bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sublingual Reactivity to rBET V1 and rPHL P1 in Patients with Oral Allergy Syndrome
Authors: Marcucci F. , Sensi L. , Cara G. DI , Gidaro G. , Incorvaia C. , Frati F.
Published: April 2018

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) in patients with pollen-induced rhinoconjunctivitis is caused by specific IgE recognizing cross-reacting epitopes of fruits and plants, which were clearly shown in vitro, but failed to be demonstrated in vivo by cross-challenges in the target organs. Considering the hypothesis of degradation of such epitopes in natural extracts, challenges with recombinant pollen allergens were done to evaluate the reactivity of the oral mucosa in OAS patients. Seventeen patients with OAS and rhinitis from birch (10) and grass pollen (7) and 10 non-atopic controls were studied by skin prick tests (SPT), allergen specific nasal challenges (ASNC) and allergen specific sublingual challenges (ASSC) with birch and timothy extracts and with rBet v1 and rPhl p1 at increasing concentrations from 1 to 1000 mcg/ml. None of the healthy subjects in the control group had any positive test for birch and timothy extracts or for recombinant allergens. In the OAS group the following results were observed: SPTs with recombinant allergens were positive in all patients, mostly at 10 mcg/ml concentration; ASNC with rBet v1 were positive in all patients, mostly at 100 mcg/ml; ASSC with natural pollen extracts were positive in only 2 of 17 patients, but in 15 of 17 with rBet v1 and rPhl p1, mostly at 500 mcg/ml and 1000 mcg/ml. ASSC with rBet v1 and rPhl p1 were positive with a mean concentration of 677 and 533 mcg/ml, respectively. The results of sublingual challenges with rBet v1 and rPhl p1 showed the in vivo cross-reactivity between pollens and foods in patients with OAS, but high concentrations of the recombinant allergens were needed to reproduce oral symptoms, thus explaining the failure of challenges performed with natural extracts, which have concentrations of major allergens lower than 50 mcg/ml. This indicates that sublingual mucosa is much less reactive to allergens than other surfaces, such as skin and nasal mucosa, probably because of its anatomic and immunologic peculiarity.
Exploiting the Plant Secretory Pathway to Improve the Anticancer Activity of a Plant-Derived HPV16 E7 Vaccine
Authors: Franconi R. , Massa S. , Illiano E. , Muller A. , Cirilli A. , Accardd L. , Bonito P. DI , Giorgi C. , Venuti A.
Published: April 2018

The human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E7 oncoprotein can be considered a ‘tumor-specific antigen’ and, therefore, it represents a promising target for a therapeutic vaccine against HPV-associated tumors. Efficient production of E7 protein with a plant-based transient expression system has been already described and it was demonstrated that E7-containing crude plant extracts confer partial protection against tumor challenge in a mouse model system. Before adopting the plant-based system as a cost-effective method for the production of an E7-based anti-cancer vaccine, some aspects, such as the oncoprotein yield, need further investigation. In the present study, we report the transient expression, mediated by a potato virus X (PVX)-derived vector, of the E7 protein targeted to the secretory system of Nicotiana benthamiana plants by using a plant-derived signal sequence. Targeting the antigen to the secretory pathway enhanced the E7 protein expression levels about five-fold. Mice immunized by s.c. administration with crude foliar extracts containing E7 showed strong stimulation of cell-mediated immune response after five boosters, as detected by ELISPOT. After challenging with the E7-expressing C3 tumor cells, tumor growth was completely inhibited in 80% of the vaccinated animals and a drastic reduction of tumor burden was observed in the remaining tumor-affected mice. These data demonstrate that, by enhancing E7 yield, it is possible to improve the anti-cancer activity of the plant-based experimental vaccine and open the way for a large-scale production of the E7 protein which could be purified or used as ‘in planta’ formulation, also suitable for oral therapeutic vaccination.
Infliximab in Recalcitrant Severe Atopic Eczema Associated with Contact Allergy
Authors: Cassano N. , Loconsole F. , Coviello C. , Vena G.A.
Published: April 2018

Infliximab is an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody which is effective in diseases associated with a T-helper (Th) 1 response, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis. There are sporadic case reports of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced or precipitated by anti-TNF-alpha therapy, which have been attributed to the switch towards Th2-mediated reactions. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with long-standing severe AD associated with contact allergy and poorly responding to conventional treatments. The use of infliximab resulted in a dramatic amelioration of AD lesions and pruritus, persisting at follow-up examinations over a 3-year period. Probably, the unexpected response to infliximab therapy in this case might be due to some peculiar features of AD in our patient (i.e. chronic-continuous course and concomitant contact allergy) which could have been responsible for a more preponderant recruitment of Th1 cells as compared to “common” forms of AD.
On exegesis methods of Warring States bamboo-slip manuscripts
Authors: Wu Qi
Published: April 2018

With the continuous publication of Guodian bamboo-slip manuscripts, Shanghai Museum bamboo-slip manuscripts and Tsinghua University bamboo-slip manuscripts, the study of Warring States bamboo-slip manuscripts has become a new research focus in recent years. Exegesis study is one of the most important aspects in bamboo-slip manuscripts research. As can be seen from those exegesis study results, it is found that some of them are widely accepted. However, some results are debateable. Furthermore, in many cases it is difficult to provide clear answers in exegesis study. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the exegesis methods of these accepted and debateable results. Also, theoretical guidance for future research needs to be provided. This article will discuss applying traditional exegesis methods into exegesis study. Then it will discuss applying the special features of Warring States bamboo-slip manuscripts into exegesis study. Finally, it will discuss some problems which should be emphasized in exegesis study.
On the cognitive strategy of ideographic writing: Taking the semanto-phonetic structure of Chu bamboo-strip scripts as an example
Authors: Zang Kehe
Published: April 2018

