bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Punishing personal and electoral corruption: Experimental evidence from India
Authors: Weschle Simon
Published: May 2016

A growing literature examines the effect of corruption on political behavior. However, little attention has been paid so far to the fact that politicians engage in it for various reasons and with different welfare consequences. In this article, I argue that voters judge corrupt politicians differently depending on what the money is used for. I show results from a survey experiment in India in which respondents heard about a politician who accepted money for a political favor. One treatment group was told that the politician used the money to personally enrich himself (personal corruption), while the other group was informed that he used it to buy votes (electoral corruption). Respondents who received the vote buying treatment were clearly and consistently less likely to agree with a series of potential punishments. This suggests that the overall welfare consequences of corrupt exchanges are an important factor when voters decide how to judge offending politicians.
Reconstruction of a Previously Repaired Aortic Valve Destroyed by Infective Endocarditis: Case Report
Authors: Chalela Tomas , Hraska Viktor
Published: May 2016

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon condition among patients with congenital heart disease, however it can be life threatening. The usual management includes replacement of the affected valve, especially in patients with aortic valve compromise, and is even more common in previously repaired valves. In this case report, we describe the successful reconstruction of an aortic root destroyed by IE, in a patient with history of ballooning of a congenital aortic stenosis.
Anomalous Origin of the Right Pulmonary Artery From the Ascending Aorta in a 10-Month-Old Child
Authors: Pallangyo Pedro , Lyimo Frederick , Nicholaus Paulina , Mtolera Maria
Published: May 2016

Anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare congenital deformity associated with poor quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Without a corrective surgery, less than one third of cases will live to see their sixth month. We report a case of a 10-month-old male child from Tanzania who presented with a 6-month history of recurrent respiratory tract infections, mild effort intolerance, and failure to thrive.
Nickeltsumcorite, Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2 (H2O,OH)2, a new tsumcorite-group mineral from Lavrion, Greece
Authors: Pekov Igor V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Varlamov Dmitry A. , Belakovskiy Dmitry I. , Turchkova Anna G. , Voudouris Panagiotis , Katerinopoulos Athanassios , Magganas Andreas
Published: May 2016

A new tsumcorite-group mineral, nickeltsumcorite, Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2, the Ni-dominant analogue of tsumcorite and cobalttsumcorite, was found in the oxidation zone of a hydrothermal orebody containing gersdorffite and galena at the Km-3 mine, Lavrion, Attikí Prefecture, Greece. It is associated with annabergite, nickellotharmeyerite, nickelaustinite, gaspéite, calcite, dolomite, aragonite, quartz, goethite, cerussite, arseniosiderite, mimetite, oxyplumboroméite and Mn oxides/hydroxides. Nickeltsumcorite occurs as open-work aggregates and interrupted crusts up to 3 mm × 5 mm in area and up to 0.2 mm thick. They typically consist of coarse radial spherulites or dense concentric nodules up to 0.15 mm in diameter. Bunches or hemispherical clusters of crude individuals and separate imperfect, elongated crystals (up to 0.02 mm long) are also observed. Nickeltsumcorite is yellow, brownish-yellow, light brown or brown, with a yellow streak and a vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is ∼4. The mineral is brittle; one direction of distinct cleavage is observed under the microscope. D(calc.) = 5.02 g cm–3. Nickeltsumcorite is optically biaxial (–), α = 1.82(2), β = 1.87(1), γ = 1.90(1), 2V(obs.) is large. The chemical composition (wt.%, electron-microprobe data, H2O by difference) is CaO 2.79, PbO 28.12, MgO 0.30, CoO 0.15, NiO 17.39, ZnO 0.76, Mn2O3 0.57, Fe2O3 6.83, As2O5 38.17, H2O 4.92, total 100.00. The empirical formula, calculated based on 10 O apfu, is (Pb0.76Ca0.30)∑1.06(Ni1.39Fe3+0.51Zn0.06Mn3+0.04 Mg0.04Co0.01)∑2.05As1.99O7.97[(H2O)1.25(OH)0.78]. The strongest reflections in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are 4.64 (100) (1̄11), 4.47 (41)(2̄01), 3.238 (82)(1̄12), 3.008(60)(201), 2.859(41)(021), 2.545(79)(3̄12, 112), 2.545 (79)(3̄12, 112) and 2.505 (61)(220, 2̄03). The cation composition, powder Xray diffraction data and IR spectrum show that nickeltsumcorite belongs to the tsumcorite structure type. The new mineral is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 9.124(8), b = 6.339(3), c = 7.567(7) Å, β = 115.19(6)°, V = 396.0(7) Å3 and Z = 2. Nickeltsumcorite forms a solid-solution series with nickellotharmeyerite.
On the convergence of a generalized modified Krasnoselskii iterative process for generalized strictly pseudocontractive mappings in uniformly convex Banach spaces
Authors: Saddeek Ali Mohamed
Published: May 2016

This paper aims to study the strong convergence of generalized modified Krasnoselskii iterative process for finding the minimum norm solutions of certain nonlinear equations with generalized strictly pseudocontractive, demiclosed, coercive, bounded, and potential mappings in uniformly convex Banach spaces. An application to nonlinear pseudomonotone equations is provided. The results extend and improve recent work in this direction.
Seismic Isolation Devices Based on Sliding between Surfaces with Variable Friction Coefficient
Authors: Calvi Paolo M. , Moratti Matteo , Calvi Gian Michele
Published: May 2016

