bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Personal Characteristics Pengusaha UMKM Melalui Entrepreneurial Orientation Terhadap Kinerja Bisnis UMKM Di Kota Pasuruan
Authors: Haryono Haryono , Muliatie Yurilla Endah
Published: December 2017

Pasuruan has some excellent products produced by UMKM spread in Pasuruan City area. One of them is furniture which is commonly found in the South of Pasuruan City e.g Kelurahan Bukir, Kelurahan Sebani, Kelurahan Krapyakrejo, Kelurahan Randusari, Kelurahan Gentong, Kelurahan Petahunan and Kelurahan Karangketug. Labor is largely composed of families and neighbors around the area so that the industry can have a significant impact on improving the economy of local communities. Have a pretty good prospect to develop. The existence of micro, small and medium businesses in the Pasuruan city is a strategic industry that becomes an opportunity for improvement of the regional economy. Micro, small and medium businesses (UMKM) in addition can absorb a very large number of workers which means reducing the unemployment rate, as well as economic development. Based on the background that has been described above, the researcher choose the title of this study as follows: "The Influenced Of Personal Characteristics Of UMKM’S Entrepreneur Through Entrepreneurial Orientation To UMKM Business Performance In Pasuruan City".

The type of this research is using quantitative approach, the data in the form of numbers will be analyzed using statistical methods. This type of research is causal, because it tries to know the cause or effect relationship of mutual influence between two or more variables under investigation. Population of this study is the furniture UMKM’s entrepreneurs in the Pasuruan city. The sample is 54 people of furniture UMKM’s entrepreneurs in Pasuruan city.

Based on the results of research concluded that: (1) Personal Characteristics have a significant effect on the performance of UMKM business in Pasuruan city. (2) Entrepreneurial Orientation has a significant effect on business performance of UMKM in Pasuruan city. (3) Personal Characteristics have a significant effect on the performance of UMKM business in Pasuruan city through entrepreneurial orientation.
On another proof of the formula E = m.c2 according to the rotary theory
Authors: Panov Emil Ivanov
Published: December 2017

The paper is dedicated to one of the greatest breakthroughs in the classical physics at the beginning of the 20-th century – the appearance of the special theory of relativity of Albert Einstein in 1905. In it, by the help of the rotary theory, a new proof of the most famous formula in the world – the equation giving the connection between the energy and the mass of the bodies, is presented. Rotary theory appeared in 1998, trying to explain the electromagnetic phenomena from another point of view and to answer to series of questions connected with the basic electromagnetic laws, reaching the same results but giving simpler and direct answers compared with the classical electromagnetic theory of Maxwell. In it, by the help of the method of moments, the vector of the magnetic field intensity and the vector of the magnetic flux density are presented as moments of the vector of the current density of the tangential displacement current , claiming in this way that the magnetic field is a form of rotating electric field. The final result is a set of electromagnetic equations in fully electrical form, depicting all the electromagnetic phenomena from another point of view.
Mathematical model of parametrically controlled matched filters
Authors: Naydenov Borislav Georgiev , Yordanov Antim Hristov , Kamburov Lyubomir Petrov
Published: December 2017

A one model of parametrically controlled coherent filters is described and analyzed, applied also in radar systems and mobile communication systems to improve noise resistance. Application of the Nyquist-Shannon theorem in the frequency domain to obtain a set of frequency filters with variable parameters. The conversion of the signal at the output of the parameter filter using the auto correlation feature is shown when a normal white noise occurs.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using K-means ‎Methodology
Authors: Ayoob Noor Kadhim
Published: December 2017

After lung cancer, breast cancer is the second cause of death among women. Due to the seriousness of the disease, research has stepped up to help diagnose this disease by providing medical personnel with a classification based computer systems that determine whether the patient is infected. This research focuses on the use method (K-means) for the diagnosis of breast cancer based on a global database known as (WBCD) dedicated to this purpose. The proposed method has proved its effectiveness in classification and the accuracy of the system is equal to 96.4861%.
The Essential Order of (L_p,p<1) Approximation ‎Using Regular Neural Networks
Authors: Bhaya‎ Eman S. , Al-sammak Omar A.
Published: December 2017

This paper is concerning with essential degree of approximation using regular neural networks and how a multivariate function in  spaces for  can be approximated using a forward regular neural network. So, we can have the essential approximation ability of a multivariate function in  spaces for  using regular FFN.
Pengaruh Kualitas Layanan dan Produk terhadap Kepuasan serta Loyalitas Pelanggan KFC di Tangerang Selatan
Authors: Yesenia Yesenia , Siregar Edward Halomoan
Published: December 2017

