bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosaic Organization of Body Pattern Control in the Optic Lobe of Squids
Authors: Liu Tsung-Han , Chiao Chuan-Chin
Published: December 2016

Cephalopods in nature undergo highly dynamic skin coloration changes that allow rapid camouflage and intraspecies communication. The optic lobe is thought to play a key role in controlling the expansion of the chromatophores that generate these diverse body patterns. However, the functional organization of the optic lobe and neural control of the various body patterns by the optic lobe are largely unknown. We applied electrical stimulation within the optic lobe to investigate the neural basis of body patterning in the oval squid,Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Most areas in the optic lobe mediated predominately ipsilateral expansion of chromatophores present on the mantle, but not on the head and arms; furthermore, the expanded areas after electrical stimulation were positively correlated with an increase in stimulating voltage and stimulation depth. These results suggest a unilaterally dominant and vertically converged organization of the optic lobe. Furthermore, analyzing 14 of the elicited body pattern components and their corresponding stimulation sites revealed that the same components can be elicited by stimulating different parts of the optic lobe and that various subsets of these components can be coactivated by stimulating the same area. These findings suggest that many body pattern components may have multiple motor units in the optic lobe and that these are organized in a mosaic manner. The multiplicity associated with the nature of the neural controls of these components in the cephalopod brain thus reflects the versatility of the individual components during the generation of diverse body patterns.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeural control of the dynamic body patterning of cephalopods for camouflage and intraspecies communication is a fascinating research topic. Previous studies have shown that the optic lobe is the motor command center for dynamic body patterning. However, little is known about its neural organization and the mechanisms underlying its control of body pattern generation. By electrically stimulating the optic lobe of the oval squids and observing their body pattern changes, surprisingly, we found that there is no somatotopic organization of motor units. Instead, many of these components have multiple motor units within the optic lobe and are organized in a mosaic manner. The present work reveals a novel neural control of dynamic body patterning for communication in cephalopods.
Absence of 11-keto reduction of cortisone and 11-ketotestosterone in the model organism zebrafish
Authors: Tsachaki Maria , Meyer Arne , Weger Benjamin , Kratschmar Denise V , Tokarz Janina , Adamski Jerzy , Belting Heinz-Georg , Affolter Markus , Dickmeis Thomas , Odermatt Alex
Published: December 2016

Zebrafish are widely used as model organism. Their suitability for endocrine studies, drug screening and toxicity assessements depends on the extent of conservation of specific genes and biochemical pathways between zebrafish and human. Glucocorticoids consist of inactive 11-keto (cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone) and active 11β-hydroxyl forms (cortisol and corticosterone). In mammals, two 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2) interconvert active and inactive glucocorticoids, allowing tissue-specific regulation of glucocorticoid action. Furthermore, 11β-HSDs are involved in the metabolism of 11-oxy androgens. As zebrafish and other teleost fish lack a direct homologue of 11β-HSD1, we investigated whether they can reduce 11-ketosteroids. We compared glucocorticoid and androgen metabolism between human and zebrafish using recombinant enzymes, microsomal preparations and zebrafish larvae. Our results provide strong evidence for the absence of 11-ketosteroid reduction in zebrafish. Neither human 11β-HSD3 nor the two zebrafish 11β-HSD3 homologues, previously hypothesized to reduce 11-ketosteroids, converted cortisone and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) to their 11β-hydroxyl forms. Furthermore, zebrafish microsomes were unable to reduce 11-ketosteroids, and exposure of larvae to cortisone or the synthetic analogue prednisone did not affect glucocorticoid-dependent gene expression. Additionally, a dual-role of 11β-HSD2 by inactivating glucocorticoids and generating the main fish androgen 11KT was supported. Thus, due to the lack of 11-ketosteroid reduction, zebrafish and other teleost fish exhibit a limited tissue-specific regulation of glucocorticoid action, and their androgen production pathway is characterized by sustained 11KT production. These findings are of particular significance when using zebrafish as a model to study endocrine functions, stress responses and effects of pharmaceuticals.
Sustitutos de maíz utilizados en la alimentación animal en Costa Rica
Authors: Campos-Granados Carlos Mario , Arce-Vega Javier
Published: December 2016

El amplio uso del maíz en la formulación de dietas para animales es razonable, considerando que, proporciona la más alta tasa de conversión a carne, leche y huevos comparado con otros granos que se usan con el mismo propósito. La composición y el aporte de nutrientes del grano de maíz destinado a la alimentación animal lo hace una materia prima de alto valor energético (el mayor entre los cereales), gracias a su alto contenido en almidón y grasa. El maíz representa una buena fuente de ácido linoleico (1,8% del total de extracto etéreo), ácido graso esencial en el metabolismo animal, especialmente en el aviar.  Posee bajos niveles de fibra, la cual se encuentra concentrada en el salvado e incluye principalmente celulosa y pentosanas; su grado de lignificación es bajo y como consecuencia la digestibilidad de la fibra es superior a la de otros cereales, especialmente en monogástricos. Debido a su alto valor nutritivo, su utilización en la formulación de dietas para animales es muy extendida y popular alrededor del mundo. Sin embargo, el aumento en el precio de los granos y la menor disponibilidad para consumo animal (competencia para consumo humano o para producción de biocombustibles) en los últimos 10-15 años, ha producido que se intensifique la búsqueda de alternativas alimenticias para la disminución en el uso del maíz, entre ellas: subproductos del trigo, pulpa de cítricos, semolina de arroz, harina de coquito de palma africana, cascarilla de soya, melaza de caña de azúcar, subproductos agroindustriales y hasta la caña de azúcar como tal. Los aportes nutricionales del posible sustituto del maíz utilizado en la alimentación de animales en producción, dependerá principalmente de la especie, fisiología y etapa productiva de cada animal. El uso de estos sustitutos debe ser acorde a la región geográfica y poder adquisitivo del productor, pues si no se hace la escogencia adecuada puede encarecer la producción y disminuir la rentabilidad de la explotación.
Enhanced survival but not amplification of Francisella spp. in the presence of free-living amoebae
Authors: Buse Helen Y. , Schaefer III Frank W. , Rice Eugene W.
Published: December 2016

