bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The status of Albanian in relation to the other Balkan languages
Authors: Rugova Bardh
Published: September 2015

The status of Albanian in relation to the other Balkan languagesAlbanian has been in contact with other languages almost in all areas in which it is spoken, whereas the relationship with each of them differs from place to place. This study aims at describing the status of Albanian depending on its place of use and on the contacts it has with other Balkan languages. Status języka albańskiego w porównaniu z innymi językami bałkańskimiJęzyk albański pozostaje w stałym kontakcie z innymi językami niemal na całym swoim terytorium. Natomiast relacje międzyjęzykowe są różne w zależności od konkretnego miejsca. W tym artykule omówiono status języka albańskiego, w poszczególnych lokacjach jego użycia oraz jego relacje z innymi miejscowymi językami.
Realizacja samoglasnika /e/ pod naglaskom i u ostalim pozicijama prozodijske reči u makedonskom jeziku. Sondažna istraživanja
Authors: Cychnerska Anna
Published: September 2015

Realization of the vowel /e/ in stressed and unstressed positions in the prosodic word in Macedonian. Preliminary studyAccording to the information in "Phonology of the contemporary standard Macedonian language" by I. Sawicka and L. Spasov (1991) realization of the Macedonian middle vowels /e/ and /o/ is higher, for example, than middle Polish or Serbian vowels. It is also believed that the Macedonian stressed vowels are higher than vowels in unstressed position.This article presents the preliminary results of the controls F1 and F2 of the vowel /e/ in various positions within the prosodic word. 120 words were analyzed in which /e/ occurred in the stressed position (40 words), or unstressed (in the first or second syllable before the stress - 40 words, and in the first or second syllable after the stress - 40 words).The results show that the value of F1 and F2 may depend on several factors. The most important among them is the position of the stressed or unstressed syllable. Realization of the stressed vowel /e/ is the highest. Articulation of the vowel /e/ in unstressed syllables  is higher before the stress than after the stress. The realization of the vowel /e/ is also influenced by word-initial or final location. The beginning of the word is pronounced faster and stronger, whereas the end of the word - slower and weaker. The realization may depend on whether the syllable is open or closed. In the open syllable at the end of the word, the vowel /e/ is higher than in the closed syllable. Realizacja samogłoski /e/ w pozycji akcentowanej i nieakcentowanej w języku macedońskim. Badania preliminarneZgodnie z informacją zawartą w Fonologii współczesnego standardowego języka macedońskiego autorstwa I. Sawickiej i L. Spasova (1991) realizacja samogłosek średnich /e/ i /o/ jest wyższa od średnich samogłosek polskich czy serbskich. Uważa się również, że macedońskie samogłoski pod akcentem są wyższe od samogłosek w pozycji nieakcentowanej.Artykuł prezentuje sondażowe wyniki pomiarów F1 i F2 samogłoski /e/ w różnych pozycjach. Zanalizowano 120 wyrazów, w których /e/ wystąpiło pod akcentem (40 przykładów) oraz poza akcentem (40 przykładów z /e/ w I lub II sylabie przed akcentem oraz 40 przykładów z /e/ w I lub II sylabie po akcencie).Wyniki badania pokazują, że wysokość F1 i F2 samogłoski /e/ zależy od różnych czynników. Najważniejszy z nich to występowanie samogłoski w sylabie akcentowanej lub nieakcentowanej. Samogłoska /e/ jest wyższa pod akcentem niż poza akcentem. Badania wykazały, że realizacja samogłoski /e/ jest wyższa w sylabach przed akcentem niż po akcencie. Na wysokość samogłoski /e/ może również wpłynąć jej wystąpienie na początku lub na końcu wyrazu. Uważa się, że inicjalna część wyrazu jest wymawiana szybciej i silniej, natomiast część finalna wolniej i słabiej. Realizacja samogłoski może także zależeć od tego, czy występuje ona w sylabie zamkniętej czy otwartej. W wygłosowej sylabie otwartej samogłoska zwykle jest wyższa.
Oda Buchholz: Publikationsliste
Authors: Nehring Gerd-Dieter
Published: September 2015

Oda Buchholz: List of publicationsThe paper gives the list of publications of prof. Oda Buchholz. Oda Buchholz: Lista publikacjiArtykuł stanowi listę publikacji prof. Ody Buchholz.
Symmetric and Geostrophic Instabilities in the Wave-Forced Ocean Mixed Layer
Authors: Haney Sean , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Julien Keith , Webb Adrean
Published: September 2015

