bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential connectivity of splicing activators and repressors to the human spliceosome
Authors: Akerman Martin , Fregoso Oliver I. , Das Shipra , Ruse Cristian , Jensen Mads A. , Pappin Darryl J. , Zhang Michael Q. , Krainer Adrian R.
Published: June 2015

Background

During spliceosome assembly, protein-protein interactions (PPI) are sequentially formed and disrupted to accommodate the spatial requirements of pre-mRNA substrate recognition and catalysis. Splicing activators and repressors, such as SR proteins and hnRNPs, modulate spliceosome assembly and regulate alternative splicing. However, it remains unclear how they differentially interact with the core spliceosome to perform their functions.

Results

Here, we investigate the protein connectivity of SR and hnRNP proteins to the core spliceosome using probabilistic network reconstruction based on the integration of interactome and gene expression data. We validate our model by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry of the prototypical splicing factors SRSF1 and hnRNPA1. Network analysis reveals that a factor’s properties as an activator or repressor can be predicted from its overall connectivity to the rest of the spliceosome. In addition, we discover and experimentally validate PPIs between the oncoprotein SRSF1 and members of the anti-tumor drug target SF3 complex. Our findings suggest that activators promote the formation of PPIs between spliceosomal sub-complexes, whereas repressors mostly operate through protein-RNA interactions.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that combining in-silico modeling with biochemistry can significantly advance the understanding of structure and function relationships in the human spliceosome.
Laser-scan and gravity joint investigation for subsurface cavity exploration — The Grotta Gigante benchmark
Authors: Pivetta Tommaso , Braitenberg Carla
Published: June 2015

We have studied a big karstic cave (Grotta Gigante) in northern Italy using an innovative combination of laser-scan and gravity data. We aimed to forward model the gravity anomaly due to the cavity, verify its compatibility with the Bouguer field, and identify the eventual presence of other sources of gravity anomalies. A sensitivity study was performed preliminarily to assess the minimum size of bodies that could be detected by the gravity surveys. The 3D density model of the Grotta Gigante was constructed using as a geometric constraint the laser-scan data set, which mapped the internal morphologies of the cave, and density measurements on collected rock samples. The laser point cloud was reduced in data density, filtered from the outliers, and subdivided into two surfaces representing the vault and the floor of the cave, to correctly define the prism model. Then, a mean density value, obtained from laboratory measurements, was assigned to the prisms. We computed the gravity effect of the model in the same points at which the gravity field had been measured. Excellent correlation was found for the cavity; some gravity anomalies were revealed in the surrounding area of the Grotta Gigante that could be effected by other underground karstic morphologies. We attempted to estimate the probable size and depth of the causative bodies, compatible with the geologic environment. This site testified to the goodness of gravity methods for the exploration of such structures, that is, particularly important for risk assessment in a karstic area. The cave itself, the biggest tourist cave worldwide, represents an upper limit for expected gravity signals. The combination of exact knowledge of the causative body and the related gravity anomalies composed a unique data set (that we released to the public, as a benchmark), useful for testing inversion and forward model gravity algorithms.
Recent intimate partner violence among people with chronic mental illness: Findings from a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Khalifeh Hind , Oram Sian , Trevillion Kylee , Johnson Sonia , Howard Louise M.
Published: June 2015

Background

People with mental illness are at increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimisation, but little is known about their risk for different forms of IPV, related health impact and help-seeking.

Aims

To estimate the odds for past-year IPV, related impact and disclosure among people with and without pre-existing chronic mental illness (CMI).

Method

We analysed data from 23 222 adult participants in the 2010/2011 British Crime Survey using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Past-year IPV was reported by 21% and 10% of women and men with CMI, respectively. The adjusted relative odds for emotional, physical and sexual IPV among women with versus without CMI were 2.8 (CI = 1.9–4.0), 2.6 (CI = 1.6–4.3) and 5.4 (CI = 2.4–11.9), respectively. People with CMI were more likely to attempt suicide as result of IPV (aOR = 5.4, CI = 2.3–12.9), less likely to seek help from informal networks (aOR = 0.5, CI = 0.3–0.8) and more likely to seek help exclusively from health professionals (aOR = 6.9, CI = 2.6–18.3)

Conclusions

People with CMI are not only at increased risk of all forms of IPV, but they are more likely to suffer subsequent ill health and to disclose exclusively to health professionals. Therefore, health professionals play a key role in addressing IPV in this population.
An evidence-based algorithm for the utility of FDG-PET for
diagnosing Alzheimer's disease according to presence of medial temporal lobe
atrophy
Authors: Firbank Michael J. , Lloyd Jim , Williams David , Barber Robert , Colloby Sean J. , Barnett Nicky , Olsen Kirsty , Davison Christopher , Donaldson Cam , Herholz Karl , O'Brien John T.
Published: June 2015

Background

Imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease include medial temporal lobe
atrophy (MTLA) depicted on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and patterns of reduced metabolism on fluorodeoxyglucose
positron emission tomography (FDG-PET).

