bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocytic membrane turnover at the leading edge is driven by a transient interaction between Cdc42 and GRAF1
Authors: Francis Monika Kristina , Holst Mikkel Roland , Vidal-Quadras Maite , Henriksson Sara , Santarella-Mellwig Rachel , Sandblad Linda , Lundmark Richard
Published: October 2015

Changes in cell morphology require coordination of plasma membrane turnover and cytoskeleton dynamics, processes that are regulated by Rho GTPases. Here, we describe how a direct interaction between the Rho GTPase Cdc42 and the GTPase activating protein (GAP) GRAF1, facilitate rapid cell surface turnover at the leading edge. Both Cdc42 and GRAF1 were required for fluid phase uptake and regulated the generation of transient GRAF1-coated endocytic carriers, distinct from clathrin coated vesicles. GRAF1 was found to transiently assemble at discrete Cdc42-enriched punctae at the plasma membrane resulting in a corresponding decrease in Cdc42 microdomain association. However, Cdc42 captured in its active state was, via a GAP domain mediated interaction, localised together with GRAF1 on accumulated internal structures derived from the cell surface. Correlative fluorescence and electron tomography microscopy revealed that these structures were clusters of small membrane carriers affected in their endosomal processing. We conclude that a transient interaction between Cdc42 and GRAF1 drives endocytic turnover and controls the transition essential for endosomal maturation of plasma membrane internalised by this mechanism.
Activation of Isocyanides and Hydrosilanes by a Cationic [CCH] Subunit in a Tetrairon–Tetracarbon Cluster
Authors: Taniwaki Wataru , Ohta Shun , Okazaki Masaaki
Published: October 2015

The reactivity of [(η5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCH)(HCC-NC4H4N)](PF6)2 (1) toward isocyanides and hydrosilanes was examined. The reaction of 1 with tert-butyl isocyanide led to C(sp3)-N(sp) bond cleavage to give [(η5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCH)(HCC-CN)](PF6) (2), 1-tert-butylpyrazinium salt, and isobutene. In the reactions with cyclohexyl and benzyl isocyanides, isocyanide adducts [(η5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCH)(HCC-CNR)](PF6)2 (R = Cy (5), CH2Ph (6)) were obtained and further transformed to 2 (70 °C, 10 h for 5; RT, 120 h for 6). The reactions of 1 with aryl isocyanides such as 2,6-dimethylphenyl and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl isocyanides yielded thermally stable [(η5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCH)(HCC-CNAr)](PF6)2 (Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (8), 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2 (9)). The Si–H bonds of R3SiH (R = Et, Ph), Ph2SiH2, and PhSiH3 were activated to give [(η5-C5H4Me)4Fe4(HCCH)2](PF6) together with the corresponding fluorosilanes. Coordination of the substrates with a cationic [CCH] subunit promoted the cleavage of the carbon–nitrogen and silicon–hydrogen bonds to give the products.
The Temperature Feedback Problem
Authors: Monckton Christopher
Published: October 2015

In the past 810 ka, inferred variability of absolute temperature has barely exceeded ±3 K, or ±1 % of the period mean. This thermostatic behavior seems inconsistent with a feedback sum f t = (σ i f t,i) ≫ 0 over any term of years t. In electronic circuits, as the loop gain g t exceeds 1, the Bode system-gain relation G t = (1 − g t)−1 models the abrupt transition of the output voltage from V t → + ∞ to − ∞ ← V t ( G t, V t being momentarily undefined at the singularity, where g t = 1). Yet in the climate, where g t might plausibly exceed unity owing to, say, the near-exponential Clausius-Clapeyron increase in the water-vapor carrying capacity of the atmospheric space as it warms, +Δ f t ⇒ +Δ T t ⇏ −Δ T t for all f t > 0. In this and several other material respects the Bode relation, which as clearly specifies a negative dynamical-system response to g t > 1 as a positive response to g t < 1, seems inapplicable to the climate. In general-circulation models, the equilibrium system gain G∞ = (1 − g∞)−1 = (1 − Λ0 f∞)−1, where Λ0 is the Planck parameter, doubles or triples a direct warming. But if Bode is inapplicable to the climate, what is the appropriate relation between loop gain g t and system gain G t, and thus between instantaneous (Δ T0), transient (Δ T t), and equilibrium (Δ T∞) climate sensitivity? What representation of system gain in the climate should replace the inapplicable Bode relation?
Renewable Energy Target for Australia – The Role of Fuel Conversion Efficiency and Waste Biomass Valorisation
Authors: Parker Albert
Published: October 2015

The Federal Government of Australia is reviewing the Renewable Energy Target (RET) which is to achieve the generation of 20% of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. 85.61% of electricity is produced by burning coal in power stations that are generally much older and more obsolete, less efficient and more polluting, than the average of the OECD countries. (January-July 2012 IEA data) Of the remaining electricity 11.51% is derived from hydro-power and the remaining 2.86% almost entirely from wind. Australia is very rich in other energy sources, including natural gas and uranium. However, it makes practically no use of the huge annual biomass and bio waste production. This is almost completely unutilised: buried in landfills, burned or allowed to decompose, thus ignoring a near-zero emission energy option is possibly unique among the OECD countries. Better economies and energy efficiency for power generation could come from achieving a reduced production costs assessed on a whole lifecycle analysis. Alternatives for generating electricity per kWh are compared net of subsidies and penalties. This promises a better environmental outcome which requires the reduction of lifecycle emissions of pollutants and carbon dioxide. It also minimises other negative effects of conservation and society.
Publication Bias in Measuring Anthropogenic Climate Change
Authors: Reckova Dominika , Irsova Zuzana
Published: October 2015