Here, the effects of surface waves on submesoscale instabilities are studied through analytical and linear analyses as well as nonlinear large-eddy simulations of the wave-averaged Boussinesq equations. The wave averaging yields a surface-intensified current (Stokes drift) that advects momentum, adds to the total Coriolis force, and induces a Stokes shear force. The Stokes–Coriolis force alters the geostrophically balanced flow by reducing the burden on the Eulerian–Coriolis force to prop up the front, thereby potentially inciting an anti-Stokes Eulerian shear, while maintaining the Lagrangian (Eulerian plus Stokes) shear. Since the Lagrangian shear is maintained, the Charney–Stern–Pedlosky criteria for quasigeostrophic (QG) baroclinic instability are unchanged with the appropriate Lagrangian interpretation of the shear and QG potential vorticity. While the Stokes drift does not directly affect vorticity, the anti-Stokes Eulerian shear contributes to the Ertel potential vorticity (PV). When the Stokes shear and geostrophic shear are aligned (antialigned), the PV is more (less) cyclonic. If the Stokes-modified PV is anticyclonic, the flow is unstable to symmetric instabilities (SI). Stokes drift also weakly impacts SI through the Stokes shear force. When the Stokes and Eulerian shears are the same (opposite) sign, the Stokes shear force does positive (negative) work on the flow associated with SI. Stokes drift also allows SI to extract more potential energy from the front, providing an indirect mechanism for Stokes-induced restratification.
Cities for sale: Contesting city branding and cultural policies in Buenos Aires
Authors: Dinardi Cecilia
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the role of culture in shaping and contesting city branding strategies. Throughout the world, the private and public sectors are jointly engaged in branding cities by mobilising a cultural rhetoric with the aim of attracting business, boosting tourism and revitalising urban spaces. Adopting a critical sociological perspective, the paper examines whether or not culture-based city branding brings benefits to community cultural organisations and explores the reasons why this might be the case. Based on the experience of Buenos Aires and drawing on in-depth interviews with both policy-makers and community cultural centres, different notions of culture, underpinning contrasting imagined cities, are discussed. The paper argues that city branding, founded on a commodified notion of culture, driven by profit-making goals and oriented towards international tourism, can create an urban vision of consumption to which cultural organisations are opposed. The paper concludes by showing how a particular entanglement between politics, businesses and urban marketing in the Latin American city gives way to ongoing contestations over the city brand and configures the possibilities and distribution of potential benefits.
Histone Deacetylase 2 in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Patients in Response to Intratympanic Methylprednisolone Perfusion
Authors: Hou Jie , She Wandong , Du Xiaoping , Dai Yanhong , Xie Lisheng , Zhou Qiongqiong
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate the expression of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) who were refractory to systemic glucocorticoid treatment and to identify the relationship between the level of HDAC2 and glucocorticoid insensitivity.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

This study was conducted in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School.

Subjects and Methods

PBMCs were collected from 42 refractory SSNHL patients. After a 10‐day intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion (IMP) and systemic Ginkgo biloba extract treatment, the SSNHL patients were divided into 2 groups according to their hearing recovery after IMP (IMP sensitive and insensitive). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and HDAC2 protein assays were used to detect the relative expression levels of HDAC2 in PBMCs. The HDAC2 mRNA expression and protein levels in PBMCs collected from 17 volunteers were used as normal HDAC2 reference levels.

Results

Compared with normal reference levels, HDAC2 protein levels were significantly reduced, while the HDAC2 mRNA expression was much higher in all refractory SSNHL patients before IMP. HDAC2 mRNA expression and HDAC2 protein levels were significantly elevated in the IMP‐sensitive group, while no change was observed in the IMP‐insensitive group after IMP plus systemic antioxidant treatment.

Conclusions

Reduced HDAC2 protein levels may be 1 of the mechanistic underpinnings of corticosteroid insensitivity in refractory SSNHL patients. IMP can increase HDAC2 protein levels and the expression of HDAC2 mRNA in IMP‐sensitive patients. HDAC2 protein levels might be regulated through posttranslational modifications.
Development and Initial Validation of the Sexual Minority Women Rejection Sensitivity Scale
Authors: Dyar Christina , Feinstein Brian A. , Eaton Nicholas R. , London Bonita
Published: September 2015

The goals of the current studies were to develop a measure of sexual orientation rejection sensitivity (RS) for sexual minority women (SMW) and to examine its preliminary reliability and validity. In Study 1a, data from 150 SMW were used to develop scenarios for the SMW Rejection Sensitivity Scale (SMW-RSS). In Study 1b, data from a second sample of 128 SMW were used to streamline the SMW-RSS and test its factor structure. In Study 2, data from a third sample of 300 SMW were used to test the convergent and discriminant validity of the SMW-RSS. The SMW-RSS demonstrated strong convergent validity, correlating with the indices of minority stress (discrimination, sexual identity acceptance concerns, difficulty developing a positive sexual identity, internalized negativity, and concealment motivation) and internalizing psychopathology (anxiety and depression symptoms). The measure also demonstrated strong discriminant validity, predicting psychosocial outcomes above and beyond existing measures of RS. Findings demonstrate the utility of the SMW-RSS to assess concerns and expectations of sexual orientation rejection among women and underscore the importance of examining the unique concerns about rejection that SMW experience. Additional online materials for this article are available to PWQ subscribers on PWQ’ s website at http://pwq.sagepub.com/supplemental
Preconceptional and prenatal supplementary folic acid and multivitamin intake and autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Virk Jasveer , Liew Zeyan , Olsen Jørn , Nohr Ellen A , Catov Janet M , Ritz Beate
Published: September 2015

Objective:

To evaluate whether early folic acid supplementation during pregnancy prevents diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in offspring.

