bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixtures of endocrine-disrupting contaminants induce adverse developmental effects in preweaning rats
Authors: Axelstad Marta , Christiansen Sofie , Boberg Julie , Scholze Martin , Jacobsen Pernille Rosenskjold , Isling Louise Krag , Kortenkamp Andreas , Hass Ulla
Published: December 2013

Reproductive toxicity was investigated in rats after developmental exposure to a mixture of 13 endocrine-disrupting contaminants, including pesticides, plastic and cosmetic ingredients, and paracetamol. The mixture was composed on the basis of information about high-end human exposures, and the dose levels reflecting 100, 200, and 450 times this exposure were tested. The compounds were also grouped according to their estrogenicity or anti-androgenicity, and their joint effects were tested at two different doses, with each group reflecting 200 or 450 times human exposure. In addition, a single paracetamol dose was tested (350 mg/kg per day). All exposures and a vehicle were administered by oral gavage to time-mated Wistar dams rats throughout gestation and lactation, and their offspring were assessed for reproductive effects at birth and in prepuberty. The mixture doses, which included the anti-androgenic compounds, affected the male offspring by causing decreased anogenital distance, increased nipple retention (NR), and reduced ventral prostate weights, at both medium and high doses. In addition, the weights of the levator ani/bulbocavernosus muscle (LABC) were decreased at the high dose of anti-androgen mixture. No effects were seen after exposure to the estrogenic chemicals alone, whereas males exposed solely to paracetamol showed decreased LABC weights and increased NR. Thus adverse reproductive effects were observed at mixtures reflecting 200 times high-end human exposure, which is relatively close to the safety margin covered by the regulatory uncertainty factor of 100. This suggests that highly exposed human population groups may not be sufficiently protected against mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Additive, Epistatic, and Environmental Effects Through the Lens of Expression Variability QTL in a Twin Cohort
Authors: Wang Gang , Yang Ence , Brinkmeyer-Langford Candice L , Cai James J
Published: December 2013

The expression of a gene can vary across individuals in the general population, as well as between monozygotic twins. This variable expression is assumed to be due to the influence of both genetic and nongenetic factors. Yet little evidence supporting this assumption has been obtained from empirical data. In this study, we used expression data from a large twin cohort to investigate the influences of genetic and nongenetic factors on variable gene expression. We focused on a set of expression variability QTL (evQTL)—i.e., genetic loci associated with the variance, as opposed to the mean, of gene expression. We identified evQTL for 99, 56, and 79 genes in lymphoblastoid cell lines, skin, and fat, respectively. The differences in gene expression, measured by the relative mean difference (RMD), tended to be larger between pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins than between pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins, showing that genetic background influenced the expression variability. Furthermore, a more profound RMD was observed between pairs of MZ twins whose genotypes were associated with greater expression variability than the RMD found between pairs of MZ twins whose genotypes were associated with smaller expression variability. This suggests that nongenetic (e.g., environmental) factors contribute to the variable expression. Lastly, we demonstrated that the formation of evQTL is likely due to partial linkages between eQTL SNPs that are additively associated with the mean of gene expression; in most cases, no epistatic effect is involved. Our findings have implications for understanding divergent sources of gene expression variability.
Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents
Authors: Hodgkinson Stacy , Beers Lee , Southammakosane Cathy , Lewin Amy
Published: December 2013

Adolescent parenthood is associated with a range of adverse outcomes for young mothers, including mental health problems such as depression, substance abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Teen mothers are also more likely to be impoverished and reside in communities and families that are socially and economically disadvantaged. These circumstances can adversely affect maternal mental health, parenting, and behavior outcomes for their children. In this report, we provide an overview of the mental health challenges associated with teen parenthood, barriers that often prevent teen mothers from seeking mental health services, and interventions for this vulnerable population that can be integrated into primary care services. Pediatricians in the primary care setting are in a unique position to address the mental health needs of adolescent parents because teens often turn to them first for assistance with emotional and behavioral concerns. Consequently, pediatricians can play a pivotal role in facilitating and encouraging teen parents’ engagement in mental health treatment.
School Violence, Mental Health, and Educational Performance in Uganda
Authors: Devries Karen M. , Child Jennifer C. , Allen Elizabeth , Walakira Eddy , Parkes Jenny , Naker Dipak
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND:

Violence against children from school staff is anecdotally common in low- and middle-income countries, but data on prevalence and associations with mental health and educational outcomes are lacking.

METHODS:

We report data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in June and July 2012 in Luwero District, Uganda. Forty-two primary schools representing 80% of students in the district were randomly selected; 100% agreed to participate. The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Child Abuse Screening Tool—Child Institutional; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; and reading, spelling, and math tests were administered. We present descriptive statistics and logistic regression models, accounting for the complex sampling scheme used in the survey.

