bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Características Bioquímicas del Plasma Seminal Fresco y Congelado/Descongelado de Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Díaz V. Hugo , Espinoza B. Juan , Huanca L. Wilfredo , Lopez-Torres Bernardo , Rodríguez G. José
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar y comparar las características bioquímicas del plasma seminal de alpacas en fresco y descongelado. Se recolectó semen, mediante electroeyaculación de cuatro alpacas adultas, una vez por semana por cuatro semanas. El semen se centrifugó y el plasma seminal fue separado. Una parte se analizó en fresco y la otra parte se almacenó en nitrógeno líquido por un mes. Se le hizo el análisis bioquímico a ambos juegos de muestras. Se determinaron los niveles de glucosa, colesterol total, colesterol-HDL, triglicéridos, proteínas totales, albúmina, calcio, fosfatasa alcalina, ALT y ã-GT. Solo los valores de triglicéridos descendieron significativamente por el proceso de congelación/descongelación (p<0.05), siendo los valores de 44.12 ± 7.38 y27.31 ± 4.65 mg/dl en fresco y descongelado, respectivamente.
Percepción de los Beneficios de la Tenencia de Animales de Compañía en Personas con Problemas de Infertilidad
Authors: Hugues H. Beatriz , Álvarez A. Aimee , Castelo E.C. Lizet , Ledón L. Loraine , Mendoza T. Madelín , Emma Domínguez A. Emma
Published: May 2015

El estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer la percepción que tienen las personas que padecen de infertilidad, con respecto a la tenencia de animales de compañía y su relación con la satisfacción personal y los beneficios sobre la salud psicoemocional. Se realizó una encuesta con base a un cuestionario autoadministrado. El 50 y 20% de las personas poseían perros y gatos, respectivamente. El 88% de los encuestados se sentían muy satisfechos por convivir con animales de compañía. El 92% de los encuestados indicó que sus animales les proporcionaban compañía y bienestar, el 87% señaló que los liberaba de las tensiones y el 85% sentía que los estimulaban a cuidar más de su salud. Se concluye que el sector evaluado percibía que la tenencia de animales de compañía les ejerció efectos beneficiosos para su satisfacción personal y salud emocional
Detección del Gen PrP de Scrapie en Ovinos Junín
Authors: Rivera J. Kamilo , Maturrano H. Lenin , Aguilar Juan Manuel , Rosadio A. Raúl
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer la frecuencia de genotipos de resistencia y susceptibilidad a padecer la enfermedad de scrapie en ovejas Junín. Se analizaron 56 muestras de sangre de ovinos de una unidad de producción privada de la región central del Perú. Se extrajo el ADN y los productos de PCR fueron analizados mediante digestión enzimática con endonucleasas de restricción que reconocen los polimorfismos del gen PrP. Se pudo identificar 4 de los 5 haplotipos reportados para el gen PrP: ARR (48.2%), ARQ (35.7%), AHQ (10.7%) y VRQ (5.4%). Además, se encontró 7 de los 15 genotipos reportados para el gen Prión: ARR/ARR (17.9%), ARR/AHQ (10.7%), ARR/ ARQ (42.9%), ARQ/AHQ (10.7%), ARQ/ARQ (7.1%), ARR/VRQ (7.1%) y ARQ/VRQ (3.6%). El 82.1% de las ovejas presentaron genotipos de resistencia a la enfermedad y el 17.9% presentó genotipos de susceptibilidad.
Efectos Genéticos Directo y Materno sobre el Crecimiento de Ovinos de la Raza Junín
Authors: Valerio Diógenes , Gutiérrez Gustavo , Chávez Juan
Published: May 2015

Con el objetivo de estimar los efectos genéticos – directo y materno – vinculados a la expresión de características de crecimiento en corderos de la raza Junín, se aplicaron cuatro modelos mixtos en el estudio de sus pesos de nacimiento (PN), destete (PD), primera esquila (PE) y ganancia diaria del nacimiento al destete (GPND), a través de análisis univariado y bivariado. Los modelos usados en análisis univariado incluyeron como efectos fijos el año de nacimiento y sexo, y como covariables el peso de la madre al empadre (para PN y PD), la edad del cordero al destete (para PD y GPND) y la edad a la primera esquila (para PE). El Modelo 1 incluyó los efectos fijos y el efecto genético aditivo directo (a); el Modelo 2, similar al 1, adicionó el efecto genético aditivo materno (m), considerando la Covam=0; en el Modelo 3, igual al 2, se asumió la Covam=Aóam; y el Modelo 4, igual al 3, se adicionó el efecto del ambiente permanente materno (c). Los modelos para el análisis bivariado fueron extensiones del univariado, empleándose en todos los análisis el método de máxima verosimilitud restringida (REML), instrumentado en el programa ASReml. En el análisis univariado, el Modelo 2, y en el bivariado el Modelo 3, estimaron mejor los parámetros genéticos, incluidas las correlaciones entre los efectos aditivos directos y maternos para las características. Los valores estimados de heredabilidad variaron entre bajos y moderados, indicando la posibilidad de ser aplicados en planes de mejora genética del ovino Junín, los mismos que incrementarían su eficiencia al adicionarse a ellos los valores, entre moderados y altos, de las correlaciones genéticas y fenotípicas estimadas.
Características Maternales al Nacimiento y Destete en Cuyes de la Costa Central del Perú
Authors: Rodríguez L. Humberto , Gutiérrez R. Gustavo , Palomino T. Mabel , Hidalgo L. Víctor
Published: May 2015