Base isolators are effective tools to favor a high level of building performance under lateral load, providing protection to both structural and nonstructural elements. In this context, this paper discusses the possibility of employing materials with different frictional properties to enhance the response of flat and curved-surface base isolators. Two innovative devices, referred to as “BowTie” and “BowC,” are introduced and discussed in some detail. A series of nonlinear time history analyses are then conducted using a customized computer program and considering a number of case study structures, designed applying a displacement-based approach. The results of the analyses are used to discuss the key differences between variable friction and constant friction sliding isolation devices. It is shown that the newly proposed isolators may represent an improvement on classic base-isolation solutions, in light of their higher energy absorption capacity, which contributes to significantly enhance their performance.
Health Care Segregation, Physician Recommendation, and Racial Disparities inBRCA1/2Testing Among Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: McCarthy Anne Marie , Bristol Mirar , Domchek Susan M. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Kim Younji , Motanya U. Nkiru , Shea Judy A. , Armstrong Katrina
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Racial disparities in BRCA1/2 testing have been documented, but causes of these disparities are poorly understood. The study objective was to investigate whether the distribution of black and white patients across cancer providers contributes to disparities in BRCA1/2 testing.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a population-based study of women in Pennsylvania and Florida who were 18 to 64 years old and diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2007 and 2009, linking cancer registry data, the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile, and patient and physician surveys. The study included 3,016 women (69% white, 31% black), 808 medical oncologists, and 732 surgeons.

Results

Black women were less likely to undergo BRCA1/2 testing than white women (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.48; P < .001). This difference was attenuated but not eliminated by adjustment for mutation risk, clinical factors, sociodemographic characteristics, and attitudes about testing (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P < .001). The care of black and white women was highly segregated across surgeons and oncologists (index of dissimilarity 64.1 and 61.9, respectively), but adjusting for clustering within physician or physician characteristics did not change the size of the testing disparity. Black women were less likely to report that they had received physician recommendation for BRCA1/2 testing even after adjusting for mutation risk (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.82; P < .001). Adjusting for physician recommendation further attenuated the testing disparity (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.02; P = .06).

Conclusion

Although black and white patients with breast cancer tend to see different surgeons and oncologists, this distribution does not contribute to disparities in BRCA1/2 testing. Instead, residual racial differences in testing after accounting for patient and physician characteristics are largely attributable to differences in physician recommendations. Efforts to address these disparities should focus on ensuring equity in testing recommendations.
Use and Costs of Disease Monitoring in Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Accordino Melissa K. , Wright Jason D. , Vasan Sowmya , Neugut Alfred I. , Hillyer Grace C. , Hu Jim C. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The optimal frequency of monitoring patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is unknown; however, data suggest that intensive monitoring does not improve outcomes. We performed a population-based analysis to evaluate patterns and predictors of extreme use of disease-monitoring tests (serum tumor markers [STMs] and radiographic imaging) among women with MBC.

Methods

The SEER-Medicare database was used to identify women with MBC diagnosed from 2002 to 2011 who underwent disease monitoring. Billing dates of STMs (carcinoembryonic antigen and/or cancer antigen 15-3/cancer antigen 27.29) and imaging tests (computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography) were recorded; if more than one STM or imaging test were completed on the same day, they were counted once. We defined extreme use as > 12 STM and/or more than four radiographic imaging tests in a 12-month period. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with extreme use. In extreme users, total health care costs and end-of-life health care utilization were compared with the rest of the study population.

Results

We identified 2,460 eligible patients. Of these, 924 (37.6%) were extreme users of disease-monitoring tests. Factors significantly associated with extreme use were hormone receptor–negative MBC (odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.08), history of a positron emission tomography scan (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 2.40 to 3.55), and more frequent oncology office visits (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.49 to 3.96). Medical costs per year were 59.2% higher in extreme users. Extreme users were more likely to use emergency department and hospice services at the end of life.

Conclusion

Despite an unknown clinical benefit, approximately one third of elderly women with MBC were extreme users of disease-monitoring tests. Higher use of disease-monitoring tests was associated with higher total health care costs. Efforts to understand the optimal frequency of monitoring are needed to inform clinical practice.
Cannabis microbiome sequencing reveals several mycotoxic fungi native to dispensary grade Cannabis flowers
Authors: McKernan Kevin , Spangler Jessica , Zhang Lei , Tadigotla Vasisht , Helbert Yvonne , Foss Theodore , Smith Douglas R.
Published: May 2016

The Center for Disease Control estimates 128,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized annually due to food borne illnesses. This has created a demand for food safety testing targeting the detection of pathogenic mold and bacteria on agricultural products. This risk extends to medicalCannabisand is of particular concern with inhaled, vaporized and even concentratedCannabisproducts.As a result, third party microbial testing has become a regulatory requirement in the medical and recreationalCannabismarkets, yet knowledge of theCannabismicrobiome is limited. Here we describe the first next generation sequencing survey of the fungal communities found in dispensary basedCannabisflowers by ITS2 sequencing, and demonstrate the sensitive detection of several toxigenicPenicilliumandAspergillusspecies, includingP. citrinum and P. paxilli,that were not detected by one or more culture-based methods currently in use for safety testing.
The TOUCH program and natalizumab: Fundamental flaw in patient protection
Authors: Avasarala Jagannadha
Published: May 2016

