bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Parricides in South Korea
Authors: Shon Phillip C. , Lee Jihee
Published: April 2016

Prior parricide research has indicated that most killings of parents involve single offenders and single victims. While studies of one-on-one parricide incidents have revealed notable findings about offender and offense-related characteristics, the study of single offender and multiple victim—double parricides—parricides has escaped the analytical scrutiny of researchers. Such an omission is particularly notable as the temporal sequencing of attacks has implications for the dynamics of an offender’s on-scene behavior. This article examines the temporal sequencing of attacks in attempted and completed double parricides in South Korea. Results indicate that offender behavior in double parricides is shaped by time and distance between the first and second victims.
Improved thermal conductivity of epoxy composites prepared with a mixed filler of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and aluminum nitride particles
Authors: Jiao Jian , Cui Yonghong , Xia Yu
Published: April 2016

The thermal conductive filler/epoxy resin (EP) composites were prepared by a casting method. The effects of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), aluminum nitride (AlN) particles, and their compounds on the microstructure and thermal conductivity of the composites were investigated, in addition to the thermal properties. The results indicated that compounds of MWCNTs and AlN particles exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect to improve the thermal conductivity properties of the composites. The one-dimensional MWCNTs with superb thermal conductivity bridged the AlN particles to form an excellent network, which provides a faster and more effective pathway for phonon transport in the composites. The thermal conductivity of the 0.6 vol% MWCNTs/3.4 vol% AlN/EP composite is 0.53 W (m K)−1. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the MWCNTs/AlN/EP composites with 0.4 vol% MWCNTs and 3.4 vol% AlN is 0.48 W (m K)−1 (which is twice the value of 0.24 W (m K)−1 for the pure EP) which was much higher than the 0.4 vol% MWCNTs/EP composites (0.27 W (m K)−1) and the 3.4 vol% AlN/EP composites (0.28 W (m K)−1). Bruggeman’s equation is identified to fit quite well to the experimental results of the AlN/EP composites in the entire range of volume percentage of AlN; however, the MWCNTs/EP composites coincided better to the Russell equation. The volume resistivity of the MWCNTs/AlN/EP composites (approximately 1.8–2.6 × 1012 Ω m) exhibited only a slight compromise in comparison to the pure EP (2.5 × 1014 Ω m), which manifested the excellent insulation characteristic of these composites.
Synthesis and polymerization of benzoxazine molecules with electron-withdrawing group substitution and ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Rajasekar Sankar , Hari Natarajan
Published: April 2016

The synthesis of strong electron-withdrawing group substituted aromatic amine and phenol-based benzoxazines is hampered due to the poor solubility of the reactant. In this article, a simple methodology is presented to synthesize the strong electron-withdrawing groups substituted benzoxazine monomers from a solution method using a low-boiling polar solvent. In order to achieve this, we used formaldehyde as a reactant as well as a solvent, and the reaction was carried out for a longer time. Also, benzylaniline derivatives were successfully prepared through benzoxazine. The monomers were polymerized by using solution polymerization method using lithium bromide as a catalyst. The structure of the monomers and polymers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermally activated polymerization of the monomers was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal properties of polymers were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis.
The potential protective role of hepatitis B virus infection in pristane-induced lupus in mice
Authors: Liu X , Jiao Y , Cui B , Gao X , Xu J , Zhao Y
Published: April 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection plays a role in the regulation of autoimmunity for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Method

A total of 21 female BALB/c mice and 21 female HBV transgenic BALB/c mice aged two months were randomly divided into four groups: BALB/c mice, HBVTg mice, pristane-injected BALB/c mice, and pristane-injected HBVTg mice. BALB/c mice and HBVTg mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml normal saline, and the mice in the other two groups were given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml pristane. ANA and anti-dsDNA levels in serum were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α were measured by Luminex technology. The serum BAFF level was measured using an Elisa kit. Twenty-four weeks after pristane administration, kidneys were removed, dissected, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic-acid Schiff.

Result

At six months after injecting, the ANA titers in pristane-injected HBVTg mice were significantly lower than pristane-injected BALB/c mice. IL-17, TNF-α, and BAFF levels were significantly higher in pristane-injected BALB/c mice than BALB/c mice and pristane-injected HBVTg mice. IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 levels were much higher in pristane-injected HBVTg mice than pristane-injected BALB/c mice. In pristane-injected HBVTg mice and HBVTg mice, fewer glomerulonephritis changes were found in the kidneys.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the incidence of SLE was much lower in HBVTg mice, and that HBV infection helped the SLE mice survive high levels of inflammatory cytokines and severe renal damage. All these findings demonstrated the protective role of HBV in SLE patients via the immunoregulatory networks of the cytokines.
Process Evaluation of a Parenting Program for Low-Income Families in South Africa
Authors: Lachman Jamie M. , Kelly Jane , Cluver Lucie , Ward Catherine L. , Hutchings Judy , Gardner Frances
Published: April 2016

Objective:

This mixed-methods process evaluation examined the feasibility of a parenting program delivered by community facilitators to reduce the risk of child maltreatment in low-income families with children aged 3–8 years in Cape Town, South Africa ( N = 68).

