bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure Activity Relationship of Brevenal Hydrazide Derivatives
Authors: Goodman Allan , McCall Jennifer , Jacocks Henry , Thompson Alysha , Baden Daniel , Abraham William , Bourdelais Andrea
Published: March 2014

Brevenal is a ladder frame polyether produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. This organism is also responsible for the production of the neurotoxic compounds known as brevetoxins. Ingestion or inhalation of the brevetoxins leads to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal maladies and bronchoconstriction. Brevenal shows antagonistic behavior to the brevetoxins and shows beneficial attributes when administered alone. For example, in an asthmatic sheep model, brevenal has been shown to increase tracheal mucosal velocity, an attribute which has led to its development as a potential treatment for Cystic Fibrosis. The mechanism of action of brevenal is poorly understood and the exact binding site has not been elucidated. In an attempt to further understand the mechanism of action of brevenal and potentially develop a second generation drug candidate, a series of brevenal derivatives were prepared through modification of the aldehyde moiety. These derivatives include aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic hydrazide derivatives. The brevenal derivatives were tested using in vitro synaptosome binding assays to determine the ability of the compounds to displace brevetoxin and brevenal from their native receptors. A sheep inhalation model was used to determine if instillation of the brevenal derivatives resulted in bronchoconstriction. Only small modifications were tolerated, with larger moieties leading to loss of affinity for the brevenal receptor and bronchoconstriction in the sheep model.
Marine Natural Products Acting on the Acetylcholine-Binding Protein and Nicotinic Receptors: From Computer Modeling to Binding Studies and Electrophysiology
Authors: Kudryavtsev Denis , Makarieva Tatyana , Utkina Natalia , Santalova Elena , Kryukova Elena , Methfessel Christoph , Tsetlin Victor , Stonik Valentin , Kasheverov Igor
Published: March 2014

For a small library of natural products from marine sponges and ascidians, in silico docking to the Lymnaea stagnalis acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP), a model for the ligand-binding domains of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), was carried out and the possibility of complex formation was revealed. It was further experimentally confirmed via competition with radioiodinated α-bungarotoxin ([125I]-αBgt) for binding to AChBP of the majority of analyzed compounds. Alkaloids pibocin, varacin and makaluvamines С and G had relatively high affinities (Ki 0.5–1.3 μM). With the muscle-type nAChR from Torpedo californica ray and human neuronal α7 nAChR, heterologously expressed in the GH4C1 cell line, no competition with [125I]-αBgt was detected in four compounds, while the rest showed an inhibition. Makaluvamines (Ki ~ 1.5 μM) were the most active compounds, but only makaluvamine G and crambescidine 359 revealed a weak selectivity towards muscle-type nAChR. Rhizochalin, aglycone of rhizochalin, pibocin, makaluvamine G, monanchocidin, crambescidine 359 and aaptamine showed inhibitory activities in electrophysiology experiments on the mouse muscle and human α7 nAChRs, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Thus, our results confirm the utility of the modeling studies on AChBPs in a search for natural compounds with cholinergic activity and demonstrate the presence of the latter in the analyzed marine biological sources.
Interaction Between Different Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. from Serbia and Pentobarbital, Diazepam and Paracetamol
Authors: Rašković Aleksandar , Cvejić Jelena , Stilinović Nebojša , Goločorbin-Kon Svetlana , Vukmirović Saša , Mimica-Dukić Neda , Mikov Momir
Published: March 2014

Herb-drug interactions are an important safety concern and this study was conducted regarding the interaction between the natural top-selling antidepressant remedy Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae) and conventional drugs. This study examined the influence of acute pretreatment with different extracts of Hypericum perforatum from Serbia on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, impairment of motor coordination caused by diazepam and paracetamol pharmacokinetics in mice. Ethanolic extract, aqueous extract, infusion, tablet and capsule of Hypericum perforatum were used in this experiment. The profile of Hypericum perforatum extracts as well as paracetamol plasma concentration was determined using RP-HPLC analysis. By quantitative HPLC analysis of active principles, it has been proven that Hypericum perforatum ethanolic extract has the largest content of naphtodianthrones: hypericin (57.77 µg/mL) and pseudohypericin (155.38 µg/mL). Pretreatment with ethanolic extract of Hypericum perforatum potentiated the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital and impairment of motor coordination caused by diazepam to the greatest extent and also increased paracetamol plasma concentration in comparison to the control group. These results were in correlation with naphtodianthrone concentrations. The obtained results have shown a considerable influence of Hypericum perforatum on pentobarbital and diazepam pharmacodynamics and paracetamol pharmacokinetics.
Effect of Aluminum Treatment on Proteomes of Radicles of Seeds Derived from Al-Treated Tomato Plants
Authors: Okekeogbu Ikenna , Ye Zhujia , Sangireddy Sasikiran , Li Hui , Bhatti Sarabjit , Hui Dafeng , Zhou Suping , Howe Kevin , Fish Tara , Yang Yong , Thannhauser Theodore
Published: March 2014

