bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reassessment of the Transhydrogenase/Malate Shunt Pathway in Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 through Kinetic Characterization of Malic Enzyme and Malate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Taillefer M. , Rydzak T. , Levin D. B. , Oresnik I. J. , Sparling R.
Published: January 2015

Clostridium thermocellum
produces ethanol as one of its major end products from direct fermentation of cellulosic biomass. Therefore, it is viewed as an attractive model for the production of biofuels via consolidated bioprocessing. However, a better understanding of the metabolic pathways, along with their putative regulation, could lead to improved strategies for increasing the production of ethanol. In the absence of an annotated pyruvate kinase in the genome, alternate means of generating pyruvate have been sought. Previous proteomic and transcriptomic work detected high levels of a malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme, which may be used as part of a malate shunt for the generation of pyruvate from phosphoenolpyruvate. The purification and characterization of the malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme are described in order to elucidate their putative roles in malate shunt and their potential role in
C. thermocellum
metabolism. The malate dehydrogenase catalyzed the reduction of oxaloacetate to malate utilizing NADH or NADPH with a
k
cat
of 45.8 s
−1
or 14.9 s
−1
, respectively, resulting in a 12-fold increase in catalytic efficiency when using NADH over NADPH. The malic enzyme displayed reversible malate decarboxylation activity with a
k
cat
of 520.8 s
−1
. The malic enzyme used NADP
+
as a cofactor along with NH
4
+
and Mn
2+
as activators. Pyrophosphate was found to be a potent inhibitor of malic enzyme activity, with a

K
i

of 0.036 mM. We propose a putative regulatory mechanism of the malate shunt by pyrophosphate and NH
4
+
based on the characterization of the malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme.
Phylogeny of Intestinal Ciliates, Including Charonina ventriculi, and Comparison of Microscopy and 18S rRNA Gene Pyrosequencing for Rumen Ciliate Community Structure Analysis
Authors: Kittelmann Sandra , Devente Savannah R. , Kirk Michelle R. , Seedorf Henning , Dehority Burk A. , Janssen Peter H.
Published: January 2015

The development of high-throughput methods, such as the construction of 18S rRNA gene clone or pyrosequencing libraries, has allowed evaluation of ciliate community composition in hundreds of samples from the rumen and other intestinal habitats. However, several genera of mammalian intestinal ciliates have been described based only on morphological features and, to date, have not been identified using molecular methods. Here, we isolated single cells of one of the smallest but widely distributed intestinal ciliates,
Charonina ventriculi
, and sequenced its 18S rRNA gene. We verified the sequence in a full-cycle rRNA approach using fluorescence
in situ
hybridization and thereby assigned an 18S rRNA gene sequence to this species previously known only by its morphology. Based on its full-length 18S rRNA gene sequence,
Charonina ventriculi
was positioned within the phylogeny of intestinal ciliates in the subclass Trichostomatia. The taxonomic framework derived from this phylogeny was used for taxonomic assignment of trichostome ciliate 18S rRNA gene sequence data stemming from high-throughput amplicon pyrosequencing of rumen-derived DNA samples. The 18S rRNA gene-based ciliate community structure was compared to that obtained from microscopic counts using the same samples. Both methods allowed identification of dominant members of the ciliate communities and classification of the rumen ciliate community into one of the types first described by Eadie in 1962. Notably, each method is associated with advantages and disadvantages. Microscopy is a highly accurate method for evaluation of total numbers or relative abundances of different ciliate genera in a sample, while 18S rRNA gene pyrosequencing represents a valuable alternative for comparison of ciliate community structure in a large number of samples from different animals or treatment groups.
Methanobactin from Methylocystis sp. Strain SB2 Affects Gene Expression and Methane Monooxygenase Activity in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b
Authors: Farhan Ul-Haque Muhammad , Kalidass Bhagyalakshmi , Vorobev Alexey , Baral Bipin S. , DiSpirito Alan A. , Semrau Jeremy D.
Published: January 2015

Methanotrophs can express a cytoplasmic (soluble) methane monooxygenase (sMMO) or membrane-bound (particulate) methane monooxygenase (pMMO). Expression of these MMOs is strongly regulated by the availability of copper. Many methanotrophs have been found to synthesize a novel compound, methanobactin (Mb), that is responsible for the uptake of copper, and methanobactin produced by
Methylosinus trichosporium
OB3b plays a key role in controlling expression of MMO genes in this strain. As all known forms of methanobactin are structurally similar, it was hypothesized that methanobactin from one methanotroph may alter gene expression in another. When
Methylosinus trichosporium
OB3b was grown in the presence of 1 μM CuCl
2
, expression of
mmoX
, encoding a subunit of the hydroxylase component of sMMO, was very low.
mmoX
expression increased, however, when methanobactin from
Methylocystis
sp. strain SB2 (SB2-Mb) was added, as did whole-cell sMMO activity, but there was no significant change in the amount of copper associated with
M. trichosporium
OB3b. If
M. trichosporium
OB3b was grown in the absence of CuCl
2
, the
mmoX
expression level was high but decreased by several orders of magnitude if copper prebound to SB2-Mb (Cu-SB2-Mb) was added, and biomass-associated copper was increased. Exposure of
Methylosinus trichosporium
OB3b to SB2-Mb had no effect on expression of
mbnA
, encoding the polypeptide precursor of methanobactin in either the presence or absence of CuCl
2
.
mbnA
expression, however, was reduced when Cu-SB2-Mb was added in both the absence and presence of CuCl
2
. These data suggest that methanobactin acts as a general signaling molecule in methanotrophs and that methanobactin “piracy” may be commonplace.
Multilocus Sequence Typing of Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. gasicomitatum, a Psychrotrophic Lactic Acid Bacterium Causing Spoilage of Packaged Perishable Foods
Authors: Rahkila Riitta , Johansson Per , Säde Elina , Paulin Lars , Auvinen Petri , Björkroth Johanna
Published: January 2015

