bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Roman fortifications in the Leskovac basin in relation to urban Centres
Authors: Ivanisevic Vujadin , Stamenkovic Sonja
Published: January 2015

Due to a general insecurity and the need to protect the population and
communications, towards the end of the 4th century a large number of Late
Roman fortifications were built in the region of the Leskovac basin, mainly
towards the edges. Their distribution was determined by the level of the
region?s population density, its resources and by the need to control the
roads. These were predominantly smaller fortifications whose primary role was
the protection of the local population, who lived off the land and bred
cattle. However, the largest number of these is in the western part of the
basin, in the mountainous regions of Goljak, Majdan, Radan and Pasjaca,
whilst the highest density of fortifications is in the Banjska Reka valley,
around the village of Sijarina. The whole region was known for its mining
activity in previous centuries. A particular group comprises the
fortifications around Caricin Grad - Justiniana Prima, whose main role was
the defence of the access to the city.
A low order viscoplasticity of transversely isotropic quasi-rate independent materials
Authors: Micunovic Milan , Kudrjavceva Ljudmila
Published: January 2015

As found by experiments quasi rate independent materials (QRI) describe very
well behavior of steels in very wide range of strains and strain rates
([3],[4]). This property has been combined with tensor representation
modeling using a generalized associative flow rule based not on the yield
function but on a more general loading function. Seemingly rate independent
QRI producing incremental evolution equations show rate sensitivity by means
of variability of yield stress with stress rate. On the other hand transverse
isotropy appears in metal forming issues like in rolled car body sheets [18].
Here an extension of tensor generators and invariants is needed to include
the preferred anisotropy direction. Such a procedure has been made here. In
addition we believe that the results of this paper are applicable to dynamic
deformation of orthogneiss rocks treated recently in [5].
Diary entries and photographic documentation of J.A.R. Munro related to the archaeological exploration of Doclea (Montenegro) in 1893
Authors: Koprivica Tatjana
Published: January 2015

This article presents the as yet unpublished diary entries and photographic
documentation of J. A. R. Munro related to the archaeological exploration of
Doclea in 1893, the year when remains of Christian cult buildings, basilica
A, basilica B, and a cruciform church, were discovered in the eastern part of
the city. Munro?s diary entries and photographs render our understanding of
Christian topography of Late Antique Doclea more complete.
Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction Is Associated With High-Risk Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio in Young Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in AdDIT (Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Interventional Trial)
Authors: Cho Yoon Hi , Craig Maria E. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Cotterill Andrew M. , Couper Jennifer J. , Cameron Fergus J. , Benitez-Aguirre Paul Z. , Dalton R. Neil , Dunger David B. , Jones Timothy W. , Donaghue Kim C. ,   on behalf of the Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT)
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the association between cardiac autonomic dysfunction and high albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adolescents recruited as part of a multicenter screening study (n = 445, 49% female, aged 10–17 years, mean duration 6.9 years; mean HbA1c 8.4%, 68 mmol/mol) underwent a 10-min continuous electrocardiogram recording for heart rate variability analysis. Time-domain heart rate variability measures included baseline heart rate, SD of the R-R interval (SDNN), and root mean squared difference of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD). Spectral analysis included sympathetic (low-frequency) and parasympathetic (high-frequency) components. Standardized ACR were calculated from six early morning urine collections using an established algorithm, reflecting age, sex, and duration, and stratified into ACR tertiles, where the upper tertile reflects higher nephropathy risk.

RESULTS

The upper-tertile ACR group had a faster heart rate (76 vs. 73 bpm; P < 0.01) and less heart rate variability (SDNN 68 vs. 76 ms, P = 0.02; RMSSD 63 vs. 71 ms, P = 0.04). HbA1c was 8.5% (69 mmol/mmol) in the upper tertile vs. 8.3% (67 mmol/mol) in the lower tertiles (P = 0.07). In multivariable analysis, upper-tertile ACR was associated with faster heart rate (β = 2.5, 95% CI 0.2–4.8, P = 0.03) and lower RMSSD (β = −9.5, 95% CI −18.2 to −0.8, P = 0.03), independent of age and HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents at potentially higher risk for nephropathy show an adverse cardiac autonomic profile, indicating sympathetic overdrive, compared with the lower-risk group. Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort will further characterize the relationship between autonomic and renal dysfunction and the effect of interventions in this population.
Surface Treatments that Demonstrate a Significant Positive Effect on the Shear Bond Strength of Repaired Resin-modified Glass Ionomer
Authors: Welch D , Seesengood B , Hopp C
Published: January 2015