Transmission of Francisella tularensis, the etiologic agent of tularemia, has been associated with various water sources. Survival of many waterborne pathogens within free-living amoeba (FLA) is well documented; however, the role of amoebae in the environmental persistence of F. tularensis is unclear. In this study, axenic FLA cultures of Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, and Vermamoeba vermiformis were each inoculated with virulent strains of F. tularensis (Types A and B), the attenuated live vaccine strain, and Francisella novicida. Experimental parameters included low and high multiplicity of infection and incubation temperatures of 25 and 30 °C for 0–10 days. Francisella spp. survival was enhanced by the presence of FLA; however, bacterial growth and protozoa infectivity were not observed. In contrast, co-infections of A. polyphaga and Legionella pneumophila, used as an amoeba pathogen control, resulted in bacterial proliferation, cytopathic effects, and amoebal lysis. Collectively, even though short-term incubation with FLA was beneficial, the long-term effects on Francisella survival are unknown, especially given the expenditure of available amoebal derived nutrients and the fastidious nature of Francisella spp. These factors have clear implications for the role of FLA in Francisella environmental persistence.
The EU at sixty: A watershed Or business as usual? (comparing Grexit to Brexit)
Authors: Csaba László
Published: December 2016

This essay is an attempt to put two major events in a broader perspective. Comparing the two dominant discourses, we attempt to address the meaning and thus the strategic options of European integration at a time of crisis. A political economy approach is adopted to explain the different dynamics of the two cases and to specify conditions for a more efficient integration in the years to come. Some proposals for policy reform conclude.
The conceptual and empirical relationship between gambling, investing, and speculation
Authors: Arthur Jennifer N. , Williams Robert J. , Delfabbro Paul H.
Published: December 2016

Background and aims

To review the conceptual and empirical relationship between gambling, investing, and speculation.

Methods

An analysis of the attributes differentiating these constructs as well as identification of all articles speaking to their empirical relationship.

Results

Gambling differs from investment on many different attributes and should be seen as conceptually distinct. On the other hand, speculation is conceptually intermediate between gambling and investment, with a few of its attributes being investment-like, some of its attributes being gambling-like, and several of its attributes being neither clearly gambling or investment-like. Empirically, gamblers, investors, and speculators have similar cognitive, motivational, and personality attributes, with this relationship being particularly strong for gambling and speculation. Population levels of gambling activity also tend to be correlated with population level of financial speculation. At an individual level, speculation has a particularly strong empirical relationship to gambling, as speculators appear to be heavily involved in traditional forms of gambling and problematic speculation is strongly correlated with problematic gambling.

Discussion and conclusions

Investment is distinct from gambling, but speculation and gambling have conceptual overlap and a strong empirical relationship. It is recommended that financial speculation be routinely included when assessing gambling involvement, and there needs to be greater recognition and study of financial speculation as both a contributor to problem gambling as well as an additional form of behavioral addiction in its own right.
First documented record of the Belted Kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (Linnaeus, 1758), in mainland Ecuador
Authors: Cisneros-Heredia Diego F.
Published: December 2016

I present the first documented record of the Belted Kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon, in mainland Ecuador. A young male M. alcyon was observed and photographed in the surroundings of Puerto López, province of Manabí, Ecuador in September 2005. A very rare boreal vagrant in mainland Ecuador, M. alcyon was previously known from a single sighting in December 1992 and was a hypothetical species pending corroborating evidence, which is now provided.
Perfection of coordination with the help of jump exercises on trampoline
Authors: Boloban V.N. , Tereshchenko I.A. , Otsupok A.P. , Krupenia S.V. , Kovalenko Y.O. , Otsupok An.P.
Published: December 2016

Purpose: to work out methodic of sportsmen’s coordination perfection with the help of jumps on trampoline. Material: in the research 259 1st and 2nd year students (age 17-19 years) participated. The students were representatives of game and cyclic kinds of sports, sport gymnastic and martial arts. Among them there were 99 sportsmen with sport degrees. Results: we gave the definition of the term - coordination training. The students’ sensor-motor coordination was confidently improved by means of the worked out methodic realization. The methodic included program of jump exercises on trampoline. We achieved positive dynamic of static-kinetic and static-dynamic balance as well as increased the quality of mastering of exercises with complex coordination. Conclusions: the methodic of sportsmen’s coordination training with the help of jump exercises on trampoline was worked out, considering specificity of kinds of sports and sportsmen’s qualification. This methodic improves sensor-motor coordination and is the basis of technical training and technical fitness.
Development dynamic of healthy life style personality component in relatively healthy students
Authors: Kudryavtsev M.D. , Kramida I.E. , Iermakov S.S. , Osipov A.Yu.
Published: December 2016

