bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prebiotic Effects of Xylooligosaccharides on the Improvement of Microbiota Balance in Human Subjects
Authors: Lin Shyh-Hsiang , Chou Liang-Mao , Chien Yi-Wen , Chang Jung-Su , Lin Ching-I
Published: August 2016

It has been indicated that probiotics can be nourished by consuming prebiotics in order to function more efficiently, allowing the bacteria to stay within a healthy balance. In this study, we investigated the effects of xylooligosaccharides- (XOS-) enriched rice porridge consumption on the ecosystem in the intestinal tract of human subjects. Twenty healthy subjects participated in this 6-week trial, in which 10 subjects received XOS-enriched rice porridge while the others received placebo rice porridge. Fecal samples were collected at the end of weeks 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 for microorganism examination. The results showed that 6-week daily ingestion of the XOS-enriched rice porridge induced significant increases in fecal bacterial counts ofLactobacillusspp. andBifidobacteriumspp., as well as decreases inClostridium perfringenswithout changing the total anaerobic bacterial counts, compared to that of placebo rice porridge. However, fluctuations in the counts of coliforms were observed in both groups during the 6-week intervention. In conclusion, the intestinal microbiota balance was improved after daily consumption of 150 g of rice porridge containing XOS for 6 weeks, demonstrating the prebiotic potential of XOS incorporated into foods. This also indicates the effectiveness of XOS as a functional ingredient in relation to its role as a prebiotic compound.
Epidural Anesthesia Complicated by Subdural Hygromas and a Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Vien Christine , Marovic Paul , Ingram Brendan
Published: August 2016

Inadvertent dural puncture during epidural anesthesia leads to intracranial hypotension, which if left unnoticed can cause life-threatening subdural hematomas or cerebellar tonsillar herniation. The highly variable presentation of intracranial hypotension hinders timely diagnosis and treatment. We present the case of a young laboring adult female, who developed subdural hygromas and a subdural hematoma following unintentional dural puncture during initiation of epidural anesthesia.
Preparation and Characterization of Novel Perfluorooctyl Bromide Nanoparticle as Ultrasound Contrast Agent via Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Folate-Receptor-Mediated Tumor Imaging
Authors: Hu Yue , Wang Yong , Jiang Jianshuai , Han Baosan , Zhang Shengmin , Li Keshi , Ge ShuXiong , Liu Yahui
Published: August 2016

A folate-polyethylene glycol-chitosan derivative was synthesized and its structure was characterized. An optimal perfluorooctyl bromide nanocore template was obtained via utilizing the ultrasonic emulsification method combining with orthogonal design. The targeted nanoparticles containing targeted shell of folate-polyethylene glycol-chitosan derivative and perfluorooctyl bromide nanocore template of ultrasound imaging were prepared successfully by exploiting layer-by-layer self-assembly as contrast agent for ultrasound. Properties of the novel perfluorooctyl bromide nanoparticle were extensively studied by Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The targeted nanoparticle diameter, polydispersity, and zeta potential are around 229.5 nm, 0.205, and44.7±0.6 mV, respectively. The study revealed that spherical core-shell morphology was preserved. Excellent stability of targeted nanoparticle is evidenced by two weeks of room temperature stability tests. The results of the cell viability assay and the hemolysis test confirmed that the targeted nanoparticle has an excellent biocompatibility for using in cell studies and ultrasound imaging in vivo. Most importantly, in vitro cell experiments demonstrated that an increased amount of targeted nanoparticles was accumulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel7402 relative to hepatoma cell line L02. And targeted nanoparticles had also shown better ultrasound imaging abilities in vitro. The data suggest that the novel targeted nanoparticle may be applicable to ultrasonic molecular imaging of folate-receptor overexpressed tumor.
FTIR Spectroscopic and Molecular Analysis during Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Pancreatic Cells
Authors: Vazquez-Zapien Gustavo Jesus , Mata-Miranda Monica Maribel , Sanchez-Monroy Virginia , Delgado-Macuil Raul Jacobo , Perez-Ishiwara David Guillermo , Rojas-Lopez Marlon
Published: August 2016

Some of the greatest challenges in stem cells (SCs) biology and regenerative medicine are differentiation control of SCs and ensuring the purity of differentiated cells. In this work, we differentiated mouse pluripotent stem cells (mPSCs) toward pancreatic cells characterizing this differentiation process by molecular and spectroscopic technics. Both mPSCs and Differentiated Pancreatic Cells (DPCs) were subjected to a genetic, phenotypic, and biochemical analysis by real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), immunocytochemistry, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cultured mPCSs expressed pluripotent genes and proteins (Nanog and SOX2). DPCs expressed endodermal genes (SOX17 and Pdx1) at day 11, an inductor gene of embryonic pancreas development (Pdx1) at day 17 and pancreas genes and proteins (Insulin and Glucagon) at day 21 of differentiation. Likewise, FTIR spectra of mPSCs and DPCs at different maturation stages (11, 17, and 21 days) were obtained and showed absorption bands related with different types of biomolecules. These FTIR spectra exhibited significant spectral changes agreeing with the differentiation process, particularly in proteins and nucleic acids bands. In conclusion, the obtained DPCs passed through the chronological stages of embryonic pancreas development and FTIR spectra provide a new biophysical parameter based on molecular markers indicating the differentiation process of mPSCs to specialized cells.
Model of Transient Process Where Three-Phase Transducer Feeds Induction Motor Equivalent as a Variable Active-Inductive Load
Authors: Marković Nenad , Bjelić Slobodan , Živanić Jeroslav , Milićević Violeta , Milićević Zoran
Published: August 2016

