bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pedagogical relevance of processing instruction in second language idiom acquisition
Authors: Kim Jeong-eun , Nam Hosung
Published: May 2017

This study explores the relevance and effectiveness of processing instruction in second language (L2) idiom learning by examining (1) whether structured input (SI) is more effective than non-SI, comprehension-based activities and (2) whether explicit information (EI) in addition to SI can facilitate L2 idiom learning. One hundred adult L2 English speakers were randomly assigned to one of six conditions: four groups who participated in SI activities in one of four EI conditions (i. e., no EI; EI before SI, EI during SI, or EI both before and during SI), a non-SI group, and a control group. Results from three types of tasks (translation, interpretation, and production) showed that (1) SI is more effective than comprehension-based activities in developing learners’ L2 idiom production ability and (2) EI can facilitate learners’ accurate L2 idiom translation, particularly when it is provided before the SI activities. No beneficial effect was observed from EI provided during the SI activities.
Comparing learners’ and native speakers’ use of collocations in written Spanish
Authors: García Salido Marcos , Garcia Marcos
Published: May 2017

This article compares the use of collocations in texts written by native speakers and advanced learners of Spanish. The collocations studied were first identified in the sample texts on the grounds of phraseological criteria and subsequently assigned frequency information corresponding to their occurrence in a reference corpus of Spanish. The distribution of collocations with different frequency of co-occurrence and mutual information scores in the texts of the two samples was then compared, as was their proportion in the collocation repertoire of native speakers and learners. The study revealed significant differences both in terms of frequency and mutual information.
On a new proof and an extension of Jack’s lemma
Authors: Fournier Richard
Published: May 2017

We give a new proof and discuss an extension of Jack’s lemma for polynomials.
How low can you go? A note on vowel mutation in Nuer
Authors: Faust Noam
Published: May 2017

In Nuer, a Western Nilotic language, a productive process of vowel mutation lowers certain vowels in the plural forms of reduplicated adjectives, while others remain unaltered. Sometimes, lowering is accompanied by diphthongization. This short paper asks what determines which vowels should lower, which should also undergo diphthongization and which should remain unaltered. The phenomenon is analyzed within Element Theory in which vocalic expressions are decomposed into a head element and a dependent element. A pre-specified, Semitic-type template is proposed alongside a constraint on Head Preservation. These two tools derive the entire set of attested and unattested mutations. It is then shown that the analysis can pave the way for a better understanding of other, similar vowel mutation processes in Nuer.
Does Social Media Increase Labour Productivity?
Authors: Sarbu Miruna
Published: May 2017

Social media applications such as wikis, blogs or social networks are being increasingly applied in firms. These applications can be used for external communication and internal knowledge management. Firms can potentially increase their productivity by optimising customer relationship management, marketing, market research and project management. On the other hand, the use of social media might lead to shirking among employees and might be, in general, very time-consuming preventing employees from managing their normal workload. This might lead to a decrease of labour productivity. This paper analyses the relationship between social media applications and labour productivity using firm-level data of 907 German manufacturing and service firms. The analysis is based on a Cobb-Douglas production function. The results reveal that social media might be related to labour productivity in an negative way which points towards a suboptimal use of social media.
Case report. Neurosyphilis Masquerading as Stroke in an 84-year-old
Authors: Bologa Cristina , Lionte Catalina , Halit Diana , Luca Catalina
Published: May 2017

The case of an 84 years old woman with uncharacteristic neurologic and cognitive symptoms, suspected of ischemic stroke is presented. Following an extensive assessment in the departments of neurology and internal medicine, the unusual aetiology of stroke was identified as meningovascular neurosyphilis. The patient fully recovered after antibiotic therapy. To our knowledge, this the eldest patient with tertiary neurosyphilis reported in the literature.
Microelectrode array systems for their use in single nanowire-based gas sensor platforms
Authors: Chmela Ondřej , Sadílek Jakub , Vallejos Stella , Hubálek Jaromír
Published: May 2017

Microelectrode array systems for their use in single-nanowire-based gas sensor platforms are developed. The topology of the system is designed with the aim of determining the optimal conditions and the factors involved in the selective integration of gas sensitive semiconducting metal oxide nanowires via dielectrophoresis method. Thus various electrode geometries with electrode gaps between 2 and 10 μm and electrode tip-end shapes are investigated employing tungsten oxide nanowires synthetized via aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition. Results obtained from SEM, optical microscopy and electrical tests demonstrate that the integration and electrical contact of single nanowires across the electrodes is achieved in the systems with electrode gaps below 3 μm. These results are discussed and further improvements in the design of these systems are suggested.
Heterozygote Hemoglobin G-Coushatta as the Cause of a Falsely Decreased Hemoglobin A1C in an Ion-Exchange HPLC Method
Authors: Kurtoğlu Ayşegül Uğur , Eren Esin , Aslan Vedat , Erkal Özgür , Kurtoğlu Erdal , Yilmaz Necat
Published: May 2017

