bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Ras activation, PTEN pattern, and global actin flow in the chemotactic responses of oversized cells
Authors: Lange Markus , Prassler Jana , Ecke Mary , Müller-Taubenberger Annette , Gerisch Günther
Published: August 2016

Chemotactic responses of eukaryotic cells require a signal processing system that translates an external gradient of attractant into directed motion. To challenge the response system to its limits, we increased the size of Dictyostelium discoideum cells by using electric-pulse-induced fusion. Large cells formed multiple protrusions at different sites along the gradient of chemoattractant, independently turned towards the gradient and competed with each other. Finally, these cells succeeded to re-establish polarity by coordinating front and tail activities. To analyse the responses, we combined two approaches, one aimed at local responses by visualising the dynamics of Ras activation at the front regions of reorientating cells, the other at global changes of polarity by monitoring front-to-tail-directed actin flow. Asymmetric Ras activation in turning protrusions underscores that gradients can be sensed locally and translated into orientation. Different to cells of normal size, the polarity of large cells is not linked to an increasing front-to-tail gradient of the PIP3-phosphatase PTEN. But even in large cells, the front communicates with the tail through an actin flow that might act as carrier of a protrusion inhibitor.
The small RNA SraG participates in PNPase homeostasis
Authors: Fontaine Fanette , Gasiorowski Elise , Gracia Celine , Ballouche Mathieu , Caillet Joel , Marchais Antonin , Hajnsdorf Eliane
Published: August 2016

The rpsO-pnp operon encodes ribosomal protein S15 and polynucleotide phosphorylase, a major 3′–5′ exoribonuclease involved in mRNA decay in Escherichia coli. The gene for the SraG small RNA is located between the coding regions of the rpsO and pnp genes, and it is transcribed in the opposite direction relative to the two genes. No function has been assigned to SraG. Multiple levels of post-transcriptional regulation have been demonstrated for the rpsO-pnp operon. Here we show that SraG is a new factor affecting pnp expression. SraG overexpression results in a reduction of pnp expression and a destabilization of pnp mRNA; in contrast, inhibition of SraG transcription results in a higher level of the pnp transcript. Furthermore, in vitro experiments indicate that SraG inhibits translation initiation of pnp. Together, these observations demonstrate that SraG participates in the post-transcriptional control of pnp by a direct antisense interaction between SraG and PNPase RNAs. Our data reveal a new level of regulation in the expression of this major exoribonuclease.
Technical and economic aspects of additive shaping
Authors: Моргунов Ю. , Morgunov Yu. , Саушкин Б. , Saushkin B.
Published: August 2016

The techniques of additive shaping develop intensively during the last 20-30 years. Their application in mechanical engineering allow reducing considerably the duration of technological preparation for new produce manufacturing, using fundamentally new design-technological solutions, reducing finally labour-intensiveness and cost price of significant domestic defense produce manufacturing. In the paper there is shown a comparative characteristic of common and additive technologies of one purposeful destination, their advantages and disadvantages are emphasized. The problem of technical and economic assessment for the introduction of the techniques of additive shaping at an enterprise of mechanical engineering is considered. The relevance of such techniques in aerospace engineering production is emphasized, particularly under conditions of experimental production when the reduction of the cycle duration in engineering and design preparation of manufacturing is a decisive factor. The urgency of the development of integrated techniques which will ensure the further increase of technical and economic characteristics of production at the expense of the realization of advantages of both subtractive methods and additive ones affecting the material and connected with this of synergetic effects is substantiated.
Platform for Training and Growth of Scientific and Pedagogical Personnel Management
Authors: Мустафина  , Mustafina D.
Published: August 2016

Being a structural division of the university, the Department of Theory of Management provides educational,

methodical, scientific research, training of scientific and pedagogical staff and enhancing their skills. All of

these activities are non-repeatable, intellectually filled, require a high creative activity, and therefore are in

direct dependence on the human factor. The main activity of the department is the need to generate new

ideas and transform them into reality. In the system of organization of this activity includes items such as

the identification, attraction, retention and stimulation of creative workers, creation of all conditions for their

use. In this regard, of paramount importance is the problem of reproduction of scientific potential of the

department. The main source and transmitter of knowledge, new scientific ideas and concepts is creative

team. Therefore, the most important aspect is the creation of conditions for attracting young professionals.

This concern the activities of the department on preparation of scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel.
Mereology and Infinity
Authors: Niebergall Karl-Georg
Published: August 2016

This paper deals with the treatment of infinity and finiteness in mereology. After an overview of some first-order mereological theories, finiteness axioms are introduced along with a mereological definition of “x is finite” in terms of which the axioms themselves are derivable in each of those theories. The finiteness axioms also provide the background for definitions of “(mereological theory) T makes an assumption of infinity”. In addition, extensions of mereological theories by the axioms are investigated for their own sake. In the final part, a definition of “x is finite” stated in a second-order language is also presented, followed by some concluding remarks on the motivation for the study of the (first-order) extensions of mereological theories dealt with in the paper.
Antidiabetic screening of some Indonesian marine cyanobacteria collection
Authors: PRIATNI SRI , BUDIWATI THELMA A. , RATNANINGRUM DIAH , KOSASIH WAWAN , ANDRYANI RINA , SUSANTI HANI , SUSILANINGSIH DWI
Published: August 2016