The paper presents a new approach in the analysis of a transient state in a system where the feeding source is a transducer-IGBT inverter and load is introduced through the induction motor with itsR-Lparameters. Induction motors with different parameters of powers and power factors are tested. MATLAB simulation of the three-phase inverter that feeds the induction machine has replaced the missing lab equipment with which mathematical model of this system was verified. According to the selected parameters of the inverter and induction machine and through the simulation in the MATLAB program, the results are obtained in the form of diagrams that verify the model of a transient state of the induction machine operation when it operates as a motor which is presented as a variableR-Lload. The transient process of the system three-phase bridge inverter whose active-inductive load is the induction machine in the conditions of the change of the load parameters is analyzed. The model of the transient process in the system formed by the inverter in PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) converter and induction machine is developed in the time domain and phase coordinates.
Dynamic Analysis and Optimization of a Production Control System under Supply and Demand Uncertainties
Authors: Qing Qiankai , Shi Wen , Li Hai , Shao Yuan
Published: August 2016

This study investigates the dynamic performance and optimization of a typical discrete production control system under supply disruption and demand uncertainty. Two different types of uncertain demands, disrupted demand with a step change in demand and random demand, are considered. We find that, under demand disruption, the system’s dynamic performance indicators (the peak values of the order rate, production completion rate, and inventory) increase with the duration of supply disruption; however, they increase and decrease sequentially with the supply disruption start time. This change tendency differs from the finding that each kind of peak is independent of the supply disruption start time under no demand disruption. We also find that, under random demand, the dynamic performance indicators (Bullwhip and variance amplification of inventory relative to demand) increase with the disruption duration, but they have a decreasing tendency as demand variance increases. In order to design an adaptive system, we propose a genetic algorithm that minimizes the respective objective function on the system’s dynamic performance indicators via choosing appropriate system parameters. It is shown that the optimal parameter choices relate closely to the supply disruption start time and duration under disrupted demand and to the supply disruption duration under random demand.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Athymic Mice Bearing HT-29 Tumor Xenografts
Authors: Li Jianbo , Bao Baoliang , Liu Lei , Wang Xuemei
Published: August 2016

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging technology is a highly sensitive imaging modality and has been widely used in noninvasively studying the status of receptor expression in small animal models, with an appropriate NIRF probe targeting a specific receptor. In this report, Cy5.5-conjugated anti-CAIX monoclonal antibody (Mab-Cy5.5) was evaluated in athymic mice bearing HT-29 tumor xenografts in order to investigate the effect of conjugate on tumor targeting efficacy. In vitro binding studies showed that Mab-Cy5.5 could specifically bind to the cells which expressed CAIX. Results from in vivo imaging showed that HT-29 tumor xenografts can be clearly visualized at 48 h after injection of Mab-Cy5.5, and in the blocking experiment, free anti-CAIX antibody effectively blocked the concentration of Mab-Cy5.5 in the tumors. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis of HT-29 tumor xenografts verified the expression of CAIX in HT-29 tumors. Mab-Cy5.5 could specifically bind to the tumors which expressed CAIX. These results suggested that Mab-Cy5.5 was suitable for CAIX expression imaging in the preclinical research.
Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Lipid Metabolic Process in Liver Related to the Difference of Carcass Fat Content in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Hu Guo , Gu Wei , Sun Peng , Bai Qingli , Wang Bingqian
Published: August 2016

Excessive accumulation of carcass fat in farm animals, including fish, has a significant impact on meat quality and on the cost of feeding. Similar to farmed animals and humans, the liver can be considered one of the most important organs involved in lipid metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). RNA-seq based whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to liver tissue of rainbow trout with high and low carcass fat content in this study. In total 1,694 differentially expressed transcripts were identified, including many genes involved in lipid metabolism, such asL-FABP,adiponectin,PPAR-α, PPAR-β,andIGFBP1a. Evidence presented in this study indicated that lipid metabolic process in liver may be related to the difference of carcass fat content. The relevance ofPPAR-αandPPAR-βas molecular markers for fat storage in liver should be worthy of further investigation.
Estimates on the Lower Bound of the Eigenvalue of the Smallest Modulus Associated with a General Weighted Sturm-Liouville Problem
Authors: Kikonko Mervis , Mingarelli Angelo Bernado
Published: August 2016

We obtain a lower bound on the eigenvalue of smallest modulus associated with a Dirichlet problem in the general case of a regular Sturm-Liouville problem. The main motivation for this study is the result obtained by Mingarelli (1988).
Treatment of Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma with 3 mm Surgical Margin in Asians
Authors: Lin Shang-Hung , Cheng Yu-Wen , Yang Yi-Chien , Ho Ji-Chen , Lee Chih-Hung
Published: August 2016