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint to plant growth and crop yield in acid soils. Tomato cultivars are especially susceptible to excessive Al3+ accumulated in the root zone. In this study, tomato plants were grown in a hydroponic culture system supplemented with 50 µM AlK(SO4)2. Seeds harvested from Al-treated plants contained a significantly higher Al content than those grown in the control hydroponic solution. In this study, these Al-enriched tomato seeds (harvested from Al-treated tomato plants) were germinated in 50 µM AlK(SO4)2 solution in a homopiperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer (pH 4.0), and the control solution which contained the buffer only. Proteomes of radicles were analyzed quantitatively by mass spectrometry employing isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ®). The proteins identified were assigned to molecular functional groups and cellular metabolic pathways using MapMan. Among the proteins whose abundance levels changed significantly were: a number of transcription factors; proteins regulating gene silencing and programmed cell death; proteins in primary and secondary signaling pathways, including phytohormone signaling and proteins for enhancing tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. Among the metabolic pathways, enzymes in glycolysis and fermentation and sucrolytic pathways were repressed. Secondary metabolic pathways including the mevalonate pathway and lignin biosynthesis were induced. Biological reactions in mitochondria seem to be induced due to an increase in the abundance level of mitochondrial ribosomes and enzymes in the TCA cycle, electron transport chains and ATP synthesis.
Synthesis of fluorescent (benzyloxycarbonylamino)(aryl)methylphosphonates
Authors: Górniak Michał Górny vel , Czernicka Anna , Młynarz Piotr , Balcerzak Waldemar , Kafarski Paweł
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of a library of structurally variable aromatic esters of (benzyloxycarbonylamino)(aryl)methylphosphonic acids is described by means of the Oleksyszyn reaction. The library was enlarged by the application of a Suzuki–Miayra approach and by preparation of mixed esters.
CARTOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF SAMOGITIA IN THE OLD MAPS OF LITHUANIA, POLAND AND OTHER NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES (1231–1700)
Authors: Lukoševičius Viktoras
Published: March 2014

While continuing researches on ancient cartography (Lukoševičius 2013a, 2013b) the publication is aimed at viewing maps of Samogitia in the perspective of historical events, with a special emphasis on most important historical events as well as cartography development moments. The method used is analysis the most representitive examples of maps, by different authors, found in cartographical archives. The article presents the authors and designers over 45 maps where Samogitia is marked and discusses map characteristics. It also provides links that are helpful for the readers interested in a more detailed studies of specific maps. Such presentation should help revise and complete the historical image of Samogitia because the old maps were not specific to any one topic. They – the universal, they were reflected in both the natural and social phenomena and the evolution of patterns. It was also available and various historical comments. Often, the old maps are often associated with military needs.

Summarizing research results the author conclude that presented ancient maps is important for the history of Lithuania cartography and are true historical witnesses helping to understand long and complicated formation process of Samogitia and the state of Lithuania; however the analysis alone is insufficient to fully reveal its historic concept.
CAN SHARED PRACTICES BUILD A NEW CITY?
Authors: Bianchetti Cristina , Sampieri Angelo
Published: March 2014

Contemporary living is increasingly marked by different kinds of associationisms, collective but not necessarily longlasting actions, and either little or very determined communalities. This article will discuss forms of living that reject individualism and shy away from communities. Indistinct forms, based on living “side by side, walking in step” which Bauman (2002) described as “a desperate need for networking”; and Sennett (2008) said was “the force of wandering emotions shifting erratically from one target to another”. Characterised by values such as ecology, frugality, reciprocity and solidarity. We believe that the key issue is to understand whether these forms are capable, as they say they are, of metaphorically rebuilding the city. In other words, can they implement a different concept of urbanity and public space by adopting the role played in late capitalist cities by conflict, rationality, functionalism, and the market. To tackle the problem we must first understand how they affect three different issues: the first involves changes in the values assigned to living; the second, the new logic of spatial organisation; the third, the revision of the notion of public and its political consequences. In order to provide greater clarity, we will deal with these three issues by briefly referring to European case studies carried out by a group of town-planners and sociologists.
L'Iran en 2014 : une Révolution normalisée ?
Authors: Therme Clément
Published: March 2014

« Qui dirige l’Iran ? » Cette question est posée demanière récurrente par les chercheurs en science politique qui analysent la République islamique d’Iran 1 . Selon la réponse apportée à la question, on évaluera les conséquences stratégiques de l’élection d’un président de la République islamique « modéré » de manière opposée.
La Révolution islamique de 1979 : mutation de l'opposition politique
Authors: Khosrokhavar Farhad
Published: March 2014

La Révolution islamique de 1979 a induit destransformations profondes dans la nature même de l’opposition au régime. L’écrasante majorité de l’opposition externe contre le régime du chah a été plus ou moins neutralisée par le retour des opposants en Iran dont les jeunes islamistes sont devenus les membres de la nouvelle élite politique et militaire. Pour ce qui est de l’opposition interne, c’est dans l’espace ouvert par la théocratie islamique qu’elle s’est constituée, au nom de la réforme interne au régime plutôt qu’en rupture avec elle. Cette « docilité » de l’opposition et l’incapacité de l’opposition externe à s’agréger ont assuré la longévité du régime théocratique, les « réformistes » se comportant avec une large docilité à l’égard du pouvoir, même lorsqu’ils l’ont contesté dans ses excès.
Etats-Unis-Iran : du Grand Satan au Grand Bargain
Authors: Bauchard Denis
Published: March 2014