Priatni S, Budiwati TA, Ratnaningrum D, Kosasih W, Andryani R, Susanti H, Susilaningsih D. 2016. Antidiabetic screening of some Indonesian marine cyanobacteria collection. Biodiversitas 17: 642-646. Cyanobacteria have been known as a potential extracellular-polysaccharide (EPS) producer. The objective of this study was to screen the marine cyanobacteria as potential antidiabetic agents. The present investigation was designed to determine the antidiabetic activity of EPS, intracellular-polysaccharide (IPS) and biomass extracts from marine cyanobacteria isolates. 10 cyanobacteria isolates were cultivated in IMK medium, at 25oC for 21 days. The morphology of cells was identified by a light microscope. EPS and IPS were separated by ethanol precipitation method and their antidiabetic activity was analyzed by the inhibition of Î±-glucosidase activity method. Results of morphology identification of 10 cyanobacteria isolates consist of Oscillatoria limnetica, Oscillatoria sp., Leptolyngbya sp., Pseudanabaena sp., Lyngbya sp. and Phormidium sp., Coelastrella sp., Aphanothece sp. and Synechococcus sp., and Chroococcus sp. Almost all of EPS from marine cyanobacteria isolates were potential as inhibitor of Î±-glucosidase, except for Oscillatoria limnetica and Phormidium sp. isolates. The highest activity in Î±-glucosidase inhibition was detected in Pseudanabaena sp. (14.02%) and Chroococcus sp. (13.0%) isolates.
Data provision of PIK3CA gene diversity and recombinant plasmids preparation for control DNA in developing the trastuzumab predictive response diagnostic kit
Authors: DESRIANI DESRIANI , BUDIARTO BUGI RATNO , HARAHAP WIRSMA ARIF , WARISMAN M. ALI , OMPUSUNGGU AUDREY VANIA CLARISSA , ATHARIAH DINA , MIRNAWATI FARIDA , YUSSRIYANI IDA , ALAHWANI FUAD , KURNIAWAN AHMAD RIZQI
Published: August 2016

Desriani, Budiarto BR, Harahap WA, Warisman MA,Ompusunggu AVC, Athariah D, Mirnawati F, Sriyani IY, Alahwani F, Kurniawan AR. 2016. Data provision of PIK3CA gene diversity and recombinant plasmids preparation for control DNA in developing the trastuzumab predictive response diagnostic kit. Biodiversitas 17: 647-652. HER-2 overexpression is well known as a poor prognostic factor for breast cancer patients. Targeted therapy can be carried out using monoclonal antibody named trastuzumab. Some reports have higlighted the core problem of HER2 positive-breast cancer resitance on trastuzumab due to incorrect in selecting HER2 status patient who will reciept the drug and the emergence of PIK3CA mutations especially in exon 9 and 20 which is the downstream of HER-2 pathway. In this study, data provision of PIK3CA gene and preparation of plasmid to support developing the trastuzumab predictive response diagnostic kits will be reported. Based on direct DNA sequencing result, two samples of 68 breast cancer patients exhibited mutation at exon 20 H1047R, while another three samples showed silent mutation (T1025T) at the same exon. On the other hand, careful strategy should be considered for exon 9 analysis, since we found that almost 68 samples sequenced none of them were exon 9 positive (pesudogene). Two prepared plasmids, pGEMT-easy PIK3CA exon 9 and 20 will be applied as control PIK3CA gene for qPCR SYBR green I-based PIK3CA genotyping, while pGEMT easy HER-2 will be applied as a reference gene for scoring HER-2 status. The standard curve equation of plasmid-cloned HER2 gene amplification was Y=-3,0472x + 46,465, R2= 0,99 with qPCR efficiency was 115%, respectively. Inconclusion, data provision and control DNA preparation of predicted factors for breast cancer patients who positively respond to trastuzumab are very fundamental important aspects for the development of trastuzumab response diagnostic kit which is based on Indonesian population genetics profile.
Failure, revolution and institutional critique
Authors: Charnley Kim
Published: August 2016

In Revolutionary Time and the Avant-garde (2015), John Roberts argues that a ‘strange, morally tinged discourse of avant-garde failure’ tends to foreclose critical debate about the avant-garde. This article examines Roberts’s point through an investigation of the term ‘institutional critique’. According to Andrea Fraser, the distinctive critical politics of institutional critique are provided by its recognition of the failure pre-ordained by art’s institutional mediation. In order to problematize Fraser’s position, the article will focus on debates that took place in the journal The Fox, published for three issues between 1975 and 1976 by Art & Language, New York. The first use of the term ‘institutional critique’ in print came in this journal, though Art & Language are not conventionally included in the canon of institutional critique. Fraser’s institutional critique was connected to a simplification of the stakes involved in this term that came about through the writings of art critics associated with the journal October. This point is used to pose the problem that concludes the discussion: how might art history reflect upon the part it plays in stabilising the meaning of failure and neutralizing avant-gardes?
Book Reviews
Authors: Hutchinson Mark , Halsall Francis
Published: August 2016

