bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular models of natural organic matter and its colloidal aggregation in aqueous solutions: Challenges and opportunities for computer simulations
Authors: Kalinichev Andrey G.
Published: December 2012

Natural organic matter (NOM) is ubiquitous in soil and groundwater, and its aqueous complexation with various inorganic and organic species can strongly affect the speciation, solubility, and toxicity of many elements in the environment. Despite significant geochemical, environmental, and industrial interest, the molecular-scale mechanisms of the physical and chemical processes involving NOM are not yet fully understood. Recent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using relatively simple models of NOM fragments are used here to illustrate the challenges and opportunities for the application of computational molecular modeling techniques to the structural, dynamic, and energetic characterization of metal–NOM complexation and colloidal aggregation in aqueous solutions. The predictions from large-scale MD simulations are in good qualitative agreement with available experimental observations, but also point out the need for simulations at much larger time- and length-scales with more complex NOM models in order to fully capture the diversity of molecular processes involving NOM.
(Un-)Verfügbarkeit. Bonaventuras Stigmata
Authors: Kiening Christian
Published: December 2012

The article traces the construction of the legend surrounding the mystery of Francis of Assisi’s stigmata, which are said to have appeared two years before his death. Central to this analysis, which is underpinned by sign and media theory, is the Legenda maior, a description of the life of Francis, written by Bonaventura four decades later on the basis of older testimonies and legends. The focus is on those strategies which allow the change of events between mediation and immediacy, in that they, on the one hand, are dominated by a concrete, spacial framework and, on the other, by moments of that which is unverfügbar.
Die Verfügbarkeit des Teufels und die Kunst
Authors: Schnyder Mireille
Published: December 2012

The article demonstrates how art and technique in the patristic discourse of antiquity are interpreted as strategies of making things verfügbar and associating them with the devil: this is shown in two image conceptions of Christian-theological discourse which are embodied in an exemplary way, on the one hand, by the idolater and tyrannical world conqueror Ninus and, on the other, by the dominator of demons, Zoroaster (Zarathustra). A central hypothesis is that those image reflections which are shaped following a Christian model are not determined by the interest in their production: they focus on the receptional level on which art can be effective as the object of a specific perception ad malam or ad bonam partem.
St. Erkenwald und die Verfügbarmachung des Unverfügbaren
Authors: Johnston Andrew James
Published: December 2012

This article is concerned with the narrative strategies of staging the miraculous in St. Erkenwald (c. 1400). The text explores the different degrees to which the divide between life and death remains exempt from the grasp of humans. In so doing, St. Erkenwald responds to complex late medieval debates involving historical, political and theological matters.
Die Verfügbarkeit des ewigen Lebens: Selbstopferszenarien in mittelalterlicher Literatur
Authors: Ridder Klaus
Published: December 2012

The article discusses the functions and structures of self-sacrifice in relevant literary representations. The central argument is that self-sacrifice – not only with a view to the culture of the Middle Ages – should, in a twofold sense, make verfügbar that which is not verfügbar: on the one hand, that which in current life is not accessible and, on the other, that which aims beyond the frontier of death. The prototype for self-sacrifice is, to be sure, constituted by the Passion of Christ which provides the model of imitatio as a certain path to salvation; however, since selfdestruction is part of this imitatio, it becomes an illegitimate form of disposing of one’s own life, and this is in conflict with the Christian ethic.
Zeichen lesen im höfischen Roman
Authors: Baisch Martin
Published: December 2012

The category of the Spur – ‘trace’ – (as well as its epistemological and semiotic status in cultural and literary science) is a vexed question. The objective of this article is to attempt to contribute to the clarification of these problems and to widen reflexions on the sign through the category of the Spur. The starting point of this discussion is the scene of the blood drops in the snow in Wolfram von Eschenbach‘s Parzival. The author discusses the narrative mises-en-scène of Spuren and their integration in complex perceptional and interpretational processes. The central argument is that Wolfram‘s poetological strategy aims at making traces verfügbar, while nevertheless keeping them present in their Unverfügbarkeit.
Spielraum im Diesseits. (Un-)Verfügbarkeit der Zeit und des Ichs
Authors: Auteri Laura
Published: December 2012

The article questions the changes which took place in the perception of time and of the self during an epoch of historical transition. Using the example of early modern prose romances (among others Fortunatus, Hug Schapler, Der Goldfaden) it is demonstrated that the category of the linearity of (a life-) time acquires a new meaning and that simultaneously the perception of time starts to detach itself from the cyclical rhythm of nature (and from the liturgical year). In this way, the conceptions of the Verfügbarkeit of time and of life are shifted. The article shows the extent to which the prose romance thematised in different ways the relations which are fraught with tension between the Unverfügbarkeit of a lifetime and the cyclical dimensions of time; in addition it also demonstrates the role which is thus played by self-awareness.
Freiheit, Widerfahrnis und Unverfügbarkeit. Der Wille zum Entgrenzen des Verfügbaren
Authors: Landweer Hilge
Published: December 2012

