bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed rain and seed persistence of Calamagrostis epigejos (l.) roth in extreme ecotoxicological conditions at an abandoned ore-washery sedimentation basin
Authors: Dostál Petr , Kovář Pavel
Published: February 2014

Clonal plants are very often among the first species to establish during primary succession. They may rapidly capture available space due to efficient vegetative propagation, but the question arises whether they may also rely on seed bank or seed rain during expansion and recovery after a possible disturbance. This question becomes increasingly important in extreme conditions of industrial deposit investigated in this study. We explored the two aforementioned seed sources in a clonal grass Calamagrostis epigejos within an ecotoxicologically stressed environment - abandoned tailings containment (former sedimentation basin) - from manganese-ore mining. Density of seeds found in seed rain was 617 seeds m-2, and in soil seed bank 220 seeds m-2, based on an autumn survey. Soil seed pool was almost depleted until the following spring as only 13 seeds m-2 were present. This pattern contrasted with the capacity of C. epigejos to build a persistent soil seed bank as shown by a burial experiment. Seed rain was thus identified to be the sole reliable seed source that may assist in recovery of this species after a possible disturbance
An integrative hierarchical spatial framework for spring habitats
Authors: Reiss Martin
Published: February 2014

A theoretical approach of a hierarchical spatial framework concept for spring habitats is presented in this paper. The concept is based on existing classifications of running water and on empirical studies of spring ecosystems. Hierarchical spatial categorisation is applied to study spring areas of forest ecosystems in low mountain ranges of Germany. A spatial concept for springheads is designed to aid the illustration and understanding of functional, structural and process relationships on different scales. Here, multiple geographical dimensions and hydrological scales and their terms are compared in an integrated system. This integrated approach is needed if a water body is to be studied as an ecosystem rather than just a hydrological system. The goal of this hierarchical spatial framework is to establish a conceptual foundation for the study of fauna-microhabitat relationships and for the analysis of the substrate preference of the invertebrate fauna of spring ecotones. This paper presents a surface water typology for patchy forest springs with different habitat types. Most of these habitat types of the 152 investigated springs are dominated by organic substrate types as micro habitats (74.7 %) with subdominant mineral substrate types. Therefor the most dominant habitat type (HT) is “CPOM dominated, Psammopelal abounded” HT (19.7 %), followed by the HT “Macrophytes dominated, Psammopelal abounded” (13.2 %) and the HT “CPOM dominated, Microlithal abounded” (9.9 %). More underrepresented habitat types are pure mineral substrate types (10.5 %) like the HT “Psammopelal dominated” (5.9 %). There were also less artificial habitat types (7.2 %), because the study focused on undisturbed spring habitats inside the field survey.
Identification, characterization and molecular epidemiology of Escherichia coli isolated from lamb and goat kids with diarrhoea
Authors: Türkyılmaz Süheyla , Eskiizmirliler Seza , Tunaligil Serra , Bozdogan Bulent
Published: February 2014

Neonatal diarrhoea is a serious health problem on commercial farms. EnterovirulentEscherichia coliis a significant aetiological agent of neonatal diarrhoea. In this work, identification and classification ofE. coliisolates obtained from lambs and goat kids with diarrhoea were studied along with antibiotic resistance and clonal relationships of enterovirulent strains. A total of 107E. colistrains isolated from animals on 43 farms were investigated. Specific virulence genes were determined by multiplex and uniplex polymerase chain reaction. Testing of antibiotic susceptibility was carried out by the Vitek II compact system. The relationship ofE. coliisolates was determined by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction. A total of 39 (36.4%) enterovirulentE. colistrains were identified and of this 19 (48.7%) were shiga toxigenic, 12 (30.8%) enterotoxigenic and 8 (20.5%) enteropathogenic. Three isolates (7.7%) were found to be positive for extended spectrum beta lactamase; 10 (25.6%) isolates showed multi-drug resistance to antimicrobials. A total of 28 types were detected by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction. Twenty strains had distinct types while 5 types were common for 2 strains and 3 types were common for 3 strains. This is the first current determination of types, clonality and antibiotic resistance of enterovirulentE. coliisolated from small ruminants with diarrhoea. The results of this study showed that the rates of shiga toxigenic, enterotoxigenic and enteropathogenic isolates ofE. coliare high in the western part of Turkey. Although these isolates were not clonal, presence of multidrug resistant isolates may cause public health problems.
The impact of drawing on the biogenic amines content in meat of pithed pheasant
Authors: Hutařová Zdeňka , Večerek Vladimír , Maršálek Petr , Bořilová Gabriela , Steinhauserová Iva
Published: February 2014