Leuconostoc gelidum
subsp.
gasicomitatum
is a psychrotrophic lactic acid bacterium (LAB) that causes spoilage of a variety of modified-atmosphere-packaged (MAP) cold-stored food products. During the past 10 years, this spoilage organism has been increasingly reported in MAP meat and vegetable products in northern Europe. In the present study, the population structure within 252
L. gelidum
subsp.
gasicomitatum
strains was determined based on a novel multilocus sequence-typing (MLST) scheme employing seven housekeeping genes. These strains had been isolated from meat and vegetable sources over a time span of 15 years, and all 68 previously detected pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotypes were represented. A total of 46 sequence types (STs) were identified, with a majority of the strains (>60%) belonging to three major STs, which were grouped into three clonal complexes (CCs) and 17 singletons by Global Optimal eBURST (goeBURST). The results by Bayesian analysis of population structure (BAPS) mostly correlated with the grouping by goeBURST. Admixture analysis by BAPS indicated a very low level of exchange of genetic material between the subpopulations. Niche specificity was observed within the subpopulations: CC1 and BAPS cluster 1 consisted mostly of strains from a variety of MAP meats, whereas vegetable strains grouped together with strains from MAP poultry within CC2 and BAPS cluster 2. The MLST scheme presented in this study provides a shareable and continuously growing sequence database enabling global comparison of strains associated with spoilage cases. This will further advance our understanding of the microbial ecology of this industrially important LAB.
Fungal Communities Respond to Long-Term CO
2
Elevation by Community Reassembly
Authors: Tu Qichao , Yuan Mengting , He Zhili , Deng Ye , Xue Kai , Wu Liyou , Hobbie Sarah E. , Reich Peter B. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: January 2015

Fungal communities play a major role as decomposers in the Earth's ecosystems. Their community-level responses to elevated CO
2
(eCO
2
), one of the major global change factors impacting ecosystems, are not well understood. Using 28S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and co-occurrence ecological network approaches, we analyzed the response of soil fungal communities in the BioCON (biodiversity, CO
2
, and N deposition) experimental site in Minnesota, USA, in which a grassland ecosystem has been exposed to eCO
2
for 12 years. Long-term eCO
2
did not significantly change the overall fungal community structure and species richness, but significantly increased community evenness and diversity. The relative abundances of 119 operational taxonomic units (OTU; ∼27% of the total captured sequences) were changed significantly. Significantly changed OTU under eCO
2
were associated with decreased overall relative abundance of Ascomycota, but increased relative abundance of Basidiomycota. Co-occurrence ecological network analysis indicated that eCO
2
increased fungal community network complexity, as evidenced by higher intermodular and intramodular connectivity and shorter geodesic distance. In contrast, decreased connections for dominant fungal species were observed in the eCO
2
network. Community reassembly of unrelated fungal species into highly connected dense modules was observed. Such changes in the co-occurrence network topology were significantly associated with altered soil and plant properties under eCO
2
, especially with increased plant biomass and NH
4
+
availability. This study provided novel insights into how eCO
2
shapes soil fungal communities in grassland ecosystems.
Transfer of Plasmid DNA to Clinical Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcal Pathogens by Using a Unique Bacteriophage
Authors: Winstel Volker , Kühner Petra , Krismer Bernhard , Peschel Andreas , Rohde Holger
Published: January 2015

Genetic manipulation of emerging bacterial pathogens, such as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), is a major hurdle in clinical and basic microbiological research. Strong genetic barriers, such as restriction modification systems or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), usually interfere with available techniques for DNA transformation and therefore complicate manipulation of CoNS or render it impossible. Thus, current knowledge of pathogenicity and virulence determinants of CoNS is very limited. Here, a rapid, efficient, and highly reliable technique is presented to transfer plasmid DNA essential for genetic engineering to important CoNS pathogens from a unique
Staphylococcus aureus
strain via a specific
S. aureus
bacteriophage, Φ187. Even strains refractory to electroporation can be transduced by this technique once donor and recipient strains share similar Φ187 receptor properties. As a proof of principle, this technique was used to delete the alternative transcription factor sigma B (SigB) via allelic replacement in nasal and clinical
Staphylococcus epidermidis
isolates at high efficiencies. The described approach will allow the genetic manipulation of a wide range of CoNS pathogens and might inspire research activities to manipulate other important pathogens in a similar fashion.
The ADP/ATP Carrier and Its Relationship to Oxidative Phosphorylation in Ancestral Protist Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Gnipová Anna , Šubrtová Karolína , Panicucci Brian , Horváth Anton , Lukeš Julius , Zíková Alena
Published: January 2015