PT. Fast Food Indonesia adalah pemegang lisensi tunggal restoran cepat saji terkemuka di dunia yaitu Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis atribut-atribut kualitas pelayanan dan produk yang dapat mempengaruhi kepuasan dan loyalitas pelanggan KFC. Hasil penelitian dengan Important Performance Analysis (IPA) dan Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)  menunjukan tingkat kepuasan pelanggan KFC sebesar 81.26% yang mengindikasikan pelanggan merasa sangat puas. Berdasarkan hasil analisis Partial Least Squares (PLS),  Kualitas Layanan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan namun berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan pada model total pengunjung, pelajar dan non pelajar. Kualitas produk berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan pada semua model. Kualitas produk tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan pada model total pengunjung namun kualitas produk berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas pada model pelajar dan non pelajar, serta kepuasan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap loyalitas pada seluruh model.
Kata kunci:  customer satisfaction index, kentucky fried chicken, important performance analysis, loyalty, satisfaction, partial least squares
Angioedema como única manifestación inicial de hipogammaglobulinemia
Authors: López-Rocha Eunice Giselle , O’Farrill-Romanillos Patricia María , Cerda-Reyes Saraid , Medina-Torres Edgar Alejandro , Espinosa-Padilla Sara Elva , Huerta-López José Guadalupe , Blancas-Galicia Lizbeth
Published: December 2017

La inmunodeficiencia común variable se caracteriza por  hipogammaglobulinemia e incapacidad para responder a las vacunas. Los pacientes en su mayoría manifiestan infecciones, sin embargo, menos de 5 % solo presenta patologías como autoinmunidad, inflamación granulomatosa, esplenomegalia o enfermedad linfoproliferativa, entre otras, sin infecciones. Se describe el caso de una mujer que debutó con afección cutánea localizada, angioedema facial, sin otros síntomas iniciales. Después del diagnóstico se documentó esplenomegalia y bronquiectasias. El angioedema y las bronquiectasias respondieron con la sustitución de la gammaglobulina intravenosa. En este artículo, además de la descripción del caso, se revisan las manifestaciones dermatológicas asociadas con inmunodeficiencia común variable.
Prevalencia del asma en América Latina. Mirada crítica a partir del ISAAC y otros estudios
Authors: Ocampo Jaime , Gaviria Rodrigo , Sánchez Jorge
Published: December 2017

Actualmente el proyecto ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) constituye un acercamiento global para conocer la prevalencia del asma y otras alergias en diferentes latitudes del orbe. Una de las ventajas de este proyecto es que con la misma metodología compara la prevalencia del asma en más de 50 ciudades durante el mismo periodo de tiempo, sin embargo, no ha sido evaluada la reproducibilidad de los resultados, en comparación con los proporcionados por otras investigaciones de prevalencia realizadas en cada región. En esta revisión nos propusimos como objetivo comparar los datos epidemiológicos aportados por el estudio ISAAC con los datos identificados en algunos estudios de cohorte regionales y, mediante una evaluación crítica, resaltar las principales similitudes y analizar las diferencias entre estos datos epidemiológicos.
Mediadores de la respuesta inflamatoria en asma y su relación con obesidad
Authors: Galicia-Negrete Gustavo , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés
Published: December 2017

El incremento en la prevalencia de asma y obesidad constituye un problema de salud pública en los ámbitos nacional y mundial. Se ha propuesto una sinergia entre estas patologías que genera broncoespasmos más severos, mayor tiempo de recuperación y uso de medicamentos por un lapso más prolongado en los pacientes asmáticos con obesidad. El descubrimiento de la leptina, relacionada directamente con la cantidad de grasa corporal total y la producción de citocinas proinflamatorias ha generado mayor interés en el tejido adiposo blanco. El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir la asociación entre obesidad, asma y los mecanismos fisiopatológicos involucrados. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en la literatura científica empleando el Centro Nacional de Información sobre Biotecnología (NCBI) de Estados Unidos como herramienta de búsqueda; las palabras claves utilizadas fueron asma, leptina, obesidad e inflamación. Numerosos estudios clínicos y experimentales exploran la participación de la obesidad como una entidad inflamatoria en el asma; algunos han evaluado el papel de polimorfismos genéticos “compartidos” por ambas patologías. Al parecer, existen mecanismos comunes a ambas patologías que pueden influir en la exacerbación de los síntomas del asma en pacientes con obesidad.
Salmonella Infection: The Common Cause of Human Food Poisoning
Authors: Rahman Heshu Sulaiman
Published: December 2017

Salmonellosis infection is caused by a Salmonella bacteria which was first found by Soholerin in 1839, and it  isolated by Eberth in 1880 from the mesenteric  lymph nodes and spleen of a person died from typhoid fever. Salmonella was cultured by Gaffky in 1888 by Salmon and Smith from pigs which had died of hog cholera. The disease can affect all species of domestic animals and man , but young, aged, debilitated, stressed, pregnant, and lactating animals and humans are more susceptible, while immunosuppressed individuals with concomitant illness and those suffering from malnutrition are especially at risk for Salmonella infection. Permanent carriers of infected individuals usually harboring the organisms in the gallbladder, billiary tract, liver spleen, lymph modes, rarely the intestine or urinary tract. Therefore, the aim of this mini review is to focus the main sources of Salmonella food poisoning together with the main routes of infection in human and animals.
Flexible intramedullary nailing for femoral diaphyseal fractures in children
Authors: Tamrakar Rojan , Basnyat Sagun , Shah Gajendra Mani , Bhatta Toya Raj , Gyawali Bidur , Acharya Balakrishnan M , Shrestha Suman Kumar , Pradhan Nabees Man Singh
Published: December 2017