Background.In Asians, most basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are pigmented with clear borders. The consensus of 4 mm surgical margin for BCC largely depends on studies in nonpigmented BCCs in Caucasians. However, little is known about recurrences of pigmented BCCs with a narrower surgical margin. We aimed to investigate 5-year recurrence of BCCs, either pigmented or nonpigmented, in Taiwanese with 3 mm surgical margin.Materials and Methods.143 patients with BCC (M/F = 66/77, average 64 years) were confirmed pathologically from 2002 to 2013. Based on the pathological margin (>1 mm, ≤1 mm, and involved), patients were categorized into the complete excision group (n=77), histology with close proximity group (n=43), and unclear surgical margin group (n=23).Results.Among 143 cases, 105 were pigmented. With standard 3 mm excision, there were 7 recurrences, with 6 of them from nonpigmented BCC group. Logistic regression showed that pigmentation was associated with lower recurrence. Interestingly, 5-year recurrence of completely excised and histology with close proximity BCC (0/77 versus 1/43) was not different statistically.Conclusions.A 3 mm surgical margin is adequate for pigmented BCC. A “wait and see” approach rather than further wide excision is appropriate for BCC with <1 mm free margin.
Evaluation of the Phytotoxic and Genotoxic Potential of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Using Vigna radiata and Allium cepa
Authors: Haq Izharul , Kumari Vineeta , Kumar Sharad , Raj Abhay , Lohani Mohtashim , Bhargava Ram Naresh
Published: August 2016

Pulp and paper mill effluent induced phytotoxicity and genotoxicity in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) and root tip cells of onion (Allium cepa L.) were investigated. Physicochemical characteristics such as electrical conductivity (EC), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phenols of the pulp and paper mill effluent were beyond the permissible limit specified for the discharge of effluent in inland water bodies. Compared to control plants, seedling exposed to 100% effluent concentration showed a reduction in root and shoot length and biomass by 65%, 67%, and 84%, respectively, after 5 days of treatment. A. cepa root tip cells exposed to effluent concentrations ranging from 25 to 100% v/v showed a significant decrease in mitotic index (MI) from 32 to 11% with respect to control root tip cells (69%) indicating effluent induced cytotoxicity. Further, the effluent induced DNA damage as evidenced by the presence of various chromosomal aberrations like stickiness, chromosome loss, anaphase bridge, c-mitosis, tripolar anaphase, vagrant chromosome, and telophase bridge and micronucleated and binucleated cell in A. cepa. Findings of the present study indicate that pulp and paper mill effluents may act as genotoxic and phytotoxic agents in plant model system.
Research on the Numerical Simulation of the Nonlinear Dynamics of a Supercavitating Vehicle
Authors: Xiong Tianhong , Li Xianyi , Lv Yipin , Yi Wenjun
Published: August 2016

Little is known about the movement characteristics of the supercavitating vehicle navigating underwater. In this paper, based on a four-dimensional dynamical system of this vehicle, its complicated dynamical behaviors were analyzed in detail by numerical simulation, according to the phase trajectory diagram, the bifurcation diagram, and the Lyapunov exponential spectrum. The influence of control parameters (such as various cavitation numbers and fin deflection angles) on the movement characteristics of the supercavitating vehicle was mainly studied. When the system parameters vary, various complicated physical phenomena, such as Hopf bifurcation, periodic bifurcation, or chaos, can be observed. Most importantly, it was found that the parameter range of the vehicle in a stable movement state can be effectively determined by a two-dimensional bifurcation diagram and that the behavior of the vehicle in the supercavity can be controlled by selecting appropriate control parameters to ensure stable navigation.
Approximation of Linear Elastic Shells by Curved Triangular Finite Elements Based on Elastic Thick Shells Theory
Authors: Anyi Joseph Nkongho , Nzengwa Robert , Amba Jean Chills , Abbe Ngayihi Claude Valery
Published: August 2016

We have developed a curved finite element for a cylindrical thick shell based on the thick shell equations established in 1999 by Nzengwa and Tagne (N-T). The displacement field of the shell is interpolated from nodal displacements only and strains assumption. Numerical results on a cylindrical thin shell are compared with those of other well-known benchmarks with satisfaction. Convergence is rapidly obtained with very few elements. A scaling was processed on the cylindrical thin shell by increasing the ratioχ=h/2R(half the thickness over the smallest radius in absolute value) and comparing results with those obtained with the classical Kirchhoff-Love thin shell theory; it appears that results diverge at2χ=1/10=0.316because of the significant energy contribution of the change of the third fundamental form found in N-T model. This limit value of the thickness ratio which characterizes the limit between thin and thick cylindrical shells differs from the ratio 0.4 proposed by Leissa and 0.5 proposed by Narita and Leissa.
Removal of Phosphate Using Red Mud: An Environmentally Hazardous Waste By-Product of Alumina Industry
Authors: Prajapati Shivkumar S. , Najar P. A. Mohamed , Tangde Vijay M.
Published: August 2016