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used for the assessment of glycemic control in patients with diabetes. The presence of genetic variants of hemoglobin can profoundly affect the accuracy of HbA1c measurement. Here, we report two cases of Hemoglobin G-Coushatta (HBB:c.68A>C) variant that interferes in the measurement of HbA1c by a cation-exchange HPLC (CE-HPLC) method. HbA1c was measured by a CE-HPLC method in a Tosoh HLC-723 G7 instrument. The HbA1c levels were 2.9% and 4%. These results alerted us to a possible presence of hemoglobinopathy. In the hemoglobin variant analysis, HbA2 levels were detected as 78.3% and 40.7% by HPLC using the short program for the Biorad Variant II. HbA1c levels were measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay in a Siemens Dimension instrument. HbA1c levels were reported as 5.5% and 5.3%. DNA mutation analysis was performed to detect the abnormal hemoglobin variant. Presence of Hemoglobin G-Coushatta variant was detected in the patients. The Hb G-Coushatta variants have an impact on the determination of glycated hemoglobin levels using CEHPLC resulting in a false low value. Therefore, it is necessary to use another measurement method.
Original Article. Topical treatment of LdMNPV-infected gypsy moth caterpillars with 18 nucleotides long antisense fragment from LdMNPV IAP3 gene triggers higher levels of apoptosis in infected cells and mortality of the pest
Authors: Oberemok Volodymyr V. , Laikova Kateryna V. , Zaitsev Alexey S. , Nyadar Palmah M. , Gninenko Yuri I. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Makarov Valentin V. , Agranovsky Alexey A.
Published: May 2017

The high efficiency of baculovirus infection is partially explained by the ability of the virus to suppress host defense machinery connected with the apoptosis pathway. Members of the baculovirus gene family, inhibitors of apoptosis (vIAPs), have been shown to inhibit apoptosis in baculovirus-infected cells. Here we showed that treatment of the LdMNPV-infected 1st instar gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars with sense (oligoBIR) and antisense (oligoRING) DNA oligonucleotides from the LdMNPV IAP3 gene induced elevated mortality of the insects. Apoptotic DNA ladder assay showed that the leading role in this phenomenon is played by the antisense oligoRING fragment of the vIAP3 gene. These results imply that the application of both antisense DNA oligonucleotides from vIAP genes and baculovirus preparations (one following the other) may be a potential method for plant protection against insect pests.
Original Article. Geographic distribution of Fusarium culmorum chemotypes associated with wheat crown rot in Iraq
Authors: Matny Oadi N. , Bates Scott T , Song Zewei
Published: May 2017

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is an important disease of wheat and other grains that has had a significant impact on cereal crop production worldwide. Fusarium species associated with FCR can also produce powerful trichothecenes mycotoxins that pose a considerable health risk to humans and animals that consume infected grains. In this study we examined Fusarium species of wheat from different regions of Iraq that showed FCR symptoms. Twenty-nine isolates were collected overall, and the marker gene translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF-1α) was sequenced in order to determine their taxonomic identities. All isolates were determined to be F. culmorum, and primers targeting tri-cluster genes were used in order to further characterize isolates into specific trichothecene chemotype strains. Five of the 29 isolates were determined to be the nivalenol (NIV) chemotype, while the rest of the isolates recovered were the deoxynivalenol (DON) chemotype. All DON-type isolates produced 3Ac-DON, while the 15Ac-DON-type was not detected. The majority of the NIV-type isolates originated from wheat growing regions in the mid-latitudes of Iraq, while the DON-type isolates were recovered from areas distributed broadly across the country. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the distribution of specific F. culmorum chemotypes from FCR diseased wheat in Iraq.
Original Article. Identification of Cercospora species in southwestern Iran
Authors: Behrooz Seyed Yousef , Salari Mohamad , Pirnia Mahdi , Sabbagh Seyed Kazem
Published: May 2017

Cercospora species are associated with leaf spot symptoms on various host plants. In this research, nine species of the genus on some medicinal and economic crops were found in different locations in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Provinces (southwestern Iran) and examined according to morphological characteristics of stromata, conidiophores, conidiogenous cells and conidia. Results showed that Cercospora species on Cichorium intybus (C. cichorii) and Nasturtium officinale (C. nasturtii) are new for the mycobiota of Iran. However, characteristics of Cercospora on Plantago lanceolata are very similar to the description of C. plantaginis, but morphologically indistinguishable from C. apii s. lat. Other species have already been reported from other parts of Iran, but are new in southwestern Iran. Furthermore, Rumex crispus and Trifolium resupinatum are new hosts for C. apii and C. zebrina in Iran, respectively.
Rapid Communication. Monitoring the occurrence of bacteria in stored cabbage heads
Authors: Eichmeier Aleš , Peňázová Eliška , Pečenka Jakub , Čechová Jana , Pokluda Robert , Tekielska Dorota , Baránek Miroslav
Published: May 2017