Method:

Quantitative measures included attendance registers, fidelity checklists, satisfaction surveys, and engagement in home practice activities. Qualitative data included parent interviews, facilitator focus groups, and transcripts from parent groups and facilitator supervision sessions.

Results:

Quantitative results show high levels of participant involvement, implementation, and acceptability. Thematic analyses identified seven themes related to program feasibility: (a) supporting participant involvement, (b) engagement in collaborative learning, (c) strengthening facilitator competency, (d) delivering nonviolent discipline skills, (e) contextualizing content, (f) receptivity to existing practices, and (g) resistance to new skills.

Discussion:

Findings suggest that parenting programs derived from evidence-based principles may be feasible in South Africa when situated within a culturally relevant context.
The “Kobayashi Maru” Meeting
Authors: Bruni-Bossio Vincent , Willness Chelsea
Published: April 2016

The Kobayashi Maru is a training simulation that has its roots in the Star Trek series notable for its defining characteristic as a no-win scenario with no “correct” resolution and where the solution actually involves redefining the problem. Drawing upon these characteristics, we designed a board meeting simulation for an experiential course in nonprofit governance, which places students in a high-stakes decision-making situation closely modeled on real events. To do so, we uniquely integrated principles from acting literature with theory and research in training and development. The Kobayashi Maru Meeting is a simulation with high physical and psychological fidelity—that is, one that closely resembles the “look and feel” of real-world board governance. The topics are deliberately sensitive to personal, organizational, and societal values to create high engagement and deep learning and to highlight the importance of good governance for organizational leadership. Results from multisource, multimethod data suggest that the simulation enhanced students’ decision making, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as their ability to deal with their own and others’ reactions in intense circumstances. Beyond board governance, the simulation creates an authentic learning experience that can be adapted to multiple learning contexts including leadership, ethics, decision making, and communication.
Acceptability of Partner Violence in 51 Societies
Authors: Herrero Juan , Rodríguez Francisco J. , Torres Andrea
Published: April 2016

Sexist attitudes have been claimed to play an important role in acceptability of intimate partner violence (IPV). Empirical evidence suggests that sexist individuals are also more accepting of violence in social relationships than non-sexist individuals. Results from multilevel regression models of data from 72,730 respondents of 51 countries around the world showed that (a) both sexism and acceptability of general violence in social relationships were positively related to acceptability of IPV and (b) the highest levels of acceptability of IPV were found among those sexist individuals who also present positive attitudes toward the use of violence in social relationships.
Negotiating Blackness
Authors: Cheung Judge Ruth
Published: April 2016

This article explores the experiences of young British people with African and Caribbean heritage during a volunteer tourism trip to Zimbabwe. It gives an ethnographic account of how racialized identifications and geographies surfaced – and were negotiated – through emotional encounters and embodied performances. Young volunteers contended with the racialized imaginaries of charity that painfully positioned their blackness as ‘mis-fitting’ in the performances of virtue central to volunteer tourism. However, they performed their blackness in ways that asserted value, variously invoking a proud ‘authentic’ bond with ‘Africa’ and forging connections around diasporic African cool. Volunteers’ claims of authentic ‘Africanness’ often problematically homogenized Africa, but celebratory affects around transnational popular culture contained possibilities for disrupting denigrating hierarchies. This account illustrates the potential for youth studies to engage further with the ‘more-than-representational’ ways in which racialized difference comes into force, but that this approach can and should sharpen our analysis of enduring racialized prejudices.
Curcumol Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Metastasis by Inhibiting MMP-9 Via JNK1/2 and Akt-Dependent NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Ning Ling , Ma Hui , Jiang Zhuyun , Chen Lu , Li Li , Chen Qianfeng , Qi Hongyi
Published: April 2016

Curcumolhas been reported to possess antitumor activity. However, its effect and mechanisms against tumor metastasis are still unclear. This study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of curcumol on breast cancer cell metastasis and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that noncytotoxicity was caused by curcumol within 10 to 40 µg/mL in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells for 24 hours, whereas sustained treatment with curcumol for 14 days significantly suppressed the clonogenic activity of cells. Importantly, curcumol at noncytotoxic concentrations suppressed the migration ability of both MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells. Moreover, curcumol suppressed the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in the Boyden chamber migration and invasion assay and inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells onto the matrigel. Further investigations revealed that curcumol decreased the enzyme activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, curcumol inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 and Akt (Ser473). Meanwhile, it also inhibited the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and Akt (Ser473) inhibitor LY294002 enhanced the inhibition of curcumol on NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Finally, supplementation with SP600125, LY294002, or NF-κB inhibitor Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of curcumol on MMP-9 expression and cell migration, invasion, and adhesion in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings provide evidence for the suppression of breast cancer cell metastasis by curcumol and suggest that the inhibition of MMP-9 via JNK1/2 and Akt (Ser473)-dependent NF-κB signaling pathways may be the underlying mechanisms.
A New Method for Endoscopic Sampling of Submucosal Tissue in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Walther Charles , Jeremiasen Martin , Rissler Pehr , Johansson Jan L. M. , Larsson Marie S. , Walther Bruno S. C. S.
Published: April 2016