RESULTS:

We surveyed 3706 students and 577 school staff members; 93.3% (SE 1.0%) of boys and 94.2% (SE 1.6%) of girls attending primary school reported lifetime experience of physical violence from a school staff member, and >50% reported experience in the past week. Past-week physical violence was associated with increased odds of poor mental health and, for girls, double the odds of poor educational performance (adjusted odds ratio = 1.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–2.66). For boys, significant interactions were present.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite a ban on corporal punishment in Ugandan schools since 1997, the use of violence against students is widespread and associated with poor mental health and educational performance. School violence may be an important but overlooked contributor to disease burden and poor educational performance in low- and middle-income settings.
Exercise and Insulin Resistance in Youth: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fedewa Michael V. , Gist Nicholas H. , Evans Ellen M. , Dishman Rod K.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes is increasing among children, adolescents, and adults. Although estimates of the efficacy of exercise training on fasting insulin and insulin resistance have been provided, for adults similar estimates have not been provided for youth. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a quantitative estimate of the effectiveness of exercise training on fasting insulin and insulin resistance in children and adolescents.

METHODS:

Potential sources were limited to peer-reviewed articles published before June 25, 2013, and gathered from the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Physical Education Index, and Web of Science online databases. Analysis was limited to randomized controlled trials by using combinations of the terms adolescent, child, pediatric, youth, exercise training, physical activity, diabetes, insulin, randomized trial, and randomized controlled trial. The authors assessed 546 sources, of which 4.4% (24 studies) were eligible for inclusion. Thirty-two effects were used to estimate the effect of exercise training on fasting insulin, with 15 effects measuring the effect on insulin resistance. Estimated effects were independently calculated by multiple authors, and conflicts were resolved before calculating the overall effect.

RESULTS:

Based on the cumulative results from these studies, a small to moderate effect was found for exercise training on fasting insulin and improving insulin resistance in youth (Hedges’ d effect size = 0.48 [95% confidence interval: 0.22–0.74], P < .001 and 0.31 [95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.56], P < .05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results support the use of exercise training in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Large-scale soil–structure physical model (1g) – assessment of structure damages
Authors: Heib Marwan Al , Emeriault Fabrice , Caudron Matthieu , Nghiem Luyen , Hor Boramy
Published: December 2013

The paper presents a new large small-scale physical model (6 m3) for studying the damage to structures owing to underground movements: settlement, subsidence and sinkhole. The aim of the research is to study the soil–structure interaction effect of large vertical displacement owing to underground mines. The soil used in the physical model is Fontainebleau sand. The simple masonry structure was built using different materials: polycarbonate, silicone, wood and sugar. The vertical displacement was applied by an electric jack. The physical model is used to reproduce ground surface displacement profiles and the displacement measurement system is based on digital image correlation. Image processing was carried out to analyse the soil and structure displacements. The model allowed comparing the behaviour of soil and structure under different conditions: greenfield and with structure (different positions). Tension cracks appear when the applied subsidence reaches the structure's bearing capacity. The structure damage (cracks) depends on the structure position and the transfer of soil movement to the structure. These results also highlight the importance of the structure position in the development of cracks and damage to the masonry structure. The physical model presents an excellent tool for understanding the behaviour of real buildings and facilities.
Turkish street addressing system and geocoding challenges
Authors: Yildirim Volkan , Yomralioglu Tahsin , Nisanci Recep , Inan Halilibrahim
Published: December 2013

A street address system is one of the most basic techniques used by government and others for service delivery. It enables emergency services, security, taxation, health services, delivery and mail services and it also monitors the spatial whereabouts of individuals within a population. The effective management of urban areas can only be achieved if an accurate street address infrastructure is formed. The present study investigated the problems related to street addressing in Turkey and was conducted in three stages. First, the effectiveness of the existing street addressing system was examined. The problems caused by organisations and individuals that use non-standard formats were addressed in the second stage. In the third and final stage, statistical analyses of various geocoding methods, including dual-range, one-range, single field and the zoning improvement plan, were carried out and the most appropriate geocoding method was found.
Understanding the Convection Heat-Transfer Mechanism in the Steam-Assisted-Gravity-Drainage Process
Authors: Irani Mazda , Gates Ian
Published: December 2013

