bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AP2S1 and GNA11 mutations – not a common cause of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
Authors: Hovden Silje , Rejnmark Lars , Ladefoged Søren A , Nissen Peter H
Published: November 2016

Objective

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) type 1 is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR). Recently, mutations affecting codon 15 in the gene AP2S1 have been shown to cause FHH type 3 in up to 26% of CASR-negative FHH patients. Similarly, mutations in the gene GNA11 have been shown to cause FHH type 2. We hypothesized that mutations in AP2S1 and GNA11 are causative in Danish patients with suspected FHH and that these mutations are not found in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), which is the main differential diagnostic disorder.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

We identified patients with unexplained hyperparathyroid hypercalcemia and a control group of verified PHPT patients through review of 421 patients tested for CASR mutations in the period 2006–2014. DNA sequencing of all amino acid coding exons including intron–exon boundaries in AP2S1 and GNA11 was performed.

Results

In 33 CASR-negative patients with suspected FHH, we found two (~6%) with a mutation in AP2S1 (p.Arg15Leu and p.Arg15His). Family screening confirmed the genotype–phenotype correlations. We did not identify any pathogenic mutations in GNA11. No pathogenic mutations were found in the PHPT control group.

Conclusions

We suggest that the best diagnostic approach to hyperparathyroid hypercalcemic patients suspected to have FHH is to screen the CASR and AP2S1 codon 15 for mutations. If the results are negative and there is still suspicion of an inherited condition (i.e. family history), then GNA11 should be examined.
Aberrant PTEN expression in response to progesterone reduces endometriotic stromal cell apoptosis
Authors: Choi JongYeob , Jo MinWha , Lee EunYoung , Hwang Seongsoo , Choi DooSeok
Published: November 2016

In some human cancer cells, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is known to regulate autophagy induction positively through the inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to the activation of mTOR, a major negative regulator of autophagy. Recent studies reported that PTEN expression is abnormally decreased in endometriotic lesions. In endometriosis, abnormal PTEN expression may contribute to the alteration of endometrial cell autophagy, which may affect apoptosis because endometrial cell autophagy is directly involved in the regulation of apoptosis. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the involvement of PTEN in the regulation of autophagy induction in human normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs). In addition, we sought to determine whether aberrant PTEN expression in endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) is associated with autophagy dysregulation, and a subsequent decrease in apoptosis. Our results show that PTEN expression was enhanced by progesterone treatment in NESCs. Subsequently, autophagy and apoptosis induction increased through the inhibition of AKT and mTOR activity. This progesterone-induced increase in apoptosis was reversed by the inhibition of autophagy induction using either mifepristone (progesterone receptor modulator) or PTEN inhibitor. In contrast, progesterone had no significant effects on PTEN expression, AKT, mTOR activity, autophagy or apoptosis in ECSCs. Furthermore, in contrast to normal eutopic endometrium, endometriotic tissues have constant PTEN expression, autophagy and apoptosis throughout the menstrual cycle. In conclusion, our results suggest abnormal PTEN expression in response to progesterone was observed in ECSCs, which led to the dysregulation of autophagy induction via AKT/mTOR signalling and a subsequent decrease in apoptosis.
Molecular actions of vitamin D in reproductive cell biology
Authors: Keane Kevin N , Cruzat Vinicius F , Calton Emily K , Hart Prue H , Soares Mario J , Newsholme Philip , Yovich John L
Published: November 2016

Vitamin D (VitD) is an important secosteroid and has attracted attention in several areas of research due to common VitD deficiency in the population, and its potential to regulate molecular pathways related to chronic and inflammatory diseases. VitD metabolites and the VitD receptor (VDR) influence many tissues including those of the reproductive system. VDR expression has been demonstrated in various cell types of the male reproductive tract, including spermatozoa and germ cells, and in female reproductive tissues including the ovaries, placenta and endometrium. However, the molecular role of VitD signalling and metabolism in reproductive function have not been fully established. Consequently, the aim of this work is to review current metabolic and molecular aspects of the VitD–VDR axis in reproductive medicine and to propose the direction of future research. Specifically, the influence of VitD on sperm motility, calcium handling, capacitation, acrosin reaction and lipid metabolism is examined. In addition, we will also discuss the effect of VitD on sex hormone secretion and receptor expression in primary granulosa cells, along with the impact on cytokine production in trophoblast cells. The review concludes with a discussion of the recent developments in VitD–VDR signalling specifically related to altered cellular bioenergetics, which is an emerging concept in the field of reproductive medicine.
Gish Jen: Loosening the Canyon of the Canon
Authors: Mashchenko Olena
Published: November 2016

The idea of the article is to analyse the complicated interweaving of Chinese and Euro- Atlantic literary tradition in Gish Jen’s writings. Asian wing of American literature is a phenomenon that has declared its existence comparatively not long ago. The voice of Asian American writers was initially not very loud. However, at the turn of 20th-21st centuries contours of American literature began to change due to the influence of a new concept of man and world arisen in the writings of Maxine Hong Kingston, Tamezo Mori, Amy Tan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Gish Jen.