The industrial waste, bauxite residue generated in the Bayer chemical process of alumina production, commonly known as red mud (RM) has been used as the adsorbent for selective removal of phosphate in aqueous solutions. RM collected from the storage area of alumina industry was characterized by chemical analysis and physical methods such as BET surface area, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Among the various red mud samples (0.2–200 μ) studied, the samples treated with 1 M HCl for 2 h were found better for the selective adsorption of phosphate in comparison with untreated and heat treated RM samples. The presence of phosphate in the aqueous samples collected after adsorption studies with red mud was determined by standard spectrophotometric procedure using ammonium molybdate and ascorbic acid in nitrate medium at λmax 880 nm. The studies reported significant adsorption of phosphate on acid treated red mud in comparison with adsorption of phosphate on untreated and heat treated red mud, respectively. The adsorption of phosphate on raw red mud and activated red mud was further investigated with respect to stirring time, pH of the solution, dose of adsorbent, and varying phosphate concentration. Acid treated RM is observed as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent for selective removal of phosphate in aqueous solutions.
Generative Power and Closure Properties of Watson-Crick Grammars
Authors: Mohamad Zulkufli Nurul Liyana , Turaev Sherzod , Mohd Tamrin Mohd Izzuddin , Messikh Azeddine
Published: August 2016

We defineWK linear grammars, as an extension of WK regular grammars with linear grammar rules, andWK context-free grammars, thus investigating their computational power and closure properties. We show that WK linear grammars can generate some context-sensitive languages. Moreover, we demonstrate that the family of WK regular languages is the proper subset of the family of WK linear languages, but it is not comparable with the family of linear languages. We also establish that the Watson-Crick regular grammars are closed under almost all of the main closure operations.
Research Advance in Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and Pathogenesis of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Wang Kuan , Wu Lu-yi , Dou Chuan-zi , Guan Xin , Wu Huan-gan , Liu Hui-rong
Published: August 2016

To date, the etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD) have not been fully elucidated. It is widely accepted that genetic, immune, and environment factors are closely related to the development of CD. As an important defensive line for human body against the environment, intestinal mucosa is able to protect the homeostasis of gut bacteria and alleviate the intestinal inflammatory and immune response. It is evident that the dysfunction of intestinal mucosa barriers plays a crucial role in CD initiation and development. Yet researches are insufficient on intestinal mucosal barrier’s action in the prevention of CD onset. This article summarizes the research advances about the correlations between the disorders of intestinal mucosal barriers and CD.
Synergistic Effect of Mesoporous Silica and Hydroxyapatite in Loaded Poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres on the Regeneration of Bone Defects
Authors: He Shu , Lin Kai-Feng , Fan Jun-Jun , Hu Gang , Dong Xin , Zhao Yi-Nan , Song Yue , Guo Zhong-Shang , Bi Long , Liu Jian
Published: August 2016

A microsphere composite made of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN), and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) (PLGA-MSN/nHA) was prepared and evaluated as bone tissue engineering materials. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of MSN/nHA on biocompatibility as well as its potential ability for bone formation. First, we found that this PLGA-MSN/nHA composite performed good characteristics on microstructure, mechanical strength, and wettability. By cell culture experiments, the adhesion and proliferation rate of the cells seeded on PLGA-MSN/nHA composite was higher than those of the controls and high levels of osteogenetic factors such as ALP and Runx-2 were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Finally, this PLGA-MSN/nHA composite was implanted into the femur bone defect in a rabbit model, and its ability to induce bone regeneration was observed by histological examinations. Twelve weeks after implantation, the bone defects had significantly more formation of mature bone and less residual materials than in the controls. These results demonstrate that this PLGA-MSN/nHA composite, introducing both MSN and nHA into PLGA microspheres, can improve the biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of compositein vitroandin vivoand had potential application in bone regeneration.
Immune-Stimulatory Effects of Rapamycin Are Mediated by Stimulation of Antitumor γδ T Cells
Authors: Dao Vinh , Liu Yang , Pandeswara Srilakshmi , Svatek Robert S. , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Liu Aijie , Hurez Vincent , Curiel Tyler J.
Published: August 2016

The FDA-approved mTOR inhibitor rapamycin mediates important immune effects, but its contributions to the anticancer effects of the drug are unclear. Here we report evidence that rapamycin-mediated cancer protection relies upon stimulation of γδ T cells. In a well-established mouse model of carcinogen and inflammation-driven skin carcinogenesis, IFNγ recruited γδ TCRmid T cells to the epidermis where rapamycin boosted their perforin-dependent antitumor properties. These antitumor cells were mostly Vγ5−Vγ4−Vγ1− in phenotype. IFNγ signals were required in both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells for rapamycin to optimally promote epidermal infiltration of γδ TCRmid T cells, as mediated by CXCR3–CXCL10 interactions, along with the antitumor effects of these cells. In mouse xenograft models of human squamous cell carcinoma, rapamycin improved human γδ T-cell–mediated cancer cell killing. Our results identify immune mechanisms for the cancer prevention and treatment properties of rapamycin, challenging the paradigm that mTOR inhibition acts primarily by direct action on tumor cells. Cancer Res; 76(20); 5970–82. ©2016 AACR.
Tumor Eradication by Cisplatin Is Sustained by CD80/86-Mediated Costimulation of CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Beyranvand Nejad Elham , van der Sluis Tetje C. , van Duikeren Suzanne , Yagita Hideo , Janssen George M. , van Veelen Peter A. , Melief Cornelis J.M. , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Arens Ramon
Published: August 2016

