bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Korsanlar (!) Kendilerini Savunuyorlar: Türkiye'deki Amatör Altyazı Çevirmenliğinin Betimlenmesi
Authors: YILDIZ Mehmet
Published: May 2018

This
study is primarily intended to describe Turkish fansubbers’ efforts to exist as professionals rather than incompetent amateurs and fansubbing
in Turkey and to draft a non-exhaustive fansubber profile on the basis of a
corpus mainly consisting of interviews with “famous” Turkish fansubbers, who
have been invited for an interview to defend themselves against explicit and
implicit allegations and to explain their undertaking. The corpus comprises two
types of data source, i.e. print and online media. Drawing on the views of the
interviewees, the corpus analysis has assured that the present study can be
built on such parameters as legality/ethics, professional recognition,
visibility, censorship, quality, motives of fansubbing, remuneration,
linguistic proficiency, fansubbing skills and demographics. Together with the
literature review, the analyses have shown that the most serious accusation
brought against fansubbers is copyright infringement (Hatcher, 2005), i.e.
“pirating”, whereas the mildest is mistranslation. Although legal concerns are generally thought to stand out as the
severest matter, it is interesting that almost no confrontation exists between
fansubbers and copyright holders (Díaz-Cintas and Sánchez, 2006) but it does exist between colleagues and subtitling critics
(viewers, columnists or scholars). Thus, it can be speculated that professional
recognition is the primary concern of fansubbers although their undertaking is
a non-profit voluntary work.
Hardt ve Negri’nin Emek Anlayışı Toplumsal Sınıflar Hakkında Yapılan Alan Araştırmalarında Neden Elverişsizdir?
Authors: UCA Onur
Published: May 2018

This article examines Antonio Negri and Michael Hardt’s ideas on class

and labour relations. Negri and Hardt sufficiently explain the change of

capitalist production process in trilogy (Empire, Multitude and Commonwealth)

in which how the relation between the

material and immaterial labour evolves is formulated. They assert that the

immaterial labour is the hegemonic labour today and the Multitude is a kind of

answer which will be the main political actor against the capitalist system. Of

course their discourse is charming and supported by many people. Their ideas

are important to see the big picture but unadoptable to understand the details

of that big picture. Eventually, the article’s main argument is that Negri and

Hardt’s understanding of labour is impractical and feeble in the field studies,

provided that some useful aspects in the structure of their ideas to be

demonstrated for researchers interested in the field. The article suggests that post-weberian Luc

Boltanski’s analysis is more useful to understand class details than Negri ans

Hardt’s theory.
Selim İleri’nin Edebiyatta 50. Yılı: O AŞK DİNMEDİ
Authors: OKTAY Gülçin
Published: May 2018

Ayşe Sarısayın, Selim İleri (2017). O Aşk Dinmedi: Edebiyatta 50. Yıl, İstanbul:

Everest Yayınları, 471 s.
Uluslararası Hukukta Devlet ve Başarısız Devletler: Somali Örneği
Authors: BATIR Kerem
Published: May 2018

The primary subject of international law is

state. For centuries states were the only subjects present in international

arena and international law was accepted as the branch of law regulating the

relations between states. Modern state is understood as nation-state in the

World order founded just after the Westphalian Peace Treaty. The concept of

Nation State was emerged first in Europe and expanded throughout the globe as a

model. This model was also applicable to the countries who gained independence

in the decolonization process of 1960s. During the decolonization process the

new states were not examined whether they fulfilled the statehood criteria and

within a very short period of time they were in the international stage as

independent states. However most of those countries could not fulfil the

responsibilities of an ordinary state provided that they did not have effective

governments. This phenomenon not only causes internal problems but also

external ones. Those states became the source of illegal activities like global

terrorism, human trafficking, arms smuggling, sea piracy. They were also posing

threat to international peace and security. This study will examine the concept

of state and then analyse the failed states and lastly the situation in

Somalia, as the well-known example of failed states, will be evaluated.
Geçmişi Yeniden Düşünmek: Şehir Devletler
Authors: AKYOL İbrahim Tanju
Published: May 2018

Richard Mackenney, Şehir Devletler(Çev. Cem Demirkan), Babil Yayınları, İstanbul, 2004, 80 s.
Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in evaluation of triple-negative breast cancer: A preliminary experience
Authors: Wan Jing , Wu Rong , Yao Minghua , Xu Guang , Liu Hui , Pu Huan , Xiang Lihua , Zhang Shupin
Published: May 2018

PURPOSE:

To assess the elastographic features of triple-negative breast cancers and evaluate the diagnostic value of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) for the characterization of triple-negative breast cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study analyzed data from 234 women with breast cancer. Patients were categorized into three groups; 1) triple-negative breast cancers ( n = 48); 2) ER-positive tumors ( n = 128) and 3) HER2-positive tumors ( n = 58). Mean tumor stiffness was evaluated by virtual touch tissue imaging (VTI) and virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) and quantified as both qualitative scores (1–5) and shear wave velocity (SWV) (m/s). The relationship between mean SWV and tumor parameters, including tumor size, tumor type, histologic grade and lymph node status, were investigated using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS:

