bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wagley Sariqa , Bokori-Brown Monika , Morcrette Helen , Malaspina Andrea , D’Arcy Caroline , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Lewis Nicholas , Popoff Michel R , Raciborska Dominika , Nicholas Richard , Turner Ben , Titball Richard W
Published: April 2018

Background:

It was recently reported that, using Western blotting, some multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the United States had antibodies against epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens, suggesting that the toxin may play a role in the disease.

Objective:

We investigated for serum antibodies against Etx in UK patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) or presenting with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or optic neuritis (ON) and in age- and gender-matched controls.

Methods:

We tested sera from CDMS, CIS or ON patients or controls by Western blotting. We also tested CDMS sera for reactivity with linear overlapping peptides spanning the amino acid sequence (Pepscan) of Etx.

Results:

Using Western blotting, 24% of sera in the combined CDMS, CIS and ON groups ( n = 125) reacted with Etx. In the control group ( n = 125), 10% of the samples reacted. Using Pepscan, 33% of sera tested reacted with at least one peptide, whereas in the control group only 16% of sera reacted. Out of 61 samples, 21 (43%) were positive to one or other testing methodology. Three samples were positive by Western blotting and Pepscan.

Conclusion:

Our results broadly support the previous findings and the role of Etx in the aetiology of MS warrants further investigation.
International Fan Professionalization on Viki
Authors: Henthorn Jamie
Published: April 2018

Global economies and digital diasporas have led to a rise in fansubbing sites, one of the largest being Viki. Viki uses amateur expert fans to translate media from around the world into over two hundred languages. Global markets and for-profit fansubbing companies encourage volunteers to establish their own work practices. In examining the posts to one large segmenting forum, this article identifies ways Viki segmenters adapt workplace practices to online fan communities as well as ways that volunteers adapt localized community practices to online spaces. Specifically, volunteers adopted localized professional work etiquette to online leisure activities. This research expands understandings of global fan communities, referencing ways localized community practices continue to intersect with understandings of online work and leisure.
Maternal Identities and Narratives of Motherhood: A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Pathways Into and Out of Offending
Authors: Garcia-Hallett Janet
Published: April 2018

Existing research in criminology often focuses on changes in offending behaviors over time. Yet, less is known about the role of gender in women’s offending and little consideration is directed toward the integration of gender and parenthood in understanding offending trajectories. This article examines how and when offending and desisting pathways are shaped by motherhood. Interviews were conducted with 37 mothers in New York City with histories of offending behaviors. The data demonstrate how motherhood and maternal identities held more significance in some social circumstances, contributing to offending pathways and presenting a variety of challenges in some women’s desistance pathways.
Patriarchy and the Structure of Employment in Criminal Justice: Differences in the Experiences of Men and Women Working in the Legal Profession, Corrections, and Law Enforcement
Authors: Batton Candice , Wright Emily M.
Published: April 2018

Feminist scholars have long argued that patriarchy affects the structure and organization of society as well as the lived experiences of men and women. Although often referenced in discussions of gender differences in crime and justice, few have articulated more specifically the link between patriarchy and gender differences in the experiences of men and women as victims, offenders, or workers. We take up the challenge to theorize patriarchy and examine the extent to which it operates as an organizing principle with regard to employment in the criminal justice system. We consider differences in the representation of men and women working in the legal profession, corrections, and law enforcement, as well as the culture and structure of these workplace environments in the United States. We argue that patriarchy is a useful midlevel theoretical concept that helps explain both quantitative and qualitative gender differences in criminal justice work. This study complements the “doing gender” approach by focusing on gender at the institutional level, and describing how the culture and structure of the criminal justice system shape and constrain the experiences of individuals occupying social roles within it.
Analyzing the Potential of Advanced Insulin Dosing Strategies in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From a Hybrid In Silico Study
Authors: Reiterer Florian , Reiter Matthias , del Re Luigi , Bechmann Christensen Merete , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: April 2018

Background:

The ongoing improvement of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors and of insulin pumps are paving the way for a fast implementation of artificial pancreas (AP) for type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. The case for type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients is less obvious since usually some residual beta cell function allows for simpler therapy approaches, and even multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy is not very widespread. However, the number of insulin dependent T2D patients is vastly increasing and therefore a need for understanding chances and challenges of an automated insulin therapy arises. Based on this background, this article analyzes conditions under which the use of more advanced therapeutic approaches, particularly AP, could bring a substantial improvement and should be considered as a viable therapy option.

Method:

Data of 14 insulin-treated T2D patients on MDI wearing a CGM device and deviation analysis methods were used to estimate the expected improvements in the clinical outcome by using self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with advanced carbohydrate counting, a full AP or intermediate approaches, either CGM measurements with MDI therapy or SMBG with insulin pump. HbA1C and time in range (70-140 mg/dl, 70-180 mg/dl, respectively) were used as a performance measure. Outcome measures beyond glycemic control (eg, compliance, patient acceptance) have not been analyzed in this study.

Results:

AP has the potential to improve the condition of many poorly controlled insulin-treated T2D patients. However, as the interpatient variability is much higher than in T1D, a prescreening is recommended to select suitable patients.

