bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in Dube3a expression affects neurotransmission at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction
Authors: Valdez Colleen , Scroggs Reese , Chassen Rachel , Reiter Lawrence T. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Changes in UBE3A expression levels in neurons can cause neurogenetic disorders ranging from Angelman syndrome (AS) (decreased levels) to autism (increased levels). Here we investigated the effects on neuronal function of varying UBE3A levels using the Drosophila neuromuscular junction as a model for both of these neurogenetic disorders. Stimulations that evoked excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) at 1 Hz intermittently failed to evoke EJPs at 15 Hz in a significantly higher proportion of Dube3a over-expressors using the pan neuronal GAL4 driver C155-GAL4 (C155-GAL4&gt;UAS-Dube3a) relative to controls (C155&gt;+ alone). However, in the Dube3a over-expressing larval neurons with no failures, there was no difference in EJP amplitude at the beginning of the train, or the rate of decrease in EJP amplitude over the course of the train compared to controls. In the absence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), spontaneous EJPs were observed in significantly more C155-GAL4&gt;UAS-Dube3a larva compared to controls. In the presence of TTX, spontaneous and evoked EJPs were completely blocked and mEJP amplitude and frequency did not differ among genotypes. These data suggest that over-expression of wild type Dube3a, but not a ubiquitination defective Dube3a-C/A protein, compromises the ability of motor neuron axons to support closely spaced trains of action potentials, while at the same time increasing excitability. EJPs evoked at 15 Hz in the absence of Dube3a (Dube3a15b homozygous mutant larvae) decayed more rapidly over the course of 30 stimulations compared to w1118 controls, and Dube3a15b larval muscles had significantly more negative resting membrane potentials (RMP). However, these results could not be recapitulated using RNAi knockdown of Dube3a in muscle or neurons alone, suggesting more global developmental defects contribute to this phenotype. These data suggest that reduced UBE3A expression levels may cause global changes that affect RMP and neurotransmitter release from motorneurons at the neuromuscular junction. Similar affects of under- and over-expression of UBE3A on membrane potential and synaptic transmission may underlie the synaptic plasticity defects observed in both AS and autism.
JNK2 controls fragmentation of the Golgi complex and the G2/M transition through phosphorylation of GRASP65
Authors: Cervigni Romina Ines , Bonavita Raffaella , Barretta Maria Luisa , Spano Daniela , Ayala Inmaculada , Nakamura Nobuhiro , Corda Daniela , Colanzi Antonino 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
In mammalian cells, the Golgi complex is composed of stacks that are connected by membranous tubules. During G2, the Golgi complex is disassembled into isolated stacks. This process is required for entry into mitosis, indicating that the correct inheritance of the organelle is monitored by a ‘Golgi mitotic checkpoint’. However, the regulation and the molecular mechanisms underlying this Golgi disassembly are still poorly understood. Here, we show that JNK2 has a crucial role in the G2-specific separation of the Golgi stacks through phosphorylation of Ser277 of the Golgi-stacking protein GRASP65 (also known as GORASP1). Inhibition of JNK2 by RNA interference or by treatment with three unrelated JNK inhibitors causes a potent and persistent cell cycle block in G2. JNK activity becomes dispensable for mitotic entry if the Golgi complex is disassembled by brefeldin A treatment or by GRASP65 depletion. Finally, measurement of the Golgi fluorescence recovery after photobleaching demonstrates that JNK is required for the cleavage of the tubules connecting Golgi stacks. Our findings reveal that a JNK2–GRASP65 signalling axis has a crucial role in coupling Golgi inheritance and G2/M transition.