Triple-negative tumor were more likely to have a large invasive size ( p = 0.002), high histological grade ( p < 0.001), lymph node involvement ( p = 0.022) and strong ki-67 expression ( p < 0.001). The highest mean SWV value were recorded in triple-negative tumors (7.36 m/s±1.83), followed by HER2+ tumors (6.65 m/s±2.26) and ER+ tumors (6.60 m/s±2.35) ( p = 0.122). Triple-negative tumors were also associated with increased stiffness than ER+ tumors and HER2+ tumors ( p = 0.016), as measured by qualitative VTI scores. Tumor size was independently associated with mean SWV value on adjusted regression ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Triple-negative breast cancer is associated with high stiffness scores and SWV in ARFI. The latter may be considered a useful complementary tool in evaluation of triple-negative breast cancer.
Influence of inspiratory muscle warm-up on aerobic performance during incremental exercise
Authors: Özdal Mustafa , Bostanci Özgür
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Endurance is an important factor in athletic performance and is affected by respiratory muscle fatigue. Recent studies indicate that warming up of respiratory muscles improves the respiratory muscle fatigue.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up on aerobic performance during incremental exercise.

METHOD:

Maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures were measured in 30 healthy male athletes, with (EX) and without (CON) inspiratory muscle warm-up.

RESULTS:

No significant changes in MIP and MEP values between baseline levels and the CON condition were observed while such were seen with respect to EX and between the EX and CON conditions ([Formula: see text] 0.05). Aerobic performance measurements, including peak oxygen uptake (VO[Formula: see text]), relative VO[Formula: see text], oxygen uptake to workrate slope ([Formula: see text]VO[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]WR), metabolic equivalent (MET), peak heart rate (HR[Formula: see text]), peak minute ventilation (VE[Formula: see text]), peak tidal volume (TV[Formula: see text]), peak respiratory rate (RR[Formula: see text]), peak carbondioxide output (VCO[Formula: see text]) and respiratory exchange rate (RER) significantly differed by 18.84%, 19.51%, 9.53%, 15.54%, [Formula: see text]4.36%, 19.90%, 32.77%, [Formula: see text]6.10%, 23.29% and 7.34%, respectively, between subjects in the EX and CON conditions.

CONCLUSION:

These results show that inspiratory muscle warm-up improves aerobic performance byt further investigation is required to elucidate the exact mechanisms that stand behing these variations.
Effect of different warm-up strategies on countermovement jump and sprint performance in basketball players
Authors: de Sousa Fortes Leonardo , Paes Pedro Pinheiro , Mortatti Arnaldo Luís , Perez Anselmo José , Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni , de Lima-Júnior Dalton Roberto Alves Araújo , Moreira Alexandre
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Despite the importance of knowledge regarding the effects of different warm-up strategies not much is known about these effects and specific strategies with respect to basketball players.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the effect of different warm-up strategies on two specific functional actions of basketball, countermovement jump and speed.

METHODS:

Nineteen male basketball players aged between 19 and 27 (23.7 [Formula: see text] 1.1 years) were recruited. Experimental sessions were conducted with a 24 h interval in-between. The athletes performed randomly the five warm-up conditions (aerobic [Formula: see text] resistance training, aerobic [Formula: see text] jumps, resistance training [Formula: see text] jumps, jumps only, and control condition) followed by the physical tests (countermovement jump and a 20-m sprint).

RESULTS:

All warm-up conditions increased significantly the countermovement jump and sprint performance mainly for the jumps only condition for countermovement jump performance ([Formula: see text] 0.01) and resistance training [Formula: see text] jumps for sprint performance ([Formula: see text] 0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Warm-up with jumps was the most effective method for increasing countermovement jump while resistance training [Formula: see text] jumps was the best strategy to enhance 20 m speed performance.
Underutilization of the reports of adverse events in an Argentine hospital
Authors: Ramos Fernando Oscar , Abeldaño Zuñiga Roberto Ariel
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

An adverse event is defined as any unintentional harm that results in temporary or permanent disability and/or prolongation of hospitalization time, or death of a patient; as a consequence of health care provided by any staff member of the health institution.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim was to describe the adverse events that affect patient safety, reported in 2015 in a private hospital in the city of Córdoba, Argentina.

METHODS:

We analyzed 678 events reported through the computer system on the hospital’s intranet.

RESULTS:

The highest frequency of events reported corresponded to the nursing professionals (40.7% ). Problems related to drug therapy process showed the highest frequency of reports (17.7% ), followed by communication failures (11.1% ) and patient’s fall (10.3% ). In the notification of the causes of the incident, 51.9% of “No answer” was observed.

