bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Exome Sequencing Implicates an
INO80D
Mutation in a Syndrome of Aortic Hypoplasia, Premature Atherosclerosis, and Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Shameer Khader , Klee Eric W. , Dalenberg Angela K. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Massively parallel, high-throughput sequencing technology is helping to generate new insights into the genetic basis of human diseases. We used whole exome sequencing to identify the mutation underlying a syndrome affecting 2 siblings with aortic hypoplasia, calcific atherosclerosis, systolic hypertension, and premature cataract.

Methods and Results—

Exonic regions were captured and sequenced using a next-generation sequencing platform to generate 100 bases paired-end reads. A computational genomic data analysis pipeline was used to perform quality control, align reads to a reference genome, and identify genetic variants; findings were confirmed using a different exome analyses pipeline. The 2 siblings were homozygous for a rare missense mutation (Ser818Cys) in
INO80D
, a subunit of the human INO80 chromatin remodeling complex. Homozygosity mapping and Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mutation is located in one of the runs of homozygosity on chromosome 2.
INO80D
encodes a key subunit of the human IN080 complex, a multiprotein complex involved in DNA binding, chromatin modification, organization of chromosome structure, and ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding. By introducing a new disulphide-bond in the protein product and also disrupting the composition of low-complexity regions, the Ser818Cys mutation may affect INO80D function, protein–protein interactions, and chromatin remodeling.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest a link between the Ser818Cys mutation in
INO80D
, a subunit of the human INO80 chromatin remodeling complex, and accelerated arterial aging.
Geographies of Intimacy in Mary Wilkins Freeman's Short Fiction
Authors: Ansley Jennifer
Published: August 2014

Situated within late nineteenth-century economic changes that transformed rural and urban spaces, Mary Wilkins Freeman's regionalist fiction imagines rural female-centered communities that I define as queer. Unlike emergent urban-centered gay and lesbian social formations, these communities are alienated from both normative reproduction and capitalist accumulation and are sustained by subsistence labor.
Politics and Devotion
Authors: Corthell Ronald
Published: August 2014

Devotional writers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries liked to promote their works as an antidote to the toxic polemical literature of the period. Even Robert Persons, the fiercely tenacious and effective polemicist for the Catholic cause, and a favorite Jesuit “bogeyman” in anti-Catholic propaganda, professed to desire a future when Christians would focus their energies on cultivation of the inner spiritual life. However, the irenic dispositions of these writers were counterbalanced by both polemical pressures of the day and deep-seated convictions regarding the true church. The ideological stake in devotion is foregrounded in Edmund Bunny’s Protestant appropriation of Persons’s devotional best-seller, the Christian Directory. This article places Persons/Bunny in the context of the struggles between English Catholics and the English government (and, for that matter, between Catholics) regarding political and religious loyalties. It is argued that the writing—and especially the reading—of such works of devotion in the highly charged polemical environment of this period constitutes a still under-appreciated contribution to the formation of early modern subjectivity. The Persons/Bunny episode is an important chapter in a larger literary struggle for control of conscience.
Evaluation of Tropical Cyclone Center Identification Methods in Numerical Models
Authors: Nguyen Leon T. , Molinari John , Thomas Diana
Published: August 2014

Identifying the center of a tropical cyclone in a high-resolution model simulation has a number of operational and research applications, including constructing a track, calculating azimuthal means and perturbations, and diagnosing vortex tilt. This study evaluated several tropical cyclone center identification methods in a high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulation of a sheared, intensifying, asymmetric tropical cyclone. The simulated tropical cyclone (TC) contained downshear convective cells and a mesovortex embedded in a broader TC vortex, complicating the identification of the TC vortex center. It is shown that unlike other methods, the pressure centroid method consistently 1) placed the TC center within the region of weak storm-relative wind, 2) produced a smooth track, 3) yielded a vortex tilt that varied smoothly in magnitude and direction, and 4) was insensitive to changes in horizontal grid resolution. Based on these results, the authors recommend using the pressure centroid to define the TC center in high-resolution numerical models.

The pressure centroid was calculated within a circular region representing the size of the TC inner core. To determine this area, the authors propose normalizing by the innermost radius at which the azimuthally averaged storm-relative tangential wind at 2-km height equals 80% of the maximum (R80) at 2-km height. Although compositing studies have often normalized by the radius of maximum wind (RMW), R80 proved less sensitive to slight changes in flat tangential wind profiles. This enables R80 to be used as a normalization technique not only with intense TCs having peaked tangential wind profiles, but also with weaker TCs having flatter tangential wind profiles.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of (Fe, Cr)7C3-Fe/Hadfield steel composites
Authors: Zhong Lisheng , Wu Tiandong , Guo Siyou , Li Jinshan
Published: August 2014