Les relations entre l’Iran et les Etats-Unis, si elles remontenthistoriquement à 1856, ne sont devenues véritablement actives qu’en 1943. Si les rapports avec le Shah sont bons, le renversement de Mossadegh en 1953 organisé par la CIA ternit leur image. La mise en place en 1979 de la République islamique s’organise sur fond de forte hostilité, les Etats-Unis étant qualifiés par l’ayatollah Khomeiny de Grand Satan. L’assaut donné à l’ambassade américaine à Téhéran par des « étudiants » et la détention en otages de 52 diplomates pendant 444 jours sont vécus comme une humiliation par l’opinion publique américaine. Les conditions d’installation au pouvoir, comme la volonté d’exporter la révolution et se mettre à la tête du « Front du refus », conduisent les Etats-Unis à développer une politique mêlant containment et sanctions, non sans parfois certaines incohérences. Le développement, à partir de 2005, d’un programme nucléaire suspecté d’avoir une finalité militaire renforce les Etats-Unis dans leur volonté de durcir leur position. Cependant quelques occasions de réconciliation sont manquées. L’élection de Rohani apporte une nouvelle donne et une opportunité pour régler les contentieux en cours, notamment le nucléaire. L’accord intérimaire du 24 novembre 2013 confirme cette évolution, même s’il ne règle aucun problème de fond. Mais une dynamique est créée. S’achemine-t-on vers une normalisation des relations, voire un Grand bargain ? Il existe certes une volonté politique aussi bien du côté d’Obama que de Rohani. Mais des obstacles demeurent : la défiance reste grande entre les deux pays ; la marge de manœuvre est étroite en termes de politique intérieure ; la négociation nucléaire qui s’ouvre est complexe et majeure en termes d’enjeu pour les deux parties ; de nombreux points de crispation existent, notamment l’appui donné par l’Iran au Hezbollah. En toute hypothèse un Grand bargain ne peut être que le fruit de négociations longues et laborieuses qui peut déboucher sur un nouvel équilibre des forces au Moyen-Orient.
(Re)formulations des hétéronationalismes en Iran
Authors: Direnberger Lucia
Published: March 2014

Cet article propose une historicisation des articulationsdes catégories « Nation » et « homosociabilité » et « homosexualité » en Iran. Cette mise en perspective révèle que l’ordre sexuel qui émerge des idéologies nationales est à la fois travaillé par la domination et l’influence des puissances européennes et nord-américaines mais aussi par leur utilisation « nationale » pour réaffirmer un ordre hétéropatriarcal présenté comme « moderne » ou comme « authentique ». C’est à travers une analyse historique de ces normes nationales que sont mis en lumière l’émergence de la question LGBT dans la diaspora iranienne et la position des ultra-conservateurs sur les relations entre personne du même sexe.
Tamarrod (« rébellion ») : une autre lecture de l'action politique dans le processus révolutionnaire égyptien
Authors: Barbary Caroline , Adib Doss Maria
Published: March 2014

Après le coup d’Etat du 3 juillet 2013 qui a destitué lepremier président égyptien élu dans le cadre d’élections pluralistes et la répression contre les Frères Musulmans, une partie des analystes a eu tendance à considérer que toute la mobilisation de Tamarrod avait été organisée et téléguidée par l’armée et les anciennes élites de Moubarak. En réalité la mobilisation de Tamarrod n’a attiré ces derniers acteurs, l’opposition politique traditionnelle et une partie du secteur privé que lorsque la récolte des signatures initiée par cette mobilisation a montré des signes de sa réussite. L’objectif du présent article est d’analyser ce dernier phénomène qui interroge les modalités de la politisation de la jeunesse égyptienne avant et après la révolution du 25 janvier, par-delà la question de l’instrumentalisation politique de Tamarrod.
Laïcité et Islam : un terrain miné ?
Authors: Bistolfi Robert
Published: March 2014