CONCLUSION:

In the case of this hospital, this valuable tool is being underutilized. The reports should allow identifying the entire chain of events that lead to the incidents to address effective interventions in patient safety that involve all hospital staff, with greater emphasis on senior staff.
Physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of Béni Guil lamb meat raised in eastern Morocco
Authors: Belhaj Kamal , Mansouri Farid , Ben Moumen Abdessamad , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Boukharta Mohamed , Caid Hana Serghini , Sindic Marianne , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND: The Béni Guil sheep is the main ovine breed that dominates livestock farming in the semi-arid region of eastern Morocco. No previous data is available on the quality of Béni Guil PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) lamb meat raised on the natural pasture of this area. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of Béni Guil PGI lamb meat. METHODS: Béni Guil PGI lamb meat was analysed for its quality parameters, fatty acid composition and amino acid profile. RESULTS: Results show that the Béni Guil PGI lamb meat has a significant juiciness (high water holding capacity), a marked tenderness (low collagen content) and a bright red colour. Longissimus lumborum muscle from Béni Guil PGI lambs contains 25.72% dry matter, including 19.43% protein, 5.14% fat, and 0.94% minerals. Gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection, for fatty acid analysis, revealed 49.45% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 38.48% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 12.4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The UFA:SFA and n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios were 1.04 and 3.78, respectively, and were comparable to those recommended for a balanced diet. The amino acid analysis, allowed the identification of eight essential amino acids. The chemical index and the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score values were 132 and 124, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the Beni Guil PGI meat has nutritional values in accordance with the nutritional recommendations and specific to the feeding system based mainly on grazing.
Hemodynamic instability associated with increased risk of death or brain injury in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Mohammad K. , Hicks M. , Buchhalter J. , Esser M.J. , Irvine L. , Thomas S. , Scott J. , Javadyan J. , Kamaluddeen M.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the association between hemodynamic instability requiring inotropes and brain injury or death in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

METHODS:

Retrospective cohort study of 221 neonates with HIE. Brain injury was defined using four HIE patterns based on MRI diffusion or T1 changes. The primary outcome was death or brain injury. Secondary outcomes were abnormal MRI, death, and abnormal EEG. Logistic regression was used to examine the risk of death or brain injury with the use of inotropes while adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS:

Brain injury or death occurred more often in neonates who received inotropes (71.1%, 69/97) compared to those who did not (44.3%, 55/124). The use of inotropes was associated with increased risk of death or brain injury (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.39–7.004) and abnormal MRI (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.22–6.34) after adjusting for confounding factors. Mortality was significantly higher in neonates exposed to inotropes (21.6%, 21/97) compared with those who did not receive inotropes (4%, 5/124), P < 0.001.

CONCLUSION:

In infants with HIE, hemodynamic instability requiring inotropes in the first 72 hours of life was associated with increased risk of death or brain injury detected by MRI.
Structural composition and distribution of tree species of Dudhpukuria-Dhopachori Wildlife Sanctuary, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MA , Hossain MK , Alam MS , Mamun MM Abdullah Al
Published: May 2018

Structural composition based on diameter and height class distribution of the tree species of Dudhpukuria-Dhopachori Wildlife Sanctuary, Chittagong, Bangladesh was assessed. A total of 183 tree species having ≥ 10 DBH belonging to 125 genera and 48 families was recorded from the study area. Different species were found to dominate in different DBH classes, i.e. Aporosa wallichii (4.06%), Artocarpus chama (1.54%) and Dillenia pentagyna (0.38%) dominated 10 - < 25 cm, 25 - < 40 cm and 40 - < 55 cm DBH, respectively. Swintonia floribunda was found in maximum (7 out of 8) number of DBH classes. Both the percentage of tree individuals (73.18%) and number of species (169) were highest in 10-24.5cm DBH range. Similarly, Dipterocarpus turbinatus (14.5-24.4m and 24.5-34.4m) and Swintonia floribunda (34.5-44.4m and 44.5-54.4m) were dominant in two height ranges each. On the other hand, height range 4.5 - 14.4 m was dominated by Aporosa wallichii (4.36%). Dipterocarpus costatus, Artocarpus chama, Syzygium firmum and Bombax insigne were found in all the height classes. Both the number of tree species and number of individual stems (167 species; 1,684 individuals) were highest in the height range of 4.5-14.4m. The number of species and tree individuals decreased linearly with increasing height. All these indicate that, there was a sustainable natural regeneration and successful recruitment of Aporosa wallichii, Dipterocarpus turbinatus, Lithocarpus acuminata, Grewia nervosa and Artocarpus chama in Dudhpukuria-Dhopachori Wildlife Sanctuary. Dipterocarpus turbinatus was found as dominant species as it constitures maximum (5.56%) percentage of all tree individuals. The findings of the study may be useful for protection, conservation and sustainable management of Dudhpukuria-Dhopachori Wildlife Sanctuary.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2017, 3(1): 17-30
Diversity of insect, mite and nematode species in tea ecosystem of Bangladesh
Authors: Paul SK , Ahmed M , Mamun MSA , Alam MJ
Published: May 2018