Methods:

Information on autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was obtained from the National Hospital Register and the Central Psychiatric Register. We estimated risk ratios for autism spectrum disorders for children whose mothers took folate or multivitamin supplements from 4 weeks prior from the last menstrual period through to 8 weeks after the last menstrual period (−4 to 8 weeks) by three 4-week periods.

Results:

We did not find an association between early folate or multivitamin intake for autism spectrum disorder (folic acid—adjusted risk ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–1.36; multivitamin—adjusted risk ratio: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–1.22), autistic disorder (folic acid—adjusted risk ratio: 1.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–1.84; multivitamin—adjusted risk ratio: 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.87–1.69), Asperger’s syndrome (folic acid—adjusted risk ratio: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.46–1.53; multivitamin—adjusted risk ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–1.46), or pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (folic acid—adjusted risk ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 0.75–1.54; multivitamin: adjusted risk ratio: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.65–1.17) compared with women reporting no supplement use in the same period.

Conclusion:

We did not find any evidence to corroborate previous reports of a reduced risk for autism spectrum disorders in offspring of women using folic acid supplements in early pregnancy.
Acute abdominal pain in the emergency department of a university hospital in Italy
Authors: Caporale Nicolò , Morselli‐Labate Antonio Maria , Nardi Elena , Cogliandro Rosanna , Cavazza Mario , Stanghellini Vincenzo
Published: September 2015

Background

Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is one of the most common causes of referral to an emergency department (ED), but information about its impact is limited.

Objectives

The objectives of this article are to define the prevalence of AAP among ED visits in a large university hospital and analyze its main clinical features.

Methods

All patients admitted at the Sant’Orsola, Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna ED on 12 a priori selected sample days in 2013 were included. General data were recorded for each patient. A total of 192 clinical variables were recorded for each patient with abdominal pain.

Results

During the observation period the ED assisted 2623 patients with a daily admission rate of 219 ± 20 (mean ± SD). Of these, 239 patients complained of AAP as their chief complaint at entry (prevalence = 9.1%). AAP prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males (10.4% vs. 7.8%; OR = 1.37; p  = 0.021) as well as in foreign over Italian patients (13.2% vs. 8.5%; OR = 1.64; p  = 0.007). The most frequent ED operative diagnoses were non‐specific abdominal pain (n  = 86, 36.0%) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract‐related pain (n  = 79, 33.1%; n  = 19 upper GI, n  = 60 lower GI).

Conclusions

AAP is a common cause of referral at EDs. Despite technological advances, non‐specific abdominal pain is still the main operative diagnosis.
A delayed onset of bowel activity after the start of conventional polyethylene glycol predicts inadequate colon cleansing before colonoscopy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Papastergiou Vasilios , Papasavvas Stelios , Mathou Nicoletta , Giannakopoulos Athanasios , Evgenidi Aikaterini , Karagiannis John A , Paraskeva Konstantina D
Published: September 2015

Background

Evaluation of factors correlating with the quality of bowel preparation (QBP) is critical to ensure high‐quality colonoscopy.

Objectives

We sought to determine whether the time interval between the start of conventional polyethylene glycol (PEG) ingestion and the onset of bowel activity is predictive of QBP.

Methods

Consecutive adult outpatients attending colonoscopy were prospectively assessed. Data including demographics, medical history, time of starting/completion of PEG and time when bowel activity started were recorded. The QBP was assessed according to the Ottawa bowel preparation score (OBPS); inadequate QBP was OBPS ≥7.

Results

A total of 171 patients (92 males, mean age: 60.5 years) complying with preparation instructions were included. The median OBPS was 5 (range: 1–13) and 57 (33.3%) had inadequate QBP. The median interval between the initiation of PEG and the onset of bowel activity was 60 min (range: 9–300 min). Patients (n  = 52, 30.4%) with a delayed (>90 min) onset of bowel activity had poorer QBP (p  = 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 2.38, p  = 0.03), the interval between the end of preparation and the start of colonoscopy (OR: 1.94, p  = 0.02) and time to onset of bowel activity >90 min (OR: 3.38, p  = 0.004) were predictive of inadequate QBP.

Conclusion

The time interval between the initiation of PEG ingestion and the onset of bowel activity is predictive of the QBP. Our data support “on demand” intensification of bowel preparation in patients with a delayed onset of purgative response to PEG.
The ABCC4 membrane transporter modulates platelet aggregation
Authors: Cheepala Satish B. , Pitre Aaron , Fukuda Yu , Takenaka Kazumasa , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Yao , Frase Sharon , Pestina Tamara , Gartner T. Kent , Jackson Carl , Schuetz John D.
Published: September 2015

Key Points

The ABC transporter, ABCC4, localizes to the platelet plasma membrane and regulates aggregation by exporting cAMP and antithrombotic drugs.
The epidemiology of sepsis: questioning our understanding of the role of race
Authors: Valley Thomas S. , Cooke Colin R.
Published: September 2015

Race has been identified as an important risk factor for the development of sepsis and as a predictor of poor outcomes in sepsis. For example, black individuals have been demonstrated to be nearly twice as likely to develop sepsis and to have greater mortality from sepsis than white individuals. Recent data from a longitudinal cohort, which examined incident hospitalizations for infections occurring among participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, contradicts this prior research. Investigators determined that black participants were significantly less likely than white participants to present to the hospital with either infection or sepsis. Although these results are intriguing, they highlight our inadequate understanding of the relationship between race and sepsis and motivate the need for higher quality epidemiologic research to isolate the true role of race in the development of sepsis.
Accrediting retail drug shops to strengthen Tanzania’s public health system: an ADDO case study
Authors: Rutta Edmund , Liana Jafary , Embrey Martha , Johnson Keith , Kimatta Suleiman , Valimba Richard , Lieber Rachel , Shekalaghe Elizabeth , Sillo Hiiti
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Retail drug sellers are a major source of health care and medicines in many countries. In Tanzania, drug shops are widely used, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Previously, the shops were allowed to sell only over-the-counter medicines, but sellers who were untrained and unqualified often illegally sold prescription drugs of questionable quality.

