bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hip and Shoulder Range of Motion in Youth Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Oliver Gretchen D. , Weimar Wendi H.
Published: December 2014

Oliver, GD and Weimar, WH. Hip and shoulder range of motion in youth baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2823–2827, 2016—Lack of range of motion (ROM) has long been suspected as contributing to injury in baseball pitchers. However, all previous ROM research has focused on collegiate and professional pitchers. It was thus the purpose of this study to measure and evaluate bilateral hip and throwing shoulder rotational passive range of motion (PROM) in youth baseball pitchers. Twenty-six youth baseball pitchers (11.3 ± 1.0 years; 152.4 ± 9.0 cm; 47.5 ± 11.3 kg) with no history of injury participated. Bilateral hip and throwing shoulder rotational PROM was measured. There were no significant side-to-side differences for the hip variables (p ≥ 0.05). Shoulder external rotation (ER) was significantly greater than shoulder internal rotation (IR). And the lead leg hip had significantly greater ER than IR. Shoulder ER revealed significant correlations with both lead and stance hip IR (r = 0.45, p = 0.02 and r = 0.48, p = 0.01, respectively). The youth baseball pitchers in this study displayed similar PROM patterns as collegiate and professional baseball pitchers. Additionally, our youth baseball pitchers also presented strong relationships between hip and shoulder PROM. This study reveals that the PROM patterns displayed by these youth may indicate that their available ROM could survive maturation. It is therefore suggested that clinical focus be directed to maintaining hip and shoulder rotational ROM throughout maturation in attempt to determine a possible relations between injurious mechanisms and performance enhancement.
Small Corporations: Better Controlling the Spigot of ‘Red Tape”
Authors: Clarke Andrew
Published: December 2014

Regulation in Australia appears to be increasing at an exponential rate. For small businesses that, are often resource poor and isolated, compliance is a burden. They face a paradigm conflict with regulators, who often are imbued with the objective of maintaining quality standards and perceptions of servicing an industry, while the regulated see regulation as an evil and a cost to doing business. Two case studies illustrate the political minefields in alternative approaches to regulation. Finally, the paper reviews changes in regulation internationally and in Australia and puts forward some innovative options for the future implementation of regulation of small businesses.
Checklist of amphibians of Nayarit, western Mexico
Authors: Luja Victor H. , Ahumada-Carrillo Ivan T. , Ponce-Campos Paulino , Figueroa-Esquivel Elsa
Published: December 2014

Nayarit is one of the Mexican states where less has been published regarding the fauna of amphibians. The aim of this work was to generate a list of amphibians of Nayarit through literature review and fieldwork. The amphibian fauna of Nayarit consists of 37 species, belonging to 21 genera, 10 families, and two orders. Among these 37 species, 36 are native, 21 are endemic to Mexico, and one is exotic (the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus). In total, nine species are under the category of “Special Protection” and one as “Endangered” by Mexican laws and four (one as “Endangered” and three as “Vulnerable”) under international laws of protection. In the near future, our expectation is that more species will be added to the list of species of amphibians in Nayarit, as more fieldwork remains to be done in some remote and unexplored areas of the state.
Marine and estuarine fish diversity in the inner Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America
Authors: Murase Atsunobu , Angulo Arturo , Miyazaki Yusuke , Bussing William , López Myrna
Published: December 2014

A checklist of the marine and estuarine fishes of the inner part of the Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America, was compiled by examining a museum fish collection, resulting in 72 families and 274 species. Of these species, 127 (46.4%) were marine species and 147 (53.6%) were estuarine-associated species. In terms of their life history and considering the habitat type classification, 188 (almost 70% of the total) were categorized as species inhabiting soft-bottom habitats, reflecting the large estuarine environment and rich fish diversity of the Gulf despite its relatively small area in the tropical Eastern Pacific region. Furthermore, the list contains 13 threatened species of IUCN Red List, which need further research to understand their abundance and their exposure to habitat loss in the Gulf. Further detailed studies on its fish fauna and habitat are needed to better understand and conserve biodiversity within the whole Gulf.
Insect galls of the Parque Nacional das Emas (Mineiros, GO, Brazil)
Authors: Araújo Walter Santos de , Sobral Fernando Landa , Maracahipes Leandro
Published: December 2014

In this study we perform an inventory of the insect leaf galls of the Parque Nacional das Emas, Goiás State, Brazil. We found 97 gall morphotypes, distributed on 24 botanical families comprising 37 genera and 55 species. The plant taxa that showed the greatest richness of galls were the families Myrtaceae, with 17 morphotypes and Fabaceae with 14, and the genera Myrcia (Myrtaceae) and Qualea (Vochysiaceae) with 10 and eight morphotypes, respectively. The plant species Andira cujabensis Benth. (Fabaceae) and Myrcia guianensis (Aubl.) DC., with four morphotypes each, were the most diverse. We found galling insects belonging to Diptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. The galling insects of family Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) were the most common inducing 38.1% of the gall morphotypes. All recorded gall morphotypes are first records to Parque Nacional das Emas. Among the 55 host plant species listed in the survey, 16 species (20%) have the first report of hosting galls.
Update on the distribution of Diphylla ecaudata Spix, 1823 (Mammalia, Chiroptera): new records from the Brazilian northeast
Authors: Rocha Patrício A. , Pedroso Mônica A. , Feijó Anderson , Filho Newton Gurgel , Campos Bruno A. T. P. , Ferrari Stephen F.
Published: December 2014

