bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype-Specific Variation in the Structure of Root Fungal Communities Is Related to Chickpea Plant Productivity
Authors: Bazghaleh Navid , Hamel Chantal , Gan Yantai , Tar'an Bunyamin , Knight Joan Diane
Published: January 2015

Increasing evidence supports the existence of variations in the association of plant roots with symbiotic fungi that can improve plant growth and inhibit pathogens. However, it is unclear whether intraspecific variations in the symbiosis exist among plant cultivars and if they can be used to improve crop productivity. In this study, we determined genotype-specific variations in the association of chickpea roots with soil fungal communities and evaluated the effect of root mycota on crop productivity. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in southwestern Saskatchewan, the central zone of the chickpea growing region of the Canadian prairie. The effects of 13 cultivars of chickpea, comprising a wide range of phenotypes and genotypes, were tested on the structure of root-associated fungal communities based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 18S rRNA gene markers using 454 amplicon pyrosequencing. Chickpea cultivar significantly influenced the structure of the root fungal community. The magnitude of the effect varied with the genotypes evaluated, and effects were consistent across years. For example, the roots of CDC Corrine, CDC Cory, and CDC Anna hosted the highest fungal diversity and CDC Alma and CDC Xena the lowest.
Fusarium
sp. was dominant in chickpea roots but was less abundant in CDC Corrine than the other cultivars. A bioassay showed that certain of these fungal taxa, including
Fusarium
species, can reduce the productivity of chickpea, whereas
Trichoderma harzianum
can increase chickpea productivity. The large variation in the profile of chickpea root mycota, which included growth-promoting and -inhibiting species, supports the possibility of improving the productivity of chickpea by improving its root mycota in chickpea genetic improvement programs using traditional breeding techniques.
In Vivo
Selection To Identify Bacterial Strains with Enhanced Ecological Performance in Synbiotic Applications
Authors: Krumbeck Janina A. , Maldonado-Gomez María X. , Martínez Inés , Frese Steven A. , Burkey Thomas E. , Rasineni Karuna , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Harris Edward N. , Hutkins Robert W. , Walter Jens
Published: January 2015

One strategy for enhancing the establishment of probiotic bacteria in the human intestinal tract is via the parallel administration of a prebiotic, which is referred to as a synbiotic. Here we present a novel method that allows a rational selection of putative probiotic strains to be used in synbiotic applications:
in vivo
selection (IVS). This method consists of isolating candidate probiotic strains from fecal samples following enrichment with the respective prebiotic. To test the potential of IVS, we isolated bifidobacteria from human subjects who consumed increasing doses of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) for 9 weeks. A retrospective analysis of the fecal microbiota of one subject revealed an 8-fold enrichment in
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
strain IVS-1 during GOS administration. The functionality of GOS to support the establishment of IVS-1 in the gastrointestinal tract was then evaluated in rats administered the bacterial strain alone, the prebiotic alone, or the synbiotic combination. Strain-specific quantitative real-time PCR showed that the addition of GOS increased
B. adolescentis
IVS-1 abundance in the distal intestine by nearly 2 logs compared to rats receiving only the probiotic. Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing not only confirmed the increased establishment of IVS-1 in the intestine but also revealed that the strain was able to outcompete the resident
Bifidobacterium
population when provided with GOS. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that IVS can be used to successfully formulate a synergistic synbiotic that can substantially enhance the establishment and competitiveness of a putative probiotic strain in the gastrointestinal tract.
Oseltamivir-Resistant Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Strain with an H274Y Mutation in Neuraminidase Persists without Drug Pressure in Infected Mallards
Authors: Gillman Anna , Muradrasoli Shaman , Söderström Hanna , Holmberg Fredrik , Latorre-Margalef Neus , Tolf Conny , Waldenström Jonas , Gunnarsson Gunnar , Olsen Björn , Järhult Josef D.
Published: January 2015

Influenza A virus (IAV) has its natural reservoir in wild waterfowl, and emerging human IAVs often contain gene segments from avian viruses. The active drug metabolite of oseltamivir (oseltamivir carboxylate [OC]), stockpiled as Tamiflu for influenza pandemic preparedness, is not removed by conventional sewage treatment and has been detected in river water. There, it may exert evolutionary pressure on avian IAV in waterfowl, resulting in the development of resistant viral variants. A resistant avian IAV can circulate among wild birds only if resistance does not restrict viral fitness and if the resistant virus can persist without continuous drug pressure. In this
in vivo
mallard (
Anas platyrhynchos
) study, we tested whether an OC-resistant avian IAV (H1N1) strain with an H274Y mutation in the neuraminidase (NA-H274Y) could retain resistance while drug pressure was gradually removed. Successively infected mallards were exposed to decreasing levels of OC, and fecal samples were analyzed for the neuraminidase sequence and phenotypic resistance. No reversion to wild-type virus was observed during the experiment, which included 17 days of viral transmission among 10 ducks exposed to OC concentrations below resistance induction levels. We conclude that resistance in avian IAV that is induced by exposure of the natural host to OC can persist in the absence of the drug. Thus, there is a risk that human-pathogenic IAVs that evolve from IAVs circulating among wild birds may contain resistance mutations. An oseltamivir-resistant pandemic IAV would pose a substantial public health threat. Therefore, our observations underscore the need for prudent oseltamivir use, upgraded sewage treatment, and surveillance for resistant IAVs in wild birds.
What to look for on a breast specimen radiograph: lessons learnt
Authors: Taylor Donna
Published: January 2015

