bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase‐1 (ERAP‐1) with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
Authors: Sezgin Gülbüz , Dabak Reşat , Kaya Fatih Oner , Kotevoglu Nurdan , Uygur‐Bayramiçli Oya , Nalbant Selim
Published: May 2015

Background

The ERAP1 gene cleaves the receptors and reduces their ability to transmit chemical signals to the cell that affect the process of inflammation and, secondly, it cleaves many types of proteins into small peptides that are recognized by the immune system.

Objective

ERAP‐1 gene mutations may create a sensitivity for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).

Method

We included 15 FMF patients with the M694 (+) mutation in the study in order to exclude patients without pyrin gene mutations and create a homogeneous study group. Fifteen patients with ulcerative colitis formed the control group.

Results

There wasn’t any case without ERAP‐1 gene mutations. At least one mutation at exon 3 or exon 10 was found in all cases in both groups. There were 14 ERAP‐1 gene mutations at exon 10 and 11 at exon 3 in patients with FMF. Interestingly, if there were ERAP‐1 gene mutations at exon 3, a p.Arg127 Pro (c.380 G>C) mutation always existed for three FMF patients with polymorphic mutations at this exon. There were 11 ERAP‐1 gene mutations at exon 10 and 12 gene mutations at exon 3 in patients with ulcerative colitis. Exon 3 mutations were usually single p.Arg127 Pro (c.380 G>C) mutations for 12 patients with ulcerative colitis as seen in the patients with FMF. The single mutation was always p.Ser453 Ser (c.1359T>C) for patients with ulcerative colitis at exon 10.

Conclusion

There are more ERAP‐1 mutations in the FMF group in comparison to the ulcerative colitis group. So, there may be a strong susceptibility to ERAP‐1 gene mutations in FMF patients according to our results. However, further studies with larger study and control groups are needed.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection vs endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal lesions
Authors: Arezzo Alberto , Passera Roberto , Marchese Nicola , Galloro Giuseppe , Manta Raffaele , Cirocchi Roberto
Published: May 2015

Background and aims

This systematic review and meta‐analysis compares the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the treatment of flat and sessile colorectal lesions >20 mm preoperatively assessed as noninvasive.

Methods

We reviewed the literature published between January 2000 and March 2014. Pooled estimates of the proportion of patients with en bloc, R0 resection, complications, recurrence, and need for further treatment were compared in a meta‐analysis using fixed and random effects.

Results

A total of 11 studies and 4678 patients were included. The en bloc resection rate was 89.9% for ESD vs 34.9% for EMR patients (RR 1.93 p  < 0.001). The R0 resection rate was 79.6% for ESD vs 36.2% for EMR patients (RR 2.01 p  < 0.001). The rate of perforation was 4.9% for the ESD group and 0.9% for EMR (RR 3.19, p  < 0.001), while the rate of bleeding was 1.9% for ESD and 2.9% for EMR (RR 0.68, p  = 0.070). Therefore, the overall need for further surgery, including surgery for oncologic reasons and surgery for complications, was 7.8% for ESD and 3.0% for EMR (RR 2.40, p  < 0.001).

Conclusions

ESD achieves a higher rate of en bloc and R0 resection compared to EMR, at the cost of a higher risk of complications. This, added to an increased need for surgery for oncologic reasons for a plausible tendency to extend indication for endoscopic excision, increases the risk of further surgery after ESD.
Managing stress through the Stress Free app: Practices of self-care in digitally mediated spaces
Authors: Tucker Ian , Goodings Lewis
Published: May 2015

In this paper we are concerned with the question of how we feel when living in concert with multiple technologies. More specifically, we are focused on the influx of digital apps designed to manage psychological wellbeing. We draw on empirical work exploring one such app, Stress Free, and focus on the experiences of stress and technological tools designed to lessen stress. Our concern is with the way that technologies become part of the experience of stress as opposed to solely understanding the app as a tool aimed to reduce the occurrence and severity of stress. This involves taking a theoretical journey through philosophies of technology that provide valuable resources for conceptualising the relational characteristics of digitally mediated stress. Our wider interest is to speak to broader concerns with the movement to ‘digital care’ and the implications for how we conceptualise technology, self and care therein.
Evidence of an epigenetic origin for high-risk 1q21 copy number aberrations in multiple myeloma
Authors: Sawyer Jeffrey R. , Tian Erming , Heuck Christoph J. , Johann Donald J. , Epstein Joshua , Swanson Charles M. , Lukacs Janet L. , Binz Regina Lichti , Johnson Marian , Sammartino Gael , Zangari Maurizio , Davies Faith E. , van Rhee Frits , Morgan Gareth J. , Barlogie Bart
Published: May 2015

Key Points

High-risk copy number gains of 1q21 originate in part by the hypomethylation of 1q12 pericentromeric heterochromatin. Novel CNAs can result from juxtaposition of chromosomal regions to hypomethylated 1q12.
Erratum to: a SNP profiling panel for sample tracking in whole-exome sequencing studies
Authors: Pengelly Reuben J , Gibson Jane , Andreoletti Gaia , Collins Andrew , Mattocks Christopher J , Ennis Sarah
Published: May 2015

?

