bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Linkage Map and QTL Analysis for Pyrethroid Resistance in the Bed BugCimex lectularius
Authors: Fountain Toby , Ravinet Mark , Naylor Richard , Reinhardt Klaus , Butlin Roger K
Published: October 2016

The rapid evolution of insecticide resistance remains one of the biggest challenges in the control of medically and economically important pests. Insects have evolved a diverse range of mechanisms to reduce the efficacy of the commonly used classes of insecticides, and finding the genetic basis of resistance is a major aid to management. In a previously unstudied population, we performed an F2 resistance mapping cross for the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, for which insecticide resistance is increasingly widespread. Using 334 SNP markers obtained through RAD-sequencing, we constructed the first linkage map for the species, consisting of 14 putative linkage groups (LG), with a length of 407 cM and an average marker spacing of 1.3 cM. The linkage map was used to reassemble the recently published reference genome, facilitating refinement and validation of the current genome assembly. We detected a major QTL on LG12 associated with insecticide resistance, occurring in close proximity (1.2 Mb) to a carboxylesterase encoding candidate gene for pyrethroid resistance. This provides another example of this candidate gene playing a major role in determining survival in a bed bug population following pesticide resistance evolution. The recent availability of the bed bug genome, complete with a full list of potential candidate genes related to insecticide resistance, in addition to the linkage map generated here, provides an excellent resource for future research on the development and spread of insecticide resistance in this resurging pest species.
Tissue Culture as a Source of Replicates in Nonmodel Plants: Variation in Cold Response inArabidopsis lyratassp.petraea
Authors: Kenta Tanaka , Edwards Jessica E M , Butlin Roger K , Burke Terry , Quick W Paul , Urwin Peter , Davey Matthew P
Published: October 2016

While genotype–environment interaction is increasingly receiving attention by ecologists and evolutionary biologists, such studies need genetically homogeneous replicates—a challenging hurdle in outcrossing plants. This could be potentially overcome by using tissue culture techniques. However, plants regenerated from tissue culture may show aberrant phenotypes and “somaclonal” variation. Here, we examined somaclonal variation due to tissue culturing using the response to cold treatment of photosynthetic efficiency (chlorophyll fluorescence measurements for Fv/Fm, Fv′/Fm′, and ΦPSII, representing maximum efficiency of photosynthesis for dark- and light-adapted leaves, and the actual electron transport operating efficiency, respectively, which are reliable indicators of photoinhibition and damage to the photosynthetic electron transport system). We compared this to variation among half-sibling seedlings from three different families of Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea. Somaclonal variation was limited, and we could detect within-family variation in change in chlorophyll fluorescence due to cold shock successfully with the help of tissue-culture derived replicates. Icelandic and Norwegian families exhibited higher chlorophyll fluorescence, suggesting higher performance after cold shock, than a Swedish family. Although the main effect of tissue culture on Fv/Fm, Fv′/Fm′, and ΦPSII was small, there were significant interactions between tissue culture and family, suggesting that the effect of tissue culture is genotype-specific. Tissue-cultured plantlets were less affected by cold treatment than seedlings, but to a different extent in each family. These interactive effects, however, were comparable to, or much smaller than the single effect of family. These results suggest that tissue culture is a useful method for obtaining genetically homogenous replicates for studying genotype–environment interaction related to adaptively-relevant phenotypes, such as cold response, in nonmodel outcrossing plants.
Microenvironmental Gene Expression Plasticity Among IndividualDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lin Yanzhu , Chen Zhen-Xia , Oliver Brian , Harbison Susan T
Published: October 2016

Differences in phenotype among genetically identical individuals exposed to the same environmental condition are often noted in genetic studies. Despite this commonplace observation, little is known about the causes of this variability, which has been termed microenvironmental plasticity. One possibility is that stochastic or technical sources of variance produce these differences. A second possibility is that this variation has a genetic component. We have explored gene expression robustness in the transcriptomes of 730 individual Drosophila melanogaster of 16 fixed genotypes, nine of which are infected with Wolbachia. Three replicates of flies were grown, controlling for food, day/night cycles, humidity, temperature, sex, mating status, social exposure, and circadian timing of RNA extraction. Despite the use of inbred genotypes, and carefully controlled experimental conditions, thousands of genes were differentially expressed, revealing a unique and dynamic transcriptional signature for each individual fly. We found that 23% of the transcriptome was differentially expressed among individuals, and that the variability in gene expression among individuals is influenced by genotype. This transcriptional variation originated from specific gene pathways, suggesting a plastic response to the microenvironment; but there was also evidence of gene expression differences due to stochastic fluctuations. These observations reveal previously unappreciated genetic sources of variability in gene expression among individuals, which has implications for complex trait genetics and precision medicine.
Evolutionary Insights into Taste Perception of the Invasive PestDrosophila suzukii
Authors: Crava Cristina M , Ramasamy Sukanya , Ometto Lino , Anfora Gianfranco , Rota-Stabelli Omar
Published: October 2016

