bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Folk Modernism: Zora Neale Hurston’s Gestural Drama
Authors: Diamond Elin
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT:

Zora Neale Hurston’s desire to dramatize the folklore she collected in the late 1920s is well known. While some have argued that her anthropological training under Franz Boas conflicted with her creative impulses, Folk Modernism: Hurston’s Gestural Drama takes the view that her innovative work in the theatre is a productive synthesis of the modernist impulse toward rupture and rhythmic form, of an international interest in the 1930s in the cultural resonances of “gesture,” and of Hurston’s own dynamic notion of “gesture [in] place of words,” first articulated in 1928. For Hurston, gesture is not supplementary to language but rather the inverse: language is a kind of gesture. In Cold Keener (1930) and Woofing (1931), she develops a drama in which words and movements transmit a culture’s characteristic rhythms – in this case, the culture of rural black Southerners in their everyday labour and leisure. Spunk (1935) and Polk County (1944), aiming for white audience acceptance, conventionalize gestural drama.
Humans and Uniqueness
Authors: Schumpe Birga Mareen , Erb Hans-Peter
Published: March 2015

A defining force in the shaping of human identity is a person's need to feel special and different from others. Psychologists term this motivation Need for Uniqueness (NfU). There are manifold ways to establish feelings of uniqueness, e.g., by showing unusual consumption behaviour or by not conforming to majority views. The NfU can be seen as a stable personality trait, that is, individuals differ in their dispositional need to feel unique. The NfU is also influenced by situational factors and social environments. The cultural context is one important social setting shaping the NfU. This article aims to illuminate the NfU from a social psychological perspective.
Corrigendum
Authors: Loveman Emma , Copley Vicky R , Colquitt Jill , Scott David A , Clegg Andy , Jones Jeremy , O’Reilly Katherine MA , Singh Sally , Bausewein Claudia , Wells Athol
Published: March 2015

Summary

A previous version of this report was published in July 2013. The report was corrected on page v in November 2013. For further information, or for copies of the original material, please contact Nihredit@soton.ac.uk.
Screening, evaluation, and management of cancer‐related fatigue: Ready for implementation to practice?
Authors: Berger Ann M. , Mitchell Sandra A. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Pirl William F.
Published: March 2015

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Evidence regarding cancer‐related fatigue (fatigue) has accumulated sufficiently such that recommendations for screening, evaluation, and/or management have been released recently by 4 leading cancer organizations. These evidence‐based fatigue recommendations are available for clinicians, and some have patient versions; but barriers at the patient, clinician, and system levels hinder dissemination and implementation into practice. The underlying biologic mechanisms for this debilitating symptom have not been elucidated completely, hindering the development of mechanistically driven interventions. However, significant progress has been made toward methods for screening and comprehensively evaluating fatigue and other common symptoms using reliable and valid self‐report measures. Limited data exist to support the use of any pharmacologic agent; however, several nonpharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue in adults. Never before haveevidence‐based recommendationsfor fatigue management been disseminated by 4 premier cancer organizations (the National Comprehensive Cancer, the Oncology Nursing Society, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer/Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology). Clinicians may ask: Are we ready for implementation into practice? The reply: A variety of approaches to screening, evaluation, and management are ready for implementation. To reduce fatigue severity and distress and its impact on functioning, intensified collaborations and close partnerships between clinicians and researchers are needed, with an emphasis on system‐wide efforts to disseminate and implement these evidence‐based recommendations.CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65: 190–211. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Split Cast Metal Post and Core- A Case Report
Authors: Kunhappan Sanjeev , Patil Sanjay , Agrawal Pratibha , Kunhappan Neerja
Published: March 2015

This case report presents restoration of an endodontically treated carious broken mandibular first molar with divergent roots, restored with split-cast post and core fabricated by direct technique. Endodontic treatment of a mutilated tooth may prove unfruitful if it is not well restored to bear the forces of occlusion. So the options of prosthetic reconstruction should be well considered before attempting endodontic treatment on badly broken teeth. In such cases post is the choice of restoration as it serves to retain core. Badly broken molar was preserved by using multiple posts in the divergent canals. Non parallel accessory posts was used as it increased the retentive surface area of the cast post and core, minimized the chance of root perforation during tooth preparation and also redistribute the forces of occlusion. An ideal post system should have the ability to distribute the functional stresses evenly along the root surface and produce minimal stress during placement and cementation. The clinician should select the right type of post and core system considering the biological, mechanical and esthetic needs for each individual tooth. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22460 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 33-35
The Jaw Tumor: A Surgical and Oncologic perspective
Authors: Badruddoja M
Published: March 2015