We present a meta-regression analysis of the relation between the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and changes in global temperature. The relation is captured by “climate sensitivity,” which measures the response to a doubling of carbon dioxide concentrations compared to pre-industrial levels. Estimates of climate sensitivity play a crucial role in evaluating the impacts of climate change and constitute one of the most important inputs into the computation of the social cost of carbon, which reflects the socially optimal value of a carbon tax. Climate sensitivity has been estimated by many researchers, but their results vary significantly. We collect 48 estimates from 16 studies and analyze the literature quantitatively. We find evidence for publication selection bias: researchers tend to report preferentially large estimates of climate sensitivity. Corrected for publication bias, the bulk of the literature is consistent with climate sensitivity lying between 1.4 and 2.3°C.
Transition to Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Implications for Energy Demand and GHG Emissions in Iran
Authors: Aryanpur Vahid , Shafiei Ehsan
Published: October 2015

A comprehensive well-to-wheel analysis is applied to evaluate the conventional and alternative fuel production pathways and the corresponding vehicle powertrains from economic, technological and environmental perspectives. Well-to-tank section determines fuel cost, fuel availability, and supply chain emissions. Tank-to-wheel section simulates the long-term evolution of light-duty vehicle fleet using a consumer vehicle choice model. Consumers adopt the new vehicles based on their preferences towards vehicle attributes, fuel cost, GHG emissions and fuel availability. Different scenarios are compared to evaluate the effects of technology improvement, energy prices, emission cost and fuel availability on diffusion of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), fuel demand and GHG emissions in Iran.
Evaluation of the Different Test Methods of the Concrete Durability for the Persian Gulf Environment
Authors: Hedayat Amir Ahmad , Baniasadizade Maryam
Published: October 2015

Environmental conditions of the Persian Gulf in terms of the durability of the reinforced concrete structures are highly aggressive and corrosive. Hence, in the Persian Gulf and Oman sea areas, based on the national code of practice, concrete durability is controlled by water absorption, water permeability and rapid chloride ion penetration tests. In this research, the above three mentioned tests plus total water absorption test, electrical resistivity, and capillary sorption tests were performed on 216 samples from six concrete mixtures with different water to binder ratios and pozzolan content (fly ash and silica fume). Based on the experimental results, the total water absorption and the water permeability tests were the most and the less accurate tests respectively. Results also showed that the capillary sorption test can be used as a suitable method to evaluate the concrete durability in the marine areas. In this study also a relationship between the specific limits of these tests for different environmental conditions was proposed.
Imperfect Correlation of Vortex-Induced Fluctuating Pressures and Vertical Forces on a Typical Flat Closed Box Deck
Authors: Meng Xiao-Liang , Zhu Le-Dong , Xu You-Lin , Guo Zhen-Shan
Published: October 2015

A wind tunnel test of synchronized pressure measurement on a spring-suspended sectional model of a flat closed box deck at a large scale of 1/20 was carried out by taking Xiangshan Harbour Bridge in China as background. The chordwise correlation of the fluctuating aerodynamic pressures (FAP) on the surface of the box deck was then investigated at both stationary state and vortex-induced resonance (VIR) states of the deck model. Afterwards, an approximate approach was developed for estimating the spanwise correlation coefficients of pure vertical vortex-shedding force (VSF) on the deck under VIR state. On this basis, the spanwise correlation coefficients of both the integrated total vertical fluctuating aerodynamic force (FAF) and the pure vertical VSF on the flat box deck were then studied and compared to each other quantitatively at the stationary state as well as the VIR states at various wind speeds. Finally, the spanwise correlation coefficients of the surface FAP at some typical positions on the deck cross section were calculated and compared with that of the total vertical FAF and the vertical VSF. The results show that the chordwise correlation of the FAP on stationary deck is not strong at most part of the deck surface, however, can be enhanced with the increase of incident wind speed. The chordwise correlation of FAP can also be enhanced quite significantly by the deck oscillation under VIR states, but is still imperfect. Furthermore, the spanwise correlations of FAP at different positions on the deck cross section are clearly different from each other, and much weaker than that of the total vertical FAF, for both the stationary state and the VIR states of the deck. However, they are generally much stronger than that of the pure VSF in cases of notable VIR, and much weaker in the cases of slight VIR, such as near the onset of VIR. The spanwise correlation characteristics of both the pure vertical VSF and the total vertical FAF are hence very different from those of the surface pressures. Moreover, the spanwise correlation of the total vertical FAF on cross sections can be greatly intensified by the VIR because of the existence of a large portion of vortex-induced self-excited force (VISEF). On the other hand, the spanwise correlation of the vertical VSF under the VIR states is much weaker than that of total vertical FAF as well as that of the pure vertical VSF under the stationary state at same wind speeds. Finally, the variations of the spanwise correlation of both the total vertical FAF and the pure vertical VSF with the response displacement of VIR is quite complicated. The most violent VIR, the most correlated total FAF and the most correlated VSF occur generally at different wind speeds.
Dynamic Load Allowances Corresponding to Different Responses in Various Sections of Highway Bridges to Moving Vehicular Loads
Authors: Gao Qingfei , Wang Zonglin , Koh Chan Ghee , Chen Chuang
Published: October 2015