Aims

To investigate whether MTLA on head CT predicts the diagnostic usefulness
of an additional FDG-PET scan.

Method

Participants had a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
(n = 37) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB;
n = 30) or were similarly aged controls
(n = 30). We visually rated MTLA on coronally
reconstructed CT scans and, separately and blind to CT ratings, abnormal
appearances on FDG-PET scans.

Results

Using a pre-defined cut-off of MTLA ⩾5 on the Scheltens (0–8) scale, 0/30
controls, 6/30 DLB and 23/30 Alzheimer's disease had marked MTLA. FDG-PET
performed well for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease v. DLB
in the low-MTLA group (sensitivity/specificity of 71%/79%), but in the
high-MTLA group diagnostic performance of FDG-PET was not better than
chance.

Conclusions

In the presence of a high degree of MTLA, the most likely diagnosis is
Alzheimer's disease, and an FDG-PET scan will probably not provide
significant diagnostic information. However, in cases without MTLA, if
the diagnosis is unclear, an FDG-PET scan may provide additional
clinically useful diagnostic information.
Variations in sister chromatid cohesion dysfunction in esco2 mutant zebrafish reflects the phenotypic diversity of Roberts Syndrome
Authors: Percival Stefanie M. , Thomas Holly R. , Amsterdam Adam , Carroll Andrew J. , Lees Jacqueline A. , Yost H. Joseph , Parant John M.
Published: June 2015

Mutations in ESCO2, one of two EStablishment of COhesion factors necessary for proper Sister Chromatid Cohesion (SCC), cause a spectrum of developmental defects in the autosomal recessive disorder Roberts Syndrome (RBS), warranting in vivo analysis of the consequence of cohesion dysfunction. Through a genetic screen in zebrafish targeting embryonic lethal mutants with increased genomic instability, we have identified an esco2 mutant zebrafish. Utilizing the natural transparency of zebrafish embryos, we have developed a novel technique to observe chromosome dynamics within a single cell during mitosis in a live vertebrate embryo. Within esco2 mutant embryos, we observed premature chromatid separation, a unique chromosome scattering, prolonged mitotic delay, and genomic instability in the form of anaphase bridges and micronuclei formation. Cytogenetic studies indicated complete chromatid separation and high levels of aneuploidy within mutant embryos. Amongst aneuploid spreads, we observed predominantly decreases in chromosome number, suggesting either cells with micronuclei or micronuclei themselves are eliminated. We also demonstrated that the genomic instability leads to p53-dependent neural tube apoptosis. Surprisingly, while many cells require Esco2 to establish cohesion, 10-20% of cells have only weakened cohesion in the absence of Esco2, suggesting that compensatory cohesion mechanisms exist in these cells that undergo a normal mitotic division. These studies provide a unique in vivo vertebrate view of the mitotic defects and consequences of cohesion establishment loss, and they provide a compensation-based model to explain the RBS phenotypes.
Organic Light-emitting Diodes Based on Donor-substituted Phthalimide and Maleimide Fluorophores
Authors: Jang Myung Eun , Yasuda Takuma , Lee Jiyoung , Lee Sae Youn , Adachi Chihaya
Published: June 2015

Highly luminescent phthalimide- and maleimide-based molecules having donor–acceptor–donor electronic configurations have been developed. A phthalimide-based material exhibited highly efficient green delayed fluorescence owing to its small singlet–triplet energy gap. An organic light-emitting diode using the molecules as an emitter exhibited a high maximum external electroluminescence quantum efficiency of 11.5%, which exceeds those obtained with common fluorescent emitters.
Colorful Carbon Nanopopcorns Formed by Codepositing C60 with Diamond-like Carbon Followed by Reaction with Water Vapor
Authors: Xie Wei , Kawahito Aiko , Miura Takuya , Endo Takashi , Wang Yongming , Yanase Takashi , Nagahama Taro , Otani Yukitoshi , Shimada Toshihiro
Published: June 2015

We report the synthesis of a new carbon material—diamond-like carbon film codeposited with 1% C60 molecules—by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The synthesized films exhibited strong iridescent colors after being exposed to an atmosphere containing water vapor. An electron microscopy examination revealed that the film expanded by a factor of more than two, while forming 10–100-nm-sized grain-like structures after its exposure to water vapor. This work demonstrates a new concept of incorporating reaction centers in carbon solids to make carbon-based nanostructures.
Fertility and Childlessness in the United States
Authors: Baudin Thomas , de la Croix David , Gobbi Paula E.
Published: June 2015

