bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H2AFX and MDC1 promote maintenance of genomic integrity in male germ cells
Authors: Testa Erika , Nardozi Daniela , Antinozzi Cristina , Faieta Monica , Di Cecca Stefano , Caggiano Cinzia , Fukuda Tomoyuki , Bonanno Elena , Zhenkun Lou , Maldonado Andros , Roig Ignasi , Di Giacomo Monica , Barchi Marco
Published: February 2018

In somatic cells, H2afx and Mdc1 are close functional partners in DNA repair and damage response. However, it is not known whether they are also involved in the maintenance of genome integrity in meiosis. By analyzing chromosome dynamics in H2afx−/− spermatocytes, we found that the synapsis of autosomes and X-Y chromosomes was impaired in a fraction of cells. Such defects correlated with an abnormal recombination profile. Conversely, Mdc1 was dispensable for the synapsis of the autosomes and played only a minor role in X-Y synapsis, compared with the action of H2afx. This suggested that those genes have non-overlapping functions in chromosome synapsis. However, we observed that both genes play a similar role in the assembly of MLH3 onto chromosomes, a key step in crossover formation. Moreover, we show that H2afx and Mdc1 cooperate in promoting the activation of the recombination-dependent checkpoint, a mechanism that restrains the differentiation of cells with unrepaired DSBs. This occurs by a mechanism that involves P53. Overall, our data show that, in male germ cells, H2afx and Mdc1 promote the maintenance of genome integrity.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Molecular dynamics correctly models the unusual major conformation of the GAGU RNA internal loop and with NMR reveals an unusual minor conformation
Authors: Spasic Aleksandar , Kennedy Scott D. , Needham Laura , Manoharan Muthiah , Kierzek Ryszard , Turner Douglas H. , Mathews David H.
Published: February 2018

The RNA “GAGU” duplex, (5′GACGAGUGUCA)2, contains the internal loop (5′-GAGU-3′)2 , which has two conformations in solution as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The major conformation has a loop structure consisting of trans-Watson–Crick/Hoogsteen GG pairs, A residues stacked on each other, U residues bulged outside the helix, and all sugars with a C2′-endo conformation. This differs markedly from the internal loops, (5′-GAGC-3′)2, (5′-AAGU-3′)2, and (5′-UAGG-3′)2, which all have cis-Watson–Crick/Watson–Crick AG “imino” pairs flanked by cis-Watson–Crick/Watson–Crick canonical pairs resulting in maximal hydrogen bonding. Here, molecular dynamics was used to test whether the Amber force field (ff99 + bsc0 + OL3) approximates molecular interactions well enough to keep stable the unexpected conformation of the GAGU major duplex structure and the NMR structures of the duplexes containing (5′-GAGC-3′)2, (5′-AAGU-3′)2, and (5′-UAGG-3′)2 internal loops. One-microsecond simulations were repeated four times for each of the duplexes starting in their NMR conformations. With the exception of (5′-UAGG-3′)2, equivalent simulations were also run starting with alternative conformations. Results indicate that the Amber force field keeps the NMR conformations of the duplexes stable for at least 1 µsec. They also demonstrate an unexpected minor conformation for the (5′-GAGU-3′)2 loop that is consistent with newly measured NMR spectra of duplexes with natural and modified nucleotides. Thus, unrestrained simulations led to the determination of the previously unknown minor conformation. The stability of the native (5′-GAGU-3′)2 internal loop as compared to other loops can be explained by changes in hydrogen bonding and stacking as the flanking bases are changed.
Risks and prevalence of pressure ulcers among patients in an acute hospital in Finland
Authors: Koivunen Marita , Hjerppe Anna , Luotola Eija , Kauko Tommi , Asikainen Paula
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To quantify pressure ulcer (PU) prevalence and to describe and identify the PU risk factors in acute hospital wards.

Method:

A descriptive quantitative study was performed in 13 wards in a central hospital in Finland. The study included PU risk evaluation using the Braden risk assessment method, and full skin and medical assessment of consenting adult patients. Patients in paediatric, maternity and psychiatric wards, and in the intensive care unit were excluded. Patient's PUs were examined on the ward, and evaluated and classified using the international European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP/NPUAP) Pressure Ulcer Classification System. Demographic data, the Braden risk assessment scale, skin assessment, and the location and severity of PUs were also recorded.

Results:

A sample of 229 inpatients was examined for signs of PUs on one day in 2013. The overall PU prevalence was 8.7% (20 patients). Of those assessed as ‘at risk of developing PUs’, four patients (1.7%) were considered at ‘very high risk’, 39 patients (17.0%) at ‘high risk’, and 60 patients (26.2%) with a ‘moderate risk’. The patient's age and length of treatment period were associated with PU risk, while only length of treatment period was associated with PU prevalence. Older patients had a higher risk of PUs than younger ones. The longer the hospital stay, the higher the PU risk was. In addition, patients with a long hospital stay more often had a PU.