The Jaw tumor is now a very well-known entity in the field of medicine and Called Burkitt Lymphoma Syndrome or Burkitts lymphoma (BL). It is a highly aggressive non-Hodgkins lymphoma and is the fastest growing tumors in children especially in East Africa. This is the first malignant extra nodal lymphoma in which Epstein-Barr virus has been detected specially in the tumors of East African origin. The discovery of EBV is the Burk kits tumor is another progress that has been MADE THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY to understand the disease process. EBV virus may be playing a role as an oncogene for this disease by retranslocating or translocation the c-MYC gene. Early days when such tumor is introduced by Dennis Burkitt before the medical community there was no real pathological classification, immumohistochemical or biological study. Subsequently it was felt that a chromosal translocation that activates an oncogene called e-MYC is the etiology of such tumor. But current molecular study shows that there are other oncogenes that are involved in the development of this deadly ailment especially in western countries. Our knowledge of BL was inadequate in early years of discovery of BL and so as well our diagnosis and treatment. In early stage of discovery of BL there were very limited option of treatment from local radical surgery, local radiation( which was not available in Uganda during that time) to only two chemotherapies and 5 years of survival rate was only 10%.But with our current knowledge of molecular biology of this malignancy there are multiple options of treatment such as combination of various chemotherapies, monoclonal antibodies either alone and or in combination and with either complete removal of tumor or debunking procedure specially abdominal neoplasm, the current 5 years survival rate is about 90%.This very brief review article describes the background, clinical feature, histology ,molecular study as it relates to prognosis and current treatment of both Burkitts tumor and extra nodal abdominal tumor both based on experience of our group in late seventies of treating few cases of devastating abdominal BL and review of few scholarly article on BL. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22513 J. bio-sci. 21: 01-19, 2013
Mutualistic presence of normal Flora in Human Intestine: A review
Authors: Nipa Karishma Kabir
Published: March 2015

Human body contains a huge number of micro-organisms in its intestine. It is ten times more in number compared to the number of human body cells. These micro-organisms are mainly anaerobic bacteria and perform useful functions in relation to development of gut, and production of vitamins and hormones. These bacteria also perform a wide range of metabolic functions. The present article reviews briefly the mutualistic relationship of intestinal flora with human intestine along with their pathogenic behaviour to some extent. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22515 J. bio-sci. 21: 21-25, 2013
Assessment of the abundance and species composition of Phytoplankton of Moiur river, Khulna
Authors: Rahi Md Lifat , Mahfuj Sarower E , Islam Sk Shahinur , Islam S Saiful , Sabbir Wasim
Published: March 2015

Context: Phytoplanktonic community structure in an aquatic body embodies the energy transfer through this phase and indicates the tropic status. Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the phytoplankton abundance and species composition of Mouri River, Khulna, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Water samples were collected from six different stations once in a week for a period of 6 months (February- July) 2010. Results: In total 48 different species of 23 genus and 4 families were identified. Phytoplankton abundance varied from 805 to 1788 individuals/L in different stations. The highest abundance was observed for the family chlorophyceae that constituted 27-50.56% of the total phytoplankton biomass throughout the river. Highest number of phytoplankton species (22) was also recorded for the family chlorophyceae. The most diverse genus was Navicula (6). Some aspects of the water quality parameters were measured by regression analysis and significant correlations were also observed between water quality parameters and phytoplankton abundance. Water temperature, pH, DO, Free CO2, alkalinity, hardness, calcium and magnesium showed positive correlations with total phytoplankton abundance where as transparency, TDS, TSS, sulfate phosphate and nitrite showed negative correlations. Conclusion: In most of the cases, phytoplankton abundance and water quality parameters showed greater deviation from the optimum level. However, the results of the present experiment confirmed the polluted water of the river. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22516 J. bio-sci. 21: 27-34, 2013
Inheritance of length and weight of mature larvae in six-parent diallel crosses of Mulberry Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Rashid HA , Ahsan MK , Hasan MA , Mahfus I
Published: March 2015

Context: To gain a better understanding of the nature of gene action involved in the inheritance of quantitative characters can be obtained through the use of diallel cross analytical approach for the choice of desirable parents and the formulation of an effective breeding programme. Objectives: The aim was to study the nature and magnitude of gene action of inheritance for quantitative traits, length and weight of mature larvae in B. mori through six-parent diallel cross analysis in four rearing seasons Materials and Methods: Six inbred varieties of B. mori were used as parents for a diallel cross. The experiment was conducted in four rearing seasons. Mature larval length (cm) and weight (gm) were collected for statistical analysis. The data were analyzed following the biometrical techniques proposed by Jinks and Hayman (1953), Hayman (1954), Dickinson and Jinks (1956) and Jhonson and Aksel (1964). Results: In the Haymans analysis of variance for length and weight of mature larvae the items a and b were found to be significant against all the three tests of significance. The item b2 was significant for the seasons S-2 and S-3 and the b3 item was significant for all the seasons. The Items c and d were insignificant in all the seasons. The regressions of Wr on Vr for majority of the seasons were significant but did not deviate significantly from unit slope. The varieties Nistari, Nistari oval (G) and NanNung7B of S-1, S-2 and S-4, and Nistari of S-3 for length of larvae and Nistari and Nistari oval (G) of S-1, S-2 and S-3 and Nistari, Nistari oval (G) and Nan Nung 7B of S-4 for larval weight possessed an excess of recessive genes of negative effect. But Nistari oval (G) in S-3 for LL possessed excess of recessive genes with positive effects. On the other hand BSRI-95, BSRI-98 and BV (high) in S-1, S-2 and S-4, and Nan Nung 7B, BSRI-98 and BV(high) in S-3 for LL and BSRI-95, BSRI-98 and BV(high) in S-1, S-2 and S-3, and BSRI-95 and BV(high) in S-4 for LW possessed an excess of dominant genes, which was positive in nature. In S-3 only BSRI-95 for LL and NanNung7B in S-1, S-2 and S-3 and BSRI-98 in S-4 for LW possessed an excess of dominant genes of negative nature. At least one group of dominant genes was involved in controlling these characters. The broad sense heritability was high in all seasons for both the characters whereas the narrow sense heritability was moderate for majority of the seasons except S-3 and S-4 for LW. Conclusion: High heritability, dominant and recessive gene effects suggest that these parents could be used to develop better lines in respect of larval characters investigated in this study and selection programmes will be effective in early generations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22522 J. bio-sci. 21: 77-87, 2013
Evaluation of Barley Genotypes (Hordeum vulgar l.) by drought tolerance indices and Multivariate analysis
Authors: Sharafi Soran , Golezani Kazem Ghassemi , Mohammadi Soleyman , Lak Shahram , Sorkhy Behzad
Published: March 2015