On the one hand, G. Jen’s texts are written by the canons of a postmodern narrative, which implies the poetics of decentration and fragmentation of the text, irony, double code, multi-layered intertextuality. Sternian satirical dispute with literary and scientific works of his time, inherited by postmodern writers, has become one of the brightest distinctive characteristic of G. Jen’s texts as well. Like other postmodern writers, she creates literary and intellectual fabric of the text into which responses to a variety of influential theories and concepts of the turn of 20th-21st centuries are interwoven. On the other hand, the writer develops the tradition of Asian literature with its emphasis on moral and spiritual existence of a man. This tradition sees a man not as a battlefield but an interplay of good and evil. This interplay may not make a man perfect, but it makes him human.
“Essay on Ci” by Li Qingzhao
Authors: Dashchenko Anna
Published: November 2016

The article presents the first Russian translation of “Essay on Ci” with detailed comments. It was written by the outstanding Chinese poetess Li Qingzhao and considered to be the first theoretical treatise dedicated to genre ci. The article revealed that the poetess used three strategies to make a genre demarcation: to legitimise, dichotomise and historicise. To legitimise means to justify that ci is a genre of poetry by identifying the same traits with official poetry shi (e.g. using the classical quotations and allusions). To dichotomise is to determine a core element of genre and oppose it to the other element identifying the similar genre (e.g. music separates ci from shi). To historicise is to develop or discover the unique historical past (e.g. the source of ci is in antiquity). The article also examined the strategy to invent classics: Li Qingzhao wrote the apophatic history of genre ci pointing not to the merits but weaknesses of her predecessors.
Contextual Semantics of the Title of Michail Shishkin’s Novel “The Capture of Izmail”
Authors: Shafranskaya Eleonora
Published: November 2016

The article deals with the interconnections between the title and context of Michail Shishkin’s novel “The Capture of Izmail”. Such concepts as “chronotopos”, “truth”, “time”, “moment of time” and “historical trauma” are examined in interrelation, too. A precedent text, “The Capture of Izmail” is looked upon symbolically, like a huge historical deception. Instead of relying on well-known historical landmarks or widely reported cataclysms, Shishkin puts forward a new set of patterns; citing A. Etkind, this is “not a history of events, but a history of humans and texts in their mutual interaction”, – that is, an approach qualified in American literary theory as the new historicism.In the novel’s context, the fact of Izmail’s capture designates a new vector of history understanding, both private and common. When a photographer uses cliché “Say cheese!”, the person is supposed to smile, and this alleged smile appears as a symbol of falsehood which became a norm both in society and in history. According to Shishkin, time should be counted by its moments consisting of personal facts, names and places. Perhaps, that is the way to get rid of historical traumas and, applying Etkind’s metaphor about “the crooked grief”, to straighten it so that the grief would be merged into a “solid state”. Russia, Shishkin seems to believe, stands in need to apply this very approach to history understanding.
Language and Cultural Motivation of Mazowsze’s Funerals Chrematonims
Authors: Sikora Ewa
Published: November 2016

The aim of the article is the analysis of semantic names of the funeral homes coming from province of Mazowsze. Onomastic material includes 88 names taken from the Internet Directory “Panorama Firm”. Analysed names of the funeral home were classified into 7 main groups of meaning. Out of them the most popular are the names arising from anthroponyms in which the name of the company owner is dominant. Also the names of the funeral homes taken from Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology are extremely popular. Similar in quantity are the names emanating from biblical terminology, which refer to characters and places from the Bible. Less numerous are the names in English, with a strong connotation to death, salvation, or referring to the attributes of the funeral. The poorest group of names are those created from the names of the plants. A look into the names collected a variety of emotions, including: pain, loneliness, nostalgia. The motivation for naming the funeral companies is manifold. The main aim is to apply the right gimmick in the form of a name that will attract attention.
Alternative Variants of the Type ‘Ambasadorzy // Ambasadorowie’ in the Contemporary Polish
Authors: Ruszkowski Marek
Published: November 2016

Masculine personal nouns in plural nominative take on inflectional ending -owie, which is often alternative to the ending -y (more seldom -i and -e). Categorization of endings –owie // -y poses a lot of problems, as it is not influenced by morphological factors.40 pairs of alternative forms of the type astrolodzy // astrologowie; profesorzy // profesorowie; zegarmistrze // zegarmistrzowie, excerpted from a linguistic guidebook from the early 1960s, were subject to analysis. They were verified in terms of norm and frequency. The first verification was based on determinations contained in the Polish Academy of Science Great Normative Dictionary of Polish / Wielki słownik poprawnej polszczyzny PWN/, while National Corpus of Polish was the basis of the second one. Comparison of a linguistic norm from half a century ago and the contemporary one shows that not all variants considered correct 50 years ago are acceptable today. A quantitative analysis proves that the law of linguistic economy works in general, meaning that the shorter form prevails in terms of frequency (the number of syllables is the measure of length). The choice of the longer form (with ending -owie) is presumably motivated by euphonic, semantic and stylistic factors.
The Strategies and Problems in Film Title Translation
Authors: Kudirka Robertas , Juzelėnienė Saulė , Lazauskaitė Laima
Published: November 2016