This is an Erratum to Genome Medicine 2013, 5:89, highlighting an error in Table 1 of the original article. Please see related article: http://genomemedicine.com/content/5/9/89.
Towards immersive virtual reality (iVR): a route to surgical expertise
Authors: Dargar Saurabh , Kennedy Rebecca , Lai WeiXuan , Arikatla Venkata , De Suvranu
Published: May 2015

Surgery is characterized by complex tasks performed in stressful environments. To enhance patient safety and reduce errors, surgeons must be trained in environments that mimic the actual clinical setting. Rasmussen’s model of human behavior indicates that errors in surgical procedures may be skill-, rule-, or knowledge-based. While skill-based behavior and some rule-based behavior may be taught using box trainers andex vivoorin vivoanimal models, we posit that multimodal immersive virtual reality (iVR) that includes high-fidelity visual as well as other sensory feedback in a seamless fashion provides the only means of achieving true surgical expertise by addressing all three levels of human behavior. While the field of virtual reality is not new, realization of the goals of complete immersion is challenging and has been recognized as a Grand Challenge by the National Academy of Engineering. Recent technological advances in both interface and computational hardware have generated significant enthusiasm in this field. In this paper, we discuss convergence of some of these technologies and possible evolution of the field in the near term.
Comparative study of subtalar arthrodesis after calcaneal frature malunion with autologous bone graft or freeze-dried xenograft
Authors: Henning Carlo , Poglia Gabriel , Leie Murilo Anderson , Galia Carlos Roberto
Published: May 2015

Background

Calcaneal fracture malunion may evolve into arthrosis and severe foot deformities. The aim of this study was to identify differences in bony union following corrective subtalar arthrodesis with interposition of autologous tricortical bone graft or freeze-dried bovine xenograft.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 12 patients who underwent subtalar arthrodesis, six patients received autografts and 6 received freeze-dried bovine xenografts. After a mean followup of 58 weeks, the patients were clinical assessed using AOFAS scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and for final radiographic parameters measurement. Two blind raters evaluated the length of time required for solid union of the arthrodesis and graft integration by retrospective radiographic examination.

Results

In the autograft group, AOFAS score improved from a preoperative average of 37 to 64 points postoperatively (p = 0.02) and mean VAS score improved from 4.7 to 1.9 (p = 0.028). In the xenograft group, AOFAS score improved from 38 to 74 points (p = 0.02) and VAS from 5.5 to 2.7 (p = 0.046). Solid union was achieved in all cases in the autograft group at an average of 5.3 weeks and in five cases in the xenograft group at 8.8 weeks (p = 0.077). Graft integration occurred after an average of 10.7 weeks in the autograft group and 28.8 weeks in the xenograft group (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

With the numbers available, no significant difference could be detected in the length of time required for solid union of subtalar arthrodesis between groups, although time to integration of freeze-dried bovine xenografts was statistically higher. Clinical and functional improvement was observed in both groups.
Duration of psychological therapy: Relation to recovery and improvement rates in UK routine practice
Authors: Stiles William B. , Barkham Michael , Wheeler Sue
Published: May 2015

Background

Previous studies have reported similar recovery and improvement rates regardless of treatment duration among patients receiving National Health Service (NHS) primary care mental health psychological therapy.

Aims

To investigate whether this pattern would replicate and extend to other service sectors, including secondary care, university counselling, voluntary sector and workplace counselling.

Method

We compared treatment duration with degree of improvement measured by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) for 26 430 adult patients who scored above the clinical cut-off point at the start of treatment, attended 40 or fewer sessions and had planned endings.

Results

Mean CORE-OM scores improved substantially (pre–post effect size 1.89); 60% of patients achieved reliable and clinically significant improvement (RCSI). Rates of RCSI and reliable improvement and mean pre- and post-treatment changes were similar at all tested treatment durations. Patients seen in different service sectors showed modest variations around this pattern.

Conclusions

Results were consistent with the responsive regulation model, which suggests that in routine care participants tend to end therapy when gains reach a good-enough level.
The monodromy representation and twisted period relations for Appell’s hypergeometric function F4
Authors: Goto Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Keiji
Published: May 2015

