bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the Expression Level of the MYBPC1 Gene in Skeletal Muscle With Marbling Trait in Japanese Black Beef Cattle
Authors: Tong Bin , Muramatsu Youji , Ohta Takeshi , Kose Hiroyuki , Yamashiro Hideaki , Sugiyama Toshie , Yamada Takashisa
Published: April 2015

Marbling characterized by the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat (IMF) in longissimus muscle (LM) and measured as beef marbling score (BMS), is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. The myosin binding protein C, slow type (MYBPC1) gene, involved in efficient energy metabolism and homeostasis during muscle contraction in slow skeletal muscle, has been previously shown to be expressed at different levels in the LM between high-marbled and lowmarbled steer groups using differential-display PCR (ddPCR). In this study, we found that IMF area (%) in the sacrococcygeus muscle (SM) was positively correlated with BMS in the LM in Japanese Black steers (n=22, r=0.941, P<0.0001). This suggested that the IMF area (%) in the SM tends to equate marbling level in the LM. Furthermore, we showed that the MYBPC1 expression level in SM was significantly higher in the Japanese Black steers (n=5) with high BMS than in the Japanese Black steers (n=5) with low BMS (P<0.001). Moreover, correlation analyses showed that the expression level of the MYBPC1 gene was positively correlated with IMF area (%) (n=22, r=0.858, P<0.0001) and BMS (n=22, r=0.769, P<0.0001), indicating the association of MYBPC1 expression level with marbling trait. These results, together with the previous ddPCR result, suggested that high level of MYBPC1 expression may be associated with the development of marbling in Japanese Black beef cattle.
Stepping inside the realm of epigenetic modifiers
Authors: Blum Roy
Published: April 2015

The ability to regulate gene expression in response to environmental alterations is vital for the endurance of all cells. However, unlike bacteria and unicellular organisms, cells of multicellular eukaryotes have developed this competency in a highly sophisticated manner, which ultimately allows for multiple lineages of differentiated cells. To maintain stability and generate progeny, differentiated cells must remain lineage-committed through numerous cell generations, and therefore their transcriptional modus operandi ought to be memorized and transmittable. To preserve the specialized characteristics of differentiated cells, it is crucial that transcriptional alterations that are triggered by specific external or intrinsic stimuli can last also after stimuli fading and propagate onto daughter cells. The unique composition of DNA and histones, and their ability to acquire a variety of epigenetic modifications, enables eukaryotic chromatin to assimilate cellular plasticity and molecular memory. The most well-studied types of epigenetic modifiers are covalently modifying DNA or histones, mostly in a reversible manner. Additional epigenetic mechanisms include histone variant replacement, energy-utilizing remodeling factors, and noncoding transcripts assembled with modifying complexes. Working with multifunctional complexes including transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers have the potential to dictate a variety of transcriptional programs underlying all cellular lineages, while utilizing in each the same source DNA as their substrates.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Antimicrobial Resistance of Lactococcus Sp. Strains Isolated from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Authors: Ture Mustafa , Boran Halis
Published: April 2015

A current profile of antimicrobial resistance and plasmid of 29 Lactococcus garvieae and one Lactococcus lactis strains isolated from rainbow trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from farms throughout Turkey were investigated. All isolates were sensitive to penicillin G (90%), ampicillin (86.7%), florfenicol (83.3%), amoxicillin (80.1%), and tetracycline (73.4%), and resistant to trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole (86.6%) and gentamycin (46.6%) by disc diffusion method. Twenty-eight (93%) isolates had two to seven antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) determined by PCR. The most prevalent ARGs were tetracycline (tetB), erythromycin (ereB), and β-lactam (blaTEM). Bacterial strains were also screened for plasmid DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis and two strains harboured plasmids, with sizes ranging from 3 to 9 kb.
Effectiveness of Selected Stages of Wastewater Treatment in Elimination of Eggs of Intestinal Parasites
Authors: Zdybel Jolanta , Cencek Tomasz , Karamon Jacek , Kłapeć Teresa
Published: April 2015