The study was undertaken on insect, mite and nematode species diversity in Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) main farm, Baraoora and Phulcherra tea estates in Sreemangal, Bangladesh from the period of 2014 to 2015. The study was done through direct field observations, sweeping net, food trap, sticky trap, light trap and Baermann Funnel method. A total of 71 insect, mite and nematode species was recorded belonging to 45 families under 14 orders. Among these, 25.35% species were foliar insects and mites, 26.76% soil insects and nematodes, 21.13% beneficial insects and 26.76% butterflies. All the foliar and soil insects, mites and nematodes were found as recognized pests of tea. The highest number of individuals among foliar pest was the red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae) and the lowest number was the coffee red borer (Zeuzera coffeae). Of the soil pests, 77.47% species were termites, 14.33% nematodes, 4.86% field cricket, 2.63% mole cricket and 0.72% cockchafer grub. Regarding the soil pests, live wood termite (Microtermes obesi) was the highest and dagger nematode (Xiphinema sp.) was the lowest in number. One species of foliar insect, looper caterpillar (Hyposidra infixaria) and three species of nematodes, viz. reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus sp.), ring nematode (Criconemoides sp.) and dagger nematode (Xiphinema sp.) were recorded for the first time as tea pest in Bangladesh. In case of beneficial insects, 81.49% species were predators, 16.73% parasitoids and 1.78% parasites. Lady bird beetle (Micraspis discolor) was the highest in number and anthocorids (Anthocoris sp.) were the lowest. Nineteen species of butterflies were found. Of the observed butterflies, lemon emigrant (Catopsilia pomona) was the highest and large oakblue (Arhopala amantes) was the lowest in number. According to pest status, tea mosquito bug, red spider mite, thrips, looper caterpillar, live wood termites, root knot nematode and root lesion nematode were major, and the rest of those were occasionally regarded as minor pest. The population of most of the pest species was higher in peak cropping season (April-November), whereas the lowest population was recorded in off season (December-February). According to diversity indices, the diversity of foliar pest was higher than the other groups and the foliar pest was more evenly distributed in comparison to soil, beneficial insects and butterflies.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2017, 3(1): 31-44
Colonization and strategic stratification of butterfly Pachliopta aristolochiae (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and its relationship with the host plant Aristolochia indica (Piperales: Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Alam SM , Bashar A , Aich U , Akand S , Rahman S
Published: May 2018

Colonization experiment for the butterfly Pachliopta aristolochiae (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) was carried out in the Zoological Garden, Curzon Hall, University of Dhaka and Bhawal national park, Gazipur from 2010 to 2011, and butterfly host-plants and nectar-plants were identified for this purpose. The field observations and identification confirmed that the host plant species Aristolochia indica is a creeper plant. A. indica was cultivated for the butterfly oviposition behaviour and to continue developmental stages. The oviposition behaviour of gravid female, hatching, feeding and moulting behaviour of the four larval instars, and pupation behaviour of A. indica were recorded. Both laboratory and field observations revealed that while there was availability of food, 1st and 2nd instar larvae preferred tender leaves, whereas the 3rd and 4th instar larvae fed both on young and mature leaves. However, mature larvae were also observed to feed on the stems, flower and fruits of the host-plant in absence of suitable succulent leaves. The feeding time was recorded for each larval instars and it was relatively low for 1st and 2nd instar larvae, remarkably higher in 3rd instar larvae and highest in the case of ultimate and penultimate larval instars. The egg, larval and pupal mortalities were counted during the study period. Their survivability rate was 80% or more. This result was found to stand good for a successful colonization process of the butterfly P. aristolochiae.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2017, 3(1): 45-54
From school to work: Coherence between learning in school and learning in workplaces for apprentices in the Media graphics programme in Norway
Authors: Aakernes Nina
Published: May 2018

A key challenge in vocational education and training (VET) programmes is the lack of coherence between the school-based and the enterprise-based parts of learning. This study explores the conditions that are important for the perception of coherence between learning in school and workplaces by interviewing apprentices enrolled in the Media graphics programme in Norway. In addition to the views of apprentices, the study also includes the perspectives of other participants in the vocational education system, such as media teachers and instructors in the workplaces and apprenticeship training office. The interview data revealed that the media education in school had facilitated the students’ learning primarily by allowing them to work on authentic media productions. Despite this, however, some of the apprentices experi-enced a lack of coherence between learning in school and learning in enterprises, mainly because there were few opportunities to specialise in their chosen vocation in school, and limited cooperation between schools and workplaces about placement periods.
Efficient Callus Induction and Regeneration in Selected Indica Rice
Authors: Binte Mostafiz Suraiya , Wagiran Alina
Published: May 2018