Context: Evaluation of tolerance of different barley genotypes to drought stress, an experiment carried out in randomized block design (RCBD) with three replication during 2009-2010 growing seasons and 20 barley genotypes were studied in normal and water deficit in post anthesis stage conditions at the Saatloo Research Farm Azerbaiejan, Iran. Results: The result of variance analysis showed that there were highly significant differences between genotypes in all of the studied traits, also it was cleared that all of traits except spike length reduced in water deficit condition as compared to normal condition and seed yield, biomass and 1000 seed weight traits had the most reduction (31, 25 and 20 percent, respectively). To identify of tolerance barley genotypes to drought stress, drought tolerance indices (STI, TOL, SSI, MP, HM and GMP), correlation coefficients, principal components analysis and cluster analysis were used. The result of correlation coefficients indicated that there were significant and positive correlation between seed yield in normal and stress conditions and drought tolerance indices. Also the result of principal components analysis showed that two components justified 99% of total variations. MP, GMP, STI and HM indices and TOL and SSI indices had the most coefficients in the first and second component, respectively, so are named tolerance and sensitivity component, respectively. Conclusion: MP, HM, STI and GMP indices were appropriate indices to select of drought tolerance barley genotypes. On the other hand, the result of cluster analysis showed that 13, 14 and 7 genotypes and 18, 1 and 2 genotypes were tolerance and sensitivity genotypes to water deficit at post anthesis stage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22525 J. bio-sci. 21: 109-122, 2013
Water productivity for Boro Rice production: study on floodplain Beels in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Istiaque , Siwar Chamhuri , Mokhtar Mazlin Bin , Dey Madan Mohan , Jaafar Abd Hamid , Alam Md Mahmudul
Published: March 2015

Context: Water productivity is considered as an important indicator of Agriculture productivity because of the scarcity of freshwater. More yield or output against same or less amount of water has become the global interest. Objectives: This study measures the productivity of water on the floodplain land in terms of Boro rice cultivation for two floodplain beels in Rajshahi Bangladesh. Materials & Methods: For this study, the production and market price data were collected by direct observation based on 30 samples in the year 2006-07. Results: This study found gross water productivity of rice yield as 0.47 kg m-3 in beel Mail and 0.43 kg m-3 in beel Chandpur. In monetary value, water productivity per cubic meter irrigation water were TK 5.65, TK 3.42 and TK 2.64 based on gross return, net return considering cash costs and net return considering full costs in beel Mail. In beel Chandpur these values were TK 5.19 m-3, TK 2.87 m-3 and TK 2.14 m-3, respectively. The usage of average irrigated water in the boro rice farms were estimated 10730.05 m-3 and 11236 m-3 with an average production of yield 4992.95 kg and 4783.20 kg in beel Mail and beel Chandpur. Statistical result shows that keeping irrigation water constant, a 1% increase of boro rice yield will increase water productivity at 0.916% in beel Mail and 0.972% in beel Chandpur. The water productivity in beel Mail was 4.65% higher than beel Chandpur due to the intervention of community based fish culture management. Conclusion: The findings of this study will help to govern and improve production by proper utilizing floodplain lands. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22526 J. bio-sci. 21: 123-136, 2013
The reproductive cycle of the fresh water fish Labeo bata (Hamilton) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Joadder MAR
Published: March 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22527 J. bio-sci. 21: 137-140, 2013
Coloured Dots and the Question of Regional Origins in Early Qur'ans (Part I)
Authors: George Alain
Published: March 2015

During the first centuries of Islam, the written notation of the Qur'an underwent a gradual evolution. After an early stage represented by the ‘Ḥijāzī’ tradition, red dots were introduced into ‘Kūfic’ Qur'ans to mark short vowels. This system was soon expanded by assigning more functions to the red dots, sometimes supplemented by yellow, green, and blue dots; and by creating new orthographic signs. These devices were used in different ways by different vocalisers. Few textual sources dealing with this subject survive. By far the most consequential is al-Muḥkam fī naqṭ al-maṣāḥif (lit. ‘The Precise on the Vocalisation of Qur'ans’) by Abū ʿAmr ʿUthmān b. Saʿīd al-Dānī (371–444/982–1053). Following a line of work initiated by Yasin Dutton, the present study, to be published in two parts, will confront the assertions of al-Muḥkam with a sample of key manuscripts in an attempt to gain insights into the regional origins of early Qur'ans.
Bint al-Shāṭiʾ’s Approach to tafsīr: An Egyptian Exegete's Journey from Hermeneutics to Humanity
Authors: Naguib Shuruq
Published: March 2015

