bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Acid on Surface Hydroxyl Groups on Kaolinite and Montmorillonite
Authors: Sihvonen Sarah K. , Murphy Kelly A. , Washton Nancy M. , Altaf Muhammad Bilal , Mueller Karl T. , Freedman Miriam Arak
Published: December 2017

Mineral dust aerosol participates in heterogeneous chemistry in the atmosphere. In particular, the hydroxyl groups on the surface of aluminosilicate clay minerals are important for heterogeneous atmospheric processes. These functional groups may be altered by acidic processing during atmospheric transport. In this study, we exposed kaolinite (KGa-1b) and montmorillonite (STx-1b) to aqueous sulfuric acid and then rinsed the soluble reactants and products off in order to explore changes to functional groups on the mineral surface. To quantify the changes due to acid treatment of edge hydroxyl groups, we use 19F magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a probe molecule, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyldimethylchlorosilane. We find that the edge hydroxyl groups (OH) increase in both number and density with acid treatment. Chemical reactions in the atmosphere may be impacted by the increase in OH at the mineral edge.
Uniform Airy Approximation for Nonadiabatic Transitions in a Curve-Crossing Weak-Coupling Case
Authors: Dashevskaya Elena I. , Nikitin Evgeny E. , Troe Hans-Jürgen
Published: December 2017

This work suggests a connection between Landau-Zener transition probabilities between two crossing potentials in the classically accessible WKB regime and Landau-Lifshitz transition probabilities in the classically inaccessible WKB regime. It is based on the uniform Airy (UAi) approximation which represents a generalization of quantum transition probabilities for linear crossing potentials with constant coupling. The performance of the UAi approximation is tested by comparison with distorted-wave probabilities for an exponential potential model and illustrated for potentials that determine the intersection of twoab initiovibronic potential surfaces of the NO-Ar system.
Shared Mechanisms in the Estimation of Self-Generated Actions and the Prediction of Other’s Actions by Humans
Authors: Ikegami Tsuyoshi , Ganesh Gowrishankar
Published: December 2017

The question of how humans predict outcomes of observed motor actions by others is a fundamental problem in cognitive and social neuroscience. Previous theoretical studies have suggested that the brain uses parts of the forward model (used to estimate sensory outcomes of self-generated actions) to predict outcomes of observed actions. However, this hypothesis has remained controversial due to the lack of direct experimental evidence. To address this issue, we analyzed the behavior of darts experts in an understanding learning paradigm and utilized computational modeling to examine how outcome prediction of observed actions affected the participants’ ability to estimate their own actions. We recruited darts experts because sports experts are known to have an accurate outcome estimation of their own actions as well as prediction of actions observed in others. We first show that learning to predict the outcomes of observed dart throws deteriorates an expert’s abilities to both produce his own darts actions and estimate the outcome of his own throws (or self-estimation). Next, we introduce a state-space model to explain the trial-by-trial changes in the darts performance and self-estimation through our experiment. The model-based analysis reveals that the change in an expert’s self-estimation is explained only by considering a change in the individual’s forward model, showing that an improvement in an expert’s ability to predict outcomes of observed actions affects the individual’s forward model. These results suggest that parts of the same forward model are utilized in humans to both estimate outcomes of self-generated actions and predict outcomes of observed actions.
The Gender of Joiners
Authors: Young Yvette , Geist Claudia
Published: December 2017

Memberships in voluntary associations can provide access to valuable social resources. Generally focusing on high- and middle-income countries, research has demonstrated that to varying degrees in different societies, women have fewer memberships in voluntary associations than men. This study examines membership in voluntary associations globally and thereby the national characteristics that drive the gender disparity. The national characteristics we examine include development and inequality. We argue that two theories researchers have used to explain individual-level memberships—the resource perspective and homophily theory—also apply to contextual influences on joining associations. Using data from multiple waves of the World Values Survey, we employ multilevel models to analyze the relationship between national context and the individual vis-à-vis gender differences in memberships in voluntary associations. We find that macro-level resources such as the level of development, as well as macro-level heterogeneity in the form of economic inequality and indicators of gender inequality, significantly predict membership. However, macro-level heterogeneity explains gender gaps while macro-level resources do not. The findings of this study are applicable to countries spanning the full development spectrum and offer a new explanation of how social structures of inequality reproduce and create inequality at the individual level.
World Society, World Polity, and the Carbon Intensity of Well-Being, 1990–2011
Authors: Givens Jennifer E.
Published: December 2017

Research on the carbon intensity of well-being (CIWB), a measure representing a country's development in terms of both environmental and human well-being, often explores the role of economic development, while the effects of other aspects of global integration remain under-explored. I use macro-comparative sociological perspectives to investigate the extent to which theories of global integration help explain variation in countries’ CIWB over time. I evaluate propositions drawn from neoinstitutional world society and world polity theories using longitudinal modeling techniques to analyze data from 81 countries from 1990 to 2011. I also examine subsets of more and less developed countries and compare production- and consumption-based measures of CIWB. I find that world society/world polity integration is associated with a reduction in CIWB only in more developed nations, and only when using the production measure for CO2 emissions, highlighting the complexities of sustainable development in an unequal global system.
Managing the all-volunteer force in a time of war
Authors: Simon Curtis J. , Warner John T.
Published: December 2017