Conclusion:

According to the study, PUs occur with significant frequency in acute hospital wards. It is important to carry out PU prevention actions among all patient groups, but risk increases among older patients and those who, for any reason, stay in hospital for a longer period of time.
Tasteful screams: Sense, nonsense and Kathakali vocal performance
Authors: Powers Seth
Published: February 2018

In Kathakali performance, the speech of characters and the narrative are conveyed through multiple channels – verbal text is sung by onstage vocalists while the dancer interprets the story through hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions. Through engagement with the work of Gilles Deleuze and analysis of the play The Dumb Dancer by Asif Currimbhoy, the co-presence of vocal sense and nonsense on the Kathakali stage is investigated as a phenomenon by turns sensationalized and de-legitimized in a postcolonial context. Sneja Gunew’s project of decolonizing affect theory, which raises the question of how to think meaningfully about affect beyond European concepts and terms, is taken up with regard to rasa theory, a key element of the performance aesthetics of Kathakali. Rather than viewing rasa as merely a prefiguration of Deleuzean (or post-Deleuzean) sensation or autonomic affect, a comparison between rasa and Deleuzean sense, defined as the evanescent boundary between propositions and things, is offered. Deleuzean sense presents an intriguing, albeit partial, analogue to rasa, a term that encompasses the process of tasting along with the essentially immanent nature of that which is tasted.
The use of social media from revolution to democratic consolidation: The Arab Spring and the case of Tunisia
Authors: Karolak Magdalena
Published: February 2018

This research assesses social media as a tool of popular mobilization and their role in supporting democratic processes using the case study of Tunisia four years after the revolution. Social media have been widely used during the Arab Spring in the MENA region; yet, their democratizing effects have not been thoroughly researched in countries that have recently undergone democratic transitions. Tunisia offers a unique opportunity to assess whether online democracy initiatives retain their credibility among the citizens and to what point they contribute in promoting and strengthening democracy. The research was conducted using a qualitative method through interviews with Tunisian activists and representatives of NGOs who use the Internet as a tool of democratization. It provides new evidence on the role of the Internet as a democratizing tool and to the potential dangers to political stability that it poses to countries in the process of democratic consolidation.
Love stories and diasporic identity narratives: Mediatized practices of storytelling in the Moroccan diaspora
Authors: Bozdağ Çiğdem
Published: February 2018

Storytelling is one of the oldest ways of giving human experiences a meaning and presenting the world from one’s own perspective. Stories are amongst key cultural resources for identity construction. Throughout the history of technologies, storytelling has become highly mediatized, enabling new and more interactive forms of storytelling. The presented research focuses on digital, diasporic love stories that are shared on an online diasporic discussion forum by younger women from the Moroccan diaspora in Germany. Based on a qualitative content analysis of selected story threads, this article argues that these German-speaking stories provide their readers with alternative identity narratives to those in mainstream mass media. This article will demonstrate how through these narratives users interactively negotiate issues related to ethnic identities, religious and cultural values and gender roles on the networked communication space provided by the discussion forums. Considering the limited space for self-representations of migrant Muslim women in the mainstream German mediascape, this self-made form of storytelling and the self-representations that the forums provide seem even more important for the identity construction of young women in the Moroccan diaspora. However, these stories do not always lead to dialogue and peaceful negotiations; they may also lead to deepening of conflicts existing within the diasporic community.
ELABORAÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA E SENSORIAL DE IOGURTE LIGHT PREBIÓTICO ADOÇADO COM MEL
Authors: Silva Álvaro Gustavo Ferreira da , Bessa Marcelino Maia , Silva Josefa Rosiane da
Published: February 2018

Com a crescente preocupação da sociedade pela ingestão de alimentos saudáveis, a indústria alimentícia busca constantemente desenvolver produtos menos calóricos, associado à presença de ingredientes com propriedades funcionais. Logo, valendo-se da grande aceitação dos iogurtes, a indústria os tem utilizado como veículo para inclusão de compostos prebióticos. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho a elaboração e caracterização, físico-química e sensorial, de iogurtes light adoçados com mel e suplementados com os prebióticos inulina e fruto-oligossacarídeos. Foram elaboradas três formulações: A (controle – ausente de prebióticos), B (com adição de 3% de inulina) e C (com 3% de fruto-oligossacarídeos) que foram submetidas às análises físico-químicas de umidade, cinzas, pH, acidez titulável e lipídeos e à análise sensorial de aceitação e intenção de compra. Estas permitiram obter resultados estatisticamente iguais para todos os parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados, exceto a umidade. Quanto à análise sensorial, observou-se que, estatisticamente, a adição dos prebióticos não promoveu interferência significativa (p < 0,05) nos parâmetros sensoriais avaliados, tornando as amostras bem aceitas, com índices de aceitabilidade superiores a 70%, destacando a semelhança na aceitação das amostras suplementadas com prebióticos em relação à formulação-controle. Com relação à intenção de compra, a formulação C sobressaiu-se sob uma pequena vantagem numérica, porém não estatística, às demais formulações, sendo esta a mais viável para comercialização. Dessa forma, foi possível destacar a viabilidade da inclusão de prebióticos em formulações de iogurte light adoçados com mel, de modo a contribuir para a diversificação do setor lácteo e satisfazer a demanda da população por alimentos saudáveis.
VIABILIDADE DE BACTÉRIAS (STARTER E PROBIÓTICAS) EM BEBIDAS ELABORADAS COM IOGURTE E POLPA DE MANGA
Authors: Barbosa Paula De Paula Menezes , Gallina Darlila Aparecida
Published: February 2018

Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver duas formulações de bebida probiótica do tipo smoothie com iogurte e polpa de manga (F1 e F2), bem como avaliar a viabilidade dos microrganismos, a qualidade higiênico sanitária e as características físico-químicas (pH, acidez e sinérese) das bebidas ao longo de 30 dias de estocagem refrigerada. F1 foi preparada com adição de 30% de polpa de manga e 10% de açúcar ao iogurte probiótico e F2 foi adicionada de 40% de polpa e 8% de açúcar. A qualidade higiênico-sanitária foi satisfatória, e as amostras seguras para consumo. As amostras não diferiram entre si quanto ao pH, acidez titulável, sinérese e viabilidade dos microrganismos, ao longo da estocagem refrigerada, portanto, os níveis de açúcar e polpa não influenciaram significativamente as formulações. Os níveis de probióticos se mantiveram dentro da dose considerada terapêutica. Portanto, as bebidas podem ser consideradas um veículo apropriado para incorporação de probióticos e um novo produto funcional poderá ser disponibilizado para o mercado.
PRINCIPAIS DEFEITOS EM QUEIJO MINAS ARTESANAL: UMA REVISÃO
Authors: Sobral Denise , Costa Renata Golin Bueno , De Paula Junio César Jacinto , Teodoro Vanessa Aglaê Martins , Moreira Gisela De Magalhães Machado , Pinto Maximiliano Soares
Published: February 2018

A preferência do consumidor por queijos artesanais de leite cru vem crescendo continuamente devido à sua intensidade e variação de sabor se comparado ao queijo de leite pasteurizado. O desenvolvimento do sabor e aroma no queijo de leite cru é regido principalmente pela variada microbiota endógena existente e enzimas naturais do leite. O clima, a altitude, a pastagem nativa e outras características regionais permitem que o queijo Minas artesanal tenha um sabor típico e único. No entanto, a maioria dos queijos artesanais são fabricados de maneira rudimentar, seguindo tecnologias utilizadas pelos seus antepassados e este fato pode propiciar o aparecimento de defeitos, que acarretam perdas econômicas aos produtores. Grande parte dos defeitos pode ter origem na qualidade do leite destinado à fabricação, assim como na qualidade e quantidade dos ingredientes utilizados, técnicas de fabricação e maturação que podem aumentar o número de falhas. Nesta revisão, serão abordados os principais defeitos que surgem especificamente nos queijos artesanais, assim como suas origens, prevenção e reparação.
The influence of progressive muscle relaxation on stress, blood pressure, and quality of life in hypertension patients in the working area of Muliorejo Puskesmas, deli Serdang regency
Authors: Siregar Abdul hanif , Gultom Agustina boru
Published: February 2018

Hypertension is most commonly found in the primary care. It is very important to be warded off since it can cause the incidence of sickness and death. The management through lifestyle is very potential to control blood pressure and even to decrease the need for pharmacological management. The objective of this research was to analyze the influence of progressive muscle relaxation on stress, blood pressure, and quality of life in hypertension patients in the Working Area of Muliorejo Puskesmas, Deli Serdang Regency. The research used the quantitative method with quasi-experimental non-equivalents group control design. The samples were 30 respondents for both treatment and control groups, taken by using consecutive sampling technique. The data were analyzed by using dependent t-test and independent t-test. It could be concluded that there was the influence of progressive muscle relaxation on stress, blood pressure, and quality of life in hypertension patients. It is recommended that using progressive muscle relaxation be seriously considered as a nursing intervention as a complementary therapy for decreasing stress, stabilizing blood pressure, and improving quality of life in hypertension patients in the Working Area of Muliorejo Puskesmas, SunggalSubdistrict, DeliSerdang Regency.
Severe Ulcerative Colitis Flare Unmasking Factor VII Deficiency
Authors: Muna Aguon Paul , Aasen Tyler , Salehpour Kaivan , Mcshane Scott
Published: February 2018

We present a 22-year-old male with severe bleeding from Ulcerative Colitis. Workup revealed anemia and elevated prothrombin time, with subsequent mixing study and clotting factor levels revealing factor VII deficiency. Bleeding disorders such as Factor VII deficiency may exacerbate the degree of hemorrhage in inflammatory bowel disease flares, making prompt recognition of underlying coagulopathies crucial.
Reflecting on criminalizing male violence against women under human rights and human security discourses: a feminist legal and policy analysis
Authors: Pividori Claudia , Degani Paola
Published: February 2018

