bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic devices for electrochemical water treatment with cooling of electrolyte
Authors: Trisovic Tomislav , Spasojevic Miroslav , Gvozdenovic Milica , Jugovic Branimir , Rafailovic Lidija
Published: May 2015

The most common disinfectants for water treatment are based on chlorine and
its compounds. Practically, water treatments with chlorine compounds have no
alternative, since they provide, in comparison to other effective processes
such as ozonization or ultraviolet irradiation, high residual disinfection
capacity. Unfortunately, all of chlorine-based compounds for disinfection
tend to degrade during storage, thus reducing the concentration of active
chlorine. Apart from degradation, additional problems are transportation,
storage and handling of such hazardous compounds. Nowadays, a lot of
attention is paid to the development of electrochemical devices for in situ
production of chlorine dioxide or sodium hypochlorite as efficient
disinfectants for water treatment. The most important part of such a device
is the electrochemical reactor. Electrochemical reactor uses external source
of direct current in order to produce disinfectants in electrochemical
reactions occurring at the electrodes. Construction of an electrochemical
device for water treatment is based on evaluation of optimal conditions for
electrochemical reactions during continues production of disinfectants. The
aim of this study was to develop a low-cost electrochemical device for the
production of disinfectant, active chlorine, at the place of its usage, based
on newly developed technical solutions and newest commercial components. The
projected electrochemical device was constructed and mounted, and its
operation was investigated. Investigations involved both functionality of
individual components and device in general. The major goal of these
investigations was to achieve maximal efficiency in extreme condition of
elevated room temperature and humidity with a novel device construction
involving coaxial heat exchanger at the solution inlet. Room operation of the
proposed device was investigated when relative humidity was set to 90% and
the ambient temperature of 38?C. The obtained results in such extreme
operation conditions reveled that it was possible to obtain required
concentration of 0.85% of active chlorine with maximal temperature of outlet
electrolyte of 35.3?C, which is within the limits of optimal temperatures.
The importance of social sciences in interdisciplinary study of art
Authors: Gavric Goran
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses the partucular scopes of history, philosophy, sociology,
geography, anthropology, and psychology in the interpretation of certain
artistic phenomena. At the same time, there are possibilities for connecting
their results into a consistent, paraconsistent comprehensive
multidisciplinary interpretation, and especially the reality of that
interpretation in relation to theoretically recognizable elements of art and
composition of artistic work. Social sciences provide the history of art with
necessary material to expand the interpretation of art and analysis of works
of art, as well as the theoretical foundation of multidisciplinarity.
Srpska enciklopedistika i kapitalni izdavacki projekti u Srbiji
Authors: Ocic Dejana
Published: May 2015

nema
The iconography of light. A possible interpretation of the decoration of a three nozzle lamp from Viminacium
Authors: Vranesevic Branka
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on offering a possible iconographic interpretation of the
decoration of a rare three nozzle lamp discovered in the ancient city of
Viminacium, on the locality of a necropolis called Pecine, dated to the early
fourth century. Among the numerous lamps unearthed at the site of this
prominent Roman city, capital of Moesia Superior, this example stands out for
its rectangular shape, three nozzles and a decoration of high artistic merit
consisting of geometric and floral ornaments. Considering the function and
meaning of lamps within the framework of Early Christian teachings, liturgy
and burial practices, this imagery can be understood as visualization of
concepts related to perceptions of eternity and otherworldly, divine light.
To picture and to perform: The image of the Eucharistic Liturgy at Markov Manastir (I)
Authors: Tomic-Djuric Marka
Published: May 2015

This paper presents and interprets the iconographic programme of the frescoes
in the lowest register of the sanctuary in the church of St Demetrios at
Markov Manastir in the context of the relationship between mural decoration
and the contemporary Eucharistic rite. In the first part of the paper special
attention is paid to the scene in the north pastophorion, which illustrates
the prothesis rite, and the depiction of the Great Entrance, placed in the
sanctuary apse. The iconographic and programmatic features of the fresco
ensemble, the most pominent place among which is occupied by the
representations of the deceased Saviour and Christ the Great Archpriest - are
compared to various liturgical sources and visual analogies (monumetal
painting and liturgical textiles) in the medieval art of Serbia and
Byzantium.
Stratigraphy of the wall paintings in the main church of the Praskvica Monastery
Authors: Vojvodic Dragan
Published: May 2015

In the katholikon of the monastery of Praskvica there are remains of two
layers of post-Byzantine wall-painting: the earlier, from the third quarter
of the sixteenth century, and later, from the first half of the seventeenth
century, which is the conclusion based on stylistic analysis and technical
features. The portions of frescoes belonging to one or the other layer can be
clearly distinguished from one another and the content of the surviving
representations read more thoroughly than before. It seems that the remains
of wall-painting on what originally was the west facade of the church also
belong to the earlier layer. It is possible that the church was not frescoed
in the lifetime of its ktetor, Balsa III Balsic.
The Deesis row from Piva: A contribution to the study of the iconostasis and icon painting of the monastery of Piva
Authors: Vojvodic Dragan , Zivkovic Milos
Published: May 2015