Ideographic writings, such as Chinese characters, do not lay stress on the pronunciation of characters. However, the so-called function of indicating meaning has been reduced in the long history of evolution. A question then arises as to whether it is necessary to maintain such complex structures for modern writings. The main structural type of Chinese character system became the ‘semanto-phonetic structure’ long ago. Shuowen jiezi is the earliest extant compilation of Chinese characters, in which semanto-phonetic characters account for about 81% of the total characters. In fact, the Chu bamboo-strip scripts of the Warring States, which are much earlier than Shuowen jiezi of the Han Dynasty, had demonstrated such a tendency. Its primary reason is to differentiate new meanings from the extant meanings, and to create orthographs. The preference of semanto-phonetic structure in the development of Chinese writing is more convenient in terms of the cognitive classification of Chinese characters than in emphasizing the phonetic function of phonetics.
Elevated Levels of BRAFV600 Mutant Circulating Tumor DNA and Circulating Hepatocyte Growth Factor Are Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Lu William , Burton Luciana , Larkin James , Chapman Paul B. , Ascierto Paolo A. , Ribas Antoni , Robert Caroline , Sosman Jeffrey A. , McArthur Grant A. , Chang Ilsung , Caro Ivor , Penuel Elicia , Yan Yibing , Wongchenko Matthew J.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

We performed a retrospective exploratory analysis to evaluate the prognostic and predictive effect of two circulating biomarkers, BRAFV600 mutant circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating hepatocyte growth factor (cHGF), in metastatic melanoma.

Materials and Methods

This study evaluated patients from BRIM-3, a phase III trial comparing vemurafenib and dacarbazine in 675 patients with BRAFV600 mutated advanced melanoma. ctDNA was measured using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and cHGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Partitioning analysis was used to group patients into risk categories.

Results

Patients with elevated levels of baseline BRAFV600 ctDNA had significantly shorter median OS than those with undetectable levels of ctDNA (vemurafenib arm, 9.9 v 21.4 months, respectively, and dacarbazine arm: 6.1 v 21.0 months, respectively). Median OS was also shorter in patients with high levels of cHGF compared with those with low cHGF (vemurafenib arm, 11.9 v 17.3 months, respectively, and dacarbazine arm, 6.1 v 14.4 months, respectively). In a multivariable proportional hazards model with adjustment for lactate dehydrogenase, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, disease stage, and treatment, ctDNA and cHGF were both independent prognostic factors for OS, (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.35 to 2.28 for high v undetectable ctDNA; HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.53 for high v low cHGF). Using partitioning analysis, we found that patients with elevated ctDNA combined with elevated cHGF constituted the highest risk group with significantly shorter OS.

Conclusion

Here, we report that BRIM-3 patients with high levels of ctDNA and cHGF have worse OS regardless of treatment and that these factors are independent prognostic markers for metastatic melanoma.
Carnitine Acetyltransferase in AgRP Neurons Is Required for the Homeostatic Adaptation to Restricted Feeding in Male Mice
Authors: Reichenbach Alex , Mequinion Mathieu , Bayliss Jacqueline A , Lockie Sarah H , Lemus Moyra B , Mynatt Randall L , Stark Romana , Andrews Zane B
Published: April 2018

Behavioral adaptation to periods of varying food availability is crucial for survival, and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons have been associated with entrainment to temporal restricted feeding. We have shown that carnitine acetyltransferase (Crat) in AgRP neurons enables metabolic flexibility and appropriate nutrient partitioning. In this study, by restricting food availability to 3 h/d during the light phase, we examined whether Crat is a component of a food-entrainable oscillator (FEO) that helps link behavior to food availability. AgRP Crat knockout (KO) mice consumed less food and regained less body weight but maintained blood glucose levels during the 25-day restricted feeding protocol. Importantly, we observed no difference in meal latency, food anticipatory activity (FAA), or brown adipose tissue temperature during the first 13 days of restricted feeding. However, as the restricted feeding paradigm progressed, we noticed an increased FAA in AgRP Crat KO mice. The delayed increase in FAA, which developed during the last 12 days of restricted feeding, corresponded with elevated plasma levels of corticosterone and nonesterified fatty acids, indicating it resulted from greater energy debt incurred by KO mice over the course of the experiment. These experiments highlight the importance of Crat in AgRP neurons in regulating feeding behavior and body weight gain during restricted feeding but not in synchronizing behavior to food availability. Thus, Crat within AgRP neurons forms a component of the homeostatic response to restricted feeding but is not likely to be a molecular component of FEO.
Suppression of epithelial folding at actomyosin-enriched compartment boundaries downstream of Wingless signalling in Drosophila
Authors: Urbano Jose M. , Naylor Huw W. , Scarpa Elena , Muresan Leila , Sanson Bénédicte
Published: April 2018

