bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Blood–Derived Virus-Specific Memory Stem T Cells Mature to Functional Effector Memory Subsets with Self-Renewal Potency
Authors: Schmueck-Henneresse Michael , Sharaf Radwa , Vogt Katrin , Weist Benjamin J. D. , Landwehr-Kenzel Sybille , Fuehrer Henrike , Jurisch Anke , Babel Nina , Rooney Cliona M. , Reinke Petra , Volk Hans-Dieter
Published: April 2015

Memory T cells expressing stem cell–like properties have been described recently. The capacity of self-renewal and differentiation into various memory/effector subsets make them attractive for adoptive T cell therapy to combat severe virus infections and tumors. The very few reports on human memory stem T cells (TSCM) are restricted to analyses on polyclonal T cells, but extensive data on Ag-specific TSCM are missing. This might be due to their very low frequency limiting their enrichment and characterization. In this article, we provide functional and phenotypic data on human viral-specific TSCM, defined as CD8+CD45RA+CCR7+CD127+CD95+. Whereas <1% of total T cells express the TSCM phenotype, human CMV–specific TSCM can be detected at frequencies similar to those seen in other subsets, resulting in ∼1/10,000 human CMV–specific TSCM. A new virus-specific expansion protocol of sort-purified TSCM reveals both upregulation of various T cell subset markers and preservation of their stem cell phenotype in a significant proportion, indicating both self-renewal and differentiation potency of virus-specific T cells sharing their TCR repertoire. Furthermore, we describe a simplified culture protocol that allows fast expansion of virus-specific TSCM starting from a mixed naive T/TSCM pool of PBLs. Due to the clinical-grade compatibility, this might be the basis for novel cell therapeutic options in life-threatening courses of viral and tumor disease.
CXCL12 Regulates through JAK1 and JAK2 Formation of Productive Immunological Synapses
Authors: Cascio Graciela , Martín-Cófreces Noa B. , Rodríguez-Frade José Miguel , López-Cotarelo Pilar , Criado Gabriel , Pablos José L. , Rodríguez-Fernández José Luis , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Mellado Mario
Published: April 2015

The adaptive immune response requires interaction between T cells and APC to form a specialized structure termed the immune synapse (IS). Although the TCR is essential for IS organization, other factors such as chemokines participate in this process. In this study, we show that the chemokine CXCL12-mediated signaling contributes to correct IS organization and therefore influences T cell activation. CXCR4 downregulation or blockade on T cells caused defective actin polymerization at the contact site with APC, altered microtubule-organizing center polarization and the IS structure, and reduced T cell/APC contact duration. T cell activation was thus inhibited, as shown by reduced expression of CD25 and CD69 markers and of IL-2 mRNA levels. The results indicate that, through Gi and JAK1 and 2 kinases activation, CXCL12 signaling cooperates to build the IS and to maintain adhesive contacts between APC and T cells, required for continuous TCR signaling.
Tumor-Associated and Disease-Associated Autoantibody Repertoires in Healthy Colostrum and Maternal and Newborn Cord Sera
Authors: Madi Asaf , Bransburg-Zabary Sharron , Maayan-Metzger Ayala , Dar Gittit , Ben-Jacob Eshel , Cohen Irun R.
Published: April 2015

In this work, we studied autoantibody repertoires and Ig isotypes in 71 mothers and their 104 healthy newborns (including twins and triplets delivered term or premature). Newborns receive maternal IgG Abs via the placenta before birth, but developing infants must produce their own IgM and IgA Abs. We used an Ag microarray analysis to detect binding to a selection of 295 self-Ags, compared with 27 standard foreign Ags. The magnitude of binding to specific self-Ags was found to be not less than that to the foreign Ags. As expected, each newborn shared with its mother a similar IgG repertoire—manifest as early as the 24th week of gestation. IgM and IgA autoantibody repertoires in cord sera were highly correlated among the newborns and differed from their mothers’ repertoires; the latter differed in sera and milk. The autoantibodies bound to self-Ags known to be associated with tumors and to autoimmune diseases. Thus, autoantibody repertoires in healthy humans—the immunological homunculus—arise congenitally, differ in maternal milk and sera, and mark the potential of the immune system to attack tumors, beneficially, or healthy tissues, harmfully; regulation of the tissue site, the dynamics, and the response phenotype of homuncular autoimmunity very likely affects health.
Expression of GM-CSF in T Cells Is Increased in Multiple Sclerosis and Suppressed by IFN-β Therapy
Authors: Rasouli Javad , Ciric Bogoljub , Imitola Jaime , Gonnella Patricia , Hwang Daniel , Mahajan Kedar , Mari Elisabeth R. , Safavi Farinaz , Leist Thomas P. , Zhang Guang-Xian , Rostami Abdolmohamad
Published: April 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the CNS. Studies in animal models of MS have shown that GM-CSF produced by T cells is necessary for the development of autoimmune CNS inflammation. This suggests that GM-CSF may have a pathogenic role in MS as well, and a clinical trial testing its blockade is ongoing. However, there have been few reports on GM-CSF production by T cells in MS. The objective of this study was to characterize GM-CSF production by T cells of MS patients and to determine the effect of IFN-β therapy on its production. GM-CSF production by peripheral blood (PB) T cells and the effects of IFN-β were characterized in samples of untreated and IFN-β–treated MS patients versus healthy subjects. GM-CSF production by T cells in MS brain lesions was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Untreated MS patients had significantly greater numbers of GM-CSF+CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PB compared with healthy controls and IFN-β–treated MS patients. IFN-β significantly suppressed GM-CSF production by T cells in vitro. A number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in MS brain lesions expressed GM-CSF. Elevated GM-CSF production by PB T cells in MS is indicative of aberrant hyperactivation of the immune system. Given its essential role in animal models, abundant GM-CSF production at the sites of CNS inflammation suggests that GM-CSF contributes to MS pathogenesis. Our findings also reveal a potential mechanism of IFN-β therapy, namely suppression of GM-CSF production.
A Haptotaxis Assay for Leukocytes Based on Surface-Bound Chemokine Gradients
Authors: Rink Ina , Rink Jan , Helmer Dorothea , Sachs Daniel , Schmitz Katja
Published: April 2015

