bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil Proteases Promote Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm via Extracellular Trap Release and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Activation
Authors: Yan Huimin , Zhou Hui-Fang , Akk Antonina , Hu Ying , Springer Luke E. , Ennis Terri L. , Pham Christine T.N.
Published: June 2016

Objective—

We previously established that neutrophil-derived dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) is essential for experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. Because DPPI activates several neutrophil serine proteases, it remains to be determined whether the AAA-promoting effect of DPPI is mediated by neutrophil serine proteases.

Approach and Results—

Using an elastase-induced AAA model, we demonstrate that the absence of 2 neutrophil serine proteases, neutrophil elastase and proteinase-3, recapitulates the AAA-resistant phenotype of DPPI-deficient mice. DPPI and neutrophil serine proteases direct the in vitro and in vivo release of extracellular structures termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Administration of DNase1, which dismantles NETs, suppresses elastase-induced AAA in wild-type animals and in DPPI-deficient mice reconstituted with wild-type neutrophils. NETs also contain the cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide that complexes with self-DNA in recruiting plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), inducing type I interferons (IFNs) and promoting AAA in DPPI-deficient mice. Conversely, depletion of pDCs or blockade of type I IFNs suppresses experimental AAA. Moreover, we find an abundance of human cathelicidin peptide, a 37 amino acid sequence starting with 2 leucines and the human orthologue of cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide, in the vicinity of pDCs in human AAA tissues. Increased type I IFN mRNA expression is observed in human AAA tissues and circulating IFN-α is detected in ≈50% of the AAA sera examined.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that neutrophil protease–mediated NET release contributes to elastase-induced AAA through pDC activation and type I IFN production. These findings increase our understanding of the pathways underlying AAA inflammatory responses and suggest that limiting NET, pDC, and type I IFN activities may suppress aneurysm progression.
Resveratrol Inhibits Aortic Root Dilatation in the Fbn1
C1039G/+
Marfan Mouse Model
Authors: Hibender Stijntje , Franken Romy , van Roomen Cindy , ter Braake Anique , van der Made Ingeborg , Schermer Edith E. , Gunst Quinn , van den Hoff Maurice J. , Lutgens Esther , Pinto Yigal M. , Groenink Maarten , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Mulder Barbara J.M. , de Vries Carlie J.M. , de Waard Vivian
Published: June 2016

Objective—

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene. Patients with MFS are at risk of aortic aneurysm formation and dissection. Usually, blood pressure–lowering drugs are used to reduce aortic events; however, this is not sufficient for most patients. In the aorta of smooth muscle cell–specific sirtuin-1–deficient mice, spontaneous aneurysm formation and senescence are observed. Resveratrol is known to enhance sirtuin-1 activity and to reduce senescence, which prompted us to investigate the effectiveness of resveratrol in inhibition of aortic dilatation in the
Fbn1
C1039G/+
MFS mouse model.

Approach and Results—

Aortic senescence strongly correlates with aortic root dilatation rate in MFS mice. However, although resveratrol inhibits aortic dilatation, it only shows a trend toward reduced aortic senescence. Resveratrol enhances nuclear localization of sirtuin-1 in the vessel wall and, in contrast to losartan, does not affect leukocyte infiltration nor activation of SMAD2 and extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). Interestingly, specific sirtuin-1 activation (SRT1720) or inhibition (sirtinol) in MFS mice does not affect aortic root dilatation rate, although senescence is changed. Resveratrol reduces aortic elastin breaks and decreases micro-RNA-29b expression coinciding with enhanced antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression and decreased number of terminal apoptotic cells. In cultured smooth muscle cells, the resveratrol effect on micro-RNA-29b downregulation is endothelial cell and nuclear factor κB-dependent.

Conclusions—

Resveratrol inhibits aortic root dilatation in MFS mice by promoting elastin integrity and smooth muscle cell survival, involving downregulation of the aneurysm-related micro-RNA-29b in the aorta. On the basis of these data, resveratrol holds promise as a novel intervention strategy for patients with MFS.
Coagulation Factor Xa and Protease-Activated Receptor 2 as Novel Therapeutic Targets for Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Oe Yuji , Hayashi Sakiko , Fushima Tomofumi , Sato Emiko , Kisu Kiyomi , Sato Hiroshi , Ito Sadayoshi , Takahashi Nobuyuki
Published: June 2016

Objective—

The role of hypercoagulability in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains elusive. We recently reported the increased infiltration of macrophages expressing tissue factor in diabetic kidney glomeruli; tissue factor activates coagulation factor X (FX) to FXa, which in turn stimulates protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and causes inflammation.

Approach and Results—

Here, we demonstrated that diabetes mellitus increased renal
FX
mRNA, urinary FXa activity, and FX expression in glomerular macrophages. Administration of an oral FXa inhibitor, edoxaban, ameliorated DN with concomitant reductions in the expression of PARs (
Par1
and
Par2
) and of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes. Diabetes mellitus induced PAR2, and lack of
Par2
ameliorated DN. FXa or PAR2 agonist increased inflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells and podocytes in vitro.