Chemosensory perception allows insects to interact with the environment by perceiving odorant or tastant molecules; genes encoding chemoreceptors are the molecular interface between the environment and the insect, and play a central role in mediating its chemosensory behavior. Here, we explore how the evolution of these genes in the emerging pest Drosophila suzukii correlates with the peculiar ecology of this species. We annotated approximately 130 genes coding for gustatory receptors (GRs) and divergent ionotropic receptors (dIRs) in D. suzukii and in its close relative D. biarmipes. We then analyzed the evolution, in terms of size, of each gene family as well of the molecular evolution of the genes in a 14 Drosophila species phylogenetic framework. We show that the overall evolution of GRs parallels that of dIRs not only in D. suzukii, but also in all other analyzed Drosophila. Our results reveal an unprecedented burst of gene family size in the lineage leading to the suzukii subgroup, as well as genomic changes that characterize D. suzukii, particularly duplications and strong signs of positive selection in the putative bitter-taste receptor GR59d. Expression studies of duplicate genes in D. suzukii support a spatio-temporal subfunctionalization of the duplicate isoforms. Our results suggest that D. suzukii is not characterized by gene loss, as observed in other specialist Drosophila species, but rather by a dramatic acceleration of gene gains, compatible with a highly generalist feeding behavior. Overall, our analyses provide candidate taste receptors specific for D. suzukii that may correlate with its specific behavior, and which may be tested in functional studies to ultimately enhance its control in the field.
New Insights into the Roles of Host Gene-Necrotrophic Effector Interactions in Governing Susceptibility of Durum Wheat to Tan Spot and Septoria nodorum Blotch
Authors: Virdi Simerjot K , Liu Zhaohui , Overlander Megan E , Zhang Zengcui , Xu Steven S , Friesen Timothy L , Faris Justin D
Published: October 2016

Tan spot and Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) are important diseases of wheat caused by the necrotrophic fungi Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Parastagonospora nodorum, respectively. The P. tritici-repentis necrotrophic effector (NE) Ptr ToxB causes tan spot when recognized by the Tsc2 gene. The NE ToxA is produced by both pathogens and has been associated with the development of both tan spot and SNB when recognized by the wheat Tsn1 gene. Most work to study these interactions has been conducted in common wheat, but little has been done in durum wheat. Here, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of a segregating biparental population indicated that the Tsc2-Ptr ToxB interaction plays a prominent role in the development of tan spot in durum. However, analysis of two biparental populations indicated that the Tsn1-ToxA interaction was not associated with the development of tan spot, but was strongly associated with the development of SNB. Pa. nodorum expressed ToxA at high levels in infected Tsn1 plants, whereas ToxA expression in P. tritici-repentis was barely detectable, suggesting that the differences in disease levels associated with the Tsn1-ToxA interaction were due to differences in pathogen expression of ToxA. These and previous results together indicate that: (1) the effects of Tsn1-ToxA on tan spot in common wheat can range from nonsignificant to highly significant depending on the host genetic background; (2) Tsn1-ToxA is not a significant factor for tan spot development in durum wheat; and (3) Tsn1-ToxA plays a major role in SNB development in both common and durum wheat. Durum and common wheat breeders alike should strive to remove both Tsc2 and Tsn1 from their materials to achieve disease resistance.
Insight into the RNA Exosome Complex Through Modeling Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 1b Disease Mutations in Yeast
Authors: Fasken Milo B , Losh Jillian S , Leung Sara W , Brutus Sergine , Avin Brittany , Vaught Jillian C , Potter-Birriel Jennifer , Craig Taylor , Conn Graeme L , Mills-Lujan Katherine , Corbett Anita H , van Hoof Ambro
Published: October 2016

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1b (PCH1b) is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes cerebellar hypoplasia and spinal motor neuron degeneration, leading to mortality in early childhood. PCH1b is caused by mutations in the RNA exosome subunit gene, EXOSC3. The RNA exosome is an evolutionarily conserved complex, consisting of nine different core subunits, and one or two 3′-5′ exoribonuclease subunits, that mediates several RNA degradation and processing steps. The goal of this study is to assess the functional consequences of the amino acid substitutions that have been identified in EXOSC3 in PCH1b patients. To analyze these EXOSC3 substitutions, we generated the corresponding amino acid substitutions in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog of EXOSC3, Rrp40. We find that the rrp40 variants corresponding to EXOSC3-G31A and -D132A do not affect yeast function when expressed as the sole copy of the essential Rrp40 protein. In contrast, the rrp40-W195R variant, corresponding to EXOSC3-W238R in PCH1b patients, impacts cell growth and RNA exosome function when expressed as the sole copy of Rrp40. The rrp40-W195R protein is unstable, and does not associate efficiently with the RNA exosome in cells that also express wild-type Rrp40. Consistent with these findings in yeast, the levels of mouse EXOSC3 variants are reduced compared to wild-type EXOSC3 in a neuronal cell line. These data suggest that cells possess a mechanism for optimal assembly of functional RNA exosome complex that can discriminate between wild-type and variant exosome subunits. Budding yeast can therefore serve as a useful tool to understand the molecular defects in the RNA exosome caused by PCH1b-associated amino acid substitutions in EXOSC3, and potentially extending to disease-associated substitutions in other exosome subunits.
Effective Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) Ventilation in a Child With Jeune Syndrome
Authors: Cosi Gianluca , Genoni Giulia , Monzani Alice , Pilan Barbara , Lavrano Maria , Ferrero Federica
Published: October 2016