The subfamily Desmodontinae encompasses the only mammals known to feed exclusively on the blood of other vertebrates. This study provides records of the desmodontine bat Diphylla ecaudata from a major gap in its known distribution in northeastern Brazil. Specimens were captured at five localities, all associated with caves. Two of these sites are located in the state of Sergipe, two in Bahia, and one in Ceará. The record of D. ecaudata from Ceará is the first for this state.
Anterior tooth alignment: A comparison of orthodontic retention regimens 5 years posttreatment
Authors: Bjering Ragnar , Birkeland Kari , Vandevska-Radunovic Vaska
Published: December 2014

Objective: 

To assess orthodontic treatment outcome at debonding and at 3 and 5 years after orthodontic treatment and to investigate the influence of different retention protocols on anterior tooth alignment.

Materials and Methods: 

Using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index, 169 patients (74 boys, 95 girls) were analyzed at four stages: pretreatment (T0), posttreatment (T1), 3 years posttreatment (T3), and 5 years posttreatment (T5). The PAR anterior component scores (ACSs) were compared between groups with different retention protocols. In the maxilla, protocols were removable retainer until T3 (MAX1), removable and fixed retainer until T3 (MAX2), and removable retainer until T3 and fixed retainer until T5 (MAX3). In the mandible, protocols were no retainer (MAND1), fixed 3-3 retainer until T3 (MAND2), and fixed 3-3 retainer until T5 (MAND3).

Results: 

Mean weighted improvement in PAR score was 88.3% at T1, 86.4% at T3, and 82.1% at T5. The ACS for the maxilla showed no significant differences between the retention protocols at any time point. In the mandible, the group without retention showed a gradual but not significant deterioration in ACS throughout the posttreatment period. At T5 there was a significant difference in ACS between the group that had the retainer removed at T3 and the group that kept the retainer.

Conclusion: 

The 5-year treatment outcome, as measured by the PAR Index, was good. Stability of the maxillary anterior alignment 5 years posttreatment did not appear to be influenced by choice of retention protocol. Mandibular anterior alignment was significantly better for the group using a fixed retainer compared with the group where the retainer was removed 3 years posttreatment.
Effects of 8-months yoga training on shaping the spine in people over 55
Authors: Grabara Małgorzata
Published: December 2014

Study aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hatha yoga practices on the shaping of the anteroposterior (AP) spinal curvatures in students of the University of the Third Age, who participated in hatha yoga classes.

Material and methods: 20 women and 5 men took part in the study. Hatha yoga classes were held once a week for 90 minutes over a period of 8 months along with additional exercises including basic positions of hatha yoga in home conditions 1-2 times a week for about 30 minutes. The inclination of the AP curvatures of the spine was measured twice, before and after the end of the classes. A Rippstein plurimeter was used for the measurements. R

esults: Measurements of the angle of thoracic kyphosis before starting the series of hatha yoga classes and after finishing them showed a decrease in thoracic curvature in female (p < 0.01). In case of the angle of lumbar lordosis, a reduction in this curvature as a result of yoga techniques has been observed in women (p < 0.01) too. Amounts of AP curvatures of the spine, measured after completing the series of hatha yoga classes, fluctuated around correct values better than before taking them up.

Conclusion: This study has shown that yoga training leads to an improvement in the habitual body posture in case of aggravating (excessive) AP curvatures of the spine.
Higher order fuzzy logic in controlling selective catalytic reduction systems
Authors: Niewiadomski A. , Kacprowicz M.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents research on applications of fuzzy logic and higher-order fuzzy logic systems to control filters reducing air pollution [1]. The filters use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) method and, as for now, this process is controlled manually by a human expert. The goal of the research is to control an SCR system responsible for emission of nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to the air, using SCR with ammonia (NH3). There are two higher-order fuzzy logic systems presented, applying interval-valued fuzzy sets and type-2 fuzzy sets, respectively. Fuzzy sets and higher order fuzzy sets describe linguistically levels of nitrogen oxides as the input, and settings of ammonia valve in the air filter as the output. The obtained results are consistent with data provided by experts. Besides, we show that the type-2 fuzzy logic controllers allows us to obtain results much closer to desired parameters of the ammonia valve, than traditional FLS.
Comparative investigation of friction stir welding and fusion welding of 6061 T6 – 5083 O aluminum alloy based on mechanical properties and microstructure
Authors: Jannet S. , Mathews P.K. , Raja R.
Published: December 2014