We develop a theory of fertility, distinguishing its intensive margin from its extensive margin. The deep parameters are identified using facts from the 1990 US Census: (i) fertility of mothers decreases with education; (ii) childlessness exhibits a U-shaped relationship with education; (iii) the relationship between marriage rates and education is hump-shaped for women and increasing for men. We estimate that 2.5 percent of women were childless because of poverty and 8.1 percent because of high opportunity cost of childrearing. Over time, historical trends in total factor productivity and in education led to a U-shaped response in childlessness rates while fertility of mothers decreased. (JEL I20, J13, J16, N31, N32)
Concept of Information Sufficiency as the Basis for Inspections on Compliance with the Established Anticorruption Requirements
Authors: Tyeryeyenko Lyudmila , Tsirin Artem
Published: June 2015

The article is devoted to the concept of information sufficiency as the basis for carrying out inspections on compliance with the established anticorruption requirements. The authors note that the legislator, establishing the information sufficiency requirement, doesn’t envisage other requirements to it, in particular, its completeness and reliability. The authors believe that such approach allows ensuring observance of interests of both the person being verified and the society in general. The requirement of information sufficiency allows excluding unreasonable ungrounded inspections. On the other hand, completeness and reliability at the stage preceding control measures cannot be ensured. Only control measures and their results are able to determine the reliability (or unreliability) of the available information, which will be reflected in the inspection results. In their article the authors criticize the practice of using in the current legislation of categories with the uncertain contents that permit a law enforcement official to vary his administrative discretion; also the authors offer suggestions for improvement of the existing regulations.
Difference between Monetary Responsibilities and Monetary Obligations: Financial and Legal Aspect of Research
Authors: Omelekhina Natalya
Published: June 2015

Analyzing one of the key forms of financial and legal liability — monetary responsibilities, the author explores the relationship between such legal categories as responsibility and obligation. For these purposes, the author makes a comparative assessment of the essential characteristics of monetary responsibilities established by the financial and legal norms and monetary obligations. On closer inspection, it becomes obvious that, primarily, civil law duties, being the most doctrinally and legislatively developed legal institution, should become the object of comparison. The article reveals differences between monetary responsibilities and monetary obligations on the grounds of their origin, subject matter, the nature of arising relationship and the date of termination. Among the key features that distinguish monetary responsibilities from monetary obligations there are extra contractual nature of their occurrence, mandatory participation of a public legal institute (in behalf of whom the execution is exercised and who is vested with the power in relation to the party liable), the impossibility of replacing the members, the public purpose of occurrence, the imperative nature of the definition of the duty and the date of its termination as of the moment of proper execution of the will by the party liable aimed at the termination of the duty.
International and Legal Cooperation Development on Labour Migration Issues: from EurAsEC to Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: Davletgildeev Rustem , Sycheva Olga
Published: June 2015

This article is devoted to the analysis of international and legal cooperation in the area of labor migration in the Eurasian Economic Community and the Eurasian Economic Union. The authors study background for the creation and history of the Common Economic Space and the Customs Union, one of the main purposes of which is the creation and operation of a common labour market. The authors perform the analysis taking into account similarities and differences of legal regulation of the issue under consideration in the European Union, and make comparison. The authors point out to the continuity problems of labour migration legal regulation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, including harmonization of legislation on labour migration of the Union’s member countries. The authors study the institutional system of the Eurasian Economic Community (Eurasian Economic Union) and powers of institutions in the field of labour migration, indicate the presence of special migration authorities in the EurAsEC and in the Eurasian Economic Union. Provisions of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union devoted to labour migration are analyzed. The authors note the probability that the law harmonization function will be implemented in the Eurasian Economic Union not through model laws but through international treaties and decisions of the Union’s institutions. The authors assume that the Eurasian Economic Union will work out the desired integration model, based not only on political and economic interests, but which will take into account civilizational peculiarities of the Eurasian region.
Aspects of the Wound Process in the Choice of Surgical Treatment of the Ventral Hernias
Authors: Агаларян  , Agalaryan A. , Ротькин  , Rotkin E. , Хохлова  , Khokhlova O.
Published: June 2015

