bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A common Shox2-Nkx2-5 antagonistic mechanism primes the pacemaking cell fate in the pulmonary vein myocardium and sinoatrial node
Authors: Ye Wenduo , Wang Jun , Song Yingnan , Yu Diankun , Sun Cheng , Liu Chao , Chen Fading , Zhang Yanding , Wang Fen , Harvey Richard P. , Schrader Laura , Martin James F. , Chen YiPing
Published: July 2015

In humans, atrial fibrillation is often triggered by ectopic pacemaking activity in the myocardium sleeves of the pulmonary vein (PV) and systemic venous return. However, the genetic programs that abnormally reinforce pacemaker properties at these sites and how this relates to normal sinoatrial node (SAN) development remain uncharacterized. It was noted previously that Nkx2-5, which is expressed in the PV myocardium and reinforces a chamber-liker myocardial identity in the PV, is lacking in the SAN. Here we present evidence that Shox2 antagonizes the transcription output of Nkx2-5 in the PV myocardium and in a functional Nkx2-5+ domain within the SAN to determine the cell fate. Shox2 deletion in the Nkx2-5+ domain of the SAN caused sick sinus syndrome, associated with the loss of pacemaker program. Explanted Shox2+ cells from the embryonic PV myocardium exhibited pacemaker characteristics including node-like electrophysiological properties and the capability to pace surrounding Shox2− cells. Shox2 deletion led to Hcn4 obliteration in the developing PV myocardium. Nkx2-5 hypomorphism rescued the requirement for Shox2 for the expression of genes essential for SAN development in Shox2 mutants. Similarly, the pacemaker-like phenotype induced in the PV myocardium in Nkx2-5 hypomorphs reverted back to a working myocardial phenotype when Shox2 was simultaneously deleted. A similar mechanism is also adopted in differentiated embryoid-bodies. Moreover, we found that Shox2 interacts with Nkx2-5 directly, and discovered a substantial genome wide co-occupancy of Shox2, Nkx2-5, and Tbx5, further supporting a pivotal role for Shox2 in the core myogenic program orchestrating venous pole and pacemaker development.
A trans-homologue interaction between reciprocally imprinted miR-127 and Rtl1 regulates placenta development
Authors: Ito Mitsuteru , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N. , Edwards Carol A. , Adalsteinsson Bjorn T. , Allen Sarah E. , Loo Tsui-Han , Kitazawa Moe , Kaneko-Ishino Tomoko , Ishino Fumitoshi , Stewart Colin L. , Ferguson-Smith Anne C.
Published: July 2015

The paternally expressed imprinted Retrotransposon-like 1 (Rtl1/Peg11) is a retrotransposon-derived gene that has evolved a function in eutherian placentation. Seven miRNAs, including miR-127, are processed from a maternally expressed antisense Rtl1 transcript (Rtl1as) and regulate Rtl1 levels through RNAi-mediated post-transcriptional degradation. To determine the relative functional role of Rtl1as miRNAs in Rtl1 dosage, we generated a mouse specifically deleted for miR-127. The miR-127 knockout mice exhibit placentomegaly with specific defects within the labyrinthine zone involved in maternal-fetal nutrient transfer. Although fetal weight is unaltered, specific Rtl1 transcripts and protein levels are increased in both the fetus and placenta. Phenotypic analysis of single (ΔmiR-127/Rtl1 or miR-127/ΔRtl1) and double (ΔmiR-127/ΔRtl1) heterozygous miR-127 and Rtl1 deficient mice indicate that Rtl1 is the main target gene of miR-127 in placental development. Our results demonstrate that miR-127 is an essential regulator of Rtl1 mediated by a trans-homologue interaction between reciprocally imprinted genes on the maternally and paternally inherited chromosomes.
Serotonin, but not dopamine, controls stress response and anxiety-like behavior in crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.
Authors: Fossat Pascal , Bacqué-Cazenave Julien , De Deurwaerdère Philippe , Cattaert Daniel , Delbecque Jean-Paul
Published: July 2015

In the animal kingdom, biogenic amines are widespread modulators of nervous system that frequently interact in the control of mood. Our previous investigations in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) have established that stress induces changes in brain serotonin (5-HT) concentrations that are responsible for the appearance of anxiety-like behavior (ALB). The following study further analyzes the roles of 5-HT and of another biogenic amine, dopamine (DA), on crayfish response to stress. Results showed that the intensity of crayfish ALB depended on the intensity of stressful stimulation and was associated with increased concentrations of 5-HT in the brain. These 5-HT levels were significantly correlated, before, as well as after stress, with those of DA, which were approximately 3-5 times less abundant. However, whereas ALB intensity was clearly correlated with brain 5-HT concentrations, it was not significantly correlated with those of DA. Moreover, contrary to 5-HT, DA injections were not able to elicit stress response and ALB. Incidentally, 5-HT and DA levels were not modified by treatment with the anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide, confirming that ALB suppression by this ligand of GABA-A receptors acted downstream and independently from changes in crayfish bioamine levels. Our study also provided evidence that the anxiogenic effect of 5-HT injections can be prevented by a preliminary injection of 5-HT antagonists. Altogether, our results emphasize that the rises in the brain concentrations of 5-HT, but not of DA, play a role in controlling the induction and the intensity of crayfish ALB.
Drift dives and prolonged surfacing periods in Baikal seals: resting strategies in open waters?
Authors: Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Baranov Eugene A. , Miyazaki Nobuyuki
Published: July 2015

