Nanoparticle-induced neuronal toxicity across placental barriers is mediated by autophagy and dependent on astrocytes

The potential for maternal nanoparticle (NP) exposures to cause developmental toxicity in the fetus without the direct passage of NPs has previously been shown, but the mechanism remained elusive. We now demonstrate that exposure of cobalt and chromium NPs to BeWo cell barriers, an in vitro model of the human placenta, triggers impairment of the autophagic flux and release of interleukin-6. This contributes to the altered differentiation of human neural progenitor cells and DNA damage in the derived neurons and astrocytes. Crucially, neuronal DNA damage is mediated by astrocytes. Inhibiting the autophagic degradation in the BeWo barrier by overexpression of the dominant-negative human ATG4BC74A significantly reduces the levels of DNA damage in astrocytes. In vivo, indirect NP toxicity in mice results in neurodevelopmental abnormalities with reactive astrogliosis and increased DNA damage in the fetal hippocampus. Our results demonstrate the potential importance of autophagy to elicit NP toxicity and the risk of indirect developmental neurotoxicity after maternal NP exposure

Den synliga övervakningens effekt

The purpose of this essay is to explain which factors influence the disciplinary effect of visible constant surveillance on the people under surveillance. In order to do this we have used recorded video from a tv-show called Big Brother, which is characterized by this kind of surveillance. In addition, an open-ended interview was performed with one of the participants from the show. We have, based on a number of theoretical assumptions, as well as reflections from the interview, precisely defined expected symptoms of the participants, that would indicate when the disciplinary effect was low respectively high. Our observations and analysis allows us to conclude that the disciplinary effect of surveillance in many situations is counteracted when surveillance is constant, leading to relatively low levels of disciplinary effect in Big Brother.Syftet med denna uppsats är att förklara vilka faktorer som påverkar den synliga och fullständiga kameraövervakningens disciplinerande inverkan på de människor som övervakas. Till detta ändamål har vi använt oss av inspelat material ifrån tv-serien Big Brother, som kännetecknas av just denna typ av övervakning. Dessutom har en öppen intervju genomförts med en av deltagarna i programmet, för att få tillgång till även deras perspektiv. För att kunna ta reda på vad som påverkade effekten, har symptom för hög respektive låg inverkan formulerats mot bakgrund av teorin och reflektioner ifrån intervjun. Med hjälp av våra teoretiska utgångspunkter genomförs sedan analysen i form av en genomgång av materialet. I denna visar vi sedan att den disciplinerande inverkan övervakning har på beteendet motverkas i de situationer då den är fullständig, därmed hamnar disciplinen på en relativt låg nivå i Big Brother, trots övervakningens omfattning

Student perceptions of employability skills

"May 2014."Thesis advisor: Ms. Jennifer Upah.[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The purpose of this study was to assess the employability skills of students and recent graduates from the University of Missouri's Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department. Employers are growing wary of incoming graduates that lack transferable skills (Yorke, 2006). Therefore, it is necessary for higher education institutions to assess student learning and see where improvements can be made. The participants in this study perceived that the following skills were in need of curriculum enhancement: "making decisions on the basis of thorough analysis of a situation," "communicating ideas verbally to peers," "identifying the essential components of a problem" and "resolving conflicts". Studies of this nature will continue to be performed by the University of Missouri's Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department in order to assess and improve student learningIncludes bibliographical references (pages 43-46)

Potential impacts of using sewage sludge biochar on the growth of plant forest seedlings

ABSTRACT: Sewage sludge has long been successfully used in the production of nursery plants; however, some restriction may apply due to its high pathogenic characteristics. The process of charring the organic waste significantly reduces that undesired component and may be as effective as the non-charred residue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge biochar on the growth and morphological traits of eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus grandis L.) seedlings, and compare results with those observed when using uncharred sewage sludge. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. Charred and non-charred sewage sludge were tested with and without NPK addition. A control treatment was also evaluated. Ten weeks old eucalyptus seedlings were transferred to the pots and grew for eight weeks. Chlorophyll content, plant height and stem diameter were measured at 0, 30 and 60 days after transplant. Shoot and root biomass were measured after plant harvest. Dickson Quality Index was calculated to evaluate the overall quality of seedlings. Biochar was effective in improving the seedlings quality, and had similar effects as the non-charred waste. Therefore, sewage sludge biochar has the potential to improve the process of production of forest species seedlings and further reduce the environmental risks associated with the use of non-charred sewage sludge