Twenty-six cabbage heads stored under typical conditions in a storage hall in Moravia, Czech Republic, were tested for the presence of bacteria by the method of isolation from three different parts of the cabbage heads. Isolations were carried out from stalks, inner and superficial leaves. Two samplings were done; in November 2015 and February 2016. Bacterial cultures were sequenced in the part of 16S rRNA region; bacteria were identified according to the sequences obtained. The most prevalent bacteria were of the genus Pseudomonas. Genera: Klebsiella, Erwinia, Pantoea, Bacillus were also identified. The results provided an interesting insight into the bacterial spectrum in stored cabbage heads and their dynamics during storage. The nucleotide sequences which were found were saved in GenBank/NCBI under accession numbers KX160104-KX160145.
Original Article. Effects of loose kernel smut caused by Sporisorium cruentum onrhizomes of Sorghum halepense
Authors: Gassó Marta Monica Astiz , Lovisolo Marcelo , Perelló Analia
Published: May 2017

The effect of loose kernel smut fungus Sporisorium cruentum on Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass) was investigated in vitro and in greenhouse experiments. Smut infection induced a decrease in the dry matter of rhizomes and aerial vegetative parts of the plants evaluated. Moreover, the diseased plants showed a lower height than controls. The infection resulted in multiple smutted buds that caused small panicles infected with the fungus. In addition, changes were observed in the structural morphology of the host. Leaf tissue sections showed hyphae degrading chloroplasts and vascular bundles colonized by the fungus. Subsequently, cells collapsed and widespread necrosis was observed as a symptom of the disease. The pathogen did not colonize the gynoecium of Sorghum plants until the tassel was fully developed. The sporulation process of the fungus led to a total disintegration of anthers and tissues. When panicles were inspected before emergence, fungal hyphae were observed on floral primord. Histological sections of panicles showed fungal hyphae located in the parenchyma tissue and the nodal area. Infection occurred in the floral primordium before the tassel had fully developed and emerged from the flag leaf. Grains were replaced by sori surrounded by a thin membrane that usually was broken before or after the emergence of the panicle. The results, together with the significant decrease of the dry matter of rhizomes and seeds of S. halepense, suggest that S. cruentum could be considered as a potential biocontrol agent in the integrated management of this weed.
From Corporate Moral Agency to Corporate Moral Rights
Authors: Pasternak Avia
Published: May 2017

Recent literature suggests that organizational entities, such as states and business corporations, can qualify as moral agents. Does it follow that, as members of our moral community, group agents are entitled to moral protections? This article explores the connection between groups’ moral agency and moral rights. I argue that corporate moral agency does not, in itself, ground a group’s claim for moral protections. Nevertheless, a group agent can be entitled to derivative moral rights protections, which attach to the group itself but are grounded in the interests of individuals, such as the group’s members. Furthermore, the agential status of a group helps to identify which rights can attach to it, given its moral agency. One such moral agency related right is a right not to be morally subverted. This right generates a duty for the group agent’s members to ensure that its decision-making process incorporates sound moral reasoning. The final part of the article applies these conclusions to recent debates on the rights of states. I argue that, as moral agents, states have a moral right not to be morally subverted. It follows that citizens have a pro tanto duty, directed at their state, not to engage in political activities that would subvert its moral powers.
Should Corporations Have A Right To Finance Political Campaigns?
Authors: Hammer Yoav
Published: May 2017

Although on election day each vote carries equal weight, in the U.S. there is a
strong correlation between policy and the preferences of the affluent, and a
weak correlation between policy and the preferences of the middle class or the
poor. This state of affairs can result from unequal input into the democratic
process. If a democracy allows unlimited private financing of political
campaigns, then prior to elections wealthy citizens or businesses can gain
greater influence than others on the political discourse. In addition, there is
a danger that elected representatives − who wish to be re-elected
− would decide in ways that serve the interests of their big donors. In
this article, I discuss an important aspect of money’s influence on
politics, namely whether corporations should be allowed to participate in the
financing of campaigns. This issue produced intense disagreement over the last
several years, following the U.S. Supreme Court decision which held that
restrictions against corporate campaign finance are unconstitutional since a
corporation’s right to freedom of political speech is no less than a
citizen’s right to freedom of political speech. Since in my opinion the
Court’s position is seriously mistaken, I find it important to look at
the arguments the Court provides and try to refute them.
Agreement in Modern Standard Arabic constructions with cardinal numerals over ten
Authors: Michalski Marcin
Published: May 2017

In Modern Standard Arabic constructions with cardinal numerals over ten in which the noun denoting the counted object follows the numeral, e.g. al-ḫamsūna ǧundiyyan ‘the fifty soldiers’ (as opposed to al-ǧunūdu l-ḫamsūna ‘idem’), the noun is indefinite singular. When a property of the object counted is to be expressed by means of an attribute: an adjective, participle, or a relative clause, it agrees with the noun in gender, but agreement in the three remaining categories, i.e. number, case and definiteness, may be distributed between the noun and the numeral. The present study analyzes examples of such constructions found in contemporary journalistic texts. Four agreement configurations are distinguished, out of which three were described by Classical Arabic grammarians, while one is non-classical. In some instances, due to the syncretism of declension forms, agreement in case is indeterminate. The analysis of the examples shows that apart from variation in agreement that can be observed with some types of the qualifier, the choice of a particular agreement configuration depends on phraseology and/or the lexico-syntactic properties of the qualifier: whether it is a proper adjective, a nisba adjective, a participle, or a relative clause.
A comparative study of participles, converbs and absolute constructions in Hindi and Medieval Rajasthani
Authors: Tokaj Joanna
Published: May 2017