Dynamic load allowance (DLA) is an important index used in design and evaluation of dynamic performance of highway bridges to moving vehicular loads. In many codes, DLAs of different responses in various sections are not distinguished. To facilitate a rational design and objective evaluation, the quantitative relationships of DLAs corresponding to different responses in various sections are systematically studied using both theoretical derivation and numerical simulation. According to results of theoretical derivation, for simply supported girder bridges, DLA of deflection is almost 20% higher than that of bending moment in the mid-span section. According to results of numerical simulation, for continuous girder bridges, DLA of negative (upward) deflection is 20% higher than that of positive deflection, and DLA of negative bending moment is 40% higher than that of positive bending moment in critical cases. These significant differences cannot be ignored. Finally, the contributions of high modes to different dynamic responses in various sections are investigated. Based on the recommended approach to considering these differences, the dynamic performance of bridge can be designed and evaluated in a simple yet rotational way.
Super-Period Gold Nanodisc Grating-Enabled Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectrometer Sensor
Authors: Tian Xueli , Guo Hong , Bhatt Ketan H. , Zhao Song Q. , Wang Yi , Guo Junpeng
Published: October 2015

We experimentally demonstrate a surface plasmon resonance spectrometer sensor by using an e-beam-patterned super-period gold nanodisc grating on a glass substrate. The super-period gold nanodisc grating has a small subwavelength period and a large diffraction grating period. The small subwavelength period enhances localized surface plasmon resonance, and the large diffraction grating period diffracts surface plasmon resonance radiation into different directions corresponding to different wavelengths. Surface plasmon resonance spectra are measured in the first order diffraction spatial profiles captured by a charge-coupled device (CCD) in addition to the traditional way of measurement using an external optical spectrometer in the zeroth order transmission. A surface plasmon resonance sensor for the bovine serum albumin protein nanolayer bonding is demonstrated by measuring the surface plasmon resonance shift in the first order diffraction spatial intensity profiles captured by the CCD.
Rapid Fluorescent Detection of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 Based on Graphene Oxide-Dependent Nanoquencher and Klenow Fragment-Triggered Target Cyclic Amplification
Authors: Ling Min , Peng Zhihui , Cheng Lijuan , Deng Le
Published: October 2015

Based on Klenow fragment (KF)-assisted target recycling amplification and graphene oxide (GO), a novel aptasensor, containing a capture probe (CP) and a signal probe (SP), was constructed and applied for the rapid detection of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. The CP was constructed of regions I and II, where the region I is aptamer sequence of ETEC K88 and the region II can form a double-stranded DNA structure with the SP. The SP was labeled with carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and acted as the primer sequence of the polymerization reaction. Before the targets were added, the two probes formed a partial double-strand junction (PDSJ) on the surface of the GO and the fluorescence was completely quenched. In the presence of the targets, the fluorescence was recovered due to the formation of the target-aptamer complex and its separation from the surface of the GO. Following this, the target-aptamer complex initiated the polymerization of the DNA strand in the presence of deoxynucleotides (dNTPs) and the KF. The displaced target then combined into another PDSJ, and the cycle started anew, leading to the formation of numerous complementary double-stranded DNAs. Meanwhile, the fluorescence signal was significantly enhanced. The results indicated that the established sensor has higher sensitivity specificity to its target bacteria in a wide range of 1 × 10 2 to 1 × 10 8 colony-forming units (CFU) mL−1. The detection limit based on a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3 is 1 × 10 2 CFU mL−1. More important, this rapid detection method is superior to other methods, having not only a short detection time but also a low fluorescence background, and is cheaper and has a wider applicability because its probes are easily designed and synthesized. Given these factors, our detection system has great prospects as a potential alternative to conventional ETEC K88 detection.
Micro-Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (Micro ATR FT-IR) Spectroscopic Imaging with Variable Angles of Incidence
Authors: Wrobel Tomasz P. , Vichi Alessandra , Baranska Malgorzata , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: October 2015

The control of the angle of incidence in attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy allows for the probing of the sample at different depths of penetration of the evanescent wave. This approach has been recently coupled with macro-imaging capability using a diamond ATR accessory. In this paper, the design of optical apertures for the micro-germanium (Ge) ATR objective is presented for an FT-IR spectroscopic imaging microscope, allowing measurements with different angles of incidence. This approach provides the possibility of three-dimensional (3D) profiling in micro-ATR FT-IR imaging mode. The proof of principle results for measurements of polymer laminate samples at different angles of incidence confirm that controlling the depth of penetration is possible using a Ge ATR objective with added apertures.
‘Don’t Call Me White’: Fashioning Sami Zayn’s Arabic and transnational identities
Authors: Roberts J. H.
Published: October 2015