Epithelial folding shapes embryos and tissues during development. Here, we investigate the coupling between epithelial folding and actomyosin-enriched compartmental boundaries. The mechanistic relationship between the two is unclear, because actomyosin-enriched boundaries are not necessarily associated with folds. Also, some cases of epithelial folding occur independently of actomyosin contractility. We investigated the shallow folds called parasegment grooves that form at boundaries between anterior and posterior compartments in the early Drosophila embryo. We demonstrate that formation of these folds requires the presence of an actomyosin enrichment along the boundary cell-cell contacts. These enrichments, which require Wingless signalling, increase interfacial tension not only at the level of the adherens junctions but also along the lateral surfaces. We find that epithelial folding is normally under inhibitory control because different genetic manipulations, including depletion of the Myosin II phosphatase Flapwing, increase the depth of folds at boundaries. Fold depth correlates with the levels of Bazooka (Baz), the Par-3 homologue, along the boundary cell-cell contacts. Moreover, Wingless and Hedgehog signalling have opposite effects on fold depth at the boundary that correlate with changes in Baz planar polarity.
Locomotor muscle fiber heterogeneity and metabolism in the fastest large-bodied rorqual: the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Authors: Rivero José-Luis L.
Published: April 2018

From a terrestrial ancestry, fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is one of the largest animal on Earth with a sprinter antipredator strategy, and a characteristic feeding mode, lunge feeding, which involve bouts of high-intensity muscle activity demanding high metabolic output. We investigated the locomotor muscle morphology and metabolism of this cetacean to determine whether its muscle profile (1) explains this unique swimming performance and feeding behaviour, (2) is or is not homogeneous within the muscle, and (3) predicts allometric variations inherent to an extreme body size. A predominantly fast-glycolytic phenotype characterized the fin whale locomotor muscle, composed of abundant fast-twitch (type IIA) fibers with high glycolytic potential, low oxidative capacity, relatively small size, and reduced number of capillaries. Compared to superficial areas, deep regions of this muscle exhibited a slower and more oxidative profile, suggesting a division of labour between muscle strata. As expected, the fin whale locomotor muscle only expressed the two slowest myosin heavy chain isoforms (I and IIA). However, it displayed anaerobic (glycolytic) and aerobic (lipid-based metabolism) capabilities higher than would be predicted from the allometric perspective of its extreme body size. Relationships between muscle metabolism and body mass were fiber-type specific. The ‘sprinter’ profile of the fin whale swimming muscle, particularly of its superficial compartment, supports physiological demands during both high-speed swimming and the lunge, when energy expenditure reaches maximal or supramaximal levels. Comparatively, the slower and more oxidative profile of the deep compartment of this muscle seems to be well designed for sustained, low-intensity muscle activity during routine swimming.
Oxygen drives skeletal muscle remodeling in an amphibious fish out of water
Authors: Rossi Giulia S. , Turko Andy J. , Wright Patricia A.
Published: April 2018

Skeletal muscle remodeling in response to terrestrial acclimation improves the locomotor performance of some amphibious fishes on land, but the cue for this remodeling is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that muscle remodeling in the amphibious Kryptolebias marmoratus on land is driven by higher O2 availability in atmospheric air, and the alternative hypothesis that remodeling is induced by a different environmental or physiological condition fish experience on land. Fish were acclimated to 28 days of air, aquatic hyperoxia, hypercapnia, hypoxia, elevated temperature, or fasting conditions. Air, fasting, and hyperoxic conditions increased (>25%) the size of oxidative fibers in K. marmoratus while hypoxia had the reverse effect (23% decrease). Surprisingly, hyperoxia-acclimation also resulted in a transformation of the musculature to include large bands of oxidative-like muscle. Our results show that K. marmoratus is highly responsive to environmental O2 levels and capitalize on O2-rich opportunities to enhance O2 utilization by skeletal muscle.
Salvage of shoulder joint through simplification of wound management
Authors: Ibrahim A.E. , Sarhane K. A. , Atiyeh B. S.
Published: April 2018

Infection is a common sequela of open dislocation of the shoulder joint. This typically leads to joint surface and humeral head necrosis, resulting in severe limitation of motion. Few cases of open and infected glenohumeral joints have been reported, and none had a good functional outcome with pain-free, near-full range of motion. Here we report the case of a 24-year-old man, who sustained a severe degloving injury of his left shoulder with an open glenohumeral joint, in a road traffic accident. We describe a treatment plan that salvaged near-full range of shoulder motion and resulted in pain-free active and passive movements.
Field Comparison of TSI DustTrak versus TEOM in Two Poultry Houses
Authors: Yang Xufei , Zhang Chen , Li Hong
Published: April 2018

The TSI DustTrak monitor has been used for particulate matter (PM) monitoring at various animal facilities. The instrument determines PM concentrations based on the principle of light scattering. Several assumptions (e.g., particle size, refractive index, and density) are imposed during the calibration process; however, they may not apply to PM emanating from agricultural settings. In this study, PM10 monitoring was conducted at a broiler house and a layer breeding house with four collocated instruments: three DustTrak monitors and one tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM). Being a federal equivalent method (FEM) for PM10 monitoring, TEOM was selected here as a transfer standard for assessing the field performance of DustTrak. Results revealed a good linearity between DustTrak and TEOM PM10 readings (R2 =0.92 and 0.85 in the broiler and layer breeding houses, respectively). However, DustTrak significantly underestimated PM10 concentrations in both houses. To correct for the monitoring bias by DustTrak, an average correction factor was derived from correlation analysis that characterized the ratio of DustTrak’s PM10 response to TEOM’s. The factor was calculated as 0.267 for the broiler house and 0.244 for the layer breeding house. Mie scattering simulation was performed to further verify the derived correction factors. A factor of 0.204 was estimated from the simulation, and it accorded well with experimental results. A dependence of the correction factor on PM10 concentration was noted in both poultry houses, indicating the feasibility of developing a concentration-dependent correction factor for future monitoring efforts. Such a relationship could also be explained by Mie scattering. This study is expected to facilitate a better understanding of the limitations and perspectives of the TSI DustTrak and other light scattering PM monitors for agricultural air quality research. Keywords: DustTrak, Mass concentration, Mie scattering, PM10, Poultry, TEOM.
Speciation and Geochemical Implications of Carcass Burial Leachate
Authors: Pratt Dyan L. , Fonstad Terrance A.
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