With the increasing popularity of game meat, greater emphasis is being placed on ensuring high hygienic quality of this food. Biogenic amines are among possible indicators of the hygienic quality of meat. The aim of this study was to monitor biogenic amine concentrations in the muscle tissues of pheasants (n = 20) killed by pithing and treated by drawing (guts are removed from the body cavity through the cloaca using a specially fashioned hook). The pheasants’ bodies were stored hanged by the neck for 21 days at ±7 °C. Breast and thigh muscle samples were collected at weekly intervals (day 1, 7, 14 and 21 of storage). Biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, histamine, tryptamine and phenylethylamine) were analysed by reverse phase liquid chromatography and detected by tandem mass spectrometry. In breast muscle, the most evident change was noted in the concentration of cadaverine (0.026 and 1.070 mg/kg for storage day 1 and 21, respectively) and tyramine (0.001 and 0.958 mg/kg for storage day 1 and 21, respectively). Throughout the storage period, the concentration of 5 mg/kg (indicating a loss of high hygienic quality of meat) was not exceeded by any of the assessed biogenic amines. In thigh muscle, the concentration indicating high hygienic quality of meat was exceed after 14 days of storage in the case of cadaverine, tyramine and putrescine (at the end of storage their concentrations were 9.058, 10.708 and 3.345 mg/kg, respectively). Hygienic quality of thigh muscle decreased faster compared to breast muscle. This study brings new information about the content of biogenic amines in the meat of pithed pheasants treated by drawing.
Texture profile analyses in tench (Tinca tinca L., 1758) from extensive and intensive culture
Authors: Vácha František , Stejskal Vlastimil , Vejsada Pavel , Kouřil Jan , Hlaváč David
Published: February 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in texture profile of tench flesh. Texture profile analyses in tench, two years old, (Tinca tinca L.) was investigated using instrumental texture profile method, focused on hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness performed with Texture Analyser TA.XTPlus. One group of fish was raised extensively in natural earth pond conditions; the other group was intensively cultured in a recirculation system, feeding on a commercial diet for 7 months. Twelve fish (6 females and 6 males) from each group were used for analyses. Flesh of male tench in both groups was harder, more gummy and chewy, compared to female. Springiness was lower in tench male from intensive culture and cohesiveness lower in females from both groups. The result of texture analysis in the extensive culture group was 16.01 N for hardness and 0.72, 0.66, 10.73 and 7.69 for springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness, respectively. In the intensive culture group it was 15.16 N for hardness and 0.59, 0.52, 8.06 and 4.96 for springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness, respectively. The results proved that the flesh of fish raised extensively is harder, springier, more cohesive and more gummy, and thus more appealing to consumers. This is the first similar study of texture profile of tench.
Malnutrition in Hospitalized Children: Prevalence, Impact, and Management
Authors: Groleau Veronique , Thibault Maxime , Doyon Myriam , Brochu Eve-Emmanuelle , Roy Claude C. , Babakissa Corentin
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Malnutrition in hospitalized children has been reported since the late 1970s. The prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition was examined in hospitalized patients in a general pediatric unit, and the impact and management of malnutrition were assessed.

Methods

The nutritional risk score (NRS) and nutritional status (NS) (weight, height, body mass index, and skinfold thickness) of children aged zero to 18 years were assessed upon hospital admission. Growth and energy intake were monitored every three days until discharge.

Results

A total of 173 children (median age three years, 88 girls) participated; 79.8% had a moderate to severe NRS and 13.3% were acutely and/or chronically malnourished. A high NRS was associated with a longer hospital stay in children older than three years (P<0.05), while a poor NS (weight for height percentile) was correlated with prolonged hospitalization in children aged three years or younger (P<0.05). Although weight did not change during hospitalization, a decrease in skinfolds was documented (n=43, P<0.05). Patients with a high NRS had lower energy intake than those not at risk. However, children with abnormal NS received 92.5% of recommended energy intake.

Conclusions

This study suggests that all children admitted to hospital should have an evaluation of their NRS and NS, so that they can receive appropriate nutrition interventions provided by a multidisciplinary nutrition team.
Asian–Pacific Oscillation signal from a Qomolangma (Mount Everest) ice-core chemical record
Authors: Xu Hao , Hou Shugui , Pang Hongxi
Published: February 2014

The Asian–Pacific Oscillation (APO) is a climate pattern related to the thermal differences between the Asian continent and the north Pacific. We present a 1000 year record of the major ions in a 108.83 m ice core from east Rongbuk glacier (28°01′ N, 86°58′ E; 6518ma.s.l.) on the northeast slope of Qomolangma (Mount Everest), and discuss its relationship with a 993 year time series of the summer APO index that has been reconstructed from Beijing’s summer temperature (recorded by a stalagmite) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis shows that crustal major ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42–and NO3–) are highly loaded on EOF1, whereas marine major ions (Cl–and Na+) are highly loaded on EOF2. Higher EOF1 is associated with lower upper-troposphere temperature (UTT) over Mongolia, corresponding to a lower APO index and higher surface pressure. Higher EOF2 is associated with higher UTT over Mongolia, corresponding to a higher APO index and lower surface pressure. The higher burden of major ions and higher summer APO index during the period AD 1000–1323 may be due to drought and warm climate of the major-ion source regions. From AD1323 to 1900, EOF1 and EOF2 do not show a consistent correlation with summer APO index, indicating the complex mechanisms of ion transport over the southern Tibetan Plateau (TP) during this period. After AD 1900, the summer APO index is correlated negatively with EOF1 and positively with EOF2, indicating that ion transport over the southern TP during this period is influenced significantly by the APO. Our examinations of the PDO index and major-ion record show that higher PDO corresponds to higher EOF1 and lower EOF2. This suggests that the correlation between the recorded major-ion concentration and the APO index originates in the seesaw relationship in temperature between the Asian continent and the north Pacific.
Ablation modeling and surface energy budget in the ablation zone of Laohugou glacier No. 12, western Qilian mountains, China
Authors: Sun Weijun , Qin Xiang , Du Wentao , Liu Weigang , Liu Yushuo , Zhang Tong , Xu Yuetong , Zhao Qiudong , Wu Jinkui , Ren Jiawen
Published: February 2014