Pilier de l’ordre républicain, la laïcité est née d’uncompromis constructif entre l’Etat et l’Eglise catholique. Ses principes universalistes la rendaient apte à un accueil ouvert des musulmans, nouvelle composante, très diverse, de la population française. Pour l’essentiel, le dispositif laïque a répondu aux attentes, mais en pratique des conflits ont surgi dans le contexte d’une profonde crise sociale qui a durci les replis identitaires. Emanant d’une « communauté » désormais plus assurée de ses droits citoyens, des demandes multiples touchant à la pratique de leur foi ont été formulées par des musulmans à la visibilité pleinement assumée. Des arrangements consensuels ont souvent permis d’y répondre. Avec une laïcité inclusive d’un côté, et une laïcité normative de l’autre, deux sensibilités laïques se sont toutefois affirmées, et parfois opposées. Au-delà, prenant appui sur les phantasmes concernant un islam conquérant, certains ont approché la laïcité comme une idéologie restrictive des libertés religieuses. Face à ces données, l’on est conduit à s’interroger sur la « bande médiane » des perceptions et des comportements où se joue concrètement l’avenir de la cohésion sociétale. Cette cohésion dépendra certes, fondamentalement, de l’issue de la crise d’ensemble qui sape les fondements du modèle social ; mais les questions proprement identitaires devraient sans attendre être mieux affrontées car, s’agissant de la relation à l’islam, elles se posent avec une acuité lourde de dérives. La frontière entre espaces publics et espace privé, le champ exact de la neutralité laïque, la nature des flexibilités qu’en pratique elle pourrait tolérer... : autant de domaines et de zones « grises » où croissent les tensions. Face à cela, devrait s’imposer la « morale de la retenue » que réclamait Claude Lévi-Strauss pour approcher l’autre : elle devrait permettre de mieux articuler « accommodements raisonnables » (de la société dans son ensemble) et « acculturations raisonnables » (dans la mouvance musulmane).
Pattern and distribution of ergot alkaloids in cereals and cereal products from European countries
Authors: Malysheva S.V. , Larionova D.A. , Diana Di Mavungu J. , De Saeger S.
Published: March 2014

This paper reports on the occurrence of ergot alkaloids in cereals and cereal products in Europe. It includes occurrence data our group previously submitted to the European Food Safety Authority and new data we gathered afterwards. A total of 1,065 samples of cereals and cereal products intended for human consumption and animal feeding were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the presence of ergot alkaloids. The sample set included rye-, wheat- and multigrain-based food as well as rye-, wheat- and triticale-based feed. The study revealed that 59% of the analysed food and feed samples were contaminated with ergot alkaloids to some extent. In 55% of the samples, the levels of the -ine isomers were above the limit of quantification (LOQ), while contamination with the -inine isomers was found in 51% of the samples. The median values for the main ergot alkaloids (-ine forms) and the epimers (-inine forms) were 1 and 2 μg/kg, respectively. Ergot alkaloids were present in 84% of rye food, 67% of wheat food, 48% of multigrain food, 52% of rye feed, 27% of wheat feed, and 44% of triticale feed at total alkaloid levels ranging from ≤1 (LOQ) to 12,340 μg/kg. Though the highest frequencies of contamination were observed for food samples, the feed samples, in particular Swiss rye feed, accounted for the highest levels of ergot alkaloids. The frequencies and levels of contamination were significantly lower in organic samples compared to conventional samples. Maximum levels of individual ergot alkaloids up to 3,270 μg/kg (for ergotamine) were observed. Overall, ergosine, ergokryptine and ergocristine were the frequently occurring ergot alkaloids. The co-occurrence of all six ergot alkaloids was noted in 35% of the positive samples. Occurrence of a single ergot alkaloid was mainly observed for ergometrine.
Rapid enzymatic hydrolysis of masked deoxynivalenol and zearalenone prior to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry or immunoassay analysis
Authors: Nielen M.W.F. , Weijers C.A.G.M. , Peters J. , Weignerová L. , Zuilhof H. , Franssen M.C.R.
Published: March 2014

Recently it has been shown that conjugates (‘masked mycotoxins’) may contribute to the total daily intake of hazardous mycotoxins. Therefore, there is an urgent need for rapid analysis methods that assess the level of both free and masked mycotoxins in food and feed. However, the analysis of masked mycotoxins by either immunoassays or instrumental methods, such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), is severely hindered by the lack of standards and the unpredictable cross-reactivity profiles of the available antibodies. In this work, 26 enzymes were explored for rapid hydrolysis of masked mycotoxins using deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3G) as model compound. Following initial screening, the most promising enzyme, a fungal 1,3-β-glucanase (laminarinase), was investigated in detail and found to be fit-for-purpose, providing complete conversions in minutes rather than hours according to LC-MS/MS analyses. As a proof of concept, the enzymatic pretreatment was applied to an extract of beer containing DON-3G. In addition, the feasibility of a fully automated enzymatic pretreatment of masked mycotoxin standards in an autosampler was demonstrated in an imaging surface plasmon resonance immunoassay set-up. Such an automated pretreatment was found to be equally applicable to other mycotoxin conjugates, as shown by the conversion of zearalenone-14-β-D-glucopyranoside and zearalenone-14-sulphate, in the latter case using a sulphatase enzyme. It is envisaged that laminarinase could be useful for other masked mycotoxins as well.
Heterologous screening of hybridomas for the development of broad-specific monoclonal antibodies against deoxynivalenol and its analogues
Authors: Guo Y. , Sanders M. , Galvita A. , Heyerick A. , Deforce D. , Bracke M. , Eremin S. , De Saeger S.
Published: March 2014