We consider the system F4 (a, b, c) of differential equations annihilating Appell's hypergeometric series F4(a,b,c;x). We find the integral representations for four linearly independent solutions expressed by the hypergeometric series F4. By using the intersection forms of twisted (co)homology groups associated with them, we provide the monodromy representation of F4(a, b, c) and the twisted period relations for the fundamental systems of solutions of F4.
Molecular characterization of hepatocarcinogenesis using mouse models
Authors: Teoh Wei Wei , Xie Min , Vijayaraghavan Aadhitthya , Yaligar Jadegoud , Tong Wei Min , Goh Liang Kee , Sabapathy Kanaga
Published: May 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly disease, often unnoticed until the late stages, when treatment options become limited. Thus, there is a crucial need to identify biomarkers for early detection of developing HCC, as well as molecular pathways that would be amenable to therapeutic intervention. Although analysis of human HCC tissues and serum components may serve these purposes, inability of early detection also precludes possibilities of identification of biomarkers or pathways that are sequentially perturbed at earlier phases of disease progression. We have therefore explored the option of utilizing mouse models to understand in a systematic and longitudinal manner the molecular pathways that are progressively deregulated by various etiological factors in contributing to HCC formation, and we report the initial findings in characterizing their validity. Hepatitis B surface antigen transgenic mice, which had been exposed to aflatoxin B1 at various stages in life, were used as a hepatitis model. Our findings confirm a synergistic effect of both these etiological factors, with a gender bias towards males for HCC predisposition. Time-based aflatoxin B1 treatment also demonstrated the requirement of non-quiescent liver for effective transformation. Tumors from these models with various etiologies resemble human HCCs histologically and at the molecular level. Extensive molecular characterization revealed the presence of an 11-gene HCC-expression signature that was able to discern transformed human hepatocytes from primary cells, regardless of etiology, and from other cancer types. Moreover, distinct molecular pathways appear to be deregulated by various etiological agents en route to formation of HCCs, in which common pathways converge, highlighting the existence of etiology-specific as well as common HCC-specific molecular perturbations. This study therefore highlights the utility of these mouse models, which provide a rich resource for the longitudinal analysis of molecular changes and biomarkers associated with HCC that could be exploited further for therapeutic targeting.
Aquatic surface respiration and swimming behaviour in adult and developing zebrafish exposed to hypoxia
Authors: Abdallah Sara J. , Thomas Benjamin S. , Jonz Michael G.
Published: May 2015

Severe hypoxia elicits aquatic surface respiration (ASR) behaviour in many species of fish, where ventilation of the gills at the air-water interface improves O2 uptake and survival. ASR is an important adaptation that may have given rise to air breathing in vertebrates. The neural substrate of this behaviour, however, is not defined. We characterized ASR in developing and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to ascertain a potential role for peripheral chemoreceptors in initiation or modulation of this response. Adult zebrafish exposed to acute, progressive hypoxia (PO2 from 158 to 15 mmHg) performed ASR with a threshold of 30 mmHg, and spent more time at the surface as PO2 decreased. Acclimation to hypoxia attenuated ASR responses. In larvae, ASR behaviour was observed between 5 and 21 days postfertilization with a threshold of 16 mmHg. Zebrafish decreased swimming behaviour (i.e. distance, velocity and acceleration) as PO2 was decreased, with a secondary increase in behaviour near or below threshold PO2. In adults that underwent a 10-day intraperitoneal injection regime of 10 µg g−1 serotonin (5-HT) or 20 µg g−1 acetylcholine (ACh), an acute bout of hypoxia (15 mmHg) increased the time engaged in ASR by 5.5 and 4.9 times, respectively, compared to controls. Larvae previously immersed in 10 µmol l−1 5-HT or ACh also displayed an increased ASR response. Our results support the notion that ASR is a behavioural response that is reliant upon input from peripheral O2 chemoreceptors. We discuss implications for the role of chemoreceptors in the evolution of air breathing.
Phylogenetic affinities of Myrioneuron and Cyanoneuron , generic limits of the tribe Argostemmateae and description of a new Asian tribe, Cyanoneuroneae (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Ginter Anna , Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Bremer Birgitta
Published: May 2015

Argostemmateae (Rubiaceae, subfam. Rubioideae) are a mostly tropical Asian group of about 200 species currently classified in four morphologically distinct genera (Argostemma, Mouretia, Mycetia, Neohymenopogon). The monophyly of the tribe and Mycetia is strongly supported by molecular data, however, the tropical Asian genus Myrioneuron, traditionally associated with Mycetia based on its berry fruits, has not previously been investigated. The Bornean and Sulawesian genus Cyanoneuron, described based on the species of Myrioneuron with drupaceous fruits, had not been sequenced. Therefore, the phylogenetic positions of Cyanoneuron and Myrioneuron within Rubiaceae and their generic status have yet to be assessed with molecular data. These genera have tentatively been placed in tribe Spermacoceae (Rubioideae). We reconstructed a robust phylogeny of Rubioideae with sequence data from five plastid regions of 176 accessions and using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo and parsimony methods. Once the positions of Cyanoneuron and Myrioneuron were revealed, a robust phylogeny of the Spermacoceae alliance was reconstructed with the combined plastid and nuclear data (nrETS, nrITS) from 61 accessions to reassess its tribal limits. Mycetia and Myrioneuron are non–monophyletic and intermixed, and formed a well–supported clade diagnosed by berry fruits. We formally transfer Myrioneuron to Mycetia (older name), and present nine new combinations in the latter genus. Cyanoneuron was resolved with high support as monophyletic, and appears to be closely related to the Chinese monogeneric tribes Foonchewieae and Dunnieae. A new tribe Cyanoneuroneae is described to accommodate Cyanoneuron. This tribe is morphologically distinct from related tribes by its stipules apically divided into multiple linear segments, condensed–cymose inflorescences and drupe–like fruits with numerous small seeds. A new key to the genera of Argostemmateae is provided.
Matematization Elements of Theoretical Fundamentals of Descriptive Geometry
Authors: Панчук  , Panchuk K. , Юрков  , Yurkov V. , Волков  , Volkov V. , Кайгородцева  , Kaygorodtseva N.
Published: May 2015