In recent decades, Bint al-Shāṭiʾ’s literary approach to the exegesis of the Qur'an received some scholarly attention. This has particularly been directed at the exegetical method she developed under the tutelage of Amīn al-Khūlī. This paper aims to re-examine Bint al-Shāṭiʾ’s exegetical oeuvre with an interest in its hermeneutic underpinnings. Through a close reading of her work al-Tafsīr al-bayānī li'l-Qurʾān, questions about authority, language, and application emerge as central to her approach. These questions are further explored in light of the tension between modernity and tradition characterising her intellectualism, and in the context of her personal journey as a woman attempting to establish an authoritative exegetical voice in a male-dominated tradition. The paper concludes with a discussion on Bint al-Shāṭiʾ’s stance on the primacy of a linguistic approach for understanding the Qur'an and thus her divergence from Amīn al-Khūlī who emphasised history above language in his Manahij al-tajdīd. The emphasis on linguisticality evolves in Bint al-Shāṭiʾ’s work into a theology of humanity in which women are equally entrusted with understanding the Qur'an, revealing her interpretation to be motivated not only by an interest in the Qur'an's literary inimitability but also by a concern for social application.
A Mechanistic Study of Direct Activation of Allylic Alcohols in Palladium Catalyzed Amination Reactions
Authors: Gumrukcu Yasemin , De Bruin Bas , Reek Joost
Published: March 2015

We here report a computational approach on the mechanism of allylicamination reactions using allyl-alcohols and amines as the substrates and phosphoramidite palladium catalyst 1a, which operates in the presence of catalytic amount of 1,3-diethylurea as a co-catalyst. DFT calculations showed a cooperative hydrogen-bonding array between the urea moiety and the hydroxyl group of the allyl alcohol, which strengthens the hydrogen bond between the O-H moiety of the coordinated allyl-alcohol and the carbonyl-moiety of the ligand. This hydrogen bond pattern facilitates the (rate-limiting) C-O oxidative addition step and leads to lower energy isomers throughout the catalytic cycle, clarifying the role of the urea-moiety.
Maximum Relative Entropy Updating and the Value of Learning
Authors: Dziurosz-Serafinowicz Patryk
Published: March 2015

We examine the possibility of justifying the principle of maximum relative entropy (MRE) considered as an updating rule by looking at the value of learning theorem established in classical decision theory. This theorem captures an intuitive requirement for learning: learning should lead to new degrees of belief that are expected to be helpful and never harmful in making decisions. We call this requirement the value of learning. We consider the extent to which learning rules by MRE could satisfy this requirement and so could be a rational means for pursuing practical goals. First, by representing MRE updating as a conditioning model, we show that MRE satisfies the value of learning in cases where learning prompts a complete redistribution of one’s degrees of belief over a partition of propositions. Second, we show that the value of learning may not be generally satisfied by MRE updates in cases of updating on a change in one’s conditional degrees of belief. We explain that this is so because, contrary to what the value of learning requires, one’s prior degrees of belief might not be equal to the expectation of one’s posterior degrees of belief. This, in turn, points towards a more general moral: that the justification of MRE updating in terms of the value of learning may be sensitive to the context of a given learning experience. Moreover, this lends support to the idea that MRE is not a universal nor mechanical updating rule, but rather a rule whose application and justification may be context-sensitive.
Mechanisms by Which Different Functional States of Mitochondria Define Yeast Longevity
Authors: Beach Adam , Leonov Anna , Arlia-Ciommo Anthony , Svistkova Veronika , Lutchman Vicky , Titorenko Vladimir
Published: March 2015

Mitochondrial functionality is vital to organismal physiology. A body of evidence supports the notion that an age-related progressive decline in mitochondrial function is a hallmark of cellular and organismal aging in evolutionarily distant eukaryotes. Studies of the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a unicellular eukaryote, have led to discoveries of genes, signaling pathways and chemical compounds that modulate longevity-defining cellular processes in eukaryotic organisms across phyla. These studies have provided deep insights into mechanistic links that exist between different traits of mitochondrial functionality and cellular aging. The molecular mechanisms underlying the essential role of mitochondria as signaling organelles in yeast aging have begun to emerge. In this review, we discuss recent progress in understanding mechanisms by which different functional states of mitochondria define yeast longevity, outline the most important unanswered questions and suggest directions for future research.
Palmitoylethanolamide Inhibits Glutamate Release in Rat Cerebrocortical Nerve Terminals
Authors: Lin Tzu-Yu , Lu Cheng-Wei , Wu Chia-Chan , Huang Shu-Kuei , Wang Su-Jane
Published: March 2015

