bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Generation of cGMP Regulates Migration of MGE Neurons
Authors: Mandal Shyamali , Stanco Amelia , Buys Emmanuel S. , Enikolopov Grigori , Rubenstein John L. R.
Published: October 2013

Here we have provided evidence that nitric oxide-cyclic GMP (NO-cGMP) signaling regulates neurite length and migration of immature neurons derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE).Dlx1/2−/−andLhx6−/−mouse mutants, which exhibit MGE interneuron migration defects, have reduced expression of the gene encoding the α subunit of a soluble guanylate cyclase (Gucy1A3). Furthermore,Dlx1/2−/−mouse mutants have reduced expression of NO synthase 1 (NOS1).Gucy1A3−/−mice have a transient reduction in cortical interneuron number. Pharmacological inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase and NOS activity rapidly induces neurite retraction of MGE cellsin vitroand in slice culture and robustly inhibits cell migration from the MGE and caudal ganglionic eminence. We provide evidence that these cellular phenotypes are mediated by activation of the Rho signaling pathway and inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase activity.
Nonlinear Dynamics Support a Linear Population Code in a Retinal Target-Tracking Circuit
Authors: Leonardo Anthony , Meister Markus
Published: October 2013

A basic task faced by the visual system of many organisms is to accurately track the position of moving prey. The retina is the first stage in the processing of such stimuli; the nature of the transformation here, from photons to spike trains, constrains not only the ultimate fidelity of the tracking signal but also the ease with which it can be extracted by other brain regions. Here we demonstrate that a population of fast-OFF ganglion cells in the salamander retina, whose dynamics are governed by a nonlinear circuit, serve to compute the future position of the target over hundreds of milliseconds. The extrapolated position of the target is not found by stimulus reconstruction but is instead computed by a weighted sum of ganglion cell outputs, the population vector average (PVA). The magnitude of PVA extrapolation varies systematically with target size, speed, and acceleration, such that large targets are tracked most accurately at high speeds, and small targets at low speeds, just as is seen in the motion of real prey. Tracking precision reaches the resolution of single photoreceptors, and the PVA algorithm performs more robustly than several alternative algorithms. If the salamander brain uses the fast-OFF cell circuit for target extrapolation as we suggest, the circuit dynamics should leave a microstructure on the behavior that may be measured in future experiments. Our analysis highlights the utility of simple computations that, while not globally optimal, are efficiently implemented and have close to optimal performance over a limited but ethologically relevant range of stimuli.
Spinal Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-3 (MKP-3) is Necessary for the Normal Resolution of Mechanical Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Acute Postoperative Pain
Authors: Saha Madhurima , Skopelja Sladjana , Martinez Elena , Alvarez Daniel L. , Liponis Brenna S. , Romero-Sandoval E. Alfonso
Published: October 2013

The mechanisms that drive the normal resolution of acute postoperative pain are not completely understood. We hypothesize a pivotal role of a major spinal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) regulator, MAPK phosphatase (MKP)-3, in the resolution of postoperative pain. We used wild-type and MKP-3 knock-out (KO) mice, a paw incision model of acute postoperative pain, and behavioral and molecular biology experiments. We observed persistent mechanical allodynia in mice lacking MKP-3 (postoperative day 21), concurrently with persistent phosphorylation of spinal p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)-1/2 on postoperative day 12, while both MAPK phosphorylation and allodynia resolved on postoperative day 7 in wild-type mice. Spinal p-ERK was expressed mainly in neurons and microglia, while spinal p-p38 was expressed mostly in microglia in MKP-3 KO mice, and their selective pharmacological inhibition reduced the persistent allodynia observed in these mice. Our findings strongly suggest that dysregulation of MKP-3 prevents spontaneous resolution of acute postoperative pain and drives its transition to persistent pain via persistent neuronal and microglial MAPK phosphorylation in the spinal cord.
A potential new frost heave mechanism in high-speed railway embankments
Authors: SHENG D. , ZHANG S. , NIU F. , CHENG G.
Published: October 2013

Substantial frost heave has been observed in coarse fills in high-speed railway embankments. These coarse fills have very low water contents, and are located above the groundwater table. In an attempt to explain the unexpected frost heave, it is proposed that cyclic train loads cause the development of excess pore water pressure in the underlying subgrade soil, and hence ‘pump' up the water table to the frost front, which in turn feeds the formation of ice and results in continuous frost heave. A simple quantitative model is then developed to simulate the pumping-enhanced frost heave. The numerical results show that the proposed mechanism can indeed provide a rational explanation for the otherwise unexpected frost heave. The engineering implications of this new frost heave mechanism are also discussed, in the context of designing frost heave mitigation measures in seasonally frozen regions.
Salivary Interleukin‐6 and ‐8 in Patients With Oral Cancer and Patients With Chronic Oral Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Lisa Cheng Yi‐Shing , Jordan Lee , Gorugantula Lakshmi Mitreyi , Schneiderman Emet , Chen Huey‐Shys , Rees Terry
Published: October 2013

Background: Previous research has indicated that salivary interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 are potential biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, their levels have been found to be significantly elevated in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) or oral lichen planus (OLP). The data also showed wide variations in levels among the different studies, and no standardization procedure was ever performed. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine whether CP or OLP confounds the use of IL‐6 or IL‐8 for OSCC detection.