Purpose: to determine effectiveness of different physical culture trainings for development of students’ healthy life style personality components. Material: 1st - 3rd year students, trained at physical culture lessons, participated in the research. All students related to main health group (students, having no health problems). In total 803 students participated in the research. The testing was conducted in periods from 2001 to 2005 and from 2010 to 2015. Results: positive changes of different personality’s component of healthy life style were observed. Parameters of emotional stability and tolerance were found. Teaching in last years develops personality’s components to less extent. The highest changes were determined in 3rd year students, independent on the program of their training. We did not find differences in degree of trainings’ influence of specialized and typical classes. Conclusions: at trainings it is necessary to pay more attention to development personality’s components of healthy life style, especially emotional stability and tolerance in respect to other people.
Analysis of pre-vault tunnelling interaction with buildings
Authors: Bloodworth Alan G. , Houlsby Guy T.
Published: December 2016

This paper presents data from a case history of tunnelling using the pre-vaulting method, at low cover and without compensation grouting, beneath a terrace of masonry buildings at Ramsgate, Kent. Surface and building settlements were measured and movements on existing cracks monitored throughout construction. Volume loss was low and the settlement trough quite narrow. Buildings responded flexibly with lower damage level than predicted by assessment using a deep beam analogy. Damage was concentrated in opening of existing cracks, with the only significant new cracks likely to have their origin in three-dimensional effects as the tunnel heading approached the buildings. Assessment of tunnelling effects on buildings is important to confirm the viability of new tunnelling projects and reassure building owners of the possible level of damage, while avoiding excessive conservatism. Numerical modelling shows potential for such assessment, and a procedure for modelling the ground, tunnel and building together using non-linear three-dimensional finite-element analysis has been applied to this site. It was found that, although geometry and other features of the site required simplification due to practical limitations in computing resources, model results still reflected the main features of observed response including the ‘greenfield’ trough, flexible structure response and damage severity.
Book review
Authors: Serridge Colin J.
Published: December 2016

Ground Improvement by Deep Vibratory Methods (Second Edition)
Mix model for self-compacting concrete with recycled aggregate
Authors: Sri Rama Chand Madduru , Radhika Kontham L. , Rathish Kumar Pancharathi , Rakesh Siempu
Published: December 2016

Self-compacting concrete has become a common material in the current scenario of construction of large and complicated structures with heavy reinforcement and complex shapes. Using normal concrete in such situations can often result in inadequate compaction affecting the performance and long-term durability of structures. Also, the use of recycled-aggregate concrete is gaining importance throughout the globe owing to the depletion of natural aggregate sources and the disposal problem of demolished waste. Although there are different particle packing theories to optimise the aggregate proportions for binary and ternary combinations, the compressible packing model seems to be best suited for poly-dispersed mixes. In the present work, three grades of recycled-aggregate self-compacting concrete mixes without and with steel fibres were developed using the compressible packing model. To qualify the mixes developed, fresh properties such as slump flow, J-ring, V-funnel and L-box tests were conducted and checked for the satisfaction of European Federation of National Associations Representing for Concrete specifications. Validation was also done for other intermediate concrete grades, namely, M25, M30, M35, M45, M50 and M55. It was noted that the compressible packing model optimisation of aggregates considers important parameters such as wall effect, loosening effect and perturbed volume, which are important in deciding aggregate portions of self-compacting concrete.
Genetic Variants Associated with Circulating Parathyroid Hormone
Authors: Robinson-Cohen Cassianne , Lutsey Pamela L. , Kleber Marcus E. , Nielson Carrie M. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Bis Joshua C. , Eny Karen M. , Portas Laura , Eriksson Joel , Lorentzon Mattias , Koller Daniel L. , Milaneschi Yuri , Teumer Alexander , Pilz Stefan , Nethander Maria , Selvin Elizabeth , Tang Weihong , Weng Lu-Chen , Wong Hoi Suen , Lai Dongbing , Peacock Munro , Hannemann Anke , Völker Uwe , Homuth Georg , Nauk Matthias , Murgia Federico , Pattee Jack W. , Orwoll Eric , Zmuda Joseph M. , Riancho Jose Antonio , Wolf Myles , Williams Frances , Penninx Brenda , Econs Michael J. , Ryan Kathleen A. , Ohlsson Claes , Paterson Andrew D. , Psaty Bruce M. , Siscovick David S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Pirastu Mario , Streeten Elizabeth , März Winfried , Fox Caroline , Coresh Josef , Wallaschofski Henri , Pankow James S. , de Boer Ian H. , Kestenbaum Bryan
Published: December 2016

