bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondiiinduce apoptosis of neural stem cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Authors: WANG TENG , ZHOU JIE , GAN XIAOFENG , WANG HUA , DING XIAOJUAN , CHEN LINGZHI , WANG YONGZHONG , DU JIAN , SHEN JILONG , YU LI 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondiiis a major cause of congenital brain disease; however, the underlying mechanism of neuropathogenesis in brain toxoplasmosis remains elusive. To explore the role ofT. gondiiin the development of neural stem cells (NSCs), NSCs were isolated from GD14 embryos of ICR mice and were co-cultured with tachyzoites ofT. gondiiRH strain. We found that apoptosis levels of the NSCs co-cultured with 1×106RH tachyzoites for 24 and 48 h significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner, as compared with the control. Western blotting analysis displayed that the protein level of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) was up-regulated, and caspase-12 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were activated in the NSCs co-cultured with the parasites. Pretreatment with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor (TUDCA) and caspase-12 inhibitor (Z-ATAD-FMK) inhibited the expression or activation of the key molecules involved in the ERS-mediated apoptotic pathway, and subsequently decreased the apoptosis levels of the NSCs induced by theT. gondii.The findings here highlight thatT. gondiiinduced apoptosis of the NSCs through the ERS signal pathway via activation of CHOP, caspase-12 and JNK, which may constitute a potential molecular mechanism responsible for the cognitive disturbance in neurological disorders ofT. gondii.
A regressor-free adaptive impedance controller for robot manipulators without Slotine and Li's modification: theory and experiments
Authors: Kai Chen-Yu , Huang An-Chyau 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYSlotine and Li's modification is a well-known, simple, and elegant approach for robot adaptive control to avoid the feedback of joint accelerations. This paper presents a simple strategy to implement a regressor-free adaptive impedance controller without using Slotine and Li's modification. In the new strategy, the joint acceleration vector and the dynamics of robot are assumed to be unavailable. Their effects are covered by using the function approximation technique so that there is no need for the joint acceleration feedback. The closed-loop stability and boundedness of internal signals are justified by the Lyapunov-like technique. Experimental results for a two-dimensional (2D) robot are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
A direct approach to solving trajectory planning problems using genetic algorithms with dynamics considerations in complex environments
Authors: Abu-Dakka Fares J. , Valero Francisco J. , Suñer Jose Luis , Mata Vicente 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYThis paper presents a new genetic algorithm methodology to solve the trajectory planning problem. This methodology can obtain smooth trajectories for industrial robots in complex environments using a direct method. The algorithm simultaneously creates a collision-free trajectory between initial and final configurations as the robot moves. The presented method deals with the uncertainties associated with the unknown kinematic properties of intermediate via points since they are generated as the algorithm evolves looking for the solution. Additionally, the objective of this algorithm is to minimize the trajectory time, which guides the robot motion. The method has been applied successfully to the PUMA 560 robotic system. Four operational parameters (execution time, computational time, end-effector distance traveled, and significant points distance traveled) have been computed to study and analyze the algorithm efficiency. The experimental results show that the proposed optimization algorithm for the trajectory planning problem of an industrial robot is feasible.
Peasant Vulnerability, Rural Masculinity and Physical Education in France, from the Early Twentieth Century to the Libération
Authors: FROISSART TONY , TERRET THIERRY 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDuring the first third of the twentieth century in France, negative and stigmatising stereotypes of rurality, inherited mainly from the previous century, were used as arguments to justify recourse to pedagogical innovations in physical education and sport for people living in the countryside. The invention of rural vulnerability led particularly to the setting up of ‘agricultural athletics’ meetings, ‘rural athletic trail runs’ and ‘rural horse events’ by vocational organisations and associations of educators. These initiatives, carried out mainly by economic and political interests, concerned mostly men and thus contributed to defining weakened rural masculinity.This analysis is based on evidence from articles in regional, national and specialist press, official texts and physical education manuals dealing with bodily training for country people.