Conclusions:

Clinical criteria need to be developed for inclusion/exclusion of T2D patients for AP related therapies.
Perceptions of Family Among Low-Income Patients With Diabetes in a Text-Based Mobile Health Intervention
Authors: Burner Elizabeth R. E. , Menchine Michael D. , Kubicek Katrina , Robles Marisela , Kagawa Singer Marjorie , Arora Sanjay
Published: April 2018

Background:

Diabetes disproportionately affects the US Latino population, due to socioeconomic pressures, genetics, reduced access to care and cultural practices. While efforts to improve self-care through interventions incorporating family are highly rated by Latinos, family can be both supportive and obstructive. To develop effective interventions, this role needs clarification.

Methods:

We conducted group interviews in Spanish and English with 24 participants with diabetes from a mobile health diabetes self-care intervention. We imported transcripts into Dedoose, a qualitative computer analysis program and analyzed them with a modified grounded theory technique. Utilizing an iterative process, we reexamined transcripts with new codes derived in each round of analysis until saturation was reached. We employed techniques to improve trustworthiness (co-coding, member checking). Broad categorical themes arose from the initial codes and were developed into a conceptual model of barriers to and strategies for diabetes management.

Results:

Family and family responsibilities emerged as both a supportive and obstructive force for diabetes self-care. While the desire to care for family motivated patients, food at family gatherings and pressure from managing multiple family responsibilities contributed to poor diet choices. Yet, some patients believed their diabetes caused their immediate family to make healthier choices.

Conclusions:

Among these predominantly Latino patients, family and family responsibilities were key motivators as well as obstacles to self-care, particularly regarding nutrition. Finding the ideal design for social support mHealth-based interventions will require careful study and creation of culturally based programs to match the needs of specific populations, and may require educating family members to provide effective social support.
The Universal and the Contextual of Media Systems: Research Design, Epistemology, and the Production of Comparative Knowledge
Authors: Powers Matthew , Vera-Zambrano Sandra
Published: April 2018

Current discussions about the state of comparative research in journalism studies and political communication suggests the field is characterized by a methodological imbalance (i.e., many quantitative studies, few qualitative ones). This paper suggests the problem is better understood as an epistemological imbalance. We suggest that one epistemology—we call it “universalism”—underpins much comparative scholarship. While this approach produces numerous comparative insights, it also struggles to adequately account for the diversity of contexts it studies. We therefore describe an alternative epistemology, which we term “contextualism.” This approach aims to identify the mechanisms or principles that unify or differentiate cases across contexts. We suggest that progress in the field depends in part on the coexistence of multiple epistemologies, each with careful awareness of its strengths and limitations.
Menstrual Dysfunction in Girls From the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) Study
Authors: Kelsey Megan M , Braffett Barbara H , Geffner Mitchell E , Levitsky Lynne L , Caprio Sonia , McKay Siripoom V , Shah Rachana , Sprague Jennifer E , Arslanian Silva A ,   TODAY Study Group
Published: April 2018

Context

Little is known about reproductive function in girls with youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

Objectives

To characterize girls with irregular menses and effects of glycemic treatments on menses and sex steroids in the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth (TODAY) study.

Design

Differences in demographic, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics between regular- vs irregular-menses groups were tested; treatment group (metformin with or without rosiglitazone, metformin plus lifestyle) effect on menses and sex steroids over time in the study was assessed. This is a secondary analysis of TODAY data.

Setting

Multicenter study in an academic setting.

Patients

TODAY girls not receiving hormonal contraception and those at least 1-year postmenarche were included. Irregular menses was defined as three or fewer periods in the prior 6 months.

Results

Of eligible participants with serum measurement of sex steroids (n = 190; mean age, 14 years), 21% had irregular menses. Those with irregular vs regular menses had higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.001), free androgen index (P = 0.0003), and total testosterone (P = 0.01) and lower sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) (P = 0.004) and estradiol (P = 0.01). Differences remained after adjustment for BMI. There was no treatment group effect on menses or sex steroids at 12 or 24 months, and no association of sex steroids was seen with measures of insulin sensitivity or secretion.

Conclusions

Menstrual dysfunction is common in girls with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes and associated with alterations in sex steroids, SHBG, and AST but not with alteration in insulin sensitivity or β-cell function and did not improve with 2 years of antihyperglycemic treatment.
Effect of Lengths of Substituents in Imidazolium Groups on the Preparation of Imidazolium-Salt-Type Ionic Liquids Containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Structures
Authors: Maeda Daisuke , Ishii Takuhiro , Kaneko Yoshiro
Published: April 2018