The paper is devoted to the chronology of the genesis of the iconostasis and
the choros of the monastery of Piva and to the attribution of some of their
icons. It presents the hitherto unpublished Deesis row which formed part of
the original altar screen and was painted sometime between 1586 and 1604. The
Deeisis and the somewhat younger Crucifix (1606) were mounted on the old
iconostasis above the despotic icons painted by Longin in 1573/1574. At least
one of the two-sided icons from the subsequently made choros (1610/1611) is
not his work. For the new carved wooden iconostasis (1638/1639) the Serbian
painter Jovan painted the despotic icons and the icon of the Descent of the
Holy Spirit in the upper tier. A disciple of his painted the other eleven
icons of the Great Feasts.
Spatial Competition at the Intersection of the Large and Small Audit Firm Markets
Authors: Bills Kenneth L. , Stephens Nathaniel M.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we study spatial competition in the U.S. audit market while accounting for its two-tiered nature. We provide evidence on the differential impact that market share distances within and between the players in the large and small audit markets have on competition. We find that the market share distance from small audit firm competitors has a greater effect on the Big 4's audit fees than distances from other Big 4 competitors. This finding suggests that small audit firms play a significant part in the competitive landscape in local markets. Further, we find that audit fees are increasing with the distance between a small audit firm and its closest competing small audit firm while audit fees are decreasing with the distance between a small audit firm and its closest competing large audit firm. This suggests that while obtaining separation in market space from competing small audit firms reduces competitive pressure from other small audit firms, as a small audit firm gets closer to the market space of a large audit firm it is perceived as being more like the larger audit firm and is able to obtain a fee premium like that attained by the larger audit firms.

JEL Classifications: M4; M40; M41; M42; M49.
Mandatory Preliminary Performance Reports: Evidence from China
Authors: Song Yunling , Zhou Ling
Published: May 2015

Companies listed on China's Shenzhen Stock Exchange Small and Medium Enterprise Board are required to release preliminary performance reports before the end of February if they cannot file annual reports by that time. Although this mandate might improve the timeliness of information, we find that such preliminary releases are inaccurate and optimistic, potentially misleading investors. Sixteen percent of preliminary reports contain significant inaccuracies (i.e., when actual numbers deviate from preliminary ones by at least 10 percent). Firms in earlier stages of the auditing process, as well as those with low-quality preliminary reports in prior years, poorer performance, greater accounting complexity, and fewer resources, are more likely to issue low-quality preliminary performance reports. Market reaction tests indicate that investors consider preliminary releases to be informative and generally cannot differentiate between high-quality and low-quality preliminary releases. Moreover, when annual reports are filed, investors are surprised by the differences between the annual reports and the preliminary reports. Thus, our paper demonstrates that mandatory disclosure requirements may have unintended negative consequences.
HDL Cholesterol and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Haase Christiane L. , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth
Published: May 2015

Observationally, low levels of HDL cholesterol are consistently associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, plasma HDL cholesterol increasing has been suggested as a novel therapeutic option to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Whether levels of HDL cholesterol are causally associated with type 2 diabetes is unknown. In a prospective study of the general population (n = 47,627), we tested whether HDL cholesterol–related genetic variants were associated with low HDL cholesterol levels and, in turn, with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. HDL cholesterol–decreasing gene scores and allele numbers associated with up to −13 and −20% reductions in HDL cholesterol levels. The corresponding theoretically predicted hazard ratios for type 2 diabetes were 1.44 (95% CI 1.38–1.52) and 1.77 (1.61–1.95), whereas the genetic estimates were nonsignificant. Genetic risk ratios for type 2 diabetes for a 0.2 mmol/L reduction in HDL cholesterol were 0.91 (0.75–1.09) and 0.93 (0.78–1.11) for HDL cholesterol–decreasing gene scores and allele numbers, respectively, compared with the corresponding observational hazard ratio of 1.37 (1.32–1.42). In conclusion, genetically reduced HDL cholesterol does not associate with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that the corresponding observational association is due to confounding and/or reverse causation.
The Trans-Contextual Model of Autonomous Motivation in Education
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Chatzisarantis Nikos L. D.
Published: May 2015

The trans-contextual model outlines the processes by which autonomous motivation toward activities in a physical education context predicts autonomous motivation toward physical activity outside of school, and beliefs about, intentions toward, and actual engagement in, out-of-school physical activity. In the present article, we clarify the fundamental propositions of the model and resolve some outstanding conceptual issues, including its generalizability across multiple educational domains, criteria for its rejection or failed replication, the role of belief-based antecedents of intentions, and the causal ordering of its constructs. We also evaluate the consistency of model relationships in previous tests of the model using path-analytic meta-analysis. The analysis supported model hypotheses but identified substantial heterogeneity in the hypothesized relationships across studies unattributed to sampling and measurement error. Based on our meta-analysis, future research needs to provide further replications of the model in diverse educational settings beyond physical education and test model hypotheses using experimental methods.
Technologies of the Afterlife
Authors: Rubin Jonah S.
Published: May 2015

In August 2011, I attended the exhumation of Severiano Clemente González, conducted by the Forum for Memory in the Castilian town of La Toba, Guadalajara. Mr González was one of the over 130,000 civilian victims of the 1936–1939 Spanish Civil War and ensuing Franco dictatorship (1939–1975). Even after Spain’s democratic constitution in 1978, most families could not recover their loved ones, owing to an unofficial ‘Pact of Silence’ whereby major political actors agreed not to legislate, litigate or discuss the still controversial past in the public sphere (Encarnación 2014). Since 2000, however, civil society organisations such as the Forum for Memory and the Association for the Recovery of Historical Memory (ARMH) have been leading a series of forensic exhumations – modelled after similar state-led interventions in Latin America, Southern and Eastern Europe (Ferrándiz 2010; Rubin 2014).
Kinderbibeln
Authors: Naas Marcel
Published: May 2015