Hapten heterology was introduced into the steps of hybridoma selection for the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against deoxynivalenol (DON). Firstly, a novel heterologous DON hapten was synthesised and covalently coupled to proteins (i.e. bovine serum albumin (BSA), ovalbumin and horseradish peroxidase) using the linkage of cyanuric chloride (CC). After immunisation, antisera from different DON immunogens were checked for the presence of useful antibodies. Next, both homologous and heterologous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were conducted to screen for hybridomas. It was found that heterologous screening could significantly reduce the proportion of false positives and appeared to be an efficient approach for selecting hybridomas of interest. This strategy resulted in two kinds of broad-selective MAbs against DON and its analogues. They were quite distinct from other reported DON-antibodies in their cross-reactivity profiles. A unique MAb 13H1 derived from DON-CC-BSA immunogen could recognise DON and its analogues in the order of HT-2 toxin ≯ 15-acetyl-DON ≯ DON ≯ nivalenol, with IC50 ranging from 1.14 to 7.69 μg/ml. Another preferable MAb 10H10 generated from DON-BSA immunogen manifested relatively similar affinity to DON, 3-acetyl-DON and 15-acetyl-DON, with IC50 values of 22, 15 and 34 ng/ml, respectively. This is the first broad-specific MAb against DON and its two acetylated forms and thus it can be used for simultaneous detection of the three mycotoxins.
Design, Implementation and Analysis of Learner-Centered Guided In-Service Programme for Technical Teacher Education
Authors: Rüütmann Tiia , Kipper Hants
Published: March 2014

The design of learner-centered guided in-service program for technical teacher education has been launched at Estonian Centre for Engineering Pedagogy at Tallinn University of Technology. The aim of the program has been facilitating the initial in-service teaching experience, involving mentoring, peer support and cognitive apprenticeship. The emphasis has been on teaching for knowledge application, including the choice of content and processes, motivation, reflection, problem-solving, choice of educational technology, effective teaching methods, teaching models and strategies â?? concepts, tools and procedures of the field of engineering, organized in ways enabling teachers to formulate real world problems, apply and solve them. The program has been implemented since 2012 and covers IGIP curriculum requirements. In the present article the designed program is described and analyzed.
Productivity of Functional Guilds of Fishes in Managed Wetlands in Coastal South Carolina
Authors: Robinson Kelly F. , Jennings Cecil A.
Published: March 2014

In coastal South Carolina, many wetlands are impounded and managed as migratory waterfowl habitat. Impoundment effects on fish production and habitat quality largely are unknown. We used the size-frequency method to estimate summer production of fish guilds in three impoundments along the Combahee River, South Carolina. We predicted that guild-specific production would vary with impoundment salinity, which ranged from 3 to 21 practical salinity units. We expected that marine species that use the estuary as nursery habitat would have greatest production in the impoundment with the highest salinity regime, and that species that inhabit the upper reaches of the estuary would have greatest production in the impoundment with the lowest salinity regime. Finally, we expected that estuarine species would be highly productive in all study impoundments, because these species can reproduce within these structures. We found that guild-specific productivity varied both among years and among impoundments, generally following salinity gradients, though to a lesser extent than expected. Our guild-specific estimates of fish productivity fell on the low end of the range of previously published estuarine fish production estimates. Additionally, we observed large mortality events in the study impoundments each summer. The results of our study indicate that during the summer, the study impoundments provided poor-quality fish habitat to all guilds.
First-male sperm precedence and precopulatory and postcopulatory rituals in the parasitoid waspOoencyrtus kuvanae(Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Ablard K.M. , Simonetto K. , Weir L.K. , Crespi B.J. , Schaefer P.W. , Gries G.
Published: March 2014

Sperm competition generates selection for male traits to prevent it. These traits remain unclear in species where males compete for a virgin who is briefly receptive. Males of the parasitoid waspOoencyrtus kuvanaeHoward (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) compete over females following emergence from host egg masses. Males engage virgins in a precopulatory ritual, mate, and then immediately perform a postcopulatory ritual after which the female becomes unreceptive. Often, sneaker (M2) males copulate with a female while she is engaged in the postcopulatory ritual, and they also perform the postcopulatory ritual. We investigated (i) paternity of M1and M2males using DNA microsatellite analysis, (ii) copulation and postcopulatory behaviour of both males, and (iii) morphological adaptations of the aedeagus for sperm removal. Eighty-eight percent of M1males sired all daughters when they were first to perform the precopulatory and postcopulatory ritual, suggesting a linked effect of both rituals on paternity. The number and length of copulations by both males did not affect paternity, and the shape of the aedeagus does not seem to facilitate sperm removal. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that postcopulatory rituals represent forms of mate guarding that function to increase paternity in the context of sperm competition.
Present and future association between obesity and hypogonadism in Italian male
Authors: Boddi Valentina , Barbaro Valeria , McNieven Paul , Maggi Mario , Rotella Carlo Maria
Published: March 2014