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a primary calcium regulatory hormone. Elevated serum PTH concentrations in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism have been associated with bone disease, hypertension, and in some studies, cardiovascular mortality. Genetic causes of variation in circulating PTH concentrations are incompletely understood. We performed a genome-wide association study of serum PTH concentrations among 29,155 participants of European ancestry from 13 cohort studies (n=22,653 and n=6502 in discovery and replication analyses, respectively). We evaluated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with natural log-transformed PTH concentration adjusted for age, sex, season, study site, and principal components of ancestry. We discovered associations of SNPs from five independent regions with serum PTH concentration, including the strongest association with rs6127099 upstream of CYP24A1 (P=4.2 × 10−53), a gene that encodes the primary catabolic enzyme for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and 25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Each additional copy of the minor allele at this SNP associated with 7% higher serum PTH concentration. The other SNPs associated with serum PTH concentration included rs4074995 within RGS14 (P=6.6 × 10−17), rs219779 adjacent to CLDN14 (P=3.5 × 10−16), rs4443100 near RTDR1 (P=8.7 × 10−9), and rs73186030 near CASR (P=4.8 × 10−8). Of these five SNPs, rs6127099, rs4074995, and rs219779 replicated. Thus, common genetic variants located near genes involved in vitamin D metabolism and calcium and renal phosphate transport associated with differences in circulating PTH concentrations. Future studies could identify the causal variants at these loci, and the clinical and functional relevance of these variants should be pursued.
MAGI2 Mutations Cause Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Bierzynska Agnieszka , Soderquest Katrina , Dean Philip , Colby Elizabeth , Rollason Ruth , Jones Caroline , Inward Carol D. , McCarthy Hugh J. , Simpson Michael A. , Lord Graham M. , Williams Maggie , Welsh Gavin I. , Koziell Ania B. , Saleem Moin A. ,   on behalf of NephroS,   the UK study of Nephrotic Syndrome
Published: December 2016

Steroid–resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), a heterogeneous disorder of the renal glomerular filtration barrier, results in impairment of glomerular permselectivity. Inheritance of genetic SRNS may be autosomal dominant or recessive, with a subset of autosomal recessive SRNS presenting as congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS). Mutations in 53 genes are associated with human SRNS, but these mutations explain ≤30% of patients with hereditary cases and only 20% of patients with sporadic cases. The proteins encoded by these genes are expressed in podocytes, and malfunction of these proteins leads to a universal end point of podocyte injury, glomerular filtration barrier disruption, and SRNS. Here, we identified novel disease–causing mutations in membrane–associated guanylate kinase, WW, and PDZ domain–containing 2 (MAGI2) through whole-exome sequencing of a deeply phenotyped cohort of patients with congenital, childhood–onset SRNS. Although MAGI2 has been shown to interact with nephrin and regulate podocyte cytoskeleton and slit diaphragm dynamics, MAGI2 mutations have not been described in human SRNS. We detected two unique frameshift mutations and one duplication in three patients (two families); two siblings shared the same homozygous frameshift mutation, whereas one individual with sporadic SRNS exhibited compound heterozygosity. Two mutations were predicted to introduce premature stop codons, and one was predicted to result in read through of the normal translational termination codon. Immunohistochemistry in kidney sections from these patients revealed that mutations resulted in lack of or diminished podocyte MAGI2 expression. Our data support the finding that mutations in the MAGI2 gene are causal for congenital SRNS.
Sabang Submarine Volcano Aceh, Indonesia: Review of Some Trace and Rare Earth Elements Abundances Produced by Seafloor Fumarole Activities
Authors: Kurnio Hananto , Syafri Ildrem , Sudradjat Adjat , Rosana Mega Fatimah
Published: December 2016

DOI:10.17014/ijog.3.3.173-182Geochemical analyses of selected coastal and seafloor samples from Sabang Area revealed abundances of trace and rare earth elements. The selected samples of element abundances were mostly taken from seafloor in the vicinities of active fumaroles either by grab sampler operated from survey boat above fumarole point or by diver directly took the samples on the seafloor especially at Serui - Sabang Bay. Results show that samples closed to seafloor fumaroles demonstrate plenty of trace and rare earth elements. The trace and rare earth elements mean values (n=10) are: Nb (4.33 ppm), La (16.52 ppm), Ce (38.82 ppm), Nd (19.15 ppm), Ce (38.82 ppm), Pr (4.907 ppm), Nd (19.15 ppm), Sm (4.04 ppm), Gd (3.95 ppm), Dy (3.38 ppm), Th (6.432 ppm), and U (4.335 ppm). Negatively, statistical correlations between Fe, Zn, and Ni as the main sulphide elements with sulphur is interpreted that sulphide minerals do not form in the Sabang Sea. Sea water influence in the mineralization process was shown by the good correlations between Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Ba.
Nutrient Level Change Based on Calcareous Nannofossil Assemblages During Late Miocene in Banyumas Subbasin
Authors: Hendrizan Marfasran
Published: December 2016