An efficient callus induction and in vitro regeneration were developed using plant growth regulators, carbon sources, and basal media for three selected Malaysian wetland rice varieties (MR220, MR220-CL2, and MR232) and one upland variety (Bario). Effect of plant growth regulator (PGR) was carried out using four different concentrations (1–4 mg/L) of 2,4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), and NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid) (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 mg/L) with optimized 2,4-D. Effects of carbon sources (maltose and sorbitol), and basal media (MS, N6, and LS) were also studied with optimized PGR to maximize the induction of regenerable calli. This study found that all four varieties exhibited high frequency of callus induction on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium that was supplemented with 3 mg/L 2,4-D and 30 g/L maltose. Callus induction frequencies in the cases of MR220, MR220-CL2, MR232, and Bario were found to be 76%, 94%, 85%, and 42% respectively. Morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological analysis revealed the embryogenicity of the induced callus. In the regeneration study, it was observed that combination of 2 mg/L BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), 2 mg/L Kin (Kinetin) and 0.5 mg/L NAA supplemented MS medium has the potential to promote regeneration of selected indica rice varieties with higher regeneration percentage, i.e., 82% (MR220-CL2), 68% (both in MR220 and MR232), and 40% (Bario). The optimized conditions for callus formation and regeneration can be useful for biotechnological practices for the genetic improvement of Malaysian indica rice.
No Reported Renal Stones with Intravenous Vitamin C Administration: A Prospective Case Series Study
Authors: Prier Melissa , Carr Anitra C. , Baillie Nicola
Published: May 2018

A few cases associating high dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) administration with renal stone formation have been reported in the literature, however, no long-term studies investigating IVC administration and reported renal stones have been carried out. Our aim was to measure the frequency of reported renal stones in patients receiving IVC therapy. We carried out a prospective case series study of 157 adult patients who commenced IVC therapy at Integrated Health Options clinic between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012, with follow-up for 12 months. Inquiries into the occurrence of renal stones were conducted at enrolment, 6 and 12 months, and renal function blood tests were conducted at enrolment, 4 weeks and every 12 weeks thereafter in a subgroup of patients. No renal stones were reported by any patients in the study, despite 8% of the patients having a history of renal stones. In addition, the majority of patients investigated had stable renal function during the study period as evidenced by little change in serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) following IVC. In conclusion, IVC therapy was not associated with patient-reported renal stones. Although not the primary focus of this study, it was also observed that there was no significant change in mean serum creatinine or eGFR for those who had follow-up renal function blood tests.
Effects of Urban Greenspace Patterns on Particulate Matter Pollution in Metropolitan Zhengzhou in Henan, China
Authors: Lei Yakai , Duan Yanbo , He Dan , Zhang Xiwen , Chen Lanqi , Li Yonghua , Gao Yu Gary , Tian Guohang , Zheng Jingbiao
Published: May 2018

This case study was conducted to quantify the effects of urban greenspace patterns on particle matter (PM) concentration in Zhengzhou, China by using redundancy and variation partitioning analysis. Nine air-quality monitoring stations (AQMS) were selected as the central points. Six distances of 1 km, 2 km, 3 km, 4 km, 5 km, and 6 km were selected as the side lengths of the squares with each AQMS serving as the central point, respectively. We found: (1) the fine size of PM (PM2.5) and coarse size of PM (PM10) among four seasons showed significant differences; during winter, the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 were both highest, and PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in summer were lowest. (2) To effectively reduce the PM2.5 pollution, the percentage of greenspace, the differences in areas among greenspace patches, and the edge complexity of greenspace patches should be increased at distances of 2 km and 3 km. To effectively reduce PM10, the percentage of greenspace at a distance of 4 km, the edge density at distances of 2 km and 4 km, and the average area of greenspace patches at a distance of 1 km should be increased. (3) Greenspace pattern significantly affected PM2.5 at a distance of 3 km, and PM10 at a distance of 4 km. From shorter distance to longer distance, the proportion of variance explained by greenspace showed a decline–increase–decline–increase trend for PM2.5, and a decline–increase–decline trend for PM10. At shorter distances, the composition of greenspace was more effective in reducing the PM pollution, and the configuration of greenspace played a more important role at longer distances. The results should lead to specific guidelines for more cost-effective and environmentally sound greenspace planning.
Osteocytes Specific GSK3 Inhibition Affects In Vitro Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Bertacchini Jessika , Magarò Maria , Potì Francesco , Palumbo Carla
Published: May 2018

Osteocytes, the most important regulators of bone processes, are producers of molecules (usually proteins) that act as signals in order to communicate with nearby cells. These factors control cell division (proliferation), differentiation, and survival. Substantial evidence showed different signaling pathways activated by osteocytes and involved in osteoblast differentiation, in particular in the last decade, when the Wingless-related integration site (WNT) pathway assumed a critical large importance. WNT activation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) causes bone anabolism, making GSK3 a potential therapeutic target for bone diseases. In our study, we hypothesized an important role of the osteocyte MLO-Y4 conditioned medium in controlling the differentiation process of osteoblast cell line 2T3. We found an effect of diminished differentiation capability of 2T3 upon conditioning with medium from murine long bone osteocyte-Y4 cells (MLO-Y4) pre-treated with GSK3 inhibitor CHIR2201. The novel observations of this study provide knowledge about the inhibition of GSK3 in MLO-Y4 cells. This strategy could be used as a plausible target in osteocytes in order to regulate bone resorption mediated by a loss of osteoblasts activity through a paracrine loop.
Chemogenetic Enhancement of Axon Regeneration Following Peripheral Nerve Injury in the SLICK-A Mouse
Authors: Jaiswal Poonam B. , Mistretta Olivia C. , Ward Patricia J. , English Arthur W.
Published: May 2018