This study examined surface treatment options used to repair resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI; GC Fuji II LC, GC America). Two hundred forty specimens were equally divided into four different water/temperature cycling environmental conditions. The conditions were 1) five-minute delay, 2) one-week delay with one thermocycle, 3) 500 thermocycles, and 4) 24-hour delay in a dry environment, followed by 500 thermocycles. Within each of the condition groups, the specimens were equally divided again into three different surface treatment groups with 20 specimens in each. The treatment groups comprised A) sanding, B) sanding and acid etch, and C) sanding, acid etch, and dental bonding agent. Our results suggest that RMGI is extremely susceptible to the simultaneous exposure of temperature cycling and water during the first 24 hours. Our main results reflect that 1) during the first five minutes after the initial placement, the surface treatments made no difference in terms of the shear bond strength (NS); and 2) when we weakened the RMGI by exposing it to water and temperature cycling immediately after initial placement, each of the treatments (A<B<C) had a significant incremental increase in bond strength (p<0.05). As such, given that a RMGI is partially a composite resin, the surface treatment with a dental bonding agent did have a significant positive effect on the micromechanical bond strength of the repair.
Forecasting Financial Performance for Quarries/ Předvídání Hospodářského Výsledku Lomů
Authors: Dvořáček Jaroslav , Sousedíková Radmila , Jureková Zdenka , Vrátný Tomáš
Published: January 2015

The paper highlights the importance of successful financial performance for companies, and provides for a brief review of foreign expert opinions on the most important factors that influence the financial performance of enterprises. Linear and quadratic discriminate analyses and a logistic regression analysis were applied to a sample file of 233 annual data from 3 countries (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Ukraine) for a period of 2008-2012 concerning quarries extracting building materials. These methods provided for distributing the sample file quarries into two classes of profitable and loss-making enterprises. Their financial performance had been known, which enabled to assess the classification accuracy of individual method applications. The average classification accuracy was about 86% and there were no significant differences in the specific method applications. The linear discriminate analysis calculations are the simplest ones in comparison with two other applied methods. The linear discriminate analysis also made possible to identify the most influential discriminators that contributed to the classification into the specific groups. In case of our investigation, prices per production unit, direct variable costs, and ratio of fixed costs to total costs were the most important factors of influence. The factors, if analysed, can provide for prediction of financial performance of quarries in future.
Troj-Variantné Spracovanie A Vyrovnanie Observácií A Určovaných Odhadov/ Three-Variant Processing and Adjustment of Observations and Determined Estimations
Authors: Labant Slavomír , Weiss Erik , Gašinec Juraj , Zuzík Jozef , Király Alexander
Published: January 2015

Abstrakt

Predmetný článok sa zaoberá trivariántnym spracovaním a určením odhadov neznámych parametrov v geodetickej sieti observovanej technológiu využívajúcou signály globálnych navigačných satelitných systémov v rokoch 2004, 2008 a 2011. Cieľom práce je zhodnotiť vplyv použitej metódy vyrovnania na odhad parametrov prvého a druhého rádu geodetickej siete a prezentovať výsledky analýzy pretvorení s grafickou vizualizáciu jednotlivých spracovaní a analýz. Na spracovanie a vyrovnanie observácií boli použité MNŠ a robustné M-odhady podľa Hubera a Hampela. Pri analýze stability bodov poukázali všetky 3 metódy spracovania na posun bodu 5005 v epoche 04-08, čo potvrdzujú aj grafické vizualizácie pomocou konfidenčných elipsoidov chýb.
Decrease of the herbicide fenoxaprop phytotoxicity in drought conditions: the role of the antioxidant enzymatic system
Authors: Radchenko Maria Pavlivna , Mykhailivna Sychuk Аnna , Yulievich Morderer Yevgen
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the effects of the herbicide from the graminicide group fenoxaprop, on oat plants under a normal
and reduced water supply. The study was done in vegetative experimental conditions. It was established, that plants treated with
fenoxaprop after 2 days following a reduction of the water content in soil with 60% to 40% of full field moisture capacity, significantly
reduced phytotoxic action. At the decreased level of water supply in the oat plants, activity of antioxidant enzymes – superoxide dismutase,
and catalase increased. The fenoxaprop action did not lead to a substantial increase in superoxide anion radical and hydrogen
peroxide content, which had been observed under the action of the herbicide when normal levels of water were supplied to the plants.
It was concluded, that the phytotoxic action of the herbicides from the graminicide group mediated the formation of reactive oxygen
species and reduction of phytotoxicity on the background effect on plants of various stressors. This reaction was due to the increased
activity of antioxidant enzymes, associated with nonspecific reaction of plants to these stressors.
Parent-Child Interaction and Lexical Acquisition in two Domains: Color Words and Animal Names
Authors: Gleason Jean Berko
Published: January 2015