Mecp2 regulates neural cell differentiation by suppressing the Id1 to Her2 axis in zebrafish
Authors: Gao Hai , Bu Ye , Wu Qing , Wang Xu , Chang Nannan , Lei Lei , Chen Shilin , Liu Dong , Zhu Xiaojun , Hu Keping , Xiong Jing-Wei 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurological disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked protein methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). The endogenous function of MeCP2 during neural differentiation is still unclear. Here, we report that mecp2 is required for brain development in zebrafish. Mecp2 was broadly expressed initially in embryos and enriched later in the brain. Either morpholino knockdown or genetic depletion of mecp2 inhibited neuronal differentiation, whereas its overexpression promoted neuronal differentiation, suggesting an essential role of mecp2 in directing neural precursors into differentiated neurons. Mechanistically, her2 (the zebrafish ortholog of mammalian Hes5) was upregulated in mecp2 morphants in an Id1-dependent manner. Moreover, knockdown of either her2 or id1 fully rescued neuronal differentiation in mecp2 morphants. These results suggest that Mecp2 plays an important role in neural cell development by suppressing the Id1–Her2 axis, and provide new evidence that embryonic neural defects contribute to the later motor and cognitive dysfunctions in RTT.
Proteomic analysis of cardiac response to thermal acclimation in the eurythermal goby fishGillichthys mirabilis
Authors: Jayasundara Nishad , Tomanek Lars , Dowd W. Wesley , Somero George N. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTCardiac function is thought to play a central role in determining thermal optima and tolerance limits in teleost fishes. Investigating proteomic responses to temperature in cardiac tissues may provide insights into mechanisms supporting the thermal plasticity of cardiac function. Here, we utilized a global proteomic analysis to investigate changes in cardiac protein abundance in response to temperature acclimation (transfer from 13°C to 9, 19 and 26°C) in a eurythermal goby, Gillichthys mirabilis. Proteomic data revealed 122 differentially expressed proteins across acclimation groups, 37 of which were identified using tandem mass-spectrometry. These 37 proteins are involved in energy metabolism, mitochondrial regulation, iron homeostasis, cytoprotection against hypoxia, and cytoskeletal organization. Compared with the 9 and 26°C groups, proteins involved in energy metabolism increased in 19°C-acclimated fish, indicating an overall increase in the capacity for ATP production. Creatine kinase abundance increased in 9°C-acclimated fish, suggesting an important role for the phosphocreatine energy shuttle in cold-acclimated hearts. Both 9 and 26°C fish also increased abundance of hexosaminidase, a protein directly involved in post-hypoxia stress cytoprotection of cardiac tissues. Cytoskeletal restructuring appears to occur in all acclimation groups; however, the most prominent effect was detected in 26°C-acclimated fish, which exhibited significantly increased actin levels. Overall, proteomic analysis of cardiac tissue suggests that the capacity to adjust ATP-generating processes is crucial to the thermal plasticity of cardiac function. Furthermore, G. mirabilis may optimize cellular functions at temperatures near 19°C, which lies within the species' preferred temperature range.
Size dependence in non-sperm ejaculate production is reflected in daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate
Authors: Friesen Christopher R. , Powers Donald R. , Copenhaver Paige E. , Mason Robert T. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
The non-sperm components of an ejaculate, such as copulatory plugs, can be essential to male reproductive success. But the costs of these ejaculate components are often considered trivial. In polyandrous species, males are predicted to increase energy allocation to the production of non-sperm components, but this allocation is often condition dependent and the energetic costs of their production have never been quantified. Red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are an excellent model with which to quantify the energetic costs of non-sperm components of the ejaculate as they exhibit a dissociated reproductive pattern in which sperm production is temporally disjunct from copulatory plug production, mating and plug deposition. We estimated the daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate of males after courtship and mating, and used bomb calorimetry to estimate the energy content of copulatory plugs. We found that both daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate were significantly higher in small mating males than in courting males, and a single copulatory plug without sperm constitutes 5–18% of daily energy expenditure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify the energetic expense of size-dependent ejaculate strategies in any species.
Issues of Local Budgeting in Uzbekistan
Authors: Киясов  , Kiyasov Sh. 
