomy
Authors: Krishan Gopal
Published: April 2015

Fetal mummification is one of the gestation- al accidents that occur due to intra-uterine death of fetus commonly at fourth, fifth and six months of gestation. This report describes the successful management of the mummified fetus in a five year old graded Holstein Friesian heifer cow using single dose of prostaglandin F2α analogue and by performing episiotomy. Antibiotic therapy was given to avoid any uterine infection.
Role of Needle Aspiration in Diagnosis and Management of Suppurative Bacille Calmette–Guerin Adenitis: An Institutional Study of 30 Cases
Authors: Pal Subrata , Chakarabarti Srabani , Phukan Jyoti Prakash , Biswas Sudhanya , Sinha Anuradha , Sinha Rajani
Published: April 2015

Context: Regional lymphadenitis is the most common complication of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. Most of the BCG lymphadenitis cases are nonsuppurative, but some suppurate and follow abscess formation, rupture, ulceration and cicatrization. Needle aspiration is the rapid, safe and cost-effective method for diagnosis as well as management of suppurative BCG adenitis.

Aims: The aims of the present study were to assess the clinical and cytological spectrum of BCG lymphadenitis and to evaluate the role of needle aspiration in the management of suppurative BCG lymphadenitis.

Settings and Design: We have approached every cases of ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy having history of BCG vaccination. We designed to aspirate the suppurative axillary lymph nodes and follow-up of nonsuppurative cases.

Subjects and Methods: 30 cases of BCG adenitis were studied during a period of 2 years. 12 cases of suppurative lymphadenitis were approached by needle aspiration and cytologically evaluated, and all the cases were followed-up for 12 weeks after diagnosis. Anti-tubercular drugs were not applied, and surgical excision was reserved for nonhealing lesions.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data tables.

Results: Ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes were commonest site and none had constitutional symptoms. Acid-fast bacilli were detected in 11 (91.67%) cases of suppurative BCG lymphadenitis. On follow-up all nonsuppurative adenitis were resolved spontaneously, and 8 suppurative lymphadenitis cases were resolved after 4 weeks of needle aspiration. Four cases needed repeat aspiration among which 3 resolved in 8 weeks, and one needed surgical excision.

Conclusions: We recommend needle aspiration as a simple, safe, chief and effective modality, which helps in diagnosis as well as in management of suppurative BCG lymphadenitis.
The Roles of Neuregulin-1 in Cardiac Development, Homeostasis, and Disease
Authors: Rupert Cassady E. , Coulombe Kareen L.K.
Published: April 2015

Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) and its signaling receptors, erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homologs (ErbB) 2, 3, and 4, have been implicated in both cardiomyocyte development and disease, as well as in homeostatic cardiac function. NRG-1/ErbB signaling is involved in a multitude of cardiac processes ranging from myocardial and cardiac conduction system development to angiogenic support of cardiomyocytes, to cardioprotective effects upon injury. Numerous studies of NRG-1 employ a variety of platforms, including in vitro assays, animal models, and human clinical trials, with equally varying and, sometimes, contradictory outcomes. NRG-1 has the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool in stem cell therapies, tissue engineering applications, and clinical diagnostics and treatment. This review presents a concise summary of the growing body of literature to highlight the temporally persistent significance of NRG-1/ErbB signaling throughout development, homeostasis, and disease in the heart, specifically in cardiomyocytes.
Synonymous Codon Usage Bias in the Plastid Genome is Unrelated to Gene Structure and Shows Evolutionary Heterogeneity
Authors: Qi Yueying , Xu Wenjing , Xing Tian , Zhao Mingming , Li Nana , Yan Li , Xia Guangmin , Wang Mengcheng
Published: April 2015

Synonymous codon usage bias (SCUB) is the nonuniform usage of codons, occurring often in nearly all organisms. Our previous study found that SCUB is correlated with intron number, is unequal among exons in the plant nuclear genome, and mirrors evolutionary specialization. However, whether this rule exists in the plastid genome has not been addressed. Here, we present an analysis of SCUB in the plastid genomes of 25 species from lower to higher plants (algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and spermatophytes). We found NNA and NNT (A- and T-ending codons) are preferential in the plastid genomes of all plants. Interestingly, this preference is heterogeneous among taxonomies of plants, with the strongest preference in bryophytes and the weakest in pteridophytes, suggesting an association between SCUB and plant evolution. In addition, SCUB frequencies are consistent among genes with varied introns and among exons, indicating that the bias of NNA and NNT is unrelated to either intron number or exon position. Further, SCUB is associated with DNA methylation–induced conversion of cytosine to thymine in the vascular plants but not in algae or bryophytes. These data demonstrate that these SCUB profiles in the plastid genome are distinctly different compared with the nuclear genome.
Faithful Representations of Graph Algebras via Branching Systems
Authors: Gonçalves Daniel , Li Hui , Royer Danilo
Published: April 2015