Many pinnipeds frequently rest on land or ice, but some species remain in open waters for weeks or months, raising the question of how they rest. A unique type of dives, called drift dives, has been reported for several pinnipeds with suggested functions of rest, food processing, and predator avoidance. Prolonged surfacing periods have also been observed in captive seals and thought to aid food processing. To better understand the nature and function of these behaviors, however, information from other species in a different environment would be required. In this study, we attached multi-sensor tags to Baikal seals Pusa sibirica, a rare, freshwater species that has no aquatic predators and few resting grounds during the ice-free season. The seals exhibited repeated drift dives (mean depth, 116 m; duration, 10.1 min) in daytime and prolonged periods at the surface (mean duration, 1.3 h) mainly around dawn. Drift dives and prolonged surfacing periods were temporally associated and observed between a series of foraging dives, suggesting a similar function, i.e., a combination of resting and food processing. The maximum durations of both drift and foraging dives were about 15 min, close to the aerobic dive limit of this species; therefore, metabolic rates might not be significantly depressed during drift dives, further supporting the function of food processing rather than purely resting. Our results also show that drift diving can occur in a predator-free environment, and thus predator avoidance is not a general explanation of drift dives in pinnipeds.
The geography of hybrid speciation in plants
Authors: Kadereit Joachim W.
Published: July 2015

Both homoploid and polyploid hybrid speciation are commonly considered straightforward examples of sympatric speciation. Based on 28 studies of homoploid and 34 studies of polyploid hybrid species I conclude that lati‐ / longitudinal and/or altitudinal ecogeographical displacement of hybrid lineages from parental lineages has been observed in the majority of cases examined, although more commonly in homoploid than in polyploid hybrid species. This ecogeographical displacement is interpreted as the result of evolutionary novelty in hybrid lineages. As the geographical scale of ecogeographical displacement in relation to gene flow distances may not be large enough to prevent gene flow at the time of initial hybrid formation, I hypothesize that climate‐induced changes of distribution ranges may have played a large role in hybrid species formation. In particular, I hypothesize that hybrid lineages initially remain in the secondary contact area of their parental lineages, whereas the parental lineages, responding to climate change, track their niches and withdraw from this contact area. This results in geographical isolation. I conclude that assessment of hybrid speciation as sympatric may be inappropriate in many cases, and that instead a phase of geographical displacement of hybrid and parental lineages into para‐ / allopatry may often be required.
Historical Approach to Subject Orientation of Russian Schools As a Methodological Succession Principle of Current Modernisation
Authors: Монахов  , Monakhov V. , Ерина  , Erina T.
Published: July 2015

The authors propose a systemic, holistic approach to using historical experience and aspects of subject orientationof the Russian schools at the present stage of its modernization. The article provides the analysis of ongoing modernization of education, discusses the need for a scientific system approach to understand this global phenomenon in education. It substantiates the methodology of the possibility of creating research apparatus and technological tools to provide organic coordination between purpose, logic, milestones, meansof research activities, midterm and final resultsof modernization.
Professional and Personal Growth of Teachers in Institutions of General Education
Authors: Чекмарева  , Chekmareva T. , Шарай  , Sharay N. , Романова  , Romanova T.
Published: July 2015

The article presents organizational and pedagogical conditions of professional and personal development of teachers in the process of clusterization

(creation of educational complexes) of educational institutions.

The accent is made on the diagnostics of teachers’ professional and personal development and following managerial decisions that providelearnercentered

approach in the system of adults’ education.
Teacher Training in EDC/HRE: How to Develop Students’ Ability to Assess Information from Media and Social Networks
Authors: Прутченков  , Prutchenkov A. , Болотина  , Bolotina Tatyana , Павлова  , Pavlova S.
Published: July 2015

This article shows the main benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT)and introduces draft ICT classes developed during the pilot

project of the Council of Europe “Training teachers to develop students’ ability to evaluate information in the media and social networks” within the

program “Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights”.
E-Learning Course Structure
Authors: Шульга  , Shulga I.
Published: July 2015

In the article we’ve tried to define the most common system of educational courses for different e-learning environments and the expediency of such systems. The research led us to anin-demand complex system of five multi-linked units: Start Unit with preliminary information on the professional sphere, Basic Unit with the main part of educational information on the professional sphere, Unit of Daily Pedagogic Diagnostics for routinepedagogic assessment, Research Unit for immersion learning, and Unit of Final Pedagogic Diagnostics containing all necessary instruments for final pedagogic assessment.
Fitness to practise procedures for medical students
Authors: David Timothy J , Ellson Sarah
Published: July 2015