Central to these considerations is not only the context, but also the differentiation of action, Widerfahrnis [occurrence] and Unverfügbarkeit as a problem of philosophy. While a subjective moment of experiencing is inherent to Widerfahrnis, this is not true of Unverfügbarkeit; here a distinction is to be made between that which is contingently given and that which is absolutely given as unverfügbar. The main hypothesis is that the relationship between Verfügbarkeit and Unverfügbarkeit is determined by asymmetry and that, despite their contraposition, the use of both concepts is mainly motivated by the desire for self-determination.
Herrschaftlichkeit und Unverfügbarkeit. Versuch, eine ,Verknäuelung‘ exemplarisch aufzulösen
Authors: Wolf Frieder Otto
Published: December 2012

The article addresses the question of whether the category of Unverfügbarkeit disappears in non-metaphysical preconditions or how it can be re-conceptualised in, for example, an amorous relationship. The notion of an all-round Verfügbarkeit in amorous relationships is criticised; the possibilities are discussed of being able to avoid those power differences which, when they appear in different life contexts, are developed and go on to assume an independent existence. As a constructive approach, the concept of a ‘free love’ is introduced into the debate.
Comic Rivalry and the Number of Comic Poets at the Lenaia of 405 B. C.
Authors: Hartwig Andrew
Published: December 2012

This paper considers further evidence that five comic poets as opposed to three competed at the Lenaia and City Dionysia festivals in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Aristophanes’ abuse of his comic rivals Phrynichos, Ameipsias and Lykis in the opening scene ofFrogs, produced at the Lenaia of 405, is interpreted as a response to his immediate competitors at the dramatic contest that year. A survey of the evidence elsewhere in comedy suggests that comic poets usually reserved such attacks on rival poets for occasions when all were in direct competition at the same festival. Further analysis of Aristophanes’ competitive strategies also suggests these poets immediate participation in the festival and therefore that five poets competed at the Lenaia that year.
The Historical Present of Atelic and Durative Verbs in Greek Tragedy
Authors: Boter Gerard
Published: December 2012

Among modern scholars of ancient Greek it is almost universally accepted that the historical present is only used for (telic) events and not for (atelic) states and activities. A survey of the extant complete tragedies shows that this view is untenable: there are passages where static verbs like κεῖμαι ‘lie’ and εὕδω ‘sleep’ are used in the historical present and where the historical present describes a state or activity which is extended in time. On the one hand this shows that punctuality or decisiveness cannot be regarded as the basic function of the historical present; on the other it leads to new interpretations of a number of passages in Greek tragedy.
Matching in Mind the Sea Beast’s Complexion. On the Pragmatics of Plutarch′s Hypomnemata and Scientific Innovation: The Case of Q. N. 19 (916 BF)
Authors: Meeusen Michiel
Published: December 2012

This article is devoted to Plutarch’s natural-philosophical interests and aspirations, as expressed more precisely in his collection of Quaestiones Naturales, which has been generally underestimated by scholars. In order to speculate about the actual position of this collection in the Corpus Plutarcheum, I present a case study of one particular problem, viz. Q.N. 19 (916BF). In the first part of the article, the scope is primarily confined to the traditional sources on which Plutarch relies, but I also take into account Plutarch’s conception of scientific innovation, as it is formulated in Quaestiones convivales. In the second part, I deal with the problematic degree of moral dynamics and literary stylistics, which are, in the main, absent from Quaestiones Naturales. I analyse a cluster of parallel passages (De soll. an. 978EF; De am. mult. 96F–97A; De ad. et am. 51D–53D; Alc. 23, 4–5) by way of contrast to Q.N. 19. This yields insight into Plutarch’s argumentative tactics and his process of writing and rewriting, with a particular focus on his use of ὑπομνήματα. On chronological grounds, I argue that at a certain point Plutarch bears the hypomnematic material of Q.N. 19 in his topical mind, but also that there are certain indications that Q.N. 19 itself is based on other ὑπομνήματα, which in turn provides new material for speculating about the true nature of Quaestiones Naturales as a “collection of notes” and about what the actual range of this label might be.
Per la storia del testo di Plauto nell’antichità (e ancora sui due Sisenna)
Authors: Lucarini Carlo Martino
Published: December 2012

The aim of this paper is to show that the Plautine Textgeschichte as reconstructed by M. Deufert may be regarded as convincing, although some aspects need to be corrected. A new examination of Gellius 3. 3 (combined with other passages by Festus and Servius, enables us to understand that the famous Republican edition did not contain 130 plays, but 40. In addition, we attempt to demonstrate that Varro did not provide an index of plays that he himself regarded as authentic. The only index provided by Varro was the index containing the 21 plays considered authentic by his predecessors.

A new analysis of Probus’ Plautine philology demonstrates that Probus did not prepare a new edition af Plautus: while it is extremely likely that he published a new influential edition of Vergil (which, by the way, caused the disappearance of the Appendix from our corpus), there is no reason to think that he devoted his editorial activity to Plautus.