The translation of fictional work is not simply a substitution of source language characters with the target language signs, but rather a complex phenomenon, related to many social, cultural and communication components, rendering the transformation of worldview. It is also applied to the translation of films and their titles, viewed as indexing signs, related to the content of what might be expected. The complexity of title translation might be compared to the translation of advertisings, commercials or logos. The article aims at discussing the specifics of translation strategies related to the translation of film titles, covering the period from 1990–2010. The study reveals that the strategies of addition, omission, creation, preservation, transference, deletion, localization and transformation were noticable. It was also noted that in order to achieve persuasion, the strategies of transformation, omission and addition can be applied. The modifications of the ST in the film title translation are directly related to the pragmatic strategies of persuasive discourse.
Adaptation of the Epic Legend of Siegfried: from Archetypal Hero Myth to Film
Authors: Solomonik-Pankrashova Tatyana , Lobinaitė Viktorija
Published: November 2016

According to the psychic concept of adaptation, the original manifests itself as an archetype in culture. The film producer who employs archetypal hero myth creates yet another version of myth. A medieval narrative – a secularised sacred narrative – is translated into a cinematic narrative by a gallery of images. This kind of translation reveals similar semiotic complexity to that of the original. The film producer imitates the art of the medieval epic singer and remains faithful to the spirit of myth. This paper aims at deciphering the symbolic world of The Nibelungen: Siegfried (Die Nibelungen: Siegfried), a silent film created by Fritz Lang (1924). The novelty of the research lies in comparing the artistic expression of the film producer with the poetic expression of the medieval epic minstrel. The authors’ argument proceeds as follows: (1) consider the archetypal hero myth – its plot, theme, and motifs – as narratologically embedded in the adaptation of the epic legend of Siegfried; (2) reveal the interaction between the formulaic structure of the intertitles and oral epic poetry; (3) highlight mimesis as the imitative representation of the sacred world from the perspective of the symbolic world created in the film.
The Mystery of Indo­European Languages – a Few Remarks on the Book by Oleg Poljakov
Authors: Marczewska Marzena
Published: November 2016

Poljakov, Oleg, 2015. The Marvel of Indo-European Cultures and Languages. The Lithuanian Bridge to Indo-European. Vilnius: Vilnius University Publishing House. 637 p.
Reliable Pregnancy Testing Before Intravenous Cyclophosphamide: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Hayward Kristen , Haaland Wren L. , Hrachovec Jennifer , Leu Michael , Vora Surabhi , Clifton Holly , Rascoff Nanci , Crowell Claudia S.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Cyclophosphamide is a teratogenic medication used in the treatment of adolescents with autoimmune disorders. This adolescent population is sexually active, does not receive adequate contraceptive care, and is at risk for unintended pregnancy. We undertook a quality improvement initiative to improve rates of pregnancy screening before intravenous cyclophosphamide administration in our adolescent girl patients.

METHODS:

Data were collected from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was completion of a urine pregnancy test before intravenous cyclophosphamide infusion in girls aged 12 to 21 years between July 2011 and June 2015. Data were reviewed quarterly and an iterative quality improvement approach was used. Interventions included staff education, electronic order set updates, and a Maintenance of Certification project. Interrupted time series analysis and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression were used to evaluate trends over time and to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS:

Thirty girls received 153 cyclophosphamide infusions during the study. Pregnancy testing before medication administration increased from 25% to 100% by study completion. Infusions in the last time period were significantly more likely to be accompanied by a pregnancy test versus those in the first time period (odds ratio: 17.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1–101.6) after adjustment for patient age, managing service, infusion setting, and insurance type.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our institution achieved a significant increase in standard pregnancy screening in adolescent girls receiving intravenous cyclophosphamide. The interventions most valuable in increasing screening rates were updating electronic order sets, educating staff, and physician engagement in the Maintenance of Certification program.
Nanostructured MnO2 catalyst in E. crassipes (water hyacinth) for indigo carmine degradation
Authors: Cuervo Blanco Tatiana , Sierra Ávila César Augusto , Zea Ramírez Hugo Ricardo
Published: November 2016

Se estudió el uso de la materia seca del jacinto de agua (Eichhornia crassipes) como matriz-soporte para nano-MnO2 y su eficiencia en la eliminación de índigo carmín (IC). Se ensayaron diferentes procesos de pretratamiento y los resultados indicaron que un tratamiento previo ácido-alcalino es un método eficiente para unir las nanopartículas (NPs) a la matriz celulósica. Así mismo, las NPs de MnO2 se sintetizaron por reducción sonoquímica de MnO4- utilizando diferentes métodos (un sistema emisor de ultrasonido, baño de ultrasonido y reacción convencional con etanol como medio). El material sintetizado se caracterizó por ATR-IR, AAS, DRX, SEM, isotermas de adsorción de nitrógeno, EDS y pHpzc. Se exploró la capacidad de eliminación de IC por parte del material nanoestructurado y la naturaleza química de los productos de degradación en muestras acuosas. Se analizó el efecto de diversos parámetros tales como temperatura, pH, concentración inicial de IC, entre otros. Finalmente, el material nanoestructurado, obtenido con un baño de ultrasonido, mostró una eficiencia de 97,6% en la eliminación del color característico de IC en 5 min, sin perder la eficiencia en la degradación del colorante por varios ciclos consecutivos. A través de este enfoque, se pueden eliminar efluentes ambientalmente peligrosos provenientes de actividades comerciales como la industria textil, de manera eficiente y a un bajo costo, mediante el uso de materiales nanocompuestos biodegradables cuya síntesis es de fácil aplicación.
PENGGUNAAN TEPUNG SILASE USUS AYAM DALAM PAKAN PEMBESARAN IKAN KERAPU MACAN, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
Authors: Rachmansyah Rachmansyah , Usman Usman , Kabangnga Naftali , Makmur Makmur
Published: November 2016