Active development of engineering and technology

rightly necessitates reform of higher education. If before teacher

was enough to make a course of lectures and read it throughout his

labor activity, but now, in a time of rapid change reality necessary

periodically rebuild the curriculum, focusing on the achievements

of modern science and emerging technologies. Impossible further

to teach tomorrow´s to engineers yesterday´s the provisions and

former methods. Today for engineer it is important the acquisition

of modern professional competencies with the ability to self-develop

the skills required and if necessary, switch to popular types of

activities. Therefore, modern engineering and technical education

must firstly be adequate to modern scientific and technological

reality, and secondly is based on modern scientific basis and regulations

and not "braked" with classic content and with traditional

techniques. Classical descriptive geometry, which in its time had

an active influence on the development of production and industry

initially in France and then throughout the world, today in the

digital age of information must be updated, to enrich scientific

achievements of modern scientists geometry and thereby become

a popular academic discipline.

Article is devoted to development of descriptive geometry in

the direction of the fundamental mathematical ideas – sets, relations,

algebraic operations; concepts – figures, conditions; analysis

of the logical foundations. The authors suggested the development

of elementary and higher descriptive geometry, uniting the known

facts, methods and algorithms and leading them into a system based

on common mathematical and logical ideas. From this perspective,

we consider three section of descriptive geometry: search for linear

objects based on the analysis of conditions, designing of surfaces,

solution of position tasks.
Transactive Memory Systems and Firm Performance: An Upper Echelons Perspective
Authors: Heavey Ciaran , Simsek Zeki
Published: May 2015

A substantial body of research uses the concept of transactive memory systems to describe, explain, and predict the behavior and performance of teams. In a multirespondent study of 99 small to midsized technology-based firms, we extend the concept into the unique context of top management teams and discuss its implications for firm performance. Building on the multifunctional and boundary-spanning role of top managers, we develop a novel theoretical account of how the performance implications of transactive memory are shaped by the individual and conjoint influences of a top management team’s external social network ties and the rate of dynamism in the firm’s competitive environment. In so doing, we link top management team transactive memory to firm performance through transformation—more than through application—of existing scholarly understanding and through distinct operating mechanisms informed by an upper echelons perspective of the firm. Our theory and supportive findings provide new evidence on the relationship between transactive memory and firm performance. We conclude by tracing the implications of our findings for upper echelons and transactive memory research.
The standards for leadership
Authors: Blatchford Roy
Published: May 2015

The Headteachers' Standards are an ‘ambitious and motivating set of statements', says Roy Blatchford, who breaks down what they mean for leadership practice and looks at his own key traits of inspiring leaders
Drug and alcohol abuse
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: May 2015

Continuing her series on young people's mental health, Dr Stephanie Thornton looks at issues surrounding substance abuse and how schools can help
No statistically significant kinematic difference found between a cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilised Triathlon knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hunt N. C. , Ghosh K. M. , Blain A. P. , Rushton S. P. , Longstaff L. M. , Deehan D. J.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the maximum laxity conferred by the cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilised (PS) Triathlon single-radius total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for anterior drawer, varus–valgus opening and rotation in eight cadaver knees through a defined arc of flexion (0º to 110º). The null hypothesis was that the limits of laxity of CR- and PS-TKAs are not significantly different.

The investigation was undertaken in eight loaded cadaver knees undergoing subjective stress testing using a measurement rig. Firstly the native knee was tested prior to preparation for CR-TKA and subsequently for PS-TKA implantation. Surgical navigation was used to track maximal displacements/rotations at 0º, 30º, 60º, 90º and 110° of flexion. Mixed-effects modelling was used to define the behaviour of the TKAs.

The laxity measured for the CR- and PS-TKAs revealed no statistically significant differences over the studied flexion arc for the two versions of TKA. Compared with the native knee both TKAs exhibited slightly increased anterior drawer and decreased varus-valgus and internal-external roational laxities. We believe further study is required to define the clinical states for which the additional constraint offered by a PS-TKA implant may be beneficial.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:642–8.
Flora da Bahia: Theaceae
Authors: Marinho Lucas Cardoso , São-Mateus Wallace Messias Barbosa , Da Costa Grênivel Mota , Amorim André Márcio
Published: May 2015

A floristic survey of the Theaceae at Bahia state, Brazil, is presented. Only Laplacea fruticosa is recognized in the state. Description, illustration and general notes on the taxa, as well as geographical distribution map of species in Bahia are presented.
Assessment as learning: Lessons from the art and design studio
Authors: Granville Gary
Published: May 2015