Jeune syndrome (asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy) is a rare skeletal dysplasia mainly characterized by dystrophy of the thoracic cage. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is a respiratory support in which pressure assistance is provided in proportion to and synchronous with the electrical activity of the diaphragm. We present the case of a 4-month-old infant with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy and respiratory failure successfully ventilated with NAVA. In this case, NAVA improved patient–ventilator synchrony, reducing endotracheal secretion and gastric overdistention. The reduction of breathing effort and the improvement in enteral feeding tolerance and weight gain made the patient eligible for thoracic surgical correction.
Reptilia, Sauria, Sphaerodactylidae, Lepidoblepharis conolepis Avila-Pires, 2001: distribution extension in northern Ecuador
Authors: Ríos Alvear Gorki , Reyes-Puig Carolina
Published: October 2016

We document Lepidoblepharis conolepis from El Cielito, Carchi province, northern Ecuador. This record, the first record for Carchi province, represents a northward range extension of 90 km from the previously known occurences. All known occurrences of L. conolepis, including our new record, are restricted to the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes at sites within fragmented natural forest habitats.
Magnetic field assisted melt–spinning Nd-Fe-B ribbons and anisotropic bonded NdFeB magnets prepared thereof
Authors: Truong Nguyen Xuan , Vuong Nguyen Van
Published: October 2016

The magnetic-field-assisted melt-spinning (FAMS) Nd10.5Fe72Co11B6.5 ribbons were spun in an external magnetic field of 3 kG. The prepared ribbons were ball-milled in xylene solvent for 30 minutes followed by adding in and mixing with the high-temperature binder HTB-1 (3 wt%) for further 10 minutes. The mixed powder was dried and in-mold aligned in a magnetic field of 18 kOe and hot-compacted at 200 oC. The parameters of the FAMS ribbon preparation, ball-milling process, hot-compaction and anisotropic bonded magnets’ fabrication were optimized leading to the magnet’s energy product (BH)max of 10 MGOe. The microstructure and magnetic properties of prepared ribbons and bonded magnets will be discussed in details.
\(e^{+} e^{-} \rightarrow \mathit{hZ}\) Collision in Randall-Sundrum Model
Authors: Giang Bui Thi Ha , Thuy Dao Thi Le
Published: October 2016

We study the production of Higgs and Z bosons which has been proposed as an option of \(e^{+}e^{-}\) collision at the ILC, CLIC with the polarization of the electron and positron beams in Randall-Sundrum model (RSM). The differential cross-sections are presented and numerical evaluation is given. Based on the results, we show that the advantageous direction to collect Higgs is perpendicular to the direction of the initial \(e^{-}\) beam. With the high integrated luminosity and at the high degree of polarization, the reaction can give observable cross-sections in future accelerators (ILC, CLIC).
Controlling Optical Bistability in a Five-level Cascade EIT Medium
Authors: Thuan Phan Van , Anh Ta Tram , Trung Le Canh , Dung Nguyen Tien , Nga Luong Thi Yen , Khoa Dinh Xuan , Doai Le Van , Bang Nguyen Huy , Ai Nguyen Van
Published: October 2016

Optical bistability (OB) of an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) medium placed in a conventional unidirectional ring cavity is investigated numerically. The medium is excited by a coupling and probe laser lights via a five-level cascade scheme. It is shown that optical bistabe states with controllable switching threshold intensities and width are established simultaneously in three spectral regions corresponding to EIT windows. The current numerical result is compared to a previous analytical result showing influence of coherence terms neglected in the analytical model.
Spacetimes with Pseudosymmetric Energy-momentum Tensor
Authors: Mallick Sahanous , De Uday Chand
Published: October 2016

The object of the present paper is to introduce spacetimes with pseudosymmetricenergy-momentum tensor. In this paper at first we consider the relation \(R(X,Y)\cdot T=fQ(g,T)\), that is, the energy-momentumtensor \(T\) of type (0,2) is pseudosymmetric. It is shown that in a general relativistic spacetimeif the energy-momentum tensor is pseudosymmetric, then the spacetime is also Ricci pseudosymmetricand the converse is also true. Next we characterize the perfect fluid spacetimewith pseudosymmetric energy-momentum tensor. Finally, we consider conformally flat spacetime withpseudosymmetric energy-momentum tensor.
Luminescence quenching of Sm3+ ions in alkali borotellurite glasses
Authors: Tuyen Vu Phi , Do Phan Van
Published: October 2016

The dependence of luminescence intensity on  Sm\(^{3 + }\) ions concentration in alkali borotellurite (ABTe) glasses has  been studied. The quenching of luminescence intensity happens  around 0.75 mol% concentration of Sm\(^{3 + }\) ions and it can relate the  energy transfer process through cross--relaxation (CR), the CR channels in  ABTe: Sm\(^{3 + }\) have been shown. The method of Van Uitert was used to find  the dominant interaction mechanism for energy transfer process.
A Model of Bulk Supersymmetry in Warped Spacetime
Authors: Hieu Tran Minh
Published: October 2016