The highly conserved ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) is a key energetic link between the mitochondrial (mt) and cytosolic compartments of all aerobic eukaryotic cells, as it exchanges the ATP generated inside the organelle for the cytosolic ADP.
Trypanosoma brucei
, a parasitic protist of medical and veterinary importance, possesses a single functional AAC protein (TbAAC) that is related to the human and yeast ADP/ATP carriers. However, unlike previous studies performed with these model organisms, this study showed that TbAAC is most likely not a stable component of either the respiratory supercomplex III+IV or the ATP synthasome but rather functions as a physically separate entity in this highly diverged eukaryote. Therefore, TbAAC RNA interference (RNAi) ablation in the insect stage of
T. brucei
does not impair the activity or arrangement of the respiratory chain complexes. Nevertheless, RNAi silencing of TbAAC caused a severe growth defect that coincides with a significant reduction of mt ATP synthesis by both substrate and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, TbAAC downregulation resulted in a decreased level of cytosolic ATP, a higher mt membrane potential, an elevated amount of reactive oxygen species, and a reduced consumption of oxygen in the mitochondria. Interestingly, while TbAAC has previously been demonstrated to serve as the sole ADP/ATP carrier for ADP influx into the mitochondria, our data suggest that a second carrier for ATP influx may be present and active in the
T. brucei
mitochondrion. Overall, this study provides more insight into the delicate balance of the functional relationship between TbAAC and the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in an early diverged eukaryote.
Synchronously detected secondary signet ring cell urinary bladder malignancy from the stomach masquerading as genitourinary tuberculosis
Authors: Kalra Sidhartha , Manikandan Ramanitharan , Dorairajan Lalgudi Narayanan , Badhe Bhavana
Published: January 2015

Secondary bladder neoplasms are very rare and represent 1% of all malignant bladder tumours. Among secondary bladder tumours, metastasis from the stomach accounts for about 4% of cases. These secondary tumours are generally detected during follow-up of patients already treated for gastric cancer. We report a case of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder from an occult primary poorly differentiated signet ring cell type gastric carcinoma masquerading clinically as genitourinary tuberculosis. Our case illustrates the importance of obtaining a bladder biopsy in suspected chronic inflammatory conditions such as urinary tract tuberculosis before starting medical management to avoid the serious consequences of missing a bladder malignancy.
Galactosaemia: an unusual cause of chronic bilirubin encephalopathy
Authors: Sahoo Tanushree , Thukral Anu , Agarwal Ramesh , Sankar Mari Jeeva
Published: January 2015

Galactosaemia is a disorder of galactose metabolism in which raised levels of galactose and galactose-1-phosphate damage various organs. Although galactosaemia is a common metabolic liver disease in childhood, it is a rare cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring intervention. We report an unusual case of neonatal galactosaemia that at presentation had features of acute bilirubin encephalopathy requiring exchange transfusion and at discharge had features of chronic bilirubin encephalopathy. This case report emphasises the need for timely suspicion and diagnosis of this disease for prevention of chronic morbidity.
The psychiatric inpatient physical health assessment sheet (PIPHAS): a useful tool to improve the speed, efficiency, and documentation of physical examination in new psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Pettipher Alexander , Ovens Richard
Published: January 2015

There is increased morbidity and mortality among patients suffering from mental illness. This is believed to be multi-factorial. Poor access to healthcare, the stigma of mental illness, reduced clinic attendance, lifestyle factors, and side effects of medications are cited as possible contributing factors. It is therefore vital to perform a physical examination to identify previously undiagnosed conditions during the admission of a psychiatric inpatient. The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that all patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital should receive a full physical examination on admission, or within twenty-four hours of admission.

A snapshot audit was carried out at Prospect Park Hospital in Reading, which highlighted that The Royal College of Psychiatrist’s recommendation, along with Trust guidelines regarding physical examination were not being met, with only 78 out of 111 patients (70.3%) undergoing an examination during their admission. In addition to this, examinations were often poorly documented and not covering all examination domains. A psychiatric inpatient physical health assessment sheet (PIPHAS) was designed and introduced, providing a quick and standardised approach to the documentation of a physical examination. After the intervention was put into practice, its impact was assessed by performing a retrospective review of the admission clerking notes of the next 100 admissions to Prospect Park Hospital.

Following the introduction of the PIPHAS form there was an increase in the number of patients undergoing physical examination on admission to hospital (75 out of 100 patients, 75%). There was also an increase in the thorough documentation of all examination domains (e.g. respiratory examination) for patients that had a completed PIPHAS form scanned within their medical records.