DOI:10.17014/ijog.3.3.183-194Hydrographic situation on surface waters is more challenging to be understood, related to global and regional climate change in tropical regions. In addition, records from these tropical areas are limited compared to other areas of subtropical and polar regions. The aim of this study is to reconstruct Cenozoic paleoceanography, in particular nutrient level, using outcrop samples from Kali Pasir, Banyumas, Indonesia. This study is focused on the relationships of the relative abundance of Discoaster, coccolith size of Reticulofenestra, and lithofacies characteristics. Nutrient level is reconstructed using quantitative analysis of calcareous nannofossil by counting calcareous nannofossils on 400 fields of View (FOV) for each sample. The abundance of Discoaster and the large Reticulofenestra represent a deep thermocline and nutricline, which is a typical of oligotrophic condition. This condition also associated with the muddy facies in the early stages of Late Miocene (NN8-NN10a). Conversely, decreasing Discoaster abundance and the abundance of small Reticulofenestra indicate a shallow thermocline and nutricline, resulting strong eutrophication of surface waters in the later stage of Late Miocene (NN10b-NN11). A high nutrient content in this stage is related to classical turbidite deposits. A change in a sea surface resulted in strong eutrophication, which is in this section similar to the eastern Indian Ocean micropaleontology records during the Late Miocene (NN10). This finding shows that strong eutrophication in Kali Pasir section is probably driven by nutrient-rich terrestrial material related to the onset of Indian monsoon during the Late Miocene.
Geochemical Signatures of Potassic to Sodic Adang Volcanics, Western Sulawesi: Implications for Their Tectonic Setting and Origin
Authors: Shaban Godang , Fadlin Fadlin , Priadi Bambang
Published: December 2016

DOI:10.17014/ijog.3.3.195-214The Adang Volcanics represent a series of (ultra) potassic to sodic lavas and tuffaceous rocks of predominantly trachytic composition, which forms the part of a sequence of Late Cenozoic high-K volcanic and associated intrusive rocks occurring extensively throughout Western Sulawesi. The tectonic setting and origin of these high-K rocks have been the subject of considerable debates. The Adang Volcanics have mafic to mafitic-intermediate characteristics (SiO2: 46 - 56 wt%) and a wide range of high alkaline contents (K2O: 0.80 - 9.08 %; Na2O: 0.90 - 7.21 %) with the Total Alkali of 6.67 - 12.60 %. Al2O3 values are relatively low (10.63 - 13.21 %) and TiO2 values relatively high (1.27 - 1.91 %). Zr and REE concentrations are also relatively high (Zr: 1154 - 2340 ppm; Total REE (TREY = TRE): 899.20 - 1256.50 ppm; TRExOy: 1079.76 - 1507.97 ppm), with an average Zr/TRE ratio of ~ 1.39. The major rock forming minerals are leucite/pseudoleucite, diopside/aegirine, and high temperature phlogopite. Geochemical plots (major oxides and trace elements) using various diagrams suggest the Adang Volcanics formed in a postsubduction, within-plate continental extension/initial rift tectonic setting. It is further suggested magma was generated by minor (< 0.1 %) partial melting of depleted MORB mantle material (garnet-lherzolite) with the silicate melt having undergone strong metasomatism. Melt enrichment is reflected in the alkaline nature of the rocks and geochemical signatures such as Nb/Zr > 0.0627 and (Hf/Sm)PM > 1.23. A comparison with the Vulsini ultrapotassic volcanics from the Roman Province in Italy shows both similarities (spidergram pattern indicating affinity with Group III ultrapotassics volcanics) and differences (nature of mantle metasomatism).
E3: Residual Stress Neutron Diffractometer at BER II
Authors: Boin Mirko , Wimpory Robert C.
Published: December 2016

The E3 residual stress neutron diffractometer operated at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) is designed for studies in material science and engineering applications. Recent upgrade activities have made the instrument faster and more adaptable to different types of measurement. Thus, E3 has become more attractive to a broad user community, including industry, and increased substantially its scientific output.
Genital herpes and HIV status: a clinical study
Authors: Dhumale Shashikant Balkrishna , Sharma Shimpa R. , Bohara Raghvendra A.
Published: December 2016

Background: Genital herpes (GH) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) increases risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Some risk factors like age, sex, previous genital ulcerative disease (GUD), number of sex partners and clinical presentations like number and size of erosions, number of episodes, inter-episode duration, healing period with acyclovir & co-STDs are studied with reference to HIV status.

Methods: This is a longitudinal, observational study comparing 25 patients each in HIV positive and negative groups of GH between 15-60 years of age in both genders. Chi square test (or Fisher’s exact test) for nominal data and ‘t’ test for continuous data was used in case of association. Mann Whitney U test was used for comparison of mean ranks and median.

Results: Adolescents were 18%. HIV positivity was significantly associated with age group above 45 years, multiple sex partners, average number of episodes & the duration between them and number of erosions (p <0.05). Healing period with acyclovir in HIV positive patients was significantly longer than in HIV negative patients. Secondary syphilis a co-STD had significant association with HIV positivity. Though previous GUD alone was not associated with HIV positivity significantly; however GUD in patients with multiple sexual partners showed significant association with HIV.

Conclusions: High proportion of adolescents amongst GH patients is notable. Adolescents & older patients above 45 years should not be neglected in STD & HIV awareness. Risk factors must be interviewed with patients. Clinical parameters & risk factors, differs with HIV status.