In this work, (Fe, Cr)7C3-Fe/Hadfield steel composites were fabricated through in situ synthesis with infiltration casting and subsequent heat treatment. The microstructure, microhardness, impact toughness, and wear resistance of (Fe, Cr)7C3-Fe/Hadfield steel composites were studied through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microhardness testing, impact testing, and wear testing. The results show that austenite and (Fe, Cr)7C3 carbides are predominant phases in the reinforcing bar of the composites. The (Fe, Cr)7C3 particulates have an important role in improving the mechanical properties of the composite. The best wear resistance of the composites was 1.6 times higher than that of Hadfield steel under a 5-N load. The wear resistance mechanism was not only due to the higher hardness of the (Fe, Cr)7C3-Fe bundle but also to the excellent work hardening ability of the Hadfield steel matrix. The fracture mechanism was in the ductile-brittle fracture mode. The good fracture toughness of the (Fe, Cr)7C3-Fe/Hadfield steel composite is mainly due to the presence of microcracks in the interface and the high toughness of the Hadfield steel matrix.
Simultaneous prediction of surface topography and surface location error in milling
Authors: Yuan Lei , Zeng Shasha , Chen Zuobing
Published: August 2014

The machined surface topography, surface roughness and surface location error are very important evaluation indexes for machining quality, which directly affect the performance characteristics of the machined workpiece. In this paper, a new model of the arbitrary point of the cutter edge with respect to the arbitrary frame of the machining feature point is built. The proposed model incorporates the surface location error into the relative motion of the cutter with respect to the workpiece using the harmonic balance methods. Further, a nonlinear programming problem is proposed to obtain the scallop value of an arbitrary point on the nominal machined surface. Since the obtained scallop value of each point can be used for constructing the topography of the machined surface as well as calculating the surface roughness, the proposed model can simultaneously predict the surface topography, surface roughness and surface location error. Simulations and experiments indicate that feed per tooth, runout and number of cutter teeth are vital factors influencing the topology of the machined surface. The surface location error of the cutter due to the number of cutter teeth is an essential factor that influences the parallelism or perpendicularity of the machining feature. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method is verified by a machining example.
Cyclic Phosphatidic Acid Relieves Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Authors: Gotoh Mari , Nagano Aya , Tsukahara Ryoko , Murofushi Hiromu , Morohoshi Toshiro , Otsuka Kazuyuki , Murakami-Murofushi Kimiko
Published: August 2014

Background:

Cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid mediator with a unique cyclic phosphate ring at the sn-2 and sn-3 positions of its glycerol backbone. Natural cPA and its chemically stabilized cPA derivative, 2-carba-cPA (2ccPA), inhibit chronic and acute inflammation, and 2ccPA attenuates neuropathic pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease frequently associated with symptoms such as inflammation and joint pain. Because 2ccPA has obvious antinociceptive activity, we hypothesized that 2ccPA might relieve the pain caused by OA. We aimed to characterize the effects of 2ccPA on the pathogenesis of OA induced by total meniscectomy in the rabbit knee joint.

Results:

Intra-articular injection of 2ccPA (twice a week for 42 days) significantly reduced pain and articular swelling. Histopathology showed that 2ccPA suppressed cartilage degeneration in OA. We also examined the effects of 2ccPA on the inflammatory and catabolic responses of human OA synoviocytes and chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells in vitro. 2ccPA stimulated synthesis of hyaluronic acid and suppressed production of the metalloproteinases MMP-1, −3, and −13. However, it had no effect on the production of interleukin (IL)-6, an inflammatory cytokine. The suppressive effect of 2ccPA on MMP-1 and −3 production in synoviocytes and on MMP-13 production in SW1353 cells was not mediated by the lysophosphatidic acid receptor, LPA1 receptor (LPA1R).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that 2ccPA significantly reduces the pain response to OA by inducing hyaluronic acid production and suppressing MMP-1, −3, and −13 production in synoviocytes and chondrocytes.
Mi'kmaq in the Halifax Explosion of 1917: Leadership, Transience, and the Struggle for Land Rights
Authors: Remes Jacob
Published: August 2014

When a ship explosion in Halifax Harbor destroyed much of the surrounding area, among the devastated places was Kebeceque, an informal Mi'kmaw settlement in Dartmouth that had been under non-Native pressure for decades. The white owner of the land had long insisted that the Department of Indian Affairs remove the Mi'kmaq who camped on his property; the Mi'kmaq resisted these demands by relying on traditional practices of seasonal transience and innovative forms of leadership. Showman and Native doctor Jerry Lone Cloud led the struggle to stay in Kebeceque. Among a generation of informal leaders, he was emblematic of multiple Mi'kmaw cultural and economic survival strategies.
Kinetic Study on Aminolysis of 2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl X-Substituted-Benzoates in Acetonitrile and in H2O Containing 20 mol % DMSO: Effects of Medium and Substituent X on Reactivity and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Kim Ha-Ram , Yoon Jung Hwan , Kim Min-Young , Um Ik-Hwan
Published: August 2014