The migration of leukocytes in response to chemokine gradients is an important process in the homeostasis of the human immune system and inflammation. In vivo the migration takes place on the surface of the endothelium to which the chemokine gradient is immobilized via interaction with glycosaminoglycans. To study leukocyte migration in response to surface-bound chemokines, we generated chemokine gradients by a simple stamping method: agarose stamps were soaked with chemokine solution to form continuous chemokine gradients by diffusion. These gradients could be easily transferred to a petri dish surface by stamping. We show that neutrophil granulocytes recognize these gradients and migrate toward increasing chemokine concentrations dependent on the slope of the gradient. Single-cell responses were recorded, and statistical analyses of cell behavior and migration were performed. For analysis of chemotaxis/haptotaxis, we propose a chemotactic precision index that is broadly applicable, valid, and allows for a straightforward and rapid quantification of the precision by which cells follow the direction of a given gradient. The presented technique is very simple, cost-efficient, and can be broadly applied for generating defined and reproducible immobilized gradients of almost any protein on surfaces, and it is a valuable tool to study haptotaxis.
Eschatological hope in Haggai: A homiletic reading
Authors: Wielenga Bob
Published: April 2015

In this article historical research into Haggai’s eschatological sayings (Hg 2:6–9, 20–23) is combined with a homiletic approach to these two sayings, employing a canon-historical methodology. First, Haggai’s silence about the past of the, in 539 bcreturned, exiles is investigated. His evaluation of this period will be compared with the one by Ezra-Nehemiah. His emphasis on the present time as decision time with a view to the eschatological future, will be examined. Attention will be given to the role the rebuilt temple played in his prophecies, and the kind of contribution he made to prophetic eschatology. Secondly, the homiletic approach to Haggai’s eschatological sayings requires a canonical reflection on their relationship with the New Testament eschatology with a view to strengthen the community of faith’s eschatological prospects in the present time.In hierdie artikel word ’n historiese ondersoek na Haggai se eskatologiese uitsprake (Hag 2:6–9, 20–23) met ’n homiletiese benadering tot albei uitsprake gekombineer met behulp van ’n kanon-historiese metodologie. Eerstens word Haggai se stilswye oor die verlede van die teruggekeerde ballinge van voor 522 v.C. ondersoek en met die beoordeling van dieselfde tydperk deur Esra-Nehemia vergelyk. Sy nadruk op die huidige tyd as beslissingstyd met die oog op die eskatologiese toekoms word bestudeer. Aandag word ook aan die rol geskenk wat die tempel in sy profesieë gespeel het en watter bydrae hy tot die profetiese eskatologie gemaak het. Tweedens vereis die homiletiese benadering van die eskatologiese uitsprake in Haggai om vanuit ’n kanonieke oogpunt op die verhouding met die Nuwe-Testamentiese eskatologie te reflekteer, met die doel om die geloofsgemeenskap se eskatologiese verwagtings in die huidige tyd te versterk.
Daniel Dragonslayer – Bel and the dragon, Verses 23−27 (OG/Th)
Authors: De Bruyn Joseph J.
Published: April 2015

