bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultures of Image Construction. Approaching Planning Cultures as a Factor in Urban Image Production
Authors: Suitner Johannes
Published: June 2014

Why do the same planning approaches cause different results around the world? Because, even in times of globalization, there is obviously more than one way of planning. These different modes are an expression of distinct local planning cultures. Hence, we need to take a closer look at the influence of planning cultures on outcomes of urban development processes. This paper joins debates on the nature of planning culture with culture-led image production as one specific process of urban development, and asks to what degree a local planning culture might influence the production of cultural image. The paper provides a first step in building an analytical framework for analyzing image production and its interplay with local planning cultures, and gives hints on critical points in the so-called ‘cultures of image construction’.
Governance and Culture – A New Approach to Understanding Structures of Collaboration
Authors: Söpper Katharina
Published: June 2014

The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of structures of collaboration and their underlying logic by combining theories on Governance and (Planning) Culture. By the introduction of an integrative approach, called the ‘The Culture-Based Governance Analysis’, aspects of both discourses are combined. Factors from the Governance discourse, providing analysis on the frameworks of collaboration, were integrated with factors from the Culture discourse, providing analysis of the underlying reasons for people collaborating or not. This novel approach provides a way to analyze and understand how existing collaborations have developed and the basis on which they operate. As a further step, it enables planners to use this knowledge for the establishment of future collaborations between already active as well as not yet involved actors, for example, in urban redevelopment processes.
Vector regression introduced
Authors: Mok Tik , Bâki Iz H.
Published: June 2014

This study formulates regression of vector data that will enable statistical analysis of various geodetic phenomena such as, polar motion, ocean currents, typhoon/hurricane tracking, crustal deformations, and precursory earthquake signals. The observed vector variable of an event (dependent vector variable) is expressed as a function of a number of hypothesized phenomena realized also as vector variables (independent vector variables) and/or scalar variables that are likely to impact the dependent vector variable. The proposed representation has the unique property of solving the coefficients of independent vector variables (explanatory variables) also as vectors, hence it supersedes multivariate multiple regression models, in which the unknown coefficients are scalar quantities. For the solution, complex numbers are used to rep- resent vector information, and the method of least squares is deployed to estimate the vector model parameters after transforming the complex vector regression model into a real vector regression model through isomorphism. Various operational statistics for testing the predictive significance of the estimated vector parameter coefficients are also derived. A simple numerical example demonstrates the use of the proposed vector regression analysis in modeling typhoon paths.
Textual Poaching, Gamekeeping and the Counter-stereotype
Authors: Halse Rolf
Published: June 2014

In the analogue era, fan studies explored localized resistance within fan communities’ cultural practices, examining how this might lead to new understandings of gender, sexuality, and race. However, there has been less work that examines the consequences fans’ cultural practices using digital media have for the cultural politics of ‘poaching’. The current article presents a study of online fans’ perceptions of positively depicted Muslim characters from the Middle East in the television serial, 24. Like the rest of the show’s regular cast, these characters should be in focus for fans in their competing interpretations and evaluations of each episode in online discussion forums. The study comprises a comparison of how two online fan communities, one in the US and one in Norway, perceive counter-stereotypical Muslim characters. An analysis of fans’ readings is carried out, and one central finding is that fans appropriated 24’s counter-stereotype in ways that can be described as reactionary.`
The Growth of Leading Regional Newspapers
Authors: Björkroth Tom , Grönlund Mikko
Published: June 2014

Theoretical research has modelled the existence of so-called advertising-circulation spirals of newspapers. The present article examines the existence and shape of the growth functions of circulation for leading regional newspapers in Finland, and assesses their effects on their competitors. The article also provides results on the household coverage of the regionally leading newspapers. Our results enable us to draw conclusions concerning the level of convergence of the market shares of the larger newspapers, and the possibilities of the minority newspapers to survive. The findings relate directly to the assessment of competition in the market of newspaper publishing, as economic analysis has already shown that difference in size between the two largest firms may define the scope for dominance. Consequently, the results may have implications for assessments of the relevant market and the state of the competition, and claims concerning dominance in newspaper markets
A Golden Decade
Authors: Fernández-Quijada David
Published: June 2014

The five countries of the Nordic region have a common cultural and historical background. In the field of communication, they share institutions, conferences, publications and networks. In order to reveal how this shared tradition is manifested in scientific communication, the present text analyses the evolution of publication patterns of Nordic communication scholars by applying bibliometric techniques to over five hundred articles published in international scientific journals from 2001 to 2010. Different parameters were analysed: institution and country of origin, number of authors, typology of collaborations, topics studied and the level of specialization.