The PRO coindexation of converbs and participles in South Asian Languages along with Subject Identity Constraint (Subject Control) violation has been studied by Subbarao (2012) and Murthy (1994). I present the analysis of Medieval Rajasthani data focusing on two construction types - constructions consisting of converbs and participles. I compare my findings on Rajasthani with previous analyses of the Hindi language. I demonstrate that PRO coindexation in Medieval Rajasthani is more strict than in Hindi. Participles are coindexed with a subject or a direct object of the main clause while converbs are most often subject-oriented. Subject Identity Constraint (Subject Control) violation in Medieval Rajasthani (MR) occurs in constructions consisting of participles and converbs. Subject Identity Constraint may be violated in MR in sentences denoting cause and effect and time relation.
Effect of covariate misspecifications in the marginalized zero-inflated Poisson model
Authors: Iddi Samuel , Nwoko Esther O.
Published: May 2017

Count outcomes are often modelled using the Poisson regression. However, this model imposes a strict mean-variance relationship that is unappealing in many contexts. Several studies in the life sciences result in count outcomes with excessive amounts of zeros. The presence of the excess zeros introduces extra dispersion in the data which cannot be accounted for by the traditional Poisson regression. The zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) and zero-inflated negative binomial models are popular alternative. The zero-inflated models comprise two key components; a logistic part which models the zeros, and a Poisson component to handle the positive counts. Both components allow the inclusion of covariates. Civettini and Hines [3] investigated misspecification effects in the zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. Long,Preisser, Herring and Golin [10] proposed a so-called marginalized zero-inflated Poisson (MZIP) model that allows direct marginal interpretation for fixed effect estimates to overcome the often sub-population specific interpretation of the traditional zero-inflated models. In this research, the effects of misspecification of components of the MZIP regression model are investigated through a comprehensive simulation study. Two different incorrect specifications of the components of an MZIP model were considered, namely ‘Omission’ and ‘Misspecification’. Bias, standard error (precision) of estimates and mean square error (MSE) are computed while varying the sample size. Type I error rates are also evaluated for the misspecified models. Results of a Monte Carlo simulation are reported. It was observed that omissions in both parts of the models lead to biases in the estimated parameters. The intercept parameters were the most severely affected. Furthermore, in all the types of omissions, parameters in the zero-inflated part of the models were much affected compared to the Poisson part in terms of both bias and MSE. Generally, bias and MSE decrease as sample sizes increase for all parameters. It was also found that misspecification can either increase, preserve or decrease the type I error rates depending on the sample size.
Stochastic mesh method for optimal stopping problems
Authors: Kashtanov Yuri
Published: May 2017

A Monte Carlo method for solving the multi-dimensional optimal stopping problem is considered.
Consistent estimators for a general jump-diffusion are pointed out.
It is shown that the variance of estimators is inverse proportional to the number of points in each layer of the mesh.
A plea for quality in internship programmes – evidence from the business and administration students’ experience
Authors: Goia Simona , Marinaș Cristian Virgil , Igret Ramona Ștefania
Published: May 2017

The career of business students is nowadays definitely influenced by their involvement in different internships and volunteering activities. The internship programmes help them understand the context of business organisations and decide what field of activity is most suitable for their professional life. However, sometimes internship programmes are not very well organised and influence in a negative manner students′ final perception of a certain domain. Our research identified and analysed the main factors that might influence the quality of an internship programme from students′ perspective. The quantitative analysis relies on a questionnaire based survey among over 450 students from one of the most prestigious universities in Romania in the field of economics and business administration. By running factor analysis, we identified five factors which mainly determine the quality of internships: Job arrangements, Mentorship and employability benefits, Learning content, Academic supervision, Bureaucracy and accessibility. Subsequently we measured through multiple regression the way the identified factors influence the quality of the internships. We consider that the results of the study are relevant not only for academics but also for students and business organisations that have the power and instruments to improve internship programmes and the entire experience for all stakeholders involved.
Connection between multiplication theorem for Bernoulli polynomials and first factor
hp− $h_p^-$
Authors: Jakubec Stanislav
Published: May 2017

Based on the multiplication theorem for Bernoulli polynomials we define the matrix A. We prove that
±det(A) = 2
m-2

h
p
−

$h_p^-$

.
Evaluation of sums containing triple aerated generalized Fibonomial coefficients
Authors: Kiliç Emrah
Published: May 2017

We evaluate a class of sums of triple aerated Fibonomial coefficients with a generalized Fibonacci number as coefficient. The technique is to rewrite everything in terms of a variable q and then to use Rothe’s identity from classical q-calculus.
On analytic functions with generalized bounded Mocanu variation in conic domain with complex order
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Ul-Haq Wasim , Arif Muhammad
Published: May 2017

The aim of present article is to introduce and study new subclasses in conic regions. These classes unifies several known classes studied by various well-known authors. Many interesting properties including sufficiency criteria, arc length problem, distortion results are investigated for these newly defined subclasses.
Three-variable symmetric and antisymmetric exponential functions and orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Bezubik Agata , Hrivnák Jiří , Patera Jiří , Pošta Severin
Published: May 2017

