bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ephrin-A5 Is Required for Optimal Fertility and a Complete Ovulatory Response to Gonadotropins in the Female Mouse
Authors: Buensuceso Adrian V. , Son Alexander I. , Zhou Renping , Paquet Marilène , Withers Benjamin M. , Deroo Bonnie J.
Published: December 2015

Follicle growth and ovulation involve the coordinated expression of many genes, driven by FSH and LH. Reports indicate that Eph receptors and ephrins are expressed in the ovary, suggesting roles in follicle growth and/or ovulation. We previously reported FSH-induced expression of ephrin-A5 (EFNA5) and 4 of its cognate Eph receptors in mouse granulosa cells. We now report that female mice lacking EFNA5 are subfertile, exhibit a compromised response to LH, and display abnormal ovarian histology after superovulation. Efna5−/− females litters were 40% smaller than controls, although no difference in litter frequency was detected. The ovarian response to superovulation was also compromised in Efna5−/− females, with 37% fewer oocytes ovulated than controls. These results corresponded with a reduction in ovarian mRNA levels of several LH-responsive genes, including Pgr, Ptgs2, Tnfaip6, Ereg, Btc, and Adamts4, suggesting that Efna5−/− ovaries exhibit a partially attenuated response to LH. Histopathological analysis indicated that superovulated Efna5−/− females exhibited numerous ovarian defects, including intraovarian release of cumulus oocyte complexes, increased incidence of oocytes trapped within luteinized follicles, granulosa cell and follicular fluid emboli, fibrin thrombi, and interstitial hemorrhage. In addition, adult Efna5−/− ovaries exhibited a 4-fold increase in multioocyte follicles compared with controls, although no difference was detected in 3-week-old mice, suggesting the possibility of follicle merging. Our observations indicate that loss of EFNA5 in female mice results in subfertility and imply that Eph-ephrin signaling may also play a previously unidentified role in the regulation of fertility in women.
Moderate Exercise Prevents Functional Remodeling of the Anterior Pituitary Gland in Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress and Autophagy
Authors: Mercau María E. , Repetto Esteban M. , Perez Matías N. , Martinez Calejman Camila , Sanchez Puch Silvia , Finkielstein Carla V. , Cymeryng Cora B.
Published: December 2015

A sustained elevation of glucocorticoid production, associated with the establishment of insulin resistance (IR) could add to the deleterious effects of the IR state. The aim of this study is to analyze the consequences of long-term feeding with a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) on Pomc/ACTH production, define the underlying cellular processes, and determine the effects of moderate exercise (ME) on these parameters. Animals fed a standard chow with or without 30% sucrose in the drinking water were subjected to ME. Circulating hormone levels were determined, and pituitary tissues were processed and analyzed by immunobloting and quantitative real-time PCR. Parameters of oxidative stress (OxS), endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy were also determined. Rats fed SRD developed a decrease in pituitary Pomc/ACTH expression levels, increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. ME prevented pituitary dysfunction as well as induction of antioxidant enzymes and autophagy. Reporter assays were performed in AtT-20 corticotroph cells incubated in the presence of palmitic acid. Pomc transcription was inhibited by palmitic acid-dependent induction of OxS and autophagy, as judged by the effect of activators and inhibitors of both processes. Long-term feeding with SRD triggers the generation of OxS and autophagy in the pituitary gland, which could lead to a decline in Pomc/ACTH/glucocorticoid production. These effects could be attributed to an increase in fatty acids availability to the pituitary gland. ME was able to prevent these alterations, suggesting additional beneficial effects of ME as a therapeutic strategy in the management of IR.
Unruly Empiricisms and Linguistic Sovereignty in Thomas Jefferson's Indian Vocabulary Project
Authors: Rivett Sarah
Published: December 2015

From 1790 to 1810, Thomas Jefferson inaugurated a massive effort to collect and preserve native languages. Compiling as many languages as he could, Jefferson worked to solve the question of Indian origins. More interesting for its failures than for what it achieved, the Indian Vocabulary archive displays telling instances of cross-cultural mistranslation as indigenous words spill beyond Jefferson's rules of orthography and beyond the word list itself in formal defiance of Jefferson's goal of recording the ancient and pure sounds of “primitive” America. This essay argues that the vocabulary lists reveal forms of linguistic sovereignty whereby the indigenous speakers interviewed for the project refused to have their languages condemned to the atavistic detritus of American antiquity.
Neoliberal Style: Alex Haley, Hunter S. Thompson, and Countercultures
Authors: Worden Daniel
Published: December 2015

This essay charts how two important journalists, Alex Haley and Hunter S. Thompson, represent elements of the American counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in their influential writings about the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X, the Chicana/o movement, and drug culture. By analyzing The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, and Haley's and Thompson's other magazine writings for Playboy, Rolling Stone, and the Saturday Evening Post, the essay argues that Haley's and Thompson's nonfiction prose styles articulate a view of the social world that can now, retrospectively, be described as neoliberalism. The neoliberal style this essay explicates allows for subjects under neoliberalism to inhabit a position that limits politics to the confines of individual entrepreneurialism and consumerism, thus broadcasting politics as not a collective enterprise but instead a set of individual postures and consumer choices.
Immigration and Globalization: A Review Essay
Authors: Borjas George J.
Published: December 2015