We continue to investigate branching systems of directed graphs and their connections with graph algebras. We give a suõcient condition under which the representation induced from a branching systemof a directed graph is faithful and construct a large class of branching systems that satisfy this condition. We ûnish the paper by providing a proof of the converse of the Cuntz–Krieger uniqueness theorem for graph algebras by means of branching systems.
Politische Geographien des Religiösen – Ambivalenzen der Verkopplung von Religion und Raum im Fall Tibet
Authors: Reuber P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. "Religious spaces" can become a powerful nucleus of (geo-) political imaginations, identities, and conflicts. The paper outlines this aspect using the example of Tibet. Considering the prominent position of Buddhism in Tibet, the tense relationships between religion, space and nation come into view. In this respect the paper does however not primarily discuss the quite well known antagonistic constructions of pro-Chinese and pro-Tibetan geopolitical discourses. Rather, it addresses the far less publicized yet for the development of Tibetan Nationalism equally important fact that differences in the production of religious spaces and respective identities can also be found within Tibetan society. Tracing these discursive inventions of tradition helps to better understand, why the establishment of a national project in Tibet has been difficult and why it only started to gain traction and visibility in the face of mounting threads by an antagonistic exterior and the precarious Tibetan exile situation.
SOUZA, Gilda de Mello e. O Espírito das Roupas: A Moda no Século XIX. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras, 1987.
Authors: Botton Fernando Bagiotto
Published: April 2015

Resenha de:  SOUZA, Gilda de Mello e. O Espírito das Roupas: A Moda no Século XIX. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras, 1987.
Literatura Beat: Expressão marginal no Século XX
Authors: Pleszczak Camila Maria Longo
Published: April 2015

Nota de Pesquisa: Literatura Beat: Expressão marginal no Século XX
Animação em aula: Os heróis dos desenhos animados no ensino de história
Authors: Neto Mario Marcello
Published: April 2015

Este trabalho é resultado de pesquisas em andamento sobre o uso de desenhos animados como fontes no Ensino de História. Ao iniciarmos os estudos acerca do tema, nos deparamos com inúmeras relações entre os Quadrinhos e os Desenhos Animados. A mais significativa perpetuação de elementos presentes nas HQ’s representada nos quadrinhos é a imagem do Herói. Aqui, Através da análise do desenho produzido pela DC Comics, Liga da Justiça (2001), tentaremos estabelecer relações destes elementos que acabam formando o imaginário social de uma parcela da sociedade. Para isso, além da análise dos desenhos supracitados, foi feita uma densa revisão bibliográfica, permitindo que este trabalho obtivesse um aporte teórico suficiente para problematizar o tema.
Clube Guarani (1920-2006): tempos de luta contra o preconceito em Arroio Grande
Authors: Quadrado Beatriz Floôr
Published: April 2015

Este é um estudo sobre a história do Clube Guarani, localizado na cidade de Arroio Grande, fundado em 1920, devido ao preconceito racial que acabava proibindo a participação do negro em certos espaços sociais. A pesquisa faz um apanhado geral desta história, destacando o significado deste patrimônio cultural através das memórias da comunidade negra do município. Faz-se necessário, para um melhor entendimento, também uma análise da realidade da população afrodescendente no início da república, o preconceito por estereótipos excludentes do meio social. O método utilizado foi o da História Oral, vinculado aos estudos teóricos sobre memória e patrimônio.
Costumes e Justiça: a interpretação da norma no cabildo de Corrientes - 1588 a 1646
Authors: Martins Liz Araujo
Published: April 2015