Though mainstream professional wrestling depends on and benefits from anglo-normative, Western hegemony, contemporary wrestling also subverts and parodies it. One character who can be read as white, Sami Zayn, undermines this hegemony through subtly asserting his Arabic and transnational identities. In wrestling, a character’s apparel functions as a metonym for the character, and with his tights Zayn counters mainstream Islamophobic discourse about Arabs post 9/11. Zayn’s tights are decorated with many national flags, Arabic characters and Roman letters to show he possesses a complex identity influenced by not only his ethnic heritage (Syrian) and country of birth (Canada), but every country he has visited and the cultures within them. His popularity and success allow a space within World Wrestling Entertainment for non-white characters to perform identities not limited to caricatures of their ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Saltos del toro y carreras rituales. Deporte femenino y religión en la Antigua Grecia
Authors: García Romero Fernando
Published: October 2015

La tan repetida afirmación de que en los Juegos Olímpicos antiguos las mujeres no participaban requiere ciertos matices. En estas páginas se estudian las razones por las que el deporte femenino en la antigua Grecia y sus competiciones se mantuvieron siempre muy estrechamente ligadas al contexto cultual y religioso en el que se celebraban. Sin embargo, en época imperial romana, algunos testimonios han hecho que diversos estudiosos se hayan planteado la posibilidad de que hubiera podido desprenderse de alguna manera de su estrechísima vinculación con los rituales iniciáticos y prematrimoniales, y haber tenido cabida incluso en las grandes competiciones deportivas, quizá ya más como espectáculo que como acto de culto.
Religione e sport. Tra rito e spettacolo
Authors: Cipriani Roberto
Published: October 2015

Sono numerosi i punti di contatto e le affinità fra religione e sport. Il che avviene sin dai tempi più antichi. Esemplare è il caso della Grecia, dove non a caso sono sorte le Olimpiadi in un contesto e con motivazioni a carattere tipicamente religioso.La stessa ripresa dei Giochi Olimpici nel 1896 rappresenta un momento di svolta per la storia dello sport ma evidenzia anche le ragioni profondamente etiche (e religiose) che animavano il loro fondatore, il barone de Coubertin.Oggi sotto diverse forme ed in situazioni favorevoli il legame fra religione e sport si va rafforzando tanto da poter verificare la presenza di riti, preghiere, formule, gesti, simboli e ruoli tipicamente religiosi anche in avvenimenti sportivi, nel corso della loro preparazione come nelle fasi successive allo svolgimento delle competizioni.Vari studi sul campo mostrano che specialmente entro modelli d’ispirazione cristiana vigono e si diffondono pratiche religiose che accompagnano da vicino le dinamiche relative all’organizzazione di gare in diversi sport, a partire dai momenti fondativi per giungere sino ai processi di legittimazione delle memorie del passato.Soprattutto nel campo del calcio esistono forme di divismo, movimenti parareligiosi e culti propiziatori ed esorcistici tesi ad ottenere risultati agonistici continuamente positivi.
Iconografías angélicas de los siglos XIX y XX en el Cimitero Acattolico de Roma: psicopompos, triunfantes, dolientes y seductores
Authors: Álvarez Rodríguez María Victoria
Published: October 2015

Tradicionalmente se ha considerado que la naturaleza dual de los ángeles, a medio camino entre la divinidad y la humanidad, los convertía en las representaciones iconográficas más adecuadas dentro del contexto funerario. Herederas de las esculturas de mármol que desde el Renacimiento adornaban las sepulturas, en el siglo xix estas efigies experimentaron una serie de cambios en su aspecto físico que las fueron acercando cada vez más a la imagen que hoy en día tenemos asociada a los cementerios contemporáneos. Esa nueva iconografía contaba con un amplio abanico de posibilidades: ángeles psicopompos, ángeles triunfantes, ángeles dolientes... En el presente estudio nos proponemos trazar una panorámica de las iconografías presentes en el Cimitero Acattolico de Roma, uno de los lugares más peculiares de la Ciudad Eterna por la convivencia que se dio en él entre las tradiciones de las distintas sociedades protestantes y el sustrato católico en el que se encontraban inmersas. Los ángeles que adornan sus sepulturas también acusan esta doble influencia, y sirven como un ejemplo perfecto de sincretismo no solamente entre religiones, sino también entre mentalidades.
Conceito de pessoa, nas entrelinhas da filosofia, sociologia, psicanálise e logoterapia
Authors: Eduardo Freitas Carlos , Salvino Gomes Eliseudo , Reis Ferraz Iris , Vasconcelos José Roberto
Published: October 2015

O presente artigo tem por objetivo principal identificar o conceito de pessoa nas Disciplinas da Filosofia, Sociologia, Psicanálise e Logoterapia; na perspectiva da escolha objetiva do sujeito. Para realizar o estudo desses conceitos, pessoa e escolha, foram utilizadas concepções de diversos autores, além dos teóricos próprios de cada uma das Disciplinas supracitadas. A imbricação entre os distintos teóricos contribui na compreensão dos interesses presentes no processo de escolha de cada pessoa e, nos princípios básicos que o norteia. Com efeito, o ponto de vista que leva uma pessoa a escolher um objeto não é necessariamente idêntico à importância objetiva que o objeto tem em si mesmo: um objeto de escolha como a vocação, pode ser um valor em si mesmo e ainda assim, ser escolhido por razões e interesses profundamente pessoais.
Effect of active acidic compounds on storage stability of coker naphtha
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Feng-Xue , Jiang Heng , Zhao Shan-Lin , Li Ping
Published: October 2015