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is the preferred method to extract bitumen from Athabasca oil-sand reservoirs in western Canada. In SAGD, steam, injected outward from a horizontal injection well, loses its latent heat when it contacts the cold bitumen at the edge of a steam chamber. Consequently, the viscosity of the bitumen falls several orders of magnitude, enabling it to flow under gravity toward a horizontal production well directly below to the injection well. It is commonly believed that conduction is the dominant heat-transfer mechanism at the edge of the chamber. Heat transfer by convection is not considered in classic SAGD mathematical models such as the one derived by Butler. Researchers such as Butler and Stephens (1981), Reis (1992), Akin (2005), Liang (2005), Nukhaev et al. (2006), and Azad and Chalaturnyk (2010) considered the conduction from steam to cold reservoir to be the only heat-transfer component. Farouq-Ali (1997), Edmunds (1999a, b), Ito and Suzuki (1996, 1999), Ito et al. (1998), Sharma and Gates (2011), and Irani and Ghannadi (2013) questioned the assumption that thermal conduction dominates heat transfer at the edge of a SAGD chamber. Sharma and Gates (2011) and Irani and Ghannadi (2013) studied convective flux from condensate flow at the edge of an SAGD steam chamber. Irani and Ghannadi (2013) derived a new formulation that solves the energy balance and pressure-driven condensate flow normal to the steam-chamber interface into the cold bitumen reservoir and concluded that the assumption of conduction-dominated heat transfer is valid; however, all previous analyses do not include convective heat transfer arising from draining bitumen and condensate. Although a few researchers have studied convective flux from condensate flow at the edge of an SAGD steam chamber (e.g., Sharma and Gates 2011; Irani and Ghannadi 2013), there is a lack of understanding of bitumen and condensate drainage parallel to the edge of the chamber and of its effect on transverse heat transfer into the oil sand beyond the chamber. In this study, the relative roles of convective heat flux both parallel and normal to the edge of a steam chamber are examined. The results suggest that the convective heat flux associated with flow parallel to the chamber edge is minor compared with that normal to the edge.
Incidence of complications of antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Novakovic-Anucin Sladjana , Gnip Sanja , Canak Visnja , Radovic Pavica , Kovacev Jelena , Mitic Gorana
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of ischemic stroke five
fold, while the application of long-term anticoagulant therapy is associated
with the occurrence of hemorrhagic complications. The aim of our study was to
evaluate the incidence of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications in
patients with atrial fibrillation during antithrombotic treatment. Material
and Methods. The study included 504 patients that were administered the
primary (n=345) or secondary thromboprophylaxis after ischemic stroke
(n=159), by applying vitamin K antagonists, or the combination of vitamin K
antagonists and low-dose aspirin. The patients were followed for five months
in the period of 24 years from 1988 to 2012, the total number of patient?s
years being 1884, at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina. Thromboembolic and
hemorrhagic complications were registered during regular check-up
examinations. Results and Discussion. Our results indicate the low incidence
of thromboembolic complications (0.01 patient per a year), with a lower
incidence in the vitamin K antagonists group than in the group with the
combination of vitamin K antagonists and aspirin (0.008 patient per a year
versus 0.01 patient per a year). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications
was higher in the group with the combined treatment compared to the group
treated with vitamin K antagonists (0.1 patient per a year versus 0.06
patient per a year). The frequency of major bleeding was as low as 0.01
patient per a year and more frequent in the group with combined treatment
(0.03 patient per a year). Conclusion. The overall incidence of complications
in the study group was 0.08 patient per a year. The combined antithrombotic
treatment increases the risk of hemorrhagic complications and affects the
severity of bleeding. Oral anticoagulant therapy is more efficient in the
prevention of ischemic stroke and thromboembolic complications in patients
with atrial fibrillation.
Transfusion management of patients with red blood cell antibodies
Authors: Bujandric Nevenka , Grujic Jasmina , Krga-Milanovic Mirjana
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Red blood cell antibodies may cause a positive result of
pre-transfusion blood compatibility testing (crossmatch test). It can be a
problem to provide suitable blood units for patients with clinically
significant antibodies to high-frequency antigens as well as for those with
multiple alloantibody specificities. This study was aimed at identifying
transfused patients in the population of South-Backa who had developed
clinically significant red blood cell alloantibodies. Material and methods.
We analyzed the records of crossmatch results and antibody screening
performed at the Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina during 2012.
Results. Antibodies were found in 103 patients: A) 63 patients with single
antibodies: 1) 16 with antibodies of unknown specificity (3 autoantibodies,
13 alloantibodies); 2) 39 with clinically significant antibodies (23 from Rh
system (2 anti-C, 2 anti-D, 12 anti-E, 7 anti-c), 4 anti-K, 3 anti-Fya, 7
anti-Jka, 2 anti-S); 3) 8 with usually not significant antibodies (6 anti-M,
1 anti-A1, 1 anti- Cw); B) 40 patients developed multiple antibodies: 1) all
patients had at least one clinically significant antibody from various blood
group system (44 Rh, 13 Kell, 7 Kidd, 7 MNSs (S, s)); 2) 3 patients had
usually not significant antibodies (1 Lewis, 2 Lutheran); 3) 3 patients
occasionally had clinically significant antibody (3 anti- Yta); 4) 3 patients
had antibodies of unknown specificity (2 autoantibodies, 1alloantibody).
Antibodies detected in the majority of patients (65-63.1%) had a specificity
of Rh and/or the Kell system. Conclusions. The main goal of pre-transfusion
blood compatibility testing is to detect clinically significant antibodies.
The provision of antigen negative blood units for those patients is a special
challenge for blood establishments. Database with a sufficient number of
typed blood donors can help to resolve this problem.
Innovation in European Vocational Education and Training: Network Learning in England, Finland and Germany
Authors: Heikkilä Eila
Published: December 2013