Medical students who exhibit severe forms of adverse behaviour (including criminal matters), sometimes accompanied by mental health problems, are likely to be seen by their medical school's fitness to practise committee, a topic explained in this review.
More than a provider: the voluntary sector, commissioning and stewardship for a diverse market in criminal justice
Authors: Livingstone Isabel , Macmillan Rob
Published: July 2015

This article offers a critical commentary on the development of commissioning and procurement in criminal justice. We argue that if public services are to effectively meet the wide range of complex needs among offenders, then commissioners need to embrace a ‘market stewardship’ approach. This should take a whole-system view of the development of a diverse market, attending both to the diversity of providers (supply) and to the diversity of voices articulating needs and influencing service design (demand).
Efficiency of entomopathogenic nematodes on chamomile smooth beetle Olibrus aeneus and chamomile stem weevil Microplontus rugulosus under greenhouse conditions
Authors: El-Wakeil Nabil , Gaafar Nawal , Abdel-Moniem Abdellah , Volkmar Christa
Published: July 2015

Chamomile Matricaria recutita (L) is an ancient healing plant; it is used for a sore stomach, a mild laxative, anti-inflammatory and a gentle sleep aid. Chamomile plants are infected by many insect pests. The flower heads are infested by chamomile smooth beetle Olibrus aeneus (Fabricius 1792). The dangerous insect is infestation with chamomile stem-weevil Microplontus rugulosus (Autumn 1795). Their infestations lead to a high reduction in chamomile yield. This work aimed to determine the adequate management strategies of Microplontus rugulosus and Olibrus aeneus, especially using entomopathogenic nematodes.
Management of chamomile insects was conducted on plants moved from field to greenhouse using entomopathogenic nematodes; while the control plants were sprayed only with water. The efficiency of three types of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) was evaluated; each strain replicated 3 times; each was 50 chamomile plants (totally is 150 for each strain). Three treatment dates were carried out in May, June and July; the first one was mainly for controlling stem weevil, while the other two dates were for smooth beetle. Steinernema carpocapsae had more efficiency than S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The lived larvae were higher in the untreated than treated plants. EPNS could be one of the most effective management strategies to control such insects to keep the environment clean and should be one of the suitable control strategies for integrated insect management practices which would be developed with the ecological requirements of insects in different chamomile fields.
Ultrametric Matrices and the Geometric Inverse M-Matrix Problem
Authors: Cihangir Apo , Brandts Jan
Published: July 2015

We describe the symmetric inverse M-matrix problem from a geometric viewpoint. The central questioninthegeometriccontextis,whichpropertiesthelowerdimensionalfacetsofann-simplex S guarantee that S itself has no obtuse dihedral angles. The simplest but strongest of such properties is regularity of the triangular facets. Slightly weaker is to demand that all triangular facets are strongly isosceles. Even more general but also more involved is to demand ultrametricity of all threedimensional tetrahedral facets of S.
As part of our exposition we show that either none, or all so-called vertex Gramians associated with an n-simplex S are ultrametric. As a result, the inverse of an ultrametric matrix is weakly diagonally dominant if and only if this inverse is a Stieltjes matrix. Thus, only one of them needs to be proved in order to obtain both.
Liberalização econômica do transporte aéreo no Brasil: um estudo empírico dos dez primeiros anos
Authors: Oliveira Alessandro Vinícius Marques de , Ferreira Natália Dos Santos , Silva Lucia Helena Salgado
Published: July 2015

Resumo: O presente trabalho visa promover uma avaliação dos impactos da Política de Flexibilização da Aviação Comercial dos anos 1990. A partir de estimação da demanda e dos determinantes dos markups, e, por meio de exercícios de simulação, foi realizada uma análise dos efeitos no bem-estar econômico caso as autoridades não adotassem as medidas de desregulamentação. Resultados indicaram que marcos regulatórios alternativos produziriam perdas consideráveis para os consumidores, gerando-se um peso morto, incorrido pela regulação, em torno de 3,7 bilhões de reais ao longo dos dez anos considerados (1993-2002), equivalente a um adicional de preços entre 4 % e 15% ao passageiro transportado na etapa média.

Palavras-chave: regulação, bem-estar, simulação, companhias aéreas, desregulamentação.

Abstract: This paper aims at evaluating the impacts of the airline deregulation of the nineties in Brazil. By estimating demand and the determinants of markups in the industry, and by making use of scenarios simulations, we investigate the effects in economic welfare in case authorities did not liberalize the market. Main findings indicated that alternative regulatory frameworks would generate remarkable deadweight losses for consumers, amounting to approximately BRL 3.7 billion within the ten years under analysis (1993-2002), which is equivalent to a price increase between 4 % and 15 % to the passenger at the average stage length.