Coker naphtha was separated into ten distillation fractions equal in volume via Engler distillation. It was found that the mercaptan sulphur compounds were mainly concentrated in the lighter fractions, whereas the basic nitrogen compounds were concentrated in the heavier fractions. The gum content increased gradually with increasing the boiling point of each fraction after storage for 21 days under ambient conditions (25°C, 101 kPa). The active organic acidic compounds in coker naphtha extracted with aqueous solution of 20 mass % NaOH represented 0.26 mass %. The GCMS analysis of the active organic acidic compounds showed the amounts of small molecule thiols, thiophenols (including benzyl mercaptan) and phenolic compounds to be 2.6 %, 4.4 % and 90.0 %, respectively. After removal of the active acidic compounds by caustic scrubbing, the increase in the rate of gum formation was much slower than that of the blank coker naphtha after 27 days of storage under ambient conditions, indicating that the effect of these acidic compounds on the gum formation is more significant than with basic nitrogen compounds. It is demonstrated that the storage stability of coker naphtha was decreased in the presence of large amounts of phenolic compounds, which may accelerate the acid-catalysed polymerisation of olefins.
Synthesis, DFT calculations and characterisation of new mixed Pt(II) complexes with 3-thiolanespiro-5′ 1-hydantoin and 4-thio-1H-tetrahydropyranspiro-5′-hydantoin‡
Authors: Bakalova Adriana , Nikolova-Mladenova Boryana , Buyukliev Rossen , Cherneva Emiliya , Momekov Georgi , Ivanov Darvin
Published: October 2015

Cisplatin is an anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of a wide range of solid tumours (head and neck, lung, bladder etc.), testicular and ovarian cancers. Because of its severe toxicity profile and spontaneous development of drug resistance in tumours, a number of Pt(II) complexes have been synthesised and tested for anti-tumour activity. Some of the investigations have focused on using ligands bearing donor atoms other than N (e.g., S, P, O). Two new mixed Pt(II)complexes of the general formula
Transport of iron ions from chloride solutions using cellulose triacetate matrix inclusion membranes with an ionic liquid carrier‡
Authors: Baczynska Monika , Rzelewska Martyna , Magdalena Regel-Rosocka , Wisniewski Maciej
Published: October 2015

In this study, liquid membranes denoted as polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) consisting of cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymer matrix,
Synthesis of 8-alkoxy-1,3-dimethyl-2, 6-dioxopurin-7-yl-substituted acetohydrazides and butanehydrazides as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents
Authors: Chłoń-Rzepa Grażyna , Jankowska Agnieszka W. , Zygmunt Małgorzata , Pociecha Krzysztof , Wyska Elżbieta
Published: October 2015

A series of new 8-alkoxy-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxopurin-7-yl-substituted acetohydrazides and butanehydrazides 6–12 was synthesized and evaluated for the analgesic activity in two in vivo models: the writhing syndrome and the hot-plate tests. Among the investigated derivatives, compounds with N′-arylidenehydrazide moiety 9–12 show analgesic activity significantly higher than that of acetylsalicylic acid, which may indicate the importance of this structural element for analgesic properties. The lack of the activity in the hot-plate test may suggest that the analgesic activity of the newly synthesized compounds is mediated by a peripheral mechanism. The selected compounds 7 and 12 inhibit tumor necrosis factor α production in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia, similarly to theophylline, which may confirm their anti-inflammatory properties.
Defective actin dynamics in dendritic spines: cause or consequence of age-induced cognitive decline?
Authors: Mack Till Georg Alexander , Kreis Patricia , Eickholt Britta Johanna
Published: October 2015

Ageing is a complex deteriorating process that coincides with changes in metabolism, replicative senescence, increased resistance to apoptosis, as well as progressive mitochondria dysfunction that lead to an increase production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although controversy on the paradigm of the oxidative damage theory of ageing exists, persuasive studies in Caenorhabditis elegans and yeast have demonstrated that manipulation of ROS can modify the process of ageing and influences the damage of proteins, lipids and DNA. In neurons, ageing impacts on the intrinsic neuronal excitability, it decreases the size of neuronal soma and induces the loss of dendrites and dendritic spines. The actin cytoskeleton is an abundant and broadly expressed system that plays critical functions in many cellular processes ranging from cell motility to controlling cell shape and polarity. It is thus hardly surprising that the expression and the function of actin in neurons is crucial for the morphological changes that occur in the brain throughout life. We propose that alterations in actin filament dynamics in dendritic spines may be one of the key events contributing to the initial phases of ageing in the brain.
Essay on Saving and Consumption
Authors: Fabris Nikola , Galić Jelena
Published: October 2015

Consumption and saving decisions are at the heart of both short- and long-term macroeconomic analyses. Since the global crisis outbreak, one of the main issues for indebted countries has been whether to pursue a policy which promotes saving or to try to induce economic growth by increasing consumption. Consensus has not been reached on this issue, which is based on an old debate of whether a country should pursue a policy of Keynesianism or monetarism.