 
From the Editor
Authors: Baskan Gulsun Atanur
Published: December 2016

Dear Readers,It is the great honor for us to publish sixth volume, second issue of Contemporary Educational Researches Journal.Contemporary Educational Researches Journal welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on educational issues. Contemporary Educational Researches Journal is an international peer-refereed journal that promotes the researches in the field of contemporary teaching and learning approaches and theories.The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to; the following major topics as they relate to: Active Learning, Administration of Education, Adult Education, Affective Learning, Arts Teaching, Asynchronous Learning, Behaviorist Learning, Blended Learning, Chemistry Education, Classroom Assessment, Classroom Management, Classroom Teacher Education, Collaborative Learning, College and Higher Education, College and Higher Education, Constructivist Learning, Content Development, Distance Learning, E-administration, Future Learning Trends and Globalization, Gaming, Simulation and Virtual Worlds, Guiding and Counseling, Healthy Education, High School Teacher Education, History Education, Instructional Design, Language Learning and Teaching, Language Teacher Education, Learner Centered Strategies, Learners Diversity, Inclusiveness and Inequality, Learning and Teaching Research Methods, Learning Assessment and Evaluation, Learning Assessment and Evaluation, Learning Psychology, Lifelong Learning Strategies, Learning Skills, Vocational Education, Measurement and Evaluation in Education, New Learning Environments, Portfolio Assessment, Professional Development and School Administration.Teacher training in the area of Mathematics and Science, views of university students regarding entrepreneurship, knowledge management in education and worries of final year undergraduate students about finding jobs in TRNC topics have been included into this issue. The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2016 Volume.A total number of ten (10) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been subjected to double-blind peer review process by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of four (4) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication.We present many thanks to all the contributors who helped us to publish this issue.Best regards,Prof. Dr. Gulsun Atanur BaskanEditor – in Chief
Preliminary assessment of knowledge management in education. Study of knowledge creation
Authors: Contreras-Medina David Israel , Mendoza-García Patricia Del Carmen , Carmona-García Nelida , Uribe-Plaza María Guadalupe
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze, the development of the society through an educational Institution in Mexico considering Nonaka’s Knowledge Creation in ontological dimension on developing ideas phase to get an explicit knowledge. Become to tacit knowledge through applying in the context and return to explicitly measure their impact. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014 considering 1106 young people from 10 cities within the state of Guanajuato. The results showed, the Knowledge Creation has allowed an increment of 51.40% students, inclusion and the creation of three new programs concluding the usefulness of Knowledge Management in Institutions of Mexico. The study shows a model to help another institutions to increase their competitivity.
From the Editor
Authors: Rahimi Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali
Published: December 2016

Message from Editor Dear Readers,It is a great honor for us to publish the sixth issue of Global Journal of Foreign Language Teaching (GJFLT).Please follow the link below:http://sproc.org/ojs/index.php/GJFLTGlobal Journal of Foreign Language Teaching welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on foreign language teaching and topics related to linguistics. GJFLT is an international journal published quarterly and it is a platform for presenting and discussing the emerging developments in foreign language teaching in an international arena.The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to; the following major topics: Cultural studies, Curriculum Development and Syllabus Design, Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), General Linguistics, Globalization Studies and world English’s, Independent/Autonomous Learning, Information and Computer Technology in TEFL, Innovation in language, Teaching and learning, Intercultural Education, Language acquisition and learning, Language curriculum development, Language education, Language program evaluation, Language Testing and Assessment, Literacy and language learning, Literature, Mobile Language Learning, Pragmatics, Second Language, Second Language Acquisition, Second Language Acquisition Theory, Digital Literacy Skills, Second Language Learners, Second Language Learning, Second language Pedagogy, Second Language Proficiency, Second Language Speech, Second Language Teaching, Second Language Training, Second Language Tutor, Second language Vocabulary Learning, Teaching English as a Foreign/ Second Language, Teaching Language Skills, Translation Studies, Applied linguistics, Cognitive linguistics.Linguistic clichés, teaching English as a foreign language, corpus-based language teaching, TESOL, language acquisition and elementary literacy teaching topics have been included in this issue. The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge through which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2016 Volume.We present many thanks to all the contributors who helped us to publish this issue. Best regards,Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Rahimi,Editor – in Chief, Bangkok University
Preface to the special issues devoted to CLEI 2015
Authors: Astudillo Hernán , Barrios-Aranibar Dennis , Calderón Ruiz Guillermo E. , Cancela Héctor , Clear Tony , Condori-Fernández Nelly , Cuadros Alex , Pinto-Roa Diego , Simao Adenilso Da Silva , Tirado Francisco , Tupac Yván
Published: December 2016

As joint invited editors, we are proud to present the April 2016 and August 2016 issues of CLEIej, which include a number of revised and reviewed versions of the best papers presented at CLEI 2015 in Arequipa, Peru in October 2015. Authors were asked to prepare extended papers with new contributions with respect to the conference versions; a total of 16 papers were finally accepted and are now published in these two issues.
Things Fall Apart and Dadi Budha: Portrayal of indigenous community and their disintegration
Authors: Poddar Arik
Published: December 2016