Hydrolytic condensation of organotriethoxysilanes containing imidazolium groups [(CH3CH2O)3Si(CH2)3(C3H3N2)R] with substituents of different lengths (i.e., R = -(CH2)3CH3, -(CH2)2CH3, -CH2CH3, -CH3, and -H) was performed using the superacid bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (HNTf2) as a catalyst in a water/methanol (1:19, v/v) mixed solvent. When R was -(CH2)3CH3, -(CH2)2CH3, or -H, room temperature ionic liquids (RT-ILs) containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) structures (BuIm-POSS-IL, PrIm-POSS-IL, and HIm-POSS-IL) were successfully prepared. The glass-transition temperatures (Tgs) of these ILs were −33.2 °C, −31.8 °C, and −14.4 °C, respectively, and they presented no melting temperatures (Tms), indicating that they are amorphous compounds. In addition, their fluidities were visually observed above 5 °C, 10 °C, and 30 °C, respectively. Conversely, although EtIm-POSS-IL, which is prepared from (CH3CH2O)3Si(CH2)3(C3H3N2)CH2CH3, took more than two weeks to crystallize, it is a crystalline compound. The crystallized EtIm-POSS-IL exhibited a Tm of 59.0 °C, a Tg of −32.6 °C, and a flow temperature of ca. 60 °C. Furthermore, MeIm-POSS-IL prepared from (CH3CH2O)3Si(CH2)3(C3H3N2)CH3 in our previous study is a crystalline POSS with a Tm of 106 °C and a flow temperature of ca. 100 °C. Based on the above results, when R is a long alkyl chain or H, RT-ILs containing POSSs with amorphous structures can be prepared. In addition, these ILs exhibit high pyrolysis temperatures (>420 °C).
Detecting proliferation of adult hemocytes in Drosophila by BrdU incorporation
Authors: Ghosh Saikat , Mandal Sudip , Mandal Lolitika
Published: April 2018

Drosophila and mammalian hematopoiesis share several similarities that ranges from phases to the battery of transcription factors and signaling molecules that execute this process. These resounding similarities along with the rich genetic tools available in fruitfly makes it a popular invertebrate model to study blood cell development both during normal and aberrant conditions.

The larval system is the most extensively studied to date. Several studies have shown that these hemocytes just like mammalian counterpart proliferate and get routinely regenerated upon infection. However, employing the same protocol it was concluded that blood cell proliferation although abundant in larval stages is absent in adult fruitfly.

The current protocol describes the strategies that can be employed to document the hemocyte proliferation in adulthood. The fact that a subset of blood cells tucked away in the hematopoietic hub are not locked in senescence, rather they still harbour the proliferative capacity to tide over challenges was successfully demonstrated by this method.  Although we have adopted bacterial infection as a bait to evoke this proliferative capacity of the hemocytes, we envision that it can also efficiently characterize the proliferative responses of hemocytes in tumorigenic conditions as well as scenarios of environmental and metabolic stresses during adulthood.
Competence Model of the Qualification Exam for Obtaining the Qualification Certificate of the Auditor
Authors: Красильникова И. , Krasil'nikova I. , Казакова Наталия , Kazakova Nataliya
Published: April 2018

ANO «EAC» developed a new competence model of the qualifi cation exam to receive a qualifi cation certifi cate of auditor, which is endorsed by the Board for auditing activity February 7, 2018 (Protocol No. 38). Th is article presents basic, conceptual, methodological, organizational and technical aspects of organizing a new qualifi cation exam, the main procedural and fi nancial parameters, «transitional» period.
Documenting Distortions, Identified During the Audit
Authors: Кочинев Юрий , Kochinev Yuriy
Published: April 2018

The paper deals with the issues of preparation of working documents in terms of providing information to management and persons responsible for corporate governance on the distortions detected during the audit. Recommendations for documentation based on the requirements of international auditing standards are proposed.
In the Realm of the Scheme: The Limits of Interpretation of Archaic Greek Visual Culture
Authors: Miścicki Wawrzyniec
Published: April 2018

The aim of this paper is to examine the possibilities of interpretation using readings of pictorial schemes on Archaic Greek vases on the example of a black-figure lekythos from the collection of the Institute of Archaeology of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. The current interpretation of the scene on the vase describes it as setting out for the hunt. It is argued here that this scene represents warriors setting out for war, in line with the first interpretation of this piece made by Piotr Bieńkowski. Furthermore, it is argued that since the readings could always be plural, the creator of the vase made deliberate attempts to limit interpretation, however, the vase can still retain its interpretational freedom if put in a viewing context that stimulates unorthodox readings.
Investigation on the Implementation of Optical Refinements in the Partrthenon Frieze Reliefs
Authors: Bouzakis Konstantinos-Dionysios , Pantermalis Dimitrios , Sakellaridou Areti , Bouzaki Athina-Antonia , Grigoriadou Marianthi , Mirisidis Ioannis
Published: April 2018

