bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection of fattening pigs by a virulent strain of Aujeszky's disease virus and its spread in the pig
Authors: KRITAS (Σ.Κ. ΚΡΗΤΑΣ) S. K. , NAUWYNCK H. J. , PENSAERT M. B. , KYRIAKIS (Σ.Κ. ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ) S. C.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the spread of the virulent 75V19 strain of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) in fattening pigs has been examined, and the association of this parameter to the development of relative symptoms has being sought. Four fattening pigs without antibodies against ADV have been oronasally inoculated by instillation of 1075 TCID50 of the infective strain, whilst another four seronegative pigs have been infected by the same dose of the strain administered in aerosol form. The pigs were euthanised at 4 days post inoculation and their tissues were examined by virus isolation and quantification in cell cultures. An extended spread of the virus was seen with both inoculation methods. However, the nasopharyngeal mucosa, the diaphragmatic lobes of the lungs and the pulmonary macrophages were more extensively infected in aerosol inoculated pigs compared to those of the other group. No difference was observed as regards the appearance of clinical disease between the two groups of fattening pigs. The results have also shown that, despite the high replication rate of ADV in the nasal mucosa and its ability to invade the central nervous system of fattening pigs, the degree of its replication in the nervous tissue in these pigs is limited when compared to suckling pigs.
Study of pathological lesions in rats after the experimental administration of Lindane
Authors: PAPAIOANNOU (Ν. ΠΑΠΑΪΩΑΝΝΟΥ) N. , KELLER-SAMOUILIDOU (ΓΚ. ΚΕΛΛΕΡ-ΣΑΜΟΥΗΛΙΔΟΥ) G. , LEKKAS (Σ. ΛΕΚΚΑΣ) S. , KOTSAKI-KOVATSI (Β. Π. ΚΩΤΣΑΚΗ-ΚΟΒΑΤΣΗ) V. P. , KOVATSI (Α. ΚΟΒΑΤΣΗΣ) A.
Published: January 2018

In this experimental study, the lesions that are caused from the chemical substance Lindane were studied. Sixteen rats were used as experimental animals. The substance was orally administered, with food, to 10 rats (5 females and 5 males) in a dose of 8,2 mg/kg b.w./3 days during the first 10 days and in a dose of the 33 mg/kg b.w./ 2 days during the following 40 days. The remaining 6 rats (4 females and 2 males) were used as controls. The mainly clinical symptoms which were observed in the experimental animals, in the end of the experimentation, were anorexia, lethargy, hypothermia and muscular rigor. All the rats were sacrificed 5 days after the administration of the last dose of the substance and they were autopsied. In the macroscopical examination oedema and vascular hyperhaemia were observed in the brain. In the histological examination spongiosis of the white matter of the brain, interstitial pneumonia, oedema and loss of the cross striation of the cardiac muscle cells, coagulative necrosis of individual groups of hepatic cells and degeneration of the epithelial cells of the urinary tubules were detected. In conclusion, when Lindane is administered in subtoxical doses for a long period of time it is possible to cause damages to the organism of the experimental animals, which are located mainly in the brain and secondary in the liver, the kidneys and the other organs.
Seasonal variation of plasma pepsinogen of sheep in the area of Tricala, Greece
Authors: THEODOROPOULOS (Γ. ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) G. , KOSTOPOULOS (Ι. ΚΩΣΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) J. , KALOGIANNIS (Δ. ΚΑΛΟΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ) D. , PETRAKOS (Γ. ΠΕΤΡΑΚΟΣ) G.
Published: January 2018

The objective of the project was to study the seasonal variation of plasma pepsinogen in sheep during the first year of their life under Greek environmental conditions. Twenty ewes from three flocks in the area of Trikala were used for the study of which seven became pregnant and had lamps. No anthelmintic treatment was applied. Plasma pepsinogen levels were higher (p< 0.001) during spring and summer than winder and autumn. The high pepsinogen levels were attributed to the rainfall and mild temperatures observed in the area of Trikala during winter which created favorable conditions for the development and survival of infective lrvae. No difference was observed between the pepsinogen levels of pregnant and non-pregnant animals. In addition, no correlation between pepsinogen levels and growth rate (GR) of the animals was observed.
Effect of Sinefungin on the attachment of the parasite Leishmania to the macrophages cell line J774G8
Authors: TZORA (Α. ΤΖΩΡΑ) A. , LAWRENCE F. , ROBERT-GERO M.
Published: January 2018

The effect of Sinefungin on the attachment of the Leishmania strains L. infantum, L. tropica and L. major to the macrophages cell line J774G8 was studied. Inhibition ofthe attachment to the surface of macrophages was observed to the Sinefungin sensitive strains L. tropica and L. major. This inhibition was obtained only for Sinefungin pretreated promastigotes (72 hours with 2.6 and 26 Μμ Sinefungin) when incubated with macrophages for 2 and 24 hours. After 2 h incubation period of the promastigote forms of the sensitive L. tropica with macrophages, the inhibition of the attachment was 100%, whereas for the sensitive L. major strain the inhibition was 17 and 36% at a concentration of Sinefungin 2.6 and 26 μΜ respectively. The percentage of the inhibition 24 h post infection was in the range of 52 to 77% for the L. tropica strain and from 73 to 86% for the L. major strain for promastigote pretreated with 2.6 and 26 μΜ Sinefungin respectively. Controls showed that Sinefungin was not toxic for the macrophages when used for 3 days at the above mentioned concentrations. Inhibition of the protozoa - macrophage cell line J774G8 adherence was a common finding leading us to the conclusion that Sinefungin is involved actively into that process.
Feline ringworm. Interference with the epidemiology of Microsporum canis
Authors: BOURDZI-HATZOPOULOU (ΜΠΟΥΡΤΖΗ-ΧΑΤΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Ε.) E.
Published: January 2018