After a rocky start to the volunteer military in the late 1970s, since 1980 the United States military services have met or exceeded their recruiting and retention goals in most years and have done so at reasonable cost. The ongoing conflict in Iraq is the U.S. military's first protracted conflict since the inception of the volunteer force and raises questions about its impacts on recruiting, retention, and cost. This article briefly examines the effects of the war on recruiting, retention, and cost and studies ways of expanding the size of the active Army force, including a return to conscription.
Protocolo de Inducción de Estro en Ovejas de Pelo en Anestro Estacional y su Comportamiento Productivo
Authors: Verdoljak Juan José , Vásquez Ramón , Casco José Francisco , Pereira María Mercedes , Gándara Luis , Acosta Fabián Arturo , Fernández-López Carolina , Castillo-Rodríguez Sonia Patricia , Martínez-González Juan Carlos
Published: December 2017

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del clima y un protocolo de sincronización de celo sobre el inicio de la pubertad, gestación y parición de borregas Texel x Romney fuera de la estación reproductiva. El experimento se llevó a cabo en la Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) del INTA (Corrientes, Argentina) con 26 borregas Texel x Romney de 11 meses de edad y 47.0 ± 2.2 kg de peso. Se utilizó un protocolo de sincronización de celo por medio de esponjas intravaginales con acetato de medroxiprogesterona – MAP (60 mg) por siete días y 400 UI de eCG al retiro de las esponjas. Dos machos Dorper fértiles fueron introducidos el día del retiro de las esponjas. El diagnóstico de gestación por ultrasonografía rectal se realizó a los 50 días de la monta. Se obtuvieron datos meteorológicos para calcular el índice de temperatura-humedad (ITH) y determinar el grado de estrés calórico. El 69.2% de las ovejas fueron montadas a las 48 h, 15 borregas fueron consideradas como gestantes y nueve parieron. Durante la gestación, las ovejas estuvieron expuestas a estrés severo y extremo el 23 y 50% de estos días. El promedio de peso al nacer fue 1.5 ± 0.5 kg.
Frecuencia de Neoplasias en Caninos de 0 a 5 Años Diagnosticadas en el Laboratorio de Histopatología Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (2003-2014)
Authors: Chang H. Ghiis , Perales C. Rosa , Tabacchi N. Luis
Published: December 2017

Se evaluaron un total de 4701 protocolos de caninos, procesados en el Laboratorio de Histopatología de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Lima) durante el periodo 2003-2014 para determinar la frecuencia de los tipos de neoplasias diagnosticadas mediante histopatología y en el caso del tumor venéreo transmisible (TVT) por citología. Se hallaron 3480 casos de neoplasias, de las cuales 554 (11.8%) pertenecían a caninos de 0 a 5 años de edad. Los canes de 4 a 5 años (261 casos; 47.1%) y los de sexo masculino (333 casos; 60.1%) presentaron la mayor cantidad de neoplasias. Las neoplasias benignas predominaron con 279 casos (50.4%), siendo el TVT la neoplasia más frecuente de este grupo y del conteo general con 94 casos (33.7%). La neoplasia maligna más frecuente fue el rabdomiosarcoma, con 47 casos (17.1%).
Frecuencia y Susceptibilidad Antimicrobiana de Bacterias Causantes de Mastitis en Bovinos de un Establo de Trujillo, Perú
Authors: Rodríguez Pérez Roxana , Muñoz Ganoza Eduardo
Published: December 2017

Se determinó la frecuencia y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de bacterias causantes de mastitis en bovinos de un establo del distrito de Conache, Trujillo, Perú, entre septiembre y diciembre de 2015. Se recolectaron muestras de leche de 140 cuartos individuales de 35 vacas que se les hizo el control de mastitis mediante observación directa y taza de fondo negro. Para el análisis microbiológico se sembraron las muestras en agar sangre y agar Mac Conkey y se incubaron a 37 °C por 24 h. Para determinar las bacterias gram positivas se realizaron pruebas de catalasa, coagulasa, fermentación de manitol y hemólisis; y para las gram negativas se realizaron pruebas de agar-hierro-triple azúcar (TSI), agar lisina-hierro (LIA), citrato de Simmons, ureasa, formación de indol, rojo metilo, Voges Proskauer y caldo glutamato. La susceptibilidad antimicrobiana se determinó mediante el método de Kirby-Bauer con discos de ampicilina, clindamicina, doxiciclina, eritromicina, estreptomicina, gentamicina, oxacilina y rifampicina. Se detectaron 31 vacas con mastitis bacteriana, donde el 76% presentó bacterias gram negativas y 24% gram positivas. Las bacterias gram negativas más frecuentes fueron E. coli (28%) y Klebsiella sp. (24%), y la bacteria gram positiva más frecuente fue Staphylococcus aureus (16%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa fue resistente a la mayoría de antibióticos, excepto a la eritromicina (susceptibilidad intermedia). E. coli presentó susceptibilidad intermedia a la eritromicina y resistencia a la oxacilina y rifampicina. Staphylococvcus aureus presentó susceptibilidad intermedia a la clindamicina y eritromicina y resistencia a la ampicilina.
Capacidad de Dos Líneas Celulares para la Producción de Embriones Clonados mediante Transferencia Nuclear de Células Somáticas
Authors: Cortez Jenin , Murga Nilton , Segura Gleni , Rodríguez Lleretny , Vásquez Héctor , Maicelo-Quintana Jorge
Published: December 2017