The examination of the wound process in 140 patients after the alloplasty, according to the standard method «on-lay» and developed method with the use of the flaps of the hernial sac was carried out. All patients were divided into 2 groups. The main group was consisted of the patients treated by the developed method using the flaps of the hernial sac, the control group of patients – by means of the standard method «on-lay». According to the data of the cytological study of the exudates in the both groups it has been found that the flaps of the hernial sac situated in the subprosthetic space contribute to the high content of the cells having the macrophage activity (neutrophils, macrophagocytes) in the surgical intervention field. In the main group, the mean volume of the secretion was 113ml, it was in 2 times less than the volume of the serous drainage in the patients of the control group. Decrease of the exudates volume in the main group influenced to the drainage terms (3 days average) and to the hospital stay (as many as 8 bed-days average). The absence of the infectious complications in the patients treated by method with the use of the hernial sac flaps is explained by the effective activity of the cells immunity factors in the wound.
Clinical Significance of Salivary Lactoferrin for Individual Prognosis Complications at Sanation of Oral Cavity in Patients with Locally Common Cancer of Oral Mucosa
Authors: Иванов  , Ivanov V. , Иванова  , Ivanova O. , Шейкин  , Sheykin M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose of the investigation is to develop and introduce the methods of prognosis complications of oral sanitation at the treatment of the patients with locally common cancer of oral mucosa. Sanitation of oral cavity in patients with locally common cancer of oral mucus membrane is connected with development of various complications among which infections and hemorrhages play a leading part. It determines problem of development of methods of forecasting of these complications as relevant. Material and methods: Based on a comparative analysis of 340 patients with above pathology the authors have traced dependence between the development of complications in oral cavity after chemical and radial therapy and levels of lactoferrin (LF) in saliva. This simple and non-invasive method can be as a marker of pathological states in oral cavity. Among the complex of the parameters the authors have studied risk factors of complications after the use of the cytostatics and radial therapy with resulting index of prognosis (IP) for development of complications. Based on the index of prognosis individual tactics of treatment was determined. Results: Depending on the saliva levels of lactoferrin in patients receiving chemo- and radial therapy a complex of prophylactic and curable measures was developed, which allowed to decreasing the number of inflammatory processes in a zone of dental procedures from 14,1 to 2,8% and the number of bleedings from 8,0 to 5,0%. Conclusions. Level of LF in saliva can be considered as valid prognostic marker of the development of destructive complications while oral sanitation in patients received chemo- and radial therapy. Assessment of the probability of these complications with correction of preventive and therapeutic measures should be implemented depending on the prognostic value of the index. Prevention activities for development of complications in sanitation of oral cavity in cancer patients after combined and complex treatment can reduce the number of hemorrhagic complications to 5.0%, and the local inflammatory processes to 2.8%.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Hirudotherapy in Preparing for Pregnancy of the Women with Alimentary-Constitutional Obesity
Authors: Омаров  , Omarov N.S. , Абакарова  , Abakarova A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose is to study the effect of hirudotherapy in period of preparing for pregnancy the women with obesity and high risk of developing preeclampsia, on the state of hemostasis and lipid metabolism. Materials and methods. The main group (n=127) was the women with alimentary-constitutional obesity and high risk of developing preeclampsia, received courses of hirudotherapy; the comparison group (n=120) was the women with alimentary-constitutional obesity and the control group (n=50) was somatically healthy women. Hirudotherapy is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the RF Ministry of health. The study of the basic biochemical parameters and serum lipid spectrum of blood was carried out by standard methods before and during the treatment process, there has also been the main links of hemostasis – platelet, procoagulant and link inhibitors of blood clotting. Results. The efficiency of the preparing for pregnancy in the patients resulted in improvement of general state of women (subjective and objective), contributed to the normalization in the basic biochemical parameters and blood-clotting sequences. The anticoagulant effect of procedures, for example, is manifested in normalization of the parameters of activated partial thromboplastin time and their stability for more than 9 months after the main course of hirudotherapy. Hyperaggregation of platelets with collagen to treatment occurred in 69,3%, after hirudotherapy it declined in all cases to standard values. By the time of pregnancy patients with severe obesity remained in 2,2 times less. Lipid profiles improved relative to a comparison group: total cholesterol decreased by 10.4%, low density lipoproteins – by 34.5%, triglycerides – by 20.8%, atherogenesis coefficient lowering by 1.2 times. Conclusion. Hirudotherapy can be recommended to correct the rheological properties of blood and lipid metabolism, which found out in patients with obesity.
Aspects of Modern Methods of Odontoceridae
Authors: Байриков  , Bayrikov A. , Кондрашкин  , Kondrashkin D. , Иващенко  , Ivashchenko A. , Лайва  , Layva O.
Published: June 2015

This article describes the anatomical experiment to identify, what percentage of time the doctor pays attention particular segments of the teeth during the operation odontoceridae. In the experiment, the group of doctors conducted consistently operation odontoceridae 44 and 46 of the teeth, and by means of device for video recording was done shooting field operations. Moment of contact a dental tool to separate segments was fixed by recording device. The time of treatment sectors of dissecting tooth was estimated on the received video or sound track and the ratio of time processing sectors was found. This analysis of 44 and 46 teeth was made. As a result of the distributions were obtained, showing which parts of the lateral surface the doctor pays more attention during odontoceridae operation. The authors conclude that during odontoceridae operation the doctor pays more attention to the most accessible for the eyes sectors of the tooth, and less attention is hidden from the eyes of the inaccessible areas. The doctor treats the areas of the lateral surface of the tooth, which are visible and easily accessible. Hidden from the doctor´s eyes the side surfaces of the teeth remain without attention and incur less processing.
The Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Living in the North Region, Depending on Cognitive Status
Authors: Молчанова  , Molchanova Zh.
Published: June 2015