Many drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1993 for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). One such drug is natalizumab (Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Elan pharmaceuticals) which has enjoyed great success in the management of MS since its re-introduction in 2006. One of the complications of using natalizumab is the risk of development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). To mitigate the risk of PML development, Biogen Idec initiated the TOUCH program – this strategy helps monitor the disease. Clinical vigilance remains key in the early diagnosis of PML but serological testing for the John Cunningham Virus Antibody (JCV) helps with risk stratification of PML. However, some physicians do not test for the JCV Ab and since they are not required to send such data to the company or inform the patient, one red flag for suspicion of PML is lost particularly if the patient is asymptomatic.  This undercuts the premise of the TOUCH program. In an ideal world, reporting JCV Ab status should be made mandatory since that ensures a basic tenet of the program is met – to identify patients at increased risk of developing PML and make appropriate recommendations based on that finding. Lack of requirement of reporting of this vital finding opens the door for uncertainty in assessment of risk PML development and everyone remains in the dark till it may be too late. This is unacceptable when the company created the TOUCH program specifically with intent to track PML risk in patients on natalizumab. It makes no scientific sense to let the drug be used without setting stringent criteria given the possibility of PML development.
Revenues, expenses, profitability and investments of potential contenders for the status of a listed company in Poland
Authors: Małecka Joanna
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this article is an attempt to determine the scope of Polish companies operating on the market which could raise capital by the means of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Therefore, a preliminary analysis is made of selected results achieved by economic entities in the years 2003-2012, as well as values and trends produced by them, with particular emphasis on the fluctuation of their number, undertaken investments, structure of revenues and expenses and financial performance, against other countries of the European Union. To illustrate the whole potential volume, the study covered all structures operating in the market: micro, small, medium and large enterprises, and their results are shown on the basis of statements arising from the undeniable specificity of the entire SME sector and large companies operating in Poland.
United Nations World Tourism Organization Study on Online Guest Reviews and Hotel Classification Systems: An Integrated Approach
Authors:   United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Blomberg-Nygard Anita , Anderson Chris K.
Published: May 2016

The proliferation of online travel-related content is changing how consumers book and research travel. Before making an online hotel reservation, consumers visit on average almost 14 different travel-related sites, with about 3 visits per site, and carry out 9 travel-related searches on search engines. Official hotel classifications are often used by consumers as a filter mechanism in the hotel research and booking process, with guest reviews being used to make a final selection among a smaller group of hotels. As online reviews continue to grow in popularity, questions arise as to whether traditional hotel classifications systems are becoming less relevant. Traditionally, classification systems have been about amenities, whereas guest reviews are about meeting expectations; thus, guest reviews may be able to provide a quality check on the amenities that are required as part of the classification system. We outline an integrated approach for the inclusion of online reviews into hotel classification whereby guest reviews add a quality dimension to hotel classifications, thereby refining the classification.
Bridging that gap
Authors: Kay Liz
Published: May 2016

A new initiative is taking oral health educators out of the clinic and straight into an environment where they can make a difference to people's dental health
Let's focus on style
Authors: Fowler John
Published: May 2016

In the second in the series about leadership, John Fowler considers it in work – and at play
There's an app for that
Authors: Underwood Ben
Published: May 2016

Want to help your patients back to better dental health? Ben Underwood's Brush DJ app and videos have been a huge success. We talk to him about his innovation and how dental nurses are in a perfect position to make a difference
Are you under par?
Authors: Buxton Sarah
Published: May 2016

Your employer should have a written procedure setting out how it will deal with issues of poor performance. Here, Sarah Buxton looks at how best to resolve in a fair way
Tackling the bullying of pupils with SEND
Authors: Keenleyside Sophie
Published: May 2016

Disabled students and pupils with SEN are more likely to be bullied – a hard truth that is too often overlooked. Drawing on work by the Anti-Bullying Alliance to develop effective practice to tackle this kind of bullying, Sophie Keenleyside offers some practical advice to primary school leaders
Selection by stealth
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: May 2016

With more schools becoming their own admission authorities there are increasing concerns about the complexity and exclusivity that the new system is creating – with one report suggesting that more than 1,500 primaries are now highly socially selective. Suzanne O'Connell looks at the evidence
INTEGRAL METHODS FOR DESCRIBING PULSATILE FLOW
Authors: Hromadka David , Chlup Hynek , Žitný Rudolf
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an approximate solution of the pulsatile flow of a Newtonian fluid in the laminar flow regime in a rigid tube of constant diameter. The model is represented by two ordinary differential equations. The first equation describes the time evolution of the total flow rate, and the
second equation characterizes the reverse flow near the wall. These equations are derived from the momentum balance equation and from the kinetic energy equation, respectively. The accuracy of the derived equations is compared with a solution in which the finite difference method is applied to a partial differential equation.
ELASTO-KINEMATIC COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF SUSPENSION WITH FLEXIBLE SUPPORTING ELEMENTS
Authors: Vrána Tomáš , Bradáč Josef , Kovanda Jan
Published: May 2016