This article presents a comparative study of innovation in vocational education and training (VET) in three innovative European countries: England, Finland and Germany. The focus is on innovation emerging from VET practitioners' (directors, teachers, project coordinators, etc.) participation in inter-organisational networks with local, regional, national, European or international reach. The concept of practitioner-driven innovation is introduced to describe the ways VET practitioners perceive participation in inter-organisational network learning to change and innovate practices in VET organisations. The findings of the comparative research, based on the literature of innovation and empirical studies in the three countries, indicate that the perceptions of VET practitioners on innovation, emerging from participation in inter-organisational networks, are largely convergent across the three European countries. The article suggests that VET practitioners perceive participation in inter-organisational network learning to enhance innovation in VET with, for example, specialisation, new training models, and professional development. While noting the limitations of the research, the article aims to contribute to present research and discussion of practice-based innovation and network learning in VET.
Research Dilemmas Associated with Photo Elicitation in Comparative Early Childhood Education Research
Authors: Birkeland Åsta
Published: December 2013

Photo elicitation has become an important method to produce data in qualitative research. There is quite an extensive literature indicating the benefits of photo elicitation in order to facilitate collaboration in meaning making between researcher and the interviewee. This article addresses dilemmas associated with using photo elicitation in a comparative research project focusing on kindergartens in Norway and in China. The article discusses dilemmas associated with the process of taking photos and selecting those to be used in the interview. Furthermore, the article reflects upon dilemmas in relation to positioning of the researcher, the interpreter and the kindergarten teachers in the interviews. Finally the dilemma of the agency of the pictures is discussed. The article argues for the importance of discussing these dilemmas specifically in cross-cultural research with presumably large cultural differences as China and Norway. Furthermore the article emphasises the importance of using both insider teachers and outsider teachers in interpretation of the photos in comparative research in order to disturb the taken for granted interpretations.
Academic Brain Drain: Impact and Implications for Public Higher Education Quality in Kenya
Authors: Odhiambo George O.
Published: December 2013

The flight of human capital is a phenomenon that has been of concern to academics and development practitioners for decades. Unfortunately, there is no systematic record of the number of skilled professionals that many African countries have continued to lose to the developed world. Termed the ‘brain drain’, it represents the loss of highly skilled professionals from a source country to a recipient country. The migration of academics from Kenya has mainly taken two forms: direct migration or settling down after completion of one's studies in a given country. This article critically examines the migration and brain drain in public higher education institutions in Kenya and its implications, and suggests that the institutions should continue to explore strategies on how best to use the skills and experience of emigrant academics, and how to minimise their outflow.
Field Data on Accounting Error Rates and Audit Sampling
Authors: Durney Michael , Elder Randal J. , Glover Steven M.
Published: December 2013

Changes in the accounting and auditing environments since the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and the creation of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) have likely impacted accounting population error rates and audit sampling procedures. We investigate accounting population error rates and auditor sampling performance for a unique proprietary post-SOX dataset of 160 audit sampling applications for a large auditing firm. Compared to previous research, we find that in the post-SOX period, accounting data error rates are significantly lower in magnitude and frequency, sample sizes are significantly larger, and auditor performance has improved in evaluating sample errors. The low error rates suggest criticisms in prior research regarding audit sampling techniques may not be a serious concern for most audit sampling applications. Furthermore, we provide evidence that auditors' application of audit sampling is more consistent with the requirements in professional standards than previously reported.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibition Augments Diabetic Endothelial Progenitor Cell Abundance and Functionality via Cathepsin B: A Novel Therapeutic Opportunity for Arterial Repair
Authors: Hibbert Benjamin , Lavoie Jessie R. , Ma Xiaoli , Seibert Tara , Raizman Joshua E. , Simard Trevor , Chen Yong-Xiang , Stewart Duncan , O’Brien Edward R.
Published: December 2013

Progenitor cell therapy is hindered in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) due to cellular senescence. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) activity is increased in DM, potentially exacerbating impaired cell-based therapies. Thus, we aimed to determine if and how GSK3β inhibitors (GSKi) can improve therapeutic efficacy of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from patients with DM. Patients with DM had fewer EPCs and increased rates of apoptosis. DM EPCs also exhibited higher levels of GSK3β activity resulting in increased levels of phosphorylated β-catenin. Proteomic profiling of DM EPCs treated with GSKi identified 37 nonredundant, differentially regulated proteins. Cathepsin B (cathB) was subsequently confirmed to be differentially regulated and showed 40% less baseline activity in DM EPCs, an effect reversed by GSKi treatment. Finally, in vivo efficacy of cell-based therapy was assessed in a xenotransplant femoral wire injury mouse model. Administration of DM EPCs reduced the intima-to-media ratio, an effect that was further augmented when DM EPCs were pretreated with GSKi yet absent when cathB was antagonized. In DM, increased basal GSK3β activity contributes to accelerated EPC cellular senescence, an effect reversed by small molecule antagonism of GSK3β, which enhanced cell-based therapy after vascular injury.
Identification and Characterization of GLP-1 Receptor–Expressing Cells Using a New Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Richards Paul , Parker Helen E. , Adriaenssens Alice E. , Hodgson Joshua M. , Cork Simon C. , Trapp Stefan , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank
Published: December 2013