In the last part of the paper we discuss the famous problem of the identity of Sisenna. Although some recent scholars (particularly Perutelli and Aragosti) have tried to demonstrate that the Sisenna, who composed a Plautine commentary, was the famous historian (died 67 BC), I prefer to maintain Deufert’s opinion, viz. that Sisenna the commentator of Plautus lived in the second or third century AD. A new analysis of some of Sisenna’s grammatical fragments is also provided.
Hungernde Dichter, unwillige Mäzene. Baptista Mantuanus’ Ekloge V und die römische Satire
Authors: Fetkenheuer Klaus
Published: December 2012

In his fifth eclogue Candidus the Neo-latin poet Baptista Mantuanus, known in the Renaissance as the “second Virgil”, deals with the poverty of writers and the stinginess of patrons. The dialogue between the sincere-minded poet Candidus, who is frustrated by his hopeless situation, and the rich Silvanus, who gives only empty promises of help, turns out, however, to be futile. As can be demonstrated by the quotations taken mainly from the Roman satirists, Mantuanus makes use of the classical texts as far as they serve his purpose and explicitly displays a subtle view of his various sources. Quoting from classical literature he often compares Candidus, his alter ego, with the victims of Horace, Juvenal and Persius, and frequently transforms the positive aspect of the original into its contrary. This technique emphasizes the needy poet’s self-ironical attitude confirmed by his exaggerated complaints describing his calamity. That is why Candidus appears to be a self-pitying and self-centered character, while, on the other hand, Silvanus represents the specimen of a miser giving nothing but flimsy promises, with the result that the dialogue remains stagnant and ultimately ineffective.
„Unser Rohde“. Der Briefwechsel zwischen Franz Overbeck und Otto Crusius
Authors: Bestebreurtje Frank Peter
Published: December 2012

Working on a biography of his predecessor Erwin Rohde, Otto Crusius approached historical theologian Franz Overbeck, who was one of Rohde’s best friends. Overbeck sent Crusius copies of most of the letters he had received from Rohde, and Crusius used them for his book, which was published early 1902 and still is the best biographical work on Rohde. In the spring of 1902 Crusius visited Overbeck in Basel, and Overbeck in particular came to value their acquaintance. Their correspondence, stretching from 1901 until Overbeck’s death in 1905, contains important personal and substantial views on Rohde, his relationship with Nietzsche, as well as on philological and literary topics, including Overbeck’s feud with Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche, Nietzsche’s sister.
Menander's Epitrepontes and the Festival of the Tauropolia
Authors: Bathrellou Eftychia
Published: December 2012

The paper examines the surviving references to the setting of the rapes in New Comedy. It argues that the fact that rapes are commonly set in the course of nocturnal festival activities should not be seen merely as a convenient plot device. By using Menander's Epitrepontes as a case study, the paper suggests that there is a close relationship between the character of the festivals where rapes are set and a major theme in the plays themselves: namely, the maturation of the young protagonists and their transition into adulthood. The paper also offers a reassessment of the evidence we have for the Tauropoliaâ€”the Attic festival where the rape is set in the Epitrepontes.
Athletics and Social Order in Sparta in the Classical Period
Authors: Christesen P.
Published: December 2012

This article seeks to situate the athletic activities of Spartiates and their unmarried daughters during the Classical period in their broader societal context by using theoretical perspectives taken from sociology in general and the sociology of sport in particular to explore how those activities contributed to the maintenance of social order in Sparta. Social order is here taken to denote a system of interlocking societal institutions, practices, and norms that is relatively stable over time. Athletics was a powerful mechanism that helped to generate consensus and to socialize and coerce individuals. It thus induced compliance with behavioral norms on the part of both females and males and thereby contributed meaningfully to the maintenance of social order in Sparta. Athletics inculcated conformity to norms that called for females to be compliant, beautiful objects of male desire. Athletics had an equally profound effect on Spartan males because it inculcated compliance with norms that valorized subordination of the individual to the group, playing the part of the soldier, and meritocratic status competition. Athletics may well have also to some degree empowered both Spartan females and males, but its liberatory dimensions can easily be unduly amplified. There is an ever-present dialectic in athletics, between its ability to reinforce norms that underpin the prevailing social order and its ability to foster individual autonomy. In the case of Sparta, the balance in that dialectic always inclined very much toward the former.
The Aesthetics of Violence: Myth and Danger in Roman Domestic Landscapes
Authors: Newby Zahra
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the use of art to recreate violent mythological landscapes in Roman domestic ensembles. Focusing on the Niobids found in two imperial horti it argues that the combination of sculpture and landscape exerted a powerful imaginative effect over ancient viewers, drawing them into the recreated mythological world. Mythological landscape paintings also offered a view out onto a mythological realm, fostering the illusion of direct access to the spaces of myth. However, these fantasy landscapes need to be seen in the light of the associations which natural landscapes held in the Roman imagination. Recreations of mythological landscapes in domestic art express the desire to incorporate the natural world into the domestic sphere but through the presence of violent events they also highlight the inherent powers of those landscapes and the gods who frequent them. They speak to a yearning to immerse oneself in myth and the natural realm, yet also warn of the perils of such a desire.
Making Knowledge Whole: Genres of Synthesis and Grammars of Ignorance
Authors: Zakariya Nasser
Published: December 2012