Violence against women is an established issue of concern under international law as well as in the international security domain. More in general, it is contended that issues related to gender-based violence need to be countered with strategies aimed at fighting sexual hierarchies and structural discrimination affecting women at different levels and in different contexts. Despite this, international legal and policy responses to male violence against women are increasingly turning to criminal law enforcement with a strict focus on perpetrators’ individual accountability. The article critically analyzes this trend within the two international legal and policy frameworks that in the past decades have most consistently integrated the issue of violence against women, that is, human security and human rights. The article contends that the increasing focus on criminalization that has emerged in both these frameworks risks obfuscating and downsizing the collective and “public” dimension of States’ responsibility with regards the social phenomenon of violence. Indeed, criminalization strategies allow States to circumvent their duty to work on the social, political and economic structural dimensions at the root of this severe form of violation women’s human rights.
Novikov Engine with Fluctuating Heat Bath Temperature
Authors: Schwalbe Karsten , Hoffmann Karl Heinz
Published: February 2018

The Novikov engine is a model for heat engines that takes the irreversible character of heat fluxes into account. Using this model, the maximum power output as well as the corresponding efficiency of the heat engine can be deduced, leading to the well-known Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency. The classical model assumes constant heat bath temperatures, which is not a reasonable assumption in the case of fluctuating heat sources. Therefore, in this article the influence of stochastic fluctuations of the hot heat bath’s temperature on the optimal performance measures is investigated. For this purpose, a Novikov engine with fluctuating heat bath temperature is considered. Doing so, a generalization of the Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency is found. The results can help to quantify how the distribution of fluctuating quantities affects the performance measures of power plants.
Bats in a Cerrado landscape of Northern Brazil: species occurrence, influence of environmental heterogeneity and seasonality, and eight new records for the State of Tocantins
Authors: Maas Andrea Cecília Sicotti , Gomes Luiz Antonio Costa , Martins Mayara Almeida , Dias Daniela , Pol André , Chaves Flávia Guimarães , Schutte Michel , de Araújo Roberta Miranda , Peracchi Adriano Lúcio
Published: February 2018

Patterns of bat distribution in Cerrado can be influenced by habitat heterogeneity and seasonal variation. We described the bat fauna in Cerrado landscape during an environment-monitoring program in Tocantins State, Northern Brazil. Additionally, we tested the influence of habitat heterogeneity and seasonality on the abundance and species richness of Phyllostomidae in this region by Generalized Linear Mixed Models. In 2010, we sampled 40 nights (rainy and dry seasons) in four vegetation types of Cerrado biome. Taxonomic identification was based on measurements and qualitative diagnostics. With a sampling effort of 43,965 m2·h, we captured 274 bats of 30 species, 22 genera and six families. Carollia perspicillata was the most abundant species captured. Colinas do Tocantins municipality was richer than Goiantins (26 and 19 species respectively). The best model for abundance was the interaction between heterogeneity and seasonality and the best model for richness was a mix between these two variables. We registered eight new species for the Tocantins including three species considered threatened with extinction at national level and one at global level. Such results highlight that this region is important for new investigations on the Cerrado biome.
Design of 2D-nanocrystals in water: preparation, structure and functionalization
Authors: Aslanov Leonid , Zakharov Valery , Paseshnichenko Ksenia , Yatsenko Aleksandr , Orekhov Andrey , Tafeenko Viktor , Chernyshev Vladimir
Published: February 2018

A new method for synthesis of 2D nanocrystals in water was proposed. The use of perfluorothiophenolate ions as surfactant allowed us to produce 2D single-crystal nanosheets of CaS at pH=9 and flat nanocrystals of PbS at pH=9 at room temperature. Mesocrystalline nanobelts of CdS and mesocrystals of PbS were obtained at pH=3–5 and pH=10–12, respectively. Morphology, structure and chemical composition of nanoparticles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A mechanism of nanoparticles formation was discussed.
Isolation of high purity 73Se using solid phase extraction after selective 4,5-[73Se]benzopiazselenol formation with aminonaphthalene
Authors: Königs Uwe , Humpert Swen , Spahn Ingo , Qaim Syed M. , Neumaier Bernd
Published: February 2018

A fast and efficient process for the production of the PET radionuclide 73Se was developed using 75Se as a surrogate. 75Se was separated from proton irradiated arsenic trioxide by reaction with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene to 4,5-[75Se]benzopiazelenol. This compound was purified using SPE column chromatography and subsequently decomposed with hydrogen peroxide. For further chemical conversions [75Se]selenite was reduced to elemental [75Se]selenium by either using thiosulfate or sulfur dioxide. The recovery yield of 75Se from the target amounted to 43%. The utility of the isolated 75Se for radiosyntheses was demonstrated by the successful preparation of [75Se]selenomethionine. The methodology developed using 75Se was successfully transformed to 73Se.
Neutron activation analysis of major and trace elements in Arabica and Robusta coffee beans samples consumed in Algeria
Authors: Messaoudi Mohammed , Begaa Samir , Hamidatou Lylia , Salhi M’hamed , Ouakouak Hamza , Mouzai Mohammed , Hassani Aïcha
Published: February 2018