The effects of chemogenetics on axon regeneration following peripheral nerve transection and repair were studied in mice expressing a Cre-dependent excitatory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) and Cre-recombinase/yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in a subset of motor and sensory neurons and cortical motoneurons (SLICK-A). Sciatic nerves were cut and repaired and mice were treated either once, at the time of injury, or five days per week for two weeks with clozapine N-oxide (CNO) (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or were untreated controls. Two weeks after injury, the lengths of YFP+ axon profiles were measured in nerves harvested from euthanized animals. Compared to untreated controls, regenerating axon lengths were not significantly longer in mice treated only once with CNO, but they were more than three times longer in mice receiving CNO repeatedly. Based on results of retrograde labeling experiments, axons of more sensory and motor neurons had regenerated successfully in mice receiving multiple CNO treatments than animals receiving only one treatment or no treatments. The increase in numbers of labeled sensory, but not motor neurons could be accounted for by increases in the proportion of retrogradely labeled neurons also expressing the DREADD. Chemogenetic increases in neuronal excitability represent a potent and innovative treatment to promote peripheral nerve regeneration.
Determining the Radiation Enhancement Effects of Gold Nanoparticles in Cells in a Combined Treatment with Cisplatin and Radiation at Therapeutic Megavoltage Energies
Authors: Yang Celina , Bromma Kyle , Sung Wonmo , Schuemann Jan , Chithrani Devika
Published: May 2018

Combined use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is commonly used in cancer treatment, but the toxic effects on normal tissue are a major limitation. This study assesses the potential to improve radiation therapy when combining gold nanoparticle (GNP) mediated radiation sensitization with chemoradiation compared to chemoradiation alone. Incorporation of GNPs with 2 Gy, 6 MV (megavoltage) radiation resulted in a 19 ± 6% decrease in survival of MDA-MB-231 cells. Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to assess dosimetric differences in the presence of GNPs in radiation. The results show that physics dosimetry represents a small fraction of the observed effect. The survival fraction of the cells exposed to GNPs, cisplatin, and radiation was 0.16 ± 0.007, while cells treated with cisplatin and radiation only was 0.23 ± 0.011. The presence of GNPs resulted in a 30 ± 6% decrease in the survival, having an additive effect. The concentration of the GNPs and free drug used for this study was 0.3 and 435 nM, respectively. These concentrations are relatively lower and achievable in an in vivo setting. Hence, the results of our study would accelerate the incorporation of GNP-mediated chemoradiation into current cancer therapeutic protocols in the near future.
40 Years of Research Put p53 in Translation
Authors: Marcel Virginie , Nguyen Van Long Flora , Diaz Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2018

Since its discovery in 1979, p53 has shown multiple facets. Initially the tumor suppressor p53 protein was considered as a stress sensor able to maintain the genome integrity by regulating transcription of genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA repair. However, it rapidly came into light that p53 regulates gene expression to control a wider range of biological processes allowing rapid cell adaptation to environmental context. Among them, those related to cancer have been extensively documented. In addition to its role as transcription factor, scattered studies reported that p53 regulates miRNA processing, modulates protein activity by direct interaction or exhibits RNA-binding activity, thus suggesting a role of p53 in regulating several layers of gene expression not restricted to transcription. After 40 years of research, it appears more and more clearly that p53 is strongly implicated in translational regulation as well as in the control of the production and activity of the translational machinery. Translation control of specific mRNAs could provide yet unsuspected capabilities to this well-known guardian of the genome.
Catalytic Ozonation by Iron Coated Pumice for the Degradation of Natural Organic Matters
Authors: Alver Alper , Kılıç Ahmet
Published: May 2018

The use of iron-coated pumice (ICP) in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of natural organic matters (NOMs) in water, due to the synergistic effect of hybrid processes when compared to sole ozonation and adsorption. Multiple characterization analyses (BET, TEM, XRD, DLS, FT-IR, and pHPZC) were employed for a systematic investigation of the catalyst surface properties. This analysis indicated that the ICP crystal structure was α-FeOOH, the surface hydroxyl group of ICP was significantly increased after coating, the particle size of ICP was about 200–250 nm, the BET surface area of ICP was about 10.56 m2 g−1, the pHPZC value of ICP was about 7.13, and that enhancement by iron loading was observed in the FT-IR spectra. The contribution of surface adsorption, hydroxyl radicals, and sole ozonation to catalytic ozonation was determined as 21.29%, 66.22%, and 12.49%, respectively. The reaction kinetic analysis with tert-Butyl alcohol (TBA) was used as a radical scavenger, confirming that surface ferrous iron loading promoted the role of the hydroxyl radicals. The phosphate was used as an inorganic probe, and significantly inhibited the removal efficiency of catalytic NOM ozonation. This is an indication that the reactions which occur are more dominant in the solution phase.
Effects of Synthesis on the Structural Properties and Methane Partial Oxidation Activity of Ni/CeO2 Catalyst
Authors: La Parola Valeria , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Venezia Anna
Published: May 2018