Two women underwent stereotactic sampling of mammographically detected lesions with insertion of breast biopsy markers. Localisation of the malignant lesions was performed using iodine 125 seeds, with bracketing of the edges of the larger lesion. The seeds/lesions were located and excised using a γ probe. Liga clips attached to peripheral sutures at the edges of the specimen enabled radiographic orientation. Surgeon and radiologist found the specimen radiographs difficult to interpret. In one case the surgeon thought the lesion had been removed, mistaking the iodine seed for the biopsy marker. The radiologist noted absence of the biopsy marker and marginal calcifications but was concerned the seed was absent. Widening the window level allowed seed identification, revealing a characteristic rectangular radiolucent area in what had been interpreted as a Liga clip. Correct interpretation of the findings helped guide lesion removal, intraoperative margin re-excision and confirmed125I seed retrieval.
Peripapillary astrocytic hamartomas evolve from the optic nerve
Authors: Saxena Sandeep , Meyer Carsten H
Published: January 2015

Astrocytic hamartomas are rare benign tumours. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with advanced visualisation (optic disc cube 200×200) was performed on a 27-year-old man with peripapillary astrocytic hamartomas in the right eye. En face (OCT scan) view (CT scan) of the optic nerve at the level of retinal pigment epithelium revealed optic nerve fibres along with three associated areas showing optical shadowing corresponding with astrocytic hamartomas in continuum. An area of optical shadowing was also observed superiorly in the retinal tissue corresponding with another astrocytic hamartoma. Astrocytes in diffusely vascularised rat retina have been reported to be immigrants from the optic nerve. En face SD-OCT-based in vivo histology for the first time provides strong evidence that peripapillary astrocytic hamartomas are derived from optic nerve astrocytes.
Sixty minutes of what? A developing brain perspective for activating children with an integrative exercise approach
Authors: Myer Gregory D , Faigenbaum Avery D , Edwards Nicholas M , Clark Joseph F , Best Thomas M , Sallis Robert E
Published: January 2015

Current recommendations for physical activity in children overlook the critical importance of motor skill acquisition early in life. Instead, they focus on the quantitative aspects of physical activity (eg, accumulate 60 min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity) and selected health-related components of physical fitness (eg, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition). This focus on exercise quantity in youth may limit considerations of qualitative aspects of programme design which include (1) skill development, (2) socialisation and (3) enjoyment of exercise. The timing of brain development and associated neuroplasticity for motor skill learning makes the preadolescence period a critical time to develop and reinforce fundamental movement skills in boys and girls. Children who do not participate regularly in structured motor skill-enriched activities during physical education classes or diverse youth sports programmes may never reach their genetic potential for motor skill control which underlies sustainable physical fitness later in life. The goals of this review are twofold: (1) challenge current dogma that is currently focused on the quantitative rather than qualitative aspects of physical activity recommendations for youth and (2) synthesise the latest evidence regarding the brain and motor control that will provide the foundation for integrative exercise programming that provide a framework sustainable activity for life.
Assessing the reliability and validity of direct observation and traffic camera streams to measure helmet and motorcycle use
Authors: Zaccaro Heather N , Carbone Emily C , Dsouza Nishita , Xu Michelle R , Byrne Mary C , Kraemer John D
Published: January 2015

There is a need to develop motorcycle helmet surveillance approaches that are less labour intensive than direct observation (DO), which is the commonly recommended but never formally validated approach, particularly in developing settings. This study sought to assess public traffic camera feeds as an alternative to DO, in addition to the reliability of DO under field conditions. DO had high inter-rater reliability, κ=0.88 and 0.84, respectively, for cycle type and helmet type, which reinforces its use as a gold standard. However, traffic camera-based data collection was found to be unreliable, with κ=0.46 and 0.53 for cycle type and helmet type. When bicycles, motorcycles and scooters were classified based on traffic camera streams, only 68.4% of classifications concurred with those made via DO. Given the current technology, helmet surveillance via traffic camera streams is infeasible, and there remains a need for innovative traffic safety surveillance approaches in low-income urban settings.
System facilitators and barriers to discussing older driver safety in primary care settings
Authors: Betz Marian E , Jones Jacqueline , Carr David B
Published: January 2015

Background

Primary care physicians play a leading role in counselling older drivers, but discussions often do not occur until safety concerns arise. Prior work suggests that routine questioning about driving might facilitate these difficult conversations.

Objective

To explore system-level factors affecting driving discussions in primary care settings, in order to inform the design and implementation of a programme supporting routine conversations.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study used iterative interviews with providers (physicians, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, and administrative staff) working at two clinics (one geriatric, one general internal medicine) at a tertiary-care teaching hospital. General inductive techniques in transcript analysis were used to identify stakeholder-perceived system-level barriers and facilitators to routine conversations with older drivers.