Children’s Bibles: The History and Potential of a Forgotten Type of Textbook

Obwohl Kinderbibeln in Familie und Schule über Jahrhunderte eine wichtige Rolle spielten, fanden sie von Seiten der Historischen Bildungsforschung bisher wenig Beachtung. Ein Blick auf die Geschichte der Kinderbibeln im deutschsprachigen Raum und eine exemplarische Analyse von Schweizer Kinderbibeln, die zwischen 1800 und 1850 als Schulbücher verwendet wurden, zeigt allerdings, dass Kinderbibeln nicht nur theologisch oder religionspädagogisch, sondern auch bildungshistorisch gewinnbringend untersucht werden können, indem sich beispielsweise schulgeschichtliche Entwicklungen, konfessionelle Unterschiede oder auch Veränderungen des Kindbildes nachzeichnen lassen.
Comparing the effects of IASB Proposal on leasing: an impact assessment of EU listed Companies
Authors: Fabi Tommaso , Laghi Enrico , Mattei Marco , Sura Alessandro
Published: May 2015

In August 2010, the IASB and the FASB jointly released an exposure draft proposing a "right-of-use" model for the recognition of lease-related assets and liabilities. The literature shows that leasing is a relevant subject for study. Many studies have investigated the point of view of users and preparers about lease accounting. Moreover, significant studies on the impact assessment of new accounting models for leases have been conducted. The objective of this paper is to perform an impact assessment of the new standard on leases that takes into account companies listed on the main EU stock exchanges. Specifically, this paper try to estimate the magnitude of the change in some ratios that would have been produced by the new treatment with reference to 2011. The results of the paper show that the debt-to-equity ratio increased significantly and, subject to the IASB final decisions on profit or loss accounting, the EBITDA should also have increased, while ROA should not significantly be affected. Furthermore, the results show that the impact of the introduction of the IASB proposal on financial ratios will differ both among industries and among European Union countries.
The value relevance of earnings and book value across the EU. A comparative Analysis
Authors: Mechelli Alessandro , Cimini Riccardo
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to investigate whether the value relevance of accounting amounts differs across nations depending on the country characteristics identified by Nobes (2008) and Nobes and Parker (2010) that is the source of funds, the legal system and the fiscal legislation that led them to identify, in the EU, the so-called strong-equity and the weak-equity countries. Because of the different disclosure needs, our hypothesis is that insiders, within the strong-equity countries, disclose more relevant information than in weak-equity countries. To test this hypothesis, we analysed a sample including all the listed entities belonging to the EU at the time of the issuance of EU Regulation 1606/2002. The sample covered the period of 2006-2011 and included 16,513 firm-year observations. Our sample selection strategy allowed us to include entities required to comply with the same accounting standards (IAS/IFRS), so our findings do not depend on differences between requirements of different standard setters. Comparatively, our findings demonstrate that the value relevance of accounting amounts not only is higher in strong-equity countries than in weak-equity countries - validating our research hypothesis - but also that it is not driven by specific firms' characteristics that are the size, the future growth opportunity and the source of funds of the single entity.
Impairment estimates for available-for-sale equity instruments under IFRS: evidence from italian Banks
Authors: Sannino Giuseppe , Ginesti Gianluca , Drago Carlo
Published: May 2015

Literature indicates that accounting choices under a given set of standards is an important topic due to the different economic implications. Daske et al. (2013) suggest that firms have substantial discretion in applying IFRS. Despite the implications on how the firms apply IFRS have motivated many studies, to our knowledge, little is known about the impairment estimates for the Available-for- Sale (AfS) equity instruments. Using a sample of Italian banks over the period 2010-2011, we investigate the determinants of the accounting decisions for impairment estimates. We find that the reporting quality and profitability are explanatory factors of the banks' decisions to modify the thresholds of the impairment indicators used to assess AfS equity instruments. Our study also suggests that banks use a substantial discretion in implementing the IAS 39 for the AfS equity instruments.
Infestation of helminth parasites in Gangetic Leaffish Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Parveen Suraiya , Sultana Sabira
Published: May 2015