The Randall-Sundrum solution to the hierarchy problem in the brane-world scenario has made a significant impact on the development of model building.We investigate in this paper a model of supersymmetry in a 5D spacetime with the Randal-Sundrum warped metric.The minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model (MSSM) superfields propagate in the bulk between the UV and IR branes at separated orbifold fixed points, while the hidden sector in charge of supersymmetry breaking is confined on the UV brane.We derive the 4D effective action from the original 5D action of the underlying theory.The effective 4D Yukawa couplings and all the soft supersymmetry breaking terms are calculated in terms of the 5D theory's coefficients. We comment on the important role of the bulk mass parameter in the relation with the geometrical properties of particles.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ag/PEDOT:PSS Films Used for NH\(_3\) Selective Sensing
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Nang , Long Lam Minh , Thu Hoang Thi , Hoa Huynh tran My , Trung Tran Quang
Published: October 2016

Nano-Ag/PEDOT-PSS films were prepared by spin-coating technique. SEM surface morphology, Raman spectra and gas sensing of methanol, humidity and NH3 were studied. The obtained results showed that the resistance of Ag/PEDOT:PSS sheets exposed to gases related to the generation of electrons from the gases adsorption that eliminated holes as the major carriers in PEDOT:PSS. For NH3 gas the largest change of the resistance of Ag/PEDOT:PSS was observed. The less sensitivity of humidity and ethanol sensing was explained due to less dedoping reaction between H2O and ethanol vapor with Ag/PEDOT:PSS, respectively. This suggests a potential application of the nano-Ag/PEDOT-PSS sensors for  the selective monitoring NH3 gas in environment.
Neuronale Zeroidlipofuszinose bei einem adulten American Staffordshire Terrier
Authors: Nolte Anna , Bello Aimara , Drögemüller Michaela , Leeb Tosso , Brockhaus Eva , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Wohlsein Peter
Published: October 2016

Der Fall eines weiblichen, 5 Jahre alten American Staffordshire Terriers mit hochgradigen progressiven neurologischen Ausfallserscheinungen, insbesondere in Form von Ataxie und Balanceproblemen, wurde pathomorphologisch aufgearbeitet und genetisch untersucht. In Neuronen unterschiedlicher Lokalisationen des Zentralnervensystems zeigte sich eine Akkumulation von feingranulärem, schwach eosinophilem oder hellbräunlichem Material im Zytoplasma. Zusätzlich bestanden eine hochgradige Degeneration und ein Verlust von Purkinjeund inneren Körnerzellen des Kleinhirns. Das akkumulierte PAS-positive, argyrophile, autofluoreszierende Material wies elektronenmikroskopisch eine lamelläre Struktur auf und wurde als Lipofuszin interpretiert. Eine genetische Analyse bestätigte das Vorliegen einer Variante im ARSG-Gen, das für das lysosomale Enzym Arylsulfatase G kodiert. Der Fallbericht beschreibt eine neuronale Zeroidlipofuszinose bei einem adulten Hund, die Ähnlichkeiten mit der Kufs-Krankheit des Menschen aufweist.
Multiple thorakolumbale partielle laterale Korpektomien bei 17 Hunden
Authors: Münch Maria , Held Karina , Salger Florian , Ziegler Luisa , Böttcher Peter , Flegel Thomas
Published: October 2016

Gegenstand und Ziel: Beschreibung der Durchführbarkeit und des Endresultats multipler thorakolumbaler partieller lateraler Korpektomien (TLPLCs) bei Hunden mit vorwiegend ventralen thorakolumbalen Bandscheibenvorfällen. Hintergrund war die in der aktuellen Fachliteratur geäußerte Befürchtung, dieser chirurgische Eingriff zur Dekompression könne eine erhebliche Instabilität der Wirbelsäule zur Folge haben. Material und Methoden: Retrospektive Auswertung der Daten von Hunden mit Bandscheibenvorfällen Hansen Typ I und II, die mit multiplen TLPLCs versorgt wurden. Die präoperative Rückenmarkskompression und die postoperative Dekompression sowie die Morphometrie der Korpektomien wurden anhand von computertomo - graphischen Myelographien ausgewertet. Das neurologische Ergebnis wurde mithilfe wiederholter neurologischer Untersuchungen unter Anwendung eines modifizierten Frankel-Scores und einer Besitzer - befragung beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Siebzehn Hunde mit einer mittleren Körpermasse von 20,3 kg (Spanne: 4,0–49,0 kg) gingen in die Studie ein. Bei 14 Hunden erfolgten zwei TLPLCs, bei zwei Hunden drei und bei einem Hund vier. Die Auswertung der Korpektomiemorphometrie ergab folgende Mittelwerte: Tiefe: 63%, Höhe: 29%, Länge: 25% des Wirbelkörpers. Zwischen zwei benachbarten Korpektomieöffnungen verblieben im Mittel 55% der Wirbelkörperlänge. Bei der Kontrolle 4 Wochen post operationem hatten 6/17 Hunden (35,3%) den gleichen Frankel-Score wie vor der Operation, während 11/17 (64,7%) einen neurologisch verbesserten Score aufwiesen. Nach Angaben der Besitzer zeigten 78,5% der Hunde innerhalb 6 Monaten einen unauffälligen Gang. Die mittlere Überlebenszeit von 16 nachverfolgbaren Hunden betrug 951 Tage. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Multiple thorakolumbale Bandscheibenvorfälle können durch mehrere TLPLCs, sogar an unmittelbar benachbarten Bandscheiben, dekomprimiert werden, ohne dass bei den meisten Hunden mit einer klinisch signifikanten Instabilität der Wirbelsäule zu rechnen ist.
The Challenges of Validating in Precision Medicine: The Case of Excision Repair Cross-Complement Group 1 Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Barsanti-Innes Brianna , Hey Spencer Phillips , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Personalized medicine relies upon the successful identification and translation of predictive biomarkers. Unfortunately, biomarker development has often fallen short of expectations. To better understand the obstacles to successful biomarker development, we systematically mapped research activities for a biomarker that has been in development for at least 12 years: excision repair cross-complement group 1 protein (ERCC1) as a biomarker for predicting clinical benefit with platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. We found that although research activities explored a wide range of approaches to ERCC1 testing, there was little replication or validation of techniques, and design and reporting of results were generally poor. Our analysis points to problems with coordinating and standardizing research in biomarker development. Clinically meaningful progress in personalized medicine will require concerted efforts to address these problems. In the interim, health care providers should be aware of the complexity involved in biomarker development, cautious about their near-term clinical value, and conscious of applying only validated diagnostics in the clinic.
Construction of simplified design p–y curves for liquefied soils
Authors: Lombardi D. , Dash S. R. , Bhattacharya S. , Ibraim E. , Muir Wood D. , Taylor C. A.
Published: October 2016