Results

From 15 interviews, four themes emerged: (1) complexity of defined provider roles within primary care setting (which can both support team work and hamper efficiency); (2) inadequate resources to support providers (including clinical prompts, local guides, and access to social workers and driving specialists); (3) gaps in education of providers and patients about discussing driving; and (4) suggested models to enhance provider conversations with older drivers (including following successful examples and using defined pathways integrated into the electronic medical record). A fifth theme was that participants characterised their experiences in terms of current and ideal states.

Conclusions

Physicians have been tasked with assessing older driver safety and guiding older patients through the process of ‘driving retirement.’ Attention to system-level factors such as provider roles, resources, and training can support them in this process.
Total excision of a caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal abscess in a dog
Authors: Aisa Josep , Grand Jean‐Guillaume , Atencia Sabela , Zarelli Micaela , Callanan John J
Published: January 2015

A three‐year‐old female Irish setter dog presented with a history of shallow breathing, pyrexia and regurgitation. CT imaging revealed a 13×7×5 cm caudal mediastinal mass extending from the level of the right atrium to the diaphragm and surrounding the oesophagus. Total excision was achieved by a left sixth intercostal thoracotomy approach. Histological examination was consistent with a sterile abscess. The dog recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the third day after surgery. One year following surgery, the dog was in excellent physical condition with no evidence of recurrence of clinical signs. Total excision using a left sixth intercostal thoracotomy was a feasible and effective surgical option in this case. Benefit of total excision versus partial excision for caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal abscesses in dogs remains to be determined.
Asynchronous ovulation in mares: seasonal variations in frequency
Authors: Morel M. C. G. Davies , Newcombe J. R. , Reynolds N.
Published: January 2015

The mare's reproductive system is rarely capable of sustaining multiple pregnancies to term. Multiple pregnancies largely derive from multiple ovulations, most commonly double ovulations, hence, double ovulations are of significant concern to breeders/veterinarians. Double ovulations may be synchronous or asynchronous. Asynchrony of up to 96 hours may result in two embryonic vesicles of very different sizes, which are challenging to detect at early ultrasonic pregnancy detection. This study aims to (1) document the incidence of synchronous and asynchronous double ovulation and (2) determine whether this varies with month/season. 506 cycles from double ovulating mares were monitored at 8±1 hour intervals before expected ovulation until 96 hours post initial ovulation. Mares were grouped according to eight‐hour ovulation intervals and month/season. When asynchrony was classed as greater than or equal to eight hours or greater than or equal to 24 hours apart, respectively, a significant (P<0.001) difference existed between the number of mares demonstrating asynchronous double ovulations (65.8 and 28.5 per cent) and synchronous double ovulations (34.2 and 71.5 per cent). Significantly (P<0.05), more asynchronous ovulations occurred in the seasonal transition periods. This study demonstrates that asynchronous double ovulation is common and emphasises the importance of closely monitoring mares, particularly at the extremes of the breeding season, for double ovulation up to or at 96 hours postinitial ovulation in order to minimise the chances of missing multiple pregnancy.
Phosphine chalcogenide complexes of antimony(III) halides
Authors: Bamford Karlee L. , Robertson Alasdair P.M. , Jenkins Hilary A. , Patrick Brian O. , Burford Neil
Published: January 2015

Three series of phosphine chalcogenide complexes of the antimony(III) halides SbX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, or I) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Complexes of the generic formulae (Cy3PO)SbX3 (X = F (1a), Cl (1b), or Br (1c)), (Cy3PO)2SbX3 (X = F (2a), Cl (2b), or Br (2c)), and (Cy3PS)SbX3 (X = Cl (3b), Br (3c), or I (3d)) were synthesized via the treatment of solutions of SbX3 with OPCy3 and SPCy3, respectively. Derivatives of (Cy3PO)SbX3 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction for 1a and 1b and crystallize as dimers through symmetry related intermolecular Sb–X interactions, providing the first structurally characterized examples of this class of complex. Derivatives of (Cy3PS)SbX3 (3b–3c) adopt analogous dimeric structures in the solid state. The solid-state structure of (Cy3PO)2SbCl3 (2b) is consistent with the previously reported structures of bis-phosphine oxide complexes of antimony(III), with a square pyramidal Sb center and cis-configured OPCy3 ligands. The phosphine chalcogenide complexes of SbX3 display configurations that are consistent with the perceived trans-labilizing properties of the ligands/substituents.
Apolipoprotein A-V deficiency enhances chylomicron production in lymph fistula mice
Authors: Zhang Linda S. , Xu Min , Yang Qing , Ryan Robert O. , Howles Philip , Tso Patrick
Published: January 2015