Multiple sclerosis is the most frequent disease of the central nervous system. An increase in multiple sclerosis frequency was registered in several countries including Russia. This may be associated with better multiple sclerosis diagnosis and treatment, better data collection and real increase in multiple sclerosis incidence. Early disability and its rapid progression emphasize the medico-social importance of multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychological disturbances are often observed in multiple sclerosis, being one of the important components in the formation of clinical disease. 43 patients living in the North region with definite multiple sclerosis and mild or moderate disability were tested with expended neuropsychological, neurological and study of quality of life. The purpose of the study was to analyze the role of cognitive, emotional and personal peculiarities at multiple sclerosis on quality of life. To assess quality of life the authors used SF-36. The results of this study of quality of life revealed significant differences in the physical, role and social components depending on the cognitive peculiarities.
Reaction of Trachea Tissue on Monofilament Suture
Authors: Горяинов  , Goryainov D. , Бежин  , Bezhin A. , Иванов  , Ivanov A. , Кичигина  , Kichigina O. , Жуковский  , Zhukovskiy V.
Published: June 2015

The article presents the results of experimental research on monofilament suture with different biodegradation periods when implanted into trachea tissue. The data obtained via histological, morphological and morphometric methods have been shown that application of monofilament suture material with long biodegradation period causes evident inflammatory reaction of trachea tissue, which persists through the entire period of monitoring, by 30th day the cell index value is 0.4±0.05. Unlike monofilament non-absorbable suture and suture with short biodegradation period, the application of which is marked with active proliferative process on the 14th day, the cell index is equal to 0,9±0.05 and 1,1±0,06 respectively. The obtained data demonstrate that application of monofilament suture material with long-term biodegradation period in tracheal surgery is non-desirable as the inflammatory process maintained by the suture material under conditions of high contamination by bacteria and active process of mucus formation will adversely affect healing. Application of suture with short-term biodegradation period in acute trachea injury treatment is optimal due to the fact that the organ tissue shows minimal reaction to suture and 60 days later the suture is completely absorbed, that means will not cause further complications.
Cold Plasma Processing of Soft Tissues of the Joints: Model Tests on the Joint Rats
Authors: Прудников  , Prudnikov A. , Новочадов  , Novochadov V. , Гайфулин  , Gayfulin N. , Маланин  , Malanin D. , Жуликов  , Zhulikov A. , Батанов  , Batanov V.
Published: June 2015

The effect of the radiofrequency ablation on the healing of experimental mechanical damage, formed in the synovium, menisci, and fat body in the rat knee joints was analyzed in this paper. To generate a cold plasma the bipolar radiofrequency electrode “CoVac 50 Wand” of apparatus ‘Atlas’ (ArthroCare, USA), applied in modes 3 (150 V, 68 W) and 6 (225 V, 160 W) was used. The results of the healing of the spontaneous regeneration and after cold ablation monitored within 3 and 6 weeks after the injury were presented. Dimensionless surface factor, estimated volume of the regeneration, and numerical density of cells was used to prove morphologically the beneficial effect of radiofrequency ablation. As a result, the optimal effect of this impact procedure was shown in respect of the restoration of meniscus defects in mode of 6 (225 V, 160 W) and the restoration of synovium and fat body defects in mode of 3 (150 V, 68 W). It was recommended the treatment of fat body by gentle way. It was shown that the phenomenon of «smoothing-maker» doesn’t typical for the soft tissues, and coblative processing even in an optimal mode only contributes to the formation of a thin scar in the place of tissue defects.
The Basics for Comprehension of Adhesive Process Formation in Abdominal Cavity. Perioperative Prevention by means of Anti-Adhesive Drugs (Review of Literature)
Authors: Кондратович  , Kondratovich L.
Published: June 2015

The review of literature presents a brief history of study of adhesive process from the beginning of XX century to the present, the modern concepts of the pathogenesis of adhesive process in the abdominal cavity after surgery on the organs of the small pelvis, taking into account the development of molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology. Problems of study of adhesive process are relevant at this stage of development of surgery of high reproductive technologies and the use of surgical energies, careful approach to the tissues. The processes that occur in the peritoneum after surgery are described in detail. The mechanism of neoangiogenesis in the newly formed growths is presented in detail, conditionally and schematically. The role of growth factors of cytokines, fibrinolysis in the process of formation of adhesions is reflected. The sequence of processes leading to the formation of adhesions is presented in the time interval: from the moment of peritoneal damage during operation up to 12 days of the postoperative period, the time of formation of fibrous adhesions. The structure of connective tissue fibres by components fibres, i.e. the structure of collagen fibers of different types is examined. The review presents conditional classification of anti-adhesive drugs with description of the properties and characteristics by the method of their application, the composition of constituent substances, the forms of release.
Small AnimalReview
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: June 2015

Introduction:

Assessment of bile is useful in the diagnosis of canine cholecystitis and bactibilia.
An introduction to urinary tract interventional radiology: how can these new techniques help our patients?
Authors: Tappin Simon
Published: June 2015