Objective: Obesity prevalence is increasing worldwide and it is nowadays considered a real public health problem. Obesity is associated with co-morbidities like cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), furthermore visceral obesity can be related to low testosterone (T) plasma levels. The link between obesity and hypogonadism (HG) is complex and not completely clarified. Current guidelines suggest that screening for HG should be done in subjects with obesity and T2DM. The aim of this evaluation is to assess the estimated actual and future prevalence of obesity and related co-morbidities, in particular HG, in the Italian general population. Materials and Methods: The Strategyst Consulting Inc. recently completed an epidemiology forecast model for several countries, looking at HG and CV/Metabolic Disease, based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected between 1999-2010. Data from NHANES survey were used to evaluate the Italian estimated prevalence of obesity and HG. Results: Results show that obesity estimated prevalence will increase in 2030 also in Italy. In addition, also the prevalence of obese CVD and T2DM subjects will increase too. Even Italian HG prevalence is estimated to increase in the next two decades, irrespective of T threshold considered (< 8, 10 and 12 nmol/L). In obese CVD subjects the relative risk (RR) of developing HG (T < 8 nmol/L) is four times greater than in not-CVD obese subjects (RR = 4.1, 3.1 and 1.9 accordingly to the aforementioned T thresholds for defining HG). Accordingly, the estimated percentage of hypogonadal obese CVD and T2DM subjects will rise in 2030. Conclusions: The Strategyst epidemiology forecast model has allowed to assess the current and future prevalence of obesity and its relative co-morbidities like HG in Italy. Data emerged from this evaluation suggest that obesity and HG prevalence will increase in Italian population and confirm the complex link between adipose tissue and male T levels.
First case of bilateral, synchronous anaplastic variant of spermatocytic seminoma treated with radical orchifunicolectomy as single approach: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gentile Giorgio , Giunchi Francesca , Schiavina Riccardo , Franceschelli Alessandro , Borghesi Marco , Zukerman Ziv , Cevenini Matteo , Vagnoni Valerio , Romagnoli Daniele , Colombo Fulvio , Martorana Giuseppe , Brunocilla Eugenio
Published: March 2014

Spermatocytic Seminoma (SS) is less common than the Classic variant, as its incidence ranges between 1.3% and 2.3% of all seminomas. Generally SS is diagnosed in men older than 50 years. The Anaplastic variant of Spermatocytic Seminoma is characterized by an earlier onset when compared to SS, but a benign behavior in spite of its histological patterns similar to Classic Seminoma. We reported the first case of bilateral, largest and synchronous Anaplastic Spermatocytic Seminoma, in a patient treated with radical orchifunicolectomy alone and with long-term follow-up. The currently available data show that Anaplastic SS reveals a clinically benign behavior, and no distant metastases have been reported so far. A close surveillance after surgery could be considered a valid option in the management of this rare testicular neoplasm.
Surgical repair of the iatrogenic falsepassage in the treatment of trauma-induced posterior urethral injuries
Authors: Dogan Faruk , Sahin Ali Feyzullah , Sarıkaya Tevfik , Dırık Alper
Published: March 2014

Pelvic fracture associated urethral injury (PFAUI) is a rare and challenging sequel of blunt pelvic trauma. Treatment of iatrogenic false urethral passage (FUP) remains as a challenge for urologists. In this case report we reviewed the iatrogenic FUP caused by wrong procedures performed in the treatment of a patient with PFAUI and the treatment of posterior urethral stricture with transperineal bulbo-prostatic anatomic urethroplasty in the management of FUP. A 37-year-old male patient with PFAUI had undergone a laparotomy procedure for pelvic bone fracture, complete urethral rupture, and bladder perforation 8 years ago. After stricture formation, patient had undergone procedures that caused FUP. Following operations, he had a low urinary flow rate, and incontinence and urgency even with small amounts of urine. FUP was diagnosed by voiding cystourethrography and retrograde urethrography. FUP was fixed with open urethroplasty with the guidance of flexible antegrade urethtoscopy. False passage should always be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent symptoms that underwent PFAUI therapy. In addition, we believe that in the evaluation of patients with PFAUI suspected for having a false passage, bladder neck and urethra should be assessed by combining routine voiding cystourethrography and retrograde urethrography with preoperative flexible cystoscopy via suprapubic route.
Radical classes, connectednesses and torsion theories
Authors: Veldsman S.
Published: March 2014

The equality or non-equality of radical classes, torsion classes and connectednesses is investigated in a category that could be any of the concrete categories in which a radical theory, connectednesses theory or a torsion theory have been developed. Among others, it is shown that every connectedness is a radical class. The converse is not true. If, however, a radical class is strict, then it is a connectedness. Furthermore it is proved that every torsion class is a radical class and the converse is not necessarily true. Every radical class with the ADS-property is a torsion class.
The role of technikons in research
Authors: Koen H.
Published: March 2014

It is accepted that technikons have a research responsibility and task which stems from the vocational directed character of its training. Research at technikons should result in implementation in practice. Such research does not necessarily culminate in publications and is therefore difficult to measure. In view of increasing disinvestment, the potential of technological research at technikons can play a critical role in industrial development.
Distortion analysis during power transfer using correlation techniques
Authors: Enslin J. H. R. , Van Wyk J. D.
Published: March 2014