This paper explores young children’s and parents’ use of color words and animal names in two published studies. The aim is to compare the ranges and kinds of these words in parentchild interaction and to consider the implications of these findings for our understanding of early lexical development. Color term data were drawn from the Gleason corpus in CHILDES: 12 boys and 12 girls ranging in age from 25-62 months, and their parents. Results showed that parents used and emphasized only the same 10 most basic colors, with many teaching episodes. Parents’ most frequent terms, red, blue, and green were also children’s most frequent terms and are the ones acquired earliest according to MacArthur Bates lexical norms. In the second study CLAN programs were used to identify animal names in corpora from a variety of families in CHILDES, with 44 children ranging in age from 1;6-6;2. Children and parents produced a remarkable number and range of animal terms, with individual preschoolers naming as many as 96 different, often rare, animals, such as crocodile and pelican. Parents and children thus attend to the same limited set of basic color terms. By contrast, biophilia, our shared human love of the living world is reflected in children’s extensive animal lexicon.
Further results about uniqueness of meromorphic functions sharing a set with their derivatives
Authors: Qi Jianming , Zhu Taiying
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we consider a problem of meromorphic functions that share an arbitrary set having two elements with their derivatives. We obtain a uniqueness result which is an improvement of some related theorems given by Lü and Xu’s. We also generalize the famous Brück conjecture with the idea of sharing a set.
The Link Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Phillips Cristy , Akif Baktir Mehmet , Das Devsmita , Lin Bill , Salehi Ahmad
Published: January 2015

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a primary cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly population worldwide. Despite the allocation of enormous amounts of funding and resources to studying this brain disorder, there are no effective pharmacological treatments for reducing the severity of pathology and restoring cognitive function in affected people. Recent reports on the failure of multiple clinical trials for AD have highlighted the need to diversify further the search for new therapeutic strategies for cognitive dysfunction. Thus, studies detailing the neuroprotective effects of physical activity (PA) on the brain in AD were reviewed, and mechanisms by which PA might mitigate AD-related cognitive decline were explored. A MEDLINE database search was used to generate a list of studies conducted between January 2007 and September 2014 (n=394). These studies, along with key references, were screened to identify those that assessed the effects of PA on AD-related biomarkers and cognitive function. The search was not limited on the basis of intensity, frequency, duration, or mode of activity. However, studies in which PA was combined with another intervention (eg, diet, pharmacotherapeutics, ovariectomy, cognitive training, behavioral therapy), and studies not written in English were excluded. Thirty-eight animal and human studies met entry criteria. Most of the studies suggested that PA attenuates neuropathology and positively affects cognitive function in AD. Although the literature lacked sufficient evidence to support precise PA guidelines, convergent evidence does suggest that the incorporation of regular PA into daily routines mitigates AD-related symptoms, especially when deployed earlier in the disease process. Here the protocols used to alter the progression of AD-related neuropathology and cognitive decline are highlighted, and the implications for physical therapist practice are discussed.
From Social to Biological Parasites and Back
Authors: Musolff Andreas
Published: January 2015

The categorization of individuals or groups as social parasites has often been treated as an example of semantic transfer from the biological to the social domain. Historically, however, the scientific uses of the term parasite cannot be deemed to be primary, as their emergence in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was preceded by a much older tradition of religious and social terminology. Its social use in modern times, on the other hand, builds on a secondary metaphorization from the scientific source concept. This article charts the history of the term parasite from its etymological origins to the present day, distinguishes its metaphorical and non-metaphorical uses, and discusses the implications of these findings regarding the cognitive understanding of the relationship between (perceived) literal and metaphorical meanings. In conclusion, it is argued that metaphorization needs to be analyzed not only in terms of its conceptual structure but also in its role in discourse history.
Multi-year observations of Breiðamerkurjökull, a marine-terminating glacier in southeastern Iceland, using terrestrial radar interferometry
Authors: Voytenko Denis , Dixon Timothy H. , Howat Ian M. , Gourmelen Noel , Lembke Chad , Werner Charles L. , De La Peña Santiago , Oddsson Björn
Published: January 2015

Terrestrial radar interferometry (TRI) is a new technique for studying ice motion and volume change of glaciers. TRI is especially useful for temporally and spatially dense measurements of highly dynamic glacial termini. We conducted a TRI survey of Breiðamerkurjökull, a marine-terminating glacier in Iceland, imaging its terminus near the end of the melt season in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The ice velocities were as high as 5 m d−1, with the fastest velocities near the calving front. Retreat of the glacier over the 3 year observation period was accompanied by strong embayment formation. Iceberg tracking with the radar shows high current velocities near the embayment, probably indicating strong meltwater outflow and mixing with relatively warm lagoon water.
Runaway thinning of the low-elevation Yakutat Glacier, Alaska, and its sensitivity to climate change
Authors: Trüssel Barbara L. , Truffer Martin , Hock Regine , Motyka Roman J. , Huss Matthias , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2015