Conclusions—

We conclude that enhanced FXa and PAR2 exacerbate DN and that both are promising targets for preventing DN. Alleviating inflammation is probably more important than inhibiting coagulation per se when treating kidney diseases using anticoagulants.
A new subspecies of Ovalona setulosa (Megard, 1967) (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from the Caribbean coast of Colombia
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y. , FUENTES-REINÉS JUAN M.
Published: June 2016

A new subspecies of Ovalona setulosa (Megard, 1967) (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) is described based on material from Laguna Navío Quebrado (La Guajira Department), Colombia. Ovalona setulosa arangureni ssp. nov. differs from the nominative subspecies in: (1) major head pores position on head shield; (2) posterior margin of labral keel without clusters of short setules; (3) more elongated postabdomen, with length/height ratio about 2.7-3; (4) male postabdomen with straight dorsal margin in whole distal portion. In outer morphology and morphology of postabdomen, O. setulosa arangureni ssp. nov. can be confused with O. glabra (Sars, 1901), but, like nominative subspecies, differs from it by interrupted connection between major head pores. Our data suggest that diversity of Aloninae species with limited distribution areas in South America is underestimated yet, and areas north and south of Amazon basin can have different local species.
Indonemoura annamensis—a new species of stonefly from Vietnam (Plecoptera: Nemouridae)
Authors: FOCHETTI ROMOLO , CECI MASSIMO
Published: June 2016

The amphinemurine genus Indonemoura Baumann (1975) was proposed for species previously included in the genera Protonemura Kempny and Nemoura Latreille. Baumann (1975) designated P. indica Kimmins, 1947 (in Kimmins 1946) as the type species. He also transferred 14 additional species from Protonemura and Nemoura into this genus. The genus is distributed mainly in the Oriental region (only one species from Tibet, close to the eastern border of the Palaearctic Region) and many new species have been added in the last decades (Zwick & Sivec 1980; Shimizu 1994a & b; Zhu et al. 2002; Li et al. 2005; Li & Yang 2005, 2006; Wang et al. 2006; Sivec & Stark 2010) including presently 53 species (DeWalt et al. 2009). Sivec & Stark (2010) first described three Indonemoura species from Vietnam, I. angulata, I. clavata, and I. tricantha. These three species are the only Indonemoura presently known for Vietnam.
Two known and one new species of Draconematidae and Epsilonematida (Nematoda, Desmodorida) from the White Sea, North Russia
Authors: FEDYAEVA MARIA A. , NERETINA TATJANA V. , KONOVALOVA OLGA P. , TCHESUNOV ALEXEI V.
Published: June 2016

Morphological descriptions of three “walking nematode” species found for the first time in the White Sea are presented. Draconema ophicephalum (Claparède, 1863) (Draconematidae) and Epsilonema steineri Chitwood, 1935 (Epsilonematidae), both known from insufficient material and females only, are re-described and problems of their taxonomic identification as well as species compositions of respective genera are discussed. The new species Prochaetosoma marisalbi sp. n. (Draconematidae) differs from other Prochaetosoma species except P. longicapitatum (Allgén, 1935) in that the pharyngeal bulb lumen is not cuticularised, from P. longicapitatum by shape of body and rostrum, greater number of cephalic adhesive tubes, and from P. maertensi Decraemer, 1989 by having a relatively longer tail, fewer anterior adhesive tubes and longer spicules, besides lacking cuticular thickening in the pharyngeal bulb. Draconema hoonsooi, D. youngeouni, P.rochaetosoma beomseomense, P. brevicaudatum, P. byungilli, P. cracense, P. saheungi, P. sujungi, P. supseomense erected by Rho & Min (2011) are considered as invalid species while Prochaetosoma arcticum, P. lugubre and Epsilonema cygnoides are assumed as species inquirenda. From a phylogenetic tree based on the 18S rRNA gene, all three White Sea species adjoin to unidentified species of their respective genera.
Rock-physics models for heterogeneous creeping rocks and viscous fluids
Authors: Mavko Gary , Saxena Nishank
Published: June 2016

Rock-physics models are used to explore how small-scale heterogeneity can affect the larger scale viscoelasticity of rocks. Applications include mixtures of creeping clay and elastic quartz, mixtures of different creeping materials (e.g., clay and kerogen), or viscous fluids containing bubbles or solid fines. We have found that elastic inclusions in a Maxwell viscoelastic background change the effective viscosity and the high-frequency limiting elastic modulus. The viscosity response was similar to that observed for a Newtonian fluid, and the high-frequency elastic modulus varied as predicted by elastic effective media models. The characteristic frequency of the effective medium scales with the ratio of effective modulus and effective viscosity. Inclusions also distribute the relaxation times, converting the Maxwell material to resemble a Cole-Cole material. Elastic inclusions in a creeping background decrease the effective viscoelastic Poisson’s ratio of the composite. As with elastic media, geometric alignment of phases with contrasting properties leads to viscoelastic anisotropy. Our modeling has illustrated how the amount of heterogeneity and the microgeometry of heterogeneity affects anisotropy; for example, aligned oblate elastic inclusions can increase the amount of creep in the symmetry direction while decreasing creep normal to the symmetry direction. We have developed a suggested interpretation template for how creep function parameters vary with the amount and microgeometry of elastic phases. Interpretation also depends strongly on the material properties of the creeping phase in the absence of elastic inclusions. Extrapolating from dynamic to quasi-static viscoelastic response is intrinsically nonunique without knowledge of the material microstructure. Dominant relaxation mechanisms can be different at different measurement scales and at different measurement strain amplitudes. For example, the observed dynamic response can be fit with an infinite number of microgeometries, each of which has a different long-term behavior.
Automatic microseismic denoising and onset detection using the synchrosqueezed continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Mousavi S. Mostafa , Langston Charles A. , Horton Stephen P.
Published: June 2016