The presence of dermatophytes in animals with skin lesions (ringworm), as well as in animals with apparently healthy skin (healthy carriers) was studied. Skin scales and infected hair from 125 cats with skin lesions were examined microscopically by using 20% KOH and the methylene blue stain. Specimens were also inoculated in Sabouraud-chloramphenicol-cycloheximide agar. The hairbrush technique was performed in 200 cats with apparently healthy skin (120 of the urban and 80 of the rural area). Dermatophytes were isolated from 92 cats with skin lesions. M. canis was isolated from the 97,8% and T. mentagrophytes from 2,2% of the infected cats. Most of the infected animals (63) were up to 24 months old but the proportion between infected males and females cats was approximately equal. From the 120 cats of the urban area and the 80 cats of the rural area ( both groups included as apparently healthy cats) 40 (33,3%) and 15(18,7%) were found carrying dermatophytes, respectively. M. canis was exclusively isolated from the cats of the urban area ίη 70% while T. mentagrophytes in 15% and M. gypseum in 12,5%. The most frequent dermatophyte isolated from the apparently healthy cats of the rural area was M. gypseum (53,3%), while T. mentagrophytes (33,3%) and T. terrestre were the second and the third isolated. It is mentioned that infected cats and especially apparently healthy cats but carriers of M. canis, interfere with public health because of the possibility of transmission to human and given that numerous cases of children and of the animal owners have been affected.
The pattern of IgG concentration in neonatal lamb's sera from birth till 7th day (168th hour)
Authors: MINAS (Α. ΜΗΝΑΣ) A. , THANIOTIS (Η. ΘΑΝΙΩΤΗΣ) I. , CHAMILOPATIS (Π. ΧΑΜΗΛΟΠΑΤΗΣ) P.
Published: January 2018

A quantitation of IgG was made, using R.I.D test, in blood sera of 15 newborn iambs. The quantity of IgG was measured in time intervals immediately after birth and before suckling till 168th hour after birth. Two lambs out of 15 have detectable amount of IgG in their sera before suckling. The maximum concentration of IgG in 11 lambs sera was measured 24 hours, in 3 lambs sera 36 hours, and in 1 lamb's serum 48 hours after birth, respectively. In three lambs out of 15, a percentage of 20%, the serum concentration of IgG was less than 30 mg/ml. One of these lambs died and another got ill 120 hours after birth.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Public Health
Authors: KALDRYMIDOU (Ε. ΚΑΛΔΡΥΜΙΔΟΥ) E. , KANAKOUDIS (Γ. ΚΑΝΑΚΟΥΔΗΣ) G. , KATSARAS (Κ. ΚΑΤΣΑΡΑΣ) K. , TSANGARIS (Θ. ΤΣΑΓΓΑΡΗΣ) Th. , PAPAIOANNOU (Ν. ΠAΠΑΪΩΑNNOΥ) N.
Published: January 2018

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a transmissible degenerative disease of the central nervous system. It belongs to a group of diseases which affect man and various kinds of animals and they have a similar histopathological appearance. The harmful agent of BSE and all the others spongiform encephalopathies have not been totally clarified. Today according to the predominant opinion this agent is consisted mainly or/and only of an abnormal protein, which is called prion. In various observations the harmful agent appears like proteinaceous cylinders which are consisted of aggregations or polymerized forms of the agent and it is called prion-protein (PrP). It has been proved that there are two isoforms of PrP. The first of them, called PrPc, is produced from many cells of man and animals and consists a cellular structural element. The second, called PrPs t, due to its specific properties, it is considered to be pathological and responsible for the spongiform encephalopathies. The replication of PrPsc seems to take place in the lysosomes of central nervous system cells, dendritic, and other reticular cells of the lymphatic organs through transformation of PrPc into PrPsc. It appears BSE caused by feeding meat and bone meals to cattle which were originated from scrapie infected sheep. Refering to the pathogenesis originating from experimental data it seems that initially the PrF* enters the body by food and afterwards is settled in various lymphoid organs where the first replication takes place. It is believed that BSE is transmitted through the nerves to the CNS, where it creates the characteristic lesions of vacuolar degeneration of the neurons and finally the spongiosis. Then the clinical signs are expressed. The nervous signs characterised by behavioural alterations of the animals and kinetic abnormalities. The diagnosis of the disease is made by the observation of the histopathological lesions, the detection of Scrapie Associated Fibrils-SAF by EM, the immunohistochemical detection of prpsc i n histological samples or by electrophoresis (Western blotting test). BSE was proved to be transmissible to other animals and there is a possibility that it could be done to man through the food chain. According to the above in these years, from the appearance of the disease until now, have been taken bans from Great Britain as well as from E.U. for the eradication of the disease and the protection of the public health. These instructions should be followed by the authorities and additionally the consumers ought to be informed for the possible danger of various animal products.
Biochemistry, pharmacology and physiological role of sex hormone binding globulin
Authors: KOURETAS (Δ. ΚΟΥΡΕΤΑΣ) D. , LALIOTIS (Β. ΛΑΛΙΩΤΗΣ) V. , ANTONOGLOU (Ο. ΑΝΤΩΝΟΓΛΟΥ) O.
Published: January 2018