Second-order rate constants for reactions of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl X-substituted-benzoates 1a–1j with a series of cyclic secondary amines in MeCN have been measured. Comparison of the kinetic results with those reported previously for the corresponding reactions carried out in H2O containing 20 mol % DMSO has revealed that amines are less reactive in MeCN. The Brønsted-type plot for the aminolysis of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl benzoate (1f) in MeCN is linear with βnuc = 0.64, which is in contrast to the curved Brønsted-type plot reported for the reaction performed in the H2O–DMSO misxture. The Hammett plot for the reactions of 1a–1j with piperidine consists of two intersecting straight lines while the Yukawa–Tsuno plot exhibits an excellent linear correlation with ρX = 1.22 and r = 0.60, indicating that the nonlinear Hammett plot is not due to a change in rate-determining step but is caused by stabilization of substrates possessing an electron-donating substituent through resonance interactions between the substituent and the carbonyl functionality. It has been concluded that medium change from the H2O–DMSO mixture to MeCN forces the aminolysis of 1a–1j to proceed through a concerted mechanism by destabilizing the zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate (T±).
Correction of Vegetative State and Lipid Metabolism in Patients with Erosions and Ulcers of Upper Parts of Digestive Tract and Atherosclerosis by means of Combined Laser Therapy
Authors: Никитин  , Nikitin A. , Малюков  , Malyukov Dmitriy , Михеева  , Mikheeva Ekaterina
Published: August 2014

Peptic ulcer is a widespread disease. This chronic progressive disease is caused by many factors, including vegetative imbalance and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this research was to estimate the effectiveness of application of low intensity laser radiation in complex treatment of patients with peptic ulcer and erosions of digestive tract and atherosclerosis. There were 44 patients in main group. 14 patients had erosions and 30 had ulcer of mucous. Control group consisted of 23 patients. There were 21 patients in placebo group. Laser therapy was performed using the device «Matrix». Lipid state was examined in all patients. It was established that in the main group the pain and dyspeptic syndrome decreased earlier than in other groups. Laboratory studies have shown that in the main group was significantly earlier improved biochemical indices of blood: cholesterol decreased by 2.48±0.4 mmol/l (p<0.05), total lipids by 4.5±0.7 g/l (p<0.05), triglycerides by 2.4±0.8 mmol/l (p<0.05), b-lipoproteins by 2,4±0,3 mmol/l (p>0.1). After treatment in the proposed method the certain improvement of time and spectral indices of IVS were identified. This method of treatment allows to increase the effectiveness of therapy, time of treatment and to correct lipid imbalance and vegetative status as well as to reduce dose of drugs.
The Comparison of Morphometric Data with Clinical, Microbiological and Echocardiographic Criteria of Left Parts Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Ковалев  , Kovalev S. , Грязнов  , Griaznov Dmitry , Булынина  , Bulynina Olga
Published: August 2014

To determine the diagnostic validity of histological study and the feasibility of using this type of data for the correction of treatment tactics, the comparison of the data obtained on the basis of morphometric analysis of remote intracardiac structures in patients operated on for valve infective endocarditis of left parts of the heart, with the main clinical, microbiological and echocardiographic characteristics of the disease was performed in this research. Data were studied from 62 patients with left part of infective endocarditis in the period from 2010 to 2013. This study showed that the morphological and histological criteria allow more detail to describe the notion «active endocarditis» and to choose the most adequate treatment strategy. In the control group of patients the severity of morphological changes according to most of the criteria corresponds to the severity of clinical manifestations that determine the severity of the condition and the forecast in infective endocarditis. It is necessary to use a comprehensive approach, including histological and morphological criteria of infective endocarditis.
Morphological Aspects of Radioprotection in the Experiment
Authors: Золотарева  , Zolotareva S. , Воронцова  , Vorontsova Zoya , Логачева  , Logacheva V.
Published: August 2014

The problem of modification of the effects of ionizing radiation in morphological manifestations of authorities at different speeds update is relevant direction in recent years. The authors considered as modifiers - hypoxic gas mixture, normobaric oxygen and electromagnetic radiation. They are in certain conditions associated with ionizing radiation, as in the conditions of emergency situations, and in normal mode. The development of pathological process after exposure and outcome depend on the overall resistance and state systems of adaptation. Identify the most effective mechanisms of mobilization of protective forces and the restoration of the functional reserves of the organism as a whole, is a prospective task of modern radiobiology. Based on the study of literature data and the results of their research the authors concluded that the degree of modification was dependent on the sequence of application of modifiers and doses of ionizing radiation; the radioprotective effect was in direct correlation with tissue facilities body. The radioprotective effect was revealed by during previous combined and joint use of modified gas environment with high and low oxygen content and electromagnetic radiation. The authors believe that the use of these modifiers is promising in the field of safety.
Platelet Mapping Assay Interference Due to Platelet Activation in Heparinized Samples
Authors: Nelles Nicole J. , Chandler Wayne L.
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Thromboelastography Platelet Mapping (TEGPM) is an assay designed to detect platelet inhibition due to aspirin or clopidogrel-like drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential causes of error in the design or operation of the assay.

Methods:

We evaluated percent inhibition of platelets due to aspirin or clopidogrel using TEGPM, which measures clot viscoelastic maximum amplitude (MA) after activation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or arachidonic acid (AA) and subtraction of MA due to fibrin (MAFibrin).