Apolipoprotein A-V (apoA-V), a liver-synthesized apolipoprotein discovered in 2001, strongly modulates fasting plasma triglycerides (TG). Little is reported on the effect of apoA-V on postprandial plasma TG, an independent predictor for atherosclerosis. Overexpressing apoA-V in mice suppresses postprandial TG, but mechanisms focus on increased lipolysis or clearance of remnant particles. Unknown is whether apoA-V suppresses the absorption of dietary lipids by the gut. This study examines how apoA-V deficiency affects the steady-state absorption and lymphatic transport of dietary lipids in chow-fed mice. Using apoA-V knockout (KO, n = 8) and wild-type (WT, n = 8) lymph fistula mice, we analyzed the uptake and lymphatic transport of lipids during a continuous infusion of an emulsion containing [3H]triolein and [14C]cholesterol. ApoA-V KO mice showed a twofold increase in3H ( P < 0.001) and a threefold increase in14C ( P < 0.001) transport into the lymph compared with WT. The increased lymphatic transport was accompanied by a twofold reduction ( P < 0.05) in mucosal3H, suggesting that apoA-V KO mice more rapidly secreted [3H]TG out of the mucosa into the lymph. ApoA-V KO mice also produced chylomicrons more rapidly than WT ( P < 0.05), as measured by the transit time of [14C]oleic acid from the intestinal lumen to lymph. Interestingly, apoA-V KO mice produced a steadily increasing number of chylomicron particles over time, as measured by lymphatic apoB output. The data suggest that apoA-V suppresses the production of chylomicrons, playing a previously unknown role in lipid metabolism that may contribute to the postprandial hypertriglyceridemia associated with apoA-V deficiency.
Measurement of shear stress-mediated intracellular calcium dynamics in human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells
Authors: Jafarnejad M. , Cromer W. E. , Kaunas R. R. , Zhang S. L. , Zawieja D. C. , Moore J. E.
Published: January 2015

The shear stress applied to lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) by lymph flow changes dramatically under normal conditions as well as in response to disease conditions and immune reactions. In general, LEC are known to regulate the contraction frequency and strength of lymphatic pumping in response to shear stress. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is an important factor that regulates lymphatic contraction characteristics. In this study, we measured changes in the [Ca2+]iunder different shear stress levels and determined the source of this calcium signal. Briefly, human dermal LEC were cultured in custom-made microchannels for 3 days before loading with 2 µM fura-2 AM, a ratiometric calcium dye to measure [Ca2+]i. Step changes in shear stress resulted in a rapid increase in [Ca2+]ifollowed by a gradual return to the basal level and sometimes below the initial baseline (45.2 ± 2.2 nM). The [Ca2+]ireached a peak at 126.2 ± 5.6 nM for 10 dyn/cm2stimulus, whereas the peak was only 71.8 ± 5.4 nM for 1 dyn/cm2stimulus, indicating that the calcium signal depends on the magnitude of shear stress. Removal of the extracellular calcium from the buffer or pharmocological blockade of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels significantly reduced the peak [Ca2+]i, demonstrating a role of extracellular calcium entry. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium pumps showed the importance of intracellular calcium stores in the initiation of this signal. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the shear-mediated calcium signal is dependent on the magnitude of the shear and involves ER store calcium release and extracellular calcium entry.
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With a Rare Loss‐of‐Function
KCNQ1
Mutation
Authors: Xiong Qinmei , Cao Qing , Zhou Qiongqiong , Xie Jinyan , Shen Yang , Wan Rong , Yu Jianhua , Yan Sujuan , Marian Ali J. , Hong Kui
Published: January 2015

Background

Ventricular tachycardia (
VT
) is a common manifestation of advanced cardiomyopathies. In a subset of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, VT is the initial and the cardinal manifestation of the disease. The molecular genetic basis of this subset of dilated cardiomyopathy is largely unknown.

Methods and Results

We identified 10 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who presented with
VT
and sequenced 14 common causal genes for cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Functional studies included cellular patch clamp, confocal microscopy, and immunoblotting. We identified nonsynonymous variants in 4 patients, including a rare missense p.R397Q mutation in the

KCNQ
1

gene in a 60‐year‐old man who presented with incessant
VT
and had mild cardiac dysfunction. The p.R397Q mutation was absent in an ethnically matched control group, affected a conserved amino acid, and was predicted by multiple algorithms to be pathogenic. Co‐expression of the mutant
KCNQ
1 with its partner unit
KCNE
1 was associated with reduced tail current density of slowly activating delayed rectifier K
+
current (
IK
s). The mutation reduced membrane localization of the protein.

Conclusions

Dilated cardiomyopathy with an initial presentation of
VT
may be a forme fruste of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy caused by mutations in genes encoding the ion channels. The findings implicate

KCNQ
1

as a possible causal gene for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Turar Ryskulov: the Career of a Kazakh Revolutionary Leader during the Construction of the New Soviet State, 1917-1926
Authors: Hallez Xavier
Published: January 2015