The analysis of power systems, under conditions of contaminated loading and excitation functions, cannot be unambiguously characterized or categorized with current analysis techniques, usually based on Fourier analysis techniques. Correlation techniques are proposed to be effective in the analysis of power transfer in systems where the relationship between loading and excitation functions is non-linear. This analysis technique is proposed in different energy systems, as for example electric and mechanical systems. Typical examples of distortion in power transfer are described, showing practical results and simulations of analysis in electric power networks.
Śvetāmbara Jain Canonical Commentators Writing in Sanskrit
Authors: WILES Royce
Published: March 2014

Jain commentaries in Sanskrit are vital for an understanding of the old Jain religious texts in Prakrit, the commentaries date from the 8th to 13th century. The major commentators are well-known in name but as yet there has not been any sustained research on their works. This article attempts to provide an initial reference point by listing (for the first time) all known published editions of Jain commentaries in Sanskrit on the Śvetāmbara canon by Śīlaṅka (9th century), Abhayadeva (10th century) and Malayagiri (10th –11th century).
The Concept of smṛti in the Yogasūtra: Memory or Mindfulness?
Authors: DITRICH Tamara
Published: March 2014

One of the key concepts in Buddhist meditation is mindfulness which has recently been introduced into new environments, including contemporary yoga. This paper identifies some of the parameters involved in the rather seamless integration of Buddhist mindfulness and yoga and explores whether this synthesis is an ancient one, already found in the oldest recorded text on yoga, the Yogasūtra, by investigating if the word smṛti, usually translated as “memory”, can refer to mindfulness. This would imply that mindfulness may have been a component of ancient Yogic practices, although perhaps lost at some stage in the transmission only to be reintroduced recently by the syncretistic new trends in the globalised spiritual movements.  IzvlečekEden od osnovnih konceptov budistične meditacije je pozornost ali čuječnost. V zadnjih desetletjih se je praksa meditacijske pozornosti razširila na številna nova področja, med drugim tudi v sodobne jogijske prakse. Prispevek poskuša identificirati nekaj glavnih parametrov, ki pogojujejo integracijo budistične meditacije in joge in raziskuje, ali je koncept pozornosti morda bil prisoten že v najstarejšem poznanem besedilu o jogi, v Yogasūtri. V tem besedilu se večkrat pojavi koncept smṛti, ki je ponavadi preveden kot “spomin”. Prispevek predlaga novo intepretacijo tega koncepta in ga prevaja kot “meditacijska pozornost”. Nova interpretacija odpira vprašanje, ali je praksa pozornosti bila prisotna že v starodavnih jogijskih praksah, a se je pri prenosu jogijskih tradicij izgubila in se šele danes ponovno pojavila v jogi kot odsev sinkretističnih duhovnih gibanj 21. stoletja.Ključne besede: Yogasūtra, Patañjali, sodobna yoga, pozornost, sodobni budizem
Japanese Language, Standard Language, National Language: Rethinking Language and Nation
Authors: CULIBERG Luka
Published: March 2014

The paper examines the relationship between language and nation through the historical process by which the modern Japanese language came to exist and proposes a tentative answer as to what this says about the nature of phenomena such as language and nation themselves. The paper suggests that if language is understood as an actually existing natural and definable object, it must indeed be claimed that the Japanese language is no more than a hundred years old.
Reported side effects, bother, satisfaction, and adherence in patients taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain
Authors: Anastassopoulos, MS Kathryn P , Chow, PharmD Wing , Tapia, MHS Crisanta I. , Baik, BS Rebecca , Moskowitz, MD Bruce , Kim, PhD Myoung S.
Published: March 2014