En este estudio se demuestra el uso de la transferencia nuclear de células somáticas para producir los primeros bovinos clonados en el Perú. Se obtuvieron fibroblastos de piel y células de cúmulos de donantes adultos para ser usados como carioplastos; asimismo, ovocitos obtenidos a partir de ovarios de camal fueron madurados in vitro por 24 h. Los ovocitos madurados se incubaron 2 h en demecolcina (2.5 ìg/ml) para promover la formación del cono con el plato metafásico y para orientar la enucleación manual. Se eliminó la zona pelúcida en pronasa (2 mg/ml) por 3 min. La enucleación fue manual con una microcuchilla dividiendo el óvulo en dos mitades, donde las mitades carentes de núcleo fueron fusionadas por el método «sandwich» (citoplasto–fibroblasto–citoplasto) por electrofusión. Las estructuras reconstruidas se activaron químicamente mediante incubación por 5 min en 7% de etanol absoluto, seguido por 5 h de citocalacina B (5 ìg/ml) y cicloheximida (10 ìg/ml). Las estructuras se cultivaron durante 7 d hasta la fase de incubación/eclosión de blastocisto. Siete blastocistos fueron transferidos a seis vacas receptoras sincronizadas siete días después de la ovulación. Se logró la permanencia de cuatro y tres vesículas embrionarias hasta los días 28 y 60, respectivamente. Dos terneras llegaron a nacer a partir de embriones reconstruidos con células de piel y con células de cúmulos. Mediante el análisis de genotipos, utilizando 15 marcadores (SSR) para bovinos, se confirmó que los terneros clonados fueron derivados de las líneas celulares de las donantes.
Efecto del Tipo de Alimentación sobre el Comportamiento Productivo, Características de la Canal y Calidad de Carne del Cerdo Criollo Negro Cajamarquino
Authors: Paredes Arana Manuel , Vallejos Fernández Luis , Mantilla Guerra José
Published: December 2017

El estudio tuvo por objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos dietas sobre el comportamiento productivo, características de la canal y calidad de la carne del cerdo criollo negro cajamarquino. Se emplearon 32 lechones destetados, distribuidos en cuatro tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones por cada tratamiento y dos animales por repetición. La mitad de los cerdos fueron alimentados con desechos de restaurante y residuos de camal de aves y la otra mitad con un concentrado de maíz y soya. La mitad de cada grupo fueron machos castrados y la otra mitad hembras. Se llevó un registro de pesos de los cerdos. A los 120 días de engorde fueron sacrificados, determinándose las características de la canal y la calidad de carne a través del músculo Longissimus lumbar. Se encontró una interacción significativa entre alimentación x sexo en el peso vivo final y conversión alimenticia (p<0.05). El peso y rendimiento de la canal no estuvo influenciado por el sexo o alimento. Los cerdos alimentados con concentrado obtuvieron una mayor ganancia media diaria de peso y mejor conversión alimenticia y mayor proteína y menor contenido de ácido oleico en la carne que los cerdos alimentados con desechos de restaurantes y residuos de camal de aves.
EFFECTS of ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION of BATTER and DIFFERENT BAKING METHODS on CAKE QUALITY
Authors: İlknur Konak Ãlgen , Certel Muharrem , Karakaş BarÃ§Ä±n
Published: December 2017

In this study, cake batters were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for different durations (0, 1, 2 and 4 hours) and baked applying conventional, microwave and combinations of both methods and cake quality characteristics were investigated. Quality parameters evaluated were proximal chemical composition, specific volume, water activity, crust and crumb color, textural parameters (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and resilience) and sensory attributes. Application of UV irradiation along with different baking methods had a significant effect (p
LOW TAURINE CONCENTRATIONS POSSITIVELY AFFECT RABBIT SPERMATOZOA PROPERTIES IN LATER TIME INTERVALS
Authors: Tirpák Filip , Slanina TomÃ¡Å¡ , Kováčik Anton , Ondruška Ä½ubomÃ­r , Massányi Jr. Peter , Halo Jr. Marko , Massányi Peter
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to determinate the effect of various taurine concentrations on rabbit spermatozoa in in vitro conditions with the potential use in routine artificial insemination. Taurine, amino acid distinguished by its strong antioxidant properties, has been widely tested on spermatozoa of all kinds of farm animals except for the rabbits. This study investigated differences in rabbit spermatozoa motility and viability between the control sample and samples enriched with taurine solutions: TAU3 (3.125 mM), TAU6 (6.250 mM) and TAU12 (12.5 mM). Ejaculates of nine adult rabbits were subjected to this study and observed at time intervals 0, 90, 180 and 270 minutes while cultivated at 39°C. For detection of viability the MTT test was used and motility parameters were carried out using CASA analysis. Experimental samples were compared against the control. Assessment of the mitochondrial toxicity revealed that the addition of taurine ensured the higher viability in supplemented samples however with no statistical significance. Monitored motility parameters (motility, progressive motility and velocity curved line of spermatozoa) showed that taurine treated spermatozoa have lower activity at the beginning of the study but along with increasing time the positive effect of taurine was induced. Significant (P
ETHANOL PRODUCTION AND SUGAR CONSUMPTION OF CO-CULTURE Saccharomyces cerevisiae FNCC 3012 WITH Candida tropicalis FNCC 3033 IN MEDIA CONTAINING INHIBITOR FERMENTATION
Authors: Sopandi Tatang , Wardah A.
Published: December 2017