Issues related to visual representations as perspective distortions, optical illusions and refinements were known in antiquity, since a number of architectural monuments are illustrative of such practices. The Parthenon of Acropolis in Athens is a relevant example where this knowledge was probably applied. The present paper aims at providing analytically documented evidence of whether optical refinements were considered in adjusting the background level inclination of the Parthenon west frieze reliefs and in the design of the carved human figures. For this reason, the implementation of optical refinements for avoiding perspective distortions is elucidated and the calculations for their prediction described. Employing this mathematical analysis, optical refinements related to the west frieze reliefs and their background inclination were determined. These diminish optical illusions when a region of the frieze blocks’ is observed from a viewpoint on the stylobates’ level between two columns. Also presented are characteristic anthropometric proportions per interna- -tional standards, and their modifications when optical refinements are applied. These modified proportions of a human body are compared to those of human figures carved on the Parthenon west frieze blocks. The latter were determined via evaluation of their digital data obtained by means of 3D laser scanning. What was revealed, was an impressive conformity between the reliefs’ background inclination along with the depicted human body proportions of the Parthenon frieze, and the corresponding ones calculated for avoiding optical illusions due to perspective distortions. These findings give substantial weight to the hypothesis that optical refinements were implemented in the Parthenon west frieze. However, they cannot exclude the fact that the human body proportions followed aesthetic rules and norms of the Parthenon construction period.
Analysis of the Greek Amphorae Discovered in the Barrow no. 7 at Crihana Veche (Republic of Moldova)
Authors: Mateevici Natalia , Ceban Ion
Published: April 2018

The article presents an analysis of the amphora material from the excavation of grave no. 2 of the Scythian burial mound no. 7 near the village of Crihana Veche in the Republic of Moldova. In the burial mound of the local aristocrat, which was twice robbed in ancient times, along with the remnants of ornaments, weapons, and other objects used in the funeral ceremony, fragments of Greek amphorae were found (both in the burial and in the grave goods), which belonged to only one Greek center of production – Thasos. More than 27 Thasian amphorae in which expensive wine was brought in, as well as other ritual funerary objects, indicate that the man buried there had a special position in the local hierarchy. Also important for research are five amphora stamps on the handles of the Thasian amphorae, which confirm the dating of amphora fragments and indicate the exact sequence of activity of two Thasian magistrates, which previously did not have a basis of support. This funerary complex is singular for the fact that only Thasian amphorae of the same type were found in the burial (usually Heraclean amphorae were put in Scythian burials), which indicates the uniqueness of this complex in the territory between the Prut and Dniester Rivers, and the north-west Black Sea region as a whole.
A Hellenistic Brazier from the Jagiellonian University Institute of Archaeology Collection of Antiquities
Authors: Nocoń Kamila
Published: April 2018

In antiquity, a wide range of different types of heat sources were used. The most common were cooking stoves, portable braziers, cooking stands, and grills. In the collection of ancient artefacts of the Jagiellonian University (JU) Institute of Archaeology, there is a small group of objects dated to the Hellenistic period, among which a small brazier fragment can be found. The object was donated to the JU collection of antiquities gathered in the Archaeological Cabinet by Prince Władysław Czartoryski. Braziers are uncommon in Polish collections and the brazier fragment described in this article is the sole example from the JU IA assemblage. It will be described and analysed in full for the first time, and its possible production centre and a dating will be determined.
Textile Fragment from a Well in the Nea Paphos Agora
Authors: Shamir Orit , Miszk Łukasz
Published: April 2018

During the 2014 season a late Hellenistic well was explored as part of the excavations on the Nea Paphos Agora. Many special finds, including ceramic vessels, iron and bronze items, and lamps were found. Moreover, on the bottom of the well a piece of textile attached to metal application was discovered. In our paper, we would like to present preliminary examination of that artefact, which is very uncommon considering the rarity of such remains in Cyprus.
A Bronze Steelyard with an Acorn-Shaped Counterweight from the Paphos Agora
Authors: Papuci-Władyka Ewdoksia , Wacławik Maciej
Published: April 2018

Steelyards were commonly used by sellers at agorae and fora during the Roman and Byzantine periods. They are based on the principle of the lever, mentioned by Aristotle and probably well-known even earlier. One steelyard made of bronze has been found, together with an acorn-shaped counterweight, at the agora of Nea Paphos during an excavation conducted by the Department of Classical Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology, Jagiellonian University. Also preserved were fragments of chain and two hooks that were used to hang the weighted objects, as well as fragment of a third hook. The device represents the Pompeian type of steelyard and can be dated by analogy to other examples from the 1st century AD. The Paphos balance may be evidence of the use of a local island weighting system based on an operating unit other than the Roman pound (libra).
Reconstruction of a Façade of the House of Aion, Nea Paphos, Cyprus
Authors: Brzozowska-Jawornicka Aleksandra
Published: April 2018

The subject of this paper is a reconstruction of the architectural decoration of a façade of the House of Aion in Nea Paphos. During an excavation carried out in 1997 several pieces of decorated architectural elements were uncovered in room 19, among others the fragments of an arch, a lintel, an engaged column, an impost and two consoles. Those blocks served as a base for the reconstruction of the architectural frame of the main gateway. It took the form of a cantilevered, blind arcade of five spans erected above the main gate. Each span consisted of two engaged columns supporting an arch with a shallow niche underneath it, probably for a kind of decorative element. The reconstruction was based on similar architectural details known from the main room of the House of Aion, the Porta Aurea at the palace of Diocletian in Split, and the western façade of the Felix Romuliana Palace in Gamzigrad.
The Impact of the Poniatowski Gems on Later Gem Engraving
Authors: Gołyźniak Paweł
Published: April 2018