The common exponential functions whose exponents are the scalar products 〈λ,x〉, where x is a real variable and λ is an integer, admit two generalizations to any higher dimension, the symmetric and the antisymmetric ones [KLIMYK, A.—PATERA, J.: (Anti)symmetric multivariate exponential functions and corresponding Fourier transforms, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 40 (2007), 10473–10489]. Restriction in the paper to the three variables only allows us to work out many specific properties of the symmetric and antisymmetric functions useful in applications. Such are (i) the orthogonalities, both the continuous one and the discrete one on the 3D lattice of any density; (ii) corresponding discrete and continuous Fourier transforms; (iii) generating functions for the related polynomials in three variables, and others. Rapidly increasing precision of the interpolation with increasing density of the 3D lattice is shown in an example.
Positive solutions of nonlocal integral BVPS for the nonlinear coupled system involving high-order fractional differential
Authors: Zhao Kaihong , Gong Ping
Published: May 2017

In the paper, we investigate a class of four-point integral boundary value problems for the nonlinear coupled system involving higher-order Caputo fractional derivatives and Riemann-Stieltjes integral boundary conditions. By employing Guo-Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem, some sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the existence of at least one or two positive solutions for this system. Meanwhile, the eigenvalue intervals of existence for positive solutions are also given. As applications, some examples are provided to illustrate the validity of our main results.
Semi-equivelar maps on the torus and the Klein bottle with few vertices
Authors: Kumar Tiwari Anand , Kumar Upadhyay Ashish
Published: May 2017

Semi-equivelar maps are generalizations of maps on the surfaces of Archimedean solids to surfaces other than the 2-sphere. The well known 11 types of normal tilings of the plane suggest the possible types of semi-equivelar maps on the torus and the Klein bottle. In this article we classify (up to isomorphism) semi-equivelar maps on the torus and the Klein bottle with few vertices.
A problem considered by Friedlander & Iwaniec and the discrete Hardy-Littlewood method
Authors: Nowak Werner Georg
Published: May 2017

Following Friedlander & Iwaniec [FRIEDLANDER, J. B.—IWANIEC, H.:Summation formulae for coefficients of L-functions,Canad. J. Math.57(2005), 494—505], the objective of this note are the coefficientsanof the Dirichlet series forL(s,χ1)L(s,χ2)L(s,χ3) whereχ1,χ2,χ3are primitive Dirichlet characters with modulesD1,D2,D3. For∑n≤xan$\sum\limits_{n\le x}a_n$, withxlarge, sharp asymptotics are established which are uniform inD1,D2,D3. To this end, the modern method for the estimation of exponential sums, due to [HUXLEY, M. N.:Area, Lattice Points, and Exponential Sums,LMS Monographs, New Ser.13, University Press, Oxford, 1996] and others, is applied with gain.
Crystal structure of N
2,N
6-bis(1-hydrazinyl-2-methyl-1-oxopropan-2-yl) pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide, C15H23N7O4
Authors: Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Khalifa Nagy M. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: May 2017

C15H23N7O4, orthorhombic, Aba2, a = 18.4956(11) Å, b = 23.9806(16) Å, c = 8.1572(5) Å, V = 3618.0(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0521, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1144, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of cis-bis((1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methanol-κN,O)-bis(isothiocyanato-κ
N)nickel(II), C18H16N6NiO2S2
Authors: Yun Zhang , Youzhu Yu , Weiyun Shi , Aimin Wei , Fengli Wang
Published: May 2017

C18H16N6NiO2S2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 14.935(3) Å, b = 8.5054(17) Å, c = 16.268(3) Å, β = 109.45(3)°, V = 1948.5(8) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0243, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0669, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of methyl (E)-2-(4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carboxylate, C13H19N3O3
Authors: Lv Lu-Ping , Lv Wei-De , Rao Jun-Feng , Chen Jia-Yi
Published: May 2017

C13H19N3O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.594(5) Å, b = 11.311(5) Å, c = 11.688(5) Å, β = 117.347(19)°, V = 1361.4(10) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0479, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1630, T = 296 K.
A metagenomic approach to discover a novel β-glucosidase from bovine rumens
Authors: Suwan Eukote , Arthornthurasuk Siriphan , Kongsaeree Prachumporn T.
Published: May 2017