The objective of the study was to determine the degree of municipal wastewater contamination with intestinal parasite eggs of the genera Ascaris, Toxocara, and Trichuris at individual stages of treatment, and indication of potentially weak points in the hygienisation of sewage sludge. The study was conducted in 17 municipal mechanical-biological wastewater treatment plants which, to a slight degree, differed in the technological process of wastewater treatment and the method of hygienisation of sewage sludge. The selected treatment plants, located in seven regions, included five classified as large agglomerations (population equivalent - PE >100 000), ten as medium-size (PE 15 000-100 000), and two as smaller size with PE 10 000 - 5000. The largest number of viable eggs of Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichuris spp. was found in the sewage sludge collected from the primary settling tank. A slightly lower number of the eggs were found in the samples of excess sludge, which indicates that the sedimentation process in the primary settling tank is not sufficiently long to effectively separate parasites’ eggs from the sewage treated. The number of eggs of Ascaris spp. and Toxocara spp. in the fermented sludge was nearly 3 times lower than that in the raw sludge. The effectiveness of hygienisation of dehydrated sewage sludge by means of quicklime was confirmed in two wastewater treatment plants, with respect to Ascaris spp. eggs, in three plants with respect to Toxocara spp. eggs, and in one plant with respect to Trichuris spp. eggs. The mean reduction of the number of eggs was 65%, 61%, and 100%, respectively. In one wastewater treatment plant, a reduction in the number of viable eggs of Ascaris and Trichuris species was also noted as a result of composting sludge by 85% and 75%, respectively. In the remaining treatment plants, no effect of hygienisation of sewage sludge was observed on the contents of viable eggs of these nematodes.
Epidemiological Importance of Yeasts Isolated from the Beak and Cloaca of Healthy Charadriiformes
Authors: Dynowska Maria , Biedunkiewicz Anna , Kisicka Iwona , Ejdys Elżbieta , Kubiak Dariusz , Sucharzewska Ewa
Published: April 2015

The paper presents mycological studies conducted jointly with ornithologists on the epidemiology of mycoses and the taxonomic diversity and prevalence of fungi that colonise the selected onthocenoses in healthy, wild migratory birds. Aquatic ecosystem populations of healthy birds include a percentage of carriers of potential zoo- and anthropopathogens, and this study's purpose was to determine the percentage. The studies were performed on swabs sampled in vivo (during spring and autumn migrations) from the beak and cloaca of nine species of Charadriiformes in two age categories. Macro- and microcultures of fungi were prepared according to the standards for diagnostic mycological laboratories. From the 450 birds examined, fungi were isolated from 130 (26.5%) individuals. The sampling yielded 272 yeast isolates: 170 (62.5%) from the beak and 102 (37.5%) from the cloaca. The isolates represented 23 species, among which C. albicans, C. neoformans, and R. rubra were predominant. In both onthocenoses in young and adult birds, more fungi were recorded in autumn than in spring. As many as 15 species are included in the biosafety level classification, of which seven are categorised as category 2 and one as category 3.
Changes in Synovial Fluid Inflammatory Mediators and Cartilage Biomarkers After Experimental Acute Equine Synovitis
Authors: Wang Guanying , Li Xinran , Jiang Renli , Li Yue , Fan Xiaojing , Zheng Yu , Gao Li
Published: April 2015

The purpose of the study was to define transient changes in the concentration of inflammatory biomarkers and cartilage biomarkers in the synovial fluid of joints following experimentally induced acute equine synovitis. Acute synovitis was induced in eight skeletally mature mares by a sterile intra-articular injection of 1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.5 ng of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The solution was injected into the right middle carpal joint. One mL of sterile PBS was injected into the left control joint. Synovial fluid was obtained at the baseline level and at 8, 24, and 168 h after injection. The levels of inflammatory biomarkers-prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cartilage turnover biomarkers-collagenase-cleavage neoepitope of type II collagen (C2C) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide type II collagen (CTX-II) were detected with proper assays. Single injections of LPS raised the number of synovial white blood cells and concentrations of total protein, PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α, C2C, and CTX-II. PGE2 and IL-1β rose sharply at 8 h, while TNF-α increased steadily through 8 h and 24 h, at that point; these three factors returned to the baseline level by 168 h. The time course of C2C and CTX-II concentrations peaked sharply at 24 h, and continued to be significantly elevated over the baseline level even at 168 h. Injections of LPS into the joints led to a temporal inflammatory response, which in turn increased local release of inflammatory biomarkers and significantly altered the concentrations of cartilage markers in the synovial fluid.
MMP-2 Plays an Important Role During the Early Acute Developmental Phase of Oligofructose-Induced Equine Laminitis
Authors: Li Xinran , Jiang Renli , Wang Guanying , Li Yue , Fan Xiaojing , Liu Xu , Wang Jinglu , Pan Jialiang , Gao Li
Published: April 2015

The study was conducted on 24 Mongolian horses, with oligofructose-induced equine laminitis (10 g/kg b.w.). The objective of the study was to investigate the relationships among matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38 MAPK), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) during acute developmental phase of laminitis, and to determine whether there are any characteristic tendencies. Moreover, plasma concentrations of LPS and TNF-α were measured in order to determine the time of leukocytes’ activation. Eleven of the 12 horses showed clinical signs of laminitis. The contents of MMP-2 and P38 MAPK increased significantly from 8 h to 64 h, and the content of TIMP-2 decreased significantly at the same time. Plasma LPS concentrations increased significantly between 8 h and 20 h and reached a peak of 0.024 ± 0.009 EU/mL (equivalent to 3.04 ± 1.19 pg/mL) at 12 h. TNF-α concentration increased between 20 h and 36 h. This data indicates that MMP-2 plays an important role during the early acute developmental phase of oligofructose-induced equine laminitis.
Antimicrobial properties and chemical composition of liquid and gaseous phases of essential oils
Authors: Křůmal Kamil , Kubátková Nela , Večeřa Zbyněk , Mikuška Pavel
Published: April 2015