GLP-1 is an intestinal hormone with widespread actions on metabolism. Therapies based on GLP-1 are highly effective because they increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion in people with type 2 diabetes, but many reports suggest that GLP-1 has additional beneficial or, in some cases, potentially dangerous actions on other tissues, including the heart, vasculature, exocrine pancreas, liver, and central nervous system. Identifying which tissues express the GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) is critical for the development of GLP-1–based therapies. Our objective was to use a method independent of GLP1R antibodies to identify and characterize the targets of GLP-1 in mice. Using newly generated glp1r-Cre mice crossed with fluorescent reporter strains, we show that major sites of glp1r expression include pancreatic β- and δ-cells, vascular smooth muscle, cardiac atrium, gastric antrum/pylorus, enteric neurones, and vagal and dorsal root ganglia. In the central nervous system, glp1r-fluorescent cells were abundant in the area postrema, arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, and ventromedial hypothalamus. Sporadic glp1r-fluorescent cells were found in pancreatic ducts. No glp1r-fluorescence was observed in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Enteric and vagal neurons positive for glp1r were activated by GLP-1 and may contribute to intestinal and central responses to locally released GLP-1, such as regulation of intestinal secretomotor activity and appetite.
Usefulness of Doppler ultrasonography to assess digital vascular dynamics in horses with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or laminitis
Authors: Aguirre Carla N. , Talavera Jesús , Fernández del Palacio María Josefa
Published: December 2013

Objective—To evaluate the usefulness of Doppler ultrasonography as a method to assess changes in digital vascular dynamics in horses with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or laminitis.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—42 adult Andalusian horses.

Procedures—Group 1 included 9 healthy horses, group 2 included 19 horses with SIRS without (n = 9) or with (10) a palpable increase in digital pulse intensity, and group 3 included 14 horses with laminitis without (8) or with (6) radiographic evidence of rotation or distal displacement (sinking) of the third phalanx. Qualitative spectrum characteristics and quantitative Doppler measurements of the lateral palmar digital artery were obtained for horses in each group.

Results—4 spectra, characterized by a positive systolic peak followed by several positive diastolic peaks, were observed in group 1 horses, group 2 horses, and group 3 horses that lacked radiographic changes. In the group 3 horses that had radiographic changes, laminar blood flow was detected. Diameter of the lateral palmar digital artery was significantly larger in the group 3 horses than in the group 2 horses; blood flow was significantly higher in the group 2 horses that had an increase in digital pulse intensity than in the group 2 horses without an increase in digital pulse intensity; velocity-time integral and acceleration time were significantly lower in group 3 horses, compared with group 2 horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that Doppler ultrasonography may be a useful complementary tool to detect digital blood flow changes of horses with SIRS, especially if they have a palpable increase in digital pulse intensity, or laminitis.
Diagnoses, clinical pathology findings, and treatment outcome of geriatric horses: 345 cases (2006–2010)
Authors: Silva Adriana G. , Furr Martin O.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To compare clinical, clinical pathology, and outcome variables between geriatric and nongeriatric horses.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—690 horses (345 horses ≥ 20 years old and 345 horses > 1 and < 20 years old) examined at a referral hospital.

Procedures—Medical records were examined, and data collected included horse description, diagnosis, outcome, and CBC and serum biochemical analysis results. Cases were horses ≥ 20 years old, and controls were horses > 1 and < 20 years old.

Results—Mean ± SD age was 23.9 ± 4.6 years for cases and 9.2 ± 3.6 years for controls. Arabian and pony breeds were significantly overrepresented in the geriatric group, compared with the control group. Diagnoses related to the digestive system, musculoskeletal system, and respiratory system were most common in this hospital population overall (cases and controls). Colic was the most common health problem overall. Digestive system disorders were significantly more prevalent among cases. Short-term survival rates for most categories of colic were no different for cases than for controls, with the exception of the category idiopathic colic. Considering all conditions, cases were significantly more likely to be nonsurvivors than were controls. Minor differences in serum biochemical results were found in some disease subcategories. Geriatric horses with colic were not more commonly euthanized than were adult nongeriatric horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that in this population of horses in a referral hospital, age was associated with the prevalence of specific disease conditions. Few differences between cases and controls were found in serum biochemical values.
Reformulating the Notion of Intercultural Communication Style within a Rhetorical Frame
Authors: Khadka Santosh
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9240 Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 1-16
Global Humanism: Possibilities and Risks of a New Humanistic Model
Authors: Hirn Lisz
Published: December 2013