Methods: Saliva samples were collected from five groups: OSCC before treatment (n = 18); CP (n = 21); disease‐active OLP (n = 21); disease‐inactive OLP (n = 20); and healthy controls (n = 21). IL‐6 and IL‐8 concentrations (determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays) were compared, using total salivary protein–standardized levels to validate the data. The Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 0.05) followed by pairwise Mann–Whitney U (post hoc) tests with Bonferroni adjustments (α = 0.00625) were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Salivary IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in patients with OSCC than in patients with CP (P <0.001), disease‐active OLP (P = 0.001), disease‐inactive OLP (P <0.001), and healthy controls (P <0.001). Salivary IL‐8 levels were significantly higher in patients with OSCC than in patients with CP (P <0.001), but only marginally significantly higher than in healthy controls (P = 0.014). Statistical results of standardized IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were consistent with the non‐standardized levels in all pairs except one.

Conclusion: Salivary IL‐6 may be a useful biomarker in the detection of OSCC, unconfounded by CP or OLP.
OATP1B3 Is Expressed in Pancreatic β-Islet Cells and Enhances the Insulinotropic Effect of the Sulfonylurea Derivative Glibenclamide
Authors: Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. , Boettcher Kerstin , Steiner Tobias , Schwarz Ute I. , Keiser Markus , Kroemer Heyo K. , Siegmund Werner
Published: October 2013

Organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP1B3 is a membrane-bound drug transporter that facilitates cellular entry of a variety of substrates. Most of the previous studies focused on its hepatic expression and function in hepatic drug elimination. In this study, we report expression of OATP1B3 in human pancreatic tissue, with the abundance of the transporter localized in the islets of Langerhans. Transport studies using OATP1B3-overexpressing MDCKII cells revealed significant inhibition of the cellular uptake of the known substrate cholecystokinin-8 in the presence of the insulinotropic antidiabetes compounds tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, and nateglinide and identified glibenclamide as a novel substrate of OATP1B3. Sulfonylurea derivatives exert their insulinotropic effect by binding to the SUR1 subunit of the KATP channels inducing insulin secretion in β-cells. Here, we show that transient overexpression of human OATP1B3 in a murine β-cell line (MIN6)—which exhibits glucose and glibenclamide-sensitive insulin secretion—significantly enhances the insulinotropic effect of glibenclamide without affecting glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Taken together, our data provide evidence that the drug transporter OATP1B3 functions as a determinant of the insulinotropic effect of glibenclamide on the tissue level. Changes in transport activity based on drug-drug interactions or genetic variability may therefore influence glibenclamide efficacy.
Co-evolution in context: The importance of studying gut microbiomes in wild animals
Authors: Amato Katherine R.
Published: October 2013

Because the gut microbiota contributes to host nutrition, health and behavior, and gut microbial community composition differs according to host phylogeny, co-evolution is believed to have been an important mechanism in the formation of the host-gut microbe relationship. However, current research is not ideal for examining this theme. Most studies of the gut microbiota are performed in controlled settings, but gut microbial community composition is strongly influenced by environmental factors. To truly explore the co-evolution of host and microbe, it is necessary to have data describing host-microbe dynamics in natural environments with variation in factors such as climate, food availability, disease prevalence, and host behavior. In this review, I use current knowledge of host-gut microbe dynamics to explore the potential interactions between host and microbe in natural habitats. These interactions include the influence of host habitat on gut microbial community composition as well as the impacts of the gut microbiota on host fitness in a given habitat. Based on what we currently know, the potential connections between host habitat, the gut microbiota, and host fitness are great. Studies of wild animals will be an essential next step to test these connections and to advance our understanding of host-gut microbe co-evolution.
Numerical approximations for fractional diffusion equations via a Chebyshev spectral-tau method
Authors: Doha Eid , Bhrawy Ali , Ezz-Eldien Samer
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a class of fractional diffusion equations with variable coefficients is considered. An accurate and efficient spectral tau technique for solving the fractional diffusion equations numerically is proposed. This method is based upon Chebyshev tau approximation together with Chebyshev operational matrix of Caputo fractional differentiation. Such approach has the advantage of reducing the problem to the solution of a system of algebraic equations, which may then be solved by any standard numerical technique. We apply this general method to solve four specific examples. In each of the examples considered, the numerical results show that the proposed method is of high accuracy and is efficient for solving the time-dependent fractional diffusion equations.
Relations of weight status and physical fitness of children in Slovenia
Authors: Matejek Črtomir , Planinšec Jurij , Fošnarič Samo , Pišot Rado
Published: October 2013

Izvleček

Izhodišče: Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti, ali obstajajo razlike v gibalni učinkovitosti med otroki z normalno telesno težo, s prekomerno telesno težo in z debelostjo.

