bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
cosmogonies and theogonies
Authors: López-Ruiz Carolina
Published: April 2016

Early Greek cosmogonies and theogonies are mainly preserved in the form of hexametric poetry, rarely in systematic accounts, such as Hesiod’s, but more often within texts of broader mythical scope, as in Homer’s Iliad and the Homeric Hymns. The differing assumptions about the origins of and relations among the gods in these poems demonstrate the wide variety of cosmogonic traditions available in the Greek world and the poetic freedom to express or emphasize aspects of them. This is also evident in other sources for Greek theogony/cosmogony, such as the longer of the Homeric Hymns, which focus on specific gods, sometimes including their birth stories and framing their familial relations with other gods and with humans. The strand known as “Orphic” cosmogony or theogony runs parallel to the mainstream epic tradition (not without intersections), and underscores the connection between cosmogonic ideas and spiritual and philosophical movements. These alternative cosmogonies also served as a narrative and theological framework for mystery cults, which revolved around the figures of Demeter, Persephone, and Dionysus (e.g., Eleusinian and Bacchic groups). Other forms of expression of cosmogonies/theogonies (e.g., lyric poetry, tragedy, iconography) tend to follow the Homeric and Hesiodic traditions, which become a pan-Hellenic point of reference, but local and regional idiosyncrasies were always possible. A salient feature of Greek cosmogony/theogony is its intersection with the creation stories of the Near Eastern world, especially in the Mesopotamian, Anatolian, and North-West Semitic traditions. The study of Greek cosmogonies in recent decades has focussed heavily on disentangling and understanding the intimate relation between common motifs and the importance of adaptation and innovation. In turn, in the Roman world we see two main strands: the reception and creative adaptation of Greek cosmogonies (e.g., Ovid’s Metamorphoses), and the elaboration of different cosmogonic narratives driven by philosophical enquiry (e.g., Stoicism, Epicureanism), a movement that had in part already begun with the Presocratics and Plato.
Wolbachiaconfers sex-specific resistance and tolerance to enteric but not systemic bacterial infection inDrosophila
Authors: Vasanthakrishnan Radhakrishnan B. , Vanika Gupta , Siva-Jothy Jonathon , Monteith Katy M. , Brown Sam P. , Vale Pedro F.
Published: April 2016

Wolbachia-mediatedprotection against viral infection has been extensively demonstrated inDrosophilaand in mosquitoes that are artificially inoculatedwith D. melanogaster Wolbachia(wMel), but to date no evidence forWolbachia-mediated antibacterial protection has been demonstrated inDrosophila.Here we show thatD. melanogastercarrying wMel shows reduced mortality during enteric – but not systemic - infection with the opportunist pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa, and that protection is more pronounced in male flies.Wolbachia-mediatedprotection is associated with increased early expression of the antimicrobial peptideattacinA, followed by increased expression of a ROS detoxification gene (gstD8), and other tissue damage repair genes which together contribute to greater host resistance and disease tolerance. These results highlight that the route of infection is important for symbiont-mediated protection from infection, thatWolbachiacan protect hosts by eliciting a combination of resistance and disease tolerance mechanisms, and that these effects are sexually dimorphic.
The evolution of mutual mate choice under direct benefits
Authors: Courtiol Alexandre , Etienne Loïc , Feron Romain , Godelle Bernard , Rousset François
Published: April 2016

In nature, the intensity of mate choice (i.e., choosiness) is highly variable within and between sexes. Despite growing empirical evidence showing male and/or mutual mate choice, theoretical investigations of the joint evolution of female and male choosiness are few. In addition, previous approaches have often assumed an absence of trade-off between the direct benefits per mating and the lower mating rate that results from being choosy. Here, we model the joint evolution of female and male choosiness when it is solely ruled by this fundamental trade-off. We show that this trade-off can generate a diversity of stable combinations of choosiness. Mutual mate choice can only evolve if both females and males exhibit long latency after mating. Further, we show that an increase in choosiness in one sex does not necessarily prevent the evolution of mutual mate choice: the outcome depends on details of the life history, the decision rule for mate choice, and how the fecundity of a pair is shaped by the quality of both individuals. Lastly, we discuss the power of the sensitivity of the relative searching time (i.e., of the proportion of lifetime spent searching for mates) as a predictor of the joint evolution of choosiness.
A new computational model captures fundamental architectural features of diverse biological networks
Authors: Al-Anzi Bader , Olsman Noah , Ormerod Christopher , Gerges Sherif , Piliouras Georgios , Ormerod John , Zinn Kai
Published: April 2016