Glacier surface melting can be described using energy-balance models. We conducted a surface energy budget experiment to quantify surface energy fluxes and to identify factors affecting glacial melt in the ablation zone of Laohugou glacier No. 12, western Qilian mountains. The surface energy budget was calculated based on data from an automatic weather station, and turbulent fluxes calculated using the bulk-aerodynamic approach were corrected using measurements from an eddy-covariance system. Simulated mass balances were validated by stake observations. Net shortwave radiation was the primary component of the surface energy balance (126Wm–2), followed by sensible heat flux. Net longwave radiation (–45Wm–2) and latent heat flux (–12.8 Wm–2) represented heat sinks. The bulk-aerodynamic method underestimated sensible and latent heat fluxes by 3.4 and 1.2 W m–2, respectively. The simulated total mass balance of –1703mmw.e. exceeded the observed total by 90 mm w.e. Daily positive accumulated temperature and low albedo were the main factors accelerating glacier melt. An uncertainty assessment showed that mass balance was very sensitive to albedo and varied by 36% when albedo changed by 0.1.
Integration of Organic Light Emitting Diodes and Organic Photodetectors for Lab-on-a-Chip Bio-Detection Systems
Authors: Williams Graeme , Backhouse Christopher , Aziz Hany
Published: February 2014

The rapid development of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies have allowed for the efficient separation and manipulation of various biomaterials, including many diagnostically relevant species. Organic electronics have similarly enjoyed a great deal of research, resulting in tiny, highly efficient, wavelength-selective organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photodetectors (OPDs). We consider the blend of these technologies for rapid detection and diagnosis of biological species. In the ideal system, optically active or fluorescently labelled biological species can be probed via light emission from OLEDs, and their subsequent light emission can be detected with OPDs. The relatively low cost and simple fabrication of the organic electronic devices suggests the possibility of disposable test arrays. Further, with full integration, the finalized system can be miniaturized and made simple to use. In this review, we consider the design constraints of OLEDs and OPDs required to achieve fully organic electronic optical bio-detection systems. Current approaches to integrated LoC optical sensing are first discussed. Fully realized OLED- and OPD-specific photoluminescence detection systems from literature are then examined, with a specific focus on their ultimate limits of detection. The review highlights the enormous potential in OLEDs and OPDs for integrated optical sensing, and notes the key avenues of research for cheap and powerful LoC bio-detection systems.
Survivin as a Preferential Target for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mobahat Mahsa , Narendran Aru , Riabowol Karl
Published: February 2014

Cancer is typically a consequence of imbalance between cell death and proliferation in a way favorable to cell proliferation and survival. Most conventional cancer therapies are based on targeting rapidly growing cancerous cells to block growth or enhance cell death, thereby, restoring the balance between these processes. In many instances, malignancies that develop resistance to current treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy often present the greatest challenge in subsequent management of the patient. Studies have shown that under normal circumstances, cells utilize different death mechanisms, such as apoptosis (programmed cell death), autophagy, mitotic catastrophe, and necrosis to maintain homeostasis and physiological integrity of the organism, but these processes often appear to be altered in cancer. Thus, in recent years developing various strategies for administration of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics in combination with apoptosis-sensitizing reagents is receiving more emphasis. Here, we review the properties of the anti-apoptotic protein, survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family and the clinical feasibility and anti-cancer potential of drugs targeting this protein. We also discuss some key points and concerns that should be taken into consideration while developing drugs that target apoptotic proteins, such as survivin.
The Proteasome Activator PA28γ, a Negative Regulator of p53, Is Transcriptionally Up-Regulated by p53
Authors: Wan Zhen-Xing , Yuan Dong-Mei , Zhuo Yi-Ming , Yi Xin , Zhou Ji , Xu Zao-Xu , Zhou Jian-Lin
Published: February 2014