In this article, aspects of narrative critique, genre, editorial critique, the body and space are uniquely combined into a body-space framework. This spatial framework is used to examine the second episode of ‘Bel and the Dragon’, called ‘Daniel Dragonslayer’. It is postulated that the second episode of ‘Bel and the Dragon’ should be read in a reciprocal relationship with not only ‘Bel and the Dragon’, but also the larger Book of Daniel. Firstly, such an analysis indicates that the smaller episode is part of a larger clash of deities. Secondly, it shows that the editor /author utilises the episode to create a new cosmology. In this new cosmology, the Jewish deity is an almighty one, whilst other deities are seen as false and not real living gods. In his own way, the editor or author contributes to the way in which Jews regarded their God within the reality of the diaspora.Daniel Dragonslayer − Bel en die draak, Verse 23−27 (VAN/Die). In hierdie artikel word aspekte van narratiewe-kritiek, genre, redaksie-kritiek, die liggaam en ruimte op ’n unieke wyse gekombineer om ’n beliggaamde ruimteraamwerk te vorm. Hierdie beliggaamde ruimteraamwerk word gebruik om die tweede episode van ‘Bel en die Draak’, naamlik ‘Daniël, die Draakjagter’, te analiseer. Die artikel stel voor dat hierdie tweede episode van ‘Bel en die Draak’ in ’n resiproke verhouding met ‘Bel en die Draak’, sowel as met die boek Daniël gelees moet word. Indien die teks op hierdie voorgestelde wyse ontleed word, kom verskeie punte na vore. Eerstens word aangedui dat die kleiner episode deel van ’n groter gode-oorlog vorm. Tweedens, die skrywer/redakteur gebruik die kleiner episode as deel van ’n proses om ’n nuwe kosmologie te skep. Volgens hierdie nuwe kosmologie is die Joodse God ’n almagtige God, terwyl ander gode vals en nie ware lewende gode is nie. Op sy eie manier lewer die skrywer/redakteur ’n bydrae tot die ontwikkeling van die Jode se godsbeskouing tydens die diaspora.
Systematic Analysis of Integrated Gene Functional Network of Four Chronic Stress-related Lifestyle Disorders
Authors: Roy Souvick , Chakraborty Abhik , Ghosh Chinmoy , Banerjee Birendranath
Published: April 2015

Background:

Stress is a term used to define factors involved in changes in the physiological balances resulting in disease conditions. Chronic exposure to stress conditions in modern lifestyles has resulted in a group of disorders called lifestyle disorders. Genetic background and environmental factors are interrelated to lifestyle in determining the health status of individuals. Hence, identification of disease-associated genes is the primary step toward explanations of pathogenesis of these diseases. In functional genomics, large-scale molecular and physiological data are used for the identification of causative genes associated with a disease.

Aim:

The objective of our study was to find a common set of genes involved in chronic stress-related lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension (HTN), and obesity.

Materials and Methods:

In our study, we have performed a systematic analysis of the functional gene network of four chronic stress-related lifestyle diseases by retrieving genes from published databases. We have tried to systematically construct a functional protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The goals of establishing this network were the functional enrichment study of interacting partners as well as functional disease ontology annotation (FunDO) of the enriched genes.

Results:

This study enabled the identification of key genes involved in these stress-related lifestyle diseases by prioritizing candidate genes based on their degree of involvement. In this systematic analysis, we have found key genes for these diseases based on their involvement and association at the gene network level and PPI.

Conclusion:

We have deciphered a group of genes that in combination play a crucial role and may impact the function of the whole genome in the four lifestyle disorders mentioned.
Character Sums Over Bohr Sets
Authors: Hanson Brandon
Published: April 2015

We prove character sum estimates for additive Bohr subsets modulo a prime. These estimates are analogous to the classical character sumbounds of Pólya–Vinogradov and Burgess. These estimates are applied to obtain results on recurrence modpby special elements.
Multiple conjugacy problem in graphs of free abelian groups
Authors: Beeker Benjamin
Published: April 2015

A group

G

is a vGBS group if it admits a decomposition as a nite graph of groups with all edge and vertex groups nitely generated and free abelian. We prove that the multiple conjugacy problem is solvable between two

n

-tuples

A

and

B

of elements of

G

whenever the elements of A does not generate an elliptic subgroup.
On the growth of Hermitian groups
Authors: Palma Rui
Published: April 2015

A locally compact group

G

is said to be Hermitian if every selfadjoint element of

L^1(G)

has real spectrum. Using Halmos’ notion of capacity in Banach algebras and a result of Jenkins, Fountain, Ramsay and Williamson we will put a bound on the growth of Hermitian groups. In other words, we will show that if

G

has a subset that grows faster than a certain constant, then

G

cannot be Hermitian. Our result allows us to give new examples of non-Hermitian groups which could not tackled by the existing theory. The examples include certain infinite free Burnside groups, automorphism groups of trees, and

p

-adic general and special linear groups.
Superrigidity in infinite dimension and finite rank via harmonic maps
Authors: Duchesne Bruno
Published: April 2015

We consider infinite dimensional Riemannian manifolds of nonpositive curvature and finite telescopic dimension. We prove geometric superrigidity for actions of cocompact lattices in semisimple Lie groups of higher rank on theses spaces.
Relative subgroup growth and subgroup distortion
Authors: Davis Tara C. , Olshanskii Alexander Yu.
Published: April 2015

We study the relative growth of finitely generated subgroups in finitely generated groups, and the corresponding distortion function of the embeddings. We explore which functions are equivalent to the relative growth functions and distortion functions of finitely generated subgroups. We also study the connections between these two asymptotic invariants of group embeddings. We answer Gromov’s question on the relationship between distortion and connectivity radius functions. We give conditions under which a length function on a finitely generated group can be extended to a length function on a larger group.
Groups with infinitely many ends are not fraction groups
Authors: Kielak Dawid
Published: April 2015

We show that any finitely generated group

F

with infinitely many ends is not a group of fractions of any finitely generated proper subsemigroup