COMMUNAL LUXURY: THE POLITICAL IMAGINARY OF THE PARIS COMMUNE, KRISTIN ROSS (2015) London: Verso, 148 pp., ISBN: 9781781688397, h/bk, £16.99

CARTOGRAPHIES OF THE ABSOLUTE, ALBERTO TOSCANO AND JEFF KINKLE (2015) Winchester: Zero Books, 311 pp., ISBN: 978-1-78099-275-4, p/bk, £15.99
Art, labour and revolution
Authors: Beech Dave
Published: August 2016

The article is a reassessment of the contemporary theory of the convergence of art and politics; the contemporary theory of politics; and the contemporary theory of artistic labour, which converge in a new theory of revolution as turning on the radical transformation of the mode of production with artistic labour occupying a politically significant point within the bourgeois social division of labour.
The Media Ecology–Philosophy of Technology disconnect: A matter of perception?
Authors: Ralón Laureano
Published: August 2016

This article conducts a discourse analysis of a selection of in-depth interviews with philosophers of technology housed within Figure/Ground (www.figureground.org), an open-source, para-academic, interdisciplinary collaboration supporting one of the largest repositories of scholarly interviews on the web. By analysing various answers to a set of recurrent questions, the article provides a general sense of how Marshall McLuhan – often identified as one of the forefathers of Media Ecology – is perceived by the neighbouring field of Philosophy of Technology. The underlining hypothesis is that, despite significant cross-disciplinary affinities made evident by a recent philosophical turn in McLuhan studies, the lack of collaborative engagement between both camps, particularly among senior scholars, remains quite significant. As the interviews show, this gap can be attributed, in part, to a matter of (mis)perception on behalf of the philosophers: their reservations stem primarily from McLuhan’s controversial public statements, public persona and idiosyncratic use of language, as well as an outdated (deterministic/substantivist) approach to his oeuvre. Nevertheless, the interviews do not strictly reflect any substantial differences – whether theoretical or methodological – that would justify an ongoing disconnect between both fields.
Cussing the buzz-saw, or, the medium is the morality of Peter-Paul Verbeek
Authors: Grosswiler Paul
Published: August 2016

Philosopher of technology Peter-Paul Verbeek adds a new dimension to media ecology by introducing the argument that technologies are inherently moral agents and designing them is a moral enterprise whether or not it is intended to be. Verbeek’s work moves beyond the media as extension theory of media ecology to a media as composite theory in which the human and technological are inseparable. This article compares the moral aspects of media ecology and Verbeek, sketching Verbeek’s philosophy of technology ideas and exploring in detail the elements of Verbeek’s five-step moral media design process in the hope that media ecology consider media design as well as its consumption, in order to, as McLuhan wrote, ‘think things out before we put them out’.
Media Ecology and the Internet of Things
Authors: Irwin Stacey O.
Published: August 2016

Media ecologists and philosophers of technology are now asking many of the same scholarly questions. Both disciplines examine the human experience through the lens of technology. The Media Ecology perspective is attentive to communicative media experiences that impact humans. Philosophy of Technology (PhilTech) is also concerned with human-technology connection and the nature of social effects. The ideas and methods both disciplines use overlap and provide reified proof that technologies make a difference in practical everyday contexts. Both sets of scholars aim to prove that technology does not lack effect. It is time to formally consider how these two disciplines converge. This reflection aims to formalize and encourage the link between Media Ecology and PhilTech. The Internet of Things (IoT) will serve as an illustrative example for this analysis. The first section introduces PhilTech and the contribution Media Ecology has made in that discipline. The second section defines and explains the IoT. The final section illustrates ways in which Media Ecology can be used as a subgenre of PhilTech.
Book Review
Authors: Ralón Laureano
Published: August 2016

THE PHILOSOPHY OF PRAXIS: MARX, LUKÁCS AND THE FRANKFURT SCHOOL, ANDREW FEENBERG (2014) London: Verso Press, ISBN: 978-1-78168-172-5, paperback, $23.67
‘Simulando assim a cópula normal’ – sapphists, tribades, fricatrixes and lesbians: Between biomedical taxonomical categories and identity in Portugal (1895–1930)
Authors: Cleminson Richard , Artaloytia Francisco Molina
Published: August 2016

This co-authored article analyses the work of a number of sexual scientists and legal experts in Portugal at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century with respect to their attempts to classify and investigate female homosexuality in Portugal. Building on work already published by the two authors on the subject of Egas Moniz’s ideas on male homosexuality, this article considers the sexological discourse on lesbians and their presence in Portuguese society in the first half of the twentieth century through a close textual analysis of the work of Moniz and that of other authors. The differences and similarities between Portuguese specia lists’ work and their European counterparts form a key aspect of this work. In this way, a contribution is made to the history of sexuality in Portugal and the framing of Portuguese discourses on lesbianism within broader European expert fields.
‘In the old days, there were no gays’ – democracy, social change and media representation of sexual diversity
Authors: Santos Ana Cristina
Published: August 2016