Nickel catalysts supported on homemade CeO2 oxide were prepared by two procedures intending to achieve different degree of metal-support interaction. One method consisted of a co-precipitation that was assisted by microwave; the other method was based on a modified wetness impregnation in the presence of the organic complexing ligand, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). The support and catalysts were characterized by temperature programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Significant differences in the structure, in redox properties and in the elemental surface composition emerged. The catalytic behavior in the partial oxidation of methane was tested at atmospheric pressure, in a range of temperature between 400–800 °C, using diluted feed gas mixture with CH4/O2 = 2 and GHSV= 60,000 mL g−1 h−1. Moreover, the effect of the catalyst reduction pretreatment was investigated. The better catalytic performance of the microwave-assisted sample as compared to the NTA prepared sample was attributed to the stronger interaction of nickel with CeO2. Indeed, according to the structural and reducibility results, an adequate electronic contact between the metal and the support favors the formation of oxygen vacancies of ceria and inhibits the sintering of the catalyst active species, with an improvement of the catalytic performance.
Development and Testing of a Low-Cost Instrumentation Platform for Fixed-Wing UAV Performance Analysis
Authors: Dapper e Silva Tulio , Cabreira Vinicius , De Freitas Edison Pignaton
Published: May 2018

The flight data of a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can be evaluated by its designers in order to analyze its performance, to validate the project criteria and to make new decisions based on the data analyses. In this paper, the authors propose the development of a low-cost instrumentation platform capable of collecting the following data: airspeed, orientation and altitude of the airplane, and the current drained by the electric system. Moreover, this paper presents the use of a telemetry system in order to display the flight conditions to the pilot. The system contains a variety of sensors, which were chosen based on their price, applicability and ease of use. After a test flight had been performed, the collected measurements were plotted and analyzed. Having the flight data, a set of flight characteristics might be observed.
Influence of Maternal Aging on Mitochondrial Heterogeneity, Inheritance, and Function in Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos
Authors: Woods Dori C. , Khrapko Konstantin , Tilly Jonathan L.
Published: May 2018

Contrasting the equal contribution of nuclear genetic material from maternal and paternal sources to offspring, passage of mitochondria, and thus mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), is uniparental through the egg. Since mitochondria in eggs are ancestral to all somatic mitochondria of the next generation and to all cells of future generations, oocytes must prepare for the high energetic demands of maturation, fertilization and embryogenesis while simultaneously ensuring that their mitochondrial genomes are inherited in an undamaged state. Although significant effort has been made to understand how the mtDNA bottleneck and purifying selection act coordinately to prevent silent and unchecked spreading of invisible mtDNA mutations through the female germ line across successive generations, it is unknown if and how somatic cells of the immediate next generation are spared from inheritance of detrimental mtDNA molecules. Here, we review unique aspects of mitochondrial activity and segregation in eggs and early embryos, and how these events play into embryonic developmental competency in the face of advancing maternal age.
Comparative Analysis of DNA Methylation Reveals Specific Regulations on Ethylene Pathway in Tomato Fruit
Authors: Zuo Jinhua , Wang Yunxiang , Zhu Benzhong , Luo Yunbo , Wang Qing , Gao Lipu
Published: May 2018

DNA methylation is an essential feature of epigenetic regulation and plays a role in various physiological and biochemical processes at CG, CHG, and CHH sites in plants. LeERF1 is an ethylene response factor (ERF) found in tomatoes which plays an important role in ethylene signal transduction. To explore the characteristics of DNA methylation in the ethylene pathway, sense-/antisense-LeERF1 transgenic tomato fruit were chosen for deep sequencing and bioinformatics parsing. The methylation type with the greatest distribution was CG, (71.60–72.80%) and CHH was found least frequently (10.70–12.50%). The level of DNA methylation was different among different tomato genomic regions. The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conjointly analyzed and 3030 different expressed genes were found, of which several are involved in ethylene synthesis and signaling transduction (such as ACS, ACO, MADS-Box, ERFs, and F-box). Furthermore, the relationships between DNA methylation and microRNAs (miRNAs) were also deciphered, providing basic information for the further study of DNA methylation and small RNAs involved in the ethylene pathway.
Folklore and the Internet: The Challenge of an Ephemeral Landscape1
Authors: Blank Trevor J.
Published: May 2018