Background & Objectives: Although various treatment options are available for the treatment of femoral diaphyesal fractures in children, the titanium flexible nailing has gained popularity because it is safe, easy procedure with rapid recovery and high success rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of titanium elastic nails in treating paediatric femoral diaphyesal fractures at Patan Hospital.Materials & Methods: There were 35 cases which were all fixed with titanium flexible intramedullary nail under image intensifier at the Patan hospital from January 2013 and December 2015. Patients were evaluated in follow-ups to observe the alignment of fracture, infection, delayed union, nonunion, limb length discrepancy, implant failure, range of movement of hip and knee joints, and time to unite the fracture. The final results were evaluated using criteria of titanium elastic nail (TEN) outcome score described by Flynn et al.Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.51 years. Among 35 patients (22 boys and 13 girls), there were 19 mid-shaft fractures, nine proximal third fractures and seven distal third fractures. Fracture patterns were transverse (22), oblique (10), spiral (2), and comminuted (2). The mean time for fracture union was 8.17 weeks radiologically whereas 9.83 weeks clinically. According to TEN outcome score, excellent and good results were in 28 cases (80%) and seven cases (20%) respectively.Conclusion: Flexible titanium nailing is a safe and satisfactory treatment for diaphyseal femoral fractures in children, because it provides rapid recovery, short rehabilitation and immobilization as well as very high union rate with few complications.
Relationship of ABO and Rh blood groups with history of gastritis in the undergraduate medical and dental students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Manandhar Nilu , Bhattarai Kushal
Published: December 2017

Background & Objectives: The various ABO and Rh blood groups with different distribution frequencies in the general population have been found to be associated with different diseases, most notably gastritis. Many studies have claimed Rh groups to be indifferent to such association. Nonetheless, ABO group is found to linked with chronic gastritis. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequencies of ABO and Rh blood groups and the gastritis amongst the first and second year undergraduate medical and dental students; and to study their relationships. Materials & Methods: In a descriptive, cross-sectional study, 247 study participants were enrolled. After procuring clearance from the institutional review committee and the informed and written consent from the study participants, data collection was done on the variables, year of study (first or second year), gender, blood groups (ABO and Rh) and history of gastritis (present or absent).Results: Blood group O was the commonest (n=99; 40.1%) followed by group B (n=77; 31.2%). Similarly, 239 (96.8%) participants were Rh-positive as compared to 8 (3.2%) Rh-negative. Interestingly, 46 (18.6%) of the participants reported positive history of gastritis. Participants with blood group O had the greatest odds (OR=1.64) of having history of gastritis compared with those with other blood groups combined. Distribution of study participants based on gender and history of gastritis in either systems of blood grouping shoed no significant difference in their proportions (p>0.05). Conclusion: In light of the above findings, further longitudinal studies can be designed to better asses the relationship.
Care, attachements et nouvelles citoyennetés
Authors: Molinier Pascale
Published: December 2017

*Full article is in French

English abstract:

Through the metaphor of a bridge of interdependence, this article brings together two traditions—Western ecofeminism and Amerindian feminist thought—focusing on two intellectuals and activists: the Australian philosopher Val Plumwood and yanacona leader, Maria Ovidia Palechor. Drawing on their convergence around territory and attachments between humans and non-humans, the article’s purpose is to show the plurality of feminist voices that characterizes new citizenship and not to stifl e it under the chape of a single Western trend of feminism. Contrary to rationalist conceptions of citizenship based on identical preference (democracy of the brothers), it is a matt er of valuing att achments and relational responsibility as conditions for a dysharmonic democracy based on the plurality of voices.

Spanish abstract:

A través de la metáfora de un puente de interdependencia, este artículo reúne dos tradiciones—el ecofeminismo occidental y el pensamiento feminista amerindio—centrándose en dos intelectuales y activistas: el filósofo australiano Val Plumwood y la líder yanacona María Ovidia Palechor. Basándose en su convergencia en torno al territorio y los vínculos entre los seres humanos y los no humanos, el propósito del artículo es mostrar la pluralidad de voces feministas que caracteriza a la nueva ciudadanía y no sofocarla bajo la cápsula de una sola tendencia occidental del feminismo. Contrariamente a las concepciones racionalistas de la ciudadanía basada en la preferencia de lo idéntico (democracia de los hermanos), se trata de valorar los apegos y la responsabilidad relacional como condiciones para una democracia disarmónica basada en la pluralidad de voces.