In Gopinath Mohanty’s Dadi budha (1944) which was translated in the name “The Ancestor” and in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” (1958), both the authors recreate in fictional modes, the indigenous life of the people of two primitive cultures, living on the hills of Koraput, India and in the forests of Nigeria, respectively. This comparison was first drawn by the son of the author Gopinath Mohanty, Arun Kumar Mohanty, who translated Dadi Budha in English. In the afterward of his translation he made this observation and also countered a very important problem of comparison – the problem of language. While “Things Fall Apart” is written in English by an African author, for whom English is just a medium of expression and not a vernacular language; Dadi Budha has been translated into English. Arun Kumar Mohanty vindicates this problem of language by arguing that most original works in English by non-English writers can be viewed as works of self-translation. To back his decision up, he referred to Joanne Akai’s paper on West Indian writing as translation:
“Constantly writing in and for another culture, WI writers operate in a space between cultural and linguistic traditions: between Caribbean Creole culture and British or North American English culture, between the Creole language and the English language, between an oral genre (storytelling) and a written genre (novel or short story). WI writers are therefore faced with a number of challenges: as Translators, they must master the language they write-translate to from, as well as the language they write-translate into; as ambassadors, they must accurately represent Carribean experience and reality, as writers, they must communicate in a language that is accessible to as wide an audience as possible.”
Modelling and Optimization in Microgrids
Authors: Porsinger Tobias , Janik Przemyslaw , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Gono Radomir
Published: December 2016

The expansion of renewable energies is progressing strongly. The influence on the power supply networks by the volatility of the infeed must be met with new concepts. In this paper we investigate the possibilities of integrating microgrids as a cooperating unit in the power supply network to support further expansion of RES power plants. In this paper a differentiation of microgrids from similar network structures is established, a classification of proposed groups is made. Then, after the description of simulation of components in a microgrid, with practical advice, an example model is shown, which aids the dimensioning of the components within a microgrid to achieve a specified goal.
Dieta proteinowa w świetle zasad racjonalnego żywienia. Analiza składu jadłospisów
Authors: Szczuko Małgorzata , Pieszak Natalia , Jamioł-Milc Dominika , Stachowska Ewa
Published: December 2016

Wstęp: Dieta wysokobiałkowa i zarazem ubogowęglowodanowa składa się z czterech faz. Najbardziej eliminująca węglowodany jest faza I, uderzeniowa. W kolejnych fazach stopniowo dopuszcza się spożycie węglowodanów, jednak ich udział jest bardzo ograniczony. Celem przeprowadzonych badań była analiza efektów metabolicznych, jakie wywiera dieta proteinowa. Na podstawie analizy opartej na składzie jadłospisów zwrócono uwagę na zagrożenia niebędące tylko wynikiem zbyt wysokiego spożycia białka.Materiały i metody: Przeanalizowano 40 jadłospisów ułożonych zgodnie z założeniami diety wysokobiałkowej. Przygotowano po 10 jadłospisów do każdej z faz. Następnie jadłospisy wprowadzono do programu dietetycznego Dietetyk 2 rekomendowanego przez Instytut Żywności i Żywienia oraz wyliczono ilości dostarczonych składników pokarmowych, które porównano do aktualnie obowiązujących norm żywienia w Polsce.Wyniki: Na podstawie uzyskanych danych, świadczących o zbyt wysokim spożyciu niektórych składników pokarmowych przy równoczesnym niedoborze innych, wykazano najwyższą szkodliwość pierwszych dwóch faz diety wysokobiałkowej. We wszystkich czterech fazach diety stwierdzono zbyt wysokie średnie spożycie białka, nasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych i cholesterolu, które wynosiło odpowiednio 148,8–160,5 g/d, 12,5–16,2 g/d, 467,7–488,7 mg/d. Jednocześnie odnotowano zbyt niskie średnie spożycie energii (1131–1690 kcal), węglowodanów (58,2–149,4 g) i błonnika (3,3–28,7 g) we wszystkich fazach diety. Dodatkowo niedobór witaminy E (2,69–7,21 mg) zaobserwowano w pierwszych trzech fazach diety, a tiaminy (0,72–1,02 mg) w pierwszych dwóch. Najbardziej niedoborową fazą diety była faza I, uderzeniowa, w której niedobory dotyczyły także folianów (154,4 mg/d), witaminy C (6,14 mg), potasu (2947,7 mg), żelaza (7,19 mg), miedzi (0,59 mg) i magnezu (294,8 mg).Wnioski: Głównym powodem redukcji masy ciała w diecie wysokobiałkowej są restrykcje kaloryczne we wszystkich fazach diety. W badaniu składu jadłospisów wykazano możliwość negatywnego wpływu stosowania diety u osób z predyspozycjami do chorób nerek, dny moczanowej, chorób układu krążenia, niedokrwistości i zaburzeń erytropoezy. Najbardziej niebezpieczna okazała się faza I diety, która eliminuje całkowicie produkty węglowodanowe z jadłospisu.
Analyzing the Effects of Leverage and Hedging on the Equity Valuation of Oil and Gas Producers in the Current Commodity-Price Cycle
Authors: Devashish Manoj K.
Published: December 2016

Although a severe drop in commodity prices was expected to adversely affect a financially leveraged producer, the variability of this effect across the universe of exploration and production (E&P) companies during the current downturn, which began in Autumn 2014, surprised industry participants. What factors caused the effect to be magnified for certain companies and muted for others? In examining 71 public E&P companies, we found a moderate correlation between a company's financial leverage and the loss of its equity value. Our study confirms that leveraged producers are exposed to the risk of debt-induced value loss in a downturn. Two other factors were studied for their influence on equity performance: the economics of a company's resource portfolio and the extent of its commodity-price hedging.