Introduction The world develops terrifically fast: Technologies, media, states... But do humans develop as fast as their inventions? Which effects does the globalization have on the understanding of the individual and humanity? We have to choose between lots of possibilities - thanks to technology and research, but: What should we do now? How should we handle the potential which is available for us? My book „Global Humanism – possibilities and risks of a new humanistic model“ appeared in 2010 and discusses the possibilities and risks of a new, ethical model, a Global Humanism, which puts the individual as a global being in the centre of attention. Humanism is a big idea which everyday life puts to the test. I have recently returned from travels all around the world and to keep your humanistic attitude while travelling is a special challenge. It also showed me the necessity of a global ethical concept, which can apply in a lot of human environments. Nevertheless, the important question to be discussed remains: What can an ethical model like the Global Humanism really perfom? This question caught my interest as a scholar. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9241 Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 17-20
Lines Underground: Exploring and Mapping Venezuela's Cave Environment
Authors: Pérez María Alejandra
Published: December 2013

How do the lines on a map come into being? What stories do they tell? These questions are examined in the context of cave exploration and mapping in Venezuela. Ethnographic analysis focuses on mapping in the field, the translation of notes into final maps, and discourses surrounding these practices. The lines that cave surveyors sketch in field books while traversing underground passages reveal a dialectic between cartographic and exploratory practices. Two key factors shape this dynamic: first, the experience of probing humans “pushing passages” with no obvious end in sight, and second, the coordinated and skilled use of tools by explorers working in teams. Here, humans define both the scale and perspective of cartographic representations. But bodies slithering along passages make lines, too. This paper simultaneously considers lines of lead on paper and traces of bodies in the earth as a way to think of exploration and mapping as emergent engagements. This case powerfully illustrates the ontogenic nature of maps, highlighting the (re)production of social relations that continually brings them into being along with the environment that engenders these engagements. Finally, cave exploration and mapping illustrate the limits of our vision and technologies to grasp and order nature.
Music and Resurrection
Authors: Sequeri Pierangelo
Published: December 2013

Abstract:

Theology should concern itself more seriously with music. Music contains signs of life that nihilism was not able to cancel. From the end of the nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century, in the age of the secularization of art, all of the great musicians confronted the themes and works of the religious tradition in their major works (from Wagner to Henze, from Schönberg to Andriessen, from Strawinskj to Messiaen, from Skriabjn to Gubaidulina). This essay presents the passage of music from the Romantic “religion of art” to the contemporary “ethics of dissonance.” With W.T. Adorno's thesis in mind, a vision of music as the capacity to redeem the signifier from nihilism is proposed. Music restores power and beauty to the divine gift of the human capacity to signify. In this way, it gives new hope to words, to gestures, to the representation of reality.
Investigation of ethnomedicinal plants of Subarnachar in Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin SB , Sajib Noor Hassan , Islam Md Manzurul
Published: December 2013

Subarnachar is one of the traditional and promising upazilla in Noakhali district of Bangladesh. A survey of ethnomedicinal plants of the area was conducted from December 2009 to August 2011. The present study records 84 species under 75 genera in 47 families which is known to be used for the treatment of 34 diseases/illness. Field observations and discussion with local informants revealed that the ethnomedicinal plant species and traditional knowledge of the area is at great risk because of many threats including habitat destruction, agricultural advancement, and excessive collection of plants, industrialization and urbanization. It is very essential to document these plant use information before their disappearing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17085 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):77-86, 2011
Attitude toward eve teasing
Authors: Dey Biplob Kumar , Bairagi Arunavo , Mahmuda Ayesha
Published: December 2013

The present study was conducted to measure the attitude toward eve teasing. For this purpose a scale was developed in Likert format. The scale consisted of 10 statements in Bangla. Based on preliminary scrutinizing and expert judgment for face validity, 29 statements were administered to 100 males and 100 females for items analysis. Of the total 29 statements 10 were found to have significant item total correlation (?= .01 to 0.05) and were retained in the final scale. For measuring reliability of this split half 0.52 and chronbachs alpha 0.56 were computed. This scale was then administered to 200 people (100 males and 100 females) living in different areas of Dhaka city. The obtained data were analyzed by using ANOVA. The data revealed that the interaction effect of gender levels and education was found significant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17237 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):107-118, 2011
Taxonomy of Bassinae (=Agathidinae Nees 1814) Nees 1812 in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Habibur
Published: December 2013