This quality improvement project demonstrates that the PIPHAS form is a useful tool to improve the speed, efficiency, and documentation of a thorough physical examination in new psychiatric inpatients.
The Upper Jurassic ammonite
Virgatopavlovia
from NE Scotland: implications for palaeogeography and phylogeny
Authors: Cope John C. W.
Published: January 2015

The upper part of the Helmsdale Boulder Beds Formation at Helmsdale, NE Scotland has yielded ammonites belonging to the genus
Virgatopavlovia
Cope, 1978. This genus is restricted to the youngest Bolonian Fittoni Zone that has hitherto not been recorded on the basis of its ammonite fauna outside of south Dorset. Palaeogeographical reconstructions suggest that these ammonites must have migrated (either northwards or southwards) through a narrow strait of probably shallow water in the English Midlands, although no record of the genus exists in that area. The Greenland ammonite genus
Epipallasiceras
Spath 1936 may be derived from
Virgatopavlovia.
Revision of
Plumulites ruskini
Lamont, and new data from the Silurian of the Pentland Hills, Scotland
Authors: Candela Yves , Crighton William R. B.
Published: January 2015

Disarticulated sclerites of plumulitid machaeridians were collected from the Wether Law Linn Formation (Telychian) in the Pentland Hills, Scotland. The specimens are described and compared to specimens collected earlier from the same horizon and locality. Other specimens from the same horizon, assigned in previous works to
Turrilepas haswelli
then to
Plumulites
sp., are figured here for the first time. The micro-ornament on plumulitid machaeridians is also documented for the first time. Seven sclerite types are identified and tentatively associated into scleritomes. The collection from the Pentland Hills is compared with other Ordovician and Silurian taxa from various Scottish localities, and this comparative study indicates that the present collection may constitute a new taxon. Nevertheless, complete individuals have to be collected to warrant a confident taxonomic identification.
Role of SM22 in the differential regulation of phasic vs. tonic smooth muscle
Authors: Rattan Satish , Ali Mehboob
Published: January 2015

Preliminary proteomics studies between tonic vs. phasic smooth muscles identified three distinct protein spots identified to be those of transgelin (SM22). The latter was found to be distinctly downregulated in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) vs. rectal smooth muscle (RSM) SMC. The major focus of the present studies was to examine the differential molecular control mechanisms by SM22 in the functionality of truly tonic smooth muscle of the IAS vs. the adjoining phasic smooth muscle of the RSM. We monitored SMC lengths before and after incubation with pFLAG-SM22 (for SM22 overexpression), and SM22 small-interfering RNA. pFLAG-SM22 caused concentration-dependent and significantly greater relaxation in the IAS vs. the RSM SMCs. Conversely, temporary silencing of SM22 caused contraction in both types of the SMCs. Further studies revealed a significant reverse relationship between the levels of SM22 phosphorylation and the amount of SM22-actin binding in the IAS and RSM SMC. Data showed higher phospho-SM22 levels and decreased SM22-actin binding in the IAS, and reverse to be the case in the RSM SMCs. Experiments determining the mechanism for SM22 phosphorylation in these smooth muscles revealed that Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor) but not Gö-6850 (protein kinase C inhibitor) caused concentration-dependent decreased phosphorylation of SM22. We speculate that SM22 plays an important role in the regulation of basal tone via Rho kinase-induced phosphorylation of SM22.
The beneficial effects of AMP kinase activation against oxidative stress are associated with prevention of PPARα-cyclophilin D interaction in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Barreto-Torres Giselle , Hernandez Jessica Soto , Jang Sehwan , Rodríguez-Muñoz Adlín R. , Torres-Ramos Carlos A. , Basnakian Alexei G. , Javadov Sabzali
Published: January 2015

AMP kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in the regulation of energy metabolism in cardiac cells. Furthermore, activation of AMPK protects the heart from myocardial infarction and heart failure. The present study examines whether or not AMPK affects the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα)/mitochondria pathway in response to acute oxidative stress in cultured cardiomyocytes. Cultured H9c2 rat embryonic cardioblasts were exposed to H2O2-induced acute oxidative stress in the presence or absence of metformin, compound C (AMPK inhibitor), GW6471 (PPARα inhibitor), or A-769662 (AMPK activator). Results showed that AMPK activation by metformin reverted oxidative stress-induced inactivation of AMPK and prevented oxidative stress-induced cell death. In addition, metformin attenuated reactive oxygen species generation and depolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The antioxidative effects of metformin were associated with the prevention of mitochondrial DNA damage in cardiomyocytes. Coimmunoprecipitation studies revealed that metformin abolished oxidative stress-induced physical interactions between PPARα and cyclophilin D (CypD), and the abolishment of these interactions was associated with inhibition of permeability transition pore formation. The beneficial effects of metformin were not due to acetylation or phosphorylation of PPARα in response to oxidative stress. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the protective effects of metformin-induced AMPK activation against oxidative stress converge on mitochondria and are mediated, at least in part, through the dissociation of PPARα-CypD interactions, independent of phosphorylation and acetylation of PPARα and CypD.
Alterations in expression of elastogenic and angiogenic genes by different conditions of mechanical ventilation in newborn rat lung
Authors: Kroon Andreas A. , Wang Jinxia , Post Martin
Published: January 2015

Mechanical ventilation is an important risk factor for development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Here we investigated the effects of different tidal volumes (VT) and duration of ventilation on expression of genes involved in alveolarization [tropoelastin ( Eln), lysyloxidase-like 1 ( Loxl1), fibulin5 ( Fbln5), and tenascin-C ( Tnc)] and angiogenesis [platelet derived growth factors ( Pdgf) and vascular endothelial growth factors ( Vegf) and their receptors] in 8-day-old rats. First, pups were ventilated for 8 h with low (LVT: 3.5 ml/kg), moderate (MVT: 8.5 ml/kg), or high (HVT: 25 ml/kg) tidal volumes. LVTand MVTdecreased Tnc expression, whereas HVTincreased expression of all three elastogenic genes and Tnc. PDGF α-receptor mRNA was increased in all ventilation groups, while Pdgfb expression was decreased after MVTand HVTventilation. Only HVTventilation upregulated Vegf expression. Independent of VT, ventilation upregulated Vegfr1 expression, while MVTand HVTdownregulated Vegfr2 expression. Next, we evaluated duration (0–24 h) of MVTventilation on gene expression. Although expression of all elastogenic genes peaked at 12 h of ventilation, only Fbln5 was negatively affected at 24 h. Tnc expression decreased with duration of ventilation. Changes in expression of Pdgfr and Vegfr were maximal at 8 h of ventilation. Disturbed elastin fiber deposition and decrease in small vessel density was only observed after 24 h. Thus, an imbalance between Fbln5 and Eln expression may trigger dysregulated elastin fiber deposition during the first 24 h of mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, ventilation-induced alterations in Pdgf and Vegf receptor expression are tidal volume dependent and may affect pulmonary vessel formation.
Predictive Utility of the Changes in Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 in the Early Phase for Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling After an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Morishita Tetsuji , Uzui Hiroyasu , Mitsuke Yasuhiko , Arakawa Kenichi , Amaya Naoki , Kaseno Kenichi , Ishida Kentaro , Nakaya Reiko , Lee Jong‐Dae , Tada Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

Background

The relationship between the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (
MMP
) and tissue inhibitors of
MMP
(
TIMP
) and left ventricular (
LV
) reverse remodeling (
LV
‐
RR
) after an acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) has not been sufficiently examined.

Methods and Results

In 25 patients with successful reperfusion after an
AMI
and 15 normal control subjects, the serum
MMP
‐2 and
TIMP
‐2 levels were measured on days 1, 2, 3, and 7 and at 1 and 6 months after the
AMI
onset.
LV
‐
RR
was defined as a >15% decrease in the
LV
end‐systolic volume index at 6 months after the
AMI
. The
MMP
‐2 level on day 1 and
TIMP
‐2 levels throughout the study period were comparable between the patients with and without
LV
‐
RR
. The
MMP
‐2 on day 7 (
P
<0.05) and the changes in the
MMP
‐2 from day 1 to day 7 (∆
MMP
‐2;
P
<0.01) were lower in patients with than in those without
LV
‐
RR
. The ∆
MMP
‐2 was strongly correlated with the changes in the
LV
volume and ejection fraction from 1 month to 6 months after the
AMI
. The ∆
MMP
‐2 value of <−158.5 ng/mL predicted
LV
‐
RR
with a high accuracy (91.7% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity; area under the curve=0.82).

Conclusions

Changes in
MMP
‐2 are associated with
LV
‐
RR
after an
AMI
. The Δ
MMP
‐2 might be a useful predictor of subsequent
LV
‐
RR
.
In the Interstices of Languages and Cultures. Julian Stryjkowski – a Polish Writer of Jewish Origin
Authors: Piekarski Ireneusz
Published: January 2015

In the Interstices of Languages and Cultures. Julian Stryjkowski – a Polish Writer of Jewish OriginThe following sketch is a depiction of a prewar stage of life as well as work of Julian Stryjkowski who was a Polish writer of Jewish origin. Identity quandary of the author of Voices in the Dark was presented against the background of changes taking place in the Jewish world at the turn of the twentieth century juxtaposed with the parallel choices of Shmuel Josef Agnon and Isaac Bashevis Singer. The aim of the essay is to present the role of the language of writing in the process of shaping authors' personal identity.W szczelinach języków i kultur. Julian Stryjkowski - polski pisarz żydowskiego pochodzeniaJest to szkic o przedwojennym etapie życia i twórczości Juliana Stryjkowskiego - polskiego pisarza żydowskiego pochodzenia. Tożsamościowe rozterki twórcy Głosów w ciemności ukazane zostały na tle przemian modernizacyjnych postoświeceniowego żydostwa i zestawione z paralelnymi wyborami Szmuela Josefa Agnona i Izaaka Baszewisa Singera. Głównym celem artykułu jest ukazanie roli języka twórczości w kształtowaniu osobowej tożsamości pisarzy.
The In-between Generation. Immigrants and the Problem of a Dual Sense of Belonging
Authors: Bielenin-Lenczowska Karolina
Published: January 2015

The In-between Generation. Immigrants and the Problem of a Dual Sense of BelongingThe aim of this paper is an anthropological analysis of three individual biographies of Macedonian-speaking Muslims migrants in Italy. An author focuses on the generation called by her in-between generation. It means young people who migrated from Macedonia with their parents at the early age. They have studied or already completed their education in Italy, they speak Italian fluently and most of their friends are Italian. However, they are still speak Macedonian at home, visit their country of origin every year and are aware of their strong belonging to the Macedonian-speaking Muslim group. Therefore, they should constantly negotiate between traditional values of their parents, and their own patterns of life. The significant issues and tensions regard religious practices, daily habits like food and dress, and – that is most sensitive – gender relations.  Pokolenie pomiędzy. Imigranci a problem podwójnej przynależnościCelem artykułu jest antropologiczna analiza biografii trojga macedońskojęzycznych muzułmanów, należących do grupy imigrantów we Włoszech. Autorka skupia się na młodych ludziach, którzy na wczesnym etapie życia wyemigrowali z Macedonii z rodzicami. W literaturze nazywa się ich „pokoleniem 1,5”, podczas gdy w omawianych badaniach wybrano termin „pokolenie pomiędzy”; ponieważ rozmówcy jako imigranci znajdują się między pierwszym a drugim pokoleniem imigracyjnym, są zawieszeni pomiędzy wartościami i ideami kraju pochodzenia i kraju przyjmującego, pomiędzy dzieciństwem i dorosłością. Studiowali lub ukończyli edukację we Włoszech, mówią płynnie po włosku, a większość ich przyjaciół to Włoszki/Włosi. Jednak wciąż mówią po macedońsku w domu, co roku odwiedzają kraj pochodzenia i mają silną świadomość przynależności do grupy macedońskojęzycznych muzułmanów. Z tego względu wciąż muszą prowadzić negocjacje między tradycyjnymi wartościami rodziców a własnymi wzorami życia. Znaczący problem i źródło konfliktów stanowią praktyki religijne, elementy kultury codzienności, takie jak ubiór czy pożywienie, oraz – co najbardziej drażliwe – relacje genderowe.
Saul Tchernichovsky
Authors: Schulte Jörg
Published: January 2015

Crimean Sonnets – Translation from the Hebrew Przekład "Sonetów krymskich" Saula Tchernichovskiego [Czernichowski] z hebrajskiego na angielski poprzedzony krótką prezentacją autora.
The Russian Cinema of the Dissolution
Authors: Roman Katarzyna , Rawski Tomasz
Published: January 2015

The Russian Cinema of the DissolutionThe paper takes the issue of Russian reckoning cinema after 1989. This current can be defined as comprising the films which try to lay the foundations of a new narrative about the Soviet Union (alternative to the dominant narrative). The authors reflect on the specificity of the filmmakers’ critical attitude towards the previous system. The story of the break-up of the Soviet Union turns to be a story of the great catastrophe – the tragedy of the whole society, abandoned by hypocritical intelligentsia and deceived by political elites. Rosyjskie kino rozpaduTekst podejmuje problematykę rosyjskiego kina rozliczeniowego po 1989 roku – słabo widocznego nurtu próbującego stworzyć zręby nowej narracji o Związku Radzieckim, która mogłaby stanowić alternatywę wobec narracji dominującej. Stanowi próbę namysłu nad specyfiką krytyki poprzedniego systemu przeprowadzaną przez twórców tego nurtu. Opowieść o rozpadzie Związku Radzieckiego okazuje się tu opowieścią o wielkiej katastrofie – tragedii całego społeczeństwa, opuszczonego przez obłudną inteligencję i oszukanego przez elity polityczne.
Transcultural Experience and Multiple Biographies as a Research Topic
Authors: Falski Maciej
Published: January 2015

Transcultural Experience and Multiple Biographies as a Research TopicTransculturality refers to the traditional understanding of culture as self-contained, concentrated around its own center and producing clear borders. “Trans” signifies the act of crossing; it signifies overcoming such borders. It looks at phenomena, people, and notions that are not limited to one communicational environment, but are represented in multiple locations, or contexts. Or rather—they cannot be fully ascribed to one “culture,” because they exhibit, traits of both (or more) cultures. Culture studies often describe, also, people with “trans” life stories; it is not a matter of simple crossing of borders, living a bit in one environment and a bit in another. The point is that their sense of belonging is of a mixed, ambiguous character, and their identity is blurred. It is a question of practices that they draw from two or more sources, creating a peculiar amalgam characteristic of living “in between.” Transculturality, just like multiple biographies, means both partial belonging and dual belonging, which is very well illustrated by the case studies presented in the volume: they have in a way, varied roots, which means they bear unique, hybrid fruit. Doświadczenie transkulturowe i biografie wielorakie jako temat badawczyTranskulturowość odnosi się do tradycyjnego pojmowania kultury jako samowystarczalnej, skoncentrowanej na sobie i wytwarzającej wyraźne granice. Przyrostek „trans” oznacza akt przekraczania tak wytyczonych granic. Kategoria transkulturowości skłania do patrzenia na zjawiska, biografie i pojęcia jako coś, co nie ogranicza się do jednego środowiska komunikacyjnego, lecz występuje bądź przejawia się w wielu miejscach i kontekstach. Można też powiedzieć, że nie można ich przypisać do jednej „kultury”, ponieważ reprezentują cechy dwóch (lub więcej) wspólnot kulturowych. Studia kulturowe często zajmują się osobami, czyje historie życia mają taki właśnie charakter „trans-graniczny” charakter. Nie chodzi przy tym jedynie o proste przejście granic, życie trochę w jednym, a trochę w drugim środowisku. Istotne jest to, że poczucie przynależności staje się niejasne lub wielorakie. Pojawia się na przykład kwestia praktyk związanych z dwoma lub więcej źródłami wzorców, co tworzy specyficzny amalgamat życia „pomiędzy”. Transkulturowość, podobnie jak biografie wielorakie, oznacza zarówno częściową, jak i zróżnicowaną identyfikację, którą świetnie ilustrują studia przypadków przedstawione w trzecim numerze „Colloquia Humanistica”; można by rzec, iż mają one różnorodne korzenie, przez co rodzą wyjątkowe, hybrydyczne owoce.
Introductory Comments
Authors: Sujecka Jolanta
Published: January 2015

Presentation of the third issue of Colloquia Humanistica in the light of Victor Turner's concept of liminality. Wprowadzenie do tematyki trzeciego tomu "Colloquia Humanistica" w perspektywie koncepcji liminalności Victora Turnera.
Hyperuricemia Is an Independent Predictor of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Yong , Chen Ji-Yan , Chen Shi-Qun , Li Hua-Long , Duan Chong-Yang , Liu Yuan-Hui , Tan Ning
Published: January 2015

We investigated whether hyperuricemia is an independent predictor of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In a single-center study of 1772 patients undergoing PCI, the development of CI-AKI and mortality during a 2.8-year median follow-up period was assessed. The incidence of CI-AKI was significantly higher in the hyperuricemic group than in the normouricemic group (5.78% vs 1.76%, P < .001). According to multivariate analysis (after adjusting for potential confounding factors), hyperuricemia predicted CI-AKI (odds ratio: 1.962; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014-3.798; P = .045). The other risk factors for CI-AKI were >75 years, emergent PCI, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and anemia. Hyperuricemia with a tendency toward significantly independently predicted long-term mortality, after adjusting for CI-AKI, CKD, and emergent PCI (hazard ratio: 1.571; 95% CI: 1.006-2.452; P = .047). In patients undergoing PCI, hyperuricemia is associated with a risk of CI-AKI. Furthermore, after adjusting for other variables, including CI-AKI and CKD, long-term mortality after PCI was higher in those with hyperuricemia than with normouricemia.
Sécurité à domicile et troubles mentaux graves : élaboration d’un outil d’évaluation
Authors: Désormeaux-Moreau Marjorie , Dumont Claire , Larivière Ginette Aubin et Nadine
Published: January 2015

Background.

Home safety evaluation is an important issue within the context of current perspectives on accommodation for people with a serious mental illness who favour a more independent way of life.

Purpose.

This paper describes the development and content validation of the Évaluation de la sécurité à domicile et de la gestion des risques (ESGR), an occupational therapy assessment tool for people with a serious mental illness.

Method.

The ESGR was developed from scientific knowledge and clinical experience. Assessing content validity was done in two phases and involved the consultation of 11 experts.

Findings.

In its current form, the ESGR includes 67 items organized into three categories (environment, occupation, person).

Implications.

According to the experts consulted, there is a clinical interest in using the ESGR to support occupational therapists in the assessment of home safety for people with serious mental illness. The statements are clear and representative of the concept and the target audience.
Does Reform Prevent Rebellion? Evidence From Russia’s Emancipation of the Serfs
Authors: Finkel Evgeny , Gehlbach Scott , Olsen Tricia D.
Published: January 2015

Contemporary models of political economy suggest that reforms intended to reduce grievances should curtail unrest, a perspective at odds with many traditional accounts of reform and rebellion. We explore the impact of reform on rebellion with a new data set on peasant disturbances in 19th-century Russia. Using a difference-in-differences design that exploits the timing of various peasant reforms, we document a large increase in disturbances among former serfs following the Emancipation Reform of 1861, a development counter to reformers’ intent. Our analysis suggests that this outcome was driven by peasants’ disappointment with the reform’s design and implementation—the consequence of elite capture in the context of a generally weak state—and heightened expectations of what could be achieved through coordinated action. Reform-related disturbances were most pronounced in provinces where commune organization facilitated collective action and where fertile soil provoked contestation over land.
Behavior of composite structures orientations towards their failure and damage
Authors: Baluch Abrar H , Kim CG
Published: January 2015

In this paper, carbon/epoxy composites were employed as a potential candidate for spacecraft structural shielding along with the new concept of geometric configurations according to the threat severity to maximize the impactor energy absorption to improve performance. Carbon/epoxy composites of quasi-isotropic 16 layers [0/ ± 45/90]2s were manufactured using an autoclave, and the specimens were exposed to a low Earth orbit environment, which produced an average total mass loss of 0.42%, mainly due to outgassing. Al2017-T4 spherical projectiles with a diameter of 5.56 mm weight of 0.25 g were used as the impactor in the velocity range of 1500 ± 500 m/s. Earlier experimentations showed the superiority of obliquity towards energy absorption for single bumpers. Double bumpers with one 45° obliquity at 100 mm standoff absorbed 14% more specific energy than double bumpers with one at 30°; both of them were found to be superior to normal–normal bumpers by 40% and 30% on average, respectively. By CSCAN, it was also found that oblique impact on the first bumper resulted in less damage on the rear bumper and resulted in the superiority of the proposed geometric configurations, which enabled enhanced protection and designs according to threat severity.
Formation and properties of polypropylene/stearic acid composite fibers
Authors: Broda Jan , Slusarczyk Czeslaw , Fabia Janusz , Demsar Andrej
Published: January 2015

This paper refers to the formation and properties of polypropylene/stearic acid (PP/SA) composite fibers. For the investigation, commercial metallocene-catalyzed PP polymer and SA were used. The fibers were produced in laboratory conditions using the single screw spin draw device. The textile-mechanical properties, surface composition, morphology and supermolecular structure of as-spun fibers were studied. Moreover, the nonisothermal crystallization of the PP/SA blend and melting behavior of fibers were analyzed. In the investigation Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray analytical methods were used. The research showed that the PP/SA blend has lower viscosity compared to the pure polymer and that during the PP crystallization phase, separation is induced. SA delays crystallization of PP, and interaction between SA and PP is observed. The as-spun PP/SA fibers have higher linear density, higher elongation at break and slightly lower tenacity compared to fibers produced from pure PP. The fibers contain a structure with high content of mesophase. During fiber formation, SA migrates towards the fiber surface and forms droplets located beneath the surface of the fiber or crystallizes outside in the form of flake-like crystals.
Properties of mechanically recycled polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane/polycaprolactone blends and their nanocomposites
Authors: Skrockienė Vitalija , Žukienė Kristina , Jankauskaitė Virginija , Baltušnikas Arūnas , Petraitienė Stasė
Published: January 2015

In this study, the effect of mechanical recycling process parameters on the morphology, properties, and hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane/polycaprolactone waste blends (TPU-PCL/PCL) and their nanocomposites were investigated. Modification of recycled TPU-PCL/PCL was carried out using natural and organically modified montmorillonite nanoclays. Effect of reprocessing time on the structure of TPU-PCL/PCL and nanoclay separation in nanocomposites was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. It has been demonstrated that mechanical recycling of waste from industrial TPU-PCL/PCL only marginally changes its properties. The exfoliation of Cloisite 30B clay was not enough to enhance the properties of recycled materials. However, the structure, thermal, and mechanical properties, hydrolytic degradation of obtained recycled TPU-PCL/PCL:nanoclay nanocomposites depend on the separation level of the nanoclays.
Judgment and imagination in Habermas’ theory of law
Authors: Fossen Thomas
Published: January 2015

Recent debates in political theory display a renewed interest in the problem of judgment. This article critically examines the different senses of judgment that are at play in Jürgen Habermas’ theory of law. The article offers (1) a new critical reading of Habermas’ account of the legitimacy of law, and (2) a revisionary interpretation of the reconstructive approach to political theory that underpins it. Both of these are instrumental to (3) an understanding of what is involved in judging the legitimacy of law that is richer than has been recognized thus far by both critics and defenders of Habermas.
User needs of cultural portals
Authors: Heo Misook , Toomey Natalie
Published: January 2015

This study investigated a cultural portal measurement model as it relates to Korean user needs. With the conceptual framework that a Web portal is a complex Web service application that has the characteristics of both the information system and service agent, and additionally that users’ reactions to technology can have an impact on the service quality, a measurement model of cultural portal user needs was created by adapting data quality, service quality, and technology adoption models. The analyses indicated that the factor structure is the same regardless of users’ gender, educational background, role when using cultural portals, and experience with cultural portals. It was, however, found that the factor structure is not the same across age groups, providing evidence of generational differences and suggesting that additional efforts to create inclusive cultural portals are needed.
Towards a complete documentary heritage of Zimbabwe. Whither oral history?
Authors: Chaterera Forget , Mutsagondo Samson
Published: January 2015

The history of Zimbabwe, like the rest of post-colonial Africa is replete with bias, prejudice, inaccuracies and misconceptions, since some of it was a product of colonialists who had their own interests to serve. Oral history has come as a great relief. With it, Zimbabwe can now have a balanced and more complete documentary heritage. However, the National Archives of Zimbabwe’s Oral History Unit faces a number of challenges, resulting in the Unit lacking national vibrancy and visibility. This empirical study made use of the descriptive survey method, where data were collected through questionnaires and observation. Content analysis of the Directors’ Reports and other secondary sources was also used. The study highlighted the centrality of oral history as a source of history and hypothesized that more resources need to be mobilized for the Oral History Unit to be more visible and more vibrant, for the nation to have a balanced and more complete record of the past.
A randomised controlled trial comparing compression therapy after radiofrequency ablation for primary great saphenous vein incompetence
Authors: Krasznai AG , Sigterman TA , Troquay SAM , Houtermans-Auckel JP , Snoeijs MGJ , Rensma HG , Sikkink CJJM , Bouwman LH
Published: January 2015

Background

Optimal duration of leg compression after venous ablation remains unclear. This randomised controlled trial evaluates 4 h compared to 72 h of leg compression.

Methods

Patients were randomised to 4 or 72 h of leg compression after radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein. Primary outcome was change in leg volume after 14 days. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, complications and time to full recovery.

Results

Patients wearing compression stockings for 4 h after treatment had a 64 mL (95%CI: − 23 to + 193) reduction in leg volume, compared to an increase of 21 mL (95%CI: 8.33–34.5) in patients wearing compression stockings for 72 h ( P = 0.12). Patients wearing compression stockings for 4 h experienced fewer complications (16% vs. 33%, P = 0.05). Postoperative pain and time to full recovery did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Wearing compression stockings for 4 h is non-inferior in preventing leg oedema as wearing compression stockings for 72 h.