PA28γ (also called REGγ, 11Sγ or PSME3) negatively regulates p53 activity by promoting its nuclear export and/or degradation. Here, using the RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) method, we identified the transcription start site of the PA28γ gene. Assessment with the luciferase assay demonstrated that the sequence −193 to +16 is the basal promoter. Three p53 binding sites were found within the PA28γ promoter utilizing a bioinformatics approach and were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and biotinylated DNA affinity precipitation experiments. The p53 protein promotes PA28γ transcription, and p53-stimulated transcription of PA28γ can be inhibited by PA28γ itself. Our results suggest that PA28γ and p53 form a negative feedback loop, which maintains the balance of p53 and PA28γ in cells.
Study on Mg/Al Weld Seam Based on Zn–Mg–Al Ternary Alloy
Authors: Liu Liming , Liu Fei , Zhu Meili
Published: February 2014

Based on the idea of alloying welding seams, a series of Zn–xAl filler metals was calculated and designed for joining Mg/Al dissimilar metals by gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding. An infrared thermography system was used to measure the temperature of the welding pool during the welding process to investigate the solidification process. It was found that the mechanical properties of the welded joints were improved with the increasing of the Al content in the Zn–xAl filler metals, and when Zn–30Al was used as the filler metal, the ultimate tensile strength could reach a maximum of 120 MPa. The reason for the average tensile strength of the joint increasing was that the weak zone of the joint using Zn–30Al filler metal was generated primarily by α-Al instead of MgZn2. When Zn–40Al was used as the filler metal, a new transition zone, about 20 μm-wide, appeared in the edge of the fusion zone near the Mg base metal. Due to the transition zones consisting of MgZn2- and Al-based solid solution, the mechanical property of the joints was deteriorated.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Chromenylurea and Chromanylurea Derivatives as Anti-TNF-α agents that Target the p38 MAPK Pathway
Authors: Li Xingzhou , Zhou Xinming , Zhang Jing , Wang Lili , Long Long , Zheng Zhibing , Li Song , Zhong Wu
Published: February 2014

A series of 1-aryl-3-(2H-chromen-5-yl)urea and 1-aryl-3-(chroman-5-yl)urea derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities towards TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells. The most active compound, 40g, inhibited TNF-α release with an IC50 value of 0.033 μM, which is equipotent to that of BIRB796 (IC50 = 0.032 μM).
Effects of Danshensu and Salvianolic Acid B from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) on Cell Proliferation and Collagen and Melanin Production
Authors: Chen Yi-Shyan , Lee Shu-Mei , Lin Ying-Ju , Chiang Shu-Hua , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: February 2014

Danshensu (DSU) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) are the primary water-soluble compounds of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae). In this study, we analyzed the effects of DSU, SAB and a S. miltiorrhiza extract (SME) on cell proliferation. Additionally, the effects of DSU and SAB on collagen synthesis in Detroit 551 human normal fibroblast cells and on melanin production in B16 melanoma cells were verified. The results demonstrated that SME can enhance the proliferation of Detroit 551 cells and that this boost may be caused by DSU and SAB. This research showed that SME, DSU and SAB all have the ability to increase the production of collagen in Detroit 551 cells. The results also confirmed that DSU and SAB can attenuate the α-MSH-stimulated melanin production of B16 cells by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Therefore, SME, DSU and SAB each have the potential to be utilized as active ingredients in wound healing or cosmetic treatments. In the future, DSU and SAB could also be used as functional components for treating hyperpigmentation.
Group Project—Learning Research and Generic Skills for Life beyond University
Authors: Wilkens Sabine , Tucci Joe
Published: February 2014

Although research is usually not a goal of Pharmacy students, learning about the research processes is important, as graduates’ development and confidence in professional counseling will depend on critically interpreting the literature about new therapies. In addition to research skills, many universities are now placing more emphasis on assessable graduate attributes. In an increasingly competitive job market, writing, critical thinking, speaking, leadership and teamwork skills are all essential, as they prepare students for the workforce, especially in regional and remote locations. However their teaching and assessment can be a challenge to embed in content rich subjects. “Group Project” is an elective subject in the final semester of the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at La Trobe University in Bendigo, Australia. Key features include: self-selection of the project and participating group members, supervision of small student groups, interview-style presentations, weekly reflections on progress and group processes, as well as peer evaluation of group members. Three case studies are discussed to illustrate students’ introduction to research within the support of the group and with guidance from their supervisor. In our experience, supervisor engagement played a large role in students rating the subject highly and their subsequent enthusiasm for research.
The Means of (Re-)Production: Expertise, Open Tools, Standards and Communication
Authors: Eve Martin
Published: February 2014

This article examines the current difficulties faced in penetrating the world of scholarly communication technology. While there have been large strides forward in the disintermediation of digital publishing expertise—most notably by the Public Knowledge Project—a substantial number of barriers remain. This paper examines a case study in terms of scholarly typesetting and the Journal Article Tag Suite (JATS) standard before moving to suggest three potential solutions: (1) The formation of open, non-commercial and inclusive (but structured) organizations dedicated to the group exploration and standardisation of scholarly publishing technology; (2) The collective authoring of as much technological and process documentation on scholarly publishing as is possible; (3) The modularisation of platforms and agreement on standards of interoperability. Only through such measures is it possible for researchers to reclaim the means of (re)production, for the remaining barriers are not difficult to understand, merely hard to discover.
Illumination Tolerance for Visual Navigation with the Holistic Min-Warping Method
Authors: Möller Ralf , Horst Michael , Fleer David
Published: February 2014