This paper analyzes the impact of flexibility of individual supporting elements of independent suspension on its elasto-kinematic characteristics. The toe and camber angle are the geometric parameters of the suspension, which waveforms and their changes under the action of vertical, longitudinal and transverse forces affect the stability of the vehicle. To study these dependencies, the computational multibody system (MBS) model of axle suspension in the system HyperWorks is created. There are implemented Finite-Element-Method (FEM) models reflecting the flexibility of the main supporting elements. These are subframe, the longitudinal arms, transverse arms and knuckle. Flexible models are developed using Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) by Craig-Bampton. The model further comprises force elements, such as helical springs, shock absorbers with a stop of the wheel and the anti-roll bar. Rubber-metal bushings are modeled flexibly, using nonlinear deformation characteristics. Simulation results are validated by experimental measurements of geometric parameters of real suspension.
A NOTE ON METHODS FOR THE ESTIMATION OF THE AIRBORNE SOUND INSULATION OF TIMBER FRAME STRUCTURES
Authors: Šlechta Jan
Published: May 2016

Acoustic behavior of structures with wooden elements is nowadays of great interest. At the same time, the estimation of the airborne sound insulation of timber frame structures is a complex procedure which includes the prediction of several resonances and the analysis of a significant decrease of the transmission loss in the low frequency range.Three case studies are presented in the paper. The emphasis is put on the transmission loss in 1/3 octave frequency bands of double leaf structures with gypsum panels, wood studs and a well-damped cavity. Methods of Sharp and Davy are used for the transmission loss prediction. Particular issues are discussed for an asymmetrically sheathed timber frame structure, wood studs with resilient channels and staggered studs.The paper also presents that the weighted sound reduction index is not sufficient quantity for characterizing the airborne sound insulation of timber frame structures. Various methods are employed for the calculation of the transmission loss of a traditional structure on a silicate base. Characteristic differences between a silicate based structure and a timber frame structure are highlighted. The usage of the spectrum adaptation terms is encouraged.The paper intends to be helpful in the field of the transmission loss estimation of double leaf structures with wood studs. Since the acoustic behavior of double leaf structures with wood studs is certainly a complex phenomenon, there is a further need for an improvement of methods for the transmission loss estimation and single number quantities for the evaluation of the sound insulation.
An unanticipated successful career and some lessons learned
Authors: Berliner David
Published: May 2016

I am amazed that with such ordinary beginnings I ended up with such a superb pedigree. I was educated by many of the greatest psychologists and educators of their times. It came about by chance, but there is nothing quite like studying with, and getting to know, productive senior members of your profession. They all had earned their reputations and leadership positions for a reason. [Download the PDF and read the full text . . .]
RFID-Technologie ermöglicht Smart Maintenance für Smart Factories
Authors: Rüdiger Marcel
Published: May 2016

Smart Factories sind in Deutschland schon lange das zentrale Thema im Zuge des Wandels hin zur Industrie 4.0. Ziel ist die nachhaltige Steigerung der Produktivität und Effizienz durch die digitale Vernetzung zwischen Maschinen, Rohstoffen, Produkten und Menschen. Insbesondere bei Wartungs- und Serviceprozessen können durch den Einsatz von intelligenten Technologien erhebliche Wettbewerbsvorteile erzielt werden. Die Implementierung von RFID- und NFC-Komplettsystemen ist hierbei hervorragend dafür geeignet, nachhaltig eine Effizienzsteigerung voran zu bringen.
Deixis – a semiotic mystery: Enunciation and reference
Authors: Brandt Per Aage
Published: May 2016

This note aims at clarifying the relation holding or not holding between deixis and indexicality, and then at elaborating a new model based on the Danish semiotic enunciation theory that could also account for reference. The “mystery” in question is the mysterious fact that the
Micropropagation of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and genetic stability of long term cultivated plants
Authors: Szyp-Borowska Iwona , Banha Catarina , Wojda Tomasz , Szczygieł Krystyna
Published: May 2016

The study on the in vitro micropropagation of Robinia pseudoacacia L. shows the possibility of the rapid increase of the vegetative progeny using organogenesis. The culture system consists of sequential use of three media, namely, the initiation medium (MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg · l−1 6-BA (6-benzylamino-purine), 0.1 mg · l−1 NAA (naphthalene acetic acid), proliferation medium (1/2 MS medium added with 1 mg · l−1 6-BA,) and root-induction medium (1/2 MS medium fortified with 0.2 mg · l−1 NAA). The resulting micropropagated plants, fully acclimatised to an in vivo environment, did not show any visually detectable morphological variation.