The progression of interventional radiology in man has allowed the application of minimally invasive techniques to diseases in dogs and cats for which previously treatment options had been associated with high complication rates and poor outcomes. Placements of stents within the urinary tract allows the alleviation of obstruction in both the ureter and urethra, and restoration of normal urine flow. In cats, ureteral bypass systems are less challenging to place than ureteral stents and may offer the best outcome for cats with ureteral obstruction. Urethral stents alleviate urethral obstruction allowing normal urination behaviour. Good medium-term outcomes have been achieved when placed in dogs with lower urinary tract malignancies and combined with chemotherapy.
Feline diabetic remission: what is the recipe?
Authors: Gostelow Ruth , Niessen Stijn
Published: June 2015

Diabetes mellitus is a common feline disease that can compromise the wellbeing of affected cats and places numerous obligations on pet owners. A proportion of diabetic cats can enter a state of remission and no longer require exogenous insulin therapy. Achieving remission significantly improves the quality of life of diabetic cats and their owners, so would be an ideal outcome when treating diabetic cats. Although there is little strong evidence on the best management protocols to encourage remission in diabetic cats, it is likely that treatments which promote good glycaemic control provide the greatest likelihood of remission. This article reviews current evidence on the best management strategies to achieve good diabetic control and increase the chance of remission in diabetic cats. It also reviews predictors of which cats are most likely to achieve remission, and management of cats that have successfully achieved diabetic remission.
Management of traumatic wounds: promoting wound healing
Authors: Aldridge Paul
Published: June 2015

Traumatic wounds are commonly encountered in veterinary practice. Following stabilisation of the patient, the key to successful wound management is to thoroughly remove factors that will delay wound healing.
Understanding urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Rantell Angie
Published: June 2015

Urinary incontinence is a common condition in women. Angie Rantell explores the types of incontinence and how to manage them in primary care
Baseline review: The role of HCAs in general practice
Authors: Johnson Kellie , Moulton Claire
Published: June 2015

Health care assistants play a major role in general practice. This review gives insights into learning and development opportunities that will help to deliver high quality patient care
The Wrexham Titan prison and the case against prison expansion
Authors: Hart Emily Luise , Schlembach Raphael
Published: June 2015

The building of a new ‘super prison’ in Wrexham, North Wales has begun amidst a wider expansion of the penal industrial complex. Campaigns are mobilising nationally and locally against the project. This article examines the concerns surrounding what will become the United Kingdom’s largest prison and argues that its construction is a symptom of a wider ideological attack on marginalised groups while also examining the case against prison expansion.
News or social mobilization? An exploratory study about the role of Twitter in the Spanish indignados protests
Authors: Ferré-Pavia Carme , Perales García Cristina
Published: June 2015

This article intends to contribute to the debate on whether Twitter can be a complementary tool or an alternative to traditional media. Based on a qualitative and quantitative exploratory approach, the research focuses on the coverage of social issues to explore the informative capacities of Twitter. The sample consists of more than 1000 tweets covering the marches that occurred in Spain in July 2012 against the government’s public policies. The results show that less than 25 per cent of tweets could be considered as strictly informative. Due to its lack of informative focus, high degree of emotion, repetitive contents and personal writing marks, the power of Twitter seems to be rather an opinion and emotion net organizer than a reporting tool: we cannot consider it an informative source in the cases explored.
Batman returns, again and again: An exploratory enquiry into the recent ‘Batman’ film franchise, artistic imitation and fan appreciation
Authors: Joye Stijn , Walle Tanneke Van de
Published: June 2015

For many scholars, critics as well as fans, fidelity to the source material is the key word in a debate on film adaptation. This article, however, scrutinizes the issue of fidelity by reflecting on the character and story of Batman that has been so often rebooted and reinvented in its long history of comics and movies that one can wonder what the original is. Acknowledging today’s widespread cross-media exchange of narratives, the article shows that fans’ reactions to the filmic adaptations are as diverse as is the range of retellings of the Batman story. Focusing on the different interpretations of the villain Bane in the recent film franchise, it demonstrates that most fans prefer a sense of faithfulness towards the ‘essence’ of the character rather than an accurate resemblance in appearance or look. The study further acknowledges the growing importance of fans in the creative and economic process of adaptation.
Catalan adolescents’ media uses and leisure preferences related to new media and television
Authors: Fedele Maddalena , García-Muñoz Núria , Prado Emili
Published: June 2015

This article presents the main findings of a Media Uses Study (MUS), carried out in Catalonia in the context of a wider study of adolescents’ reception of television fiction programmes. Its main aim was to provide a general picture of Catalan adolescents’ media uses and leisure preferences. Method included a survey of 239 adolescents aged 15 to 18, and three focus groups. Adolescents’ media usage was characterized through the following elements: the weight of media-related activities within their leisure diet, the media equipment available, and the uses attributed by teenagers to the mobile phone, the Internet and television. Among the main results, the importance of the peer group in relation to both leisure and media activities must be emphasized. Moreover, adolescents’ media usage can be described according to a double dynamics, with new media being used as tools for socializing and communication, and television especially for shared viewing with the family.
The representation of the forest in Koldo Serra’s Bosque de sombras (2006)
Authors: Mitchell Paul
Published: June 2015