This essay examines genres of synthesis, by which I mean different modes for synthesizing the branches of knowledge through appeal to different representations (images, figures, framing devices, etc.) orienting scientific labor/research. These genres emerge simultaneously as concrete representations of the synthesis of knowledge on the one hand and organizational schemes for the achievement of that synthesis on the other. The article focuses on the synthetic work of two prolific scientists, astronomer Harlow Shapley and physicist George Gamow, attempting to give a sense of common aspects of their synthesizing visions and efforts. Extended attention is given to two central synthesizing genres operating within Gamow and Shapley’s long-standing projects, the scalar and the historical, demonstrating the changing importance of these schemes and their relation to historical contexts. Emphasis on their mid-century interest in “grammars of nature” allows comparison of their synthetic and historical commitments with the work of other synthetic efforts, in particular those of the Unity of Science movement. This history allows us to refine the concept of genres of synthesis further tying it to conceptions of the unknown, of popularization, and of meaning-making while at the same time providing an overview of Shapley and Gamow’s consonant network-building practices.
Molecular evidence of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia massiliae in ixodid ticks of carnivores from South Hungary
Authors: Hornok Sándor , Fuente José , Horváth Gábor , Fernández de Mera Isabel , Wijnveld Michiel , Tánczos Balázs , Farkas Róbert , Jongejan Frans
Published: December 2012

To monitor the emergence of thermophilic, Mediterranean ixodid tick species and tick-borne pathogens in southern Hungary, 348 ticks were collected from shepherd dogs, red foxes and golden jackals during the summer of 2011. Golden jackals shared tick species with both the dog and the red fox in the region.Dermacentornymphs were collected exclusively from dogs, and the sequence identification of these ticks indicated that dogs are preferred hosts of bothD. reticulatusandD. marginatusnymphs, unlike previously reported. Subadults of three ixodid species were selected for reverse line blot hybridisation (RLB) analysis to screen their vector potential for 40 pathogens/groups. Results were negative forAnaplasma,BabesiaandTheileriaspp. Investigation ofD. marginatusnymphs revealed the presence ofEhrlichia canis,Rickettsia massiliaeandBorrelia afzeliifor the first time in this tick species. These findings broaden the range of those tick-borne agents, which are typically transmitted byRhipicephalus sanguineus, but may also haveDermacentorspp. as potential or alternative vectors.Ehrlichiacaniswas also newly detected inIxodes canisugalarvae from red foxes. In absence of transovarial transmission in ticks this implies that Eurasian red foxes may play a reservoir role in the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis.
Milk production, raw milk quality and fertility of dromedary camels (Camelus Dromedarius) under intensive management
Authors: Nagy Péter , Thomas Sonia , Markó Orsolya , Juhász Jutka
Published: December 2012

In many arid countries, dromedaries play an important role as a milk source in rural areas. However, the milk and meat production potential of this species is not well understood and documented. A large-scale camel dairy farm was established in 2006 in the United Arab Emirates. This study summarises the most important data on milk production, raw milk quality and reproductive efficiency collected on this farm during the first three years of operation. The average daily milk production, the mean length of lactation and the mean total milk production per lactation of 174 dromedaries were 6.0 ± 0.12 kg (± SEM), 586 ± 11.0 days (± SEM) and 3314 ± 98.5 kg (± SEM), respectively. The lactation curve reached its peak during the 4th month after parturition (mean ± SEM, 8.9 ± 0.04 kg), then it declined gradually, falling to 50% of the maximum by the 16th month postpartum (mean ± SEM, 4.3 ± 0.06 kg). Milking three times a day did not increase daily milk production compared to two times milking. Mean total viable bacterial count (TVC) and mean somatic cell count (SCC, ± SEM) of bulk raw camel milk were 4,403 ± 94 CFU/cm3and 392,602 ± 5,999 cells/cm3for a one-year period, respectively. There was a significant difference among months (P < 0.001). Coliform count was < 10 CFU/cm3in most cases (96.5%). The average (± SEM) fat, protein, lactose, total solids (TS) and solid-non-fat (SNF) concentrations of individual milk samples were 2.51 ± 0.03%, 2.60 ± 0.01%, 4.03 ± 0.03%, 9.98 ± 0.03% and 7.56 ± 0.03%, respectively. Lactation period, average daily milk production and morning vs. evening milking significantly influenced milk chemical composition. For the 470 camels in the breeding programme, end-of-season pregnancy rate and birth rate were 87.0% and 82.6%, respectively, after natural mating. We have demonstrated that sustainable milk production is possible from a traditional species, the dromedary camel, under an intensive management system.
Influence of rumen-protected choline on liver composition and blood variables indicating energy balance in periparturient dairy cows
Authors: Elek Péter , Gaál Tibor , Husvéth Ferenc
Published: December 2012