In addition, we investigated the genetic stability (vegetative progeny to the donor plant) of a sample of 30 plants randomly taken from ca. 1067 micropropagated plants, by using three microsatellites loci Rops 15, Rops 16, Rops 18. Our results suggest that DNA sequence variations may occur in micropropagated plants.
Tree crown size as a measure of tree biosocial position in 135-year-old oak (Quercus L.) stand
Authors: Kaźmierczak Katarzyna , Zawieja Bogna
Published: May 2016

The paper presents an attempt to apply measurable traits of a tree – crown projection area, crown length, diameter at breast height and tree height for classification of 135-year-old oak (Quercus L.) trees into Kraft classes. Statistical multivariate analysis was applied to reach the aim. Empirical material was collected on sample plot area of 0.75 ha, located in 135-year-old oak stand. Analysis of dimensional traits of oaks from 135-year-old stand allows quite certain classification of trees into three groups: pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant and dominated ones. This seems to be quite promising, providing a tool for the approximation of the biosocial position of tree with no need for assessment in forest. Applied analyses do not allow distinguishing trees belonging to II and III Kraft classes. Unless the eye-estimation-based classification is completed, principal component analysis (PCA) method provided simple, provisional solution for grouping trees from 135-year-old stand into three over-mentioned groups. Discriminant analysis gives more precise results compared with PCA. In the analysed stand, the most important traits for the evaluation of biosocial position were diameter at breast height, crown projection area and height.
Cardiac Repair and Regeneration: The Value of Cell Therapies
Authors: Alejandro Lerman Daniel , Alotti Nasri , Levente Ume Kiddy , Péault Bruno ,   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Infirmary Hospital of Edinburgh (NHS Lothian), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK,   MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and College of Medicine and Veterinary, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK,   Zala County Hospital, Pécs University, Hungary,   University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,   MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and College of Medicine and Veterinary, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK,   David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Orthopaedic Hospital Research Centre, University of California at Los Angeles, USA
Published: May 2016

Ischaemic heart disease is the predominant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; one million myocardial infarctions occur per year in the USA, while more than five million patients suffer from chronic heart failure. Recently, heart failure has been singled out as an epidemic and is a staggering clinical and public health problem associated with significant mortality, morbidity and healthcare expenditures, particularly among those aged ≥ 65 years. Death rates have improved dramatically over the last four decades, but new approaches are nevertheless urgently needed for those patients who go on to develop ventricular dysfunction and chronic heart failure. Over the past decade, stem cell transplantation has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for acute or chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Multiple candidate cell types have been used in preclinical animal models and in humans to repair or regenerate the injured heart, either directly or indirectly (through paracrine effects), including: embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neonatal cardiomyocytes, skeletal myoblasts (SKMs), endothelial progenitor cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and, most recently, cardiac stem cells (CSCs). Although no consensus has emerged yet, the ideal cell type for the treatment of heart disease should: (a) improve heart function; (b) create healthy and functional cardiac muscle and vasculature, integrated into the host tissue; (c) be amenable to delivery by minimally invasive clinical methods; (d) be available ‘off the shelf’ as a standardised reagent; (e) be tolerated by the immune system; (f) be safe oncologically, i.e. not create tumours; and (g) circumvent societal ethical concerns. At present, it is not clear whether such a ‘perfect’ stem cell exists; what is apparent, however, is that some cell types are more promising than others. In this brief review, we provide ongoing data on agreement and controversy arising from clinical trials and touch upon the future directions of cell therapy for heart disease.
Накопление и локализация ионов натрия и калия в растениях кукурузы в условиях почвенного засоления
Authors: Kabuzenko S. N. , Omelchenko A. V. , Mykhalska L. M. , Schwartau V. V.
Published: May 2016

Изучали накопление и локализацию ионов Na+ и К+ в растениях гибридов кукурузы нового поколения, отличающихся по степени солеустойчивости, в условиях почвенного засоления. Для солеустойчивого гибрида Веселка МВ характерна способность к локализации ионов Na+ преимущественно в корне. Значительно повышено по отношению к контролю содержание ионов Na+ в клеточном соке органов надземной части и в особенности корней, а также содержание ионов К+ в органах надземной части по сравнению с корнем в контроле и в опытных вариантах, и более выражена транслокация ионов К+ в вакуоли органов надземной части на солевом фоне. Для солеустойчивого гибрида характерно также более высокое соотношение К+/Na+ в органах надземной части по сравнению с солечувствительным гибридом в условиях засоления.
Оптимизация рациона Harpalus rufipes (Coleoptera, Carabidae) в условиях лабораторного содержания
Authors: Reshetniak D. Y. , Brygadyrenko V. V.
Published: May 2016

Проанализирована методика лабораторного содержания жужелицы Harpalus rufipes(De Geer, 1774) – одного из важнейших вредителей зерновых культур. Имаго данного вида жужелиц содержали на преимущественно белковых, жировых и углеводных рационах. Отмечены значительные колебания потребления корма (отдельные экземпляры отказывались от потребления пищи). Особи со средней живой массой тела 148,2±45,6 мг потребляли в течение суток 71,4±99,4 и 77,2±112,8 мг свежемороженого куриного и свиного мяса (48,1% и 52,1% от массы тела в сутки соответственно). Сыр «Российский» и вареная колбаса потребляются в приблизительно таких же количествах (73,1±81,3 и 44,9±66,0 мг/сутки или 49,3% и 30,3% от массы тела). В значительно большем количестве потребляется вареное зерно пшеницы и гречихи (103,5±108,5 и 79,8±91,5 мг или 69,9% и 53,9% от массы тела). В условиях отсутствия питания имаго H. rufipes(De Geer) ежесуточно теряло 2,6±3,6 мг живого веса (1,76%от массы тела). Питание куриным, свиным мясом или вареной колбасой способствовало ежесуточному увеличению массы тела на 0,43–0,82 мг (0,29–0,56% от исходной массы тела). Значительно большее ежесуточное увеличение массы тела наблюдалось при питании сыром (3,14±18,3 мг/сут., 2,12%), пшеничными (8,71±21,33 мг/сут., 5,87%) или гречневыми (2,73±13,75 мг/сут., 1,84% от массы тела) вареными зернами. При содержании в лабораторных условиях H. rufipes(De Geer) лучше содержать на смешанных рационах, содержащих вареное пшеничное зерно и сырое мясо свиньи или курицы.
Пространственная организация экологической ниши почвенной мезофауны урбозема
Authors: Pakhomov O. Y. , Kunah O. М. , Zhukov O. V. , Balyuk Y. A.
Published: May 2016