Complex biological systems are often represented by network graphs; however, their structural features are not adequately captured by existing computational graph models, perhaps because the datasets used to assemble them are incomplete and contain elements that lack shared functions. Here, we analyze three large, near-complete networks that produce specific cellular or behavioral outputs: a molecular yeast mitochondrial regulatory protein network, and two anatomical networks of very different scale, the mouse brain mesoscale connectivity network, and theC. elegansneuronal network. Surprisingly, these networks share similar characteristics. All consist of large communities composed of modules with general functions, and topologically distinct subnetworks spanning modular boundaries responsible for their more specific phenotypical outputs. We created a new model, SBM-PS, which generates networks by combining communities, followed by adjustment of connections by a ‘path selection’ mechanism. This model captures fundamental architectural features that are common to the three networks.
Modification of plant regeneration medium decreases the time for recovery of Solanum lycopersicum cultivar M82 stable transgenic lines
Authors: Gupta Sarika , Van Eck Joyce
Published: April 2016

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has rapidly become a valuable model species for a variety of studies including functional genomics. A high-throughput method to obtain transgenic lines sooner than standard methods would greatly advance gene function studies. The goal of this study was to optimize our current transformation method by investigating medium components that would result in a decreased time for recovery of transgenics. For this study, 6-day-old cotyledon explants from Solanum lycopersicum cultivar M82 in vitro-grown seedlings were infected with theAgrobacterium tumefaciensstrain LBA4404 containing the binary vector pBI121. This vector contains the β-glucuronidase reporter gene and the neomycin phosphotransferase II selectable marker gene that confers resistance to kanamycin. Modification of our standard plant regeneration medium with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at concentrations of either 0.05 mg/l or 0.1 mg/l decreased the recovery time for transgenic lines by 6 weeks as compared to our standard medium that contains zeatin as the only plant growth regulator. We observed 50% and 54% transformation efficiency on plant regeneration medium containing 0.05 mg/l and 0.1 mg/l IAA, respectively. Moreover, addition of 1 mg/l IAA to the root induction medium resulted in earlier root development than medium that did not contain IAA. Addition of IAA to the plant regeneration and rooting media did not have any negative effects on plant development. Recovery of transgenic lines in a shorter time results in higher throughput for the introduction of gene constructs and has the potential to decrease the time and resources needed to complete investigations of gene function.
The hypocrisy of European moralism: Greece and the politics of cultural aggression ‐ part 2
Authors: Herzfeld Michael
Published: April 2016

In the current debt crisis, Greeks often stand accused of irresponsible borrowing, corruption, and laziness. In this article, I argue that the patently unfair way in which these stereotypes have framed the ongoing tensions between Greece and the other European countries is deeply grounded in the dynamics of “crypto‐colonialism.” German fascination with ancient Greece has combined with the needs of British, French, and, later, American strategic interests to produce a toxic brew of humiliation and contempt for the Greek people of today. Yet Greece, by escaping from the aftermath of military dictatorship under the unexpectedly benign guidance of the elder Constantine Karamanlis, is now – in marked contrast to at least one other crypto‐colonial state – giving the unelected leadership of the European Union and other creditors a lesson in democratic self‐sufficiency. Resolution of the residual tensions will nevertheless only be possible when both sides agree to cease trading insulting stereotypes and admit the errors of a shared and embarrassing past – a process for which anthropological perspectives can offer significant support.
Nigeria's Igbo Jews: Jewish identity and practice in Abuja
Authors: Afsai Shai
Published: April 2016

The now widespread Igbo belief in a Jewish ancestry goes back to the 18th century. However, it was during and after the Nigerian civil war (1967–1970), in which at least one million Igbo died in the failed bid for Biafran independence, that Igbo identification with and as Jews concretized. Igbo saw themselves as sufferers of genocide, like the Jews of World War II in Europe, and as inhabitants of a beleaguered plot of land surrounded by hostile forces, similar to the state of Israel. The civil war and its disastrous consequences initiated a still ongoing period of intense questioning among the Igbo concerning their history, present predicaments, and future prospects. A small number of Igbo began to question why, if they were in fact Jews, they should continue practising Christianity. Their community now numbers between 2,000 and 5,000 people throughout Nigeria. There are three established Nigerian synagogues in Abuja, the federal capital, most of whose members are Igbo. The significance of Biafra, the centrality of the state of Israel, pride in Jewish ancestry and practice, and questions surrounding the range of Jewish skin colour, predominate in Igbo Jews' discussions of their identity. In contrast to the vast majority of Igbo who, if they maintain a sense of Jewish identity, do so while practising Christianity, Igbo Jews have severed themselves from the now dominant religion. Understanding themselves to be part of the global Jewish community of the diaspora and the state of Israel, the Igbo practising Judaism in Nigeria are eager for religious and political recognition from world Jewry and the Jewish state. However, self‐identifying Jewish groups without documented historical connections to more established Jewish communities face considerable challenges in gaining such recognition, particularly as genealogical Jews.
Linguistic incomprehension in British asylum appeal hearings
Authors: Gill Nick , Rotter Rebecca , Burridge Andrew , Allsopp Jennifer , Griffiths Melanie
Published: April 2016