During the decade under study, the presence of Nordic scholars in international journals doubled, manifesting the growing internationalization of Nordic communication research. Co-authorship patterns predominantly involve collaboration with Anglo-Saxon scholars, particularly North American. A high level of specialization was found in areas such as technologies and new media, which was reflected in the journals chosen as vehicles for publication
Selected Personality Traits of Women Training Combat Sports
Authors: Burdzicka-Wołowik Joanna , Góral-Radziszewska Katarzyna
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Contemporary women are more and more independent nowadays and emancipation of women is also visible in sports. The aim of the study was to present certain personality traits of female athletes training selected combat sports. The authors claim that taking up the aforementioned activity is an attempt at overcoming stereotypical attitude to a social role of women. The analysis of results revealed psychological profiles of female athletes. Material and methods. The research included women aged 17 to 36 (N=199). The first group (N=94) consisted of athletes training boxing, judo, wrestling and taekwon-do, the majority of whom had a master sports class. The second group included women not training any sports (N=105). The research was conducted with the use of the following tools: Psychological Gender Inventory, Temperament Inventory, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R), Creative Behaviour Questionnaire and personal questionnaire created by the authors. Conclusions. The analysis of the material showed that female athletes training combat sports contest traditional femininity since they have more personality traits traditionally attributed to men (high level of masculinity). High psychoticism of the athletes is also perceived as a tendency to break conventions. As highly non-conformist individuals, they live according to their own system of values training sports which are stereotypically treated as masculine. Combat sports are trained by women with low emotional and sensory reactivity, which gives them advantageous position in sports competition.
An Outline of the Issue of the Need for Physical Activity among Preschool Children – As Exemplified by BiałA Podlaska Area
Authors: Plandowska Magdalena
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Respecting a child's need for physical activity is an extremely important factor that determines proper development of preschool children. To meet this demand children need approximately 6 hours (boys) or 5 hours and 15 minutes of activity (girls) [1]. However, for many years we have seen serious neglect in terms of meeting children's need for physical activity and for staying outdoors. The aim of this study was to define to what extent the older preschool children's need for physical activity and staying outdoors was satisfied. Material and methods. An interview with parents and an observation technique were employed in the study. The obtained data were used to draw up an activity card that included activities undertaken by a child in a period of 24 hours. An assessment of physical activity consisted of highlighting movement activities on the card and noting their duration (in minutes). A proper classification was developed to determine to what degree the examined children's need for physical activity and staying outdoors was fulfilled. Results and

conclusions. Movement activities organised in a kindergarten are the basic form of physical activity of preschool children. It is the only form of physical activity for children whose needs are not fully met (slightly more than half of the children). Children with sufficient physical activity (every third child is exposed to the activity defined as satisfactory, while every tenth child's needs are fulfilled to a very good degree) undertake extra (spontaneous) activities such as outdoor games and plays as well as activities selected by adults. The research revealed that it is necessary to increase the duration of daily physical activities at home and at a kindergarten and to hold outdoor games and plays more frequently.
The Development of Tourism at Military-Historical Structures and Sites – A Case Study of the Building Complexes of Project Riese in the Owl Mountains
Authors: Stach Elżbieta , Pawłowska Aneta , Matoga Łukasz
Published: June 2014