Holistic visual navigation methods are an emerging alternative to the ubiquitous feature-based methods. Holistic methods match entire images pixel-wise instead of extracting and comparing local feature descriptors. In this paper we investigate which pixel-wise distance measures are most suitable for the holistic min-warping method with respect to illumination invariance. Two novel approaches are presented: tunable distance measures—weighted combinations of illumination-invariant and illumination-sensitive terms—and two novel forms of “sequential” correlation which are only invariant against intensity shifts but not against multiplicative changes. Navigation experiments on indoor image databases collected at the same locations but under different conditions of illumination demonstrate that tunable distance measures perform optimally by mixing their two portions instead of using the illumination-invariant term alone. Sequential correlation performs best among all tested methods, and as well but much faster in an approximated form. Mixing with an additional illumination-sensitive term is not necessary for sequential correlation. We show that min-warping with approximated sequential correlation can successfully be applied to visual navigation of cleaning robots.
A Comparative Study on Satellite- and Model-Based Crop Phenology in West Africa
Authors: Vintrou Elodie , Bégué Agnès , Baron Christian , Saad Alexandre , Lo Seen Danny , Traoré Seydou
Published: February 2014

Crop phenology is essential for evaluating crop production in the food insecure regions of West Africa. The aim of the paper is to study whether satellite observation of plant phenology are consistent with ground knowledge of crop cycles as expressed in agro-simulations. We used phenological variables from a MODIS Land Cover Dynamics (MCD12Q2) product and examined whether they reproduced the spatio-temporal variability of crop phenological stages in Southern Mali. Furthermore, a validated cereal crop growth model for this region, SARRA-H (System for Regional Analysis of Agro-Climatic Risks), provided precise agronomic information. Remotely-sensed green-up, maturity, senescence and dormancy MODIS dates were extracted for areas previously identified as crops and were compared with simulated leaf area indices (LAI) temporal profiles generated using the SARRA-H crop model, which considered the main cropping practices. We studied both spatial (eight sites throughout South Mali during 2007) and temporal (two sites from 2002 to 2008) differences between simulated crop cycles and determined how the differences were indicated in satellite-derived phenometrics. The spatial comparison of the phenological indicator observations and simulations showed mainly that (i) the satellite-derived start-of-season (SOS) was detected approximately 30 days before the model-derived SOS; and (ii) the satellite-derived end-of-season (EOS) was typically detected 40 days after the model-derived EOS. Studying the inter-annual difference, we verified that the mean bias was globally consistent for different climatic conditions. Therefore, the land cover dynamics derived from the MODIS time series can reproduce the spatial and temporal variability of different start-of-season and end-of-season crop species. In particular, we recommend simultaneously using start-of-season phenometrics with crop models for yield forecasting to complement commonly used climate data and provide a better estimate of vegetation phenological changes that integrate rainfall variability, land cover diversity, and the main farmer practices.
Web-of-Objects (WoO)-Based Context Aware Emergency Fire Management Systems for the Internet of Things
Authors: Shamszaman Zia , Ara Safina , Chong Ilyoung , Jeong Youn
Published: February 2014

Recent advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Web of Things (WoT) accompany a smart life where real world objects, including sensing devices, are interconnected with each other. The Web representation of smart objects empowers innovative applications and services for various domains. To accelerate this approach, Web of Objects (WoO) focuses on the implementation aspects of bringing the assorted real world objects to the Web applications. In this paper; we propose an emergency fire management system in the WoO infrastructure. Consequently, we integrate the formation and management of Virtual Objects (ViO) which are derived from real world physical objects and are virtually connected with each other into the semantic ontology model. The charm of using the semantic ontology is that it allows information reusability, extensibility and interoperability, which enable ViOs to uphold orchestration, federation, collaboration and harmonization. Our system is context aware, as it receives contextual environmental information from distributed sensors and detects emergency situations. To handle a fire emergency, we present a decision support tool for the emergency fire management team. The previous fire incident log is the basis of the decision support system. A log repository collects all the emergency fire incident logs from ViOs and stores them in a repository.
Identification by Mass Spectrometry and Immune Response Analysis of Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) Pentameric Complex Proteins GP129, 131 and 133
Authors: Gnanandarajah Josephine , Gillis Peter , Hernandez-Alvarado Nelmary , Higgins LeeAnn , Markowski Todd , Sung Heungsup , Lumley Sheila , Schleiss Mark
Published: February 2014