The contemporary rhetoric of education policy is replete with references to problem solving, divergent thinking, learning from and through failure, risk-taking and similar desired qualities of education. Yet the connection between the ‘new’ rhetoric of education policy and the established language of art and design is rarely made. This is especially true in matters of student assessment. Perhaps the truth is that much of the rhetoric of education policy is presented in a deceptive discourse of criticality that masks an essentially different policy orientation: a ‘command-economy’ model of education. Educationists generally, and art and design educationists in particular, have been weak in challenging or at least questioning the new globalized orthodoxies. This article addresses the fault lines between these fields, with particular reference to the visual arts and suggests some options and implications for education policy. A brief introduction to the curriculum context in Ireland is provided in the first section. The second section comprises the main body: a discussion of fifteen principles of assessment that are derived from the literature of the past few decades. These fifteen principles are grouped in four categories and these are discussed in terms of their implications for curriculum structure and their resonance to with art and design education. The third and final section is a brief reflection on the potential of art and design education to inform general curriculum policy.
Philosophie nach dem »Medial Turn«
Authors: Münker Stefan
Published: May 2015

Mediale Umbrüche erzeugen Reflexionsbedarf. Heute sind Medien allgegenwärtig, ihre philosophische Reflexion ist also notwendiger denn je. Die Medienphilosophie allerdings ist eine noch junge Disziplin. Dieses Buch stellt in seinen einzelnen Kapiteln Beiträge einer philosophischen Erörterung der aktuellen Mediengesellschaft sowie ihrer fortschreitenden medialen Umbrüche vor und liefert zugleich den Entwurf einer pragmatisch orientierten Medienphilosophie.
Theater als Ort der Utopie
Authors: Drewes Miriam
Published: May 2015

Hartnäckig hält sich innerhalb der Theaterwissenschaft die Rede von der utopischen Funktion der Künste, die in der Regel mit dem kulturkritischen Topos der Negation jeglicher repräsentationaler Ästhetik einhergeht. Trotz eingehender Kritik am Avantgarde-Begriff werden auch das postdramatische Theater und seine Theorie weitgehend linear auf die historische Avantgarde bezogen. Miriam Drewes hinterfragt diese impliziten geschichtsphilosophischen Denkmuster, die mit den Begriffen »Ereignis« und »Präsenz« verbunden werden und die, ideengeschichtlich betrachtet, analog zur mystischen Absolutheitserfahrung konstruiert sind. Sie plädiert demgegenüber für ein Verständnis von »ästhetischer Erfahrung«, das einem pragmatisch kontextbezogenen Ereignis-Begriff verpflichtet ist.
Rapid And Sensitive Detection Of Lawsonia Intracellularis In Pigs By Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Byung-Yong PARK , Kwan-Seob SHIM , Won-Il KIM , Md Mukter HOSSAIN , Bumseok KIM , Jungkee KWON , Choi-Kyu PARK , Sung-Jin CHO , Inho JO , Ho-Seong CHO
Published: May 2015

A simple and rapid real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay designed to detect Lawsonia (L.) intracellularis, an important bacteria causing proliferative enteropathy in pigs. A set of four primers targeting the ubiquinone/menaquinone biosynthesis methylase (ubiE) gene was designed for the LAMP reaction. Additionally, serial 10-fold dilutions of cultured L. intracellularis and spiked feces were also used for the optimization of real-time LAMP. The lower limit of the linear range of the assay in L. intracellularis was 1.0 × 100
L. intracellularis. Real-time LAMP was 10 and 100 times more sensitive than real-time PCR and conventional PCR detection methods, respectively. Based on testing of 213 porcine fecal samples using real-time LAMP, realtime PCR and PCR, the agreement quotients of real-time LAMP with conventional PCR and with real-time PCR were 0.77 and 0.95, respectively. This study demonstrated that real-time LAMP was a powerful tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of L. intracellularis in porcine fecal samples.
Proliferation And Differentiation Potential Of Canine Synovial Fluid Cells
Authors: Jelena FRANCUSKI V , Jasmina DEBELJAK MARTAČIĆ , Anita RADOVANOVIĆ , Nenad ANDRIĆ , Sophie SOURICE-PETIT , Jerome GUICHEUX , Slavko MOJSILOVIĆ , Milica KOVAČEVIĆ FILIPOVIĆ
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine whether synovial fluid (SF) of dogs contains cells that have characteristics of MSCs and to describe their differentiation potential. SF adherent cells from 5 young German shepherd dogs (average 3.8 ± 0.9 years) were expanded (37°C, 5% CO2, humidified atmosphere) three weeks before their phenotype was characterized by flow-cytometry for the presence of CD90 and CD34. Population doubling time (PDT), number of CFU-F and adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic potentials have been determined in vitro. In early passages PTD was 31 ± 10 hours and expansion fold after 3 sub cultivations (9 days) theoretically could be 372 ± 134. At P1, 0.55 ± 0.05% of SF cells had the ability to form CFU-F. Sixty-six percent of cells expressed CD90 and none of the cells expressed markers of hematopoietic cells. Oil Red O staining has shown accumulation of fat droplets in cells grown in adipogenic medium, while deposits of calcium in the osteogenic medium were evidenced with Alizarin red staining. SF cultured in hondrogenic and control medium in three-dimensional conditions formed a cartilage-like tissue. Alcian blue staining of pellets’ slides have shown a significant amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and immunohistochemistry analysis documented collagen type II expression. The amount of GAGs in pellets grown in both conditions showed no difference. SF cells in vitro exhibited osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials, suggesting the presence of different mesenchymal progenitors. These results also demonstrated that SF cells have a spontaneous chondrogenic potential that should be further explored for possible tissue engineering protocols.
Molecular Characterization Of Autochtonus Slavonian Syrmian Podolian Cattle
Authors: Tomislav KEROS , Lorena JEMERŠIĆ , Jelena PRPIĆ , Dragan BRNIĆ
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study is to increase the knowledge on the genetic structure status of the autochthonous Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle breed currently listed by the FAO as “critically endangered”. Blood samples obtained from a total of 20 randomly selected individua were included in genotyping upon microsatellite panel recommended by ISAG and FAO. The procedure enabled the identification of as many as 214 (96.34%) genotypes and, at the same time, 129 allelic variations were found with = 11.73 alleles per locus. The genotypes showed differences between the microsatellite loci and also significant differences (p<0.05) in the frequency of both homozygosity and heterozygosity. The analyses of the allelic distribution within microsatellite loci showed marked variability. The distribution of genetic relationship was expressed by Wright's F coefficients. A moderate level of genetic diversity was observed at the tested loci. The findings demonstrate the degree of breed relationship and breed purity but also indicate that gene pool of the tested population has been threatened. Therefore, urgent measures must be taken to support both the genetic consolidation and preservation of the remaining population of Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle in Croatia.
Project of Hip Joint Endoprosthesis for an Individual Patient with Materials Selection
Authors: Bartmański M. , Świeczko-Żurek B.
Published: May 2015