Metode: Raziskava je bila opravljena na vzorcu 572 otrok iz severovzhodne Slovenije (povprečna starost 7,3 leta, SO = 1,29). Na osnovi indeksa telesne mase (ITM) so bili otroci razdeljeni v skupine z normalno telesno težo, s prekomerno telesno težo in z debelostjo. Za ugotavljanje gibalne učinkovitosti je bilo uporabljenih šest testov različnih gibalnih sposobnosti (moč, vzdržljivost, hitrost, ravnotežje in koordinacija gibanja). Razlike v gibalni učinkovitosti med otroki z normalno telesno težo, s prekomerno telesno težo in z debelostjo so bile izračunane z analizo variance, statistično značilnost razlik pa smo ugotavljali na ravni tveganja p < 0,05 in so bile natančneje opredeljene s pomočjo preizkusa Scheffe post-hoc.

Rezultati: Rezultati kažejo, da ima primerno telesno težo 73,8 % otrok, prekomerno telesno težo 16,6 % otrok in debelost 9,6 % otrok. Med otroki z normalno telesno težo, s prekomerno telesno težo in z debelostjo obstajajo statistično značilne razlike (p < 0,05) v vseh obravnavanih gibalnih sposobnostih. Najbolj gibalno zmogljivi so otroci z normalno telesno težo, nekoliko nižja je gibalna učinkovitost otrok s prekomerno telesno težo, medtem ko je gibalna učinkovitost najnižja pri skupini otrok z debelostjo.

Zaključek: Rezultati dokazujejo, da obstaja tesna povezanost med gibalno učinkovitostjo in statusom telesne teže otrok.
Concrete Pavement Thickness Variation Assessment with Cores and Nondestructive Testing Measurements
Authors: Vancura Mary , Khazanovich Lev , Barnes Randal
Published: October 2013

Concrete pavement thickness data were collected from sections of two concrete pavements with a nondestructive testing (NDT) device and by measuring concrete core thickness. The NDT device allowed thickness measurements every 15 ft compared with 1,000 ft for each core. Comparison of the core and NDT data showed that core thickness data do not capture the extreme peaks and valleys of pavement thickness variation. Further analysis of the core and NDT thickness data with the Minnesota Department of Transportation's concrete pavement thickness specifications highlighted that contractor pay deductions based on thickness deficiencies were not realized. Autocorrelation analysis of the data showed that concrete pavement thickness variation is not random but is correlated to thicknesses of lag between 30 and 270 ft. This correlation lag is a starting point for answering the question, how often must a thickness measurement be taken to accurately characterize the thickness variation of a concrete pavement?
Route Choice Characteristics for Truckers
Authors: Sun Yichen , Toledo Tomer , Rosa Katherine , Ben-Akiva Moshe E. , Flanagan Kate , Sanchez Ricardo , Spissu Erika
Published: October 2013

This research studies the decision-making process and factors that affect truck routing. The data collection involved intercept interviews with truck drivers at three rest area and truck stop locations along major highways in Texas and Indiana in the United States and Ontario, Canada. The computerized survey solicited information on truck-routing decisions, identity of the decision makers, factors that affect routing, and sources of information consulted in making these decisions. In addition, stated preferences (SP) experiments were conducted, in which drivers were asked to choose between two route alternatives. A total of 252 drivers completed the survey, yielding 1,121 valid SP observations. These data were used to study the identity of routing decision makers for various driver segments and the sources of information used in pretrip planning and en route. A random-effects logit model was estimated with the SP data. Results show that there are significant differences in the route choice decision-making process in the various driver segments, and that these decisions are affected by multiple factors beyond travel time and cost. These factors include shipping and driver employment terms, such as the method of calculating pay and the bearing of fuel costs and tolls.
Biotechnological Applications of Transglutaminases
Authors: Rachel Natalie , Pelletier Joelle
Published: October 2013

In nature, transglutaminases catalyze the formation of amide bonds between proteins to form insoluble protein aggregates. This specific function has long been exploited in the food and textile industries as a protein cross-linking agent to alter the texture of meat, wool, and leather. In recent years, biotechnological applications of transglutaminases have come to light in areas ranging from material sciences to medicine. There has also been a substantial effort to further investigate the fundamentals of transglutaminases, as many of their characteristics that remain poorly understood. Those studies also work towards the goal of developing transglutaminases as more efficient catalysts. Progress in this area includes structural information and novel chemical and biological assays. Here, we review recent achievements in this area in order to illustrate the versatility of transglutaminases.
Identification of Combined Genetic Determinants of Liver Stiffness within the SREBP1c-PNPLA3 Pathway
Authors: Krawczyk Marcin , Grünhage Frank , Lammert Frank
Published: October 2013

The common PNPLA3 (adiponutrin) variant, p.I148M, was identified as a genetic determinant of liver fibrosis. Since the expression of PNPLA3 is induced by sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), we investigate two common SREBP1c variants (rs2297508 and rs11868035) for their association with liver stiffness. In 899 individuals (aged 17–83 years, 547 males) with chronic liver diseases, hepatic fibrosis was non-invasively phenotyped by transient elastography (TE). The SREBP1c single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using PCR-based assays with 5'-nuclease and fluorescence detection. The SREBP1c rs11868035 variant affected liver fibrosis significantly (p = 0.029): median TE levels were 7.2, 6.6 and 6.0 kPa in carriers of (TT) (n = 421), (CT) (n = 384) and (CC) (n = 87) genotypes, respectively. Overall, the SREBP1c SNP was associated with low TE levels (5.0–8.0 kPa). Carriers of both PNPLA3 and SREBP1c risk genotypes displayed significantly (p = 0.005) higher median liver stiffness, as compared to patients carrying none of these variants. The common SREBP1c variant may affect early stages of liver fibrosis. Our study supports a role of the SREBP1c-PNPLA3 pathway as a “disease module” that promotes hepatic fibrogenesis.
Intelligence, Where to Look, Where to Go?
Authors: De Boeck Paul
Published: October 2013