The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence and intensity of infestation by the helminth parasites in Gangetic Leaffish Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) collected from different fish habitat of Savar Thana of Dhaka district in Bangladesh, during March 2013 to April 2014. A total of 80 fishes were examined and among them 51 were found infected with various helminth parasites with an infection rate of 63.75% and intensity of infection 4.53%. A total of 231 parasites was recovered from different organs of the fishes, with the highest number from the intestine. Eleven species of helminths were identified, of which three were trematodes (Clinostomum giganticum, C. complanatum, Euclinostomum multicaecum), two were cestodes (Bothriocephalus sp., Senga ophiocephalina), three were acanthocephalans (Pallisentis nandai, P. ophiocephali, Neoechinorhynchus sp,) and three were nematodes (Porrocaecum sp., Contracaecum sp., Gnathostoma spinigerum). The prevalence and intensity of parasitic infection were a bit higher in female fish than in male. The parasites were much more abundant in summer (73.33%) followed by rainy (60%) and winter (55%). The larger fishes were heavily infected (69.23%) than medium (64.71%) and smaller (50%) fishesBangladesh J. Zool. 42(2): 183-190, 2014
Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions
Authors: Yáñez‐Mó María , Siljander Pia R.‐M. , Andreu Zoraida , Bedina Zavec Apolonija , Borràs Francesc E. , Buzas Edit I. , Buzas Krisztina , Casal Enriqueta , Cappello Francesco , Carvalho Joana , Colás Eva , Cordeiro‐da Silva Anabela , Fais Stefano , Falcon‐Perez Juan M. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Giebel Bernd , Gimona Mario , Graner Michael , Gursel Ihsan , Gursel Mayda , Heegaard Niels H. H. , Hendrix An , Kierulf Peter , Kokubun Katsutoshi , Kosanovic Maja , Kralj‐Iglic Veronika , Krämer‐Albers Eva‐Maria , Laitinen Saara , Lässer Cecilia , Lener Thomas , Ligeti Erzsébet , Linē Aija , Lipps Georg , Llorente Alicia , Lötvall Jan , Manček‐Keber Mateja , Marcilla Antonio , Mittelbrunn Maria , Nazarenko Irina , Nolte‐‘t Hoen Esther N.M. , Nyman Tuula A. , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Olivan Mireia , Oliveira Carla , Pállinger Éva , del Portillo Hernando A. , Reventós Jaume , Rigau Marina , Rohde Eva , Sammar Marei , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco , Santarém N. , Schallmoser Katharina , Stampe Ostenfeld Marie , Stoorvogel Willem , Stukelj Roman , Van der Grein Susanne G. , Helena Vasconcelos M. , Wauben Marca H. M. , De Wever Olivier
Published: May 2015

In the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as potent vehicles of intercellular communication, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This is due to their capacity to transfer proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological functions of both recipient and parent cells. While intensive investigation has targeted the role of EVs in different pathological processes, for example, in cancer and autoimmune diseases, the EV‐mediated maintenance of homeostasis and the regulation of physiological functions have remained less explored. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the physiological roles of EVs, which has been written by crowd‐sourcing, drawing on the unique EV expertise of academia‐based scientists, clinicians and industry based in 27 European countries, the United States and Australia. This review is intended to be of relevance to both researchers already working on EV biology and to newcomers who will encounter this universal cell biological system. Therefore, here we address the molecular contents and functions of EVs in various tissues and body fluids from cell systems to organs. We also review the physiological mechanisms of EVs in bacteria, lower eukaryotes and plants to highlight the functional uniformity of this emerging communication system.
Innovations and Possibilities in Connected Health
Authors: Krupinski Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2015

Background:Health care is being fundamentally changed by telemedicine. Telemedicine uses communication technologies in prevention, disease management, home health care, long-term (chronic) care, emergency medicine, and many other applications including audiology. Telemedicine
is being adopted and integrated into the health care enterprise at an exponential rate and it is often difficult to keep up with all of these changes. Other key drivers such as the Affordable Care Act and other federal health care initiatives are pushing the adoption of telemedicine and catalyzing
a flood of interest in telemedicine, telehealth, and m-Health.Purpose:This paper provides an overview of telehealth models and will describe methodologies as they pertain to clinical practice. The goal is to provide the principles behind the practice of telemedicine and how they can
be applied to teleaudiology programs. There is a very large body of evidence supporting the benefits and utility of telehealth in terms of technology, economic value, and impact on patients. However, there are still barriers to acceptance, so we must address these challenges and involve all
relevant stakeholders if telehealth is to become an integral part of the health care system. Clinical guidelines for telemedicine developed by experts who are practicing it on a daily basis is one way to help overcome these barriers, so attention will be devoted to a discussion of current
guidelines.Conclusions:Telemedicine is not a unique clinical specialty, but rather uses telecommunication technologies to reach out to patients to reduce barriers to care in underserved areas, improve patient care and accessibility to specialists, decrease professional isolation in
rural areas, help medical practitioners expand their practice reach, and save patients from having to travel or be transported to receive high quality care.
L’aventure Autolib’
Authors: Geron Sylvain
Published: May 2015

Autolib’ est un succès, c’est aussi une aventure d’entrepreneurs : Vincent Bolloré qui emmène son groupe familial sur les voies de l’innovation technologique et du développement durable ; Polyconseil, qui a pu montrer sa capacité à réaliser l’impossible.
Inventer des engagements citoyens pour transformer la société
Authors: Waserman Sylvain
Published: May 2015

Le désir d’engagement citoyen se renforce et les demandes pour le service civique dépassent les places disponibles. Les élus locaux et les entreprises ne sont pas en reste, et se dessine une mobilisation, dont les modalités restent à inventer.
Les repères d’un négociateur professionnel
Authors: Combalbert Laurent
Published: May 2015

Laurent Combalbert a été négociateur au sein du RAID puis dans une agence spécialisée qu’il dirige. Face à la complexité des situations, il montre le mélange de rigueur méthodologique et de capacité d’adaptation qui fait la qualité du négociateur.
Mode de N et type de N , de la synonymie à la polysémie
Authors: Gréa Philippe , Haas Pauline
Published: May 2015