In the event of a mass livestock mortality situation, disposal routes such as burial are commonly chosen. The impact of burial on the environment could be substantial, but the composition of the leachate arising from a burial site has not been well documented. This study was performed to determine the chemical composition of leachate arising from animal mortalities in a burial setting. Three species of livestock were used: bovine, swine, and poultry. Leachate collected from lined burial pits over two years of decomposition was analyzed for major and minor ions. Analysis indicated that livestock mortality leachate contains, on average, concentrations of 46,000 mg L-1 of alkalinity (as bicarbonate), 12,600 mg L-1 of ammonium-N, 2600 mg L-1 of chloride, 3600 mg L-1 of sulfate, 2300 mg L-1 of potassium, 1800 mg L-1 of sodium, and 1500 mg L-1 of phosphorus, along with lesser amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Select samples had maximum concentrations of ammonium-N and bicarbonate up to 50% higher than these average values. In comparison to earthen swine manure storages and landfills, the ionic strength of the leachate was 2 to 4 times higher, and therefore its impact on water resources could be greater. Following the study of the chemical composition of livestock mortality leachate, the potential impacts of this leachate on the soil/water systems below a burial site were investigated. The ionic strength of the leachate presents its own set of challenges. Basic modeling of ion activity using the five most common activity coefficient equations (Debye-Hückel, extended Debye-Hückel, Truesdell-Jones, Davies, and Pitzer) were considered to assess the sensitivity of these methods for calculated ion activity as impacted by the ionic strength of the leachate. This was completed to further enhance the modeling and speciation efforts. Based on the results and the applicability of the Truesdell-Jones equation, PHREEQC was used to assess the chemical speciation of the leachate. The speciation of this leachate provides evidence of phosphate and sulfate compounds available for potential unattenuated transport. Understanding the geochemical implications of livestock mortality burial will give scientists and regulators more information for performing future risk analyses when considering mortality burial as a management option, either routinely or during a mass mortality event. Keywords: Ion activity coefficient, Ionic strength, Leachate chemical composition, Livestock burial leachate, Speciation.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Beef Feedlot Surface Materials as Affected by Diet, Moisture, Temperature, and Time
Authors: Woodbury Bryan L. , Gilley John E. , Parker David B. , Stromer Bobbi S.
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

A laboratory study was conducted to measure the effects of diet, moisture, temperature, and time on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from feedlot surface materials (FSM). The FSM were collected from open-lot pens where beef cattle were fed either a dry-rolled corn (DRC) diet containing no wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) or a DRC diet containing 35% WDGS. The FSM were collected, air-dried or mixed with 3.0 L of water to represent dry or wet conditions, and then incubated at temperatures of 5°C, 15°C, 25°C, or 35°C. Static flux chambers were used to quantify GHG emissions over a 14-day period. Flux data for each diet × moisture combination were analyzed using repeated measures in time. The largest GHG emissions occurred under wet conditions at temperatures of 25°C and 35°C. Flux values for these conditions typically were significantly greater than measurements obtained on the same day at 5°C and 15°C. Mean emissions under wet conditions for CO2, CH4, and N2O were 35, 121, and 278 times greater, respectively, than emissions from dry FSM. The 0% WDGS diet produced mean CO2 and N2O flux measurements that were 1.8 and 1.5 times greater, respectively, than those obtained for the 35% WDGS diet. The 35% WDGS diet, in contrast, produced a mean CH4 emission rate that was 6 times greater than the 0% WDGS diet. Management for GHG mitigation should include design and/or maintenance of pen drainage to speed drying as well as the use of modified animal diets. Keywords: Air quality, Carbon dioxide, Confined animal feeding operations, Drainage, Emission rates, Feedlot, Greenhouse gas, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Pen design.
Assessment of Perennial Grass Inventories Predicted in the Billion-Ton Studies
Authors: Jones Daniela  Sofia , Searcy Stephen   W. , Eaton Laurence   M.
Published: April 2018

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has estimated herbaceous biomass availability through simulations with the Policy Analysis System (POLYSYS) agricultural modeling framework. An operational assumption for POLYSYS limited conversion of pastureland to perennial grass crops to counties east of the 100th meridian as a proxy for precipitation sufficient for economically viable yield, but allowed cropland conversion regardless of location. Knowledge of local conditions raised questions about predicted biomass quantities for Texas counties in the 2011 assessment. POLYSYS was rerun with different assumptions, specifically replacing the 100th meridian boundary with annual average precipitation data and limiting cropland conversion in low-rainfall counties. Perennial grass production was found to be overestimated by 8% and 87% in the U.S. and Texas, respectively (at $66.14 DMg-1), when limiting all land conversion to regions with >635 mm precipitation. Total herbaceous biomass predicted was approximately the same as in the BT2, but the biomass geographical location changed across the nation. Texas’ biomass contribution decreased from 6% to 1% at $66.14 DMg-1 and from 16% to 11% at $88.18 DMg-1. Subsequent to this research being conducted, the DOE released the 2016 biomass inventory assessment, and these results are compared to those newest estimates. Keywords: Billion-Ton Study, Biomass, Perennial grass, Precipitation, Switchgrass.
Spatial Variability of Soil Particle-Size Distribution Heterogeneity in Farmland
Authors: Liu Jilong , Zhang Lingling , Fu Qiang , Ren Gaoqi , Liu Lu , Yu Peng , Tan Siyuan
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