β-Glucosidases play an important role in biomass degradation as they hydrolyze cellobiose to glucose in a final step of cellulolysis. In particular, ruminant animals rely on β-glucosidases from rumen microorganisms for conversion of plant cellulosic materials into glucose. In this study, we are interested in characterization of a novel β-glucosidase from rumen microorganisms. However, most rumen microorganisms are obligate anaerobes, which require special cultivation conditions. Presently, the metagenomic techniques, which enable isolation and characterization of microbial genes directly from environmental samples, have been applied to overcome these problems. In this study, the sequence-based screening approach was successfully applied to identify a novel β-glucosidase gene, Br2, from a bovine rumen metagenomic sample. A 1338-bp complete coding sequence of Br2 encodes a 51-kDa GH1 β-glucosidase of 445 amino acid residues with 59% sequence identity to a β-glucosidase from Cellulosilyticum ruminicola JCM 14822. The recombinantly expressed Br2 exhibited an optimal activity at pH 6.5 and 40°C, reflecting its rumen bacterial origin, and relatively higher catalytic efficiencies toward glucoside and fucoside substrates than other glycosides, similar to many previously reported bacterial β-glucosidases. Our sequence-based screening approach can be applied to identify other genes of interest from environmental samples.
Morphometric abnormalities in the spleen of the progeny of mice fed epigallocatechin during gestation and nursing
Authors: Bałan B.J. , Skopińska-Różewska E. , Skopiński P. , Zdanowski R. , Leśniak M. , Kiepura A. , Lewicki S.
Published: May 2017

It is very difficult to cure pregnant females suffering from infections, because of the risk which might occur during treatment by several, even herbal, medications. Many of these substances, among them extracts from plants, have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties owing to their polyphenols content, but also may reveal unwanted effects on the fetal development because of their anti-angiogenic properties. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether daily feeding pregnant and nursing mice 0.2 mg/kg epigallocatechin (EGC), previously recognized as angiogenesis inhibitor, may lead to abnormalities in morphology of spleen and in some parameters of immune function of their adult, 6-week old progeny. Morphometry of EGC offspring spleens revealed lower number of lymphatic nodules and their larger diameter than those found in the control offspring. Cellularity of spleens was lower in EGC offspring than in the controls. Cytometric analysis showed that this decline concerns lymphocytes with CD335 (p<0.001), CD19 (p<0.01) and CD4 (p<0.05) markers. No differences were observed in the humoral response to the immunization with SRBC, and in the proliferative response of splenocytes to mitogens PHA, ConA and LPS.
In vitro fertilizing potential of urethral and epididymal spermatozoa collected from domestic cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Prochowska S. , Niżański W.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to provide a comparative analysis of in vitro fertilizing potential of frozen-thawed urethral and epididymal feline spermatozoa. Both types of semen were collected from 7 cats and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. To perform in vitro fertilization, both urethral and epididymal samples from the same individual were thawed and spermatozoa were co-incubated with in vitro matured cat oocytes. Obtained embryos were cultured in vitro for 7 days in a commercial medium. Cleavage rate, morula rate and blastocyst rate were calculated. Experiment was run in 10 replicates. The examined parameters showed no significant differences between urethral and epididymal spermatozoa (p>0.05). Cleavage rate and embryo’s development were highly variable between replicates, even for the different sperm samples collected from one individual. There was no significant correlation between fertilizing capacity of two types of spermatozoa collected from the same male. In this study we confirmed that cryopreserved urethral spermatozoa have equally good fertilizing potential as epididymal ones, and both can be successfully used for in vitro fertilization in cats with the use of commercial medium.
Molecular analysis of Trichomonas gallinae in racing pigeons from Upper Silesia, Poland
Authors: Bobrek K. , Urbanowicz J. , Chorbiński P. , Gaweł A.
Published: May 2017

The aim of the study was the molecular analysis of ITS1/5.8S rRNA/ITS2 region of Trichomonas gallinae isolates from racing pigeon lofts in Upper Silesia, Poland. The analysed region is very useful for the taxonomy of the Trichomonadidae family and indicates the possible existence of different genotypes or species within the T. gallinae. A comparison of the complete ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of obtained sequences revealed two different sequences. Twenty-three of the isolates (62%) showed the first sequence (KU954106) while fourteen isolates (38%) showed the second sequence type (KU954107), which were homologous with sequences from Genbank. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the two T. gallinae genotypes which occurred in the pigeons from Upper Silesia are widespread among European countries.
A systemic review of existing serological possibilities to diagnose canine osteoarthritis with a particular focus on extracellular matrix proteoglycans and protein
Authors: Shahid M. , Manchi G. , Slunsky P. , Naseer O. , Fatima A. , Leo B. , Raila J.
Published: May 2017

Extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components are important and their stabilization is significant in maintaining normal healthy joint environment. In osteoarthritis (OA), ECM components are altered and indicate disease progression. The joint ECM is composed of proteoglycans (aggrecan, perlecan, inter α-trypsin inhibitor), glycoproteins (fibronectin, lubricin, COMP) and collagen types (most abundantly collagen type II) which represent structural and functional transformation during disease advancement. ECM investigation revealed significant biomarkers of OA that could be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in different canine orthopedic diseases. This review deliberates our current findings of how the components of ECM change at the molecular level during disease progression in canine OA.
Conductive mechanism of carbon black/polyimide composite films
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Xu Yong , Yang Yu , Li Linshuang , Song Chaoran , Su Xu
Published: May 2017