Методами OMI-анализа изучена пространственная структура почвенной фауны урбоземаботанического сада Днепропетровского университета. Экологические условия в месте расположения полигона являются типично лесными, имеют мезотрофный и мезофильный облик, что способствует высокому уровню обилия почвенной мезофауны (341,6 экз./м2). Дождевые черви являются многочисленной и разнообразной группой сапрофагов в пределах полигона и представлены 5 видами. Доминантом является Aporrectodea caliginosa trapezoides (Duges, 1828). К экологической группе эндогейных червей относятся A. rosea rosea (Savigny, 1826) и Octolasion lacteum (Oerley, 1885), к эпигейным – Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister, 1843, к норным – Octodrilus transpadanus (Rosa, 1884). В экологической структуре животного населения почвы преобладают пратанты, гигрофилы, мезотрофоценоморфы, эндогейные топоморфы, сапрофаги. Твердость почвы в диапазоне 0–50 см, электропроводность, мощность подстилки и высота травостоя играют важную роль в структурировании экологической ниши сообщества мезопедобионтов. Основными трендами структуры животного населения почвенной мезофауны являются экотонный эффект и вариабельность эдафических свойств, обусловленная особенностями растительного покрова.
Распространение узорчатого полоза Elaphe dione (Reptilia, Colubridae) в Украине: исторический аспект и современное состояние
Authors: Tupikov A. I. , Zinenko O. I.
Published: May 2016

Узорчатый полоз – один из наименее изученных полозов фауны Украины. Согласно данным о современных находках, территория Восточной Украины является западным пределом его распространения. На территории страны включен в Красную книгу и имеет статус исчезающего вида. В Донецкой и Луганской областях вид широко распространен и довольно обычен. В то же время в литературе существуют указания о находках этого вида за пределами Восточной Украины – в Крыму и в Одесской области, сделанные в XIX – начале XX века. До настоящего времени все они остаются неподтвержденными. В результате критического анализа литературных источников и музейных коллекций сделан вывод, что, вероятнее всего, указания на обитание этого вида за пре­делами современного ареала связаны с ошибкой видовой идентификации или неверным этикетированием. Приводится подробное обсуждение четырех известных спорных находок с территории Южной Украины. Литературные сведения и музейные данные об узорчатом полозе обобщены и дополнены результатами собственных полевых исследований. Приводится кадастр всех известных находок вида в Украине.
Екологія та поширення Euseius finlandicus (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) у садах Закарпатської області
Authors: Shtymak K. V.
Published: May 2016

Описано екологію та поширення Euseius finlandicus Oudemans, 1915 (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) у садових фітоценозах Закарпатської області. В Україні подібні дослідження проведено для зони Лісостепу. Кліщів збирали протягом 2012–2014 рр. Досліджено 9 населених пунктів Закарпатської області. На території досліджень Eu. finlandicus заселяє щонайменше 26 видів рослин. Уперше визначено статус виду в акарокомплексах родини Phytoseiidae у садових фітоценозах Закарпатської області. Для виду розраховано індекси трапляння та домінування. Описано види рослин, на яких трапляється Eu. finlandicus у вказаних фітоценозах. Результати дозволяють вважати Eu. finlandicus фоновим видом у садових фітоценозах Закарпатської області. Отримані результати можуть стати теоретичною основою для розроблення схем підвищення захисної функції корисних кліщів у фітоценозах Ужгородського району.
Вплив асоційованих з альтитудою схилу умов мікроклімату та освітленості на фізіолого-біохімічні процеси в листі дерев прибережного лісу
Authors: Khromykh N. A. , Ivan’ko I. A. , Kovalenko I. M. , Lykholat Y. V. , Alexeyeva A. A.
Published: May 2016

У листках Acer platanoides L. (автохтонний вид) та Robinia pseudoacacia L. (адвентивний вид) досліджено зміни вмісту хлорофілу (Chl a й Chl b) та активності каталази (CAT), бензидин-пероксидази (BPOD) і гваякол-пероксидази (GPOD), зумовлені локальними умовами мікроклімату та освітленості природної діброви, асоційованими з висотою правобережного крутосхилу р. Самара. Зростання альтитуди схилу супроводжувалось градієнтним збільшенням температури та освітленості, зниженням вологості, що викликало варіювання інтенсивності фотосинтетичного й антиоксидантних процесів у листі обох деревних порід. У листках клена зі збільшенням висоти схилу знижувалось співвідношення Chla/Chlb (від 4,7 на нижній частині схилу до 4,0 на верхній), тоді як у листках акації на обох частинах схилу воно дорівнювало 5,1. Зі зростанням температури та освітленості на верхній частині схилу збільшувалась частка каталази в сумарній антиоксидантній активності листків обох видів, що вказує на посилення захисної ролі каталази за умовного зростання ознак аридності. У листі клена виявлено високі рівні кореляції між активністю всіх ферментів і показниками освітленості, температури та вологості, тоді як для акації білої встановлено лише вибіркові достовірні зв’язки, що може слугувати маркером пристосованості автохтонного та адвентивного видів до асоційованих із висотою схилу екологічних умов природної діброви.
The impact of pollutants on the antioxidant protection of species of the genus Tilia at different developmental stages
Authors: Alexeyeva A. A. , Lykholat Y. V. , Khromykh N. O. , Kovalenko I. M. , Boroday E. S.
Published: May 2016

