bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Experience of Death in Techno-Scientific Societies
Authors: Bueno Gómez Noelia
Published: September 2015

This article offers a criticism of the generalized idea that contemporary Western Society denies and hides death and the set of moral recommendations derived from it. The death-denying and death-hiding hypotheses have been proposed in order to explain the changes in the way of facing death after the consolidation of modern medicine. After explaining both hypotheses, I situate them historically in the context of the origins of bioethics and the criticism against techno-science. Afterward, it is offered a criticism of the assumptions used to justify them. As an alternative to both hypotheses, it is proposed that modern Western Society has created its own way of facing death, namely a techno-scientific approach with particular consequences for the decision-making processes at the end of life. The logical connection established between the hypotheses and the set of moral recommendations is consequently reexamined, finally arguing for a situated approach to end-of-life dilemmas and decisions.
Current Backpack Weight Status for Primary Schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico
Authors: Olmedo-Buenrostro Bertha Alicia , Delgado-Enciso Iván , Sánchez-Ramírez Carmen Alicia , Cruz Sergio Adrián Montero , Vásquez Clemente , Mora-Brambila Ana Bertha , Rodríguez-Sánchez Iram P. , Martínez-Fierro Margarita L.
Published: September 2015

The purpose of the study was to identify the current status of backpack weight in primary schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico, in relation to gender, school grade level, and body mass index. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 randomly selected children from 20 primary schools. The participating children’s parents signed statements of informed consent. Descriptive statistics, the χ2 test, Student’s t-test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used. The mean age was 8.55 ± 2 years (range: 5–12 years). Seventy-eight percent of the schoolchildren presented with a backpack overload that was greater than 10% of their body weight. No significant differences were found in relation to gender. Four out of every five schoolchildren presented with backpack overload, exposing them to a potential health problem. Education and public policy prevention strategies for this situation should be implemented in Mexico and other regions of the world with the same problem.
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Management in Shrinking Cities
Authors: Faust Kasey M. , Abraham Dulcy M. , McElmurry Shawn P.
Published: September 2015

Population decline in once vibrant cities has introduced challenges to managing civil infrastructure. These challenges, such as fiscal constraints, reduced personnel, and increasing regulatory standards, are identified in this article in the context of water and wastewater infrastructures when cities do not follow a trajectory of growth. Following the discussion surrounding consequential issues arising from urban decline, retooling alternatives to mitigate challenges are explored. The study uses a mixed method approach, incorporating qualitative analyses of data collected from 4 U.S. shrinking cities, subject matter expert interviews, and statistical analyses of survey data from residents of 21 U.S. shrinking cities. Our analysis indicates that more than 70% of residents are willing to pay increased rates for improved services that may be accomplished through implementing retooling alternatives. Statistical modeling is used to identify the demographic variables that increase an individual’s propensity toward implementing five alternatives, revealing city-specify variations in support for different alternatives.
Getting out the vote in the social media era
Authors: Aldrich John H , Gibson Rachel K , Cantijoch Marta , Konitzer Tobias
Published: September 2015

This paper compares the spread and impact of new digital modes of voter mobilization with more traditional methods (phone, mail and in person canvassing) in recent national elections in the US and UK. We develop hypotheses regarding the relative effects of online contacting and test them using election study data. Our findings show that while online contact is generally less frequent than the offline form in both countries, this gap is particularly pronounced in the UK. US campaigns also reach a much wider audience than their UK counterparts. In terms of impact, while offline forms remain most effective in mobilizing turnout, online messages are important for campaign participation, particularly among younger citizens when they are mediated through social networks.
Resourcing the constituency campaign in the UK
Authors: Pattie Charles , Johnston Ron
Published: September 2015

First-past-the-post electoral rules create strong incentives for parties to focus their campaigns on key marginal seats and much research has been devoted to the vote-winning potential of such activity. Less attention has been given to local party organisations’ ability to mount these campaigns, however. We therefore examine recent evidence of British political parties’ local campaigning capacities. Overall, Britain’s grassroots party organisations are struggling. While some local parties are resource-rich, many are not: only half of all Conservative and fewer than one in six Labour and Liberal Democrat constituency parties had an annual turnover in 2010 exceeding £25,000. Many local parties are seriously under-resourced: funds are limited, donations meagre, and members few. For most local parties, campaign resources depend primarily on their own local fund-raising initiatives – but their yields tend to be low. Even in key marginal constituencies, many local parties increasingly struggle to resource their campaign activities. What is more, there are substantial variations between the various political parties in the relative health of their constituency operations, and in the national parties’ abilities to subsidise local activities in strategically important seats. The implications for local voter mobilisation efforts in the UK are not good.
Desistance in action: An interactional approach to criminal justice practice and desistance from offending
Authors: Kirkwood Steve
Published: September 2015