The notion of ‘gay’ has been interpreted by popular culture in Portugal to stem from a liberalization of individual practices and beliefs in the realm of sexual culture in general. As such, sexual orientation is commonly conflated with a cultural trend linked to modernity, in opposition to recognizing it as a constitutive element of sexual citizenship and the related set of rights it entails. This often unnoticed conflation obliterates significant socio-historical changes and the role played by an array of institutions and agents that contributed to those changes. In this article, the political and social history of homosexuality throughout the twentieth century will be the departure point to examine issues of impact and change in relation to the cultural representation of lesbians and gay men in the public sphere. Media reports of LGBT events throughout the 1990s and early 2000s will be considered a key indicator of cultural representation of sexual diversity. From criminalization to same-sex marriage, the article critically interrogates the extent to which formal change has translated into more inclusive notions of sexual justice regardless of sexual orientation.
Basal Area and Diameter Distribution Estimation Using Stereoscopic Hemispherical Images
Authors: Sánchez-González Mariola , Cabrera Miguel , Herrera Pedro Javier , Vallejo Roberto , Cañellas Isabel , Montes Fernando
Published: August 2016

In recent years, proximal sensing data has increasingly been used to optimize forest inventories. In this paper we present a forest inventory methodology based on stereoscopic hemispherical images. An automated pixel-based approach and a user-guided “region growing” approach
have been developed for image matching. To estimate the basal area, number of trees and mean diameter, the sampling probability is determined for each tree. The accuracy and precision of the estimates derived from stereoscopic hemispherical images was analyzed for a set of National Forest
Inventory plots. The results revealed that tree matching depends on the species, the distance to the target tree and the diameter. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.86 for the mean diameter and 0.89 for the basal area, whereas for the number of trees per hectare it was 0.59. The proposed
methods may be used in large scale forest inventories as a cost-efficient way of obtaining data on diameter distribution and basal area from field surveys following a two-stage scheme combined with remote sensing techniques.
Future Landsat Data Needs at the Local and State Levels: An AmericaView Perspective
Authors: Sivanpillai Ramesh , Congalton Russell G.
Published: August 2016

Earth observation imagery collected by the series of Landsat satellites constitutes the longest and most consistent collection of moderate spatial resolution remotely sensed data. Feedback from the Landsat user community has played an important role in assessing its utility and making
improvements to future Landsat missions. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) continue to input from user communities. This paper describes the outcome of soliciting input
from experts associated with AmericaView (AV), a non-profit organization aimed at promoting remote sensing applications in the US. The AV community identified the importance of rigorously calibrated Landsat data
for LULC applications at the state level and made several recommendations for future Landsat missions. Recommendations suggested by the community of AV experts provide extremely valuable insights to USGS and NASA
to further their discussions about the design and operation of future Landsat missions.
Quantitative Estimation and Validation of the Effects of the Convergence, Bisector Elevation, and Asymmetry Angles on the Positioning Accuracies of Satellite Stereo Pairs
Authors: Jeong Jaehoon , Kim Taejung
Published: August 2016

The convergence, bisector elevation (BIE), and asymmetry angles are three angles that describe the geometric conditions in stereo imaging. In this study, the effects of the angles on the positioning accuracies of stereo pairs were investigated. First, through
careful observation of the stereo geometry that determines the ray-intersection in object space, the effects of the angles were visualized and quantified. Second, formulas to estimate the positioning errors, including these quantified effects, were proposed. Third, the formulas were validated
using real satellite data. Our experiment results confirmed the accuracy variations due to the angles, both visually and quantitatively, and that all angles may significantly affect both the horizontal and vertical accuracies, particularly for dual-satellite stereo with weak geometry. The
primary contributions of this paper are the provision of theoretical background of the effects of the angles and experimental confirmations of the quantitative effects of them on the stereo positioning accuracies.
Evaluation of antimycobacterial rhamnolipid production from non-cytotoxic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from rhizospheric soil of medicinal plants
Authors: Mishra Alok K , Dubey Rikesh K , Yabaji Shivraj M , Jaiswal Swati
Published: August 2016

