bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory Role of MicroRNA-146a in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Bhatt Kirti , Lanting Linda L. , Jia Ye , Yadav Sailee , Reddy Marpadga A. , Magilnick Nathaniel , Boldin Mark , Natarajan Rama
Published: December 2015

Inflammation has a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). MicroRNAs have recently emerged as important regulators of DN. However, the role of microRNAs in the regulation of inflammation during DN is poorly understood. Here, we examined the in vivo role of microRNA-146a (miR-146a), a known anti-inflammatory microRNA, in the pathogenesis of DN. In a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, miR-146a−/− mice showed significantly exacerbated proteinuria, renal macrophage infiltration, glomerular hypertrophy, and fibrosis relative to the respective levels in control wild-type mice. Diabetes-induced upregulation of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes was significantly greater in the kidneys of miR-146a−/− than in the kidneys of wild-type mice. Notably, miR-146a expression increased in both peritoneal and intrarenal macrophages in diabetic wild-type mice. Mechanistically, miR-146a deficiency during diabetes led to increased expression of M1 activation markers and suppression of M2 markers in macrophages. Concomitant with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, markers of inflammasome activation also increased in the macrophages of diabetic miR-146a−/− mice. These studies suggest that in early DN, miR-146a upregulation exerts a protective effect by downregulating target inflammation-related genes, resulting in suppression of proinflammatory and inflammasome gene activation. Loss of this protective mechanism in miR-146a−/− mice leads to accelerated DN. Taken together, these results identify miR-146a as a novel anti-inflammatory noncoding RNA modulator of DN.
Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesinde Denetimli Serbestlik Uygulamalarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Aslan Murat , Hocaoğlu Çiçek
Published: December 2015

Objective: Probation implementation means criminals serve their sentences under surveillance and control inside the society instead of being sent to prison as a result of an imprisonment verdict given by a judge after they commit a crime. According to this, it can be said that probation is a kind of an execution system. It is aimed to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of the people who applied to our hospital within probation law and the treatment coherence of the cases according to the results of probation implementation.Materials and Methods: Two hundred cases, applying to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Training and Research Hospital, all of whom were decided to have probation implementation on 01.04- 15.11.2013 were included in the study. These cases consist of people, 13 of whom were from prison and 187 of whom were living out in the society. Probation implementation was carried out by having psychiatric interview and evaluating psychoactive substance in urine in three-week and six-week programs. On the other hand, the cases sent for mental evaluation were monthly followed in a period defined by probation implementation branches. Results: It was determined that totally 200 cases applied as required by Probation implementation during the study. Two of the cases were female, while 198 of them were male. Mean age was determined as 32.5 ±9.8 (18-69). It was also observed that 64 cases (23.0%) completed three week program and ten cases (5.0%) completed six week program, but twenty five cases (12.5%) showed in congruity to the treatment. Sixty-four...
Maluliyet Raporlarının Düzenlenmesi Anabilim Dalımıza Başvuran Olgu Özellikleri İle
Authors: Kaya Ahsen , Meral Orhan , Erdoğan Nihal , Aktaş Ekin Özgür
Published: December 2015

Objective: Arrangement of disability reports is one of the routine practices of forensics. Experts’ legal responsibilities on this subject have enhanced the importance of arrangement of disability reports. In this study, it is aimed at emphasizing the responsibilities of experts on disability reports and the factors to be considered during preparation of reports by sociodemographic and medical features of the cases applied to The Forensics Department of Ege University Faculty of Medicine.Materials and Methods: The disability reports prepared between 01.01.2011-31.12.2014 were evaluated in terms of age, sex, occupation, date of report, the authority of claims, the type of event, the date of event, consultations, diagnosis, the disability type, the disablement degree, and recovery period of cases and also whether if there is a discretion usage within the decision, reports prepared before and the differences between reports were also evaluated. Data analyzed by statistical program.Results: It was observed that 319 disability reports prepared and the number of the reports increased according to the years within 4 years during which the examination was conducted. 237 cases were male and 82 were female. The mean age was 38.5±15.1. 74% of them were injured due to the traffic accident and the orthopedic defects came into prominence. The disablement degree was 100% within 18 cases.Conclusion: Experts could choose a disability type or decrease the disability degree by their discretion, if they don’t find the disability type or disablement degree in legislation. This situation causes arrangement of the reports with different disablement degrees...
Adição de gesso agrícola e cinza de madeira ao substrato no desenvolvimento de mudas de baruzeiro (Dipteryx alata Vog)
Authors: Freitas C. A. , Silva C. J. , Silva C. A. , Almeida J. A. , Rincon N. S.
Published: December 2015