Lake-calving Yakutat Glacier in southeast Alaska, USA, is undergoing rapid thinning and terminus retreat. We use a simplified glacier model to evaluate its future mass loss. In a first step we compute glacier-wide mass change with a surface mass-balance model, and add a mass loss component due to ice flux through the calving front. We then use an empirical elevation change curve to adjust for surface elevation change of the glacier and finally use a flotation criterion to account for terminus retreat due to frontal ablation. Surface mass balance is computed on a daily timescale; elevation change and retreat is adjusted on a decadal scale. We use two scenarios to simulate future mass change: (1) keeping the current (2000–10) climate and (2) forcing the model with a projected warming climate. We find that the glacier will disappear in the decade before 2110 or 2070 under constant or warming climates, respectively. For the first few decades, the glacier can maintain its current thinning rates by retreating and associated loss of high-ablating, low-elevation areas. However, once higher elevations have thinned substantially, the glacier can no longer counteract accelerated thinning by retreat and mass loss accelerates, even under constant climate conditions. We find that it would take a substantial cooling of 1.5°C to reverse the ongoing retreat. It is therefore likely that Yakutat Glacier will continue its retreat at an accelerating rate and disappear entirely.
Characterizing the internal structure of laboratory ice samples with nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Brox Timothy I. , Skidmore Mark L. , Brown Jennifer R.
Published: January 2015

Due to solute impurities and freezing-point depression in polycrystalline ice, a complicated and dynamic network of liquid water forms within the solid ice matrix at the boundaries between ice crystal grains. Impurity concentrations, temperature and pressure influence this network structure and impact physical, transport and rheological properties of ice. However, the nature of this internal network structure is not fully understood. Here we utilize nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of diffusion and magnetic relaxation to study the geometry and interconnectivity of the liquid-filled network in laboratory ice, formed from a 7 g L−1NaCl solution, and its evolution due to recrystallization processes. Additionally, we apply these NMR measurements to observe the impact on ice microstructure of an ice-binding protein (IBP) excreted by the V3519-10 organism (Flavobacteriaceae family) isolated from the Vostok ice core in Antarctica. Recrystallization inhibition was observed as a function of IBP concentration. This work demonstrates the utility of advanced NMR techniques for applications to ice microstructure and has broader implications for understanding geophysical properties of cryospheric systems.
A Rare case report of Oligodontia in the permanent dentition
Authors: Ramamurthy Suresh
Published: January 2015

Oligodontia is a rare congential disorder of dental anomalies that can occur either as an isolated finding or as part of a syndrome. It is defined as agenesis of six or more teeth excluding the third molars. It is commonly seen in permanent than in deciduous dentition. Patients suffering from oligodontia may present with complex problem such as dental and facial disfigurement. Management of those cases generally requires multidisciplinary approach to restore esthetic and function. This paper reports a rare case of oligodontia in an 18 year old adult female patient who has been missing eight permanent teeth excluding the third molars, clinically and radiographically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.16048 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.488-491
Recent trend of multi-drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Khan Salman , Singh Priti , Rashmi Ms. , Asthana Ashish
Published: January 2015

Objective: Continuous emergence of resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains to common antimicrobial drugs have been documented world-wide. This study investigated the recent trend of antimicrobial resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa among the patients in mid & far western region of Nepal. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 917 patients with suspected P. aeruginosa infections, attending outpatient and inpatient departments of Nepalgunj Medical College and teaching Hospital, Banke, Nepal from September 2011 to January 2014. Specimens were collected from pus/wound, sputum, urine, tracheal aspirates, central venous catheter tip, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, catheters and vaginal swabs and processed for isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa following the standard microbiological methods. The disc diffusion test was used to determined antimicrobial resistance patterns of the recovered isolates at the central Laboratory of Microbiology. Results: One hundred ninety four isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa. Resistance to Chloramphenicol (74.23%), Ceftriaxone (69.56%), Cefepime (57.22%), Cefoperazone-Salbactum (54.12%) and Co-trimoxazole (53.02%) was observed. All the isolates were susceptible to Imipenem. 48 (24.74%) of P. aeruginosa isolates were multi-drug resistant to >3 classes of antibiotics. Among 194 isolates, 88 (45.36%) were from the patients of 21-40 years age group, which was statistically significant (P<0.05) compared to the other age groups. Conclusions: The study revealed the presence of drug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa in Nepal. High levels of antibiotic resistance of many of the isolates might be due to antibiotic abuse. Therefore, we recommend judicious use of antibiotics by the physicians to curb the increasing multi-drug resistance of P. aeruginosa strains in Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20591 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.438-442
Spectrum of cheiloplasty has detrimental effect on maxillary growth: myth or fact?
Authors: Haque Sanjida , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: January 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20653 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.473-476
Vaccination Games with Peer Effects in a Heterogeneous Hospital Worker Population
Authors: Tassier Troy , Polgreen Philip , Segre Alberto
Published: January 2015