Keywords: regulation, welfare, simulation, airline, deregulation.
Método para análise de níveis de serviço em praças de pedágio
Authors: Obelheiro Marta Rodrigues , Cybis Helena Beatriz Bettella , De Oliveira Marcelo Leismann , Ribeiro José Luis Duarte
Published: July 2015

Este trabalho propõe um método para análise de níveis de serviço em praças de pedágio. O método foi elaborado a partir de dados representativos de condições operacionais características de rodovias e praças de pedágio brasileiras. O método proposto é baseado na percepção de usuários de praças de pedágio acerca da qualidade de serviço nas praças. A percepção dos usuários foi captada através de pesquisa qualitativa, que envolveu o uso de cenários microssimulados representativos de situações de tráfego em praças. A partir dos resultados da pesquisa qualitativa, foi realizada modelagem e obtida equação que relaciona a qualidade percebida pelos usuários com os fatores intervenientes: porcentagem de caminhões no fluxo, tamanho de fila e número de cabines de atendimento. Os resultados indicaram que o comprimento de filas nas cabines exerce forte influência sobre a qualidade percebida nas praças. Além da equação, é proposta uma escala de níveis de serviço relacionada com a qualidade percebida pelos usuários em praças de pedágio.

Palavras-chave: praças de pedágio, nível de serviço, pesquisa qualitativa, simulação.

 

Abstract: This paper proposes a method for analyzing level of service at toll plazas. The method was built from data representing spe-cific operational conditions of Brazilian highways and toll plazas, and it is based on toll plaza quality service as perceived by users. Us-ers’ perception was captured by qualitative research, which involved the use of microsimulated scenarios representing traffic situations at toll plazas. The outcome of the qualitative research was a model relating service quality as perceived by users with the influence fac-tors: trucks percentage, queue length and number of toll booths. The results suggest that queue length at toll booths has a strong influ-ence on perceived quality at toll plazas. This paper also proposes a hierarchy for the level of service related to service quality perceived by users at toll plazas.
Keywords: toll plaza, level of service, qualitative research, simulation.

 
ADVANTAGES REACHED BY REPLACEMENT OF 2D TO 3D PROGRAMMING TO AIM MACHINABILITY OF PRIMARY PARTS
Authors: Barbosa Gustavo Franco , De Souza Carlos Henrique Pereira
Published: July 2015

Industrial programming is a tiresome and time-consuming task that requires technical skill. Thus, new and more intuitive ways for people to interact with CNC machines are required to make programming easier. The goal is to present two methods of programming that helps users to program a machine in an intuitive way, providing a high-level of abstraction from the machine language. Therefore, this paper presents a CAD-based system to program from a 3D CAD environment, allowing users with essential CAD skills to generate programs off-line in order to facilitate and accelerate these related tasks. This is feasible due to a relatively low cost and commercially available CAD packages that enable the user to generate machining programs. The method used to get data from CAD and techniques to manipulate, simulate and convert it into CNC machine commands are presented herein. Finally, the effectiveness of the two methods is showed when the time and wastes saved in 3D programming is compared to 2D programming to perform the same task. This presented method can also contribute to improve the quality of work, increase productivity, standardize work routines, and strive for excellence in adding value. A case study is showed to evidence the benefits reached.
FAILURE MAPPING PROCESS: AN APPLIED STUDY IN A SHIPYARD FACILITY
Authors: Monforte Priscila Morcelli , Oliveira Ualison Rébula , Rocha Henrique Martins
Published: July 2015

Faults represent non-conformities in productive activities. Therefore, approaches to their mitigation are relevant. Risk management techniques enable effective company’s strategic planning and the adoption of process controls towards failure reduction and assurance of adequate occupational health and safety. This research purported to integrate four widespread techniques, which are usually applied as stand-alone tools, to provide a robust risk management approach. A literature review about Process Mapping, Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is provided and their integration feasibility is analyzed, followed by an application study in a shipyard located in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.
TOWARDS AN ECO-EFFICIENCY MODEL FOR EXTENDED SUPPLY CHAIN – BRAZILIAN FOOD INDUSTRY
Authors: Pimenta Handson Claudio Dias , Gouvinhas Reidson Pereira , Evans Stephen
Published: July 2015

Designers make decisions that ultimately impact on both the economic and environmental performance of the products, and many of these costs and impacts occur across the supply chain. This paper proposes an eco-efficiency model for product life cycle management within the extended supply chain (ESC) for food industry. Eco-efficiency (EE) has the potential to incorporate both environmental and economic improvement by companies of ESC, and we explore the use of EE in the design process.  It is noteworthy that it is an imperative in the current competitive market that companies must be able to manage their entire production chain taking into account environmental issues as an important factor in their decision-making processes. Therefore, it is believed that EE can integrate and strengthen a company’s functions and assist its decision-making processes as well as implement improvements within its ESC. In this context, it is expected that the proposed model will be able to deliver a validation process based on EE strategies as well as map environmental aspects and its impacts. In addition, the proposed model aims to consider economic aspects along the product ESC and to present elements which can help companies to promote improvements within its supply chain by considering a more environmentally friendly perspective.
FROM USING COOKING OIL TO SOAP: THE ROLE OF THE STAKEHOLDERS TO IMPLEMENT A REVERSE LOGISTIC PROGRAM
Authors: Gómez Carla Pasa , Machado Ana Paula Correia
Published: July 2015