Substitusi tepung ikan dengan tepung silase usus ayam dalam pakan telah dilakukan untuk mengevaluasi respon pakan terhadap keragaan biologi ikan kerapu macan, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus. Ikan uji diberi pakan yang mengandung tepung silase usus ayam pada level 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, dan 20% sebagai pengganti tepung ikan dan dibuat dalam bentuk pelet basah. Pakan diberikan secara at satiation dua kali sehari selama masa pemeliharaan 20 minggu di keramba jaring apung berukuran 1 x 1 x 2 m. Penggantian tepung ikan dengan tepung silase usus ayam sampai 20% atau setara dengan 39% protein tepung ikan tidak berpengaruh nyata bila dibandingkan dengan perlakuan kontrol terhadap keragaan biologi ikan kerapu. Diduga tepung silase usus ayam cukup memadai sebagai pengganti tepung ikan dengan kadar lebih dari 20% dalam pakan pembesaran ikan kerapu macan jika asam amino methionine dan lysine ditambahkan ke dalam pakan.Feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with poultry offal silage meal (POSM) in diet on biological performance of tiger grouper. Dietary inclusion level of PSOM at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% substitution of fish meal were compared with the fish meal based control diet (0% PSOM). Fish were fed diets (moist pellet) at satiation two times daily for 20 weeks rearing at a floating net cage of 1 x 1 x 2 m. The result showed that replacement of fish meal with POSM up to 20% or equivalent to 39% fish meal protein were not significantly different (P>0.05) compared with control diet on all of the biological performance of tiger grouper. From the result, we expected that POSM is suitable as a partial replacement of fish meal more then 20% in tiger grouper diet if methionine and lysine are added.
ANALISIS BIOAKTIF TANAMAN MANGROVE YANG EFEKTIF MEREDUKSI PENYAKIT BAKTERI PADA BUDI DAYA UDANG WINDU
Authors: Suryati Emma , Gunarto Gunarto , Sulaeman Sulaeman
Published: November 2016

Usaha penanggulangan penyakit pada komoditas perikanan pantai dewasa ini lebih diarahkan pada usaha diagnosis yang tepat dan cepat serta mencegah penggunaan vaksin serta pengelolaan mutu lingkungan melalui bioremediasi. Tanaman mangrove merupakan salah satu biota penyusun ekosistem pesisir pantai yang berfungsi sebagai tempat berlindung larva ikan dan biota lain serta sebagai penahan ombak dan angin, mereduksi kekeruhan, menstabilkan kandungan nitrat dan fosfat di dalam air, serta dapat menekan pertumbuhan populasi bakteri tertentu. Pemanfaatan bioaktif mangrove untuk mereduksi penyakit pada budi daya udang, perlu dianalisis untuk mengetahui jenis serta bioaktif mangrove yang dapat menekan pertumbuhan bakteri dan mikroorganisme lainnya. Metode analisis dilakukan dengan identifikasi jenis, ekstraksi, pemisahan, pemurnian senyawa aktif serta elusidasi struktur untuk mencari bahan aktif dan strukturnya terutama sebagai senyawa penuntun. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa delapan spesies tanaman mangrove yang efektif sebagai bakterisida. Fraksi yang paling aktif menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri yaitu fraksi air, EtOAC neutral, EtOAC asam. Hasil identifikasi isolat bioaktif tanaman mangrove antara lain Exoecaria agalocha yaitu Cyclohexasiloxane, Acanthus ilicifolius yaitu 2-methyl piperazin, Osbornia octodonta yaitu 2 heptanamin-6 methyl-amino-6 methylen, Avicenia yaitu Cyclopentasiloxane, Euphatorium inulifolium yaitu n-decane/isodecane, Carbera manghas yaitu Furanon gamma-Crotonolactone dan Soneratia caseolaris yaitu L-galactopyranosida.The effort of diseases controlling in fisheries commodity is emphasized to the accurate and rapid diagnosis as well as the use of vaccine and management of environment through bioremediation. Mangrove, one of the components of coastal ecosystems, has functions as shelters of many larvae, wave and wind prevention. The other functions are to reduce the turbidity, to stabilize nitrate and phosphate in the water and to inhibit the population growth of certain bacteria. The analysis of active component and structure of mangrove bioactive as lead compound was conducted by identification, extraction, isolation, purification, and structure elucidation method. The results showed that eight species of mangrove have been identified to show the activity as bactericide. The fractions showing the strong inhibition to the bacteria are water fraction, ethyl acetate neutral and ethyl acetate acid fraction. The identified bioactive compounds from mangroves are Cyclohexasiloxane isolated from Exoecaria agalocha, 2-methyl piperazin isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius, 2 heptanamin-6 methyl-amino-6 methylen isolated from Osbornia octodonta, Cyclopentasiloxane isolated from Avicenia, n-decane/ isodecane isolated from Euphatorium inulifolium, Furanon gamma-Crotonolactone isolated from Carbera manghas and L- galactopyranosida from Soneratia caseolaris.
Religion and the “Blessing” of American Citizenship
Authors: Manalang Aprilfaye T
Published: November 2016