The antimicrobial properties of fifteen essential oils (EOs) tested on seventeen microorganisms were determined using the vapour-agar contact method. The most effective EOs (i.e. Lavandula angustifolia, Cymbopogon nardus, Citrus aurantifolia, Juniperus communis, Myrtus communis and Cinnamomum zeylanicum), whose volatile components afforded the best antimicrobial properties, were selected for a detailed study of chemical composition. All these six EOs contained one to three main components that presented 67-91 mass % of total mass of a corresponding essential oil. The amount of other components was much lower (less than 5 mass %). The volatile components of Lavandula angustifolia exhibited the most effective antimicrobial properties because they completely inhibited the tested bacteria and fungi within 3 days and 1 week, respectively. The components of Lavandula angustifolia with the highest concentration in the gaseous phase were linalool (99.0 ppmv), eucalyptol (44.9 ppmv), linalyl acetate (25.9 ppmv), myrcene (22.2 ppmv), β-trans-ocimene (19.7 ppmv), camphor (16.7 ppmv) and limonene (14.9 ppmv).
Three decades of auxetic polymers: a review
Authors: Bhullar Sukhwinder K.
Published: April 2015

Developments in design and technology in the engineering and medical fields necessitate the use of smart and high-performance materials to meet higher engineering specifications. The general requirements of such materials include a combination of high stiffness and strength with significant weight savings, resistance to corrosion, chemical resistance, low maintenance, and reduced costs. Over the last three decades, it has been demonstrated that auxetic materials offer a huge potential for the fields of engineering, natural sciences, and biomedical engineering, and for many other industries, including the aerospace and defense industries, through their unique deformation mechanism and measured enhancements in mechanical properties. To meet future engineering challenges, auxetic materials are increasingly being recognized as integral components of smart and advanced materials. Although materials with a negative Poisson’s ratio have been known since the early 1900s, they did not capture researchers’ attention until the late 1980s. Since 1991, these materials have been known as auxetic materials. Since then, their benefits and applications have been expanded to all major classes of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, and they are also now being used in engineering applications. The goal of this review was to present the development of auxetic polymers, which were first fabricated in the form of polyurethane foam approximately three decades ago and are now used in the fabrication of non-woven nano/micropolymeric structures. This review could provide useful information for the future development of auxetic polymers.
CSR as a Tool of Building the Competitiveness of Businesses
Authors: Żychlewicz Maja
Published: April 2015

In this article, author analyzes the application of CSR as a tool of building the competitiveness of business. She assumes that corporate social responsibility (CSR) could be a useful tool in giving a competitive edge to an enterprise.

The idea of CSR as a part of the tool creating the position of the company in the market is explored by the author. Besides, an attempt to define and comprehend CSR is undertaken. The author explains the necessary requirements that must be fulfilled for CSR to play the role of a useful tool for creating the competitive edge and spheres of activity for the individual, which should be taken into consideration while creating strategic CSR.
Data Mining and Statistics Methods for Advanced Training Course Quality Measurement: Case Study
Authors: Galchenko Maxim , Gushchinsky Alexander , Izdebski Waldemar , Skudlarski Jacek
Published: April 2015

Advanced training courses in the energetics field is a very important part of human reliability growth. In the words of S.E. Magid, chief of Technical Educational systems in Energy Technologies, UNESCO department: “The number of forced outages due to failures of equipment on the power stations -30 %. The share of operational personnel fault in these infringements makes considerable size (to 15%). As a whole in the Russian Open Society ‘United Power Systems’ the infringements percentage because of the personnel from infringements total makes 2%. At the same time, on power stations this quantity makes 18%. In power supply systems of Siberia the relative quantity of infringements because of the personnel reaches 50%.” [1].
Project Management in Research and Development
Authors: Kisielnicki Jerzy
Published: April 2015

Implementation of R&D projects determines whether the organization is changing and becoming fully competitive. R&D projects are the basis for innovation policy at the macro level - the state - and the micro level - the organization. Management of R&D projects requires not only high level of skills, but knowledge of highly developed tools to support the development of the organization. In managing this type of project, methods such as management competence, talent and knowledge, knowledge of modern information, and communication technology, stand out. In this study the following issues are presented: analysis of decision-making processes of R&D projects, basic modeling methodology of R&D projects, and analysis of communication systems in project management. The final part of the article presents the problems of commercialization of results obtained from R&D projects.
Directions of Changes in Organizational Structures of SME - Results of Empirical Research
Authors: Mierzejewska Wioletta
Published: April 2015

The article presents results of empirical research concerning the directions of changes in organizational structures of SME which have occurred during the last few years. The research was carried out in a group of 380 enterprises running their businesses in Poland. The organizational structure generally described in respect of parameters such as centralization, formalization, standardization and configuration. The main part of this article is dedicated to changes that have occurred in organizational structures of SME.
Closing the Gap between Marketing and Finance: The Link to Driving Wise Marketing Investment
Authors: Reibstein David J.
Published: April 2015