This paper analyzes the role of stakeholders in implementing a reverse logistics program in a brazilian soap company from the sustainability perspective. Actions from consumers, the government and the company are presented according to the proposed program for collecting used cooking oil for soap production
Quasi-simple Lie groups as multiplication groups of topological loops
Authors: Figula Ágota
Published: July 2015

We prove that among the quasi-simple Lie groups only the group SL4(ℝ) occurs as the multiplication group of 3-dimensional connected topological loops L. These loops L are homeomorphic to the sphere S3. Moreover, there does not exist any connected topological loop having an at most 8-dimensional quasi-simple Lie groups as its multiplication group.
Tight Embeddability of Proper and Stable Metric Spaces
Authors: Baudier F. , Lancien G.
Published: July 2015

We introduce the notions of almost Lipschitz embeddability and nearly isometric embeddability.
We prove that for p ∈ [1,∞], every proper subset of Lp is almost Lipschitzly embeddable into a Banach space
X if and only if X contains uniformly the ℓp
n’s. We also sharpen a result of N. Kalton by showing that every
stable metric space is nearly isometrically embeddable in the class of reflexive Banach spaces.
Exposure tool control for advanced semiconductor lithography
Authors: Matsuyama Tomoyuki
Published: July 2015

This is a review paper to show how we control exposure tool parameters in order to satisfy patterning performance and productivity requirements for advanced semiconductor lithography. In this paper, we will discuss how we control illumination source shape to satisfy required imaging performance, heat-induced lens aberration during exposure to minimize the aberration impact on imaging, dose and focus control to realize uniform patterning performance across the wafer and patterning position of circuit patterns on different layers. The contents are mainly about current Nikon immersion exposure tools.
Cardiac troponin I release after a basketball match in elite, amateur and junior players
Authors: López-Laval Isaac , Legaz-Arrese Alejandro , George Keith , Serveto-Galindo Olga , González-Rave José María , Reverter-Masia Joaquín , Munguía-Izquierdo Diego
Published: July 2015

Available scientific data related to cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release after intermittent exercise is limited. It is also of interest to determine what personal or environmental factors mediate the exercise-induced release of cTnI. This study had two objectives: 1) to examine the individual release of cTnI to a basketball match; and 2) to establish the influence of athlete status as well as biological age on cTnI release.

Thirty-six basketball players (12 adult elite [PBA]: 27.3±4.1 years, 12 adult amateur [ABA]: 29.6±2.9 years, and 12 junior elite [JBA]: 16.6±0.9 years) participated in a simulated basketball match with serial assessment of cTnI at rest, immediately post- and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post-exercise.

The basketball match increased cTnI levels (pre: median [range]; 0.006 [0.001–0.026]; peak post: 0.024 [0.004–0.244] μg/L; p=0.000), with substantial individual variability in peak values. PBA and JBA players showed higher baseline and post-exercise cTnI values than ABA (all p<0.05). Peak cTnI exceeded the upper reference limit (URL) in the 26% of players (3 PBA; 6 JBA).

The current results suggest that intermittent exercise can promote the appearance of cTnI and that this is potentially mediated by athlete status.
Linear independence of dilogarithmic values
Authors: Viola Carlo , Zudilin Wadim
Published: July 2015

We establish the linear independence over

ℚ

\mathbb{Q}

, in both qualitative and
quantitative forms, of the four numbers 1,

Li
1

⁡

(

1
/
z

)

=

-

log
⁡

(

1
-

1
/
z

)

\operatorname{Li}_{1}(1/z)=-\log(1-1/z)

,

Li
2

⁡

(

1
/
z

)

\operatorname{Li}_{2}(1/z)

and

Li
2

⁡

(

1
/

(

1
-
z

)

)

\operatorname{Li}_{2}(1/(1-z))

, for all integers

z
≥
9

z\geq 9

or

z
≤

-
8

z\leq-8

and
for rationals

z
=

s
/
r

z=s/r

or

z
=

1
-

s
/
r

z=1-s/r

with

1
<
r
<
s

1<r<s

, where s is large in
comparison with r.
Acral necrosis and upper brachial plexus palsy after prenatal fetal thrombosis
Authors: Dröge Lisa Antonia , Römer Susanne , Berns Monika , Bührer Christoph , Verlohren Stefan , Henrich Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

Intrauterine fetal thrombosis is an extremely rare event with a devastating outcome. The etiology of the condition often remains unclear. A 29-year-old 2nd gravida 1st para presented with mild preeclampsia at 34 weeks of gestation with pathological cardiotocography (CTG), but normal resistance indices in the umbilical and the uterine arteries. The fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) displayed a significantly reduced pulsatility index (PI). An immediate cesarean section was performed and a male neonate with a birth weight of 2300 g was delivered. Immediately after birth, a progressive necrosis of the neonate’s 4th right final finger link and a palsy of the right brachial plexus were observed. MRI and ultrasound imaging did not display mechanical injuries. The Doppler ultrasound showed a thrombus in the right common carotid and subclavian artery with poststenotic decreased blood flow of the right middle cerebral artery. Further analysis did not reveal inherited or acquired thrombophilias of the neonate. The puzzling prenatal finding of a markedly decreased PI in the MCA as well as the initially suspected postnatal diagnosis of traumatic plexus injury were clarified by the diagnosis of the thrombosis.
Rousseaus Kritik der ökonomischen Ungleichheit
Authors: Neuhouser Frederick
Published: July 2015