Inhibitor fermentation is one of the problems that arise in the ethanol production from lignocellulose waste. This work examined the ethanol yield and sugar consumption of mono and co-culture S. cerevisiae with C. tropicalis in media containing inhibitor fermentation. Furfural and phenol were used for inhibitor fermentation in basal medium with concentrations of 2.0 and 5.0 %, respectively. The basal medium contained 20 g.L-1 glucose, 20 g.L-1 D (+) xylose, 20 g.L-1 arabinose, 4 g.L-1 urea, 3 g.L-1 NaNO3, 3 g.L-1 NH4NO3, 1 g.L-1 KH3PO4 and 0.7 g.L-1 MgSO4·7H2O with pH adjusted to 5.5 with 1 mol.L-1 HCl. After furfural or phenol addition separately, and inoculation by mono and co-culture S. cerevisiae FNCC 3012 with C. tropicalis FNCC 3033, all media were incubated at 28–29 °C, 50% r.h. in the dark for 5 days in a rotary incubator at 60 rev/min. We found yeast colony count, sugar consumption, ethanol yields and efficiency of fermentation by co-culture S. cerevisiae with C. tropicalis higher than mono-culture S. cerevisiae or C.tropicalis in the fermentation media with or without inhibitors. This work indicated that co-culture S. cerevisiae with C. tropicalis were more tolerant to furfural and phenol. Ethanol yield 8.52%, 5.37% and 3.83% obtained from basal medium, basal medium plus 2.5 or 5.0 % furfural, respectively and efficiency of fermentation 27.00%, 17.00% and 12.20%. Ethanol yields 8.13%, 5.62% and 3.19% obtained from basal medium, basal medium plus 2.5 or 5.0 % phenol, respectvely and efficiency of fermentation 28.20%, 20.00% and 14.00%. Co-culture S. cerevisiae FNCC 3012 with C. tropicalis 3033 demonstrated potential as a fermentation process for ethanol production from lignocellulosic media content inhibitors. The use of this co-culture effectively utilizes hexose and pentose sugars in the substrate, increasing the yield and efficiency of fermentation for ethanol production.
BACTERIAL BIOFILM CELLS QUANTIFICATION TECHNIQUES: WHERE IS CONSENSUS IN OVER TWO DECADES?
Authors: Ochieng’ Olwal Charles , Otieno Ochiel Daniel , Miruka Onyango David , Oyieng’ Ang’ienda Paul
Published: December 2017

It is widely accepted that bacterial biofilms are overly resistant to antibiotics, host immunity and disinfectants. Biofilms develop on various food-processing surfaces hence pose major risks in food industries. Biofilms serve as protective niches for pathogens in food and water thus enhance transmission of food borne pathogens. Furthermore, biofilms are implicated in medical implant infections. The serious problems associated with bacterial biofilms in food, biomedical and environmental fields have stimulated active research on biofilms for over two decades. Biofilm cells quantification is important in many research applications especially in anti-biofilm efficacy studies and quality controls in many industries. However, to date there is no consensus on which technique is most suitable for quantifying bacterial biofilm cells. This apparent lack of a standard technique has hindered effective comparison of results from different bacterial biofilm studies since each technique has a unique readout. Furthermore, it appears that the choice of a biofilm cells quantification technique is largely a matter of convenience and availability of a technique. This may introduce biasness. Consequently, this review critically assesses the availability, suitability and limitations of different techniques for quantifying biofilm cells. This could inform better control and management of bacterial biofilms in environmental and clinical settings.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COPPER IN DIFFERENT CULTURE MEDIA AND BOVINE SPERMATOZOA MOTILITY PARAMETERS IN VITRO
Authors: Kňažická Zuzana , Tušimová Eva , Bezáková Jana , Miškeje Michal , Bojňanská Tatiana , Lukáč Norbert
Published: December 2017

The target of this in vitro study was to investigate the dose- and time-dependent effects of copper (CuSO4.5H2O) in different culture media on the spermatozoa motility and to provide additional information on the interaction between serum albumin and copper ions. The spermatozoa motility was determined after exposure of CuSO4.5H2O (3.90; 7.80; 15.60; 31.20; 62.50; 125; 250; 500; 1000 µmol.dm-3) using the SpermVisionTM CASA system (Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer) during different time periods (Time 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 24 h). The initial percentage of motility spermatozoa in the presence CuSO4.5H2O in physiological saline solution (PS) showed significantly (P
DETECTION OF PENICLLIUM OXALICUM IN GRAPES WITH A LOOP-MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION (LAMP) ASSAY
Authors: I. Vogt Elisabeth , M. Kupfer Veronika , D. Bechtner Julia , M. Frisch Lisa , F. Vogel Rudi , Niessen Ludwig
Published: December 2017