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) was evaluated for effects on the lipid and glycogen content of the liver and metabolic variables in the blood plasma of dairy cows. Thirty-two Holstein cows were allocated into two groups (RPC group with RPC supplementation and control group without RPC supplementation) 28 days before the expected calving. Cows were fed the experimental diet from 21 days before calving until day 60 of lactation. The diet of the RPC group was supplemented with 100 g/day of RPC from 21 days prepartum until calving and 200 g/day of RPC for 60 days postpartum, providing 25 and 50 g of choline, respectively. Liver samples were taken by percutaneous needle biopsy, then analysed for total lipid (TLl), triglyceride (TGl) and glycogen (GLYl) contents on days −21, +7, +35 and +60 relative to calving. Blood was collected on the same sampling days and 21 days after calving. Glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), triglyceride (TGp), total cholesterol (TCh), urea, ammonia and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined from blood samples. The TLland TGlcontents were 25.0 ± 4.3 g and 25.3 ± 3.8 g per kg wet weight (mean ± SEM), respectively, lower in the RPC group than in the control animals. No significant differences were observed in the GLYlconcentrations between the two groups. However, a lower TGl: GLYlratio was shown in the liver of cows fed the RPC diet as compared to the controls. RPC supplementation decreased BHBA while increasing TGpconcentrations were shown in the blood of cows fed the RPC diet, possibly as a consequence of improved lipoprotein synthesis in, and triglyceride excretion from, the liver, together with a reduced rate of ketogenesis.
Magnetic resonance imaging and brainstem auditory evoked responses in the diagnosis of cerebellar cortical degeneration in american staffordshire terriers
Authors: Kwiatkowska Miłosława , Pomianowski Andrzej , Adamiak Zbigniew , Bocheńska Aneta
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) in dogs suspected of having cerebellar cortical degeneration (CCD). In the years 2009–2011, six dogs with suspected CCD were examined. Both MRI and BAER examinations revealed abnormalities in all dogs (100%). By MRI, T2-weighted midsagittal images revealed an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the cerebellum within the sulci of the folia in all dogs (100%). In 4 out of the 6 dogs (66.66%), cerebellar hypoplasia was more visible in the region of the dorsal cerebellar lobules. In 5 out of the 6 dogs (83.33%), the fourth ventricle was enlarged. In our studies, the brain to cerebellum ratio evaluated on the midsagittal image was 11.93%, in comparison to 14.9% in normal dogs. By BAER examination, the amplitude of the first and second waves was diminished and III–V interlatency was prolonged in 5 out of the 6 dogs (83.33%). In one out of the 6 dogs (16.67%), only the III–V interlatency was prolonged. In one dog (16.67%), somato-nervous deafness in the left ear was detected, whereas in the right ear the III–V interlatency was prolonged. MRI of the cerebellum is a reliable method for the antemortem diagnosis of CCD in American Staffordshire terriers, as is BAER examination. BAER is an objective diagnostic tool, which — along with other diagnostic modalities — can be helpful in the assessment, management and follow-up of dogs with cerebellar abiotrophy. It proved to be useful in determining the severity of neurological lesions in comparison to MRI findings, as well as in assessing the prognosis.
Histopathological changes caused by the nymph stage of Linguatula serrata in the mesenteric lymph nodes of goats
Authors: Yakhchali Mohammad , Tehrani Ali
Published: December 2012

Linguatula serrata (Fröhlich, 1789) is a ubiquitous parasite species belonging to pentastomids, which has been reported frequently from domestic herbivores of Iran. This study was carried out to elucidate the pathological changes caused by the nymphal stage of L. serrata in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of goats. Jejunal and ileal MLNs of slaughtered goats infected with L. serrata were collected and fixed in 10% neutral formal saline. Histopathological changes included follicular necrosis accompanied by a loss of lymphocytes and oedematous cystlike spaces. Granulomatous lesions were formed by mononuclear cell infiltration and necrotic tissue. Some lymphocytes were apoptotic with chromatolysis. A more frequent vascular abnormality was vasculitis. These findings show that larval migration is the main factor to initiate trauma and cause irritation in the MLNs of goats. Since goats are habitual intermediate hosts in Iran, rigorous inspection of the MLNs of slaughtered goats is recommended in order to decrease the chance of human infection through the consumption of raw visceral organs of goats.
Molecular and genetic characteristics of small ruminant lentiviruses in Slovenia
Authors: Kuhar Urška , Barlič-Maganja Darja , Zadnik Tomaž , Grom Jože
Published: December 2012

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are spread throughout the world, including Slovenia, where the first evidence of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection was found in 1996. This study was conducted to investigate the molecular and genetic characteristics of SRLV infection in Slovenia in order to classify our strains in relation to other known SRLV strains worldwide as well as to establish molecular techniques in concordance with serology. In this study, 340 goats and sheep were tested. Serological examination revealed that 57% of the goats and only 14% of the sheep were seropositive. The results of this study also show that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used in this study is less reliable than ELISA, with only 60.6% of the seropositive animals being PCR positive. Thirty-eight nucleotide sequences of the gag region encoding the matrix protein were determined and compared to sequences derived from the GenBank, revealing that Slovenian SRLV strains belong to sequence groups A and B, being maedivisna virus (MVV) and CAEV-like, respectively. In one goat herd, the presence of more than one genotype was confirmed and the majority of goat SRLV sequences were more closely related to MVV than to CAEV prototype strains.
Use of retinyl acetate, retinoic acid and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to enhance goat embryo production
Authors: Chiamenti Adauto , Filho Cristiano , Moura Marcelo , Paula-Lopes Fabíola , Neves Jairo , Neto Cícero , Gonçalves Paulo , Lima Paulo , Oliveira Marcos
Published: December 2012