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento de mudas de baruzeiro (Dipteryx alata Vog) em função de proporções de gesso (0%; 1,6%; 3,2%; 4,8% e 6,4%) com base em volume e adubação com cinza de madeira (ausência e presença) misturadas ao substrato Bioplant®. Constituiu-se assim um esquema fatorial 5x2, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. O experimento foi conduzido de janeiro a março de 2009, em viveiro com cobertura e laterais de sombrite preto (50% da luminosidade natural), situado na Fazenda Japão, município de Orizona, Goiás. Como recipiente foram utilizados sacos de polietileno de 15 x 25 cm, onde colocou-se uma sementes por recipiente, ficando a extremidade superior da semente cerca de 2,0 cm de profundidade. As irrigações foram realizadas diariamente, no período da tarde. Aos 152 dias após a semeadura, avaliou-se altura de muda (AM), diâmetro de caule (DC), número de folha (NF), número de folíolos por folha (NFF), número de folíolos por planta (NFP), comprimento da raiz principal (CR), massa da matéria seca das raízes (MSR), massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA), massa seca total (MSTO) e índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD). O gesso agrícola proporcionou melhor desenvolvimento inicial das mudas de baruzeiro, no entanto sua associação com cinzas de madeira, juntamente com o substrato, não favoreceu o desenvolvimento das mudas.Addition of agricultural plaster and wood ash to substrate in baruzeiro (Dipteryx alata Vog) seedlings developingAbstract: This study aimed to evaluate the baruzeiro seedlings development in function of plaster proportions (0%, 1.6%, 3.2%, 4.8% and 6.4 %) based on volume and fertilization with wood ash (absence and presence) added to the substrate Bioplant ®. It constitutes therefore a 5x2 factorial arrangement, in a completely randomized design with three replications and four plants per plot. The experiment was conducted from January to March 2009, in coverage nursery and side with shade screen (50% of natural light), located in Fazenda Japão, Orizona county, Goiás. As container was used polythene bags of 15 x 25 cm, which was placed one seeds per container, with the upper end of the seed approximately 2.0 cm depth. The irrigation was performed daily in the afternoon. At 152 days after sowing, was evaluated seedling height (SH), stem diameter (SD), sheet number (SN), number of leaflets per leaf (NLL), number of leaves per plant (NLP), length the main root (LR), dry mass of roots (DMR), dry mass of aerea part (DMAP), total dry matter (TDM) and Dickson quality index (DQI). The plaster provided better initial development of seedlings baruzeiro, however its association with wood ashes, along with the substrate, didn't favor the growth of seedlings.
Avaliação da estimativa de fixação de carbono em sistemas agroflorestais na região amazônica
Authors: Dias I. P. , Costa B. C. , Almeida J. F. , Tourinho M. M.
Published: December 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar, descrever e analisar a literatura técnico-científica nacional sobre a estimativa de carbono em Sistemas Agroflorestais (SAFs), na região amazônica. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados dos portais eletrônicos mais significativos que tratam sobre o tema, postados entre os anos de 1998 e 2015. Conclui-se que, ainda há poucos estudos realizados sobre SAFs com fixação de carbono e são poucos os estudos apresentados sobre espécies nativas da Amazônia. Da mesma forma que apresentam poucas diferenças nas metodologias encontradas.

Carbon fixation estimated assessment in agroforestry systems in the Amazon region

Abstract: The objective of this work is to identify, describe and analyze the national scientific and technical publications to be carried on carbon fixation in Amazon Agroforestry Systems (AFS). We performed a list of online databases literature review of the most significant portal for digital collections of electronic papers that deal with the subject, posts between 1998 and 2012. It follows that there are few studies on AFS considering the carbon fixation and studies presented on Amazon rainforest plants. Therefore, also has been found few meaningful differences focused on Methodology in recent assessment articles.
Destructive Leadership: The Hatfield And Mccoy Feud
Authors: Sparks George , Wolf Patricia , Zurick Andryce M.
Published: December 2015

This paper explores the phenomenon of destructive leadership using the historical case study of the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys. The characteristics of destructive leadership as well as the consequences of this leadership style are reviewed, examined and analyzed. Utilizing a case from history to shine light on a contemporary problem, this paper will provide insight into identifying the characteristics of destructive leadership and raise awareness for future research into this important topic.
Analysis of Individual Test Of Astronomy STandards (TOAST) Item Responses
Authors: Slater Stephanie J. , Price Schleigh Sharon , Stork Debra J.
Published: December 2015