The first issue of the Journal of Intelligence is devoted to a discussion based on the following two questions: 1. What are the most important scientific issues in the domain of human intelligence? 2. What are the most promising new ideas and approaches in the study of human intelligence? [...]
Controlled Aloin Release from Crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels: Effects of Mesh Size, Electric Field Strength and a Conductive Polymer
Authors: Niamlang Sumonman , Buranut Tawansorn , Niansiri Amornrat , Sirivat Anuvat
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of hydrogel mesh size, a conductive polymer, and electric field strength on controlled drug delivery phenomena using drug-loaded polyacrylamide hydrogels prepared at various crosslinking ratios both with and without a conductive polymer system. Poly(p-phenylene vinylene), PPV, as the model conductive polymer, was used to study its ability to control aloin released from aloin-doped poly(p-phenylene vinylene)/polyacrylamide hydrogel (aloin-doped PPV/PAAM). In the passive release, the diffusion of aloin from five aloin-doped PPV/PAAM hydrogel systems each was delayed ranging from during the first three hours to during the first 14 h due to the ionic interaction between the anionic drug and PPV. After the delayed periods, aloin could diffuse continuously into the buffer solution through the PAAM matrix. The amount of aloin released from the aloin-doped PPV/PAAM rose with increasing electric field strength as a result of the three mechanisms: the expansion of PPV chains inside the hydrogel, iontophoresis, and the electroporation of the matrix pore size, combined. Furthermore, the conductive polymer and the electric field could be used in combination to regulate the amount of release drug to a desired level, to control the release rate, and to switch the drug delivery on/off.
Trypanocidal Activity of Marine Natural Products
Authors: Jones Amy , Grkovic Tanja , Sykes Melissa , Avery Vicky
Published: October 2013

Marine natural products are a diverse, unique collection of compounds with immense therapeutic potential. This has resulted in these molecules being evaluated for a number of different disease indications including the neglected protozoan diseases, human African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease, for which very few drugs are currently available. This article will review the marine natural products for which activity against the kinetoplastid parasites; Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T.b. rhodesiense and T. cruzi has been reported. As it is important to know the selectivity of a compound when evaluating its trypanocidal activity, this article will only cover molecules which have simultaneously been tested for cytotoxicity against a mammalian cell line. Compounds have been grouped according to their chemical structure and representative examples from each class were selected for detailed discussion.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Fluorinated Thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Bautista Juan , Flores-Alamo Marcos , Tiburcio Jorge , Vieto Rebeca , Torrens Hugo
Published: October 2013

Six new fluorinated thiosemicarbazones R‑C(R′)=N-NH-C(S)NH2 (R = 2,4-C6H3F2, R′ = H (1); R = 2,5-C6H3F2, R′ = H (2); R = 2,6-C6H3F2, R′ = H (3); R = 3,4-C6H3F2, R′ = H (4); R = 3,5-C6H3F2, R′ = H (5) and R = 4-C6H4F, R′ = C6H5, (6)) have been prepared. The molecular structures of compounds 1 to 6 have been determined.
An Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Data Fusion Model for Fusing Landsat and MODIS Surface Reflectance to Generate High Temporal Landsat-Like Data
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Ainong , Jin Huaan , Bian Jinhu , Zhang Zhengjian , Lei Guangbin , Qin Zhihao , Huang Chengquan
Published: October 2013

Remotely sensed data, with high spatial and temporal resolutions, can hardly be provided by only one sensor due to the tradeoff in sensor designs that balance spatial resolutions and temporal coverage. However, they are urgently needed for improving the ability of monitoring rapid landscape changes at fine scales (e.g., 30 m). One approach to acquire them is by fusing observations from sensors with different characteristics (e.g., Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)). The existing data fusion algorithms, such as the Spatial and Temporal Data Fusion Model (STDFM), have achieved some significant progress in this field. This paper puts forward an Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Data Fusion Model (ESTDFM) based on the STDFM algorithm, by introducing a patch-based ISODATA classification method, the sliding window technology, and the temporal-weight concept. Time-series ETM+ and MODIS surface reflectance are used as test data for comparing the two algorithms. Results show that the prediction ability of the ESTDFM algorithm has been significantly improved, and is even more satisfactory in the near-infrared band (the contrasting average absolute difference [AAD]: 0.0167 vs. 0.0265). The enhanced algorithm will support subsequent research on monitoring land surface dynamic changes at finer scales.
CD8 and CD4 T Cells in West Nile Virus Immunity and Pathogenesis
Authors: Netland Jason , Bevan Michael
Published: October 2013

CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes are adaptive immune cells that play a key role in the immune response to pathogens. They have been extensively studied in a variety of model systems and the mechanisms by which they function are well described. However, the responses by these cell types vary widely from pathogen to pathogen. In this review, we will discuss the role of CD8 and CD4 T cells in the immune response to West Nile virus infection.
Do They All Speak the Same Language? a Motivation–benefit Model Toward Cultural Experiences for English-speaking Tourists
Authors: Kay Pandora , Meyer Denny
Published: October 2013

Understanding tourism behavior is fundamental to tourism marketing, and cross-cultural influences are particularly relevant. Therefore, in understanding of tourist motivation toward cultural experiences, this study offers an integrated motivational process model adapted from the leisure
literature to extend the theoretical and empirical evidence of relevant constructs and relationships between them. From the tourism literature, a new motivation–benefit model of four psychological dispositions relevant to cultural experiences is proposed and tested: attitudes, motives,
benefits sought, and benefits gained. Using four English-speaking tourist market samples from the psychically close Anglo cluster, the research model investigates relationships between the four constructs, applying a structural equation modeling approach. Cross-cultural differences are then
tested for the geographic tourist markets as influences on the motivational process model. In the study context, these tourist markets take on an additional significance with one group of domestic tourists and three groups of international tourists. By applying a data set for tourists from
the Anglo cluster using a repeat-measurement method, their previously identified psychic closeness is tested as well as further differences that could be expected between the domestic and the international tourists. The model is supported for these tourists, but with significantly weaker attitudes
and motives for New Zealand tourists.
Residents' Attitudes Toward Tourism Development in Macao: a Path Model
Authors: Li Xiangping , Wan Yim King Penny
Published: October 2013

Under the framework of social exchange theory, this study has attempted to examine residents' perceptions of and attitudes toward tourism development in Macao. More specifically, this study has investigated the structural relationships between residents' support for and restriction
on tourism development and their perceived positive and negative tourism impacts, job dependency, community attachment, and decision involvement. Path analysis is used for data analysis. Findings indicate that residents' perceptions are influenced by community attachment and decision involvement,
and their support for tourism development can be predicted by their perceptions of tourism impacts and decision involvement. The results lend support for social exchange theory in the context of Macao.
Habitat fragmentation and recent bottlenecks influence genetic diversity and differentiation of the Central European halophyte Suaeda maritima (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: Prinz Kathleen , Weising Kurt , Hensen Isabell
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: Central European salt habitats are mainly restricted to the maritime coast but scattered occurrences can also be found inland. In inland habitats, human activities have caused losses and reductions in the size of natural salt sites but have also created new anthropogenic habitats around potash mining dumps colonized by halophytic species in the last 30 yr. We aimed to investigate the effects of bottlenecks, isolation, and ongoing habitat fragmentation on the genetic variation of a species commonly growing in these special habitats.

• Methods: We used 10 microsatellite markers to compare genetic diversity and differentiation of 31 populations of Suaeda maritima (Chenopodiaceae) from Central European coasts and inland habitats. Two approaches were applied to analyze the tetraploid data based on allele frequencies directly derived from microsatellite data and from transformed binary data.

• Key results: In comparison to the coastal populations from the North Sea and the English Channel, significantly reduced genetic variation and increased between‐population differentiation was revealed for populations from the German inland and the Baltic Sea coast. Genetic structure analyses clearly separated coastal and inland populations.

• Conclusions: Our results indicate that gene flow is restricted among populations from inland salt sites and the Baltic Sea coast, presumably due to their isolation, small sizes, genetic bottlenecks and/or founder events. Patterns of allele distribution indicate some occasional genetic exchange among habitat types in the past. Anthropogenic salt sites may facilitate gene flow among inland salt habitats preventing endangered inland halophyte populations from genetic erosion.
Effect of a previous high hydrostatic pressure treatment on lipid damage in chilled Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi)
Authors: Maluenda D. , Roco T. , Tabilo-Munizaga G. , Pérez-Won M. , Aubourg S. P.
Published: October 2013

Lipid damage evolution was analyzed in chilled Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) previously treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technology. Different pressure levels and pressure holding times were tested. In addition, fish corresponding to pre- and post-rigor mortis (RM) stages were comparatively studied. Previous HHP treatment led to a marked lipid hydrolysis inhibition in chilled fish. Increasing the pressure level and pressure holding time led to a lower free fatty acid content, with the effect of pressure being more relevant. According to the analysis of different types of lipid oxidation indexes, no effect of the previous HHP treatment on the lipid oxidation development could be determined in chilled jack mackerel. Concerning the effect of the RM stage of raw fish, a higher primary and secondary lipid oxidation development was observed in fish corresponding to the post-RM condition throughout the chilled storage; although a definite effect on lipid hydrolysis could not be found.
Lipid profile, antiradical power and antimicrobial properties of Syzygium aromaticum oil
Authors: Ramadan M. F. , Asker M. M.S. , Tadros M.
Published: October 2013