The objective of this research was to reveal the spatial variability of soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity. The farmland (48 m × 48 m) used in this study is located in the black soil region of northeast China and was divided into sixty-four 6 m × 6 m squares for sampling. The soil particle-size distribution was measured with a Mastersizer 2000. Soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity, the spatial variability of soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity, and the relationships between soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity and the clay, silt, and sand contents were studied by applying multifractal, geostatistical, and joint multifractal methods, respectively. The soil particle-size distribution had multifractal characteristics. Local information causing soil particle-size distribution heterogeneities were mainly low values of soil particle-size distribution; heterogeneities from the low-value side of the particle-size distribution were larger than those from the high-value side of the particle-size distribution. In the different soil layers, the degree of variation in soil particle-size distribution heterogeneities was moderate, with spatial correlation ranges of 37.82 m and moderate spatial dependences. At the single scale and multi-scale, the impacts of the clay, silt, and sand contents on the soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity changed with soil layer depth. The clay, silt, and sand contents had different degrees of influence on the spatial variability of soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity at the single scale and multi-scale. Multi-scale analysis could better reveal the degrees of influence of the above soil properties on the spatial variability of soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity. The results of this study enrich the knowledge of the spatial variability of soil properties and provide a reference and additional information for the quantitative characterization of soil particle-size distribution heterogeneity and soil management in this research area. Keywords: Geostatistics, Multifractal analysis, Relationship, Soil property.
Quantification of Odorants in Animal Feeds at Commercial Swine and Poultry Operations
Authors: Yang Xufei , Lorjaroenphon Yaowapa , Li Hong , Cadwallader Keith .  R , Wang Xinlei , Zhang Yuanhui
Published: April 2018

Odorants in animal feeds may come from various processes, such as fermentation and decay of feed ingredients, contamination by fecal materials, and sorption of volatiles in the air of animal houses. Those odorants may affect feed flavor and may serve as indicators of feed quality. The objective of this study was to examine the composition and concentration of odorants in animal feeds and to explore the variability of those odorants with animal operation type and season. Thirty-seven feed samples were collected from 14 swine and poultry operations in the U.S. Midwest and were submitted for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A total of 55 organic odorants were quantitated, including fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Those compounds together accounted for 0.46% ±0.20% of fresh feed mass, with the highest percentage (0.54% ±0.19%) found at layer hen houses and the lowest percentage (0.38% ±0.14%) at swine farrowing houses. Acetic acid and ethanol were most abundant, accounting for 0.22% ±0.13% and 0.13% ±0.07% of fresh feed mass, respectively. Fecal indicators, including indole and skatole, were <5 ppm by mass. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the variability in odorant composition was largely ascribed to two loading factors that were dominated by acetic acid and ethanol, respectively. The odorant composition of feed samples showed no significant effect by animal operation type, while a gradual seasonal change was noted. This study is expected to improve the understanding of the causes of odorants in animal feeds and their implications for animal health and production performance. Keywords: Animal feed, Animal operation, GC-MS, Odorant, Principal component analysis.
Improved APEX Model Simulation of Buffer Water Quality Benefits at Field Scale
Authors: Senaviratne G. M. M. M. Anomaa , Baffaut Claire , Lory John A. , Udawatta Ranjith P. , Nelson Nathan O. , Williams Jimmy R. , Anderson Stephen H.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Watershed models offer cost-effective means to quantify the environmental benefits of conservation practices. This study evaluated the ability of the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model to simulate the effectiveness of upland buffers for reducing event runoff, sediment, and total phosphorus (TP) loadings. The study used 16 years of monitoring data (1993-2008) from three field-scale row crop watersheds. Two watersheds had buffers installed in the fall of 1997, one with upland agroforestry buffers (grass plus trees) and the second with upland grass buffers; the third watershed was maintained as a control. Objectives were to (1) determine the effect of upland buffers on APEX parameters, (2) evaluate the ability of APEX to estimate upland buffer effectiveness, and (3) evaluate the impact of alternative buffer placement options on water quality outcomes. After modification of the APEX code to improve simulation of infiltration in the buffers, we successfully calibrated APEX for no-buffer and upland buffer conditions for event runoff and TP. However, calibrated parameters from the no-buffer model simulated buffer conditions poorly and resulted in an overestimation of buffer effectiveness. Buffer effectiveness estimated with upland buffer parameters was similar to that obtained from measured data. Scenario analysis indicated that a combination of backslope and footslope agroforestry buffers was more effective than contour placement for reducing average annual edge-of-field runoff and total P losses. These results highlight the complexity of using APEX to assess upland buffers as well as potential problems when using APEX to quantify the benefits of conservation practices not included in the calibration dataset. Keywords: Agroforestry buffers, Buffer placement, Modeling, Phosphorus, Practice effectiveness, Watershed discretization.
On the changing frontline of welfare delivery: views on social assistance recipients among Finnish frontline workers
Authors: Blomberg Helena , Kroll Christian , Kallio Johanna
Published: April 2018

Frontline workers often use discretion when implementing rules. Thus, their own views can be expected to influence client treatment and decisions. We investigate how different groups of frontline workers, with different degrees and types of professional training and within different institutional settings, perceive social assistance and social assistance recipients, focusing on workers’ (N=2124) views on overuse, laziness, shame and underuse. The results from the Finnish case investigated, where social assistance has recently been transferred from the municipal social services to a national social security institution, highlight the complex interplay between policy goals, institutional logics and the group of frontline workers.
Babel: The abject cosmopolitan and the border
Authors: Urtiaga Rosa
Published: April 2018

In Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel, a Mexican nanny represents those undocumented domestic workers that constantly move north and south the US–Mexico border as part of global circuits. I build on the concept of the ‘abject cosmopolitan’, coined by Peter Nyers, and on classical theories of abjection. I also draw from theories about the global feminization of work, gender and migration, and transnational domestic service. From a cosmopolitan perspective that is sensitive to gender, race and class, this article explores the ways in which Babel counters long-held stereotypes and enables audiences to erode borders between strangers.
Az igei jelentés metaforizációjának mintázatai
Authors: Simon Gábor
Published: April 2018

A tanulmány újszerűen közelíti meg a metaforikus jelentést. Egyfelől a Magyar Nemzeti Szövegtár2 korpuszában előforduló kollokációs struktúrák kvantitatív elemzésével tárja fel, milyen jellemző kollokációs megoldásai vannak a megtámadja, megrohanja, megrohamozza igealakok metaforizálódásának. Másfelől a profilmeghatározásra és a sematikus jelentés átrendeződésére építő magyarázattal kínál eszközt a metaforikus szerkezetek szűrésére és kvalitatív elemzésére. A korpuszvezérelt és a nyelvtanvezérelt módszertan összehangolása mentén a tanulmány rámutat arra, hogy több különböző konstrukció stabilizálódik tipikus metaforikus jelentések kifejezésére, e konstrukciók azonban változatosságot is mutatnak. A metaforikus jelentés részleteinek leírásán túl új utakat keres a metaforakutatás módszertani és generalizációs lehetőségeiben, és előkészíti a metaforizálódás tendenciáinak nyelvi rendszerbe illesztett bemutatását.
Benyomáskeltési stratégiák politikai vitaműsorokban
Authors: Szabó Éva
Published: April 2018

Tanulmányomban magyar nyelvű politikai vitaműsorokban megjelenő benyomáskeltési stratégiákat vizsgálok. Kiindulási alapnak tekintem a Leary-féle énmegjelenítést (Leary 1995), amelyet a továbbiakban a pragmatikai megközelítésekkel ötvözök, különösen az udvariassági elméletekkel hozom összefüggésbe. A benyomáskeltést elsősorban mint arculatfenyegető aktust értelmezem a Brown és Levinson (1978; 1987) által felvázolt modellben, és kompetitív stratégiaként kezelem. Az általam létrehozott korpuszt öt videofelvétel képezi. A korpusz terjedelme körülbelül 180 perc, a lejegyzett adatokat a konverzációelemzésben használatos átírási konvenció alapján rögzítettem. Az elemzés során a szociálpszichológiai és pragmatikai perspektíván kívül a politikai vitaműsorokra jellemző tulajdonságokat is figyelembe vettem, a vitaműsorokban megjelenő benyomáskeltési stratégiákat diskurzusspecifikusként értelmeztem, és a benyomáskeltést a nyelvhasználatra vonatkoztatva vizsgáltam.
Políticas de apoyo y acompañamiento a los estudiantes en la Universidad Nacional del Litoral
Authors: Ferrero Maximiliano , Mántaras Bárbara , Pacífico Andrea , Ferreyra Emanuel , Tarabella Laura
Published: April 2018

Las políticas sobre la deserción universitariacomienzan a cobrar relevancia a partir de mediados dela década del '90. La Universidad Nacional del Litoral(UNL) otorgará desde entonces especial importancia adichas problemáticas, comenzando con la implementaciónde Cursos de Articulación y programas centralizadosen el ingreso y primer ciclo de las carreras degrado. Con la puesta en práctica del Programa de Tutoríasentre Pares, las políticas educativas de la UNLsobre la temática renuevan su impulso. En este trabajopretendemos realizar un acercamiento al sistema detutorías entre pares de la UNL como un dispositivoorientado a disminuir las desigualdades entre los ingresantesy que posibilita desarrollar acciones en contrade las tendencias estructurales que favorecen el abandonoen los primeros años de las carreras. En nuestrorecorrido atenderemos, en primer lugar, al desarrollohistórico y a caracterizar el programa de tutores llevadoadelante por la Dirección de Articulación de Nivelese Ingreso. Luego analizaremos los significados quelas acciones puestas en práctica por este programaadquieren en una trama que relaciona a los jóvenesestudiantes (tutores e ingresantes) con la instituciónuniversitaria.
Torti, E.; D’Angelo, E. y Salzman, D. (2017): La carrera de docente guía estudiantil. Una paradoja educativa. Santa Fe: Ediciones UNL.
Authors: Baraldi Victoria , Toibero Carina Florencia
Published: April 2018

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Red Betel Leaves Methanolic Extract (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.) Increases Cytotoxic Effect of Doxorubicin on WiDr Colon Cancer Cells through Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Wulandari Nindi , Meiftasari Argandita , Fadliyah Hilyatul , Jenie Riris Istighfari
Published: April 2018