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are the bacterial derived biosurfactants and known for a wide range of industrial and therapeutic applications. They exhibit potent anti-bacterial activity against various gram positive, gram negative and acid fast bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Since, Pseudomonas is one of the largest known genuses containing a variety of rhamnolipid producing strains. Therefore, in this study, we selectively isolated the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from the rhizospheric soil of the Indian plants of medicinal value, e.g. Azadirachta Indica and Ficus spp., and evaluated them for their natural ability to produce antibacterial rhamnolipids. The bacteria were identified on the basis of 16s rRNA sequencing and biochemical characterization. Among 33 of P. aeruginosa isolates from different soil samples, four isolates showed potent inhibitory activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fast grower mycobacterial spp. The inhibitory potential of the isolates was found to be correlated with their ability to produce RLs in the medium. The industrial viability of the strains was assessed on the basis of cytotoxicity determining alternative allele, exoS/exoU and cell mediated cytotoxicity against murine macrophages J774.1. The newly isolated strains harbor exoS allele and exhibits lower cell mediated cytotoxicity on macrophage cell line as compared to the clinical strains PA-BAA-427 and PA-27853 used as a control in this study.Evaluation of antimycobacterial rhamnolipid production from non-cytotoxic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from rhizospheric soil of medicinal plants
Preparation and evaluation a new formula of denture cleansers (a comparative study)
Authors: Taqa Amer A. , Y. K. Bashi Tarik , M. Al â€“Aubadi Safwan
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study is to prepare and study chemical compounds for cleaning denture from locally available materials. The chemical compounds solutions were (sodium bicarbonate with alum), (sodium bicarbonate with citric acid), (sodium bicarbonate with apple vinegar), (sodium bicarbonate with clear commercial vinegar), (sodium bicarbonate with thyme oil), (saturated salt solution), (clear commercial vinegar), (alum). The main study, the effects of the chemical compounds solutions were evaluated on the (color, water Sorption and transverse strength) of heat cured denture base material. The t-test showed that the highest increase in optical density for the specimens immersed in (alum), (sodium bicarbonate +alum), (sodium bicarbonate + apple vinegar) solutions at 1/2 hr immersion and it increased more at 8 hrs immersion. The conclusions of this study showed that the safest prepared solutions on the denture base material that could be used as denture cleansers are (sodium bicarbonate{7g}with clear commercial vinegar{5ml}), (sodium bicarbonate {2g} with thyme oil {3.57g}), (saturated salt solution {40g}) at 1/2 hr and 8 hrs of immersion. While, (sodium bicarbonate {2g} with citric acid {4.57g}) solution appeared its safety at 1/2 hr immersion only.
Treadmill exercise within lower body negative pressure protects leg lean tissue mass and extensor strength and endurance during bed rest
Authors: Schneider Suzanne M. , Lee Stuart M. C. , Feiveson Alan H. , Watenpaugh Donald E. , Macias Brandon R. , Hargens Alan R.
Published: August 2016

Leg muscle mass and strength are decreased during reduced activity and non‐weight‐bearing conditions such as bed rest (BR) and spaceflight. Supine treadmill exercise within lower body negative pressure (LBNPEX) provides full‐body weight loading during BR and may prevent muscle deconditioning. We hypothesized that a 40‐min interval exercise protocol performed against LBNPEX 6 days week−1 would attenuate losses in leg lean mass (LLM), strength, and endurance during 6° head‐down tilt BR, with similar benefits for men and women. Fifteen pairs of healthy monozygous twins (8 male and 7 female pairs) completed 30 days of BR with one sibling of each twin pair assigned randomly as the non‐exercise control (CON) and the other twin as the exercise subject (EX). Before and after BR, LLM and isokinetic leg strength and endurance were measured. Mean knee and ankle extensor and flexor strength and endurance and LLM decreased from pre‐ to post‐BR in the male CON subjects (P < 0.01), but knee extensor strength and endurance, ankle extensor strength, and LLM were maintained in the male EX subjects. In contrast, no pre‐ to post‐BR changes were significant in the female subjects, either CON or EX, likely due to their lower pre‐BR values. Importantly, the LBNPEX countermeasure prevents or attenuates declines in LLM as well as extensor leg strength and endurance. Individuals who are stronger, have higher levels of muscular endurance, and/or have greater LLM are likely to experience greater losses during BR than those who are less fit.
Oblique-viewing endoscope calibration in the diagnostics and treatment in the pelvis minor area
Authors: Holak Krzysztof , Kohut Piotr , Stangel-Wojcikiewicz Klaudia , Kabzińska-Turek Monika , Florczak Joanna , Petko Maciej
Published: August 2016

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition, especially in women, and affects the quality of life in a physical, social, and economic meaning. Despite improvements in surgical techniques and the implementation of minimally invasive procedures, male and female stress UI still affects their well-being. Treatment limitations have encouraged researchers to investigate new approaches, including those of tissue engineering. The injection of autologous mesenchymal-derived stem cells (AMDC) might rebuild the urethra sphincter function and minimize leakage symptoms. The treatment is carried out with a rigid endoscope. The aim of this study is to present a practical calibration procedure for an oblique-viewing endoscope imaging system. This article presents the results of an examination of the variability of the internal camera’s parameters with the angle of rotation of the endoscope’s cylinder. The research proves that the most variable parameters are the coordinates of the image plane’s principal point. The developed model of variability can be implemented as a simple look-up table in a real-time operating device. In this article, a tool is proposed for the computation of the relative angle of cylinder’s rotation based only on images. All developed methods can be implemented in a robot-assisted system for an AMDC urethra sphincter injection procedure.
Zwei Neulesungen auf PSI IV 290
Authors: Diethart Johannes , Voigt Werner
Published: August 2016

The etymologic root of two Greek words (σωμόβουβλ/, ὠμοβουβλ(ίνου)) is soup (ζωμός). Number 2 holds the until now skipped latin signature of the notary Ioshf.
A steatite icon of a female saint recently found in Acre
Authors: Noga-Banai Galit , Stern Eliezer
Published: August 2016