Background. Sampling of submucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract through a flexible endoscope is a well-recognized clinical problem. One technique often used is endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, but it does not provide solid tissue biopsies with preserved architecture for histopathological evaluation. To obtain solid tissue biopsies from submucosal lesions, we have constructed a new endoscopic biopsy tool and compared it in a crossover study with the standard double cupped forceps. Methods. Ten patients with endoscopically verified submucosal lesions were sampled. The endoscopist selected the position for the biopsies and used the instrument selected by randomization. After a biopsy was harvested, the endoscopist chose the next site for a biopsy and again used the instrument picked by randomization. A total of 6 biopsies, 3 with the forceps and 3 with the drill instrument, were collected in every patient. Results. The drill instrument resulted in larger total size biopsies (mm2; Mann-Whitney U test, P = .048) and larger submucosal part (%) of the biopsies (Mann-Whitney U test, P = .003) than the forceps. Two patients were observed because of chest pain and suspicion of bleeding in 24 hours. No therapeutic measures were necessary to be taken. Conclusion. The new drill instrument for flexible endoscopy can safely deliver submucosal tissue samples from submucosal lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Study of piezoelectric materials combined with electromagnetic design for bicycle harvesting system
Authors: Chen Dyi-Cheng , Kao Shih-Hung , Huang Chen-Kun
Published: April 2016

Energy harvesting device involves capturing energy from the environment and it is increasingly crucial in the crisis of greenhouse effect nowadays. Equipping bicycles with many types of shock absorbers can enhance the riding comfort. Additionally, an embedded energy harvesting device will gain much benefit beyond the sports. This study applied the finite element method to analyze the components of nonlinear magnetic spring. The analytical simulations were conducted to analyze the electromagnetic effect in ANSYS©/Emag software. A model equipped with nonlinear magnetic springs was constructed to absorb the impact energy. Nevertheless, the piezoelectric components were used to capture the piezoelectric effect current caused by the compressive stress. A series of simulations were conducted, such as changing the diameter of the magnet, electric coil width, and the position of the coils. Moreover, with those finite element analysis data, the Taguchi method L9(34) orthogonal arrays were applied to determine the optimal parametric dimensions of the electromagnetic and piezoelectric assemblies for maximizing the captured kinetic energy and power transformation. The results could assist the suspension manufacturers to innovate their design for energy harvesting and impact absorbing.
Analysis of vehicle headway distribution on multi-lane freeway considering car–truck interaction
Authors: Kong Dewen , Guo Xiucheng
Published: April 2016

The primary objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of vehicle headway on multi-lane freeway under lane management in China considering car–truck interaction. More specifically, the study focused on answering the following two questions: (1) whether the car–truck interaction has impact on headway, that is, headway varies by different leading and following vehicle types and (2) what is the best-fitted distribution model for particular headway type under lane management. The team collected traffic data, including traffic flow rates, percentage of trucks, speeds, headways, and so on from four segments of Shanghai-Nanjing freeway, Jiangsu Province in China. Then, some statistical methods were used to analyze the vehicle headway. It was found that car–car, car/truck, and truck–truck headways are significantly different from each other. Also, the traffic flow rate, percentage of trucks, and lane position were found to have an influence on the vehicle headway through the tests. Using the maximum-likelihood estimation, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and chi-square test techniques, the distribution models and parameter functions for each headway type were built and validated. The results showed that lognormal model is suitable for car–car and truck–truck headway types, and inverse Gaussian model fits the car/truck headway type well.
Drug discovery in renin–angiotensin system intervention: past and future
Authors: Williams Bryan
Published: April 2016

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the control of blood pressure in the body and the way this interacts with other systems is widely recognized. This has not always been the case and this review summarizes how our knowledge has evolved from the initial discovery of renin by Tigerstedt and Berman in 1898. This includes the identification of angiotensin in the 1950s to the proposed relationship between this system, hypertension and ultimately cardiovascular disease. While the RAS is far more complex than originally thought, much is now known about this system and the wide ranging effects of angiotensin in the body. This has enabled the development of therapies that target the various proteins in this pathway and hence are implicated in disease. The first of these treatments was the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), followed by the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and more recently the direct renin inhibitors (DRIs). Clinical outcome trials have shown these drugs to be effective, but as they act at contrasting points in the RAS, there are differences in their efficacy and safety profiles. RAS blockade is the foundation of modern combination therapy with a calcium channel blocker and/or a diuretic given to reduce blood pressure and limit the impact of RAS activation. Other options that complement these treatments may be available in the future and will offer more choice to clinicians.
Ba–Cu ordering in bariopharmacoalumite-Q2a2b2c from Cap Garonne, France
Authors: Grey I. E. , Mumme W. G. , Price J. R. , Mills S. J. , Macrae C. M. , Favreau G.
Published: April 2016