This paper compares, the mechanical properties of welded joints 6061 T6 and 5083 O aluminium alloys obtained using friction stir welding (FSW) at four rotation speeds namely 450,560,710 and 900 rpm and that by conventional fusion welding. FSW welds were carried out on a milling machine. The performance of FSW and Fusion welded joints were identified using tensile test, hardness test and microstructure. The properties of FSW and fusion welded processes were also compared with each other to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these processes for welding applications for Al alloys. It was seen that the tensile strength obtained with FSW was higher as compared to conventional fusion welding process. The width of the heat affected zone of FSW was narrower than Fusion welded joints. The results showed that FSW improved the mechanical properties of welded joints.
Comparison of firefly and cockroach algorithms in selected discrete and combinatorial problems
Authors: Kwiecień J. , Filipowicz B.
Published: December 2014

In recent years, newer algorithms inspired by nature have been created and used to solve various problems. Therefore, in the paper we present the application of firefly and cockroach algorithms to optimize two queueing systems and permutation flow shop problems with the objective of minimizing the makespan. The article briefly describes these algorithms to solve selected problems and their results. Because these algorithms were originally developed for continuous optimization problems, we introduce a new formula to transform the position of ith individual to solve the discrete problems.
Non-Uniformity Correction in Microbolometer Array with Temperature Influence Compensation
Authors: Krupiński Michał , Bieszczad Grzegorz , Sosnowski Tomasz , Madura Henryk , Gogler Sławomir
Published: December 2014

In the article a non-uniformity correction method is presented which allows to compensate for the influence of detector’s temperature drift. For this purpose, dependency between output signal value and the temperature of the detector array was investigated. Additionally the influence of the temperature on the Offset and Gain coefficients was measured. Presented method utilizes estimated dependency between output signal of detectors and their temperature. In the presented method, the shutter is used for establishing signal reference. Thermoelectric cooler is used for changing the temperature of the detector array.
Differential Electronic Nose in On-Line Dynamic Measurements
Authors: Osowski S. , Siwek K. , Grzywacz T. , Brudzewski K.
Published: December 2014

The paper presents application of differential electronic nose in the dynamic (on-line) volatile measurement. First we compare the classical nose employing only one sensor array and its extension in the differential form containing two sensor arrays working in differential mode. We show that differential nose performs better at changing environmental conditions, especially the temperature, and well performs in the dynamic mode of operation. We show its application in recognition of different brands of tobacco
Use of repopulation for optimizing sow reproductive performance and piglet loss
Authors: Nevrkla Pavel , Čechová Marie , Hadaš Zdeněk
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to analyse sow reproductive performance and piglet loss from birth to weaning before and after repopulation of a selected farm. The observation was carried out on a productive sow farm; 160 sows were included in the experiment. Before repopulation, 80 sows from the 1stto the 5thlitter were evaluated. The original population of sows was removed. Repopulated (newly stocked) group consisted of 80 gilts at the 1stlitter. Newly delivered gilts with a status of minimum disease were placed into a decontaminated stable with a strict batch, black and white breeding system with stringent hygienic provisions. The piglets were weaned at the mean age of 28 ± 3 days. A very highly significant difference (P≤ 0.001) in favour of the repopulated group of sows was found in the evaluation of the total number of piglets, the number of live-born piglets and the number of stillborn piglets in %; a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) in favour of the repopulated group of sows was found in the number of stillborn piglets. In reared piglets and losses of piglets, both in numbers and percentage, a highly significant difference (P≤ 0.001) was found in favour of the repopulated group. This study brings important information on the benefits of repopulation pig breeding.
Recent developments in cattle, pig, sheep and horse breeding - a review
Authors: Svitáková Alena , Schmidová Jitka , Pešek Petr , Novotná Alexandra
Published: December 2014

The aim of this review was to summarize new genetic approaches and techniques in the breeding of cattle, pigs, sheep and horses. Often production and reproductive traits are treated separately in genetic evaluations, but advantages may accrue to their joint evaluation. A good example is the system in pig breeding. Simplified breeding objectives are generally no longer appropriate and consequently becoming increasingly complex. The goal of selection for improved animal performance is to increase the profit of the production system; therefore, economic selection indices are now used in most livestock breeding programmes. Recent developments in dairy cattle breeding have focused on the incorporation of molecular information into genetic evaluations and on increasing the importance of longevity and health in breeding objectives to maximize the change in profit. For a genetic evaluation of meat yield (beef, pig, sheep), several types of information can be used, including data from performance test stations, records from progeny tests and measurements taken at slaughter. The standard genetic evaluation method of evaluation of growth or milk production has been the multi-trait animal model, but a test-day model with random regression is becoming the new standard, in sheep as well. Reviews of molecular genetics and pedigree analyses for performance traits in horses are described. Genome – wide selection is becoming a world standard for dairy cattle, and for other farm animals it is under development.
Laparoscopic cystostomy in pigs: Technique and comparison with traditional open cystostomy for surgical stress
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhou Zhi-fei , Zhang Jian-tao , Zhang Shi-xia , Wang Hong-Bin
Published: December 2014