P

, that is

F

cannot be expressed as a product

P P^{-1}

. In particular this solves a conjecture of Navas in the positive. As a corollary we obtain a new proof of the fact that finitely generated free groups do not admit isolated left-invariant orderings.
Age Modifies the Immunologic Response and Clinical Presentation of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis
Authors: Carvalho Augusto M. , Amorim Camila F. , Barbosa Juliana L. S. , Lago Alexsandro S. , Carvalho Edgar M.
Published: April 2015

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main causal agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) that may present as cutaneous, mucosal, or disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis. The disease is highly prevalent in young males and there is a lack of studies of ATL in the elderly. Herein, we compared clinical manifestations, immunologic response, and response to antimony therapy between patients > 60 years of age (N = 58) and patients who were 21–30 years of age (N = 187). The study was performed in Corte de Pedra, Bahia, Brazil, a well-known area of L. braziliensis transmission. Cytokine production by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen was performed. Elderly subjects more frequently had a previous history of cutaneous leishmaniasis, large lesions, or mucosal leishmaniasis, and they were less likely to have lymphadenopathy. There was no difference regarding gender and response to therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from elderly subjects produced a similar amount of tumor necrosis factor than young patients but they produced less interferon-gamma and more interleukin-10 than young subjects. We concluded that elderly patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis should be searched for mucosal or disseminated leishmaniasis. The decreased interferon-gamma production and increase in interleukin-10 observed in elderly patients may contribute to parasite persistence and L. braziliensis infection dissemination.
A Unique Case of Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica with Postoperative Hungry Bone Syndrome and Hypocalcemic Cardiac Failure
Authors: Maturi Ramesh , Makineni Hemanth , Marri Sri Santhosh Keerthi
Published: April 2015

Osteitis fibrosa cystica, a manifestation of severe hyperparathyroidism presenting with crippling bone deformities is a rare presentation these days. We report a case of 40-year-old male patient who presented with generalized aches and pains and bony deformities. Radiographs showed diffuse osteopenia, brown tumors and pathological fractures of phalanges but common manifestations associated with hyperparathyroidism like pancreatic calcifications and nephrolithiasis were absent. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were elevated while ultrasound imaging of neck showed the presence of a left lower parathyroid adenoma and was confirmed by Tc99- sestamibi scan. Large parathyroid lesion along with high calcium levels and severely elevated PTH puts this patient in high-risk category for postoperative hungry bone syndrome leading to severe hypocalcemia postoperatively. Hypocalcemia usually results in neuromuscular irritability manifesting as paresthesia, Chvostek and Trousseau sign, carpopedal spasm and even convulsions in severe cases. However, our patient had none of the common manifestations, but developed hypocalcemic cardiac failure postoperatively. Case history and management of case is presented.

How to cite this article

Maturi R, Makineni H, Marri SSK. A Unique Case of Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica with Postoperative Hungry Bone Syndrome and Hypocalcemic Cardiac Failure. World J Endoc Surg 2015;7(1):10-13.
Surgical Delight: Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Authors: Ravikumar Krishnan , Sadacharan Dhalapathy
Published: April 2015

Introduction

A nonrecurrent course is an unusual anatomic variation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. It is seen usually on the right side, and it is very rare on the left side. Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve if present is mostly associated with vascular anomalies.

Case report

A 55-year-old female was referred to us with thyrotoxic symptoms for a period of 6 months. She was rendered euthyroid with antithyroid medications. After complete evaluation, she was posted for total thyroidectomy. Intraoperatively, right recurrent nerve could not be identified in usual position. On careful dissection, a nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve was identified. The recurrent laryngeal nerve on the left side showed normal course. The intraoperative and postoperative period were uneventful. Postoperative vocal cord status was normal.

Conclusion

This case was presented for its rarity and to stress the need for orderly meticulous surgical dissection.

How to cite this article

Ravikumar K, Sadacharan D, Suresh Rv. Surgical Delight: Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve. World J Endoc Surg 2015;7(1):14-16.
Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease: A Rare Cause of Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Mahadevan Shriraam , Ravikumar Krishnan , Sadacharan Dhalapathy , Muthukumar Sankaran
Published: April 2015

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is one of the rare cause of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) independent Cushing's syndrome. More than 90% of the reported PPNAD have been associated with Carney's complex. Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease is one of the major criteria for the diagnosis of Carney's complex (CNC). We report a case of PPNAD which is not associated with CNC.

How to cite this article

Sadacharan D, Mahadevan S, Ravikumar K, Muthukumar S. Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease: A Rare Cause of Cushing's Syndrome. World J Endoc Surg 2015;7(1):24-25.
Epilepsy: Special Consideration in Women
Authors: Kumar Suman , Ahmad Ayesha , Rabbani Tamkin Khan
Published: April 2015

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorder complicating pregnancy. The article reviews various management issues in women in preconceptional, antenatal and postnatal period. An online search was carried out for articles on epilepsy in women and different aspects relating to contraception, conception, antenatal, intranatal and postnatal management. The available guidelines on the subject were also reviewed.