Bariopharmacoalumite-Q2a2b2c, Ba0.5(Cu,ZnO)0.1H0.6[Al4(OH)4(As0.9Al0.1O4)3]·5.5H2O, from the south mine of the old copper mine at Cap Garonne, France, has a 2 × 2 × 2 I-centred tetragonal superstructure of the basic pharmacosiderite-type structure. Cell parameters are a = 15.405(2) Å and c = 15.553(3) Å. The structure was determined and refined in I2m to R1= 0.057 for 2697 reflections with I > 2σ(I), using synchrotron X-ray data on a twinned crystal. The origin of the superlattice cell doubling was determined to be due predominantly to the ordering of Ba atoms in half of the [0 0 1] channels, centred at (0, 0, 0) and (½, ½, 0). The other channels, centred at (½, 0, 0) and (0, ½, 0), were found to be occupied by corner-connected chains of Cu/Zn-centred square planar units.
The formation of ferromanganese nodules in the southwest Indian Ocean; an abiotic process
Authors: Van Dongen B. E. , Ashton N. J. , Pattrick R. A. D.
Published: April 2016

Ferromanganese nodules have been recognized widely as potentially important resources for strategic metals. However it remains unclear if the formation of these nodules is purely an abiotic process or if microorganisms are involved in their formation. To determine the microbial contributions, detailed organic geochemical analyses were performed on ferromanganese nodules collected from across the southwest Indian Ocean. These analyses reveal the presence of specific terrestrial, marine and petroleum derived biomarkers, consistent with formation in a marine setting with a substantial influx of terrestrially derived (higher plant detritus) and naturally occurring petroleum-related organic matter. In contrast, only trace amounts of general bacterial biomarkers, commonly present in these types of depositional environments, were present. This indicates that the formation of these ferromanganese nodules is predominantly an abiotic process although a minor contribution from microbial mediated processes to the growth of these nodules cannot be completely ruled out.
APRIL and BCMA promote human multiple myeloma growth and immunosuppression in the bone marrow microenvironment
Authors: Tai Yu-Tzu , Acharya Chirag , An Gang , Moschetta Michele , Zhong Mike Y. , Feng Xiaoyan , Cea Michele , Cagnetta Antonia , Wen Kenneth , van Eenennaam Hans , van Elsas Andrea , Qiu Lugui , Richardson Paul , Munshi Nikhil , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: April 2016

Key Points

APRIL/BCMA activation promotes MM proliferation, survival, and immunosuppression in vitro and in vivo. Targeting the APRIL/BCMA pathway represents a promising mechanism-based immunotherapy to target MM and overcome drug resistance.
Neuro-immune interactions in chemical-induced airway hyperreactivity
Authors: Devos Fien C. , Boonen Brett , Alpizar Yeranddy A. , Maes Tania , Hox Valérie , Seys Sven , Pollaris Lore , Liston Adrian , Nemery Benoit , Talavera Karel , Hoet Peter H.M. , Vanoirbeek Jeroen A.J.
Published: April 2016

Asthma may be induced by chemical sensitisers,viamechanisms that are still poorly understood. This type of asthma is characterised by airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and little airway inflammation. Since potent chemical sensitisers, such as toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), are also sensory irritants, it is suggested that chemical-induced asthma relies on neuro-immune mechanisms.

We investigated the involvement of transient receptor potential channels (TRP) A1 and V1, major chemosensors in the airways, and mast cells, known for their ability to communicate with sensory nerves, in chemical-induced AHR.

In vitrointracellular calcium imaging and patch-clamp recordings in TRPA1- and TRPV1-expressing Chinese hamster ovarian cells showed that TDI activates murine TRPA1, but not TRPV1. Using anin vivomodel, in which an airway challenge with TDI induces AHR in TDI-sensitised C57Bl/6 mice, we demonstrated that AHR does not develop, despite successful sensitisation, inTrpa1andTrpv1knockout mice, and wild-type mice pretreated with a TRPA1 blocker or a substance P receptor antagonist. TDI-induced AHR was also abolished in mast cell deficientKitWsh/Wshmice, and in wild-type mice pretreated with the mast cell stabiliser ketotifen, without changes in immunological parameters.

These data demonstrate that TRPA1, TRPV1 and mast cells play an indispensable role in the development of TDI-elicited AHR.
IPED: a highly efficient denoising tool for Illumina MiSeq Paired-end 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data
Authors: Mysara Mohamed , Leys Natalie , Raes Jeroen , Monsieurs Pieter
Published: April 2016

Background

The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revolutionized the field of microbial ecology via the sequencing of phylogenetic marker genes (e.g. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing). Denoising, the removal of sequencing errors, is an important step in preprocessing amplicon sequencing data. The increasing popularity of the Illumina MiSeq platform for these applications requires the development of appropriate denoising methods.