Introduction. During WWII, the Owl Mountains were the site of a large-scale military investment codenamed Riese. This project called for the construction of underground passages using concentration camp prisoners as laborers. Material and methods. On the basis of terrain inventory, analysis was conducted of the tourism management of six military-historical complexes of Project Riese and their environs. Tourists were polled to determine how attractive they found one of these - the Rzeczka complex - as a tourist destination. Results. The results obtained in the study led to the conclusion that the complexes' infrastructure and tourist attractions meet the needs of tourist activity in the area. In the case of the municipalities where complexes are located, it was determined that they are not being adequately developed. Conclusions. At present, the Project Riese complexes are seeing the development of various forms of tourism. An important problem with the development of tourism there is the conflict between the need to protect the environment and cultural heritage and the development of commercial and recreational tourism services.
Professional Development of Physiotherapy Students During Msc Studies
Authors: Rekowski Witold , Grządkowska Eliza
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Lack of legal regulations regarding the profession of physiotherapist in Poland results in lack of formal obligation to develop professionally which characterises other medical professions. Physiotherapists may raise their qualifications by participating in specialisation courses commissioned by the Medical Centre of Postgraduate Studies (Centrum Medyczne Kształcenia Podyplomowego). Outside the system of education, the education market offers a wide array of courses and professional training schemes. Physiotherapy students, especially MSc students, take part in such courses. The following research stems from the desire to specify the range and characteristics of professional development during MSc studies as well as to establish the factors encouraging this phenomenon. Material and methods: The research was conducted using a specially designed anonymous questionnaire. The test sample consisted of 152 second-year MSc students studying physiotherapy at a public physical education academy. Results: 3/4 of the research respondents participate in various forms of professional development available on the market, while 1/4 remain passive. Half of the students tested participated in two or more courses during their studies. Massage, physiotherapeutic methods, kinesio taping and manual therapy are the most popular course choices. Most often (62% of cases) the costs of such courses amount up to 5,000 PLN, one fifth of the students allocates up to 10,000 PLN for this purpose. The courses are mainly financed by the students' families or by the students themselves. Some social characteristics and studying conditions are factors conductive to undertaking such activity. Conclusions: Raising qualifications during studies is a widespread phenomenon. The aim of participation in courses is mainly to supplement knowledge with additional information, not available during studies. The main motives underlying such activity are cognitive reasons and improvement of one's situation in the work market.
A formula for all minors of the adjacency matrix and an application
Authors: Bapat R. B. , Lal A. K. , Pati S.
Published: June 2014

We supply a combinatorial description of any minor of the adjacency matrix of a graph. This descriptionis then used to give a formula for the determinant and inverse of the adjacency matrix, A(G), of agraph G, whenever A(G) is invertible, where G is formed by replacing the edges of a tree by path bundles.
A comparative analysis of selected parameters of roofing used in the Polish construction industry
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina Elżbieta
Published: June 2014

Roofing is an important element in the construction of the roof. It is also one of the essential elements of the whole building. The choice of roofing should depend on technical parameters that affect the quality of the materials used and the price. The present paper is a comparative analysis of the properties of five roofing materials selected as examples with respect to twelve parameters. As can be seen from the comparative analysis of the roofing parameters, roofing tile is by far the best material, receiving the highest score in the ranking
Possibility of Using Wood Pulp in the Preparation of Cement Composites
Authors: Kidalova Lucia , Stevulova Nadezda , Geffert Anton
Published: June 2014

Sustainable building materials are based on the use of renewable materials instead of non-renewable. Large group of renewable materials composes of plant fibres having high tensile strength are used as fillers into building material with reinforcement function of composite. This study aimed to establish the mechanical and physical properties of cement composites with organic fillers, such as wood pulp. Wood pulp cellulose is very interesting material as reinforcement in cement which contributes to a reduction of pollutants. Varying the producing technology (wood pulp and cement ratio in mixture) it is possible to obtain composites with density from 940 to 1260 kgm-3 and with compressive strength from 1.02 to 5.44 MPa after 28 days of hardening. Based on the experimental results, cement composites with using unbleached wood pulp reach higher values than composites based on bleached wood pulp. Volume ratio of unbleached wood pulp in composites influences water absorbability of cement composites
Turbulences in Boundary Layer of Flat Plates
Authors: Tesar Alexander
Published: June 2014

The aeroelastic assessment of turbulences appearing in boundary layer of flat plates tested in the wind tunnel is treated in present paper. The approach suggested takes into account multiple functions in the analysis of flat plates subjected to laminar and turbulent wind forcing. Analysis and experimental assessments in the aerodynamic tunnel are presented. Some results obtained are discussed
Dynamic response of reinforced concrete building from the effects of rail transport
Authors: Demjan Ivo , Tomko Michal
Published: June 2014

A 3D model of a reinforced concrete building and was created in software ANSYS. The dynamic analysis was focused on the spectral response of the object represented by a random excitation experiment found in records in the form of load spectra
Optimization of the Operation of Green Buildings applying the Facility Management
Authors: Somorová Viera
Published: June 2014