Experiments were carried out to investigate the beneficial effects of retinyl acetate (RAc) and retinoic acid (RA) on goat oocyte maturation as well as the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), RAc and RA during embryo culture under chemically defined conditions. In Experiment 1,in vitromaturation (IVM) was performed in a chemically defined basic maturation medium (bMM) supplemented with 0.3 μM RAc or 0.5 μM RA. Presumptive zygotes and embryos (2–4 cells) were cultured in droplets of potassium simplex optimised medium (KSOM); however, none of the embryos reached the blastocyst stage. In Experiment 2, oocytes were matured in bMM + RAc or bMM + RA. Presumptive zygotes and 2- to 4-cell embryos were placed in fresh KSOM droplets supplemented with RAc, RA, IGF-I, RAc+IGF-I or RA+IGF-I. In Experiment 1, addition of RAc and RA to bMM increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of 2- to 4-cell embryos reaching the morula stage as compared to the control. In Experiment 2, supplementation of embryo culture media with retinoids and IGF-I increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of 2- to 4-cell stage embryos developing to the morula and blastocyst stage. Our data demonstrate that goat embryo production in chemically defined media could be improved by exogenous RAc or RA and by the interaction between retinoids and IGF-I, and that goat embryos can be producedin vitrofrom oocytes following protocols similar to those currently used for cattle.
Daidzein affects steroidogenesis and oestrogen receptor expression in medium ovarian follicles of pigs
Authors: Nynca Anna , Słonina Dominika , Jablońska Olga , Kamińska Barbara , Ciereszko Renata
Published: December 2012

Daidzein, a phytoestrogen present in soybean products used in swine feed, has been demonstrated to affect both reproductive and endocrine functions. The aims of this study were to examine the in vitro effects of daidzein on (1) progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) secretion by porcine luteinised granulosa cells harvested from medium follicles, and (2) the mRNA and protein expression of oestrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) in these cells. The influence of E2 on P4 secretion and ERα and ERβ expression in the granulosa cells of pigs was also investigated. It was found that daidzein inhibited progesterone secretion by luteinised granulosa cells isolated from medium follicles. In contrast, E2 did not affect progesterone production by these cells. Moreover, daidzein did not alter the granulosal secretion of E2. Both daidzein and E2 decreased mRNA expression of ERα in the cells examined. The expression of ERβ mRNA was not affected by daidzein but was inhibited by E2. ERα protein was not detected while ERβ protein was found in the nuclei of the cells. Daidzein and E2 upregulated the expression of ERβ protein in the cells. In summary, the phytoestrogen daidzein directly affected the porcine ovary by inhibiting progesterone production and increasing ERβ protein expression. Daidzein-induced changes in follicular steroidogenesis and granulosal sensitivity to oestrogens may disturb reproductive processes in pigs.
Differential expression of GDF9, TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 in porcine oocytes isolated from follicles of different size before and after culture in vitro
Authors: Jackowska Marta , Kempisty Bartosz , Woźna Magdalena , Piotrowska Hanna , Antosik Paweł , Zawierucha Piotr , Bukowska Dorota , Nowicki Michał , Jaśkowski Jędrzej , Brüssow Klaus-Peter
Published: December 2012

The TGFB superfamily genes are involved in several important cell functions, including proliferation and differentiation, and the role of the expression of these genes in growth and development of theca and granulosa cells is well recognised. However, the dependence between the stage of oocyte maturation or follicular size and the expression of these genes in pigs is still not entirely known. This study was aimed at investigating the expression pattern of GDF9, TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 in porcine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM) as well as in oocytes collected from follicles of different sizes. RQ-PCR was performed to analyse the expression of GDF9, TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 in oocytes before and after IVM (oocytes cultured for 44 h in TCM-199), isolated from large (> 5 mm), medium (3–5 mm) and small (< 3 mm) follicles collected from ovaries of 28 puberal crossbred Landrace gilts after slaughter. We found an increased expression of both TGFB1 and TGFB2 in oocytes before IVM collected from large as compared to medium and small follicles (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). In these groups of oocytes we did not observe differences in GDF9 and TGFB3 mRNA levels. However, after IVM, GDF9 protein distribution in oocytes was significantly higher in large and medium follicles as compared to small ones (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, an increased TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3 proteins pattern was observed in oocytes of large compared to small follicles. The highest GDF9 and TGFB1 mRNA levels were found in oocytes after IVM compared to those before IVM. Based on our study we can suppose that the distribution pattern of TGFB superfamily genes is associated with the stage of maturation of porcine oocytes and the follicle size. Furthermore, GDF9 and TGFB1 may serve as molecular markers of the develop-mental potential of porcine oocytes. The confocal microscopic observation revealed that TGFB1 and TGFB3 were translocated between the zona and the cytoplasm of oocytes, depending on the stage of maturation and follicle size.
Nilpotent elements and McCoy rings
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhu Xiaosheng , Gu Qinqin
Published: December 2012