Results

The newly proposed denoising algorithm IPED includes a machine learning method which predicts potentially erroneous positions in sequencing reads based on a combination of quality metrics. Subsequently, this information is used to group those error-containing reads with correct reads, resulting in error-free consensus reads. This is achieved by masking potentially erroneous positions during this clustering step. Compared to the second best algorithm available, IPED detects double the amount of errors. Reducing the error rate had a positive effect on the clustering of reads in operational taxonomic units, with an almost perfect correspondence between the number of clusters and the theoretical number of species present in the mock communities.

Conclusion

Our algorithm IPED is a powerful denoising tool for correcting sequencing errors in Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data. Apart from significantly reducing the error rate of the sequencing reads, it has also a beneficial effect on their clustering into operational taxonomic units. IPED is freely available at http://science.sckcen.be/en/Institutes/EHS/MCB/MIC/Bioinformatics/.
PUBLISH AND PERISH
Authors: de Almeida Djaimilia Pereira
Published: April 2016

“Publish or perish” is an admonition that academics learn early in their careers. In this essay—a guest column—the author, a young academic, argues instead that publishing is a means of dignifying the discontinuity of the self. One both publishes and perishes in a single act. Publishing, it is suggested, resembles leave-taking: it is a way of saying good-bye to who you are.
DISENCHANTMENT
Authors: Trilling James
Published: April 2016

This contribution to the Common Knowledge symposium “Peace by Other Means” rereads the works of J. R. R. Tolkien as a study of pyrrhic victory. It argues that the origin of Tolkien's cycle of tales is inseparable from his experience of World War I, which ended in anomie and widespread fear of the coercive power of modern society. The price of the victory over evil, in these tales, is disenchantment. Tolkien is the first author to imagine disenchantment on a near-global scale, using literal disenchantment as a metaphor for a kind he could expect his readers to know firsthand. Like disenchantment, this-worldly evil, centralized in a single figure such as Mordor, is a twentieth-century idea, an emanation of totalitarianism: the transformation of Elves into orcs is a horror that only our knowledge of the Nazi death camps and the Soviet gulag has equipped us to imagine. If disenchantment is the price of victory over absolute evil, few would doubt that it was worth paying—within the framework of the tales. For the far future of Middle-Earth, however, the implications are less benign. The Elves accept their fate and either dwindle or depart. But the orcs, personifying disenchantment in its most radical and terrifying form, are routed but not all killed, and they do not depart.
TLR-mediated albuminuria needs TNFα-mediated cooperativity between TLRs present in hematopoietic tissues and CD80 present on non-hematopoietic tissues in mice
Authors: Jain Nidhi , Khullar Bhavya , Oswal Neelam , Banoth Balaji , Joshi Prashant , Ravindran Balachandran , Panda Subrat , Basak Soumen , George Anna , Rath Satyajit , Bal Vineeta , Sopory Shailaja
Published: April 2016

Transient albuminuria induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in mice through engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is widely studied as a partial model for some forms of human nephrotic syndrome (NS). In addition to TLRs, CD80 has been shown to be essential for PAMP-mediated albuminuria. However, the mechanistic relationships between TLRs, CD80 and albuminuria remain unclear. Here, we show that albuminuria and CD80-uria induced in mice by many TLR ligands are dependent on the expression of TLRs and their downstream signalling intermediate MyD88 exclusively in hematopoietic cells and, conversely, on CD80 expression exclusively in non-hematopoietic cells. TNFα is crucial for TLR-mediated albuminuria and CD80-uria, and induces CD80 expression in cultured renal podocytes. IL-10 from hematopoietic cells ameliorates TNFα production, albuminuria and CD80-uria but does not prevent TNFα-mediated induction of podocyte CD80 expression. Chitohexaose, a small molecule originally of parasite origin, mediates TLR4-dependent anti-inflammatory responses, and blocks TLR-mediated albuminuria and CD80-uria through IL-10. Thus, TNFα is a prominent mediator of renal CD80 induction and resultant albuminuria in this model, and small molecules modulating TLR-mediated inflammatory activation might have contributory or adjunct therapeutic potential in some contexts of NS development.
Geroscience approaches to increase healthspan and slow aging
Authors: Melov Simon
Published: April 2016

For decades, researchers in the biology of aging have focused on defining mechanisms that modulate aging by primarily studying a single metric, sometimes described as the “gold standard” lifespan. Increasingly, geroscience research is turning towards defining functional domains of aging such as the cardiovascular system, skeletal integrity, and metabolic health as being a more direct route to understand why tissues decline in function with age. Each model used in aging research has strengths and weaknesses, yet we know surprisingly little about how critical tissues decline in health with increasing age. Here I discuss popular model systems used in geroscience research and their utility as possible tools in preclinical studies in aging.
Rho, ROCK and actomyosin contractility in metastasis as drug targets
Authors: Rodriguez-Hernandez Irene , Cantelli Gaia , Bruce Fanshawe , Sanz-Moreno Victoria
Published: April 2016