P. oxalicum is known as plant pathogen, mycotoxin producer and was suggested to be involved in the induction of champagne gushing. Early detection of the fungus enforces decision making in the wine industry as to how grapes will be further processed. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for P. oxalicum was established with a detection limit of 100 pg genomic DNA per reaction. The assay was highly specific for P. oxalicum DNA. The assay was applied for the detection of the fungus on artificially infected grapes using surface washings as target for the LAMP reaction. Screening of grape samples from different European countries revealed the (rare) presence of P. oxalicum on grapes harvested in Italy and Portugal. We suggest the developed LAMP assay as a promising new tool for the rapid, robust, highly specific and sensitive as well as cost efficient detection of P. oxalicum on grapes used in the wine and champagne industry.
PRODUCTION OF AMYLASE FROM INDIGENOUSLY ISOLATED STRAIN OF Aureobasidium pullulans AND ITS HYPER PRODUCING MUTANT
Authors: Ramkrishna Mulay Yogini , Laxman Deopurkar Rajendra
Published: December 2017

New isolate obtained from leaf surfaces of Spinacia olevacea, Brassica oleracea and Coriandrum sativum was identified as Aureobasidium pullulans on the basis of cultural, morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization. The factors such as inoculums size, incubation time, sources of starch, and concentration of starch, sources of carbon and nitrogen, effect of initial pH and effect of temperature affecting production of amylase were optimized in present study. The optimum pH, temperature and incubation period for enzyme production were 5, 25OC and 5 days respectively. Among different sources of starch tested potato starch was shown to be the best. Potato starch at 1% was recorded to be the best concentration of starch for enzyme production. Sodium nitrate was ideal nitrogen source. At optimum conditions Aureobasidium pullulans Cau 19 has shown amylase activity 800U/L, which is twofold higher than before optimization. For the improvement of Aureobasidium pullulans Cau 19, the parental strain, after optimization of the cultural conditions, was subjected to UV irradiation for 8 min. Total 286 mutants were checked, out of which 9 mutant strains showing comparatively greater hydrolysis zone were selected for further study. Aureobasidium pullulans UVm 276 mutant has shown amylase activity which is 2.78 fold that of the wild type strain. Thus these findings have more impact on enzyme economy for biotechnological applications of microbial amylases.
COMPARISON OF SOXHLET AND ULTRASOUND METHODS FOR OIL EXTRACTION FROM SPANISH FLAXSEEDS
Authors: Matilde García-Hernández Vanessa , Hojjati Mohammad , Antonio Carbonell-Barrachina Ãngel , Sánchez-Soriano JoaquÃ­n , Roche Enrique , García-García Elena
Published: December 2017

Flaxseed oil contains an outstanding amount of the essential fatty acid α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), as well as other ω-3 fatty acids, which can provide potential benefits in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. This explains the interest of food industries to improve the efficiency of oil extraction from flaxseed. In this sense, the feasibility of two extraction methods (Soxhlet and ultrasounds) has been evaluated through the determination of the amount of oil obtained from 9 flaxseed trademarks (Linum usitatissimum L.). The Soxhlet method extracted more oil than the ultrasounds, with mean values being 36.9 and 20.0%, respectively. Aside from the extraction method, flaxseed trademark was also an influencing variable. In this context, the highest extraction yield (53%) was detected when the Soxhlet method in combination with petroleum ether were used with trademark 1 (raw golden flaxseed). However, further studies are needed to evaluate the quality and safety of the extracted oils.
Astrovirus Infection and Diarrhea in 8 Countries
Authors: Olortegui Maribel Paredes , Rouhani Saba , Yori Pablo Peñataro , Salas Mery Siguas , Trigoso Dixner Rengifo , Mondal Dinesh , Bodhidatta Ladaporn , Platts-Mills James , Samie Amidou , Kabir Furqan , Lima Aldo , Babji Sudhir , Shrestha Sanjaya Kumar , Mason Carl J. , Kalam Adil , Bessong Pascal , Ahmed Tahmeed , Mduma Estomih , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Lima Ila , Ramdass Rakhi , Moulton Lawrence H. , Lang Dennis , George Ajila , Zaidi Anita K.M. , Kang Gagandeep , Houpt Eric R. , Kosek Margaret N. ,   on behalf of the MAL-ED Network
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Astroviruses are important drivers of viral gastroenteritis but remain understudied in community settings and low- and middle-income countries. We present data from 8 countries with high prevalence of diarrhea and undernutrition to describe astrovirus epidemiology and assess evidence for protective immunity among children 0 to 2 years of age.

METHODS:

We used 25 898 surveillance stools and 7077 diarrheal stools contributed by 2082 children for enteropathogen testing, and longitudinal statistical analysis to describe incidence, risk factors, and protective immunity.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five percent of children experienced astrovirus infections. Prevalence in diarrheal stools was 5.6%, and severity exceeded all enteropathogens except rotavirus. Incidence of infection and diarrhea were 2.12 and 0.88 episodes per 100 child-months, respectively. Children with astrovirus infection had 2.30 times the odds of experiencing diarrhea after adjustment for covariates (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–2.62; P < .001). Undernutrition was a risk factor: odds of infection and diarrhea were reduced by 10% and 13%, respectively, per increase in length-for-age z score (infection: odds ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85–0.96]; P < .001; diarrhea: odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.79–0.96]; P = .006). Some evidence of protective immunity to infection was detected (hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71–1.00], P = .052), although this was heterogeneous between sites and significant in India and Peru.