In this investigation cold pressed clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil (CO) was studied for its lipid classes, fatty acid profiles and tocol contents. The radical scavenging potential and antimicrobial properties of CO were also evaluated. The levels of neutral lipids in CO was the highest (ca. 94.7% of total lipids), followed by glycolipids and phospholipids. The main fatty acids in CO were linoleic and oleic, which comprise together ca. 80% of total fatty acids. Stearic and palmitic acids were the main saturated fatty acids. a- and γ-tocopherols and d-tocotrienol were the main tocols. CO quenched 70% of DPPH• radicals after 1 h, while extra virgin olive oil was able to quench only 45%. ESR measurements also showed the same pattern, wherein CO quenched 57% of galvinoxyl radical and olive oil deactivated about 38%. The results of antimicrobial properties revealed that CO inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms. CO had a drastic effect on the biosynthesis of protein and lipids in the cells of B. subtilis. In consideration of is tpotential utilization, detailed knowledge on the composition and functional properties of CO is of major importance.
Chemical, thermal and viscous characterization of high-oleic sunflower and olive pomace acid oils and derived estolides
Authors: García-Zapateiro L. A. , Franco J. M. , Valencia C. , Delgado M. A. , Gallegos C. , Ruiz-Méndez M. V.
Published: October 2013

This work deals with the chemical, thermal and viscous characterization of a variety of estolides, prepared from higholeic sunflower and olive pomace acid oils, using different acid-catalyzed synthesis protocols and reaction times. Estolides with weight-average molecular weights between 1.7 and 3.4 times higher than the original acid oils were obtained. The molecular weight of the estolides was higher when using the sulphuric acid-catalyzed method and a reaction time of 3-6 h. Estolides presented higher freezing temperatures than acid oils. In general, viscosity values are related to estolide molecular weight. Significant increments in viscosities were found in comparison with acid oils. Maximum viscosity values were obtained for estolides prepared using the sulphuric acidcatalyzed method. The largest viscosity increments in olive pomace acid oil-derived estolides were observed during the first 6 hours of reaction, due to an increase in the molecular weight; longer reaction times yielded adverse results. The temperature dependence of viscosity for all estolides studied is significantly larger than for the original acid oils.
Effect of fractional crystallization on composition and thermal properties of engkabang (Shorea macrophylla) seed fat and cocoa butter
Authors: Yanty N. A.M. , Marikkar J. M.N. , Shuhaimi M.
Published: October 2013

The fractional crystallization behaviors of cocoa butter (CB) and enkabang fat (EF) in acetone were investigated. Melted samples of CB and EF were mixed separately with acetone in 1:2 a (w/v) ratio and partitioned into solid and liquid fractions under controlled temperature conditions. The isolated fractions were compared to their respective native samples with respect to various physico-chemical parameters using standard chemical methods as well as instrumental techniques such as gas liquid chromatography (GLC), reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). According to the results, partitioning of either CB or EF under solvent assisted crystallization conditions yielded a major solid and a minor liquid fraction. The solid and liquid fractions of both fats were found to display many similarities, but few differences with regard to their composition and thermal properties. While the solid fractions may be useful as a hard stock in hard margarine and cosmetic product formulation, the liquid fraction would be useful as an ingredient for food applications.
Minor components in oils obtained from Amazonian palm fruits
Authors: Santos M. F.G. , Alves R. E. , Ruíz-Méndez M. V.
Published: October 2013

This study deals with the characterization of minor compounds in oils obtained from the mesocarp of fruits of the main palm species from the State of Amapá, Brazil, i.e. bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), inajá (Maximiliana maripa), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) and tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare). The concentration of minor glyceridic compounds, i.e. dimeric triacylglycerols (TAG), the oxidized TAG and diacylglycerols (DAG) related to oil quality, and the compounds of unsaponifiable matter, i.e. hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols, sterols and tocopherols have been determined.
The results indicate that the extracted oils had good initial quality, with DAG as the major glyceridic compound. The contents of hydrocarbons (50-734 mg·kg–1) and aliphatic alcohols (80-490 mg·kg–1) were highly variable with inajá oil containing the highest contents. In the case of tocopherols, buriti (1567 mg·kg–1) and tucumã (483 mg·kg–1) oils had the highest contents and the presence of significant amounts of tocotrienols was only detected in inajá oil. Finally, high concentrations of sterols were found in all the samples, particularly in the oils from pupunha (4456 mg·kg–1) and tucumã (2708 mg·kg–1), with β-sitosterol being the major sterol in all the samples with percentages between 65 and 83%.
La Biblioteca del Monasterio de Fitero a fines del Renacimiento e inicio del Barroco
Authors: Ostolaza Elizondo Maria Isabel
Published: October 2013

El artículo recoge los momentos de la creación de la biblioteca del monasterio cisterciense de Fitero (Navarra), que sería con el tiempo una de las más importantes de ese reino, hasta su mengua por causa de las distintas exclaustraciones y desamortizaciones que sufrió el convento en el s. XIX. Los datos de estos primeros tiempos corresponden a las librerías de fray Marcos de Villalva y fray Ignacio Fermín de Ibero, ambos procedentes de Castilla y nombrados abades fiterenses en virtud del derecho de patronato real ejercido por Felipe II. Aunque la mayoría de los libros corresponden a lo que se entendería como lógico en una biblioteca eclesiástica, sorprende en el caso de la del abad Ibero la amplitud de la temática y la calidad de las ediciones, en muchos casos con grabados y notación musical. A través de estos libros que se identifican bien a partir de los exlibris o de las referencias de inventarios notariales, se pueden percibir las cuestiones eclesiales importantes en la época, motivadas por la reforma monástica y la praxis de la ortodoxia católica, pero también por asuntos profanos de los que el monasterio estaba al tanto y que giraban en torno a los dos grandes poderes del orbe católico, la monarquía y el papado.
De curas, frailes y monjas: disciplina y regulación del comportamiento del clero en el obispado de Calahorra, 1500-1700
Authors: Catalán Martínez Elena
Published: October 2013