The development of valid and reliable strategies to efficiently determine the knowledge landscape of introductory astronomy college students is an effort of great interest to the astronomy education community. This study examines individual item response rates from a widely used conceptual understanding survey, the Test Of Astronomy Standards (TOAST). The TOAST, a 27-item, multiple-choice format, criterion-referenced test, addresses both the full range of topics commonly taught in a one- or two-semester undergraduate introductory astronomy survey courses, and concepts described in various national science education standards, frameworks, and reform documents. The present study involves an examination of responses by 1104 participants, allowing for a rigorous item-by-item and distractor-by-distractor analysis of students’ responses. The results suggest that each individual TOAST item is functioning appropriately across a broad range of students, and has sufficient sensitivity to identify notable student misconceptions. These results also provide an opportunity to identify target areas of opportunity for astronomy education researchers that remain largely unstudied.
The social impacts of stormwater management techniques
Authors: Apostolaki S. , Jefferies C. , Wild T.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the results of research into the social impacts of stormwater management techniques applied within urban environments. The main aim of the study was to compare public and professional attitudes of stormwater management practices such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and river management techniques. Any new and innovative technology used in residential areas, besides being economically and environmentally acceptable, must also be accepted by the residents. There has been considerable interest in the assessment of the public perception of SUDS in the UK by consultants, developers, the Environment Agency of England and Wales as well as by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). This research was undertaken to inform such interest and also to obtain a more holistic view of the perception by professionals of SUDS. A comparative study of the perceptions of river management in three densely populated European cities facing similar storm water management problems was carried out. The selected cities were Glasgow in Scotland - U. K., an area in west London, England - U.K., and part of Athens - Greece. All sites were located within flood-prone suburban areas, and different river management techniques have been proposed or adopted.
A decision support system for urban groundwater resource sustainability
Authors: Burn S. , DeSilva D. , Ambrose M. , Meddings S. , Diaper C. , Correll R. , Miller R. , Wolf L.
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses the development of a computer based software tool to generate groundwater contaminant data; that can be utilised in the sustainable management of water resources; in urban areas reliant on groundwater. The tool incorporates several models, including a model for simulation of the integrated urban water system within an urban area to estimate contaminant loads, a model that estimates the extent of leakage from sewer pipelines and two unsaturated transport models which trace the attenuation of contaminants and movement of water through the soil to the aquifer. The output from the tool is data suitable for use in commercially available groundwater flow models to allow prediction of contaminant flows within the aquifer, as well as sufficient data to allow socio-economic analysis of different scenarios. The urban water system tool allows water services to be represented in a flexible manner and provides the ability to represent and investigate the implications of a wide range of conventional and emergent techniques for providing water supply, stormwater and wastewater services. This allows the users to process predefined scenarios, and provide options to the end-user to develop best practice response to the scenario based on the scenarios potential for groundwater contamination, for example, modifying customer preferences, groundwater treatment or introducing system improvements that minimise contamination.
Stormwater inflow prediction using radar rainfall data compressed by principal component analysis
Authors: Katayama K. , Kimijima K. , Yamanaka O. , Nagaiwa A. , Ono Y.
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes a method of stormwater inflow prediction using radar rainfall data as the input of the prediction model constructed by system identification. The aim of the proposal is to construct a compact system by reducing the dimension of the input data. In this paper, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which is widely used as a statistical method for data analysis and compression, is applied to pre-processing radar rainfall data. Then we evaluate the proposed method using the radar rainfall data and the inflow data acquired in a certain combined sewer system. This study reveals that a few principal components of radar rainfall data can be appropriate as the input variables to storm water inflow prediction model. Consequently, we have established a procedure for the stormwater prediction method using a few principal components of radar rainfall data.
Benchmarking Risk Analysis Practice in the International Water Sector
Authors: MacGillivray B.H. , Hamilton P.D. , Hrudey S.E. , Reekie L. , Pollard S.J.T
Published: December 2015

Risk analysis in the water utility sector is fast becoming explicit. Here, we describe application of a capability model to benchmark the risk analysis maturity of a sub-sample of eight water utilities from the USA, the UK and Australia. Our analysis codifies risk analysis practice and offers practical guidance as to how utilities may more effectively employ their portfolio of risk analysis techniques for optimal, credible, and defensible decision making.
Ozonation of a secondary effluent both for fresh water protection and re-use
Authors: Antonelli M. , Mezzanotte V. , Nurizzo C.
Published: December 2015

49 trials were carried out at pilot scale to evaluate ozonation for polishing a nitrified and filtered effluent discharged in a brook, lying in a recreational protected area whose low and irregular flow provides a negligible dilution. Four ozone doses (3, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg O3/L) were tested and contact time was set at 10 minutes for each of the three contact columns. In most cases, at 3 mg O3/L, residual ozone concentration was below detection limit after 10 minutes contact time. For faecal coliforms and E. coli, log reduction increased from 3 mg O3/L to higher ozone doses, among which no appreciable difference was observed. No improvement in disinfection efficiency was seen for contact times over 10 minutes. Complete disinfection was obtained only in few cases, but final counts complying with the limits for discharge were always met. COD removal was low, while colour removal was significant and clearly increasing from 3 mg O3/L to higher doses. The removal of surfactants slightly increased with increasing dose for non ionic compounds, but not for anionic ones. Data confirmed that slight increases in ozone dose involve the release of bacterial organic matter which partially counterbalance the removal of COD.
Agricultural Use of Reclaimed Water - Experiences in Jordan
Authors: Vallentin Artur
Published: December 2015