French abstract:

À travers la métaphore d’un pont de l’interdépendance, cet article met en dialogue deux traditions – l’écoféminisme occidental et la pensée féministe amérindienne –, en se centrant sur deux intellectuelles et activistes : la philosophe australienne Val Plumwood et la leader yanacona Maria Ovidia Palechor. S’appuyant sur leurs convergences autour du territoire et des att achements entre les humains et envers les non humains, le propos de l’article est d’exposer la pluralité des voix féministes qui caractérise les nouvelles citoyennetés, et de ne pas l’étouff er sous la chappe d’une seule tendance occidentale du féminisme. À rebours des conceptions rationalistes de la citoyenneté fondées sur la préférence à l’identique (démocratie des frères), il s’agit de valoriser les attachements et la responsabilité relationnelle comme conditions d’une démocratie dysharmonique fondée sur la pluralité des voix.
Survival Curves and Behavioral Profiles of Female 3xTg-AD Mice Surviving to 18-Months of Age as Compared to Mice with Normal Aging
Authors: Torres-Lista Virginia , De la Fuente Mónica , Giménez-Llort Lydia
Published: December 2017

New evidence reveals a high degree of heterogeneity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical and temporal patterns, supporting the existence of several subgroups of patients. Prognosticators of end-of-life dementia specific to elderly patients are necessary to address this heterogeneity. Among 3xTg-AD mice, a widely-used model for AD, a very small number of animals overcome advanced neuropathological stages of disease beyond 18 months of age. They are usually females, which reach longevity in spite of worse neuropathological status as compared to males (the morbidity/mortality paradox). We posit that 3xTg-AD long-term survivors could serve to model end-of-life dementia but also aware about the mortality selection bias. In the present study, we performed behavioral and functional phenotype in long-term survivors, 18-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice and age-matched wildtype undergoing normal aging. Animals were followed up until natural death to correlate survival with phenotype assessments. Strong similarity of their behavioral profiles in all the variables analyzed (e.g. reflexes, sensorimotor functions, locomotion, exploration, emotionality, and anxiety-like behaviors) was found, with the exception of memory impairment, which was a salient trait in old 3xTg-AD survivors. The two groups showed similar mean life expectancy and had behavioral correlates among lifespan, neophobia and long-term memory in common, with some distinctions in 3xTg-AD, supporting recent studies in end-of-life patients. In spite of the small sample size, this brief report presents an interesting scenario to further study heterogeneity and survival in Alzheimer’s disease. 3xTg-AD survivors may be a model to gain insight into the frailty/survival paradigm in normal and pathological aging.
Overview and Current Status of Alzheimer’s Disease in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Rashidur , Tajmim Afsana , Ali Mohammad , Sharif Mostakim
Published: December 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder with economic, social, and medical burdens which is acknowledged as leading cause of dementia marked by the accumulation and aggregation of amyloid-β peptide and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein and concomitant dementia, neuron loss and brain atrophy. AD is the most prevalent neurodegenerative brain disorder with sporadic etiology, except for a small fraction of cases with familial inheritance where familial forms of AD are correlated to mutations in three functionally related genes: the amyloid-β protein precursor and presenilins 1 and 2, two key γ-secretase components. The common clinical features of AD are memory impairment that interrupts daily life, difficulty in accomplishing usual tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Age is the most significant risk factor for AD, whereas other risk factors correlated with AD are hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Despite decades of research, there is no satisfying therapy which will terminate the advancement of AD by acting on the origin of the disease process, whereas currently available therapeutics only provide symptomatic relief but fail to attain a definite cure and prevention. This review also represents the current status of AD in Bangladesh.
Optimal Cut-Off Value for Locus Coeruleus-to-Pons Intensity Ratio as Clinical Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dordevic Milos , Müller-Fotti Alessa , Müller Patrick , Schmicker Marlen , Kaufmann Jörn , Müller Notger G.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Studies using neuromelanin-sensitive-MRI have established the locus coeruleus (LC)-to-pons intensity ratio as a biomarker for diagnosis of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. More detailed analysis is needed for exploiting the highest clinical potential of this technique.

Objective:

The aim is to determine the location of the highest LC-to-pons ratio within the LC and develop an easy-to-use tool for clinical application.

Methods:

Ten patients diagnosed with various stages of Alzheimer’s disease (74.1±3.9 years, range 68–80, 7 females) and ten healthy elderly subjects (72.4±3.1 years, range 68–77, 5 females) participated in the study. Five subsequent slices with a thickness of 2.5 millimeters were analyzed using the image analysis tool FSL, starting with the first slice below inferior colliculus. The outcome variable was the intensity ratio between maximum values of LC and adjacent pontine region.