Esse texto foi desenvolvido pelo resultado de um projeto de pesquisa, financiado pela FAPESP. A proposta do projeto era ler e analisar as Actas Capitulares da cidade de Corrientes (1588 a 1646). A análise se fez com o propósito de investigar as leis e sua aplicação nesta cidade, tomando como hipótese as reflexões desenvolvidas pelo professor Rafael Ruiz2, em seu projeto “Direitos e Justiça nas Américas”. Tais reflexões consistem na idéia de que as leis na América Ibérica do século XVII eram heterogêneas e flexíveis, estavam sujeitas a daptações, a especificidades circunstanciais e a demandas locais.
PROJEÇÃO DIAMÉTRICA POR RAZÃO DE MOVIMENTAÇÃO EM UM FRAGMENTO DE FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA MISTA NO SUL DO PARANÁ
Authors: Dalla Lana Mayara , Péllico Netto Sylvio , Dalla Corte Ana Paula , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto , Lins e Silva Brandão Carlos Frederico
Published: April 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi simular o crescimento em número de árvores e área basal de um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, em nível de floresta, espécies e famílias botânicas de maior valor de importância. Os dados utilizados são provenientes de um inventário contínuo de três parcelas implantadas em 1995 de 1 ha cada e uma de 0,5 ha, totalizando uma área amostral de 3,5 ha, no município de São João do Triunfo, Paraná. Todos os indivíduos arbóreos com diâmetro à altura do peito igual ou maior que 10,0 cm foram identificados, mensurados, e durante as remedições, todas as árvores mortas e recrutadas foram registradas até o ano de 2011. As projeções com o modelo de razão de movimentação foram realizadas para os indivíduos arbóreos agrupados em intervalo de classe de 10 cm de diâmetro, para a prognose dos anos de 2013, 2015, 2017 e 2019. A floresta como um todo crescerá 5,7 m².ha-1 em área basal, mas não em número de árvores, confirmando amadurecimento desse fragmento.Palavras-chave: Manejo sustentável; floresta nativa; área basal. AbstractDiametric projection by movement ratio in a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest fragment in Southern Paraná. The aim of this research was to simulate the growth in number of trees and basal area of a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest fragment, in level of forest, botanical families and species with the greater importance value. The data are from a continuous inventory in three sample plots of 1 ha each, and one of 0.5 ha, adding up 3.5 ha of sampled area, in São João do Triunfo, Paraná. All trees with diameter at breast height equal or greater than 10.0 cm were identified, measured and, during remeasurements, all recruited and dead trees were counted until the year 2011. The projections with movement ratio model were performed to the individual trees grouped in classes’ interval of 10 cm diameter for the prognosis of the years 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. The forest as a whole will grow 5,7 m².ha-1 in basal area, but not in number of trees, confirming maturation of this fragment.Keywords: Sustainable management; native forest; basal area.
QUALIDADE SANITÁRIA DE SEMENTES DE Caesalpinia ferrea: INCIDÊNCIA DE FUNGOS, CONTROLE E EFEITOS NA QUALIDADE FISIOLÓGICA COM O USO DE EXTRATOS VEGETAIS
Authors: Medeiros José George Ferreira , Araujo Neto Aderson Costa , Silva Edcarlos Camilo , Huang Min Fu Nascimento , Nascimento Luciana Cordeiro
Published: April 2015

As sementes são eficientes meios de disseminação e transmissão de patógenos e, frequentemente, introduzem novos focos de infecção em áreas isentas. A utilização de extratos de plantas com propriedades antimicrobianas são alternativas ecológicas e promissoras para substituir a proteção promovida pela aplicação de fungicidas. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos extratos de alamanda (Allamanda blanchetti L.) e melão-de-são-caetano (Momordica charantia L.) sobre a micoflora e a germinação de sementes de Caesalpinia ferrea. Para tanto, utilizaram-se lotes de sementes coletados em diferentes municípios paraibanos (Areia, Bananeiras, Conde e Remígio), os quais foram submetidos aos testes de sanidade e de germinação. Os tratamentos fitossanitários consistiram de Testemunha; Fungicida dicarboximida (240 g.100 kg-1) e extratos A. blanchetti e M. charantia nas concentrações de 10, 100, 500 e 1000 ppm. Constataram-se os fungos Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium sp., R. stolonifer, Penicillium sp. e Nigrospora sp. nas sementes de C. ferrea. Os extratos de A. blanchetti e M. charantia nas concentrações de 500 e 1000 ppm reduziram a incidência de fungos. As maiores concentrações (500 e 1000 ppm) de ambos os extratos promoveram o aumento no percentual e na velocidade de germinação (IVG), bem como no comprimento das plântulas de C. ferrea.Palavras-chave: Patologia de sementes; micoflora; controle alternativo; germinação. AbstractSanitary quality of Caesalpinia ferrea seeds: incidence of fungi, control and effects on physiological quality with the use of plant extracts. Seeds are efficient to dissemination and transmission of pathogens and often introduce new foci of infection in exempted areas. The use of plant extracts with antimicrobial properties are promising and environmentally friendly alternatives to replace the protection promoted by the application of fungicides. We aimed to evaluate the effect of extracts of Allamanda blanchetti L. and Momordica charantia L. on the mycoflora and seed germination of Caesalpinia ferrea. We used lots of seeds collected in different cities of Paraiba (Areia, Bananeiras, Conde e Remígio), which were tested for germination and sanity. The phytosanitary treatments consisted of control, dicarboximide fungicide (240 g.100 Kg-1) and extracts of A. blanchetti and M. charantia at concentrations of 10, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm. We identified in the seeds of C. ferrea fungi Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium sp., R. stolonifer, Penicillium sp. and Nigrospora sp. The extracts of A. blanchetti and M. charantia in concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm reduced the incidence of fungi. The highest concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm) of both extracts increased percentage and germination rate (IVG) and length of seedlings of C. ferrea.Keywords: Pathology seed; mycoflora; alternative control; germination.
WOOD DENSITY OF CLONES OF Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF GROWTH
Authors: Mauri Renata , Oliveira José Tarcísio da Silva , Filho Mário Tomazello , Rosado Antônio Marcos , Paes Juarez Benigno , Calegario Natalino
Published: April 2015