L’objectif de cette étude est de décrire le fonctionnement sémantique des deux noms taxinomiques type et mode dans la structure [N 0   être Det ( type / mode ) de N 1 ] en observant leurs distributions nominales. Dans cette structure, type permet de marquer une relation de catégorisation de telle sorte que N 0  est inclus dans la catégorie N 1 . Mode exprime, quant à lui, l’idée de manière. Notre approche est empirique et statistique. Notre corpus a permis de réunir 5 843 unités lexicales pouvant entrer dans la distribution de mode , de type ou les deux. Les données sont présentées en fonction des rapports d’attirance et de répulsion existant entre les deux classificateurs et les noms sur lesquels ils portent. Nous montrons que les emplois de type et mode peuvent être quasi-synonymiques ( un mode de raisonnement / un type de raisonnement ) ou, au contraire, mettre en évidence la polysémie ACTION / OBJET du nom ( ce mode de chauffage est économique [ACTION] / ce type de chauffage est toujours en fonte [OBJET]).
Análisis mediante microscopía electrónica de transmisión de alta resolución y simulación molecular de la formación de las fases ε-Fe2-3N y γ’-Fe4N en un acero 4140 nitrurado
Authors: Béjar Luis , Medina-Flores Ariosto , Alfonso Ismeli , Carreón Héctor , Solis José
Published: May 2015

Se utilizaron técnicas de Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión de Alta Resolución (MET AR) y de simulación molecular para analizar la formación de fases en el proceso de nitruración por descargas de microondas de un acero 4140. Los resultados mostraron la formación de las fases ε-Fe2-3N y γ’-Fe4N. Se observó que la fase γ’-Fe4N está compuesta por nanopartículas cúbicas que crecen en la dirección < 0 0 1 >. Por otra parte, la fase ε-Fe2-3N está asociada con caras hexagonales en la dirección [0 0 1], las cuales crecen formando ángulos de 120° entre si. La comparación entre los resultados experimentales y analíticos permitieron una mejor comprensión de las fases formadas durante este proceso de nitruración.
¿Quién programa las redes sociales en Internet? El caso de Twiter en el movimiento #Yosoy132 México
Authors: Torres Nabel Luis César
Published: May 2015

El artículo discute las últimas hipótesis de que en las redes sociales e Internet la influencia social es espontánea y accidental, lo que contradice las viejas hipótesis de la programación inicial de todo movimiento social a partir de un ejercicio de influencia estratégica y previamente definida. La discusión parte del análisis de los actores más influyentes en el movimiento #YoSoy132 en la red social Twitter en México.
CD155 (PVR/Necl5) Mediates a Costimulatory Signal in CD4+ T Cells and Regulates Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Yamashita-Kanemaru Yumi , Takahashi Yuichi , Wang Yinan , Tahara-Hanaoka Satoko , Honda Shin-ichiro , Bernhardt Günter , Shibuya Akira , Shibuya Kazuko
Published: May 2015

Although Th1 and Th2 cells are known to be involved in allergic inflammatory diseases, the molecular mechanisms underlying their differentiation are incompletely understood. In this study, we identified CD155 as a costimulatory molecule on CD4+ T cells. Importantly, CD155-mediated signaling induced Th1 development in both humans and mice, as evidenced by production of IFN-γ and upregulation of Tbx21 transcription; these effects were independent of IL-12 but dependent on NF-κB–induced autocrine IFN-γ that triggered positive feedback via STAT1 activation. Mice genetically deficient in CD155 or treated with anti-CD155 Ab exhibited attenuated Th1-type contact hypersensitivity. Thus, CD155 plays an important regulatory role in helper T cell differentiation and allergic diseases.
Programmed Death-1 Controls T Cell Survival by Regulating Oxidative Metabolism
Authors: Tkachev Victor , Goodell Stefanie , Opipari Anthony W. , Hao Ling-Yang , Franchi Luigi , Glick Gary D. , Ferrara James L. M. , Byersdorfer Craig A.
Published: May 2015

The coinhibitory receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) maintains immune homeostasis by negatively regulating T cell function and survival. Blockade of PD-1 increases the severity of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), but the interplay between PD-1 inhibition and T cell metabolism is not well studied. We found that both murine and human alloreactive T cells concomitantly upregulated PD-1 expression and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. This PD-1HiROSHi phenotype was specific to alloreactive T cells and was not observed in syngeneic T cells during homeostatic proliferation. Blockade of PD-1 signaling decreased both mitochondrial H2O2 and total cellular ROS levels, and PD-1–driven increases in ROS were dependent upon the oxidation of fatty acids, because treatment with etomoxir nullified changes in ROS levels following PD-1 blockade. Downstream of PD-1, elevated ROS levels impaired T cell survival in a process reversed by antioxidants. Furthermore, PD-1–driven changes in ROS were fundamental to establishing a cell’s susceptibility to subsequent metabolic inhibition, because blockade of PD-1 decreased the efficacy of later F1F0-ATP synthase modulation. These data indicate that PD-1 facilitates apoptosis in alloreactive T cells by increasing ROS in a process dependent upon the oxidation of fat. In addition, blockade of PD-1 undermines the potential for subsequent metabolic inhibition, an important consideration given the increasing use of anti–PD-1 therapies in the clinic.
Cryptococcal Heat Shock Protein 70 Homolog Ssa1 Contributes to Pulmonary Expansion of Cryptococcus neoformans during the Afferent Phase of the Immune Response by Promoting Macrophage M2 Polarization
Authors: Eastman Alison J. , He Xiumiao , Qiu Yafeng , Davis Michael J. , Vedula Priya , Lyons Daniel M. , Park Yoon-Dong , Hardison Sarah E. , Malachowski Antoni N. , Osterholzer John J. , Wormley Floyd L. , Williamson Peter R. , Olszewski Michal A.
Published: May 2015