Cystostomy is a common procedure in veterinary surgery. We describe a technique for laparoscopic cystostomy (LC group; n = 7) in Bama miniature pigs and compare the surgical stress induced by this procedure to open cystostomy (OC group; n = 7). A three-portal approach was used for laparoscopic cystostomy. First, we placed 2 simple interrupted sutures between the ventral body wall and urinary bladder. Then, a purse-string suture was placed in the urinary bladder wall, approximately 1 cm cranially to the two sutures. A stab incision was made at the center of the purse-string suture and a 12-F Foley catheter advanced into the urinary bladder; the suture was then pulled tightly and tied. Again, two interrupted sutures were placed 1 cm cranially to the catheter, between the ventral body wall and the bladder, to establish cystopexy. The extracorporeal portion of the catheter was fixed to the skin by a finger-trap suture. Blood samples were collected to measure the white blood cell count and serum concentrations of cortisol, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein; follow-up laparoscopy was performed 1 month after the surgery. Laparoscopic cystotomy was successfully performed in all the pigs; the mean operating time was 43 ± 5 min. The levels of the stress markers reflected a lower stress response for LC than OC. Thus, LC appears to be better than OC both in terms of technique and physiological responses elicited, and may be more suitable than OC in the creation of experimental animal models for investigations on urinary diseases and those requiring diversion of urine flow.
Analysis of AKT and ERK1/2 protein kinases in extracellular vesicles isolated from blood of patients with cancer
Authors: van der Mijn Johannes C. , Sol Nik , Mellema Wouter , Jimenez Connie R. , Piersma Sander R. , Dekker Henk , Schutte Lisette M. , Smit Egbert F. , Broxterman Henk J. , Skog Johan , Tannous Bakhos A. , Wurdinger Thomas , Verheul Henk M. W.
Published: December 2014

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small nanometre‐sized vesicles that are circulating in blood. They are released by multiple cells, including tumour cells. We hypothesized that circulating EVs contain protein kinases that may be assessed as biomarkers during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Methods

EVs released by U87 glioma cells, H3255 and H1650 non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were profiled by tandem mass spectrometry. Total AKT/protein kinase B and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) levels as well as their relative phosphorylation were measured by western blot in isogenic U87 cells with or without mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRvIII) and their corresponding EVs. To assess biomarker potential, plasma samples from 24 healthy volunteers and 42 patients with cancer were used.

Results

In total, 130 different protein kinases were found to be released in EVs including multiple drug targets, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AKT, ERK1/2, AXL and EGFR. Overexpression of EGFRvIII in U87 cells results in increased phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT and ERK1/2 in cells and EVs, whereas a decreased phosphorylation was noted upon treatment with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib. EV samples derived from patients with cancer contained significantly more protein (p=0.0067) compared to healthy donors. Phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 in plasma EVs from both healthy donors and patients with cancer was relatively low compared to levels in cancer cells. Preliminary analysis of total AKT and ERK1/2 levels in plasma EVs from patients with NSCLC before and after sorafenib/metformin treatment (n=12) shows a significant decrease in AKT levels among patients with a favourable treatment response (p<0.005).

Conclusion

Phosphorylation of protein kinases in EVs reflects their phosphorylation in tumour cells. Total AKT protein levels may allow monitoring of kinase inhibitor responses in patients with cancer.
International Nursing Exchange Programs
Authors: Leinonen Sandra J.
Published: December 2014

International nursing programs provide a venue for nurses from many countries to have a dialogue about nursing practice, education, and research. This article provides an overview of a comprehensive international nursing program at a large academic medical center. Two aspects of the international nursing program are addressed: hosting international nurse visitors and facilitating visits of U.S. nurses abroad. The history, objectives, selection of participants, and design of the program are described. A retrospective review of outcomes of the international program is provided based on feedback from participants.
Experiences with Cloud Technology to Realize Software Testing Factories
Authors: Brown Alan W.
Published: December 2014

In enterprise software delivery, the pursuit of software quality takes place in the context of a fundamental paradox: balancing the flexibility that drives speed of delivery with the rigor required to verify that what is being delivered is complete, correct, and appropriate for its intended use. One common approach to address this concern is to create “software testing factories” with the aim of increasing testing efficiency by standardizing and speeding up delivery of testing services. To achieve this balance, software testing factories are turning to cloud-based infrastructures as an essential delivery approach. Cloud technology exhibits characteristics that make adoption of software testing factories particularly attractive: elasticity of resources, ease of deployment, and flexible pricing. In this chapter, the author examines the role and structure of software testing factories and their realization using cloud technology, illustrates those concepts using real world examples, and concludes with some observations and a discussion on future directions.
Compliance in the Cloud
Authors: Bonelli Lucia , Giudicianni Luisa , Immediata Angelo , Luzzi Antonio
Published: December 2014

Despite the huge economic, handling, and computational benefits of the cloud technology, the multitenant and geographically distributed nature of clouds hides a large crowd of security and regulatory issues to be addressed. The main reason for these problems is the unavoidable loss of physical control that costumers are forced to accept when opting for the cloud model. This aspect, united with the lack of knowledge (i.e. transparency) of the vendor's infrastructure implementation, represents a nasty question when costumers are asked to respond to audit findings, produce support for forensic investigations, and, more generically, to ensure compliance with information security standards and regulations. Yet, support for security standards compliance is a need for cloud providers to overcome customers hesitancy and meet their expectations. In this context, tracking, auditing, and reporting practices, while transcending the compliance regimes, represent the primary vehicle of assurance for security managers and auditors on the achievement of security and regulatory compliance objectives. The aim of this chapter is to provide a roundup of crucial requirements resulting from common security certification standards and regulation. Then, the chapter reports an overview of approaches and methodologies for addressing compliance coming from the most relevant initiatives on cloud security and a survey of what storage cloud vendors declare to do in terms of compliance. Finally, the SIEM-based approach as a supporting technology for the achievement of security compliance objectives is described and, the architecture of the security compliance component of the VISION Cloud architecture is presented.
Accelerating Mobile-Cloud Computing
Authors: Soyata Tolga , Ba He , Heinzelman Wendi , Kwon Minseok , Shi Jiye
Published: December 2014