Turar Ryskulov: the Career of a Kazakh Revolutionary Leader during the Construction of the New Soviet State, 1917-1926This article is about the biography of a young Kazakh born in the last decade of the 19th century, Turar Ryskulov (1894-1938), who was an essential actor of the revolutionary period in Russian Turkestan. The approach of this brief biography will follow the line of a definition of the national and the nation. The postulate is that the identity is tackled through a political understanding and that it is chosen among multiple pre-existing or invented designations. National identity is a moving construction, favoring one of the possible designations depending on the needs of a group in the struggle for power. Ryskulov began his political activity with the idea of a common Kirghiz interest, then went through the Muslim and Turkic designations. Finally, he had to submit to a soviet Kazakh one. Against the Russian colonial heritage, Ryskulov’s political project was to offer a real place for his Turkestani compatriot in the new soviet regime. He thought it through a unified Turkestan beyond Kazakh, Uzbek, Turkmen or Tajik designations.Turar Ryskulov: kariera kazachskiego przywódcy rewolucyjnego w epoce tworzenia nowego państwa radzieckiego, 1917-1926Artykuł dotyczy biografii młodego Kazacha urodzonego w ostatniej dekadzie XIX wieku, Turara Ryskulova (1894-1938); Ryskulov był kluczowym aktorem okresu rewolucyjnego w radzieckim Turkiestanie. Jego krótka biografia będzie się koncentrować wokół definicji narodu oraz tożsamości narodowej. W myśl przesłanki wyjściowej tożsamość kształtuje się zgodnie z interpretacją polityczną i jest wynikiem wyboru spośród wielu uprzednich lub wymyślonych kategorii. Tożsamość narodowa to konstrukcja płynna, skłaniająca się do jednej pośród możliwych kategorii w zależności od potrzeb grupy walczącej o władzę. Ryskulov w początkach kariery politycznej głosił ideę wspólnych interesów Kirgizów, następnie przychylał się do identyfikacji muzułmańskiej i turkmeńskiej. W końcu musiał się podporządkować radzieckiej tożsamości kazachskiej. W opozycji do spadku po rosyjskim kolonializmie projekt polityczny Ryskulova dążył do znalezienia rzeczywistej roli dla jego turkiestańskich rodaków w nowym, radzieckim reżimie. Dostrzegał ją w zjednoczonym Turkiestanie, ponad określeniami takimi jak Kazach, Uzbek, Turkmen czy Tadżyk.
The Old Serbian Alexander Romance and the Greek Phyllada
Authors: Usakiewicz Krzysztof
Published: January 2015

The paper includes a short introduction and four excerpts from the Old Serbian Alexander Romance translated into Polish by Maciej Falski. Tekst zawiera krótką prezentację zagadnienia filiacji Opowieści o Aleksandrze w bałkańskiej przestrzeni kulturowej oraz przekład fragmentów tzw. Serbskiej Aleksandreidy na język polski.
Critical Literacy – Open Values, Imaginary Rationalities
Authors: Hibert Mario
Published: January 2015

Critical Literacy – Open Values, Imaginary RationalitiesThis papers aims to emphasize the importance of discussing the relationship between positivism, critical pedagogy and politics of new media production of information and knowledge, claiming that critical information divide is far more problematic than digital (divide). In other words, if standardization of information literacy competencies shows its limits for upholding unbiased authenticity and relevance then such a position also asserts a deficit in recognizing focal points needed in analysing digital epistemology of today. The latter should encompass advocacy of critical media, literacy and ethics as the core components for socially responsible production and distribution of information in the new public domain: Internet. When practices of collaborative production of knowledge or p2p – commons based production– is neither fully understood nor actualized in contemporary education then free/open distribution of (digital) commons is prevented by instrumentalized depolitization (culturalization) discourses in commodified information society. For that reason, I argue for denunciation of information literacy models through the lenses of Paolo Freire’s concept of a banking model of education, hacktivism, as well as Samek’s argument that “there is nothing more practical than learning how to build the self-confidence to weigh in with professional opinion and defend it as critique (not obstructiveness).” Krytyczne kompetencje – otwarte wartości, wyobrażona racjonalnośćArtykuł dąży do podkreślenia dyskusji o relacji między pozytywizmem, krytyczną pedagogiką i charakterystyczną dla nowych mediów polityką wytwarzania informacji i wiedzy; założenie wstępne powiada, że krytyczny tryb informacji jest dużo bardziej problematyczny niż cyfrowy. Innymi słowy, skoro standaryzacja kompetencji informatycznych ma swoje granice w zachowywaniu niezapośredniczonej autentyczności i znaczenia, takie stanowisko wywołuje problem w uznaniu zasadniczych miejsc analizy cyfrowej epistemologii współczesności. To ostatnie zjawisko powinno obejmować występowanie na rzecz krytycznych mediów, kompetencji i etyki jako kluczowych składników odpowiedzialnego społecznie wytwarzania i rozpowszechniania informacji w nowej domenie publicznej: w Internecie. Kiedy praktyki wspólnego lub p2p, opartego na uwspólnianiu, wytwarzania wiedzy nie są ani w pełni rozumiane, ani aktualizowane w nowoczesnej edukacji, wówczas wolne/otwarte rozpowszechnianie (cyfrowych) zasobów jest hamowane przez dyskursy zinstrumentalizowanej (kulturalistycznej) depolityzacji w skomodyfikowanym społeczeństwie informacyjnym. Z tego powodu opowiadam się za krytyką modeli kompetencji informacyjnych przy wykorzystaniu Paolo Freire’a koncepcji banking model edukacji i haktywizmu oraz krytycznego stanowiska wobec profesjonalnych stanowisk.
Ancient Polish Books in Buryatian Republic near Mongolia
Authors: Panasiuk Joanna
Published: January 2015