In this article, I undertake an analysis of the Spanish film, Bosque de sombras/The Backwoods in order to explore the shifting representations of the forest in the national cinema. I suggest that, during the dictatorship and the period of the transition following Franco’s death, the forest was utilized by film-makers as a site in which to express subversive political ideas. In the twentieth century, this rich tradition continues and yet, as the film which is used here as a case study demonstrates, with a significantly altered perspective. Rather than returning to the same denunciation of Falangist policies that had been the hallmark of much earlier Spanish cinema, el cine del bosque has now become a medium through which film-makers can explore more contemporary anxieties about masculine and regional/national identities, a focus of particular interest, given the current debate about an independent Catalan state.
OBSERVING LANDSCAPE CHANGES USING DISTANT
Authors: Pacina Jan , Sládek Ján
Published: June 2015

Landscape changes are a very common phenomenon in the area of North-West Bohemia(the Czech Republic) as this area is heavy industrialized. This paper presents two methods forobserving the landscape – the bathymetric mapping and the aerial mapping. The bathymetricmapping is used to reconstruct the original surface in area where the Nechranice dam was built in1960’ and to evaluate the sedimentation caused by the Ohře River. The original surface of the Ohřeriver canyon was reconstructed using old maps and the bathymetric mapping was performed withLowrance HDS-5 Sonar. The aerial mapping introduced in this paper is a new method of using SmallFormat Aerial Photography in connection with an ordinary aircraft. The gimbal (camera stabilization)normally used by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is mounted into a small aircraft and allowing thescanning of very large areas – in our case the open-pit mine Tušimice was the target of our study.The derived orthophoto and Digital Surface Models were used to complete the georelief developmentanalysis based on old maps and aerial photographs.
DETERMINING FACTORS IN THE CONVERSION OF POWER STATIONS. THE CASE STUDY OF NORDKRAFT POWER PLANT (AALBORG) IN COMPARISON TO OTHER PLANTS AROUND THE WORLD
Authors: Janoušková Marie
Published: June 2015

Due to the processes of deindustrialization and urban regeneration, former industrialbuildings, especially former power plants, have been converted to new, often cultural purposes.Specifically, this paper addresses the conversion of power plants, which is considered to be a veryimportant topic, as hundreds of decaying, non-functional power plants can be found throughout theworld. It is important to rescue some and, by converting them, give them a new touch and a newuse.This paper strives to discuss the most important factors that affect the conversion of powerplants aimed at finding new functions for these former industrial buildings.Firstly, the article describes the power plants in Aalborg, and Nordkraft in particular. It dealswith the complex history of the building which, due to the increasing consumption of electricity, hadto be extended several times. Secondly, the paper also addresses the issues of finding a use forsuch large buildings and preventing their decay before the investor finds a suitable function forthem. Thirdly, the paper deals with the reconstruction of the power plant from the point of view ofarchitectural solutions and details, organisational aspects of the conversion, approach to theimmediate surroundings, and financing options. Finally, some trends and opportunities for thereconstruction of similar buildings around the world are outlined in order to show the options forsaving them by means of conversion.
Professional and Career Development of Vocational Subject Teachers as a Trend in the Lifelong Learning of Teachers
Authors: Tamášová Viola
Published: June 2015

This research study concerns the trends in the lifelong learning of teachers including self-education as a form of teacher personal development. It explores the importance, role and objectives of lifelong learning, andragogic pedeutology, as well as the trends and further education of possibilities of teachers in Slovakia with regards to the forms of learning, qualification education and continuing education. We present the findings of a research survey on the educational needs of secondary vocational school (SVS) teachers as one of the results of the KEGA 005 DTI-4/2013 project in the study. We also present the research objectives, research questions, research sample of SVS teachers, research methods and instruments. In addition to presenting the findings of the current and updated education needs of SVS teachers in the sample and their interpretation, we formulate the research conclusions on the educational needs of SVS teachers as one of the results of the KEGA 005 DTI-4/2013 project.
Father’s and Mother’s Roles and Their Particularities in Raising Children
Authors: Gežová Katarína Cimprichová
Published: June 2015

We live in the era, when a lack of understanding the elementary family's functions and ineffectiveness in creating lasting and open relations within the family backgrounds are a frequent phenomenon. The breakdown of the family is often caused by immaturity and inadequate conditions for the parental and marital role. Personal tragedies, as well as the consequences in the upbringing, are serious effects of divorce and family breakdown. In this article we are attempting to point out an importance of the family in our current society with an emphasis on the particularities of the father’s and mother’s role in child rearing.
Effects of neuritin on the migration, senescence and proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Liu Chunyan , Xu Fen , Cui Lijuan , Tan Siwei , Chen Rong , Yang Lei , Huang Jin
Published: June 2015