Research on the role of narrative and identity in desistance from crime tends to rely on interview methods. This article argues research and theory on desistance and interventions for addressing offending would be enriched by the qualitative analysis of interactions between criminal justice practitioners and service users. This approach is illustrated by applying discourse analysis and conversation analysis to video recordings of a groupwork programme for addressing offending behaviour. The analysis shows that: (1) service users may exhibit ambivalence to pro-social identities; (2) practitioners may orient to this resistance and encourage positive change; (3) other group members’ change narratives constitute resources to support desistance. This illustrates how an interactional approach to desistance can enhance understandings of practice and change processes.
Vision-based target motion analysis and collision avoidance of unmanned surface vehicles
Authors: Woo Joohyun , Kim Nakwan
Published: September 2015

This article proposes a vision-based target motion analysis and collision avoidance method for unmanned surface vehicles. To estimate the relative position of the target, the calibrated camera model and camera height constraint are used. In addition, the optical flow equation is adopted to estimate the relative velocity of the target. The estimated relative position and velocity are then integrated using the Kalman filter in order to reduce the effect of measurement noise. Once the kinematic information of the target is determined by the vision-based target motion analysis, the collision risk is calculated by a fuzzy estimator. Based on the collision risk, vision-based collision avoidance control is performed. To validate the effectiveness of the suggested method in various encounter situations, a collision avoidance simulation is conducted.
Necrotizing Fasciitis and The Diabetic Foot
Authors: Iacopi Elisabetta , Coppelli Alberto , Goretti Chiara , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: September 2015

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) represents a rapidly progressive, life-threatening infection involving skin, soft tissue, and deep fascia. An early diagnosis is crucial to treat NF effectively. The disease is generally due to an external trauma that occurs in predisposed patients: the most important risk factor is represented by diabetes mellitus. NF is classified into 3 different subtypes according to bacterial strains responsible: type 1 associated to polymicrobial infection, type 2 NF, generally associated to Streptococcus species, often associated to Staphylococcus aureus and, eventually, Type 3, due to Gram-negative strains, such as Clostridium difficile or Vibrio. NF is usually characterized by the presence of the classic triad of symptoms: local pain, swelling, and erythema. In daily clinical practice immune-compromised or neuropathic diabetic patients present with atypical symptomatology. This explains the high percentage of misdiagnosed cases in the emergency department and, consequently, the worse outcome presented by these patients. Prompt aggressive surgical debridement and antibiotic systemic therapy are the cornerstone of its treatment. These must be associated with an accurate systemic management, consisting in nutritional support, glycemic compensation, and hemodynamic stabilization. Innovative methods, such as negative pressure therapy, once the acute conditions have resolved, can help fasten the surgical wound closure. Prompt management can improve prognosis of patients affected from NF reducing limb loss and saving lives.
Redrawing boundaries: WITNESS and the politics of citizen videos
Authors: Farrell Nathan , Allan Stuart
Published: September 2015

This article engages with several pressing issues revolving around ‘citizen witnessing’, with specific reference to the human rights advocacy group, WITNESS. In the course of tracing WITNESS’ development over the past two decades, it offers an evaluative assessment of the challenges its members have faced in promoting a grass-roots, citizen-centred approach to video reportage. More specifically, this advocacy is informed by an ethical commitment to advancing human rights causes by equipping citizens in crisis situations with cameras, and the training to use them, so that they might bear witness to the plight of others. In so doing, this article argues, WITNESS offers a tactical reformulation of the guiding tenets of peace journalism, one with considerable potential for recasting anew its strategic priorities.
Collagen Type IV and Laminin Expressions during Cartilage Repair and in Late Clinically Failed Repair Tissues from Human Subjects
Authors: Foldager Casper Bindzus , Toh Wei Seong , Christensen Bjørn Borsøe , Lind Martin , Gomoll Andreas H. , Spector Myron
Published: September 2015

Objective

To identify the collagen type IV (Col4) isoform in articular cartilage and to evaluate the expressions of Col4 and laminin in the pericellular matrix (PCM) in damaged cartilage and during cartilage repair.

Design

The Col4 isoform was determined in chondrocytes isolated from 6 patients cultured up to 6 days and in 21% O2 or 1% O2, and the gene expression of Col4 α-chains was investigated. The distribution of Col4 and laminin in traumatically damaged cartilage ( n = 7) and clinically failed cartilage repair (microfracture, TruFit, autologous chondrocyte implantation; n = 11) were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Normal human cartilage was used as control ( n = 8). The distribution during clinical cartilage repair procedures was investigated in a minipig model with 6-month follow-up (untreated chondral, untreated osteochondral, microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation; n = 10).

Results

The Col4 isoform in articular cartilage was characterized as α1α1α2, which is an isoform containing antiangiogenic domains in the NC1-terminals (arresten and canstatin). In normal cartilage, laminin and Col4 was exclusively found in the PCM. High amounts (>50%) of Col4 in the PCM significantly decreased in damaged cartilage ( P = 0.004) and clinically failed repair tissue ( P < 0.001). Laminin was only found with high expression (>50%) in 4/8 of the normal samples, which was not statistically significantly different from damaged cartilage ( P = 0.15) or failed cartilage repair ( P = 0.054).

Conclusions

Col4 in cartilage contain antiangiogenic domains and may play a role in the hypoxic environment in articular cartilage. Col4 and laminin was not found in the PCM of damaged and clinically failed repair.
A rare case of racemose neurocysticercosis and its complications. Case report
Authors: Pamplona Jaime , Braz Ana , Conceição Carla , Rios Cristina , Reis João
Published: September 2015

Neurocysticercosis is a central nervous system infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The disease is endemic in Central and South America, Asia and Africa. Racemose neurocysticercosis refers to cysts in the subarachnoid space and is characterized by proliferative lobulated cysts without a scolex. We report a case of a 43-year-old woman with an eight-month history of headaches, ataxia and loss of vision. CT and MRI showed an intraventricular cyst, causing entrapment of Monro foramina and hydrocephalus, smaller cysts at subarachnoid space in temporal lobes, Sylvian fissures, supra-selar and perimesencephalic cisterns, and an intra-orbital cyst. Additionally, there were acute ischemic vascular lesions on the left thalamus and corpus callosum splenium and subacute ischemic lesions of both occipital lobes. The diagnosis of racemose cysticercosis was made after biopsy and drainage of the intraventricular cyst. It is important to recognize neurocysticercosis as a differential diagnosis in intra-cranial cysts, not only intraparenchymal cysts.
Effective Teachers
Authors: King Miller Beverly A.
Published: September 2015

This article focuses on the educational strategies that can be used to support female students of African descent in their persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. STEM careers have historically been White male and White female dominated, which has yielded an underrepresentation of those of African descent. Drawing from a grounded qualitative case study, the data used for this article share the responses of Afro-Caribbean females in STEM who have immigrated to the United States from the country of Panama. As Latinas, they are representative of the changing face in the American educational system—bilingual, multicultural, and of African descent. The strategies offered reflect their own teaching practices, their former teachers, or experiences with their children’s teachers. What emerged were descriptions of four strategies and behaviors of effective teachers that align with Ladson-Billings’s culturally relevant pedagogy and Gay’s culturally responsive teaching. Included in the findings are the high standards and expectations embodied by effective teachers that serve to positively inspire their students. Culturally responsive teachers create an atmosphere of learning that supports academic success, conveying their belief in their students’ ability based upon their own reflectivity. As the U.S. educational system continues to become multilingual and multicultural, there is need for strategies for the successful inclusion and progression of students in STEM educational pathways and careers. This will occur as teachers challenge themselves to be the agents of change in the lives of their students.
Global Tuberculosis
Authors: Phillips Jennan A.
Published: September 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) infections remain a common but deadly disease. TB control in health care and correctional settings presents numerous public health challenges for occupational and correctional health nurses.
Primary Amyloidosis of Celiac/Para-Pancreatic Lymph Nodes Diagnosed by Endosonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Akbar Nuralhuda , Kubbara Aahd , Nawras Ali
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Primary amyloidosis is a disorder resulting from the deposition of fibrillary protein in extracellular tissue. Diagnosis of primary amyloidosis in the celiac/para-pancreatic lymph nodes via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration has not been reported in the literature. In this article, we report our first observation. Our patient is a 64-year-old Caucasian man who was referred to our institution from an outlying hospital for recurrent abdominal pain. Radiological imaging revealed an enlarged abdominal lymph node that was already biopsied under computed tomography needle guidance but diagnosis was not achieved on pathological examination. At our institution, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration showed enlarged para-celiac/pancreatic lymph nodes. Endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration revealed the diagnosis of primary amyloidosis. The patient tolerated the procedure well with follow-up as an outpatient. Conclusions. Lymph node involvement in amyloidosis is not uncommon. However, the involvement of the pancreatic/celiac lymph nodes by amyloidosis is obscure in this case. This case shows a rare presentation of amyloidosis diagnosed for the first time by the technique of endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration. In the future, this might serve as an establishment to standardize diagnosing abdominal lymph node amyloidosis, once suspected, by endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration.
Neighborhood Environment and Self-Rated Health Among Urban Older Adults
Authors: Mathis Arlesia , Rooks Ronica , Kruger Dan
Published: September 2015

Objective: This study examines associations between neighborhood environment and self-rated health (SRH) among urban older adults. Method: We selected 217 individuals aged 65+ living in a de-industrialized Midwestern city who answered questions on the 2009 Speak to Your Health survey. The relationship between neighborhood environment and SRH was analyzed using regression models. Neighborhood variables included social support and participation, perceived racism, and crime. Additional models included actual crime indices to compare differences between perceived and actual crime. Results: Seniors who have poor SRH are 21% more likely to report fear of crime than seniors with excellent SRH ( p = .01). Additional analyses revealed Black seniors are 7% less likely to participate in social activities ( p = .005) and 4% more likely to report experiencing racism ( p < .001). Discussion: More than 80% of older adults live in urban areas. By 2030, older adults will account for 20% of the U.S. population. Given the increasing numbers of older adults living in urban neighborhoods, studies such as this one are important. Mitigating environmental influences in the neighborhood that are associated with poor SRH may allow urban older adults to maintain health and reduce disability.
Investigation of the thermal behaviour and decomposition kinetics of kaolinite
Authors: Liu Xiaoxu , Liu Xiaowen , Hu Yuehua
Published: September 2015

Previous work on the structural and thermal properties of various types of kaolinite have led to different conclusions, rendering comparison of analytical results difficult. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the thermal behaviour of kaolinite and to carry out a kinetic analysis of the decomposition of kaolinite at high temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) were used to study the mechanism of the thermal decomposition. The modified Coats–Redfern, Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger decomposition models were used to determine the decomposition mechanism of the kaolinite sample. The dehydroxylation of kaolinite occurred at ∼600°C with the formation of metakaolin, which then transformed into either γ-alumina or aluminium-silicon spinel together with amorphous silica. The results of the XRD and FTIR analyses indicated that the γ-alumina, or aluminium-silicon spinel and amorphous silica phases, transformed into mullite and α-cristobalite, respectively, after decomposition at 900°C. Good linearity was observed with the modified Coats–Redfern, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger models from room temperature to 1400°C and the range of the activation energy determined was 120–180 kJ/mol.
Preparation, characterization and catalytic properties of yttrium-zirconium-pillared montmorillonite and their application in supported Ce catalysts
Authors: Xue Bo , Guo Hongmei , Liu Lujie , Chen Min
Published: September 2015

A new yttrium-zirconium-pillared montmorillonite (Y-Zr-MMT), was synthesized, characterized and used as a Ce catalyst support. The Y-Zr-MMT is a good support for dispersing cerium active sites and it is responsible for the high activity in the total oxidation of acetone, toluene and ethyl acetate. The Y-Zr-MMT shows greater advantages than the conventional alumina/cordierite honeycomb supports such as large specific surface area, lower cost and easier preparation. Catalytic tests demonstrated that Ce/Y-Zr-MMT (Ce loading 8.0%) was the most active, with the total oxidation of acetone, toluene and ethyl acetate being achieved at 220, 300 and 220°C, respectively. The catalyst displayed better activity for the oxidation of acetone and ethyl acetate than a conventional, supported Pd-catalyst under similar conditions. The special structure of the yttrium-doped zirconium-pillared montmorillonite can strengthen the interaction between the CeO2 and Zr-MMT support and improve the dispersion of the Ce particles, which enhances the catalytic activity for the oxidation of VOCs. The new catalyst, 8.0%Ce/Y-Zr-MMT, could be promising for industrial applications due to its high catalytic activity and low cost. The support and the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and BET specific surface area measurements.
Radioactivity concentrations and dose assessments of therapeutic peloids from some Turkish spas
Authors: Karakaya Muazzez Çelik , Mahmut Doğru  , Karakaya Necati , Vural Hasibe Cingilli , Kuluöztürk Fatih , Bal Sultan Şahin
Published: September 2015

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in peloids were studied to assess the radiologic hazard from 18 Turkish spas. The peloids are mainly used for therapeutic treatments, rheumatic diseases and aesthetic purposes. The concentrations of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were determined with a gamma ray spectrometer using a HPGe detector. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in the peloids studied were 110.69, 71.52, 576.48 and 0.447 Bq/kg, respectively. The radium equivalent activities in the peloid samples ranged from 63.3 to 766.77 Bq/kg. The absorbed dose rate (Dout) varied between 37.52 and 330.67 nGy/h and most of the observed spa doses are greater than the worldwide recommended values. The annual effective dose values range from 0.26 to 2.78 μSv/y. The annual gonadal dose equivalents of the samples vary from 224.07 to 2283.55 with a mean of 821.99 μSv/y.
Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of beach sediments along the coast between Alanya and Silifke (southern Turkey)
Authors: Yalcin M.G. , Setti M. , Karakaya F. , Sacchi E. , Ilbeyli N.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this work was to determine the distribution of trace metals in the coastal sediments from the area between Silifke and Alanya (Turkey) and to investigate the sources of these elements, based on their mineralogical, petrographical and geochemical characteristics. Forty three samples were analysed for the determination of their water content, grain-size distribution, petrographical features and their chemical and mineralogical compositions. The samples had low water content, in agreement with the large sand grain size.

The mineralogical composition reflects the complex geological setting of the area. The most abundant mineral phases are represented by calcite and dolomite, followed by quartz and mica. Chlorite, feldspar and other carbonates are present in lesser amounts, while kaolinite was detected in one sample only. All samples contain hematite, chromite, magnetite and goethite and one sample contained pyrite. Samples with high concentrations of trace metals, contained fragments of metamorphic rocks with pyroxene, amphibole, quartz and feldspar, whereas carbonates and opaque minerals were subordinate. Compared to literature data, the average concentrations of several elements and trace metals were great enough to be considered as possibly toxic, exceeding the Turkish higher acceptable limits. Geochemical data were treated statistically using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to obtain evidence of their distribution and to identify any correlations.

Based on the distribution of mineral phases, the area investigated was divided into different provinces, each characterized by the abundance of one, or more, tracer minerals. In the westernmost areas, between Alanya and Demirtas, the sediments indicate a provenance from dolomites or marbles. In the area between Demirtas and Gazipasa the provenance was from quartzites, clastic and metamorphic rocks and in the sector between Guney and Anamur, the sediments were derived mostly from low-grade metamorphic rocks, in particular metaschists and metabasites. The sediments in the area between Anamur and Ovacik, display variable source rocks and those between Ovacik and Silifke, were derived from limestones and, subordinately, clastic rocks.

The trace-metal concentrations in beach sands appear to be related to the abundance of silicate minerals derived from weathering of the metamorphic-rock outcrops in the inland mountainous regions. In contrast, the trace-metal contents of the limestone- and dolomite-bearing beach sands were small.
Trace-element abundances in the shallow lithospheric mantle of the North Atlantic Craton margin: Implications for melting and metasomatism beneath Northern Scotland
Authors: Hughes Hannah S. R. , McDonald Iain , Faithfull John W. , Upton Brian G. J. , Downes Hilary
Published: September 2015

Bulk rock geochemistry and major- and trace-element compositions of clinopyroxene have been determined for three suites of peridotitic mantle xenoliths from the North Atlantic Craton (NAC) in northern Scotland, to establish the magmatic and metasomatic history of subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) below this region. Spinel lherzolites from the southernmost locality (Streap Com'laidh) have non-NAC mantle compositions, while the two northern xenolith suites (Loch Roag and Rinibar) are derived from the thinned NAC marginal keel. Clinopyroxene compositions have characteristic trace-element signatures which show both 'primary' and 'metasomatic' origins. We use Zr and Hf abundances to identify ancient cryptic refertilization in 'primary' clinopyroxenes. We suggest that Loch Roag and Rinibar peridotite xenoliths represent an ancient Archaean-Palaeoproterozoic SCLM with original depleted cratonic signatures which were overprinted by metasomatism around the time of intrusion of the Scourie Dyke Swarm (∼2.4 Ga). This SCLM keel was preserved during Caledonian orogenesis, although some addition of material and/or metasomatism probably also occurred, as recorded by Rinibar xenoliths. Rinibar and Streap xenoliths were entrained in Permo-Carboniferous magmas and thus were isolated from the SCLM ∼200 Ma before Loch Roag xenoliths (in an Eocene dyke). Crucially, despite their geographical location, lithospheric mantle peridotite samples from Loch Roag show no evidence of recent melting or refertilization during the Palaeogene opening of the Atlantic.
Crystal structure and stability of Ni-rich synthetic tourmaline. Distribution of divalent transition-metal cations over octahedral positions
Authors: Vereshchagin Oleg S. , Frank-Kamenetskaya Olga V. , Rozhdestvenskaya Ira V.
Published: September 2015

The crystal structure of synthetic Ni-rich tourmaline with a nickel content of 18.96 wt.% NiO (a = 15.890(2), c = 7.1815(8) Å) has been refined to R = 3.1% using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It has been shown that Ni is distributed not only over the Y, but also over the Z sites according to the ideal formula Na(Ni22+Al)(Al5Ni2+)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4. Based on bond valences and charge balance analysis it has been shown that this composition corresponds to the stable disordered member of the solid solution series NaAl3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(O)3(OH) NaNi32+Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4.

Taking into consideration available structural data on Me2+ (Ni, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn)-rich tourmalines, cation-size mismatch and bond-valence calculations we assume that there are no structural constraints precluding occurrence of these cations in both octahedral sites. Divalent transitional metal-rich tourmalines have not been found in Nature probably due to the insufficient concentration of these elements in B-rich geological systems.
Alternative translation initiation codons for the plastid maturase MatK: unraveling the pseudogene misconception in the Orchidaceae
Authors: Barthet Michelle M. , Moukarzel Keenan , Smith Kayla N. , Patel Jaimin , Hilu Khidir W.
Published: September 2015

Background

The plastid maturase MatK has been implicated as a possible model for the evolutionary “missing link” between prokaryotic and eukaryotic splicing machinery. This evolutionary implication has sparked investigations concerning the function of this unusual maturase. Intron targets of MatK activity suggest that this is an essential enzyme for plastid function. The matK gene, however, is described as a pseudogene in many photosynthetic orchid species due to presence of premature stop codons in translations, and its high rate of nucleotide and amino acid substitution.

Results

Sequence analysis of the matK gene from orchids identified an out-of-frame alternative AUG initiation codon upstream from the consensus initiation codon used for translation in other angiosperms. We demonstrate translation from the alternative initiation codon generates a conserved MatK reading frame. We confirm that MatK protein is expressed and functions in sample orchids currently described as having a matK pseudogene using immunodetection and reverse-transcription methods. We demonstrate using phylogenetic analysis that this alternative initiation codon emerged de novo within the Orchidaceae, with several reversal events at the basal lineage and deep in orchid history.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a novel evolutionary shift for expression of matK in the Orchidaceae and support the function of MatK as a group II intron maturase in the plastid genome of land plants including the orchids.
Symbolism and ritual practices related to hunting in Maya communities from central Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Santos-Fita Dídac , Naranjo Eduardo J. , Estrada Erin I.J. , Mariaca Ramón , Bello Eduardo
Published: September 2015

Background

Some Mayan peasant-hunters across the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico still carry out a hunting ritual –Loojil Ts’oon, Loj Ts’oon or Carbine Ceremony– in which they renew the divine permission for hunting in order to continue deserving the gift of prey after a period of hunt. Thus they are granted access to game by the gods and the Lords of the Animals, particularly the spirit/evil-wind call. This paper focuses on the acts within the Loojil Ts’oon –which is performed in the X-Pichil community and surrounding area– that make it unique among the hunting rituals performed in other parts of the Peninsula.

Methods

The Loojil Ts’oon hunting ritual was observed and registered in audiovisual format in two different occasions in X-Pichil (Friday 04/29/2011 and Friday 07/29/2011). Afterwards, we delivered digital videodisks (DVD) to hunters and their families and to the j-men (the magic-medic-ritual specialist) who participated in these ceremonies. This delivery produced confidence among participants to talk more openly and in-depth about the Loojil Ts’oon, revealing symbolic, psychological, and material details previously unknown to outsiders. Qualitative information was obtained through the ethnographic method using techniques such as participant observation and guided tours. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to obtain complementary information.

Results and discussion

On one hand, we describe the preparation and cleansing of the “Sip soup”, as well as its parading and distribution –delivery to the spirit/evil-wind Sip– on the streets of the community (highlingting the role of the rooster as a counter-gift). On the other hand, the cleansing of the jaws (of deer: Odocoileus virginianus, Mazama spp.; and peccaries: Tayassuidae) and their return to the Lords of Animals in the hills so that they may give these animals new life.

Conclusions

By performing the Loojil Ts’oon, the act of killing an animal is legitimized. The kill transforms into an exchange to perpetuate life, in which gods and Lords of animals grant the hunter the solicited new game if he has completed his ritual duties and has not broken the prescribed hunting rules. The Loojil Ts’oon does not only represent the continuity and regeneration of animals, that is, fauna as a resource, but also of the whole hunting cycle. The hunter does so to maintain and recreate order and equilibrium in one’s relationship with nature as a whole, with the rest of one’s social group, and with oneself. Thus, hunting transcends the exclusively material dimension of a subsistence activity.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor interaction with β1 integrin is required for platelet-derived growth factor-AB-induced human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell migration
Authors: Chabot Valérie , Dromard Cécile , Rico Angélique , Langonné Alain , Gaillard Julien , Guilloton Fabien , Casteilla Louis , Sensebé Luc
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are well described for their role in tissue regeneration following injury. Migratory properties of endogenous or administrated MSC are critical for tissue repair processes. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a chemotactic growth factor that elicits mesenchymal cell migration. However, it is yet to be elucidated if signaling pathways other than direct activation of PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) are involved in PDGF-induced cell migration.

Methods

Knocking down and co-immunoprecipitation approaches were used to evaluate urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) requirement and its interactions with proteins involved in migration mechanisms, in human MSC induced to migrate under PDGF-AB effect.

Results

We demonstrated that uPAR activation and its association with β1-integrin are required for PDGF-AB-induced migration. This phenomenon takes place in MSC derived from bone marrow and from adipose tissue.

Conclusions

We showed that PDGF-AB downstream signaling requires other effector molecules in MSC such as the uPA/uPAR system and β1 integrin signaling pathway known for their role in migration. These findings provide new insights in molecular mechanisms of PDGF-AB-induced migration of human MSC that may be relevant to control MSC function and tissue remodeling after injury.
Genome sequence of a native-feather degrading extremely thermophilic Eubacterium, Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1
Authors: Lee Yong-Jik , Jeong Haeyoung , Park Gun-Seok , Kwak Yunyoung , Lee Sang-Jae , Lee Sang Jun , Park Min-Kyu , Kim Ji-Yeon , Kang Hwan Ku , Shin Jae-Ho , Lee Dong-Woo
Published: September 2015

Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1 (KCTC 4680) is an extremely thermophilic anaerobe isolated from a hot spring in Indonesia. This bacterium could degrade native chicken feathers completely at 70 °C within 48 h, which is of potential importance on the basis of relevant environmental and agricultural issues in bioremediation and development of eco-friendly bioprocesses for the treatment of native feathers. However, its genomic and phylogenetic analysis remains unclear. Here, we report the high-quality draft genome sequence of an extremely thermophilic anaerobe, F. islandicum AW-1. The genome consists of 2,359,755 bp, which encodes 2,184 protein-coding genes and 64 RNA-encoding genes. This may reveal insights into anaerobic metabolism for keratin degradation and also provide a biological option for poultry waste treatments.
Facial whisker pattern is not sufficient to instruct a whisker-related topographic map in the mouse somatosensory brainstem
Authors: Laumonnerie Christophe , Bechara Ahmad , Vilain Nathalie , Kurihara Yukiko , Kurihara Hiroki , Rijli Filippo M.
Published: September 2015

Facial somatosensory input is relayed by trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and serially wired to brainstem, thalamus, and cortex. Spatially ordered sets of target neurons generate central topographic maps reproducing the spatial arrangement of peripheral receptors on the face. Facial pattern provides a template for map formation, but whether it is sufficient to impose a brain somatotopic pattern is unclear. In the mouse, lower jaw sensory information is relayed by the trigeminal nerve mandibular branch, whose axons target the brainstem dorsal principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (dPrV). Input from mystacial whiskers on the snout is relayed by the maxillary branch and form a topographic representation of rows and whiskers in the ventral principal trigeminal nucleus (vPrV). To investigate the importance of peripheral organisation in imposing a brain topographic pattern, we analysed the Edn1 mutant mice, in which lower-to-upper jaw transformation results in ectopic whisker rows on the lower jaw. In Edn1 mice, the lower jaw ectopic whiskers were innervated by mandibular TG neurons which initially targeted dPrV. Unlike maxillary TG neurons, the ectopic whisker-innervating mandibular neuron cell bodies and pre-target central axons did not segregate into a row-specific pattern nor targeted the dPrV with a topographic pattern. Following periphery-driven molecular repatterning to a maxillary-like identity, mandibular neurons redirected partially their central projections from dorsal to ventral PrV. Thus, a spatially ordered ectopic whisker pattern on the lower jaw is not sufficient to impose row-specific pre-target organization of the central mandibular tract nor a whisker-related matching pattern of afferents in dPrV, albeit still able to induce maxillary-like molecular features resulting in vPrV final targeting. These results provide novel insights into the relative importance of periphery-dependent versus periphery-independent mechanisms of trigeminal ganglion and brainstem patterning in matching facial whisker topography in the brainstem
Larger lacertid lizard species produce higher than expected iliotibialis muscle power output; the evolution of muscle contractile mechanics with body size in lacertid lizards
Authors: James Rob S. , Vanhooydonck Bieke , Tallis Jason A. , Herrel Anthony
Published: September 2015

Increases in body size can lead to alterations in morphology, physiology, locomotor performance and behavior of animals. Most studies considering the effects of scaling on muscle performance have studied within species effects, with few studies considering differences between species. A previous review of published data indicated that maximum muscle shortening velocity decreases, but that maximum isometric stress does not change, with increased body mass across species of terrestrial animals. However, such previous analyses have not accounted for the phylogenetic relatedness of the species studied. Our aim was to use phylogenetically informed analysis to determine the effects of body size on isolated iliotibialis muscle performance across 17 species of lacertid lizards. Between one and five individuals were used to obtain mean performance values for each species. We analysed the relationship between each variable and body size, as estimated by snout-vent length (SVL), whilst taking into account the phylogenetic relationships between species. We found that isometric tetanus relaxation time, maximal tetanus stress (force per muscle cross-sectional area) and maximal work loop power output (normalized to muscle mass) all significantly increased with greater SVL. In contrast, fatigue resistance during repeated work loops significantly decreased with SVL and there was no effect of size on tetanus activation time. If we compare our findings to those that would be predicted by dynamic similarity, then as these lacertid species become bigger there is a greater than expected increase in the normalized muscle power output, likely to counter the larger than expected increase in body mass.
Relationship between Aggregated Structures and Dispersibility of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles ca. 10 nm in Size and Their Application to Ultrafast Removal of Aqueous Anionic Dye
Authors: Kuroda Yoshiyuki , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Kuroda Kazuyuki , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: September 2015

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are anion-exchanging materials applicable to removal of harmful anionic species from water. Here, we report novel highly dispersible LDH nanoparticles (LDHNPs) which can remove methylorange (MO), a model anionic pollutant, quite rapidly. The LDHNPs are prepared by using tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. The LDHNPs aggregate into sheet-like structure by face-to-face association or house-of-cards structure by edge-to-face association. The removal of MO by the LDHNPs with the house-of-cards structure reaches 95% of equilibrium level within only 5 s, which is much faster than the sheet-like aggregates and conventional large LDHs by at least two orders of magnitude. Therefore, it is found that the structural control of aggregates is critical to the dispersibility of LDHNPs and the ultrafast removal of anionic dye.
Haemodynamic Response Associated with Both Ictal and Interictal Epileptiform Activity Using Simultaneous Video Electroencephalography/Near Infrared Spectroscopy in a Within-Subject Study
Authors: Monrad Priya , Sannagowdara Kumar , Bozarth Xiuhua , Bhosrekar Sugandha , Hecox Kurt , Nwosu Michelle , Schwabe Michael , Meyer Michael , Szabo Aniko , Prigge Jenna , Lemke Russ , Horn Briana , Whelan Harry T.
Published: September 2015

This paper reports the findings from a pilot study of four patients with medically refractory epilepsy undergoing pre-surgical evaluation with ages ranging from 5 to 17 years. Video electroencephalography recordings and data from a near infrared spectroscopy cerebral/somatic oximeter were gathered and related to electrographic seizure onset and offset as determined by a paediatric epileptologist. All four patients showed haemodynamic changes associated with epileptiform activities. The increased blood flow clearly coincided with epileptiform activity and continued to increase as the epileptiform activity built up. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation increased in the epileptogenic focus, perhaps due to loss of cerebrovascular autoregulation. These findings reinforce that near infrared spectroscopy can potentially be used in a wide spectrum of patients with epilepsy regardless of the underlying brain pathology.
Field-Based near Infrared Spectroscopy for Analysis of Scandinavian Stone Age Rock Paintings
Authors: Linderholm Johan , Geladi Paul , Sciuto Claudia
Published: September 2015

During the early autumn of 2014 a field-based near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy study was carried out at Swedish and Norwegian Stone Age rock painting sites. This article presents results from one of them, namely Flatruet, Härjedalen, Sweden. Here, field-based NIR measurements were conducted using the 908–1676 nm wavelength range to gather 479 spectra: 427 of rock paintings and 52 of local lithology background. The whole dataset was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and four principal components were extracted explaining 98.5% (PC1), 1.4% (PC2), 0.06% (PC3) and 0.04% (PC4). The PCA results showed that there was a large spread in the spectra of both background and red paint objects, but also some evidence of clustering could be seen where background and paintings could be separated. An improvement in separation was achieved with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) using the background and paint as categorical variables. The most important components of the PLS-DA model showed a better separation in the score plot. A small test set of 10 paint and 10 background samples showed that one of the paint samples and two of the background samples were misclassified. One conclusion is that there is a large spread in background due to varying precipitation of secondary iron oxides. It was also decided to look deeper into local models of painted elks and their pigments alone. This was done using local PCA models and soft independent modelling of class analogies showing that some painted elks could be separated from each other while others were quite similar, which is important for answering questions about origin, age and weathering.
Swarm Intelligence for Chemometrics
Authors: Goodarzi Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Together with the growing use of advanced analytical instruments [ranging from separation techniques such as gas chromatography to light-based techniques, e.g. near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy], interest in the use of multivariate calibration [e.g. partial least squares (PLS)] has emerged in many different industries (food, chemical, pharmaceutical etc). Although many different modelling techniques can be used, these techniques normally require either a variable selection before model building (e.g. multiple linear regression) or they use a dimension reduction method to create latent variables (e.g. partial least squares regression). In spite of the fact that there are many different variable selection techniques, most attention is paid to those based on swarm intelligence methodologies. The reason is that such methodologies are usually simulated based on animal and insect life behaviour to, for example, find the shortest path between a food source and a nest. From an optimisation point of view, a solution or decision is made by a crowd (e.g. a population of ants) which leads to a more robust and global optimised system (in this case a better subset selection of most relevant variables e.g. wavelengths from NIR spectra).
Puzzle—IP in the i
Authors: Chlond Martin J.
Published: September 2015

A couple of new and interesting puzzles have been appearing recently in the UK daily newspaper the i from the Independent. These are Wijuko and ABC Logic, both of which require Sudoku-like thinking to solve and may be modeled using Integer Programming (IP). This article describes an example of each and develops IP models to generate solutions.

The URL for the i website is http://www.independent.co.uk/i/ although this does not at present give access to the puzzles. The full version of the paper, including puzzles, may be viewed via http://www.pressreader.com/uk/i-from-the-independent/TextView .
A Teaching Supplement on Sensitivity Analysis for Linear Programming in Undergraduate Business Programs
Authors: Paul Jomon Aliyas , MacDonald Leo
Published: September 2015

Sensitivity analysis, a key linear programming (LP) concept, is often explained in text books using complex problem scenarios to which students have difficulty relating. Consequently, many students do not fully comprehend or appreciate the significance of shadow prices or range of optimality for objective coefficients. This adds to the challenges instructors face in promoting critical thinking, a key goal in operations research and management science courses. Limited student-faculty interactions further exacerbate the problem in online learning environments. These issues can be effectively addressed through use of simple real world examples for instruction, followed by discussion of insights and intuition behind results from these mathematical models. This is the motivation of this study, with a special focus on sensitivity analysis concepts and LP formulations. We then demonstrate its effectiveness by comparing student performance before and after exposure to this innovative teaching supplement and as well as results from a student feedback survey.