With the recent advances in cloud computing and the capabilities of mobile devices, the state-of-the-art of mobile computing is at an inflection point, where compute-intensive applications can now run on today's mobile devices with limited computational capabilities. This is achieved by using the communications capabilities of mobile devices to establish high-speed connections to vast computational resources located in the cloud. While the execution scheme based on this mobile-cloud collaboration opens the door to many applications that can tolerate response times on the order of seconds and minutes, it proves to be an inadequate platform for running applications demanding real-time response within a fraction of a second. In this chapter, the authors describe the state-of-the-art in mobile-cloud computing as well as the challenges faced by traditional approaches in terms of their latency and energy efficiency. They also introduce the use of cloudlets as an approach for extending the utility of mobile-cloud computing by providing compute and storage resources accessible at the edge of the network, both for end processing of applications as well as for managing the distribution of applications to other distributed compute resources.
Mobile Phone Use and Stress-Coping Strategies of Medical Students
Authors: Toda Masahiro , Ezoe Satoko , Takeshita Tatsuya
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates associations between mobile phone use and stress coping. To 139 medical university students, a set of self-reporting questionnaires designed to evaluate mobile-phone use and stress coping was administered. In relation to the intensity of mobile phone use, the low-dependence group had statistically significantly higher scores for coping strategy, planful problem solving, than the high-dependence group. When the respondents were allocated to one of three groups according to which mobile-phone service they use most frequently, scores for planful problem solving were statistically significantly higher in the voice phone group than in the Web-browsing group. These findings suggest that the intensity and type of mobile phone use may be associated with stress coping, particularly planful problem solving strategy.
Impact of Immersion and Realism in Driving Simulator Studies
Authors: Michael Despina , Kleanthous Marios , Savva Marinos , Christodoulou Smaragda , Pampaka Maria , Gregoriades Andreas
Published: December 2014

Driving simulators emerged as a promising technology for the analysis of driving conditions and road users' behaviour in an attempt to tackle the problem of road accidents. The work presented herein demonstrates the design and development of a driving simulator that aims to contribute towards evaluating black spots in road networks by promoting rapid design of realistic models and facilitating the specification of test scenarios. A reliable driving simulator should be able to reproduce the driver's behaviour in a realistic way. In this study the authors examine different setups of the simulator to define the one that achieves highest levels of reliability. The chosen setup is then used to evaluate the impact of distractors (e.g. billboards) on driving behaviour of local road users for a chosen black spot in Limassol, Cyprus. Data collected from the experiments are analysed, and the main findings are presented and discussed.
Physical Modeling of Induction Internal Fault
Authors: Elgina Galina , Ivoylov Evgeny , Slobodyan S.М.
Published: December 2014

Features analysis of propagation for harmonic probing signal having spiral topology of ax symmetric conducting inductive structure is conducted. The structure has violations in the form of short circuit of adjacent coil’s turns. Visualization of the results obtained is represented involving Parawey fan to spatially display phase distortions during the propagation of probing harmonic signal having ax symmetric vortex structure with violation in the form of the short circuit of coil topology.
A Comprehensive Profile of ChIP-Seq-Based PU.1/Spi1 Target Genes in Microglia
Authors: Satoh Jun-ichi , Asahina Naohiro , Kitano Shouta , Kino Yoshihiro
Published: December 2014