The Algerian neutron activation analysis laboratory is highly involved in nutrition applications in the framework of research activities using the Es-Salam research reactor. The main objective of this work is to contribute, by using nuclear analytical techniques, for studying a large number of natural food samples consumed in Algeria related to nutrition and human health. The present study focuses on the analysis of the most popular beans consumed worldwide, namely, the coffee species of Arabica and Robusta, based on the international markets. Chemical content of samples was assessed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and k
0-INAA techniques, through the irradiation of samples during 6 h at a thermal neutron flux of 4.5×1013cm−2s−1 of Es-Salam research reactor. A total of 17 elements were assessed such as, (Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Zn, Lu and Th) obtained by using INAA and k
0-INAA methods, While we used the radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA and k
0-RNAA) to determine Selenium at low level concentrations, the accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing CRM and SRM. QC/QA was evaluated by using the statistical parameter U-score. Results were compared with those obtained for samples from Brazilian, Caribbean, Indian and Kenyan coffee beans reported in the literature. The daily intake of essentials and toxic elements was determined and compared with the recommended values. The probable cumulative intake of toxic elements was found to be well below the tolerance limits.
On The Jacobsthal-Padovan p-Sequences in Groups
Authors: Aküzüm Yesim , Deveci Ömür
Published: February 2018

In [5], Deveci defined the Jacobsthal-Padovan p-sequence. In this paper,we extend this sequence to groups. Then we define the Jacobsthal-Padovan p-orbit and we study the Jacobsthal-Padovan p-orbits of the finite groups in detail. Furthermore, we obtain the lengths of the periods of the Jacobsthal-Padovan p-orbits of the Fox groups G1,l for l ≥ 3 as applications of the results.
Exposure measurement platform for electromagnetic field monitoring and epidemiological research
Authors: Zahner Marco , Fröhlich Jürg , Leuthold Juerg
Published: February 2018

Exposimetry of electromagnetic fields refers to a measurement technology aiming to quantify the immission or absorption of fields and/or energy in specific ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. Portable, small and accurate measurement instruments were developed to provide tools for epidemiological research and environmental monitoring. The target measurement quantity was the average amount of RMS field strength that an average individual will experience in everyday environments. This quantity can be used to classify different groups of the population or to track changes in exposure conditions within defined regions or along specified tracks. Methods and tools for the assessment of the personal exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields (LF-MF), radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and pulsed RF emissions from radar installations have been developed, characterized, and tested. The result is a measurement platform enabling a large variety of measurement procedures and study protocols.
In-Season Strength and Power Training Considerations for Professional Soccer Teams Competing Within National Level Competitions
Authors: Wing Chris
Published: February 2018

STRENGTH AND POWER HAVE BEEN WIDELY REPORTED AS ESSENTIAL QUALITIES TO SUCCESSFUL SOCCER PERFORMANCE. HOWEVER, IMPROVING THESE QUALITIES WITHIN THE IN-SEASON PERIOD SEEMS TO PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES. THESE INCLUDE A CHAOTIC FIXTURE SCHEDULE, INCREASED LEVELS OF FATIGUE, AND ISSUES SURROUNDING CONCURRENT TRAINING. A VARIETY OF METHODS MAY BE USED BY STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING (S&C) COACHES TO OVERCOME THESE. THIS MAY INCLUDE ADOPTING A NONLINEAR PERIODIZATION PLAN AND THE CAREFUL MANIPULATION OF THE VARIABLES WITHIN IT. AT ALL TIMES, THE S&C COACH SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE AND ABLE TO EASILY ADJUST PROGRAMMING TO THE CHANGING COMPETITIVE SCHEDULE.
Crumb Rubber and Silica Fume Inclusions in Pervious Concrete Pavement Systems: Evaluation of Hydrological, Functional, and Structural Properties
Authors: Mondal Snehasish , Biligiri Krishna Prapoorna
Published: February 2018

The main objective of this research study was to comprehensively investigate the hydrological, functional, and structural characteristics of 21 pervious concrete (PC) mixtures encompassing four dosages of crumb rubber (CR), four proportions of silica fume (SF) contents, and three distinct aggregate gradations. A total of 126 PC cylindrical specimens were available to measure density, porosity, permeability, abrasion resistance, and compressive strength properties. The inclusions of CR and SF in the PC enhanced the compressive strength and abrasion resistance compared to the control unmodified PC specimens. However, CR-modified PC showed reduced permeability because of a decrease in the porosity of those mixes. Nonetheless, the study results did not reach any optimum values of CR or SF replacement and indicated that there is more scope to replace the coarse aggregate with CR and cement with SF so as to identify the optimum dosages of these two modifiers in future. The use of CR in PC as a partial replacement of aggregate can become a potential way of conserving the natural aggregates that are becoming scarce. Furthermore, SF can be used as a partial replacement for cement that will eventually reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement production, thus being able to achieve the significant use of renewable resources in producing green pavement systems.
Attachment Security Priming as a Potential Intervention for Depressive Symptoms
Authors: McGuire Austen , Gillath Omri , Jackson Yo , Ingram Rick
Published: February 2018

Numerous studies have demonstrated that people high on attachment insecurity are more likely to report depressive symptoms as compared to those low on insecurity (secures). These findings suggest that enhancing one's sense of attachment security could help relieve depressive symptoms. One promising technique for increasing attachment security that has received relatively little attention as a therapeutic intervention is attachment security priming. Compared with other interventions, security priming is easier and takes less time to administer. The current studies examined if priming techniques used to increase attachment security could reduce depressive symptoms in an adolescent and emerging adults samples. In Study 1, depressive symptoms were assessed before exposure to either attachment security or neutral primes and then re-assessed one week later. Results revealed that participants who were exposed to the security primes reported a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than the control group. In Study 2, adolescents who were repeatedly exposed over two weeks to security primes showed lower depression symptoms than participants exposed to neutral primes. Overall, our findings provide initial support to the idea that attachment security priming can be a useful method to help decrease depressive symptoms.
Visual Aversive Learning Compromises Sensory Discrimination
Authors: Shalev Lee , Paz Rony , Avidan Galia
Published: February 2018

Aversive learning is thought to modulate perceptual thresholds, which can lead to overgeneralization. However, it remains undetermined whether this modulation is domain specific or a general effect. Moreover, despite the unique role of the visual modality in human perception, it is unclear whether this aspect of aversive learning exists in this modality. The current study was designed to examine the effect of visual aversive outcomes on the perception of basic visual and auditory features. We tested the ability of healthy participants, both males and females, to discriminate between neutral stimuli, before and after visual learning. In each experiment, neutral stimuli were associated with aversive images in an experimental group and with neutral images in a control group. Participants demonstrated a deterioration in discrimination (higher discrimination thresholds) only after aversive learning. This deterioration was measured for both auditory (tone frequency) and visual (orientation and contrast) features. The effect was replicated in five different experiments and lasted for at least 24 h. fMRI neural responses and pupil size were also measured during learning. We showed an increase in neural activations in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and amygdala during aversive compared with neutral learning. Interestingly, the early visual cortex showed increased brain activity during aversive compared with neutral context trials, with identical visual information. Our findings imply the existence of a central multimodal mechanism, which modulates early perceptual properties, following exposure to negative situations. Such a mechanism could contribute to abnormal responses that underlie anxiety states, even in new and safe environments.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTUsing a visual aversive-learning paradigm, we found deteriorated discrimination abilities for visual and auditory stimuli that were associated with visual aversive stimuli. We showed increased neural activations in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and amygdala during aversive learning, compared with neutral learning. Importantly, similar findings were also evident in the early visual cortex during trials with aversive/neutral context, but with identical visual information. The demonstration of this phenomenon in the visual modality is important, as it provides support to the notion that aversive learning can influence perception via a central mechanism, independent of input modality. Given the dominance of the visual system in human perception, our findings hold relevance to daily life, as well as imply a potential etiology for anxiety disorders.
Bureau Clergyman: How the FBI Colluded with an African American Televangelist to Destroy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Authors: Martin Lerone
Published: February 2018

This article explains how the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) partnered with African American minister Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux to discredit and neutralize Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. The Elder, the nation's first minister (black or white) to have his own weekly television show, colluded with the Bureau to shape public opinion against King and cast doubt upon King's religious commitments and activities. Michaux was, what I call, a Bureau Clergyman: a minister who was an FBI “Special Service Contact” or on the Bureau's “Special Correspondents Lists.” Far from secret informants, black and white male clergy in these official Bureau programs enjoyed very public and cooperative relationships with the FBI and were occasionally “called into service” to work in concert with the FBI. The FBI called upon Michaux and he willingly used his status, popular media ministry, and cold war spirituality to publically scandalize King as a communist and defend the Bureau against King's criticisms. In the end, the Elder demonized King, contested calls for black equality under the law, and lionized the FBI as the keeper of Christian America. The story moves the field beyond the very well known narratives of the FBI's hostility towards religion and reveals how the Bureau publicly embraced religion and commissioned their clergymen to help maintain prevailing social arrangements. Michaux's relationship with the FBI also offers a window into the overlooked religious dimensions of the FBI's opposition to King, even as it highlights how black clergy articulated and followed competing ideologies of black liberation during the civil rights movement.
Fraud and the California State Census of 1852
Authors: Wood Warren C.
Published: February 2018

The California state census of 1852, upon which representation in Congress and the state legislature was based, was intentionally manipulated, as this article indicates. Census takers in both San Francisco and the mining counties engaged in chicanery, revealing the nature of politics in the new state. The study also finds that the proportion of women and families in San Francisco was greater than heretofore realized, which calls for a re-evaluation of the city’s social history. In addition, the census was inflated by counting Chinese residents as white, affecting historians’ understanding of the city’s racial composition. The author calculates the degree of miscount for future reference.
Effects of thyroid hormones on thermogenesis and energy partitioning
Authors: Iwen K Alexander , Oelkrug Rebecca , Brabant Georg
Published: February 2018

Thyroid hormones (TH) are of central importance for thermogenesis, energy homeostasis and metabolism. Here, we will discuss these aspects by focussing on the physiological aspects of TH-dependent regulation in response to cold exposure and fasting, which will be compared to alterations in primary hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In particular, we will summarise current knowledge on regional thyroid hormone status in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral cells. In contrast to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, where parallel changes are observed, local alterations in the CNS differ to peripheral compartments when induced by cold exposure or fasting. Cold exposure is associated with low hypothalamic TH concentrations but increased TH levels in the periphery. Fasting results in a reversed TH pattern. Primary hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism disrupt these fine-tuned adaptive mechanisms and both, the hypothalamus and the periphery, will have the same TH status. These important mechanisms need to be considered when discussing thyroid hormone replacement and other therapeutical interventions to modulate TH status.
Role of osteopontin in decidualization and pregnancy success
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bo , Qi Qian-Rong , Wu Kai-Lin , Xie Qing-Zhen
Published: February 2018

OPN is essential for blastocyst implantation and placentation. Previous study found that miR181a was increased while miR181b was downregulated in endometrium during decidualization. However, the information regarding their effects on decidualization in human endometrium is still limited. Here, we report a novel role of OPN and miR181b in uterine decidualization and pregnancy success in humans. The expression of OPN was high in endometrium in secretory phase and in vitro decidualized hESC, whereas miR181b expression was low in identical conditions. Further analysis confirmed that OPN expression was upregulated by cAMP and C/EBPβ signal pathway, while downregulated by miR181b. Increased OPN expression could promote the expression of decidualization-related and angiogenesis-related genes. Conversely, the processes of decidualization and angiogenesis in hESC were compromised by inhibiting OPN expression in vitro. OPN expression was repressed in implantation failure group when compared with successful pregnancy group in IVF/ICSI-ET cycles. These findings add a new line of evidence supporting the fact that OPN is involved in decidualization and pregnancy success.
A Survey of Virus Recombination Uncovers Canonical Features of Artificial Chimeras Generated During Deep Sequencing Library Preparation
Authors: Peccoud Jean , Lequime Sébastian , Moltini-Conclois Isabelle , Giraud Isabelle , Lambrechts Louis , Gilbert Clément
Published: February 2018

Chimeric reads can be generated by in vitro recombination during the preparation of high-throughput sequencing libraries. Our attempt to detect biological recombination between the genomes of dengue virus (DENV; +ssRNA genome) and its mosquito host using the Illumina Nextera sequencing library preparation kit revealed that most, if not all, detected host–virus chimeras were artificial. Indeed, these chimeras were not more frequent than with control RNA from another species (a pillbug), which was never in contact with DENV RNA prior to the library preparation. The proportion of chimera types merely reflected those of the three species among sequencing reads. Chimeras were frequently characterized by the presence of 1-20 bp microhomology between recombining fragments. Within-species chimeras mostly involved fragments in opposite orientations and located less than 100 bp from each other in the parental genome. We found similar features in published datasets using two other viruses: Ebola virus (EBOV; -ssRNA genome) and a herpesvirus (dsDNA genome), both produced with the Illumina Nextera protocol. These canonical features suggest that artificial chimeras are generated by intra-molecular template switching of the DNA polymerase during the PCR step of the Nextera protocol. Finally, a published Illumina dataset using the Flock House virus (FHV; +ssRNA genome) generated with a protocol preventing artificial recombination revealed the presence of 1-10 bp microhomology motifs in FHV–FHV chimeras, but very few recombining fragments were in opposite orientations. Our analysis uncovered sequence features characterizing recombination breakpoints in short-read sequencing datasets, which can be helpful to evaluate the presence and extent of artificial recombination.
More efficient lateral load patterns for seismic design of steel moment-resisting frames
Authors: Moghaddam Hassan , Hosseini Gelekolai Seyed Mojtaba , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: February 2018

The preliminary design of building structures is normally based on the equivalent lateral forces provided in seismic design guidelines. The height-wise distribution of these loads is predominantly based on elastic vibration modes. However, as structures exceed their elastic limits in severe earthquakes, these design load patterns may not necessarily lead to efficient distribution of strength within the structures. To address this issue, several alternative load patterns have been proposed for the seismic design of non-linear structures. However, due to the simplifications involved in the development of these design load patterns, their adequacy needs to be assessed for different structural systems and earthquake excitations before they can be used in common practice. The aim of this work was to identify the most suitable lateral load patterns for the seismic design of steel moment-resisting frames. To do this, the non-linear seismic behaviour of three-, five-, seven-, ten- and 15-storey frames designed with nine different lateral load patterns were compared under 20 real and synthetic spectrum-compatible earthquakes using performance parameters such as maximum inter-storey drift, maximum plastic hinge rotation and cumulative damage. It was found that, for the same structural weight, structures designed with more efficient load patterns experienced up to 68% less global damage than their code-based counterparts.
Effect of Biphasic Insulin Aspart 30 Combined with Metformin on Glycaemic Control in Obese People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Aščić - Buturović Belma
Published: February 2018

Combination therapy consisting of biphasic insulin aspart 30 bid with metformin provide better glycaemic control in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. In our study, patients who were treated with 2550 mg of metformin, administered in three daily doses had poor glycaemic control. Three months after switching from metformin therapy to treatment with biphasic insulin aspart 30 + metformin twice a day, glycaemic control improved with significant reduction in hemoglobin HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose levels.Biphasic insulin aspart 30 in combination with metformin administered twice a day may be recommended as a starting insulin treatment in obese diabetic persons whose glycaemic control remained poor while on oral metformin therapy alone.
EVALUATION OF SERUM SODIUM LEVEL IN SINGLE AND RECURRENT FEBRILE SEIZURES
Authors: Ghafoor Ibrahim
Published: February 2018

Background 

Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures. Its either simple (when it is single attack within next 24 hours, plus other characters) or complex (when is recurrent within same period plus other characteristics).

Objectives

 

This study was conducted to determine the role of low serum sodium levels in predicting single or recurrent febrile seizures among children.

Patients and Methods

In this study, 100 patients aged 6-60 months old were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: those with single, and those with recurrent febrile seizures. Then 100 children with febrile illness, but no febrile convulsion, taken as a control. For those 3 groups serum sodium levels were studied.

Results

Among the patients, male gender was predominant. Among those with 12-24 months old, positive family history of febrile seizures was significant. The mean serum sodium of patients with single febrile seizure was (137.91), while the mean serum sodium level of patients with recurrent febrile seizures was (139), and the mean serum sodium of control group was (141.42). The P-value of comparison between control and those with single febrile seizure was significant (0.002), but the P-value of comparison between control and those with recurrent febrile seizures was not significant (0.813). There was no significant role of the serum sodium found during admission of the patients. 

Conclusion

We found in present study: there was no significant role for the serum sodium during single or recurrent F.S.s. These findings reaffirm the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics not to routinely obtain serum electrolytes in febrile seizures unless clinically indicated.
NON ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN SULAIMANI GOVERNORATE
Authors: Maarouf Fenk , Hadi Hemn , Mohammed Mohammed
Published: February 2018

Background 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common hepatic disorder characterized by accumulation of fat in the liver parenchyma of patients who do not drink excessive amount of alcohol. The prevalence of NAFLD is high in conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as obesity, type 2 DM, dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome. NAFL is very common in type-2 diabetic patients, with 50-75% demonstrating fat in the liver by ultrasound.

Objectives

 

To assess the frequency of NAFLD in patients with type 2 DM in Sulaimani and its relation with age, gender, duration and state of glycaemic control compared to non diabetic subjects.

Methods

This is across sectional study, conducted in Sulaimani General Teaching Hospital from December. 2013 to December 2014. A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study, sixty seven were diabetic and 35 were nondiabetic as control. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, C, autoimmune hepatitis, excessive alcohol ingestion, and drugs with adverse effect on liver were excluded. These patients were evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography to determine the presence of fatty liver. They were divided into fatty liver group and non-fatty liver group. They were further evaluated for BMI, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, lipid profile, liver function test. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS-21.

Results

61% of diabetic patients had fatty liver on ultrasonography; of those 17% fulfill the criteria of NASH, compared to 48%, 6% in the control group respetively. BMI, serum triglyceride and ALT were significantly higher in group with fatty liver than non fatty liver in both diabetic and control (P-value= 0.001, 0.027, and 0.006 respectively).The frequency of NAFLD increases with age. Diabetes was associated with more severe degree of NAFL and fibrosis score. 

Conclusion

NAFLD is more common in type 2 DM than nondiabetic. Obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and HbA1c are independent predictors of NAFLD.
Multidimensional Improvements in Health Following Hatha Yoga for Individuals with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Atler Karen , Portz Jennifer Dickman , Schmid Arlene A.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of ten individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) who completed an 8-week Hatha Yoga trial. The International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) provided the framework for this study. Two focus groups were conducted following a twice-weekly, 60-minute yoga intervention that was designed for people with DPN. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to analyze the data. Themes in the data emerged related to improvements in body functions, specifically neuromuscular and movement-based function and sensory functions, as well as stress management and sleep improvement via breathwork, and social support was an essential environmental factor. These data support the bidirectionality of the ICF and demonstrate that in individuals with DPN, yoga may affect health holistically by improving body functions, activities, participation, and environmental factors. Yoga may be a tool to improve general well-being in individuals with DPN. A larger, randomized trial should be conducted to extend the findings from the present trial.