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent that causes a lot of side effects in high doses. Thus, combination with a co-chemotherapeutic agent which can increase its toxicity on cancer cells, is needed to reduce its therapeutic dose. Red betel leaves (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.) have been known to contain flavonoids and alkaloids that have anticancer activity. This study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic effect and apoptosis induction of red betel leaves methanolic extract (RBM), doxorubicin (dox) and the combination of them on WiDr cells as model of colon cancer. RBM was extracted by soxhlet method using methanol. Cytotoxicity assay was performed using MTT assay for both single and combination treatments for 24 hours to determine IC50 and CI as their parameters. Apoptosis induction was analyzed by double staining method using ethidium bromide-acridine orange staining. Treatment of RBM and dox on WiDr cells for 24 hours showed cytotoxic activity with IC50 100 μg/mL and 1.6 μM respectively. Combination of RBM and dox performed synergism effect with CI<0.9 (p<0.05). Combination of RBM (12.5 μg/mL) and dox (0.4 μM) increased the number of apoptosis cells compared to each single treatment. Based on this study, it can be concluded that red betel leaves methanolic extract is potential to be developed as a co-chemotherapeutic agent of doxorubicin on colon cancer but still need further study to disclose the underlying molecular mechanisms.Keywords :  Red betel leaves (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.), doxorubicin, WiDr cells, co- chemotherapeutic agent
Enhancement of Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induction of Doxorubicin by Brazilein Containing Fraction of Secang (Caesalpinia sappan L.) on T47D Cells
Authors: Utomo Rohmad Yudi , Novarina Annisa , Tirtanirmala Prisnu , Kastian Ria Fajarwati , Jenie Riris Istighfari
Published: April 2018

Combination chemotherapy (co-chemotherapy) is a recent strategy to reduce the toxicity effect and increase the effectivity of chemotherapeutic agent, such as Doxorubicin (Dox). Caesalpinia sappan L. are potential to be developed as co-chemoterapeutic agents due to its strong cytotoxicity toward several breast cancer cells. The purpose of this research is to observe the cytotoxicity of Brazilein containing fraction (BCF) in single and its combination with doxorubicin on T47D cells. BCF was obtained by fractionation using chloroform:ethyl acetate (40:60 v/v) as mobile phase. Molecular docking results showed that Brazilein and Brazilin interacted with Bcl-2 with different binding properties. Based on MTT assay, Dox and BCF performed potent cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 403 nM and 68 μg/mL, respectively. BCF increased the cytotoxicity of Dox and performed synergism with CI value <1 and decreased possible toxicity with DRI value>1. Under Annexin V PI staining Flowcytometry, BCF in single and its combination with doxorubicin induced apoptosis. In conclusion, single treatment of BCF and its combination with Dox performed cytotoxic effect and induced apoptosis on T47D cell lines.Keywords: Brazilein containing fraction, Doxorubicin, Co-chemoteraphy, Apoptosis, T47D cells
Was Umweltbewusstsein (nicht) bewirken kann
Authors: Spiller Achim
Published: April 2018

Die Bedeutung des organisierten Umweltschutzes für die Umweltpolitik ist unbestritten: Umweltverbände haben erheblich zur breiten Politisierung der Ökologiediskussion beigetragen. Welchen Einfluss sie auf Konsumprozesse haben, ist dagegen weit weniger bekannt. Wie verhalten sich die Mitglieder eines Umweltschutzverbandes in ihrer Rolle als Konsumenten? Können sie als ökologieorientierte Konsuminnovatoren wirken?
Flexibilisierung als Barriere
Authors: Hielscher Volker
Published: April 2018

In den Debatten um die Wege zu einer zukunftsfähigen Entwicklung haben individuelle Konsummuster einen zentralen Stellenwert. Ein strategischer Ansatzpunkt liegt folglich darin, Leitbilder für ressourcensparende Konsumformen vorzuschlagen. Doch wie verträglich sind solche Leitbilder mit den heutigen Arbeits- und Lebensbedingungen breiter Schichten der Bevölkerung? Anders als vielfach vermutet erleichtert der Wandel der Erwerbsarbeit eine nachhaltige Lebensführung nur bedingt.
Genese eines Politikfeldes
Authors: Hagemann Helmut
Published: April 2018

Schon lange ist es für die Umweltpolitik selbstverständlich, dass ihre Adressaten die Verursacher von Umweltbelastungen sind. Dennoch sind die gesellschaftlichen Konsequenzen daraus noch nicht ins Bewusstsein gedrungen: Auch die privaten Haushalte – und damit jede Bürgerin und jeder Bürger – gehören zu den Zielgruppen der Umweltpolitik. Eine dem Konzept der Nachhaltigkeit verpflichtete Politik muss darauf zielen, ihr Verhalten zu beeinflussen. Die praktische Umsetzung einer entsprechenden Konsumpolitik hinkt dieser Erkenntnis allerdings noch hinterher.
Kommunikation gegen den Roll-back
Authors: Empacher Claudia
Published: April 2018

"Öko ist out!" oder "Ich bin öko-gestresst". Immer häufiger wird man mit derartigen Aussagen konfrontiert, wenn heute das Thema Ökologie zur Spra­che kommt. Auch das alternative Milieu, das sich durch die Verbindung von Umweltbewusstsein und -verhalten auszeichnete, ist nahezu verschwunden. Die Frage nach ökologischem Konsumverhalten stellt sich daher völlig neu. Wer ist heutzutage überhaupt noch für ökologischen Konsum ansprechbar? Auf welche Zielgruppen kann sich die Kommunikation nachhaltigen Konsumverhal­tens stützen?
Vorbild mit Schwächen
Authors: Preuschoff Christian
Published: April 2018

Ökologische Modernisierung ist nicht nur ein politisches Schlagwort der Nachwendezeit – ihre Ergebnisse können seit 1989/90 in den neuen Bundesländern beobachtet werden. Dies gilt insbesondere für die alten industriellen Kerne der DDR wie Bitterfeld, Buna und Leuna und ihre Privatisierung durch die Treuhandanstalt. Was sind die Stärken und Schwächen der gewählten Modernisierungsstrategie, welche Konsequenzen ergeben sich für die Politik? Anhand eines Beispiels aus dem Chemiedreieck lassen sich auch Lehren für Osteuropa ziehen.
Changing Identities
Authors: Olins Wally
Published: April 2018