Results:

MAFibrin measured in heparinized blood showed an unstable increasing pattern in 28% of samples (16 of 58). The platelet aggregation inhibitor eptifibatide corrected increasing MAFibrin in 14 of 16 cases, while the thrombin inhibitor argatroban corrected increasing MAFibrin in six of 16 cases, suggesting that unanticipated platelet activation/ aggregation was a more important cause of unstable rising MAFibrin than uninhibited thrombin. The unstable increased MAFibrin falsely increased percent ADP inhibition on average from 19% to 38% and percent AA inhibition from 29% to 58%. Heparinized samples showed platelet clumping and had procoagulant platelet microvesicle levels double those in citrate anticoagulant.

Conclusions:

Unanticipated platelet activation/aggregation occurring in the heparinized TEGPM samples lead to erroneous percent inhibition results.
Improvement of the Antioxidative Status of Pig Ovaries by Selenopyran Treatment
Authors: Abadjieva Desislava Vasileva , Kistanova Elena K. , Marchev Yordan , Nedeva Radka , Vaisberg Chaika , Stefanov Rossen Georgiev , Boryaev Gennadiy , Nevitov Mihail
Published: August 2014

Selenium is an essential micro-element in animal diet due to its high antioxidative properties. As a part of selenocystein it is an important constituent of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme, which has a big importance for cell protection from oxidative damage. The aim of the present work was the investigation of the selenopyran effect on the antioxidative state of the pig ovary. The experiment was conducted with 18 gilts of Danube white breed randomly divided into two groups between 120 - 228 days of age. The animals received equal basal diets without selenium additives. The experimental gilts were injected once per month intramuscularly with oil solution of preparation selenopyran (9-phenylsymmetrical octahydroselenoxanthene) ensured 0.1 mgSe/kg live weight. After slaughtering, the ovaries were used for histological analysis and estimation of the selenium content in ovarian tissue by the atomic absorption spectroscopy method. The GPx activity in ovary homogenates using the colorimetric assay kit (BioVision) was measured. The expression of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in ovaries by immunochistochemical method was estimated. The selenopyran treatment leads to significant (P<0.05) increase of the selenium level in blood and non-significant (P>0.05) in ovarian tissue. Enhancement of GPx activity in the ovaries of experimental group was observed (142.61±6.6 versus 122.28±3.4U/gP, P<0.05). The GGT expression in the ovarian cortex cells, follicular fluid and in the erythrocytes of ovarian blood vessels in treated gilts was an evidence of active transport of glutathione from blood to the ovary tissue. The selenopyran treatment promotes the increase of the GPx dependent antioxidative defense in ovary of growing gilts.
THE LEX REPETUNDARUM OF THE TABULA BEMBINA
Authors: Mattingly Harold
Published: August 2014

Ever since Mommsen’s magisterial 1863 edition, the extortion law of the Tabula Bembina has been seen as a law of Gaius Gracchus. Since Mommsen’s intervention, only Carcopino and myself have seriously challenged the consensus. However, the sources imply that Gaius proposed a lex iudiciaria, not an extortion law, and, further, the role of the iudices editicii and the probability that chapters from the Lex Repetundarum on the reward for successful prosecutors were repeated in the Lex Tarentina of 104/3 BC together suggest that Klenze was right after all in identifying the law as the law of C. Servilius Glaucia. Lucilius’ apparent connection of the fierce Lex Calpurnia with Q. Scaevola’s trial in 119 or 118 BC seems to be the clinching evidence.
Learning from Mistakes in the Media to Improve the Communication of Wood Bioenergy Research
Authors: Mendell Brooks
Published: August 2014

Successful applied research into wood bioenergy requires communication of meaningful insights to inform decision-makers and the general public. Effective communication strategies make such insights accessible. However, recent media reports often exhibit a near total absence of findings from peer-reviewed or quantitative research, highlighting a failure to communicate between applied researchers and reporters. As a result, the general public’s understanding of wood-based bioenergy remains incomplete. At a minimum, researchers can address three common lapses when communicating results of their research related to wood-based energy to increase the public’s access to technical results. First, provide context to give policymakers a sense, on a relative basis, of the importance of a given issue. Second, properly distinguish between “causal” relationships and mere happenstance or correlations. And finally, confirm facts and conclusions. Faulty assertions can cast doubts on the broader work and body of research.
Branching angles reflect a trade‐off between reducing trail maintenance costs or travel distances in leaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Farji-Brener Alejandro Gustavo , Chinchilla Federico , Umaña María Natalia , Ocasio-Torres María Elena , Chauta-Mellizo Alexander , Acosta-Rojas Diana , Marinaro Sofía , de Torres Curth Mónica , Amador-Vargas Sabrina
Published: August 2014

The design of transport paths in consuming entities that use routes to access food should be under strong selective pressures to reduce costs and increase benefits. We studied the adaptive nature of branching angles in foraging trail networks of the two most abundant tropical leaf‐cutting ant species. We mathematically assessed how these angles should reflect the relative weight of the pressure for reducing either trail maintenance effort or traveling distances. Bifurcation angles of ant foraging trails strongly differed depending on the location of the nests. Ant colonies in open areas showed more acute branching angles, which best shorten travel distances but create longer new trail sections to maintain than a perpendicular branch, suggesting that trail maintenance costs are smaller compared to the benefit of reduced traveling distance. Conversely, ant colonies in forest showed less acute branching angles, indicating that maintenance costs are of larger importance relative to the benefits of shortening travel distances. The trail pattern evident in forests may be attributable to huge amounts of litterfall that increase trail maintenance costs, and the abundant canopy cover that reduces traveling costs by mitigating direct sunlight and rain. These results suggest that branching angles represent a trade‐off between reducing maintenance work and shortening travel distances, illustrating how animal constructions can adjust to diverse environmental conditions. This idea may help to understand diverse networks systems, including urban travel networks.
Sexual Identity, Partner Gender, and Sexual Health Among Adolescent Girls in the United States
Authors: Riskind Rachel G. , Tornello Samantha L. , Younger Brendan C. , Patterson Charlotte J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We examined associations between adolescent girls’ sexual identity and the gender of their sexual partners, on one hand, and their reports of sexual health behaviors and reproductive health outcomes, on the other.

Methods. We analyzed weighted data from pooled Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (2005 and 2007) representative of 13 US jurisdictions, focusing on sexually experienced girls in 8th through 12th grade (weighted n = 6879.56). We used logistic regression with hierarchical linear modeling to examine the strength of associations between reports about sexual orientation and sexual and reproductive health.

Results. Sexual minority girls consistently reported riskier behaviors than did other girls. Lesbian girls’ reports of risky sexual behaviors (e.g., sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol) and negative reproductive health outcomes (e.g., pregnancy) were similar to those of bisexual girls. Partner gender and sexual identity were similarly strong predictors of all of the sexual behaviors and reproductive health outcomes we examined.

Conclusions. Many sexual minority girls, whether categorized according to sexual identity or partner gender, are vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health risks. Attention to these risks is needed to help sexual minority girls receive necessary services.
The Montana Radon Study: Social Marketing via Digital Signage Technology for Reaching Families in the Waiting Room
Authors: Larsson Laura S.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. I tested a social marketing intervention delivered in health department waiting rooms via digital signage technology for increasing radon program participation among priority groups.

Methods. I conducted a tri-county, community-based study over a 3-year period (2010–2013) in a high-radon state by using a quasi-experimental design. We collected survey data for eligible participants at the time of radon test kit purchase.

Results. Radon program participation increased at the intervention site (t38 = 3.74; P = .001; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.8, 16.0) with an increase in renters (χ21,228 = 4.3; P = .039), Special Supplementary Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children families (χ21,166 = 3.13; P = .077) and first-time testers (χ21,228 = 10.93; P = .001). Approximately one third (30.3%; n = 30) attributed participation in the radon program to viewing the intervention message. The intervention crossover was also successful with increased monthly kit sales (t37 = 2.69; P = .01; 95% CI = 1.20, 8.47) and increased households participating (t23 = 4.76; P < .001; 95% CI = 3.10, 7.88).

Conclusions. A social marketing message was an effective population-based intervention for increasing radon program participation. The results prompted policy changes for Montana radon programming and adoption of digital signage technology by 2 health departments.
Evaluating the Implementation Process of a Citywide Smoke-Free Multiunit Housing Ordinance: Insights from Community Stakeholders
Authors: Yerger Valerie B. , Battle Robynn S. , Moore Roland S.
Published: August 2014

We evaluated the implementation process of Richmond, California’s citywide smoke-free multiunit housing ordinance. We conducted semistructured focus groups with multiunit housing tenants, owners, and managers. Residents understood the harms of secondhand smoke but lacked accurate information about the ordinance and questioned its enforceability. They shared concerns that the city lacked cessation resources for smokers wishing to quit because of the ordinance. To increase compliance with the ordinance, tenants, owners, and managers need accurate information.
Antioxidant system in Uromastyx philbyi during hibernation and activity periods
Authors: Afifi Mohamed , Alkaladi Ali
Published: August 2014

Hibernation is an extreme physiological state characterized by profound decreases in oxidative metabolism and body temperature during bouts of prolonged torpor, interrupted by brief periods of arousal with sudden increases in oxidative metabolism, with alterations in antioxidant defenses. We monitored the activities of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress during hibernation and activity in Uromastyx philbyi. 20 animals were used, 10 of which were collected in the hibernation season (group I) and the other 10 collected during the active period (group II). Blood, liver, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and brain samples were used to determine free radical and antioxidant levels. The results indicated a significant decrease of free radicals and increase of vitamin C, especially in serum during hibernation. In contrast, during the active period free radicals, enzymatic antioxidants as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidants as reduce glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E increased in all studied tissues. It can be concluded that Uromastyx philbyi has a strong antioxidant defense system that protects it from the injurious effects of free radicals either at the periods of arousal or during activity periods.
Role of GDF15 in radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells
Authors: Schilling-Tóth Boglárka , Sándor Nikolett , Walter Fruzsina , Bocsik Alexandra , Sáfrány Géza , Hegyesi Hargita
Published: August 2014

The Growth Differentiation Factor-15 gene (GDF15) is a member of TGF-b superfamily and this cytokine family is considered to be a promising target for cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tumor derived GDF15 on proliferation and radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. A mouse breast cancer LM2 cell line with stable transfection of full-length mouse GDF15 cDNA was established. Cell growth and proliferation was observed using WST assay and impedance-based method. Radiation induced GDF15 and TGF-b1 expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Radiosensitivity was measured by a colony formation assay in vitro and by a tumor growth delay assay in vivo. Cells with more than a 10-fold increase in GDF15 expression had a higher growth rate than parental control cells in vitro and in vivo. The radiation induced elevation of the expression of TGFb1 was reduced in GDF15 overexpressing cells. GDF15 may play a role in the radiation response of breast cancer cells by effecting cell survival, inhibiting radiation-induced cell death, and inhibiting the TGF-b1 related cytotoxic action.
The parasitic fauna of the European bison (Bison bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and their impact on the conservation. Part 1 The summarising list of parasites noted
Authors: Karbowiak Grzegorz , Demiaszkiewicz Aleksander , Pyziel Anna , Wita Irena , Moskwa Bożena , Werszko Joanna , Bień Justyna , Goździk Katarzyna , Lachowicz Jacek , Cabaj Władysław
Published: August 2014

During the current century, 88 species of parasites have been recorded in Bison bonasus. These are 22 species of protozoa (Trypanosoma wrublewskii, T. theileri, Giardia sp., Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. hominis, S. fusiformis, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium sp., Eimeria cylindrica, E. subspherica, E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. canadensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. alabamensis, E. bukidnonensis, E. auburnensis, E. pellita, E. brasiliensis, Babesia divergens), 4 trematodes species (Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha, Paramphistomum cervi), 4 cestodes species (Taenia hydatigena larvae, Moniezia benedeni, M. expansa, Moniezia sp.), 43 nematodes species (Bunostomum trigonocephalum, B. phlebotomum, Chabertia ovina, Oesophagostomum radiatum, O. venulosum, Dictyocaulus filaria, D.viviparus, Nematodirella alcidis, Nematodirus europaeus, N. helvetianus, N. roscidus, N. filicollis, N. spathiger, Cooperia oncophora, C. pectinata, C. punctata, C. surnabada, Haemonchus contortus, Mazamastrongylus dagestanicus, Ostertagia lyrata, O. ostertagi, O. antipini, O. leptospicularis, O. kolchida, O. circumcincta, O. trifurcata, Spiculopteragia boehmi, S. mathevossiani, S. asymmetrica, Trichostrongylus axei, T. askivali, T. capricola, T. vitrinus, Ashworthius sidemi, Onchocerca lienalis, O. gutturosa, Setaria labiatopapillosa, Gongylonema pulchrum, Thelazia gulosa, T. skrjabini, T. rhodesi, Aonchotheca bilobata, Trichuris ovis), 7 mites (Demodex bisonianus, D. bovis, Demodex sp., Chorioptes bovis, Psoroptes equi, P. ovis, Sarcoptes scabiei), 4 Ixodidae ticks (Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus, I. hexagonus, Dermacentor reticulatus), 1 Mallophaga species (Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii), 1 Anoplura (Haematopinus eurysternus), and 2 Hippoboscidae flies (Lipoptena cervi, Melophagus ovinus). There are few monoxenous parasites, many typical for cattle and many newly acquired from Cervidae.
Molecular detection and characterization of Theileria species in the Philippines
Authors: Belotindos Lawrence , Lazaro Jonathan , Villanueva Marvin , Mingala Claro
Published: August 2014

Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease of domestic and wild animals that cause devastating economic loss in livestock in tropical and subtropical regions. Theileriosis is not yet documented in the Philippines as compared to babesiosis and anaplasmosis which are considered major tick-borne diseases that infect livestock in the country and contribute major losses to the livestock industry. The study was aimed to detect Theileria sp. at genus level in blood samples of cattle using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Specifically, it determined the phylogenetic relationship of Theileria species affecting cattle in the Philippines to other Theileria sp. registered in the GenBank. A total of 292 blood samples of cattle that were collected from various provinces were used. Theileria sp. was detected in 43/292 from the cattle blood samples using PCR assay targeting the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene. DNA sequence showed high similarity (90–99%) among the reported Theileria sp. isolates in the GenBank and the Philippine isolates of Theileria. Phylogenetic tree construction using nucleotide sequence classified the Philippine isolates of Theileria as benign. However, nucleotide polymorphism was observed in the new isolate based on nucleotide sequence alignment. It revealed that the new isolate can be a new species of Theileria.
Comparative analyses of different genetic markers for the detection of Acanthamoeba spp. isolates
Authors: Derda Monika , Wojtkowiak-Giera Agnieszka , Hadaś Edward
Published: August 2014

Acanthamoeba are widespread free-living amoebae which may cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), keratitis, skin ulcerations and disseminated tissue infection. An important diagnostic and prognostic factor for the treatment of infection is a quick and correct diagnosis of amoebae strains. The aim of our study was to develop a rapid method for detection and identification of pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. strains from diagnostic material collected from water. In this study we analysed five amplification-based genetic markers (Aca 16S, Ac6/210, GP, JDP, Nelson) used for identification of pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. strains isolated in water sources in Poland, Iceland and Sweden. Our results demonstrated the presence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains in tap water. PCR assay appeared to be a more rapid and sensitive method to detect the presence of amoebae than the limited conventional techniques. Based on our observations, we can confirm that the use of four out of five genetic markers (Aca 16S, Ac 6/210, JDP, GP, Nelson) may be helpful in identification of Acanthamoeba spp. strains, but only one Aca 16S primer pair is a highly specific marker that distinguishes between pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba and other free-living amoeba families.
The helminth fauna study of European common brown frog (Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758) in the Volga basin
Authors: Chikhlyaev Igor , Ruchin Alexander
Published: August 2014

In this paper we considered information on the helminth fauna of the European common brown frog (Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758) from 10 regions of the Volga basin. This study includes consolidated data of different authors over the last 30 years, supplemented by the results of our own research. There are reliably known finds of 29 species of helminths: Monogenea — 1, Trematoda — 21, Nematoda — 7. Trematodes Gorgodera asiatica Pigulevsky, 1945, Paralepoderma cloacicola (Luhe, 1909), mtc. and nematodes Icosiella neglecta (Diesing, 1851) were observed for the first time in a given host on the territory of Russia and the Volga Basin. Six species of worms make the basis of helminth fauna: nematodes Rhabdias bufonis, Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Neoxysomatium brevicaudatum and Cosmocerca ornata, trematode Haplometra cylindracea and monogenea Polystoma integerrimum. These six species are the most common and widespread parasites of the brown frog. For each species of helminths there is the following information included: taxonomic position, localization, area of detection, biology, definitive hosts, geographic distribution, the degree of host-specificity.
Monogenean parasites from fishes of the Vaal Dam, Gauteng Province, South Africa II. New locality records
Authors: Crafford Dionne , Luus-Powell Wilmien , Avenant-Oldewage Annemariè
Published: August 2014

Baseline information on parasitic infections, including monogenean infections on wild fishes, may aid in implementation of proactive measures as opposed to reactive research aimed at crisis control with reference to future aquaculture applications. The aim of this project was to examine the freshwater monogenean fauna of the Vaal Dam, Vaal River system, South Africa. This short communication reports on infection statistics for monogenean species, some representing new locality records. Parasites were collected from host species other than Labeo spp. from the Vaal Dam, during a summer (January 2010) survey. Fish collected using gill nets of varying mesh sizes were weighed and measured. Mucous smears were prepared from the skin and fins with the aid of microscope slides. Fish were killed humanely by severing the spinal cord behind the head. Gills were carefully removed and divided into areas which were separately scraped to investigate potential parasite site preference. The areas examined were dorsal, median and ventral positions on both the anterior and posterior hemibranch. Both mucous smears and gill scrapings were examined with the aid of a stereo microscope. More parasites were collected from the first or second gill arches, the medial position on the gill, and the anterior hemibranch. Preference for either left or right gill set was inconclusive. Spatial distribution of parasites is thought to result from water flow over the gills during respiration. This paper reports a new locality record for the following monogenean species: Quadriacanthus aegypticus, Dactylogyrus extensus, Dactylogyrus minitus, Gyrodactylus kherulensis and Dactylogyrus lamellatus.
Simha-Somcynsky Equation of State Modeling of the PVT Behavior of PP/Clay-Nanocomposite/CO2 Mixtures
Authors: Hasan M. M. , Park C. B.
Published: August 2014

The Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) property of polymer nanocomposite (PNC)/gas solutions is an important fundamental property in the foaming of PNC. However, accurate data have not yet been reported. We examined the PVT behaviors of polypropylene (PP) and PP/organoclay polymer nanocomposite (PP-PNC) by monitoring the swelling changes of the polymer melt in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). A model was adopted that describes the PVT behaviors of PP-PNC with and without dissolved gas. Based on the model, a PNC consists of two sections: a hard section (a nanoparticle surrounded by solidified polymer) and a soft section (neat polymer). It was observed that an infusion of nanoparticles decreased the swelling. It seems that the hard section had a minimal free volume in which to dissolve the blowing agents, and that the number of hard sections increased with the infusion of nanoparticles. As a result, the total gas absorption capacity of the system decreased, and consequently, the swelling also decreased.
Cancer Screening among Immigrants Living in Urban and Regional Australia: Results from the 45 and Up Study
Authors: Weber Marianne , Chiew May , Feletto Eleonora , Kahn Clare , Sitas Freddy , Webster Lucy
Published: August 2014

Over 25% of the Australian population are immigrants, and are less active participants in cancer screening programmes. Most immigrants live in urban areas of Australia, but a significant proportion (~20%), live in regional areas. This study explored differences in cancer screening participation by place of birth and residence. Self-reported use of mammogram, faecal occult blood test (FOBT), and/or prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests was obtained from 48,642 immigrants and 141,275 Australian-born participants aged 50 years or older in the 45 and Up Study (New South Wales, Australia 2006–2010). Poisson regression was used to estimate relative risks of test use, adjusting for key socio-demographic characteristics. Overall, immigrants from Asia and Europe were less likely to have had any of the tests in the previous two years than Australian-born participants. Regional Australian-born participants were more likely to have had any of the tests than those living in urban areas. Regional immigrant participants were more likely to have had an FOBT or PSA test than those living in urban areas, but there were no differences in mammograms. This report identifies key immigrant groups in urban and regional areas that policymakers and healthcare providers should target with culturally appropriate information to promote cancer screening.
In Defense of Norm Circles
Authors: Plumb Donovan
Published: August 2014

According to Michael Welton, because of its capacity to support social learning, critical adult education has a pivotal role to play in human emancipation. Drawing on Jürgen Habermas's critical theory of communicative action, Welton argues that critical adult education's deepest contemporary purpose is to foster social learning that can enable people to resist the destructive colonization of lifeworld contexts. This paper argues that, while Habermas provides important insight into the normative foundations of critical adult education, his theory of communicative action does not possess an ontology that can sufficiently illuminate the ways human learning shapes and is shaped by lifeworld contexts. The emergent ontology of critical realism, the paper argues, especially as mobilized by sociologist, Dave Elder-Vass in his discussion of norm circles, provides an additional theoretical basis for enabling critical adult education to realize its fullest emancipatory potential.
Work and Emancipation in the Age of Precarious
Authors: Welton Michael R.
Published: August 2014

The domain and status of work or purposive-rational action in the writings of Jurgen Habermas is highly controversial. Some of his critics accuse him of abandoning the emancipatory potential of non-alienated labor, a central axiom of classic Marxism. This article analyzes his critics' arguments before taking up the influential commentary of Axel Honneth. His arguments are of significance for adult educators: he reinstates, modestly, the emancipatory potential of the organization of production by discovering a philosophical and moral grounding of this provocative proposal.
The Effects of Perceived Organizational Support and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors on Continuance Intention of Enterprise Resource Planning
Authors: Soltani Sheida , Elkhani Naeimeh , Bardsiri Vahid Khatibi
Published: August 2014

Although perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) have long received research attention, little is known of the effects of POS and OCBs in the IS usage context, specifically in the context of enterprise resource planning (ERP) continuance. In this study, the authors integrate three research streams, including POS, OCBs, and ERP continuance intention into one model in order to investigate whether POS and OCBs: altruism, conscientiousness, courtesy, civic virtue, and sportsmanship affect ERP users' continuance intention. Grounded on social exchange theory (SET), this study examined the influence of POS on OCBs, satisfaction, and continuance. In addition, the authors also assessed the mediating effects of OCBs between POS and continuance. A survey utilizing a questionnaire was used to collect data and a total of 250 usable responses were analyzed by using partial least squares (PLS). The authors found that POS indirectly influence continuance intention through satisfaction and OCBs. Conscientiousness, civic virtue, and sportsmanship mediated the relationship between POS and continuance intention, but altruism and courtesy do not. Also, a number of implications for both researchers and managers are proposed.
Modeling the Metrics of Individual, Organizational and Technological Knowledge Sharing Barriers
Authors: Sharma B. P. , Singh M. D.
Published: August 2014

In today's knowledge-based business, knowledge is the only source of competitive advantage for engineering industries. Knowledge sharing plays an important role in the success of knowledge management (KM). Knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs) become obstacles for KM to achieve the goals of the industries. In this paper, three categories of KSBs have been identified such as individual, organizational and technological. The main purpose of this research is to measure the effectiveness of individual, organizational and technological KSBs by the application of an analytical network process (ANP) framework which helps to the managers for taking decision to enhance the successful knowledge sharing in the engineering industries. An ANP framework has been developed with the help of identified determinants, dimensions and enablers to evaluate alternatives such as individual, organizational and technological KSBs. Results indicate that the organizational KSBs have the maximum effect on knowledge sharing followed by technological and individual KSBs.
Reassessing Software Quality Performance
Authors: Mehrez Ahmed
Published: August 2014

Software quality has always been described as a poorly developed construct. Several reports and much evidence show clear problems related to software quality. This research empirically tests if ineffective implementation of knowledge management activities would be a reason behind possible existence of defective quality performance in the software industry. The main finding shows that knowledge management would directly affect quality performance in the Egyptian software industry. Statistical correlation is significant between the two constructs; knowledge management and quality performance.
Dengue infection presenting as acute hypokalemic quadriparesis
Authors: Gupta N , Garg A , Chhabra P
Published: August 2014

Dengue infection is one of the most common viral hemorrhagic fevers seen in the tropical countries, including India. Its presentation varies from an acute self-resolving febrile illness to life-threatening hemorrhagic shock and multiorgan dysfunction leading to death. Neurological presentations are uncommon and limited to case reports only. Most common neurological manifestations being encephalitis, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Hypokalemic quadriparesis as a presenting feature of dengue is extremely rare. Here, we report this case of a 33-year-old female, who presented with hypokalemic quadriparesis and was subsequently diagnosed as dengue infection.