Nowadays the joint replacement orthopaedic surgery is most frequently performed surgery associated with the damage of the join surface. The implantation is mainly placed in hip and knee area. This work includes the hip replacement design, based on the patient's medical records, the description of creation process and materials used for individual components.
Certain non-linear differential polynomials sharing a non zero polynomial
Authors: Majumder Sujoy
Published: May 2015

In this paper with the notion of weighted sharing of values we study the uniqueness of nonlinear differential polynomials of meromorphic
functions sharing a nonzero polynomial and obtain two results which improves and generalizes the results due to L. Liu [Uniqueness of meromorphic functions and differential polynomials, Comput.
Math. Appl., 56 (2008), 3236-3245.] and P. Sahoo [Uniqueness and weighted value sharing of meromorphic functions, Applied. Math. E-Notes., 11 (2011), 23-32.].
Liver X receptors as regulators of metabolism
Authors: Korach-André Marion , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: May 2015

The liver X receptors (LXR) are crucial regulators of metabolism. After ligand binding, they regulate gene transcription and thereby mediate changes in metabolic pathways. Modulation of LXR and their downstream targets has appeared to be a promising treatment for metabolic diseases especially atherosclerosis and cholesterol metabolism. However, the complexity of LXR action in various metabolic tissues and the liver side effect of LXR activation have slowed down the interest for LXR drugs. In this review, we summarized the role of LXR in the main metabolically active tissues with a special focus on obesity and associated diseases in mammals. We will also discuss the dual interplay between the two LXR isoforms suggesting that they may collaborate to establish a fine and efficient system for the maintenance of metabolism homeostasis.
Thrombin generation, D-dimer and protein S in uncomplicated pregnancy
Authors: Kovac Mirjana K. , Lalic-Cosic Sanja Z. , Dmitrovic Jelena M. , Djordjevic Valentina J. , Radojkovic Dragica P.
Published: May 2015

Gestational age-specific reference values are essential for the accurate interpretation of haemostatic tests during pregnancy.

Our 1-year prospective study included 40 healthy pregnant women with a median age of 30 (range 22–40) years; the subjects were followed in order to establish the gestational age dependent values for endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), D-dimer and protein S (activity and free).

During the first trimester 50% of studied women had ETP >100% (reference values out of pregnancy); in the second trimester an ETP over 100% was observed in all women; ETP values remained unchanged during the third trimester. In the first trimester, the median D-dimer concentration of 0.30 mg/L, in the second 0.91 mg/L and in the third of 1.45 mg/L were observed. During the first trimester 14/40 subjects had protein S activity below reference range (<59%, out of pregnancy); the median value of 61.35; interquartile range (IQR) 20.38; in the second 21/37; the median value of 53.1 (IQR 15.65); in the third trimester 28/37 had low level of protein S activity with the median value of 49.0 (IQR 18.8). Free protein S showed a slight decrease from the first trimester; it remained almost stable during the rest of pregnancy, with the equal number of pregnant women with reduced free protein S.