To examine the effect of resource economics, we analyzed the finding-and-development (F&D) cost of producers and noticed statistically significant differences by hydrocarbon-producing regions. When controlled for the regional effect, the correlation between a company's financial leverage and the loss of its equity value substantially improved. The offsetting effect of a superior resource economics on the debt-induced value loss was evident. For example, the producers operating in the Permian Basin outperformed their similarly leveraged peers operating in the Williston Basin, a less-profitable region.

A subset of financially leveraged companies significantly outperformed their similarly leveraged peers. These outperformers, termed here as “Leaders,” showcase a strong alignment between their financing and hedging activities. We observed evidence of the use of a continuous-hedging program through the price cycle by the Leaders. They responded soon to changes in their hedge positions, such as hedge roll-offs, rather than hedging when it is advantageous to do so. A key benefit of such a continuous-hedging program is the dollar-cost averaging of hedged prices, which appears to be an implicit goal of the Leaders.

We contend that a leveraged producer must coordinate its hedging and financing policies to maintain an alignment between the hedged volume and the debt load. Endogeneity arises in the relationship between debt and hedges, with each influencing the other. An alignment can be achieved through the implementation of a continuous-hedging program factoring in annual production, operating cashflows, financial leverage, and hedged volumes. This paper takes the hedging debate for a leveraged producer beyond the realm of “to hedge or not to hedge” and addresses the question of “how much to hedge.”
Post‐Flowering Drought Tolerance Using Managed Stress Trials, Adjustment to Flowering, and Mini Core Collection in Sorghum
Authors: Upadhyaya Hari D. , Dwivedi Sangam L. , Vetriventhan Mani , Krishnamurthy L. , Singh Shailesh Kumar
Published: December 2016

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] crop in the semiarid tropics often suffers from post‐flowering drought stress, which causes substantial losses in grain yield and stover quality. This research was aimed at studying the yield response of sorghum mini core accessions to post‐flowering drought stress to identify drought‐tolerant sources for sorghum improvement. Mini core accessions were grouped based on days to 50% flowering (extra early, early, medium, late, and extra late) and evaluated in two post‐rainy seasons under managed drought stress and optimally irrigated conditions. Drought tolerance index (DTI), as a standard residual after removing the known contributory effects of flowering time and grain yield under optimum irrigation (yield potential) from the grain yield under drought, was used to segregate the genotypic responses to drought stress. The residual (or restricted) maximum likelihood analysis of data revealed significant genotypic variance (σ2g) for days to 50% flowering, grain yield, and DTI (except in the extra late flowering group), in both the seasons and significant genotype × environment interactions for DTI in extra early to late flowering groups. On the basis of DTI, seven accessions, i.e., ‘IS 14779’, ‘IS 23891’, ‘IS 31714’, ‘IS 4515’, ‘IS 5094’, ‘IS 9108’, and ‘IS 15466’, were identified as drought tolerant and five accessions were sensitive to drought in both of the post‐rainy seasons. The tolerant accessions belonging to durra, caudatum, or durra‐caudatum races were of diverse geographical origins, and most yielded at par with or greater than the extensively grown cultivar ‘IS 33844’. These accessions can be employed to investigate the physiological and molecular basis of drought adaptation and to breed for drought tolerance in sorghum.
QTL Analysis of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in a Black Bean Population
Authors: Heilig James A. , Beaver James S. , Wright Evan M. , Song Qijian , Kelly James D.
Published: December 2016

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) acquires nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere through symbiotic N fixation (SNF) but is considered a poor N fixer. Diversity for SNF within dry bean germplasm is recognized, and regions of the genome associated with SNF traits have recently been identified. In the current study a mapping population of 122 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from the cross of two black bean cultivars (‘Puebla 152’ and ‘Zorro’) contrasting in SNF traits, was grown in the field in East Lansing, MI, and Isabela, Puerto Rico, and in the greenhouse under N‐free conditions to evaluate for yield, nodule development, biomass growth, agronomic traits, and N fixation. The RIL population was also genotyped with single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers developed through the BeanCAP to construct a genetic map spanning 972 cM and containing 430 SNPs. A total of 17 unique QTL associated with SNF traits were identified with most of them located in three large clusters on Pv01 (4), Pv06 (6), and Pv08 (6). Many of the QTL associated with %N derived from atmosphere, N harvest index, and %N in biomass were also associated with candidate genes expressed in the nodules and roots. The majority of QTL associated with genes expressed in the root or nodule were derived from Puebla 152, while QTL associated with genes with enhanced expression in stems and pods were associated with Zorro. The QTL described should serve as potential targets for improvement of SNF characteristics in commercial dry bean genotypes adapted to temperate zones.