AbstractVariations in the growth site of trees have influence on the internal structure of the trunk. Considering this fact, this study investigated influence of the characteristics of the growth site on wood specific gravity of two clones of Eucalyptus urophyllax Eucalyptus grandis,  approximately six years old, growing in different altitudes and topographies. Furthemore, two methods of sampling of the wood specific gravity were studied, for comparison purpose. Results showed that wood specific gravity underwent variations between growth conditions andtrends in wood specific gravity variations, compared between growth conditions, were the same regardless of the clone. With relation to  sampling method, the wedge was more appropriate for determination of wood specific gravity, in order to extrapolate the disc density. These results provide tools to forestry companies about consolidation of genetic material and its behavior in different growth conditions, to attend wood quality requirements.Keywords: Eucalypt; wood quality;topography; altitude. ResumoDensidade do lenho de clones de Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis em diferentes condições de crescimento. As variações nas características do local de crescimento das árvores apresentam influência na estrutura interna do tronco. Diante deste fato, foi estudada a influência das características do local de crescimento na densidade básica da madeira de dois clones de EucalyptusurophyllaxEucalyptusgrandis, com aproximadamente seis anos de idade que cresceram emaltitudes e topografias diferentes. Além disso, estudou-se duas formas de amostragem da densidade básica na árvore para fins de comparações. Por meio dos resultados pode-seobservar que a densidade básica da madeira sofreu variações nas diferentes condições de crescimento e que as tendências de variações na densidade básica da madeira, frente às condições de crescimento, foram as mesmas independentemente do clone. Em relaçãoao método de amostragem,a cunha mostrou-se mais apropriada para determinação da densidade básica da madeira para fins de extrapolação da densidade do disco.Estes resultados fornecem subsídios para as empresas do setor florestal no que diz respeito à consolidação de material genético e seu comportamento em diferentes condições de crescimento para atender suas demandas de qualidade de madeira.Palavras-chave:Eucalipto; qualidade de madeira;topografia; altitude.
CENTRALIDAD DEL ADMINISTRADO EN EL ACTUAL DERECHO ADMINISTRATIVO: IMPACTOS DEL ESTADO CONSTITUCIONAL DE DERECHO
Authors: Delpiazzo Carlos E.
Published: April 2015

El Derecho Administrativo propio del Estado Constitucional de Derecho debe estar centrado en la persona del administrado, tanto en su dimensión individual como social, de las que derivan sus derechos y deberes. Consecuentemente, la relación jurídica administrativa debe edificarse sobre la base de la servicialidad de la Administración Pública en la procura del bien común.
BRAZIL’S ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN A COMPARATIVE CONTEXT
Authors: Perlingeiro Ricardo
Published: April 2015

O texto contém uma análise descritiva de aspectos do processo administrativo, do sistema judicial e dos processos judiciais no sistema brasileiro de justiça administrativa. Os pontos fortes e fracos identificados pelo artigo servem como base para futuras pesquisas comparativas entre o sistema de justiça administrativa no Brasil, os sistemas que influenciaram o Brasil incluindo a Europa continental e os Estados Unidos e os sistemas que foram também influenciados em toda a Ibero-américa.
Evaluation of Forest Dynamics Focusing on Various Minimum Harvesting Ages in Multi-Purpose Forest Management Planning
Authors: Mumcu Küçüker Derya , Baskent Emin Zeki
Published: April 2015