How to cite this article

Ahmad A, Rabbani TK, Kumar S. Epilepsy: Special Consideration in Women. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2015; 6(1):11-14.
Nasal Bone Length Normogram of Mid-second Trimester Euploid Fetuses of an Indian Population
Authors: Vikraman Seneesh Kumar , Chandra Vipin , Balakrishanan Bijoy , Gudi Amruta , Batra Meenu , Kannoli Gopinathan
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal aneuploidy to result in a live birth. Absent nasal bone has been consistently observed in fetuses with ds. Multiple studies have been conducted to measure and compare the nasal bone length (NBL) in different races and ethnicity and is found to vary in size. In countries, such as India where often only the second trimester scan is performed for screening of aneuploidies, NBL could be regarded as a useful marker.

Aims and objectives

To estimate the NBL of fetuses at 18 to 22 + 6 weeks gestational age in an Indian population, establish a normogram and compare it with that of the Caucasian population.

Materials and methods

Prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital with 500 antenatal subjects after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

The normogram was established and found to be comparable to previously established ones for Indian subjects. The 5th centiles for 18-18.6, 19-19.6, 20-20.6, 21-21.6 and 22- 22.6 weeks of gestations were 3.4, 3. 5, 4.2, 4.3 and 5.4 mm respectively. The NBL increased with gestational age (GA), and the mean NBL was 5.48 mm. No correlation was noted with maternal age, sex of fetus or religion. The NBLs were significantly shorter than those of the Caucasian population.

Conclusion

Mean NBL values of Indian population are less than the mean NBL of Caucasian population. This along with the GA needs to be considered in counseling patients and decisions regarding further invasive and noninvasive tests.

How to cite this article

Vikraman SK, Chandra V, Balakrishanan B, Gudi A, Batra M, Kannoli G. Nasal Bone Length Normogram of Mid-second Trimester Euploid Fetuses of an Indian Population. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2015;6(1):25-29.
Assessment of Uterine Receptivity by the Subendometrial-Endometrial Blood Flow Distribution Pattern in Frozenthawed Embryo Transfer Cycles
Authors: Sardana Divya
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate the correlation of blood flow detected by 2-Dimensional Power Doppler (2D-PD) sonography in the subendometrial-endometrial unit with the pregnancy outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Study design

Prospective non-randomized observational study.

Materials and methods

A total of 127 patients undergoing their first FET cycle were recruited and prepared using hormone replacement therapy. All patients were evaluated for subendometrial-endometrial blood flow by 2D-PD once the endometrium was ≥7 mm thick. Progesterone supplement was added and transfer of 2 to 3 cleavage stage good quality embryos was done after 3 days.

Results

The difference in the BMI, FSH, LH and endometrial thickness of women in the three zones was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, women with blood flow in zone 1 were of older age as compared to women in zone 3 with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). In the present study, the overall pregnancy rate was 35.43% (45/127). Women having blood flow in zone 3 or 4 showed a rising trend of pregnancy rate as compared to those in zone 1 and 2 although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). But, clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were significantly higher in women with zone 3 or 4 penetration compared with zone 1 or 2 penetration (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The subendometrial-endometrial vascularity has a useful predictive value for pregnancy outcome in FET cycles. However, larger studies are needed to reach definite conclusion.

How to cite this article

Sardana D. Assessment of Uterine Receptivity by the Subendometrial-Endometrial Blood Flow Distribution Pattern in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2015;6(1):35-39.
O Assédio Moral no Contexto Universitário: uma discussão necessária
Authors: Nunes Thiago Soares , Tolfo Suzana da Rosa
Published: April 2015