Related to the gestational age, a significant increase of ETP and D-dimer, from the second trimester was observed; the decrease of protein S was observed already from the early pregnancy, with more pronounced variability of protein S activity.
Particle Size Distribution of E-Cigarette Aerosols and the Relationship to Cambridge Filter Pad Collection Efficiency
Authors: Alderman Steven L. , Song Chen , Moldoveanu Serban C. , Cole Stephen K.
Published: May 2015

The relatively volatile nature of the particulate matter fraction of e-cigarette aerosols presents an experimental challenge with regard to particle size distribution measure-ments. This is particularly true for instruments requiring a high degree of aerosol dilution. This was illustrated in a previous study, where average particle diameters in the 10-50 nm range were determined by a high-dilution, electrical mobility method. Total particulate matter (TPM) masses calculated based on those diameters were orders of magnitude smaller than gravimetrically determined TPM. This discrepancy was believed to result from almost complete particle evaporation at the dilution levels of the electrical mobility analysis. The same study described a spectral transmission measurement of e-cigarette particle size in an undiluted state, and reported particles from 210-380 nm count median diameter. Observed particle number concentrations were in the 109 particles/cm3 range. Additional particle size measurements described here also found e-cigarette particle size to be in the 260-320 nm count median diameter range. Cambridge filter pads have been used for decades to determine TPM yields of tobacco burning cigarettes, and collection of e-cigarette TPM by fibrous filters is predicted to be a highly efficient process over a wide range of filtration flow rates. The results presented in this work provide support for this hypothesis.

Described here is a study in which e-cigarette aerosols were collected on Cambridge filters with adsorbent traps placed downstream in an effort to capture any material passing through the filter. Amounts of glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, and water were quantified on the filter and downstream trap. Glycerin, propylene glycol, and nicotine were effciently captured (> 98%) by the upstream Cambridge filter, and a correlation was observed between filtration efficiency and the partial vapor pressure of each component. The present analysis was largely inconclusive with regard to filter efficiency and particle-vapor partitioning of water. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 26 (2014) 183-190]
Regional Development in Advanced Countries: a Within-Country Application of the Human Development Index for Austria
Authors: Schrott Lukas , Gächter Martin , Theurl Engelbert
Published: May 2015

Since its implementation in 1990, the human development index (HDI), the flagship indicator of multidimensional development, has attracted a great deal of attention and critics in academic, political and media circles. It initiated a new stage in the discussion of appropriate indicators to measure socioeconomic development. Until now, the vast majority of empirical work using the HDI concept has taken a cross-country perspective. The main aim of this paper is the application of the HDI at the sub-country level in small, highly developed and socioeconomically homogenous countries. For this undertaking we use a slightly modified version of the HDI, called the regional development index (RDI). For the components of the RDI - life expectancy, education and standard of living - we use recent cross section information for Austria at the level of districts. There exists considerable heterogeneity across districts in the RDI and its components. Our Theil-decomposition reveals that the overwhelming part of the observed heterogeneity is based on differences within provinces (96 percent), although the differences in life expectancy between the provinces explain a substantial part of the overall heterogeneity in this indicator (54 percent).
Characterization and adsorptive properties of poly(1-vinylimidazole)/silica nanocomposites synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Wang Wei , Cao Liqin , Wang Jide , Zhao Jie , Wu Xiujuan , Hao Youwei
Published: May 2015

Poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVIm)/silica nanocomposite particles were prepared via free radical polymerization of VIm in the presence of unmodified silica and crosslinker N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide without any surfactant by a one-pot route in supercritical carbon dioxide. The strong acid-base interaction between the hydroxyl groups (acidic) of silica surfaces and the imidazole groups (basic) of 1-VIm was strong enough to promote the formation of long-stable PVIm/silica nanocomposite particles. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the silica nanoparticles were encapsulated into the polymer and with a specific pore structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results suggested the strong interaction between PVIm and silica. The nanocomposites were shown to possess higher thermal stability than PVIm. A maximum surface area of 60.76 m2/g was obtained via standard nitrogen adsorption analysis. The property of the composite materials in terms of heavy metal ion removal was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr (VI) is 331.5 mg/g in the experimental range.
The Intertheoricity: Plasticity, Elasticity and Hybridity of Theories
Authors: Guillaume Astrid
Published: May 2015

Theories are processes modelled by thought. When they evolve in time, they are transformed and become new theories. They may cross from one academic discipline to another, then open up to new areas of human knowledge, mixing together the humanities, art, science and even spirituality. The way they are modelled reveals their plasticity and their elasticity is tested in their potential for transfer from one domain to another, while the different contacts they make and mergers they undergo generate a certain hybridity. Plasticity, elasticity and hybridity are the triad which make the transfer of theories possible.
Industries in Central and Eastern Europe. Enhancing Competitiveness by Integrating Services into Manufacturing
Authors: Burnete Sorin
Published: May 2015