Numerous virulence factors expressed by Cryptococcus neoformans modulate host defenses by promoting nonprotective Th2-biased adaptive immune responses. Prior studies demonstrate that the heat shock protein 70 homolog, Ssa1, significantly contributes to serotype D C. neoformans virulence through the induction of laccase, a Th2-skewing and CNS tropic factor. In the present study, we sought to determine whether Ssa1 modulates host defenses in mice infected with a highly virulent serotype A strain of C. neoformans (H99). To investigate this, we assessed pulmonary fungal growth, CNS dissemination, and survival in mice infected with either H99, an SSA1-deleted H99 strain (Δssa1), and a complement strain with restored SSA1 expression (Δssa1::SSA1). Mice infected with the Δssa1 strain displayed substantial reductions in lung fungal burden during the innate phase (days 3 and 7) of the host response, whereas less pronounced reductions were observed during the adaptive phase (day 14) and mouse survival increased only by 5 d. Surprisingly, laccase activity assays revealed that Δssa1 was not laccase deficient, demonstrating that H99 does not require Ssa1 for laccase expression, which explains the CNS tropism we still observed in the Ssa1-deficient strain. Lastly, our immunophenotyping studies showed that Ssa1 directly promotes early M2 skewing of lung mononuclear phagocytes during the innate phase, but not the adaptive phase, of the immune response. We conclude that Ssa1’s virulence mechanism in H99 is distinct and laccase-independent. Ssa1 directly interferes with early macrophage polarization, limiting innate control of C. neoformans, but ultimately has no effect on cryptococcal control by adaptive immunity.
The Notch Signaling Pathway Controls Short-Lived Effector CD8+ T Cell Differentiation but Is Dispensable for Memory Generation
Authors: Mathieu Mélissa , Duval Frédéric , Daudelin Jean-François , Labrecque Nathalie
Published: May 2015

Following an infection, naive CD8+ T cells expand and differentiate into two main populations of effectors: short-lived effector cells (SLECs) and memory precursor effector cells (MPECs). There is limited understanding of the molecular mechanism and cellular processes governing this cell fate. Notch is a key regulator of cell fate decision relevant in many immunological pathways. In this study, we add to the role of Notch in cell fate decision and demonstrate that the Notch signaling pathway controls the MPEC/SLEC differentiation choice following both Listeria infection and dendritic cell immunization of mice. Although fewer SLECs were generated, Notch deficiency did not alter the rate of memory CD8+ T cell generation. Moreover, we reveal that the Notch signaling pathway plays a context-dependent role for optimal cytokine production by effector CD8+ T cells. Together, our results unravel critical functions for the Notch signaling pathway during effector CD8+ T cell differentiation.
Cutting Edge: c-Kit Signaling Differentially Regulates Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Accumulation and Susceptibility to Central Nervous System Demyelination in Male and Female SJL Mice
Authors: Russi Abigail E. , Walker-Caulfield Margaret E. , Ebel Mark E. , Brown Melissa A.
Published: May 2015

Multiple sclerosis preferentially affects women, and this sexual dimorphism is recapitulated in the SJL mouse model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we demonstrate that signaling through c-Kit exerts distinct effects on EAE susceptibility in male and female SJL mice. Previous studies in females show that Kit mutant (W/Wv) mice are less susceptible to EAE than are wild-type mice. However, male W/Wv mice exhibit exacerbated disease, a phenotype independent of mast cells and corresponding to a shift from a Th2- to a Th17-dominated T cell response. We demonstrate a previously undescribed deficit in c-Kit+ type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in W/Wv mice. ILC2s are also significantly reduced in EAE-susceptible wild-type females, indicating that both c-Kit signals and undefined male-specific factors are required for ILC2 function. We propose that deficiencies in Th2-promoting ILC2s remove an attenuating influence on the encephalitogenic T cell response and therefore increases disease susceptibility.
A CD153+CD4+ T Follicular Cell Population with Cell-Senescence Features Plays a Crucial Role in Lupus Pathogenesis via Osteopontin Production
Authors: Tahir Suhail , Fukushima Yuji , Sakamoto Keiko , Sato Kyosuke , Fujita Harumi , Inoue Joe , Uede Toshimitsu , Hamazaki Yoko , Hattori Masakazu , Minato Nagahiro
Published: May 2015