The effect of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide displaying neuroprotective actions, on glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes) was investigated. PEA inhibited the Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate, which was triggered by exposing synaptosomes to the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine. This release inhibition was concentration dependent, associated with a reduction in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, and not due to a change in synaptosomal membrane potential. The glutamate release-inhibiting effect of PEA was prevented by the Cav2.1 (P/Q-type) channel blocker ω-agatoxin IVA or the protein kinase A inhibitor H89, not affected by the intracellular Ca2+ release inhibitors dantrolene and CGP37157, and partially antagonized by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM281. Based on these results, we suggest that PEA exerts its presynaptic inhibition, likely through a reduction in the Ca2+ influx mediated by Cav2.1 (P/Q-type) channels, thereby inhibiting the release of glutamate from rat cortical nerve terminals. This release inhibition might be linked to the activation of presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors and the suppression of the protein kinase A pathway.
Regulatory Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Neuroinflammation in Microglial Cells
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Fang , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Yeh Wei-Lan , Wu Caren , Lin Hsiao-Yun , Lai Sheng-Wei , Liu Yu-Shu , Wu Ling-Hsuan , Lu Jheng-Kun , Lu Dah-Yuu
Published: March 2015

Microglial activation has been widely demonstrated to mediate inflammatory processes that are crucial in several neurodegenerative disorders. Pharmaceuticals that can deliver direct inhibitory effects on microglia are therefore considered as a potential strategy to counter balance neurodegenerative progression. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural phenol in honeybee propolis, is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Accordingly, the current study intended to probe the effects of CAPE on microglia activation by using in vitro and in vivo models. Western blot and Griess reaction assay revealed CAPE significantly inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the production of nitric oxide (NO). Administration of CAPE resulted in increased expressions of hemeoxygenase (HO)-1and erythropoietin (EPO) in microglia. The phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-α was further found to regulate the anti-inflammatory effects of caffeic acid. In vivo results from immunohistochemistry along with rotarod test also revealed the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of CAPE in microglia activation. The current study has evidenced several possible molecular determinants, AMPKα, EPO, and HO-1, in mediating anti-neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells.
Extracellular Production of a Novel Endo-β-Agarase AgaA from Pseudomonas vesicularis MA103 that Cleaves Agarose into Neoagarotetraose and Neoagarohexaose
Authors: Hsu Pang-Hung , Wei Chien-Han , Lu Wen-Jung , Shen Fen , Pan Chorng-Liang , Lin Hong-Ting
Published: March 2015

The gene agaA, of the isolated marine bacterium Pseudomonas vesicularis MA103, comprised 2958-bp nucleotides encoding a putative agarase AgaA of 985 amino acids, which was predicted to contain a signal peptide of 29 amino acids in the N-terminus, a catalytic domain of glycoside hydrolase 16 (GH16) family, a bacterial immunoglobulin group 2 (Big 2), and three carbohydrate binding modules 6 (CBM 6). The gene agaA was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the optimum temperatures for AgaA overexpression were 16, 20 and 24 °C. The agaA was cloned without its signal peptide for cytosolic production overexpression, whereas it was cloned with the heterologous signal peptide PelB and its endogenous signal peptide for periplasmic and extracellular productions, respectively. Extracellular and periplasmic rAgaA showed greater activity than that of cytosolic rAgaA, indicating that membrane translocation of AgaA may encourage proper protein folding. Time-course hydrolysis of agarose by rAgaA was accomplished and the products were analyzed using thin layer chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption inoization-time of flight mass spectrometry, indicating that AgaA from P. vesicularis was an endo-type β-1,4 agarase that cleaved agarose into neoagarotetraose and neoagarohexaose as the final products.
PEDF Improves Cardiac Function in Rats with Acute Myocardial Infarction via Inhibiting Vascular Permeability and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Zheng , Feng Shou-Jie , Xu Lei , Shi He-Xian , Chen Li-Li , Yuan Guang-Da , Yan Wei , Zhuang Wei , Zhang Yi-Qian , Zhang Zhong-Ming , Dong Hong-Yan
Published: March 2015

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a pleiotropic gene with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-angiogenic properties. However, recent reports about the effects of PEDF on cardiomyocytes are controversial, and it is not known whether and how PEDF acts to inhibit hypoxic or ischemic endothelial injury in the heart. In the present study, adult Sprague-Dawley rat models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were surgically established. PEDF-small interfering RNA (siRNA)-lentivirus (PEDF-RNAi-LV) or PEDF-LV was delivered into the myocardium along the infarct border to knockdown or overexpress PEDF, respectively. Vascular permeability, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardial infarct size and animal cardiac function were analyzed. We also evaluated PEDF’s effect on the suppression of the endothelial permeability and cardiomyocyte apoptosis under hypoxia in vitro. The results indicated that PEDF significantly suppressed the vascular permeability and inhibited hypoxia-induced endothelial permeability through PPARγ-dependent tight junction (TJ) production. PEDF protected cardiomyocytes against ischemia or hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro via preventing the activation of caspase-3. We also found that PEDF significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and enhanced cardiac function in rats with AMI. These data suggest that PEDF could protect cardiac function from ischemic injury, at least by means of reducing vascular permeability, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial infarct size.
Coupling and Coordination in Gene Expression Processes with Pre-mRNA Splicing
Authors: Pan Kewu , Lee Jimmy , Huang Zhe , Wong Chi-Ming
Published: March 2015