CONCLUSIONS:

Astrovirus is an overlooked cause of diarrhea among vulnerable children worldwide. With the evidence presented here, we highlight the need for future research as well as the potential for astrovirus to be a target for vaccine development.
BMI Trajectories Associated With Resolution of Elevated Youth BMI and Incident Adult Obesity
Authors: Buscot Marie-Jeanne , Thomson Russell J. , Juonala Markus , Sabin Matthew A. , Burgner David P. , Lehtimäki Terho , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Viikari Jorma S. A. , Jokinen Eero , Tossavainen Paivi , Laitinen Tomi , Raitakari Olli T. , Magnussen Costan G.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Youth with high BMI who become nonobese adults have the same cardiovascular risk factor burden as those who were never obese. However, the early-life BMI trajectories for overweight or obese youth who avoid becoming obese adults have not been described. We aimed to determine and compare the young-childhood BMI trajectories of participants according to their BMI status in youth and adulthood.

METHODS:

Bayesian hierarchical piecewise regression modeling was used to analyze the BMI trajectories of 2717 young adults who had up to 8 measures of BMI from childhood (ages 3–18 years) to adulthood (ages 34–49 years).

RESULTS:

Compared with those with persistently high BMI, those who resolved their high youth BMI by adulthood had lower average BMI at age 6 years and slower rates of BMI change from young childhood. In addition, their BMI levels started to plateau at 16 years old for females and 21 years old for males, whereas the BMI of those whose high BMI persisted did not stabilize until 25 years old for male subjects and 27 years for female subjects. Compared with those youth who were not overweight or obese and who remained nonobese in adulthood, those who developed obesity had a higher BMI rate of change from 6 years old, and their BMI continued to increase linearly until age 30 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

Efforts to alter BMI trajectories for adult obesity should ideally commence before age 6 years. The natural resolution of high BMI starts in adolescence for males and early adulthood for females, suggesting a critical window for secondary prevention.
Review of gastric torsion in eight guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Nógrádi Anna Linda , Cope Iain , Balogh Márton , Gál János
Published: December 2017

The authors present eight cases of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in guinea pigs from the Department and Clinic of Exotic Animal and Wildlife Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary between 2012 and 2016. Seven animals were operated on and two survived. Gastric torsion has been noted in many mammalian species. Gastric volvulus has a high morbidity and high mortality rate with a guarded to poor prognosis in all of these species. How GDV develops is still not widely understood. Postmortem examinations, in both our cases and previously reported cases, have failed to reveal the exact causes of the gastric torsions. The aetiology of gastric torsion in guinea pigs is probably multifactorial. Feeding fewer meals per day, eating rapidly, decreased food particle size, exercise, stress after a meal, competition, age, and an aggressive or fearful temperament, are all likely and potential risk factors for GDV development in a similar fashion to dogs. Sex, breeding, dental diseases, anatomical abnormalities, pain and pregnancy may also be contributing factors.
X- and Y-chromosome-specific variants of the amelogenin gene allow non-invasive sex diagnosis for the detection of pseudohermaphrodite goats
Authors: Fábián Renáta , Kovács András , Stéger Viktor , Frank Krisztián , Egerszegi István , Oláh János , Bodó Szilárd
Published: December 2017

The Polled Intersex Syndrome (PIS) is responsible for the absence of horns in homozygous and heterozygous goats causing a female-to-male sex reversal in the homozygous polled genotypic female (XX) goats. A simple and efficient non-invasive method was elaborated to detect the genotypic sex from hair and faecal samples using a pair of primers to amplify the X- and Y-linked alleles of the amelogenin gene. The PCR products were easily distinguishable using agarose gel electrophoresis: we detected an X-specific single band in samples originating from healthy phenotypic females and double (X- and Y-) bands in samples from males. The new PCR method is applicable for diagnosing the sex of PIS-affected animals already as newborn kids, in contrast with the phenotypic findings appearing only after puberty, and thus it may replace the cumbersome chromosome investigations.
Problem gambling and substance use in patients attending community mental health services
Authors: Manning Victoria , Dowling Nicki. A. , Lee Stuart , Rodda Simone , Garfield Joshua Benjamin Bernard , Volberg Rachel , Kulkarni Jayashri , Lubman Dan Ian
Published: December 2017

Background and aims

Relatively little is known about co-occurring gambling problems and their overlap with other addictive behaviors among individuals attending mental health services. We aimed to determine rates of gambling and substance use problems in patients accessing mental health services in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A total of 837 adult patients were surveyed about their gambling and administered standardized screening tools for problem gambling and harmful tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Prevalence of gambling problems was estimated and regression models used to determine predictors of problem gambling.

Results

The gambling participation rate was 41.6% [95% CI = 38.2–44.9]. The Problem Gambling Severity Index identified 19.7% [CI = 17.0–22.4] as “non-problem gamblers,” 7.2% [CI = 5.4–8.9] as “low-risk” gamblers, 8.4% [CI = 6.5–10.2] as “moderate-risk” gamblers, and 6.3% [CI = 4.7–8.0] as “problem gamblers.” One-fifth (21.9%) of the sample and 52.6% of all gamblers were identified as either low-risk, moderate-risk, or problem gamblers (PGs). Patients classified as problem and moderate-risk gamblers had significantly elevated rates of nicotine and illicit drug dependence (p < .001) according to short screening tools. Current diagnosis of drug use (OR = 4.31 [CI = 1.98–9.37]), borderline personality (OR = 2.59 [CI = 1.13–5.94]), bipolar affective (OR = 2.01 [CI = 1.07–3.80]), and psychotic (OR = 1.83 [CI = 1.03–3.25]) disorders were significant predictors of problem gambling.