Unlike a couple of decades ago, today the majority of a firm’s value is in intangible assets. Marketing carries the primary responsibility for most of these intangible. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how marketing expenditures are linked to these intangible assets and that increasing the value of intangible assets is in the interest of both marketing and finance.
It is not always easy to demonstrate this link, and many marketing departments still struggle to prove the financial returns of their activities. Too often marketers rely on typical marketing metrics, like awareness or preferences, whereas finance is more concerned about market results like profit, cash flow or EBITDA. Rather than letting marketing budgets be cut during economic downturns, marketing managers should learn to show the value marketing brings to the firm. The key for marketers is learning to speak the financial language of the firm and helping train the rest of the organization to understand the longer-term financial assets resulting from marketing.
True Synergy for Real Effects: How to Control Integrated Marketing Successfully
Authors: Naik Prasad A. , Peters Kay
Published: April 2015

In integrated marketing, the effectiveness of each activity depends upon all other branding activities when synergies are sought. Synergies arise from each of the following four areas: combining different media types, scheduling their inphase or out-phase timing, using consistent formal designs and creating integrated content across media types. Using a proper mix of multiple media and synchronizing their spending patterns over time are more important than creating and designing advertising content when generating media synergies. In some cases, the effectiveness of one medium increases because of repetition of the brand’s message in a different medium. In other cases, synergies occur because the target segment gets to read, understand and elaborate on the advertised content, thereby reinforcing the brand’s message.
Synergies not only influence the effectiveness of advertising but also the budgeting. As synergy increases, the optimal total media budget increases, as well, and the proportion of the media budget allocated to the more effective medium decreases, while that allocated to the less effective medium increases. Sometimes the effects of synergies are surprising, and individual activities need to be seen in a completely different light when combined with others. Managers are welladvised to monitor synergies of their activities and reflect them in their budgets.
Keeps Working and Working and Working … The Long-Term Impact of Advertising
Authors: Hanssens Dominique
Published: April 2015

While some marketing tactics such as price promotions have mostly short-term effects, others such as advertising have both a short- and a long-term impact. A short-term focus in advertising measurement may bias return-on-investment calculations because it takes into account the complete expenditure for advertising but only a portion of its impact. Therefore it is necessary to assess advertising’s long-term impact on top of its short-term effects.
Sustained advertising effect arises from consumer response in terms of carry-over effects or purchase reinforcement like repeat buying or word of mouth. It also depends on corporate behavior like a company’s ability to learn from past experiences. A precondition to leveraging optimal short- and longterm advertising effects is to monitor success and infer theright action. The improvement in an organization’s marketing processes and behaviors can result in an impact that is over five times stronger and longer lasting. To produce such results, the organization must use consumer response metrics to advertising that are predictive of transactional and financial returns, spend on activities that create the short-term effects necessary for long-term build-up, repeat successful behavior and turn this feedback loop into better business practices and improved process management for both the brand and for the company as a whole.
The Long-Term ROI of TV Advertising in a Digital World
Authors: Wildner Raimund , Modenbach Guido
Published: April 2015

The methods of measuring market success and advertising effect are already quite sophisticated and precise compared to the early age of mass advertising, but identifying cause and effect in the world of marketing is still a challenge. There are so many influential factors, and more and more ommunication channels are becoming available for addressing consumers and promoting one’s brand. So how does good old TV advertising stack up in this environment? Has it become obsolete in the age of social media? Does it belong to the half of the advertising that does not work? If you consider both the short- and longterm effects, the answer is an unequivocal no. That was the result of the calculations of a model developed by Seven One Media, GfK Fundamental Research of GfK Verein and GfK TV Audience Research for determining the return on investment (ROI) of TV advertising.
Silting of Foum El Gherza Reservoir
Authors: Boualem Remini , Djillali Bensafia , Mohamed Missoum
Published: April 2015

The Foum El Gherza Reservoir fails to satisfy the irrigation of 300,000 palms of Sidi Okba and Seriana due to advanced siltation. Based on data from bathymetric surveys conducted by the National Agency for Dams, the siltation rate was estimated at 0.9 million m3/year. With a total capacity of 47 million of m3, the Foum El Gherza dam is silted up with more than 65 million m3. In this case, the life of the dam will not exceed 11 years of operation. The total silting of the reservoir will occur in 2023. Desilting the dam proves an emergency to save the palms of Seriana and Sidi Okba.
Modified Zeolites in Ground Water Treatment/ Modifikované Zeolity V Úprave Podzemných Vôd
Authors: Barloková Danka , Ilavský Ján , Sokáč Marek
Published: April 2015

There are presented results of technological experiments carried out in Water Treatment Plant Kúty. The goal of this study was to compare modified zeolite known as clinoptilolite (rich deposits of clinoptilolite were found in the region of East Slovakia in the 1980s) with the imported modified zeolite from deposit situated in Hungary. Klinopur-Mn and Klinomangan were used for removal of iron and manganese from ground water to meet the requirements of the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 496/2010 on Drinking Water. The materials observed exhibit different efficiencies of manganese removal from water, since the quality of the treated water play a major role (oxygen content and pH value). In the case of the removal of the iron from the water, the quality of the raw water is not a limiting factor; both materials removed Fe from the water to below the limit value (0.20 mg.l-1).
Diversity as a General Basis of Tourism – System Approach/ Diverzita Jako Základ Turizmu – Systémový Přístup
Authors: Schejbal Ctirad
Published: April 2015

The general basis for tourism consists in the diversity of natural and man-made environment. The diversity can be considered as a natural characteristic of natural and anthropogenic systems produced by them as a condition of its continuance and development at all levels. When assessing tourism, geodiversity, biodiversity and socio-economic diversity, which includes technological diversity might be defined. Geodiversity and biodiversity coupled with technological diversity for the basis of geoscience and montanistic tourism. In the case of biodiversity, in terms of tourism regional and structural types of diversity are particularly important that can be parallelized with a geotope and a geophenomenon. The aim is to highlight the need for system approach to the analysis of tourism as a complex phenomenon with a complex structure.
Microstructure and Mechanical Property of 12Cr Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steel
Authors: Xu Haijian , Lu Zheng , Jia Chunyan , Gao Hao , Liu Chunming
Published: April 2015

Nanostructured oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels with nominal compositions (wt%): Fe-12Cr-2W-0.3Ti-0.3Y2O3 were produced by mechanical alloying and hot isostatic pressing. The microstructure was characterized by means of electron microscopy (EBSD, TEM and HRTEM) and the hardness and the tensile properties at different temperatures were measured. The results showed that the ultimate tensile strength of the fabricated 12Cr-ODS steel reached nearly 1,100 MPa at room temperature and maintained around 340 MPa at 700°C. Nano-oxide particles with size ranging from several nm to 30 nm and the number density was 3.6 × 1020/m3 were observed by TEM. Following heat treatment, including normalizing at 1,100°C for 1 h and tempering at 750°C for 2 h, the average grain size was a little decreased. The number of nano-oxide particles increased and the number density was 8.9 × 1020/m3. Specimens showed much higher ductility and there was a slight increase of ultimate tensile strength and Vickers hardness at the same time.
Put-Down Humor Directed at Outgroup Members Increases Perceived – but Not Experienced – Cohesion in Groups
Authors: Gockel Christine , Kerr Norbert L.
Published: April 2015

Put-down humor always has a target, and the intent of the speaker is to make fun of someone or something. Due to its inherently social nature, put-down humor could strongly affect socio-emotional group processes and outcomes like cohesion. We hypothesized that put-down humor would increase cohesion when it was targeted at outgroup members and was followed by laughter. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the underlying processes of the put-down humor – cohesion relation. Study 1 showed that put-down humor of outgroup members (as compared to no humor) did not increase participants’ attraction to the group. But it increased perceived cohesion among other group members and the perception that other group members felt safer and were more similar to each other. Even when procedures were altered in Study 2 to reduce participants’ evaluation apprehension and their potential anxiety about not themselves being humorous, we found the same pattern of results. We discuss which conditions might be necessary for put-down humor to increase one’s personal attraction to a group.
From effective accounting and reporting to efficient outsourcing
Authors: Meyr Daria
Published: April 2015

This study aims to identify an effective management accounting and reporting concept for efficient outsourcing performance in sustainable organizations. Existing reporting norms of the “Systemanalyse und Programmentwicklung (SAP)” platform, used in JSC "Russian Railways" (further Russian Railways) were analysed. Thereby, in the paper a method of the formation of internal management accounting and reporting on the costs of outsourcing were developed. Currently, the analysis of the reports and effectiveness of outsourcing is based on the technique comparison “costs on outsourcing should be less than the cost of own units”. Effective analysis should include not one, but several factors and be based on multi-criteria approach. The main influence on the variation of such determinants as cost, productivity and staff members outsourcing has when the volume of production and prices are constant. According to the features of railway transport enterprises, existing method has been completed with statistical. It shows how outsourcing changed the performance of the company and by what factors - the average cost, or productivity, or staffing or due to variations of all three factors simultaneously. Further, the results of quantitative data analysis will be used to identify an effective management accounting in sustainable organizations while supporting the development of outsourcing.
Investigation of an Electrostatic Discharge Protective Biodegradable Packaging Foam in the Logistic Chain
Authors: Mojzes Ákos , Tóth Barnabás , Csavajda Péter
Published: April 2015