We develop a game theoretic model to analyze the Nash equilibrium of vaccine decisions in a hospital population with heterogeneous contacts. We use the model in conjunction with person-to-person contact data within a large university hospital. We simulate, using agent-based models, the probability of infection for various worker types in the data and use these probabilities to identify the Nash equilibrium vaccine choices of hospital workers. The analysis suggests that there may be large differences in vaccination rates among hospital worker groups. We extend the model to include peer effects within the game. The peer effects may create additional equilibria or may further cement existing equilibria depending on parameter values. Further, depending on the magnitude of the peer effects and the costs of infection and vaccination, peer effects may increase or decrease differences in worker group vaccination rates within the hospital.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Atoms in 2014
Authors: Atoms Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Atoms would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Chromatinization of the KSHV Genome During the KSHV Life Cycle
Authors: Uppal Timsy , Jha Hem , Verma Subhash , Robertson Erle
Published: January 2015

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) belongs to the gamma herpesvirus family and is the causative agent of various lymphoproliferative diseases in humans. KSHV, like other herpesviruses, establishes life-long latent infection with the expression of a limited number of viral genes. Expression of these genes is tightly regulated by both the viral and cellular factors. Recent advancements in identifying the expression profiles of viral transcripts, using tilling arrays and next generation sequencing have identified additional coding and non-coding transcripts in the KSHV genome. Determining the functions of these transcripts will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms utilized by KSHV in altering cellular pathways involved in promoting cell growth and tumorigenesis. Replication of the viral genome is critical in maintaining the existing copies of the viral episomes during both latent and lytic phases of the viral life cycle. The replication of the viral episome is facilitated by viral components responsible for recruiting chromatin modifying enzymes and replication factors for altering the chromatin complexity and replication initiation functions, respectively. Importantly, chromatin modification of the viral genome plays a crucial role in determining whether the viral genome will persist as latent episome or undergo lytic reactivation. Additionally, chromatinization of the incoming virion DNA, which lacks chromatin structure, in the target cells during primary infection, helps in establishing latent infection. Here, we discuss the recent advancements on our understating of KSHV genome chromatinization and the consequences of chromatin modifications on viral life cycle.
Robust H∞ Finite-Time Control for Discrete Markovian Jump Systems with Disturbances of Probabilistic Distributions
Authors: Chen Haiyang , Liu Meiqin , Zhang Senlin
Published: January 2015

This paper is concerned with the robust H∞ finite-time control for discrete delayed nonlinear systems with Markovian jumps and external disturbances. It is usually assumed that the disturbance affects the system states and outputs with the same influence degree of 100%, which is not evident enough to reflect the situation where the disturbance affects these two parts by different influence degrees. To tackle this problem, a probabilistic distribution denoted by binomial sequences is introduced to describe the external disturbance. Throughout the paper, the definitions of the finite-time boundedness (FTB) and the H∞ FTB are firstly given respectively. To extend the results further, a model which combines a linear dynamic system and a static nonlinear operator is referred to describe the system under discussion. Then by virtue of state feedback control method, some new sufficient criteria are derived which guarantee the FTB and H∞ FTB performances for the considered system. Finally, an example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed control laws.
Neighborhood Environment Perceptions and the Likelihood of Smoking and Alcohol Use
Authors: Jitnarin Nattinee , Heinrich Katie , Haddock Christopher , Hughey Joseph , Berkel LaVerne , Poston Walker
Published: January 2015

Neighborhood characteristics are important correlates for a variety of health outcomes. Among several health risk behaviors, smoking and alcohol use have significant consequences. Perceptions of neighborhood problems are associated with depressive symptoms, lower physical activity, and lower quality of life. However, it is unclear which perceived aspects of neighborhoods might be related to smoking and drinking. We examined whether perceived neighborhood characteristics were associated with smoking and drinking patterns using data from US metropolitan Midwestern area adults. Participants completed surveys including sociodemographic characteristics, neighborhood perceptions, behavioral and psychological health. For men, negative perceptions of neighborhood infrastructures were significant predictors for smoking and binge drinking. Among women, no perceived environmental factors were associated with smoking or drinking. However, education was a significant negative predictor for smoking. As age increased, the likelihood of using cigarettes, heavy and binge drinking in women decreased significantly. Depression was a positive predictor for smoking and heavy drinking in men and women, respectively. These findings indicate that the perceived neighborhood infrastructure was predictive of health behaviors among men, even after adjusting for key confounders. Closer attention may need to be paid to the role of neighborhood environmental characteristics along with individual-level characteristics in influencing unhealthy behaviors.
Short-Term Variability and Predictors of Urinary Pentachlorophenol Levels in Ohio Preschool Children
Authors: Morgan Marsha , Jones Paul , Sobus Jon
Published: January 2015