Nowadays, in the field of civil engineering there exists an upward trend towards environmental sustainability. It relates mainly to the achievement of energy efficiency and also to the emission reduction throughout the whole life cycle of the building, i.e. in the course of its implementation, use and liquidation. These requirements are fulfilled, to a large extent, by green buildings. The characteristic feature of green buildings are primarily highly-sophisticated technical and technological equipments which are installed therein. The sophisticated systems of technological equipments need also the sophisticated management. From this point of view the facility management has all prerequisites to meet this requirement. The paper is aimed to define the facility management as an effective method which enables the optimization of the management of supporting activities by creating conditions for the optimum operation of green buildings viewed from the aspect of the environmental conditions
Особливості цифрових позначень у письмі міських канцелярій Руського воєводства XVI ст. (на матеріалах Центрального державного історичного архіву України, м. Львів)/ Specyfika cyfrowej numeracji w dokumentach kancelarii miejskich województwa ruskiego w XVI w. (na podstawie materiałów Centralnego Państwowego Archiwum Historycznego we Lwowie)
Authors: Barabash Taras
Published: June 2014

Pecularities of Figures in Writings of City Secretariat of Rus Voivodeship in the 16th Century (based on the documents of Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine, Lviv) Distinctive “Ukrainian province” of Latin Gothic writing had been formed since the middle of the 14
The Turàn number of the graph 3P4
Authors: Bielak Halina , Kieliszek Sebastian
Published: June 2014

Let ex (n,G) denote the maximum number of edges in a graph on n vertices which does not contain G as a subgraph. Let P
High-Stakes Choice
Authors: Witte John F. , Wolf Patrick J. , Cowen Joshua M. , Carlson Deven E. , Fleming David J.
Published: June 2014

This article considers the impact of a high-stakes testing and reporting requirement on students using publicly funded vouchers to attend private schools. We describe how such a policy was implemented during the course of a previously authorized multi-year evaluation of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, which provided us with data on voucher students before and after the reform, as well as on public school students who received no new policy treatment. Our results indicate substantial growth for voucher students in the first high-stakes testing year, particularly in mathematics, and for students with higher levels of earlier academic achievement. We discuss these results in the context of both the school choice and accountability literatures.
Intergranular Corrosion in Retaining Rings Made of X39CrMo17-1 and X39Cr13
Authors: Fischer B. , Neidel A.
Published: June 2014

A number of retaining rings used in fuel gas piping assemblies of large stationary heavy-duty industrial gas turbines were found broken upon reception at the gas turbine manufacturer's plant. While the pipes were made of AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel, 1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10, the specified material of the subject locking rings is the martensitic stainless chromium steel X39CrMo17-1, 1.4122. In fact, however, the failed snap rings consisted of the lower-chromium X39Cr13, 1.4031. The fractured retaining rings all originated from a particular North American supply chain. In contrast, the same pipe assemblies delivered by an alterna­tive second-source European supplier did not show these remarkable fractures in their retain­ing rings. Also, they were indeed made of the specified higher-chromium material. It was later discovered that the supplier that shipped the faulty product employed a peculiar wet cleaning process without proper post-cleaning drying. The conclusion of the metallurgical failure analysis was that the subject retaining rings failed by intergranular corrosion due to sensitisation from heat treatment and wet cleaning residues that remained on the product and caused corrosion during shipment. The erroneous material selection, violating the specifica­tion, contributed to the failure.
Durability of Multiple-Anticorrosive Bolts in a Corrosive Environment
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Zheng , He Chuan , Zhu Pei , Li Fuhai
Published: June 2014

This paper first introduces the structure of multiple-anticorrosive bolts and the anticorrosive mechanism. To thoroughly analyze the durability of multiple-anticorrosive bolts in a corrosive environment, different corrosive environments were simulated and experiments on the durability of double- and multiple-anticorrosive bolts were conducted. Apparent changes were observed and the bond strength after corrosion was measured. From these test data, the resistance to corrosion was compared for the two types of bolts, and formulae for the service life of double- and multiple-anticorrosive bolts were derived in different corrosive environments. At the same time, a number of modification coefficients for optimization of the service-life formulae were put forward. The anticorrosion performance of the multiple-anticorrosive bolt was mainly studied and compared with that of the double-anticorrosion bolt, and the multiple-anticorrosive bolt was verified to have superior durability in a corrosive environment. The conclusions drawn in this study can be applied in the design of anticorrosive bolts to be used in an underground structure and later applied in durability analysis, providing reference values for actual engineering.
Life in the Pauline Monasteries of Late Medieval Hungary
Authors: Romhányi Beatrix F.
Published: June 2014