A processing is a tightly regulated and highly complex pathway which includes transcription, splicing, editing, transportation, translation and degradation. It has been well-documented that splicing of RNA polymerase II medicated nascent transcripts occurs co-transcriptionally and is functionally coupled to other RNA processing. Recently, increasing experimental evidence indicated that pre-mRNA splicing influences RNA degradation and vice versa. In this review, we summarized the recent findings demonstrating the coupling of these two processes. In addition, we highlighted the importance of splicing in the production of intronic miRNA and circular RNAs, and hence the discovery of the novel mechanisms in the regulation of gene expression.
Whole Exome Sequencing for a Patient with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome Reveals de Novo Variants besides an Overt CREBBP Mutation
Authors: Yoo Hee , Kim Kyung , Kim In , Rho Seong-Hwan , Park Jong-Eun , Lee Ki , Kim Soon , Choi Byung , Kim Namshin
Published: March 2015

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare condition with a prevalence of 1 in 125,000–720,000 births and characterized by clinical features that include facial, dental, and limb dysmorphology and growth retardation. Most cases of RSTS occur sporadically and are caused by de novo mutations. Cytogenetic or molecular abnormalities are detected in only 55% of RSTS cases. Previous genetic studies have yielded inconsistent results due to the variety of methods used for genetic analysis. The purpose of this study was to use whole exome sequencing (WES) to evaluate the genetic causes of RSTS in a young girl presenting with an Autism phenotype. We used the Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) and Autism diagnostic interview revised (ADI-R) to confirm her diagnosis of Autism. In addition, various questionnaires were used to evaluate other psychiatric features. We used WES to analyze the DNA sequences of the patient and her parents and to search for de novo variants. The patient showed all the typical features of Autism, WES revealed a de novo frameshift mutation in CREBBP and de novo sequence variants in TNC and IGFALS genes. Mutations in the CREBBP gene have been extensively reported in RSTS patients, while potential missense mutations in TNC and IGFALS genes have not previously been associated with RSTS. The TNC and IGFALS genes are involved in central nervous system development and growth. It is possible for patients with RSTS to have additional de novo variants that could account for previously unexplained phenotypes.
A Comparative Study of Iron Uptake Rates and Mechanisms amongst Marine and Fresh Water Cyanobacteria: Prevalence of Reductive Iron Uptake
Authors: Lis Hagar , Kranzler Chana , Keren Nir , Shaked Yeala
Published: March 2015

In this contribution, we address the question of iron bioavailability to cyanobacteria by measuring Fe uptake rates and probing for a reductive uptake pathway in diverse cyanobacterial species. We examined three Fe-substrates: dissolved inorganic iron (Fe') and the Fe-siderophores Ferrioxamine B (FOB) and FeAerobactin (FeAB). In order to compare across substrates and strains, we extracted uptake rate constants (kin = uptake rate/[Fe-substrate]). Fe' was the most bioavailable Fe form to cyanobacteria, with kin values higher than those of other substrates. When accounting for surface area (SA), all strains acquired Fe' at similar rates, as their kin/SA were similar. We also observed homogeneity in the uptake of FOB among strains, but with 10,000 times lower kin/SA values than Fe'. Uniformity in kin/SA suggests similarity in the mechanism of uptake and indeed, all strains were found to employ a reductive step in the uptake of Fe' and FOB. In contrast, different uptake pathways were found for FeAB along with variations in kin/SA. Our data supports the existence of a common reductive Fe uptake pathway amongst cyanobacteria, functioning alone or in addition to siderophore-mediated uptake. Cyanobacteria combining both uptake strategies benefit from increased flexibility in accessing different Fe-substrates.
N-Hydroxycinnamide Derivatives of Osthole Ameliorate Hyperglycemia through Activation of AMPK and p38 MAPK
Authors: Lee Wei-Hwa , Wu Hsueh-Hsia , Huang Wei-Jan , Li Yi-Ning , Lin Ren-Jye , Lin Shyr-Yi , Liang Yu-Chih
Published: March 2015

Our previous studies found that osthole markedly reduced blood glucose levels in both db/db and ob/ob mice. To improve the antidiabetic activity of osthole, a series of N-hydroxycinnamide derivatives of osthole were synthesized, and their hypoglycemia activities were examined in vitro and in vivo. Both N-hydroxycinnamide derivatives of osthole, OHC-4p and OHC-2m, had the greatest potential for activating AMPK and increasing glucose uptake by L6 skeletal muscle cells. In addition, OHC-4p and OHC-2m time- and dose-dependently increased phosphorylation levels of AMPK and p38 MAPK. The AMPK inhibitor, compound C, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, significantly reversed activation of AMPK and p38 MAPK, respectively, in OHC-4p- and OHC-2m-treated cells. Compound C and SB203580 also inhibited glucose uptake induced by OHC-4p and OHC-2m. Next, we found that OHC-4p and OHC-2m significantly increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to plasma membranes and counteracted hyperglycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These results suggest that activation of AMPK and p38 MAPK by OHC-4p and OHC-2m is associated with increased glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation and subsequently led to amelioration of hyperglycemia. Therefore, OHC-4p and OHC-2m might have potential as antidiabetic agents for treating type 2 diabetes. Our previous studies found that osthole markedly reduced blood glucose levels in both db/db and ob/ob mice. To improve the antidiabetic activity of osthole, a series of N-hydroxycinnamide derivatives of osthole were synthesized, and their hypoglycemia activities were examined in vitro and in vivo. Both N-hydroxycinnamide derivatives of osthole, OHC-4p and OHC-2m, had the greatest potential for activating AMPK and increasing glucose uptake by L6 skeletal muscle cells. In addition, OHC-4p and OHC-2m time- and dose-dependently increased phosphorylation levels of AMPK and p38 MAPK. The AMPK inhibitor, compound C, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, significantly reversed activation of AMPK and p38 MAPK, respectively, in OHC-4p- and OHC-2m-treated cells. Compound C and SB203580 also inhibited glucose uptake induced by OHC-4p and OHC-2m. Next, we found that OHC-4p and OHC-2m significantly increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to plasma membranes and counteracted hyperglycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These results suggest that activation of AMPK and p38 MAPK by OHC-4p and OHC-2m is associated with increased glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation and subsequently led to amelioration of hyperglycemia. Therefore, OHC-4p and OHC-2m might have potential as antidiabetic agents for treating type 2 diabetes.
What Do Studies of Insect Polyphenisms Tell Us about Nutritionally-Triggered Epigenomic Changes and Their Consequences?
Authors: Cridge Andrew , Leask Megan , Duncan Elizabeth , Dearden Peter
Published: March 2015