El estudio fue llevado a cabo en la Granja de cuyes de Cieneguilla de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la asociación de factores fijos, como estación (E), número de parto de la madre (NP) y covariables, como peso de la madre al parto (PMP), total de nacidos (TN), número de nacidos vivos (NV) y edad al destete de las crías (EDC), con las variables total de nacidos (TN), número de nacidos vivos (NV), número de destetados (ND), peso de camada al nacimiento (PCN) y peso de camada al destete (PCD), así como estimar las correlaciones fenotípicas entre las características maternales. Se analizaron datos procedentes de 1302 camadas recolectados entre enero de 2009 y julio de 2010. Se utilizó el procedimiento GLM del programa estadístico SAS (v. 9.1) para el análisis de variancia y la prueba de F. En el análisis para TN y NV ajustados por la covariable PMP se obtuvieron diferencias para E y NP (p<0.01); para ND ajustado por la covariable PMP se obtuvieron diferencias para E (p<0.01); para PCN ajustado por la covariable PMP se hallaron diferencias para E y NP (p<0.01); y para PCD ajustado por las covariables PMP, ND y EDC se obtuvieron diferencias para E, NP y E*NP (p<0.01) Las correlaciones fenotípicas estimadas fueron todas positivas entre moderadas y altas con alta significación estadística (p<0.01).
Comunidad Parasitaria de Cabinza Isacia conceptionis (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830) (Perciformes: Haemulidae) en la Zona de Chorrillos, Lima, Perú
Authors: Iannacone José , Alvariño Lorena , Chero Jhon , Sáez Gloria
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la comunidad parasitaria de la cabinza Isacia conceptionis (Cuvier y Valenciennes, 1830) (Haemulidae) (n=123), procedente del Terminal Pesquero de Chorrillos, Lima, Perú, entre diciembre de 2010 a marzo de 2011. Los parásitos se fijaron, preservaron y cuantificaron mediante procedimientos estandarizados. Se colectaron 95 parásitos de siete especies, con una abundancia media total de 0.77. El promedio de la riqueza de especies fue 0.46. Los cuatro parásitos con mayor prevalencia y abundancia media fueron: Choricotyle isaciencis Oliva, González, Rus & Luque, 2009, Corynosoma obtuscens (Lincicome, 1943), Proleptus carvajali Fernández y Villalba, 1985, y Clavella simplex Castro y Baeza, 1985. Los parásitos de I. conceptionis señalan que los tres índices de agregación [Dispersión (ID), Discrepancia de Poulin (D) y Binomial Negativa (k)] mostraron mayormente una distribución agregada. La prevalencia de C. isaciencis estuvo correlacionada con la longitud total del pez hospedero. En relación al kn (factor de condición relativo), no se observó que los peces parasitados con C. obtuscens, C. isaciencis, ectoparásitos y endoparásitos presentasen valores más altos en comparación con los peces no parasitados. El índice gonadosomático (IGS) no se relacionó con ninguno de los índices de ecología parasitaria. Los índices de equidad de la parasitofauna mostraron valores relativamente altos y, en cambio, los índices de dominancia fueron bajos. Los índices de interactividad (CC50) de ectoparásitos y endoparásitos indican que las comunidades son aisladas.
Pulmonary effects in workers exposed to indium metal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nakano Makiko , Tanaka Akiyo , Hirata Miyuki , Iwasawa Satoko , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: May 2015

Pulmonary effects in workers exposed to indium metal: A cross‐sectional study: Makiko Nakano, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine

Objective

Indium was added to the list of substances regulated by the Ordinance on Prevention of Hazards due to Specified Chemical Substances (OPHSCS) in 2013. Indium metal (IM), however, is not regulated by the OPHSCS due to insufficient information on pulmonary effects following exposure.

Methods

From 2011 to 2013, a cross‐sectional study was conducted on 141 IM‐exposed workers at 11 factories. Subjective symptoms were assessed, including levels of serum biomarkers, spirometry readings and total and diffuse lung capacity. Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) and surfactant protein D (SP‐D) were selected as biomarkers of interstitial pneumonia. Indium serum concentration (In‐S) and personal air sampling data were used to estimate exposure. Subjects were categorized into 5 groups based on occupation and type of exposure: smelting, soldering, dental technician, bonding and other.

Results

The highest level of In‐S was 25.4 μg/l, and the mean In‐S level was significantly higher in the smelting group than in other groups. In the smelting group, the prevalence of increased In‐S levels was 9.1%, while that of abnormal KL‐6 was 15.2%. A significant dose‐effect relationship was observed between the In‐S and KL‐6 levels. No marked differences were observed between any of the groups in SP‐D values, pulmonary symptoms, or pulmonary function test results. A total of 31% of the subjects worked in an environment with IM levels exceeding 0.3 μg/m3, which requires a protective mask to be worn.