Ancient Polish books in Buryatian Republic near Mongolia: presentation of the problem and topics for the furhter research. Przedstawienie problemów badawczych związanych ze starymi polskimi księgami znalezionymi w Buriacji.
Metacognition in persons with substance abuse: Findings and implications for occupational therapists
Authors: Wasmuth Sara L. , Outcalt Jared , Buck Kelly , Leonhardt Bethany L. , Vohs Jenifer , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: January 2015

Background

Addiction is a massive public health problem in which a person’s occupational life is compromised and metacognition is impaired. Occupational therapists may play a critical role in addiction rehabilitation, but more information about patterns of metacognitive deficit co-occurring with addictive behaviour is needed to develop interventions that specifically target these impairments.

Purpose

This study examined whether persons with addiction(s) demonstrated specific patterns of metacognitive deficit on four subscales of metacognition measuring self-reflectivity, understanding others’ thoughts, decentration, and mastery.

Method

Using a mixed-methods design, qualitative data were obtained via the Indiana Psychiatric Illness Interview, which was then rated using a quantitative scale, the Metacognition Assessment Scale–Abbreviated.

Findings

Persons with addiction(s) demonstrated significant impairments in metacognitive mastery but not other areas of metacognition.

Implications

Occupational therapy interventions for addiction should focus on improving metacognitive mastery. Future efficacy studies of interventions to improve mastery and overall outcomes are warranted.
A call for sustainable practice in occupational therapy
Authors: Dennis Carole W. , Dorsey Julie A. , Gitlow Lynn
Published: January 2015

Background.

The ability of the earth to sustain health among humans and in the natural world is under threat from overpopulation, environmental degradation, and climate change. These global threats are anticipated to harm health and human occupation in many direct and indirect ways. Strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of these threats and to build individual and community capacities to foster resilience.

Purpose.

This paper links issues of sustainability with occupational therapy philosophy and discusses how employing a sustainability lens with professional reasoning can help practitioners integrate sustainability into their practice.

Key Issues.

Human occupation is inseparable from the environments in which people live. Human occupation has caused the current environmental crisis, and targeted human action is required to safeguard future health and well-being.

Implications.

Occupational therapists have an ethical obligation to use professional reasoning strategies that, taken collectively, can help to build a sustainable and resilient future.
Toleration, decency and self-determination in The Law of Peoples
Authors: Maffettone Pietro
Published: January 2015

In this article I address two objections to Rawls’ account of international toleration. The first claims that the idea of a decent people does not cohere with Rawls’ understanding of reasonable pluralism and sanctions the oppressive use of state power. The second argues that liberal peoples would agree to a more expansive set of principles in the first original position of Law of Peoples. Contra the first I argue that it does not properly distinguish between the use of state power aimed at curtailing difference and the oppressive use of state power. Contra the second I argue that transposing a liberal egalitarian set of principles in Law of Peoples would entail the unnecessary duplication of entitlements within different levels of governance and affect liberal peoples’ self-determination. The article also highlights how these criticisms are premised on the assumption that all societies should be liberal and that the correct view of global justice is a cosmopolitan one.
Pododermatitis in Captive and Free-Ranging Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Authors: Wyss F. , Schumacher V. , Wenker C. , Hoby S. , Gobeli S. , Arnaud A. , Engels M. , Friess M. , Lange C. E. , Stoffel M. H. , Robert N.
Published: January 2015

Pododermatitis is frequent in captive flamingos worldwide, but little is known about the associated histopathologic lesions. Involvement of a papillomavirus or herpesvirus has been suspected. Histopathologic evaluation and viral assessment of biopsies from 19 live and 10 dead captive greater flamingos were performed. Selected samples were further examined by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Feet from 10 dead free-ranging greater flamingos were also evaluated. The histologic appearance of lesions of flamingos of increasing age was interpreted as the progression of pododermatitis. Mild histologic lesions were seen in a 3-week-old flamingo chick with no macroscopic lesions, and these were characterized by Micrococcus-like bacteria in the stratum corneum associated with exocytosis of heterophils. The inflammation associated with these bacteria may lead to further histologic changes: irregular columnar proliferations, papillary squirting, and dyskeratosis. In more chronic lesions, hydropic degeneration of keratinocytes, epidermal hyperplasia, and dyskeratosis were seen at the epidermis, as well as proliferation of new blood vessels and increased intercellular matrix in the dermis. Papillomavirus DNA was not identified in any of the samples, while herpesvirus DNA was seen only in a few cases; therefore, these viruses were not thought to be the cause of the lesions. Poor skin health through suboptimal husbandry may weaken the epidermal barrier and predispose the skin to invasion of Micrococcus-like bacteria. Histologic lesions were identified in very young flamingos with no macroscopic lesions; this is likely to be an early stage lesion that may progress to macroscopic lesions.
Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Rather Than Body Adiposity Index Are Better Surrogates for Body Adiposity in a Chinese Population
Authors: Yu Yunxian , Wang Lijuan , Liu Hui , Zhang Shanchun , Walker Sheila O. , Bartell Tami , Wang Xiaobin
Published: January 2015