Sex steroid binding protein (SBP) is a plasma protein that specifically binds sex steroids with high affinity. It is synthesized in the liver and circulates in the plasma of many species including human, monkey, cattle, dog, cat and others. SBP is a dimeric protein with a Mr ranging between 84-9Θ KDa and binds one steroid molecule per dimer. Its expression is regulated by many hormones and estradiol promotes while testosterone inhibits its expression. Its physiological role is not known completely, but it is likely to control at least the bioavailable levels of circulating steroids. Experimental evidence from our laboratory and others supports the dogma that non-bound steroids are free to enter the target cells and act. After the discovery of SBP-membrane receptor, it seems that SBP serves also other biological role except that of binding steroids. All recent reports are discussed.
Nitrites on sensory quality of poultry meat cooked hams
Authors: AMBROSSIADIS (I. ΑΜΒΡΟΣΙΑΔΗΣ) J. , SOULTOS (Ν. ΣΟΥΛΤΟΣ) N. , VARELTZIS (Κ. ΒΑΡΕΛΤΖΗΣ) K. , GEORGAKIS (Σ. ΓΕΩΡΓΑΚΗΣ) S.
Published: January 2018

At the present time, the use of nitrites and nitrates are technologically necessary in maintaining flavor, color and texture characteristics associated with and expected of certain stable food items. The effect of nitrite on sensory quality of poultry meat cooked hams was determined. Cooked hams prepared from chicken breast plus 15% brine solution. Four different batters ( A, B, C and D) with 0, 50, 100 and 200 ppm nitrite were made. The samples were cooked in a water bath at 68 °C, then cooled by showering with cold water and stored in 4°C for 8 weeks. The data clearly demonstrated that the nitrite concentration had not influenced in aerobic and lactic acid bacteria counts in the first day after production whilst, there were some unmatchable variations at 8th week of analysis. The residual nitrite contents, the 1st day after production, were 50% of initial amount added. The decrease of nitrite concentration reached 75% at the end of the storage. The addition of 50 and 100 ppm sodium nitrite improved drastically the hue of the surface color whilst, 200 ppm content decreased the a* value (intense of red color) of the samples. Panelists judged Β and C samples better than A and D.
Investigation upon the effect of the vaccination against the respiratory form of Aujeszky's disease with a deletion mutant gE-/TK- vaccine in growing/fattening pigs
Authors: PAPATSAS (I.K. ΠΑΠΑΤΣΑΣ) J. C. , KYRIAKIS (Σ.Κ. ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ) S. C. , PAPADOPOULOS (ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Ο.) O. , SARRIS (Κ. ΣΑΡΡΗΣ) K. , LEKKAS (Σ. ΛΕΚΚΑΣ) S.
Published: January 2018

In this trial study, the effect of the vaccination of growing/fattening pigs against Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) was investigated, in a farm placed in an endemic to ADV area. Three different trial groups of 11-week old growing pigs were vaccinated either once or twice or left unvaccinated. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to growth parameters, carcass quality, as well as pathological and bacteriological findings. All vaccinated animals had significantly better growth performance and carcass quality in comparison to the unvaccinated group, while no significant differences were observed between once and twice vaccinated animals. Lower lungs' affection due to secondary pathogens was also observed in vaccinated groups when compared with the control group of pigs. Bacteriological examination revealed that the frequency of secondary pulmonary bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus suis and Pasteurella multocida was lower in vaccinated pigs compared to controls. It was concluded that single and probably double vaccination against ADV may improve growth performance and carcas quality and may reduce lung affection due to certain secondary pathogens, under the management conditions of the trial farm.
To the problem of forming a socio-psychological climate in service collectives of law enforcement bodies
Authors: Лункин Алексей , Lunkin Aleksey
Published: January 2018

The article deals with the features of the notion of the socio-psychological climate, the urgency of the task of improving the social and psychological climate of the internal affairs staff and the prospects for the degree of its importance growth among other socio-psychological problems of the team. It is shown how the socio-psychological climate is able to influence the build-up, disclosure and use of reserves to improve performance.
About issue
Authors: Ананишнев Владислав , Ananishnev Vladislav , Корепова Валерия , Korepova Valeriya , Ло Синь , Luo Xin , Дмитриев Антон , Dmitriev Anton
Published: January 2018

About issue

The issue is published on the basis of the materials of the third International Conference "Management of Territorial Clusters" - 2017 in FGBOU VO "Moscow State University of Technology and Management named after K.G. Razumovsky" 05/30/2017.

The event is held at the initiative of the Moscow State University of Technology and management of it. K.G. Razumovsky "with the participation of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Industry and Trade The Russian Federation, the Ministry of Energy of Russia, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East, representatives of other federal and regional government bodies and organizations.

The purpose of the scientific-practical conference is: discussion and development of proposals aimed at development of mechanisms of public-private partnership in territorial clusters, interaction between universities and clusters, command formation, participation of clusters in the federal agenda, incl. implementation of the priority measures to ensure sustainable development of the economy of the Russian Federation.