Many insects are capable of remarkable changes in biology and form in response to their environment or diet. The most extreme example of these are polyphenisms, which are when two or more different phenotypes are produced from a single genotype in response to the environment. Polyphenisms provide a fascinating opportunity to study how the environment affects an animal’s genome, and how this produces changes in form. Here we review the current state of knowledge of the molecular basis of polyphenisms and what can be learnt from them to understand how nutrition may influence our own genomes.
Changes in Composition of Caecal Microbiota Associated with Increased Colon Inflammation in Interleukin-10 Gene-Deficient Mice Inoculated with Enterococcus Species
Authors: Bassett Shalome , Young Wayne , Barnett Matthew , Cookson Adrian , McNabb Warren , Roy Nicole
Published: March 2015

Human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal disease where the resident microbiota contributes to disease development, yet the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Interleukin-10 gene-deficient (Il10-/-) mice develop inflammation similar to IBD, due in part to an inappropriate response to commensal bacteria. We have previously reported changes in intestinal morphology and colonic gene expression in Il10-/- mice in response to oral bacterial inoculation. In this study, we aimed to identify specific changes in the caecal microbiota associated with colonic inflammation in these mice. The microbiota was evaluated using pyrotag sequencing, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative real-time PCR. Microbiota profiles were influenced by genotype of the mice and by bacterial inoculation, and a strong correlation was observed between the microbiota and colonic inflammation scores. Although un-inoculated Il10-/- and C57 mice had similar microbiota communities, bacterial inoculation resulted in different changes to the microbiota in Il10-/- and C57 mice. Inoculated Il10-/- mice had significantly less total bacteria than un-inoculated Il10-/- mice, with a strong negative correlation between total bacterial numbers, relative abundance of Escherichia/Shigella, microbiota diversity, and colonic inflammation score. Our results show a putative causative role for the microbiota in the development of IBD, with potentially key roles for Akkermansia, or for Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Parabacteroides, and Alistipes, depending on the composition of the bacterial inoculum. These data support the use of bacterially-inoculated Il10-/- mice as an appropriate model to investigate human IBD.
Effectiveness of Dietary Allergen Exclusion Therapy on Eosinophilic Colitis in Chinese Infants and Young Children ≤ 3 Years of Age
Authors: Yang Min , Geng Lanlan , Chen Peiyu , Wang Fenghua , Xu Zhaohui , Liang Cuiping , Li Huiwen , Fang Tiefu , Friesen Craig , Gong Sitang , Li Dingyou
Published: March 2015

Eosinophilic colitis is a well recognized clinical entity mainly associated with food allergies. Empiric treatment options include dietary allergen exclusion (extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and elimination diet), anti-allergy medications (antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists) and corticosteroids. We evaluated the effectiveness of dietary antigen exclusion on clinical remission of eosinophilic colitis in infants and young children. We retrospectively reviewed charts of all infants and children ≤3 years of age who were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis (defined as mucosal eosinophilia ≥20 hpf−1) from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013 at a tertiary children’s hospital in China. Forty-nine children were identified with eosinophilic colitis. Elemental formula, simple elimination diet or combination therapy resulted in clinical improvement in 75%, 88.2% and 80% of patients, respectively. In conclusion, eosinophilic colitis in infants and children ≤3 years of age responded well to dietary allergen exclusion.
A Mapping of Tools for Informing Water Sensitive Urban Design Planning Decisions—Questions, Aspects and Context Sensitivity
Authors: Lerer Sara , Arnbjerg-Nielsen Karsten , Mikkelsen Peter
Published: March 2015