In practice, laterally loaded piles are most often analysed using a ‘beam-on-non-linear-Winkler-foundation’ approach, whereby the soil–structure interaction is modelled by means of p–y curves. Although well-calibrated p–y curves exist for non-liquefied soils (e.g. soft clay and sand), the profession still lacks reliable p–y curves for liquefied soils. In fact, the latter should be consistent with the observed strain-stiffening behaviour exhibited by liquefied samples in both element and physical model tests. It is recognised that this behaviour is induced by the tendency of the liquefied soil to dilate upon undrained shearing, which ultimately results in a gradual decrease in excess pore pressure, and consequent increase in stiffness and strength. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it proposes an easy-to-use empirical model for constructing stress–strain relationships for liquefied soils. This only requires three soil parameters which can conveniently be determined by means of laboratory tests. Second, it introduces a method for the construction of p–y curves for liquefiable soils from the proposed stress–strain model, based on the scaling of stress and strain into compatible soil reaction p and pile deflection y, respectively. The scaling factors for stress and strain are computed following an energy-based approach that is analogous to the upper-bound method used in classical plasticity theory. To validate the proposed p–y curves, results from a series of centrifuge tests are employed to back-calculate p–y curves for liquefied soils. The latter are compared with those obtained from the proposed method and the conventional p-multiplier approach.
Equivalent ‘smear’ effect due to non-uniform consolidation surrounding a PVD
Authors: Zhou Y. , Chai J. C.
Published: October 2016

This paper investigated the effect of non-uniform consolidation within a prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) unit cell on the average degree of consolidation through laboratory model tests and finite-element analysis. By considering the permeability (k) changing with the void ratio (e), the results of the finite-element analysis showed that the effect of non-uniform consolidation has a considerable effect on the average degree of consolidation of a PVD unit cell. Further laboratory model tests of a PVD unit cell were conducted, and analyses of the model test results confirmed the effect of non-uniform consolidation. Finally, a method of considering the effect of non-uniform consolidation for the analysis of PVD-induced consolidation was established with an equivalent ‘smear’ effect concept.
A Proposal for a Serology-Based Approach to Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: De Vriese An S. , Glassock Richard J. , Nath Karl A. , Sethi Sanjeev , Fervenza Fernando C.
Published: October 2016

Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease mainly caused by autoantibodies against the recently discovered podocyte antigens: the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A). Assays for quantitative assessment of anti-PLA2R antibodies are commercially available, but a semiquantitative test to detect anti-THSD7A antibodies has been only recently developed. The presence or absence of anti-PLA2R and anti-THSD7A antibodies adds important information to clinical and immunopathologic data in discriminating between primary and secondary MN. Levels of anti-PLA2R antibodies and possibly, anti-THSD7A antibodies tightly correlate with disease activity. Low baseline and decreasing anti-PLA2R antibody levels strongly predict spontaneous remission, thus favoring conservative therapy. Conversely, high baseline or increasing anti-PLA2R antibody levels associate with nephrotic syndrome and progressive loss of kidney function, thereby encouraging prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Serum anti-PLA2R antibody profiles reliably predict response to therapy, and levels at completion of therapy may forecast long-term outcome. Re-emergence of or increase in antibody titers precedes a clinical relapse. Persistence or reappearance of anti-PLA2R antibodies after kidney transplant predicts development of recurrent disease. We propose that an individualized serology-based approach to MN, used to complement and refine the traditional proteinuria-driven approach, will improve the outcome in this disease.
Insights into the agency, positioning and development of professional Finnish language skills of international nursing students
Authors: Virtanen Aija
Published: October 2016