Conclusions

For workers exposed to IM, work environments should be monitored, appropriate protective masks should be worn, and medical monitoring should be conducted according to the OPHSCS.
Comparative High-Resolution X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of GaN/AlGaN Heterostructure on Al2O3 and Si (111) Substrate Grown by Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Jana Sanjay Kr. , Ghosh Saptarsi , Dinara Syed Mukulika , Chakraorty Apurba , Biswas D.
Published: May 2015

The work presents a comparative study on GaN/AlGaN type-II heterostructures grown on c-plane Al2O3 and Si (111) substrates by Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy. The in-depth structural characterizations of these samples were performed by High-Resolution X-Ray Diffraction, X-ray Reflectivity and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. The in-plane and out-of plane strains were determined from measured c- and a-lattice parameters of the epilayers from reciprocal space mapping of both symmetric triple axis (002) and asymmetric grazing incidence (105) double axis mode. The mosaicity parameters like tilt and correlation lengths were also calculated from reciprocal space mapping. Moreover, the twist angle was measured from skew symmetric off axis scan of (102), (103), and (105) planes along with (002) symmetric plane. The defect density were measured from the full width at half maxima of skew symmetric scan of (002) and (102) reflection planes. Also, the strained states of all the layers were analyzed and corresponding Al mole fraction was calculated based on anisotropic elastic theory. The thicknesses of the layers were measured from simulation of the nominal structure by fitting with X-ray Reflectivity experimental curves and also by comparing with cross sectional Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy micrographs.
Effect of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Parameters on Wear Behavior of Heat Affected Zone of HSLA Steel Plates
Authors: López Bustos Z.L. , García Vázquez F.J. , Pérez Medina G.Y. , Vargas Arista B. , López Cortez V.H.
Published: May 2015

The wear phenomenon may occur for a variety of work conditions in the material. It causes losses in terms of time and costs in the components which are used for heavy machinery due to its re-pair or even replacement. It is important to select suitable materials that exhibit high-quality weldability and resistance to abrasive wear such as the high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel grade 950A. Therefore, it is necessary to study the wear behavior of this kind of steel after components are joined by multi-pass gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process, specifically on the heat affected zone (HAZ). The aim of this research was to evaluate wear resistance by pin on disc test and hardness on heat affected zone of HSLA steel plates with thickness of 14 mm joined by using GMAW process varying different parameters as wire feed speed and voltage. The influence of microstructural features such as carbide precipitation on wear behavior and hardness was investigated using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that microstructure is modified by the heat input of the welding process, affecting the material properties and causing more susceptibility to wear on the welded area.
Study of Corrosion Behavior of Polyuretane/nanoHidroxiapatite Hybrid Coating in Hank Solution at 25 °C
Authors: Carbajal-De La Torre G. , Martinez-Valencia A.B. , Sanchez-Castillo A. , Villagomez-Galindo M. , Espinosa-Medina M.A.
Published: May 2015

The study of corrosion behavior of polyurethane/nanohydroxyapatite hybrid coating in aerated Hank solution at 25 °C by Potentiodinamic and Electrochemical Impedance techniques was realized. The nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) powders were synthesized by ultrasonic assisted co-precipitation wet chemical method and then mixed with pure polyurethane (PU) during the polymerization. Results were supported by SEM morphologic characterization. Results showed that good corrosion resistance of hybrid coating, showing small corrosion product layer formation. Corrosion mechanisms are affected by an increasing of polarization resistance, promoting decreasing in the corrosion rates. Diffusion of ionic species was the governing mechanism in the corrosion behavior of polyurethane/nanohydroxyapatite hybrid coating.
Malignant catarrhal fever in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig
Authors: Lapp S. , Förster C. , Kummrow M. , Wohlsein P. , Haist V.
Published: May 2015

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) represents a sporadic and often fatal disease in various ungulate species including rarely swine. A close contact between susceptible and reservoir species of ovine herpes-virus-2 (OvHV-2) is a requirement for virus transmission. As in ruminants, a rapid course of disease with lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalitis and necrotizing vasculitis in multiple organs is frequently seen in porcine MCF. This report describes a case of MCF in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, which was kept in a zoological exhibit with direct contact to various ruminants. It represents the first description of porcine MCF with proven natural OvHV-2 infection in Germany. OvHV-2 should be considered as cause of fatalities among swine especially in mixed-species exhibits as present in many zoological gardens. Also farm pigs kept in free ranging husbandry systems with potential contact to sheep and other ruminant species may be at risk.
Análise tafonômica e taxonômica da concentração de invertebrados fósseis do topo da Formação Romualdo, cretáceo inferior da Bacia do Araripe em Araripe, Ceará (CE).
Authors: Prado Ludmila Alves Cadeira do , Pereira Priscilla Albuquerque , Sales Alexandre Magno Feitosa , Barreto Alcina Magnólia Franca
Published: May 2015

Na Bacia Sedimentar do Araripe, as rochas que caracterizam a Formação Romualdo, Neoaptiano-Eoalbiano (Cretáceo Inferior), tiveram sua deposição em ambiente lagunar com influência marinha. No distrito de Brejinho, porção noroeste da bacia, município de Araripe (CE), foi encontrado um afloramento da Formação Romualdo, com concentração de conchas de moluscos (gastrópodes e biválvios) que possibilitou estudos tafonômicos. Nesse local, realizou-se: (1) coletas, seguindo procedimentos tafonômicos, (2) análises tafonômicas, (3) descrição de tafofácies, (4) identificação taxonômica e (5) interpretação paleoambiental. A análise tafonômica permitiu a caracterização de cinco tafofácies primariamente biogênicas, depositadas em condições de tempestades, que exibem em geral: fragmentação, variação de tamanho e distribuição complexa e caótica de bioclastos, tanto em planta como em seção e contatos bruscos e erosivos. Foram identificados gastrópodes da família Epitoniidae e do género Cerithium sp. e biválvios indeterminados. A identificação desses táxons sugere ambiente transicional a marinho raso. Os resultados dos dados paleontológicos do afloramento de Brejinho, em Araripe, corroboram com ação de tempestades em ambiente marinho raso e expandem os limites paleogeográficos da transgressão marinha Cretácea da Formação Romualdo, para noroeste da Bacia do Araripe.
Comparison of marine macrophytes for their contributions to blue carbon sequestration
Authors: Trevathan-Tackett Stacey M. , Kelleway Jeffrey , Macreadie Peter I. , Beardall John , Ralph Peter , Bellgrove Alecia
Published: May 2015