We introduce the concept of nil-McCoy rings to study the structure of the set of nilpotent elements in McCoy rings. This notion extends the concepts of McCoy rings and nil-Armendariz rings. It is proved that every semicommutative ring is nil-McCoy. We shall give an example to show that nil-McCoy rings need not be semicommutative. Moreover, we show that nil-McCoy rings need not be right linearly McCoy. More examples of nil-McCoy rings are given by various extensions. On the other hand, the properties of α-McCoy rings by considering the polynomials in the skew polynomial ring R[x; α] in place of the ring R[x] are also investigated. For a monomorphism α of a ring R, it is shown that if R is weak α-rigid and α-reversible then R is α-McCoy.
Joint distributions of circular runs of various lengths based on multi-colour Pólya urn model
Authors: Bhattacharya Sonali
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we have used Eryilmaz’s (2008) multi-colour Pólya urn model to obtain joint distributions of runs of t-types of exact lengths (k1, k2, …, kt), at least lengths (k1, k2, …, kt), non-overlapping runs of lengths (k1, k2, … kt) and overlapping runs of lengths (k1, k2, … kt) when counting of runs is done in a circular setup. We have also derived joint distributions of longest runs of various types under similar conditions. Distributions of runs have found applications in fields of reliability of consecutive-k-out-of n: F system, consecutive k-out-of-r-from n: F system, start-up demonstration test, molecular biology, radar detection, time sharing systems and quality control. The literature is profound in discussion of marginal distribution and joint distribution of runs of various types under linear and circular setup using techniques like urn model with balls of two or more colours, probability generating function and compounding discrete distribution with suitable beta functions. Through this paper for first time effort been made to discuss joint distributions of runs of various lengths and types using Multi-colour urn model.
Fundamental group of Desargues configuration spaces
Authors: Berceanu Barbu , Parveen Saima
Published: December 2012

We compute the fundamental group of various spaces of Desargues configurations in complex projective spaces: planar and non-planar configurations, with a fixed center and also with an arbitrary center.
Varieties generated by 2-testable monoids
Authors: Lee Edmond
Published: December 2012

The smallest monoid containing a 2-testable semigroup is defined to be a 2-testable monoid. The well-known Brandt monoid B21
of order six is an example of a 2-testable monoid. The finite basis problem for 2-testable monoids was recently addressed and solved. The present article continues with the investigation by describing all monoid varieties generated by 2-testable monoids. It is shown that there are 28 such varieties, all of which are finitely generated and precisely 19 of which are finitely based. As a comparison, the sub-variety lattice of the monoid variety generated by the monoid B21
is examined. This lattice has infinite width, satisfies neither the ascending chain condition nor the descending chain condition, and contains non-finitely generated varieties.
New characterizations of p-soluble and p-supersoluble finite groups
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Skiba Alexander
Published: December 2012

Let G be a finite group and H a subgroup of G. H is said to be S-quasinormal in G if HP = PH for all Sylow subgroups P of G. Let HsG be the subgroup of H generated by all those subgroups of H which are S-quasinormal in G and HsG the intersection of all S-quasinormal subgroups of G containing H. The symbol |G|p denotes the order of a Sylow p-subgroup of G. We prove the followingTheorem A. Let G be a finite group and p a prime dividing |G|. Then G is p-supersoluble if and only if for every cyclic subgroup H ofḠ (G) of prime order or order 4 (if p = 2), Ḡhas a normal subgroup T such thatHsḠandH∩T=HsḠ∩T.Theorem B. A soluble finite group G is p-supersoluble if and only if for every 2-maximal subgroup E of G such that Op′ (G) ≦ E and |G: E| is not a power of p, G has an S-quasinormal subgroup T with cyclic Sylow p-subgroups such that EsG = ET and |E ∩ T|p = |EsG ∩ T|p.Theorem C. A finite group G is p-soluble if for every 2-maximal subgroup E of G such that Op′ (G) ≦ E and |G: E| is not a power of p, G has an S-quasinormal subgroup T such that EsG = ET and |E ∩ Tp = |EsG ∩ T|p.
Adsorption studies of mussel-inspired peptides
Authors: Richter Katharina , Diaconu Gabriela , Rischka Klaus , Amkreutz Marc , Müller Frank A. , Hartwig Andreas
Published: December 2012

A decapeptide sequence derived from the blue mussel protein (mefp 1) was modified in order to study the effect of the sequence length and the content of the amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) on the peptides adsorption properties. These modifications involved varying DOPA content (n = 0; 1; 2; 4) and varying peptide sequence repetition number (x = 1; 2). The adsorption properties of these peptides were determined by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements on TiO2 and SiO2 substrates and diametrically opposed trends were observed. A key aspect of the work was to study the effect of oxidation of DOPA-containing peptides on the adsorption. This effect was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on TiO2 substrates and augmented the QCM measurements. The results presented here provide information about the interplay between size and the DOPA content of the peptide. The results for titanium showed an increase in adsorption for a higher DOPA content, while the effect was more distinct for the shorter peptides. On the basis of these observations, possible explanations are given for the sequence length differences and the variation of the DOPA groups within mussel proteins.
Serum Adiponectin Levels and Mortality after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Alam Ahsan , Molnar Miklos Z. , Czira Maria E. , Rudas Anna , Ujszaszi Akos , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Rosivall Laszlo , Mucsi Istvan
Published: December 2012