This essay revisits the argument that the removal of worldwide immigration restrictions would induce a very large increase in world GDP. The recent books Exodus: How Migration is Changing Our World by Paul Collier and The Price of Rights: Regulating International Labor Migration by Martin Ruhs raise a number of questions about the underlying economic model. The essay shows how these concerns can greatly attenuate the predicted gains. (JEL F22, F66, J11, J18, J61)
Stress for Success: A Review of Timothy Geithner's Financial Crisis Memoir
Authors: Gorton Gary
Published: December 2015

Timothy Geithner's memoir of the financial crisis of 2007–08—Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises—is an important historical document offering details of how policies were formed and implemented during the crisis, showing the political constraints, and offering lessons for future crises. Walter Bagehot's classic rule for fighting crises— that the central bank should lend against good collateral at a high rate—is passive and incomplete. Geithner argues for the use of overwhelming force to reestablish confidence. Also, although the Federal Reserve's new crisis lending programs needed to be anonymous so as not to reveal weak banks' identities—“stigma”—the stress tests during the crisis did reveal information that may have been useful in reestablishing confidence. (JEL B31, E44, E63, G01, G21, G28)
A Wavelet and Neuro-Fuzzy Conjunction Model to Forecast Air Temperature Variations at Coastal Sites
Authors: Karimi Sepideh , Kisi Ozgur , Shiri Jalal , Makarynskyy Oleg
Published: December 2015

The present paper investigates performance of neuro-fuzzy (NF) and wavelet-neuro-fuzzy (WNF)conjunction models in short- and long-term forecasts of air temperature. A NF and two WNF models were developed and validated using daily air temperature data collected at two coastal stations in Iran, namely, Ahwaz and Izeh. The comparison of ANFIS and WANFIS models indicated that the conjunction models performed better than the single ANFIS model especially in forecasting weekly and monthly air temperatures. The coefficient of determination ( R2), the root mean square error ( RMSE) and adjusted coefficient of efficiency ( E1) were used as comparison criteria. For the Ahwaz and Izeh stations, the WANFIS model increased the accuracy of single ANFIS model by 23-13% (Ahwaz) and 21-8% (Izeh) with respect to RMSE in forecasting one-week and one-month ahead maximum air temperatures, respectively.
Stability of a Perforated Quarter Circle Breakwater
Authors: Hegde ArkalVittal , Sharhabeel P.S. , Mohan Sooraj
Published: December 2015

Many new types of breakwaters have been constructed of lateto fulfill the ever increasing demand of marine traffic. The quarter circle breakwater (QBW) is a recent type of breakwater developed on the lines of an earlier semicircular breakwater (SBW). QBW may be without perforations, seaside perforated or both sides perforated. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted in a two dimensional monochromatic wave flume on an emerged seaside perforated non-overtopping quarter circle breakwater model to study its stability against sliding. The scale of the model was 1:30. A range of incident wave heights (Hi) and wave periods (T) were generated in the flume simulating the wave climate off Mangaluru coast in the Karnataka State of India. The experimental data so collected was analyzed to understand the variation of the non-dimensional stability parameter with incident wave steepness for different values of dimensionless depth parameter In the end a nomogram was developed for computing the sliding stability of the breakwater.
Drug-Induced Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Pham Amy Quynh Trang , Xu Li Hao Richie , Moe Orson W.
Published: December 2015

Metabolic acidosis could emerge from diseases disrupting acid-base equilibrium or from drugs that induce similar derangements. Occurrences are usually accompanied by comorbid conditions of drug-induced metabolic acidosis, and clinical outcomes may range from mild to fatal. It is imperative that clinicians not only are fully aware of the list of drugs that may lead to metabolic acidosis but also understand the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In this review, we categorized drug-induced metabolic acidosis in terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, as well as individual drugs’ characteristics.
MSL: Facilitating automatic and physical analysis of published scientific literature in PDF format
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Dandekar Thomas
Published: December 2015

Published scientific literature contains millions of figures, including information about the results obtained from different scientific experiments e.g. PCR-ELISA data, microarray analysis, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry data, DNA/RNA sequencing, diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI and ultrasound scans), and medicinal imaging like electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), echocardiography  (ECG), positron-emission tomography (PET) images. The importance of biomedical figures has been widely recognized in scientific and medicine communities, as they play a vital role in providing major original data, experimental and computational results in concise form. One major challenge for implementing a system for scientific literature analysis is extracting and analyzing text and figures from published PDF files by physical and logical document analysis. Here we present a product line architecture based bioinformatics tool ‘Mining Scientific Literature (MSL)’, which supports the extraction of text and images by interpreting all kinds of published PDF files using advanced data mining and image processing techniques. It provides modules for the marginalization of extracted text based on different coordinates and keywords, visualization of extracted figures and extraction of embedded text from all kinds of biological and biomedical figures using applied Optimal Character Recognition (OCR). Moreover, for further analysis and usage, it generates the system’s output in different formats including text, PDF, XML and images files. Hence, MSL is an easy to install and use analysis tool to interpret published scientific literature in PDF format.
High pre-transplant TREC levels indicate good prognosis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: de Moraes Arantes Adriano , Kawemura Kharen , Seber Adriana , Rodrigues de Oliveira José Salvador , Gerbase-DeLima Maria , Shulzhenko Natalia , Morgun Andrey
Published: December 2015