Certain cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs are immunogenic, stimulating tumor immunity through mechanisms that are not completely understood. Here we show how the DNA-damaging drug cisplatin modulates tumor immunity. At the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), cisplatin cured 50% of mice with established murine TC-1 or C3 tumors, which are preclinical models of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer. Notably, the curative benefit of cisplatin relied entirely upon induction of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that cisplatin stimulated tumor infiltration of inflammatory antigen-presenting cells (APC) expressing relatively higher levels of the T-cell costimulatory ligands CD70, CD80, and CD86. Cell death triggered by cisplatin was associated with the release of at least 19 proteins in the tumor environment that could act as damage-associated molecular patterns and upregulate costimulatory molecules, either alone or in concert, but the responsible proteins remain unknown. Essentially, the curative effect of cisplatin was abrogated in mice lacking expression of CD80 and CD86 on APCs. Furthermore, cisplatin treatment was improved by CTLA-4 blockade, which increases the availability of CD80/86 to bind to CD28. In contrast, there was no effect of CD27 stimulation, which replaces CD70 interaction. At the cisplatin MTD, cure rates could also be increased by vaccination with synthetic long peptides, whereas cures could also be achieved at similar rates at 80% of the MTD with reduced side effects. Our findings reveal an essential basis for the immunogenic properties of cisplatin, which are mediated by the induction of costimulatory signals for CD8+ T-cell–dependent tumor destruction. Cancer Res; 76(20); 6017–29. ©2016 AACR.
Coronary Artery Fistulas: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Karazisi Christina , Eriksson Peter , Dellborg Mikael
Published: August 2016

Congenital coronary artery fistulas are rare anomalies. As coronary angiography and multidetector computed tomography have become more accessible, they have been increasingly used in the investigation of chest pain and heart failure. Coronary artery fistulas are often an incidental finding, which raises the question of how patients with this condition should be managed. Intervention with either transcatheter closure or surgical closure is often technically possible. Many patients are asymptomatic early after closure. However, follow-up studies have shown post-closure sequelae, such as residual leakage, thrombosis with or without myocardial infarction, and coronary stenosis. Therefore, there has been a shift from intervention towards watchful waiting in asymptomatic patients. In this article, we review the published literature on the natural history and treatment outcomes in individuals with coronary artery fistulas. We present case reports from our clinic and discuss the management of incidental findings of coronary artery fistulas.
δ-Opioid Receptor Activation and MicroRNA Expression in the Rat Heart Under Prolonged Hypoxia
Authors: Zhi Feng , Xue Lian , Shao Naiyuan , Deng Danni , Kang Xuezhi , Xu Yuan , Wang Rong , Yang Yilin , Xia Ying
Published: August 2016

Background: Hypoxic/ischemic injury to the heart is a frequently encountered clinical problem with limited therapeutic options. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in hypoxic/ischemic events, and δ-opioid receptor (DOR) activation is known to protect against hypoxic/ischemic injury, we speculated on the involvement of DOR activation in altering miRNA expression in the heart under hypoxic conditions. The present study aimed to test our hypothesis. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxia (9.5-10% O2) for 1, 5, or 10 days with or without DOR activation. The target miRNAs were selected from TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) data and were further analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: We found that: 1) hypoxia alters the miRNA expression profiles depending on the hypoxic duration; 2) DOR activation shifts miRNA expression profiles in normoxic conditions and upregulates miR-128a-3p, miR-134-5p, miR-135a, miR-193a-3p, miR-196a, miR-324-3p, and miR-338; and 3) DOR activation modifies hypoxia-induced changes in miRNA expression and increases the levels of miR-128a-3p, miR-134-5p, miR-135a, miR-193a-3p, miR-196a, miR-324-3p, miR-141, miR-200b, and miR-324-3p. For example, miR-196c-5p decreased by 50% while miR-135a-5p increased 2.9 fold after 10 days under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, DOR activation further strengthened the hypoxia-induced increase of the levels of miR-7a-5p. When DOR was activated using UFP-512, the level of miR-107-3p significantly increased 1 day after the administration of UFP-512, but gradually decreased back to normal under normoxia. Conclusion: Hypoxia significantly modifies the miRNA profile in the heart, which can be mimicked or modified by DOR activation. Defining the targeted pathways that regulate the diverse cellular and molecular functions of miRNAs may provide new insights into potential therapies for hypoxic/ischemic injury of the heart.
Glomerular and Tubular Kidney Stress Test: New Tools for a Deeper Evaluation of Kidney Function
Authors: Ronco Claudio , Chawla Lakhmir S.
Published: August 2016

Kidney function has been traditionally identified with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, the kidney has multiple functions beyond filtration and a careful evaluation of its whole spectrum of activities should be carried out. Furthermore, the kidney presents a functional reserve capacity both at glomerular and tubular level. In presence of appropriate stimuli, patients with intact nephron mass can increase their GFR and tubular secretion. The difference between maximal capacity and baseline function represents the renal functional reserve (RFR). Glomerular and tubular kidney stress test may help to evaluate RFR and improve the clinicians' ability to better diagnose and prognosticate both acute and chronic kidney disease.
Leer la vida. Una investigación desde la perspectiva narrativa
Authors: Amar-Rodríguez Víctor
Published: August 2016