In the first half of the 19th century, the Prince Stanislas Poniatowski (1754–1833) collection of engraved gems was considered to be one of the most outstanding known assemblages. However, its sale at Christie’s in 1839 was a disaster, as the cabinet turned out to include almost only neo-classical specimens and, thus, half of the gems did not go under the hammer. But these intaglios and cameos, and especially the themes they bear, portray in their beauty an effort to re-create a lost neo-classical world as reflected in the texts of Homer, Vergil, and other ancient authors. In contrary to other works on the Poniatowski gems, this paper focuses not on the collection itself, but on its impact on the later gem engraving. It presents two intaglios from the collection of the National Museum in Krakow. The first presents a scene of Hebe pouring out nectar for Jupiter (with an eagle behind him). The second depicts a crowned snake-god with the incorrect Latin inscription: VOT•SOL•CER. They are faithful copies of two Poniatowski gems. In fact, the first gem testifies to the great contribution of the Poniatowski collection to the reception of Classical culture, while the other is a falsification of the original which reflects a later collector’s aim to possess a ‘Poniatowski gem’.
Candidate Teacher Education Program Confusion in Turkey
Authors: Tosun Figen Cam , Simsek Muzaffer
Published: April 2018

In this research, the purpose is to investigate the practice of teacher candidate procedure and engage in a discourse on the teacher candidates’ views on the practice. The qualitative method has been used in order to analyze teacher candidates’ views on the subject. The subjects of the study comprise 57 teacher candidates currently working in Bayburt. Semi-structured interview forms consisting of questions about the way the teacher candidate education is implemented and questions that refer to their thoughts about the practice were used as data gathering instrument. In this research, content analysis technique has been used for the analysis of the data collected through the interviews. The codes reached through the answers from the informants and their frequencies have been given. The codes with high frequencies have been supported with excerpts from teacher candidates. As a result of the study, it has been found out that most of these teachers who were involved in teacher candidate training consider it ‘a waste of time'. With flexibilities allowed and without proper planning, the practice of the procedure is found to have prevented achievement of the goal. Furthermore, the practice of contract adjunct teaching has also brought about some contradictions.
Assessment of DNA Damage During Gene Delivery in Freshwater Prawn by Chitosan Reduced Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: C. Nandanpawar Priyanka , Ashraf Rather Mohd , Ramesh Badhe Mohan , Sharma Rupam
Published: April 2018

The increasing application of nanoparticles both in industries and in agricultural fields has led to its accumulation in the aquatic ecosystem through water run-off. Insights into the validity of safer nanoparticles such as gold and chitosan are fairly established. However, its effect on aquatic invertebrates has been less studied. The present study was aimed to study effects of chitosan reduced gold nanoparticles (CRGNPs) during green fluorescent protein (GFP) encoding plasmid delivery in giant freshwater prawn, macrobrachium rosenbergii. The mean particle size and zeta potential CRGNPs was 33.7 nm and 24.79 mV respectively. Prawn juveniles were exposed to nanoparticles concentrations (10 µg/L, 20 µg/L) of CRGNPs by immersion treatment for a period of 36 hours. GFP was ubiquitously expressed in muscle tissues of prawns. The comet assay indicated dose dependent genotoxicity of CRGNPs in gill, pleopod and muscle tissues which was in conformity with its bioaccumulation pattern in vivo. The highest bioaccumulation of CRGNPs was found in Gills, followed by pleopods and least in muscles. Hence, the toxicological potential of CRGNPs to the environment cannot be denied and demands more research on the particular aspect. The doses standardized in the present study would be helpful in safer nano-gene delivery in aquatic invertebrates and development of transgenics employing less cost.
Performance of Dioscorea rotundata Peel as an Environmental Waste Additive in Enhancing the Insulating Properties of a Local Clay Mineral
Authors: Akpomie K.G. , Ezeofor C.C. , Alum O.L. , Augustine U.A. , Ibeanu F.N.
Published: April 2018

The effect of Dioscorea rotundata peel environmental waste as an insulating additive for local clay was studied. The potential of a low cost indigenous clay mineral obtained from Akpugu-Ezedike in Nigeria for industrial application was also evaluated. The clay was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Prepared slurry mixture of the clay and peels were shaped, dried and fired. The chemical composition of the clay was determined by classical methods. Physical properties such as linear shrinkage, total shrinkage, modulus of rupture, apparent density, bulk density, apparent porosity,s welling index and water absorption, modulus of plasticity and refractoriness of the fired samples were determined. The clay was found to have a refractoriness of 12000C. SEM analysis revealed an increase in porosity of the fired clay bodies with increase in dosage of Dioscorea rotundata added. This result was corroborated by the high apparent porosity 49.67 – 60.02% and water absorption recorded 30.92 – 48.44% for the mixed fired samples. The result of this study clearly indicated the potential of Dioscorea rotundata peel as additive in enhancing insulating properties of fired clay as well as the usefulness of the local clay mineral for industrial purposes.
Phonocardiographic Signal and Electrocardiographic Signal Analysis for the Detection of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Kalaivani V. , Lakshmi Devi R. , Anusuyadevi V.
Published: April 2018