The influence of transport fumes and industrial waste on the activity of catalase, benzidine-peroxidase and guaiacol-peroxidase was studied in the dormant buds, leaves and seeds of the following species of the genus Tilia:T. platyphyllos Scop., T. europaea L., T. amurensis Rupr. and T. begoniifolia Stev. We tested the hypothesis that the action of pollutants changes the state of antioxidant protection at different stages of tree development in contaminated phytocenoses. An increase in catalase activity was observed in leaves of all linden species, and the action of transport fumes caused excess over control level by 118, 118, 196, and 61% respectively for T. platyphyllos, T. europaea, T. amurensis and T. begoniifolia. The action of industrial waste was accompanied by a slight decrease in catalase activity in T. europaea leaves, and increase in activity in leaves of T. amurensis and T. begoniifolia (143% and 115%). Benzidine-peroxidase activity increased due to the influence of transport fumes on leaves of T. amurensis and T. begoniifolia (103% and 44%), but decreased due to the effect of industrial waste on leaves of T. europaea, T. amurensis and T. begoniifolia (46%, 30%, and 44% respectively), and was suppressed in the seeds of T. europaea, T. amurensis and T. begoniifolia both under the influence of transport (42%, 47% and 33% below control) and industrial emissions (19%, 19% and 45%), and was reduced in buds of T. platyphyllos, T. europaea and T. amurensis due to the effect of transport fumes (21%, 9% and 20% respectively). Guaiacol-peroxidase activity decreased due to the influence of transport fumes in buds of T. platyphyllos, T. europaea and T. amurensis (41%, 14% and 47% below control), while it increased in the seeds of T. platyphyllos and T. amurensis (104% and 83%), as well as in leaves of T. amurensis and T. begoniifolia both due to the effect of transport (129% and 144%) and of industrial emissions (respectively, 34% and 40% above control). The substantial restructuring of the antioxidant system components in leaves, dormant buds and seeds confirms the hypothesis that metabolic processes in Tilia trees adapt throughout all stages of their development in response to the polluted conditions in urban phytocenoses.
The use of antigibberelins with different mechanisms of action on morphogenesis and production process regulation in the plant Solanum melongena (Solanaceae)
Authors: Kuriata V. G. , Rohach V. V. , Rohach T. I. , Khranovska T. V.
Published: May 2016

The influence of antigibberelin on the growth, development and productivity of eggplant was investigated. It was established that the use of tebuconazole and chlormequat chloride is a highly effective tool for regulation of morphogenesis and productivity of eggplant. We found that retardants slowed the growth of plants, and increased the number of leaves and leaf area and dry substance weight of the whole plant. Under the influence of Esfon ethylene producers the inhibition of the growth process was not accompanied by increase of the number, weight and area of leaves.Antigibberelin agents caused the thickening of chlorenchyma and the growth of the columnar cells and cell sizes of spongy parenchyma. Under the action of agents the thickness of the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf increased. As a result of mesostructural and morphometric changes of leaf structure under the influence of retardants the leaf index and specific leaf surface density increased.The growth inhibitory agents increased the chlorophyll content in leaves and caused the growth of chlorophyll index in crops.Retardants reduced the content of sugar and starch in leaves because of their enhanced outflow to fruits, the amount of which was predicted to be greater. Under the influence of Esfon the flow of carbohydrates to the acceptor areas was slower.The use of retardants of triazole and onium origin positively influenced the formation of productivity elements of the culture, which led to increase in the fruit yield. The use of tebuconazole was found to be the most effective.
Influence of litter thickness on the structure of litter macrofauna of deciduous forests of Ukraine’s steppe zone
Authors: Brygadyrenko V. V.
Published: May 2016

The litter in a forest ecosystem acts as a trophic substrate, and at the same time it is the environment for litter invertebrates. But despite this fact, there has been very little research conducted on the influence of litter thickness on the structure of litter macrofauna. The litter of steppe forests contains most types of integrated communities of forest ecosystems. This means that its thickness cannot avoid playing a significant role in the functioning of the ecosystem. Following to the standard methodologies, Invertebrates were collected using pit-fall traps in deciduous forests of Nikolaev, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts, which are characterized by different types of geomorphological profile, different moisture conditions, soil salinity, tree crown and herbaceous vegetation density, soil texture and other factors. The total number of macrofauna increases in conditions where litter thickness exceeds40 mmin comparison with forest ecosystems with fragmented and average capacity litter. The number of litter macrofauna species also increases from 11–23 to 38 species on average when litter thickness increases to more than40 mm. The Shannon and Pielou diversity indexes show no definite tendencies to change in relation to changing degrees of litter thickness. At sites of greater thickness of the litter layer, the corresponding increase in the absolute number of litter mesofauna invertebrates is mostly due to saprophages, and the increase the number of species – due to zoophages. The optimum structure of domination was observed at sites with maximum thickness of litter. The proportion of large species shows no statistically significant change in relation to variations in litter thickness. The qualitative compound of the fauna at sites with thick litter changes mainly due to an increase in the number of Carabidae species.
A new pest of ficus in California: Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae), new to North America
Authors: Rung Alessandra
Published: May 2016