This paper reconstructs Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s position on the limits of legitimate economic inequality as presented in his Second Discourse. It argues that, although Rousseau’s position is egalitarian in that it places severe limits on permissible inequalities, he values economic equality instrumentally, not for its own sake but only as a means for promoting freedom and for securing the social conditions that make recognition, a central component of human well-being, available to all. The paper articulates the conception of freedom at work in Rousseau’s view (freedom as the absence of domination), showing both how his conception differs from Philip Pettit’s and how John Rawls’s conception of justice could be enriched by according greater importance to Rousseau’s concerns about economically caused forms of domination.
Effect of particle surface charge on drug uptake
Authors: Zheng Maosheng , Yu Jie
Published: July 2015

In this paper, it aims to build the relationship of statically electric interaction between the surface charge of a particle drug and cellular uptake. The statically electric theory is applied to study the change of wetting between the drug particle and the cell, a factor that enhanced uptake of cells induced by particle’s surface charge is introduced, then it is formulated according to Kelvin theory for dissolving of solid particle in liquid. It is found that the change of contact angle between the surface charged particle drug and the cell can be detected if the Zeta potential reaches to 6 mV in water like solution, an increase of about 11.1% for the uptake could be obtained for a polymer particle with molar mass
Reactions taking place during molecular chlorine impact on monomers in a wide range of temperatures
Authors: Gordon Dilyara , Mikhaylov Alfa
Published: July 2015

By electron spin resonance, ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy, and chromatography, calorimetry, elemental analysis and gravimetric methods, we determined the low-temperature impact of molecular chlorine on monomers and the free radicals that spontaneously form. The radicals that formed initiated the polymerization and chlorination reactions that occurred during the mixture of chlorine+monomer, which were prepared at 77 K and heated to 300 K. For the monomers that were in solid state at 300 K, the reactions proceeded in the temperature range near the chlorine melting point (170 K), whereas for the monomers that were in the liquid state at 300 K, the reactions occurred in the temperature range near the monomer melting point.
Is retinol binding protein 4 a link between adiposity and cancer?
Authors: Noy Noa , Li Li , Abola Matthew V. , Berger Nathan A.
Published: July 2015

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is synthesized in the liver where it binds vitamin A, retinol, and transports it to tissues throughout the body. It has been shown in some studies that the level of circulating RBP4 increases with body mass, and the protein has been implicated as a mediator in the development of insulin resistance and the metabolic disease. Adipose tissue serves as another site of RBP4 synthesis, accounting for its designation as an adipokine. In addition to its function as a transport protein, RBP4 serves as a signaling molecule which, by binding to the membrane receptor STRA6, triggers downstream activation of pro-oncogenic pathways including JAK2/STAT3/5. Taken together, available information suggests the possibility that RBP4 may be a link between obesity and cancer.
Investigating the Price Transmission Mechanisms of Greek Fresh Potatoes, Tomatoes and Cucumbers Markets
Authors: Rezitis Anthony N. , Pachis Dimitris N.
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the price transmission mechanisms between the producer and the consumer for three major Greek agricultural products: fresh potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers. The empirical analysis uses a Markov Switching Vector Error Correction model which accounts for asymmetric responses of the producer and the consumer to price increases and decreases. The asymmetric effects are tested with in-sample as well as out-of-sample measures for each state. The response of the producer and the consumer to long-run deviations from the equilibrium and to lagged price changes is investigated along with the nature of the price shocks for each state. The empirical results show that potatoes and cucumbers give rise to similar price mechanisms even though the underlying characteristics of these two markets are different. Moreover, the empirical analysis shows that tomatoes and cucumbers result in different price relationships between the producer and the consumer despite the similar market characteristics.
Principle-Based Design: A Methodology and Principles for Capitalizing Design Experiences for Information Quality Assurance
Authors: Bharosa Nitesh , Janssen Marijn
Published: July 2015

We know that information quality affects the performance of relief agencies during emergency management processes. Yet, recent studies keep revealing that relief workers faced information quality challenges during emergencies. While this can be partly attributed to the fragmented nature of the incompatible information systems that were designed from a single-agency perspective in order to support routine processes, there is a desperate need for overarching architecture principles that allow for the support of non-routine, interagency information needs. Principles are defined as normative, reusable and directive statements that guide architects in designing the capabilities needed to achieve overarching goals. This study presents a methodology for extracting such principles for information systems that can be employed for emergency management processes. Based on literature review, case surveys, interviews with architects and qualitative analysis, 12 principles are proposed for information quality assurance. Architects working at relief agencies can adopt these principles to redesign information systems in order to assure information quality from an interagency perspective. Due to the absence of an interagency system governing body, the main challenge lies in promoting and monitoring the adoption of such principles across relief agencies.
Re-Tweet Count Matters: Social Influences on Sharing of Disaster-Related Tweets
Authors: Li Huaye , Sakamoto Yasuaki
Published: July 2015