Published: May 2015

The paper considers the sources, from which local budgets revenues are
derived, and main items of local budgets expenditure are identified. The special
features of local budgeting process are examined against the context of
globalizing economy. Also provided are practical recommendations on how to
strengthen the revenue basis of local budgets.
Antenatal support for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Harrison Ruth , Willis Susan 
Published: May 2015

Following the introduction of learning disability nurses in acute and primary care in 2009, several health areas were taken into consideration as a priority for change. Maternity services were considered in order to bring this area into line with the other parts of the UK. This article will examine the provision of services for people with learning disabilities, and identify areas for improvement including educational needs for midwives. Outcomes of an audit and evaluations of local services against national policy and provision will be highlighted, barriers faced by both prospective parents with a learning disability and by professionals will be discussed and recommendations for future practice will be presented. Misleading diagnosis, discrepancies in numbers and training developments will also be addressed.Despite Government policy identifying that ‘reasonable adjustment’ must be made when supporting parents with a learning disability, 23 midwives, team managers and health care assistants in midwifery services in Nottinghamshire have highlighted that there is little awareness in the field locally.
The Norwegian version of the Scale To Assess the therapeutic Relationship (N-STAR) in community mental health care: Development and pilot study
Authors: Geirdal Amy Østertun , Nerdrum Per , Aasgaard Trygve , Misund Aud , Bonsaksen Tore 
Published: May 2015

Background/Aims: Psychotherapy research has continually placed emphasis on the role of the therapeutic relationship. The current provision of mental health care, however, is often carried out in a variety of contexts and involves a range of health professionals. Measures for assessing the therapeutic relationship provided in community settings by multidisciplinary mental health teams is therefore required. The aim of this study was to describe the development of the Norwegian version of the Scale To Assess the therapeutic Relationship (N-STAR) and to examine its reliability. Methods: A pilot study was conducted with clients with mental health issues (n=29) and mental health practitioners (n=29). Participants were recruited from a Norwegian community mental health setting and asked to complete the N-STAR. Data were analysed using T-tests, Cronbach's alpha, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The internal consistency of the N-STAR total scale was good, whereas the subscales showed acceptable to questionable internal consistencies. There was a significant association between the total scores of clients and therapists (r = 0.42, p = 0.02), and the consistency in agreement between the clients' and the therapists' scores was good (ICC= 0.57, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The N-STAR total scale showed promising results in terms of its internal consistency and level of client-therapist agreement. Further research is needed to evaluate N-STAR measurement properties in larger samples in order to establish this method as a way of assessing and monitoring the therapeutic relationship in community mental health settings in Norway.
What do patients wear on their feet? A service evaluation of footwear in elderly patients
Authors: Vass Catherine , Edwards Claire , Smith Alexandra , Sahota Opinder , Drummond Avril 
Published: May 2015

Background/Aims: Appropriate footwear is regarded as an important component of falls prevention in older people. Scant data exists regarding the types of footwear older patients wear in hospital, which may hinder the development of future interventions in this high-risk fall group. To address this, we conducted a service evaluation to examine and describe the style and quality of footwear worn by older patients in hospital. Methods: The footwear of older patients admitted to an acute NHS trust in England was assessed using the Footwear Assessment Tool. Patients were interviewed about their footwear choices. Results: A total of 730 pairs of footwear from 675 patients were assessed. The most common types of footwear worn were slippers (46%) and gripper socks (37%). Much of the footwear had a good fit, but over 50% lacked adequate structure, stability and support, more than 60% had no cushioning and 60% had no fixation. Approximately 60% of footwear was more than 12 months old, with signs of moderate to excess wear. Patients valued comfort and the familiarity of their own footwear. Conclusions: This service evaluation provides new information on footwear worn by older inpatients in hospital. Many patients are wearing footwear with insufficient structure to promote optimal stability or gait. Providing safe footwear that is suitable for use in hospital is potentially a low-technology and resource-efficient way to promote safety in older patients.