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells around the body and the cause of the majority of cancer deaths. Metastasis is a very complex process in which cancer cells need to dramatically modify their cytoskeleton and cope with different environments to successfully colonize a secondary organ. In this review, we discuss recent findings pointing at Rho-ROCK or actomyosin force (or both) as major drivers of many of the steps required for metastatic success. We propose that these are important drug targets that need to be considered in the clinic to palliate metastatic disease.
Case Article—Dealing with the Bug in the Classrooms: Planning for a Pandemic
Authors: Proano Ruben A.
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a teaching case that can be used to introduce production control and operations management concepts by analyzing the effects of future, uncertain influenza pandemics on the day-to-day operations at a 18,000 student-body university. This case provides students with an opportunity to use key technical concepts and analytics to design a guide that can be used by school administrators to deal with future pandemics. Through this case students treat a non-traditional service environment with unclear product definition as a production system.

Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Case—Dealing with the Bug in the Classrooms: Planning for a Pandemic
Authors: Proano Ruben A.
Published: April 2016

In 2009, public and private organizations were forced to consider how the circulation of a new and potentially lethal infectious disease, the H1N1 flu virus, would affect their day-to-day activities. The virus started circulating in the spring of 2009 and in a matter of months it had already spread all over the world. Similarly, to what happened in the deadly 1918 Spanish influenza, it especially affected young adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. Universities, colleges, and school districts were among the organizations that had to design and implement response and mitigation plans that would not only protect their students, but that would avoid any disruption to the academic calendar while considering limited available resources. The following two-part case study describes some of the challenges faced by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a private university in upstate New York, in dealing with H1N1, and gives students the opportunity to apply quantitative analysis to help the university develop a preparedness plan to deal with future pandemics.
Will nursing shortages threaten the integrity and functioning of the NHS?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: April 2016

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses a recent Government report that reveals that the current nurse vacancy rate has exceeded NICE's recommended guidelines
Reporting from ward to board
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: April 2016

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, explores ways of collating information at ward level and looks at ways of presenting this information at board level for greatest impact
Maximise your funding
Authors: Lee Maureen
Published: April 2016

As part of our leadership series, Maureen Lee asks Early Years Teacher, and manager, Sandra Matthews for her insights on how settings can get the most out of the government funding for two-year-olds?
We can play and teach
Authors: Skinner Don
Published: April 2016

Ofsted's report on balancing play and teaching is a decided step forward. But it will take more to resolve continuing tensions and develop quality interaction, to transform children's development and learning.
Disclosing payments from pharma companies
Authors: Pendleton Claire
Published: April 2016

What healthcare providers need to know about the coming changes.
G1 Domain of Versican Regulates Hyaluronan Organization and the Phenotype of Cultured Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Merrilees Mervyn J. , Zuo Ning , Evanko Stephen P. , Day Anthony J. , Wight Thomas N.
Published: April 2016

Variants of versican have wide-ranging effects on cell and tissue phenotype, impacting proliferation, adhesion, pericellular matrix composition, and elastogenesis. The G1 domain of versican, which contains two Link modules that bind to hyaluronan (HA), may be central to these effects. Recombinant human G1 (rhG1) with an N-terminal 8 amino acid histidine ( His) tag, produced in Nicotiana benthamiana, was applied to cultures of dermal fibroblasts, and effects on proliferation and pericellular HA organization determined. rhG1 located to individual strands of cell surface HA which aggregated into structures resembling HA cables. On both individual and aggregated strands, the spacing of attached rhG1 was similar (~120 nm), suggesting interaction between rhG1 molecules. Endogenous V0/V1, present on HA between attached rhG1, did not prevent cable formation, while treatment with V0/V1 alone, which also bound to HA, did not induce cables. A single treatment with rhG1 suppressed cell proliferation for an extended period. Treating cells for 4 weeks with rhG1 resulted in condensed layers of elongated, differentiated α actin-positive fibroblasts, with rhG1 localized to cell surfaces, and a compact extracellular matrix including both collagen and elastin. These results demonstrate that the G1 domain of versican can regulate the organization of pericellular HA and affect phenotype.
The Aboriginal Flag as activist art
Authors: Gallois Mathieu
Published: April 2016