Objective: Pain is a prevalent condition that often involves a neuropathic component. Hydrocodone is one of the most widely used opioids for pain but is often associated with side effects (SEs). This study sought to characterize the experience of patients taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain. Methods: A nationwide survey of adults in the United States taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain was conducted. The survey included questions to characterize these patients and their experience with hydrocodone-related SEs. A neuropathic pain subgroup also was examined. Results: Among 630 respondents, the average age was 50.1 years (14.25). Most (90.6 percent) were Caucasian and 72.5 percent were female. Back pain or low back pain was the most common (42.1 percent) type of pain. Almost three-fourths (73.3 percent) experienced at least one SE, and 67.3 percent reported being bothered. More than three-fourths (78.3 percent) reported being satisfied with hydrocodone relieving pain; however, less (74.8 percent) reported being satisfied with it overall. More than one-fourth (27.6 percent) reported taking hydrocodone less than instructed with 41.4 percent of them reporting that SEs were bothersome as a reason. A greater percent of the neuropathic pain subgroup (266 respondents) experienced at least one SE (80.8 percent) and were bothered by them (75.6 percent). Overall satisfaction was slightly lower (71.1 percent) among these respondents, and among the 24.8 percent taking less than instructed, more than half (54.5 percent) reported that SEs were bothersome as a reason. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an unmet need for better therapeutic options to manage pain, including neuropathic pain. Therapies that offer improved tolerability also may increase adherence, which could affect overall satisfaction and response to pain management. Keywords: hydrocodone, opioids, side effects, bother, quality of life, pain relief, patient satisfaction, adherence
Mesoscopic surface roughness of ice crystals pervasive across a wide range of ice crystal conditions
Authors: Magee N. B. , Miller A. , Amaral M. , Cumiskey A.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Here we show high-magnification images of hexagonal ice crystals acquired by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM). Most ice crystals were grown and sublimated in the water vapor environment of an FEI-Quanta-200 ESEM, but crystals grown in a laboratory diffusion chamber were also transferred intact and imaged via ESEM. All of these images display prominent mesoscopic topography including linear striations, ridges, islands, steps, peaks, pits, and crevasses; the roughness is not observed to be confined to prism facets. The observations represent the most highly magnified images of ice surfaces yet reported and expand the range of conditions where the rough surface features are known to be conspicuous. Microscale surface topography is seen to be ubiquitously present at temperatures ranging from −10 °C to −40 °C, at super-saturated and sub-saturated conditions, on all crystal facets, and irrespective of substrate. Despite the constant presence of surface roughness, the patterns of roughness are observed to be dramatically different between growing and sublimating crystals, and transferred crystals also display qualitatively different patterns of roughness. Crystals are also demonstrated to sometimes exhibit inhibited growth in moderately supersaturated conditions following exposure to near-equilibrium conditions, a phenomena interpreted as evidence of 2-D nucleation. New knowledge of the characteristics of these features could affect the fundamental understanding of ice surfaces and their physical parameterization in the context of satellite retrievals and cloud modeling. Links to Supplement videos of ice growth and sublimation are provided.
Optimized method for black carbon analysis in ice and snow using the Single Particle Soot Photometer
Authors: Wendl I. A. , Menking J. A. , Färber R. , Gysel M. , Kaspari S. D. , Laborde M. J. G. , Schwikowski M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. In this study we attempt to optimize the method for measuring black carbon (BC) in snow and ice using a single particle soot photometer (SP2). Beside the previously applied ultrasonic (CETAC) and Collison-type nebulizers we introduce a jet (APEX-Q) nebulizer to aerosolize the aqueous sample for SP2 analysis. Both CETAC and APEX-Q require small sample volumes (few milliliters) which makes them suitable for ice core analysis. The APEX-Q shows the least size-dependent nebulizing efficiency in the BC particle diameter range of 100–1000 nm. The CETAC has the advantage that air and liquid flows can be monitored continuously. All nebulizer-types require a calibration with BC standards for the determination of the BC mass concentration in unknown aqueous samples. We found Aquadag to be a suitable material for preparing calibration standards. Further, we studied the influence of different treatments for fresh discrete snow and ice samples as well as the effect of storage. The results show that samples are best kept frozen until analysis. Once melted, they should be sonicated for 25 min, immediately analyzed while being stirred and not be refrozen.
Phase and coherence analysis of VHF scintillation over Christmas Island
Authors: Shume E. B. , Mannucci A. J. , Caton R.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. This short paper presents phase and coherence data from the cross-wavelet transform applied on longitudinally separated very high frequency (VHF) equatorial ionospheric scintillation observations over Christmas Island. The phase and coherence analyses were employed on a pair of scintillation observations, namely, the east-looking and west-looking VHF scintillation monitors at Christmas Island. Our analysis includes 3 years of peak season scintillation data from 2008, 2009 (low solar activity), and 2011 (moderate solar activity). In statistically significant and high spectral coherence regions of the cross-wavelet transform, scintillation observations from the east-looking monitor lead those from the west-looking monitor by about 20 to 60 (40 ± 20) min (most frequent lead times). Using several years (seasons and solar cycle) of lead (or lag) and coherence information of the cross-wavelet transform, we envisage construction of a probability model for forecasting scintillation in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere.
Challenges in modelling river flow and ice regime on the Ningxia–Inner Mongolia reach of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Fu C. , Popescu I. , Wang C. , Mynett A. E. , Zhang F.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. During winter the Yellow River in China is frequently subjected to ice flood disasters. Possible dike breaking due to ice floods poses a serious threat to the part of the region located along the river, in particular the Ning–Meng reach (including Ningxia Hui and the Inner Mongolia autonomous regions). Due to its special geographical location and river flow direction, the ice dams and jams lead to dike breaking and overtopping on the embankment, which has resulted in huge casualties and property losses throughout history. Therefore, there is a growing need to develop capability in forecasting and analysing river ice floods. Research into ice floods along the river is taking place at the Yellow River Conservancy Commission (YRCC). A numerical model is one of the essential parts of the current research going on at the YRCC, which can be used to supplement the inadequacies in the field and lab studies which are being carried out to help understand the physical processes of river ice on the Yellow River. Based on the available data about the Ning–Meng reach of the Yellow River, the YRCC river ice dynamic model (YRIDM) has been tested for capabilities to conduct ice flood forecasting. The YRIDM can be applied to simulate water level, discharge, water temperature, and ice cover thickness under unsteady-state conditions. Different scenarios were designed to explore the model uncertainty for two bounds (5 and 95%) and probability distribution. The YRIDM is an unsteady-state flow model that can show the basic regular pattern of ice floods; hence it can be used as an important tool to support decision making. The recommendation is that data and research should be continued in order to support the model and to measure improvements.