Within the framework of the Conference, various topics related to the development and overcoming of the current crisis phenomena during the development of territorial clusters and the implementation of strategic documents for their development were discussed.

The Conference will be attended by representatives of federal and regional authorities, communities, branch organizations, representatives of development institutions, innovative and territorial cluster.

Moderator of the conference: Vladislav Valerievich Tarasenko - Chairman of the Expert Council of Moscluster, Arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration of Mosclaister, Vice-Rector for Innovative Development and Entrepreneurship MSUTU them. K. G. Razumovsky.

Venue: FGBOU VO building "Moscow State University of Technologies and Control.

K.G. Razumovsky ", Moscow, st. The New Basmannaya 9.

Date: May 30, 2017. Registration starts at 9:00.

Registration for the event: https://moscluster.timepad.ru/event/493100/

Information partner, partner of the conference: Moscluster.

The site of the organizer: http://mgutm.ru/content/advertisement/11930/.

Activities in social networks:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1907955029458520/

https://vk.com/event147428694

http://moscluster.livejournal.com/4153.html

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Branch resources:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/clusterpolitics/permalink/1050362838367522/?notif_t=group_post_approved¬if_id=

146459
AUTHOR PROGRAM «ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING OF CHILDREN WITH THE DISABILITIES UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF FEDERAL STATE EDUCATIONAL STANDARD» Grade 2
Authors: Дугулубгова Анета , Dugulubgova Aneta
Published: January 2018

Taking into account the special educational needs of children with a diagnosis of «early infantile autism» learning the subject «English» has its own characteristics. Before creating a special educational program of English language tuition, such concepts as «signs of autism», «major issues» have been extensively studied. On the basis of the studied material, the goals and objectives of the training program were determined, the stages and techniques for working with children in this category were clarified. The program is designed for 68 hours, 2 hours of teaching a week.
Modelagem e simulação da marcha protética usando modelo em 3D de uma prótese transtibial
Authors: Luengas Contreras Lely Adriana , Camargo Casallas Esperanza , Guardiola Daniel
Published: January 2018

O número de amputados no mundo, incluída a Colômbia, é de mais de dez milhões de pessoas, sendo a amputação abaixo do joelho, ou amputação transtibial, bastante recorrente. Devido às mudanças  siológicas que se apresentam nos amputados transtibiais, a mecânica da marcha vê-se alterada e pode chegar a afetar signi cativamente a mobilidade do sujeito. Com o objetivo de conhecer o comportamento dinâmico dos amputados transtibiais, e gerar conhecimento para entender a conduta biomecânica deles e assim ajudar no processo de reabilitação física destes sujeitos, se propôs estudar a marcha protética desde simulações geradas de um modelo computacional. Para isso, construiu-se um modelo da marcha humana fazendo uso do intercâmbio de energia que se apresenta neste movimento, empregando a análise de Lagrange. Também se obteve a modelagem matemática (diagrama de bloques) de uma prótese transtibial ativa a partir do desenho em 3D realizado no software Solidworks®; este modelo se processou em Matlab® com o objetivo de emular o uso da prótese. No modelo da marcha normal obtido se substituiu uma das pernas pelo modelo da prótese para observar a marcha protética. Os resultados do modelo tanto em valores dos rangos articulares quanto em parâmetros espaço-temporais se encontram acordes com o observado em outros estudos. A análise cinemática do comportamento do modelo mostra que a prótese proporciona suporte o corpo e permite a marcha em ausência do segmento corporal, devido a que os dados obtidos pelo modelo de patrão da marcha concordam com os dados existentes em literatura. Esta proposta de simulação é uma ajuda para assegurar a aprendizagem do estudante e do médico respeito ao comportamento biomecânico da marcha protética, uma vez que nos últimos anos se tem visto e comprovado a utilidade do uso generalizado de simulações no âmbito médico.
Enfermeiros e agentes sanitários como impulsores da aderência terapêutica: uma pesquisa etnográfica em Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Martínez Bárbara
Published: January 2018

Objetivos: o objetivo central deste artigo é analisar o papel do enfermeiro e do agente sanitário locais na área de Valle del Cajón, Catamarca, Argentina, estudo que está focalizado em sua intervenção na aderência terapêutica dos pacientes. Desenvolvimento: a partir da utilização de uma metodologia qualitativa de carácter etnográ co, expõem-se os resultados obtidos mediante entrevistas abertas de sessões múltiplas, observação participante, registros fílmicos e diários de campo. A pesquisa mostra que a alta valoração que os enfermeiros e os agentes sanitários possuem para o pessoal local e os demais trabalhadores da saúde; a sua intervenção com resultado favorável nos itinerários terapêuticos; o conhecimento que pos- suem das formas de conceber o processo de saúde e doenças nativas; a sua pertença à organização social local; a sua intervenção como mediadores culturais entre os povoadores e os médicos; a sua perícia na gestão da farmacopeia local e a sua ativa participação em funções que excedem o sistema de saúde, entre outras, constituem instâncias que sustentam a aderência terapêutica. Conclusões: se apresenta que os enfermeiros e agentes sanitários são engrenagens centrais da aps e a sua prática cotidiana no Valle del Cajón constitui um suporte decisivo no referido ao seguimento dos tratamentos terapêuticos.
Could assisting a homebirth lead to prison?
Authors: Golden Paul
Published: January 2018

In January, midwife and obstetrician Ágnes Geréb lost an appeal against the Hungarian Supreme Court, which could see her sent to prison for assisting homebirths. Paul Golden explains
Are you ‘job positive’?
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: January 2018

How do your colleagues view your attitude to work? It may be time to take a step back and reassess your attitude, suggests Gaby Bissett
It just got real. But how real?
Authors: Bakare Kemi
Published: January 2018

Kemi Bakare considers the inner working of the new ECPD system and reveals how it will impact your working practices
When was the last time you thought about your dental suction technique?
Authors: Male Emma
Published: January 2018

As dental nurses, using the dental aspirator is a vital and, arguably, the best known part of our role and heritage. Emma Male considers some essentials
Oral health as a window to wellbeing
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: January 2018

Priya Sharma considers diet and general health education in a dental setting
Diabetes and cognitive decline: Extra care required
Authors: Phillips Anne
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of diabetes in the older population is increasing, and considering growing evidence that diabetes is a significant risk factor for vascular dementia and frailty, Anne Phillips discusses the importance of good diabetes management in this population

Diabetes mellitus is becoming increasly common in people aged over 70 years. Individuals with diabetes need to manage their condition and seek help when required. This can be challenging in older adults, as diabetes is a significant risk factor for vascular dementia and frailty, which often reduces an individual's capability to manage. Care of the older person with diabetes must be person-centred and not target-driven. Practice nurses are at the forefront of providing individualised care to people with diabetes.
Recruitment and retention in general practice nursing: What about pay?
Authors: Ashwood Louise , Macrae Anne , Marsden Paula
Published: January 2018

As the employees of independent contractors, most nurses working in general practice are not subject to Agenda for Change. This article looks at a pay framework that has been developed for nurses and healthcare assistants in Lambeth, South London

When Agenda for Change was introduced in 2004, many nurses saw an increase in pay, alongside the potential for annual incremental pay rises and the ability to progress through pay bands with appropriate study and the undertaking of additional responsibilities. As practice nurses are the employees of independent contractors, most were not enrolled in Agenda for Change. They now have no nationally recognised payscale and have to negotiate pay, terms and conditions on an individual basis. The lead nurses in Lambeth, South London decided to develop a pay framework that mapped to the general practice nurse career framework. This was fully endorsed by Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Group and Community Education Providers Network and was launched in June 2017. In January 2018, a pay framework was also launched for healthcare assistants in Lambeth. The framework aims to allow general practice to compete with all healthcare sectors and to make general practice an attractive and viable career option.
Research Roundup
Authors: Winter George
Published: January 2018

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Defining Habitat Use by the Parabiotic Ants Camponotus femoratus (Fabricius, 1804) and Crematogaster levior Longino, 2003
Authors: Vicente Ricardo Eduardo , Izzo Thiago Junqueira
Published: January 2018

Ant-garden ants have a strong relationship with epiphytes that need light to grow, for these reason, it has been previously documented in forest gaps. Moreover, larger gaps have more available area for nesting and habitats for use as forage. Thus we hypothesize that 1) canopy openness influence the presence of ant´s gardens in gaps, and 2) greater gaps will have more nests, and 3) both openness canopy and area determine the colony size in forest gaps. Furthermore, it is known that parabiotic ants foraging on the ground and in vegetation, the nests are arboreal. So, we also hypothesize that 4) parabiotic ants are more often sampled in arboreal strata and 5) increasing vegetation connectivity and the volume of accumulated litter in the soil increase the foraging of the ants in vegetation and ground, respectively, with the increase in canopy openness increasing the activity of the two species in both strata. Presence, number of Ant-gardens, as colony size, was affected by area and locality, but not by canopy openness. Nevertheless, there was not overall difference in the use of strata by Camponotus femoratus, neither by Crematogaster levior. On the other hand, frequency of C. femoratus on the ground decreases with canopy openness but is not affected by the vegetation connectivity.  Also, C. levior frequency on the ground also decreases with the increase of complexity of vegetation and canopy openness. In addition, neither vegetation connectivity, or canopy openness influence the frequency of foraging of these ants in understory.
Intraspecific Variation of the Composition of Linear Alkanes in Social Wasp Mischocyttarus consimilis
Authors: Ferreira Ana Cristina , Neves Erika Fernandes , Montagna Thiago Dos Santos , Mendonça Angélica , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Antonialli Junior William Fernando
Published: January 2018

An important attribute of the evolution and maintenance of sociality in insects is their ability to distinguish members of their own colonies by means of chemical signals during their interactions. Of this type of signals, the cuticular hydrocarbons, responsible among other functions, for intraspecific recognition stand out. Linear alkanes are indicated as the class of compounds that would be most involved in water retention in the body of insects, however, some studies have investigated their role as mediators of interactions. Thus it is possible that there is significant intraspecific variation of its composition, so the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that linear alkanes vary significantly among populations, castes and sexes, as well as between newly emerged females of different ages of the Mischocyttarus consimilis Zikán 1949 wasp. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The results show that there is a significant variation between the chemical cuticular profiles of samples from different populations, as well as between castes, sex and newly emergent workers of different ages. Therefore, it is possible to infer that this class of compounds may vary according to genetic differences between populations, but also by different environmental conditions. The differences between castes, sex and ages suggest that these compounds may also be involved in mediating interactions between nestmates.
Notes on a nest of Megachile (Moureapis) apicipennis Schrottky (Megachilidae) constructed in an abandoned gallery of Xylocopa Frontalis (Olivier) (Apidae)
Authors: Rocha-Filho Léo Correia , Martins Aline C. , Marchi Paola
Published: January 2018

Notes on a nest of the leafcutting bee Megachile (Moureapis) apicipennis Schrottky (Megachilidae) found in an abandoned gallery excavated by the carpenter bee Xylocopa frontalis (Olivier) (Apidae) are presented. A total of four nests were found at the end of the gallery. Brood cells were lined with imbricate pieces of leaves of Centrosema virginianum (L.) Benth. (Fabaceae). Four males and two females of M. apicipennis emerged as well as individuals of three species of natural enemies: Coelioxys otomita Cresson (Megachilidae), Brachymeria paraguayensis (Brèthes) and Melittobia australica Girault (Eulophidae). Our results were similar to the data obtained from other species of Megachile (Moureapis) Raw.
Social Carrying and Defensive Behavior During Colony Emigration in the Leaf-cutting Ant Atta sexdens
Authors: Valadares Lohan , Nascimento Fábio S.
Published: January 2018

In this work, we describe for the first time and under laboratory conditions, the behaviors related to social carrying and defensive strategies during colony emigration in the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens. Once colonies were laid on a tray under suboptimal conditions, groups of workers aggregated all over the body surface of the queen and brood, with mandibles half open and legs widely open in a ‘entangle’ formation. Queens were the first caste to be reallocated, followed respectively by the transportation of brood, newly-emerged workers, and pieces of fungus garden to the new nesting site. Contrary to what have been reported to the Myrmicinae species, adult transport followed a stereotyped sequence of acts involving approach, seize and transportation of newly-emerged workers to new target areas. Our results suggest that, in front of rapid unfavorable changes, leaf-cutting ants are capable of reorganize the nest in order to protect their members and resources.
Poetry
Authors: Priest Robert
Published: January 2018

The name is Bomb, James Bomb

Everyone knows where they were when they first heard about the death of the world

infologisms
Improving “tail” computations in a BOINC-based Desktop Grid
Authors: Kolokoltsev Yevgeniy , Ivashko Evgeny , Gershenson Carlos
Published: January 2018

A regular Desktop Grid bag-of-tasks project can take a lot of time to complete computations. An important part of the process is tail computations: when the number of tasks to perform becomes less than the number of computing nodes. At this stage, a dynamic replication could be used to reduce the time needed to complete computations. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model and a strategy of dynamic replication at the tail stage. The results of the numerical experiments are given.
Construction and numerical resolution of high-order accuracy decomposition scheme for a quasi-linear evolution equation
Authors: Dikhaminjia Nana , Rogava Jemal , Tsiklauri Mikheil
Published: January 2018

In the present work the Cauchy problem for an abstract evolution equation
with a Lipschitz-continuous operator is considered,
where the main operator represents the sum of positive definite self-adjoint operators.
The fourth-order accuracy decomposition scheme is constructed for an
approximate solution of the problem. The theorem on the error estimate of
an approximate solution is proved. Numerical calculations for different
model problems are carried out using the constructed scheme. The obtained numerical results confirm the theoretical conclusions.
Generalization of Roos bias in RC4 and some results on key-keystream relations
Authors: Dey Sabyasachi , Sarkar Santanu
Published: January 2018

RC4 has attracted many cryptologists due to its simple structure.
In [9], Paterson, Poettering and Schuldt reported the results of a large
scale computation of RC4 biases. Among the biases reported by them, we try to theoretically analyze a few which show very
interesting visual patterns. We first study the bias which relates the key stream byte

z
i

{z_{i}}

with

i
-

k
⁢

[
0
]

{i-k[0]}

, where

k
⁢

[
0
]

{k[0]}

is the
first byte of the secret key. We then present a generalization of the Roos bias. In 1995, Roos observed the bias of initial bytes

S
⁢

[
i
]

{S[i]}

of the permutation after KSA towards

f
i

=

∑

r
=
1

i

r

+

∑

r
=
0

i

K
⁢

[
r
]

{f_{i}=\sum_{r=1}^{i}r+\sum_{r=0}^{i}K[r]}

. Here we study the
probability of

S
⁢

[
i
]

{S[i]}

equaling

f
y

=

∑

r
=
1

y

r

+

∑

r
=
0

y

K
⁢

[
r
]

{f_{y}=\sum_{r=1}^{y}r+\sum_{r=0}^{y}K[r]}

for

i
≠
y

{i\neq y}

. Our generalization
provides a complete correlation between

z
i

{z_{i}}

and

i
-

f
y

{i-f_{y}}

. We also analyze the key-keystream
relation

z
i

=

f

i
-
1

{z_{i}=f_{i-1}}

which was studied by Maitra and Paul [6] in FSE 2008. We provide more accurate formulas for the probability of
both

z
i

=

i
-

f
i

{z_{i}=i-f_{i}}

and

z
i

=

f

i
-
1

{z_{i}=f_{i-1}}

for different i’s than the existing works.
Response to growth hormone treatment in very young patients with growth hormone deficiencies and mini-puberty
Authors: Çetinkaya Semra , Poyrazoğlu Şükran , Baş Firdevs , Ercan Oya , Yıldız Metin , Adal Erdal , Bereket Abdullah , Abalı Saygın , Aycan Zehra , Erdeve Şenay Savaş , Berberoğlu Merih , Şıklar Zeynep , Tayfun Meltem , Darcan Şükran , Mengen Eda , Bircan İffet , Jones Filiz Mine Çizmecioğlu , Şimşek Enver , Papatya Esra Deniz , Özbek Mehmet Nuri , Bolu Semih , Abacı Ayhan , Büyükinan Muammer , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: January 2018

Background:

The aim of the study was to assess the response to growth hormone (GH) treatment in very young patients with GH deficiency (GHD) through a national, multi-center study. Possible factors affecting growth response were assessed (especially mini-puberty).

Methods:

Medical reports of GHD patients in whom treatment was initiated between 0 and 3 years of age were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:

The cohort numbered 67. The diagnosis age was 12.4±8.6 months, peak GH stimulation test response (at diagnosis) as 1.0±1.4 ng/mL. The first and second years length gain was 15.0±4.3 and 10.4±3.4 cm. Weight gain had the largest effect on first year growth response; whereas weight gain and GH dose were both important factors affecting second year growth response. In the multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) group (n=50), first year GH response was significantly greater than in the isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) group (n=17) (p=0.030). In addition first year growth response of infants starting GH between 0 and 12 months of age (n=24) was significantly greater than those who started treatment between 12 and 36 months of age (n=43) (p<0.001). These differences were not seen in the second year. Δ Length/height standard deviation score (SDS), Δ body weight SDS, length/height SDS, weight SDS in MPHD without hypogonadism for the first year of the GH treatment were found as significantly better than MPHD with hypogonadism.

Conclusions:

Early onsets of GH treatment, good weight gain in the first year of the treatment and good weight gain-GH dose in the second year of the treatment are the factors that have the greatest effect on length gain in early onset GHD. The presence of the sex steroid hormones during minipubertal period influence growth pattern positively under GH treatment (closer to the normal percentage according to age and gender).
Criticism of Gehlen’s Theory of Instinct-Reduction and Phenomenological Clarification of the Concept of Instinct as the Genetic Origin of Embodied Consciousness
Authors: Nam-In Lee
Published: January 2018

In the past 20 years, the concept of instinct has been discussed in respect to various disciplines such as evolutionary biology, evolutionary psychology, linguistics, ethics, aesthetics, and phenomenology, etc. However, the meaning of instinct still remains unclarified in many respects. In order to overcome this situation, it is necessary to elucidate the genuine meaning of instinct so that the discussion of instinct in these disciplines can be carried out systematically. The objective of this paper is to establish the genuine concept of instinct on the basis of a phenomenological criticism of A. Gehlen’s theory of instinct-reduction. Moreover, it seeks to show that this concept is the genetic origin of the embodied consciousness. According to Gehlen, instinct is defined as Instinkthandlung. However, this definition of instinct is problematic in the formal logical sense, since the definiendum (the instinct) is already included in the definiens (Instinkthandlung). Moreover, it faces different kinds of serious material problems. Criticizing Gehlen’s theory of instinct systematically, I will show that instinct should be redefined as “the innate living force that urges a species of living being to pursue a certain kind of object,” and I will attempt to clarify this definition of instinct in a more detailed manner by offering 11 points. Thereafter, I will argue that Gehlen’s theory of instinct-reduction has to be replaced by the theory of instinct-enlargement in human beings. Finally, I will point out that the genuine concept of instinct is nothing other than the genetic origin of the embodied consciousness.
Technology, Dao-Technē and Home
Authors: Xianglong Zhang
Published: January 2018

Heidegger maintains that the root of modern technology, like that of all other technologies, lies in technē. However, because the art dimension of technē is suppressed in modern technology, the essence of this technology becomes a Gestell (fixed frame) that enforces product-making, and thus drives technology beyond the control of human beings. The more fundamental reason underlying this “frame-becoming” nature is “the mathematical” that emerges in ancient Greece, which, through the Cartesian subject-object dichotomy, turns the world into the images represented by the subject, and things into definite objects. To escape the dictatorship of the Gestell, it is necessary to re-realize the art-dimension of technē in modern technology, i. e. to let the gentle granting nature of the enowning (Ereignis, event) re-master technology. In this respect, both Heidegger and Heisenberg were inspired by or at least resonated with Lao Zi or Zhuang Zi’s Dao. Confucians will greatly appreciate the critique of modern technology by Heidegger, and especially his view of returning “home” to overcome the possible dangers brought about by technology. However, from the perspective of Confucianism, Heidegger’s critique contains some shortcomings: for example, his ignorance of the individualistic impact in the Gestell and his unidirectional “ontological difference,” which leads him to a view of “home” that lacks “family” and therefore renders his solution loose and rootless. Only an organic community originated in the family, be it Confucian or Amish, can effectively reduce the control of modern technology over the human being.
Time Response of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Muscular Fatigue in Humans
Authors: Rossato Mateus , Dellagrana Rodolfo A. , Sakugawa Raphael L. , Lazzari Caetano D. , Baroni Bruno M. , Diefenthaeler Fernando
Published: January 2018

Rossato, M, Dellagrana, RA, Sakugawa, RL, Lazzari, CD, Baroni, BM, and Diefenthaeler, F. Time response of photobiomodulation therapy on muscular fatigue in humans. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3285–3293, 2018—The aim of this study was to identify the effects of 2 different time responses on fatigue of knee extensor. Sixteen male volunteers (26 ± 6.0 years, 81 ± 12 kg, and 181 ± 7.4 cm) participated in the study. Participants performed the same protocol in 5 sessions {control, placebo (placebo applied both 6 hours before and immediately before the test), 6 hours before + immediately before (photobiomodulation therapy [PBMT] applied both 6 hours before and immediately before the test), 6 hours before (PBMT applied 6 hours before and placebo applied immediately before the test), and immediately before (placebo applied 6 hours before and PBMT applied immediately before the test)}. Photobiomodulation therapy was applied on knee extensor (9 sites; 30 J per site). Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was assessed before and after an isokinetic fatigue (45 flexion-extension concentric at 180°·s−1), associated with electromyography (root mean square [RMS] and median of frequency [MF]). For MIVC, there was no treatment × time interaction for all variables. Time effect was observed for peak torque (PT), RMS, and MF. Treatment effect was verified for PT, and 6 hours before + immediately before condition presented higher PT during MIVCpre than control (p = 0.004) and placebo (p = 0.044). The immediately before presented higher PT values than control (p = 0.047). Regarding MIVCpost, the PT for 6 hours before + immediately before presented higher values than control (p = 0.001) and placebo (p = 0.004). Peak torque during MIVC (pre to post) was reduced in 6 hours before + immediately before treatment (26%) compared with control (33%), placebo (29%), and immediately before (32%). The application of PBMT 6 hours + immediately before and immediately before exercise protocol is able to reduce the fatigue.
Wingate Anaerobic Test Reliability on the Velotron With Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Bringhurst Ryan F. , Wagner Dale R. , Schwartz Sarah
Published: January 2018

Bringhurst, RF, Wagner, DR, and Schwartz, S. Wingate anaerobic test reliability on the velotron with ice hockey players.J Strength Cond Res34(6): 1716–1722, 2020—This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performed on a Velotron electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer for power-trained athletes and assessed whether a familiarization trial was necessary to achieve high test-retest reliability. Twenty-one male ice hockey players (age 23.5 ± 4.7 years, mass 86.3 ± 16.6 kg, height 180.9 ± 7.4 cm) from a collegiate club team (Club = 10) and a recreational league (Rec = 11) performed three 30-second WAnTs within 2 weeks and with at least 24 hours between visits. Mean power (MP), anaerobic capacity, peak power (PP), anaerobic power, maximum revolutions per minute, and fatigue index were assessed. Resistance was 8.5% of the participant's body mass. The effect of time on power output was moderated (p< 0.001, JOURNAL/jscr/04.03/00124278-202006000-00027/inline-formula1/v/2023-08-19T002845Z/r/image-tiff = 0.24) such that a significant increase was observed after a practice trial, but not between subsequent trials for the Club players; no practice effect was observed among Rec players. Extremely high reliability (ICC1,1) was found between trials after excluding the practice trial (MP = 0.973, anaerobic capacity = 0.975, PP = 0.957, and anaerobic power = 0.890). Club players achieved higher outputs despite no significant differences in body size or age compared with Rec players. Ice hockey players performing the 30-second WAnT on the Velotron electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer had highly reliable data, and using a familiarization trial is recommended to increase reliability and achieve higher power outputs.
Glutamatergic Transmission to Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons Is Differentially Regulated by Estradiol through Estrogen Receptor α in Adult Female Mice
Authors: Wang Luhong , Burger Laura L. , Greenwald-Yarnell Megan L. , Myers Martin G. , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: January 2018

Estradiol feedback regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and subsequent luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Estradiol acts via estrogen receptor α (ERα)-expressing afferents of GnRH neurons, including kisspeptin neurons in the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) and arcuate nuclei, providing homeostatic feedback on episodic GnRH/LH release as well as positive feedback to control ovulation. Ionotropic glutamate receptors are important for estradiol feedback, but it is not known where they fit in the circuitry. Estradiol-negative feedback decreased glutamatergic transmission to AVPV and increased it to arcuate kisspeptin neurons; positive feedback had the opposite effect. Deletion of ERα in kisspeptin cells decreased glutamate transmission to AVPV neurons and markedly increased it to arcuate kisspeptin neurons, which also exhibited increased spontaneous firing rate. KERKO mice had increased LH pulse frequency, indicating loss of negative feedback. These observations indicate that ERα in kisspeptin cells is required for appropriate differential regulation of these neurons and neuroendocrine output by estradiol.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe brain regulates fertility through gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Ovarian estradiol regulates the pattern of GnRH (negative feedback) and initiates a surge of release that triggers ovulation (positive feedback). GnRH neurons do not express the estrogen receptor needed for feedback (estrogen receptor α [ERα]); kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate and anteroventral periventricular nuclei are postulated to mediate negative and positive feedback, respectively. Here we extend the network through which feedback is mediated by demonstrating that glutamatergic transmission to these kisspeptin populations is differentially regulated during the reproductive cycle and by estradiol. Electrophysiological andin vivohormone profile experiments on kisspeptin-specific ERα knock-out mice demonstrate that ERα in kisspeptin cells is required for appropriate differential regulation of these neurons and for neuroendocrine output.