Through the lens of memetic folk humor, this essay examines the slippery, ephemeral nature of hybridized forms of contemporary digital folklore. In doing so, it is argued that scholars should not be distracted by the breakneck speed in which expressive materials proliferate and then dissipate but should instead focus on the overarching ways that popular culture and current news events infiltrate digital folk culture in the formation of individuals' cultural inventories. The process of transmission and variation that shapes the resulting hybridized folklore requires greater scrutiny and contextualization.
An Empirical Study Analyzing Job Productivity in Toxic Workplace Environments
Authors: Anjum Amna , Ming Xu , Siddiqi Ahmed Faisal , Rasool Samma Faiz
Published: May 2018

Purpose: This empirical study aims to determine the effects of a toxic workplace environment, which can negatively impact the job productivity of an employee. Methodology: Three hundred questionnaires were randomly distributed among the staff members of seven private universities in Pakistan with a final response rate of 89%. For analysis purposes, AMOS 22 was used to study the direct and indirect effects of the toxic workplace environment on job productivity. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to ensure the convergent and discriminant validity of the factors, while the Hayes mediation approach was used to verify the mediating role of job burnout between the four dimensions of toxic workplace environment and job productivity. A toxic workplace with multiple dimensions, such as workplace ostracism, workplace incivility, workplace harassment, and workplace bullying, was used in this study. Findings: By using the multiple statistical tools and techniques, it has been proven that ostracism, incivility, harassment, and bullying have direct negative significant effects on job productivity, while job burnout was shown to be a statistical significant mediator between the dimensions of a toxic workplace environment and job productivity. Finally, we concluded that organizations need to eradicate the factors of toxic workplace environments to ensure their prosperity and success. Practical Implications: This study encourages managers, leaders, and top management to adopt appropriate policies for enhancing employees’ productivity. Limitations: This study was conducted by using a cross-sectional research design. Future research aims to expand the study by using a longitudinal research design.
A Functional Mutation in KIAA1462 Promoter Decreases Glucocorticoid Receptor Affinity and Affects Egg-Laying Performance in Yangzhou Geese
Authors: Xia Mengyuan , Wei Wei , Jiang Zaohang , He Dandan , Li Zhen , Yu Shigang , Wang Qiushi , Liu Honglin , Chen Jie
Published: May 2018

The identification of genetic markers is valuable for improving the egg-laying performance in goose production. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1714766362 in an intron of the goose KIAA1462 gene was found to be relevant to laying performance in our previous study. However, its function remains unclear. In this study, the full-length coding sequence of KIAA1462 gene was firstly characterized in Yangzhou geese. Q-PCR (Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) results showed that KIAA1462 was highly expressed in the liver, ovary, and mature F1 follicles. For SNP rs1714766362, geese with the AA genotype showed better laying performance than the TT ones and exhibited a higher KIAA1462 expression level in the ovary. Gain- and loss-of function experiments in granulosa cells revealed that KIAA1462 affected the expression of the apoptosis marker gene caspase-3. Considering that rs1714766362 locates in an intron area, we compared the KIAA1462 promoter regions of AA and TT individuals and identified the SNP c.-413C>G (Genbank ss2137504176), which was completely linked to SNP rs1714766362. According to the transcription factor prediction results, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) would bind to the SNP site containing the C but not the G allele. In this study, we proved this hypothesis by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). In summary, we identified a novel mutation in the promoter of KIAA1462 gene which can modulate GR binding affinity and affect the laying performance of geese.
Ruthenium Complexes as Sensitizers in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Aghazada Sadig , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: May 2018

In this review, we discuss the main directions in which ruthenium complexes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were developed. We critically discuss the implemented design principles. This review might be helpful at this moment when a breakthrough is needed for DSC technology to prove its market value.
Experimental Study of an Organic Rankine Cycle Using n-Hexane as the Working Fluid and a Radial Turbine Expander
Authors: Pethurajan Vignesh , Sivan Suresh
Published: May 2018

Conversion of low-grade waste heat to electrical energy paves the way to reducing environmental pollution. This work focuses on the experimental study of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with an n-hexane working fluid and radial turbine expander. The heat source is varied from 120 to 190 °C with a mass flow rate of 0.10 to 0.50 kg/s and pressure between 12 and 15 bar. The heat-source temperature has a direct impact on turbine performance. Increase in the mass flow rate of the working fluid led to an increase in pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet. The rise in turbine speed enhanced electrical efficiency while cutting down isentropic efficiency. The optimum speed of the turbine increased with increasing in turbine inlet temperature. Superheating leads to an increase in power along with a decrease in isentropic efficiency. The thermal efficiency followed an increasing trend when there was an increase in turbine inlet temperature and mass flow rate and decreased with an increase in turbine speed. The electrical efficiency increased for all three cases. The system was found to have a highest thermal efficiency of 5.57% with a power of 1.75 kW. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that an ORC with n-hexane as the working fluid and a radial turbine as the expander can be used in low-temperature waste heat recovery systems to produce power.