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar parte dos resultados de um projeto de pesquisa, que possibilitou identificar a ocorrência e as características de assédio moral no trabalho em uma universidade. A pesquisa foi classificada como descritiva e estudo de caso, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Foram enviados questionários aos servidores da universidade e realizadas entrevistas. Constatou-se que as universidades não estão imunes à ocorrência desse tipo de violência e que essas ocorrências causam transtornos para a saúde, sobretudo a mental, desses trabalhadores, pelo fato de ter implicado na deterioração das condições de trabalho, no isolamento e na recusa de comunicação, bem como em violências verbais, físicas ou sexuais. Conclui-se que a universidade deve criar e desenvolver medidas de prevenção e combate ao assédio moral, visto que as ações atuais tem sido ineficazes.
Quantitative analysis of RNA abondance for CTCF during reprogramming of bovine embryo from oocyte to blastocyst
Authors: Amiri Roudbar M. , Dehghani H. , Tahmoorespur M. , Zahmatkesh A. , Adeldust H. , Ansari Majd S. , Daliri Joupari M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. CTCF is a highly conserved protein among eukaryotes and it is involved in many of regulatory functions including, transcriptional repression and activation, chromatin insulation, imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, higher-order chromatin organization, and alternative splicing. Studies performed on mouse embryos indicate that CTCF can be a maternal-effect gene, and is essential for normal development of embryos. CTCF can be used as a molecular effector for the proper epigenetic establishment of embryonic development. The aim of this study was to determine changes in transcript levels of the CTCF gene in bovine preimplantation embryos. RNA was extracted from immature and mature oocytes and embryos at various developmental stages (two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, and blastocysts). Results showed that the amounts of CTCF transcripts decreased in mature oocyte in comparison with immature oocytes, but this change was not significant. In addition, the amount of CTCF transcript in embryos at two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, and blastocyst stages significantly increased in comparison with immature oocytes. These data show that CTCF expression in bovine embryo begins at minor embryonic genome activation.
Hydroxy nitrate production in the OH-initiated oxidation of alkenes
Authors: Teng A. P. , Crounse J. D. , Lee L. , St. Clair J. M. , Cohen R. C. , Wennberg P. O.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Alkenes are oxidized rapidly in the atmosphere by addition of OH and subsequently O2 leading to the formation of β-hydroxy peroxy radicals. These peroxy radicals react with NO to form β-hydroxy nitrates with a branching ratio α. We quantify α for C2–C8 alkenes at 295 K ± 3 and 993 hPa. The branching ratio can be expressed as α = (0.045 ± 0.016) × N − (0.11 ± 0.05) where N is the number of heavy atoms (excluding the peroxy moiety), and listed errors are 2σ. These branching ratios are larger than previously reported and are similar to those for peroxy radicals formed from H abstraction from alkanes. We find the isomer distributions of β-hydroxy nitrates formed under NO-dominated peroxy radical chemistry to be different than the isomer distribution of hydroxy hydroperoxides produced under HO2-dominated peroxy radical chemistry. Assuming unity yield for the hydroperoxides implies that the branching ratio to form β-hydroxy nitrates increases with substitution of RO2. Deuterium substitution enhances the branching ratio to form hydroxy nitrates in both propene and isoprene by a factor of ~ 1.5. The role of alkene chemistry in the Houston region is re-evaluated using the RONO2 branching ratios reported here. Small alkenes are found to play a significant role in present-day oxidant formation more than a decade (2013) after the 2000 Texas Air Quality Study identified these compounds as major contributors to photochemical smog in Houston.
The Importance of Training for Human Resource Development in Organization
Authors: Mulang Astuty
Published: April 2015

Human resource makes up primary element of an organization. Human resource training and development are absolute necessities for it. In pragmatic, training and development program have positive influence on both individual and organization. Training Need Analysis (TNA). performance problem, new system and technology and also automatic and habitual training. It is a need analysis at the workplace which is specifically meant to find what actually training needs as a priority. Information of the needs will help organization in employing resources effectively and prevent unnecessary training activity.
Awakening Presence in Art Teacher Training
Authors: Balliro Beth , Katzew Adriana
Published: April 2015

This article argues that a commitment to the social justice potential of art education forces us to reconsider the constructed dialectic of "school" and "community." When emerging art educators are immersed in community encounters, they become reflexive teachers and learners, and they can awaken a relational, embodied self-understanding that they can deploy regardless of their teaching site.
Changing the opinions, beliefs and attitudes of the Efiks, Quas and Efuts of Calabar Municipality towards the practice of female circumcision
Authors: Emilia James Oyira , Umoe Duke Emon , N. C Essien , Ekpenyong Onoyom Affiong , ME Egbai , Patrick Awok Mbum
Published: April 2015

Objective: To determine the opinion of the Efiks, Quas and Efuts of old Calabar district towards the practice of female circumcision. To examine the beliefs of the Efiks, Quas and Efuts of Calabar towards the practice of female circumcision. To determine the attitude of the Efiks, Quas and Efuts of Calabar towards the practice of female circumcision.Methods: In order to successfully carry out the study, three research questions and hypothesis were formulated. Literatures were reviewed based on the research variables. The research instrument used for data collection was questionnaire which was administered on three hundred and six (306) respondents who served as the sample for the study. Their responses were analyzed using frequencies, and percentages. Results showed that more than 50% are not in support of the practice and in fact more than 64% will not want their daughters circumcised.Results: It is observed that majority of educated, well informed and enlightened individuals who are aware of the harmful effects of the female circumcision abhors it. To this extent, proper education, and enlightenment, should be encouraged. Religions and cosmopolitan nature of the city are key to influencing the opinions, beliefs and attitude of the people living there. And finally, majority of the people think that the practice of female circumcision is decreasing in the city. Based on these findings information should continue to be disseminated using mass media and local languages for complete eradication and permanent attitudinal change.Conclusions: This work highlight the influence of public education and increase awareness from both the rural and urban communities so rooted to their cultures of female circumcision in old Calabar district as bad practice and unacceptable tradition in the 21st century world of today.
Contending Perspectives on Post-Cold War US Policy toward Asia
Authors: Her Eric
Published: April 2015

No abstract available. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v4i0.416 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.4 2007: 21-27
The International Position of Mongolia: A Historical Overview
Authors: Dashtseren Buyantyn
Published: April 2015

No abstract available. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v4i0.419 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.4 2007: 48-53
Novelty Detection for Interactive Pose Recognition by a Social Robot
Authors: Gonzalez-Pacheco Victor , Sanz Almudena , Malfaz Maria , Salichs Miguel A.
Published: April 2015