Background and objectives

Adiponectin (ADPN), an adipose tissue–derived hormone, has protective properties with respect to atherogenesis, inflammation, and energy homeostasis. Its beneficial role has not been consistent in patients with CKD or those undergoing dialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study examined the association of plasma ADPN levels in 987 prevalent kidney transplant recipients (mean age ± SD, 51.0±12.8 years; estimated GFR, 52.8±21.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2; median time since transplant, 78 months) on all-cause mortality and death-censored graft failure. Patients were enrolled between February and August 2007 and were followed for a median of 51 months (interquartile range, 49–53 months). Using Cox proportional hazard models, the association of log-transformed plasma adiponectin was studied, with and without adjustment for demographic variables, baseline GFR, markers of inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

At baseline, patients in the lowest ADPN tertile were significantly more likely to be male; to be smokers; to have a higher baseline GFR, lower systolic BP, and lower HDL cholesterol level; and to have higher body mass index, abdominal circumference, C-reactive protein level, and total cholesterol level. The adjusted hazard ratio for death with elevated plasma ADPN (per natural log) was 1.44, and there was no significant interaction with any relevant cardiovascular risk subgroups (i.e., advanced age; diabetes; or elevated body mass index, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, or Framingham risk score). The hazard for death-censored graft failure was nonsignificant at 1.03.

Conclusion

Elevated ADPN levels are associated with higher risk for death but not allograft failure in prevalent kidney transplant recipients.
Plasma Metabolomic Profiles in Different Stages of CKD
Authors: Shah Vallabh O. , Townsend Raymond R. , Feldman Harold I. , Pappan Kirk L. , Kensicki Elizabeth , Vander Jagt David L.
Published: December 2012

Background and objectives

CKD is a common public health problem. Identifying biomarkers adds prognostic/diagnostic value by contributing to an understanding of CKD at the molecular level and possibly defining new drug targets. Metabolomics provides a snapshot of biochemical events at a particular time in the progression of CKD. This cross-sectional metabolomics study ascertained whether plasma metabolite profiles are significantly different in CKD stages 2, 3, and 4.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

An analysis of plasma metabolites, using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, was conducted on 30 nondiabetic men ages 40–52 years, with 10 participants each in CKD stages 2, 3, and 4 based on their estimated GFR (calculated by the Modified Diet in Renal Disease formula). Participants were recruited in late 2008, and plasma samples were tested at Metabolon Inc and analyzed in 2012.

Results

Comparison of stage 3/stage 2 identified 62 metabolites that differed (P≤0.05), with 39 higher and 23 lower in stage 3 compared with stage 2; comparisons of stage 4/stage 2 identified 111 metabolites, with 66 higher and 45 lower; and comparisons of stage 4/stage 3 identified 11 metabolites, with 7 higher and 4 lower. Major differences in metabolite profiles with increasing stage of CKD were observed, including altered arginine metabolism, elevated coagulation/inflammation, impaired carboxylate anion transport, and decreased adrenal steroid hormone production.

Conclusions

Global metabolite profiling of plasma uncovered potential biomarkers of stages of CKD. Moreover, these biomarkers provide insight into possible pathophysiologic processes that may contribute to progression of CKD.
Nephrologists’ Professional Ethics in Dialysis Practices
Authors: Ozar David T. , Kristensen Cynthia , Fadem Stephen Z. , Blaser Robert , Singer Dale , Moss Alvin H.
Published: December 2012

Although the number of incidents is unknown, professional quality-oriented renal organizations have become aware of an increased number of complaints regarding nephrologists who approach patients with the purpose of influencing patients to change nephrologists or dialysis facilities (hereinafter referred to as patient solicitation). This development prompted the Forum of ESRD Networks and the Renal Physicians Association to publish a policy statement on professionalism and ethics in medical practice as these concepts relate to patient solicitation. Also common but not new is the practice of nephrologists trying to recruit their own patients to a new dialysis unit in which they have a financial interest. This paper presents two illustrative cases and provides an ethical framework for analyzing patient solicitation and physician conflict of interest. This work concludes that, in the absence of objective data that medical treatment is better elsewhere, nephrologists who attempt to influence patients to change nephrologists or dialysis facilities fall short of accepted ethical standards pertaining to professional conduct, particularly with regard to the physician–patient relationship, informed consent, continuity of care, and conflict of interest.
Estimation of laser-Doppler anemometry measuring volume displacement in cylindrical pipe flow
Authors: Ristic Slavica , Ilic Jelena , Cantrak Djordje , Ristic Ognjen , Jankovic Novica
Published: December 2012

Laser-Doppler anemometry application in measurements of the 3-D swirl
turbulent flow velocity in the cylindrical pipe, behind the axial fan, have
been analysed. This paper presents a brief overview of uncertainty sources in
the laser-Doppler anemometry measurements. Special attention is paid to
estimation of laser-Doppler anemometry measuring volume positioning in
cylindrical pipe flow due to optical aberrations, caused by the pipe wall
curvature. The hypothesis, that in the central part of the pipe (r/R < 0.6)
exists a small, or negligible pipe wall influence on laser- -Doppler
anemometry measuring position, is investigate. The required corrections, for
measurements of axial, tangential, and radial velocity components such: shift
of measuring volume and its orientation are analyzed and determined for used
test rig and for some other pipe geometries.