Communication during and after disasters increasingly relies on social media technologies. For example, victims, emergency responders, and others took to Twitter to share information about conditions, aid, resources and the like in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The current paper concerns how a re-tweet count, or the number of others who have already forwarded a message, influences people’s spreading of disaster-related tweets. The results of a human-subjects experiment revealed that, when the re-tweet count of a tweet increased, the likelihood that people would share the tweet increased when it came from an individual’s account, but the likelihood decreased when it came from a news agency’s account. These social influences disappeared when the re-tweet counts were over 1000 people. These findings extend the understanding of how disaster-related information spreads on social media, which is essential for improving social media during disaster management.
Effect of plant polyphenols on seizures – animal studies
Authors: Lasoń Władysław , Leśkiewicz Monika
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Flavonoids are a large group of natural compounds that have been considered to be beneficial in ameliorating some age-dependent disorders. However, a potential use of these compounds in epilepsy treatment has not been systematically reviewed.

Aim. This review describes the pharmacological activity of some polyphenols (flavonoids) in different animal models of seizures e.g. pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, kainate-induced seizures and pentylenetetrazole kindling in rats.

Method and Discussion. A literature review was conducted using PubMed from 1963 to October 2013 relating effects of flavonoids on experimentally-induced seizures in rodents. Articles chosen for references were queried with the following prompts: “flavonoids and epilepsy”, “flavonoids and seizures”, “plant polyphenols and epilepsy”, and “plant polyphenols and seizures”. Out of 84 reports 32 pharmacological studies with chemically well-defined flavonoids and using widely accepted animal models of seizures have been taken into account in this review. No clinical data on the antiepileptic effect of flavonoids have been reported so far.

Conclusion. The reviewed data suggest the possible benefits of some chemically well-defined polyphenolic compounds of plant origin in antiepileptic treatment. Among flavonoids, resveratrol, baicalein, quercetin and rutin showed significant antiseizure activity. The ability of flavonoids to prevent brain excitability and to protect the brain against oxidative stress-induced damage suggests a potential use of some flavonoids at least as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of epilepsy.
Burns from foul play? No – previously unsuspected epilepsy
Authors: Kaplan Peter W.
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Injuries such as burns may occur from unwitnessed and unsuspected new onset epilepsy with forensic implications.

Case report. A young woman was found with >25% 2nd and 3rd degree body burns after an unwitnessed morning event in a shower.

Discussion. The onset of tonic-clonic seizures and limb jerks in adolescence with a typical EEG recording of 3–4/second spike/polyspike-and-waves are diagnostic of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). Worldwide there is a significant morbidity and mortality in epilepsy from burns. The treatment of JME and of burns was discussed.
Genetic epilepsies. Remarks on the proposed “Organization of the Epilepsies”
Authors: Wieser Heinz Gregor
Published: July 2015

Introduction.Genetic findings in several epilepsy syndromes provide insights into the pathophysiology of specific subtypes of epilepsy and into mechanisms of epileptogenesis, because the genes encoding ion channels, and proteins associated to the vesical synaptic cycle, or involved in energy metabolism, influence neuronal excitability.

Aim.The following aspects of genetic epilepsies will be discussed: new proposed “organization of the epilepsies”, genetic and other etiologies, electroclinical syndromes and their genetics and genetic testing in the epilepsies.

Methods.The updated review is based on OMIM™ (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man).

Review and remarks.Because of the vast genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, bridging genotype and phenotype remains a major challenge in epilepsy genetics. The so-called “idiopathic” epilepsies are genetically determined. The new ILAE proposal on the “organization” of the epilepsies takes into account the genetic advances. However, despite proposed changes in the nomenclature, the concept of the electroclinical syndrome, i.e. seizure types, age-dependent onset, electroencephalographic criteria, and concomitant symptoms, such as movement disorders or developmental delay, remain important criteria to group the epilepsies. Although also the differentiation “generalized” versus “focal” is nowadays discussed critically, for practical reasons these categories remain valid. Similarly the categories “benign” syndromes of early childhood, epileptic encephalopathies, and fever-associated syndromes, have their utility.

Conclusions.The large number of genetic defects in the epilepsies complicates their analysis. However, it is anticipated that novel genetic methods, that are able to analyze all known genes at a reasonable price, will help identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues, including prognostic and genetic counseling. Today it is already possible to include into genetic testing genes responsible for the side effects of AEDs. In addition, for some epilepsy phenotypes it has became possible to predict the most efficacious antiepileptic drugs for patients based on their genetic makeup. Thus, the development of individualized medicine is expected to greatly improve the management of epilepsy patients.
Encephalopathy with Electrical Status Epilepticus in Slow Wave Sleep – a review with an emphasis on regional (perisylvian) aspects
Authors: Halász Peter , Hegyi Márta , Siegler Zsuzsa , Fogarasi András
Published: July 2015

Aim.The aim of this article is to review criticaly the Electrical Status Epilepticus in Slow Sleep (ESES) phenomenon from a neurophysiological mechanisms aspect as well as terminological and classification issues.