Microglia are resident mononuclear phagocytes that play a principal role in the maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia, rapidly activated in response to proinflammatory stimuli, are accumulated in brain lesions of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family transcription factor PU.1/Spi1 acts as a master regulator of myeloid and lymphoid development. PU.1-deficient mice show a complete loss of microglia, indicating that PU.1 plays a pivotal role in microgliogenesis. However, the comprehensive profile of PU.1/Spi1 target genes in microglia remains unknown. By analyzing a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq) dataset numbered SRP036026 with the Strand NGS program, we identified 5,264 Spi1 target protein-coding genes in BV2 mouse microglial cells. They included Spi1, Irf8, Runx1, Csf1r, Csf1, Il34, Aif1 ( Iba1), Cx3cr1, Trem2, and Tyrobp. By motif analysis, we found that the PU-box consensus sequences were accumulated in the genomic regions surrounding ChIP-Seq peaks. By using pathway analysis tools of bioinformatics, we found that ChIP-Seq-based Spi1 target genes show a significant relationship with diverse pathways essential for normal function of monocytes/macrophages, such as endocytosis, Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis, and lysosomal degradation. These results suggest that PU.1/Spi1 plays a crucial role in regulation of the genes relevant to specialized functions of microglia. Therefore, aberrant regulation of PU.1 target genes might contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases with accumulation of activated microglia.
Correlation of very low and low frequency signal variations at mid-latitudes with magnetic activity and outer-zone particles
Authors: Rozhnoi A. , Solovieva M. , Fedun V. , Hayakawa M. , Schwingenschuh K. , Levin B.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The disturbances of very low and low frequency signals in the lower mid-latitude ionosphere caused by magnetic storms, proton bursts and relativistic electron fluxes are investigated on the basis of VLF–LF measurements obtained in the Far East and European networks. We have found that magnetic storm (−150 < Dst < −100 nT) influence is not strong on variations of VLF–LF signals. The anomalies with negative amplitude were registered during the main and recovery phases for several magnetic storms (mainly for three northernmost paths). The correlation between VLF–LF signals and geomagnetic activity is rather weak even for these paths (≈ 12–18%). Also, the correlation between magnetic activity and VLF signal variations recorded onboard the DEMETER satellite is not found. The significant influence of outer-zone particles (energetic particle sensor on board/Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) measurements) on the VLF–LF signal variations is found for almost half of the sub-ionospheric paths.
IMPLANTAÇÃO DE MEDIDAS DE HIGIENE NA ORDENHA PARA MELHORIA DA QUALIDADE DO LEITE NO MUNICÍPIO DE PATY DO ALFERES/RJ, BRASIL
Authors: Lordão Angela Conceição , Franco Robson Maia , Malavota Licia Cristina Miranda , Mano Sergio Borges , Cortêz Marco Antonio Sloboda
Published: December 2014

A qualidade do leite é um tema em constante discussão no Brasil, e em 2011 foi publicada a Instrução Normativa 62, do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) na qual são estabelecidos critérios e padrões para a produção do leite cru, alterando a Instrução Normativa 51 de 2002. A obtenção do leite de forma higiênica é fundamental para a qualidade do produto final, e depende do primeiro elo da cadeia do leite, composto principalmente por pequenas propriedades de base familiar. Considerando a importância do leite na alimentação, e a necessidade de melhoria da qualidade do leite no país, objetivou-se no presente trabalho, avaliar a eficiência da implantação das boas práticas agropecuárias na produção leiteira entre agricultores familiares, no município de Paty do Alferes, Rio de Janeiro, com ênfase em práticas de higiene na ordenha. Amostras foram coletadas para verificação do atendimento à legislação vigente e um curso teórico e prático sobre ordenha higiênica e qualidade do leite foi desenvolvido, com a participação de 11 produtores e seus familiares. As análises realizadas foram: contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas (CBHAM), contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias psicrotróficas, contagem de células somáticas (CCS), composição (Extrato Seco Desengordurado - ESD, gordura e proteína), acidez, densidade e crioscopia. Nos resultados encontrados após a capacitação dos agricultores, observou-se melhoria dos parâmetros analisados: 100% dos produtores em conformidade para densidade e crioscopia; 81,82% para acidez; 90,9% em relação à CCS e 63,64% para CBHAM; 100% estavam em conformidade para gordura, 81,82% para ESD e 63,64% para proteína. Pode-se concluir que se faz necessário um acompanhamento contínuo das propriedades para que os produtores, em sua totalidade, consigam se adequar aos critérios exigidos pela legislação.
ASPECTOS FISIOLÓGICOS E PATOLÓGICOS DO PUERPÉRIO EM BOVINOS
Authors: KOZICKI LUIZ ERNANDES
Published: December 2014

Foi levado a efeito uma revisão sobre os aspectos fisiológicos e patológicos do puerpério em bovinos. Os seguintes tópicos foram discutidos: aspectos gerais do puerpério; PGF2 e involução uterina; a atividade ovariana; os folículos ovarianos; o LH e o FSH; o GnRH; os progestágenos; o anestro bovino; as fontes de energia e o anestro; as afecções existentes no período do puerpério. Abstract A review on the physiological and pathological aspects of the puerperium in bovines is being carried out. The following topics were discussed: general aspects of the puerperium; PGF2 and uterine involution; ovarian activity; ovarian folicles; ovulation; LH and FSH; GnRH; progestagens; bovine anestrus; sources of energy and anestrus; concomitant affections during the puerperium period.
Literary (Creative Nonfiction) Docu-Memoir: A Different Way of Writing a Life
Authors: Parnell Jo (Joan-Annette)
Published: December 2014

Pioneered by the British writer Tony Parker, literary docu-memoir is a rare form that involves the creative nonfiction writer interviewing and audio-taping ordinary people for their unusual life experience as the resource material for a literary production. In everyday conversation, people use a language of their own making to make sense of their experiences for themselves and the person they are talking to. The literary docu-memoir brings out a deeper level of meaning in the speech and the reflections of ordinary people as elicited by the docu-memoirist.