Ergo, this essay discusses arguments supporting both approaches, primarily through theoretical arguments of Keynesianism and monetarism. The authors concluded that in a crisis environment, consumption policy should be given priority; however, a precondition for this is that a country was not overburdened prior to the crisis outbreak, i.e. a successful crisis management policy should, in fact, be pursued over the periods of expansion.
Status of long-wave Auger suppressed HgCdTe detectors operating > 200 K
Authors: Martyniuk P. , Gawron W. , Stępień D. , Pawluczyk J. , Kębłowski A. , Madejczyk P. , Kopytko M. , Koźniewski A.
Published: October 2015

We report on the status of long-wave infrared Auger suppressed HgCdTe multilayer structures grown on GaAs substrates designed for high operating temperature condition: 200-300 K exhibiting, detectivity -10
The dominance order for permutations
Authors: Castronuovo Niccoló
Published: October 2015

We define an order relation over Sn considering the Robinson-Schensted bijection and the dominance order over Young tableaux. This order relation makes Sn(k k - 1...3 2 1) -the set of permutations of length n that avoid the pattern k k - 1...3 2 1, k ≤ n- a principal filter in Sn. We study in detail these order relations on Sn(321) and Sn(4321), finding order-isomorphisms between these sets and sets of lattice paths.
Enumeration and Automatic Sequences
Authors: Shallit Jeffrey
Published: October 2015

A sequence (an)n≥0 is k-automatic if there is a finite automaton that, on input n expressed in base k, reaches a state with output an. In this paper I will survey some recent advances concerning enumeration of various aspects of these sequences, such as the recurrence function, and the subword complexity (which counts the number of distinct blocks of length n).
Combinatorial proofs of some Stirling number formulas
Authors: Shattuck Mark
Published: October 2015

In this note, we provide bijective proofs of some recent identities involving Stirling numbers of the second kind, as previously requested. Our arguments also yield generalizations in terms of a well known q-Stirling number.
Chronic Kidney Disease – Chronic Liver Disease. An Immunologic Cross-talk
Authors: Gluhovschi Gh. , Petrica Ligia , Sporea I. , Curescu Manuela , Velciov Silvia , Gluhovschi Cristina , Timar R.
Published: October 2015

The relationship between the kidney and other organs is notable. The bestknown is the relation with the cardiovascular system. Relationships with other organs are less studied, although their involvement sometimes dominates the clinical picture and the outcome of disease.

The paper analyzes the kidney-liver relationship, namely chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease from an immune viewpoint. The immune system operates as a unitary whole. There is an interdependence between the immune system of the liver, considered a lymphoid organ, and the kidney, whose participation in immune processes is well-known.

The most important chronic liver diseases are viral hepatitis B and C. Infection with these viruses can lead to renal involvement, producing mainly glomerular disease.

At the same time, secondary glomerulonephritis can cause an unfavorable outcome of the primary disease.

The relationship between chronic liver disease and chronic kidney disease during chronic B and C hepatitis occurs via circulating immune complexes or complexes formed in situ. Cell-mediated immunity is also involved.

The antiviral treatment of B and C hepatitis is also aimed at secondary glomerular disease.

The participation of immune mechanisms raises the question of administering immunomodulating medication, a type of medication that influences viral replication - this is why it is associated with antiviral medication.

Other two chronic liver diseases, namely liver cirrhosis, in which the main mechanism is a toxic one, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can produce via immune mechanisms glomerular involvement.

In its turn, chronic kidney disease in advanced stages causes lipid metabolism disturbances with hypertriglyceridemia, which can influence fatty loading of the liver in the above-mentioned liver diseases.

One can speak about a cross-talk between the liver and the kidney, in which immune mechanisms play an important role.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Adults. Pathologic Features and Prognosis
Authors: Marinescu Cristina , Vladareanu Ana-Maria , Mihai Felicia
Published: October 2015

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant neoplasm of the lymphocyte precursor cells. Among adults it is a relatively rare neoplasm with a curability rate around 30% at 5 years. Currently, the diagnosis and classification of ALL is a multistep procedure that relies on the simultaneous application of multiple techniques that include: cytomorphology, immunophenotype and cytogenetic assays . Some of which have important clinical implications for both diagnosis and predicting response to specific treatment regimens, while the role of others is still to be defined. Over the years, several prognostic factors have been identified and today a risk stratification at diagnosis and during the follow -up is based on the characteristics of the leukemic cells.
Multiple Intestinal Lymphoma
Authors: Mastalier B. , Deaconescu Violeta , Drăghici W. Elaiahc , Popp Cristiana , Zurac Sabina , Balea M. , Tevet Mihaela , Botezatu C.
Published: October 2015

Gastrointestinal tract is the most common location for extralymphonodular lymphomas. The small intestine is affected only in 9% of the cases. Intestinal lymphoma may have single or multiple location. This paper describes a case of multiple location in the small intestine of a non-Hodgkin B-cell in a 53 years old patient, who was initially diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia with pleurisy with E. coli, steeper on the right side, but the persistence of symptoms as fever, malaise, despite appropriate treatment, required further investigation. The CT exam observed fluid collection in the hypogastrium around a digestive loop. The patient underwent surgery, the intraoperative foundings being: a large mesenteric tumor ~ 5 cm in diameter, a terminal ileal mesenteric tumor, a mesenteric tumor ~ 6 cm in diameter, omentum with nodular formations, a tumor ~ 3.3/2.5.1 cm in the abdominal wall, pseudotumoral appendix. Segmental enterectomy with entero-enterostomy, excision of mesenteric tumors, appendectomy and omentectomy were performed. Pathological diagnosis was non-Hodgkin marginal zone B-cell MALT type lymphoma of the small intestine with extension to the appendix, meso, omentum and abdominal wall. Postoperatively, the patient received chemotherapy for remission.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in a Railroad Controller Worker
Authors: Rascu Agripina , Moise Laura , Naghi Eugenia , Rascu Alexandra , Lacatusu Lavinia
Published: October 2015

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) constitutes a healthcare issue of major importance at international level with a prevalence of 5% in the active population. Consequentially to the induced co-morbidities, the mortality reaches as high as 39% at eight years time lapse from the initial diagnostic. Seldom undiagnosed, the severity spectrum of SAS, in the absence of therapy, only continues to amplify.

Here below, we are presenting the case of a 49 years old patient, railroad controller worker, non-smoker and occasionally alcohol user, who was hospitalized in our Clinic for Occupational Medicine. During last year, the patient was accusing excessive daytime somnolence, breath arrests during sleep, intense snoring, morning headaches, morning oral dryness, pin point chest pain, nocturia (4-5 nocturnal urination), concentration difficulties and an overall reduced work capacity. The presumptive diagnostic of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is being considered based on the correlation between the clinical presentation and the Epworth, Stanford and Berlin questionnaire results. The key diagnostic element was the polygraph recording over an 8 hours sleep period. Positive Diagnosis: Obstructive Sleep Apnea severe form. Management and recommendations: (1) Behavioral therapy (weight loss) and (2) CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy which was instituted immediately after the positive diagnosis was made. As a consequence, the respiratory symptoms, the frequent episodes of daytime snoozing and the concentration difficulties at work place diminished considerably.
Sociotechnical interaction at work: an ethnographic study of the Wikipedia community
Authors: Yam Shing-Chung Jonathan
Published: October 2015

With much of Wikipedia’s research centering on the encyclopedia’s articles, less is known about the way its editors confront issues through computer-mediated talk pages. I present a novel attempt to investigate the diversity of discursive, sociotechnical interactions in the community with a data-driven online ethnography. I detail three issues: (i) how human editors collaborate with bots; (ii) what kinds of sociotechnical interaction are used in the discussion of article development; and (iii) how these interactions sustain the project. Notable differences emerge as to how human editors interact with other humans and bots during both article construction and personal interactions. With eight dimensions of interaction in cooperative knowledge generation identified, I proceed with a discussion of Wikipedia’s sociotechnical authorship, hierarchical order, and protocological operations.
Mendelian randomization studies of biomarkers and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Abbasi Ali
Published: October 2015

Many biomarkers are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in epidemiological observations. The aim of this study was to identify and summarize current evidence for causal effects of biomarkers on T2D. A systematic literature search in PubMed and EMBASE (until April 2015) was done to identify Mendelian randomization studies that examined potential causal effects of biomarkers on T2D. To replicate the findings of identified studies, data from two large-scale, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were used: DIAbetes Genetics Replication And Meta-analysis (DIAGRAMv3) for T2D and the Meta-Analyses of Glucose and Insulin-related traits Consortium (MAGIC) for glycaemic traits. GWAS summary statistics were extracted for the same genetic variants (or proxy variants), which were used in the original Mendelian randomization studies. Of the 21 biomarkers (from 28 studies), ten have been reported to be causally associated with T2D in Mendelian randomization. Most biomarkers were investigated in a single cohort study or population. Of the ten biomarkers that were identified, nominally significant associations with T2D or glycaemic traits were reached for those genetic variants related to bilirubin, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, delta-6 desaturase and dimethylglycine based on the summary data from DIAGRAMv3 or MAGIC. Several Mendelian randomization studies investigated the nature of associations of biomarkers with T2D. However, there were only a few biomarkers that may have causal effects on T2D. Further research is needed to broadly evaluate the causal effects of multiple biomarkers on T2D and glycaemic traits using data from large-scale cohorts or GWAS including many different genetic variants.
Genetics of male infertility: from research to clinic
Authors: Krausz Csilla , Escamilla Antoni Riera , Chianese Chiara
Published: October 2015