Many marine ecosystems have the capacity for long‐term storage of organic carbon (C) in what are termed “blue carbon” systems. While blue carbon systems (saltmarsh, mangrove, and seagrass) are efficient at long‐term sequestration of organic carbon (C), much of their sequestered C may originate from other (allochthonous) habitats. Macroalgae, due to their high rates of production, fragmentation, and ability to be transported, would also appear to be able to make a significant contribution as C donors to blue C habitats. In order to assess the stability of macroalgal tissues and their likely contribution to long‐term pools of C, we applied thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to 14 taxa of marine macroalgae and coastal vascular plants. We assessed the structural complexity of multiple lineages of plant and tissue types with differing cell wall structures and found that decomposition dynamics varied significantly according to differences in cell wall structure and composition among taxonomic groups and tissue function (photosynthetic vs. attachment). Vascular plant tissues generally exhibited greater stability with a greater proportion of mass loss at temperatures >300°C (peak mass loss ~320°C) than macroalgae (peak mass loss between 175−300°C), consistent with the lignocellulose matrix of vascular plants. Greater variation in thermogravimetric signatures within and among macroalgal taxa, relative to vascular plants, was also consistent with the diversity of cell wall structure and composition among groups. Significant degradation above 600°C for some macroalgae, as well as some belowground seagrass tissues, is likely due to the presence of taxon‐specific compounds. The results of this study highlight the importance of the lignocellulose matrix to the stability of vascular plant sources and the potentially significant role of refractory, taxon‐specific compounds (carbonates, long‐chain lipids, alginates, xylans, and sulfated polysaccharides) from macroalgae and seagrasses for their long‐term sedimentary C storage.

This study shows that marine macroalgae do contain refractory compounds and thus may be more valuable to long‐term carbon sequestration than we previously have considered.
Simultaneous production and separation of biohydrogen in mixed culture systems by continuous dark fermentation
Authors: Ramírez-Morales Juan E. , Tapia-Venegas Estela , Toledo-Alarcón Javiera , Ruiz-Filippi Gonzalo
Published: May 2015

Hydrogen production by dark fermentation is one promising technology. However, there are challenges in improving the performance and efficiency of the process. The important factors that must be considered to obtain a suitable process are the source of the inoculum and its pre-treatment, types of substrates, the reactor configurations and the hydrogen partial pressure. Furthermore, to obtain high-quality hydrogen, it is necessary to integrate an effective separation procedure that is compatible with the intrinsic characteristics of a biological process. Recent studies have suggested that a stable and robust process could be established if there was an effective selection of a mixed microbial consortium with metabolic pathways directly targeted to high hydrogen yields. Additionally, the integration of membrane technology for the extraction and separation of the hydrogen produced has advantages for the upgrading step, because this technology could play an important role in reducing the negative effect of the hydrogen partial pressure. Using this technology, it has been possible to implement a production–purification system, the ‘hydrogen-extractive membrane bioreactor’. This configuration has great potential for direct applications, such as fuel cells, but studies of new membrane materials, module designs and reactor configurations are required to achieve higher separation efficiencies.
Removal of diazo dye Direct Red 23 from aqueous solution using zero-valent iron nanoparticles immobilized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Reza Sohrabi Mahmoud , Mansouriieh Nafiseh , Khosravi Morteza , Zolghadr Mohsen
Published: May 2015

The present study immobilized nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to enhance the reactivity of nZVI and prevent its aggregation. This novel composite (nZVI/MWCNT) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that nZVI particles dispersed on the surface of the MWCNTs. The composite was used to remove the diazo dye Direct Red 23 from aqueous solution. The effects of nZVI to MWCNT mass ratio, nanocomposite content, solution pH, initial dye concentration and temperature were studied. The optimum nZVI/MWCNT mass ratio was 1:3. Batch experiments suggest that degradation efficiency decreased as the initial dye concentration increased and increased as the nanocomposite content increased, decreasing the pH from 8 to 4. The reaction followed a pseudo-first-order model under the operational conditions investigated in this study.
Advanced oxidation degradation kinetics as a function of ultraviolet LED duty cycle
Authors: Duckworth Kelsey , Spencer Michael , Bates Christopher , Miller Michael E. , Almquist Catherine , Grimaila Michael , Magnuson Matthew , Willison Stuart , Phillips Rebecca , Racz LeeAnn
Published: May 2015

Ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be a viable option as a UV light source for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilizing photocatalysts or oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. The effect of UV-LED duty cycle, expressed as the percentage of time the LED is powered, was investigated in an AOP with hydrogen peroxide, using methylene blue (MB) to assess contaminant degradation. The UV-LED AOP degraded the MB at all duty cycles. However, adsorption of MB onto the LED emitting surface caused a linear decline in reactor performance over time. With regard to the effect of duty cycle, the observed rate constant of MB degradation, after being adjusted to account for the duty cycle, was greater for 5 and 10% duty cycles than higher duty cycles, providing a value approximately 160% higher at 5% duty cycle than continuous operation. This increase in adjusted rate constant at low duty cycles, as well as contaminant fouling of the LED surface, may impact design and operational considerations for pulsed UV-LED AOP systems.
Do Personal Resources Influence Health-Related Quality of Life for People Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment in Latin America?
Authors: Urzúa Alfonso , Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Quiceno Japcy Margarita , Alpi Stefano Vinaccia , Pavlov Nicole
Published: May 2015

We used the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Survey and Chronic Illness Resources Survey to determine the personal resources that influence health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of 128 individuals receiving treatment for end-stage renal disease in Antofagasta, Chile. The results showed
that personal and community resources protect against disability and physical deterioration among individuals receiving hemodialysis. Further, these resources had a direct influence on HRQOL, especially in relation to the burden of the disease and for those who are not in paid employment.
Our findings show the importance of the availability and use of measures required for the community to improve HRQOL, and to protect the physical health of people undergoing hemodialysis.
Is it Helpful for Individuals with Minor Depression to Keep Smiling? An Event-Related Potentials Analysis
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Hu Jing , Gong Yanfei
Published: May 2015

We used event-related potentials (ERPs) to explore the influence of manipulating facial expression on error monitoring in individuals. The participants were 11 undergraduate students who had been diagnosed with minor depression (MinD). We recorded error-related negativity (ERN) as the
participants performed a modified flanker task in 3 conditions: Duchenne smile, standard smile, and no smile. Behavioral data results showed that, in both the Duchenne smile and standard smile conditions, error rates were significantly lower than in the no-smile condition. The ERP analysis
results indicated that, compared to the no-smile condition, both Duchenne and standard smiling facial expressions decreased ERN amplitude, and ERN amplitudes were smallest for those in the Duchenne smile condition. Our findings suggested that even brief smile manipulation may improve long-term
negative mood states of people with MinD.
Use of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory with Children and Adolescents in China: Issues with Reaction Times
Authors: Cao Yang , Liu Zheng-kui
Published: May 2015

The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y; STAI-Y) is a balanced scale with a complex factor structure. Using survey data from children and adolescents in Jiangxi Province, China (N = 1,275), we conducted confirmatory factor analysis to clarify the number of factors in this instrument
and to investigate the relationship between reaction time (RT) and anxiety. Results revealed the following 3 dimensions for the STAI-Y: anxiety absent, anxiety present, and general anxiety. Compared with those who answered all the questions (58%), those who missed questions (42%) had a lower
education level, a longer RT, and higher scores for items indicating the presence of state or trait anxiety. Our results could provide innovative directions for the improvement and expansion of research using the STAI-Y with children and adolescents.
Implicit and Explicit Self-Esteem: The Moderating Effect of Individualism
Authors: Yu Quanlei , Chen Jianwen , Zhang Qiuying , Jin Shenghua
Published: May 2015

Results of studies on the relationship between implicit (ISE) and explicit (ESE) self-esteem have been inconsistent, possibly because of the moderating influence of factors such as gender, response latency, and cognitive load. We examined the moderating effect of cultural tendency on
the relationship between ISE and ESE in the context of Chinese culture. We developed a Chinese version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to measure participants' ISE. Participants were 100 undergraduate students at 2 Chinese universities, who completed the IAT and a series of quantitative
measures to assess their ISE, ESE, and cultural tendency. Results showed that there was a weak correlation between ISE and ESE, and that individualism, rather than collectivism, moderated the relationship between ISE and ESE.
Characterization of several milk proteins in Domestic Balkan donkey breed during lactation, using lab-on-a-chip capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Gubic Jasmina , Tomic Jelena , Torbica Aleksandra , Ilicic Mirela , Tasic Tatjana , Saric Ljubisa , Popovic Sanja
Published: May 2015

Domestic Balkan donkey (Equus asinus asinus) is a native donkey breed,
primarily found in the northern and eastern regions of Serbia. The objective
of the study was to analyze proteins of Domestic Balkan donkey milk during
the lactation period (from the 45th to the 280th day) by applying
Lab-on-a-Chip electrophoresis. The chip-based separations were performed on
the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer in combination with the Protein 80 Plus Lab Chip
kit. The protein content of Domestic Balkan donkey milk during the lactation
period of 280 days ranged from 1.40 % to 1.92 % and the content of
?s1-casein, ?s2-casein, b-casein, ?-, ?- lactoglobulin, lysozyme, lactoferrin
and serum albumin was relatively quantified. Lysozyme (1040-2970 mg/L),
?-lactalbumin 12 kDa (1990-2730 mg/L) and ?-lactalbumin 17.7 kDa (2240-3090
mg/L) were found to be the proteins with the highest relative concentrations.
Early Detection of Phoma Lingam Infection in Oilseed Winter Rape Before Visible Symptoms Appear
Authors: Hura Katarzyna , Hura Tomasz , Grzesiak Maciej , Rapacz Marcin
Published: May 2015