Typical microseismic data recorded by surface arrays are characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) and highly nonstationary noise that make it difficult to detect small events. Currently, array or crosscorrelation-based approaches are used to enhance the S/N prior to processing. We have developed an alternative approach for S/N improvement and simultaneous detection of microseismic events. The proposed method is based on the synchrosqueezed continuous wavelet transform (SS-CWT) and custom thresholding of single-channel data. The SS-CWT allows for the adaptive filtering of time- and frequency-varying noise as well as offering an improvement in resolution over the conventional wavelet transform. Simultaneously, the algorithm incorporates a detection procedure that uses the thresholded wavelet coefficients and detects an arrival as a local maxima in a characteristic function. The algorithm was tested using a synthetic signal and field microseismic data, and our results have been compared with conventional denoising and detection methods. This technique can remove a large part of the noise from small-amplitudes signal and detect events as well as estimate onset time.
Rac1 in Muscle Is Dispensable for Improved Insulin Action After Exercise in Mice
Authors: Sylow Lykke , Møller Lisbeth L. V. , D'Hulst Gommaar , Schjerling Peter , Jensen Thomas E. , Richter Erik A.
Published: June 2016

Exercise has a potent insulin-sensitivity enhancing effect on skeletal muscle, but the intracellular mechanisms that mediate this effect are not well understood. In muscle, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) regulates both insulin- and contraction-stimulated glucose transport and is dysregulated in insulin resistant muscle. However, whether Rac1 is involved in mediating enhanced insulin sensitivity after an acute bout of exercise is unresolved. To address this question, we investigated after exercise whole-body (insulin tolerance test) as well as muscle (insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose transport in isolated soleus muscle) insulin sensitivity in inducible muscle-specific Rac1 knockout (mKO) and wild-type (WT) littermate mice. Previous exercise enhanced whole-body insulin sensitivity by 40% in WT mice and rescued the insulin intolerance in Rac1 mKO mice by improving whole-body insulin sensitivity by 230%. In agreement, previous exercise significantly improved insulin sensitivity by 20% in WT and by 40% in Rac1 mKO soleus muscles. These findings suggest that muscle Rac1 is dispensable for the insulin sensitizing effect of exercise. Moreover, insulin resistance in Rac1 mKO mice can be completely normalized by previous exercise explaining why insulin resistant patients can increase insulin action with exercise despite dysfunctional Rac1 activity in muscle.
The essential function of the Trypanosoma brucei Trl1 homolog in procyclic cells is maturation of the intron-containing tRNATyr
Authors: Lopes Raphael R.S. , Silveira Gilbert de O. , Eitler Roberta , Vidal Raphael S. , Kessler Alan , Hinger Scott , Paris Zdeněk , Alfonzo Juan D. , Polycarpo Carla
Published: June 2016

Trypanosoma brucei, the etiologic agent of sleeping sickness, encodes a single intron-containing tRNA, tRNATyr, and splicing is essential for its viability. In Archaea and Eukarya, tRNA splicing requires a series of enzymatic steps that begin with intron cleavage by a tRNA-splicing endonuclease and culminates with joining the resulting tRNA exons by a splicing tRNA ligase. Here we explored the function of TbTrl1, the T. brucei homolog of the yeast Trl1 tRNA ligase. We used a combination of RNA interference and molecular biology approaches to show that down-regulation of TbTrl1 expression leads to accumulation of intron-containing tRNATyr and a concomitant growth arrest at the G1 phase. These defects were efficiently rescued by expression of an “intronless” version of tRNATyr in the same RNAi cell line. Taken together, these experiments highlight the crucial importance of the TbTrl1 for tRNATyr maturation and viability, while revealing tRNA splicing as its only essential function.
Transformation of Legitimacy Concept As Part of Liberal Social Ideal Development
Authors: Кальней  , Kalney Marina
Published: June 2016

The article considers the transformation of legitimacy

concept. Primary the liberal ideology considered expression of will

of majority as the basis for legitimacy of accepted decisions. However,

dogmatic conception of liberal ideology, growth of elite and mass

opposition caused the danger of growth of authoritarian tendencies

in liberal worldview.
Bolsas de ensino e pesquisa para a Educação Física no Brasil concedidas pelo CNPq: análise temporal de 2005 a 2014
Authors: Galliano Leony , Corrêa Leandro , Sobrinho Antônio , Rosa Daiana , Gomes Francisco , Melo Marceli , Domingues Marlos , Hallal Pedro
Published: June 2016