Case description

In 2003, we worked with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop a public-private partnership based on a holistic approach that builds the capacity of owners, dispensers, and institutions that regulate, own, or work in retail drug shops. For shop owners and dispensers, this was achieved by combining training, business incentives, supervision, and regulatory enforcement with efforts to increase client demand for and expectations of quality products and services. The accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) program’s goal is to improve access to affordable, quality medicines and pharmaceutical services in retail drug outlets in rural or peri-urban areas with few or no registered pharmacies. The case study characterizes how the ADDO program achieved that goal based on the World Health Organization’s health system strengthening building blocks: 1) service delivery, 2) health workforce, 3) health information systems, 4) access to essential medicines, 5) financing, and 6) leadership and governance.

Discussion and evaluation

The ADDO program has proven to be scalable, sustainable, and transferable: Tanzania has rolled out the program nationwide; the ADDO program has been institutionalized as part of the country’s health system; shops are profitable and meeting consumer demands; and the ADDO model has been adapted and implemented in Uganda and Liberia. The critical element that was essential to the ADDO program’s success is stakeholder engagement—the successful buy-in and sustained commitment came directly from the effort, time, and resources spent to fully connect with vital stakeholders at all levels.

Conclusions

Beyond improving the quality of medicines and dispensing services, availability of essential medicines, and the regulatory system, the impact of a nationwide accredited drug seller approach on the pharmaceutical sector promises to provide a model framework for private-sector pharmaceutical delivery in the developing world that is sustainable without ongoing donor support.
Ray-based seismic modeling of geologic models: Understanding and analyzing seismic images efficiently
Authors: Lecomte Isabelle , Lavadera Paul Lubrano , Anell Ingrid , Buckley Simon J. , Schmid Daniel W. , Heeremans Michael
Published: September 2015

Often, interpreters only have access to seismic sections and, at times, well data, when making an interpretation of structures and depositional features in the subsurface. The validity of the final interpretation is based on how well the seismic data are able to reproduce the actual geology, and seismic modeling can help constrain that. Ideally, modeling should create complete seismograms, which is often best achieved by finite-difference modeling with postprocessing to produce synthetic seismic sections for comparison purposes. Such extensive modeling is, however, not routinely affordable. A far more efficient option, using the simpler 1D convolution model with reflectivity logs extracted along verticals in velocity models, generates poor modeling results when lateral velocity variations are expected. A third and intermediate option is to use the various ray-based approaches available, which are efficient and flexible. However, standard ray methods, such as the normal-incidence point for unmigrated poststack sections or image rays for simulating time-migrated poststack results, cannot deal with complex and detailed targets, and will not reproduce the realistic (3D) resolution effects of seismic imaging. Nevertheless, ray methods can also be used to estimate 3D spatial prestack convolution operators, so-called point-spread functions. These are functions of the survey, velocity model, and wavelet, among others, and therefore they include 3D angle-dependent illumination and resolution effects. Prestack depth migration images are thus rapidly simulated by spatial convolution with detailed 3D reflectivity models, which goes far beyond the limits of 1D convolution modeling. This 3D convolution modeling should allow geologists to better assess their interpretations and draw more definitive conclusions.
“HALF-TRUST” AND ENMITY IN IKLAND, NORTHERN UGANDA
Authors: Gade Christian B. N. , Willerslev Rane , Meinert Lotte
Published: September 2015

This article questions whether enmity is always bad and trust always good. In the borderlands between Ikland in northern Uganda and Turkanaland in Kenya, sometimes violent enmity combines with friendly barter relations between the Ik, a subsistence agricultural people that also hunts, and their goat-and-cattle herding neighbors, the Turkana and Dodoth peoples. “Half-trust,” as some of the Ik call it, works to prevent the escalation of conflict. While the Ugandan groups have been disarmed by their government, the Kenyan Turkana, armed with AK-47s, are allowed into Ugandan territory for pasture during drought, and some Turkana take violent advantage of this power imbalance as they leave. Paradoxically, intervention by Ugandan state institutions that, in the name of peaceful coexistence, welcome the Turkana in Uganda has led to the escalation of conflict, while tribal “half-trust” has kept it relatively limited.
WOUNDED
Authors: Scheper-Hughes Nancy
Published: September 2015