Since the beginning of the 20th century, logistics has undergone a huge technological development, which has, however, resulted in many negative effects as well. The industry, particularly in the packaging industry has been a massive waste producer, although recently it has forced the use of new materials and it started to focus on environmentally friendly technologies. During the transportation of finished and semi-finished Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive products, the product packaging system has a vital role. These kind of packaging materials must be suitable to both logistic (protection against mechanical and environmental stresses) and special ESD protection requirements. During the transportation of printed-circuit electronic products, ESD defense is then of primary significance. However there is a huge disadvantage for the use of various shield bags. Namely, this kind of associated packaging is particularly pollutant, it causes a lot of inconvenience in the form of waste. In order to rule out these materials from the packaging system, new innovative solutions have to be found. The investigated TPS (thermoplastic starch biodegradable foam) is subjected to a validation, a long process to certify that this material unites properties of two types of packaging materials at the same time. On the one hand, this packaging foam has to meet the requirements product defense. On the other hand, the material must be anti-static under the logistic stress effects. In case it is found suitable, it can be an alternative of the conventional materials. In this article, we investigate the ESD characteristic of TPS foam. As this material sensitive for environmental parameters during transportation, we make the relevant Surface Resistance (Rs) tests on different temperature and humidity conditions. Based on result, the decision of the application can be done, as an ESD packaging material.
Epileptic seizure propagation from the second somatic sensory area to the fronto-medial region, by insular redistribution. A case report and a connectome description
Authors: Balogh Attila , Halász Péter , Fabó Dániel , Erőss Lóránd
Published: April 2015

Introduction. The seizure propagation phenomenon by inducing remote symptoms brings several difficulties in finding the seizure onset and delineating the epileptic network which should be taken into consideration in epilepsy surgery. By demonstrating a difficult (MRI negative) epilepsy surgery case explored with invasive presurgical evaluation we highlight the importance to recognise the secondary sensory area and to explore the the parieto-opercular-insular-medial frontal network in certain cases. A further conclusion is the consideration of the redistributory role of the insula as a special structure in the cerebral connectome, having a role in epileptic network organisation.

Aims. To support the role of the insula in the organisation of an opercular – medial frontal epileptic network and to confirm Penfield’s the “second somatic sensory leg area” by way of a case report. We try to give an up to date exploration of our patient’s remote epileptic seizures by way of a connectome.

Methods. The epileptic disorder was studied with intensive video EEG monitoring and two times 3T MRI. Interictal FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) PET was also undertaken. Beside the scalp EEG and computerized frequency analysis, the evaluation was performed by invasive EEG with 2 grids and 2 strips and an insular deep electrode in addition. Electrical cortical stimulation and cortical mapping were also undertaken.

Results. The video-EEG study revealed the complex seizure semiology. The left sided global somatosesensory aura in the leg, followed supplementary motor area manifestations represented a remote seizure. The seizure onset zone and the symptomatogenic zone were localised by the invasive electrophysiology. With the insular deep electrode we succeeded to explore the propagation of ictal activity to the insula and later to frontal medial surface. The PET, the negative 3T MRI results and the postprocessing morphometry confirmed the lesional origin and localised the epileptogenic area to the second somato-sensory field where a dysgenesis was located.

Conclusions. By preoperative invasive video-EEG evaluation, the second somato-sensory leg area was delineated as the seizure onset zone. The resection of this area by IIb type cortical dysgenesis, resulted in a complete relief of the seizures. The invasive video-EEG revealed the peculiar role of the insula in the propagation of the epileptic seizure from the second sensory leg area to the ipsilateral fronto-medial supplemetary motor area. Our results, confirm, that the insula has a relay or node function on the parietal opercular-fronto-medial epileptic network. The connectome of the insula is a further additive of the scale-free features of the remote epileptic networks.
Variations in cognitive functioning in genetic generalized epilepsy: four case studies
Authors: Ballini Evangelina E. , Helmes Edward , Schefft Bruce K.
Published: April 2015

Introduction. The traditional view of cognition in idiopathic or genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) is that “one size fits all” i.e. only very mild generalized impairment might be detected, if any. This paper describes four case studies of cognitive functioning in GGE patients with photosensitivity and reflexive seizures.

Aim. The aim was to discover whether each individual’s set of cognitive deficits varied in accordance with his/her other clinical phenomena such as photosensitivity and kinds of reflexive seizures.

Method. Neurological and cognitive performance was assessed by comprehensive evaluation of each patient based on interviews, neurologist’s EEG reports and neuropsychological tests. Assessment of cognitive domains included estimated pre-morbid I.Q. based on reading ability and demographic norms, current I.Q., attention factors, verbal memory, visual memory and executive functions.

Results. Clinical signs and investigative studies indicated that two cases typically began reflexive seizure episodes with facial myoclonia which evolved into tonic-clonic convulsions or generalized myoclonic seizures. These patients had widespread attention and working memory deficits, some severe, together with lowered intelligence scores. In contrast, two other cases (with no history of myoclonus) had generalized reflexive seizures originating in the occipital lobes, very mild localized visual dysfunction and high intelligence.