Due to extreme water scarcity Jordan is integrating reclaimed water resources in the national water management system. This paper describes the recent framework conditions for reclaimed water use in agriculture in Jordan, with a focus on the central and southern Jordan Valley. The possible impacts of lower quality irrigation water on soil, groundwater, crops and human health are considered while appropriate guidelines and monitoring proposals are being developed. Testing of the guidelines and implementation of the monitoring systems have started with the final purpose of integrating them into the Jordanian standard and legal system and thus ensuring safe food for consumers and protection of the environment.
Photochemical Decomposition of Environmentally Persistent Perfluorooctanoic Acid in Water
Authors: Chaojie Zhang , Qi Zhou , Ling Chen , Yuan Yuan , Qian Zhang
Published: December 2015

The photo-degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in aqueous solution was preliminarily studied in this paper in order to develop an effective technique against the pollution of PFOA. Reaction kinetics and factors affecting the degradation were investigated. The results showed that PFOA could be degraded effectively into fluorine ion through UV light irradiation, which was the first example of C-F bond cleavage in PFOA induced by UV light; Ferric ion could promote the photo-degradation efficiency of PFOA in aqueous solutions at pH value 4.0, while adding TiO2 could not increase this photochemical reaction under our experimental condition; The dynamics analysis showed that photodecomposition of PFOA followed a pseudo-zero order reaction. The study indicated that photochemical decomposition was a highly promising technology for the removal of PFOA from wastewater.
Biosorption characteristics of reactive dye onto dried activated sludge
Authors: Ju Dong-Jin , Byun Im-Gyu , Lee Chang-Han , An Gab-Hwan , Park Tae-Joo
Published: December 2015

This study examined the removal of reactive dye onto dead cells in activated sludge collected from the municipal sewage treatment plant in Suyoung, Pusan. The biosorption of reactive dye from aqueous solutions using the activated sludge was studied using a batch system with respect to the initial pH, temperature, amount of adsorbent and the pre-treatment of the adsorbent. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models could describe the adsorption equilibrium of the reactive dye onto the activated sludge with the Langmuir isotherm showing the best agreement. First- and second-order kinetic models were used to investigate the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption capacity of Rhodamine-B(Rh-B) onto the activated sludge increased with decreasing initial pH and temperature.
Evaluation of aerobic and anaerobic treatment of Kraft pulp mill effluent for organochlorines removal
Authors: Buzzini A. P. , Nolasco M. A. , Springer A. M. , Pires E. C.
Published: December 2015

The purposes of the experiments described in this paper were to evaluate the performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) activated sludge reactor, both bench scale reactors, in the treatment of wastewaters containing organochlorines compounds, which simulate a kraft plant wastewater. Both reactors received a wastewater prepared with diluted black liquor and a mixture of organochlorines: 2 Chlorophenol (2 CP); 2,4 Dichlorophenol (2,4 DCP); 2,6 Dichlorophenol (2,6 DCP); 2,4,6 Trichlorophenol (2,4,6 TCP); and Tetrachlorocatechol (TeCC). The activated sludge reactor also received 4, 5, 6 Trichloroguaiacol (4, 5, 6 TCG). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and organochlorine concentrations in the effluent indicated that the two systems displayed a similar performance in terms of COD removal, with average efficiencies of 79% for the UASB reactor and of 77% for the activated sludge reactor. The average individual values for organochlorine removal efficiency, the first figure representing the UASB reactor removal, were: 99.9% and 91% for the 2 CP; 97% and 80% for the 2,4 DCP; 94% and 80% for the 2,6 DCP; 99% and 75% for the 2,4,6 TCP; and 93% and 90% for the TeCC. Both systems showed to be capable of treating pulp plant wastewaters containing chlorophenols, with a certain advantage for the anaerobic system from the standpoint of removal efficiencies.
Biochemical Patterns Of Two Different H. hydrossis Isolates Identified By FISH
Authors: Ramothokang TR , Naidoo D. , Bux F.
Published: December 2015

Filamentous bacteria have been known to be the major cause of activated sludge bulking and foaming. Attempts to overcome bulking and foaming have been implemented but have thus far not proven effective as long term remedial procedures as they fail to take account of the physiology and biochemistry of the causative filamentous bacteria. Published data on the biochemistry and physiology of filamentous bacteria is still very scarce due to the difficulties in obtaining pure cultures. Pure culture studies however, still remain a technology that has shown promise as an essential tool in studying filamentous bacteria on the basis of morphology, nutritional requirements and physiology. The aim of this research was therefore to study isolates of Haliscomenobacter hydrossis (HHY1 and HHY2) on the basis of their biochemistry and physiology. The results obtained demonstrated HHY1 and HHY2 were considerably biochemically diverse. They utilize an array of different substrates for growth, including slowly biodegradable polymers (dextrin, starch, edible oils and casein) and, they also grow optimally at wide ranges of temperature and pH. It was also revealed that they possess denitrifying capabilities and belong to the functional group of sequential denitrifiers. This equips them with a survival and growth advantage in a complex growth environment as that of the activated sludge process. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the biochemical and physiological conditions that may incite bulking and/or foaming and a better understanding of Biological Nutrient Removal systems, areas that are still in need of much attention.
Instrumentation, Control and Automation for full-scale Sequencing Batch Reactor Plants
Authors: Steinmetz H. , Wiese J.
Published: December 2015

The sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology possesses a high process flexibility and treatment efficiency. Unfortunately, up to now most SBR plants are still using fixed time-based sequential control (TSC), which can not react flexibly. Therefore, this paper will focus on instrumentation, control and automation (ICA) for SBR plants, because with the help of modern supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and dynamic RTC it is possible to operate SBR plants much more effectively.
Modelling the influence of total suspended solids on E. coli removal in river water
Authors: Qian Jueying , Walters Evelyn , Rutschmann Peter , Wagner Michael , Horn Harald
Published: December 2015

Following sewer overflows, fecal indicator bacteria enter surface waters and may experience different lysis or growth processes. A 1D mathematical model was developed to predict total suspended solids (TSS) and Escherichia coli concentrations based on field measurements in a large-scale flume system simulating a combined sewer overflow. The removal mechanisms of natural inactivation, UV inactivation, and sedimentation were modelled. For the sedimentation process, one, two or three particle size classes were incorporated separately into the model. Moreover, the UV sensitivity coefficient α and natural inactivation coefficient kd were both formulated as functions of TSS concentration. It was observed that the E. coli removal was predicted more accurately by incorporating two particle size classes. However, addition of a third particle size class only improved the model slightly. When α and kd were allowed to vary with the TSS concentration, the model was able to predict E. coli fate and transport at different TSS concentrations accurately and flexibly. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the mechanisms of UV and natural inactivation were more influential at low TSS concentrations, whereas the sedimentation process became more important at elevated TSS concentrations.
Time-dependent effects of starvation on pituitary, hypothalamic and serum prolactin levels in rats: Comparison to the galanin expression pattern
Authors: Vujovic Predrag , Lakic Iva , Jasnic Nebojsa , Jevdjovic Tanja , Ðurasevic Sinisa , Isenovic Esma , Ðordjevic Jelena
Published: December 2015

Given that both prolactin and galanin take part in the regulation of energy
homeostasis and that galanin is localized within lactotrophs, this study was
aimed at comparing the pituitary expression patterns of prolactin and galanin
during different phases of metabolic response to starvation in adult Wistar
male rats. Food was removed at the onset of the dark phase (6:00 pm) and the
animals were deprived for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Each of the starved groups
(n=6) was killed simultaneously with a group of ad libitum-fed rats (n=6),
and the intrapituitary levels of prolactin and galanin were examined. Galanin
expression in the hypothalamus and the circulating levels of prolactin were
also assessed. Starvation induced a rise in the intrapituitary prolactin
level (p<0.001), whereas the opposite trend was detected in the serum
(p<0.05). The galanin pituitary level was initially increased (6, 12 h)
(p<0.05), but as starvation progressed, it first reached (at 24 h) and
ultimately fell below the level recorded in the ad libitum rats (at 48 h)
(p<0.05). Both prolactin and galanin were elevated in the hypothalamus after
24- and 48-h starvation. The results show that the starvation-induced
increase in the pituitary prolactin expression did not lead to the rise in
prolactin circulating levels, but rather resulted in the elevation of the
prolactin hypothalamic content. Furthermore, the results suggest that under
the circumstances of disturbed energy homeostasis, galanin might be
responsible for the augmented prolactin production, initially at the
pituitary and subsequently at the hypothalamic level.
Erratum to: Exploiting geotagged resources to spatial ranking by extending hits algorithm
Authors: Editorial E
Published: December 2015

This article (Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 185-201, 2015) was published with an error in the affiliation of the second author. The correct affiliations of the second author are "Yeungnam University" and "Chung-Ang Univeresity" as shown
in this erratum note.

 Link to the corrected article 10.2298/CSIS141015091T
Process of immigration and settling of Macva region (Western Serbia) from XVII to XX century
Authors: Grcic Mirko , Grcic Ljiljana
Published: December 2015

Macva is a lowland area between the rivers of Drina and Sava which has
mediating and centralizing role between the Dinaric mountain region and the
Pannonian basin through history. In this paper the attention is given to
metanastasic (staged) migratory currents and settlement of Macva in the
context of socio-historical changes and geopolitical developments from 17th
to the end of the 20th century. The waves of migrants from different
directions lapped sparsely native population and gradually assimilated so
that now makes up unique cultural and ethnographic complex.
The impact of demographic processes on the functional urban regions' development in Serbia
Authors: Jeftic Marija
Published: December 2015