Two genera of Bassinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been described and illustrated from Bangladesh and a key was prepared. The genera are: Agathis Latreille and Bassus Fabricius newly recorded from Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17239 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):135-146, 2011
Study of Microgastrinae Nees 1814 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Habibur
Published: December 2013

Three genera of Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been described and illustrated from Bangladesh and a key for the genera was prepared. The genera are Apanteles Foerster, Microplitis Foerster, and Protomicroplitis Ashmead. The genus Protomicroplitis is the new record to the fauna of Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17240 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):147-158, 2011
Isolation, identification and characterization of four cellulolytic actinomycetes and their cellulases
Authors: Alam MZ , Sultana M , Anwar MN
Published: December 2013

Four highly cellulolytic actinomycetous isolates namely SG1, SG2, SG3 and SS1 were isolated from soil samples and provisionally identified as Streptomyces almquistii, S. caeruleus , S. hirsutus and S. endus, respectively. All the isolates showed heavy growth and liquefaction at 50?C and pH 6.5 in Winsteads medium having 1.2% of CMC. The isolates were allowed to grow in Winsteads medium having Asparagine as a nitrogen source with different carbon sources for the maximum production of cellulases. The extracellular protein of the culture supernatant ranged from 1.14 ?g /ml (SG1) to 879.39 ?g /ml (SG3). The reducing sugar level of the culture supernatant ranged from 0.76 ?g /ml (SG2) to 558.33 ?g /ml (SG1). The highest CMC-ase activity (1431.81U/ml) was found with the crude enzyme of the strain SG3. The highest FP-ase activity (1087.11 U/ml) and Avicelase activity (1287.87U/ml) were found with the crude enzyme of SS1. To detrermine the optimum nitrogen sources, the isolates were allowed to grow in Winsteads medium having saw dust for SG1 and SG3, dry leaf for SS1 and SG2 as a carbon source with different nitrogen sources for the maximum production of cellulases. The extracellular protein of the culture supernatant ranged from 35.50 ?g /ml (SG1) to 328.62 ?g /ml (SS1) and the reducing sugar level of the culture supernatant ranged from 3.79 ?g /ml (SG1) to 114.39 ?g /ml (SG3). However the highest CMC-ase activity (1353.78 U/ml), and FP-ase activity (215.90 U/ml) were found with the crude enzyme of the strain SG2 and Avicelase activity (356.06U/ml) was found with the crude enzyme of the isolate SS1 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17241 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):159-173, 2011
Prevalence of Multidrug resistant Staphylococcus Aureus isolates in Clinical specimens collected from local patients of Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Khan SU , Mahmud MN , Chowdhury MA , Hakim MA
Published: December 2013

To observe the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus a total of 1078 blood, pus and miscellaneous samples (sputum, swab and body fluids) were collected among which 478 samples exhibited bacterial growth on agar medium. Out of growth positive 300 pus samples, 116(38.67%) showed the growth of Gram positive cocci, of which 30(25.86%) were Staphylococcus aureus positive. In case of blood, the number of growth positive samples were 116(28.45%), of which 33(12.12%) showed the presence of Gram positive cocci including 4 Staphylococcus aureus. Among the 62 growth positive miscellaneous samples, the number of Gram positive cocci and Staphylococcus aureus positive samples were 22(35.48%) and 4(18.18%), respectively. From the antibiogram of 38 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 26 were found multidrug resistant, showing resistance against two or more of the antibiotics used namely ampicillin, cefradine, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, whereas all the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. The MIC and MBC of these antibiotics against different Staphylococcus aureus isolates were determined, which were found to range from 2?g/ml to 8?g/ml and 4?g/ml to 16?g/ml, respectively, in case of vancomycin. The rate of resistance against ampicillin, cefradine, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were 92.1%, 60%, 58.1% and 59.35%, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17242 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):175-185, 2011
Soil fertility status of some mango orchards in Chittagong Hill Tracts
Authors: Kibria MG , Ahammad MJ , Osman KT
Published: December 2013

Major physico-chemical properties of mango orchard soils (Mangifera indica L.) in different sites of three hill districts, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban were evaluated. Soils were sandy loam in texture at all the sites except foot hill soil of Shapchari. Soil pH, organic matter, total N and available P varied from 4.76 to 5.58, 1.43 to 2.49 %, 0.10 to 0.16 %, 0.86 mg kg-1 to 2.69 mg kg-1 soil, respectively in surface soil of different sites of mango orchard. 1N NH4OAc extractable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ranged from 0.35 to 0.82, 2.50 to 3.66 and 0.60 to 1.57 cmol kg-1 of soils. Soil pH, organic matter, total N and available P varied significantly among the slope positions within the sites. Similar results were found in case of 1N NH4OAc extractable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. The soils are generally poor in organic matter and nutrients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17244 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):187-197, 2011
Rhodococcus erythropolis and Its γ-Lactone Catabolic Pathway: An Unusual Biocontrol System That Disrupts Pathogen Quorum Sensing Communication
Authors: Latour Xavier , Barbey Corinne , Chane Andrea , Groboillot Anne , Burini Jean-François
Published: December 2013