Conclusions. The systematic variation in extent and nature of cognitive dysfunction illustrated in these cases with reflexive seizures (preceded by myoclonia or visual phenomena) would be explained by a more recent conceptualization of GGE as encompassing regional differences in variable hyperexcitability located at cortical levels or functional neural networks.
The ILAE definition of drug resistant epilepsy and its clinical applicability compared with “older” established definitions
Authors: Rohracher Alexandra , Dobesberger Judith , Granbichler Claudia A. , Höfler Julia , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Ortler Martin , Unterberger Iris , Walser Gerald , Thomschewski Aljoscha , Trinka Eugen
Published: April 2015

Background. Early identification of potential epilepsy surgery candidates is essential to the treatment process.

Aim. To evaluate the clinical applicability of the ILAE definition of drug resistant epilepsy and its potential in identifying surgical candidates earlier compared to three established “older” definitions of drug resistant epilepsy.

Material and Methods. Retrospective analysis of 174 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery between 1998 and 2009. Clinical factors and course of disease were extracted from patients' charts. Drug resistant epilepsy was classified according to four definitions and the time until fulfillment of criteria compared.

Results. Mean time to fulfillment of criteria of drug resistant epilepsy ranged from 11.8 (standard deviation (SD) 9.8) to 15.6 years (SD 11.3). Time to drug resistance was significantly longer applying the only definition, requiring failure of three antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (Canada definition), whereas time to fulfillment of all other definitions did not differ. Fifty percent of all patients experienced a seizure free period of ≥1 year prior to being classified as drug resistant, 13% entered another 1-year remission after fulfilling any criteria for drug resistance.

Conclusion. We conclude that the ILAE definition identifies drug resistant epilepsy, with similar latency like two of three formerly used definitions. It is an easy applicable tool to minimize the delay of referral to a specialized center. Intermittent remissions delay assessment of drug resistance for all definitions and 13% of patients enter a remission despite established drug resistance.
The plasticizing effect of properties of manganous chloride and glycerin on poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Jia Puyou , Zhang Meng , Bo Caiying , Hu Lihong , Zhou Yonghong
Published: April 2015

Poly(vinyl alcohol) films were prepared with manganous chloride (MnCl2 · 4H2O) and glycerin as complex plasticizer. The micro morphology of pure PVA film and complex plasticizer plasticized PVA films was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The interaction between complex plasticizer and PVA molecules was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The influence of complex plasticizer on crystalline, thermal and mechanical properties of PVA films was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and tensile testing, respectively. The results showed that the complex plasticizer of MnCl2 · 4H2O/glycerin could interacted with PVA molecular and then effectively destroy the crystals of PVA. PVA films plasticized with complex plasticizer of MnCl2 · 4H2O/glycerin became soft and ductile, with lower tensile strength and higher elongation at break compared with PVA films. This is an important cause of plasticization of the complex plasticizer of MnCl2 · 4H2O/glycerin on PVA films.
Salivary gland structure of Ctenarytaina eucalypti (MASKELL, 1890) (Hemiptera) and phloem exudate in Eucalyptus globulus LABILLARDIÈRE, 1799 (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Sharma Anamika , Madhavan Soundararajan , Raman Anantanarayanan , Taylor Gary S. , Fletcher Murray J.
Published: April 2015

The structure of the salivary glands of the free-living aphalarid Ctenarytaina eucalypti, which infests multiple species of Eucalyptus in Australasia and has been introduced into many other regions of the world, is described and illustrated. The principal salivary gland is multilobed whereas the accessory gland is tubular. 1-D electrophoresis revealed proteins of approximately 58 and 64 kDa in the salivary gland extracts and proteins of similar molecular weights in the extracted plant exudates, including phloem, from infested leaves and tender shoots of E. globulus. Proteins that could fall within this range include, but are not limited to, glucosemethanol- choline-oxidoreductase (53-66 kDa), Zn-binding dehydrogenase (67 kDa) and esterase (65-96 kDa), in addition to cytochrome P-450 (50-55 kDa), trehalase (56 kDa), amylase (50-75 kDa) and lipase (48-52 kDa). Previous studies indicate that glucose-methanol-cholineoxidoreductase, Zn-binding dehydrogenase, cytochrome P-450 and trehalase suppress plantdefence mechanisms, whereas the cell-degrading enzymes such as amylase, lipase and esterase have a possible role in enabling C. eucalypti to insert its stylet into leaf and shoot tissues of E. globulus.
An unexpected record of Myrmica schencki EMERY, 1895 as a secondary host ant of the hygrophilous form of a small and isolated population of the Alcon Blue butterfly Phengaris (=Maculinea) alcon (DENIS et SCHIFFERMÜLLER, 1775) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) in NE Poland
Authors: Sielezniew Marcin , Bystrowski Cezary , Deoniziak Krzysztof , Da Costa João Matos
Published: April 2015