A fragment of a relief icon, made of steatite plaque, depicting a female saint,was recently found in Acre (Akko) in northern Israel. The plaque has lost the head of the saint, but enough is left of the figure to discern that the pose of the female saint is typically Byzantine. Moreover, the drapery shows stylistic affinities with Komnenian art. The plaque is the first steatite icon found in Palestine and could have arrived in Acre from abroad. The archeological context suggests that it might have been venerated in Acre anytime between the Crusader and the Ottoman periods.
Experimental and Simulation Investigation of Tri-Sector Cylindrical Dielectric Resonator Antenna in composite forms for Wireless Applications
Authors: Ranjan Pinku , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: August 2016

In this article, a tri-sector cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (t-CDRA) has been introduced by splitting CDRA into three uniform sectors and all three uniform sectors are packed together in a compact way on a metallic ground plane. A coaxial probe feed is used to excite the proposed composite t-CDRA at the center position. Multi-segmentation approach has been applied for further improvement in bandwidth of proposed t-CDRA. The proposed composite t-CDRA has been designed using HFSS simulation software and analyzed using theoretical analysis. The prototype of t-CDRA, three elements t-CDRA and three elements dual segment t-CDRA has been fabricated for measurement. The input characteristics, near field, far field distribution of the proposed t-CDRAs have been studied through HFSS simulation software and their results are compared with corresponding experimental results. Proposed segmented t-CDRA has wide impedance bandwidth (|S
A Quasi-Elliptic Bandpass Filter-Integrated Single-Pole Double-Throw Switch
Authors: Ji Yu-Xue , Xu Jin , Li Zhao-Zhao , Wang Huan , Huang Jin-Jie
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a quasi-elliptic bandpass filter-integrated single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. The series-parallel configuration of p-i-n diodes embedded into the impedance matching circuit is proposed to combine two quasi-elliptic response bandpass filters to constitute the proposed SPDT switch. To validate our design approach, a proposed quasi-elliptic bandpass filter-integrated SPDT switch is designed and fabricated with a central frequency of 1.25 GHz and a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 16 %. Low insertion loss in the on state and good isolation in the off state are achieved. The switch size including bias circuits but excluding feeding lines is 0.447λg×0.134λg.
Kinetics of Transesterification of Safflower Oil to Obtain Biodiesel Using Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Galván Muciño Gabriel E. , Romero Rubi , Ramírez Armando , Ramos María Jesús , Baeza-Jiménez Ramiro , Natividad Reyna
Published: August 2016

The kinetics of the transesterification of safflower oil and methanol catalyzed by K2O/NaX was studied and modeled. The influence of the oil-methanol initial molar ratio and amount of catalyst were investigated to achieve a maximum triglycerides conversion (99 %) and a final methyl esters content of 94 % ±1. A kinetic model based on an Eley–Rideal mechanism was found to best fit the experimental data when assuming methanol adsorption as determining step. Other models derived from Langmuir – Hinshelwood – Hougen –Watson (LHHW) mechanisms were rejected based on statistical analysis, mechanistic considerations and physicochemical interpretation of the estimated parameters.
Using Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA) to Ensure Safety in the Preparation Process for Parenteral Nutrition Bags in Hospital Pharmacy
Authors: Le Pêcheur Véronique , Spiesser-Robelet Laurence , Vrignaud Sandy
Published: August 2016

: The aim of this paper is to use the Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA) method to assess the criticality of the different stages in the process of preparing parenteral nutrition bags for use in neonatal resuscitation and, if necessary, improve the handling of the process itself.

: A functional analysis of the preparation process was carried out, and three main phases were identified: Phase 1 – Fielding the request; Phase 2 – Production; Phase 3 – Checks. Risks were mapped under 5 category headings (legal, environmental, physical, human and managerial). After the evaluation criteria had been identified, scenario descriptions were drawn up for each dangerous situation in order to ascertain the criticality level (C1–C3, C1 being the least critical) of the different risks and to seek out risk mitigation measures.

: The PRA method identified 63 dangerous situations, 77.7 % of which had a very high level of vulnerability. The highest number of such situations was in the production phase. Seventy one scenarios were drawn up (19 for phase 1, 40 for phase 2 and 16 for phase 3, as the same scenario may occur in more than one phase). The study enabled a reduction in system criticalities: initially there were 6 C1 scenarios, 44 C2’s and 21 C3’s and following the study there were 45 C1’s, 26 C2’s and 0 C3 scenarios. The most significant initial risks were linked to environmental, managerial and human factors whilst the most significant residual risks were environmental or legal in nature.

: PRA is a viable assessment method in the health sector and has enabled the establishment of new measures seeking to minimise risk levels in the preparation process of parenteral nutrition bags.
Qualität der Schulverpflegung in Deutschland
Authors: Arens-Azevedo Ulrike
Published: August 2016

2014 wurde im Auftrag des BMEL eine bundesweite Erhebung zur Schulverpflegung durchgeführt mit dem Ziel, die Qualität des Verpflegungsangebots einschließlich der Rahmenbedingungen zu bewerten. Grundlage der Ergebnisse sind 212 Schulträger, die 5.018 Schulen repräsentieren, 1.553 Schulleitungen sowie ein externer Datensatz aus Bayern, 12.566 Fragebögen von Schülern der Klassenstufen 3–13 sowie die Analyse von Speisenplänen auf der Basis des DGE-Qualitätsstandards für die Schulverpflegung. Insgesamt befindet sich Deutschland auf einem guten Weg, allerdings mit viel Verbesserungsbedarf.
Vegane Ernährung – gesundheitliche Vorteile und Risiken
Authors: Richter Margrit , Breidenassel Christina
Published: August 2016