Background

Thymus-dependent T-cell reconstitution plays a role in immune recovery after stem cell transplantation (HSCT). High pre-HCST thymic function has been associated with higher survival, lower incidence of acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) and lower incidence of infections. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between pre-HSCT peripheral blood levels of T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) and post-HSCT clinical events in recipients of HLA-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Method

Delta deletion signal joint TRECs (sjTRECs) formed by the dREC-yJa rearrangement were quantified by real time PCR in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 62 HSCT recipients.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed an association between low TREC levels and a higher incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (p=0.026), bacterial infection (p=0.005) and cytomegalovirus infection (p=0.033), whereas high TREC levels were associated with higher overall survival (p=0.028). In the multivariate analysis, low pre-HSCT TREC levels remained independently associated with lower survival (p=0.032; RR 2.6), occurrence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (p=0.031; RR: 2.5), bacterial infection (p=0.006, RR: 6.6) and cytomegalovirus infection (p=0.039; RR:2.8).

Conclusion

Our results corroborate the concept that pre-HSCT recipient´s thymic function is an important predictor of risk for acute grade II-IV GVHD and infection.
Supremacy of Law: Contemporary Terminology
Authors: CHirkin Vyeniamin
Published: December 2015

The author employed comparative linguistic and content analysis to examine the terminology used in the British, French and German constitutions, other legal acts and international instruments to mean the concept of “supremacy of law” in the sense it is used in the Russian legal sources and legal literature (sometimes also of use is the term “domination of law”) and to reveal the differences in the origin, content and meaning of such word combinations existing between those used in the Russian language (other Slav languages) and foreign languages of Western Europe, also to show inadequacies of certain terms. The article shows that the principle of supremacy applies only to the notion of a state and to the notion of legitimacy (although the State in such terms is often understood to be a society in general). It deals with the definitions of “supremacy of law”, which were offered by international authorities. Furthermore, the author suggests such definitions should be modified to become more specific.
Individual Approach as a Trend in the Development of the Russian Legislation
Authors: Vlasyenko Nikolay
Published: December 2015

The article examines modern trends in the development of domestic legislation. The author believes that the research traditions of the 1930—1950s do not any longer correspond to the realities of the legal system of today. The most important trend in modern dynamics of law is the individualization of the legal scope of regulation. Today we witness the creation of new types of laws — management, organization — to provide for the terms and conditions for social, political and other various types of events (Olympic Games, football World Cup, etc.). Also we witness the emergence of statutory laws which are created to lay down special status for various enterprises, organizations, agencies. The author believes that not all of those draft laws are of objective necessity. Examples are many. Other rules of individualization are subject to analysis. In general, it is concluded that the trend of individualization (fragmentation) is gaining momentum, and this is to be taken into account when we study the structure of the legislation and the structure of law.
The Theory of Corporate Law and Novelty of Article 2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation
Authors: Ushnitskiy Rum
Published: December 2015

Analyzed is the novelty contained in Article 2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. It provides for the inclusion of corporate relations into the sphere to be covered by civil law. The author firmly believes that such a novelty has an impact on the fundamental issues of the theory of corporate law, namely, the legal nature of corporate relations and its autonomous content. And it is important to identify corporate law as an independent branch of civil law. The author concludes that it is necessary to distinguish between the basic and derivative corporate relations. The corporate relations are of an absolute nature. In the light of what was stated it becomes evident that the imperative norms do have superiority to regulate corporate relations. The absolute nature of corporate relationship is an objective reason of the peremptory norms regulating corporate relations. It is concluded that the legal structure of a legal person is the most complex phenomenon in civil law. No other legal relationship does not arise with the birth of a new legal entity. It is impossible to differentiate norms, which, on one hand, define the legal status of a legal person, on the other hand - define the content of thus emerged relationship. This construction is the result of said relationship. Legal essence of this legal entity is manifested in respect of participation in legal entity or its management. And this determines the essence of all that relates to the legal status of a legal entity.
Optimization of Fighting Organized Crime and Corruption through Parliamentary Control
Authors: Skoblikov Pyetr
Published: December 2015

The article reveals and justifies the idea of monitoring by parliamentarians of law-making results, and suggests the implementation model for this idea. The article proposes to start the implementation with the most important areas of law-making: to support fighting organized crime and corruption. By way of illustration, the author uses the interdisciplinary institute of the pretrial agreement on cooperation and the criminal law rule on the enhanced responsibility of persons holding supereminence positions in the criminal hierarchy. The article highlights a number of problems in contemporary law-making, which are reveled in examples and backed up by statistics: inflation of laws, haste and lack of proper justification in adopting them, inconsistencies in legislation requirements, gaps in legal regulation, legislature’s isolation from legal science, etc. The author notes that all these are corruptogenic factors, and proves the message that the author’s suggestions can partially correct the problems. The author argues that under the conditions of the reformed electoral legislation, the political competition will increase and this will help to implement the declared ideas.
Criminal-Remedial Policy for Fighting Corruption: International Format
Authors: Gumerov Timur
Published: December 2015