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminant. No published data exist on the temporal variability or important predictors of urinary PCP concentrations in young children. In this further analysis of study data, we have examined the associations between selected sociodemographic or lifestyle factors and urinary PCP concentrations in 115 preschool children over a 48-h period and assessed the 48-hour variability of urinary PCP levels in a subset of 15 children. Monitoring was performed at 115 homes and 16 daycares in Ohio (USA) in 2001. Questionnaires/diaries and spot urine samples were collected from each child. The median urinary PCP level was 0.8 ng/mL (range < 0.2–23.8 ng/mL). The intraclass correlation coefficient for urinary PCP was 0.42, which indicates fairly low reliability for a single sample over a 48-h period. In a multiple regression model, age of home and ln(creatinine levels) were significant predictors and sampling season, time spent outside, and pet ownership were marginally significant predictors of ln(urinary PCP levels), collectively explaining 29% of the variability of PCP in urine. To adequately assess short-term exposures of children to PCP, several spot urine measurements are likely needed as well as information regarding residence age, seasonality, time spent outdoors, and pet ownership.
The Use of Exhaustive Micro-Data Firm Databases for Economic Geography: The Issues of Geocoding and Usability in the Case of the Amadeus Database
Authors: Lennert Moritz
Published: January 2015

Economic geography has begun to explore the options involved in micro-data. New databases have become available and new techniques and an increase in computer power allow their treatment. However, two major issues impede the use of these datasets: the lack of geocoded spatial location and lack of exhaustivity in coverage. In this article, I explore the possibilities of using large micro-scale firm databases for economic geography in Europe. I show that current evolution in European official spatial data dissemination alows for geocoding of such databases using means that are accessible for researchers with minimal programming knowledge. For the specific case of the Amadeus database of the Bureau Van Dijk, I show that its limitations in terms of coverage have to be taken into acount, but do not hinder its use for analysis. Resulting maps show how the data allows to go further than classic databases such as the Eurostat Structural Business Statistics.
Non-Classical Gluconeogenesis-Dependent Glucose Metabolism in Rhipicephalus microplus Embryonic Cell Line BME26
Authors: Da Silva Renato , Della Noce Bárbara , Waltero Camila , Costa Evenilton , De Abreu Leonardo , Githaka Naftaly , Moraes Jorge , Gomes Helga , Konnai Satoru , Da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Ohashi Kazuhiko , Logullo Carlos
Published: January 2015

In this work we evaluated several genes involved in gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and glycogen metabolism, the major pathways for carbohydrate catabolism and anabolism, in the BME26 Rhipicephalus microplus embryonic cell line. Genetic and catalytic control of the genes and enzymes associated with these pathways are modulated by alterations in energy resource availability (primarily glucose). BME26 cells in media were investigated using three different glucose concentrations, and changes in the transcription levels of target genes in response to carbohydrate utilization were assessed. The results indicate that several genes, such as glycogen synthase (GS), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6 phosphatase (GP) displayed mutual regulation in response to glucose treatment. Surprisingly, the transcription of gluconeogenic enzymes was found to increase alongside that of glycolytic enzymes, especially pyruvate kinase, with high glucose treatment. In addition, RNAi data from this study revealed that the transcription of gluconeogenic genes in BME26 cells is controlled by GSK-3. Collectively, these results improve our understanding of how glucose metabolism is regulated at the genetic level in tick cells.
Capability of Utilizing CYP3A5 Polymorphisms to Predict Therapeutic Dosage of Tacrolimus at Early Stage Post-Renal Transplantation
Authors: Niioka Takenori , Kagaya Hideaki , Saito Mitsuru , Inoue Takamitsu , Numakura Kazuyuki , Habuchi Tomonori , Satoh Shigeru , Miura Masatomo
Published: January 2015

While CYP3A5 polymorphisms are used to predict the initial dosage of tacrolimus therapy, the predictive capability of genetic information for dosing at early stage post-renal transplantation is unknown. We investigated the influence of polymorphisms over time. An initial oral dose of modified-release once-daily tacrolimus formulation (0.20 mg/kg) was administered to 50 Japanese renal transplant patients every 24 h. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for tacrolimus dosing was performed each week to determine the effect of patient clinical characteristics. The dose-adjusted trough concentration was approximately 70% higher for patients with the CYP3A5*3/*3 than patients with the CYP3A5*1 allele before the second pre-transplantation tacrolimus dose (0.97 (0.78–1.17) vs. 0.59 (0.45–0.87) ng/mL/mg; p < 0.001). The contribution of genetic factors (CYP3A5*1 or *3) for tacrolimus dosing showed increased variation from Day 14 to Day 28 after transplantation: 7.2%, 18.4% and 19.5% on Days 14, 21 and 28, respectively. The influence of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on the tacrolimus maintenance dosage became evident after Day 14 post-transplantation, although the tacrolimus dosage was determined based only on patient body weight for the first three days after surgery. Tacrolimus dosage starting with the initial administration should be individualized using the CYP3A5 genotype information.
NLRP3 Inflammasome and Pathobiology in AMD
Authors: Celkova Lucia , Doyle Sarah , Campbell Matthew
Published: January 2015