Results:

The section located 10 millimeters below the inferior colliculus has the highest potential in differentiating between healthy controls and patients, with the intensity-ratio difference between groups of 12.3% and effect size of 1.577. For the cut-off value of 1.09, the sensitivity and specificity values were 100% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion:

We consider the method a promising clinical tool to aid AD diagnosis workup.
A Possibility of Simultaneous Treatment with the Multicomponent Drug, Ninjin’yoeito, for Anorexia, Apathy, and Cognitive Dysfunction in Frail Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: An Open-Label Pilot Study
Authors: Ohsawa Makoto , Tanaka Yukiko , Ehara Yoshito , Makita Setsuko , Onaka Kosuke
Published: December 2017

A recent classification analysis of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) revealed a distinct cluster with apathy and eating problems including anorexia that exhibits frailty. The apathy and frailty are risk factors in the disease progresses. However, there is currently no effective drug for treating both anorexia and apathy in AD. Here, we conducted an open-label pilot study to determine whether ninjin’yoeito (NYT, TJ-108), a multicomponent drug, is effective for improving anorexia and apathy in patients with AD, and consequently their cognitive function. Trials were conducted at three sites in Japan. Twenty patients [4 men and 16 women, average age = 82.6±7.7 (mean±SD) years old], including 19 AD and 1 mixed dementia with anorexia/apathy, were examined. NYT (6–9 g/day) was administered for 12 weeks. The changes in scores for “anorexia” using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) subcategory for eating disturbance (primary outcome measure), NPI including “apathy”, the vitality index, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and physical and blood nutrition indices were evaluated at baseline (week 0), and weeks 4, 8 and 12. After week 4, significant improvements were observed in the scores for “anorexia” and “apathy” by NPI and meal ingestion amount. Vitality index and MMSE score were significantly improved by week 12. We propose that NYT, a multicomponent drug with several effects including dopamine modulation, is a new-type dementia therapeutic agent with low risk of adverse reactions that can improve simultaneously anorexia/apathy, as well as cognitive dysfunction in frail AD patients.
Deletion of Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Gene ABCA7 Alters White Adipose Tissue Development and Leptin Levels
Authors: Bhatia Surabhi , Fu YuHong , Hsiao Jen-Hsiang T. , Halliday Glenda M. , Kim Woojin Scott
Published: December 2017

ATP-binding cassette A7 (ABCA7) is a genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It belongs to a group of transporter genes that specializes in regulating lipid transport in the periphery as well as in the brain. ABCA7 has been implicated in a number of roles relating to AD pathology, including phagocytic clearance of amyloid-β peptides. We have discovered that deletion of ABCA7 in mouse causes a dramatic reduction in white adipose tissue (WAT) in female mice. WAT is important in AD context because it is the primary producer of leptin, which is a hormone that is known to modulate AD neuropathology. WAT in male Abca7–/– mice was not altered. The pathological link between ABCA7 and WAT that impacts on AD is unknown. Our transcription analysis revealed that lipin-1 expression was significantly upregulated in female Abca7–/– mice, indicating that ABCA7 affects WAT development. The circulating leptin level was significantly reduced in female Abca7–/– mice without any change in WAT leptin mRNA or protein expression, indicating that ABCA7 does not affect leptin production, but alters the circulating leptin level indirectly by affecting WAT development. Insulin is a key hormone that regulates WAT development, i.e., adipogenesis, and it was significantly reduced in female Abca7–/– mice. These data when put together suggest that ABCA7 plays a role in regulating WAT development and consequently circulating leptin levels, which are known to modulate AD neuropathology.
Assessing Genotype-By-Environment Interactions in Aspergillus Ear Rot and Pre-Harvest Aflatoxin Accumulation in Maize Inbred Lines
Authors: Okoth Sheila , Rose Lindy , Ouko Abigael , Netshifhefhe Nakisani , Sila Henry , Viljoen Altus
Published: December 2017

Aspergillus flavus, causal agent of the Aspergillus ear rot (AER) of maize, also produces aflatoxins that cause aflatoxicosis in humans and livestock. Ten maize inbred lines were evaluated in replicated trials in two aflatoxicosis outbreak hot spots in Kenya and in three maize-growing areas in South Africa for resistance to AER, A. flavus colonization, and pre-harvest aflatoxin accumulation during the 2012/13 growing season. AER severity was measured by visual assessment, while A. flavus colonization and aflatoxin content were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Genotype by environment interaction (GEI) was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), additive main effects and multiplicative models (AMMI), and genotype plus by environment (GGE) biplot analyses. Stability of genotypes was evaluated using AMMI analysis. AER severity and fungal colonization significantly (p < 0.001) varied between genotypes. GEI influenced the severity of AER symptoms and aflatoxin accumulation significantly (p < 0.001), while fungal colonization was not affected. The inbred lines response was consistent for this trait in the test environments and was thus considered a desirable measure to indicate maize lines with a high risk of aflatoxin accumulation. CML495, CKL05019, LaPosta, and MIRTC5 were the least diseased lines, with the lowest aflatoxin contamination and a stable phenotypic response across the environments. Kiboko was determined as the ideal representative test environment, with discriminative ability of the genotypes for selection of the desired stable responses of the three traits.
An Exploration of Industry Expert Perception of Equine Welfare Using Vignettes
Authors: DuBois Cordelie , Hambly-Odame Helen , Haley Derek , Merkies Katrina
Published: December 2017