Immune aging results in diminished adaptive immunity and increased risk for autoimmunity. We previously reported a unique PD-1+ CD44highCD4+ T cell population that increases with age in normal mice. In this study, we indicate that the age-dependent PD-1+ CD44highCD4+ T cells develop as unique T follicular (TF) cells in a B cell–dependent manner and consist of two subpopulations, as follows: CD153+ cells preferentially secreting abundant osteopontin on TCR stimulation and CD153− cells that are apparently TCR anergic. These unique TF cells with essentially similar features increase much earlier and are accumulated in the spontaneous germinal centers (GCs) in lupus-prone female BWF1 (f-BWF1) mice. These TF cells showed characteristic cell-senescence features and developed in association with extensive CD4+ T cell proliferation in vivo, suggesting replicative senescence. Although the CD153+ TF cells were defective in proliferation capacity, they were quite stable and specifically responded to self GC-B cells to secret abundant osteopontin, which inhibited B cell receptor–induced GC-B cell apoptosis in f-BWF1 mice. Transfer of CD153+ PD-1+ CD4+ T cells promoted the growth of spontaneous GCs, whereas administration of anti-osteopontin Ab suppressed GC enlargement and anti-nuclear Ab production and ameliorated clinical lupus nephritis of f-BWF1 mice. Current results suggest that senescent CD153+ TF cells generated as a consequence of extensive endogenous CD4+ T cell proliferation play an essential, if not sufficient, role in lupus pathogenesis in lupus-prone genetic background and may also contribute to an increased autoimmunity risk with age.
RARE CYTOGENETIC ABNORMALITIES IN MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES
Authors: Schanz Julie , Braulke Friederike , Haase Detlef
Published: May 2015

The karyotype represents one of the main cornerstones for the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and the revised IPSS-R (IPSS-R) that are most widely used for prognostication in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The most frequent cytogenetic abnormalities in MDS, i.e. del(5q), -7/del(7q), +8, complex karyotypes, or –Y have been extensively explored for their prognostic impact. The IPSS-R considers also some less frequent abnormalities such as del(11q), isochromosome 17, +19, or 3q abnormalities. However, more than 600 different cytogenetic categories had been identified in a previous MDS study. This review aims to focus interest on selected rare cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with MDS. Examples are numerical gains of the chromosomes 11 (indicating rapid progression), of chromosome 14 or 14q (prognostically intermediate to favorable), -X (in females, with an intermediate prognosis), or numerical abnormalities of chromosome 21. Structural abnormalities are also considered, e.g. del(13q) that is associated with bone marrow failure syndromes and favorable response to immunosuppressive therapy. These and other rare cytogenetic abnormalities should be integrated into existing prognostication systems such as the IPSS-R. However, due to the very low number of cases, this is clearly dependent on international collaboration. Hopefully, this article will help to inaugurate this process.
Measuring Eccentric Strength of the Shoulder External Rotators Using a Handheld Dynamometer: Reliability and Validity
Authors: Johansson Fredrik R. , Skillgate Eva , Lapauw Mattis L. , Clijmans Dorien , Deneulin Valentijn P. , Palmans Tanneke , Engineer Human Kinetic , Cools Ann M.
Published: May 2015

Context

Shoulder strength assessment plays an important role in the clinical examination of the shoulder region. Eccentric strength measurements are of special importance in guiding the clinician in injury prevention or return-to-play decisions after injury.

Objective

To examine the absolute and relative reliability and validity of a standardized eccentric strength-measurement protocol for the glenohumeral external rotators.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

Testing environment at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy of Ghent University, Belgium.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-five healthy participants (9 men and 16 women) without any history of shoulder pain were tested by 2 independent assessors using a handheld dynamometer (HHD) and underwent an isokinetic testing procedure.

Intervention(s)

The clinical protocol used an HHD, a DynaPort accelerometer to measure acceleration and angular velocity of testing 30°/s over 90° of range of motion, and a Biodex dynamometer to measure isokinetic activity.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Three eccentric strength measurements: (1) tester 1 with the HHD, (2) tester 2 with the HHD, and (3) Biodex isokinetic strength measurement.

Results

The intratester reliability was excellent (0.879 and 0.858), whereas the intertester reliability was good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient between testers of 0.714. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients of 0.78 and 0.70 were noted between the HHD and the isokinetic data, showing good validity of this new procedure.

Conclusions

Standardized eccentric rotator cuff strength can be tested and measured in the clinical setting with good-to-excellent reliability and validity using an HHD.
Whole-Body Vibration and Blood Flow and Muscle Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Games Kenneth E. , Sefton JoEllen M. , Wilson Alan E.
Published: May 2015

Context

The use and popularity of whole-body vibration (WBV) has increased in recent years, but there is a lack of consensus in the literature about the effectiveness of the treatment.

Objective

To quantitatively examine the effects of WBV on muscle oxygenation and peripheral blood flow in healthy adults.

Data Sources

We searched Web of Science and PubMed databases and reference lists from relevant articles using the key terms whole body vibration, whole-body vibration, WBV, blood flow, peripheral blood flow, oxygenation, muscle oxygenation, circulation, circulatory, near infrared spectroscopy, NIRS, and power Doppler. Key terms were searched using single word and combination searches. No date range was specified.

Study Selection

Criteria for inclusion were (1) use of a commercially available WBV device, (2) a human research model, (3) a pre-WBV condition and at least 1 WBV experimental condition, and (4) reporting of unstandardized means and standard deviations of muscle oxygenation or peripheral blood flow.