(descriptivo): La idea de leer la vida, leer el mundo, no es nueva. Pertenece al pedagogo brasileño Paulo Freire y ha sido el pretexto para iniciarnos en un recorrido investigativo introduciendo la perspectiva narrativa. Leer la vida, para comprenderla y darla a comprender. Dos consignas que queremos compartir con el lector-escritor sin perder del horizonte la presencia y labor de la didáctica de la lengua y la literatura en este recorrido que incluye también las pantallas. Un texto humanizado, repleto de referencias a la pintura, la literatura (narrativa y poesía), al cine, a la filosofía, etc., pues qué es la vida, la lectura o la escritura sin esta conexión de entornos vitales.
Muslim Women Leaders and Legal Reform in Postcolonial Kenya
Authors: Alidou Ousseina
Published: August 2016

The post-Cold War conditions created new socio-political spaces in Kenya for new articulations of Muslim women’s public activism and leadership. This essay focuses on two such Muslim women in terms of their leadership responses to issues of Muslim women’s rights in Kenya as framed within a secular paradigm, on the one hand, and within an Islamic one, on the other. In spite of their differences, the essay concludes the efforts of the two leaders complement each other in fundamental ways, especially with regards to their contributions to the national debates on theShari’aand the reform of the Kadhi’s Court.
Sudan after Al-Turabi
Authors: Mustafa Ali Nada
Published: August 2016

The death of Sudanese Islamist ideologue Hassan Al-Turabi (1932–2016) warrants an examination of Al-Turabi’s and Islamism’s legacy in Sudan and in the broader Middle East and Africa regions. This article outlines the reasons for the rise of Islamism and extremism in these regions, and argues that this rise is rooted, among other factors, in local and global processes that exacerbated inequalities within and between countries in the two regions; and between these regions and other parts of the world. The article further examines the gendered politics of the National Islamic Front (nif)/National Congress Party (ncp) within a wider discussion of the rise of politicised Islam in the Middle East and North Africa. I highlight Islamist discourses and practices and the impact on women in Sudan.
1624) (Fundamentalismus und Intertextualität im lutherischen Schuldrama – die Eusebia Magdeburgensis von Johannes Blocius (1624)
Authors: Nahrendorf Carsten
Published: August 2016

Johannes Blocius’s Jubilee drama Eusebia Magdeburgensis was performed by the Latin School pupils in 1624 to mark the centenary of the city’s Reformation. Historically attested Lutheran theologians and aldermen figure in the play as embodied exempla for religious faithfulness and willingness to self-sacrifice. This essay demonstrates how Blocius translated into Latin his pre-texts: vernacular flyers and historical sources from Reformation era Magdeburg. Referring to Nicodemus Frischlinʼs Phasma, Blocius skillfully inserted a citation from Plautus, by which he thwarted the orthodox reading of the Eusebia.

Das Jubiläumsdrama Eusebia Magdeburgensis von Johannes Blocius wurde zum Zentenarium der Magdeburger Stadtreformation von 1524 durch Schüler des Gymnasiums aufgeführt. In den einzelnen Szenen figurieren historisch belegte Theologen und Ratsherren als Exempelfiguren für lutherische Glaubenstreue und Opferbereitschaft. Der Beitrag zeigt, wie Blocius seine Prätexte, volkssprachliche Flugschriften und historische Quellen aus dem Magdeburg der Reformationszeit, ins Lateinische übersetzt – und die orthodoxe Lesart seines Dramas in Anlehnung an Nicodemus Frischlins Phasma durch ein virtuos eingefügtes Plautus-Zitat konterkariert.
Medlinella amphoroidea gen. et sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta) from the neck skin of Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Authors: FRANKOVICH THOMAS A. , ASHWORTH MATT P. , SULLIVAN MICHAEL J. , VESELÁ JANA , STACY NICOLE I.
Published: August 2016

Medlinella amphoroidea gen. et sp. nov. is described from the dorsal neck skin of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The presence of girdle septa, multiple copulae, and the marine epizoic habitat of Medlinella amphoroidea are characteristic features shared with many species in the similar Tripterion, Chelonicola, and Poulinea genera. The semi-lanceolate valve shape, the asymmetric valve face with distinct dorsal and ventral striae, and the volate pore occlusions distinguish Medlinella from these genera. Medlinella amphoroidea accounted for up to 50% of all diatom valves on the skin of examined loggerhead turtles. Examination of the type slides of Tripterion kalamensis and T. philoderma for comparative purposes revealed morphological features that were either insufficiently or incorrectly described in the original publications. Our observations confirm that T. philoderma lacks septa and therefore does not conform to the genus description of Tripterion. The description of cingulum structure in Tripterion kalamensis is amended to identify multiple porose copulae that are open at one end. While the description of Medlinella creates another monotypic genus within a group of similar marine epizoic genera, we feel the novel character state (volate occlusions) present in this taxon is significant. Clearly, however, further phylogenetic analysis of morphological, or the development of molecular characters in the group of similar genera is required.
Two new species of Crocicreas (Helotiaceae, Ascomycota) revealed by morphological and molecular data
Authors: ZHENG HUAN-DI , ZHUANG WEN-YING
Published: August 2016