A chlorophyll fluorescence technique enabled early detection of disturbances in the activity of the photosynthet-ic apparatus under Phoma lingam infection. The photosynthetic apparatus of leaves and cotyledons exhibited a negative response to P. lingam inoculation. The effect disappeared more rapidly in leaves, which were not inoculated directly, than in cotyledons, which were inoculated directly. Photosynthetic apparatus disturbances were detected in cotyledons and leaves as early as 24 h after inoculation. Photosynthetic apparatus activity can be affected by the level of hydrogen peroxide, which in cotyledons probably was an element of the hypersensitive response and in leaves could induce an increase in pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase.
Tanshinones in Culture of Salvia Przewalskii Maxim in Vitro
Authors: Skała Ewa , Mielicki Wojciech , Wysokińska Halina
Published: May 2015

The content of four tanshinones was determined in different in vitro cultures of Salvia przewalskii. Accumulation of tanshinones depended on the type and age of tissue and could be altered by growth conditions. Differentiated tissues (in vitro cultured shoots, shoots and roots of plantlets regenerated in vitro) contained more diterpenoids than undifferentiated tissues (i.e., the four callus lines). Root was the most important organ for tan-shinone accumulation. The highest levels were achieved in roots of 4-week-old plantlets (5.1-5.6 mg g−1 DW); the shoots used for root induction were maintained on multiplication medium for 2.5-4 years with regular subcultures every 4 weeks.
Involvement of the IAA-Regulated ACC Oxidase Gene PnACO3 in Pharbitis Nil Flower Inhibition
Authors: Wilmowicz Emilia , Frankowski Kamil , Kućko Agata , Kęsy Jacek , Kopcewicz Jan
Published: May 2015

The study examined the influence of light and auxin on the transcription level of PnACO3, a gene involved in ethylene production, in relation to the inhibitory effect of ethylene on flower induction in the short-day plant Pharbitis nil (=Ipomoea nil). Exogenous auxin was shown to increase the level of PnACO3 mRNA, with the effect depending on the experimental conditions. Light did not affect the level of PnACO3 mRNA. Applying auxin to seedling cotyledons at the beginning of inductive night boosted PnACO3 transcriptional activity even threefold during the next few hours, supporting our previous suggestion that the inhibitory effect of auxin on P. nil flowering results from its stimulatory effect on ethylene production.
Changes in Pigment Content of Triticale Genotypes Infested with Grain Aphid Sitobion Avenae (Fabricius) (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Wójcicka Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

The effect of feeding by the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on chlorophyll, carotenoid and flavonoid content was studied in waxy and waxless triticale genotypes. On both sampling dates (5 and 10 days after infestation), seedlings of infested waxy and waxless plants had lower chlorophylls and carotenoids and higher flavonoids than in uninfested plants.
Chromosome Numbers and Basic Chromosome Numbers in Monocotyledonous Genera of the Western Himalayas (India)
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Mubarik Nadeem , Kumari Santosh , Gupta Raghbir Chand
Published: May 2015

Worldwide chromosome number information has been compiled from the literature for monocotyledonous genera whose members have been cytologically studied in the last three years from Kangra District (Himachal Pradesh) and Kashmir (Jammu & Kashmir) in the Western Himalayas, comprising 143 species of 86 genera in 12 families, many in the family Poaceae. Chromosome number information from the literature is supplemented with new and varied reports for 54 species/56 taxa from the present study. Overall, the chromosome numbers range from 2n=10 to 2n=120. Some species in all genera show a large number of cytotypes, clearly highlighting the role of inter- and intraspecific genetic diversity as well as polyploidy and dysploidy. The basic chromosome numbers in all 86 genera are reconsidered. Monobasic genera are more common in Poaceae, and polyba-sic genera are more common in the other 11 families. Polyploidy in the different genera ranges from 3x to 40x, and is quite high in certain genera (18x in Avena, Bothriochloa, Isachne, Helictotrichon and Panicum; 19x in Saccharum; 24x in Tradescantia; 28x in Eleocharis; 32x in Cyperus; 36x in Andropogon; 38x in Poa; 40x in Dioscorea). An updated checklist of chromosome number variability in these genera is given for India and world-wide.
Factors Affecting Doubled Haploid Plant Production Via Maize Technique in Bread Wheat
Authors: Xynias Ioannis , Koufalis Antonios , Gouli-Vavdinoudi Evdokia , Roupakias Demetrios
Published: May 2015

The effect of two in planta factors (growth conditions, genotype) and two in vitro factors (time of embryo rescue, embryo rescue medium) on doubled haploid (DH) plant production in bread wheat via maize technique was investigated in nine F1 hybrids produced after crossing four bread wheat cultivars. During the first year one group of F1 plants was grown in a field and at the proper stage pollinated with maize pollen (sweet corn popu-lation). In parallel, a second group of F1 plants was grown in a growth chamber and pollinated as in the former group. In the second growing season the experiment was repeated but only field-grown plants were used. All the produced haploid embryos were cultured in three different media and the resulting 146 haploid plants were sub-sequently treated with aqueous solution of colchicine. Finally, 86 doubled haploid plants were obtained. We noted that the growing conditions of the parental plants and the intervening time between day of pollination and day of embryo rescue influenced the percentage of haploid embryo production. Culture medium also influenced haploid and doubled haploid plant production. The two media (MS/2, B5) were found equally effective. Most of the haploid embryos originated from the Penios × Acheloos cross, whereas most of the doubled haploid plants were produced from the KVZ × Penios cross. Doubled haploid plants were produced from all crosses.
Suspensor Development in Gagea Lutea (L.) Ker Gawl., with Emphasis on the Cytoskeleton
Authors: Świerczyńska Joanna , Bohdanowicz Jerzy
Published: May 2015