As part of a larger Delphi survey project, equine professionals (n = 14) were presented with twelve short scenarios in which a horse’s welfare could be compromised. They were asked to rank each scenario (with 0 indicating no welfare concerns and 5 indicating a situation where immediate intervention was necessary), provide justification for their ranking, and give examples of what might have been the motivation behind the scenario. The wide range within vignette scores demonstrated the diversity of opinion even among a relatively small group of equine professionals. Qualitative analysis of responses to vignettes suggested that respondents typically ranked situations higher if they had a longer duration and the potential for greater or longer-lasting consequences (e.g., serious injury). Respondents were also the most sensitive to situations in which the horse’s physical well-being (e.g., painful experience) was, or could be, compromised. Financial reasons, ignorance, and human convenience were also areas discussed as potential motivators by survey respondents. Overall, responses from the vignettes allowed for a picture of welfare perception based on personal values.
Six-Year Retrospective Review of Hospital Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Skin Infections from a Single Institution in Greece
Authors: Stefanaki Christina , Ieronymaki Alexandra , Matoula Theoni , Caroni Chrysseis , Polythodoraki Evaggelia , Chryssou Stella-Eugenia , Kontochristopoulos George , Antoniou Christina
Published: December 2017

Objective: To determine the prevalence of resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) to various antibiotics. Material and Methods: All culture-positive results for S. aureus from swabs taken from patients presenting at one Greek hospital with a skin infection between the years 2010–2015 were examined retrospectively. Bacterial cultures, identification of S. aureus and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines and European Committee on Antimicrobial testing (EUCAST) breakpoints. EUCAST breakpoints were applied if no CLSI were available. Results: Of 2069 S. aureus isolates identified, 1845 (88%) were resistant to one or more antibiotics. The highest resistance was observed for benzylpenicillin (71.9%), followed by erythromycin (34.3%). Resistant strains to cefoxitin defined as MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) represented 21% of total isolates. Interestingly, resistance to fusidic acid was 22.9% and to mupirocin as high as 12.7%. Low rates were observed for minocycline, rifampicin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT). Resistance to antibiotics remained relatively stable throughout the six-year period, with the exception of cefoxitin, fusidic acid and SXT. A high percentage of MRSA strains were resistant to erythromycin (60%), fusidic acid (46%), clindamycin (38%) and tetracycline (35.5%). Conclusions: Special attention is required in prescribing appropriate antibiotic therapeutic regimens, particularly for MRSA. These data on the susceptibility of S. aureus may be useful for guiding antibiotic treatment.
Populating the Mix Space: Parametric Methods for Generating Multitrack Audio Mixtures
Authors: Wilson Alex , Fazenda Bruno
Published: December 2017

The creation of multitrack mixes by audio engineers is a time-consuming activity and creating high-quality mixes requires a great deal of knowledge and experience. Previous studies on the perception of music mixes have been limited by the relatively small number of human-made mixes analysed. This paper describes a novel “mix-space”, a parameter space which contains all possible mixes using a finite set of tools, as well as methods for the parametric generation of artificial mixes in this space. Mixes that use track gain, panning and equalisation are considered. This allows statistical methods to be used in the study of music mixing practice, such as Monte Carlo simulations or population-based optimisation methods. Two applications are described: an investigation into the robustness and accuracy of tempo-estimation algorithms and an experiment to estimate distributions of spectral centroid values within sets of mixes. The potential for further work is also described.
Production and Characterization of Glass-Ceramic Materials for Potential Use in Dental Applications: Thermal and Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, and In Vitro Bioactivity
Authors: Baino Francesco , Verné Enrica
Published: December 2017

Multicomponent silicate glasses and their corresponding glass-ceramic derivatives were prepared and tested for potential applications in dentistry. The glasses were produced via a melting-quenching process, ground and sieved to obtain fine-grained powders that were pressed in the form of small cylinders and thermally treated to obtain sintered glass-ceramic samples. X-ray diffraction investigations were carried out on the materials before and after sintering to detect the presence of crystalline phases. Thermal analyses, mechanical characterizations (assessment of bending strength, Young’s modulus, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness), and in vitro bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid were performed. On the basis of the acquired results, different potential applications in the dental field were discussed for the proposed glass-ceramics. The use of such materials can be suggested for either restorative dentistry or dental implantology, mainly depending on their peculiar bioactive and mechanical properties. At the end of the work, the feasibility of a novel full-ceramic bilayered implant was explored and discussed. This implant, comprising a highly bioactive layer expected to promote osteointegration and another one mimicking the features of tooth enamel, can have an interesting potential for whole tooth substitution.
Impact Wear of Structural Steel with Yield Strength of 235 MPa in Various Liquids
Authors: Liu Yueting , Janssen G.C.A.M.
Published: December 2017