Neuritin is a neurotrophic factor associated with neuroplasticity. Most studies on neuritin focus on the nervous system; however, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of neuritin in non-neuronal cells. In this study, we screened 11 cell lines and found that neuritin was not expressed in bone marrowderived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Neuritin-expressing BMSCs were obtained by transfection. In the neuritin-expressing BMSC model, we observed significantly greater cell migration and improved anti-senescence protection, in addition to reduced proliferation and viability. In conclusion, neuritin not only plays an important role in the nervous system but also has an effect on the migration, senescence, proliferation, and viability of stem cells. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the function of neuritin.
Wound healing potential of Capparis spinosa against cutaneous wounds infected by Escherichia coli in a rat model
Authors: Amiri Iman Asheghian , Moslemi Hamid Reza , Tehrani-Sharif Meysam , Kafshdouzan Khatereh
Published: June 2015

Wound infection has become a major medical problem in recent years. This study was conducted to evaluate the healing activity of Capparis spinosa against surgical wounds infected by Escherichia coli. Twenty male rats were divided into two groups. Excisions were created surgically on the animals’ skin and then infected with E coli. Group 1 was treated with C spinosa while Group 2 was untreated. Wound biopsy specimens were collected on days 5, 10 and 16 and analyzed. Results showed that the hydroxyproline content in treatment group was significantly higher in various post wounding days. Protein content increased gradually in ten days. Results of histopathological studies showed moderate to intense granulation tissue formation in treated group on day 10. The histopathological studies showed, that the new epidermis in treated group was thicker than in control group on day 16 post wounding. The present study has demonstrated that ethanol extract of C spinosa includes properties that accelerate wound healing activities.
Characterization of adhesive penetration in wood bond by means of scanning thermal microscopy (SThM)
Authors: Xu Deliang , Zhang Yang , Zhou Handong , Meng Yujie , Wang Siqun
Published: June 2015

The penetration characteristics of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, modified by two different nanomaterials (PFmod), has been studied by means of scanning thermal microscopy (SThM). The thermal conductivity (ThC) of the two PFmod was lower than that of the cell wall (CW), but the ThC of both PF resins was basically the same. SThM imaging revealed the penetration of parts of PFmod into the CW by a ThC transitional region, which exists between the CW and the resin. In the transitional zone, the ThC changed obviously in a region about 2 μm in width. This region includes two subregions, one about 0.7 μm and another 1.3 μm in width. The first one is the interface, where PFmod and the CW are in direct contact where the ThC changes rapidly. In the second subregion, the PFmod and CW are in interaction, and ThC changes slowly. Regarding the adhesives’ penetration into the cell lumen, the ThC of the penetrating adhesive was higher than that in the glue line, and this is an indication that SThM is a useful tool to detect the differences of adhesive penetration at the micro-scale level.
Statins as Pleiotropic Modifiers of Vascular Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Psarros Costas , Economou Evangelos K. , Koutsilieris Michael , Antoniades Charalambos
Published: June 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world and in the future is expected to be the number one killer worldwide. The main cause underlying CVD is atherosclerosis. A key event in atherosclerosis initiation and progression is oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species as well as endothelial dysfunction. Several pro- inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and proteins are involved in this process, complemented by activation of adhesion molecules that promote leukocyte rolling, tethering and infiltration into the sub-endothelial space. Statins represent the agent of choice since numerous clinical trials have verified that their pharmacological action extends beyond lipid lowering. Statins demonstrate direct anti-oxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and stimulating anti-oxidant enzymes while acting as regulators for cytokine, protein and adhesion molecule expression, all of which are involved in the atherosclerotic process. Statin use is considered one of the most efficient currently used interventions in managing CVD with the likely hood of remaining so in the near future.
New records of anthozoan species (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Hexacorallia) for the Turkish Straits System
Authors: Barış Özalp H. , Suat Ateş A.
Published: June 2015

This study includes new records of soft corals found in the Turkish Straits System (Dardanelles) between 2013-2014. In the above-mentioned area, 50 stations were searched by scientific divers from the intertidal zone to a depth of over 45 m and the ecological characteristics with substrate differences were also recorded. A total of 47 cnidarians were examined during the surveys. Eleven anthozoan species (Aiptasia mutabilis, Alcyonium acaule, Andresia parthenopea, Calliactis parasitica, Cereus pedunculatus, Condylactis aurantiaca, Epizoanthus couchii, Maasella edwardsi, Pteroeides spinosum, Sarcodictyon roseum, Veretillum cynomorium) belonging to 4 orders are new to the Dardanelles strait, one of which is reported from the Marmara Sea. The current data contributed to the advancement of the knowledge about anthozoan species in the Turkish Seas.