This article focuses on international students studying in an English-mediated nursing degree program in Finland. From sociocognitive and ecological perspectives, this study examines the development of the students’ professional Finnish language skills and agency during their practical training. In addition, this article explores how students are positioned as capable workers. To shed light on the students’ professional language skills, agency, and positionings, interviews with vocational teachers, head nurses, and two international nursing students are examined using narrative analysis. The findings suggest that due to their lack of Finnish language skills, international students are positioned differently than their local peers. Hence, they are given fewer responsibilities and fewer opportunities to perform work tasks independently. Although international students are expected to know the language needed before they start work as a nurse, neither the educational institution nor workplaces are willing to take responsibility for language skills training. Therefore, language learning seems to be students’ own responsibility. Consequently, international students may be set in unequal positions regarding their access to the labor market in Finland. Nonetheless, during their practical training, the students are positioned as active agents and scaffolded in many ways so that they can potentially exercise their agency and promote their professional language skills more independently. In this study, it was found that positionings are interconnected with the development of agency and professional Finnish language skills.
Integration of Heterogeneous Computing Infrastructures for Genome Sequencing Data Analysis
Authors: Аулов В.А. , Aulov V.A.
Published: October 2016

Recent technological achievements in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) lead to significant increase in amounts of data which must be processed, analyzed
and made remotely available to scientists. This, in turn, increased the requirements to the computing platforms used for data processing in terms of
RAM and processors’ power. Entirely new approaches in organization of computations are required in order to process data efficiently. Authors of
this paper have researched the possibility of adapting the methods and approaches employed in high energy physics for integration of heterogeneous
computing resources into unified computing platform. Fully specified data and task management system based on computing resources of
National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute” was developed. We’ve also developed a workflow for processing genome sequencing data with
PALEOMIX package and integrated it into the system. Results of the developed system’s approbation on ancient mammoth DNA sequencing task
have demonstrated a significant reduction in total computational time of the task.
Strategy as the main component of the regional development process in Ukraine
Authors: Oliynyk Ya. , Pistun M. , Melnychuk A.
Published: October 2016

The article deals with the contents and particularities of the strategic approach to the regional development process in Ukraine, in particular justifies the strategic objectives of the four levels of the state and self-governing management of this process.
Museum exhibition of the legacy of Great Kobzar
Authors: Beydik A. , Belchenko Yu.
Published: October 2016

Applied maps and geografical sicological methods and approaches for the analysis of museum and monumental Shevchenkiany. An adapted to museum exposition heritage Shevchenko Schulte table.
Principles of classification and landscapes taxonomy of the territory of Livobereghna Ukraine for the purpose of landscape planning
Authors: Udovychenko V.
Published: October 2016

Basic principles and approaches of landscapes classification and taxonomy are defined in the represented article. An essence and peculiarity usage due to the classification elaboration of landscape complexes and creation of landscape map of Livobereghna Ukraine for the purpose of landscape planning implementation are exposed. The key principles of classification constructions such as specific and common dialectical unity, induction and deduction, logistics, structural analysis, metachronousis, polygeny, invariant, historical-evolutional, historicalgenetic etc. were found out.
Characteristics of the temperature regime of the Kanev in the contemporary climate conditions
Authors: Scherban I.
Published: October 2016

In this work the climatic features of the mean monthly air temperature at meteorological stations Kaniv are considered. The air temperature changes over the past 20 years with climatological standard norm (period 1960-1991 years) are compared. The graphs of perennial changes in air temperature are built. The years with abnormal temperatures are defined.
On the monthly maximum precipitation amount in Ukraine in conditions of the current climate
Authors: Tatarchuk O. , Tymofeyev V.
Published: October 2016

Characteristic of the maximum monthly precipitation is obtained according to the observations at 40 stations of Ukraine during the period 1991- 2013 as well as by the data of the Ukrainian Antarctic station since 1986. long-term monthly maximum precipitation amount records have been exceeded at almost all considered stations (36 of40). The greatest changes in the maximum monthly precipitation in Ukraine marked in some months of the warm period of the year. The smallest changes are noted in January, October, November. When comparing two decades it is found that most of the cases with the highest monthly rainfall occurred mentioned in 2001-2013, especially in February and December (80%), as well as March, June, August and October (70%). At Kyiv station long-term records of the maximum monthly precipitation were exceeded in March, September 2013 and December 2012. Nine month out of twelve showed the largest monthly amount of precipitation during the period of 2001-2013. The positive trend of precipitation at the Ukrainian Antarctic station was formed primarily on the account of the greatest frequency of strong precipitation.
Lorentz en Einstein. ‘U hier als opvolger te begroeten is een wens die ik lang gekoesterd heb’
Authors: Berends Frits
Published: October 2016