Since the 1960s, art with overt social and political subject-matter has been widely practised, if not widely accepted in the western world. Activist art, I propose, is a distinct category of art-making within a larger grouping of socially engaged contemporary art practices that have emerged in recent decades: its primary intent is to achieve social change. The alliance of activism and art is rare, in part because the practice of activism and the discipline of art have different values and agendas: activism seeks to bring about social change; art-making seeks to create art. Art activism combines the values and agendas of both art and activism. In Australia, a handful of mainly Indigenous artworks have been successful activist artworks. This type of art, however, falls short of being an established and recognized genre of art-making with committed long-term practitioners. This article explores the parameters, and asserts the rationale for understanding the Aboriginal Flag as activist art, and more broadly the role of culture in Indigenous activism postcolonization. Surprisingly, the flag is neither understood as art, nor has it, in an academic framework, ever been studied as art or art activism.
Histórico sobre a revitalização de área de lazer no Campus de Jaboticabal(SP) da UNESP
Authors: Iossi Emerson , Demattê Maria Esmeralda Soares Payão , Pavani Luiz Carlos , Turco José Eduardo Pitelli , Seguim José Luiz Dacal
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to organize, to report and to comment the information obtained during the elaboration and implementation of a project for revitalization of the square where the main canteen of the Campus of Jaboticabal of UNESP is situated. The results of the project were also evaluated.
Multidrug resistant Salmonella sp isolated from chicken
Authors: Victor Atere
Published: April 2016

Antibiotic resistance has been a major problem in combatting Salmonella in poultry, this research was designed to determine the antibiotic resistance level of Salmonella isolated from freshly dead chicken. A total of 107 freshly dead chicken were collected from 23 different farms, birds were necropsied, liver and trachea were collected, Salmonella were recovered from the samples using peptone water, Rappaport-Vassiliadis R10 Broth and Salmonella-Shigella agar. Pure culture were identified using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The pure isolates were subjected to antibiotic test using disc diffusion method. Sixteen isolates of Salmonella were recovered, 3 of which were from the trachea while 13 were recovered from the liver. All of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin 100% while Nitrofuratoin was least resisted with only 37.5% of the Salmonella isolates showing resistance. The antibiotic resistant pattern often observed in this study were AMP, AUG, TLY with 75% (12); AMP, AUG, TLY, CPR, ENR, 50% (8); while 6.3% (1) was resistant to all of the antibiotics tested. This result showed that there is an emergence of multi-resistance Salmonella in poultry, therefore it is important to carry out sensitivity test before administration of antibiotics in order to control poultry salmonellosis.
An investigation about entrepreneurship politics in Turkey: 1923-1929
Cumhuriyet ile birlikte girişimciliği etkileyen polikalar üzerine bir inceleme: 1923-1929
Authors: Doğangün Yasa Bengü , Çelik Faik
Published: April 2016

The entrepreneurship which has been understood so late as an important concept in Economics is a center of economic development at the present day. The entrepreneurship is seen the power of economic growth and improvement. Therefore the way which Turkish entrepreneur class followed is important for Turkish economic history. The aim of this study is to analysis economic thought and economic politics that affects evolution of entrepreneur class from 1923 to 1929 which is the period named Liberal Term. Özetİktisat bilimi içerisinde önemi geç anlaşılan girişimcilik kavramı günümüzde iktisadi gelişmenin merkezinde yer almaktadır. Girişimcilik ekonomik büyüme ve kalkınmanın motoru olarak görülmektedir. Bu açıdan Türk girişimci sınıfının izlediği yol, Türk İktisat tarihinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu çalışmanın amacı; Liberal dönem olarak da adlandırılan, Cumhuriyet’in kuruluşundan 1929’a kadar geçen süre zarfında, girişimci sınıfın gelişimini etkileyen düşünce ortamınının ve uygulanan politikaların değerlendirilmesidir.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Different Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Expression of Genes Related to Somatotropic Axis Function in the Liver, Selected Blood Indicators, Milk Yield and Milk Fatty Acids Profile in Dairy Cows
Authors: Dirandeh Essa , Towhidi Armin , Ansari Zarbakht , Zeinoaldini Saeeid , Ganjkhanlou Mehdi
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA s) affects expression of genes related to somatotropic axis and the plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxyl butyrate acids (BHBA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and milk fatty acids profile. Right after calving, Holstein cows (n=45) were randomly assigned to one of three diets supplemented with roasted whole soybean as a source of omega-6 PUFA (omega-6, n=15), linseed as a source of omega-3 PUFA (omega-3, n=15) or palm oil (control, n=15). Each cow was in the study over a period of 70 days. Blood samples were collected every two weeks from day 1 to 70 of lactation and plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, NEFA, BHBA and IGF1 were determined. Liver samples were taken from a subset of 18 cows (6 per diet) at day 70 postpartum and hepatic mRNA level of total growth hormone-receptor 1A (GHR1A), insulin receptor (INSR), IGF1 and insulinlike growth factor binding protein (IGFBP2) was assessed. Experimental diets did not affect milk yield. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were greater for omega-3 treatment compared to omega-6 and control treatments. Cows fed diets enriched in omega-3 exhibited greater INSR and GHR1A mRNA expression, and a tendency for greater IGF1 mRNA expression in the liver compared to omega-6 and control cows. Plasma IGF1 concentration was significantly higher in omega-3 treatment compared with omega-6 and control treatments. Results of this study suggest that feeding omega-3 PUFA s during early postpartum couples with the somatotropic axis, leading to an increase in plasma IGF1 concentration in dairy cows.
Effect of Some Factors on Performance Value Assessment of Stallions During Performance Tests
Authors: Pietrzak Sławomir , Próchniak Tomasz , Kozak-Jurek Katarzyna , Zapała Angelika
Published: April 2016