The study used fluorescence microscopy to examine changes in cytoskeleton configuration during development of the embryo suspensor in Gagea lutea and to describe them in tandem with the development of the embryo proper. During the early phase of embryo suspensor development, tubulin and actin filaments were observed in the cytoplasm of the basal cell from the micropylar to the chalazal ends of the cell. Around the nucleus of the basal cell were clusters of numerous microtubules. These accumulations of tubulin arrays congregated near the nucleus surface; numerous bundles of microtubules radiated from the nucleus envelope. At this time, microfil-aments formed a delicate network in the cytoplasm of the basal cell. In the fully differentiated embryo suspensor, microtubules were observed at the chalazal end of the basal cell. Numerous bundles of microtubules were visualized in the cytoplasm adjacent to the wall separating the basal cell from the embryo proper. Microfilaments formed a dense network which uniformly filled the basal cell cytoplasm. There were some foci of F-actin material in the vicinity of the nucleus surface and at the chalazal end of the basal cell. In all studied phases of embryo suspensor development a prominent cortical network of actin and tubulin skeleton was observed in embryo proper cells.
Induction, Growth and Paclitaxel Content of Needle-and Petiole-Derived Calli in Himalayan Yew (Taxus Wallichiana Zucc.) Under Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nhut Duong Tan , Nguyen Phan Le Ha , Don Nguyen Trinh , Hien N.T.T. , Huy Nguyen Phuc , Nam Nguyen Ba , Vinh Bui The , Luan Tran Cong
Published: May 2015

To achieve a better understanding of accumulation of paclitaxel and related taxanes in Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana Zucc.) callus mass, induction and growth of calli from needles and petioles under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and production of paclitaxel and baccatin were investigated. Calli were induced from needles and petioles on Gamborg's B5 medium supplemented with 1 mg·l-1 kinetin and 4 mg·l-1 2,4-D under different com-binations of blue and red LEDs. Calli were further cultured in that medium under the same lighting conditions. Callus induction from needles and petioles and growth was better under blue LEDs than under red LEDs and fluorescent light. The combinations of blue and red LEDs produced variable results. The paclitaxel content of these calli was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The paclitaxel content of calli derived from needles was 0.00628% and the 10-DAB (10-Deacetylbaccatin III) content was 0.00366%. The paclitaxel content of calli derived from petioles was 0.00412%, and no 10-DAB was detected.
Optimization of a Call Centre Performance Using the Stochastic Queueing Models
Authors: Brezavšček Alenka , Baggia Alenka
Published: May 2015

Background A call centre usually represents the first contact of a customer with a given company. Therefore, the quality of its service is of key importance. An essential factor of the call centre optimization is the determination of the proper number of operators considering the selected performance measure. Results of previous research show that this can be done using the queueing theory approach. Objectives: The paper presents the practical application of the stochastic queueing models aimed at optimizing a Slovenian telecommunication provider’s call centre.

Methods/Approach: The arrival and the service patterns were analysed, and it was concluded that the call centre under consideration can be described using the M/M/r {infinity/infinity/FIFO} queueing model.

Results: An appropriate number of operators were determined for different peak periods of the working day, taking into consideration the following four performance measures: the expected waiting time, the expected number of waiting customers, the probability that a calling customer will have to wait, and the call centre service level.

Conclusions: The obtained results prove the usefulness and applicability of the queueing models as a tool for a call centre performance optimization. In practice, all the data needed for such a mathematical analysis are usually provided. This paper is aimed at illustrating how such data can be efficiently exploited.
Regions for Servicing Old People: Case study of Slovenia
Authors: Drobne Samo , Bogataj Marija
Published: May 2015

Background: Aging is one of the most serious problems that most developed countries are facing in the 21st century. In the European Union, Member States are responsible for the planning, funding and administration of health care and social protection systems. Local authorities and state governments should undertake research toward developing an appropriate array of community-based care services for old people. Objectives: This study analyses the regions of Slovenia for servicing old people in the 2000-2010 time horizon. Methods/Approach: Sets of functional regions were modelled for each year in the analysed period using the Intramax method. Functional regions were evaluated based on the attractiveness of central places for labour commuters and the propensity to commute between regions. Results: The results show that in addition to the nominally declared regional centres of Slovenia, there are also some other local centres that should be potentially included in the functional areas for servicing old people. Conclusions: The results suggest that the regionalization into seven functional regions is the most convenient for servicing old people in the region. Furthermore, some additional functional regions at a lower level are suggested.
How to Measure Illiquidity on European Emerging Stock Markets?
Authors: Vidović Jelena , Poklepović Tea , Aljinović Zdravka
Published: May 2015

Background: Liquidity is, in practice of portfolio investment, an important attribute of stocks and measuring illiquidity presents a real challenge for researchers, primarily on developed stock markets. Moreover, there is a lack of research dealing with (il)liquidity on emerging markets. In the paper, the problem of applicability and validity of two well-known illiquidity measures, ILLIQ and TURN, on European emerging markets is observed. Objectives: The paper has two main purposes. The first is to test the relative performance of the two selected illiquidity measures in terms of their validity on European emerging stock markets. The second is to propose a new and improved illiquidity measure named Relative Change in Volume (RCV).