Active robot learners take an active role in their own learning by making queries to their human teachers when they receive new data. However, not every received input is useful for the robot, and asking for non-informative inputs or asking too many questions might worsen the user's perception of the robot. We present a novelty detection system that enables a robot to ask labels for new stimuli only when they seem both novel and interesting. Our system separates the decision process into two steps: first, it discriminates novel from known stimuli, and second, it estimates if these stimuli are likely to happen again. Our approach uses the notion of curiosity, which controls the eagerness with which the robot asks questions to the user. We evaluate our approach in the domain of pose learning by training our robot with a set of pointing poses able to detect up to 84%, 79%, and 78% of the observed novelties in three different experiments. Our approach enables robots to keep learning continuously, even after training is finished. The introduction of the curiosity parameter allows tuning, for the conditions in which the robot should want to learn more.
A Utilization Framework of Ubiquitous Resources for Service Robots Using Semantic Matchmaking
Authors: Qian Kun , Ma Xudong , Dai Xianzhong , Fang Fang , Zhou Bo
Published: April 2015

The automatic and flexible utilization of ubiquitous service resources is a key prerequisite for autonomous robots in ambient intelligent environments. In this paper, a novel component-based robotic system (CBRS) framework is proposed in order to support the utilization of task-oriented service resources. In order to increase the reusability of robot control programs and software libraries, a framework that supports semantic modelling, discovery and dynamic selection of ubiquitous services is proposed, which employs semantic services computing technology to facilitate service representations, invocation and interactions. The system architecture is described with an emphasis on the matchmaking method. A new semantic similarity metric is proposed based on an extended OWL relation definition and a matchmaking algorithm is proposed that is compared to the Requirement and Advertisement in ontology using the conceptual span similarity measure. Hence, more reliable semantic matching is achieved compared with previous methods. By developing a rosbridge-based connection management module in the runtime system, the framework is favourable for developing web browser-enabled applications. Experimental results in home-care robot applications validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Perturbations of Dipole Decay Dynamics Induced by Plasmonic Nano-Antennas — A Study within the Discrete Dipole Approximation
Authors: D'Agostino Stefania , Della Sala Fabio , Andreani Lucio Claudio
Published: April 2015

We report a discrete dipole approximation approach to analyse the perturbations induced by silver nano-particles on the decay dynamics of a point-like emitter placed in their proximity. Due to the excitation of localized surface plasmons, metallic nano-particles behave like optical antennas and are able to convert localized fields into free-propagating optical radiation, and vice versa. Field localization and enhancement induce strong changes on the decay dynamics of dipoles located in the perturbed electromagnetic environment, and these can be faithfully quantified within the framework of classical electromagnetism in terms of total, radiative and non-radiative decay rates. The method is tested on benchmark cases, i.e., nanospheres and nano-shells, and it is then applied to analytically-unsolvable shapes such as sharp nano-cones and oxide-covered small nano-antennas. Numerical results reveal 105-order enhancements in the total decay rate of the dipole when located very near to the sharp tip, both with and without a thin Ag2O layer. Moreover, the counter-intuitive behaviour of the cone response in relation to the distance between the metal and the source of the radiation is discussed. Applications span from strong coupling studies to time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.
Afroneutria, a new spider genus of Afrotropical Ctenidae (Arachnida, Araneae)
Authors: Polotow Daniele , Jocqué Rudy
Published: April 2015

The new ctenid genus Afroneutria is proposed to include five species: Afroneutria velox (Blackwall, 1865) comb. nov. (type species), A. immortalis (Arts, 1912) comb. nov., A. erythrochelis (Simon, 1876) comb. nov., A. quadrimaculata sp. nov. and A. hybrida sp. nov., all collected in central to southeast Africa. Afroneutria species can be distinguished from the remaining Ctenidae by the presence of a synapomorphic laminar projection on the embolus tip. The genus can also be distinguished by the presence of the following set of characters: elongated cup-shaped median apophysis and elongated and laminar embolus on the male palp; large lateral projections on the epigynum and the spermathecae divided into two parts, dorsal and ventral, in the vulva.
Library Catalog Log Analysis in E-book Patron-Driven Acquisitions (PDA): A Case Study
Authors: Urbano Cristóbal , Zhang Yin , Downey Kay , Klingler Thomas
Published: April 2015

Patron-Driven Acquisitions (PDA) is a new model used for e-book acquisition by academic libraries. A key component of this model is to make records of e-books available in a library catalog and let actual patron usage decide whether or not an item is purchased. However, there has been a lack of research examining the role of the library catalog as a tool for e-book discovery and use in PDA. This paper presents a case study of using PDA for e-book acquisition in an academic library, with a focus on the role of the library catalog in this purchasing model. The implications and challenges are also discussed.
Four Facets of Privacy and Intellectual Freedom in Licensing Contracts for Electronic Journals
Authors: Rubel Alan , Zhang Mei
Published: April 2015