The wear of pipelines, used in slurry transport, results in high costs for maintenance and replacement. The wear mechanism involves abrasion, corrosion, impact, and the interaction among them. In this work, we study the effect of impact on the wear mechanism and wear rate. Results show that when the effect of impact is small, the wear mechanism is dominated by electrochemically induced surface modification, which leads to a lower wear rate in a corrosive environment than in a non-corrosive environment. By contrast, when the effect of impact is large, the wear mechanism is drastically altered. In that regime plastic deformation is important. The influence of corrosion in the high impact regime can be neglected. Our findings show the importance of including impact effect in the distinction of wear of slurry pipes.
Far-field and Fresnel Liquid Crystal Geometric Phase Holograms via Direct-Write Photo-Alignment
Authors: Xiang Xiao , Kim Jihwan , Escuti Michael
Published: December 2017

We study computer-generated geometric-phase holograms (GPHs) realized by photo-aligned liquid crystals, in both simulation and experiment. We demonstrate both far-field and Fresnel holograms capable of producing far-field and near-field images with preserved fidelity for all wavelengths. The GPHs are fabricated by patterning a photo-alignment layer (PAL) using a direct-write laser scanner and coating the surface with a polymerizable liquid crystal (i.e., a reactive mesogen). We study various recording pixel sizes, down to 3 μm, that are easily recorded in the PAL. We characterize the fabricated elements and find good agreement with theory and numerical simulation. Because of the wavelength independent geometric phase, the (phase) fidelity of the replay images is preserved for all wavelengths, unlike conventional dynamic phase holograms. However, governed by the diffraction equation, the size and location of a reconstructed image depends on the replay wavelength for far-field and near-field GPHs, respectively. These offer interesting opportunities for white-light holography.
Spin and Maximal Acceleration
Authors: Papini Giorgio
Published: December 2017

We study the spin current tensor of a Dirac particle at accelerations close to the upper limit introduced by Caianiello. Continual interchange between particle spin and angular momentum is possible only when the acceleration is time-dependent. This represents a stringent limit on the effect that maximal acceleration may have on spin physics in astrophysical applications. We also investigate some dynamical consequences of maximal acceleration.
Structural Characterization and Association of Ovine Dickkopf-1 Gene with Wool Production and Quality Traits in Chinese Merino
Authors: Mu Fang , Rong Enguang , Jing Yang , Yang Hua , Ma Guangwei , Yan Xiaohong , Wang Zhipeng , Li Yumao , Li Hui , Wang Ning
Published: December 2017

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling pathway and regulates hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. To investigate the potential involvement of DKK1 in wool production and quality traits, we characterized the genomic structure of ovine DKK1, performed polymorphism detection and association analysis of ovine DKK1 with wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino. Our results showed that ovine DKK1 consists of four exons and three introns, which encodes a protein of 262 amino acids. The coding sequence of ovine DKK1 and its deduced amino acid sequence were highly conserved in mammals. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within the ovine DKK1 genomic region. Gene-wide association analysis showed that SNP5 was significantly associated with mean fiber diameter (MFD) in the B (selected for long wool fiber and high-quality wool), PW (selected for high reproductive capacity, high clean wool yield and high-quality wool) and U (selected for long wool fiber with good uniformity, high wool yield and lower fiber diameter) strains (p < 4.55 × 10−3 = 0.05/11). Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms wide association analysis showed that SNP8 was significantly associated with MFD in A strain and fleece weight in A (selected for large body size), PM (selected for large body size, high reproductive capacity and high meat yield) and SF (selected for mean fiber diameter less than 18 μm and wool fiber length between 5 and 9 cm) strains (p < 0.05), SNP9 was significantly associated with curvature in B and U strains (p < 0.05) and SNP10 was significantly associated with coefficient of variation of fiber diameter in A, PW and PM strains and standard deviation of fiber diameter in A and PM strains (p < 0.05). The haplotypes derived from these 11 identified SNPs were significantly associated with MFD (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that DKK1 may be a major gene controlling wool production and quality traits, also the identified SNPs (SNPs5, 8, 9 and 10) might be used as potential molecular markers for improving sheep wool production and quality in sheep breeding.
Protective Effects of Ambient Ozone on Incidence and Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke in Changzhou, China: A Time-Series Study
Authors: Yu Yongquan , Dong Huibin , Yao Shen , Ji Minghui , Yao Xingjuan , Zhang Zhan
Published: December 2017

The potential beneficial effect of ozone (O3) on stroke had been identified experimentally and clinically, but these effects remain controversial in population-based studies. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological association between O3 and risk of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke related health data and air pollution data were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Environmental Monitoring Center in Changzhou between 2015 and 2016, respectively. The associations between the short-term exposure to O3 and daily ischemic stroke onsets and deaths were examined based on time-series generalized additive Poisson model. During the study period, daily ischemic stroke onsets and deaths decreased 0.340% (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.559% to −0.120%) and 0.697% (95% CI −1.103% to −0.290%) with an interquartile range (IQR) (41.1 µg/m3) increase in levels of ambient O3, respectively. The protective effects of O3 were more significant in men and elders and in the cool season than those in women and young people and in the warm season, respectively. The negative association was independent of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 or CO exposure. Acute O3 exposure was associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke. These findings will help provide new insights into the relationship between ischemic stroke and ambient O3 concentrations.
The Hypothesis Platform: An Online Tool for Experimental Research into Work with Maps and Behavior in Electronic Environments
Authors: Šašinka Čeněk , Morong Kamil , Stachoň Zdeněk
Published: December 2017