During the fabrication of black polyimide composite films, it is common to introduce carbon black (CB) into this composite system. The introduction of CB significantly decreases the resistivity of the films and consequently has a great effect on the inherent insulation property of polyimide. Here, the exploration of the conductive mechanism of CB/polyimide composite films is aimed to explain the change on resistivity fundamentally. In this study, two kinds of representative CBs were chosen to prepare CB/polyimide composite films. The rudiment of the conductive mechanism was built up based on the resistivity curves, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV, Raman and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to confirm it. The experimental results further verified the mechanism and gave us a chance to propose an integrated conductive mechanism including three sections (tunneling effect mechanism, conductive network mechanism and doping mechanism) for CB/polyimide composite films. As the conductive mechanism has been understood, it paves the way for optimization of the fabrication of conductive black polyimide films and insulating black polyimide films, even other colorful polyimide composite films.
Modellierung von liberalisierten Strommärkten – Herausforderungen und Lösungen
Authors: Grimm Veronika , Ambrosius Mirjam , Rückel Bastian , Sölch Christian , Zöttl Gregor
Published: May 2017

Die Autoren geben einen Überblick über die Literatur zu Investitionsanreizen in Erzeugungs- und Netzkapazität auf liberalisierten Strommärkten und illustrieren die Anwendungsfelder der Strommarktmodellierung mithilfe ausgewählter Ergebnisse aktueller Studien. Zunächst stellen sie die Ideen des „Peak-load pricing“ und der vereinfachten Stromflussmodellierung vor, auf denen Modelle zur Bestimmung eines optimalen Stromversorgungssystems aus Zeiten regulierter staatlicher Gebietsmonopole aufbauen. Seit der Liberalisierung entscheiden jedoch privatwirtschaftliche Akteure über Erzeugungsausbau und Produktion; Betrieb und Ausbau der Netze sind weiterhin reguliert. In der Literatur finden sich seitdem zunehmend Analysen der Investitionsanreize privater Unternehmen, teilweise mit Blick auf die Interdependenz deregulierter und regulierter Bereiche der Stromwirtschaft. Interessant ist unter anderem der Einfluss von Marktmacht auf die Anreize zu Investitionen in die Erzeugungskapazität. Auf dem liberalisierten Strommarkt kann jedoch auch ohne Marktmacht Ineffizienz entstehen, weil private Firmen ihre Standortentscheidungen bezüglich der Erzeugungskapazität nur auf Basis der für sie sichtbaren Preissignale treffen. Weil Netzengpässe im Stromhandel nicht explizit bepreist werden, fehlt es oft an den Preissignalen, die zu einer optimalen Standortwahl führen würden. Die Autoren präsentieren aktuelle Modellierungsansätze, mit denen sich das Zusammenspiel der Erzeugungsinvestitionen privater Unternehmen mit dem Netzausbau durch regulierte Betreiber analysieren und quantifizieren lässt. Dabei werden verschiedene Strommarktdesigns betrachtet, vom Nodalpreissystem mit knotenscharfen Preisen bis hin zum Börsenhandel mit einheitlichem Strompreis gefolgt von Engpassmanagement durch den Netzbetreiber. Die Ergebnisse aktueller quantitativer Studien illustrieren, welche Einsichten sich dank der vorgestellten Ansätze gewinnen lassen; die Autoren zeigen aber auch Grenzen der integrierten quantitativen Marktmodellierung.
Treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity in long-term survivors of testicular cancer
Authors: Gugic Jasenka , Zaletel Lorna Zadravec , Oblak Irena
Published: May 2017

Backgrounds

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in young men. Considering increasing incidence, exceptionally high cure rate, as well as long life expectancy, assessment of long term toxicity in testicular cancer survivors is of great importance. In the last decades a major effort has been made in order to reduce toxicity of treatment, while maintaining its high effectiveness.

Conclusions

Actual knowledge on treatment toxicity is based on outdated treatment modalities. Hopefully, modern treatment modalities could reduce toxicity, but, there is no firm confirmation for that at the moment, as data dealing with late sequelae of modern treatment of testicular cancer are not available yet due to the short period of observation. The life-threatening cardiovascular toxicity in testicular cancer survivors is major complication of platinum-based chemotherapy, mediastinal radiotherapy and even subdiaphragmatic radiotherapy.
The influence of the distal resection margin length on local recurrence and long- term survival in patients with rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy and sphincter- preserving rectal resection
Authors: Grosek Jan , Velenik Vaneja , Edhemovic Ibrahim , Omejc Mirko
Published: May 2017

Background

Low recurrence rates and long term survival are the main therapeutic goals of rectal cancer surgery. Complete, margin- negative resection confers the greatest chance for a cure. The aim of our study was to determine whether the length of the distal resection margin was associated with local recurrence rate and long- term survival.

Patients and methods

One hundred and nine patients, who underwent sphincter-preserving resection for locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy between 2006 and 2010 in two tertiary referral centres were included in the study. Distal resection margin lengths were measured on formalin-fixed, pinned specimens. Characteristics of patients with distal resection margin < 8 mm (Group I, n = 27), 8–20 mm (Group II, n = 31) and > 20 mm (Group III, n = 51) were retrospectively analysed and compared. Median (range) follow-up time in Group I was 89 (51–111), in Group II 83 (57–111) and in Group III 80 (45–116) months (p = 0.326), respectively.