This is a study of the treatment of library patron privacy in licenses for electronic journals in academic libraries. We begin by distinguishing four facets of privacy and intellectual freedom based on the LIS and philosophical literature. Next, we perform a content analysis of 42 license agreements for electronic journals, focusing on terms for enforcing authorized use and collection and sharing of user data. We compare our findings to model licenses, to recommendations proposed in a recent treatise on licenses, and to our account of the four facets of intellectual freedom. We find important conflicts with each.
Perceptions of Canadian Provosts on the Institutional Role of Academic Libraries
Authors: Robertson Mark
Published: April 2015

This study examines perceptions of provosts from Canadian research-intensive universities regarding their institution’s academic libraries. Interviews conducted with nine provosts explored how they perceive academic libraries in terms of alignment with institutional mission, how they envision the future of their libraries, and what they interpret as indicators of success. The results suggest that provosts perceive libraries making significant contributions to research and student learning, particularly through the provision of access to information and the evolving role of library as place respectively. Other areas of library expertise, such as scholarly communication, appear somewhat less familiar to provosts, suggesting the need for library leaders to promote new roles within the institutional context.
The Determinants of Organizational Innovation: An Interpretation and Implications for Research Libraries
Authors: Jantz Ronald C.
Published: April 2015

The research reported here is focused on a specific type of change in an organization: an innovation. In an empirical analysis of research libraries, it was found that five factors had a significant impact on the innovation performance of the library. These factors relate to the strategy, organizational structure, and leadership of the research library. The study sample consisted of 50 libraries that were members of the Association of Research Libraries. This paper will discuss the theoretical model, explain the effects of these five variables, highlight certain additional correlations that are meaningful, and discuss implications for research libraries.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the Academic Library: A Methodology for Mapping Multiple Means of Representation in Library Tutorials
Authors: Webb Katy Kavanagh , Hoover Jeanne
Published: April 2015

Librarians designed a biology tutorial not only to address an assignment, but also to make tutorials more accessible to students with various learning styles. The Science Librarian created the content by using aspects of the Information Literacy Standards for Science and Technology/Engineering, an informal survey of biology faculty, and assignments for the biology labs. The Instructional Design Librarian created multiple modules that engaged users through text, images, audio, and interactive tutorials. The researchers used Universal Design for Learning principles to address multiple learning styles, specifically multiple means of representation, and created a mapping technique for those principles that can be applied to any library tutorial. To assess the effectiveness, students with learning disabilities completed a usability test on the tutorial.
The potential of Social Network Analysis as a tool for the management of zoo animals
Authors: Rose PE , Croft DP
Published: April 2015

Social Network Analysis (SNA) enables the fine scale of animal sociality and population structure to be quantified. SNA is widely applied to questions relating to behavioural ecology but has seen little use in the application to zoo animal management, despite its clear potential. Investment in social bonds between individuals positively affects health status, welfare state, long-term fitness and lifetime reproductive output. Such positive affective states can be maintained consistently within captive situations if more information is known about the social preferences of the individuals that are kept. Disruption to social bonds may lead to impoverished welfare and stress to individuals which have seen their social support compromised. The patterning of social relationships between individuals also influences how space is utilised and how animals interact with resources provided for them. With more detailed knowledge of the social structure of a group or population, social groupings (for example, for captive breeding) can be specifically designed to minimise social stress. Likewise, enhancing the chances of successful reproduction can be achieved if we understand the role that each individual within a network plays and how these roles may impact on the behaviour of others. This paper discusses key aspects of SNA applicable to zoo-based researchers wishing to investigate the social lives of zoo animals. We present a review of how SNA can be used to assess social behaviour and highlight directions for future research. Our aim is to stimulate new research to ultimately improve our understanding of reproductive success, decision-making, group leadership, animal health and enclosure use. We conclude that what can be learned about the dynamics of social zoo-housed species using SNA can directly impact on husbandry decisions and help underpin excellent standards of animal welfare.
Calf mortality in semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in a Scottish herd: the impact of maternal age and individual differences between cows
Authors: Jorgensen MW , Jarvis S , Brewer MJ , Goddard PJ
Published: April 2015

High calf mortality rate is a significant problem facing semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) production around the world. Mortality rates, commonly due to predation, can range from 5 to 70%, which constitutes a great welfare concern. This study examined the influence of quantifiable maternal characteristics on reindeer calf survival. Data were compiled from 18 years’ worth of records on the survival of calves in the Cairngorm reindeer herd (Scottish Highlands, UK). Overall, mortality rate of calves (n = 635) in the herd was 34.9% to six months old, rising to 47.8% by one year old. For both Total Calf Survival (including perinatal losses) and Postnatal Calf Survival (excluding perinatal losses) of calves up to six months old, the only maternal trait found to significantly influence calf survival was the age of the cow at calving. Calves of very young and old cows showed higher mortality rates. Only 40% of the cows were associated with 77% of calf deaths and it was demonstrated that there were significant individual differences between cows in relation to their ability to consistently rear calves successfully. These findings can be applied to reduce calf mortality within herds, guiding selection towards females with successful reproductive histories and with ages falling in the prime productive range (3-11 years old). Additionally, annual variation had a highly significant influence on calf survival with rising mortality over the recorded period, indicating a role of environment on survival and an avenue for further research to investigate the impact of external factors, such as climate and pathogen load on post-natal loss.