The article presents a testing platform named Hypothesis. The software was developed primarily for the purposes of experimental research in cartography and psychological diagnostics. Hypothesis is an event-logger application which can be used for the recording of events and their real-time processing, if needed. The platform allows for the application of Computerized Adaptive Testing. The modularity of the platform makes it possible to integrate various Processing.js-based applications for creation and presentation of rich graphic material, interactive animations, and tasks involving manipulation with 3D objects. The Manager Module allows not only the administration of user accounts and tests but also serves as a data export tool. Raw data is exported from the central database in text format and then converted in the selection module into a format suitable for statistical analysis. The platform has many functions e.g., the creation and administration of tasks with real-time interaction between several participants (“multi-player function”) and those where a single user completes several tests simultaneously (“multi-task function”). The platform may be useful e.g., for research in experimental economics or for studies involving collaborative tasks. In addition, connection of the platform to an eye-tracking system is also possible.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolutionary and Expression Analyses of the GALACTINOL SYNTHASE Gene Family in Rapeseed and Tobacco
Authors: Fan Yonghai , Yu Mengna , Liu Miao , Zhang Rui , Sun Wei , Qian Mingchao , Duan Huichun , Chang Wei , Ma Jinqi , Qu Cunmin , Zhang Kai , Lei Bo , Lu Kun
Published: December 2017

Galactinol synthase (GolS) is a key enzyme in raffinose family oligosaccharide (RFO) biosynthesis. The finding that GolS accumulates in plants exposed to abiotic stresses indicates RFOs function in environmental adaptation. However, the evolutionary relationships and biological functions of GolS family in rapeseed (Brassica napus) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) remain unclear. In this study, we identified 20 BnGolS and 9 NtGolS genes. Subcellular localization predictions showed that most of the proteins are localized to the cytoplasm. Phylogenetic analysis identified a lost event of an ancient GolS copy in the Solanaceae and an ancient duplication event leading to evolution of GolS4/7 in the Brassicaceae. The three-dimensional structures of two GolS proteins were conserved, with an important DxD motif for binding to UDP-galactose (uridine diphosphate-galactose) and inositol. Expression profile analysis indicated that BnGolS and NtGolS genes were expressed in most tissues and highly expressed in one or two specific tissues. Hormone treatments strongly induced the expression of most BnGolS genes and homologous genes in the same subfamilies exhibited divergent-induced expression. Our study provides a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of GolS genes among the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae as well as an insight into the biological function of GolS genes in hormone response in plants.
ω-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as Sensitizing Agents and Multidrug Resistance Revertants in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Corsetto Paola , Colombo Irma , Kopecka Joanna , Rizzo Angela , Riganti Chiara
Published: December 2017

Chemotherapy efficacy is strictly limited by the resistance of cancer cells. The ω-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFAs) are considered chemosensitizing agents and revertants of multidrug resistance by pleiotropic, but not still well elucidated, mechanisms. Nowadays, it is accepted that alteration in gene expression, modulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation, induction of apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation are involved in ω-3 LCPUFA chemosensitizing effects. A crucial mechanism in the control of cell drug uptake and efflux is related to ω-3 LCPUFA influence on membrane lipid composition. The incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid in the lipid rafts produces significant changes in their physical-chemical properties affecting content and functions of transmembrane proteins, such as growth factors, receptors and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Of note, ω-3 LCPUFAs often alter the lipid compositions more in chemoresistant cells than in chemosensitive cells, suggesting a potential adjuvant role in the treatment of drug resistant cancers.
Molecular Determinants of Malignant Brain Cancers: From Intracellular Alterations to Invasion Mediated by Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Schiera Gabriella , Di Liegro Carlo , Di Liegro Italia
Published: December 2017

Malignant glioma cells invade the surrounding brain parenchyma, by migrating along the blood vessels, thus promoting cancer growth. The biological bases of these activities are grounded in profound alterations of the metabolism and the structural organization of the cells, which consequently acquire the ability to modify the surrounding microenvironment, by altering the extracellular matrix and affecting the properties of the other cells present in the brain, such as normal glial-, endothelial- and immune-cells. Most of the effects on the surrounding environment are probably exerted through the release of a variety of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain many different classes of molecules, from genetic material to defined species of lipids and enzymes. EV-associated molecules can be either released into the extracellular matrix (ECM) and/or transferred to neighboring cells: as a consequence, both deep modifications of the recipient cell phenotype and digestion of ECM components are obtained, thus causing cancer propagation, as well as a general brain dysfunction. In this review, we first analyze the main intracellular and extracellular transformations required for glioma cell invasion into the brain parenchyma; then we discuss how these events may be attributed, at least in part, to EVs that, like the pawns of a dramatic chess game with cancer, open the way to the tumor cells themselves.