This study investigates how Filipino-Americans perceive, interpret, and construct civicness, or the ways they embody immigrant, postcolonial experiences. It demonstrates how specific histories and contexts of reception, like colonialism, strongly intertwine with religion in shaping notions of American citizenship, as the U.S. formally colonized the Philippines during the early 20th century. Filipino-Americans, largely Catholic, feel a sense of utang ng loob, or indebtedness, for the “blessing” of American citizenship. High civic engagement ensues as Filipino-Americans seek to fulfill their “debt” and prove their worth by contributing to the development of their new nation-state. Although highly civically engaged, Filipino-Americans limit overt, domestic political participation due to feelings of utang ng loob. Paradoxically, Filipino-Americans attempt to transnationally increase their political power and civic presence in the Philippines because they feel obligated to help Filipinos “who did not receive the blessing of American citizenship.” Overall, this study advances analysis towards a more complex model on immigration, integration, and the role that religion plays in this respective process.
What American College Students Want from Religion
Authors: Taylor Kevin Matthew
Published: November 2016

In 2007, 10 groups of college students in an introductory-level religion course were asked to create a new religion that would appeal to their peers. This article analyzes the content of those religions, as well as student reflections on them, in light of quantitative studies and original analysis of a sample of college students drawn from Wave 3 of the National Study of Youth and Religion. It finds that college students see themselves and their cohort as interested primarily in religions that revolve around three axes: tolerance and inclusivity, moral and intellectual autonomy, and this-worldly happiness. These findings suggest that a synthesis of literature on the life course and on American moral culture provides the best analytical framework for viewing American college student approaches to religion and spirituality.
Hidden Religiosity in One of the World’s Least Religious Countries
Authors: Uibu Marko
Published: November 2016

The article analyzes the case of Estonian gynecologist and spiritual teacher Luule Viilma (1950–2002), whose status as a best-selling author of spiritual self-help books seems paradoxical in Estonia, which is one of the most non-religious countries in the world. The study focuses on the mysticized aspects of Viilma's personality and the central elements of her legacy: moral, meaning-making pursuits, and principles of self-spirituality, including the sacralization of the body and self. Viilma's syncretic teachings combined elements from several sources, including folk religion, the New Age movement, and Christianity, with their religiosity mostly disguised. The Estonian example suggests that religious/spiritual ideas are present even in the least religious societies. Although usually latent, such ideas become activated when people have specific reasons to turn to spiritual or religious sources. Health-related spiritual teachings (with their religiosity disguised) have been more effective than traditional religions in introducing religious meanings and frames in post-Soviet Estonia.
Prohibition and Eugenics
Authors: Nelson Robert H
Published: November 2016

The study of implicit religion has typically examined more recent bellief systems with contemporary followers. It is also illuminating to study historic implicit religion that failed.  Two of the leading such implicit religions are the alcohol prohibition movement and the eugenics movement.  For the former, its faithful saw the elimination of alcohol from society as a way of saving the world.  For the latter, the elimination of "defective" genes from society would have equally profound consequences.  This paper studies the histories of prohibition and eugenics from the perspective of implicit religion.
Stress–strain response of soft clay to traffic loading
Authors: Cai Y. Q. , Guo L. , Jardine R. J. , Yang Z. X. , Wang J.
Published: November 2016

Approximately 25% of China's 120 000 km of expressway, as well as many new metro lines and airports, rest on soft clay deposits. However, service settlements are proving larger than expected, especially in southeast China. This note describes laboratory experiments on K0-consolidated intact samples of soft clay taken near Wenzhou, south-east China, that explore whether cyclic traffic wheel loading contributes significantly to the observed settlement trends. Cyclic triaxial (CT) tests are reported together with cyclic hollow cylinder (CHCA) experiments that imposed cardioid-shaped 2τzθ − (Δσz − Δσθ) stress paths. Cyclic principal stress axis rotation is shown to have an important influence on vertical straining. Once a certain threshold has been exceeded, the resilient and permanent strains developed in the CHCA tests become progressively larger than their counterparts in CT tests conducted at the same vertical cyclic stress ratio, with trends that diverge progressively as vertical cyclic stress ratio increases. Critical cyclic stress ratios can be defined that divide the response into (a) stable, (b) metastable and (c) unstable cyclic ranges. The novel experimental approach and high-quality data reported should aid practitioners and modellers in developing new analyses to address this economically significant geotechnical problem.
Measured short-term ground surface response to EPBM tunnelling in London Clay
Authors: Wan M. S. P. , Standing J. R. , Potts D. M. , Burland J. B.
Published: November 2016