As a contribution to the Common Knowledge symposium on the resolution and prevention of enmity, this article concerns how enmity deforms social as well as individual personality. Societies need time and must exert significant effort, much of it intellectual, in order to recuperate: they need to recover both from harms that others have intentionally done them and from having done harm to others. Social recuperation is difficult because the tactics and standards of wartime seep into civilian and personal domestic life. In contemporary American life, the proliferation of armed and gated communities, the institution of the house gun, the general acquiescence in stop-and-frisk encounters, and the incarceration in huge numbers of gang members and small-time drug dealers are examples. An inverse relationship of wartime and peacetime abuses is also apparent: behaviors associated with civilian private life are deployed during wartime as techniques with which to humiliate and torture enemy combatants. This type of mimetic effect reaches the limit of complexity when wartime abuses that mirror domestic abuses are then mirrored in their further application to domestic settings that themselves have become militarized.
PUNITIVE SCHOLARSHIP
Authors: Urita Michiko
Published: September 2015

This article responds to Jeffrey Perl's argument (in “Regarding Change at Ise Jingū,” Common Knowledge, Spring 2008) that, while there is a “paradigm shift” at Ise every twenty years, when the enshrined deity Amaterasu “shifts” from the current site to an adjacent one during the rite of shikinen sengū, the Jingū paradigm itself never changes and never ages. The author confirms Perl's conclusion by examining the politicized scholarship, written since the 1970s, maintaining that Shinto is a faux religion, invented prior to World War II as a means of unifying Japan behind government policies of ultranationalism and international expansion. This article shows, instead, how emperors—who are not political but religious figures in Japan—and the Jingū priesthood have acted together over the past thirteen hundred years to sustain the imperial shrine at Ise and its ancient rites. The so-called Meiji Restoration actually continued an imperial policy of restoring and intensifying the observance of Shinto rituals that were threatened by neglect. Meiji intervened personally in 1889 to ensure the continuity of hikyoku, an unvoiced and secret serenade to Amaterasu, by extending its venue from the imperial palace shrine to performance at Jingū as well. The author's archival and ethnographic research at Ise and in the National Archives shows how the arguments that Shinto is a modern invention are punitive rather than dispassionately historical.
Establishing Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis infection and intestinal colonization
Authors: Everman Jamie L. , Ziaie Navid R. , Bechler Jessica , Bermudez Luiz E.
Published: September 2015

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has become a model system for studying the disease interaction between pathogens and the host. To determine whether the transparent nematode could serve as a useful model for Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (MAH) infection of the intestinal tract, worms were fed MAH and assayed for the effects of the bacterial infection on the worm. It was observed during feeding that viable MAH increases in the intestinal lumen in a time dependent manner. Ingestion of MAH was deemed non-toxic to worms as MAH-fed populations have similar survival curves to those fed E. coli strain OP50. Pulse-chase analysis using E. coli strain OP50 revealed that MAH colonize the intestinal tract, as viable MAH remain within the intestine after the assay. Visualization of intestinal MAH using histology and transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that MAH localizes to the intestinal lumen, as well as establishes direct contact with intestinal epithelium. Bacterial colonization appears to have a detrimental effect on the microvilli of the intestinal epithelial cells. The MAH ΔGPL/4B2 strain with a mutation in glycopeptidolipid production is deficient in binding to human epithelial cells (HEp-2), as well as deficient in its ability to bind to and colonize the intestinal tract of C. elegans as efficiently as wild-type MAH. These data indicate the C. elegans may serve as a useful model system for MAH pathogenesis and in determining the mechanisms used by MAH during infection and colonization of the intestinal epithelium.
Prey interception drives web invasion and spider size determines successful web takeover in nocturnal orb-web spiders
Authors: Gan Wenjin , Liu Shengjie , Yang Xiaodong , Li Daiqin , Lei Chaoliang
Published: September 2015

A striking feature of web-building spiders is the use of silk to make webs, mainly for prey capture. However, building a web is energetically expensive and increases the risk of predation. To reduce such costs and still have access to abundant prey, some web-building spiders have evolved web invasion behaviour. In general, no consistent patterns of web invasion have emerged and the factors determining web invasion remain largely unexplored. Here we report web invasion among conspecifics in seven nocturnal species of orb-web spiders, and examined the factors determining the probability of webs that could be invaded and taken over by conspecifics. About 36% of webs were invaded by conspecifics, and 25% of invaded webs were taken over by the invaders. A web that was built higher and intercepted more prey was more likely to be invaded. Once a web was invaded, the smaller the size of the resident spider, the more likely its web would be taken over by the invader. This study suggests that web invasion, as a possible way of reducing costs, may be widespread in nocturnal orb-web spiders.
Rac1 augments Wnt signaling by stimulating β-catenin–lymphoid enhancer factor-1 complex assembly independent of β-catenin nuclear import
Authors: Jamieson Cara , Lui Christina , Brocardo Mariana G. , Martino-Echarri Estefania , Henderson Beric R.
Published: September 2015