Eine pflanzenbasierte Ernährung ist meist mit einer höheren Zufuhr verschiedener Vitamine, Mineralstoffe, Ballaststoffe sowie sekundärer Pflanzenstoffe verbunden sowie mit einer verminderten Zufuhr von gesättigten Fettsäuren und Cholesterol. Allerdings ist die Versorgung mit einigen Nährstoffen, insbesondere Vitamin B12, bei einer rein veganen Ernährung kritisch. Für eine evidenzbasierte Bewertung möglicher gesundheitlicher Vorteile und Risiken einer veganen Ernährung sind jedoch mehr aussagekräftige Daten notwendig.
Removal of uranium ions from synthetic wastewater using ZnO/Na-clinoptilolite nanocomposites
Authors: Aghadavoud Azadeh , Rezaee Ebrahim Saraee Khadijeh , Shakur Hamid Reza , Sayyari Rasol
Published: August 2016

Uranium is one of the heavy metals that is found in industrial wastewater and is very toxic for human and environment. In this work, natural clinoptilolite is used as a low-cost adsorbent for uranium removal from aqueous solutions. The sodium form of clinoptilolite and ZnO/Na-clinoptilolite nanocomposite were prepared. The sample sorption capacities for uranium removal from simulated drinking water in the presence of other anions and cations were investigated. Natural zeolite and its modified forms were characterized by XRD, XRF, FTIR, TEM and BET. Batch experiments were used to determine the best adsorption conditions. The effects of various parameters such as contact time, pH, initial uranium concentration, temperature and mass sorbent on the removal efficiency of uranium ions were studied. The equilibration was attained after 2 and 6 h for the Na-clinoptilolite and ZnO/Na-clinoptilolite nanocomposite, respectively. Both adsorbents showed relatively fast adsorption. Effective removal of uranium was demonstrated at pH values of 4–8 for both forms of zeolite. Temperature had no significant effect on adsorption. The maximum removal efficiency of uranium by the ZnO/Na-clinoptilolite nanocomposite in pH=7.2 and room temperature was 98.55%. Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips models were used for describing the equilibrium isotherms for uranium uptake. The Sips model corresponded well with the experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°, have been calculated and interpreted. The pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models were applied to describe the kinetic data. The pseudo-second order kinetic model had excellent kinetic data fitting (R2=1).
SIRT1 as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wong Siew Ying , Tang Bor Luen
Published: August 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the aging population worldwide. SIRT1 deacetylation of histones and transcription factors impinge on multiple neuronal and non-neuronal targets, and modulates stress response, energy metabolism and cellular senescence/death pathways. Collectively, SIRT1 activity could potentially affect multiple aspects of hippocampal and cortical neuron function and survival, thus modifying disease onset and progression. In this review, the known and potential mechanisms of action of SIRT1 with regard to AD, and its potential as a therapeutic target, are discussed.
Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) extract specifically suppresses the growth of tumors in H22-bearing Kunming mice
Authors: He Zhenxiang , Jiang Cuihua , Zhang Jian , Yin Zhiqi , Yin Zengfang , Zhu Yunfeng , Fu Jie
Published: August 2016

Recently, neem tree (Azadirachta indica) extract (NTE) has been reported to have various antitumor activities against gastric, breast, prostate, and skin cancer, respectively. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of NTE on hepatic cancer in a mouse model. The possible side effects elicited by NTE were also evaluated. The components in NTE were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). H22 cells-bearing Kumming mice were generated by injecting H22 cells subcutaneously into the right forelimb armpit of the mice. Then the mice were treated daily for 27 days with NTE (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight) by intragastric administration, using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, 1%) as blank control and cyclophosphamide (CTX, 20 mg/kg) as positive control. The antitumor effect of NTE was evaluated by assessment of survival rate, body weight, tumor volume and weight, tumor histology, thymus and spleen indexes, and liver histology. The tumor weight and volume in groups of NTE and CTX were significantly lower than those in the CMC group. The survival rate in the NTE group receiving the high dose (600 mg/kg) was significantly higher than that in the CTX and CMC groups. Compared with CTX, NTE was observed to have a tumor-specific cytotoxicity without impairing the normal liver tissue. Additionally, the higher indexes of thymus and spleen indicated that NTE could facilitate the growth of immune organs. The results indicate that NTE is a promising candidate for the antitumor treatment with high efficacy and safety.
Targeting the gastrointestinal tract to treat type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bauer Paige V , Duca Frank A
Published: August 2016

The rising global rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity present a significant economic and social burden, underscoring the importance for effective and safe therapeutic options. The success of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, along with the potent glucose-lowering effects of bariatric surgery, highlight the gastrointestinal tract as a potential target for diabetes treatment. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the gut plays a prominent role in the ability of metformin to lower glucose levels. As such, the current review highlights some of the current and potential pathways in the gut that could be targeted to improve glucose homeostasis, such as changes in nutrient sensing, gut peptides, gut microbiota and bile acids. A better understanding of these pathways will lay the groundwork for novel gut-targeted antidiabetic therapies, some of which have already shown initial promise.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of OCT4 protein localization during preimplantation development in mice
Authors: Fukuda Atsushi , Mitani Atsushi , Miyashita Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Hisato , Umezawa Akihiro , Akutsu Hidenori
Published: August 2016