Ensuring sustainable social and economic development of the country, especially in the present unstable economic situation, is indispensably connected with fighting corruption. Today, corruption as the main threat to observance of the principle of legality, is universally accepted. The problem of fighting corrupt practice is topical not only for the scientific community, but also for all government bodies. Rise in corruption in this country indispensably demands thorough understanding of international experience of the countries with the developed civil society institutions. The international community makes all efforts to consolidate the work on the prevention and suppression of corrupt practice. The article attempts to study and analyze the legislation of foreign countries concerning corruption fight and control. As part of the objective, for the purpose of the analysis several non-CIS countries were chosen. In conclusion, the author offers proposals on the improvement of the anti-corruption legislation.
Some Procedural Problems Related to the Refusal of the Tenant with Regard to Lease Agreement
Authors: Sviridenko Oleg
Published: December 2015

Article 619 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation has been of well established application with regard to the mechanism of the lessor’s right for early dissolution of the lease contract. Certain difficulties do exist in relation to the practices of the right to refuse a tenant lease. The article analyzes the legal practice with regard to the unilateral refusal to perform the obligations under the lease. Recommendations to address the problems identified through the establishment of a mechanism ratio rules of the Civil Code on the general grounds of termination of a civil contract, and the grounds for early termination of the lease. It has been determined that the formulation by the parties of “abstract” grounds for withdrawal does not meet the principle of respect for the economic stability of civil turnover. The grounds for unilateral termination of the obligations in the lease are to be substantiated in detail.
International Treaties in the Russian Legal System (20th anniversary of the Federal Law “On International Treaties of the Russian Federation”)
Authors: Osminin Boris
Published: December 2015

The article analyses provisions of Article 15(4) of the 1993 Russian Constitution which states that “generally recognized principles and norms of international law and international treaties of the Russian Federation shall make an integral part of its legal system. The rules of the international treaty shall always apply”. In accordance with the Federal Law of 1995 “On International Treaties of the Russian Federation” the provisions of officially published international treaties that do not require domestic acts for implementation, shall apply directly. Other provisions of international treaties are implemented through legal acts. Some Russian jurists have taken the view, shared by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, that article 15(4) of the Constitution must be construed to mean that only ratified treaties take precedence over laws. Such a position originates in concepts of hierarchy of legal acts. This would mean that treaties not subject to ratification fall outside the scope of article 15(4) of the Constitution. Limiting the operation of article 15(4) to ratified international treaties only is unconstitutional. Refusing to apply a treaty concluded without ratification would prejudice the authority of the state, which bears state responsibility for the obligations assumed under intergovernmental and interdepartmental treaties. In this regard article 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties provides that “A party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty”.
The senses of touch and olfaction in early mother–infant interaction
Authors: Hugill Kevin
Published: December 2015

What happens between mothers and their infants has considerable developmental and functional significance. Mother–infant verbal and nonverbal communication is highly complex and notably reciprocal in nature. These exchanges are influenced by multiple factors and affect the formation of mother–infant ties and the co-regulation of emotions, physiology and motor behaviours. How the senses help to mediate these interactions and influence relationship quality is an important and diverse area of human biology and relationship study. This article will explore the contributions of two of the important nonverbal senses, touch and olfaction, on mother–infant interactions in the period shortly after birth.
Linking parents' early childhood experiences with their baby's psychological development
Authors: Fernandez Sharon
Published: December 2015

The birth of a baby and the transition to parenthood can create psychological challenges for all parents. It is suggested that, from a psychoanalytic perspective, a parent's ability to ease into their new role may be determined by the experiences of their own childhood and the imprint of the parenting that they have received. A parent who has experienced a nurturing and loving childhood may be more able to replicate this in their relationship with their own infant ( Lieberman et al, 2005 ). However, for a parent who has experienced relationships of harm and fear in his or her early development the responsibility for the wellbeing of another can sometimes be overwhelming ( Coates, 2012 ).
Do Leadership Styles Influence Organizational Health? A Study in Educational Organizations
Authors: Toprak Mustafa , Inandi Bulent , Colak Ahmet Levent
Published: December 2015

This research aims to investigate the effect of leadership styles of school principals on organizational health. Causal-comparative research model was used to analyze the relationships between leadership types and organizational health. For data collection, a Likert type Multifactor Leadership scale questionnaire and Organizational Health scale were administered to 151 teachers working primary and secondary schools in Osmaniye city. Data were analyzed by using multiple regression analysis method. Findings of this study indicated significant relationships between school principals' leadership styles and health of schools, that leadership style of school leaders influence organizational health level of a school. Transformational leadership style was also found out to be closely related to a healthy school environment while transactional leadership style is negatively correlated with organizational health. Individual consideration, inspirational motivation, idealized influence, and intellectual stimulation sub-dimensions are found to effective in the formation of organizational health. In the light of the findings, some recommendations were also presented.
Mirage of Pirates: State-Corporate Crime in West Africa's Fisheries
Authors: Standing André
Published: December 2015