An Integrated Methodological Approach for Source-Clay Determination of Ancient Ceramics: The Case of Aegina Island, Greece
Authors: Christidis George E. , Shriner Christine M. , Murray Haydn H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA new model is proposed for analysis of the source clays used to create ceramics, based on geographic, petrographic, mineralogical, mineral-chemistry, and geochemical criteria. The development of this model became feasible after the discovery of a Pliocene volcanic clay horizon on NWAegina Island, Greece. The volcanic clay contains smectite, mixed-layer chlorite-smectite, biotite, and palygorskite and has greater feldspar content than the underlying Pliocene marls, which contain R0 mixed-layer illitesmectite, mica, dolomite, serpentine, talc and gypsum, and, in some places, palygorskite. The two units have distinct geochemical characteristics. In general the Pliocene volcanic clay is richer in SiO2, Al3O3, and Fe2O3 and poorer in Na2O, MgO, and P2O2 than the Pliocene marls. The Nb, Zr, Hf, Th, and rare earth element (REE) contents are also significantly greater in the Pliocene volcanic clay and comparable to those of the dacitic rocks of the island, reflecting the volcanic origin of the clay.The proposed model was used to identify the source-clay materials that were used for the production of ceramics on the island of Aegina (Aeginetan Ware). All five criteria should be considered in any provenance study. The use of individual criteria on their own can lead to ambiguous conclusions. In the present study the geochemical criterion was particularly helpful. It provided robust evidence for the nature of the source clay. The Pliocene volcanic clay horizon and the underlying Pliocene marls are the candidate raw materials for Aeginetan Ware. Although the Pliocene marls have been invoked as raw materials for Greek Bronze Age (~3000–1100 BC) Aeginetan ceramics and are used as raw materials by modern Aeginetan ceramists, the geochemical characteristics of a large set of Bronze Age Greek Aeginetan sherds with fine and coarse fabrics coincide with those of the Pliocene volcanic clay. This comparative and cumulative evidence suggests that the Pliocene volcanic clay was the main source clay for ancient Aeginetan ceramics, regardless of the fabric (coarse or fine) and that admixture of different sources might not be necessary for fine-grained ceramics.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolite NaY Using Kaolin With Different Synthesis Methods
Authors: Tavasoli Maryam , Kazemian Hossein , Sadjadi Sodeh , Tamizifar Morteza 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe benefits of using kaolin as a source of aluminosilicate in zeolite synthesis to obtain lowercost catalysts, adsorbents, or ion exchangers are widely known. Previous attempts to produce zeolite from natural Iranian kaolin resulted in the formation of zeolites A, X, and HS. Zeolite Y plays an important role in the petrochemical industry due to its application in the area of fluidized catalytic cracking; ~40% of gasoline production is obtained using this process.In the present study, different methods were used to prepare pure zeolite NaY from the Iranian kaolin available. The effects of different parameters such as aging time, crystallization time, kaolin calcination and crystallization temperature, and starting-material composition were investigated in order to obtain improved properties and maximize phase purity. In all cases, the crystal structure and microstructure were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Among different synthesis approaches, the ‘guide-agent method’ resulted in the formation of zeolite NaY. The synthesis was generally sensitive to changes in kaolin calcination temperature and in hydrothermal synthesis parameters. The optimum parameters to prepare pure zeolite NaY were: kaolin calcination temperature = 680°C, aging time of guide agent = 48 h without an overall gel aging step, and crystallization at 90°C for 36 h.