Spatiotemporal expression of transcription factors is crucial for genomic reprogramming. Pou5f1 (Oct4) is an essential transcription factor for reprogramming. A recent study reported that OCT4A, which is crucial for establishment and maintenance of pluripotent cells, is expressed in oocytes, but maternal OCT4A is dispensable for totipotency induction. Whereas another study reported that OCT4B, which is not related to pluripotency, is predominantly expressed instead of OCT4A during early preimplantation phases in mice. To determine the expression states of OCT4 in murine preimplantation embryos, we conducted in-depth expression and functional analyses. We found that pluripotency-related OCT4 mainly localizes to the cytoplasm in early preimplantation phases, with no major nuclear localization until the 8–16-cell stage despite high expression in both oocytes and early embryos. RNA-sequencing analysis using oocytes and early preimplantation embryos could not identify the splice variants creating alternative forms of OCT4 protein. Forced expression of OCT4 in zygotes by the injection of polyadenylated mRNA clearly showed nuclear localization of OCT4 protein around 3–5-fold greater than physiological levels and impaired developmental competency in a dose-dependent manner. Embryos with modest overexpression of OCT4 could develop to the 16-cell stage; however, more than 50% of the embryos were arrested at this stage, similar to the results for OCT4 depletion. In contrast, extensive overexpression of OCT4 resulted in complete arrest at the 2-cell stage accompanied by downregulation of zygotically activated genes and repetitive elements related to the totipotent state. These results demonstrated that OCT4 protein localization was spatiotemporally altered during preimplantation development, and strict control of Oct4 protein levels was essential for proper totipotential reprogramming.
FGF9, activin and TGFβ promote testicular characteristics in an XX gonad organ culture model
Authors: Gustin Sonja E , Stringer Jessica M , Hogg Kirsten , Sinclair Andrew H , Western Patrick S
Published: August 2016

Testis development is dependent on the key sex-determining factors SRY and SOX9, which activate the essential ligand FGF9. Although FGF9 plays a central role in testis development, it is unable to induce testis formation on its own. However, other growth factors, including activins and TGFβs, also present testis during testis formation. In this study, we investigated the potential of FGF9 combined with activin and TGFβ to induce testis development in cultured XX gonads. Our data demonstrated differing individual and combined abilities of FGF9, activin and TGFβ to promote supporting cell proliferation, Sertoli cell development and male germ line differentiation in cultured XX gonads. FGF9 promoted proliferation of supporting cells in XX foetal gonads at rates similar to those observedin vivoduring testis cord formation in XY gonads but was insufficient to initiate testis development. However, when FGF9, activin and TGFβ were combined, aspects of testicular development were induced, including the expression ofSox9, morphological reorganisation of the gonad and deposition of laminin around germ cells. Enhancing β-catenin activity diminished the testis-promoting activities of the combined growth factors. The male promoting activity of FGF9 and the combined growth factors directly or indirectly extended to the germ line, in which a mixed phenotype was observed. FGF9 and the combined growth factors promoted male germ line development, including mitotic arrest, but expression of pluripotency genes was maintained, rather than being repressed. Together, our data provide evidence that combined signalling by FGF9, activin and TGFβ can induce testicular characteristics in XX gonads.
Luxación Facetaria Unilateral Lumbosacra Postraumática
Authors: González Murillo Manuel , Zuñiga Gómez Lorenzo , Álvarez González Patricia , Sánchez-Mariscal Felisa , Pizones Arce Javier , Izquierdo Núñez Enrique
Published: August 2016

RESUMEN

En la bibliografía se han reportado alrededor de medio centenar de casos de luxaciones lumbosacras; la mayor parte se tratan de luxaciones facetarias bilaterales. Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 42 años con luxación facetaria unilateral lumbosacra de un mes de evolución tras accidente de tráfico. Se realiza artrodesis circunferencial L5-S1 instrumentada con caja intersomática y tornillos pediculares L5-S1.

 

La luxación lumbosacra es una lesión poco habitual que se produce gracias a la combinación de un mecanismo de alta energía con factores anatómicos predisponentes. Recientes publicaciones defienden la reducción quirúrgica y estabilización con instrumentación como tratamiento estándar.

Palabras clave

Luxación; unión lumbosacra; artrodesis

 

 

ABSTRACT

In the literature have been reported around fifty cases of lumbosacral dislocations; treated most bilateral facet dislocations. We report the case of a female 42 year old with unilateral lumbosacral facet dislocation of one month duration after accident. Circumferential instrumented fusion L5-S1 with interbody cage and pedicle screws L5-S1 was performed.

 

The lumbosacral dislocation is a rare injury that occurs due to the combination of a high-energy mechanism predisposing anatomical factors. Recent publications advocate the surgical reduction and stabilization with instrumentation as standard treatment.

Key Words

Dislocation; Lumbosacral junction; Arthrodesis.