This article applies the concept of state-corporate crime to the fisheries sector. It presents a case study from Senegal where Russian, European and Asian fishing firms supported by their home governments, gained access to overfished stocks that are vital to local food security and the artisanal fishing sector. The discussion elaborates on the main observations from Senegal about the nature and implications of state-corporate crime, drawing on further evidence from other countries. It provides a contrasting perspective to mainstream fisheries policy, including the global fight against “fish pirates”, and the dictates of the wealth-based approach to fisheries reform.
Skipan talsmanns fyrir börn – grundvöllur ákvörðunar og framkvæmd
Authors: Friðriksdóttir Hrefna , Gísladóttir Hafdís
Published: December 2015

Á undanförnum árum hefur alþjóðasamfélagið í auknum mæli beint sjónum að réttindum barna innan mismunandi tegunda réttarkerfa. Við túlkun alþjóðasamninga, svo sem samnings Sameinuðu þjóðanna um réttindi barnsins, sbr. lög nr. 19/2013 (SRB), hefur verið lögð vaxandi áhersla á að styrkja stöðu barna og smá saman hefur mótast hugtakið barnvænlegt réttarkerfi um hvern þann dómstól eða stjórnvald sem lagað hefur málsmeðferð sína að högum og þörfum barna. Lykilatriði hér er að tryggja rétt barns til þátttöku í málsmeðferð en þátttaka er jafnframt grundvöllur lýðræðisvitundar og þegnréttinda barns. Í ljósi sérstöðu barnaverndarmála er brýnt að huga að því hvort og með hvaða hætti barn fái nauðsynlega aðstoð við að koma sjónarmiðum sínum á framfæri og hafa áhrif á málsmeðferð. Í þessari grein er fjallað um rannsókn sem gerð var á ákvörðunum um skipan talsmanns hjá nokkrum barnaverndarnefndum. Þessar ákvarðanir byggja á tilteknum ákvæðum barnaverndarlaga sem þykja endurspegla þá þróun sem orðið hefur í túlkun ákvæða SRB. Á hinn bóginn veita niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar sterkar vísbendingar um að framkvæmdin hafi ekki fylgt sömu þróun. Þannig skorti talsvert á formfestu, reglubundið mat, sjónarmið og rökstuðning að baki ákvörðunum barnaverndarnefnda um skipan talsmanns.
Áhættusækni í útrásargleði: Karlar og konur í bönkum og fjármálafyrirtækjum
Authors: Loftsdóttir Kristín , Björnsdóttir Helga
Published: December 2015

Femínískir fræðimenn hafa lengi bent á að fjármálafyrirtæki starfa í anda karllægra gilda þar sem ákveðnum kynjuðum strúktúr er viðhaldið. Þannig á kapítalískt efnahagskerfi og fjölþjóðleg fyrirtækjamenning sinn þátt í að svokölluð þverþjóðleg viðskiptakarlmennska hefur í vaxandi mæli öðlast gildi, bæði hnattrænt og staðbundið. Þetta kallar á nánari skoðun á því hvernig slíkt ferli á sér stað í staðbundnu samhengi. Í samfélagslegum umræðum hér á landi strax eftir hrun mátti greina ákveðið ákall um breytingar á stöðu kynjanna innan fjármálageirans og almennt. Í greininni er sjónum beint að fjármálafyrirtækjum og bönkum hér á landi og upplifun og reynsla starfsfólks af stöðu kynjanna innan fyrirtækja fyrir og eftir hrun skoðuð út frá alþjóðlegum rannsóknum. Greiningin byggir á viðtölum við starfsfólk fjármálafyrirtæka varðandi hugmyndir um karlmennsku, ólíks eðlis kynjanna og jafnræðis.
Verkföll opinberra starfsmanna á Íslandi
Authors: Aðalsteinsson Gylfi Dalmann
Published: December 2015