The main objective is to develop a novel method for the heart sound analysis for the detection of cardiovascular diseases. It can be considered as one of the important phases in the automated analysis of PCG signals. Heart sounds carry information about mechanical activity of the cardiovascular system. This information includes specific physiological state of the subject and the short term variability related to the respiratory cycle. The interpretation of sounds and extraction of changes in the physiological state while maintaining the short term variability are still an open problem and is subject of this paper. The system deals with the process of de-noising of the heart sound signal(PCG) and the signal is decomposed into several sub-bands and the de-noised heart sound signal is segmented into the basic heart sounds S1 and S2, along with the systolic and diastolic interval.. Also, the ECG signal is de-noised. Meanwhile, the R-peaks are identified from the ECG signal and RR interval is obtained. Extraction of features are done from both the heart sound signal and the ECG signal. From the features, the R-peaks are identified from the ECG signal and RR interval is obtained. The attribute selection is to find the best attribute values that can be used for the classification process. Finally, using classification technique, cardiac diseases are detected. This work is implemented by using MATLAB software.
Prevalence and Salient Morphological Features of Myiasis Causing Dipteran Flies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alikhan Masroor , Ghamdi K. Al , S Al Zahrani Fahad , I Khater Emad , M Allam Ahmad
Published: April 2018

A number of dipteran fly species are found in Jeddah with public health and veterinary importance due to their association with myiasis of livestock and humans. Although several reports are available on the myiasis causing flies from different parts of Saudi Arabia very little is known available on prevalence and characterization of these flies from Jeddah Province, which include the major harbour on the Red Sea, western Saudi Arabia and acts the gateway for millions of live animals in the kingdom. Therefore to fill this knowledge gap, the objective of this work is to fill up this gap. For fly survey, the adult flies were collected by the means of Malaise & Bait traps, Yellow traps and sweeping nets from different marked locations including slaughter houses and live animals farms ( Fig.1). The total number of flies from each locality was counted and were sorted for taxonomic species identification using specific pictorial keys.In this study, ten dipteran fly species belonging to six families were identified as causing myiasis on the basis of reported cases in Saudi Arabia. The flies collected during the survey were Megaselia scelaris, Musca domestica, Fanniia canicularis, Sarcophaga haemorrhidalis (Bercaea cruentata); Parasarcophaga ruficarnis, Wohlfahrtia nuba , Chrysomya marginalis C. albicep, C. megacephala, and Oesteris ovis. Among collected flies the highest number were of Musca domestica (67.6%) and the rest were other species. Most of the species were collected from slaughter houses (50%) followed by animal farms (39%). The present study identified a number species of myiasis-causing flies of the public health and veterinary significance, which should inform wider studies on their seasonal abundance, significance and consequent implementation of preventive control measures.
Applicable Control of Antimicrobial Resistant Skin Pathogens using Algal-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Sheikh Alsaggaf Mohammed
Published: April 2018

Green biosynthesis of nano-metals is an important research demand to have these minute active particles. The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) was conducted using the marine macro algae Sargassum muticum, as an eco-friendly approach for NPs synthesis. The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs was characterized and evaluated for their antimicrobial potentiality against skin pathogens, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, concerning antibiotic sensitive and resistant strains. The ZnO-NPs were applied for fabrication of bioactive cotton textiles, which were also evaluated as antimicrobial coatings. ZnO-NPs was successfully synthesized using S. muticum extract, with uniform distribution, spherical shapes, and particle size range of 4 to 23 nm. The antimicrobial potentiality of biosynthesized ZnO-NPs was evidenced against the entire examined skin pathogens, which included antibiotic resistant strains. The treatment of cotton textiles with ZnO-NPs resulted in bioactive fabrics with comparable shape and surface. The treated textiles had a remarkable microbicidal activity toward examined skin pathogens and maintain their potentiality even after tow laundering cycles. Algal biosynthesized ZnO-NPs is, however, advised for the fabrication of antimicrobial textiles to protect skin from antibiotic resistant pathogens.
The Effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Leaf and Flower of Achillea wilhelmsii
Authors: Zare Habibeh
Published: April 2018

Achillea wilhelmsii from Helianthus annus family consists of about 115 species around the world. About 19 species of this genus that grows in Iran which has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine. An 18-year-old woman was admitted with abdominal pain complaints. Patient complaints began with vague abdominal pain and nausea about one year ago. The abdominal ultrasound showed multiple hypoechoic cysts in the peritoneal cavity. The CT scan confirmed the findings of the sonography and also showed several cysts in the kidney. Antibodies against Echinococcus granololus (by hemagglutination) with high titre was found in the serum of patients. the purpose of this study was to evaluate the components of the leaves and flowers Essential Oil of Achillea wilhelmsii, and essential oils effects on the liver cysts. In this study, the Achillea wilhelmsii species were collected. The leaves and flowers Essential Oil of this species was extracted by distillation with water and essential oil components were analyzed and identified using GC device. For the treatment, Use of Achillea wilhelmsii extract was prescribed one glass a day for one month to the patient. The patient's complaints were completely eliminated and the size of the patient's cysts was significantly reduced in the next examinations. Essential oil efficiency for leaves and flowers of Achillea wilhelmsii are: 8.1-cineole (13%) geranyl isovalerate (4.11%).
A Wildlife Forensic Study for the Species Identification of Indian Blackbuck through Forensically Informative Nucleotide Sequencing (FINS)
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Sharma Neelkamal , Singal Kusum , Sharma Arun
Published: April 2018