For the thousands of appellants who navigate Britain's asylum appeal courts every year, attending a hearing conducted in a language they do not understand and participating via an interpreter, is usually viewed as a significant disadvantage. The findings of a study that entailed ethnographic and structured observations of over 390 asylum appeal hearings in England and Wales during 2013 and 2014, however, indicate that the presence of interpreters often offers an important source of support in adversity. While the natural assumption may be to associate linguistic incomprehension with detriment, it transpires that there are important exceptions to this rule. Given the toughening of UK border controls in recent years, as well as British reluctance to share responsibilities for international refugees such as those fleeing from violence in Syria, these observations offer rare solace in a bleak policy landscape.
CHATTING ABOUT MARRIAGE WITH FEMALE MIGRANTS TO SYRIA
Authors: Navest Aysha , de Koning Martijn , Moors Annelies
Published: April 2016

The increasing number of women migrating to Syria from Europe has not only drawn the attention of the media and the security forces but also of researchers. Publications often either undervalue or overvalue women's agency, presenting them as victims of unscrupulous men or foregrounding their militant activism. As many authors work in the field of radicalisation and terrorism studies and use public online posts, they focus on the more radical, activist women who are keen to present themselves to the world at large. In our research project we work with a different focus and employ a different method. Our interest in how these women arrange their marriages and our use of private chatting produces other kinds of knowledge. In contrast to what labels such as ‘jihadi brides’ suggest, the women themselves desire to live under IS rule, while IS increasingly regulates these marriages. Rather than desiring to become female fighters or recruiting others, they see themselves as responsible for domestic life and attempt to normalize life under IS rule.
Ethanol Toxicity During Brain Development: Alterations of Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in Immature Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures
Authors: Gerace Elisabetta , Landucci Elisa , Totti Arianna , Bani Daniele , Guasti Daniele , Baronti Roberto , Moroni Flavio , Mannaioni Guido , Pellegrini‐Giampietro Domenico E.
Published: April 2016

Background

The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to alcohol: Drinking during pregnancy can lead to a number of physical, learning, and behavioral disorders in the newborn. It has been demonstrated that immature and mature brain tissues display a differential sensitivity to ethanol (EtOH) toxicity and that cerebral structure and function are diversely impaired according to the stage of synaptic maturation.

Methods

Rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures were exposed for 7 days to EtOH (100 to 300 mM) after 2 days (immature) or 10 days (mature) of culture in vitro; EtOH was then removed from the medium, and 24 hours later, slices were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, electrophysiology, and electron microscopy to explore the molecular mechanisms of EtOH toxicity in the developing hippocampus.

Results

EtOH withdrawal elicited a selective CA1 pyramidal cell injury in mature slices, but not in immature slices. A significant increase in the expression of pre‐ and postsynaptic proteins in mature slices revealed that slice maturation is presumably associated with the development of new synapses. Incubation with chronic EtOH for 7 days and its removal from the medium induced a significant decrease in GluA1 and GluA2 expression levels; a significant reduction in the expression of synaptophysin and GluN2A was observed only after EtOH withdrawal. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings showed that incubation with EtOH for 7 days induced a significant decrease in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) frequency in CA1 pyramidal cells of immature slices and a trend toward a decrease in sEPSC amplitude. Electron microscopy revealed a disorganization of neurotubuli in immature slices after chronic exposure to EtOH.

Conclusions

These results indicate that prolonged incubation with EtOH and its subsequent withdrawal from the medium induce an impairment of excitatory synaptic transmission and possibly an incorrect formation of neuronal circuits in developing hippocampus in vitro, which is suggestive of mechanisms that may lead to mental retardation in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Taking the First Full Drink: Epidemiological Evidence on Male–Female Differences in the United States
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Cantave Marven D. , Anthony James C.
Published: April 2016

Background

This research extends prior epidemiological estimates for the United States and re‐examines a previously described male excess in alcohol drinking. Its aim was to estimate fine‐grained age‐specific incidence of becoming a drinker among 12‐ to 24‐year‐old U.S. males and females, and to compare incidence estimates with prevalence proportions.

Methods

The study population is 12‐ to 24‐year‐old noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian residents. Estimates are from 12 successive U.S. National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), with nationally representative samples drawn each year from 2002 to 2013 and assessed via computer‐assisted self‐interviews (n ~ 390,000). Analysis‐weighted incidence and prevalence estimates are generated using the NSDUH Restricted Data Analysis System for 6 year‐pairs. Meta‐analysis‐derived summary estimates are provided, treating each year‐pair as a replication.

Results

In this 21st century evidence, there no longer is male excess of incidence with respect to underage drinking. Indeed, in mid‐adolescence, there is a clear female excess for the risk of becoming an underage drinker. Meta‐analytic summaries disclosed no other male–female differences in incidence. Nevertheless, a male excess in the prevalence of recently active drinking can be seen after the age of 19 years.

Conclusions

This new evidence from the United States shows that the so‐called “gender gap” in risk of becoming a drinker has narrowed to the point of there being no gap at all. Indeed, in mid‐adolescence, risk of starting to drink is greater for females than for males.
Reconstruction of the environmental history of a coastal insular system using shallow marine records: the last three millennia of the Cíes Islands (Ría de Vigo,NWIberia)
Authors: Muñoz Sobrino Castor , García‐Moreiras Iria , Martínez‐Carreño Natalia , Cartelle Víctor , Insua Tania L. , Ferreiro Da Costa Javier , Ramil‐Rego Pablo , Fernández Rodríguez Carlos , Alejo Irene , García‐Gil Soledad
Published: April 2016

The coastal lagoon‐beach complex at the Cíes Islands located at the opening of the Ría de Vigo (NWIberia) is an important ecosystem currently threatened by anthropogenic impacts and climate variations. We used multiproxy marine sediment analyses to reconstruct the millennial environmental dynamics of this insular system and, in particular, the recent history of its coastal lagoon. Geophysical surveys were used to obtain bathymetry and identify the major sedimentary units of its closest submarine basin as well as their sediment sources. Core samples were taken in the middle and distal parts of the sedimentary body, where several prograding sedimentary units are thinner, allowing continuous sampling of the facies. Lithological, textural, elemental and chronological analyses were carried out on two cores. The detailed palynological studies on one of the cores included the analyses of the pollen, non‐pollen palynomorphs and dinocysts dating back three millennia. Our results revealed noticeable environmental changes affecting this area during the last 3000 years, due mainly to changing climate and oceanic conditions but also to the impact of historic human occupation of the islands. Several cold events (the 2.8 kaBPevent and the Little Ice Age) characterized by enhanced upwelling alternated with warmer stormy periods of prevailing downwelling conditions in the ria. These circumstances altered the balance amongst the lacustrine, marsh, dune and lagoon systems, opening ephemeral inlets and modifying the trophic stage of the shallow waters surrounding the archipelago. Here we provide a background of the human and climatic impacts affecting these highly sensitive habitats, which may serve to improve their future management strategies.
Environmental context for the terminal Ediacaran biomineralization of animals
Authors: Cui H. , Kaufman A. J. , Xiao S. , Peek S. , Cao H. , Min X. , Cai Y. , Siegel Z. , Liu X.‐M. , Peng Y. , Schiffbauer J. D. , Martin A. J.
Published: April 2016

In terminal Ediacaran strata of South China, the onset of calcareous biomineralization is preserved in the paleontological transition from Conotubus to Cloudina in repetitious limestone facies of the Dengying Formation. Both fossils have similar size, funnel‐in‐funnel construction, and epibenthic lifestyle, but Cloudina is biomineralized, whereas Conotubus is not. To provide environmental context for this evolutionary milestone, we conducted a high‐resolution elemental and stable isotope study of the richly fossiliferous Gaojiashan Member. Coincident with the first appearance of Cloudina is a significant positive carbonate carbon isotope excursion (up to +6‰) and an increase in the abundance and 34S composition of pyrite. In contrast, δ34S values of carbonate‐associated sulfate remain steady throughout the succession, resulting in anomalously large (>70‰) sulfur isotope fractionations in the lower half of the member. The fractionation trend likely relates to changes in microbial communities, with sulfur disproportionation involved in the lower interval, whereas microbial sulfate reduction was the principal metabolic pathway in the upper. We speculate that the coupled paleontological and biogeochemical anomalies may have coincided with an increase in terrestrial weathering fluxes of sulfate, alkalinity, and nutrients to the depositional basin, which stimulated primary productivity, the spread of an oxygen minimum zone, and the development of euxinic conditions in subtidal and basinal environments. Enhanced production and burial of organic matter is thus directly connected to the carbon isotope anomaly, and likely promoted pyritization as the main taphonomic pathway for Conotubus and other soft‐bodied Ediacara biotas. Our studies suggest that the Ediacaran confluence of ecological pressures from predation and environmental pressures from an increase in seawater alkalinity set the stage for an unprecedented geobiological response: the evolutionary novelty of animal biomineralization.
A Fish of Weedy Waters: Golden Shiner Biology and Culture
Authors: Stone Nathan M. , Kelly Anita M. , Roy Luke A.
Published: April 2016

The golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas, is a major bait and forage fish species in the USA. Farmers produce millions of golden shiners annually that are distributed live, many across state boundaries. Native over much of the eastern and central USA, this species is often present but rarely abundant in natural systems, as fish density is apparently controlled by predation rather than by food resources. Aquaculture of the golden shiner is a century‐old practice and culture methods have evolved over time, resulting in today's farm‐raised, certified specific pathogen– and aquatic nuisance species–free baitfish. Federal and state agencies and universities have a long history of developing culture methods and promoting baitfish culture to replace the indiscriminate and wasteful harvest of fish from natural waters. Despite advances in culture methods and the advantages of a farm‐raised species produced under controlled and biosecure conditions, golden shiner farming is only marginally profitable and remaining farmers survive on farm equity and increased market share from others exiting the business. Ironically, increasing regulations and restrictions leading to a reduction in the supply of farm‐raised baitfish could drive anglers back to harvesting bait from natural waters, the very concern that initiated government support for baitfish culture a century ago.
CONTEXT AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF A GLOBAL SCIENCE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: A COMMENTARY
Authors: Marfo Kofi
Published: April 2016

United Nations agencies mandated to address the needs of children around the developing (Majority) world, routinely create large global data sets mostly for purposes of surveillance and strategic planning of development aid. UNICEF's Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) have produced one of the largest sources of internationally comparable data on women and children. This monograph creatively and elegantly harnesses MICS data on 41 low‐ and middle‐income countries to shed light on risk and protective factors associated with growing up a boy or girl in the developing world. In this commentary, I assess the monograph's contribution to the progress that our field must make toward greater geo‐ecological and cultural inclusiveness of its knowledge base. I do so in the context of scholarship that is increasingly and justifiably questioning the relevance of mainstream developmental science outside the Euro‐American world. I conclude that notwithstanding the limitations inherent in the data set, Bornstein, Putnick, Lansford, Deater‐Deckard, and Bradley have done our field a great service by moving us further on a trajectory toward a more global science.
Recent advances on the functional and evolutionary morphology of the amniote respiratory apparatus
Authors: Lambertz Markus
Published: April 2016

Increased organismic complexity in metazoans was achieved via the specialization of certain parts of the body involved in different faculties (structure–function complexes). One of the most basic metabolic demands of animals in general is a sufficient supply of all tissues with oxygen. Specialized structures for gas exchange (and transport) consequently evolved many times and in great variety among bilaterians. This review focuses on some of the latest advancements that morphological research has added to our understanding of how the respiratory apparatus of the primarily terrestrial vertebrates (amniotes) works and how it evolved. Two main components of the respiratory apparatus, the lungs as the “exchanger” and the ventilatory apparatus as the “active pump,” are the focus of this paper. Specific questions related to the exchanger concern the structure of the lungs of the first amniotes and the efficiency of structurally simple snake lungs in health and disease, as well as secondary functions of the lungs in heat exchange during the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs. With regard to the active pump, I discuss how the unique ventilatory mechanism of turtles evolved and how understanding the avian ventilatory strategy affects animal welfare issues in the poultry industry.
Static and dynamic instability of nanowire-fabricated nanoelectromechanical systems: effects of flow damping, van de Waals force, surface energy and microstructure
Authors: Keivani Maryam , Koochi Ali , Abadian Naeime , Rezaei Morteza , Abadyan Mohamadreza
Published: April 2016

Surface energy and microstructure-dependent size phenomena can play significant roles in physical performance of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Herein, the static and dynamic pull-in instability of cantilever and double-clamped NEMS fabricated from conductive cylindrical nanowires with circular cross section is studied. The Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity in combination with the couple stress continuum theory is employed to incorporate the coupled effects of surface energy and microstructure-dependent size phenomenon. Using Green–Lagrange strain, the higher order surface stress components are incorporated into the governing equation. The effect of gas damping is considered in the model as well as structural damping. The nonlinear governing equation is solved using analytical reduced order method. The effects of various parameters on the static and dynamic pull-in parameters, phase plans, and stability threshold of the nanowire-based structures are demonstrated.
Oral Rehydration Therapy: WHO at 40, ORT at 30
Authors: LaPook Jonathan , Fedorak Richard N.
Published: April 2016

Oral rehydration therapy may prove to be mankind's most significant therapeutic advance this century. Diarrheal disease remains the number one killer of children in the world and is a major cause of illness within Canada and other developed countries. Since its discovery 30 years ago, oral rehydration therapy, comprising glucose, salt and water, has been a simple and low cost treatment for people with life threatening diarrheal disease. Recent developments in solutions for oral rehydration therapy have led to the recognition chat the existing World Health Organization glucose based oral replacement salt could be improved. ln commercially available rehydration solutions, the sodium concentration has been lowered to reduce hypernatremia in noncholera induced diarrhea. Citrate has replaced bicarbonate as the base in oral replacement solutions to pro long shelf life. Organic substrates to replace glucose and enhance intestinal fluid and electrolyte absorption without osmotic penalty are being examined. However, their acceptance and proper utilization in developing countries remains to be determined.
Segmental Dilation of the Colon: Support for a Muscle Wall Etiology
Authors: Waldron David J. , Bowes Kenneth L. , Jewell Laurence D.
Published: April 2016

A patient with segmental dilatation of the colon who presented
with chronic constipation is reported. A review of previous cases of this rarely
reported condition and the typical features of the disorder is presented. A possible
contributing factor to its etiology is proposed on the basis of a pathological
appearance of the colonic muscle wall not previously described.
Hepatic Abscess Associated with Subclinical Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: MacDonald P.H. , Mercer C.D.
Published: April 2016

Hepatic abscesses are caused by a variety of intra-abdominal inflammatory conditions, and usually result as direct extension of bacteria or of portal pyemia. A case of hepatic abscess developing prior to the acute onset of ulcerative colitis without other intra-abdominal pathology is presented.
Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease using New 5‐ASA Compounds: An Introduction
Authors: Klotz Ulrich
Published: April 2016

Strong evidence has been accumulating that mesalazine (5‐
aminosalicylic acid, 5‐ASA) represents the therapeutic moiety of the standard
drug sulphasalazine. Since the active metabolite avoids the toxic potential of
sulphapyridine, this perception has initiated new therapeutic approaches, for
example, two 5‐ASA molecules have been coupled to form another prodrug
(olsalazine) which again depends on a proper cleavage of the azobond by bacteria
in the colon A more direct way has been applied successfully by administering
5‐ASA itself in special galenic formulation (suppositories, enemas, controlled release
preparations) to provide enough active material at the proposed sites of action in
the terminal ileum and/or colon. One major advantage of all 5‐ASA compounds,
compared to sulphasalazine, is their 10‐fold lower potential (incidence) for inducing
allergic reactions or causing intolerance. Aside from rare hypersensitivity reactions,
5‐ASA can cause nausea. vomiting, headache and gastrointestinal disturbances
in 1 to 5% of patients. However, the new azocompound olsalazine induced
diarrhea or loose stool in at least 10 to 15% of the treated patients which might
limit its use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In conclusion, the ‘old’ metabolite
5‐ASA, in a ‘new’ design, offers an effective and very safe choice for the treatment of IBD.
Resection Margin Involvement with Crohn's Disease and Postoperative Anastomotic Integrity
Authors: Wong J. , Preshaw R.M. , Reid D.F. , Kelly J.K.
Published: April 2016

A prospective double-blind trial was conducted in Crohn's disease subjects in whom a resection was being performed, to assess the hypothesis that marginal disease would adversely influence healing of the anastomosis. Of 106 eligible patients. 51 completed a protocol of pathological assessment of the surgical specimen and a water soluble contrast enema 10 to 15 days after the surgical procedure. Six were found to have radiological leaks and three additional subjects had clinical leaks from the anastomosis. The proportion of leaks, both clinical and radiological, was nine of 54. There was no trend to increasing rate of anastomotic breakdown with increasing marginal disease.
Pathogenesis of Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Sarles H , Bernard J.P.
Published: April 2016

Studies from the Marseille group allowed differentiation of acute pancreatitis (a group of lesions secondary to either extrapancreatic causes such as gallstones or to pancreatic diseases such as cancer and chronic pancreatitis), from chronic pancreatitis. Two forms of chronic pancreatitis arc easily distinguished: obstructive pancreatitis secondary to pre-existing obstruction on pancreatic ducts (tumours, scars, etc); and the most frequent disease, chronic calcifying pancreatitis, which is a pancreatic lithiasis due to a double phenomenon. This double phenomenon is the precipitation of insoluble calcium salts and the precipitation of degraded fragments of a newly discovered secretory protein known as pancreatic stone protein (PSP). This family of glycoproteins, the amino acid sequence of which has been established, is synthesized by the pancreatic acinar cell and its biosynthesis is decreased in patients presenting with chronic calcifying pancreatitis. The secretory form of PSP prevents the formation of calcium salt crystals in the pancreatic juice which is normally supersaturated in calcium. Though the lesions and the secretory modifications of PSP are common to all forms of chronic calcifying pancreatitis, there are different etiological forms of the disease; alcoholic, tropical, hypercalcemic, hereditary and idiopathic. Alcohol consumption acts on pancreatic secretion by different mechanisms and is responsible for an increased secretion of secretory protein (enzymes) due to cholinergic, vagal reflexes sensitive to ethanol. Alcohol consumption is generally associated with protein rich and either fat rich or fat poor diets, both of which are risk factors. Hypercalcemia also increases the secretion of protein and the viscosity of pancreatic juice. The tropical form is not due, as previously suggested, to cassava (manioc) consumption or kwashiorkor, but it is endemic in populations submitted to fat poor, protein poor diets. These etiological factors are only acting on predisposed patients. This suggests chat a low or abnormal biosynthesis of PSP is responsible for the predisposition.
Yersinia Infection with Clostridium Difficile Colitis
Authors: Fishman M.J. , Noble M.A. , Freeman H.J.
Published: April 2016