War and its Bestiality: Animals and their Fate during the Fighting in France, 1940
Authors: ALEXANDER MARTIN S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe fighting in France and Belgium in May-June 1940 has generated a large literature. Mostly, however, this has concerned itself with military strategy, the triumph of the German operational methods popularly termed ‘Blitzkrieg’, the British evacuation at Dunkirk and the political consequences of defeat for the French. This article re-evaluates the mobilisation of 1939 and the conduct of combat operations in 1940 from a less conventional perspective: that of the animals in France. It explores what happened to the many domestic pets swept up, or left behind, in the flight of Belgian and French civilians southward to escape the invader; the livestock on the farmland of the Somme, Aisne, Oise and Meuse where the battles raged; and the horses which remained central to the transport of men, munitions and supplies on both the French and German sides. It argues that the recovery of the wartime experiences of the fauna of France should be part of a more holistic understanding of war's impact on the natural world and on all, non-humans as well as humans, who inhabit it.
Smallholders, Spinners, Weavers and the ‘scarcity of markets’ in the Flemish Countryside, c. 1780–1850: Motivations behind the Multiplication of Periodic Markets
Authors: RONSIJN WOUTER 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBetween the last decades of the eighteenth century and the middle of the nineteenth century, a large number of new markets were established in the Flemish countryside. The multiplication of rural markets tends to be seen as part of the process of market integration, with rural producers responding to the opportunities provided by increasing external demand, such as that from the growing towns. However, an analysis of the motivation behind new establishments, based on the files treating the requests for new markets, reveals that markets were more often established for entirely different reasons. In this period, markets were expected to permit households to intensify their activities in order to overcome increasing economic difficulties. Developments within rural society, particularly rising population pressure, the need to produce and sell more, and deteriorating informal exchange networks among countrymen, coupled to a decline in demand for rural industrial products, were the main drives behind the multiplication of markets. This contribution shows it is important to pay attention to how new markets and market integration in general fitted within the goals and strategies of the country dwellers themselves.
Bereavement life review improves spiritual well-being and ameliorates depression among American caregivers
Authors: Ando Michiyo , Marquez-Wong Felicia , Simon Gary B. , Kira Haruko , Becker Carl 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjective:The aim of our study was to investigate the utility of bereavement life review (BLR) to elevate spiritual well-being and alleviate depression among Hawaiian-American caregivers, and to identify changes that occur when caring for their loved ones up to the time of death.Method:Bereavement life review therapy was provided for 20 bereaved Hawaiian Americans. In the first session, subjects reviewed memories of the deceased with a therapist, who recorded their narratives and collected them into a personal history book. During the second session, subjects discussed the contents of this book. Caregivers completed the Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual (FACIT–Sp) questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-II) pre- and post-intervention. Subjects also described changes in their views that occurred during the caring process in response to questions.Results:FACIT–Sp scores significantly increased from 34.1 ± 9.63 to 36.3 ± 10.6 (t = –2.6, p < 0.05, and BDI scores significantly decreased from 11.7 ± 7.7 to 8.8 ± 7.0 (t = 2.27, p < 0.05). Five categories were chosen from the narratives on changes that had occurred during caregiving and due to the deceased death: “Learning from practical caring experience,” “Positive understanding of patients,” “Recognition of appreciation,” “Self-change or growth,” and “Obtaining a philosophy.”Significance of Results:These findings show the applicability of bereavement life review therapy for Hawaiian families, including efficacy for spiritual well-being and depression. The comments of the caregivers also indicate the potential of the therapy for identifying the positive aspects of caring for terminally ill patients.