Two new species of Crocicreas are established based on morphological features and DNA sequence data. Crocicreas luteolum is distinct by combination of the following features: caulicolous, hymenium surface yellow, margin plane, ectal excipulum of textura prismatica, asci J+, 62−81 × 6.0−7.7 µm, and ascospores fusoid, biguttulate, 11−14 × 2.2−3.3 µm. Crocicreas pseudobambusae is featured by combination of bambusicolous, hymenium surface white to beige, margin plane, ectal excipulum of textura intricata, asci J+, 36−58 × 3.5−5.5 µm, and ascospores ellipsoid, eguttulate, 4.5−7.7 × 1.8−2.5 µm. Description, illustration and comparison with related fungi are provided for each species. Sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA are used to confirm their generic positions.
Description of the second- and third-instar larva of South African Stenomastigus longicornis (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ , KILIAN ALEKSANDRA
Published: August 2016

The second- and third-instar larvae of the South African species of Mastigini, Stenomastigus longicornis, are described. The serial homology of chaetotaxic structures and differences between larval instars are discussed. The larva of Stenomastigus is very similar to that of Palaeostigus, but differences in proportions of body parts, number of setae on the head, thorax and abdomen and possibly also the shape of the antennal sensory appendage can be used to distinguish them. A frontal impression surrounded by modified setae with greatly enlarged surface, presumably functioning as a glandular evaporation apparatus, and the antennomere II subdivided into three sections, are suggested as synapomorphies of Mastigini; within Mastigitae this tribe is also unique in lacking the urogomphs, which are present in larvae of Leptomastacini and Clidicini. Geniculate and slender antennae with a strongly oblique distal margin of antennomere II are a putative larval synapomorphy of Mastigitae.
A taxonomic revision of the neotropical termite genus Diversitermes (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae)
Authors: OLIVEIRA DANILO ELIAS , CONSTANTINO REGINALDO
Published: August 2016

The taxonomy of the neotropical termite genus Diversitermes Holmgren 1912 is revised. Three species are recognized as valid: D. castaniceps (Holmgren 1910), D. diversimiles (Silvestri 1901) and D. tiapuan, sp. n. Identification keys based on soldiers and workers are presented. Diversitermes aporeticus Mathews 1977 is transferred to the genus Velocitermes Holmgren 1912. Diversitermes needhami Roonwal, Chhotani & Verma 1981 is a junior synonym of Velocitermes heteropterus (Silvestri 1901), and D. eidmanni Roonwal, Chhotani & Verma 1981 is a junior synonym of D. castaniceps (Holmgren 1910). Eutermes strelnicovi John 1920 (=Nasutitermes strelnicovi) is a junior synonym of D. diversimiles. All castes of the three valid species are described and illustrated. Distribution maps are presented for all species.
Nematomorpha from the Philippines, with description of two new species
Authors: SCHMIDT-RHAESA ANDREAS , SCHWARZ CHRISTIAN J.
Published: August 2016

With the exception of one species, no horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) were known to date from the Philippines. We report here several records, almost all from Panay Island. Two species, Gordius jorriti and Acutogordius finni, are described as new species. Two species of Chordodes, C. caledoniensis and C. cf. moutoni, were found. In addition, further specimens from the genera Gordius, Acutogordius and Chordodes could not be determined to species level.
The Diurnal Cycle of Warm Season Rainfall over West Africa. Part II: Convection-Permitting Simulations
Authors: Zhang Gang , Cook Kerry H. , Vizy Edward K.
Published: August 2016

Convection-permitting simulations at 3-km resolution using a regional climate model are analyzed to improve the understanding of the diurnal cycle of rainfall over West Africa and its underlying physical processes. The warm season of 2006 is used for the model simulations. The model produces an accurate representation of the observed seasonal mean rainfall and lower-troposphere circulation and captures the observed westward propagation of rainfall systems. Most of West Africa has a single diurnal peak of rainfall in the simulations, either in the afternoon or at night, in agreement with observations. However, the number of simulated rainfall systems is greater than observed in association with an overestimation of the initiation of afternoon rainfall over topography. The longevity of the simulated propagating systems is about 30% shorter than is observed, and their propagation speed is nearly 20% faster. The model captures the observed afternoon rainfall peaks associated with elevated topography (e.g., the Jos Plateau). Nocturnal rainfall peaks downstream of the topographic afternoon rainfall are also well simulated. However, these nocturnal rainfall peaks are too widespread, and the model fails to reproduce the observed afternoon rainfall peaks over regions removed from topographic influence. This deficiency is related to a planetary boundary layer that is deeper than observed, elevating unstable profiles and inhibiting afternoon convection. This study concludes that increasing model resolution to convection-permitting space scales significantly improves the diurnal cycle of rainfall compared with the models that parameterize convection, but this is not sufficient to fully resolve the issue, perhaps because other parameterizations remain.
Press and Communications
Authors: Merwin F. E. , Baskette F. K.
Published: August 2016

“PROFESSIONAL journals and general periodicals in August, September and October evidenced unusual interest in the decision of the Federal Court in the Southern District of New York in the action brought against the Associated Press by the Department of Justice for alleged violation of the Sherman and Clayton Acts. Policies and organization of the federal information and propaganda agencies commanded attention also, although the spate of articles in this area diminished following the Congressional appropriations hearings in the spring and early summer. A glance through the citations in this bibliography will reveal the preoccupation of newspapers and periodicals over news print shortages. Professional journals called attention to the further invasion of the retail advertising field by radio.