Este trabajo analiza el cambio en las pautas de comportamiento del clero en el proceso de transformación de la iglesia medieval en una iglesia moderna. El concilio de Trento intentó construir una nueva identidad para los sacerdotes, organizada, pulcra y eficiente al servicio de la fe que la alejara de los intereses y actitudes privados, propios de una iglesia feudal. Era necesario separar con claridad los espacios profanos y sagrados hasta lograr que las relaciones entre ambos universos estuviesen dominadas por la verticalidad. La iglesia post-tridentina apostó por un modelo de santidad basado en el acatamiento de la norma. Los conventos se convirtieron en auténticas fábricas de santos que publicitaron a través de sus crónicas, reforzando la formación de un espíritu identificativo, en el que la iglesia marcaba los códigos de reconocimiento y su exaltación pública.
La condena de Le Sillon, un episodio de la crisis modernista, 25 agosto 1910
Authors: Robles Muñoz Cristóbal
Published: October 2013

La crisis modernista puede estudiarse desde los mismos modernistas y desde su posición frente a los que los combatieron acusándolos de conspirar contra el catolicismo. Pueden estudiarse la oposición contra ese plan y la estrategia de sus adversarios. Este trabajo la estudia. Analiza las presiones llevaron a la condena de Le Sillon el 25 de agosto de 1910 Se utiliza la documentación existente en el Archivo Secreto Vaticano. Aporta los información que recoge y acepta la encíclica del Papa Pío X. La Santa Sede se desligó de un movimiento que seguía la opción de León XIII aceptando abiertamente la República y la democracia.
El Comité Católico de Propaganda Francesa en España durante la Gran Guerra. Una puesta al día
Authors: Casas Rabasa Santiago
Published: October 2013

Durante la Primera Guerra Mundial España permaneció neutral. No obstante, su territorio fue campo de batalla de las diferentes propagandas de los países en conflicto. Una respuesta francesa a la propaganda alemana en España y, por extensión, en los demás países neutrales, fue la creación del Comité Católico de Propaganda Francesa. Este Comité tuvo la característica de utilizar la tradicional catolicidad española para vehicular una propaganda de tipo nacionalista. Esta colaboración entre algunos eclesiásticos y el gobierno francés en pro de Francia fue obra de Alfred Baudrillart, rector del Instituto Católico de Paris. Baudrillart realizó dos viajes de propaganda a España donde se entrevistó con personalidades políticas, intelectuales y eclesiásticas, poniendo en marcha diversas iniciativas propagandísticas.
Ceramic composition diversity at Mayapan, the last Maya capital
Authors: Sanchez-Fortoul Carmen G.
Published: October 2013

This study focuses on the variability of pottery fabrics from Mayapán, the Maya capital during the last pre-Hispanic period (Late Postclassic, A.D. 1200-1519). Traditionally, the materials selected by Late Postclassic potters have been considered a reflection of the carelessness of a decadent society using only what the geology of the region provided. For instance, unlike the variety of inclusions found in the earlier Terminal Classic pottery, Mayapán pottery presents a limited array of raw materials: limestone, the most common rock in the region, is almost the sole inclusion found in its pottery. However, the main mineral in limestone, calcite, is found in nature in a variety of textures. While some fabric analyses have been performed for the pottery of the earlier centres of Chichén Itzá and the Puuc area, analyses targeting the fabrics of Late Postclassic pottery are almost nonexistent. This study aimed to investigate the variability and seek patterns in the fabrics of pottery from Mayapán by performing low-magnification, petrographic, and X-ray diffraction analyses. This study also aimed to clarify associations between fabrics and the local typology. The results revealed multiple fabrics based on the many textural varieties of carbonate rocks. While trends showing the association between types of inclusions and ceramic types were uncovered, no clear-cut correlations between fabrics and typology were observed due to the small sample number. This study also showed that petrographic analysis is an invaluable tool to characterise carbonates in ceramics due to its ability to discern textural variations.
Imaging features of rhinosporidiosis on contrast CT
Authors: Prabhu Shailesh M , Irodi Aparna , Khiangte Hannah L , Rupa V , Naina P
Published: October 2013