The Pauline order emerged in the second half of the thirteenth century and became one of the most popular religious communities of medieval Hungary. Due to their mixed – hermitic, monastic and mendicant – character, their monasteries developed an economic system and a social network that was unique in the fifteenth and sixteenth-century kingdom. Their repudiation of higher education was coupled with the prestige of manual work and literary creativity. The main supporters of the order were members of the lesser nobility and the aristocracy.
Tradition and Liturgy: Centralising Tendencies of Lutheran Church Architecture in Hungary during the Interwar Period
Authors: Baku Eszter
Published: June 2014

The majority of the architectural research focusing on Hungarian architecture in the Interwar period, has to date, mainly analysed buildings with regard to international modern architecture and the steps leading to the development of modern church architecture. This research has however, only marginally expanded to include Evangelical Lutheran church architecture. The present article undertakes a complex research on a special building type, which increased between the World Wars and was determined by a geometric centralised ground plan based on both national and international architectural tradition. Lutheran churches built between the World Wars with central ground plans are analysed from both a  liturgical perspective, examining the theological aspect and the use of space, and also from the tradition of the ground plans.
Gothicized buildings and the role of symbols in Baroque architecture
Authors: Nagy Gergely Domonkos
Published: June 2014

Recently, researchers have found that several buildings or building parts, previously believed to be Gothic, had actually been built in the Baroque period. This research is based on the most comprehensive collection of the Gothicized buildings from the Baroque time in Hungary. They can be clearly separated into two groups, the reconstruction of medieval churches and the chapels of the Holy Sepulchre. These examples show that beyond the generally mentioned two methods of Gothicizing in the Baroque period (survival and revival), there is a third way, which can be connected to the heyday of Baroque and to the buildings of demanding clients. Apparently, this phenomenon was more common than previously assumed; there are not only unique and extravagant examples of it (like the architecture of Santini in Bohemia), but there are also several examples in Hungarian records. Since they were neither marginal, provincial nor ‘out-of-date’ buildings, we cannot consider them as anachronistic phenomenon and it should be possible to explain their formation with the same factors that generated the construction of traditional Baroque works.
Past and present for the future in Magyarlóna - a history of a Transylvanian village research
Authors: Nagy Gergely
Published: June 2014

The church of Magyarlóna (Kalotaszeg) has close stylistic connections with one in Szászfenes. Important medieval frescos have been found on the southern section of the wall of the chancel arch. In the 18th century, the church’s interior was entirely transformed to suit the new age and the world of the Reformation. The joiner and painter Lőrinc Umling first worked there in 1750, where he constructed the crown-shaped pulpit canopy. In 1752, the master craftsman created the painted ceiling (one hundred and twenty panels) of the church. In 1768, Umling, together with his sons, painted the church pews. This Transylvanian church and its values are not current in the thoughts of the Hungarian history of art. To appreciate the inner values and consider the painted woodwork as a unique chapter of our architecture, it is necessary to look more deeply into this Hungarian settlement and the origins of the local culture.
On Classical and Modern in Architecture - In memoriam Zoltán Szentkirályi
Authors: Pazár Béla
Published: June 2014

We use the terms classical and modern naturally in everyday practice. One, usually to refer to eternal values, the other to the present, to what we consider up to date. We experience more the normative side of the first, and the operative character of the other. Classical, however, has never been something closed, to be simply revered, copied or imitated; on the contrary, it has been permanently working, by influencing and balancing us throughout ages, as a constituent part of every “following”, every “present”. Classical and modern belong together in this sense, preconditioning each other inseparably in their mental and social function.
“We are all servants here!” Mimar Sinan – architect of the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Rabb Péter
Published: June 2014

Mimar Sinan is the best known architect of the Ottoman Empire. His origin is uncertain. Sinan started his career as a christian slave. He participated in several campaigns as a member of the yard cavalry and as a military engineer. The success of his war-related buildings helped him to become the chief architectural authorithy of the Empire. His long life, fifty years of which he spent as the chief architect, coincided with the golden age of empire. The conquered areas provided plenty of construction tasks, as well as did the clients, who were aspiring for architectural representation worthy of their rank – among them the monarch and his wider environment. In addition, the empire, not being without financial resources, was also able to realize these plans. He became a symbol of the most glorious era of the Ottoman Empire through his works.
Painted scene and feigned architecture in the ceiling paintings of the late-Baroque
Authors: Jernyei Kiss János
Published: June 2014