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) poses new challenges for decision makers compared with traditional stormwater management, e.g., because WSUD offers a larger selection of measures and because many measures are multifunctional. These challenges have motivated the development of many decision support tools. This review shows that the tools differ in terms of the types of questions they can assist in answering. We identified three main groups: “How Much”-tools, “Where”-tools and “Which”-tools. The “How Much”-tools can further be grouped into tools quantifying hydraulic impacts, hydrologic impacts, water quality impacts, non-flow-related impacts and economic impacts. Additionally, the tools differ in terms of how many aspects of water they address, from those focused only on bio-physical aspects to those attempting to find the best WSUD based on multiple criteria. Finally, we suggest that variability among the tools can partly be explained by variability in local context including conditions such as type of existing stormwater systems, groundwater conditions and legislative frameworks.
L'emploi à bas salaire : les femmes d'abord
Authors: Concialdi Pierre , Ponthieux Sophie
Published: March 2015

La montée de l’emploi à bas salaire depuis une quinzaine d’années a surtout pénalisé les femmes. Le risque de bas salaire est d’abord lié aux caractéristiques des emplois occupés et, principalement, au temps partiel qui concerne très majoritairement les femmes. La persistance accrue des bas salaires que l’on observe depuis quinze ans frappe surtout les femmes ; pour les hommes, l’emploi à bas salaire semble correspondre davantage à des situations transitoires. Les bas salaires ne sont pas systématiquement des « salaires d’appoint » : dans plus d’un tiers des cas, le bas salaire féminin est un revenu d’activité vital pour le ménage, et dans 15 à 30 % des autres cas, il constitue un apport de ressources substantiel.
Les femmes à temps partiel : un nouveau risque de pauvreté en Belgique
Authors: Jepsen Maria , Meulders Danièle , Terraz Isabelle
Published: March 2015

Alors que le dilemme face au chômage semble se situer entre une plus grande flexibilité du marché du travail, laissant les bas salaires et la pauvreté se développer, et un système où la protection du travail est importante mais où la pauvreté concerne les « exclus », peu d’articles s’intéressent précisément au degré de recoupement entre bas salaires et pauvreté. En outre, ceux qui le font se focalisent sur les salariés à temps plein qui ont travaillé toute l’année et qui constituent une population stable par définition. Dans un contexte de généralisation du temps partiel prôné dans un grand nombre de pays comme moyen de partage du travail, il nous paraît essentiel de reconsidérer la relation entre bas salaire et pauvreté en incluant les travailleurs à temps partiel. En outre, le temps partiel constituant une activité typiquement féminine, il est apparu intéressant d’examiner cette relation en mettant l’accent sur le temps de travail et le genre. Les femmes travaillant à temps partiel forment en effet l’essentiel des bas salaires en Belgique. Néanmoins, ces personnes ne se trouvent pas fragilisées lorsqu’elles vivent en couple puisqu’on les retrouve essentiellement dans les ménages à revenus moyens. En revanche, cette situation constitue un facteur de risque futur de pauvreté dans un contexte de séparations croissantes des conjoints et pour leur période de retraite. En effet, les personnes susceptibles d’être concernées par la pauvreté sont les personnes qui ne bénéficient que de quelques droits propres ou d’aucun dans le système de sécurité sociale actuel.
Précarité des revenus, pauvreté des salaires : le cas des femmes en Italie
Authors: Ruspini Elisabetta , Saraceno Chiara
Published: March 2015

L’analyse des données fournies par la Banque d’Italie permet aux auteures de vérifier l’hypothèse que la pauvreté des femmes qui travaillent est souvent compensée, mais aussi dissimulée, au sein de la famille. De fait, les données portant sur les ressources individuelles montrent que les femmes qui travaillent ont plus souvent que les hommes des revenus du travail inférieurs au seuil de pauvreté, en particulier si elles sont des indépendantes. D’autres recherches montrent aussi que les femmes sont deux fois plus nombreuses que les hommes chez les travailleurs pauvres et que l’écart entre les salaires moyens des hommes et les salaires moyens des femmes atteint 20% ; en outre, l’écart le plus important concerne les femmes mariées. Même si cela ne signifie pas toujours qu’elles se trouvent dans une situation de pauvreté, étant donné qu’elles peuvent avoir accès à une part du revenu familial, ces éléments dénotent en tout état de cause une vulnérabilité soit dans le cadre des négociations intra-conjugales, soit dans le cas où le mariage se dissout. Cette vulnérabilité est confirmée par les acquis des recherches menées sur les effets économiques de la séparation conjugale. En conclusion, les auteures mettent l’accent sur les risques que fait courir aux femmes le recours de plus en plus fréquent aux tests d’évaluation des moyens d’existence des familles dans le domaine des politiques sociales.
Des conditions de l'égalité économique
Authors: Fraisse Geneviève
Published: March 2015

La légitimité du travail des femmes est toujours incertaine. L’autonomie salariale est évidemment, depuis le XIXème siècle, la clé de cette incertitude. Car le travail, en un mot, c’est la liberté. Avant d’examiner les moyens d’une égalité économique et professionnelle, il faut rappeler que le travail est une condition de la liberté des femmes. C’est pourquoi le mot de parité est inadéquat à ce propos. Certes, la parité est politique, linguistique et domestique. Ces adjectifs de la parité indiquent les lieux de pouvoir et de débat démocratique, de gouvernement, principalement domestique et politique. Ces lieux sont aussi une condition de l’égalité économique. Reste à prouver, par les textes et les actions juridiques, sociales, politiques, la nécessité de cette égalité. Prouver et produire l’égalité, tel est l’enjeu.