Verkföll eru eitt helsta tæki launþega til að ná fram kröfum gagnvart viðsemjendum sínum. Hér á landi var þessi réttur launþega á almennum vinnumarkaði lögfestur árið 1938. Staða opinberra starfsmanna fram eftir 20. öldinni var frábrugðin stöðu launþega á almennum vinnumarkaði hvað samnings- og verkfallsrétt varðaði. Launakjör voru ákvörðuð með lögum. Verkfallsréttur opinberra starfsmanna var afnuminn með lögum 1915. Árið 1976 fengu ríkisstarfsmenn verkfallsrétt þegar um aðalkjarasamning var að ræða og opinberum stéttarfélögum var síðan veitt heimild til verkfallsaðgerða árið 1986. Í þessari rannsókn eru rakin verkföll opinberra starfsmanna þ.e. starfsmanna ríkis og sveitarfélaga frá árinu 1977 og varpað er ljósi á helstu ástæður verkfalla á opinberum vinnumarkaði. Samtals töpuðust á þessu tímabili 1.974.699 dagar vegna verkfalla á íslenskum vinnumarkaði og af þeim er heildarfjöldi tapaðra daga vegna verkfalla á opinberum vinnumarkaði 932.102 eða 47,7%. Þannig má segja að opinberir starfsmenn, sem eru rúmlega fimmtungur íslensks vinnuafls, standi fyrir u.þ.b. helmingi af töpuðum vinnudögum vegna verkfalla hér á landi. Í rannsókninni má sjá tölulegt yfirlit um verkföll á almennum og opinberum vinnumarkaði. Greindar eru ástæður og kröfur stéttarfélaganna sem leiddu til verkfallanna og reiknað er út umfang verkfalla á opinberum og almennum vinnumarkaði þ.e. fjöldi tapaðra daga á hverja 1000 starfsmenn. Raktar eru ástæður tíðra verkfalla meðal opinberra starfsmanna og loks ræddar leiðir til að minnka átök á opinberum vinnumarkaði. Helstu ástæður verkfalla á opinberum vinnumarkaði má rekja til launamunar á milli hins almenna og opinbera vinnumarkaðar opinberum starfsmönnum í óhag ásamt innbyrðis mun á launum meðal háskólamenntaðra ríkisstarfsmanna. Enn fremur hefur fyrirkomulag kjarasamningagerðarinnar og samskipti samningsaðila áhrif.
Biotic homogenization and differentiation
in weed vegetation over the last 70 years
Authors: Šilc Urban
Published: December 2015

Biotic homogenization is the increasing similarity
of the species composition of communities over time and
represents a loss of biodiversity. We analysed changes in
weed vegetation over a period of 70 years by comparing
three datasets (from 1939, 2002 and 2012) sampled with
the same methodology. We present the results of changes
in species richness, homogenization and differentiation as
expanding neophytes and generalist species. The species
richness of weed communities decreased and the number
of neophytes in cereal fields and root crops increased
over time. The decreased ratio of specialists to generalists
in vernal communities and cereal crops indicates
homogenization, while the ratio of generalists to specialists
increased in root crops.
The CLU-files: disentanglement of a mystery
Authors: Rohne Philipp , Prochnow Hans , Koch-Brandt Claudia
Published: December 2015

The multifaceted protein clusterin (CLU) has been challenging researchers for more than 35 years. The characterization of CLU as a molecular chaperone was one of the major breakthroughs in CLU research. Today, secretory clusterin (sCLU), also known as apolipoprotein J (apoJ), is considered one of the most important extracellular chaperones ever found. It is involved in a broad range of physiological and pathophysiological functions, where it exerts a cytoprotective role. Descriptions of various forms of intracellular CLU have led to further and even contradictory functions. To untangle the current state of knowledge of CLU, this review will combine old views in the field, with new discoveries to highlight the nature and function of this fascinating protein(s). In this review, we further describe the expression and subcellular location of various CLU forms. Moreover, we discuss recent insights into the structure of CLU and assess how structural properties as well as the redox environment determine the chaperone activity of CLU. Eventually, the review connects the biochemistry and molecular cell biology of CLU with medical aspects, to formulate a hypothesis of a CLU function in health and disease.
The emergence of disjunction: A history of constructionalization in Chinese
Authors: Jing-Schmidt Zhuo , Peng Xinjia
Published: December 2015

This study investigates the diachronic development of Chinese disjunction, drawing implications both for principles of diachronic Construction Grammar, and for the linguistic typology of disjunction. Close examinations of data from historical corpora revealed non-linear, gradual constructional changes based on complex yet principled interactions of conceptual origin, constructional patterning, discourse pragmatics, and an isolating typology in the development of Chinese disjunction. Specifically, the results (1) show that construction is the source, unit and product of change, (2) demonstrate the pivotal role of syntactic and semantic reanalysis in the micro changes leading to the constructionalization of disjunction, (3) reveal a conceptual and diachronic continuity between epistemic uncertainty and disjunction, (4) highlight frequency of use as a driving force in the conventionalization and entrenchment of constructional schema, and (5) confirm the role played by an isolating typology in syntactic and categorial reassignment as a key step in grammatical constructionalization.
Multivariate verification for sybil attack detection in VANET
Authors: Grover Jyoti , Gaur Manoj Singh , Laxmi Vijay
Published: December 2015