In the workshop practice of the Baroque ceiling painters, when executing large mural compositions, the architectural details were painted by specialists. However, we cannot consider it as a simple trimming independent from figural frescoes; it is not just a required contribution but a dominant element of the composition also from the artistic point of view.This paper illustrates the complex role of architecture-painting through the analysis of the frescoes of Maulbertsch, Kracker and Winterhalder. It shows that the former decorative painting of the cathedral in Vác worked as a tool for accomplishing an architectural concept. The study revealed that in the case of the ceiling painting belonging to the Lyceum of Eger, the reason for choosing a Gothic structure was the specific perspective problem that arose from applying a central focus in the ceiling decoration of the synod meeting room, which is a closed, rectangular interior.It discusses the representation problems of the painted scenes when arranged in a ‘board-painting’ way (Székesfehérvár, Carmelite Church), and by analysing the different versions (Pápa, Parish Church; Szombathely, Cathedral) it sketches the typical stages of the late-Baroque metamorphosis of the feigned dome in Pozzo.
American Cancer Society prostate cancer survivorship care guidelines
Authors: Skolarus Ted A. , Wolf Andrew M.D. , Erb Nicole L. , Brooks Durado D. , Rivers Brian M. , Underwood Willie , Salner Andrew L. , Zelefsky Michael J. , Aragon‐Ching Jeanny B. , Slovin Susan F. , Wittmann Daniela A. , Hoyt Michael A. , Sinibaldi Victoria J. , Chodak Gerald , Pratt‐Chapman Mandi L. , Cowens‐Alvarado Rebecca L.
Published: June 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Prostate cancer survivors approach 2.8 million in number and represent 1 in 5 of all cancer survivors in the United States. While guidelines exist for timely treatment and surveillance for recurrent disease, there is limited availability of guidelines that facilitate the provision of posttreatment clinical follow‐up care to address the myriad of long‐term and late effects that survivors may face. Based on recommendations set forth by a National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center expert panel, the American Cancer Society developed clinical follow‐up care guidelines to facilitate the provision of posttreatment care by primary care clinicians. These guidelines were developed using a combined approach of evidence synthesis and expert consensus. Existing guidelines for health promotion, surveillance, and screening for second primary cancers were referenced when available. To promote comprehensive follow‐up care and optimal health and quality of life for the posttreatment survivor, the guidelines address health promotion, surveillance for prostate cancer recurrence, screening for second primary cancers, long‐term and late effects assessment and management, psychosocial issues, and care coordination among the oncology team, primary care clinicians, and nononcology specialists. A key challenge to the development of these guidelines was the limited availability of published evidence for management of prostate cancer survivors after treatment. Much of the evidence relies on studies with small sample sizes and retrospective analyses of facility‐specific and population databases. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:225–249. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Can Musical Training Influence Brain Connectivity? Evidence from Diffusion Tensor MRI
Authors: Moore Emma , Schaefer Rebecca , Bastin Mark , Roberts Neil , Overy Katie
Published: June 2014

In recent years, musicians have been increasingly recruited to investigate grey and white matter neuroplasticity induced by skill acquisition. The development of Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DT-MRI) has allowed more detailed investigation of white matter connections within the brain, addressing questions about the effect of musical training on connectivity between specific brain regions. Here, current DT-MRI analysis techniques are discussed and the available evidence from DT-MRI studies into differences in white matter architecture between musicians and non-musicians is reviewed. Collectively, the existing literature tends to support the hypothesis that musical training can induce changes in cross-hemispheric connections, with significant differences frequently reported in various regions of the corpus callosum of musicians compared with non-musicians. However, differences found in intra-hemispheric fibres have not always been replicated, while findings regarding the internal capsule and corticospinal tracts appear to be contradictory. There is also recent evidence to suggest that variances in white matter structure in non-musicians may correlate with their ability to learn musical skills, offering an alternative explanation for the structural differences observed between musicians and non-musicians. Considering the inconsistencies in the current literature, possible reasons for conflicting results are offered, along with suggestions for future research in this area.
Electrochemical Detection with Preconcentration: Nitroenergetic Contaminants
Authors: Johnson Brandy , Nasir Mansoor , Siefert Ronald , Leska Iwona , Erickson Jeffrey , Charles Paul , Melde Brian , Taft Jenna
Published: June 2014