β-Catenin transduces the Wnt signaling pathway and its nuclear accumulation leads to gene transactivation and cancer. Rac1 GTPase is known to stimulate β-catenin-dependent transcription of Wnt target genes and we confirmed this activity. Here we tested the recent hypothesis that Rac1 augments Wnt signaling by enhancing β-catenin nuclear import; however, we found that silencing/inhibition or up-regulation of Rac1 had no influence on nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. To better define the role of Rac1, we employed proximity ligation assays (PLA) and discovered that a significant pool of Rac1–β-catenin protein complexes redistribute from the plasma membrane to the nucleus upon Wnt or Rac1 activation. More importantly, active Rac1 was shown to stimulate the formation of nuclear β-catenin–lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF-1) complexes. This regulation required Rac1-dependent phosphorylation of β-catenin at specific serines, which when mutated (S191A and S605A) reduced β-catenin binding to LEF-1 by up to 50%, as revealed by PLA and immunoprecipitation experiments. We propose that Rac1-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin stimulates Wnt-dependent gene transactivation by enhancing β-catenin–LEF-1 complex assembly, providing new insight into the mechanism of cross-talk between Rac1 and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Phosphorylation of C-terminal tyrosine 526 in FUS impairs its nuclear import
Authors: Darovic Simona , Mihevc Sonja Prpar , Župunski Vera , Gunčar Gregor , Štalekar Maja , Lee Youn-bok , Shaw Christopher E. , Rogelj Boris
Published: September 2015

Aberrant cytoplasmic aggregation of FUS, which is caused by its mutations primarily in the C- terminal nuclear localization signal, is associated with 3% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). FUS aggregates are also pathognomonic for 10% of all frontotemporal lobar degeneration cases (FTLD-FUS), however they are not associated with its mutation. This implicates differences in the mechanisms driving inclusion formation of FUS in ALS and FTLD. Here we show that C-terminal tyrosine at position 526 of FUS is crucial for normal nuclear import. This tyrosine is subjected to phosphorylation, which reduces interaction with transportin 1 and may consequentially affect transport of FUS into the nucleus. Furthermore, we show that this phosphorylation can occur through the activity of Src family of kinases. Our study implicates phosphorylation as an additional mechanism by which nuclear transport of FUS may be regulated and potentially perturbed in ALS and FTLD.
International legal review of the Belarusian Battle
Authors: Стародубцев Григорий , Starodubtsyev Grigoriy
Published: September 2015

The article analyzes the international legal instruments and international legal events that took place in the summer of 1944; the author analyzes their relationship with the Belarusian battle.
Applying surrogate variables to deal with destructive characteristics for robustification using Six Sigma methodology
Authors: Javadi Mohammad Amin , Raissi Sadigh
Published: September 2015

Even though there are remarkable advances in machinery and technological methodologies toward products robustness and precise operations on processes, engineers always address difficulties in setting a process at desirable conditions. Actually, due to the nature of the destructive characteristics of products and processes they might not be able to cope with the issue. Aforementioned traits create constraints against direct measurement. Consequently, surrogate variables are proposed to go through the obstacle. Since sources of deviations are easy to affect as noise factors, experts are required to ameliorate skillfully. Multiple quality characteristics are contemplated simultaneously in different industries such as pharmaceutical, food sections or productions for improving both product reliability and customer satisfaction. In order to overcome the expressed problems and facilitate the processes, a model is constructed through robust design concepts and a case study shows how to surmount the problem of working with different destructive quality characteristics at the same time by using Six Sigma methodology.
ePortfolio for students: A paper exercise or the product of effective partnership working?
Authors: Toner Alison , McDowall Karen J
Published: September 2015

This article outlines the process of enabling students to evidence lifelong reflective learning from the outset of their professional career in the nursing profession. It discusses the importance of a positive partnership approach between a higher education institution, a health board (where student nurses undertake clinical placements) and NHS Education for Scotland. The process of implementing the Career Long ePortfolio is outlined, as is how this has been embedded within the pre-registration mental health nursing programme. Developing students as reflective practitioners and moving forward through the use of technology allows the student to develop their ePortfolio that other people can also contribute to. The ePortfolio enables students to request feedback from mentors and lecturers, whose entries will build on the evidence students have as reflective practitioners. This article discusses an aspect of how we can ‘future proof’ reflective practice evidence with the introduction of revalidation.
How do services engage ethnic minority groups?
Authors: Fernandez Jeff
Published: September 2015

This article looks at how ethnic minorities with substance misuse problems access services. It examines how services adapt and accommodate this ethnic group. The research was conducted for the London Borough of Islington and illustrates from this borough, how drug services meet the needs of ethnic minorities. For Islington, the study also identifies areas in need of more focus to improve provision by comparing it with neighbouring Tower Hamlets. It takes a qualitative approach, looking at each borough and interviewing staff who run and structure services, evaluating their knowledge of each borough's ethnic communities and explores how the boroughs use this knowledge to shape and meet needs. The project reveals interesting findings and some differences: the population of the ethnic communities is different in each borough, influencing how services have responded to their problems concerning substance misuse; clinicians' knowledge base on ethnic minorities and their issues with approaching drug services is adequate, but needs updating; and rapid assessment is seen as the best tool to engage ethnic communities.
Absconding and the delivery of safer care
Authors: Phull Jaspreet , Hall Julie
Published: September 2015