Die Veränderungen im Rahmen der Globalisierung führen dazu, dass die klassischen Konturen von Staaten und Unternehmen verwischen. Mit dem Machtzuwachs der transnationalen Konzerne geraten Unternehmen zunehmend in den Fokus der Öffentlichkeit. Sie werden zunehmend zu "public property". Woher kommen diese Veränderungen, welche Anforderungen ergeben sich dadurch für die Unternehmen? Die Antworten, die dieser Auszug eines Essays von einem der führenden Unternehmensberater weltweit gibt, verdeutlichen warum sozial-ökologische Unternehmensbewertung sowohl an Bedeutung als auch an Einfluss gewinnt.
Der überforderte Stakeholder
Authors: Freimann Jürgen
Published: April 2018

Externe Anspruchsgruppen brauchen Informationen, um die Unternehmenspoli­tik beeinflussen zu können. Sozial-ökologische Unternehmensbewertung kann diese zur Verfügung stellen. Dies ist jedoch alles andere als einfach. Die hier­für nötigen Informationen durchlaufen selbst vielfache Filterprozesse, die die Gültigkeit von Bewertungen einschränken. Erst aus einer Analyse dieser Gren­zen lassen sich Anforderungen an einen wirksamen sozial-ökologischen Bewer­tungsprozess ableiten.
Zivilgesellschaftliche Intervention
Authors: Lübke Volkmar
Published: April 2018

Wie können unternehmerische Entscheidungen an gesellschaftliche Werte zurückgebunden werden? Diese Frage stellt sich in privatwirtschaftlich organisierten Wirtschaftssystemen besonders drängend. Doch auch hier haben sich verschiedene Interventions- und Steuerungsmechanismen entwickelt. Die klas­sischen Formen wie Parlament, Gewerbeaufsicht oder Gewerkschaften stoßen vor dem Hintergrund der Globalisierung an Grenzen. Ergänzend braucht es zivilgesellschaftliche Einflussnahme. Deren Entwicklung und verschiedene Ausgestaltungen, von Unternehmenskritik bis hin zu wissenschaftlichen Bewertungen, werden im folgenden skizziert.
Corporate Environment Performance
Authors: Miyake Maiko Miyake , Gordon Kathryn
Published: April 2018

Unternehmensbewertung muss sich an Zielen und Umweltleistungen orientieren. Eine wesentliche Informationsquelle sind Umweltberichte. Wie breit und wie aussagekräftig ist diese Informationsbasis? Auf der Basis europäischer Daten geben die AutorInnen der OECD einen Überblick. Während immerhin über 40 Pro­zent der Unternehmen umweltpolitische Leitlinien formulieren, berichten weniger als 20 Prozent der Öffentlichkeit über ihre Umweltleistung, wenngleich mit stark steigender Tendenz. Gleichzeitig wird Umweltberichterstattung zunehmend zu einem wichtigen Baustein internationaler Regelwerke und Verhaltenskodizes.
Weiterentwicklung zwingend
Authors: Meyer Bettina
Published: April 2018

Sonderregelungen sind bei einer ökologischen Steuerreform im nationalen Vor­ausgang notwendig und sinnvoll. Allerdings weisen die in Deutschland reali­sierten Sonderregelungen gravierende und im Zeitverlauf zunehmende Nachtei­le auf. Eine Reform tut Not und ist im Rahmen der Weiterentwicklung der Öko­steuer eigentlich auch noch für diesen Sommer vorgesehen. Allerdings gibt es auch bei den möglichen Alternativen keinen Königsweg.
Vom Sturm im Wasserglas
Authors: Burdick Bernhard
Published: April 2018

Wie kann eine nachhaltige Landwirtschaft aussehen? Die Studie "Zukunftsfähi­ges Deutschland" gab hier eine eindeutige Antwort: Gefordert wurde die flä­chendeckende Umstellung auf ökologischen Landbau bis 2010 und der Ausbau der Regionalvermarktung. Entsprechend heftig waren die Reaktionen. Ein Ver­gleich mit den realen Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre zeigt, dass man von den hehren Zielen der Studie noch weit entfernt ist.
Landwirtschaft contra Naturschutz?
Authors: Abresch Jens-Peter
Published: April 2018

Nachhaltige Landwirtschaft ist ohne den Schutz der natürlichen Ressourcen als eigene Produktionsgrundlage nicht denkbar. Aber auch ein nachhaltiger und flä­chendeckender Naturschutz ist in der fast durchgängig genutzten Kulturland­schaft Deutschlands ohne die Einbeziehung der Landwirtschaft nicht erreichbar. Dieses besondere Verhältnis von Landwirtschaft und Naturschutz wird am der­zeit aktuellen Beispiel der Eingriffsregelung beleuchtet.
Strategiefelder der Zukunft
Authors: Fichter Klaus
Published: April 2018

Die anfängliche Euphorie über die New Economy ist nach dem Scheitern zahlreicher Internet-Startups und angesichts des nach wie vor geringen Umsatzanteils von E-Commerce einer realistischeren Einschätzung gewichen. E-Business ist auch in Zukunft nicht alles, Internetnutzung und E-Commerce werden allerdings an Bedeutung gewinnen. Mit Blick auf die Ziele einer nachhaltigen, umweltverträglichen Entwicklung sind die zu erwartenden Effekte allerdings ambivalent. Wo liegen für Unternehmen strategische Ansatzpunkte, um die Potenziale der Internetrevolution für den Umweltschutz zu nutzen?