Wireless vehicular communication is used to enhance
traffic safety and to minimize congestion, thereby
leading to increased driving efficiency. A malicious node
can transmit an inaccurate message to trigger inevitable
situations by pretending to be multiple (other) vehicles.
Therefore, it is critical to identify malicious nodes as well
as fake messages generated by such nodes, and discard
such messages quickly. In a Sybil attack, an attacker participates
in the network with multiple forged identities in
order to disrupt the fundamental operations of VANET.
Sybil attacks are particularly easy to launch in VANETs
due to the open and broadcast nature of communication
medium. In this paper, we present the implementation of
simulated Sybil attack scenario in VANET and its consequences
on the performance of the network. We also propose
a lightweight, scalable and distributed detection approach
based on the difference in movement patterns of
Sybil nodes and legitimate nodes. In our approach, each
Road Side Unit (RSU) computes, stores and verifies various
parameter values including RSS, distance, angle of
passing-by vehicles through passive overhearing process
to detect Sybil attackers. The combination of different parameters
makes our detection approach highly accurate.
We validate our results on realistic traces obtained from
a multi-agent microscopic traffic simulator (MMTS). Simulation
results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach
to locate Sybil nodes with a different number of network
parameters.
Some Exploitation Properties of Wood Plastic Hybrid Composites Based on Polypropylene and Plywood Production Waste
Authors: Kajaks Janis , Kalnins Karlis , Uzulis Sandris , Matvejs Juris
Published: December 2015

During the last 20–30 years many researchers have paid attention to the studies of properties of thewood polymer composites (WPC). A lot of works are closely related to investigations of exploitation properties of wood fibres or wood flour containing polyolefine composites [1, 2]. The most useful from wide selection of polyolefines are polypropylenes, but timber industry waste materials comprising lignocellulose fibres are often used as reinforcement of WPC [3–12]. Plywood industry is not an exception – part of waste materials (by-products) are used for heat energy, i.e. burned. In this work we have approbated reinforcing of polypropylene (PP) with one of the plywood industry by-products, such as birch plywood sawdust (PSWD),which containswood fibre fractions with different length [13]. The main fraction (50%) includes fibres with length l = 0.5 − 1 mm. Our previous study [13] has confirmed that PSWD is a promising filler for PP reinforcing. Addition of PSWD up to 40–50 wt.% has increased WPC tensile and flexural modulus, but decreased deformation ability of PP matrix, impact strength, water resistance and fluidity of composite melts. It was shown [13] that modification of the composites with interfacial modifier – coupling agent maleated polypropylene (MAPP content up to 5–7 wt.%) considerably improved all the abovementioned properties. SEM investigations also confirmed positive action of coupling agent on strengthening of adhesion interaction between components wood and PP matrix. Another way how to make better properties of the WPC is to form hybridcomposites [1, 14–24]. Very popular WPC modifiers are nanoparticle additions like organonanoclays, which increase WPC physical-mechanical properties - microhardness, water resistance and diminish barrier properties and combustibility [1, 2, 14–17, 19, 20]. The goal of this study was to investigate organonanoclays influence on plywood production industry by-product birch plywood sawdust (PSWD) containing polypropylenewood hybrid composites (WPHC) physical-mechanical and other exploitation properties.
Antinociceptive effects of dexmedetomidine via spinal substance P and CGRP
Authors: Li Ruiqin , Qi Feng , Zhang Junlong , Ji Yong , Zhang Dengxin , Shen Zhiyun , Lei Weifu
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the role played by substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in engagement of antinociception evoked by dexmedetomidine (DEX).
Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) to mechanical stimulation was determined after chronic intrathecal infusion of
DEX and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to examine the levels of spinal substance
P and CGRP. Our results show that PWT was significantly increased by intrathecal administration of DEX in rats
(P < 0.05 vs. vehicle control, n = 20 in each group). Also, intrathecal infusion of DEX significantly decreased the
concentrations of substance P and CGRP as compared with vehicle control (P < 0.05 DEX vs. vehicle control,
n = 20 in each group). Blocking α2-adrenoreceptors (α2-AR) blunted the decreases of substance P and CGRP levels
and the enhancement of PWT evoked by DEX. Additionally, a linear relationship was observed between PWT and
the levels of spinal substance P (r = 0.87; P < 0.005) and CGRP (r = 0.85; P < 0.005). Moreover, blocking individual
substance P and CGRP receptors amplified PWT without altering substance P and CGRP levels. Thus, DEX plays a
role in stimulating α2-AR receptors, which thereby decreases substance P and CGRP levels within the dorsal horn.
This contributes to DEX-evoked antinociception.
Nanoscale organization and dynamics of the siglec CD22 cooperate with the cytoskeleton in restraining BCR signalling
Authors: Gasparrini Francesca , Feest Christoph , Bruckbauer Andreas , Mattila Pieta K , Müller Jennifer , Nitschke Lars , Bray Dennis , Batista Facundo D
Published: December 2015

Receptor organization and dynamics at the cell membrane are important factors of signal transduction regulation. Using super‐resolution microscopy and single‐particle tracking, we show how the negative coreceptor CD22 works with the cortical cytoskeleton in restraining BCR signalling. In naïve B cells, we found endogenous CD22 to be highly mobile and organized into nanodomains. The landscape of CD22 and its lateral diffusion were perturbed either in the absence of CD45 or when the CD22 lectin domain was mutated. To understand how a relatively low number of CD22 molecules can keep BCR signalling in check, we generated Brownian dynamic simulations and supported them with ex vivo experiments. This combined approach suggests that the inhibitory function of CD22 is influenced by its nanoscale organization and is ensured by its fast diffusion enabling a “global BCR surveillance” at the plasma membrane.
A nontargeted study of muscle proteome in severely obese women with androgen excess compared with severely obese men and nonhyperandrogenic women
Authors: Insenser María , Montes-Nieto Rafael , Martínez-García M Ángeles , Escobar-Morreale Héctor F
Published: December 2015

Objective

Androgen excess in women is frequently associated with muscle insulin resistance, especially in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, whether this is a primary event or the result of indirect mechanisms is currently debated.