Development of a vaccine against congenital infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major public health priority. A potential vaccine target receiving considerable recent attention is the pentameric complex (PC) of HCMV proteins consisting of gL, gH, UL128, UL130, and UL131, since some antibodies against these target proteins are capable of potently neutralizing virus at epithelial and endothelial cell surfaces. Recently, homologous proteins have been described for guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV), consisting of gH, gL, and the GPCMV proteins GP129, GP131, and GP133. To investigate these proteins as potential vaccine targets, expression of GP129-GP133 transcripts was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase PCR. Mass spectrometry combined with western blot assays demonstrated the presence of GP129, GP131, and GP133 proteins in virus particles. Recombinant proteins corresponding to these PC proteins were generated in baculovirus, and as GST fusion proteins. Recombinant proteins were noted to be immunoreactive with convalescent sera from infected animals, suggesting that these proteins are recognized in the humoral immune response to GPCMV infection. These analyses support the study of PC-based recombinant vaccines in the GPCMV congenital infection model.
HCMV Reprogramming of Infected Monocyte Survival and Differentiation: A Goldilocks Phenomenon
Authors: Stevenson Emily , Collins-McMillen Donna , Kim Jung , Cieply Stephen , Bentz Gretchen , Yurochko Andrew
Published: February 2014

The wide range of disease pathologies seen in multiple organ sites associated with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection results from the systemic hematogenous dissemination of the virus, which is mediated predominately by infected monocytes. In addition to their role in viral spread, infected monocytes are also known to play a key role in viral latency and life-long persistence. However, in order to utilize infected monocytes for viral spread and persistence, HCMV must overcome a number of monocyte biological hurdles, including their naturally short lifespan and their inability to support viral gene expression and replication. Our laboratory has shown that HCMV is able to manipulate the biology of infected monocytes in order to overcome these biological hurdles by inducing the survival and differentiation of infected monocytes into long-lived macrophages capable of supporting viral gene expression and replication. In this current review, we describe the unique aspects of how HCMV promotes monocyte survival and differentiation by inducing a “finely-tuned” macrophage cell type following infection. Specifically, we describe the induction of a uniquely polarized macrophage subset from infected monocytes, which we argue is the ideal cellular environment for the initiation of viral gene expression and replication and, ultimately, viral spread and persistence within the infected host.
Piloting a Regional Collaborative in Cancer Surgery Using a “Community of Practice” Model
Authors: Fung-Kee-Fung M. , Boushey R.P. , Watters J. , Morash R. , Smylie J. , Morash C. , DeGrasse C. , Sundaresan S.
Published: February 2014

Background: Patients requiring assessment for cancer surgery encounter a complex series of steps in their cancer journey. Further complicating the process is the fact that care is often delivered in a fragmented, silo-based system. Isolated strategies to improve cancer outcomes within those systems have had inconsistent results. Methods: A regional quality improvement collaborative was developed based on a community of practice (cop) platform, a hub-and-spoke infrastructure, and a regional steering committee linking cop improvement projects with affiliated hospitals and their strategic priorities. The cop provided an avenue for multidisciplinary teams to collect and compare their performance data and to institute regional standards through literature review, discussion, and consensus. Regional interdisciplinary teams developed a set of quality indicators linked to mutually agreed-upon care standards. A limited regional database supported feedback about performance against both provincial and regional standards. Results: The cop approach helped to develop a multihospital collaboration that facilitated care quality improvements on a regional scale, with clinical outcomes of the improvements able to be measured. The 9 participating hospitals delivered cancer surgery in the specific disease sites according to practitioner-developed and provincially- or regionally-generated care standards and clinical pathways. Compliance with provincial evidence-based clinical guidelines improved (20% increase in 2010–2011 compared with 2006–2007). Other significant improvements included standardization and implementation of regional perioperative pathways in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer disease sites; rectal cancer surgery centralization; increased use of sentinel lymph node biopsies in breast cancer surgery; and decreased positive surgical margin rates in prostate cancer. Conclusions: Improved quality is likely a result of diverse confounding factors. The deliberately cultivated multihospital multidisciplinary cops have contributed to positive structural and functional change in cancer surgery in the region. This regional cop model has the potential to play an important role in the development of successful collaborations in care quality improvement.
Qualitative Evaluation of Care Plans for Canadian Breast and Head-and-Neck Cancer Survivors
Authors: Collie K. , McCormick J. , Waller A. , Railton C. , Shirt L. , Chobanuk J. , Taylor A. , Lau H. , Hao D. , Walley B. , Kapusta B. , Joy A.A. , Carlson L.E. , Giese–Davis J.
Published: February 2014