Aim of study: Exploring the potential effects of various forest management strategies on the ability of forest ecosystems to sequester carbon and produce water has become of great concern among forest researchers. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of management strategies with different minimum harvesting ages on the amount and monetary worth of carbon, water and timber values.Area of study: The study was performed in the Yalnızçam planning unit located on the northeastern part of Turkey.Material and Methods: A forest management model with linear programming (LP) was developed to determine the effects of various minimum harvesting ages. Twenty-four different management strategies were developed to maximize the economic Net Present Value (NPV) of timber, water and carbon values in addition to their absolute quantities over time. Amount and NPV of forest values and ending inventory with different minimum harvesting ages were used as performance indicators to assess and thus understand forest dynamics.Main results: Amount and NPV of timber and carbon generally decreased with extended minimum harvesting ages. However, similar trends were not observed for water production values. The results pointed out that the performance of a management strategy depends highly on the development of a management strategy and the initial forest structure aside from the growth rate.Research highlights: Minimum harvesting ages affect forest outputs under the same objectives and constraints. Performance of a management strategy highly depends on initial age class structure in addition to the contents of a management strategy.Keywords: linear programming; forest management planning; carbon sequestration; water production; forest dynamics.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with declined Pinus pinaster stands in Spain
Authors: Álvarez Gonzalo , Fernández Mercedes , Diez Julio J.
Published: April 2015

Aim of study: We studied the presence of fungi and distribution patterns in relation to the health status of declining Pinus pinaster trees.Area of study: Trees in two declining stands in Central Spain were allotted to three declining classes...Material and Methods: Trees in two declining stands in Central Spain were allotted to three declining classes (healthy, declining and recently dead) and 3 trees of each class were felled in each stand. Wood slides (phloem and xylem) were taken at six positions along the trees and samples collected from fungal identification.Main results: A total of 21 fungal taxa were isolated and identified; eleven of these species belonged to the Ophiostomatoid group. Ophiostoma minus was the most frequently isolated fungus and was identified in 22% of the samples, mainly associated to dead and diseased trees.Research highlights: Together these results suggest a putative association of O. minor with the decline in this area, and thus we suggest paying more attention to this fungus as a potential agent of decline in P. pinaster stands.Key words: Ophiostomatoid fungi; forest pathology; bluestain fungi; multivariate analyses.Abbreviations: UTM: Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system; MEA: Malt Extract Agar; DNA: Deoxyribonucleid acid; ITS: Internal Transcribed Spacer; BLAST: Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; CCA: Canonical Correspondence Analyses; PWN: Pine Wood Nematode.
Changes in climate-growth relationships and IADF formation over time of pine species (Pinus halepensis, P. pinaster and P. sylvestris) in Mediterranean environments
Authors: Olivar Jorge , Bogino Stella , Spiecker Heinrich , Bravo Felipe
Published: April 2015

Background: The Mediterranean basin has experienced an increase in the mean annual temperature, a decrease in the mean annual precipitation, and an increase in the frequency of severe drought periods during the second half of the 20th century. However, winter and spring precipitation has increased and summer precipitation has decreased in the western Mediterranean region. Aim of the study:The objectives of the present study were: i) to compare changes in climate-growth relationships over time for Pinus halepensis, P. pinaster and P. sylvestris in Spain ii) to quantify the presence of intra-annual density fluctuations (IADFs) on the three species, and iii) to define the associated climatic variables. Area of study: 26 sampling sites (8 P. halepensis sites, 8 P. pinaster sites and 10 P. sylvestris sites) were selected in their distribution area in Spain. Main results:Precipitation is the main factor influencing growth and IADF occurrence in the three species. Wet periods during previous winter and spring induced higher growth rates on P. halepensis and P. pinaster, while P. sylvestris was mostly influenced by summer precipitation. However, the influence of these climatic variables on the growth of these species changed over the studied period. The increase of winter and spring precipitation combined with increasingly harsh summer climatic conditions in the second half of the 20th century may have enhanced the importance of precipitation at the beginning of the growing season on the growth of species subject to higher summer drought stress (P. halepensis and P. pinaster) and increased IADF occurrence. Research highlights: Besides reflecting changes in the environmental conditions during the growing season, the inclusion of IADF detection in chronologies adds new information to ring-width chronologies, thereby improving its quality.Key words: Aleppo pine; maritime pine; scots pine; dendroclimatology, IADFs.Abbreviations used: IADF: Intra-annual density fluctuation; AIC: Akaike information criterion; ROC: Receiver operating characteristic.