Phengaris alcon is a socially parasitic butterfly species showing ecological variation across its distribution range. Host ant specificity was studied on a site (a mineral island surrounded by wetlands) in the Narew National Park in NE Poland, inhabited by a highly isolated and small population (estimated at several dozen individuals). We examined nests of their potential hosts, i.e. Myrmica ants, in patches of habitat where the initial larval food plant i.e. Gentiana pneumonanthe was recorded. The Myrmica species composition was shown to be unusual for such habitats because of the presence of M. schencki together with the dominant M. scabrinodis. In 2013 we found just one prepupa of P. alcon in a nest of M. schencki, which had never yet been recorded as a host of the hygrophilous form of this butterfly, and none of the M. scabrinodis nests were infested. However, in 2014 a very typical pattern for eastern Europe was observed, i.e. larvae were recorded exclusively in M. scabrinodis colonies and the parasitisation rate was 33%. In both seasons we recorded similar numbers of egg shells on gentians, which indicated a similar population size of adult butterflies. The results are discussed in the context of the ecology and conservation of P. alcon as well as the sampling design.
An Interlanguage Unification of Musical Timbre
Authors: Zacharakis Asterios , Pastiadis Konstantinos , Reiss Joshua D.
Published: April 2015

The current study expands our previous work on interlanguage musical timbre semantics by examining the relationship between semantics and perception of timbre. Following Zacharakis, Pastiadis, and Reiss (2014), a pairwise dissimilarity listening test involving participants from two separate linguistic groups (Greek and English) was conducted. Subsequent multidimensional scaling analysis produced a 3D perceptual timbre space for each language. The comparison between perceptual spaces suggested that timbre perception is unaffected by native language. Additionally, comparisons between semantic and perceptual spaces revealed substantial similarities which suggest that verbal descriptions can convey a considerable amount of perceptual information. The previously determined semantic labels “auditory texture” and “luminance” featured the highest associations with perceptual dimensions for both languages. “Auditory mass” failed to show any strong correlations. Acoustic analysis identified energy distribution of harmonic partials, spectral detail, temporal/spectrotemporal characteristics and the fundamental frequency as the most salient acoustic correlates of perceptual dimensions.
Pitch
Authors: Anta J. Fernando
Published: April 2015

Two experiments investigated the role of pitch-related information in tonality induction. In both experiments, participants were asked to: 1) identify (sing) the tonic of either an original sequence of tones or a distorted version in which pitch class distribution was preserved but pitch class ordering, pitch contour, and/or pitch proximity were altered; and 2) rate how confident they were in the tonic they identified. In Experiment 2, the sequences were presented with an isochronous rhythm, in order to eliminate the potential confounding effects of time-related information. The results of both experiments showed that participants’ ability to identify the tonic of the sequences, as well as their confidence in the tonic they identified, decreased when pitch class ordering was distorted, and also when pitch proximity was reduced. This suggests that tonality induction not only involves the identification of abstract pitch class structures, but it also acts as a pattern-matching process.
Si Bule Masuk Islam: Western Converts to Islam in Indonesia - more than just Converts of Convenience?
Authors: Brice M. A. Kevin
Published: April 2015

In discussing converts to Islam, two different types of converts are often identified based on the reason for conversion: converts of convenience and converts of conviction. The common view is that in most (if not all) cases, conversion to Islam in Indonesia by Westerners is about facilitating marriage and so the converts should be classified as converts of convenience. Evidence of the commonality of this view is considered by reference to advice offered to Westerners about marriage to Indonesians on specialist web sites and examples of coverage of the topic in Indonesian social media. By considering a number of brief case studies, the common view is challenged. The binary of “convert of convenience” versus “convert of conviction” is revisited to suggest that individuals may move between the types over a period of time. Finally the paper will consider whether there is anything about Islam in Indonesia which contributes to the phenomenon of “transnational” conversion by Westerners in Indonesia.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i1.1386
Islam dan Kolonialisme: Sayyid Usman dan Islam di Indonesia Masa Penjajahan
Authors: Burhanudin Jajat
Published: April 2015

Nico J.G. Kaptein, Islam, Colonialism, and the Modern Age in the Netherlands East Indies: A Biography of Sayyid ‘Uthman (1822-1914), (Leiden & Boston: Brill. 2014), xv + 317 pages.The book reviewed was the published result of long, scholarly research efforts. Nico Kaptein, the writer, presents a biography of Sayyid Uthman, an ‘ālim out of the Hadrami community in nineteenth century Dutch East Indies.  The biography is comprehensive in nature. More importantly, the author shows this Muslim scholar as having partipated in, and therefore contributed to, the structuring of Indonesian Islam. The content arrangement of the book follows the life story of Sayyid Uthman.  As an ‘ālim, Sayyid Uthman engaged in current Islamic issues in the Indies, and served as an advisor for Arab affairs for the Dutch colonial government. His being an advisor has long been a subjet of debate. For Muslims, the decision of Sayyid Uthman to cooperate with the government is unacceptable. The Dutch are not only unblievers (kāfir) but also anti-Islam. It is the issue of Uthman being an advisor that becomes the main discussion of the book.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i1.1391