Based on the relevant theoretical and methodological approaches and
settlement-demographic components, in this paper is determined a functional
urban settlement structure in the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
Chronological overview of the changes in urban settlement's population from
the postwar period to the present was intended to show the relations between
demographic processes and development of the functional urban regions, to
determine the degree of spatial differentiation of the territory of the
Republic of Serbia and to establish the trends of the settlement formation as
one of the factors of spatial and regional development. Small functional
urban regions (whose center consists of urban settlements with 50,000 to
100,000 inhabitants) are proposed as the instruments for decentralization of
the territory of the Republic of Serbia. On the basis of current functional
urban structure and spatial demographic polarization of the Republic of
Serbia, generally are given the possible planning directions with the aim of
rational regional development of the entire area.
Material Tissue Interaction—From Toxicity to Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Schmalz G , Widbiller M , Galler KM
Published: December 2015

The topic of material tissue interaction has gained increasing interest over recent decades from both the dental profession and the public. The primary goal initially was to avoid adverse reactions after the application of dental materials. New laboratory test methods have been developed, and currently premarket testing programs, which attempt to guarantee a basic level of patient safety, are legally required worldwide. The dentist is responsible for selecting the correct indication as well as the proper handling of any newly emerging risk. Apart from this phenomenon-oriented “inert materials concept,” the “analytical concept” focuses primarily on analyzing the reasons for adverse reactions, and identifying their associated modifying factors, in order to prevent them or to develop new and more biocompatible materials. The “concept of bioactivity” involves addressing the possibility of positively influencing tissue by materials application, such as the generation of tertiary dentin or antibacterial effects. Finally, tissue regeneration may be supported and promoted by the use of various suitable materials (matrices/scaffolds) into which stem cells can migrate or be seeded, leading to cell differentiation and the generation of new tissue. These new dental materials must also fulfill additional requirements such as controlled degradability in order to be suitable for clinical use. Clearly, the field of material tissue interaction is complex and comprises a wide range of issues. To be successful as dentists in the future, practitioners should remain informed of these important new developments and have the argumentative competence to both properly advise and treat their patients.
Effect ofBradyrhizobiaInoculant Formulation with Phorate in New Peanut Fields
Authors: Tubbs R.S. , Kemerait R.C. , Williams B. , Sarver J.M.
Published: December 2015

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a legume and requires nodulation by Bradyrhizobia to convert atmospheric N into a plant usable form. Peanut inoculants place large volumes of viable Bradyrhizobia near the emerging root of the plant to infect it ensuring N-fixation. Peanut seedlings are susceptible to feeding by thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which transmit Tospovirus leading to tomato spotted wilt (TSW) and can result in yield decline. Phorate is a common in-furrow insecticide used to reduce thrips feeding on the plants, and hence reduce the risk of TSW infection. However, placing phorate in the same furrow with living Bradyrhizobia has raised concerns about phorate potentially reducing efficacy of inoculants. Experiments were designed to test liquid and sterile peat formulations of Bradyrhizobia inoculant with two peanut cultivars in-furrow at planting, both with and without phorate insecticide to determine yield, grade, and growth parameters on peanut. Research was conducted on a non-irrigated loamy sand with no prior history of growing peanut in Tifton, GA in 2013 and 2014. There were no negative effects on peanut yield or grade, or other measured parameters when phorate was included in-furrow with inoculants. Yields with inoculants were equal or greater (up to 32% more) than non-inoculated peanut, and grade was improved (+1.2 to 1.4%) when using the liquid formulation instead of the sterile peat formulation or non-inoculated peanut. Other indicators of improved plant performance using inoculants over non-inoculated plants included the abundance and activity of nodules on the roots and time to row closure (vegetation overlap of bare soil). These data indicate there are no detrimental effects to peanut inoculant when also including phorate insecticide in-furrow.
Local Poisson equations associated with the Varadhan functional
Authors: Cavazos-Cadena Rolando , Hernández-Hernández Daniel
Published: December 2015

This work concerns Markov chains evolving on a denumerable sate space, which is endowed with a non-negative reward function with finite support. In this context, the problem of determining the Varadhan function, given by the exponential growth rate of the aggregated rewards, is studied. The main results in this direction are expressed in terms of the idea of a  system of local Poisson equations, and can be summarized as follows: (i) the Varadhan function is determined by one of such systems, and (ii) if a finite set is accessible form any state, then a system of local Poisson equations exits.
Bispecific CD3/HER2 Targeting FynomAb Induces Redirected T Cell-Mediated Cytolysis with High Potency and Enhanced Tumor Selectivity
Authors: Wuellner Ulrich , Klupsch Kristina , Buller Fabian , Attinger-Toller Isabella , Santimaria Roger , Zbinden Irene , Henne Patricia , Grabulovski Dragan , Bertschinger Julian , Brack Simon
Published: December 2015