Breeding value of sport horses in Poland is estimated on the basis of, among others, results of the 100-day performance test of young stallions in the training centres. However recently, a drastic decrease has been reported in the number of stallions undergoing this way of assessment in Poland with an increase in foreign breeds in equestrian competitions. The objective of the study was to determine variability level of stallion traits evaluated in the training centres and to identify factors affecting stallion performance value assessment during the stationary performance test. The study included 503 stallions subjected to the 100-day training followed by the performance test in the years 2004-2013 at the training centres. There were computed statistical characteristics of 16 performance traits which were scored by the trainer of the training centre, judging commission and test riders. Influence of identified factors on each evaluation was established using the GLM procedure. The rank correlations served to estimate phenotypic interdependencies between the scores and performance value indices. It was stated that the studied group of stallions showed low variation within the body basic measurements and the conformation correctness evaluated on the 100-point scale was also found within an average value (78.86 pts), quite close to minimum value for young stallions in Poland (78 pts). The highest variation was observed for the scores given by the test riders and the main factor differentiating the performance value of horses was their origin-breed group. The horses of the German breeds (HANN, OLDBG, HOLST) earned the highest scores, while Wielkopolska horses got the lowest scores for performance test. Insufficient consistency between the individual evaluation made by the trainer of training centre and the judging commission may imply completely different period of assessment (trainer - 100 days, judging commission - 2 days) or unsatisfactory competencies of examiners.
Retention of Afforestation Areas as Part of Flood Protection - Research Site and Methodology for Headwater Watershad in Poland / Retencja Leśna Zlewni Jako Element Ochrony Przeciwpowodziowej
Authors: Orczykowski Tomasz , Tiukało Andrzej
Published: April 2016

Land use is considered as a non-structural, ecologically beneficial flood protection measure. Forest as one of the land use types has many useful applications which can be observed in detail on www.nwrm.eu website project. It is scientifically proved that afforestation influences flood events with high probability of occurrence. However, it is still to be argued how to measure land use impact on the hydrological response of watershed and how it should be measured in an efficient and quantifiable way. Having the tool for such an impact measurement, we can build efficient land management strategies. It is difficult to observe the impact of land use on flood events in the field.Therefore, one of the possible solutions is to observe this impact indirectly by means of hydrological rainfall-runoff models as a proxy for the reality. Such experiments were conducted in the past. Our study aims to work on the viability assessment, methodology and tools that allow to observe this impact with use of selected hydrological models and readily available data in Poland. Our first reaserch site is located within headwaters of the Kamienna river watershed. This watershed has been affected by ecological disaster, which resulted in loss of 65% of forest coverage. Our proposed methodology is to observe this transformation and its effect on the watershed response to heavy precipitation and therefore change in the flood risk.
Changes in The Content of Biodegradable Organic Matter in Tap Water in The City of Częstochowa / Zmiany Zawartości Biodegradowalnej Materii Organicznej w Wodzie Wodociagowej Dla Miasta Częstochowy
Authors: Rakocz Klaudia , Rosińska Agata
Published: April 2016

This paper presents research aimed at the assessment of biodegradable organic carbon content changes (BDOC) during water disinfection process. The water samples examined in the research came from intakes, pumping stations at treatment plants situated in the Silesia district and water consumers. The examined water was underground water. One water sample was disinfected by sodium sub chloride while the other one by ozone. BDOC was determined using the Joret method, which involves observation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decrease in the examined water. The research has shown that BDOC content fluctuates at every stage of the treatment process and distribution of the examined water. Another analyzed parameter was biological stability of water.
Influence of different factors on momentum transfer in mechanically agitated multiphase systems
Authors: Cudak Magdalena , Kiełbus-Rąpała Anna , Major-Godlewska Marta , Karcz Joanna
Published: April 2016

A comparative analysis concerning the influence of different factors on momentum transfer in mechanically agitated systems was carried out on the basis of experimental results for solid-liquid, gas-liquid and gas-solid-liquid systems. The effects of the impeller - baffles system geometry, scale of the agitated vessel, type and number of impellers and their off-bottom clearance, as well as physical properties of the multiphase systems on the critical impeller speeds needed to produce suspension or dispersion, power consumption and gas hold-up were analysed and evaluated.
A casual occurrence of Physostegia virginiana (Lamiaceae) in Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur
Published: April 2016

This short note provides data on casual occurrence of Physostegia virginiana in Poland. It was found on abandoned allotments in the western part of the town of Skarżysko-Kamienna in 2015 (ATPOL cartogram unit: EE45). Its population consists of 153 generative ramets growing in three clumps. The habitat suggests that the plant probably escaped from cultivation with dumped garden waste.