A new psyllid pest of ficus, Macrohomotoma gladiata (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea), is reported for the first time from North America (California, U.S.A.). Notes on another adventive psyllid species that has been collected from ficus in California, Homotoma ficus, are given, together with a list diagnostic features that separate between M. gladiata and H. ficus.
Amphisbaena trachura Cope, 1885 (Amphisbaenia: Amphisbaenidae): new record for the northeast of Argentina
Authors: Ruiz-García José A. , Curi Lucila M. , Lamas Matías F. , Céspedez Jorge Abel
Published: May 2016

We present a new record of Amphisbaena trachura (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) for the northeast of Corrientes province, Argentina. Seven specimens (five females and two males) were identified using morphological and meristic characters. The specimens were found under Eucalyptus sp. logs on 6 December 2014 and 3 March 2015, in General Alvear Department, Corrientes.
Vascular Flora of the Tocantins River Middle Basin, Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Marcelo Brilhante de , Walter Bruno Machado Teles , Silva Glocimar Pereira da , Gomes Beatriz Machado , Lima Isabela Lustz Portela , Silva Suelma Ribeiro , Moser Pamela , Oliveira Washington Luís , Cavalcanti Taciana Barbosa
Published: May 2016

This study provides a checklist of the phanerogams and pteridophytes of the Tocantins river middle basin, in northern Goiás state and southern Tocantins state, Brazil. Herbarium samples were collected from 2000 to 2009 and this floristic survey recorded 1572 species from 135 families. The most species-rich families were Fabaceae (217), Poaceae (116), Asteraceae (88), Euphorbiaceae (65), Orchidaceae (58) and Malpighiaceae (56). Furthermore, 14 endangered species and 31 rare species were recorded, mainly associated with the campos rupestres in the Veadeiros Plateau region. The flora mainly from the phytophyisiognomies cerrado stricto sensu, campo rupestre (“rocky fields”), mata de galeria (“gallery forest”), mata ciliar (“riverine forest”) and semi-deciduous seasonal forest comprised typical species of the mid-western Cerrado floristic province, such as the most widely known woody plants Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan (popular name angico), Aspidosperma subincanum Mart. ex A. DC. (guatambú), Astronium fraxinifolium Schott ex Spreng. (gonçalo-alves), Callisthene fasciculata Mart. (pau-jacaré), Dipteryx alata Vogel (barú), Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (mutamba) and Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil. (tingui). This study is the first to record a wide floristic list of this important region of central Brazil.
Espadarana prosoblepon Boettger, 1892 (Amphibia: Anura): distribution extension on the western slopes of the Cordillera Central, Colombia
Authors: Osorio-Dominguez Daniel , Quintero-Angel Andrés
Published: May 2016

We report a new locality for Espadarana prosoblepon (Boettger, 1892) in a riparian forest on the western slopes of the Cordillera Central of Colombia, which extends its distribution ca. 100 km S from previous known records.
First records of Phalotris sansebastiani Jansen and Köhler, 2008 (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from Argentina
Authors: Scrocchi Gustavo J. , Giraudo Alejandro R.
Published: May 2016

Phalotris sansebastiani is recorded for the first time in Argentina based on five specimens from Jujuy and Salta provinces, and its characters are compared with Argentinean specimens of P. tricolor.
New distributional records of amphibians for Departamento San Pedro, Paraguay (Amphibia)
Authors: Smith Paul , Cacciali Pier , Atkinson Karina , Pheasey Helen , Motte Martha
Published: May 2016

New distributional data are provided for 12 species of amphibian in Departamento San Pedro, Paraguay. Records are from the Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca, a small private reserve located in an area of transition from Atlantic Forest to Cerrado-type habitats. The chronic under-sampling of amphibian populations in Paraguay is highlighted.
New record of Heraclides a. astyalus (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Papilioninae: Papilionini) on the northern São Francisco river, Brazil
Authors: Nobre Carlos Eduardo Beserra , Schlindwein Clemens
Published: May 2016

A single male of Heraclides a. astyalus was collected in the Catimbau National Park, Buíque, Pernambuco, located in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. It is the first record for the species in the Caatinga domain and the first record for the subspecies in latitudes above the São Francisco river.
Phimophis guerini (Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854) (Squamata, Colubridae): distribution extension in the northeast coast of the state of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Marques Ricardo , Tinôco Moacir S. , Browne-Ribeiro Henrique C. , Fazolato Cecil P.
Published: May 2016

Phimophis guerini inhabitats open areas, forest and habitats within urban regions. In this paper we report two new localities for P. guerini in the state of Bahia within restinga environment. The two sites are along the northeast coast of Bahia, at Praia do Forte and Imbassaí. The sites support many species of reptiles and amphibians and are threatened by tourism development, which may compromise many snakes in the region.