The editor of this bibliography is now aided in its compilation by Professor Floyd K. Baskette of the Department of Journalism, Emory University.

F.E.M.
The Government's News Service: Shall it be Continued?
Authors: Davis Elmer
Published: August 2016

In the March issue Dean Kenneth E. Olson discussed the foreign expansion by private news agencies. In this article, the former director of the OWI argues that government should get U. S. news overseas. Mr. Davis is now with ABC.
News Notes
Authors: Beth Elmer F.
Published: August 2016

News for inclusion in this section … activities of schools end departments of journalism, staff appointments and changes, curricular developments end the like … must reach Professor Beth, School of Journalism, University of Kansas, by the first of the month preceding publication. News for the September issue must reach him by August 1.
Implications of Intensity Measure Selection for Seismic Loss Assessment of 3-D Buildings
Authors: Kohrangi Mohsen , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Bazzurro Paolo
Published: August 2016

Present building-specific loss assessment state-of-art involves the convolution of seismic hazard and building seismic demands. The latter is conditioned on spectral acceleration, Sa( T1), at the building's first mode as the ground motion intensity measure (IM) and is typically estimated by carrying out nonlinear dynamic analyses on a two-dimensional (2-D) model. By new proposals on the use of improved IMs that can introduce higher fidelity, the accuracy in loss estimation becomes an open question. In reply, we offer a uniform basis for comparing the loss estimates for a set of eight different scalar and vector IMs whose hazard can be predicted with existing GMPEs. Despite all eight being legitimate IMs, and despite the consistent use of conditional spectrum record selection, we find large differences in the estimated loss hazard. This points to the large uncertainty still lingering when connecting hazard to loss. Among the IMs considered here, the vector IMs and at least a scalar average of spectral accelerations showed a remarkable stability in their predictions for the three-dimensional (3-D) buildings, pointing to a potential for reliable applications.
The possibility of psychological training on the formation of group cohesion in the educational collectives of specialized educational institutions
Authors: Рыжов  , Ryzhov Boris
Published: August 2016

The article is devoted to the analysis of possibilities of application of psychological training to enhance group cohesion cadets (students) enrolled in specialized educational institutions. Some aspects point to the necessity of training work with the students. It is shown that in conditions of high degree of regulation of relations in the military (educational) groups, the severity of the statutory relationship and high training loads, psychological training allows not only to optimize the socio-psychological climate, to rally the students, but also improve the efficiency of learning.
Psycho-pedagogical methods as a means of organization and personal and professional development of young professionals
Authors: Русаков  , Rusakov Viktor
Published: August 2016

Professional formation of the person is the result of deep personal process. Improving the mechanisms of the professional growth of young specialists in the specific workplace should include psychological and pedagogical methods in the organization and motivation of staff, in order to achieve their professional objectives set.
Features of social and psychological adaptation of young employees of correctional system
Authors: Михайлов  , Mikhaylov Aleksey
Published: August 2016

This article examines the process of adaptation of future specialists penal system, as well as features of social and psychological adaptation of existing employees to serve in the prison system. Attention is paid to the fact that in the process of psychological support must be focused to form professional and personal image of the employee of the penitentiary system by means of specially organized psychological conditions, as well as to create conditions for improving the success of adaptation and professional and personal development, seeking psychological help.
Impact dependent behavior of the police officer at the level of the performance of official duties
Authors: Деулин  , Deulin Dmitriy , Богаевский  , Bogaevskiy Vladimir
Published: August 2016

The article discusses in detail the problems of dependent behavior of police officers. The authors have updated the most pressing issues related to the specific content of the most common dependencies among law enforcement officers of the Interior Ministry. The authors suggest some conditionality of discipline and order in the police near the psychological characteristics of the profile of a police officer. The most acute forms of addictive behavior given the socio-psychological characteristics.
New Methods of the Computer Aided Design of Roof Skeletons
Authors: Козневски  , Kozniewski E.
Published: August 2016

The problem of efficient design of roofs is a topical

area of research. This is confirmed by scientific studies [1–5, etс.].

Today, in the times of information technology in all areas of actively

using the computer and specific programs [6; 12; 15, etc.].

The author presents a proposal of geometric design (geometric

solutions) for roofs with restrictions, so-called "roof with its

neighbors."Roofs are treated as a special class of polyhedral surfaces.

Construction includes a corresponding attachment roof with

restrictions on the roof on a simple connection of the polygon,

designing a conventional roof and perform the appropriate logic operation. Fig. 1. The Boolean operations are useful tools in geometrical

designing of roof skeletons. Solving roofs with neighbors

is much easier if we bring them to solve simple roofs over simpleconnected

polygon base. The difficulty comes to the design of an

appropriate polygonal base. This method essentially involves applying

geometric design of a regular roof to design a roof with

constraints, which can be relatively easily performed with a CAD

program [13]. The elements of a roof: a) a roof with its elements

in the orthographic projection, b) the roof with its elements in a

military axonometry, c) the line of disappearing ridges of the roof

in the orthographic projection [9].