Este estudo objetivou identificar as verbas por tipo e modalidade de bolsas de ensino e pesquisa concedidas pelo CNPq entre 2005 e 2014 nas grandes áreas de conhecimento, especialmente a de Ciências da Saúde com foco na subárea da Educação Física. As buscas ocorreram no mês de março de 2015 e realizadas no painel de investimentos do CNPq (http://www.cnpq.br/painel-de-investimentos) para informações sobre bolsas e no site da CAPES para identificar os cursos de pós-graduação. Foram investidos R$813.435.000,00 nas diferentes modalidades de bolsa, principalmente produtividade em pesquisa (30,0%). A área de Ciências da Saúde foi a quinta em termos de recebimento de verbas (11,0%). Entre as subáreas das Ciências da Saúde, a Medicina foi a que mais recebeu bolsas de ensino e pesquisa (38%) e a Educação Física ficou em sétimo lugar (4,0%). As subáreas que mais cresceram em investimentos no período analisado foram a Fisioterapia/Terapia Ocupacional (775%) e a Educação Física (738%), sendo esta última a sétima das subáreas em recebimento de bolsas de produtividade. Entretanto, foi a quarta em termos de crescimento de investimentos. Do total de bolsas de ensino e pesquisa, 64,3% foram destinadas a pesquisadores da região Sudeste, 15,4% na região Sul e 14,6% no Nordeste. Em contrapartida, apenas 4,1% para a região Centro-oeste e 1,6% a pesquisadores da região Norte.
Characterizations of linear mappings through zero products or zero Jordan products
Authors: An Guangyu , Li Jiankui
Published: June 2016

Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a unital algebra and $\mathcal{M}$ be a unital $\mathcal{A}$-bimodule. A characterization of generalized derivations and generalized Jordan derivations from $\mathcal{A}$ into $\mathcal{M}$, through zero products or zero Jordan products, is given. Suppose that $\mathcal{M}$ is a unital left $\mathcal{A}$-module. It is investigated when a linear mapping from $\mathcal{A}$ into $\mathcal{M}$ is a Jordan left derivation under certain conditions. It is also studied whether an algebra with a nontrivial idempotent is zero Jordan product determined, and Jordan homomorphisms, Lie homomorphisms and Lie derivations on zero Jordan product determined algebras are characterized.
Signal Processing based on Stable radix-2 DCT I-IV Algorithms having Orthogonal Factors
Authors: M. Perera Sirani
Published: June 2016

This paper presents stable, radix-2, completely recursive discrete cosine transform algorithms DCT-I and DCT-III solely based on DCT-I, DCT-II, DCT-III, and DCT-IV having sparse and orthogonal factors. Error bounds for computing the completely recursive DCT-I, DCT-II, DCT-III, and DCT-IV algorithms having sparse and orthogonal factors are addressed. Signal flow graphs are demonstrated based on the completely recursive DCT-I, DCT-II, DCT-III, and DCT-IV algorithms having orthogonal factors. Finally image compression results are presented based on the recursive 2D DCT-II and DCT-IV algorithms for image size 512 by 512 pixels with transfer block sizes 8 by 8, 16 by 16, and 32 by 32 with 93.75% absence of coefficients in each transfer block.
Spectral analysis using Haar wavelet (original signal, denoised signal, residual signal) and source level (SL) for whistle sound of dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in captivity
Authors: Lubis Muhammad Z. , Wulandari Pratiwi Dwi , Pujiyati Sri , Hestirianoto Totok , Sultan Keni , Mahdi Dwi P. I. , Mujahid Muhammad
Published: June 2016

This study discussed about Haar wavelet with a view original signal, denoised signal, and residual signal with using fourth whistle sounds of dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). The study was conducted in Safari Park, Cisarua, Bogor Indonesia with 2 dolphins. The results showed differences in results Haar wavelet, this study proves that the Haar wavelet is suitable for the analysis of dolphin sounds, and its have frequency ranged 8-22 kHz. The highest value of the noised signal was smaller than residual signal. The highest of residual signal contained in the second whistle, while the lowest was whistle 1, it showed that the larger the signal denoised result residual signal generated using Haar wavelet. The frequency of source level value ranged 8500 Hz to 11800 Hz, with the highest SL value was 43.9 dB (brown cyrcle). The lowest of the frequency of Source Level (SL) value ranged between 15700 Hz to 17990 Hz, with the lowest SL value was 38.5 dB (brown cyrcle). Whistle 1, 2, 3, and 4 have a different value SL and every SL values obtained in 1,2,3, and 4 have differences noise, it shows the same target but SL value and the sound patterns remain distinct by looking at time duration of whistle sound. Beam pattern from an omni directional sound source (DI= 0 dB, cyan trace) and a directional source following the piston model (DI= 18 dB, black  trace) and beam pattern with 4 types signal have ranged value 70 º-180°, with highest intensity value was 60º.
Different faces of passion in the context of leadership
Authors: Kozłowski Rafał
Published: June 2016

The paper describes passion, which depending on the context, may motivate entrepreneurial leaders not only to found an organization, but also to grow and expand their ventures. It should also be noted that there is also the dark side of passion dominated by greed and hubris, which may result in counterproductive outcomes.
Strategizing in the context of opportunities
Authors: Sus Aleksandra
Published: June 2016