Identification of exhibits obtained in wildlife cases usually presents challenging tasks for the forensic science investigators. This study describes a casework, where a degraded tissue sample was recovered from pathology department LUVAS University Hisar, Haryana to resolve the identity of the questioned sample. The mitochondrial DNA region of the questioned sample was amplified and sequenced using universal primers of cytochrome b gene to determine the forensically informative nucleotide sites to find the species identity. The obtained sequencing results were compared with the most homologous sequences extracting from NCBI-GenBank database and a phylogenetic tree was done with the aligned sequences to determine the species identity with strong bootstrap support. The informative sites generated revealed that the degree of sequence similarity showed maximum homology (100%) with the sequence obtained from the database. Based on the FINS analysis the recovered sample related to Antilope cervicapra (family Bovidae).
Pheromone Producing Dorsal Abdominal Glands in Leptocoris augur
Authors: Qadir Ishana , Qamar Ayesha
Published: April 2018

Morphology of the scent (pheromone) glands is the first and basic step in understanding the mechanism of working of this highly evolved and integrated system of communication in insects. Leptocoris augur contains a pair of large and distinct symmetric exocrine dorsal abdominal glands (DAGs) found in the dorsal abdominal segments. The glands are simple, voluminous, sac-like and bright orange that turn brown and downsized with age. They are invested with a large and dense network of trachea and open to the exterior via minute slit shaped openings in the form of ostioles that remain permanently open to the outside. The functional specificity of these glands can be associated with the activities ranging from aggregation to sexual behaviours like courtship and mating. The mating is not restricted to a specific season, being distributed all-round the year; however, the insect prefers low and humid temperature for mating and they can be seen congregating in huge numbers when the hot summers subside and the rainy season arrives. We didn’t observe any considerable variation in size of these glands with respect to the body size in between the instars and the adults. Further, there were no significant difference between males and females in terms of the size of these DAGs.
Functional hypoparathyroidism secondary to magnesium deficiency in long-term users of proton pump inhibitor
Authors: Egshatyan Lilit V.
Published: April 2018

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a gastrointestinal motility disorder that results from the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus resulting in symptoms or complications. GERD is now widely prevalent around the world, with clear evidence of increasing prevalence in many developing countries. Treatment for most people with GERD includes lifestyle changes and medication. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a mainstay therapy for all gastric acid-related diseases. Long-term use of PPIs is associated with hypomagnesaemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcaemia, osteoporosis and bone fractures, chronic renal disease, acute renal disease, and other. Clinical concerns arise from a small but growing number of case reports presenting PPI-induced hypomagnesaemia. In 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is informing the public that prescription PPI may cause low serum magnesium levels if taken for prolonged periods of time.
In this article, we present the case of a 56-year-old patient with muscle cramps, violation of cardiac rhythm, lethargy and other caused by hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypokalemia with a low parathyroid hormone level while using a PPI. After magnesium repletion abnormalities resolved. A causal relation with PPI use was supported by the recurrence of hypomagnesaemia after re-challenge.
Role of parathyroid hormone measurement in fine-needle aspiration biopsy washout in diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Beltsevich Dmitry G. , Voskoboynikov Valeriy V. , Klycheva Camila M. , Roslyakova Anna A. , Ladygina Daria O.
Published: April 2018

In this article, we discuss difficulties in parathyroid localization modalities in diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Most often, superior parathyroid glands are located on the posteromedial surface of the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland, however, they also could be found at the carotid bifurcation, behind pharynx and esophagus, as well as inside thyroid gland. Location of the inferior parathyroid glands is more variable: on the side or back surface, or below the lower pole of the thyroid gland, as well as in thymus, posterior or anterior mediastinum, or inside thyroid. Localization modalities of primary hyperparathyroidism are based on neck ultrasonography, scintigraphy with sestamibi, computed tomography of neck and mediastinum. In cases with combination of multinodal goitre and an intrathyroid location of the parathyroid gland, there might be additional difficulties in verification of various patterns (thyroid nodules or parathyroid glands). In this article, we present two clinical cases of intrathyroid location of parathyroid glands. The algorithm of parathyroid adenoma localization is shown. Determination of PTH level in washing liquid after fine-needle aspiration biopsy from necessary punctures of the nodule formations, which can be either intrathyroid parathyroid glands or thyroid nodules, can also help to avoid diagnostic mistakes.
Features of bone metabolism in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nurullina Guzel M. , Akhmadullina Guzyal I.
Published: April 2018