In this paper I offer a working definition, and discuss how I evolved the form adapted from that of Parker to fit my own work on care leavers. There are urgent ethical issues in relation to making public distressing episodes from the subjects' lives, and for the writer in relation to readers. In a fictionalised documentary, how does the writer make clear where the boundary lies between fiction and fact, and verbatim and edited testimony? There are also literary questions: How much should the researcher appear in the narrative? How to use the powerful raw material, and recreate the subject’s experience, in a way that readers can access the essence of that experience? 

This article was submitted to the EJLW on 14 August 2014 and published on 29 October 2014.
Having Enough Cultural Food? A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of Migrants in a Regional Area of Australia
Authors: Yeoh Joanne Sin Wei , Lê Quynh , Terry Daniel R. , McManamey Rosa
Published: December 2014

The notion of food security encompasses the ability of individuals, households and communities to acquire food that is healthy, sustainable, affordable, appropriate and accessible. Despite Australia’s current ability to produce more food than required for its population, there has been substantial evidence demonstrating that many Australians struggle to feed themselves, particularly those from a cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the experiences of food security among migrants in a regional area of Australia (Tasmania).

33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Tasmanian migrants. The interviews were analysed thematically using Nvivo 10.0 and three main themes emerged: (1) migrant’s experiences of food security in Tasmania; (2) the factors that influence migrant food security in Tasmania; and (3) acculturation strategies. Participants were satisfied with their current food security in Tasmania but they still encountered some challenges in the availability, accessibility and affordability of healthy and cultural food. Factors that influenced their food security were educational background, the language barrier, socioeconomic status, geographical isolation, and their cultural background. Migrants managed to adapt to the new food culture by using different acculturation strategies.

Migrants residing in Tasmania encounter a diverse number of challenges pertaining to food security and use different food security strategies while acculturating to the new environment. These findings may inform other migrant communities in Australia, relevant non-government organisations and government departments and suggest strategies to address food security challenges among migrants.
Organometallic Lewis Acids, Part LVIIII [1]. Directed Synthesis of Dinuclear Metal Carbonyl Complexes of Rhenium, Iron, Chromium, and Tungsten with a Single Unsupported Halide or Pseudohalide Bridge (Cl-, Br-, I-, CN-, C(CN)3
-, NCS-, PPh2
-, SH-) by Use of Re(CO)5FBF3
Authors: Fritz Peter M. , Sacher Wolfgang , Beck Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

By use of Re(CO)5FBF3 the complexes with a single unsupported halide or pseudohalide bridge [Cp(OC)2Fe-X-Re(CO)5]+ BF4
- (X=Cl, I, PPh2), (OC)5M-X-Re(CO)5 (M=Cr, W; X=Br, I, CN, NCS, SH), (OC)5W-N≡C-C[-C≡N-Re(CO)5]2
+ BF4
-, Cp(OC)(NC)Fe-C≡N-Re(CO)5, and [(OC)5Re-N3-Re(CO)5]+ BF4
- have been synthesized.
Impact of Temperature on the Solution Conformation and Performance of AMPS®- and AHPS-based Fluid Loss Polymers in Oil Well Cement
Authors: Tiemeyer Constantin , Plank Johann
Published: December 2014

A copolymer composed of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS®) and N,Ndimethylacrylamide (NNDMA) as well as a forpolymer based on AMPS®, NNDMA, 1-allyloxy- 2-hydroxy propane sulfonic acid (AHPS) and acrylic acid (AA) were synthesized and tested for their temperature stability. Both polymers were dissolved and aged in cement pore solution at temperatures between 100 and 220°C and 35 bar pressure, simulating conditions in actual well cementing. The influence of this high-temperature treatment on the fluid loss performance was assessed via highpressure filtration tests. Water retention capacity and adsorption of AMPS®-co-NNDMA was found to decrease as a result of temperature-induced shrinkage of the stiff, linear polymer chain, as evidenced by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement of its hydrodynamic radius. Oppositely, the AHPS-based fluid loss additive did not exhibit coiling under high-temperature conditions. Therefore, its adsorption remained unaffected, and a stable fluid loss performance was observed
Enantioselective Synthesis and Photoreactivity of a Diazirinyl-substituted (R)-β-Phenylalanine
Authors: Schäckermann Jan-Niklas , Lindel Thomas
Published: December 2014

The first enantioselective synthesis of a photoreactive (R)-β-phenylalanine is described. In the key step, m-diazirinyl-substituted benzaldehyde is converted to a chiral sulfinimine in a Ti(OEt)4- mediated reaction, followed by diastereoselective enolate addition. The absolute configuration of photo (R)-β-phenylalanine was confirmed by Mosher analysis. The photo amino acid proved to be thermally stable under standard laboratory conditions. Irradiation in toluene afforded cycloheptatriene=norcaradiene valence tautomers, together with carbene benzylation. Quantumchemical calculations indicate a small triplet-singlet gap.
Cyanide and Azide Anion Complexation by a Bidentate Stibonium-Borane Lewis Acid
Authors: Wade Casey R. , Gabbaï François P.
Published: December 2014