Background: Several studies have found that body adiposity index (BAI) is a better index of body adiposity than body mass index (BMI) in African and Mexican American adults. This study aims to evaluate the ability of BAI to predict body adiposity in Chinese children and adults. Materials and Methods: In total, 2425 children and 5726 adults were recruited from rural China. All participants completed whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometric measures. The correlation of BMI, BAI, and waist circumference (WC) to DXA adiposity indexes was performed across sex‐specific adult and age‐ and sex‐specific child cohorts, using Spearman correlation and linear regression models, respectively. Results: Both BMI and WC had a higher correlation with all adiposity indexes (whole body fat, percent body fat [Bfat%], trunk fat, and percent trunk fat [Tfat%]) measured by DXA than did BAI in both adults and children. Meanwhile, most of the linear regression model associations for BMI with Bfat% and Tfat% had a greater adjusted R2 than those for BAI among both children and adults. Conclusion: This study indicates that BMI and WC are better tools than BAI for estimating whole body fat and central body fat in a Chinese population.
Dynamics prediction of spindle system using joint models of spindle tool holder and bearings
Authors: Xu Chao , Zhang Jianfu , Yu Dingwen , Wu Zhijun , Feng Pingfa
Published: January 2015

Spindle system design requires the simulation of dynamic characteristics with consideration of joint characteristics. A spindle system modelling method using a spindle tool holder and bearing joints was presented for the prediction of dynamic behaviours. A substructure receptance coupling method was used to model the joints of the spindle tool holder and bearings, and the identification method of joint parameters was developed. The parameters of spindle tool holder joint were identified from the experimental platform based on the distributed model, and the parameters of the bearing joints were obtained by the Hertzian contact. Timoshenko beams were used to describe the spindle system components. The modal and harmonic response analysis was performed to predict the dynamic characteristics of the spindle system. The prediction results of natural frequency and the dynamic response were validated by impact testing. The model showed a good match for predicting the dynamic characteristics of the spindle system. The presented modelling method is useful in the performance evaluation of spindle system.
Creating creationists: The influence of ‘issues framing’ on our understanding of public perceptions of clash narratives between evolutionary science and belief
Authors: Elsdon-Baker Fern
Published: January 2015

Clash narratives relating to evolutionary science and personal belief are a recurrent theme in media or public space discourse. However, a 2009 British Council poll undertaken in 10 countries worldwide shows that the perception of a necessary clash between evolutionary worldviews and belief in a God is a minority viewpoint. How then does the popular conception that there is an ongoing conflict between evolution and belief in God arise? One contributing factor is the framing and categorization of creationism and evolutionism within large-scale surveys for use within media campaigns. This article examines the issue framing within four polls conducted in the United Kingdom and internationally between 2008 and 2013. It argues that by ignoring the complexity and range of perspectives individuals hold, or by framing evolutionary science as atheistic, we are potentially creating ‘creationists’ − including ‘Islamic creationists’ − both figuratively and literally.
Mentalization-based therapy (MBT): an overview
Authors: Daubney Michael , Bateman Anthony
Published: January 2015

Objective:

This paper provides an overview of mentalization-based therapy (MBT). Multiple strands of research evidence converge to suggest that affect dysregulation, impulsivity and unstable interpersonal relationships are core features of borderline personality disorder (BPD). The MBT approach to BPD attempts to provide a theoretically consistent way of conceptualising the inter-relationship of these features.

Methods:

MBT makes mentalizing a core focus of therapy and was initially developed for the treatment of BPD in routine clinical services, delivered in group and individual modalities. This article provides a brief overview of mentalizing and its relevance to BPD, provides an overview of MBT and notes a number of current trends in MBT.

Results:

MBT provides clinicians with an empirically supported approach to BPD and its treatment.

Conclusions:

Whilst mentalizing is viewed as an integrative framework for therapy, more knowledge is needed as to which of the therapies are of most benefit for individual patients.
The Effect of Response Format on the Psychometric Properties of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory
Authors: Ackerman Robert A. , Donnellan M. Brent , Roberts Brent W. , Fraley R. Chris
Published: January 2015

The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) is currently the most widely used measure of narcissism in social/personality psychology. It is also relatively unique because it uses a forced-choice response format. We investigate the consequences of changing the NPI’s response format for item meaning and factor structure. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 40 forced-choice items ( n = 2,754), 80 single-stimulus dichotomous items (i.e., separate true/false responses for each item; n = 2,275), or 80 single-stimulus rating scale items (i.e., 5-point Likert-type response scales for each item; n = 2,156). Analyses suggested that the “narcissistic” and “nonnarcissistic” response options from the Entitlement and Superiority subscales refer to independent personality dimensions rather than high and low levels of the same attribute. In addition, factor analyses revealed that although the Leadership dimension was evident across formats, dimensions with entitlement and superiority were not as robust. Implications for continued use of the NPI are discussed.
Characterizing Stressors and Modifiable Health Risk Factors Among Homeless Smokers
Authors: Kendzor Darla E. , Reitzel Lorraine R. , Businelle Michael S.
Published: January 2015