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss and blindness in the elderly. It is characterized by a progressive loss of photoreceptors in the macula due to damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Clinically, it is manifested by drusen deposition between the RPE and underlying choroid and accumulation of lipofuscin in the RPE. End-stage disease is characterized by geographic atrophy (dry AMD) or choroidal neovascularization (wet AMD). The NLRP3 inflammasome has recently been implicated in the disease pathology. Here we review the current knowledge on the involvement of this multiprotein complex and its effector cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in AMD progression. We also describe cell death mechanisms that have been proposed to underlie RPE degeneration in AMD and discuss the role of autophagy in the regulation of disease progression.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the Journal of Developmental Biology in 2014
Authors: JDB Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of the Journal of Developmental Biology would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Chitin and Chitosan Oligosaccharides
Authors: Azuma Kazuo , Osaki Tomohiro , Minami Saburo , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: January 2015

Previous reports indicate that N-acetyl-d-glucosamine oligomers (chitin oligosaccharide; NACOS) and d-glucosamine oligomers (chitosan oligosaccharide; COS) have various biological activities, especially against cancer and inflammation. In this review, we have summarized the findings of previous investigations that have focused on anticancer or anti-inflammatory properties of NACOS and COS. Moreover, we have introduced recent evaluation of NACOS and COS as functional foods against cancer and inflammatory disease.
Liquid Crystalline Esters of Dibenzophenazines
Authors: Bozek Kevin , Ho Kuan , Saint-Martin Tom , Argyropoulos Panos , Williams Vance
Published: January 2015

A series of esters of 2,3,6,7-tetrakis(hexyloxy)dibenzo[a,c]phenazine-11-carboxylic acid was prepared in order to probe the effects of the ester groups on the liquid crystalline behavior. These compounds exhibit columnar hexagonal phases over broad temperature ranges. Variations in chain length, branching, terminal groups, and the presence of cyclic groups were found to modify transition temperatures without substantially destabilizing the mesophase range.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Machines in 2014
Authors: Machines Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Machines would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
The Role of Colonic Bacteria in the Metabolism of the Natural Isoflavone Daidzin to Equol
Authors: Rafii Fatemeh
Published: January 2015

Isoflavones are found in leguminous plants, especially soybeans. They have a structural similarity to natural estrogens, which enables them to bind to estrogen receptors and elicit biological activities similar to natural estrogens. They have been suggested to be beneficial for the prevention and therapy of hormone-dependent diseases. After soy products are consumed, the bacteria of the intestinal microflora metabolize isoflavones to metabolites with altered absorption, bioavailability, and estrogenic characteristics. Variations in the effect of soy products have been correlated with the isoflavone metabolites found in plasma and urine samples of the individuals consuming soy products. The beneficial effects of the soy isoflavone daidzin, the glycoside of daidzein, have been reported in individuals producing equol, a reduction product of daidzein produced by specific colonic bacteria in individuals called equol producers. These individuals comprise 30% and 60% of populations consuming Western and soy-rich Asian diets, respectively. Since the higher percentage of equol producers in populations consuming soy-rich diets is correlated with a lower incidence of hormone-dependent diseases, considerable efforts have been made to detect the specific colonic bacteria involved in the metabolism of daidzein to the more estrogenic compound, equol, which should facilitate the investigation of the metabolic activities related to this compound.
Magnetic Properties of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Efficient Hyperthermia
Authors: Obaidat Ihab , Issa Bashar , Haik Yousef
Published: January 2015

Localized magnetic hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) under the application of small magnetic fields is a promising tool for treating small or deep-seated tumors. For this method to be applicable, the amount of MNPs used should be minimized. Hence, it is essential to enhance the power dissipation or heating efficiency of MNPs. Several factors influence the heating efficiency of MNPs, such as the amplitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field and the structural and magnetic properties of MNPs. We discuss some of the physics principles for effective heating of MNPs focusing on the role of surface anisotropy, interface exchange anisotropy and dipolar interactions. Basic magnetic properties of MNPs such as their superparamagnetic behavior, are briefly reviewed. The influence of temperature on anisotropy and magnetization of MNPs is discussed. Recent development in self-regulated hyperthermia is briefly discussed. Some physical and practical limitations of using MNPs in magnetic hyperthermia are also briefly discussed.
The Relevance of the Colon to Zinc Nutrition
Authors: Gopalsamy Geetha , Alpers David , Binder Henry , Tran Cuong , Ramakrishna B , Brown Ian , Manary Mark , Mortimer Elissa , Young Graeme
Published: January 2015