Our ongoing interest in the chemistry of polyfunctional Lewis acids has led us to investigate the reaction of the stibonium-borane [o-(Ph2MeSb)(Mes2B)C6H4]+ (1+) with cyanide and azide, two toxic anions. Both anions react with 1+ to afford the corresponding neutral complexes 1-CN and 1-N3. Structural and computational studies show that the coordinated anion interacts with both the boron and antimony atoms of the bidentate Lewis acid. While the azide complex features a typical κ2N1 : N1 bridging azide ligand, the cyanide complex possesses a cyanoborate moiety whose cyanide interacts side-on with the stibonium center. The Lewis acid-anion interactions observed in these complexes have also been studied computationally using the Natural Bond Orbital method
Supramolecular Assemblies of Polyphosphorus Ligands Based on Weak Tl–P and In–P Interactions
Authors: Fleischmann Martin , Welsch Stefan , Gregoriades Laurence J. , Gröger Christian , Scheer Manfred
Published: December 2014

A systematic investigation of the coordination behavior of Pn complexes towards the main group Lewis acids Tl+ and In+ is presented. While the reaction of the tetrahedral P2 complex [{CpMo(CO)2}2(μ,η2:η2-P2)] (A1) with Tl[TEF] ([TEF] = [Al{OC(CF3)3}4]-) leads to the formation of the dicationic complex [Tl2(A1)6]2+ (1) with a central six-membered Tl2P4 ring, the analogous reaction with In[TEF] leads instead to a tetranuclear [In4(A1)8]4+ complex (3) exhibiting a weak InI-InI interaction in the solid state. When the Cp*-analogous P2 complex [{Cp*Mo(CO)2}2(μ,η2:η2-P2)] (A2) is reacted with Tl[TEF] the dinuclear complex [Tl2(A2)4]2+ (2) is formed, containing only four P2 ligands but also featuring a six-membered Tl2P4 ring motif. From the reactions of the cyclo-P3 complexes [CpM'(CO)2(η3-P3)] (M' = Cr (B1), Mo (B2)) with In[TEF] and Tl[TEF], a series of four isostructural one-dimensional coordination polymers (4a-d) are obtained which exhibit a novel bridging coordination mode of the cyclo-P3 ligands in the solid state. Additionally, the mixed PmSn ligand complex [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η3:η3-P3)(μ,η2:η2-PS)] (C) was reacted with Tl[TEF] to afford a novel one-dimensional coordination polymer (5), which shows an unprecedented bridging s-1,3-coordination mode of ligand C towards Tl+. The compounds were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray structure determination, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry, as well as by multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy. All products are readily soluble in CH2Cl2, despite in many cases being polymeric in the solid state. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy suggests a highly dynamic coordination behavior in solution, including fast equilibria between different monomeric species, which is also supported by DFT calculations. The one-dimensional polymers 4c and 4d reveal a triplet in the 31P{1H} MAS NMR spectrum at room temperature, which could be explained by fast rotation of the P3 rings in the solid state.
Harmonic Curved Shears System Prevent of Bile Leakage After Liver Resection in a Pig Model
Authors: Shimoda Mitsugi , Iwasaki Yoshimi , Kubota Keiichi
Published: December 2014

We evaluated the efficacy of TachoComb (TC) collagen fleece and Harmonic Focus (HF) shears in a pig liver resection model. Pigs were divided into 3 groups of 7, in which vessels were tied with silk and TC was applied to the cut surfaces (Silk+TC group), sealed and sheared with HF and TC (HF+TC group), or sealed using HF alone (HF–TC group). After 1 month, we conducted a histologic evaluation and recorded the incidence of bile leakage with infected collections at the liver cut surface. Six pigs were evaluated in each group. In the Silk+TC group, 4 of the 6 pigs had infected collections at the cut surface. Histologically, the silk had remained under the fibrotic tissue, which contained remnants of TC fragments. In the HF+TC group, 5 of the 6 pigs also had infected collections, and histologically, TC had remained in the hard fibrotic tissues. In the HF–TC group, none of the 6 pigs had infected collections, and the histologic findings were normal. Use of the HF alone may be an effective method for preventing bile leakage in infected collections after liver resection.
Primary Esophageal Adenocarcinoma With Distant Metastasis to the Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sohda Makoto , Ojima Hitoshi , Sano Akihiko , Fukai Yasuyuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

Hematogenous metastasis of esophageal adenocarcinoma to the skeletal muscle is uncommon. We report a rare case of esophageal adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the skeletal muscle. During pretherapeutic examination, a painful mass was detected in the left thigh of a 49-year-old man. Endoscopic biopsy identified poorly differentiated, advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed wall thickening in the distal esophagus. Two enlarged lymph nodes were detected—the middle thoracic paraesophageal lymph node in the mediastinum and the right cardiac lymph node. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography demonstrated left thigh metastasis, which had not been detected by CT 3 weeks previously, with increased accumulation of FDG. Therefore, ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy was performed. Histologic and immunohistochemical findings supported a diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The final diagnosis was primary esophageal adenocarcinoma with distant metastasis to the skeletal (left thigh) muscle. The rate of disease progression in this case emphasizes the malignant potential of esophageal adenocarcinoma. A few cases of skeletal metastasis from advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma have been previously reported. However, rapid metastasis to a distant skeletal muscle with no other hematogenous metastasis is quite rare. Early detection and rapid treatment are especially important in cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma.