bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Constraints on Spatial Variations of the Fine Structure Constant from Clusters of Galaxies
Authors: De Martino Ivan , Martins Carlos , Ebeling Harald , Kocevski Dale
Published: December 2016

We have constrained the spatial variation of the fine structure constant using multi-frequency measurements of the thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect of 618 X-ray selected clusters. Although our results are not competitive with the ones from quasar absorption lines, we improved by a factor 10 and ∼2.5 previous results from Cosmic Microwave Background power spectrum and from galaxy clusters, respectively.
Adenovirus with DNA Packaging Gene Mutations Increased Virus Release
Authors: Wechman Stephen , Rao Xiao-Mei , McMasters Kelly , Zhou Heshan
Published: December 2016

Adenoviruses (Ads) have been extensively manipulated for the development of cancer selective replication, leading to cancer cell death or oncolysis. Clinical studies using E1-modified oncolytic Ads have shown that this therapeutic platform was safe, but with limited efficacy, indicating the necessity of targeting other viral genes for manipulation. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic Ads, we treated the entire Ad genome repeatedly with UV-light and have isolated AdUV which efficiently lyses cancer cells as reported previously (Wechman, S. L. et al. Development of an Oncolytic Adenovirus with Enhanced Spread Ability through Repeated UV Irradiation and Cancer Selection. Viruses 2016, 8, 6). In this report, we show that no mutations were observed in the early genes (E1 or E4) of AdUV while several mutations were observed within the Ad late genes which have structural or viral DNA packaging functions. This study also reported the increased release of AdUV from cancer cells. In this study, we found that AdUV inhibits tumor growth following intratumoral injection. These results indicate the potentially significant role of the viral late genes, in particular the DNA packaging genes, to enhance Ad oncolysis.
Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Infection Leads to an Enhanced RNA Interference Response and Not Its Suppression in the Bumblebee Bombus terrestris
Authors: Cappelle Kaat , Smagghe Guy , Dhaenens Maarten , Meeus Ivan
Published: December 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) is the primary antiviral defense system in insects and its importance for pollinator health is indisputable. In this work, we examined the effect of Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) infection on the RNAi process in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, and whether the presence of possible functional viral suppressors could alter the potency of the host’s immune response. For this, a two-fold approach was used. Through a functional RNAi assay, we observed an enhancement of the RNAi system after IAPV infection instead of its suppression, despite only minimal upregulation of the genes involved in RNAi. Besides, the presence of the proposed suppressor 1A and the predicted OrfX protein in IAPV could not be confirmed using high definition mass spectrometry. In parallel, when bumblebees were infected with cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), known to encode a suppressor of RNAi, no increase in RNAi efficiency was seen. For both viruses, pre-infection with the one virus lead to a decreased replication of the other virus, indicating a major effect of competition. These results are compelling in the context of Dicistroviridae in multi-virus/multi-host networks as the effect of a viral infection on the RNAi machinery may influence subsequent virus infections.
Diverse Strategies Used by Picornaviruses to Escape Host RNA Decay Pathways
Authors: Ullmer Wendy , Semler Bert
Published: December 2016

To successfully replicate, viruses protect their genomic material from degradation by the host cell. RNA viruses must contend with numerous destabilizing host cell processes including mRNA decay pathways and viral RNA (vRNA) degradation resulting from the antiviral response. Members of the Picornaviridae family of small RNA viruses have evolved numerous diverse strategies to evade RNA decay, including incorporation of stabilizing elements into vRNA and re-purposing host stability factors. Viral proteins are deployed to disrupt and inhibit components of the decay machinery and to redirect decay machinery to the advantage of the virus. This review summarizes documented interactions of picornaviruses with cellular RNA decay pathways and processes.
NMR Studies of the Structure and Function of the HIV-1 5′-Leader
Authors: Keane Sarah , Summers Michael
Published: December 2016

The 5′-leader of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome plays several critical roles during viral replication, including differentially establishing mRNA versus genomic RNA (gRNA) fates. As observed for proteins, the function of the RNA is tightly regulated by its structure, and a common paradigm has been that genome function is temporally modulated by structural changes in the 5′-leader. Over the past 30 years, combinations of nucleotide reactivity mapping experiments with biochemistry, mutagenesis, and phylogenetic studies have provided clues regarding the secondary structures of stretches of residues within the leader that adopt functionally discrete domains. More recently, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy approaches have been developed that enable direct detection of intra- and inter-molecular interactions within the intact leader, providing detailed insights into the structural determinants and mechanisms that regulate HIV-1 genome packaging and function.
Development and Assessment of the Physically-Based 2D/1D Model “TRENOE” for Urban Stormwater Quantity and Quality Modelling
Authors: Hong Yi , Bonhomme Céline , Chebbo Ghassan
Published: December 2016

The widespread use of separate stormwater systems requires better understanding of the interactions between urban landscapes and drainage systems. This paper describes a novel attempt of developing urban 2D-surface and 1D-drainage model “TRENOE” for urban stormwater quantity and quality modelling. The physically-based TREX model and the conceptual CANOE model are integrated into the TRENOE platform, highlighting that the roofs of buildings are represented separately from the surface model, but simulated as virtual “sub-basins” in the CANOE model. The modelling approach is applied to a small urban catchment near Paris (Le Perreux sur Marne, 0.12 km2). Simulation scenarios are developed for assessing the influences of different “internal” (model structure, numerical issues) and “external” (parameters, input data) factors on model performance. The adequate numerical precision and the detailed information of land use data are identified as crucial elements of water quantity modelling. Contrarily, the high-resolution topographic data and the common variations of the water flow parameters are not equally significant at the scale of a small urban catchment. Concerning water quality modelling, particle size distribution is revealed to be an important factor, while the empirical USLE equations need to be completed by a raindrop detachment process.
Beyond the Clean Water Rule: Impacts of a Non-Jurisdictional Ditch on Headwater Stream Discharge and Water Chemistry
Authors: Gannon John , Kinner David , Lord Mark
Published: December 2016

Ephemeral drainage ditches in upland areas, such as those draining roads, are excluded from the jurisdiction of the U.S. Clean Water Act (CWA). While several studies have shown that road drainage and/or development in forested watersheds can impact water quality, the direct physical and chemical impacts of a single drainage ditch have not been identified. In this study, we measured water chemistry (silicon, calcium, and sulfate) and magnitude of discharge from one such feature and at the outlet of the catchment it is within. We found that discharge from the drainage ditch was sometimes over 10% of the larger stream into which it drains, despite the small relative size of the ditch catchment (1.1 ha) compared to the main catchment (43 ha). Furthermore, we observed sharp decreases in silicon and calcium and increases in sulfate concentrations downstream from the drainage ditch across longitudinal sampling of the stream network. This illustrates the impacts of a common feature in high relief, forested areas that when aggregated over the landscape are likely responsible for regional water quality impacts.
Exploration of an Optimal Policy for Water Resources Management Including the Introduction of Advanced Sewage Treatment Technologies in Zaozhuang City, China
Authors: He Gengyu , Yan Jingjing , Sha Jinghua , Song Ci , Zhong Shuai
Published: December 2016

Water shortage and water pollution are important factors restricting sustainable social and economic development. As a typical coal resource-exhausted city and a node city of the South-to-North Water Transfer East Route Project in China, Zaozhuang City’s water resources management faces multiple constraints such as transformation of economic development, restriction of groundwater exploitation, and improvement of water environment. In this paper, we develop a linear optimization model by input–output analysis to study water resources management with the introduction of three advanced sewage treatment technologies for pollutant treatment and reclaimed water production. The simulation results showed that from 2014 to 2020, Zaozhuang City will realize an annual GDP growth rate of 7.1% with an annual chemical oxygen demand (COD) emissions reduction rate of 5.5%. The proportion of primary industry, secondary industry, and tertiary industry would be adjusted to 5.6%, 40.8%, and 53.6%, respectively. The amount of reclaimed water supply could be increased by 91% and groundwater supply could be decreased by 6%. Based on the simulation, this model proposes a scientific reference on water resources management policies, including water environment control, water supply plan, and financial subsidy, to realize the sustainable development of economy and water resources usage.
Association of Pre-Transplant Dialysis Modality and Post-Transplant Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Joachim Emily , Gardezi Ali I. , Chan Micah R. , Shin Jung-Im , Astor Brad C. , Waheed Sana
Published: December 2016

Background

It remains unclear whether post-transplant outcomes differ according to the pre-transplant dialysis modality (peritoneal dialysis [PD] versus hemodialysis [HD]). We performed a meta-analysis of studies that assessed either post-transplant mortality, graft survival, or delayed graft function (DGF) in both PD and HD patients.

Methods

Two independent authors searched English-language literature from January 1, 1980, through August 31, 2014, national conference proceedings, and reference lists. We used combinations of terms related to dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or renal replacement therapy), kidney transplant, and outcomes. Studies were included if they measured any of the 3 post-transplant study outcomes in both pre-transplant HD and PD.

Results

A total of 16 studies were included in the final analysis. Of these, 6 studies reported adjusted hazard ratio for mortality, pooled adjusted risk ratio: 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 – 0.97) in favor of PD ( p = 0.006). The same 6 studies reported adjusted hazard ratio for graft survival, pooled adjusted risk ratio: 0.97 (95% CI 0.92 – 1.01, p = 0.16). A total of 13 studies reported unadjusted DGF. Pooled odds ratio: 0.5 (95% CI 0.41 – 0.63) in favor of PD ( p < 0.005). Significant heterogeneity observed for all outcomes: I2 = 72.7%, I2 = 59.9%, and I2 = 66.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on these results, pre-transplant PD is associated with better post-transplant survival than HD. Pre-transplant PD was also associated with decreased risk for DGF compared with HD, although these results were unadjusted. There was no significant difference in graft survival between pre-transplant HD and PD. These results suggest that PD may be the preferred dialysis modality for patients expected to receive a transplant.
Early and Late Patient Outcomes in Urgent-Start Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: See Emily J. , Cho Yeoungjee , Hawley Carmel M. , Jaffrey Lauren R. , Johnson David W.
Published: December 2016

Background

Significant interest in the practice of urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) is mounting internationally, with several observational studies supporting the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of this approach. However, little is known about the early complication rates and long-term technique and peritonitis-free survival for patients who start PD urgently (i.e. within 2 weeks of catheter insertion), compared to those with a conventional start.

Methods

This single-center, matched case-control study evaluated patients commencing PD between 2010 and 2015. Urgent-start PD patients were matched 1:3 with conventional-start PD controls based on diabetic status and age. The primary outcomes were early complications, both following catheter insertion and PD commencement (within 4 weeks). Secondary outcomes included technique and peritonitis-free survival.

Results

A total of 104 patients (26 urgent-start, 78 conventional-start) were included. Urgent-start patients were more likely to be referred late, initiate PD in hospital, and be prescribed lower initial exchange volumes ( p < 0.01). They experienced more frequent leaks post-catheter insertion (12% vs 1%, p = 0.047) and more frequent catheter migration following commencement of PD (12% vs 1%, p = 0.047). There were no significant differences in the rates of overall or infectious complications. Kaplan-Meier estimates of technique survival and time to first episode of peritonitis were comparable between the groups.

Conclusion

Compared with conventional-start PD, urgent-start PD has acceptably low early complication rates and similar long-term technique survival. Urgent-start PD appears to be a safe way to initiate urgent renal replacement therapy in patients without established dialysis access.
New approaches to organocatalysis based on C–H and C–X bonding for electrophilic substrate activation
Authors: Nagorny Pavel , Sun Zhankui
Published: December 2016

Hydrogen bond donor catalysis represents a rapidly growing subfield of organocatalysis. While traditional hydrogen bond donors containing N–H and O–H moieties have been effectively used for electrophile activation, activation based on other types of non-covalent interactions is less common. This mini review highlights recent progress in developing and exploring new organic catalysts for electrophile activation through the formation of C–H hydrogen bonds and C–X halogen bonds.
Que savons-nous exactement du kaunakès mésopotamien ?
Authors: Breniquet Catherine
Published: December 2016

Depuis la découverte des Sumériens à Tello (Irak) en 1877, et les débats scientifiques suscités par leurs représentations, les archéologues orientalistes ont pris l’habitude d’appeler « kaunakès » un de leurs vêtements qui apparaît dans sa version minimale comme une sorte de jupe recouverte de mèches. Toison d’animal pour certains, étoffe pour d’autres, on ne s’est jamais vraiment accordé sur la véritable nature de cette pièce vestimentaire déclinée en jupe, robe, voile et même couverture, faute de découverte archéologique non équivoque. On propose ici de rouvrir le débat sur le « kaunakès » en abordant plusieurs points complémentaires : L’historiographie critique de la question, largement dominée par la joute scientifique qui a opposé Léon Heuzey, conservateur au Musée du Louvre à Paris, à Emile Cherblanc, Conservateur au Musée d’Art Industriel et Régional de Tarare, et leurs divergences de lecture des Guêpes d’Aristophane qui contiendraient les clés de l’interprétation, en dépit de l’anachronisme engendré par la date très tardive de cet opus. Un manteau appelé « kaunakès » y est décrit. Les sources, entendues comme les documents d’époque, dont on dispose réellement pour documenter le sujet dans le cadre chronologique de la période « sumérienne » (soit les périodes pré- et protodynastique de Mésopotamie, ca. 3700-2340 av. J.-C.) : archéologie, textes, iconographie, etc. Les méthodes, notamment comparatives, qu’on peut espérer développer, en déplaçant le débat en direction de l’archéologie du textile. Un bilan sur les matériaux et techniques attestés en Mésopotamie dans la première moitié du III e millénaire avant J.-C., afin de réactualiser le débat et de discuter les différentes hypothèses possibles pour rendre compte d’observations archéologiques et iconographiques recontextualisées. Les éventuelles survivances ou adaptations de ce vêtement à basse époque.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC17 ameliorates type-2 diabetes by improving gut function, oxidative stress and inflammation in high-fat-diet fed and streptozotocintreated rats
Authors: Singh S. , Sharma R.K. , Malhotra S. , Pothuraju R. , Shandilya U.K.
Published: December 2016

Restoration of dysbiosed gut microbiota through probiotic may have profound effect on type 2 diabetes. In the present study, rats were fed high fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks and injected with low dose streptozotocin to induce type 2 diabetes. Diabetic rats were then fed Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC 17 and L. rhamnosus GG with HFD for six weeks. L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 improved oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated haemoglobin, free fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in blood and liver), bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in cecum, expression of glucagon like peptide-1 producing genes in cecum, and adiponection in epididymal fat, while decreased propionate proportions (%) in caecum, and expression of tumour necrosis factor-α and interlukin-6 in epididymal fat of diabetic rats as compared to diabetes control group. These findings offered a base for the use of L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 for the improvement and early treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Simultaneous analysis of multiple mycotoxins inAlpinia oxyphylla by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Zhao X.S. , Kong W.J. , Wang S. , Wei J.H. , Yang M.H.
Published: December 2016

In this study, a reliable and fast method for the simultaneous quantitation of 11 mycotoxins inAlpinia oxyphylla was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLCMS/ MS). Three different extraction procedures (solid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction and modified QuEChERS) were evaluated. Solid-liquid extraction was fast and easy, and also provided the best recovery rate for all mycotoxins, compared to the other extraction procedures. Some crucial factors, including extraction solvent, time and temperature, were carefully optimised. Significant matrix effects were offset using matrix-matched calibration. Under these optimised conditions, our detection approach showed a good, linear dynamic range with correlation coefficients (R
2) above 0.9958. The limit of quantification ranged from 0.1 to 20 μg/kg. Accuracy was determined in a selected matrix using blank samples spiked with the target mycotoxins at three different concentration levels. The recoveries ranged from 60% (T-2 toxin) to 111% (HT-2 toxin), with relative standard deviation <20%. The validated method was used to analyse 44 batches ofA. oxyphylla purchased from different regions of China. Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2 were detected in 4 mouldy samples.
La iglesia y el convento de San Lorenzo (Valencia), antigua sede de la provincia franciscana de San José de Valencia, Aragón y Baleares
Authors: Ferrer Orts Albert
Published: December 2016

El presente estudio trata sobre el antiguo templo de San Lorenzo de la ciudad de Valencia, sus vicisitudes histórico-artísticas a lo largo de ocho siglos y, también, del convento anexo que en la última centuria acogió a los franciscanos y sirvió de sede de la provincia de Valencia, Aragón y Baleares. Pues en fechas recientes ha sido clausurado y, previsiblemente, la iglesia volverá a ejercer como parroquia.
El espacio y la organización capitular de acuerdo con los estatutos de la catedral de Viseu en la transición a la Edad Moderna
Authors: Pereira Alves Carlos Filipe
Published: December 2016

En el año 1561, el obispo D. Gonçalo Pinheiro (1552-1567) mandó redactar los estatutos de la catedral de Viseu. Estos estatutos son el primer síntoma de las reuniones conciliares que se celebraban en Trento con el objetivo de reformar las costumbres de los miembros del clero secular y restituir credibilidad a una institución que ahora se encontraba amenazada por las convulsiones protestantes procedentes del centro de Europa. Sin embargo, la realidad catedralicia cotidiana visonense fue bastante distinta de aquella impuesta por los estatutos. Nos disponemos a hacer un repaso sobre las principales disposiciones estatutarias y verificar cómo el cabildo se adaptó a estas reglamentaciones
La religiosidad de los extranjeros en Jerez de la Frontera a través de sus testamentos, 1392-1550
Authors: Mingorance Ruiz José A.
Published: December 2016

La presencia de extranjeros en Castilla en los momentos finales de la Edad Media y comienzos de la Modernidad no está suficiente estudiada en algunos lugares de dicho reino, caso de Jerez.
El acercamiento a la religiosidad de tales colectivos de inmigrantes es objeto de sumo interés y uno de los medios para realizarlo es el análisis de sus testamentos.
Pobreza y formación religiosa en la diócesis de León durante la Edad Moderna
Authors: Martín García Alfredo
Published: December 2016

El seminario conciliar de San Froilán en León nació a comienzos del siglo XVII en el contexto del empuje reformista auspiciado por el concilio de Trento. A medida que el centro adquiría reputación y rentas, sobre todo a partir del último tercio del siglo XVIII, fue perdiendo paulatinamente su carácter asistencial como espacio de acogida de estudiantes pobres para convertirse en una institución educativa de alto nivel vinculada a la Universidad de Valladolid.
La Virgen del Pilar y el arte en el Brasil colonial
Authors: Castro Brunetto Carlos Javier
Published: December 2016

En este artículo daremos a conocer un numeroso grupo de imágenes de la Virgen del Pilar que reciben culto en Brasil. Las más antiguas llegaron desde Portugal por la devoción de algunos portugueses que la veneraban en la iglesia de São Vicente de Fora en Lisboa, a finales del siglo xvii. Más adelante la devoción se extendió por Minas Gerais pero, desde el punto de vista artístico, mantuvo siempre la fidelidad iconográfica a la Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza.
De Cruce Christi representationes in aureum saeculum: Valencia, Patón, Calderón Et AlII
Authors: González Maya Juan C.
Published: December 2016

Las representaciones y el uso de la Cruz de Cristo han sido múltiples y variadas a lo largo de la historia de la religión y la cultura. El artículo que se presenta se centra en un recorrido histórico de este significado, haciendo especial hincapié en el siglo xvii. En este itinerario particular se explorarán los intentos de regulación del símbolo cristiano por excelencia por parte de altas instituciones del estado y de algunos preceptistas religiosos molestos por la indecencia de su uso en la vida cotidiana.
Fray Pedro de Jesús en el Purgatorio: reescrituras de un pasaje historiográfico
Authors: Mahiques Climent Joan
Published: December 2016

El segundo volumen de la Reforma de los descalzos (Madrid, 1655) de fray Francisco de santa María refiere que fray Pedro de Jesús, al mismo tiempo que moría en Bellpuig a causa de la peste, se apareció a un compañero en Lleida y le dijo que estaba en el Purgatorio. A partir de diferentes obras y grabados impresos entre los años 1681-1724, estudiamos la relación entre los textos e imágenes que representan este episodio. También editamos dos versiones escritas por fray Juan de san José (1642-1718), cuyos testimonios autógrafos se conservan en los mss. 990 y 991 de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Barcelona.
Imágenes para la predicación del Evangelio. Presencia de las Imprese sacre del obispo Aresi en la oratoria sagrada española de la Edad Moderna
Authors: Azanza López José Javier
Published: December 2016

En el primer tercio del siglo XVII, el teatino Paolo Aresi, obispo de Tortona, escribe las Imprese sacre, colección de imágenes simbólicas para uso de predicadores que responde a la preocupación por utilizar en el discurso religioso los instrumentos de persuasión más eficaces. En España, su conocimiento fue temprano, y su aplicación homilética resultó extendida, tanto en el tiempo como en el espacio. Al alcanzar el IV Centenario de su publicación, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el uso de las Imprese sacre en la oratoria sagrada española, en concreto en su explicación de los pasajes del Evangelio.
Los prioratos de Santa María de Oia en el sudoeste gallego y en el noroeste portugués a fines de la Edad Moderna: aproximación a su situación económica
Authors: Seijas Montero María
Published: December 2016

En este artículo se estudia la situación económica de tres prioratos dependientes del monasterio cisterciense de Santa María de Oia, a través del análisis de dos aspectos fundamentales. En primer lugar, se analiza la estructura y evolución de los ingresos para conocer las cantidades de productos en especie o de dinero que anualmente declaraban las instituciones. El objetivo fundamental es demostrar como la administración descentralizada a través de los prioratos fue clave para hacer frente al mantenimiento de la vida en comunidad y, por consiguiente, imprescindible para afrontar los gastos de la casa central. En segundo lugar, se estudia la distribución y evolución del gasto para poder averiguar el dinero que finalmente era enviado a la casa central.
Francisco Martínez de la Rosa y las conflictivas relaciones iglesia-estado en España (1834-1835)
Authors: Vilar García María José
Published: December 2016

Aportación y análisis de una correspondencia inédita de Francisco Martínez de la Rosa a su paso por la presidencia del Gobierno español en el bienio 1834-1835, mantenida con Luigi Amat di San Filippo, nuncio en funciones en España, y conservada en el Archivo Secreto Vaticano. Se trata de tres cartas con formato de despacho oficial, pero por sus contenidos más bien misivas confidenciales, en las que el gobernante español se afana, aunque sin éxito, en lograr el reconocimiento por Roma de Isabel II y de su régimen liberal. Especial atención a la urgente necesidad de cubrir las numerosas sedes episcopales vacantes en España.
Una representación visual de los Chiriguano en la exposición misional de Turín, 1898
Authors: García Jordán Pilar
Published: December 2016

Las exposiciones misionales fueron escenario utilizado por la Iglesia católica para defender sus aportaciones al pensamiento, el arte, la cultura en general, y difundir la utilidad de la institución en la construcción de una sociedad civilizada y moderna. A partir de la colección, en particular de las fotografías relativas a las misiones entre los Chiriguano, enviada por Fr. Doroteo Giannecchini a la Esposizione d’Arte Sacra e delle Missioni e delle Opere Cattoliche (Turín, 1898), y del artículo dedicado a dicha colección por Amalia Capello en Arte Sacra (1898), se hará un estudio de la representación del grupo asentado en la actualidad en los departamentos de Chuquisaca, Tarija y Santa Cruz (Bolivia).
Los obispos de Guatemala y Nicaragua y la codificación del Derecho Canónico de 1917: los “postulata episcoporum”
Authors: Salinas Araneda Carlos
Published: December 2016

La redacción del primer Código de Derecho Canónico que tuvo la Iglesia latina fue ordenada por el Papa san Pío X en 1904. La tarea codificadora, empero, no fue sólo obra de un grupo cerrado de expertos, sino que tuvo en cuenta el parecer del episcopado latino, el que fue consultado en dos momentos diferentes; en ambos fueron consultados los obispos de la provincia eclesiástica de Guatemala y Nicaragua. En este trabajo se estudia, a partir de la documentación guardada en el Archivo Secreto Vaticano, el aporte de los obispos de la provincia eclesiástica de Guatemala en la primera consulta, realizada en 1904.
Desarrollo de las aleaciones de titanio y tratamientos superficiales para incrementar la vida útil de los implantes
Authors: Lario-Femenía Joan , Amigó-Mata Angélica , Vicente-Escuder Ángel , Segovia-López Francisco , Amigó-Borrás Vicente
Published: December 2016

El envejecimiento de la población junto con el incremento de la esperanza de vida, obligan al desarrollo de prótesis que presenten un periodo de vida útil cada vez mayor. El éxito clínico de los implantes está basado en la consecución de la osteointegración. Por lo tanto, las prótesis metálicas necesitan disponer de una compatibilidad mecánica con el hueso que sustituyen, que se consigue mediante una combinación de bajo módulo elástico, alta resistencia a la rotura y a fatiga. La mejora, a corto y largo plazo, de la osteointegración es función de múltiples factores, de entre los cuales son de gran importancia su diseño macroscópico y dimensional, el material y la topografía superficial del implante. Este artículo se centra en resumir las ventajas que presentan el titanio y sus aleaciones para ser empleadas como biomateriales, y la evolución que han sufrido estas, en las últimas décadas, para mejorar su biocompatibilidad. En consecuencia, se ha recapitulado la evolución que han sufrido los implantes, resumiéndose a través de tres generaciones. En los últimos años se ha incrementado el interés en los tratamientos superficiales de las prótesis metálicas, con el objetivo de alcanzar una integración del tejido óseo duradera y en el menor tiempo posible. En este artículo se exponen varios tratamientos superficiales utilizados actualmente para modificar la rugosidad o para obtener recubrimientos superficiales; cabe destacar la oxidación electroquímica con tratamiento térmico, para modificar la estructura cristalina de los óxidos de titanio. Tras la revisión bibliográfica llevada a cabo para la redacción de este artículo, las aleaciones ? de titanio, con una superficie de nanotubos obtenida mediante oxidación electroquímica y una etapa posterior de tratamiento térmico para obtener una estructura cristalina, son la opción de futuro para mejorar la biocompatibilidad a largo plazo de las prótesis de titanio.
Quand l’archéologie de la vallée du Nil dialogue avec le reste de l’Afrique
Authors: Honoré Emmanuelle , Garcea Elena A. A.
Published: December 2016

Dans cette contribution introductive au cahier thématique sur l’archéologie et l’art de la vallée du Nil à l’Holocène ancien, les auteurs questionnent les frontières disciplinaires actuelles entre « archéologie africaniste » et « archéologie de la vallée du Nil », et, au-delà, entre ces derniers et « égyptologie/soudanologie ». Les trois articles présentés ici ouvrent de nouvelles voies pour un dialogue entre africanistes et nilotistes sur une région restée jusqu’à présent sous-représentée dans la revue Afrique : Archéologie & Arts.
Sociétés et rites funéraires : le Nil moyen (Soudan) du Néolithique à l’Islamisation
Authors: Gallay Alain
Published: December 2016

Cet article teste la pertinence d’une approche intégrant ethnohistoire et archéologie, dans un cadre ethnoarchéologique et linguistique régional en suivant une démonstration de type logiciste. Il aborde la préhistoire récente et l’histoire préislamique du Soudan depuis le Néolithique et vise à donner une vue renouvelée du développement des civilisations du bassin du Nil moyen et du Kordofan dans le domaine des rites funéraires. Il présente une perspective anthropologique africaniste afin de compléter la vision égyptologique qui domine aujourd’hui l’archéologie de cette région. La démonstration se construit sur trois niveaux successifs : une démarche ethnographique actualiste référée aux contextes linguistiques, une collecte des données paradigmatiques archéologiques et ethnohistoriques, et une vision anthropologique qui définit la structure dynamique du phénomène. Deux ensembles se dessinent, l’un, néolithique, compréhensible dans le cadre de la dynamique du phylum afrasien, l’autre, à l’origine des sociétés pré-étatiques et étatiques (Kerma, Napata, Méroé), qui s’intègre dans la dynamique du phylum nilo-saharien. Quelques propositions générales sur l’évolution des sociétés sont exprimées.
Grain Amylose Content and its Stability over Seasons in a Selected Set of Rice Varieties Grown in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysekera W. K. S. M. , Premakumara G. A. S. , Bentota A. P. , Abeysiriwardena D. Sumith de Z.
Published: December 2016

Grain amylose content, one of the key parameters determining cooking and eating quality of rice, varies among varieties. Identification of varieties with different grain amylose contents that are stable over seasons is important to improve the quality of rice. Present study evaluated 39 varieties of Sri Lanka for grain amylose content and its stability over seasons. Twenty six traditional and 12 improved rice varieties and 1 introduced rice variety were evaluated over 2006 Yala and 2006- 07 Maha seasons. Experiment in each season was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design at the Regional Rice Research and Development Center, Bombuwela. Amylose content was determined by standard iodine colorimetric method. Grain amylose content significantly varied from 23 to 31% among varieties. Irrespective of traditional or improved, all the varieties except Suduru Samba and Basmathi 370 (intermediate amylose contents: 20-24%), had high amylose contents (≥25%) in both seasons. In both traditional and improved varieties, varietal differences for stability of grain amylose content over seasons were found. Higher proportion of improved varieties showed stable amylose content over seasons than that of traditional varieties. Interestingly, both the varieties with intermediate amylose showed stability over seasons. Varieties with high and intermediate amylose contents that are stable over seasons are valuable germplasm in terms of grain amylose content. Therefore, such varieties can be used in rice grain quality improvement program in Sri Lanka.
Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Trichoderma Species as a Potential Biocontrol Agent against Ceratocystis paradoxa
Authors: Kannangara Sagarika , Dharmarathna R. M. G. C. S. , Jayarathna D. L.
Published: December 2016

Ceratocystis paradoxa is a plant pathogen causing diseases in several plants including coconut (Cocos nusifera). Infected coconut plants manifest “Stem bleeding” which is very common in Hambantota district in Sri Lanka. Coir and coir pith obtained from coconut husk provide substrates for the growth of the pathogen. The use of biological control agents (BCAs) has gained more attention in controlling plant pathogens because it minimizes the application of synthetic pesticides. In many researches, various strains of Trichoderma species have been studied to be used as BCAs against many plant pathogens. The present investigation was carried out in an attempt to isolate various strains of Trichoderma spp. from soil, litter and coir samples collected from different locations in Lunuwila area in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, and to evaluate their potential as BCAs in controlling C. paradoxa. Several Trichoderma spp. were isolated into PDA plates. Colony morphology and morphological features of sporulating structures and spores were compared among the Trichoderma isolates. Genomic variability of isolates was determined by RFLP analysis of the PCR amplified DNA for the ITS region of the isolates using AluI enzyme. Potential ability of Trichoderma isolates in controlling the pathogen was observed using dual culture technique. Accordingly, ten different Trichoderma isolates were identified from soil but none from coir. The isolates were identified as T. viridae, T. polysporum, and T. harzianum. As BCAs, almost all Trichoderma isolates exhibited more than 60% growth inhibition of C. paradoxa on the seventh day of incubation in a dual culture.
Is there still room for novelty, in histochemical papers?
Authors: Pellicciari Carlo
Published: December 2016

Histochemistry continues to be widely applied in biomedical research, being nowadays mostly addressed to detect and locate single molecules or molecular complexes inside cells and tissues, and to relate structural organization and function at the high resolution of the more advanced microscopical techniques. In the attempt to see whether histochemical novelties may be found in the recent literature, the articles published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in the period 2014-2016 have been reviewed. In the majority of the published papers, standardized methods have been preferred by scientists to make their results reliably comparable with the data in the literature, butÂ  many papers (approximately one fourth of the published articles) described novel histochemical methods and procedures.Â  It is worth noting that there is a growing interest for minimally-invasive in vivo techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, autofluorescence spectroscopy) which may parallel conventionalÂ  histochemical analyses to obtain information not only on the morphological features of living organs and tissues, but also on their functional, biophysical and molecular characteristics. Thanks to this unceasing methodological refinement, histochemistry will continue to provide innovative applications in the biomedical field.
FES in Europe and beyond: Current Translational Research
Authors: Azevedo Coste Christine , Mayr Winfried , Bijak Manfred , Musarò Antonio , Carraro Ugo
Published: December 2016

Capacity of adult neural and muscle tissues to respond to external Electrical Stimulation (ES) is the biological basis for the development and implementation of mobility impairment physiotherapy protocols and of related assistive technologies, e.g, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). All body tissues, however, respond to electrical stimulation and, indeed, the most successful application of FES is electrical stimulation of the heart to revert or limit effects of arrhythmias (Pace-makers and Defibrillators). Here, we list and discuss results of FES current research activities, in particular those presented at 2016 Meetings: the PaduaMuscleDays, the Italian Institute of Myology Meeting, the 20th International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) conference held in Montpellier and the Vienna Workshop on FES. Several papers were recently e-published in the European Journal of Translational Myology as reports of meeting presentations. All the events and publications clearly show that FES research in Europe and beyond is alive and promisses translation of results into clinical management of a very large population of persons with deficiencies.
Study on Hydroxyurea Response in Hemoglobinopathies Patients Using Genetic Markers and Liquid Erythroid Cultures
Authors: Sclafani Serena , Pecoraro Alice , Agrigento Veronica , Troia Antonio , Di Maggio Rosario , Sacco Massimiliano , Maggio Aurelio , D'Alcamo Elena , Di Marzo Rosalba
Published: December 2016

Increased expression of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) may ameliorate the clinical course of hemoglobinopathies. Hydroxyurea (HU) is the only inducer approved for the treatment of these diseases able to stimulate HbF production but patients’ response is highly variable indicating the utility of the identification of pharmacogenomic biomarkers in order to predict pharmacological treatment efficacy. To date few studies to evaluate the role of genetic determinants in HU response have been conducted showing contradictory results. In this study we analyzed BCL11A, GATA-1, KLF-1 genes and γ-globin promoter in 60 alleles from 30 hemoglobinopathies patients under HU treatment to assess the role of these markers in HU response. We did not find any association between these genetic determinants and HU response. Before treatment started, the same patients were analyzed in vitro using liquid erythroid cultures in a test able to predict their response to HU. The results of our analysis confirm the absence of pharmacogenomic biomarker associated to HU response indicating that, the quantification of γ-globin mRNA fold increase remains the only method able to predict in vivo patients response to the drug.
Assessing the role of canopy cover on the colonization of phytotelmata by aquatic invertebrates: an experiment with the tank-bromeliad Aechmea lingulata
Authors: Rangel Juliana V. , Araújo Rosângela E.S. , Casotti Cinthia G. , Costa Larissa C. , Kiffer Jr. Walace P. , Moretti Marcelo S.
Published: December 2016

The presence of canopy cover may influence the amount of organic detritus and stored water in bromeliad tanks and, consequently, the colonization of these ecosystems by aquatic invertebrates. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of canopy cover on the colonization of the tank-bromeliad Aechmea lingulata in the restinga, an ecosystem composed of a variety of plant communities in the sandy coastal plains of Brazil. We hypothesized that the taxonomic composition of invertebrate communities would differ between bromeliads covered and not covered by a dense canopy (shaded and unshaded bromeliads). Prior to the beginning of the experiment, bromeliads of similar size were carefully washed to remove all organisms and organic detritus, and their tanks were filled with 1.0 L of spring water. On days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60 and 90, four bromeliad tanks of each shade treatment were sampled to determine invertebrate communities, stored water and organic detritus. Average daily values of water temperature and light intensity were higher in unshaded than in shaded bromeliads. The amount of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) and stored water did not differ between treatments, but the amount of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) was higher in shaded bromeliads. Ostracoda, Hydracarina and Oligochaeta were the most abundant taxa in bromeliad tanks. Among insects, Culicidae, Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae were the most representative. Invertebrate colonization occurred quickly and values of abundance were higher in unshaded bromeliads compared to shaded bromeliads. The values for biomass and richness did not differ between treatments or colonization times, and the taxonomic composition of invertebrate communities was similar throughout the experiment. Our results showed that canopy cover had a small influence on the colonization of tanks of A. lingulata in restinga, not corroborating the proposed hypothesis. These findings were likely due to the lack of variation in environmental conditions that are relevant to the colonization process, such as stored water and FPOM. However, because the amounts of CPOM were higher in shaded bromeliads, the taxonomic composition of invertebrate communities could have differed if typical shredders were present.
Hydrochemical determination of source water contributions to Lake Lungo and Lake Ripasottile (central Italy)
Authors: Archer Claire , Noble Paula , Kreamer David , Piscopo Vincenzo , Petitta Marco , Rosen Michael R. , Poulson Simon R. , Piovesan Gianluca , Mensing Scott
Published: December 2016

Lake Lungo and Lake Ripasottile are two shallow (4-5 m) lakes located in the Rieti Basin, central Italy, that have been described previously as surface outcroppings of the groundwater table. In this work, the two lakes as well as springs and rivers that represent their potential source waters are characterized physio-chemically and isotopically, using a combination of environmental tracers. Temperature and pH were measured and water samples were analyzed for alkalinity, major ion concentration, and stable isotope (δ2H, δ18O, δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon, and δ34S and δ18O of sulfate) composition.  Chemical data were also investigated in terms of local meteorological data (air temperature, precipitation) to determine the sensitivity of lake parameters to changes in the surrounding environment. Groundwater represented by samples taken from Santa Susanna Spring was shown to be distinct with SO42- and Mg2+ content of 270 and 29 mg/L, respectively, and heavy sulfate isotopic composition (δ34S=15.2 ‰ and δ18O=10‰). Outflow from the Santa Susanna Spring enters Lake Ripasottile via a canal and both spring and lake water exhibits the same chemical distinctions and comparatively low seasonal variability. Major ion concentrations in Lake Lungo are similar to the Vicenna Riara Spring and are interpreted to represent the groundwater locally recharged within the plain. The δ13CDIC exhibit the same groupings as the other chemical parameters, providing supporting evidence of the source relationships. Lake Lungo exhibited exceptional ranges of δ13CDIC (±5 ‰) and δ2H, δ18O (±5 ‰ and ±7 ‰, respectively), attributed to sensitivity to seasonal changes. The hydrochemistry results, particularly major ion data, highlight how the two lakes, though geographically and morphologically similar, represent distinct hydrochemical facies. These data also show a different response in each lake to temperature and precipitation patterns in the basin that may be attributed to lake water retention time. The sensitivity of each lake to meteorological patterns can be used to understand the potential effects from long-term climate variability.
Disability among attendees with schizophrenia in a Nigerian hospital: further evidence for integrated rehabilitative treatment designs
Authors: Olagunju Andrew Toyin , Adegbaju Dapo Adebowale , Uwakwe Richard
Published: December 2016

Evidence-based rehabilitative treatment is constrained due to limited knowledge about disability and its related factors among individuals with schizophrenia across West Africa. This study aims to investigate the pattern of disability, and the associated factors among individuals with schizophrenia. One hundred consecutively recruited consenting participants were subjected to designed questionnaire to inquire about their demographic and illness-related variables. This was followed by the administration of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale to confirm the diagnosis of schizophrenia and rate severity of symptoms respectively in them. In addition, the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Scale II (WHODAS-II) was used to assess for disability in all participants. Different degrees of disability based on WHODAS- II mean score of 27.02±3.49 were noted among individuals with schizophrenia, and affectation of domains of disability like self care, getting along with others, life activities and participation in the society among others were observed. In addition, high level of disability was significantly associated with younger adults in the age group 18-44 years (P=0.007), unemployment status (P=0.003), remittance source of income (P=0.034) and ethnicity (P=0.017); conversely, less number of children (P=0.033), less amount spent on treatment (P<0.001) and lower BPRS score (P<0.001) correlated negatively with high level of disability. In spite of clinical stability following treatment, individuals with schizophrenia were disabled to varied degrees, and socioeconomic as well as illness-related factors constituted important correlates. Integration of rehabilitation along with social intervention into treatment design to reduce disability is implied, and further research is also warranted.