Results

Univariate survival analysis showed that distal resection margin length was not statistically significantly associated with overall survival or local recurrence rate (p > 0.05). In a multiple Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for pathologic T and N stage (yT, yN), distal resection margin length was still not statistically significantly associated with overall survival.

Conclusions

Our study shows that close distal resection margins can be accepted as oncologically safe for sphincter-preserving rectal resections after preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
Radical Left in Albania and Kosovo: Differences and Similarities
Authors: Këlliçi Klejd , Danaj Emira
Published: May 2017

The main research question for this paper is: Are there radical left wing movements in Albania and Kosovo and what are their main traits? Through answering this question, we will explore the development (or lack thereof) of radical left wing movements. With radical left we intend movements that reject the underlying socio-economic structure of contemporary capitalism and its values and practices without opposing democracy. Through a thorough desk research and several interviews with experts and activists both in Albania and Kosovo, we look at the two case Political Opportunity Structures to study the emergence, the strategies, success or failures of the radical left. In Albania the radical left has been in decline since 1992, with only a recent revival from 2009 on. In Kosovo, the Lëvizja Vetëvendojse! (Self-Determination Movement), a civil movement transformed in a party, has succeeded in imposing its left agenda. Both cases employ a new rhetoric unrelated to the past communist regimes thus changing the perspective of political debate in both countries.
Resolving Marital Conflicts
Authors: Islami Hatixhe
Published: May 2017

Couple relations are characterized as relations of an intimate nature dominated by constant interaction or strong interdependence and mutual influence of intense feelings between spouses. In marriages where there is conflict, there are typical examples of interaction, which result in high proportion of negative communicative acts that affect the quality of marital relationships such as: loss of confidence, the emergence of frustration, feelings of anxiety, discomfort, leading to escalation of marital conflicts. Communication as a variable has a large impact on the resolution of marital conflicts. The obtained results of our research indicate that the choice of different strategies of behavior in conflict situations among our respondents primarily depend on: the degree of persistence in the pursuit of its own interests and level of cooperation in addressing the interests of others.

In accordance with the model of behavior in conflict situations, spouses also chose the styles for resolving them. Spouses who perceive (consider) that they communicate openly unlike spouses who do not practice open communication, use the competition as a model of behavior in conflict situations and support rivalry as a style for conflict resolution. The choice of rivalry style as a style for resolving marital conflicts, among our respondents appears as a reflection of expressed wish for having an open fight for the realization of their interests, especially when it comes to the limitation of their rights by their spouses, failure to fulfill the emotional needs (lack of love, care, attention, understanding).

But, the duration of the marital relationship as a dimension does not affect the use of certain styles for resolving marital conflicts among our respondents.
Ukraine’s Geopolitical Position: Between East and West
Authors: Rexhepi Enis H.
Published: May 2017

The paper analyses Ukraine’s geopolitical position and argues that Ukraine is slowly gravitating towards West. The paper gives a small hint of approximation process of Ukraine within EU and NATO, and argues how this approximation process is opposed by Russia, who wants Ukraine back to its influence. Occupation off Crimea by Russia violated international order, opening way to unstructured international ties out traditional UN bodies. The Ukraine’s destiny is unclear, Dnieper River may divide country in two, and the West faces biggest security and political threat after WWII.
The Notary Service - Justice Services
Authors: Zendeli Emine , Selmani-Bakiu Arta
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study is to explore the role and the importance of the notary service in the process of dejudicialization of the judicial-civil protection. In this context, this paper first of all attempts to examine the extent to which the issues from the traditional competence of the court (usually non-litigious) have been transferred to notary publics and the possibilities of further extension of this transfer. The judicial framework for the transfer of these issues from the court competences to that of notary publics has been decided by the Law on Non-Litigious Procedure (2008). In supporting this law, the notary publics undertook the realization of a series of activities in this field, namely in the field of inheritance. In this respect, the idea of this paper was to try to identify other judicial issues that could perhaps be entrusted to the notary publics in the future, by carrying out a judicial-political assessment of the public interest to transfer the resolution of certain issues to notary publics′ competences with the aim of facilitating the judicial circulation and increasing judicial security.
Joined and Responsible Parenting
Authors: Selmani-Bakiu Arta
Published: May 2017

In the contemporary family law, parents are obliged to arrange the joined implementation of the parenting rights either by their own will or through the help of their lawyers and/or mediators. This institute of mutual agreement is known as joined custody or joined implementation of the parenting right after the divorce of the marriage. This institute makes it possible for parents who live separately to arrange their custody rights in the most convenient way for the child. With a joined custody agreement, the parents accept the obligation to implement all the rights and duties that constitute the parenting right even in case of their separation. Through not dividing their rights from their obligations and with the aim of being closer to the needs of the child, the institute of joined custody helps avoid the feelings of hostility and disagreement in regard to the judicial decision which gives permanent custody to one of the parents. This institute is incorporated in the family law of many countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, USA and Australia). This article aims to emphasize the need to introduce in the family law of RM an explicit provision for joined and responsible custody after the divorce in order to achieve the best interest of the child. There is a joined initiative of parents who live separately from their children who request the amendment of the Family Law of RM in this direction.