This article attempts to draw attention to exploiting opportunities by strategists. The paper consists of four parts. The first one introduces the reader to the strategizing approach and macro and micro-level strategic analysis. The second part presents opportunities and their sources, as a background for further considerations. The third part of the article concentrates on individual characteristics of strategic management practitioners, actively identifying new opportunities. The final part focuses on the issues of behavioural uncertainty, and so this type of uncertainty, which inhibits the process of using the opportunities by strategists.
Behavioural strategy: Adaptability context
Authors: Piórkowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2016

The paper is embedded in the following fields: strategic management in terms of behavioural strategy concept, adaptability construct, and micro-foundations realm as well as organizational theory and psychology. Moreover, the paper concerns to some extent a multi-level approach in strategic management involving individual, team, and organizational level. The aim of the paper is to contribute to extend, on one hand, the ascertainment set in the field of behavioural strategy as behavioural strategy encompasses a mindboggling diversity of topics and methods and its conceptual unity has been hard to achieve (Powell, Lovallo, Fox 2011, p. 1371), and on the other hand, to order mixed approaches to adaptability especially to gain insights on micro-level adapting processes (individual adaptability and adaptive performance) in terms of the multi-level approach. The method that has been used is literature studies and the interference is mostly deductive. The structure of the manuscript is four-fold. The first part involves the considerations in the field of adaptability and adaptive performance at the individual level. The issues of adaptability and adaptive performance at the team level have been presented in the second part. The third part encompasses the organizational adaptability assertions. Finally, the conclusion, limitations of the considerations highlighted as well as the future research directions have been emphasized. The overarching key finding is that the behavioural strategy concept may constitute the boundary spanner in exploring and explaining adaptability phenomenon at different levels of analysis.
The role of opportunity-sensing and learning processes in shaping dynamic capabilities in Polish enterprises
Authors: Cyfert Szymon , Krzakiewicz Kazimierz
Published: June 2016

Dynamic capabilities are an essential theoretical construct that is useful for understanding the phenomenon of competition. However, even though dynamic capabilities and issues relating to them seem to enjoy large popularity, the existing management literature lacks studies into processes that shape dynamic capabilities.

This article attempts to outline the concept of dynamic capabilities and presents the authors’ proposed configuration of the processes that shape dynamic capabilities. A discussion then follows of the results of research into the opportunities-sensing and learning processes and how they shape dynamic capabilities in Polish enterprises.
Evaluation of the financial condition of the companies of transport and storage section in times of economic crisis - taxonomic analysis
Authors: Jędrzejczak-Gas Janina , Kużdowicz Paweł
Published: June 2016

The aim of the article is an evaluation of the financial condition of the companies of transport and storage section (section H) based on synthetic indicator in times of economic crisis. The first part of the paper discusses theoretical issues relating to the construction of synthetic measures. In the second part of the paper, a comparative study of the financial condition of the companies of transport and storage section in comparison with the financial condition of the companies in other sections was presented. This study was carried out on the basis of a synthetic financial condition indicator constructed with use of the model method.
Resources based factors of competitiveness of agricultural enterprises
Authors: Matyja Małgorzata
Published: June 2016

Among many different definitions of competitiveness it is difficult to pinpoint the most appropriate one. In the paper it was defined as the ability to be profitable by effective use of available resources. The profitability ratios (ROS, ROA, ROE and value index) were proposed as measures of competitiveness and resources were indicated as one of the group of factors that has an impact on it. Precisely, the purpose of the paper was to examine the relationship between selected resourced based factors and competitiveness of agricultural enterprises. The study was done with the use of correlation analysis on the basis of statistical data on selected Polish companies operating in agriculture. The main finding was that the analyzed resources (the level of labour, size and quality of agricultural land and size of assets) were weakly correlated with competitiveness. This observation means that other factors have stronger impact on agricultural company’s competitiveness. They can refer to intangible resources (such as relational capital, know-how, managerial competencies, technological resources etc.) and external conditions (such as climate, legal issues) of agricultural enterprises.
Quantum plasmonics: from jellium models to ab initio calculations
Authors: Varas Alejandro , García-González Pablo , Feist Johannes , García-Vidal F.J. , Rubio Angel
Published: June 2016

Light-matter interaction in plasmonic nanostructures is often treated within the realm of classical optics. However, recent experimental findings show the need to go beyond the classical models to explain and predict the plasmonic response at the nanoscale. A prototypical system is a nanoparticle dimer, extensively studied using both classical and quantum prescriptions. However, only very recently, fully ab initio time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations of the optical response of these dimers have been carried out. Here, we review the recent work on the impact of the atomic structure on the optical properties of such systems. We show that TDDFT can be an invaluable tool to simulate the time evolution of plasmonic modes, providing fundamental understanding into the underlying microscopical mechanisms.
Crystal structure of N′-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide, C17H13N5O3
Authors: Karrouchi Khalid , Radi Smaail , Ansar M’hammed , Taoufik Jamal , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Mabkhot Yahia N.
Published: June 2016

C17H13N5O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 20.1049(8) Å, b = 11.1534(4) Å, c = 6.8890(3) Å, β = 97.224(2)°, V = 1532.51(11) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = = 0.0451, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1153, T = 100 K.
Effect of Adding Dexamethasone as a Ropivacaine Adjuvant in Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Kartalov Andrijan , Jankulovski Nikola , Kuzmanovska Biljana , Zdravkovska Milka , Shosholcheva Mirjana , Spirovska Tatjana , Petrusheva Aleksandra Panovska , Tolevska Marija , Srceva Marija , Durnev Vesna , Jota Gjorgji , Selmani Redzep , Sivevski Atanas
Published: June 2016

Background: The transverses abdominals plane block (TAP) is a regional anesthesia technique that provided analgesia to the parietal peritoneum, skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The aim of this randomized double-blind study was to evaluate postoperative analgesia on patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia (GA), (GA + TAP) block preformed with ropivacaine and (GA + TAP-D) block preformed with ropivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone.