Earth-pressure-balance machines (EPBMs) were used for the construction of Crossrail tunnels in London, providing opportunities for field investigation of consequent ground response. Analysed results from an instrumented research site in Hyde Park with extensive surface and subsurface monitoring arrays are presented and discussed. The Crossrail tunnels at the site are 34·5 m below ground, deeper than those in most case histories of tunnelling in stiff clay in the UK. This paper characterises the tunnelling-induced ground response, both ‘greenfield’ and in the proximity of the existing Central Line tunnels, dealing with measurements at the ground surface. A companion paper covers the subsurface ground response. Vertical and horizontal ground surface displacements were obtained from manual precise levelling and micrometer stick measurements. Several key findings will benefit future tunnelling projects involving EPBMs. Volume loss values measured at the instrumented site were low, being less than 0·8% and 1·4% for the first and second tunnel drives respectively, higher values being associated with ground softening from the first tunnel construction. Smaller volume losses were recorded in the vicinity of the existing Central Line tunnels, compared with the greenfield location, suggesting that their presence inhibited the development of ground movements. Asymmetric settlement troughs developed due to either the nearby pre-existing tunnels or the construction of the first tunnel. Marginally smaller values of trough width parameter, Ky, were determined for these deeper tunnels compared with previous greenfield ground case histories. Resultant vectors of ground surface displacement were directed to well-defined point-sinks above the tunnel axis level.
Renal Aging: Causes and Consequences
Authors: O’Sullivan Eoin D. , Hughes Jeremy , Ferenbach David A.
Published: November 2016

Individuals age >65 years old are the fastest expanding population demographic throughout the developed world. Consequently, more aged patients than before are receiving diagnoses of impaired renal function and nephrosclerosis—age–associated histologic changes in the kidneys. Recent studies have shown that the aged kidney undergoes a range of structural changes and has altered transcriptomic, hemodynamic, and physiologic behavior at rest and in response to renal insults. These changes impair the ability of the kidney to withstand and recover from injury, contributing to the high susceptibility of the aged population to AKI and their increased propensity to develop subsequent progressive CKD. In this review, we examine these features of the aged kidney and explore the various validated and putative pathways contributing to the changes observed with aging in both experimental animal models and humans. We also discuss the potential for additional study to increase understanding of the aged kidney and lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
El género Eupatorium en la Valle Central de México
Authors: Paray Ladislao
Published: November 2016

Este género comprende más de 400 especies, la mayoría americanas. En México hay cerca de 150 o sea más de la tercera parte del total. El nombre Eupatorium deriva de Mitridates Eupator, rey de Pontus, según Plinio, quien aplicó algunas de estas plantas en la medicina. Este género no tiene plantas de importancia económica, sino solamente hortícola. La mayoría son muy vistosas, decorativas y muy aromáticas. En los bosques del sur del Valle de México son muy abundantes y forman, junto con los Senecios, gran parte de la vegetación arbustiva. Muchas son objeto de cultivo, como E. patzcuarense, E. glabratum, E. deltoideum, E. mairetianiim, E. lucidum , etc.
Investigaciones botánicas en México
Authors: Martínez Maximino
Published: November 2016

Nuestro territorio,  ha sido relativamente poco estudiado de un modo científico, y de aquí lo infructuoso de muchos esfuerzos, bien intencionados y loables, pero que no todas las veces han guardado concordancia con la realidad mexicana. Por lo tanto, tiempo es ya de que apartándonos de empíricos ensayos, nos detengamos a considerar seriamente las cosas mexicanas, para resolver nosotros, sin influencias extrañas, los problemas mexicanos.
Nombres botánicos de algunas plantas de Tepoztlan, Mor.
Authors: Reko B.P.
Published: November 2016

Se incluyen los nombres científicos de algunas plantas comunes de la región de Tepoztlán, Morelos.
El nogal de nuez encarcelada en el Valle de México
Authors: Roldán Angel
Published: November 2016

Entre los árboles mexicanos podemos considerar de primera categoría al nogal de nuez encarcelada, por sus dimensiones y naturaleza de productos, pues tanto su madera como sus frutos son objeto de un activo comercio, que conviene fomentar, pues sabemos que año con año se exporta la nuez cosechada en los Estados del noreste en cantidad apreciable y en el país se consume asimismo este producto cada vez más.
La hierba de Quetzalcoatl
Authors: Reko B.P.
Published: November 2016

Historia de la nomenclatura común de Tragia volubilis
Exploraciones en el estado de Hidalgo
Authors: Paray Ladislao
Published: November 2016

Descripción del recorrido y la flora
Los ciruelos de Yucatán
Authors: Souza-Novelo Narciso
Published: November 2016

ABAL es la palabra maya para diversas especies y variedades de frutos que en muchas regiones del país se llaman ciruelos, que corresponden al género Spiondias y que no hay que confundir con los verdaderos ciruelos europeos del género Prunus . Los Abales son plantas frutales muy estimados en esta Península por el delicioso sabor de sus frutos y por las propiedades medicinales que se les atribuyen.
La jojoba
Authors: Aguirre-Benavides Gustavo
Published: November 2016