Farmers’ markets’ locavore challenge: The potential of local food production for newly emerged farmers’ markets in Czechia
Authors: Syrovátková Marie , Hrabák Jiří , Spilková Jana 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe shift toward post-productivist agricultural production in developed countries in recent decades has brought a growing focus on local sustainability and quality food production. This trend has been reflected in the development of a variety of alternative food networks and short food supply chain initiatives. In Czechia, the local and good-quality movement has been significantly represented by the boom in farmers’ markets during the past 2 years. The aim of this paper is to examine the actual potential of the Czech agricultural sector to supply the recently developed network of farmers’ markets. Even though these markets are generally considered to offer farmers better revenues than selling their products to big processors and retail companies, many Czech farmers’ market managers face a lack of potential vendors for their markets. Therefore, we ask if there are producers and self-processors of goods typically sold on farmers’ markets of the appropriate size and legal form in suitable locations in relation to the areas of the biggest demand. The quantitative approach applied was based on the national statistical data on the agricultural sector. It was used to develop a set of indicators which have been displayed in maps and further examined. The results show a high theoretical potential of the Czech agricultural sector to supply farmers’ markets because there are relatively many small farmers producing products sellable on farmers’ markets. In the Czech context, where the tradition of running independent businesses was interrupted by the country's communist past, the lack of experience with private entrepreneurship and marketing among farmers seems to be the main obstacle to broader involvement of farmers on farmers’ markets.
Trust, reciprocity, and a preference for economic freedom: experimental evidence
Authors: MCCANNON BRYAN C. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract:Do those who prefer economic freedom behave differently than those who prefer government intervention? Experiments of the Dictator and Trust games are studied. A survey elicits preference for private solutions to potential market failures. Trust and reciprocation are highest for those who score both high and low on the assessment. In the Dictator Game, there is a strong inverse relationship between one's preference for economic freedom and giving. Thus, the results can be interpreted as those with a strong preference for government intervention altruistically give, while those with a preference for economic freedom give primarily in response to wealth-generating investments.
A 160-GHz system in package for short-range mm-wave applications
Authors: Hamidipour Abouzar , Feger Reinhard , Poltschak Sebastian , Stelzer Andreas 
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a fully integrated 160-GHz transmitter and receiver in package for millimeter-wave applications. The monolithic integrated circuits were designed with a harmonic approach and were fabricated using a SiGe:C HBT production technology with an fTand fmaxof 170 and 250 GHz, respectively. The manufactured 2006 × 1865 µm2bare dies were integrated in 6 × 6 mm2embedded wafer level ball grid array packages, where they were interconnected with highly directional antennas built on the redistribution layer of the packages. With a total frequency multiplication factor of 36 and an active balun at the first stage, the transmitter allows the use of a 4.5-GHz input signal driven from a single-ended signal source [1] and distributed on a standard low-cost printed circuit board. The receiver comprises a Gilbert-cell-based subharmonic mixer with a simulated 1-dB input compression point of −4 dBm, and a minimum double-sideband noise figure of 16.5 dB. The functionality of the proposed system was successfully demonstrated in a quasi-monostatic FMCW radar measurement with a 1-ms up-chirp frequency sweep from 157 to 160 GHz and in a forward-scatter imaging experiment with an 8-GHz frequency ramp from 157 to 165 GHz.
Atrial natriuretic peptide gene variants and circulating levels: implications in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Rubattu Speranza , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Volpe Massimo 
Published: March 2014

ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), discovered 30 years ago in rat cardiac atria, has been extensively investigated with regard to physiology, pathophysiology, cardiovascular disease therapeutics and molecular genetic aspects. Besides its diuretic, natriuretic and vasorelaxant effects, novel properties of this hormone have been described. Thus anti-hypertrophic, anti-fibrotic, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory actions suggest that ANP contributes not only to haemodynamic homoeostasis and adjustments, but has also a role in cardiovascular remodelling. Circulating ANP levels represent a valuable biomarker in cardiovascular diseases. ANP structure is highly conserved among species, indicating a key role in cardiovascular health. Thus an abnormal ANP structure may contribute to an increased risk of disease due to altered functions at either the vascular or cardiac level. Among others, the 2238T&gt;C exon 3 variant has been associated with endothelial cell damage and dysfunction and with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events, a frameshift mutation within exon 3 has been related to increased risk of atrial fibrillation, and ANP gene variants have been linked to increased risk of hypertension in different ethnic groups. On the other hand, the rs5068 variant, falling within the 3′ UTR and associated with higher circulating ANP levels, has been shown to have a beneficial cardioprotective and metabolic effect. Dissecting out the disease mechanisms dependent on specific ANP molecular variants may reveal information useful in the clinical setting for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, insights from molecular genetic analysis of ANP may well integrate advancing knowledge on the role of ANP as a significant biomarker in patients affected by cardiovascular diseases.