Methods.The review includes all the relevant papers published during the last 43 years on the subject of ESES and Continous Spike – Wave in Sleep (CSWS).These papers were identified in various large databases via the internet.

Rewiev and remarks.ESES/CSWS phenomena can be held as a common final pathway originating from different etiologies, including patients with early brain damage (probably involving thalamic structures), but also patients without structural pathology as in atypical evolution of idiopathic regional childhood hyperexcitability syndromes (with Rolandic epilepsy as a prototype). There are hints that genetic predisposition might be an important factor in the development of this process. The two large patient groups (lesional and non-lesional) show the same EEG evolution and encephalopathic cognitive consequences. The sleep EEG activation can be held as a common endophenotype. ESES represents an extreme sleep activation/potentiation of the local/regional interictal discharges, enhancing them in frequency, territorial extension, intra and trans-hemispherial propagation, synchrony and continuity. This process is most probably not identical with the development of bilateral spike-wave pattern in „generalized” epilepsies which involves primarily or secondarily the thalamocortical system as it had been explored by Gloor (1979) for idiopathic generalized rpilepsy and Steriade and Amzica (2003) for different types of generalized spike and wave discharges.

Conclusions and syndromological embedding of ESES.In an overwhelming majority of the investigated cases, the maps of the single discharges constituting sleep activation are identical; with focal/regional interictal spikes followed by slow closing wave, as it is seen in childhood regional age dependent hyperexcitability syndromes (prototype of the centro-temporal spikes of Rolandic epilepsy). The main mechanism of the developing cognitive impairment is most probably the consequence of interference with plastic function of slow wave sleep by obliterating synaptic decline during sleep. Presently, the consensus and co-operative research is highly obstacled by the terminological chaos, the controversial definitions and views around this still striking and enigmatic phenomenon.
Recent advances in pathophysiology studies and treatment of epilepsy in neurocutaneous disorders
Authors: Sadowski Krzysztof , Jóźwiak Sergiusz
Published: July 2015

Introduction.Epilepsy that is associated with neurocutaneous disorders seriously deteriorates quality of life and cognitive outcome of affected children. Recent advances in epilepsy pathophysiology raise hopes for better treatment results in this difficult group of patients.

Aim.The aim of this review is to present recent treatment recommendations as well as current research progress in the most frequent neurocutaneous disorders.

Material and methods.We analyzed PubMed database to select the most prominent and recent (up to 2014 year) publications on the treatment and mechanisms of epilepsy in selected neurocutaneous disorders. We aimed to emphasize evidence-based medicine recommendations as well as basic experimental studies dealing with molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis.

Discussion and conclusions.Recent advances in disease-modifying treatment options such as mTOR inhibitors in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex open up new perspectives for neurologists. Traditional resective surgery has still a major role as a treatment of choice in carefully selected cases.
Migrants’ alternative multi-lingua franca spaces as emergent re-producers of exclusionary monolingual nation-state regimes
Authors: Sabaté Dalmau Maria
Published: July 2015

From a critical sociolinguistic perspective, this article investigates the written linguistic practices of 20 labor migrants from heterogeneous backgrounds who organized their life trajectories in an ‘ethnic’ call shop in a marginal neighborhood near Barcelona. This was a late capitalist institution informally providing the undocumented with survival resources off the radar from governmental authorities. By drawing on interviews and visual materials gathered over a two-year fieldwork project, I report on the amalgamations of allochthonous and autochthonous codes which function as the multi-lingua franca of these alternative shelters, which have now colonized the globalized urban landscape. I argue that these translinguistic practices speak of the ethnolinguistic identities with which migrants try to secure subsistence. I show, though, that transnational populations simultaneously map their in-group codes upon a unified floor where the use of only global Spanish is fostered. Users sanction their linguistic hybridity and self-correct into hegemonic standard norms which index ‘integration’ and fully-fledged citizenship statuses, delegitimizing their linguistic capitals. I conclude that the migrants’ grassroots mobilization of both linguistic resistance and regimentation within a single discursive space where exclusionary sociolinguistic orders could be contested uniquely unveils the ways in which they challenge, but paradoxically re-produce, the monolingual nation-state regimes of their host society.
Physisorption of gases, with special reference to the evaluation of surface area and pore size distribution (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Thommes Matthias , Kaneko Katsumi , Neimark Alexander V. , Olivier James P. , Rodriguez-Reinoso Francisco , Rouquerol Jean , Sing Kenneth S.W.
Published: July 2015

Gas adsorption is an important tool for the characterisation of porous solids and fine powders. Major advances in recent years have made it necessary to update the 1985 IUPAC manual on Reporting Physisorption Data for Gas/Solid Systems. The aims of the present document are to clarify and standardise the presentation, nomenclature and methodology associated with the application of physisorption for surface area assessment and pore size analysis and to draw attention to remaining problems in the interpretation of physisorption data.