Context: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease endemic in certain regions of India. Computed tomography (CT) imaging appearances of rhinosporidiosis have not been previously described in the literature. Aims: To study imaging features in rhinosporidiosis with contrast-enhanced CT and elucidate its role in the evaluation of this disease. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with pathologically proven rhinosporidiosis were included in the study. Contrast-enhanced CT images were analyzed retrospectively and imaging findings were correlated with surgical and histopathologic findings. Results: A total of 29 lesions were found and evaluated. On contrast-enhanced CT, rhinosporidiosis was seen as moderately enhancing lobulated or irregular soft tissue mass lesions in the nasal cavity (n = 13), lesions arising in nasal cavity and extending through choana into nasopharynx (n = 5), pedunculated polypoidal lesions arising from the nasopharyngeal wall (n = 5), oropharyngeal wall (n = 2), larynx (n = 1), bronchus (n = 1), skin and subcutaneous tissue (n = 2). The inferior nasal cavity comprising nasal floor, inferior turbinate, and inferior meatus was the most common site of involvement (n = 13). Surrounding bone involvement was seen in the form of rarefaction (n = 6), partial (n = 3) or complete erosion (n = 3) of inferior turbinate, thinning of medial maxillary wall (n = 2), and septal erosion (n = 2). Nasolacrimal duct involvement was seen in four cases. Conclusions: Contrast-enhanced CT has an important role in delineating the site and extent of the disease, as well as the involvement of surrounding bone, nasolacrimal duct and tracheobronchial tree. This provides a useful roadmap prior to surgery.
Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis
Authors: Alvis-Miranda Hernando Hernando , Castellar-Leones Sandra Milena , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: October 2013

Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare phenomenon that can be seen with some frequency in young patients. CSVT is a multifactorial condition with gender-related specific causes, with a wide clinical presentation, the leading causes differ between developed and developing countries, converting CSVT in a condition characterized by a highly variable clinical spectra, difficult diagnosis, variable etiologies and prognosis that requires fine medical skills and a high suspicious index. Patients who presents with CSVT should underwent to CT-scan venography (CVT) and to the proper inquiry of the generating cause. This disease can affect the cerebral venous drainage and related anatomical structure. The symptoms may appear in relation to increased intracranial pressure imitating a pseudotumorcerebri. Prognosis depends on the early detection. Correcting the cause, generally the complications can be prevented. Mortality trends have diminished, and with the new technologies, surely it will continue. This work aims to review current knowledge about CSVT including its pathogenesis, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.
Late Bleeding after Total Thyroidectomy: Report of Two Cases occurring 13 Days after Operation
Authors: Calò Pietro Giorgio , Erdas Enrico , Medas Fabio , Pisano Giuseppe , Barbarossa Michela , Pomata Mariano , Nicolosi Angelo
Published: October 2013

Postoperative hematoma is a rare but potentially life-threatening and unpredictable complication of thyroid surgery. We report two cases of very late postoperative bleeding occurring on the 13th postoperative day in patients treated with low-molecularweight heparin and acenocoumarol. Patient 1 was readmitted with complaints of progressive anterior neck swelling and bleeding from the cervical wound without respiratory distress. The patient had restarted therapy with Acenocoumarol associated with Nadroparin one day before. Under general anesthesia, cervical exploration allowed detection of a superficial hematoma. Patient 2 returned to our institution with subhyoid ecchymosis and moderate blood loss from the left drainage wound. The patient underwent drainage and was treated conservatively. Although most bleeding occurs within 24 hours, caution should be taken in patients on oral anticoagulants and low-molecular weight heparin and close monitoring should also be advised at home after discharge, particularly if anticoagulant therapy has restarted.
Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with Preoperatively Negative Sestamibi Scan and Discordant Imaging Studies: The Usefulness of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Monitoring
Authors: Caló Pietro Giorgio , Pisano Giuseppe , Loi Giulia , Medas Fabio , Tatti Alberto , Piras Stefano , Nicolosi Angelo
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring on surgical strategy, intraoperative findings, and outcome in patients with negative sestamibi scintigraphy and with discordant imaging studies. We divided our 175 patients into 3 groups: group A was methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI)-positive and ultrasonography positive and was concordant (114 patients), group B was MIBI-positive and ultrasonography-negative (50 patients), and group C was MIBI–-and ultrasonography-negative (11 patients). The overall operative success was 99.12% in group A, 98% in group B, and 90.91% in group C, with an incidence of multiglandular disease of 3.5% in group A, 12% in group B, and 9.09% in group C. Intraoperative PTH monitoring changed the operative management in 2.63% of patients in group A and 14% in group B. The use of intraoperative PTH achieves to obtain excellent results in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in high-volume centers, even in the most difficult cases, during MIBI-negative and discordant preoperative imaging studies.
On the limit behaviour of second order relative spectra of self-adjoint operators
Authors: Shargorodsky Eugene
Published: October 2013

It is well known that the standard projectionmethods allow one to recover the whole spectrum of a bounded self-adjoint operator but they often lead to spectral pollution, i.e. to spurious eigenvalues lying in the gaps of the essential spectrum. Methods using second order relative spectra are free from spectral pollution, but they have not been proven to approximate the whole spectrum. L. Boulton ([3] and [4]) has shown that second order relative spectra approximate all isolated eigenvalues of finite multiplicity. The main result of the present paper is that second order relative spectra do not in general approximate the whole of the essential spectrum of a bounded self-adjoint operator.
Spectral asymptotics for magnetic Schrödinger operators in domains with corners
Authors: Kachmar Ayman , Khochman Abdallah
Published: October 2013

This paper is on magnetic Schrodinger operators in two dimensional domains with corners. Semiclassical formulas are obtained for the sum and number of eigenvalues. The obtained results extend former formulas for smooth domains in [11] and [10] to piecewise smooth domains.