Background: Survivorship care plans (scps) have been recommended as a way to ease the transition from active cancer treatment to follow-up care, to reduce uncertainty for survivors in the management of their ongoing health, and to improve continuity of care. The objective of the demonstration project reported here was to assess the value of scps for cancer survivors in western Canada. Methods: The Alberta CancerBridges team developed, implemented, and evaluated scps for 36 breast and 21 head-and-neck cancer survivors. For the evaluation, we interviewed 12 of the survivors, 9 nurses who delivered the scps, and 3 family physicians who received the scps (n = 24 in total). We asked about satisfaction, usefulness, emotional impact, and communication value. We collected written feedback from the three groups about positive aspects of the scps and possible improvements (n = 85). We analyzed the combined data using qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Survivors, nurses, and family physicians agreed that scps could ease the transition to survivorship partly by enhancing communication between survivors and care providers. Survivors appreciated the individualized attention and the comprehensiveness of the plans. They described positive emotional impacts, but wanted a way to ensure that their physicians received the scps. Nurses and physicians responded positively, but expressed concern about the time required to implement the plans. Suggestions for streamlining the process included providing survivors with scp templates in advance, auto-populating the templates for the nurses, and creating summary pages for physicians. Conclusions: The results suggest ways in which scps could help to improve the transition to cancer survivorship and provide starting points for larger feasibility studies.
Prophylactic Bilateral Oophorectomy at Time of Hysterectomy for Women at Low Risk: Acog Revises Practice Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer Screening in Low-Risk Womena
Authors: Larson C.A.
Published: February 2014

On March 9, 2010, Richard J. Ablin phd, who was much involved in the discovery of prostate-specific antigen (psa), made national news with his quote, in an Op-Ed piece published in The New York Times and a sub-sequent March 22, 2010, U.S. National Public Radio interview, that “It’s no better than a coin toss”—de-scribing the psa test’s ability to predict prostate cancer in men[...]
Managing Treatment–Related Adverse Events Associated with Alk Inhibitors
Authors: Rothenstein J.M. , Letarte N.
Published: February 2014

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements have been identified as key oncogenic drivers in a small subset of non-small-cell lung cancers (xnsclcs). Small-molecule Alk kinase inhibitors such as crizotinib have transformed the natural history of nsclc for this subgroup of patients. Because of the prevalence of nsclc, ALK-positive patients represent an important example of the paradigm for personalized medicine. Although Alk inhibitors such as crizotinib are well tolerated, there is a potential for adverse events to occur. Proactive monitoring, treatment, and education concerning those adverse events will help to optimize the therapeutic index of the drugs. The present review summarizes the management of treatment-related adverse events that can arise with Alk inhibitors such as crizotinib.
Early Prediction of Treatment Response in Advanced Gliomas with 18F-dopa Positron-Emission Tomography
Authors: Dowson Nicholas , Thomas Paul , Fay Michael , Jeffree Rosalind L. , Gal Yaniv , Bourgeat Pierrick , Smith Jye , Winter Craig , Coulthard Alan , Salvado Olivier , Crozier Stuart , Rose Stephen
Published: February 2014

Imaging markers that enable prediction of survival are of interest for aiding clinical decision-making for patients with advanced glioma. [...]
Examining Cancer-Risk Profiles for the Largest Metropolitan Areas across Canada
Authors: DeCaria K. , Rahal R. , Forte T. , Lockwood G. , Xu J. , Bryant H.
Published: February 2014

Because health behaviours can be influenced at many different levels, there is value in examining differences in risk factors and health behaviours between the largest cities in Canada. [...]
A Canadian Perspective on the Safe Administration of Bendamustine and the Prevention and Management of Adverse Events
Authors: Koolwine J. , Crosbie T. , Gazzé G. , Turner R. , Wiernikowski J. , Assaily W.
Published: February 2014

Although bendamustine has been used to treat lymphoproliferative disorders for decades, it has only recently been approved for use in Canada. Thus, Canadian recommendations on the administration of bendamustine and the management of common adverse events (aes ) are needed. This article highlights effective management and assessment strategies recommended by Canadian nurses and pharmacists for the most common aes arising from the use of bendamustine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Those strategies include administering bendamustine over 60 minutes instead of 30 minutes, administering pre-medications to control infusion-related reactions and nausea, hydrating patients to minimize fatigue, and using free-flowing saline at the closest port to prevent phlebitis.
Peculiaritats al·lèliques del locus S de les cultivars mallorquines d’ametller
Authors: Socias i Company R. , Kodad O. , Fernández i Martí À. , Alonso J. M.
Published: February 2014

El examen de la diversidad alélica del locus S en diez cultivares mallorquines de almendro ha mostrado la presencia del alelo Sf en cuatro de ellos, así como la presencia de cinco nuevos alelos no identificados hasta ahora. Aunque el alelo Sf se ha descrito como responsable de la expresión de la autocompatibilidad del almendro, recientemente se ha descubierto que tiene dos expresiones fenotípicas diferentes, por lo que no siempre se puede considerar un índice de la autocompatibilidad de los genotipos que lo presentan. El estudio de los cuatro cultivares mallorquines que presentan este alelo ha confirmado su autoincompatibilidad, de manera que este alelo se expresa en estos cultivares en su forma fenotípicamente activa, como también se ha comprobado en un grupo de cultivares del sur de Italia, lo que podría indicar una conexión entre estas dos poblaciones mediterráneas de almendro.