Methods: 90 (ASA I-II) adult patients for unilateral open inguinal hernia repair were included in this study. In group I (n = 30) patents received only general anesthesia (GA). Patients in group II (n = 30) received GA and unilateral TAP block with 25 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine and the patients in group III (n = 30) received GA and unilateral TAP-D block with 25 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine + 4 mg Dexamethadsone. In this study we assessed the pain score - VAS at rest at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after the operation and the total analgesic consumption of morphine over 24 hours.

Results: There were statistically significant differences in the VAS scores between group I, group II and group III at all postoperative time points - 2hr, 4hr, 6hr, 12hr and 24hr. (p < 0.00001). The cumulative 24 hours morphine consumption after the operation was significantly lower in group III (5.53 1.21 mg) than in group II (6.16 2.41 mg) and group I (9.26 2.41 mg). This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion: Concerning the inguinal hernia repair we found better postoperative pain scores and 24 hours reduction of the morphine consumption in group III (GA and TAP-D block) compared with group I (GA) and group II (GA + TAP block).
The Effects of Vasospasm and Re-Bleeding on the Outcome of Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Filipce Venko , Caparoski Aleksandar
Published: June 2016

Vasospasm and re-bleeding after subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured intracranial aneurysm are devastating complication that can severely affect the outcome of the patients. We are presenting a series of total number of 224 patients treated and operated at our Department due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, out of which certain number developed vasospasm and re-bleeding. We are evaluating the effect of these complications on the outcome of the patients according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale at the day of discharge. In our experience both vasospasm and ReSAH can significantly influence the outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured intracranial aneurysm.
Influence of Climate Changes on Health (Review)
Authors: Pop-Jordanova Nada , Grigorova Evgenija
Published: June 2016

Although climate changes are one of the most serious public health risks for all nations, it appears that the medical society in the East European countries is not too much concerned.

The aim of this paper is to point out the main treats on health provoked by climate changes.

The literature review was the source of information. Based on the PubMed where in 2015 more than 65,000 papers were dedicated to different aspects of the influence of the climate changes on the human health, as well as 3,500 articles for the pediatric population, we present a review of the main health risks. Especially, the impact of the climate changes on the children′s health is overviewed.

In separate parts, the thermal stress, extreme weather events, changes of infection′s pattern, how to measure health risks as well as some mitigation measures are discussed.
Patientenpräferenzen: Methoden und internationale Entwicklungen
Authors: Mühlbacher Axel , Juhnke Christin
Published: June 2016

Grundlage von klinischen und ökonomischen Entscheidungen im Gesundheitswesen ist der Nutzen für den Patienten. Patientenpräferenzen, als Ausdruck des Patientennutzens, können und sollten auf allen Ebenen in die Entscheidungsprozesse einbezogen werden.
Frühkindliche Karies – Verhaltens- und verhältnispräventive Ansätze
Authors: Wolfram Nicole , Schütte Ursula
Published: June 2016

Trotz guter Erfolge bei der Kariesprophylaxe sind steigende Prävalenzen im frühen Kindesalter beobachtbar. Grund hierfür ist eine unzureichend konsequente Durchführung der Mundhygiene bei einer stark zuckerhaltigen Ernährung. Im Sinne des Gesundheitszieles „Gesund aufwachsen“ sind neben effektiven verhaltenspräventiven Maßnahmen auch wirkungsvolle strukturelle verhältnispräventive Ansätze nötig. Exemplarisch wird die Maßnahme: „Kariesfrei – Wir sind dabei. Die Putzbande deckt auf!“ dargestellt.
Individualisierte Medizin bei ausgewählten Krebserkrankungen
Authors: Plöthner Marika , Zeidler Jan , Graf von der Schulenburg Johann-Matthias
Published: June 2016

Durch zielgerichtete Therapien (TT) wurden bereits in einigen onkologischen Indikationen Verbesserungen in der Behandlung erzielt. Für Lungenkrebs sind bisher 5 und für Brustkrebs 11 Substanzen zur TT zugelassen. Somit konnten beispielsweise Erhöhungen der Überlebenszeit und ein verbessertes Therapieansprechen bei EGFR-positiven Lungenkrebs-Patienten oder auch Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität bei Brustkrebspatienten nachgewiesen werden. Einem breiten Einsatz von TT stehen jedoch aktuell einige medizinische und ökonomische Herausforderungen entgegen.
Die Verbreitung von Risikofaktoren für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen in der Bevölkerung
Authors: Oertelt-Prigione Sabine
Published: June 2016

Herzkreislauferkrankungen stellen die häufigste Todesursache weltweit dar. Die Mehrzahl dieser Erkrankungen kann auf eine begrenzte Anzahl modifizierbarer Risikofaktoren zurückgeführt werden. Geschlechtsspezifische, kulturbedingte und sozioökonomische Faktoren beeinflussen die Risikofaktorprävalenz. Diese Aspekte sollten bereits bei der Erhebung berücksichtigt werden, um die Entwicklung von nutzerzentrierten Präventionsmaßnahmen zu unterstützen.
Psychische Störungen bei Patienten mit chronischen körperlichen Erkrankungen
Authors: Serbanescu Ilinca , Baumeister Harald
Published: June 2016

Klinische und epidemiologische Studien belegen, dass psychische Störungen häufige Begleiterscheinungen chronischer körperlicher Erkrankungen darstellen. Obwohl die rechtzeitige und korrekte Erkennung der somatopsychischen Komorbidität bedeutsame Implikationen für die Therapie und den Verlauf der assoziierten Erkrankungen hat, findet sie nur in einem begrenzten Teil der Fälle statt. Dabei kann eine frühzeitige Diagnostik und Behandlung der komorbiden psychischen Störung das Ausmaß ihrer Symptomatik verringern und die Lebensqualität der doppeltbelasteten Patienten entscheidend verbessern.
Effects of Provinols on Cardiodynamics and Coronary Flow in Islodated Rat Hearts
Authors: Popovic Ana , Pechanova Olga , Rehakova Radoslava , Zivkovic Vladimir , Srejovic Ivan , Jeremic Nevena , Jeremic Jovana , Vranic Aleksandra , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: June 2016

Provinols are an alcohol-free extract of red wine that contains a wide range of polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of chemical compounds found in diverse plants. Polyphenols are considered to protect against cardiovascular disease. Although some older epidemiological studies have indicated that the positive effects of red wine on heart disease can be attributed to the alcohol content alone, there is now powerful evidence that polyphenols present in red wine are responsible for these positive effects. The hearts of male Wistar albino rats (n = 36, 12 in each experimental group, 10 weeks old, body mass 250 ± 30 g) were excised and retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique at a gradually increasing perfusion pressure (40-120 cmH2O). Parameters of cardiac function (dp/dt max, dp/dt min, SLVP, DLVP, HR, CF) were measured after perfusion with three different concentrations of provinols (5 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml). Administration of the highest dose (50 μg/ml) induced a significant increase in dp/dt max, dp/dt min, HR and CF compared with control conditions at CPP = 40 cmH2O, while an intermediate dose increased dp/dt max at the same CPP. Generally viewed, the results of the present study suggest that provinols may have a beneficial effect on the intact myocardium and coronary circulation. These findings could constitute an important step in further investigation of these polyphenols under different representative experimental conditions in the heart, as well as providing a good basis for potential clinical studies in this field.
Livolin Forte Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury in Wistar Rats
Authors: Akomolafe Rufus O. , Imafidon Christian E. , Olukiran Olaoluwa Sesan , Oladele Ayowole A. , Ajayi Akande O.
Published: June 2016

The kidney, which is an integral part of the drug excretion system, was reported as one of the targets of cadmium toxicity. Early events of cadmium toxicity in the cell include a decrease in cell membrane fluidity, breakdown of its integrity, and impairment of its repair mechanisms. Phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E have a marked fluidizing effect on cellular membranes. We hypothesized that Livolin forte (LIV) could attenuate kidney damage induced by cadmium in rats. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each: group I (control group) received 0.3 ml/kg/day of propylene glycol for six weeks; group II was given 5 mg/kg/day of cadmium (Cd) i.p for 5 consecutive days; group III rats were treated in a similar way as group II but were allowed a recovery period of 4 weeks; group IV was treated with LIV (5.2 mg/kg/day) for a period of 4 weeks after inducing renal injury with Cd similarly to group II; and group V was allowed a recovery period of 2 weeks after a 4-week LIV treatment (5.2 mg/kg/day) following Cd administration. A significant increase in plasma creatinine, urea, uric acid, and TBARS were observed in groups II and III compared to the control rats. Significant reductions in total protein, glucose, and GSH activity were also recorded. The urine concentrations of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in groups II and III were significantly lower than the control group. Th is finding was accompanied by a significant decrease in creatinine and urea clearance. Post-treatment with LIV caused significant decreases in plasma creatinine, urea, uric acid, and TBARS. Significant increases in total protein, glucose, and GSH activity of groups IV and V were observed compared to group II. A significant increase in urine concentrations of creatinine, urea, and uric acid and significant decreases in total protein, glucose, and GSH activity were observed in groups IV and V compared to group II. Photomicrographs of the rat kidneys in groups IV and V showed an improvement in the histology of their renal tissue when compared to group II, with features similar to the control rats. Additionally, group III showed an improvement in the histoarchitecture of the kidney compared with group II, although occasional atrophy of some glomeruli and shrinking of renal corpuscles was observed.

In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that LIV administration ameliorated Cd-induced kidney injury in rats. Thus, LIV represents a prospective therapeutic choice to prevent kidney injury inflicted by Cd exposure.
Des hommes en mouvement en Suisse: trois perspectives sur la masculinité
Authors: Salah Hakim Ben , Deslauriers Jean-Martin , Knüsel René
Published: June 2016

Cet article expose les résultats d’une démarche visant à mieux connaître la façon dont les organisations masculines suisses, de par leurs discours, se positionnent face à la redéfinition de la place et du rôle des hommes dans notre société. Après une présentation d’éléments significatifs permettant de souligner les caractéristiques récentes de la reconfiguration des rapports entre les sexes, cet article présente un survol des orientations idéologiques portées par les quelques cent organisations répertoriées. Les résultats montrent que la pluralité et la diversité des positionnements idéologiques se structurent autour de trois tendances principales, qui peuvent être analysées en fonction des transformations sociales et des changements qui ont récemment influencé les perceptions du rôle des hommes.
Creating Under Pressure
Authors: Norgaard Martin , Emerson Samantha N. , Dawn Kimberly , Fidlon James D.
Published: June 2016

A growing body of research suggests that jazz musicians concatenate stored auditory and motor patterns during improvisation. We hypothesized that this mechanism allows musicians to focus attention more flexibly during improvisation; for example, on interaction with other ensemble members. We tested this idea by analyzing the frequency of repeated melodic patterns in improvisations by artist-level pianists forced to attend to a secondary unrelated counting task. Indeed, we found that compared to their own improvisations performed in a baseline control condition, participants used significantly more repeated patterns when their attention was focused on the secondary task. This main effect was independent of whether participants played in a familiar or unfamiliar key and held true using various measurements for pattern use.
System & Contrast
Authors: Bimbot Frédéric , Deruty Emmanuel , Sargent Gabriel , Vincent Emmanuel
Published: June 2016

This article introduces the System &Contrast (S&C) model, which aims at describing the inner organization of structural segments within music pieces as: (i) a carrier system, i.e., a sequence of morphological elements forming a network of self-deducible syntagmatic relationships, and (ii) a contrast, i.e., a substitutive element, usually the last one, which departs from the logic implied by the carrier system. Initially used for the structural annotation of pop songs (Bimbot, Deruty, Sargent, & Vincent, 2012), the S&C model provides a framework to describe implication patterns in musical segments by encoding similarities and relations between its elements. It is applicable at several timescales to various musical dimensions in a polymorphous way, thus offering an attractive meta-description of musical contents. We formalize the S&C model, illustrate how it applies to music and establish its filiation with Narmour’s implication-realization model (Narmour, 1990, 1992) and cognitive rule-mapping (Narmour, 2000). We introduce the minimum description length scheme as a productive paradigm to support the estimation of S&C descriptions. The S&C model highlights promising connections between music data processing and information retrieval on the one hand, and modern theories in music perception, cognition and semiotics on the other hand, together with interesting perspectives in Musicology.
Ar yra praktinė kalbotyros kalba? Bandymas vertikaliai suskirstyti kalbotyros kalbą kaip dalykinę kalbą
Authors: Kontutytė Eglė
Published: June 2016

Vienas iš dalykinės kalbos teorijos uždavinių yra apibrėžti dalykinės kalbos tyrimo objektą, t. y. nustatyti dalykinės komunikacijos situacijas, kurių kalba yra tiriama. Norint suskirstyti kalbotyros mokslo kalbą kaip dalykinės kalbos atmainą, remiamasi L. Hoffmanno vadinamuoju vertikalaus skirstymo modeliu, pagal kurį išskiriami penki skirtingo dalykiškumo laipsnio sluoksniai. Sluoks­nį laikant tekstų žanrų, kurie kuriami tam tikru tikslu, visuma, išskiriami tokie kalbotyros kalbos sluoksniai: kalbotyros teorijos kūrimo kalba, kalbos aprašymo kalba, kalbotyros mokymo kalba, kalbos praktikos kalba, kalbotyros mokslo populiarinimo kalba, kalbos mokymo kalba. Aprašant atskirus sluoksnius, pateikiami tipiškiausi vokiečių ir lietuvių kalbų tekstų žanrų pavyzdžiai. Iša­nalizavus vokiškų ir lietuviškų kalbotyros tekstų žanrų pavyzdžius, nustatyti vokiečių ir lietuvių kalbotyros kalbų vertikalių sluoksnių bei atskirų tekstų žanrų panašumai ir skirtumai.
New record of Pithophora roettleri (Roth) Wittrock, 1877 (Chlorophyta: Pithophoraceae) for the São Francisco River basin and its potential geographic distribution in Brazil
Authors: Moura-Júnior Edson G. de , Valentin-de-Souza Rodrigo L. , Milhomens Larissa B. S.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a new record for a heterotypic synonym of Pithophora roettleri (P. oedogonia)for the São Franscisco River basin. Pithophora are green filamentous algae, branched, with intercallary akinetes of variable (P. roettleri) or invariable (P. oedogonia) forms in the same individual. The species was found in a temporary pond, which has high electrical conductivity and temperature, and is localized in a semiarid area (Caatinga biome). The soil has median natural fertility and high concentration of dissolved salts. A short diagnosis with illustrations and two models of the potential geographic distribution for the species are included.