Discussion and conclusions

Patients were less likely to gamble, but eight times as likely to be classified as PG, relative to Victoria’s adult general population. Elevated rates of harmful substance use among moderate-risk and PG suggest overlapping vulnerability to addictive behaviors. These findings suggest mental health services should embed routine screening into clinical practice, and train clinicians in the management of problem gambling.
INFLUENCE OF POLYETHYLENE OXIDE CONTENT ON SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF PLA/CS FILMS LOADING NIFEDIPINE
Authors: Chinh Nguyen Thuy , Nguyen Trang Thi Thu , Tran Mai Thi , Do Cong Van , Mai Huynh Duc , Tran Trung Huu , Vu Thang Viet , Thai Hoang , Nguyen Giang Vu
Published: December 2017

This work mentions the effect of polyethylene oxide (PEO) content on some characteristics and properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/chitosan (CS) films loading nifedipine (NIF). The water contact angle, droplet size values and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images  of the films are used to investigate their morphology and hydrophobicity. The obtained results show that the hydrophobic property of the PLA/CS/NIF films is improved by the presence of PEO. Besides, the PLA/CS/NIF films containing PEO have tighter structure and water absorbed ability less than those of the PLA/CS/NIF films
Distribution and diversity of Fagaceae in Hidalgo, Mexico
Authors: Valencia-A. Susana , Flores-Franco Gabriel , Jiménez-Ramírez Jaime , Mora-Jarvio Mauricio
Published: December 2017

Background: The family Fagaceae is one of the most important in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. Fagus and Quercus are distributed in Mexico, the former in Northeastern Mexico, while the latter reaches a high diversity in the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico. In Hidalgo state, located mainly in the Sierra Madre Oriental, knowledge of the Fagaceae diversity is still uncertain.
Questions and/or hypothesis: We carried out a taxonomic revision of the genus and species of Fagaceae in Hidalgo state. We determined how many and which species are distributed in Hidalgo. We also present a morphological description and ecological characters of each one.
Studied species: The species of the family Fagaceae
Study site: Hidalgo state, Mexico.
Method: We collected herbarium specimens, made field observations and reviewed herbarium data of Fagaceae specimens at FCME, INEGI, MEXU, ENCB, SLPM, HUMO, XAL and partly BH herbaria. In addition, we checked taxonomic literature and protologues of each species.
Results: We found one species of Fagus and 43 of Quercus, 22 of which belong to the section Quercus (white oaks) and 21 to section Lobatae (red oaks). Morphological descriptions, altitudinal and geographical distribution, vegetation types of each species and a dichotomous key for species identification are presented. Illustrations and photographs of the species are also included.
Conclusions: A high diversity of Fagaceae species is present in Hidalgo state. In Mexico, Hidalgo ranks in fifth place for oak species diversity, just behind Oaxaca (50 species), Puebla (50), San Luis Potosí (45), and Jalisco (45).
Avaliação da resistência à compressão do concreto pela substituição parcial do cimento Portland por cinzas do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Lorencetti Mariane Regina , Marçal Rafael
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho sugere a substituição parcial do cimento Portland pela cinza do bagaço da cana-de-açúcar (CBC), dando uma destinação viável ao resíduo e contribuindo para redução do impacto ambiental causado pelas industrias cimenteiras. A cinza, que é composta basicamente por sílica, pode ser usada como adição mineral em argamassas e concretos. É importante salientar que os aspectos físicos e químicos da CBC podem variar de acordo com o processo da queima, por isso a importância de seu estudo. O procedimento experimental foi feito substituindo o cimento Portland no concreto em proporções de 15 e 25% e comparando a resistência à compressão com o concreto padrão, sem substituição aos 14 dias e 28 dias de cura. A pesquisa aponta que o concreto com substituição de 15% atingiu resistência à compressão de 18,67 MPa aos 28 dias, possibilitando o uso. Porém, para trabalhos futuros, sugere-se que seja observada a resistência mecânica do concreto com CBC com um tempo de cura ainda maior, pois o material tem uma reação de hidratação mais retardada. Além de outros ensaios como fluorescência de raio X, e difração de raio X, para ser conhecido aspectos químicos do material.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Cinzas do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar. Cimento Portland. Desenvolvimento sustentável.
Primer ID MiSeq Library Prep v2
Authors: Zhou Shuntai
Published: December 2017

This is the protocol to prepare Primer ID MiSeq sequencing library. Viral RNA was first extracted using QIAamp viral RNA extraction kit. The block of random nucleotides (Ns) in the cDNA primers served as the Primer ID. The Superscript III kit was used for the cDNA synthesis. We used two rounds of PCR to amplify the cDNA and incorporate Illumina indexed adapters with KAPA2G Robust and KAPA HiFi PCR kits, respectively.
New cognitive info-communication channels for human-machine interaction
Authors: Horváth Csongor Márk , Kovács Szilveszter
Published: December 2017