Design

This is an observational study.

Methods

We obtained skeletal muscle biopsies during bariatric surgery from severely obese men (n=6) and women with (n=5) or without (n=5) androgen excess. We used two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry to identify muscle proteins showing differences in abundance between the groups of obese subjects.

Results

Women with hyperandrogenism presented the lowest abundances of glycogen phosphorylase, pyruvate kinase, β-enolase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase M-type, and desmin, whereas the abundances of these molecules were similar in control women and men.

Conclusion

According to our nontargeted proteomic approach, women with hyperandrogenism show a specific alteration of the skeletal muscle proteome that could contribute to their insulin resistance. Because men do not show similar results, this alteration does not appear to be the direct effect on muscle of androgen excess, but rather the consequence of indirect mechanisms that merit further studies.
Compensatory function of the remaining testis is dissociated in boys and adolescents with monorchidism
Authors: Grinspon Romina P , Habib Carolina , Bedecarrás Patricia , Gottlieb Silvia , Rey Rodolfo A
Published: December 2015

Objective

Compensatory hypertrophy has been classically described in patients with monorchidism. However, it remains unclear whether there is a functional compensatory activity of the different cell populations. Our aim was to assess the functional capacity of the solitary testis in monorchid males from infancy through puberty in order to determine whether the remaining gonad is capable of compensating the functional activity of Sertoli and Leydig cells of the absent gonad.

Design

In a retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study performed at a tertiary paediatric public hospital, we included 89 boys with monorchidism and 358 healthy controls, aged 6 months–18 years. Testicular volume and circulating levels of reproductive hormones were compared between patients with monorchidism and normal boys. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and FSH were used as biomarkers of the functional mass of prepubertal Sertoli cells, whereas serum testosterone and LH were used as biomarkers of Leydig cells.

Results

In the vast majority of the cases, the testicular volume of monorchid boys was smaller than the sum of the volume of both testes of healthy controls. Serum AMH was lower and FSH was higher in patients with monorchidism than in controls aged <3 and >13 years. Serum testosterone and LH did not differ significantly between patients and controls.

Conclusion

In boys and adolescents with monorchidism, there is a dissociated capacity of the remaining testis to compensate for the absence of the other gonad: while Leydig cell function is largely compensated, Sertoli cell proliferation and function was lower than in controls.
A Comparison of Strategies for Retinopathy of Prematurity Detection
Authors: Kemper Alex R. , Prosser Lisa A. , Wade Kelly C. , Repka Michael X. , Ying Gui-shuang , Baumritter Agnieshka , Quinn Graham E. ,   for the e-ROP Study Cooperative Group
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Delayed detection of type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can lead to permanent visual impairment. Providing ROP examinations is challenging because of the limited ophthalmology workforce. This study compares digital imaging–based ROP detection strategies versus serial ROP examinations.

METHODS:

We conducted an individual-level microsimulation studyof a hypothetical cohort of 650 infants with gestational age from 23 to 30 weeks. Infants were evaluated by using strategies based on indirect ophthalmoscopy or digital imaging beginning at 32 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) and continuing to discharge, transfer, or 40 weeks’ PMA. ROP status and the accuracy of digital imaging were based on the e-ROP (Telemedicine Approaches to Evaluating Acute-Phase ROP) study, which enrolled high-risk infants.

RESULTS:

Within the hypothetical NICU, the strategy of ROP examinations identified an average of 45.8 cases of type 1 ROP by discharge, transfer, or 40 weeks’ PMA, and another 1.9 cases were included in the group of infants recommended to have later follow-up. Digital imaging with an ROP examination at discharge identified all 47.7 cases of type 1 ROP. On average, the ROP examination–only strategy required 1745.7 ROP examinations, whereas digital imaging with a discharge examination required 1065.5 ROP examinations and 1786.2 digital imaging sessions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although digital imaging decreased the number of ROP examinations per infant, there was an increase in the total number of interventions (ie, ROP examinations and imaging sessions). Providing an ROP examination at the time of NICU discharge can significantly reduce the number of infants who require follow-up.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants
Authors: Benitz William E. ,   COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN, Watterberg Kristi L. , Aucott Susan , Cummings James J. , Eichenwald Eric C. , Goldsmith Jay , Poindexter Brenda B. , Puopolo Karen , Stewart Dan L. , Wang Kasper S.
Published: December 2015

Despite a large body of basic science and clinical research and clinical experience with thousands of infants over nearly 6 decades,1 there is still uncertainty and controversy about the significance, evaluation, and management of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants, resulting in substantial heterogeneity in clinical practice. The purpose of this clinical report is to summarize the evidence available to guide evaluation and treatment of preterm infants with prolonged ductal patency in the first few weeks after birth.