Antibimic associated diarrhea appears to be largely due toCloscridium difficileand may have, at least in part. a toxin mediated pathogenesis. Because a poor correlation exists between measurable toxin titres and symptoms, additional copathogenic factors may be important. All patients seen during a two year period with diarrhea within four weeks of antibiotic therapy, a positive tool culture forC difficileand a positive stool cytotoxin assay specific forC difficilewere investigated. All patients had stools cultured for cnteric bacterial pathogens including Salmonella, Shigella. Campylobacter, Aeromonas and Yersinia species. Seven patients had Yersinia species isolated during the course of their illness; no other entcric pathogens were identified. In four patients,Y enrerocoliticawas cultured simultaneously withC difficileprior to treatment, and in one of these,Y fredrikseniiwas also isolated. Of six patients with persistent or recurrent sympcoms after treatment forC difficile( ie, vancomycin in five and mecronidazole in one patient), four had positive yersinia cultures at the conclusion of therapy (Y enrerocoliticain three andY fredrikseniiin two patients). All but one of these patients had been yersinia culture negative prior to therapy forC difficilePatients with and without yersinia isolates were then compared with respect to age, sex, clinical symptoms and sigmoldoscopic as well as rectal biopsy findings. The presence of yersinia was associated with male sex, younger age and abdominal pain; other features including hematochezia, fever, arthralgia, cytotoxin titre , sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy could not distinguish patients with and without Yersinia species. Thus, ycrsinia may be associated with an antibiotic related diarrheal illness usually attributed toC difficilealone and may be observed in the setting of persistent or recurrent symptoms following treatment forC difficilediarrhea.
Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease using 5‐Aminosalicylic Acid, 4‐Aminosalicylic Acid and Olsalazine Retention Enemas: Review of Clinical Trials
Authors: Campieri M. , Gionchetti P. , Belluzzi A. , Brignola C. , Iannone P. , Miglioli M. , Barbara L.
Published: April 2016

The knowledge that 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) is the active
compound of sulphasalazine and that it acts topically has stimulated the use of
5‐ASA containing enemas and ocher similar compounds such as olsalazine and
4‐aminosalicylic acid (4‐ASA). 5‐ASA enemas have been shown to be effective in
controlling active disease in clinical trials and have also been shown to be of
benefit in prevention of relapses. Olsalazine enemas have not demonstrated significantly better results than placebo 4‐ASA enemas are effective but the results
obtained have differed as to effective dose
Psudoxanthoma elasticum: An Unusual Case of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Cook Deborah J. , Salama Samih S. , Tuttle Robert J.
Published: April 2016

Pseudoxanchoma elasticum (PXE) is an inherited disorder of connective tissue, characterized by calcification and degeneration of elastin. Clinical manifestations of PXE are protean, with skin, eyes and arteries being most commonly involved. Although often a benign condition, gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a potentially fatal complication. An unusual case of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a patient with PXE is described and the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and complications of this rare condition are reviewed.
Weighted Estimates for Toeplitz Operators Related to Pseudodifferential Operators
Authors: Lin Yan , Liu Zongguang , Xu Chengdan , Ren Zichu
Published: April 2016

The authors establish the weightedLpestimates for a class of pseudodifferential operators for both cases1<p<∞andp=1, where the weight class is bigger than the classical Muckenhoupt’s weight class. Moreover, the weighted estimates for the Toeplitz operators related to pseudodifferential operators are also obtained. As their special cases, the corresponding results for the commutators of pseudodifferential operators can be deduced.
Validation of the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease for Liver Transplant Allocation in Alberta: Implications for Future Directions in Canada
Authors: Burak Kelly W. , Meeberg Glenda A. , Myers Robert P. , Fick Gordon H. , Swain Mark G. , Bain Vincent G. , Kneteman Norman M. , Hilsden Robert J.
Published: April 2016

Background. Since 2002, the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) has been used for allocation of liver transplants (LT) in the USA. In Canada, livers were allocated by the CanWAIT algorithm. The aim of this study was to compare the abilities of MELD, Child-Pugh (CP), and CanWAIT status to predict 3-month and 1-year mortality before LT in Canadian patients and to describe the use of MELD in Canada.Methods. Validation of MELD was performed in 320 patients listed for LT in Alberta (1998–2002). In October 2014, a survey of MELD use by Canadian LT centers was conducted.Results. Within 1 year of listing, 47 patients were removed from the waiting list (29 deaths, 18 too ill for LT). Using logistic regression, the MELD and CP were better than the CanWAIT at predicting 3-month (AUROC: 0.79, 0.78, and 0.59;p=0.0002) and 1-year waitlist mortality (AUROC: 0.70, 0.70, and 0.55;p=0.0023). Beginning in 2004, MELD began to be adopted by Canadian LT programs but its use was not standardized.Conclusions. Compared with the CanWAIT system, the MELD score was significantly better at predicting LT waitlist mortality. MELD-sodium (MELD-Na) has now been adopted for LT allocation in Canada.
Species Composition of Tropical Understory Birds in Threatened East African Coastal Forests Based on Capture Data
Authors: Modest Robert B. , Hassan Shombe N.
Published: April 2016

The East African coastal forests are subject of haphazard modification following anthropogenic pressures including tree cutting and clearing for agriculture. These activities, which are leading cause of habitat disturbance and species loss, are the major challenge in the management of sensitive wildlife species such as forest understory birds. This study investigated species composition of understory birds in the coastal forests of northeastern Tanzania to generate information for the management of the landscape and biodiversity in the area. Using mist nets, birds were trapped from core and edge habitats of representative forest patches. Trapped birds were classified to species level and categorized into bird guilds based on their levels of forest dependence. It was found out that species richness was influenced by forest patch size rather than level of habitat disturbance. Edge habitat was also found to be important in hosting higher number of forest understory birds, especially generalists—but this should be treated with caution because following habitat destruction that is ongoing in the study area, there is a danger of generalist wiping out specialist species due to competitive exclusion. Strict control measures to stop illegal tree cutting and agricultural activities near the forests were recommended for sustainable conservation of the understory birds in the forests.
A Study on Central Lymph Node Metastasis in 543 cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Yan Huanhuan , Zhou Xiaoqian , Jin Hui , Li Xiang , Zheng Miao , Ming Xu , Wang Ruitao , Liu Jun
Published: April 2016