The main goal of this paper is to discuss a new paradigm for robot teaching and supervising which is based on cognitive info-communication channels for human-machine interaction. According to the studied concept the robot is considered as an unskilled worker “who” (which) is strong and capable for precise manufacturing. “He” (it) has a special kind of intelligence, but “he” is handicapped in some senses, that is why “he” needs special treatment. We must command “him” clearly in a special way and we must supervise “his” work. If we can elaborate a proper way for communicating with this “new worker”, as an additional dimension of robotization, we can get a capable new “colleague”. The ultimate goal is to help the boss to be able to give the daily task to a robot in a similar way as he/she able to give the jobs to the human workers. For example, by providing the CAD documentation with some additional verbal explanation.
HOW DO POLITICAL CONTEXTS SHAPE UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH MOVEMENTS? EVIDENCE FROM THREE IMMIGRANT DESTINATIONS*
Authors: Burciaga Edelina M. , Martinez Lisa M.
Published: December 2017

Drawing on research spanning ten years in three immigrant destinations—Los Angeles, Denver, and Atlanta—we address the question, “How do political contexts shape undocumented youth movements?” To do so, we bring into dialogue social movements and immigration scholarship by providing a framework for understanding undocumented youth activism. Building on political opportunity theory in social movements and segmented assimilation theory in migration studies, we advance the notion of localized political contexts: contexts of varying levels of antagonism and accommodation toward immigrants, which shape the emergence and character of undocumented youth movements. We argue that variegated political, legal, and discursive landscapes shape undocumented activism in three ways: (1) the claims that are made; (2) the targets for these claims; and (3) the strategies and tactics the movement adopts. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of undocumented youth movements given the increasingly hostile political context unfolding at the national level.
What Happens when the Cost of Cancer Care Becomes Unsustainable?
Authors: Simoens Steven ,   KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, van Harten Wim ,   University Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands,   Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands, Lopes Gilberto ,   Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, FL, US, Vulto Arnold ,   Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Meier Klaus ,   HKK Soltau, Lower Saxony & Heidekreis-Klinikum GmbH, Saltau, Germany, Wilking Nils ,   Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
Published: December 2017

Cancer places a heavy burden on healthcare systems. The cost of cancer drugs is increasing, driven largely by the introduction of new, ever more innovative cancer treatments. This raises questions about value for money and the future sustainability of cancer care, and presents significant challenges for decision-makers in providing all patients with access to treatments and effective new cancer medicines. The aims of this article are to provide an understanding of how sustainability in cancer care is defined, what signs indicate that the limits of sustainability are being reached, and what potential impact this may have on patients with cancer within Europe. Each country is faced with making difficult decisions about the allocation of healthcare resources to cancer care, to best meet the health needs of their patients. Determining the value of individual cancer drugs can help to inform these decisions, because premium pricing for incremental innovation is no longer sustainable. When the cost of cancer care becomes unsustainable, countries may be forced to restrict health expenditure by limiting demand, cutting spending and reducing investment. This can lead to restricted access to treatment. New, innovative cancer treatments must provide greater value than current options, and measures are needed to contain and reduce expenditure and make best use of scarce resources, without impeding access to effective and safe treatments for all patients.
Bmi1 – A Path to Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Bakhshinyan David ,   McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada,   Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, Adile Ashley A ,   McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada,   Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, Venugopal Chitra ,   McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada,   Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, Singh Sheila K ,   McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada,   Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada,   Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Published: December 2017

The Polycomb group (PcG) genes encode for proteins comprising two multiprotein complexes, Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Although the initial discovery of PcG genes was made in Drosophila, as transcriptional repressors of homeotic (HOX) genes. Polycomb repressive complexes have been since implicated in regulating a wide range of cellular processes, including differentiation and self-renewal in normal and cancer stem cells. Bmi1, a subunit of PRC1, has been long implicated in driving self-renewal, the key property of stem cells. Subsequent studies showing upregulation of Bmi1 in several cancers correlated with increased aggressiveness, radioresistance and metastatic potential, provided rationale for development of targeted therapies against Bmi1. Although Bmi1 activity can be reduced through transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation, to date, the most promising approach has been through small molecule inhibitors targeting Bmi1 activity. The post-translational targeting of Bmi1 in colorectal carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, multiple myeloma and medulloblastoma have led to significant reduction of self-renewal capacity of cancer stem cells, leading to slower tumour progression and reduced extent of metastatic spread. Further value of Bmi1 targeting in cancer can be established through trials evaluating the combinatorial effect of Bmi1 inhibition with current ‘gold standard’ therapies.
Narrative representations of masculinity. The hard werewolf and the androgynous vampire in "Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter Series"
Authors: Fusco Virginia
Published: December 2017

Laurell Hamilton in her “Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter Series” portrays a large community of monstrous creatures that populate a violent near-future American landscape. A number of critics have already explored the forms in which Anita, the leading heroine, emerges in the 1990s literary scene as a strong figure who challenges traditional narratives of female subordination and alters predictable romantic entanglements with the male protagonists (Crawford 2014; Veldman-Genz 2011; Siegel 2007; Holland-Toll 2004). Moving beyond this approach that centres on Anita, this paper explores the forms in which the author designs her male companions and lovers. Her choice of lovers suggests that there are multiple desires at play inHamilton’s popular fiction in relation to masculinity in the context of a heterosexual erotica. Following a methodological approach of cultural studies (Saukko 2003), this study seeks to illustrate how conflicting desires, emblemized by her plurality of lovers, represent a literary effect of paradoxical yearnings at play in contemporary white, middle-class American women’s lives.