During the last two decades, the intra-industry trade between western companies and former socialist enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe gradually shifted from the subcontracting of marginal operations such as final assembly to the outsourcing of products and intermediate inputs. To further enhance their competitiveness, firms in Central and Eastern Europe have yet to take one more step forward: integrate services with manufacturing. Developing such capabilities hinges, aside from intensive training and learning on the existence of functional interactive knowledgebased innovation systems. Whereas Central and East European economies exhibit conspicuous weaknesses in this last respect, they still possess a countervailing advantage that is apt to lure foreign investors into the region: lower wage rates relative to western countries across all industries and skill levels. Offshoring therefore seems to be the most appropriate means to reconcile the two sides of the coin.
A Morpho-typology of Textual Geneses
Authors: Bagdasar Angel Radu
Published: May 2015

Belonging to the textual genetics, discipline that studies the creation process of major literary or scientific works, the following paper discusses the Crocian myth of the uniqueness of the work that implies the uniqueness of the genesis. The work isn’t unique but just original and its genesis too. This hypothesis also allows also the articulation of common morphologies of the process of the invention. The paper proposes a plurality of types of genesis, such as the linear, canonic or partial, that aren’t able to satisfy the needs of the individual project (genesis), and twin genesis or hypergenesis, of which genetic substance supersedes the needs of an individual project, nourishing other works that constitute themselves into typological families. Such a classification represents an efficient epistemological instrument to studying the genesis of various texts. This kind of view is an entirely new way of looking at the invention and creation processes.
The Sense of “Pleasure” in Eastern Chant
Authors: Chaldaeakes Achilleas
Published: May 2015

Music is by default a key element of every kind of Entertainment. Actually, the two terms (Pleasure and Music) are almost synonymous in the geographical area of the East - especially during the late medieval period - and there is a plethora of relevant evidence in the rescued literature and musicological sources to support this argument. It seems that there is a mutual and interactive “dialogue” between the two terms. This is an ideological and philosophical dialogue, as well as a completely fundamental and practical one: the musicians (the people who actually carry out the musical task) channel in abundance and mainly ensure the pleasure of the people who participate in any type of entertainment; and they do so through both their presence and their performance. However, at the same time, in order to acquire the ability to act in this way, i.e. to bring the “entertaining” dimension of music to the forefront, they themselves have to be in a position to experience music as pleasure, to grasp the multiple gratifications which are hidden at the very core of every kind of music. In both circumstances we can refer to two high level conquests of the Spirit and the Art: the pleasure of Music and music for Pleasure. In the present article Ι will attempt a first approach of the issue and an outline of its twofold dimension.
Comparative Evaluation of Inversion Approaches of the Radiative Transfer Model for Estimation of Crop Biophysical Parameters
Authors: Mridha Nilimesh , Sahoo Rabi N. , Sehgal Vinay K. , Krishna Gopal , Pargal Sourabh , Pradhan Sanatan , Gupta Vinod K. , Kumar Dasika Nagesh
Published: May 2015

The inversion of canopy reflectance models is widely used for the retrieval of vegetation properties from remote sensing. This study evaluates the retrieval of soybean biophysical variables of leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content, canopy chlorophyll content, and equivalent leaf water thickness from proximal reflectance data integrated broadbands corresponding to moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer, thematic mapper, and linear imaging self scanning sensors through inversion of the canopy radiative transfer model, PROSAIL. Three different inversion approaches namely the look-up table, genetic algorithm, and artificial neural network were used and performances were evaluated. Application of the genetic algorithm for crop parameter retrieval is a new attempt among the variety of optimization problems in remote sensing which have been successfully demonstrated in the present study. Its performance was as good as that of the look-up table approach and the artificial neural network was a poor performer. The general order of estimation accuracy for parameters irrespective of inversion approaches was leaf area index > canopy chlorophyll content > leaf chlorophyll content > equivalent leaf water thickness. Performance of inversion was comparable for broadband reflectances of all three sensors in the optical region with insignificant differences in estimation accuracy among them.
Multi-trait Analysis of Agroclimate Variations During the Growing Season in East-Central Poland (1971-2005)
Authors: Radzka Elżbieta , Rymuza Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

The work is based on meteorological data recorded by nine stations of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management located in east-central Poland from 1971 to 2005. The region encompasses the North Podlasian Lowland and the South Podlasian Lowland. Average values of selected agroclimate indicators for the growing season were determined. Moreover, principal component analysis was conducted to indicate elements that exerted the greatest influence on the agroclimate. Also, cluster analysis was carried out to select stations with similar agroclimate. Ward method was used for clustering and the Euclidean distance was applied. Principal component analysis revealed that the agroclimate of east-central Poland was predominantly affected by climatic water balance, number of days of active plant growth, length of the farming period, and the average air temperature during the growing season (Apr-Sept). Based on the analysis, the region of east-central Poland was divided into two groups (areas) with different agroclimatic conditions. The first area comprized the following stations: Szepietowo and Białowieża located in the North Podlasian Lowland and Biała Podlaska situated in the northern part of the South Podlasian Lowland. This area was characterized by shorter farming periods and a lower average air temperature during the growing season. The other group included the remaining stations located in the western part of both the Lowlands which was warmer and where greater water deficits were recorded.