Instability, investment, disasters, and demography: natural disasters and fertility in Italy (1820–1962) and Japan (1671–1965)

This article examines whether natural disasters affect fertility—a topic little explored but of policy importance given relevance to policies regarding disaster insurance, foreign aid, and the environment. The identification strategy uses historic regional data to exploit natural variation within each of two countries: one European country—Italy (1820–1962), and one Asian country—Japan (1671–1965). The choice of study settings allows consideration of Jones’ (The European miracle, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1981) theory that preindustrial differences in income and population between Asia and Europe resulted from the fertility response to different environmental risk profiles. According to the results, short-run instability, particularly that arising from the natural environment, appears to be associated with a decrease in fertility—thereby suggesting that environmental shocks and economic volatility are associated with a decrease in investment in the population size of future generations. The results also show that, contrary to Jones’ (The European miracle, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1981) theory, differences in fertility between Italy and Japan cannot be explained away by disaster proneness alone. Research on the effects of natural disasters may enable social scientists and environmentalists alike to better predict the potential effects of the increase in natural disasters that may result from global climate change

Vimentin and PSF Act in Concert to Regulate IbeA+ E. coli K1 Induced Activation and Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB in Human Brain Endothelial Cells

IbeA-induced NF-κB signaling through its primary receptor vimentin as well as its co-receptor PSF is required for meningitic E. coli K1 penetration and leukocyte transmigration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which are the hallmarks of bacterial meningitis. However, it is unknown how vimentin and PSF cooperatively contribute to IbeA-induced cytoplasmic activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, which are required for bacteria-mediated pathogenicities.IbeA-induced E. coli K1 invasion, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) transmigration and IKK/NF-κB activation are blocked by Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an inhibitor of NF-κB. IKKα/β phosphorylation is blocked by ERK inhibitors. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis shows that vimentin forms a complex with IκB, NF-κB and tubulins in the resting cells. A dissociation of this complex and a simultaneous association of PSF with NF-κB could be induced by IbeA in a time-dependent manner. The head domain of vimentin is required for the complex formation. Two cytoskeletal components, vimentin filaments and microtubules, contribute to the regulation of NF-κB. SiRNA-mediated knockdown studies demonstrate that IKKα/β phosphorylation is completely abolished in HBMECs lacking vimentin and PSF. Phosphorylation of ERK and nuclear translocation of NF-κB are entirely dependent on PSF. These findings suggest that vimentin and PSF cooperatively contribute to IbeA-induced cytoplasmic activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB activation. PSF is essential for translocation of NF-κB and ERK to the nucleus.These findings reveal previously unappreciated facets of the IbeA-binding proteins. Cooperative contributions of vimentin and PSF to IbeA-induced cytoplasmic activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB may represent a new paradigm in pathogen-induced signal transduction and lead to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of bacterial meningitis

Biodiversity and possible utilization of halophytes in Qatar

Climate change, nature destruction, food security, and accessibility to fresh water are all the most concerning world issues facing humanities. There are many solutions to minimize the adverse effects of such environmental problems. One of these solutions is to evaluate and study the native plants of each region that are adapted to withstand various environmental stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity. Qatar is located in the Arabian Gulf area that is characterized of having high temperature and low precipitation. Qatar has a vision to sustain its own development and protect the natural environment. The Government of Qatar is trying to resolve the environmental problems by implementing modern technology and encouraging the researchers in environmental sector to overcome environmental stresses. Investigation of the wild plant in Qatar is essential due to the ability of these plants to cope with harsh conditions. The flora of Qatar contains about 400 species. Out of 400 species inhabited in the state of Qatar, there are about 49 species that are considered halophytes. Halophytes of Qatar are belonging to different genera like Avicennia, Atriplex, Arthrocnemum, Anabasis, Halocnemum, Salsola, Suaeda, Limonium, Seidlitzia, and Halopeplis, and they occur near the coastline or inland areas.Scopu

The effect of molybdenum on the molecular control of cold tolerance in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) artificial seeds

Molybdenum (Mo) was used to improve the cold tolerance of cauliflower microshoots/artificial seeds. The optimal stage to introduce Mo to the micropropagation system was found to be the microshoots liquid culture stage, since its use within artificial seed capsules or conversion media had negative effects on conversion rate and viability. Mo was found to improve the cold tolerance of both acclimated and non-acclimated microshoots/artificial seeds. The capacity of Mo to up-regulate CBF/DREB1 in cauliflower microshoots was confirmed. Moreover, this study is the first to confirm the ability of this element to upregulate CBF/DREB1 without any low temperature treatment. Mo significantly increased the accumulation of 23 kDa polypeptide when it was used at 15 ppm concentration. However, Mo had a negative effect on the accumulation of dehydrin proteins which suggest that this group of proteins have no significant role in the cold tolerance of cauliflower microshoots. The study could help in improving the understanding of the abiotic stress network in plants and in improving the quality and efficiency of cauliflower artificial seed production systems