Globally, zinc deficiency is widespread, despite decades of research highlighting its negative effects on health, and in particular upon child health in low-income countries. Apart from inadequate dietary intake of bioavailable zinc, other significant contributors to zinc deficiency include the excessive intestinal loss of endogenously secreted zinc and impairment in small intestinal absorptive function. Such changes are likely to occur in children suffering from environmental (or tropical) enteropathy (EE)—an almost universal condition among inhabitants of developing countries characterized by morphologic and functional changes in the small intestine. Changes to the proximal gut in environmental enteropathy will likely influence the nature and amount of zinc delivered into the large intestine. Consequently, we reviewed the current literature to determine if colonic absorption of endogenous or exogenous (dietary) zinc could contribute to overall zinc nutriture. Whilst we found evidence that significant zinc absorption occurs in the rodent colon, and is favoured when microbially-fermentable carbohydrates (specifically resistant starch) are consumed, it is unclear whether this process occur in humans and/or to what degree. Constraints in study design in the few available studies may well have masked a possible colonic contribution to zinc nutrition. Furthermore these few available human studies have failed to include the actual target population that would benefit, namely infants affected by EE where zinc delivery to the colon may be increased and who are also at risk of zinc deficiency. In conducting this review we have not been able to confirm a colonic contribution to zinc absorption in humans. However, given the observations in rodents and that feeding resistant starch to children is feasible, definitive studies utilising the dual stable isotope method in children with EE should be undertaken.
Modeling the Dynamics of Acute Phase Protein Expression in Human Hepatoma Cells Stimulated by IL-6
Authors: Xu Zhaobin , Karlsson Jens , Huang Zuyi
Published: January 2015

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a systemic inflammatory mediator that triggers the human body’s acute phase response to trauma or inflammation. Although mathematical models for IL-6 signaling pathways have previously been developed, reactions that describe the expression of acute phase proteins were not included. To address this deficiency, a recent model of IL-6 signaling was extended to predict the dynamics of acute phase protein expression in IL-6-stimulated HepG2 cells (a human hepatoma cell line). This included reactions that describe the regulation of haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and albumin secretion by nuclear transcription factors STAT3 dimer and C/EBPβ. This new extended model was validated against two different sets of experimental data. Using the validated model, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify seven potential drug targets to regulate the secretion of haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and albumin. The drug-target binding kinetics for these seven targets was then integrated with the IL-6 kinetic model to rank them based upon the influence of their pairing with drugs on acute phase protein dynamics. It was found that gp80, JAK, and gp130 were the three most promising drug targets and that it was possible to reduce the therapeutic dosage by combining drugs aimed at the top three targets in a cocktail. These findings suggest hypotheses for further experimental investigation.
Chemical Sensor Platform for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Activity and Dehydration
Authors: Solovei Dmitry , Žák Jaromír , Majzlíková Petra , Sedláček Jiří , Hubálek Jaromír
Published: January 2015

A non-invasive solution for monitoring of the activity and dehydration of organisms is proposed in the work. For this purpose, a wireless standalone chemical sensor platform using two separate measurement techniques has been developed. The first approach for activity monitoring is based on humidity measurement. Our solution uses new humidity sensor based on a nanostructured TiO2 surface for sweat rate monitoring. The second technique is based on monitoring of potassium concentration in urine. High level of potassium concentration denotes clear occurrence of dehydration. Furthermore, a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) was developed for this sensor platform to manage data transfer among devices and the internet. The WBAN coordinator controls the sensor devices and collects and stores the measured data. The collected data is particular to individuals and can be shared with physicians, emergency systems or athletes’ coaches. Long-time monitoring of activity and potassium concentration in urine can help maintain the appropriate water intake of elderly people or athletes and to send warning signals in the case of near dehydration. The created sensor system was calibrated and tested in laboratory and real conditions as well. The measurement results are discussed.
Face Liveness Detection Using Defocus
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Ban Yuseok , Lee Sangyoun
Published: January 2015

In order to develop security systems for identity authentication, face recognition (FR) technology has been applied. One of the main problems of applying FR technology is that the systems are especially vulnerable to attacks with spoofing faces (e.g., 2D pictures). To defend from these attacks and to enhance the reliability of FR systems, many anti-spoofing approaches have been recently developed. In this paper, we propose a method for face liveness detection using the effect of defocus. From two images sequentially taken at different focuses, three features, focus, power histogram and gradient location and orientation histogram (GLOH), are extracted. Afterwards, we detect forged faces through the feature-level fusion approach. For reliable performance verification, we develop two databases with a handheld digital camera and a webcam. The proposed method achieves a 3.29% half total error rate (HTER) at a given depth of field (DoF) and can be extended to camera-equipped devices, like smartphones.
Development of Guanidine-Bisurea Bifunctional Organocatalyst Bearing Chirality at the Inner and Outer Sides of the Urea Groups, and Application to Enantioselective α-Hydroxylation of Pyranoindolizine Intermediate for Camptothecin Synthesis
Authors: Odagi Minami , Watanabe Tatsuya , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: January 2015

Pyranoindolizine is a tricyclic structure found in various biologically active compounds, such as camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives. In the case of CPTs, the chirality at the α-position in the α-hydroxyl lactone moiety of pyranoindolizine is important for the antitumor activity. This paper deals with enantioselective oxidation of the α-position in pyranoindolizine lactone, which corresponds at C20 in CPT, with cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) in the presence of newly synthesized guanidine-bisurea bifunctional organocatalysts bearing chirality on both the inner and outer sides of the urea groups.