Lorentz and EinsteinThis paper discusses the special connection between Lorentz and Einstein, and especially Lorentz’ wish to be succeeded by Einstein on his Leiden chair of physics. The relation between the two scholars is one of great mutual respect, which can be illustrated in many ways. After an introduction to illustrate their strikingly different early careers, their interests in early quantum problems and relativity are sketched. These originate from a shared interest in the problems that arose in the electromagnetic theory around 1900. Lorentz’ electron theory, which then counted as the standard electromagnetic theory, had to cope with new fundamental questions. The focus is then shifted to Lorentz’ wish to get Einstein a chair in theoretical physics in The Netherlands. Two attempts in the years 1911–1912 failed, but Lorentz finally succeeded in 1920. Furthermore, this article describes how the first Solvay Council acted as a remarkable catalyst for the changes in the careers of Lorentz, Einstein and Ehrenfest in 1912.
Ehrenfest en Einstein. Menselijke katalysator van het heldere denken
Authors: Hollestelle Marijn
Published: October 2016

Ehrenfest and EinsteinEhrenfest and Einstein met just before Ehrenfest became professor at Leiden University. They had much in common and became best friends. Ehrenfest shed light on some problematic aspects of Einstein’s work and during the years acted as an important sparring partner for Einstein. Ehrenfest also explained difficult aspects of Einstein’s work to the physics community. He set others on the track of working on general relativity and made Leiden an international centre for these developments during the years 1912–1920. Ehrenfest made sure Einstein was appointed part-time professor at Leiden, from which Leiden physics profited. He also aided Bohr and Einstein during their notorious debates. Ehrenfest struggled with depression his whole life. The rapid developments and mathematicising of quantum physics, Hitler’s appointment as Reichs Chancellor, money and marriage problems worsened his depressions. In 1933 Ehrenfest committed suicide, and Einstein moved to the United States and away from the study on quantum physics.
Kamerlingh Onnes en Einstein: ‘Uw hulp zal dus veel goeds tot stand kunnen brengen’
Authors: Van Delft Dirk , Kes Peter
Published: October 2016

Kamerlingh Onnes and EinsteinIn 1901 Albert Einstein unsuccessfully applied for the post of assistant in Heike Kamerlingh Onnes’ cryogenics laboratory. Ten years later the two scientists finally met each other. Einstein was interested in the experimental research taking place in Leiden into critical light scattering, a field to which he had made theoretical contributions himself. Kamerlingh Onnes on his part hoped Einstein might throw light on the unexplained phenomenon of superconductivity and on the influence of quantum effects on Leiden’s key research topic: equation of state.
Afanassjewa en Einstein. Wederzijdse waardering
Authors: Van der Heijden Margriet
Published: October 2016

Afanassjewa and EinsteinIn 1912 Tatiana Afanassjewa (1876–1964), a Russian mathematician, arrived in Leiden. The university in this city had an amazingly flourishing physics department. Afanassjewa accompanied her husband Paul Ehrenfest (1880–1933), a theoretical physicist from Vienna, who was to become successor to the famous professor Hendrik Antoon Lorentz. Soon the couple’s house became a regular meeting place for Dutch mathematicians and physicists, and a temporary home for many learned guests from all over the world. Among them was Albert Einstein, a close friend of Ehrenfest, with whom he shared a passion for physics and music. This paper recapitulates their friendship and includes new details about Afanassjewa, who was to initiate a fierce debate on the didactics of mathematics in The Netherlands and whose sharp and analytical mind made an impression on Einstein. Both the Ehrenfest-Afanassjewa couple and Einstein had a vivid interest in international relations and, the role of science therein. Afanassjewa and Einstein stayed in touch through letters and cards after Ehrenfest’s untimely death in 1933, the year when Hitler rose to power in Germany and Einstein moved to the United States.
De Sitter en Einstein. ‘Het lijkt mij dat Einstein hier een vergissing begaan heeft’
Authors: Guichelaar Jan
Published: October 2016

De Sitter and EinsteinWillem de Sitter’s interest in gravity was based on his work on celestial mechanics, in particular on the four big moons of Jupiter. His work on cosmology was based on the general theory of relativity of Albert Einstein. De Sitter published in 1917, on request of Arthur Eddington to inform the English astronomers, a series of four articles in The Observatory and the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Einstein developed his own cosmological models, containing mass. De Sitter found a different solution and described a universe without mass. Einstein could not accept De Sitter’s model and they ‘fought out’ two controversies in their correspondence. In theend Einstein had to confess De Sitter was mainly right in his criticisms. In 1932 Einstein and De Sitter published an article on a new model, the so-called Einstein-De Sitter Model of the universe. So, De Sitter was able to do fundamental work in classical celestial mechanics as well as in the new cosmological theories.
An Extended Expectation-Confirmation Model for Mobile Nursing Information System Continuance
Authors: Hsieh Pi-Jung , Lai Hui-Min , Ma Chen-Chung , Alexander Judith W. , Lin Memg-Yi
Published: October 2016