This effort evaluated the potential of two prototype devices for enhanced electrochemical detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitrotoluene (DNT) following preconcentration using an organosilicate sorbent. The bench-scale prototype provides adsorption of the targets from aqueous solution followed by elution in a mixture of methanol and potassium chloride (KCl). Following elution, the eluant is diluted using an aqueous KCl solution to provide sufficient electrolyte for electrochemical analysis. Concentrations of methanol greater than 50% were detrimental to sensor performance and lifetime. Calibration of the electrochemical sensor was completed and results of electrochemical analysis were compared to those of HPLC analysis over a range of concentrations and in varied matrices. TNT detection was found to be consistent and detection limits were improved from 200 ppb to 3 ppb depending on the sample volume utilized. DNT detection showed higher variability and significantly greater false response rates. On the basis of these results, a second, more advanced, prototype was developed and utilized in limited field trials with the intention of moving the technology toward in situ applications.
Piezoresistive Chemical Sensors Based on Functionalized Hydrogels
Authors: Guenther Margarita , Wallmersperger Thomas , Gerlach Gerald
Published: June 2014

Thin films of analyte-specific hydrogels were combined with microfabricated piezoresistive pressure transducers to obtain chemomechanical sensors that can serve as selective biochemical sensors for a continuous monitoring of metabolites. The gel swelling pressure has been monitored in simulated physiological solutions by means of the output signal of piezoresistive sensors. The interference by fructose, human serum albumin, pH, and ionic concentration on glucose sensing was studied. With the help of a database containing the calibration curves of the hydrogel-based sensors at different values of pH and ionic strength, the corrected values of pH and glucose concentration were determined using a novel calibration algorithm.
Tetragonal-to-Tetragonal Phase Transition in Lead-Free (KxNa1−x)NbO3 (x = 0.11 and 0.17) Crystals
Authors: Lin Dabin , Li Zhenrong , Li Fei , Cai Changlong , Liu Weiguo , Zhang Shujun
Published: June 2014

Lead free piezoelectric crystals of (KxNa1−x)NbO3 (x = 0.11 and 0.17) have been grown by the modified Bridgman method. The structure and chemical composition of the obtained crystals were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The domain structure evolution with increasing temperature for (KxNa1−x)NbO3 (x = 0.11 and 0.17) crystals was observed using polarized light microscopy (PLM), where distinguished changes of the domain structures were found to occur at 400 °C and 412 °C respectively, corresponding to the tetragonal to tetragonal phase transition temperatures. Dielectric measurements performed on (K0.11Na0.89)NbO3 crystals exhibited tetragonal to tetragonal and tetragonal to cubic phase transitions temperatures at 405 °C and 496 °C, respectively.
Vulnerability of Plantation Carbon Stocks to Defoliation under Current and Future Climates
Authors: Pinkard Elizabeth , Paul Keryn , Battaglia Michael , Bruce Jody
Published: June 2014

Plantation species globally are susceptible to a range of defoliating pests, but pest damage is rarely considered when estimating biomass C sequestered by these forests. We examined the impacts of defoliation on Eucalyptus globulus plantation C stocks under current and future climates using Mycospharella Leaf Disease (MLD) as a case study, hypothesising that biomass C sequestered in plantations would decrease with a warming and drying climate, and that impacts of defoliation would be strongly site dependent. Six E. globulus plantation sites with varying productivity were selected for the study. Current (1961–2005) and future (2030 and 2070) severity and frequency of MLD were estimated for each site using the bioclimatic niche model CLIMEX, and used as inputs to the process-based forest productivity model CABALA. CABALA was used to develop annual estimates of total living and dead biomass for current, 2030 and 2070 climate scenarios. Averaged annual biomass outputs were used to initialise the carbon accounting model FullCAM for calculation of C sequestered in living and dead biomass over a growing cycle. E. globulus plantations were predicted to sequester between 4.8 and 13.4 Mg C·ha−1·year−1 over 10 years under current climatic conditions. While our estimates suggest that overall this is likely to increase slightly under future climates (up to a maximum of 17.2 Mg C·ha−1·year−1 in 2030, and a shift in minimum and maximum values to 7.6 and 17.6 respectively in 2070), we predict considerable between-site variation. Our results suggest that biomass C sequestration will not necessarily be enhanced by future climatic conditions in all locations. We predict that biomass C sequestration may be reduced considerably by defoliation meaning that any gains in C sequestration associated with changing climate may be substantially offset by defoliation. While defoliation has a generally small impact under current climatic conditions in these plantations, the impact is likely to increase in the future, with reductions of up to 40% predicted for some sites under future climates. We conclude that the combined impacts of climate change on pest frequency and severity, and on host responses to defoliation, may reduce biomass C sequestration in E. globulus plantations in the future.
Mechanisms of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reduction of Two Carcinogenic Nitro-Aromatics, 3-Nitrobenzanthrone and Aristolochic Acid I: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Stiborová Marie , Frei Eva , Schmeiser Heinz , Arlt Volker , Martínek Václav
Published: June 2014