Absconding from psychiatric inpatient units can have devastating consequences for the patient, family, carers and the service. This article summarises the rationale and risk factors for absconding from the available literature. The authors propose a safer care mode that provides structure in the management of absconding and safe delivery of leave using proactive risk management principles and practice. The delivery of this safer care model involves a multi-stage approach—it is applied to the authors' existing clinical practice and is shared in this article.
Skin autofluorescence: a risk marker for chronic kidney disease
Authors: Johnson Catherine , Taal Maarten
Published: September 2015

Advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation results from hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, diet and reduced renal excretion. Skin autofluorescence (SAF) is closely correlated with skin AGE levels and the measurement of SAF has been identified as a non-invasive, simple marker of AGE accumulation. Catherine Johnson and Maarten Taal discuss the relevance of SAF to the renal community.
The Lord Mayor of Bristol's blood and organ donation campaign
Authors: Muhammad Shahid , Kherbish Sifaw , Ali Filson
Published: September 2015

Work promoting the need for increased blood and organ donations from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities is ongoing and a campaign in Bristol has been fighting the cause. Shahid Muhammad et al describe the objectives and outcomes of project approaches as part of this campaign.
A change in culture: overcoming the problem of sustainability
Authors: Finnigan Robert
Published: September 2015

After attending a Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) workshop, Robert Finnigan noted the lack of hierarchy that led to a multiprofessional approach to making improvements to patients' lives. He believes QIPs need to be supported by a change in culture to overcome the problem of sustainability.
Data Normalization Strategies for MicroRNA Quantification
Authors: Schwarzenbach Heidi , da Silva Andreia Machado , Calin George , Pantel Klaus
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Different technologies, such as quantitative real-time PCR or microarrays, have been developed to measure microRNA (miRNA) expression levels. Quantification of miRNA transcripts implicates data normalization using endogenous and exogenous reference genes for data correction. However, there is no consensus about an optimal normalization strategy. The choice of a reference gene remains problematic and can have a serious impact on the actual available transcript levels and, consequently, on the biological interpretation of data.

CONTENT

In this review article we discuss the reliability of the use of small RNAs, commonly reported in the literature as miRNA expression normalizers, and compare different strategies used for data normalization.

A workflow strategy is proposed for normalization of miRNA expression data in an attempt to provide a basis for the establishment of a global standard procedure that will allow comparison across studies.
The influence of the endotracheal tube cuff on the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Kučan Marko , Djekić Bernarda , Ravljen Mirjam
Published: September 2015

Introduction: An endotracheal tube enables patient ventilation, but also presents a risk of complications. The accumulation of subglottic secretions above the cuff may cause ventilatorassociated pneumonia. The purpose of the article is to establish the effect of the endotracheal tube cuff (shape and material, method of inflation, verifying and maintaining pressure) on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Methods: A descriptive method with a systematic review of domestic and foreign literature was used. The literature was retrieved from electronic databases and the cooperative bibliographic/catalogue database. According to eligibility criteria, sixteen original scientific articles published in the last ten years were finally used. Data were processed with qualitative content analysis.
Results: Cuff inflation control with a manometer and continuous measuring and adjustment of cuff pressure with modern equipment were found to be the safest methods. According to the articles on shape and material, conical polyurethane cuffs provide the best sealing.
Discussion and conclusion: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a serious complication in mechanically ventilated patients. Maintaining appropriate cuff pressure proved to be a very effective preventive measure. The research presented here is limited by the small number of available articles. Further research is needed before practical applications are attempted.
The importance of monitoring nurses' workplace satisfaction of nurses for the well-being of all employees in nursing
Authors: Lorber Mateja , Treven Sonja , Mumel Damijan
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Work is an important constituent of an individual’s life since the experience of work influences well-being and health. The well-being of employees is an important issue in the work environment. The aim was to examine the relationship between satisfaction in the workplace and the well-being of employees in nursing.

Methods: Quantitative research based on a cross-sectional study was used, with 640 employees in nursing from eight Slovenian hospitals participating in the study. A structured survey questionnaire was administered. The relationship between psychological well-being and workplace satisfaction was analysed with correlation and linear regression analysis.

Results: The workplace satisfaction (x = 3.69, s = 1.13) and well-being ( x=161.27, s = 55.19) of employees in nursing are at a middle level. With the correlation analysis we established that well-being statistically significantly correlates with workplace satisfaction (r = 0.611, p < 0.001). Workplace satisfaction explains 42 % of the total variability of well-being of employees in nursing.

Discussion and conclusion: It is necessary for every health care organization to take care of its employees' workplace satisfaction and well-being. Health care organizations can be successful and achieve their organisational objectives if their employees are satisfied with their work and have a high level of well-being.
Rodzina wobec wybranych problemów społeczno-kulturowych.
Authors: Młyński Józef
Published: September 2015

Przemiany współczesnej rzeczywistości, ich gwałtowność i dynamizm stają się szczególnym znakiem naszych czasów. Oczywiście jednych z najistotniejszych miejsc, w którym można je dostrzec jest bez wątpienia rodzina. Chyba nie ma wątpliwości, iż właśnie rodzina jest taką grupą w której jak w „soczewce” zarysowują się wszelkie problemy i trudności. Do problemów tych należy zaliczyć: rozwód, migracje i proces starości.Analiza wybranych problemów społeczno kulturowych wskazuje, iż potrzeba dzisiaj profilaktyki w rodzinie, potrzeba jej towarzyszyć i wspierać ją na różnych odcinakach życia. Zadanie to szczególnie powierzone jest prowadzeniu właściwej polityki rodzinnej przez państwo, którego obowiązkiem jest nie tylko troszczyć się o rodzinę, ale przede wszystkim wspierać ją.
Osoby niesamodzielne i ich opiekunowie. Potrzeby wsparcia oraz możliwości pomocy w perspektywie założeń ekonomii społecznej.
Authors: Necel Ryszard , Nosal Przemysław
Published: September 2015