Male infertility is a multifactorial complex disease with highly heterogeneous phenotypic representation and in at least 15% of cases, this condition is related to known genetic disorders, including both chromosomal and single-gene alterations. In about 40% of primary testicular failure, the etiology remains unknown and a portion of them is likely to be caused by not yet identified genetic anomalies. During the last 10 years, the search for ‘hidden’ genetic factors was largely unsuccessful in identifying recurrent genetic factors with potential clinical application. The armamentarium of diagnostic tests has been implemented only by the screening for Y chromosome-linked gr/gr deletion in those populations for which consistent data with risk estimate are available. On the other hand, it is clearly demonstrated by both single nucleotide polymorphisms and comparative genomic hybridization arrays, that there is a rare variant burden (especially relevant concerning deletions) in men with impaired spermatogenesis. In the era of next generation sequencing (NGS), we expect to expand our diagnostic skills, since mutations in several hundred genes can potentially lead to infertility and each of them is likely responsible for only a small fraction of cases. In this regard, system biology, which allows revealing possible gene interactions and common biological pathways, will provide an informative tool for NGS data interpretation. Although these novel approaches will certainly help in discovering ‘hidden’ genetic factors, a more comprehensive picture of the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic male infertility will only be achieved by a parallel investigation of the complex world of gene environmental interaction and epigenetics.
Rational atrocities and state formation: A game theoretic approach to the case of ISIS
Authors: Ille Sebastian , Mansour Dina
Published: October 2015

Since Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced in April 2013 the formation of the new Islamic polity, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), it has slowly become the epitome of terror. Certain acts of violence and atrocities committed by ISIS create the impression that it is acting out of blind, destructive religious fanaticism. In contrast, this article argues that this perception is but media-driven speculation. Instead of being religious zealots, ordering the purposeless killing of infidels, ISIS’ actions are governed by a strong rationale and a clear aim, namely the creation of a state, moreover one that extends beyond the traditional constitutive elements of statehood. In particular, ISIS’ rationality serves the purpose of consolidating an Islamic State in the Middle Eastern region, and beyond, under a Caliphate with a claim to universal governance and jurisdiction. This article illustrates the mechanisms which ISIS uses to achieve its aim of establishing an extended state, and it elaborates on the impact of actions and policies against ISIS on the basis of an evolutionary game theoretic model. [JEL codes: C73, D74, F51]
Validez de Constructo y Confiabilidad del Cuestionario de Creencias Epistemológicas sobre la Matemática en Alumnos de Secundaria Básica
Authors: Vizcaino Escobar Annia Esther , Manzano Mier Mayra , Casas Cardoso Gladis
Published: October 2015

Este estudio desarrolló la validación de constructo del Cuestionario de Creencias Epistemológicas sobre la Matemática, versión traducida y adaptada del instrumento de Walker (2007). Participaron 2023 alumnos de secundaria básica de la región central de Cuba. El 51.2 % pertenecía al sexo femenino y el 48.7 % al masculino. Se confirmó un modelo de creencias sobre la matemática de cuatro dimensiones relacionadas, que siguen un desarrollo asincrónico y valores aceptables de fiabilidad. Los índices de bondad de ajuste del modelo encontrados (GFI=.97; CFI=.94; RMSEA=.03) demostraron la validez del cuestionario para medir con 18 ítems las creencias epistemológicas sobre la matemática.
La Creencia en un Mundo Justo como Trasfondo Ideológico de la Representación Social de la Justicia
Authors: Barreiro Alicia , Castorina José Antonio
Published: October 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las relaciones entre representaciones sociales e ideología, mediante el estudio de las relaciones entre la creencia ideológica en un mundo justo (CMJ) y la representación social de la justicia. Se administró la técnica de asociación de palabras y la escala Global de CMJ a 404 estudiantes universitarios argentinos. El núcleo central de la representación social expresa un sentido retributivo, aunque se identificaron diferencias en sus elementos periféricos. Los individuos con CMJ baja y media consideran la justicia como una institución social con errores en su funcionamiento, mientras que los individuos con alta CMJ la piensan por fuera de la sociedad, sin calificarla
El valor de las imágenes odontológicas en docencia y promoción de la salud oral
Authors: Hernández-Chavarría Francisco , Hernández Rivera Patricia
Published: October 2015

En el contexto de la gran diversidad de la microflora oral, con más de 600 especies, se resalta el valor pedagógico de las micrografías electrónicas de placa alba y las imágenes de cultivos bacterianos, realizados en modelos dentales hechos con medios de cultivo, que muestran colonias bacterianas en los sitios anatómicos de los dientes colonizados más abundantemente. Este tipo de imágenes facilita la comprensión de la magnitud del microbioma oral, a estudiantes de carreras biomédicas, especialmente odontología y al público en general, por lo que el uso de estas imágenes pueden ser utilizadas en docencia como en campañas de salud oral. 
Estabilidad de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides en un país emergente
Authors: López Daza David , Castro Jímenez Miguel
Published: October 2015

Objetivo Establecer características y tendencia de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides en Colombia.

Materiales y Métodos Estudio de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides empleando las bases oficiales nacionales de muertes en Colombia (1998-2010). Se analizaron año de defunción, sexo, edad y departamento de residencia. Se utilizaron proporciones, media aritmética y mediana. El valor de p límite para significación estadística fue 0,05. Se calcularon tasas crudas, específicas y ajustadas por edad.

Resultados En total, 2 570 personas, 1 827 (71,1 %) muertes ocurrieron en mujeres. Las edades medianas a la muerte fueron de 68 años en hombres y de 70 años en mujeres. La tasa anual media de mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides ajustada (2006-2010) fue de 0,52 muertes por 100 000 personas (ambos sexos), 0,32 muertes por 100 000 hombres y 0,70 por 100 000 mujeres.

Conclusiones Deben realizarse estudios que muestren posibles factores asociados a muerte a más temprana edad en mujeres colombianas.

 