Do natural pictures mean natural tastes? Assessing visual semantics experimentally
Authors: Smith Viktor , Barratt Daniel , Selsøe Sørensen Henrik 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA widespread assumption in Danish consumer law is that if the package of a food product carries a picture of a potentially taste-giving ingredient (say, a strawberry), then consumers will expect the corresponding taste to stem primarily from that ingredient rather than from artificial flavouring. However, this is not expected to be the case if the packaging carries only a verbal indication of the potential ingredient (say, the word
Modeling and Experimental Investigation of a Periodically Excited Hybrid Energy-Harvesting Generator
Authors: Hofmann Viktor , Kleyman Gleb , Twiefel Jens 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this article the modeling of a broadband energy harvester utilizing piezoelectric and electromagnetic effects for rotational applications is presented. The hybrid energy harvester consists of a one-side-clamped piezoelectric bimorph with a solenoid on the free end and is excited periodically but non-harmonically by magnets that are fixed on a rotating object. To estimate and describe the performance of the energy harvester concept a linear semi-analytical model for the bimorph and the solenoid is developed and then enhanced for non-harmonic system oscillations by decomposing them into their harmonic components. A comparison between the calculated and measurement signals of a prototype device shows great conformity. According to model-based and experimental analysis, the hybrid system has good broadband behavior regarding electric power output. That aspect makes the device a perfect energy-harvesting system for application with highly fluctuating revolution speeds like miniature wind turbines.
Water vapour sorption of wood modified by acetylation and formalisation – analysed by a sorption kinetics model and thermodynamic considerations
Authors: Himmel Sarah , Mai Carsten 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The water vapour sorption data of untreated (Wuntr), acetylated (Wac) and formaldehyde-treated (WFA) Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood were analysed in terms of their sorption kinetics and were transformed into excess surface work (ESW) isotherms. The sorption kinetics were studied by fitting the non-linear parallel exponential kinetics (PEK) model to the experimental data in which the sorption kinetics curve is composed of two processes (fast and slow components). Wac and WFA showed evident differences in their sorption kinetics and their thermodynamic sorption behaviour. In contrast to acetylation, formalisation influenced both the extent of the slow sorption process and the shape of its pseudoisotherm. For Wuntr and Wac, it appears that some water associated with the slow process is adsorbed at sites for fast sorption newly generated upon swelling (previously postulated as extra water) and subsequently desorbed by the fast process. For WFA, the formation of extra water hardly occurs. ESW was reduced through acetylation with a constant factor over the whole hydroscopic range, whereas the ESW of WFA was reduced only after reaching the monolayer capacity compared to its control. The sorption behaviour of Wac was solely determined by cell wall bulking, whereas that of WFA was governed by the increased matrix stiffness due to cross-linking of the cell wall polymers.
The Struggle in Defense of Baikal: The Shift of Values and Disposition of Forces
Authors: Yanitsky Oleg 
Published: May 2015

Abstract:
The paper is aimed at the analysis of evolution of values and disposition of forces involved in the long-term international conflict around the closure of the pulp and paper mill (P&PM) and the reconstruction of the company town of Baykalsk, both located near Lake Baikal, the biggest freshwater lake in the world. The conflict’s six phases are: construction and opening of the pulp and paper mill, P&PM (1967-84); the perestroika (1985-90); the collapse of the USSR (1991); the Russian financial crisis (1998); the struggle against the tracing of a transnational oil pipe-line near Baikal shore (2001-06); and the economic crisis (2008). In each phase, the activity of Russian environmentalists is considered under the following aspects: political opportunity structure, main actors, constituency, key values, forms of activity, kind of mobilization and resources for it, and the outcome of the struggle. The paper is focused on the evolution of the relationship between the state and the environmental movement.
‘Creating (Local) Space for Change’: Strengthening Agroecological Farming and Fair Trade Practices in the State of Jalisco, Western Mexico
Authors: Gerritsen Peter R. W. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract:
The article describes the experience of the Network for Sustainable Agricultural Alternatives (RASA: Red de Alternativas Sustentables Agropecuarias) in western Mexico, which can be considered an initiative of civil society constituted by different social actors constructing new strategies for sustainable rural development. Presented here are different aspects of the RASA, whose work focuses on farmer training in agroecology and, recently also, fair trade practices, the insights gained and the challenges that lie ahead for strengthening sustainable rural development. The RASA can be considered a social organization with characteristics of the so-called new social movements that seek for an increasing role of civil society in political decision-making, in this case regarding rural development in Mexico.