CD3 bispecific therapies retargeting T cells to tumors have recently demonstrated striking activity in patients. Several CD3 bispecific antibodies directed against various tumor targets are currently being investigated in the clinic across different tumors. One limitation of these therapies is the risk of target-related toxicity due to low-level expression of tumor antigen in normal tissue. In this study we have engineered a bispecific CD3/HER2 FynomAb, COVA420, which redirects T cells with high potency and selectivity to tumor cells with high HER2 expression in vitro and in vivo. COVA420 activity depends on high HER2 density as no activity was observed on cells with lower HER2 levels as found in human normal tissue. These results suggest that COVA420 may spare normal tissue expressing low levels of HER2 while still having uncompromised efficacy on tumor cells with high HER2 expression. This concept may be applied to other cancer antigens that otherwise cannot be targeted by T cell redirecting approaches, and may therefore expand the applicability of CD3 bispecific FynomAbs to a larger number of solid tumors.
Irregular Homogeneity Domains in Ternary Intermetallic Systems
Authors: Joubert Jean-Marc , Andasmas Mohamed , Crivello Jean-Claude
Published: December 2015

Ternary intermetallic A–B–C systems sometimes have unexpected behaviors. The present paper examines situations in which there is a tendency to simultaneously form the compounds ABx, ACx and BCx with the same crystal structure. This causes irregular shapes of the phase homogeneity domains and, from a structural point of view, a complete reversal of site occupancies for the B atom when crossing the homogeneity domain. This work reviews previous studies done in the systems Fe–Nb–Zr, Hf–Mo–Re, Hf–Re–W, Mo–Re–Zr, Re–W–Zr, Cr–Mn–Si, Cr–Mo–Re, and Mo–Ni–Re, and involving the topologically close-packed Laves, χ and σ phases. These systems have been studied using ternary isothermal section determination, DFT calculations, site occupancy measurement using joint X-ray, and neutron diffraction Rietveld refinement. Conclusions are drawn concerning this phenomenon. The paper also reports new experimental or calculated data on Co–Cr–Re and Fe–Nb–Zr systems.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot Assay for the Detection of Wilms’ Tumor 1-Specific T Cells Induced by Dendritic Cell Vaccination
Authors: Higuchi Yumiko , Koya Terutsugu , Yuzawa Miki , Yamaoka Naoko , Mizuno Yumiko , Yoshizawa Kiyoshi , Hirabayashi Koichi , Kobayashi Takashi , Sano Kenji , Shimodaira Shigetaka
Published: December 2015

Background: Despite recent advances in cancer immunotherapy and the development of various assays for T cell assessment, a lack of universal standards within immune monitoring remains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay in comparison with major histocompatibility complex-tetramer analysis in the context of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer immunotherapy. Methods: The ELISpot assay was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells to assess reproducibility, daily precision, and linearity using HLA-A*24:02-restricted Cytomegalovirus peptide. Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells were then evaluated by both the ELISpot assay and WT1 tetramer analysis in peripheral blood from 46 cancer patients who received DC vaccinations pulsed with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*24:02-restricted modified WT1 peptides. Results: The ELISpot assay was proven to have reproducibility (coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 7.4% to 16.3%), daily precision (CV ranged from 5.0% to 17.3%), and linearity (r = 0.96–0.98). WT1-specific immune responses were detected by the ELISpot assay in 34 out of 46 patients (73.9%) post-vaccination. A Spearman’s rank-correlation coefficient of 0.82 between the ELISpot assay and WT1 tetramer analysis was obtained. Conclusion: This is the first report of a comparison of an ELISpot assay and tetramer analysis in the context of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer immunotherapy. The ELISpot assay has reproducibility, linearity, and excellent correlation with the WT1 tetramer analysis. These findings suggest that the validated ELISpot assay is useful to monitor the acquired immunity by DC vaccination targeting WT1.
Attitudes and Perceptions of Suicide and Suicide Prevention Messages for Asian Americans
Authors: Thapa Priyata , Sung Yoonhee , Klingbeil David , Lee Chih-Yuan , Klimes-Dougan Bonnie
Published: December 2015

Understanding the context of suicidal behaviors is critical for effective suicide prevention strategies. Although suicide is an important topic for Asian Americans, there is limited information about what Asian Americans’ attitudes are towards suicide and their perceptions about the effectiveness of prevention efforts. These questions are critical to examine to provide foundational knowledge for determining how best to intervene. In this study, Asian American (n = 87) and White (n = 87) participants completed self-report indexes on their knowledge of depression and suicide (e.g., estimates of suicide rates), coping attitudes (e.g., help-seeking) and suicide prevention attitudes (e.g., usefulness of PSAs). The results indicate that in comparison to Whites, Asian Americans perceived suicidal behavior to be more common, perceived a stronger link between depression and suicide, less frequently endorsed help-seeking strategies, and reported more concern or distress after viewing a suicide prevention PSA. These preliminary results also suggest the possibility of cultural differences in perceptions of suicide prevention messages. The implications of these findings are discussed with a focus on providing recommendations for exploring suicide prevention efforts for Asian Americans.
Out of DSM: Depathologizing Homosexuality
Authors: Drescher Jack
Published: December 2015

In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed the diagnosis of “homosexuality” from the second edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). This resulted after comparing competing theories, those that pathologized homosexuality and those that viewed it as normal. In an effort to explain how that decision came about, this paper reviews some historical scientific theories and arguments that first led to the placement of homosexuality in DSM-I and DSM-II as well as alternative theories that eventually led to its removal from DSM III and subsequent editions of the manual. The paper concludes with a discussion of the sociocultural aftermath of that 1973 decision.
Loss of E2F1 Extends Survival and Accelerates Oral Tumor Growth in HPV-Positive Mice
Authors: Zhong Rong , Bechill John , Spiotto Michael
Published: December 2015

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with several human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). HPV expresses the viral oncogene E7 that binds to the retinoblastoma protein (RB1) in order to activate the E2F pathway. RB1 can mediate contradictory pathways—cell growth and cell death via E2F family members. Here, we assessed the extent to which E2F1 mediates lethality of HPV oncogenes. Ubiquitous expression of the HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 caused lethality in mice that was associated with focal necrosis in hepatocytes and pancreatic tissues. Furthermore, all organs expressing HPV oncogenes displayed up-regulation of several E2F1 target genes. The E2F1 pathway mediated lethality in HPV-positive mice because deletion of E2F1 increased survival of mice ubiquitously expressing HPV oncogenes. E2F1 similarly functioned as a tumor suppressor in HPV-positive oral tumors as tumors grew faster with homozygous loss of E2F1 compared to tumors with heterozygous loss of E2F1. Re-expression of E2F1 caused decreased clonogenicity in HPV-positive cancer cells. Our results indicate that HPV oncogenes activated the E2F1 pathway to cause lethality in normal mice and to suppress oral tumor growth. These results suggest that selective modulation of the E2F1 pathway, which is activated in HPV tumors, may facilitate tumor regression.
Deficiency of iPLA2β Primes Immune Cells for Proinflammation: Potential Involvement in Age-Related Mesenteric Lymph Node Lymphoma
Authors: Inhoffen Johannes , Tuma-Kellner Sabine , Straub Beate , Stremmel Wolfgang , Chamulitrat Walee
Published: December 2015

Proinflammation can predispose the body to autoimmunity and cancer. We have reported that iPLA2β−/− mice are susceptible to autoimmune hepatitis and colitis. Here we determined whether cytokine release by immune cells could be affected by iPLA2β deficiency alone or combined with CD95/FasL-antibody treatment in vivo. We also determined whether cancer risk could be increased in aged mutant mice. Immune cells were isolated from 3-month old male WT and iPLA2β−/− mice, and some were injected with anti-CD95/FasL antibody for 6 h. Kupffer cells (KC) or splenocytes and liver lymphocytes were stimulated in vitro by lipopolysaccharide or concanavalinA, respectively. Whole-body iPLA2β deficiency caused increased apoptosis in liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node (MLN). KC from mutant mice showed suppressed release of TNFα and IL-6, while their splenocytes secreted increased levels of IFNγ and IL-17a. Upon CD95/FasL activation, the mutant KC in turn showed exaggerated cytokine release, this was accompanied by an increased release of IFNγ and IL-17a by liver lymphocytes. Aged iPLA2β−/− mice did not show follicular MLN lymphoma commonly seen in aged C57/BL6 mice. Thus, iPLA2β deficiency renders M1- and Th1/Th17-proinflammation potentially leading to a reduction in age-related MLN lymphoma during aging.
Antifungal Edible Coatings for Fresh Citrus Fruit: A Review
Authors: Palou Lluís , Valencia-Chamorro Silvia , Pérez-Gago María
Published: December 2015

According to their origin, major postharvest losses of citrus fruit are caused by weight loss, fungal diseases, physiological disorders, and quarantine pests. Cold storage and postharvest treatments with conventional chemical fungicides, synthetic waxes, or combinations of them are commonly used to minimize postharvest losses. However, the repeated application of these treatments has led to important problems such as health and environmental issues associated with fungicide residues or waxes containing ammoniacal compounds, or the proliferation of resistant pathogenic fungal strains. There is, therefore, an increasing need to find non-polluting alternatives to be used as part of integrated disease management (IDM) programs for preservation of fresh citrus fruit. Among them, the development of novel natural edible films and coatings with antimicrobial properties is a technological challenge for the industry and a very active research field worldwide. Chitosan and other edible coatings formulated by adding antifungal agents to composite emulsions based on polysaccharides or proteins and lipids are reviewed in this article. The most important antifungal ingredients are selected for their ability to control major citrus postharvest diseases like green and blue molds, caused by Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, respectively, and include low-toxicity or natural chemicals such as food additives, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds, plant extracts, or essential oils, and biological control agents such as some antagonistic strains of yeasts or bacteria.