Artykuł stanowi dwupłaszczyznową analizę kondycji osób niesamodzielnych i ich opiekunów.Pierwsza część tekstu to oparta na badaniach „Społeczno-ekonomiczne aspekty wsparcia funkcji opiekuńczej rodzin na terenie województwa wielkopolskiego” empiryczne studium zjawiska. Poruszone są w nim takie jego wymiary jak sposoby pełnienia funkcji opiekuńczej, potrzeby rodzin w pełnieniu funkcji opiekuńczej oraz poziom zaspokojenia tych potrzeb.W drugiej zaś części przedstawione zostały umocowane w przestrzeni ekonomii społecznej możliwe ścieżki aktywizacji społecznej i zawodowej osób niesamodzielnych i ich opiekunów. Ze względu na specyfikę przypadku zaprezentowane zostały dobre praktyki w ramach dwóch wybranych typów instytucji – warsztatów terapii zajęciowej oraz klubów integracji społecznej.
A survey for potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and pigs in Cambodia
Authors: Inpankaew Tawin , Murrell K. Darwin , Pinyopanuwat Nongnuch , Chhoun Chamnan , Khov Kuong , Sem Tharin , Sorn San , Muth Sinuon , Dalsgaard Anders
Published: September 2015

There is little information available on parasites of zoonotic significance in Cambodia. In 2011, in an effort to obtain data on potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in domestic animals, 50 dogs and 30 pigs residing in 38 households located in Ang Svay Check village, Takeo province, Cambodia were examined for parasites from faecal samples. The samples were processed using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Hookworms were the most common zoonotic parasite found in dogs (80.0%) followed by Echinostomes (18.0%). While, in pigs, Fasciolopsis buski was the most common zoonotic parasite (30.0%) followed by Ascaris suum (13.3%). This study provides baseline data on gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and pigs from Cambodia and underscores the importance of domestic animals as reservoir hosts for human parasites for Cambodian veterinary and public health agencies. Follow-up studies are required to further taxonomically characterize these dog and pig parasites and to determine their role in human parasites in this community.
Stibarokris mariasi sp. nov. – a new quill mite species (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) parasitizing Puffinus pacificus (Gmelin) (Procellariidae) on Johnston Atoll
Authors: Glowska Eliza
Published: September 2015

A new quill mite species Stibarokris mariasi sp. nov. (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) is described from the Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus (Gmelin) (Procellariiformes: Procellariidae) from Johnston Atoll. Females of S. mariasi sp. nov. differ from most similar species S. phoeniconaias Skoracki and OConnor, 2010 by the longitudinal branch of the peritremes consisting of 11-14 chambers (vs 15-17 chambers in S. phoeniconaias), the movable cheliceral digit 145 long (vs 170), setal bases c1 situated distinctly anterior to the level of setae se (vs setal bases c1 and se situated at the same transverse level), the propodonotal shield punctate on the whole surface (vs propodonotal shield punctate at the lateral margins), the small, balloonlike hysteronotal shield, bearing bases of setae d1 and densely punctate on the whole surface (vs hysteronotal shield bearing setal bases d1 and e2 and punctate at the anterior part), the pseudanal setae ps1 1.8 times longer than setae ps2 (vs setae ps1 and ps2 subequal in length), subequal lengths of setae h1 and f1 (vs setae h1 twice longer than f1) and the lengths of setae ag1, ag2, and ag3 145-170, 105-125, 120-165, respectively (vs ag1, ag2 and ag3 245-285, 245-270, 330-340, respectively). A key to all known species of the genus Stibarokris Kethley, 1970 is proposed.
Cryptosporidium identification in HIV-Infected Humans. Experience from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Wumba Roger D. , Zanga Josué , Mbanzulu Kennedy M. , Mandina Madone N. , Kahindo Aimé K. , Aloni Michel N. , Ekila Mathilde B.
Published: September 2015

Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan parasite affecting HIV/AIDS patients. To determine the prevalence and the species of Cryptosporidium spp by developing a rapid and efficient real-time PCR-RFLP test. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected adults from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Stool specimens were examined by microscopic evaluation and real-time PCR-RFLP. Out of 242 HIV-infected adults, 10 (4.1%) cases of Cryptosporidium were identified by microscopic examination. Using PCR-RFLP, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 5.4% (n = 13). All the 13 cases of Cryptosporidium spp had the stage of AIDS of HIV infection. Extracted DNA was amplified by nested PCR targeting a 1030-bp fragment of the 18s RNA gene. RFLP analysis identified one C. parvum, four C. hominis and one non determined Cryptosporidium. The capacity to detect C. parvum, C. hominis and non-determined Cryptosporidium was present among our HIV-infected patients.