This review summarizes the results found in studies investigating the enzymatic activation of two genotoxic nitro-aromatics, an environmental pollutant and carcinogen 3-nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA) and a natural plant nephrotoxin and carcinogen aristolochic acid I (AAI), to reactive species forming covalent DNA adducts. Experimental and theoretical approaches determined the reasons why human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1A2 have the potential to reductively activate both nitro-aromatics. The results also contributed to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of these reactions. The contribution of conjugation enzymes such as N,O-acetyltransferases (NATs) and sulfotransferases (SULTs) to the activation of 3-NBA and AAI was also examined. The results indicated differences in the abilities of 3-NBA and AAI metabolites to be further activated by these conjugation enzymes. The formation of DNA adducts generated by both carcinogens during their reductive activation by the NOQ1 and CYP1A1/2 enzymes was investigated with pure enzymes, enzymes present in subcellular cytosolic and microsomal fractions, selective inhibitors, and animal models (including knock-out and humanized animals). For the theoretical approaches, flexible in silico docking methods as well as ab initio calculations were employed. The results summarized in this review demonstrate that a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches is a useful tool to study the enzyme-mediated reaction mechanisms of 3-NBA and AAI reduction.
Functional Characterization of NIPBL Physiological Splice Variants and Eight Splicing Mutations in Patients with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Teresa-Rodrigo María , Eckhold Juliane , Puisac Beatriz , Dalski Andreas , Gil-Rodríguez María , Braunholz Diana , Baquero Carolina , Hernández-Marcos María , De Karam Juan , Ciero Milagros , Santos-Simarro Fernando , Lapunzina Pablo , Wierzba Jolanta , Casale César , Ramos Feliciano , Gillessen-Kaesbach Gabriele , Kaiser Frank , Pié Juan
Published: June 2014

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a congenital developmental disorder characterized by distinctive craniofacial features, growth retardation, cognitive impairment, limb defects, hirsutism, and multisystem involvement. Mutations in five genes encoding structural components (SMC1A, SMC3, RAD21) or functionally associated factors (NIPBL, HDAC8) of the cohesin complex have been found in patients with CdLS. In about 60% of the patients, mutations in NIPBL could be identified. Interestingly, 17% of them are predicted to change normal splicing, however, detailed molecular investigations are often missing. Here, we report the first systematic study of the physiological splicing of the NIPBL gene, that would reveal the identification of four new splicing isoforms ΔE10, ΔE12, ΔE33,34, and B’. Furthermore, we have investigated nine mutations affecting splice-sites in the NIPBL gene identified in twelve CdLS patients. All mutations have been examined on the DNA and RNA level, as well as by in silico analyses. Although patients with mutations affecting NIPBL splicing show a broad clinical variability, the more severe phenotypes seem to be associated with aberrant transcripts resulting in a shift of the reading frame.
Alternative Splicing in Plant Immunity
Authors: Yang Shengming , Tang Fang , Zhu Hongyan
Published: June 2014

Alternative splicing (AS) occurs widely in plants and can provide the main source of transcriptome and proteome diversity in an organism. AS functions in a range of physiological processes, including plant disease resistance, but its biological roles and functional mechanisms remain poorly understood. Many plant disease resistance (R) genes undergo AS, and several R genes require alternatively spliced transcripts to produce R proteins that can specifically recognize pathogen invasion. In the finely-tuned process of R protein activation, the truncated isoforms generated by AS may participate in plant disease resistance either by suppressing the negative regulation of initiation of immunity, or by directly engaging in effector-triggered signaling. Although emerging research has shown the functional significance of AS in plant biotic stress responses, many aspects of this topic remain to be understood. Several interesting issues surrounding the AS of R genes, especially regarding its functional roles and regulation, will require innovative techniques and additional research to unravel.
Chlorella zofingiensis as an Alternative Microalgal Producer of Astaxanthin: Biology and Industrial Potential
Authors: Liu Jin , Sun Zheng , Gerken Henri , Liu Zheng , Jiang Yue , