bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Selectively Regulates Spine Density within the Dendritic Arbor of Rat Ventromedial Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Calizo Lyngine H. , Flanagan-Cato Loretta M.
Published: April 2018

Estrogen acts in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH) to promote female sexual behavior. One potential mechanism through which estrogen may facilitate this behavior is by reconfiguring synaptic connections within the VMH. Estrogen treatment increases the number of synapses and dendritic spines in the VMH, but how this remodeling occurs within the context of the local, behaviorally relevant microcircuitry is unknown. The goal of this study was to localize estrogen-induced changes in spine density within the VMH and relate these to dendritic morphology and the presence of nuclear estrogen receptor. The hypothalami from ovariectomized rats, treated with either vehicle or estradiol, were lightly fixed, and VMH neurons were iontophoretically filled with Lucifer yellow. Confocal microscopy was used to examine neuronal morphology. Estrogen treatment increased dendritic spine density by 48% in the ventrolateral VMH but had no effect on spine density in the dorsal VMH. The primary dendrites of VMH neurons were differentially affected by estrogen. Estrogen treatment increased spine density twofold on the short primary dendrites but did not affect spine density on long primary dendrites. Immunocytochemical staining showed that none of the filled neurons expressed estrogen receptor-α. Thus, although the effect of estrogen on spine density is localized to a VMH subdivision where estrogen receptor is expressed, estrogen treatment induces spines on neurons that lack estrogen receptor. Taken together, our results suggest that the effect of estrogen on ventrolateral VMH spines is selective within the dendritic arbor of a neuron and may be mediated by an indirect, possibly transynaptic, mechanism.
Tactile Coactivation-Induced Changes in Spatial Discrimination Performance
Authors: Godde Ben , Stauffenberg Beate , Spengler Friederike , Dinse Hubert R.
Published: April 2018

We studied coactivation-based cortical plasticity at a psychophysical level in humans. For induction of plasticity, we used a protocol of simultaneous pairing of tactile stimulation to follow as closely as possible the idea of Hebbian learning. We reported previously that a few hours of tactile coactivation resulted in selective and reversible reorganization of receptive fields and cortical maps of the hindpaw representation of the somatosensory cortex of adult rats (Godde et al., 1996). In the present study, simultaneous spatial two-point discrimination was tested on the tip of the right index finger in human subjects as a marker of plastic changes. After 2 hr of coactivation we found a significant improvement in discrimination performance that was reversible within 8 hr. Reduction of the duration of the coactivation protocol revealed that 30 min was not sufficient to drive plastic changes. Repeated application of coactivation over 3 consecutive days resulted in a delayed recovery indicating stabilization of the improvement over time. Perceptual changes were highly selective because no transfer of improved performance to fingers that were not stimulated was found. The results demonstrate the potential role of sensory input statistics (i.e., their probability of occurrence and spatiotemporal relationships) in the induction of cortical plasticity without involving cognitive factors such as attention or reinforcement.
Vertebrate Ancient-LongOpsin: A Green-Sensitive Photoreceptive Molecule Present in Zebrafish Deep Brain and Retinal Horizontal Cells
Authors: Kojima Daisuke , Mano Hiroaki , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: April 2018

Nonretinal/nonpineal photosensitivity has been found in the brain of vertebrates, but the molecular basis for such a “deep brain” photoreception system remains unclear. We conducted an extensive search for brain opsin cDNAs of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), a useful animal model for genetic studies, and we have isolated a partial cDNA clone encoding an ortholog of vertebrate ancient (VA) opsin, the function of which is unknown. Subsequent characterization revealed the occurrence of two kinds of mRNAs encoding putative splicing variants, VA and VA-Long(VAL) opsin, the latter of which is a novel variant of the former. Both opsins shared a common core sequence in the membrane-spanning domains, but VAL-opsin had a C-terminal tail much longer than that of VA-opsin. Functional reconstitution experiments on the recombinant proteins showed that VAL-opsin with bound 11-cis-retinal is a green-sensitive pigment (λmax ∼500 nm), whereas VA-opsin exhibited no photosensitivity even in the presence of 11-cis-retinal. Immunoreactivity specific to this functionally active VAL-opsin was localized at a limited number of cells surrounding the diencephalic ventricle of central thalamus, and these cells were distributed over ∼200 μm along the rostrocaudal axis. Taken together with the previous study on the locus of the teleost brain photosensitivity (von Frisch K, 1911), it is strongly suggested that the VAL-positive cells in the zebrafish brain represent the deep brain photoreceptors. The VAL-specific immunoreactivity was also detected in a subset of non-GABAergic horizontal cells in the zebrafish retina. The existence of VAL-opsin, a new member of the rhodopsin superfamily, in these tissues may indicate its multiple roles in visual and nonvisual photosensory physiology.
The Relationship between Intracellular Free Iron and Cell Injury in Cultured Neurons, Astrocytes, and Oligodendrocytes
Authors: Kress Geraldine J. , Dineley Kirk E. , Reynolds Ian J.
Published: April 2018

Iron is an essential element for cells but may also be an important cytotoxin. However, very little is known about iron transport, redox status, or toxicity specifically inside cells. In this study, we exploited the sensitivity of fura-2 to quenching by ferrous iron (Fe2+) to detect intracellular free iron ([Fe2+]i) in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in primary culture. All cell types exposed to Fe2+in the presence of the ionophore pyrithione rapidly accumulated Fe2+to a similar extent. The heavy-metal chelators bipyridyl andN,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridalmethyl)ethyl-enediamine rapidly reversed the increase in [Fe2+]i, whereas desferrioxamine had little effect. Interestingly, the Fe2+-mediated quenching of fura-2 fluorescence was reversed in a concentration-dependent manner by hydrogen peroxide. This was likely caused by the oxidation of Fe2+to Fe3+inside the cell. Acute exposure of cells to Fe2+was only toxic when the metal was applied together with pyrithione, showing that Fe2+is only toxic when elevated inside cells. Interestingly, only neurons and oligodendrocytes were injured by this elevation in [Fe2+]i, whereas astrocytes were unaffected, although [Fe2+]iwas elevated to the same degree in each cell type. These studies provide a novel approach for detecting [Fe2+]iin a manner sensitive to the redox state of the metal. These studies also provide a model system for the study of the toxic consequences of elevated [Fe2+]iin neural cells.
Myelination Is Altered in Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Null Mutant Mice
Authors: Ye Ping , Li Liqin , Richards R. Gregg , DiAugustine Richard P. , D'Ercole A. Joseph
Published: April 2018

Increasing evidence indicates that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has an important role in oligodendrocyte development. In this study, we examined myelination during postnatal development in IGF-I knock-out (KO) mice by assessing myelin staining, the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP), two major myelin-specific proteins, and the number of oligodendrocytes and their precursors. For comparison, we also measured the expression of median subunit of the neuron-specific intermediate filament, M-neurofilament (M-NF), to obtain an index of the effects of IGF-I deficiency on neurons. We found that myelin staining, MBP and PLP expression, and the percentage of oligodendrocytes and their precursors are significantly reduced in all brain regions of developing IGF-I KO mice but are similar to controls in adult IGF-I KO mice. In contrast, the abundance of M-NF was decreased in both the developing and adult brain of IGF-I KO mice. We also found that IGF-II protein abundance is increased in the brains of IGF-I KO mice. Our data indicate, therefore, that myelination during early development is altered in the absence of IGF-I by mechanisms that involve a reduction in oligodendrocyte proliferation and development. Although neuronal actions cannot be excluded in the myelin normalization, the reduced axonal growth suggested by the reduced M-NF expression makes a role for neuronal factors less compelling. These data suggest that IGF-I plays a significant role in myelination during normal early development and that IGF-II can compensate in part for IGF-I actions on myelination.
Neural Correlates of Structure-from-Motion Perception in Macaque V1 and MT
Authors: Grunewald Alexander , Bradley David C. , Andersen Richard A.
Published: April 2018

Structure-from-motion (SFM) is the perception of three-dimensional shape from motion cues. We used a bistable SFM stimulus, which can be perceived in one of two different ways, to study how neural activity in cortical areas V1 and MT is related to SFM perception. Monkeys performed a depth-order task, where they indicated in which direction the front surface of a rotating SFM cylinder display was moving. To prevent contamination of the neural data because of eye position effects, all experiments with significant effects of radius, vergence, and velocity were excluded. As expected, the activity of ∼50% of neurons in V1 and ∼80% of neurons in MT is affected by the stimulus. Furthermore, the activity of 20% of neurons in area V1 is modulated with the percept. This proportion is higher in MT, where the activity of >60% of neurons is modulated with the percept. In both areas, this perceptual modulation occurs only in neurons with activity that is also affected by the stimulus. The perceptual modulation is not correlated with neural tuning properties in area V1, but it is in area MT. Together, these results suggest that V1 is not directly involved in the generation of the SFM percept, whereas MT is. The perceptual modulation in V1 may be attributable to top-down feedback from MT.
Dynamic Interactions between Local Surface Cues, Distal Landmarks, and Intrinsic Circuitry in Hippocampal Place Cells
Authors: Knierim James J.
Published: April 2018

A number of computational models of hippocampal place cells incorporate attractor neural network architecture to simulate key findings in the place cell literature, including the properties of pattern completion, firing in the absence of visual input, and nonlinear responses to environmental manipulations. To test for evidence of attractor dynamics, ensembles of place cells were recorded using multiple-tetrode techniques. After many days of experience in an environment with salient local surface cues on a circular track and salient distal landmarks on the wall, the local surface cues were rotated as a set in opposition to the distal landmarks. The amount of mismatch between the local and distal sets of cues varied from 45 to 180°. If place cells were parts of strong attractors, then their place fields should follow either the local cues or the distal cues as an integrated ensemble. Instead, in single recording sessions, some place cells were controlled by the distal landmarks, other cells were controlled by the local cues, and other cells became silent or gained new fields. In some cases, individual place fields split in half, following both the local and distal cues. If place cells are indeed parts of attractor networks in the hippocampus, then the attractors may be weak relative to the inputs from external sources, such as representations of the sensory environment and representations of heading direction, in a familiar, well explored environment.
An Intact Intermediate Filament Network Is Required for Collateral Sprouting of Small Diameter Nerve Fibers
Authors: Belecky-Adams Teri , Holmes Michael , Shan Yuqing , Tedesco C. Susan , Mascari Carla , Kaul Ajay , Wight David C. , Morris Randal E. , Sussman Mark , Diamond Jack , Parysek Linda M.
Published: April 2018

Expression of the intermediate filament (IF) protein peripherin is initiated during development at the time of axonal extension and increases during regeneration of nerve fibers. To test whether the IF network is essential for neuron process outgrowth in the mature organismin vivo, we disrupted endogenous peripherin IF in small-sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in transgenic mice via expression of a mutantperipherintransgene under control ofperipheringene regulatory sequences. Anatomical and functional analyses showed that these neurons send peripheral and central axonal projections to correct targets, express correct neuropeptides, and mediate acute pain responses normally. However, disruption of IF significantly impaired the ability of uninjured small-sized DRG neurons to sprout collateral axons into adjacent denervated skin, indicating a critical role for intact IF in plasticity, specifically in compensatory nociceptive nerve sprouting.
Correlation between Olfactory Receptor Cell Type and Function in the Channel Catfish
Authors: Hansen Anne , Rolen Shane H. , Anderson Karl , Morita Yasuhiro , Caprio John , Finger Thomas E.
Published: April 2018

The olfactory epithelium of fish contains three intermingled types of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs): ciliated, microvillous, and crypt. The present experiments were undertaken to test whether the different types of ORNs respond to different classes of odorants via different families of receptor molecules and G-proteins corresponding to the morphology of the ORN. In catfish, ciliated ORNs express OR-type receptors and Gαolf. Microvillous ORNs are heterogeneous, with many expressing Gαq/11, whereas crypt ORNs express Gαo. Retrograde tracing experiments show that ciliated ORNs project predominantly to regions of the olfactory bulb (OB) that respond to bile salts (medial) and amino acids (ventral) (Nikonov and Caprio, 2001). In contrast, microvillous ORNs project almost entirely to the dorsal surface of the OB, where responses to nucleotides (posterior OB) and amino acids (anterior OB) predominate. These anatomical findings are consistent with our pharmacological results showing that forskolin (which interferes with Gαolf/cAMP signaling) blocks responses to bile salts and markedly reduces responses to amino acids. Conversely, U-73122 and U-73343 (which interfere with Gαq/11/phospholipase C signaling) diminish amino acid responses but leave bile salt and nucleotide responses essentially unchanged. In summary, our results indicate that bile salt odorants are detected predominantly by ciliated ORNs relying on the Gαolf/cAMP transduction cascade. Nucleotides are detected by microvillous ORNs using neither Gαolf/cAMP nor Gαq/11/PLC cascades. Finally, amino acid odorants activate both ciliated and microvillous ORNs but via different transduction pathways in the two types of cells.
The Bed Nucleus Is a Neuroanatomical Substrate for the Anorectic Effect of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and for Its Reversal by Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ
Authors: Ciccocioppo Roberto , Fedeli Amalia , Economidou Daina , Policani Federica , Weiss Friedbert , Massi Maurizio
Published: April 2018

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the endogenous ligand of the opioid N/OFQ receptor (NOP), possesses marked functional anti-stress and anti-corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) actions. We have shown that intracerebroventricular injection of N/OFQ reverses the hypophagic effect induced by stress or by CRF given intracerebroventricularly. To shed new light on the mechanisms involved in the anti-CRF action of N/OFQ, we investigated the ability of N/OFQ to prevent CRF-induced anorexia after microinjection studies into brain areas of potential interest in the control of feeding behavior and coexpressing NOP and CRF receptors. These areas include the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the central amygdala (CeA), the locus ceruleus (LC), the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and the dorsal raphe (DR). The results demonstrated that the anorectic effect of 0.04 nmol of CRF per rat (200 ng per rat) given intracerebroventricularly is reversed by pretreatment with 0.01-0.21 nmol of N/OFQ per rat (25-500 ng per rat) injected into the BNST but not into the CeA, LC, VMH, PVN, or DR. Microinjection of 0.01-0.02 nmol of CRF per site (50-100 ng per site) into the BNST but not into the CeA or the LC induced marked anorexia in food-deprived rats. Pretreatment with 0.01-0.21 nmol of N/OFQ per site (25-500 ng per site) into the BNST also blocked the anorectic action of 0.02 nmol of CRF per site (100 ng per site) given in the same area. Finally, intra-BNST microinjection of 0.01-0.21 nmol of N/OFQ per site (25-500 ng per site) did not modify food intake in either food-sated or food-deprived rats. These data demonstrate that the BNST is involved in the modulation of CRF-induced anorexia, which is prevented by activation of N/OFQ receptors.
A dohányzás hatása a szívinfarktus utáni túlélésre – dohányzási paradoxon Magyarországon?
Authors: El-Meouch Nedim Márton , Ferenci Tamás , Jánosi András
Published: April 2018

Abstract:

Introduction: The strong, positive relationship between smoking and myocardial infarction was proven in the 1960s and 1970s. The prognostic significance of smoking in the acute phase of the infarction, and later in patients who survive the acute phase is, however, not clear. Numerous international studies focus on the phenomenon called the „smoker’s paradox”, which means that smokers have a lower mortality rate after suffering myocardial infarction than non-smokers. Although in many cases smoking does not have a positive effect on survival after controlling for confounders, an international consensus has not been reached regarding this issue. Aim: The aim of this paper was to investigate whether the paradox effect exists in the case of Hungarian patients after controlling for the patients’ risk profiles. Method: The database used for the research was based on the 2014–2016 data of the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry (n = 20 811) supervised by the Gottsegen György National Institute of Cardiology. The present analysis uses multivariate methodology to adjust for confounding: logistic regression is used for the short-term survival and survival analysis – with Cox proportional hazards model and Accelerated Failure Time models – is used for the long-term survival. Age, sex, performing of PCI, type of infarction (ST-elevation or not), creatinine abnormality, need for prehospital reanimation, cardiogenic shock and the presence of several comorbidities and medical history data were controlled for in the multivariate analysis. Results: Both the short term – 30 day – mortality (OR = 1.517, 99% confidence interval: 1.229–1.872) and the long term mortality (HR = 1.395, 99% confidence interval: 1.232–1.579) were worse for smokers than non-smokers after adjusting for the abovementioned factors. Conclusion: The “smoker’s paradox” cannot be observed in the case of Hungarian patients, moreover smoking in itself is associated with worse prognosis. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(14): 557–565.
INDEKS SOSIAL EKONOMI RUMAH TANGGA NELAYAN INDONESIA
Authors: Ramadhan Andrian , Yuliati Christina , Koeshendrajana Sonny
Published: April 2018

Indeks Sosial Ekonomi merupakan indeks komposit yang menunjukkan kondisi sosial ekonomi  rumah tangga berdasarkan tiga aset modal yaitu modal finansial, modal sumberdaya manusia dan modal sosial. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui perbedaan kondisi sosial ekonomi nelayan berdasar kelas armada. Metode yang digunakan merupakan modifikasi dari kerangka sustainable livelihood dengan analisis dilakukan secara deskriptif. Berdasarkan hasil analisis diketahui bahwa nilai indeks yang terbesar terletak pada kelas armada 11-30 GT. Data ini menunjukkan bahwa nelayan pada kelas tersebut memiliki kondisi sosial ekonomi yang lebih baik. Namun demikian, semakin besar ukuran armada tidak selalu menunjukkan hubungan yang positif karena nilai indeks yang terkecil justru terjadi pada kelas armada 5-10 GT. Oleh karena itu pengembangan usaha nelayan berdasarkan kelas armada akan lebih baik bila dikembangkan pada dua kelas yaitu kurang dari 5 GT atau 11-30 GT.Ttile: Socio Economics Index of Fisher Household in IndonesiaThe socio-economic index is a composite index showing the socio-economic conditions of households based on three capital assets namely financial capital, human capital and social capital. The purpose of this research is to understand the difference of socio-economic condition of fisher based on fleet class. The method used is a modification of the sustainable livelihood framework with the analysis conducted descriptively. Based on the analysis results, it is known that the largest index value lies in the class of 11-30 GT fleet. These data indicate that fisher in those classes have better socioeconomic conditions. However, the larger the size of the fleet does not always show a positive relationship because the smallest index value actually occurs in the 5-10 GT fleet class. Therefore, the development of fishing business based on fleet class will be better if developed in two classes that is less than 5 GT or 11-30 GT.
An app to encourage social interaction by children with autism spectrum disorder: A proof of concept study
Authors: Wilkinson Amanda , Edwards Ashton , Gray Mary , Ranabahu Tharindu , Steenkamp Megan , Mulligan Hilda , Gupta Swati , King Marcus
Published: April 2018

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can demonstrate impaired social and communication skills. This project explored whether the app ‘Talk With Me’ assisted children with ASD to communicate with others. Eight participant families, with children aged between 3–11 years, were interviewed before and after using the app in their homes or social situations. Children engaged with the app early on, but engagement decreased over the study period, primarily due to the limited number of conversations available to them, which were, for some children, either too hard or too easy or not interesting enough. Most families perceived their child to have gained increased confidence and participation at school, and improved turn-taking during conversations. ‘Talk With Me’ appears to have potential for assisting children with ASD to develop communication and conversational skills. Further development to enable customisation of the app by families would increase its relevance to individual children’s needs and interests.
IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OF PASSENGER ROLLING STOCK: PATENT REVIEW
Authors: S. R. Kolesnykov
Published: April 2018

Purpose. Inventors and researchers of the world are focused on improvements of basic life support systems including provision of quality microclimate parameters in a car of the rolling stock. The research is aimed at reviewing and analyzing patents in the field of climate comfort, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (CCHVAC) of railway passenger cars (the chronological framework: 2011-2017 from the date of publication). Мethodology. During the study there were reviewed patents (foreign and domestic ones) in the field of CCHVAC in passenger vehicles, in particular railway cars, their optimization and ways of managing them. Patent search was carried out according to certain search criteria: keywords, time frames and in various patent systems of the world. An interdisciplinary approach was used. Findings. Based on the search results, 157 patents were found, 21 documents of which were selected for analysis. Patents are systematized into three groups: "New technical and technological solutions in systems and functioning facilities of HVAC ", "New and improved solutions for HVAC system management in a vehicle", "Air ozonation in passenger cars". It is established that all patents have one of the aspects that have solutions to the issues of more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and safe application of CCHVAC systems in railway transport. Originality. It was proved a high level of link penetration in various technical fields, which include patents with CCHVAC. It is established that it is characteristic for them to designate the majority of patent solutions for use not in the purely railway industry, but in transport in general. Practical value. Confirmation of the high level of link penetration in various technical fields will make it possible to reflect technical problems with CCHVAC and technologies for their solution throughout the world. This will contribute to a more intensive technological upgrade in the improvement of life support systems for passenger rolling stock.
CORRIDOR-TYPE BAFFLED MIXING BASIN WITH CROSS POROUS BARRIERS
Authors: Epoyan S. M. , Yarkin V. A. , Sukhorukov G. I. , Babenko S. P.
Published: April 2018

Purpose. The paper hightlights the increase in operational efficiency of corridor-type baffled mixing basin by installing of cross porous barriers made of gravel (or other materials) and epoxy resin, grade ED-20 (ED-16) with the hardener polyethylenepolyamine (PEPA), approved by Ukrainian Ministry of Health in systems of utility and drinking water supply. Methodology. The first stage of the experiments was performed on the model of the proposed mixer in scale 1:4 in order to determine the local resistance of the porous barrier, which is made of gravel with a size of 10-15 mm (average diameter 12.5 mm) and thickness of 50 mm. The local resistance of the barrier was measured using piezometers installed before and after the porous barrier. The velocity of water motion in the corridor of the mixer was determined depending on the water consumption, incoming on the mixer accordingly to the water meter and by the volumetric method. Findings. In accordance with researches when the water flows at a velocity of 0.1 m/s in the corridor of the mixer, the head losses in the porous barrier is 17 cm (0.17 m), and at a velocity of 0.2 m/s–0.68 m. The resistance coefficient (ξ), which is equal to 333.2 for the investigated barrier, was determined experimentally. It allows determining the head losses in the porous barrier at other velocities of water motion. When the velocity of water motion in the corridors of the mixer is from 0.7 up to 0.5 m/s, head losses increase almost fourfold. The conducted researches allowed to develop a calculation methodology for corridor-type baffled mixing basin with porous polymer-concrete barriers. Originality. Authors developed and investigated the corridor-type baffled mixing basin with porous polymer-concrete barriers. These barriers allow increasing and regulating the intensity and time of reagents mixing with the initial water exactly in the barriers, improving the distribution of the flow through the section of the mixer corridors. Practical value. The location of removable porous barriers in the corridors of the baffled mixing basin makes it possible to increase the efficiency of its operation and improve the quality of the treated water.
Polymerization of β-pinene by using natural montmorillonite clay as a green catalyst
Authors: Akeb Malika , Harrane Amine , Belbachir Mohammed
Published: April 2018

β-Pinene issued from pine trees is an essential compound for the fine chemical industry. It is the precursor of non-toxic and inert poly(β-pinene) used as additive for rubbers, food packaging and casting industries and in the production of chewing gums. In this paper, the authors report an efficient and environmentally friendly method to produce poly(β-pinene). The authors have used a montmorillonite clay (Maghnite) as a heterogeneous non-toxic catalyst to initiate β-pinene polymerization. Spectroscopic methods such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and viscosimetric measurements were used to confirm the structure of the obtained poly(β-pinene). In order to find the optimal reaction conditions, the effects of temperature, reaction time, amount of catalyst and solvent on the yield of the reaction and on the average molecular weight (M v) of the resulting poly(β-pinene) were studied. The thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry) of the resulting poly(β-pinene) were also studied.
A review on the execution method for building information modelling projects in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Stella S Y
Published: April 2018

Building information modelling (BIM) has over a decade of development history in Hong Kong’s architect, engineering and construction industry. Its benefits have been well proven and widely recognised in a lot of previous studies. This paper looks into the amount of BIM value realisation and level of BIM participation by project members from the angle of implementation approach and procurement strategy. The past experience from different pioneers is collected and reviewed through in-depth interviews and open literature. It is found that most projects in the local market are at level 1 BIM maturity using a ‘one-sided management process’. Although some sort of project collaboration can be realised, it is still far from the full potential that BIM could offer. It is suggested that more consideration should be put on resource utilisation during the planning of BIM execution to enable better productivity through the use of technology.
The Validation Process in the IELTS Reading Component: Reading Requirements for Preparing International Students
Authors: Kovalenko Marina
Published: April 2018

Although IELTS is coordinated under a framework for test development and validation, there is some controversy about exam results’ correlation with students’ post-admission intellectual, academic and professional performance. The theoretical part of the research aims to investigate the extent to which the IELTS reading component relates meaningfully to interpretations of validity. The empirical part addresses questions about perceptions of the impact of the IELTS reading preparation on adjustment to the challenges of academia and further academic performance and variances in these perceptions depending on the area of study and the level of language mastery. While having quite different views on assessing IELTS validity, the researchers agree that academic success is enhanced through and based on extensive substantive reading. The methodology relied on both qualitative and quantitative data derived from an anonymous online questionnaire: 133 international students with Russian citizenship, Global Education Programme (GEP) finalists, participated in the survey in summer 2017. Five different result interpretations were taken into account: overall results, those for sciences and humanities, higher and lower achievers’ results. The discussion is built around test-takers’ opinions on the IELTS exam, the reading component and scores. The issues discussed include, but are not limited to: reading strategies, information sources required at university, tasks effectiveness, exam preparation usefulness to academic adjustment and its influence on academic achievement, its resourcefulness for the formation of linguistic capabilities, and respondents’ perception of extra factors for exam success. Potentially increasing jeopardy of negative washback is shown as an emerging problem. Although test-taking ability is not depicted as a crucially important factor affecting exam success, it is increasingly significant and its harmful effects may be expressed in illusionary higher levels of validity due to visually improved results. Quality preparation for the reading test can train a number of essential skills required in academia; however, preparation itself does not appear to be a significant factor for smoother adjustment to academic challenges, as it is highly dependent on preliminary linguistic background. There is a necessity to communicate broader information to learners through the IELTS handbook, website and other communication channels. EAP tutors should encourage their students to make efforts to cover the subject without framing it within boundaries of measurement, but with a clear understanding of future academic and professional challenges.
Simultaneous Estimation of Bias and Resolution in PET Images with a Long-Lived “Pocket” Phantom System
Authors: Kinahan Paul E. , Byrd Darrin W. , Helba Brian , Wangerin Kristen A. , Liu Xiaoxiao , Levy Joshua R. , Allberg Keith C. , Krishnan Karthik , Avila Ricardo S.
Published: April 2018

A challenge in multicenter trials that use quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is the often unknown variability in PET image values, typically measured as standardized uptake values, introduced by intersite differences in global and resolution-dependent biases. We present a method for the simultaneous monitoring of scanner calibration and reconstructed image resolution on a per-scan basis using a PET/computed tomography (CT) “pocket” phantom. We use simulation and phantom studies to optimize the design and construction of the PET/CT pocket phantom (120 × 30 × 30 mm). We then evaluate the performance of the PET/CT pocket phantom and accompanying software used alongside an anthropomorphic phantom when known variations in global bias (±20%, ±40%) and resolution (3-, 6-, and 12-mm postreconstruction filters) are introduced. The resulting prototype PET/CT pocket phantom design uses 3 long-lived sources (15-mm diameter) containing germanium-68 and a CT contrast agent in an epoxy matrix. Activity concentrations varied from 30 to 190 kBq/mL. The pocket phantom software can accurately estimate global bias and can detect changes in resolution in measured phantom images. The pocket phantom is small enough to be scanned with patients and can potentially be used on a per-scan basis for quality assurance for clinical trials and quantitative PET imaging in general. Further studies are being performed to evaluate its performance under variations in clinical conditions that occur in practice.
Reflections on Rasāyana, Bcud Len and Related Practices in Nyingma (Rnying Ma) Tantric Ritual
Authors: Cantwell Cathy
Published: April 2018

The Tibetan term, bcud len, "imbibing the essence juice", is considered an equivalent for the Sanskrit term, rasāyana. But in Tibetan Buddhist ritual manuals, both terms occur, apparently with slightly different connotations. Practices classified as bcud len are frequently relatively short, and seem primarily designed for the use of individual yogis, usually as a subsidiary practice to complement their main tantric meditation. The production of bcud len pills which are said to sustain, rejuvenate and extend the life of the body, or even to bring immortality, is often an integral part of the practice. The term, rasāyana, is used in Tibetan transliteration (ra sā ya na), not as a title or classification for a specific ritual practice or recipe for pills, but rather to refer to the processes of alchemical transformation of substances within complex ritual "medicinal accomplishment" (sman sgrub) performances which are generally communal. In this case too, pills are produced, of the broader "sacred elixir dharma medicine" (dam rdzas bdud rtsi chos sman) type. This paper will consider a range of the practices, and of substances used in the sacred medicinal compounds.
Tibetan Bonpo Mendrup: The Precious Formula’s Transmission
Authors: Sehnalova Anna
Published: April 2018

The article presents the traceable history of the Tibetan Bonpo mendrup ritual practice in textual sources, as it has been recorded by the Bonpos themselves. These records are put into context with the current performance of the practice by the Bonpo exile community.

The study aims to embrace all the relevant Bonpo historical material accessible, and thus deals with documents of a wide time spam, from the eleventh or twelfth century onwards until the early twentieth century. The Bonpo mendrup is a healing, longevity, rejuvenation and enlightenment-seeking contemplative meditational practice of the Tibetan tantric tradition with a strong emphasis on its medicinal component. It embodies various spheres of knowledge and their principles, as the Indian tantrism, a strong Buddhist cosmological organisational and soteriological framework, the Tibetan medical tradition, with embedded elements of alchemy and Tibetan indigenous religious notions. As the studied sources reveal, its origin can be traced to the intellectually vibrant times in Tibet of around the twelfth century, where all these fields of expertise came together. Thus the case provides an example of such a complex composed of tantra, medicine and alchemic influences specific for Tibet.

Since then, the Bonpo mendrup can be followed by varied records in a number of Bonpo literary sources of different genres. These are compared with the present form of the ritual. The sources support the ritual’s anticipated transmission and practice throughout the history. They show that different ideas apply to its origin, and particularly its revelation as a treasure text, and that the ritual existed in varied forms, and was shared and imparted among different lineages of Bon. The most important finding is that the practice is actually traceable throughout the history, and likely have never ceased to be active over the centuries from the very early times until today.
Estimation of sediment delivery ratio at sub-watershed level using revised and modified USLE
Authors: Lakkad A. P. , Patel G. R. , Sondarva K. N. , Shrivastava P. K.
Published: April 2018

The success of planning for watershed developmental activities depends on the quality and quantity of information available of natural resources. The process of assessing soil erosion using conventional methods is cumbersome, time-consuming and costly therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to estimate sediment delivery ratio at sub-watershed level using RUSLE and SWAT Model. The raster layers of K, L, S, C, P factors and computed R factor value was used to derive gross soil erosion map of study area using raster calculator of spatial analyst tools in ArcGIS interface. The MUSLE was used to route and estimate the sediment yield at watershed outlet using SWAT model. Highest area covered by agricultural land (i. e. 41.54) of study area having 33.28 tons/ha/yr gross soil erosion needs immediate treatment of soil conservation in order to reduce water erosion. The average gross soil erosion rate for study area was estimated as 39.25 tons/ha/yr whereas, the sediment yield by SWAT was estimated to be 22.78 tons/ha./year. The estimated sediment delivery ratio indicates that 58 per cent of eroded soils go out of the watershed which reduces the soil depth and fertility of land on site and reaches Karjan reservoir thus reducing the water storage capacity of reservoir each year.
Effect of concentrate feed supplementation during different physiological stages in Madras Red Sheep
Authors: Suresh Kumar P. , Pasupathy Karu , Kumar K. Suresh , Veeramani P. , Vasanthakumar P. , Gopi H.
Published: April 2018

This study was undertaken to assess the performance of Madras Red sheep fed concentrate feed at different physiological stages such as prior to breeding (14 days), late gestation (last 42 days) and early lactation (first 60 days) and compounded feed for growing lambs up to 120 days of age. The study was conducted at Postgraduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences, Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu. In this, sixty ewes were selected in the age group of 3 to 5 years and divided into three groups with twenty in each group. The first group was allowed for grazing for seven hours daily from 9.00 A.M to 4.00 P.M and served as control group (G1).The second and third group (G2 and G3) of animals were supplemented with concentrate feed @ 10% and 20% of their daily dry matter requirement, respectively. The result indicates that the supplementation of concentrate feed to sheep significantly (p less than 0.05) improved the production and reproduction performance of sheep in terms of body weight gain during late pregnancy and early lactation, conception rate, lambing percentage, birth weight and ADG of lambs in group (G3) when compared to concentrate feed supplementation @ 10 % of dry matter requirement (G2) or non-supplemented groups (G1). It is concluded that the net profit available per ewe was more in G3 followed by G 2 and G1 groups.
Hepatoprotective effect of seabuckthorn leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats
Authors: Khajuria P. , Raghuwanshi P. , Rastogi A. , Koul A. L. , Zargar R. , Kour S.
Published: April 2018

Study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Seabuckthorn leaf extract (SLE) supplementation on serum enzymatic levels in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely CON (negative control), SCO (Seabuckthorn control), DCO (Diabetic control), and DSL (Diabetic seabuckthorn treatment group). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intra peritoneal injection of STZ @ 50 mg/kg body weight in DCO and DSL group of rats. SLE was administered orally @ 100mg/kg body weight for 40 days to SCO and DSL groups. CON served as the negative control. Blood samples were collected from experimental animals on zero, 20th, and 40th days of trial to study liver specific serum enzyme profile viz aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP). Significantly (P less than 0.01) higher levels of all the enzymes studied were observed in experimentally induced diabetic rats in comparison to normal rats. However, in SLE treated diabetic rats (DSL group), significant (P less than 0.01) improvement was observed in all the above enzymes. It may be concluded that SLE exerts hepatoprotective effect in STZ induce Diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats.
Gross anatomical and biometrical parameters of hippocampus in Surti buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Gori Harishbhai P. , Dubal Subhash C. , Malik Shabir Ahmad , Rathwa Sawan D.
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted on hippocampus of six adult Surti buffalo. Hippocampus was a small organ located within the medial temporal lobe of the brain. The hippocampus made a curve from the deep face of the piriform lobe around the thalamus and formed the caudal part of the floor of the lateral ventricle. It was separated deeply by the hippocampal fissure from the dentate gyrus. The two hippocampi were connected at their highest parts by transvers fibers which constituted the hippocampal commissure. The hippocampus was as long “C” or small “Y”shaped structure. The ventro-medial hippocampal surface had a deep groove, the hippocampal sulcus, which divided this surface into a lateral and medial surfaces. The ventricular surface of the hippocampus was covered with a thin layer of white matter, the alveus, which arises from the crus of the fornix, and was therefore continuous with the fimbria. Moreover, the uncus was not observed. Several equations showed significant (P less than 0.5) and positive co-relationship between the weight of hippocampus and the weight of brain. The ratio of weight of the hippocampus and weight of the brain was about 1: 37.
Impact of different ratios and levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of rainfed soybean
Authors: Mangaraj Satyabrata , Malligawad L. H. , Paikaray R.K. , Pradhan S. R. , Sahoo T. R.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was carried out during kharif 2015 with thirteen ratios of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P2O5) fertilizers with constant potassium level (25 kg K2O ha-1) on soybean cultivar DSb 21. The treatment receiving N/P fertilizer ratio of 0.70 (basal application of 18 kg N, 46 kg P2O5, 25 kg K2O ha-1 + foliar application of nitrogen @ 7 kg N ha-1 at initiation of flowering and foliar application of nitrogen @ 7 kg N ha-1 at 15 days after first foliar spray) recorded significantly higher seed yield (3217 kg ha-1), haulm yield (3788 kg ha-1), number of filled pods plant-1 (44.73), total number of pods plant-1 (47.57) and 100 seed weight (15.40 g) This treatment also recorded significantly higher total dry matter production (34.15 g) that higher gross monetary returns, net monetary returns and B : C ratio (Rs. 1,12,595, Rs. 89,770 ha-1 and 4.93, respectively).
Transition Practices of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Serving Students and Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Neubert Debra A. , Luecking Richard G. , Fabian Ellen S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose:The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 mandates vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors play a greater role in providing transition-related services for students and youth with disabilities, such as pre-employment activities and increased collaborative efforts with state and local education agencies and American Jobs Centers to improve employment outcomes.

Method:We surveyed 538 VR counselors in 13 high performing State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies to rate the importance of transition-related skills and their preparation to undertake these activities.

Results:Overall, VR counselors rated the importance of all transition-related items highly, but rated their preparation to perform these practices significantly lower. Job exploration counseling was cited as the most important skill. In terms of preparation, working with employers was rated the lowest. In terms of barriers to serving youth, time and case management were cited most frequently. Implications for caseload specialization and preparation of VR counselors are discussed.

Conclusion:The results of the study have implications for preparing VR counselors to comply with the WIOA mandates regarding transition services for students and youth with disabilities.
Pelacakan Ekspresi Antigen Toxoplasma gondii secara Imuno(sito)histokimia (TRACKING EXPRESSION OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIGENS USING IMMUNO(CYTO)HISTOCHEMISTRY METHOD)
Authors: Apsari Ida Ayu Pasti , Winaya Ida Bagus Oka , Nindhia Tjokorda Sari , Swacita Ida Bagus Ngurah
Published: April 2018

The research objective want to track the expression of Toxoplasma gondii antigenes in the heart of the free-range chicken with immuno(cyto)histochemistry technique. In the present study were examined three methods to track antigen T.gondii, first method direct microscopic examination of the heart digests, the second method to detect antigen of T.gondii with immunocytochemistry technique of the chicken heart digests and the third immunohistochemistry examination of the heart free-range chicken. The number of material samples examined were 100 heart free-range chicken. Direct microscopic examination of the heart digests free-range chicken to track the bradyzoite form (inside cyst). Examination by immuno(cyto)histochemistry technique keep track T.gondii an antigen expression on cells and heart muscle tissue. The results showed that the direct microscopic examination on the heart tissue unable to detect cyst and antigen T.gondii. Immunohistochemical examination successfully detected the expression of antigenes T.gondii and was found 2% (2/100) positive. It can be concluded that T.gondii antigen expression in the heart of range chicken could be detected by immunohistochemistry.