Wideband micromachined broadside coupled Schiffman phase shifter
Authors: Sutton N.A. , Filipovic D.S. 
Published: March 2014

A 15–45 GHz broadside coupled rectangular coaxial line based phase shifter is demonstrated. An analysis, the design, fabrication, measurements and a sensitivity study are conducted and discussed. Amplitude and phase imbalances of <0.25 dB and <2.5°, respectively, are measured. Input port reflection coefficients < −10 dB and an insertion loss below 0.6 dB are also obtained. A conducted sensitivity study shows the small dependence of the device performance on the process variations. The presented results may pave the way for multi‐octave analogue phase shifters and beamformers throughout the millimetre‐wave range.
TCF7L2is a master regulator of insulin production and processing
Authors: Zhou Yuedan , Park Soo Young , Su Jing , Bailey Kathleen , Ottosson-Laakso Emilia , Shcherbina Liliya , Oskolkov Nikolay , Zhang Enming , Thevenin Thomas , Fadista João , Bennet Hedvig , Vikman Petter , Wierup Nils , Fex Malin , Rung Johan , Wollheim Claes , Nobrega Marcelo , Renström Erik , Groop Leif , Hansson Ola 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAlthough variants in the T-cell factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) confer the strongest risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by presumed effects on islet function, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We have identified TCF7L2-target genes and described the regulatory network downstream of TCF7L2 responsible for its effect on insulin secretion in rodents and human pancreatic islets.ISL1is a direct target of TCF7L2 and regulates proinsulin production and processing viaMAFA,PDX1,NKX6.1,PCSK1andPCSK2and possibly clearance of proinsulin viaSLC30A8. Taken together, these results demonstrate that not only synthesis of proinsulin is regulated by TCF7L2, but also processing and possibly clearance of proinsulin and insulin in a genotype dependent manner. These multiple targets in key pathways may explain whyTCF7L2has emerged as the gene showing the strongest association with T2D.
The transcriptional co‐activator multiprotein bridging factor 1 from the fungal insect pathogen, Beauveria bassiana, mediates regulation of hyphal morphogenesis, stress tolerance and virulence
Authors: Ying Sheng‐Hua , Ji Xiao‐Ping , Wang Xiu‐Xiu , Feng Ming‐Guang , Keyhani Nemat O. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMultiprotein bridging factors (MBFs) are evolutionarily highly conserved cofactors that link TATA‐binding protein and the associated basal transcription machinery to transcription factors. The filamentous fungus, Beauveria bassiana, has a multipotential lifestyle capable of growing as a saprophyte, plant endophyte and insect pathogen. Deletion of the single B. bassiana MBF homologue (BbMBF1) affected fungal growth and hyphal morphogenesis, stress response and virulence. Compared with wild type, the ΔBbMBF1 strain displayed increased sensitivity to UV‐irradiation and to oxidative, osmotic and heat stress, and decreased virulence in both topical and intrahaemocoel injection bioassays using the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella larvae. Although only minor radial growth effects were seen for the ΔBbMBF1 strain, aberrant hyphal morphogenesis was observed, which could be rescued by growth in rich broth media. Transcriptional analysis during stress response showed altered gene expression in ΔBbMBF1 during growth under osmotic, oxidative and thermal stress conditions. Genome‐wide expression analyses during growth under unstressed and thermal stress conditions revealed global gene expression changes and a set of putative targets for MBF1 mediated gene expression control. Our data indicate that BbMBF1 acts as a key regulatory cofactor controlling stress responses and virulence and that MBF1 dependent and independent pathways control proper hyphal morphogenesis.