Background. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with central lymph node metastases (CLNMs) is common. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of lymph node metastasis patients with PTC.Patients and Methods. Between January 2013 and February 2015, a retrospective study of 543 patients with PTC undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy with routine central lymph node dissection (CLND) was analyzed. Clinicopathologic risk factors for CLNM were studied using univariate and multivariate analysis by SPSS 22.0 software.Results. The incidence of CLNMs in PTC patients was 38.1% (207/543). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (p<0.001, OR: 1.984), age <45 years (p<0.001, OR: 1.934), bilaterality (p=0.006, OR: 1.585), tumor size ≥0.25 cm (p=0.001, OR: 7.655), and external extension (p=0.001, OR: 7.579) were independent risk factors of CLNMs. Furthermore, in PTC patients with tumor size <0.25 cm, all 7 males and 21 patients with unilaterality were not found to have CLNMs.Conclusions. CLNMs are prevalent in the PTC patients with the following risk factors: male gender, age <45 years, bilaterality, tumor size ≥0.25 cm, and external extension. PTC patients with tumor size <0.25 cm, male patients, and patients with unilateral lesion could be considered safe from CLNMs.
Electroanalytical Performance of a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified by Coffee Husks for the Quantification of Acetaminophen in Quality Control of Commercialized Pharmaceutical Tablets
Authors: Mbokou Serge Foukmeniok , Pontié Maxime , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Tchieno Francis Merlin Melataguia , Njanja Evangeline , Mogni Assad , Pontalier Pierre Yves , Tonle Ignas Kenfack
Published: April 2016

Electrochemical determination of acetaminophen (APAP) was successfully performed using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with coffee husks (CH-CPE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were, respectively, used for the morphological and elemental characterization of coffee husks prior to their utilization. The electrochemical oxidation of APAP was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and square wave voltammetry (SWV). SWV technique appeared to be more sensitive since the oxidation current of APAP was twofold higher with the CH-CPE sensor than with the bare CPE, in relation to the increase in the organophilic character of the electrode surface. Furthermore, on CH-CPE, the current response of APAP varied linearly with its concentration in the range of 6.6 μM to 0.5 mM, leading to a detection limit of 0.66 μM (S/N=3). Finally, the proposed CH-CPE sensor was successfully used to determine the amount of APAP in commercialized tablets (Doliprane® 500 and Doliprane 1000), with a recovery rate ranging from 98% to 103%. This novel sensor opens the way for the development of low-cost and reliable devices for the electroanalysis of pharmaceutical formulations in developing countries.
Roots and Tuber Crops as Functional Foods: A Review on Phytochemical Constituents and Their Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Chandrasekara Anoma , Josheph Kumar Thamilini
Published: April 2016

Starchy roots and tuber crops play a pivotal role in the human diet. There are number of roots and tubers which make an extensive biodiversity even within the same geographical location. Thus, they add variety to the diet in addition to offering numerous desirable nutritional and health benefits such as antioxidative, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities. A number of bioactive constituents such as phenolic compounds, saponins, bioactive proteins, glycoalkaloids, and phytic acids are responsible for the observed effects. Many starchy tuber crops, except the common potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava, are not yet fully explored for their nutritional and health benefits. In Asian countries, some edible tubers are also used as traditional medicinal. A variety of foods can be prepared using tubers and they may also be used in industrial applications. Processing may affect the bioactivities of constituent compounds. Tubers have an immense potential as functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients to be explored in disease risk reduction and wellness.
An Extended Genetic Algorithm for Distributed Integration of Fuzzy Process Planning and Scheduling
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Yu Zhinan , Zhang Wenyu , Yu Dejian , Xu Yangbing
Published: April 2016

The distributed integration of process planning and scheduling (DIPPS) aims to simultaneously arrange the two most important manufacturing stages, process planning and scheduling, in a distributed manufacturing environment. Meanwhile, considering its advantage corresponding to actual situation, the triangle fuzzy number (TFN) is adopted in DIPPS to represent the machine processing and transportation time. In order to solve this problem and obtain the optimal or near-optimal solution, an extended genetic algorithm (EGA) with innovative three-class encoding method, improved crossover, and mutation strategies is proposed. Furthermore, a local enhancement strategy featuring machine replacement and order exchange is also added to strengthen the local search capability on the basic process of genetic algorithm. Through the verification of experiment, EGA achieves satisfactory results all in a very short period of time and demonstrates its powerful performance in dealing with the distributed integration of fuzzy process planning and scheduling (DIFPPS).