This pilot study was conducted to explore the associations between stressors related to homelessness and modifiable health risk factors (poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and overweight/obesity) and to provide direction for future research. Participants ( N = 57) were homeless adults enrolled in a smoking cessation program. Analyses were conducted to characterize the sample as well as the relations between relevant stressors (discrimination, chronic stress, and fear and mistrust) and health risk factors. Inadequate daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber was common. High-fat diet and insufficient physical activity were also prevalent, and the majority of participants were overweight/obese. Participants commonly endorsed discrimination, fear of victimization, mistrust of others, and several other stressors. Greater endorsement of stressors was associated with a high-fat diet. Results suggest that lifestyle interventions and policy changes may be warranted in homeless shelters to attenuate the potential effects of stressors on high-fat dietary consumption among smokers.
The contributions of skin structural properties to the friction of human finger-pads
Authors: Liu X , Gad D , Lu Z , Lewis R , Carré MJ , Matcher SJ
Published: January 2015

This paper describes three series of tests that were designed to investigate how skin mechanical and structural properties, measured using a ‘Cutometer’ and optical coherence tomography, affect the frictional behaviour of human finger-pads. First, the skin mechanical properties across all fingers and the palm in participants’ dominant hands were assessed. Results showed that the distensibility of skin (total deformation in a suction test) is associated with stratum corneum thickness and that this in turn affects friction (thicker stratum corneum leads to higher friction), giving a link between distensibility and friction. Tape stripping to remove the superficial layer of the skin led to increased moisture (and/or electric charge on the skin surface) that led to higher friction. No accompanying changes were seen in structural properties, so it was concluded that moisture was the main cause of the adhesion increase. More work is required to isolate moisture and possible changes in electric charge using alternative measurement techniques. When rubbing with sand-paper, the stratum corneum thinned considerably and friction reduced. Moisture was ruled out as a cause of friction changes in this instance. Skin normal stiffness also did not change, but lateral stiffness changes have been seen in previous work when the stratum corneum thickness has been reduced, so this is likely to be the cause of the reduced friction. This will be investigated further in future work using dynamic optical coherence tomography measurements.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes is higher in peripheral artery disease than in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Silbernagel Guenther , Rein Philipp , Saely Christoph H , Engelberger Rolf P , Willenberg Torsten , Do Dai-Do , Kucher Nils , Baumgartner Iris , Drexel Heinz
Published: January 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes are risk factors for atherosclerosis and are highly prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism in patients with peripheral artery disease is not as well elucidated. We aimed at comparing prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes, which were diagnosed according to the current American Diabetes Association criteria, among 364 patients with peripheral artery disease, 529 patients with coronary artery disease and 383 controls. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in peripheral artery disease patients was 49.7%. It was significantly higher in these patients than in coronary artery disease patients (34.4%; p < 0.001) and controls (21.4%; p < 0.001). Adjusted for sex, age and body mass index, odds ratios for type 2 diabetes mellitus were 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.5–2.6) comparing the peripheral artery disease group with the coronary artery disease group ( p < 0.001) and 4.0 (2.8–5.8) comparing the peripheral artery disease group with controls ( p < 0.001). The prevalence of pre-diabetes among non-diabetic subjects was high in all three study groups (64.5% in peripheral artery disease patients, 63.4% in coronary artery disease patients and 61.8% in controls), without significant between-group differences. In conclusion, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is even higher in peripheral artery disease patients than in coronary artery disease patients. This observation underlines the need to consider impaired glucose regulation in the management of peripheral artery disease.
Elevated glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression in the cervical cancer cases is associated with the cancerigenic event of high-risk human papillomaviruses
Authors: Hu Tao , Li Ya-Shan , Chen Bo , Chang Ye-Fei , Liu Guang-Cai , Hong Ying , Chen Hong-Lan , Xiyang Yan-Bin
Published: January 2015

The most important etiologic agent in the pathogenesis of cervical cancers (CCs) is human papillomavirus (HPV), while the mechanisms underlying are still not well known. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is reported to elevate in various tumor cells. However, no available references elucidated the correlation between the levels of G6PD and HPV-infected CC until now. In the present study, we explored the possible role of G6PD in the pathology of CC induced by HPV infection. Totally 48 patients with HPV + CC and another 63 healthy women enrolled in the clinical were employed in the present study. Overall, prevalence of cervical infection with high-risk-HPV (HR-HPV) type examined was HPV-16, followed by HPV-18. The expressions of G6PD in CC samples were also detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Regression analysis showed elevated G6PD level was positively correlated with the CC development in 30–40 aged patients with HR-HPV-16/18 infection. The HPV16 + Siha, HPV18 + Hela, and HPV-C33A cell lines were employed and transfected with G6PD deficient vectors developed in vitro. MTT and flow cytometry were also employed to determine the survival and apoptosis of CC cells after G6PD expressional inhibition. Our data revealed that G6PD down-regulation induced poor proliferation and more apoptosis of HPV18 + Hela cells, when compared with that of HPV16 + Siha and HPV-C33A cells. These findings suggest that G6PD expressions in the HR-HPV + human CC tissues and cell lines play an important role in tumor growth and proliferation.