Rhodococcus erythropolis is an environmental Gram-positive Actinobacterium with a versatile metabolism involved in various bioconversions and degradations. Rhodococci are best known for their great potential in numerous decontamination and industrial processes. However, they can also prevent plant disease by disrupting quorum sensing-based communication of Gram-negative soft-rot bacteria, by degrading N-acyl-homoserine lactone signaling molecules. Such biocontrol activity results partly from the action of the γ-lactone catabolic pathway. This pathway is responsible for cleaving the lactone bond of a wide range of compounds comprising a γ-butyrolactone ring coupled to an alkyl or acyl chain. The aliphatic products of this hydrolysis are then activated and enter fatty acid metabolism. This short pathway is controlled by the presence of the γ-lactone, presumably sensed by a TetR-like transcriptional regulator, rather than the presence of the pathogen or the plant-host in the environment of the Rhodococci. Both the density and biocontrol activity of R. erythropolis may be boosted in crop systems. Treatment with a cheap γ-lactone stimulator, for example, the food flavoring γ-caprolactone, induces the activity in the biocontrol agent, R. erythropolis, of the pathway degrading signaling molecules; such treatments thus promote plant protection.
Policing Farm Animal Welfare in Federated Nations: The Problem of Dual Federalism in Canada and the USA
Authors: Whiting Terry
Published: December 2013

In recent European animal welfare statutes, human actions injurious to animals are new “offences” articulated as an injury to societal norms in addition to property damage. A crime is foremost a violation of a community moral standard. Violating a societal norm puts society out of balance and justice is served when that balance is returned. Criminal law normally requires the presence of mens rea, or evil intent, a particular state of mind; however, dereliction of duties towards animals (or children) is usually described as being of varying levels of negligence but, rarely can be so egregious that it constitutes criminal societal injury. In instrumental justice, the “public goods” delivered by criminal law are commonly classified as retribution, incapacitation and general deterrence. Prevention is a small, if present, outcome of criminal justice. Quazi-criminal law intends to establish certain expected (moral) standards of human behavior where by statute, the obligations of one party to another are clearly articulated as strict liability. Although largely moral in nature, this class of laws focuses on achieving compliance, thereby resulting in prevention. For example, protecting the environment from degradation is a benefit to society; punishing non-compliance, as is the application of criminal law, will not prevent the injury. This paper will provide evidence that the integrated meat complex of Canada and the USA is not in a good position to make changes to implement a credible farm animal protection system.
Portraying the Expression Landscapes of B-CellLymphoma-Intuitive Detection of Outlier Samples and of Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Hopp Lydia , Lembcke Kathrin , Binder Hans , Wirth Henry
Published: December 2013

We present an analytic framework based on Self-Organizing Map (SOM) machine learning to study large scale patient data sets. The potency of the approach is demonstrated in a case study using gene expression data of more than 200 mature aggressive B-cell lymphoma patients. The method portrays each sample with individual resolution, characterizes the subtypes, disentangles the expression patterns into distinct modules, extracts their functional context using enrichment techniques and enables investigation of the similarity relations between the samples. The method also allows to detect and to correct outliers caused by contaminations. Based on our analysis, we propose a refined classification of B-cell Lymphoma into four molecular subtypes which are characterized by differential functional and clinical characteristics.
Application of Fluorescence Two-Dimensional Difference In-Gel Electrophoresis as a Proteomic Biomarker Discovery Tool in Muscular Dystrophy Research
Authors: Carberry Steven , Zweyer Margit , Swandulla Dieter , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: December 2013

In this article, we illustrate the application of difference in-gel electrophoresis for the proteomic analysis of dystrophic skeletal muscle. The mdx diaphragm was used as a tissue model of dystrophinopathy. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is a widely employed protein separation method in proteomic investigations. Although two-dimensional gels usually underestimate the cellular presence of very high molecular mass proteins, integral membrane proteins and low copy number proteins, this method is extremely powerful in the comprehensive analysis of contractile proteins, metabolic enzymes, structural proteins and molecular chaperones. This gives rise to two-dimensional gel electrophoretic separation as the method of choice for studying contractile tissues in health and disease. For comparative studies, fluorescence difference in-gel electrophoresis has been shown to provide an excellent biomarker discovery tool. Since aged diaphragm fibres from the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy closely resemble the human pathology, we have carried out a mass spectrometry-based comparison of the naturally aged diaphragm versus the senescent dystrophic diaphragm. The proteomic comparison of wild type versus mdx diaphragm resulted in the identification of 84 altered protein species. Novel molecular insights into dystrophic changes suggest increased cellular stress, impaired calcium buffering, cytostructural alterations and disturbances of mitochondrial metabolism in dystrophin-deficient muscle tissue.