Nursing is critical in health care systems and comprises the planning, execution, and documentation of nursing care. To better manage health care information during patient care, the use of a mobile nursing information system (MNIS) provides more time to care for inpatients by reducing time-consuming and redundant paperwork. The purpose of this study was to extend the expectation-confirmation model and explore the roles of nursing professional competency (skill in use), habit (customary use), satisfaction (with use), and frequency of prior use in the context of MNIS continuance usage. We randomly chose 3 hospitals from among 14 hospitals in Taiwan that had indicated they used an MNIS. We conducted a field survey of nurses who had experience using the MNIS. We used a valid sample of 90 nurses to test the research model, using structural equation modeling with the partial least squares method. The results show that habit and frequency of prior use had a significant impact on MNIS continuance usage. Satisfaction and frequency of prior use had a significant impact on habit. Nurses’ professional competence is crucial to perceived usefulness and, thus, is relevant in the context of MNIS continuance usage. When habit weakens over time, the continuance intention predicts continuance usage. This study showed that the extended expectation-confirmation model effectively predicts nurses’ MNIS continuance usage and provides implications. Academics and practitioners should understand how nurses’ habits form and how they affect continued MNIS use. Understanding the antecedents of habits can help nursing managers identify and manipulate habit formation.
Qualidade físico-química e detecção de resíduos e contaminantes no mel – estudo de caso
Authors: Bailone Ricardo Lacava , Fukushima Hirla Costa Silva , Roça Roberto de Oliveira
Published: October 2016

A intensificação de análises oficiais no controle de qualidade de mel por parte do Serviço de Inspeção Federal nos últimos anos possibilitou o reconhecimento do mel brasileiro no mercado internacional, tornando o Brasil um dos maiores exportadores do mundo. Neste contexto, o atual estudo reportou os parâmetros físico-químicos e detecção de resíduos e contaminantes analisados como forma de monitoramento de qualidade do mel em dois entrepostos do Estado de São Paulo. Para a realização dos ensaios adotou-se as diretrizes e métodos recomendados pelo Ministério da Agricultura para cada uma das variáveis. Com referência aos parâmetros físicoquímicos, as análises mostraram que 83,3% das amostras estavam em conformidade com a legislação. Em relação às análises de resíduos e contaminantes, foram detectadas presenças de nitrofurazona (substância cancerígena) em 10,7% das amostras, sendo que 7,14% estavam acima do permitido em legislação. Assim, observou-se que o mel atuou como marcador ambiental regional da flora circunjacente que havia sido tratada com o produto químico, o qual é tóxico e carcinogênico para humanos, representando risco à Saúde Pública. A detecção de tal composto mostra a efetividade do Programa Nacional de Controle de Resíduos e Contaminantes. Programas semelhantes devem ser adotados e aprimorados tanto no campo como no varejo para que esta detecção se faça de maneira eficiente e ostensiva.
Segurança alimentar em comunidades quilombolas de São Paulo
Authors: Santos Katia Maria Pacheco dos , Garavello Maria Elisa de Paula Eduardo
Published: October 2016

O presente trabalho trata da segurança alimentar de famílias quilombolas residentes na Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Quilombos do Turvo, no Estado de São Paulo. Apesar das drásticas transformações socioeconômicas e culturais ocorridas na região, essas famílias têm mantido suas práticas agrícolas voltadas à produção de alimentos e de modo a preservar a biodiversidade em área remanescente da Mata Atlântica. Defende-se que a produção para o autoconsumo, onde a qualidade da alimentação é gestada dentro da unidade familiar, torna-se estratégia determinante de segurança alimentar. As práticas agroextrativistas, além de ser uma estratégia de resistência com relação à permanência no território, também se constituem em resistência à homogeneização dos modos de produção propostos pelas instituições governamentais. Continuam sendo elemento essencial para a reprodução das famílias quilombolas do Vale do Ribeira, como fonte de alimentos, fonte eventual de renda e conservação da sociodiversidade. Defende-se a implantação efetiva de uma política para assistência técnica de caráter interdisciplinar, que possa proporcionar o reconhecimento e a valorização dessas atividades, tornando-as mais atrativas aos jovens, e revertendo seu fluxo migratório.
Dividend Performance in the United Arab Emirates Banking Sector
Authors: Ibrahim Mukdad
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze the dividend performance of eight UAE based banks between the years 2001 and 2005. The analysis was undertaken by examining three sets of financial ratios that are routinely used to measure bank dividend performance. The main ratios that were employed put a particular focus on the banks’ ability to pay dividends in relation to market value of its share, earnings and ability to cover the payments. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to rank the performance, measuring the dispersion and the stability-variability of the indicators. Conclusions were then drawn from the computation of the descriptive analysis of ratios that allowed the author to make an effective comparison of said banks. This type of analysis was used to summarize the performance of each bank based on three criteria, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of each banks performance. The findings showed that eight banks performed reasonably well during the period studied, but have different strategies in paying their dividends across the years under study. The analysis reveals that these banks have been affected by both internal and external factors.
Future Electricity Demand of the Emerging European Countries and the CIS Countries
Authors: Bayramoglu Mehmet Fatih
Published: October 2016

Nowadays, one of the leading factors used in the evaluation of a country’s economic development is energy consumption. Because of economic growth, demand for energy is also increasing. In this study, the emerging European countries’ (the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Turkey) and the CIS countries’ (Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan)  electricity consumption has been forecasted for five years period (2015-2019). In the study, GM(1,1) Rolling Model, which is developed in the framework of Grey System Theory is used as a mathematical model for real-time forecasting. The results of the study show that there will not be a significant change in electricity demand in this two area during the 2015-2109 period.