[ca] L’examen de la diversitat al·lèlica del locus S en deu cultivars mallorquines d’ametller ha mostrat la presència de l’al·lel Sf en quatre, així com la presència de cinc al·lels nous fins ara no identificats. Encara que l’al·lel Sf s’ha descrit com a responsable de l’expressió de l’autocompatibilitat de l’ametller, fa poc que s’ha descobert que té dues expressions fenotípiques diferents, pel que no sempre es pot considerar un índex de l’autocompatibilitat dels genotips que el tenen. L’estudi de les quatre cultivars mallorquines que presenten aquest al·lel ha confirmat la seva autoincompatibilitat, de manera que aquest al·lel s’hi expressa en la seva forma fenotípicament activa, com també s’ha comprovat en un grup de cultivars del sud d’Itàlia, fet que podria indicar una connexió entre aquestes dues poblacions mediterrànies d’ametller.
Limonium rosselloi (Plumbaginaceae), nueva especie para la Península Ibérica
Authors: Ferrer-Gallego P. P. , Roselló R. , Laguna E.
Published: February 2014

Se describe una nueva especie de Limonium Mill.: L. rosselloi P. P. Ferrer, R. Roselló & E. Laguna, sp. nov. (Plumbaginaceae), que crece en los substratos yesoso-salinos de la cuenca del río Cabriel, a su paso por el término de La Pesquera (Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha, España). Se aporta una lámina y una tabla donde se comparan sus caracteres diagnósticos con otros táxones próximos morfológicamente.
Characterization of different lipolytic fractions in Carica papaya
Authors: Rivera I. , Sandoval G.
Published: February 2014

Carica papaya latex contains interesting enzymes; the best known is papain, but lipolytic activity is also present. Due to the complexity of the latex polymeric matrix, it has not been possible to completely isolate enzymes responsible of lipolytic activity. The aim of this work was to characterize the lipolytic activity in the raw latex (CPLtx) and two partially purified fractions of papaya latex (without protease, CPL-p and without esterase CPL-e). Thermostability, optimal temperature and pH in the hydrolysis of two model triglycerides (tributyrin and triolein) and the selectivity towards triglycerides with different chain lengths were determined. The lipolytic activity of these biocatalysts in the hydrolysis of tributyrin and olive oil was similar to other commercially available immobilized microbial lipases (RM IM and Novozyme 435).
Functional ingredients and cardiovascular protective effect of pumpkin seed oils
Authors: Al-Okbi S. Y. , Mohamed D. A. , Kandil E. , Ahmed E. K. , Mohammed S. E.
Published: February 2014

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cardiovascular protective effect of Egyptian and European umpkin seed oil (PSO) in hypercholesterolemic rats. Tocopherols, fatty acids (FAs) and unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) were assessed in both oils. The results showed that α-tocopherol was 108 and 273, γ-tocopherol was 3.95 and 0 and d-tocopherol was 0 and 1.58 mg·100 g-1 oil of the Egyptian and European, respectively. GLC analysis of FAs revealed the presence of linoleic acid as the major fatty acid in both oils. Feeding a hypercholesterolemic diet produced a significant increase in plasma total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, T-Ch/HDL-Ch, TGs/HDL-Ch and malondialdehyde and a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), vitamin E, and adiponectin. Rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet with either oil showed a significant improvement in all biochemical parameters
Student as a Customer or Improving Students´ Involvement in the Education Process
Authors: Šurinová Yulia , Jakábová Martina
Published: February 2014

Trying to develop the new sophisticated methods of teaching teachers sometimes forget to use the basic and the first principle of quality management, which is customer orientation. The study proposes the way how to involve students to education improvement process. The emphasis is put on the student´s expectations investigation, expectation transformation into actions and student´s satisfaction survey. It may be assumed, that treating students as customers or even as a collaborative partner makes students involved in the education improvement process. The study is based on the assumption that we know the requirements of other stakeholders and the teacher constantly monitors the latest trends in the field of lecturing, which incorporates into lectures. To verify the study´s hypothesis, two surveys were conducted. Students´ expectations and students´ satisfaction after the education process survey data were drawn from a sample of 27 of 27 (100% sample) students of the subject Quality Audits. Our variables under study were related to studentsâ?? satisfaction with the educational process. Building on prior literature, the results from this research allow identifying the main strategies for studentsâ?? involvement into the educational process. The presented research is intended to be a useful reference to teachers and scholars interested in continuous improvement process in education. This article first makes a brief interpretation of some concepts concerning customer satisfaction in terms of continuous improvement process in higher education. Then, our methodology and research approach is presented. The next part of the study discusses the results of the two surveys carried out to follow if the curriculum improvement based on students´ expectation awareness can improve students´ satisfaction with the subject. The paper suggests the standardized curriculum development process in basic steps of the cyclic model of the PDCA on the basis of a profound analysis of studentsâ?? expectations following and meeting. For instance, it provides a basis for differentiating and linking evaluation results to continuous improvement. Finally we present the principal findings of the research, limitations and conclusions.