The New Ruins of Ireland? Unfinished Estates in the Post‐Celtic Tiger Era
Authors: Kitchin Rob , O'Callaghan Cian , Gleeson Justin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn the wake of the global financial crisis, and as Europe's financial and fiscal woes continue, Ireland's beleaguered economy has attracted a great deal of scrutiny, with much made of the country's status as one of the PIIGS and the fact that it was bailed out by the troika of the IMF, EU and ECB in November 2010. Whilst most attention has been directed at Ireland's banks and the strategy of the Irish government in managing the crisis, substantial interest (both nationally and internationally) has been focused on the property sector and in particular the phenomenon of so‐called ‘ghost estates’ (or, in official terms, unfinished estates). As of October 2011 there were 2,846 such estates in Ireland, and they have come to visibly symbolize the collapse of Ireland's ‘Celtic Tiger’ economy. In this essay, we examine the unfinished estates phenomenon, placing them within the context of Ireland's property boom during the Celtic Tiger years, and conceptualize them as ‘new ruins’ created through the search for a spatial fix by speculative capitalism in a time of neoliberalism. We detail the characteristics and geography of such estates, the various problems afflicting the estates and their residents, and the Irish government's response to those problems. In the final section we examine the estates as exemplars of new ruins, the remainder and reminder of Celtic Tiger excess.
Green Light for Green Agricultural Policies? An Analysis at Regional and Global Scales
Authors: Pelikan Janine , Britz Wolfgang , Hertel Thomas W. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper analyses the effects of introducing biodiversity‐targeted ecological focus area (EFA) requirements on all farms with arable land in the EU by quantifying their global, regional, economic and environmental impacts in a mutually consistent way. To capture these impacts, different spatial scales need to be considered – ranging from on‐farm decisions regarding the EFA in the EU, to supply response around the world. In order to address this challenge, we combine the supply side of the CAPRI model, which offers high spatial, farm and policy resolution in the EU, with the GTAP model of global trade and land use. Both models are linked through a multi‐product, restricted‐revenue function for the EU crop sector. The results predict improved environmental status in the high‐yielding regions of the EU. However, output price increases lead to intensification in the more marginal areas of the EU where little or no additional land is taken out of production. The decrease in arable land in the EU is partially compensated by an increase of crop land, as well as increased fertiliser applications, in other regions of the globe. Thus, the improvement of environmental status in the EU comes at the price of global intensification, as well as the loss of forest and grassland areas outside the EU. Overall, we find that every hectare of land that is taken out of production in the EU increases greenhouse gas emissions in the rest of the world by 20.8 tonnes CO2 equivalent.
Sex Determination from the Frontal Bone: A Geometric Morphometric Study
Authors: Perlaza Néstor A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSex estimation in human skeletal remains when using the cranium through traditional methods is a fundamental pillar in human identification; however, it may be possible to incur in a margin of error due because of the state of preservation in incomplete or fragmented remains. The aim of this investigation was sex estimation through the geometric morphometric analysis of the frontal bone. The sample employed 60 lateral radiographs of adult subjects of both sexes (30 males and 30 females), aged between 18 and 40 years, with mean age for males of 28 ± 4 and 30 ± 6 years for females. Thin‐plate splines evidenced strong expansion of the glabellar region in males and contraction in females. No significant differences were found between sexes with respect to size. The findings suggest differences in shape and size in the glabellar region, besides reaffirming the use of geometric morphometrics as a quantitative method in sex estimation.