El nombre botánico más comúnmente usado es Simmondsia californica que le fué aplicado por Nuttall (1841) en honor de T. W. Simmonds. Sin embargo, es anterior el nombre Buxus chinensis Link por lo cual le correspondería el equívoco nombre de Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Nutt.
Nota: Dr. Narciso Souza Novelo
Authors: Martínez Maximino
Published: November 2016

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Los camotes del pochote ( Ceiba parvifolia ) de Puebla
Authors: Muller Cornelius H.
Published: November 2016

El género Ceiba , según Standley (Contr. U.S.N. Herb. 23:789 et seq. 1923.) comprende 4 especies indígenas de México, de las cuales la C. parvifolia además de sus caracteres taxonómicos propios, tiene otros varios que la distinguen: mientras que alcanza 10 a 12 metros de altura o menos, con tronco de 40 a 50 centímetros de diámetro y vive en los cerros secos de Pue., Oax., Mor. y Gro., las otras especies (entre las cuales destaca la C. pentandra (L.) Gaertn por ser más conocida y de más amplia distribución comunmente son árboles enormes que se encuentran en las regiones más húmedas.
Nuevas fanerógamas de México
Authors: Paray Ladislao
Published: November 2016

Descripción taxonómica de algunas especies fanerógamas nuevas para México
Algunas observaciones acerca de la vegetación de la región de Escárcega, Campeche y zonas cercanas
Authors: Bravo-Hollis Helia
Published: November 2016

La vegetación y flora del Estado de Campeche permanecieron desde el punto de vista botánico casi desconocidas hasta hace relativamente poco tiempo, tanto que el sabio botánico norteamericano Paul C. Stanclely, en su Flora de la Península de Yucatán, dice lo siguiente: " .... Of the flora of Campeche our present knowledge probably could be recorded on a single page of not very small print"
Apuntes para una clase de botánica
Authors: Hernández-Xolocotzi Efraím
Published: November 2016

El hombre depende casi totalmente de las plantas para sus necesidades debido a la capacidad fotosintética, específica de las plantas verdes, por lo cual el material inorgánico es transformado en compuestos orgánicos (azucar, almidón, grasas, proteínas, etc.). La siguiente clasificación, formulada a base de la relación que existe entre el hombre y las plantas, sirve para señalar los grupos vegetales de mayor importancia agronómica.
Palaeomagnetic results and new dates of sedimentary deposits from Klasies River Cave 1, South Africa
Authors: Nami Hugo G. , De la Peña Paloma , Vásquez Carlos A. , Feathers James , Wurz Sarah
Published: November 2016

Palaeomagnetic data from Klasies River main site Cave 1 (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) are reported. Natural remanent magnetisation directions obtained from 77 oriented samples were determined by progressive alternating field demagnetisation methodology. Three palaeomagnetic samplings from the Witness Baulk from the Middle Stone Age (MSA) Late Pleistocene White Sand member and the Holocene Later Stone Age (LSA) middens in Cave 1 were dated and analysed to obtain the palaeomagnetic directions recorded in the sediments. Here we provide new optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates for the White Sand Member, and new accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates for the LSA midden of areas not previously dated. The palaeomagnetic analysis took into account rock magnetism and directional analysis. The former reveals that the main magnetic carrier was magnetite; the latter shows that characteristic remanent magnetisation of normal and anomalous directions was observed in the lower portion of the White Sand Member and LSA midden. Normal directions correspond to the palaeosecular variation record for South Africa during the Late Pleistocene. On the other hand, the anomalous directions recorded in the LSA midden might represent the likely Sterno-Etrussia geomagnetic field excursion which occurred during the Late Holocene and is observed in other places on the planet. Finally, the directional data obtained are a potential tool for discussing the age of deposits corresponding to those periods.

Significance: 

New dates confirm and extend previous age determinations for the LSA and White Sand Member from Klasies River
bibliometric assessment of energy research in South Africa
Authors: Pouris Anastassios
Published: November 2016

The results of an effort to identify the performance of energy and fuels research in South Africa during the most recent period (2003–2013) are reported. Bibliometric approaches have been employed in order to assess the field of energy research. Energy research was identified to be improving over time, albeit from a small basis. The field appears to equally emphasise fossil and renewable energy research. Similarly, universities were identified to be producing a subcritical number of energy articles in comparison with international organisations. The relatively small activity in the energy field appears to affect the international collaboration of the field, which is well below the national average. International comparisons in terms of articles per GWH of electricity produced and articles per million population show that South Africa should increase substantially its effort in the field in order to be comparable with other countries.