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, which is associated with a bone fragility.
Accumulation of advanced glycation end products, hyperhomocysteinemia causes increased apoptosis of osteocytes, decreased bone formation and bone remodeling in DM. Adiponectin stimulates osteocalcin expression and osteoblast differentiation through the activation of AMPK. AMPK-activation stimulates differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts. Hypoadiponectinemia, which is often observed in obesity and diabetes, can causes bone fragility.
Diabetes mellitus is a state of low bone turnover, which is confirmed by decreased markers of bone formation (osteocalcin, P1NP), decreased markers of bone resorption (CTX, TRAP), increased regulatory markers of bone remodeling (OPG, sclerostin).
Thus, the study of the pathophysiology of bone metabolism, the level of bone metabolism markers in patients with diabetes mellitus gives broad prospects in understanding the mechanisms of osteoporosis as complication of diabetes mellitus, the selection of targeted therapy and the improvement of early diagnosis of the disease.
Vielversprechende Landkarte
Authors: Henseling Karl-Otto , Schneidewind Uwe , Seuring Stefan
Published: April 2018

Seit Anfang der 90er-Jahre hat das Konzept des Stoffstrommanagements Einzug in die deutsche Umweltdebatte gehalten. Stark inspiriert durch die Diskussion in den Niederlanden, hat darauf aufbauend insbesondere die Enquete-Kommission "Schutz des Menschen und der Umwelt" des Deutschen Bundestages den Ansatz vorangetrieben. Das Konzept ist ein Versuch zur Operationalisierung des Leitbildes einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung, der in einem engen Zusammenhang mit den Strategien einer integrierten Produktpolitik steht. Wo steht diese Diskussion heute und welche Konsequenzen für die Weiterentwicklung eröffnen sich daraus?
Zwischen Flächenreserve und Nahversorgung
Authors: Fiebig Thomas
Published: April 2018

Auf Landwirtschaft im Umland von Großstädten wirken unterschiedliche Interessen und Ansprüche ein: Sicherung von Flächenpotenzial für Siedlungszwecke, Erhalt von Freiraum und Kulturlandschaft für Naherholung sowie Aufgaben des Landschafts- und Wasserschutzes. Gleichzeitig haben landwirtschaftliche Betriebe eine Versorgungsfunktion für die städtische Bevölkerung und bieten Dienstleistungen an. Diese vielfältigen Beziehungen bieten Potenziale für eine nachhaltige Gestaltung, die bisher noch wenig genutzt werden.
Was macht die regionale Praxis?
Authors: Molitor Reimar
Published: April 2018

Die derzeitige Diskussion von Land- und Ernährungswirtschaft in Verbindung mit nachhaltiger Entwicklung ist durch einen Spagat charakterisiert: Der Diskussion um die Globalisierung von (Agrar-)Märkten, politische Rahmenbedingungen und Produktionsphilosophien steht dabei eine Vielzahl von praktischen Ansät­zen und Konzepten auf lokaler und regionaler Raumebene gegenüber. Was bleibt jenseits der Individualität dieser Nachhaltigkeitsversuche?
Kommunizieren oder Erbsen zählen
Authors: Clausen Jens , Klaffke Kathrin
Published: April 2018

Nachhaltigkeit erfordert eine verbesserte Berichterstattung der Unternehmen. Die "Sustainability Reporting Guidelines on Economic, Environmental and Social Perfor-mance" sind ein gut gemeinter und notwendiger Schritt zu mehr Trans­parenz. Durch ihre Überfrachtung mit fast 100 Indikatoren laufen sie aller­dings Gefahr, das Gegenteil des Gewünschten zu erreichen.
Konkurrenz der Leitbilder
Authors: Hesse Markus
Published: April 2018

Im zweiten Teil der Serie zu den Leitbildern ökologischen Wirtschaftens hat Arnim von Gleich auf die Schwierigkeiten hingewiesen, die mit der Operationa­lisierung und Vermittlung konkreter Politik im Zeichen von Nachhaltigkeit ein­hergehen (1). Auch Mobilität und Verkehr werden seit geraumer Zeit mit sol­chen Ansprüchen konfrontiert, und an diesem Beispiel lassen sich die Probleme und Grenzen ökologisch orientierter Leitbilder idealtypisch diskutieren.
Beitrittshemmnis Umweltstandards?
Authors: Nill Jan , Lünenbürger Benjamin , Petschow Ulrich
Published: April 2018

Polen gehört zu den wichtigsten mittel- und osteuropäischen EU-Beitrittskandidaten. Der Umweltbereich gehört dabei zu den schwierigsten Bereichen, daher hat sich die heiße Verhandlungsphase über die Angleichung der Umweltgesetzgebung lange verzögert und gerade erst begonnen. Ein auch quantifiziertes Szenario verdeutlicht die wesentlichen Herausforderungen.
Neuer Wind durch EMAS II?
Authors: Pape Jens
Published: April 2018

Vor sieben Jahren wurde die EG-Öko-Audit-Verordnung (EMAS) verabschiedet. Wie von vornherein vorgesehen, wurde das neue Instrument in einem Revisi­onsprozess überprüft. Nach jahrelanger Diskussion wurden jetzt die letzten of­fenen Fragen durch den Vermittlungsausschuss von Europäischem Parlament und Rat geklärt. Das Inkrafttreten von EMASII wird für März/April erwartet. Was sind die wesentlichen Neuerungen?
Unternehmen auf dem Weg zur Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Loew Thomas
Published: April 2018

Einführung in das Schwerpunktthema