Data Extraction

Means, standard deviations, and sample sizes were extracted from the text, tables, and figures of included studies. A total of 35 and 90 data points were extracted for the muscle-oxygenation and blood-flow meta-analyses, respectively. Data for each meta-analysis were combined and analyzed using meta-analysis software. Weighted, random-effects meta-analyses using the Hedges g metric were completed for muscle oxygenation and blood flow. We then conducted follow-up analyses using the moderator variables of vibration type, vibration time, vibration frequency, measurement location, and sample type.

Data Synthesis

We found 18 potential articles. Further examination yielded 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Whole-body vibration was shown to positively influence peripheral blood flow. Additionally, the moderators of vibration type and frequency altered the influence of WBV on blood flow. Overall, WBV did not alter muscle oxygenation; however, when the measurement site was considered, muscle oxygenation increased or decreased depending on the location.

Conclusions

Acute bouts of WBV increase peripheral blood flow but do not alter skeletal muscle oxygenation. Vibration type appears to be the most important factor influencing both muscle oxygenation and peripheral blood flow.
Emergent Access to the Airway and Chest in American Football Players
Authors: Swartz Erik E. , Mihalik Jason P. , Decoster Laura C. , Al-Darraji Sossan , Bric Justin
Published: May 2015

Context

American football has the highest rate of fatalities and catastrophic injuries of any US sport. The equipment designed to protect athletes from these catastrophic events challenges the ability of medical personnel to obtain neutral spine alignment and immobilization during airway and chest access for emergency life-support delivery.

Objective

To compare motion, time, and difficulty during removal of American football helmets, face masks, and shoulder pads.

Design

Quasi-experimental, crossover study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

We recruited 40 athletic trainers (21 men, 19 women; age = 33.7 ± 11.2 years, height = 173.1 ± 9.2 cm, mass = 80.7 ± 17.1 kg, experience = 10.6 ± 10.4 years).

Intervention(s)

Paired participants conducted 16 trials in random order for each of 4 helmet, face-mask, and shoulder-pad combinations. An 8-camera, 3-dimensional motion-capture system was used to record head motion in live models wearing properly fitted helmets and shoulder pads.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Time and perceived difficulty (modified Borg CR-10).

Results

Helmet removal resulted in greater motion than face-mask removal, respectively, in the sagittal (14.88°, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.72°, 16.04° versus 7.04°, 95% CI = 6.20°, 7.88°; F1,19 = 187.27, P < .001), frontal (7.00°, 95% CI = 6.47°, 7.53° versus 4.73°, 95% CI = 4.20°, 5.27°; F1,19 = 65.34, P < .001), and transverse (7.00°, 95% CI = 6.49°, 7.50° versus 4.49°, 95% CI = 4.07°, 4.90°; F1,19 = 68.36, P < .001) planes. Face-mask removal from Riddell 360 helmets took longer (31.22 seconds, 95% CI = 27.52, 34.91 seconds) than from Schutt ION 4D helmets (20.45 seconds, 95% CI = 18.77, 22.12 seconds) or complete ION 4D helmet removal (26.40 seconds, 95% CI = 23.46, 29.35 seconds). Athletic trainers required less time to remove the Riddell Power with RipKord (21.96 seconds, 95% CI = 20.61°, 23.31° seconds) than traditional shoulder pads (29.22 seconds, 95% CI = 27.27, 31.17 seconds; t19 = 9.80, P < .001).

Conclusions

Protective equipment worn by American football players must eventually be removed for imaging and medical treatment. Our results fill a gap in the evidence to support current recommendations for prehospital emergent management in patients wearing protective football equipment. Helmet face masks and shoulder pads with quick-release designs allow for clinically acceptable removal times without inducing additional motion or difficulty.
An attempt to define the constitutive elements of a pentecostal spirituality
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: May 2015

Pentecostal spirituality is defined as the integration of beliefs and practices into the affections that are themselves evoked and expressed by those practices and beliefs. This article investigates these practices and beliefs by examining pentecostal publications to define the most important constitutive elements of a pentecostal spirituality. The most important theological beliefs are justification by faith in Christ, sanctification as a second definite work of grace, healing as provided in the atonement, the premillennial second coming of Christ, and the baptism in the Spirit. However, when these theological beliefs are translated into pentecostal practice, it seems that their spirituality is essentially biblical, apocalyptical eschatological, missional, and affective. These elements are discussed in order to attempt to define the constitutive elements of a pentecostal spirituality.Pinksterspiritualiteit kan gedefinieer word as die integrasie van oortuigings en praktyke in die gevoelens wat deur daardie praktyke en oortuigings uitgelok en uitgedruk word. Die artikel ondersoek die praktyke en oortuigings deur na publikasies vanuit Pinkstergeledere te kyk ten einde die belangrikste samestellende elemente van ’n Pinksterspiritualiteit te definieer. Die belangrikste teologiese leerstellings is regverdiging deur die geloof in Christus, heiligmaking as ’n tweede besliste werk van genade, genesing as deel van die versoeningswerk, die verwagting van die premillennialistiese tweede koms van Christus, en die doop in die Heilige Gees. Wanneer die teologiese leerstellings in die Pinksterpraktyk vertaal word, blyk dit dat die spiritualiteit in wese bybels, apokalipties-eskatologies, missionaal en affektief is. Hierdie elemente word bespreek in ’n poging om die essensiële elemente van ’n Pinksterspiritualiteit te definieer.