Significance: 

This article makes a unique contribution in scientometrics to the field of energy research in South Africa which, given its multidisciplinary nature, is a generally neglected field of study in South Africa.
phenomenon of skin lightening: Is it right to be light?
Authors: Davids Lester M. , Van Wyk Jennifer , Khumalo Nonhlanhla P. , Jablonski Nina G.
Published: November 2016

Chemicals capable of lightening the skin – variously known as skin-bleaching, skin-lightening, depigmenting, skin-evening and skin-brightening agents – are among the most commonly used skin preparations in the world. Globally, Africa reportedly exhibits a high prevalence of skin lightener use. In this review, we provide both clinical and social perspectives on skin lightener use in Africa, with particular emphasis on South Africa. We narratively explore the timeline associated with skin lightener use in South Africa and attempt to interweave the social rhetoric of this specific paradigm. Despite the risks associated with exposing the skin to known constituents of these formulations, such as hydroquinone and mercury, chronic use continues. In spite of legislation banning hydroquinone and mercury in cosmetics in South Africa, these ingredients are present in widely available products. We recommend better implementation of policies and greater ethical responsibility of multinational cosmetic companies in addition to the initiation of a system of random product testing and penalties that could improve industry compliance.

Significance: 

There is a high prevalence of skin lightener use in Africa.
Despite legislation banning harmful compounds, these compounds are still used in skin lightening formulations.
There is an urgent need to implement policies and recommendations for preventing the influx and illicit sale and use of untested skin lighteners.
Deriving cues from human cognition for the modelling of shack boundaries in aerial imagery
Authors: Shoko Moreblessings , Smit Julian L.
Published: November 2016

Organic studies inspire cues for modelling logic in image processing and become a basis for the development of novel remote-sensing algorithms. Examples of applications of such paradigms include the growing application of techniques such as object-oriented analysis and neural networks in image analysis for which the logic was drawn from studying various components of organic systems in the human body. Here we document a key investigation based on a set of cognitive tests conducted using aerial imagery captured over Cape Town (South Africa). These tests were conducted to later draw parallels with a feature extraction algorithm for shack settlements. We found that the visual variables of ‘pattern’ and ‘shape’ display the most significant cognitive guide for shack boundary extraction. Although the focus here was on digital imagery, learning points can be selected for application in other scientific fields as well.

Significance: 

Provides an interest point for several image-processing and computer vision sciences.

Contributes to geospatial studies and helps improve mapping and imaging initiatives.

Directed towards solving the challenges that urban governors face in slum management.
Formulating tasks to develop HOTS for first-year calculus based on Brookhart abilities
Authors: Maharaj Aneshkumar , Wagh Vivek
Published: November 2016

We describe an approach to develop higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) among first-year calculus students. The ideas formulated by Brookhart to develop HOTS were used to identify from the literature three core abilities that should be targeted. Then eight expected learning outcomes for the development of HOTS were documented, in the context of the study of first-year university calculus. Those expected outcomes were used to formulate sample tasks that were designed to target the development of the eight abilities. A pilot study was done to determine whether the tasks had the high mathematical demand envisaged. It was found that about 37% of the participants did not give any response to the tasks. Further it was found that about 31% of the participants were able to critically evaluate a given possible solution to a problem and make a value judgement. It is recommended that to promote HOTS among students, the formulation of tasks should focus on developing the following abilities: interpreting a general definition or statement in the context of a given model; translating a worded or graphically represented situation to relevant mathematical formalisms; identifying possible applications of mathematics in their surroundings; identifying linkages between groups of concepts and interpreting these linkages in the context of a model; working systematically through cases in an exhaustive way; critically evaluating one’s and others’ presented solutions to a problem; interpreting and extending solutions of problems; and using with reasonable skill available tools for mathematical exploration.

Significance: 

A large proportion of the student intake at university level is unable to answer mathematics questions that focus on HOTS. There is therefore a need to deliberately focus on and promote HOTS amongst the average students in the context of calculus.
Avaliação da adequação de rotulagem de alimentos probióticos com alegação de propriedade funcional
Authors: Borges Tayrine de Lima , Medeiros Stella Regina Arcanjo
Published: November 2016

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a adequação de rotulagem de alimentos com alegação de propriedade funcional à base de probióticos de acordo com a legislação vigente. O estudo foi realizado durante os meses de abril e maio de 2015, utilizando produtos comercializados no mercado varejista do município de Picos (PI). Foi realizado primeiramente um levantamento das marcas de leites fermentados em cinco redes de supermercados; em seguida, houve a seleção das amostras a serem estudadas e, por último, a avaliação dos rótulos quanto às conformidades com a legislação. No mercado foram encontradas cinco marcas. Os resultados demonstraram que 100% das amostras avaliadas declararam em seus rótulos microrganismos probióticos e informavam o nome científico das espécies utilizadas. Constatou-se que 60% mencionavam a concentração bacteriana dos produtos e que em 20% dos produtos havia a frase de alegação de propriedade funcional; 60% das marcas apresentaram motivos infantis bem destacados, o que poderá servir de sugestão de consumo para um público infantil. De forma geral, todas as marcas de leites fermentados comercializados no município de Picos (PI) estavam em conformidade com os Regulamentos Técnicos Específicos de Rotulagem de Alimentos Embalados de Rotulagem Nutricional Obrigatória de Alimentos e Bebidas Embalados; e o Regulamento Técnico de Substâncias Bioativas e Probióticos Isolados com Alegações de Propriedades Funcionais e/ou de Saúde. No entanto, as informações como as datas de validade e fabricação deveriam ser apresentadas com maior destaque para facilitar a visualização do consumidor. Por isso é importante avaliar a adequação da rotulagem dos produtos probióticos que são comercializados para a população.