Methods/Approach: Using daily returns and traded volumes for 12 stocks which are constituents of stock indices on seven observed markets, ILLIQ and TURN along with the new proposed measure are calculated and tested based on correlation with return. All measures are tested and proposed using the single stock approach.

Results: It is shown that ILLIQ and TURN are not appropriate for seven observed markets. The measures do not follow the obligatory request that returns increase in illiquidity while RCV has the ability of taking into account the pressure of big differences in volume on return. RCV gives satisfactory results, making clear the distinction between liquid and illiquid stocks and between liquid and illiquid markets.

Conclusions: The proposed measure potentially has important implications in illiquidity measurement in general, and not only for investors on emerging stock markets.
Inaugural editorial
Authors: Fürst Christine , Berry Peter , Geneletti Davide , Khamzina Asia , Sanfo Safiétou
Published: May 2015

This inaugural editorial introduces the research topics addressed by the journal Change and Adaptation in Socio-Ecological Systems (CASES). A recent literature analysis revealed that the amount of integrative, interand transdisciplinary research activities on climate and global change, adaptive strategies, actor behaviors and response opportunities has increased significantly in the last few decades. Also, research activities on major drivers for the change and adaptation of socio-ecological systems, namely climate change, socio-economic and political changes and technological development have increased considerably since the 1950s. A publication platform that allows for overarching perspectives, integrative viewpoints, and the exchange of ideas among related disciplines in Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) science is provided by the new journal CASES.
Effect of Fano Resonance in photovoltaic
Authors: Sun Dong
Published: May 2015

We have shown that the Fano interference in the decay channels of a three-level system can lead to considerably different absorption and emission profiles. We found that a coherence can be built up in the ground state doublet, with strength depending on a coupling parameter that arises from the Fano interference. The coherence can in principle lead to breaking of the detail balance between the absorption and emission processes in atomic systems.
The catalytic activity of sirtuins in physiology and disease from the epigenetic point of view
Authors: Albani Diego , Forloni Gianluigi
Published: May 2015

Sirtuins are a family of conserved enzymes that are involved in physiological and pathological pathways and have been investigated in relation to the ageing process. There are seven different sirtuins in mammals that are encoded by individual genes (SIRT1-7). Sirtuins share a highly conserved catalytic domain, and they have NAD+ dependent deacetylase activity and secondary ADPribosylase activity in different proportions and on different molecular targets. Sirtuins might be pharmacologically modulated by small molecules that might represent a novel class of “epigenetic” drugs. In fact, sirtuins’ deacetylase activity may impact the epigenetic regulation network acting on histones or affecting chromatin stability, while the mono-ADP-ribosylase catalysis is less explored to this respect. Here we review and discuss the potential impact of sirtuin catalytic activities from the epigenetic pointof- view, with a focus on age-related diseases (cancer,
Experimental Analysis of Waterproofing Polymeric Pavements for Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: Pasetto Marco , Giacomello Giovanni
Published: May 2015

On concrete bridge and viaduct decks, traditional bituminous pavements are often subject to rapid degradation, particularly due to precipitation, traffic loadings and chemical attack. Pavement failure can also be due to underlying cracks related to steel reinforcement corrosion. For this reason waterproofing plays an important role in durability of the structure. Waterproofing can be done by means of polymeric binders and aggregates, mixed or applied together in the surface course.

The paper summarizes the main results of a study aimed at mechanically characterizing resin-aggregate mixtures (premixed and multi-layers) for bridge waterproofing and paving: two types of resins and several types of natural and artificial/industrial aggregate (EAF slag, C&D aggregate, limestone and quartz sand) were used. Permanent deformation resistance and adhesion tests were conducted, as well as trials to define the surface characteristics of the product (skid resistance, permeability, macro-texture). The comparison demonstrates that polymeric slurries present better resistance than polymeric multi-layers and bituminous mixtures to permanent deformation at higher temperatures (40 to 60 °C), but show some deficiencies in adhesion properties. However, the surface characteristics of polymeric multi-layers are preferable to those of slurries and traditional bituminous mixtures.
The Possibilities to Decrease the Coefficient of Friciton Between Head and Socket of the Endoprosthesis of Hip Joint
Authors: Haringová Andrea , Stračár Karol , Prikkel Karol
Published: May 2015

The article deals with the question of physical parameters that could positively influence the overall lifetime of hip joint endoprosthesis. As the important physical parameter it was selected the coefficient of friction. The contribution offers possibilities how to decrease the coefficient of friction and experimentally test these assumptions
Sintering of HDH Ti Powder
Authors: Kováčik Jaroslav , Emmer Štefan
Published: May 2015

Titanium powders prepared by hydro-dehydration process (HDH powder) were pressure less sintered in vacuum oven at different temperatures, time and green density. The sintering properties of powders of two particle sizes - 30 and 150 microns were investigated. The usual powder metallurgical (PM) results were observed, i.e., decreasing final porosity with increasing sintering temperature and time at constant heating rate. Higher green density leading to higher final density for both powder sizes was also observed. The obtained results will be used as comparative material for future sintering experiments of Ti based composites.