bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight of selected muscles as an indicator of the lean meat and fat content of broiler carcasses (Short Communication)
Authors: Kleczek K. , Wawro K. , Wilkiewicz-Wawro E. , Makowski W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to test whether the weight of selected arm and leg muscles and breast muscles may be used as an indicator of the content of lean meat and skin, including subcutaneous and abdominal fat, in the carcasses of broiler chickens. The experimental materials comprised 40 Ross 308 chicks aged 42 days (sex ratio 1 : 1). A total of 17 muscles were dissected from the right wing and the right leg. The right and left breast muscles were also dissected. Coefficients of simple correlation between the weight of individual muscles and selected slaughter quality parameters were calculated. The highest correlation was found between the lean meat content of a carcass and the weight of the right and left breast muscles (r=0.81 and 0.82 respectively), m. gastrocnemius mediale (r=0.81) and m. peroneus superficialis (r=0.73). The prediction of the weight of skin and fat in the carcasses of broilers based on the weight of single muscles may be unreliable due to low and non-significant values of correlation coefficients (r from 0.04 to 0.29). The weight of this tissue component was significantly correlated (r=0.42) with breast muscle weight only.
Slaughter and carcass characteristics of Gokceada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen suckling kids
Authors: Özcan M. , Yilmaz A. , Ekiz B. , Tölü C. , Savaş T.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Aim of the study was to investigate comparatively the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Gokceada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen suckling kids. Eight suckling male kids at 80–90 days of age from each genotype were used in the study. The kids were collected from dairy goat farms and slaughtered after lairage of an overnight period. Although the kids were at similar age and sex, the slaughter weight and chilled carcass weight of indigenous Gokceada kids were lower than those of Maltese and Turkish Saanen kids (P<0.001). Chilled dressing percentage calculated according to empty body weight was 48.97 % in Gokceada, 51.32 % in Maltese and 52.35 % in Turkish Saanen kids (P<0.001). There were not statistically significant differences among the breeds in terms of neck, shoulder, ribs and long leg percentages, musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) section area and back fat thickness (P>0.05). While there were significant differences between breeds in terms of muscle, bone and fat weights in half carcass on the side of Turkish Saanen and Maltese kids, the differences between the genotypes were not significant for percentages of muscle, bone and fat. The carcass structure of suckling kids was small and meat production was low, however, they had very little fat in the carcass. It was concluded that Maltese and Turkish Saanen kids were favourable than Gokceada kids in terms of suckling kid meat production.
Phenotypic characterization of chicken inbred lines that differ extremely in growth, body composition and egg production traits
Authors: Goraga Z. , Nassar M. , Schramm G.-P. , Brockmann G. A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The development of phenotypically and genetically divergent inbred chicken lines as simplified genetic models facilitates the identification of genes and contributes to the elucidation of gene functions. In this study, we characterized a New Hampshire (NH) population with its partial inbred derivative, New Hampshire inbred (NHI), and a White Leghorn inbred line (WL77). Both NHI and WL77 lines were inbred after selection for high meat yield or low egg weight, respectively. The inbreeding levels in NHI and WL77 are about 86 % and 100 %, respectively. Animals of the NHI line grew twice as fast, were about two times as heavy at 20 weeks, and deposited 9.3 times as much fat as WL77. NHI females reached sexual maturity, indicated by age at first egg, earlier, had a 35 % higher egg production ratio, and their eggs were on average 6 g heavier compared to WL77 females. The NHI and WL77 lines were extremely different for most traits, which makes them suitable for cross-bred experiments to map quantitative trait loci and identify genes contributing to the observed differences.
Growth rate of body weight and measurements in pheasants reared up to the 24th week of life (Short Communication)
Authors: Kuźniacka J. , Adamski M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the growth rate of the weight and body measurements of pheasants reared up to the 24th week of life, fed with all-mash mixtures. In the 3rd, 8th, 12th , 16th, 20th and 24th week of life the birds were weighed individually and their body measurements were measured based on which the growth rate indices of the traits researched were calculated. It was found that the body weight of pheasants of both sexes was increasing with the bird age, however there were noted no significant differences of that trait between the 16th and the 20th and the 20th and the 24th week of rearing. As for all the evaluation dates, except or the 3rd week of rearing, sexual dimorphism of the body weight was clearly seen, which was significant (P≤0.05). Similarly as the weight, also the pheasant body measurements were increasing on successive rearing dates. Between the 20th and the 24th week of rearing no significant differences were recorded in most of the traits evaluated. Sexual dimorphism concerning the body measurements was found in birds starting from the 12th or the 16th week of life. The highest growth rate of the body weight and measurements was observed in pheasants up to the 8th week of rearing. The growth rate of all the body measurements was decreasing after the 16th week of rearing, which shows that the pheasant growth was completed.
Structural features of the 5’ flanking region of the Yak (Bos grunniens) growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene (Brief Report)
Authors: Ma Z. , Xu J. , Zhong J. , Dou Q. , Sun Y. , Mu Y.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Yak (Bos grunniens) is a species of the Bovidae family living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent territories at altitudes from 2 000–5 000 m (LUO et al. 2005, MA et al. 2009). As a multi-purpose domestic animal, yaks are indispensable to the local animal husbandry development because it can provide life necessities such as meat, milk, fur, velour manufacturing, transportation and manure for fuel to the local herdsmen. There are twelve yak populations numbered around 13.3 million in China and the Bazhou yak is one of Chinese yak populations (WIENER et al. 2003). The Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) gene was identified as a candidate gene affecting key quantitative traits, like growth, milk yield and composition in livestock. At present, only investigations were carried out on the genetic variation in Exon-8, Intron-8 and Exon-10 of the yak GHR gene (VARVIO et al. 2008), no other information on the yak GHR gene is available. The purposes of this study were to – analyze the structural features of the 5’ flanking region of the yak GHR gene – compare the 5’ flanking region of yak GHR gene with that of other species of the Bovidae family and – construct the phylogenetic tree to indicate the evolutionary relationship among them.
A novel porcine gene-MGLL, differentially expressed in the backfat tissues from Meishan and Large White pigs
Authors: Dawei Y. , Baoliang B. , Yonggang L.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. One novel gene that was differentially expressed was identified through semi-quantitative RT-PCR and the cDNA complete sequence was then obtained using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. Nucleotide sequence of the gene is not homologous to any of the known porcine genes. The sequence prediction analysis revealed that the open reading frame of this gene encodes a protein of 303 amino acids has high homology with the monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) of eight species-dog (91 %), human (89 %), cattle (88 %), platypus (83 %), mouse (82 %), rat (81 %), rhesus monkey (80 %), and red jungle fowl (70 %) – so that it can be defined as swine MGLL gene. This gene is structured in seven exons and six introns as revealed by computer-assisted analysis. The tissue expression analysis indicated that the swine MGLL gene is differentially expressed in detected tissues. Our experiment suggested that the swine MGLL gene might play an important roles in the superabundant fat deposition of Chinese pigs.
Discovery of SNP in exon 14 of the ADD1 gene and its association with fatness traits in four meat-type duck populations (Brief Report)
Authors: Wang J. , Liu X. , Wu Y. , Fan H. , Hou S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Fatness traits are important economically traits in meat producing animals including duck (WU et al. 2008a, b). In human, the α-Adducin (ADD1) gene polymorphism was associated with blood pressure and other subsequent negative effects related to obesity, cardiovascular and renal failure. In fact, there was some relationship between obesity and hypertension. Thus the ADD1 gene is a candidate gene for fatness traits and the study aims to invest the relationship between the polymorphism of the ADD1 gene and fatness and growth traits.
Genetic analysis of distance-dependent racing performances in German Thoroughbreds
Authors: Bugislaus A.-E.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to develop a new multivariate statistical model for genetic estimation of distance-dependent racing performances in German Thoroughbreds. Analysed performance traits were »square root of distance to first placed horse in races over sprint distances (until 1 400 m)«, »square root of distance to first placed horse in races over mile distances (from 1 401 m to 1 900 m)« and »square root of distance to first placed horse in races over long distances (over 1 900 m)«. These traits were found to be influenced by the carried weight, which was determined by the horses’ earlier performance. Therefore, new traits were developed based on random regression models, which were independent from the carried weights. Genetic parameters were first evaluated for these new created traits »new distance to first placed horse in races over sprint distances« (h²=0.088), »new distance to first placed horse in races over mile distances« (h²=0.081) and »new distance to first placed horse in races over long distances« (h²=0.137) using a multivariate animal model. Genetic correlations between these traits were high, but differed from rg=1. A further heritability was estimated for the distance-independent trait »new distance to first placed horse in races over all distances« (h²=0.101) applying a univariate animal model with a fixed distance effect. These two different models were compared by two criteria. The ranking of breeding values for the distance-independent trait (estimated with the univariate model) was first correlated with each of the rankings of breeding values for the three distance-dependent traits (estimated with the multivariate model). Correlations varied from r=0.668 to r=0.813. The second criterion for comparison was the percentage of incorrectly selected raced stallions by breeding values estimated with the univariate model. Between 47.4 % and 69.7 % of stallions were incorrectly selected. The use of a total selection index including breeding values of the three distance-dependent traits with suitable weightings was recommended as a possible future selection criterion.
Fatty acid composition of meat and adipose tissue from Krškopolje pigs and commercial fatteners in Slovenia
Authors: Furman M. , Malovrh Š. , Levart A. , Kovač M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The fatty acid composition of meat and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the indigenous Slovenian pig breed (Krškopolje, KP), which is raised extensively, was compared with that of commercial fatteners (CP) from intensive farms. Commercial fatteners were divided into three groups according to lean meat percentage: meaty, normal and fatty. The m. longissimus dorsi of Krškopolje pigs contained less C18:0 fatty acids than that of commercial fatteners and less C16:0 than that of the fatty group. The proportions of long chain fatty acids C20:4 n-6, C20:5 n-3 and C22:5 n-3 in the Krškopolje pigs and fatty groups were also significantly different. The highest proportion of essential C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 fatty acids were found in the meaty and normal groups. Intramuscular fat content of the m. longissimus dorsi did not differ between the Krškopolje pigs, and the fatty and normal groups. The Krškopolje pigs had the lowest proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while both the Krškopolje pigs and the fatty group have a lower proportion of polysaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than the meaty group. The fatty group had a lower polyunsaturated : saturated fatty acid ratio than the meaty and normal groups. In the subcutaneous adipose tissue, Krškopolje pigs had the highest proportion of C18:1 n-9 and differed from the normal group in C18:0 content, from the fatty group in C16:1 n-7 and from the meaty and fatty groups in C18:2 n-6. Furthermore, the Krškopolje pigs had the highest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and lower PUFAs and n-6 PUFAs proportions than the fatty group. The meaty group had a higher n-6 : n-3 PUFA ratio than the Krškopolje pigs.
Connection of somatic cell count and milk yield as well as composition in dairy ewes
Authors: Olechnowicz J. , Sobek Z. , Jaśkowski J. M. , Antosik P. , Bukowska D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) on milk yield and composition using a threshold value of 250 ∙103 cells/ml in dairy ewes of line 05. A total of 1 512 milk samples from udder halves were collected throughout milking periods at monthly intervals. In the present study milk composition (from halves of the udder) and daily milk yield (from udders) was examined in terms of SCC in ewe milk in three groups: from both halves of the udder below 250 ∙103 cells/ml, from one halves of the udder below 250 ∙103 cells/ml and from second half udder above 250 ∙103 cells/ml and from both halves of the udder above 250 ∙103 cells/ml. Milk yield from udders, somatic cell count in milk samples from udder halves and milk composition depended on the level of SCC recorded for halves of the udder. Somatic cell counts in milk from one or both halves of udders exceeding 250 ∙103 cells/ ml resulted in a statistically significant (P<0.01) decrease in daily milk production of ewes, by approx. 15.89 and 30.22 %, respectively. The analysis of variance showed also a significant effect of parity and stage of lactation of ewes on somatic cell count (log SCC) and milk composition from udder halves below 250 ∙103 cells/ml.
Pure and raw glycerol in the diet of broiler chickens, its effect on the production parameters and slaughter value
Authors: Suchý P. , Straková E. , Kroupa L. , Herzig I.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The experiment was performed with a total of 180 day-old, ROSS 308 combination, meat-type hybrid chickens that were divided according to sex into the control group (C1 and C2 with 30♀ and 30♂, respectively) and two experimental groups: GLY-P1 and P2 with pure glycerol (30♀ and 30♂), and GLY-R1 and R2 with raw glycerol (30♀ and 30♂). The chickens received three feeding mixtures during the experiment: the pre-fattening mixture (BR 1) until Day 14, the fattening mixture (BR 2) from Day 15 to Day 30, and the post-fattening mixture from Day 31 to Day 40 (BR 3). 50 % of the soybean oil in feeding mixtures used in the experimental groups (GLY-P and GLY-R) was replaced with pure or raw glycerol at a ratio of 1:2. The feed and water were available ad libitum for consumption. The mean live weight of both male and female chickens in experimental groups on Days 15 and 40 was statistically significantly higher (P≤0.05, P≤0.01) than that in the control group. The consumption of the feeding mixture during the entire 40-day fattening period was higher in female and male chickens in experimental groups. The differences in the mean weight of processed carcass between the control and experimental groups were very significant (P≤0.01). Glycerol obtained during rapeseed processing is a suitable source of energy and can be added in feeds designed for farm animals.
Discovery of genetic variants for fatty acid binding proteins of pig (Brief Report)
Authors: Chung H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Back fat thickness (BFT) and intramuscular fat (IMF) contents are known as major issues affecting meat performance. Several types of fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), which involve signal transduction pathways, are abundantly presented in tissues such as intestine, liver, kidney, mammary gland, heart, and red skeletal muscle (Nechtelberger et al. 2001). FABPs have been reported to be differentially expressed genes during porcine adipogenesis (Samulin et al. 2008) and related to fat deposition (Szczerbal et al. 2007). Accordingly FABPs may be candidate genes to explain variation of fat related traits in pigs. Therefore, it is an essential process to search genetic variants that may provide useful genetic information to study associations with quantitative loci (QTL).
Growth parameters and meat quality of Pekin ducks fed on different level of dried distillers grains with solubles
Authors: Łukaszewicz E. , Kowalczyk A. , Adamski M. , Kuźniacka J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The experiment was carried out on 160 commercial Pekin ducks, strain P55. At the day of hatching birds were sexed, marked individually, weighed and divided randomly into four equal groups (four sup-groups, each). From Day 1 to Day 21 all birds received the same commercial feed, while from 4th to 8th week of rearing were fed in the following feeding groups: control, fed with commercial feed and experimental: with 15 %, 25 % and 30 % inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). At 8th week of rearing from every group five males and five females were selected semi-randomly, slaughtered conventionally and slaughter yield, carcass composition and physicochemical meat characteristics were evaluated. Results from this study showed that Pekin ducks can be fed on diets containing up to 25 % DDGS without any significant decrease in slaughter yield, muscles contents and breast meat quality. Higher DDGS level (30 %) caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in final body weight and slaughter yield of females, however, the percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat contents were lower (P<0.05).
Effect of duck genotype on leg muscle properties
Authors: Wołoszyn J. , Okruszek A. , Orkusz A. , Wereńska M. , Książkiewicz J. , Grajeta H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The research objective was to compare the nutritive value and some functional properties of duck leg muscles from different flocks. A total of 80 drakes out of three conservative flocks (cross-breeds Pekin type – SB, Miniduck – K2, Pekin originated from Danish Pekin duck – P8) and one maternal breeding strain (P66) aged seven weeks, were used for comparison. The content of protein, lipids, moisture, essential amino acids, fatty acids and cholesterol were estimated. The investigation of functional properties has covered: the determination of the colour parameters – L*, a* b*, colour difference between individual flocks, total haem pigments’ content, sensory evaluation of raw muscles’ colour intensity in 10 point scale; pH24; water holding capacity; cooking loss and shear force. Comparing the basic chemical and amino acid composition, cholesterol content and profile of fatty acids, it could be concluded that the P66 leg muscles coming from a selected breeding strain, are the most favourable from the nutritional point of view. It is evident too, that muscles from all the examined flocks have been characterized by a high nutritional value. Taking into consideration the functional properties, it was concluded that the muscles from the investigated flocks varied in colour and analysed traits. The ducks of K2 had the best functional properties. The advantages of K2 in comparison to the other ducks are: darker colour typical of waterfowl meat, lower cooking loss, higher water holding capacity and lower shear force.
Vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in blood of dairy cows during subacute ruminal acidosis
Authors: Cannizzo C. , Gianesella M. , Casella S. , Giudice E. , Stefani A. , Coppola L. M. , Morgante M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the variations of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in blood of dairy cows during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). On 228 subjects ruminal liquid was collected through rumenocentesis technique and rumen pH was immediately measured by a portable pH-meter. On the basis of pH values all cows were classified (bovine class) in Group A (animals with rumen pH>5.7), Group B (animals with rumen pH between 5.6 and 5.7) and Group C (animals with rumen pH<5.6). In relation to the acidosis risk depending on the rumen pH (herd class), the herds were classified in Group 1 (normal herds: less than 33 % cows with rumen pH<5.8), Group 2 (critical herds: more than 33 % cows with rumen pH between 5.5 and 5.8) and Group 3 (acidosis herds: more than 33 % cows with rumen pH<5.5). On blood samples, collected by jugular venipuncture, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were measured by chemiluminescent immunological tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni test, showed significant differences (P<0.05) for vitamin B12 in bovine class and significant differences (P<0.05) for homocysteine in herd class. The influence of rumen pH values resulted in adequate vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels to meet microbial and cow requirements and fatty acids modifications in dairy cows affected by SARA. Moreover, the increase of vitamin B12 could be due to the presence of analogues which interfere with the transport of the vitamin. These findings provide more information on blood modifications during SARA.
Mapping QTL for growth and muscling traits in three connected porcine F2 crosses
Authors: Rückert C. , Stratz P. , Preuss S. , Bennewitz J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. QTL experiments in pigs are often analysed separately, although similar or same founder breeds are frequently used to establish the experimental design. The aim of the present study was to jointly analyse three porcine F2-crosses for six growth and four muscling traits. The crosses were a Meishan × Pietrain cross, a Wild Boar × Pietrain cross, and a Wild Boar × Meishan cross. In some cases, same founder animals were used to establish the crosses. 966 F2-individuals were genotyped for 242 genetic markers (mostly microsatellites) and phenotyped for birth weight, 21 and 35 day weight, slaughter weight, carcass length, food conversion ratio, ham meat weight, shoulder meat weight, loin and neck meat weight, and meat area. A multi-allele multi-QTL model was applied that estimated an additive QTL effect for each founder breed and parental origin (either paternally or maternally derived), and a dominant QTL effect for each cross. This model was previously introduced in plant breeding. Numerous QTL were mapped on the autosomes. Most QTL were localised on SSC1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8, and no QTL were on SSC9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18. The confidence intervals were short in many cases. QTL with an exceptionally high test statistic were found for carcass length on SSC1, 4, 7 and 17. The coefficient of variation was remarkably small for this trait, which suggests that carcass length is affected by only a few genes with large effects. Positional and functional candidates underlying promising QTL are suggested for further study.
Polymorphism identification in the goat THRSP gene and association analysis with growth traits
Authors: An X. , Zhao H. , Bai L. , Hou J. , Peng J. , Wang J. , Song Y. , Cao B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. cIn this study, we reported the analysis of THRSP gene polymorphisms in 610 goats of three breeds: Xinong Saanen (SN), Guanzhong (GZ) and Boer (BG). We identified new allelic variant: P2-G39294A (GenBank acc. no. JN618075) in the three goat breeds. At P2 locus, GG, GA and AA genotypes were found in the three goat breeds. The frequencies of G allele were 0.54–0.55 and frequencies of A allele were 0.46–0.45, and the PIC was 0.37. The SNP locus was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in Boer goat breed (P<0.05). Association of polymorphisms with growth traits was done at P2 locus in Boer goat breed. The result showed that AA genotype had remarkable growth traits at P2 locus (P<0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that THRSP gene is a strong candidate gene that affects growth traits in goat.
3D MOBILE MAPPING WITH A LOW COST UAV SYSTEM
Authors: Li J. , Yang B. , Wu W. , Dai W. , Chen C. , Zou X. , Tian M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In order to accomplish the automatic mobile mapping task in a small area of interest, a low cost UAV system is proposed in this paper. Multiple sensors including a global shutter camera and an inertial measurement unit are calibrated and synchronized to collect data from the area of interest. First the images are matched by the chronological order and the SfM is utilized. Then the origin SfM result is integrated with the IMU data by adding the IMU constraints into the bundle adjustment. At last the photogrammetry point clouds are generated using PMVS according to the extrinsic parameters. Experiments are undertaken in a typical scene with photogrammetry point clouds generated. The trajectory estimated by the proposed integration method are compared with the method that relies on image only, showing that the proposed method has better performance.
THE XII CENTURY TOWERS, A BENCHMARK OF THE ROME COUNTRYSIDE
ALMOST CANCELLED: THE SAFEGUARD PLAN BY LOW COST UAV
AND TERRESTRIAL DSM PHOTOGRAMMETRY SURVEYING
AND 3D WEB GIS APPLICATIONS
Authors: Barelli L. , Paolini P. , Forti G.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. “Giving a bird-fly look at the Rome countryside, throughout the Middle Age central period, it would show as if the multiple city towers has been widely spread around the territory” on a radial range of maximum thirty kilometers far from the Capitol Hill center (Carocci and Vendittelli, 2004). This is the consequence of the phenomenon identified with the “Incasalamento” neologism, described in depth in the following paper, intended as the general process of expansion of the urban society interests outside the downtown limits, started from the half of the XII and developed through all the XIII century, slowing down and ending in the following years. From the XIX century till today the architectural finds of this reality have raised the interest of many national and international scientists, which aimed to study and catalog them all to create a complete framework that, cause of its extension, didn’t allow yet attempting any element by element detailed analysis. From the described situation has started our plan of intervention, we will apply integrated survey methods and technologies of terrestrial and UAV near stereo-photogrammetry, by the use of low cost drones, more than action cameras and reflex on extensible rods, integrated and referenced with GPS and topographic survey. In the final project we intend to produce some 3D scaled and textured surface models of any artifact (almost two hundreds were firstly observed still standing), to singularly study the dimensions and structure, to analyze the building materials and details and to formulate an hypothesis about any function, based even on the position along the territory. These models, successively georeferenced, will be imported into a 2D and 3D WebGIS and organized in layers made visible on basemaps of reference, as much as on historical maps.
The ubiquitin ligase c-CBL is expressed in undifferentiated marmoset monkey pluripotent stem cells but is not a general stem cell marker
Authors: Rodriguez-Polo Ignacio , Nielsen Maike , Debowski Katharina , Behr Rüdiger
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The protein c-CBL is a ubiquitin ligase. It catalyzes the last step of the transfer of ubiquitin to target proteins. Upon completion of polyubiquitination, the target proteins are degraded. Clinically, it is important that c-CBL is mutated in a subset of patients who develop myeloid malignancies, which are diseases of the hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. c-CBL has also been shown to be expressed by human spermatogonia. The whole spermatogonial cell population possesses a subset that comprises also the spermatogonial stem cells. Based on these findings we hypothesized that c-CBL might be a general stem cell marker. To test this, we first validated the antibody using marmoset bone marrow and adult testis. In both tissues, the expected staining pattern was observed. Western blot analysis revealed only one band of the expected size. Then, we examined the expression of c-CBL in marmoset monkey embryonic stem (ES) cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and adult stem cells. We found that c-CBL is strongly expressed in undifferentiated marmoset iPS cells and ES cells. However, adult stem cells in the gut and the stomach did not express c-CBL, indicating that c-CBL is not a general stem cell marker. In summary, c-CBL is strongly expressed in pluripotent stem cells of the marmoset monkey as well as in selected adult stem cell types. Future studies will define the function of c-CBL in pluripotent stem cells.
El ‘Himno de la Perla’ en el contexto de la literatura cristiano primitiva. Análisis y primeras conclusiones de HT 108-111.62
Authors: Muñoz Gallarte Israel
Published: November 2017

Uno quizá de los textos más bellos y enigmáticos de los Hechos apócrifos de los Apóstoles es, sin duda, el conocido como el Himno de la Perla (Hechos de Tomás 108-113), cuyo significado está lejos de encontrar un consenso en la bibliografía académica actual. Como escribió A.F.J. Klijn, en su artículo centrado en HPrl –«The So-Called Hymn of the Pearl (Acts of Thomas ch. 108-113)», Vigiliae Christianae, vol. 14, n. 3 (1960) 156–, un estudio coherente del poema debe conseguir responder a dos cuestiones principales: «What is meant with the pearl? and Who is the principal person in this hymn?». En el presente artículo se intentará dar un significado válido a este pasaje, situándolo en su debido contexto conceptual, y ofrecer una hipótesis consecuente a esas cuestiones que todavía siguen abiertas.
La tendencia universalista en el espejo de un icono «islamo-cristiano» de Tatáritsa, Bulgaria
Authors: Spasova Ilieva Vladislava
Published: November 2017

El espíritu supraconfesional, muy característico del mundo otomano, que tendía a reagrupar elementos muy diversos y que se basaba en la convicción universal según la cual todas las religiones se valoran y compiten por los mismos fines, todavía resuena en los Balcanes. Ejemplo significativo, que en este artículo se analiza desde la perspectiva del fenómeno de la santidad compartida y como espejo de muy diversas influencias, es un icono de Bulgaria, inusual representación «islamo-cristiana», de la Virgen con el Niño, que hace poco se encontraba en un pueblo, donde aparte de los «turcos» y los búlgaros, todavía habitan descendientes de los cosacos del Don, que son étnicamente rusos.
The Impact of Effective Corporate Boards and Audit Committees on Attracting Foreign Ownership in Listed Companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Al-shamahi Mohammed Gubran , Abdul Manaf Kamarul Bahrain , Al-arussi Ali Saleh
Published: November 2017

This study empirically examines the impact of effectiveness of both corporate boards and audit committee on foreign ownership in selected non-financial listed companies of the stock markets in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Contrary to previous studies, this study enters the firm size, leverage, exchange rate risks, inflation risks and economic growth as control variables. For the first time, it also includes the political risks’ variable as a control variable that may affect foreign ownership. In term of panel data regression analysis, the study was built on fixed effect model and conducted to the period of 2012-2015 for 143 non-financial listed companies on the GCC stock markets. Our results explain that foreign ownership is positively related to the effectiveness of both the boards of directors and the audit committees. Political risks and firm size are positively significant with foreign ownership, while the leverage is negatively related to foreign ownership. The implication of this study may help beneficiaries in making better policy decisions and provide guidance for corporate managers on the needs of foreign investors.
“The Black Cat” Revisited: A Prolegomenon to Poe's Greek Imitators
Authors: Tsokanos Dimitrios
Published: November 2017

This article seeks to show how Poe has influenced writing in Greece since his somewhat late introduction into Hellenic literary spheres, despite several claims that no major Greek author or translator has yet come to understand or appreciate Poe's storytelling fully. Toward this goal I will explain some of the reasons for the late arrival of Poe's tales and poems in Greece, and will then consider a story by Emmanuel Rhoides, published in 1893, which bears numerous similarities to Poe's “The Black Cat.” Rhoides was the first Greek translator of Poe, and his admiration for the American writer will be underlined here through an overview of the points of convergence, as well as the dissimilarities, between the two works. Such a comparison will cast doubt on the position of a number of critics who have played down the significance of Poe's oeuvre in Greek literature. Finally, the present article aims to shed some additional light on Poe's impact on the Greek literary world, an insufficiently explored topic in the study of Poe, and one that serves as the prolegomenon for a forthcoming, systematic study.
Nietzsche on Truth and the Value of Falsehood
Authors: Nehamas Alexander
Published: November 2017

Nietzsche often gives the impression that all human beliefs are false. Some scholars, like Maudemarie Clark, believe that such a “falsification thesis” is unacceptable and try to limit Nietzsche's commitment to it, claiming that he abandons it in his very last works. Others, like Lanier Anderson and Nadeem Hussain, take it in ways that make it true and locate it in all. I argue that the view that is common to both approaches—that Nietzsche held that thesis in the first place—is unjustified. To that end, I interpret the texts where these scholars claim to find the thesis in a way that shows that they do not commit Nietzsche to it, and I offer some reasons for thinking that this is a more fruitful way of interpreting his views on the importance of truth—and falsehood—and their function in the economy of human life.
MODELAGEM DA BIOMASSA RESIDUAL DA COLHEITA DE MADEIRA EM POVOAMENTOS SUBMETIDOS AO DESBASTE COM HARVESTER
Authors: Rodrigues Carla Krulikowski , Lopes Eduardo Da Silva , Figueiredo Filho Afonso , Silva Dimas Agostinho da
Published: November 2017

Objetivou-se neste estudo ajustar modelos matemáticos para a estimativa da biomassa residual da colheita de madeira em povoamentos submetidos ao desbaste utilizando dados mensurados pelo harvester. O estudo foi realizado em uma empresa florestal localizada no município de Quedas do Iguaçu, Paraná. Os povoamentos avaliados foram de Pinus taeda L. submetidos ao desbaste nas idades de 7, 8, 9 e 10 anos. Através de um inventário florestal, cubagem com a simulação das medidas obtidas pelo cabeçote harvester e obtenção da biomassa seca dos resíduos, ou seja, acículas, casca, galhos e ponteiras, ajustou-se modelos de biomassa seca dos componentes das árvores presentes na biomassa residual. Por meio do método Stepwise, realizou-se a seleção das variáveis: idade do povoamento (I), diâmetro a 1,3 m do solo (DAP), altura comercial (AC) e volume comercial (VC). Em seguida, calculou-se o coeficiente de determinação ajustado e erro padrão da estimativa em porcentagem. O modelo de biomassa total de resíduos, ajustado com a seleção das variáveis DAP e VC, foi o que apresentou melhores parâmetros estatísticos, com coeficiente de determinação ajustado de 0,85 e erro padrão da estimativa de 26,90%. Tal resultado comprova que o desenvolvimento desses modelos pode se tornar uma ferramenta inovadora para prever a biomassa residual existente ao nível operacional, para que possa ser inserida no hardware da máquina e aumentar a eficiência no planejamento do sistema de cavaqueamento e logística dos resíduos destinados à energia.
EXPOSIÇÃO OCUPACIONAL AO CALOR NA EXPLORAÇÃO FLORESTAL: REGIME DE PAUSAS DA NORMA BRASILEIRA VERSUS REGIME NATURAL
Authors: Nascimento Kauê Augusto Oliveira , Emmert Fabiano , Robert Renato César Gonçalves
Published: November 2017

O trabalho em exploração de madeira é considerado um dos mais desgastantes e perigosos, sendo agravado quando em florestas com denso sub-bosque e em condições térmicas ambientais desfavoráveis. O anexo 3 da Norma Regulamentadora nº 15 regulamenta os limites de tolerância e o regime de pausas na exposição ao calor laboral. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o regime de pausas da norma com o regime natural na exploração florestal. Foram coletadas as temperaturas em Índice de Bulbo Úmido Termômetro de Globo (IBUTG) e pausas naturais (%/hora). As temperaturas IBUTG mostraram razoável ajuste binomial, ao passo que as pausas naturais demonstraram dinâmicas diferentes ao longo da jornada e forte influência da interrupção mecânica. As pausas naturais foram estatisticamente diferentes do regime da norma, correspondendo em média a 31% no corte, 27% pré-arraste, 12% arraste, 49% pátio principal e 66% no pátio intermediário. As adequações normativas e as práticas acarretam no aumento de bem-estar dos trabalhadores, com consequentes melhorias na qualidade das operações.
DIMENSIONAMENTO E CLASSIFICAÇÃO DE RISCOS DA COLHEITA FLORESTAL EM RELEVO DECLIVOSO
Authors: Nascimento Kauê Augusto Oliveira , Catai Rodrigo Eduardo
Published: November 2017

A busca pela redução dos custos de produção leva as empresas florestais à procura de terras economicamente mais acessíveis para implantar suas atividades, como as áreas com declividade acentuada. Os efeitos potenciais da declividade no dimensionamento e no agravamento de riscos na colheita florestal motivaram este estudo, classificando-os para as ações e ocupações envolvidas no corte e na extração florestal. A classificação considerou as diretrizes das Normas Regulamentadoras número 9, 15, 17 e 31. Os ruídos e as temperaturas foram mensurados quantitativamente, enquanto a análise postural foi feita com auxílio do software Ergolândia 5.0, para dois métodos diferentes. Os riscos de acidentes foram determinados por bibliografia especializada com validação em campo. A ocupação motosserrista foi a que ofereceu mais riscos inerentes e maior gravidade. Para os movimentos parciais, os que apresentaram maiores riscos foram: corte da árvore, derrubada e desgalhamento. Conclui-se que a gestão eficiente de riscos é essencial para a sustentabilidade econômico-social das empresas florestais, reiterada pelos agravantes do trabalho em relevo acidentado.
“Organize the People”: The 1975 City Council Races in Multiracial Chicago
Authors: Mantler Gordon K.
Published: November 2017

By the mid-1970s, many civil rights and Black and Brown Power activists had turned to traditional electoral politics as the primary vehicle for Black and Latino empowerment. But while clearly drawing on earlier civil rights efforts, this transition from “protest to politics,” to quote Bayard Rustin, proved a far more difficult and ultimately greater break from the movement than scholars normally acknowledge. This article analyzes several City Council races in Chicago in 1975, in which three prominent activists from the freedom struggle ran for elected office for the first time. All three lost their races, but each candidacy demonstrated the ways in which civil rights work in the streets translated—and, at times, did not translate—effectively into more inside-the-system electoral work. The lessons learned in each race, including the expansive use of voter registration, the limits of prominent endorsements, and the power of incumbency and charisma, foreshadowed more successful efforts in races for City Council and mayor a decade later. And yet the question remained: how much should one compromise to attain formal power, even in the spirit of civil rights and social justice?
Morphologic changes of diving-related barotrauma lung injury in the setting of Birt-Hogg-Dubé
Authors: Merino Maria J. , Linehan Marston , Gil Sara
Published: November 2017

Manifestations of barotrauma-associated lung injury with scuba diving are rarely reported, aside from anecdotic historical accounts. The pathology of the lung changes has not been adequately characterized. We report the histologic findings of diving-related chronic lung injury in a patient with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD). The histologic findings included bullae, chronic pleuritis, edema, vascular and interstitial thickening. In addition, there were multiple necrotizing granulomas containing fungal organisms. BHD is a hereditary condition characterized by skin, lung, and renal lesions. This is to our knowledge the first report of the histologic findings of diving-related pulmonary barotrauma (PBT) injury, albeit in the setting of BHD.
HIV/AIDS and Construction Workers: Knowledge, Risk Sexual Behaviours and Attitude
Authors: Kikwasi Geraldine J. , Lukwale Sophia R.
Published: November 2017

INTRODUCTION: The construction industry depends mainly on labour to translate other resources into a physical object (i.e. building, road, airport etc.). The industry’s workforce is always mobile and its activities are characterized by difficult working conditions. The mobile workforce of industry and their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS pandemic have been fairly researched. The objective of the study is to determine construction workers’ HIV/AIDS knowledge, risk sexual behaviours and their attitude towards HIV/AIDS.METHOD: The study adopted a cross sectional research design and purposive sampling method was used to select respondents. The researched area included sites in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma cities. A sample size involved 20 construction sites and 5 respondents from each site. A hundred questionnaires were distributed out of which 58 were fairly filled.The study adapted standard questionnaires developed by UNAIDS, Family Health International (FHI) and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0.RESULTS: The results show that most construction workers have low HIV knowledge, low risk sexual behaviours and positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, indicators of low knowledge were evident in awareness of PMTCT services, HIV can be spread through breastfeeding, HIV can be spread through sharing injection and HIV can be spread through unsafe sex.CONCLUSION: In conclusion risk sexual behaviours are low, attitude towards HIV/AIDS is generally positive but HIV knowledge is low. However, there are alarming concerns in some indicators of both risk sexual behaviours and attitude noted in the study.
Smartphone Addiction among University Students and Its Relationship with Academic Performance
Authors: Boumosleh Jocelyne , Jaalouk Doris
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Smartphone use is almost universally relied on among college students. Whether smartphone addiction among college students has a negative predictive effect on academic performance is hardly studied. Previous research found an apparent association between smartphone use and academic achievement partly explained by the nature of the task the student is engaged in when using a smartphone. This study aims to assess the relationship between smartphone addiction and students’ academic performance controlling for important potential confounding variables.METHODS: A sample of 688 undergraduate students was randomly selected from Notre Dame University, Lebanon. Students were asked to fill out a questionnaire that included a) questions on variables related to socio-demographics, academics, smartphone use, and lifestyle behaviors; and b) a 26-item Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI) Scale. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association between smartphone addiction and cumulative grade point average (GPA).RESULTS: 49% reported smartphone use for at least 5 hours during a weekday. Controlling for confounding effects in the model, the association between total SPAI score and GPA did not reach statistical significance, whereas alcohol drinking (OR= 2.10, p=0.026), age at first use of smartphone (OR=1.20, p=0.042), use of smartphone for study-related purposes (OR=0.31, p=0.000), class (OR=0.35 (senior vs. sophomore standing), p=0.024), and faculty (ORs of 0.38 and 0.35 (engineering and humanities, respectively, vs. business students)) were found to be independent predictors of reporting a GPA of < 3.CONCLUSION: Findings from our study can be used to better inform college administrators and faculty about most-at- risk groups of students who shall be targeted in any intervention designed to enhance low academic performance.
Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of Organ Dysfunction and Outcome of Sepsis and Septic Shock Patients in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Arif Syafri Kamsul , Suyata Maya P. , Gaus Syafruddin , Ahmad Muhammad Ramli
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening disorder in ICU. The worst complication is organ dysfunction and mortality. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) had been proposed as biomarker and predictor for diagnosis, prognosis, and patient deterioration in sepsis and septic shock patients. To know whether PCT and CRP can be used as a predictor of organ dysfunction and outcome in sepsis and septic shock patients in ICU.MATERIALS & METHODS: Data were cohort retrospectively analyzed in 35 sepsis (45.5%) and 42 septic shock patients (54.5%) admitted to ICU Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital (January 2014 – December 2015). Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test, Pearson Correlation, and Spearman-Rho Correlation test.RESULTS: Total of 77 patients met the inclusion criteria. Cut-off point in predicting organ dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock was significantly higher in PCT (45.7ng/mL) with 76.6% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity, while CRP was 145.75 mg/mL with 70.2% sensitivity and 56.7% specificity. There was a positive correlation of PCT (0.492 [p=0.000]) and CRP (0.336 [p=0.003]) to organ dysfunction reflected on SOFA score using the Pearson Correlation test (p<0.01 statistically significant). Based on Spearman-Rho Correlation test, correlation of PCT (0.191 [p=0.097]) and CRP (0.110 [p=0.340]) to outcome in day-7 was positive but not statistically significant (p≥0.01). While in day-28, there was positive correlation 0.553 (p=0.001) for PCT, 0.460 (p=0.006) for CRP, and statistically significant (p<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Procalcitonin and CRP can be used as a predictor of organ dysfunction and outcome in sepsis and septic shock patients.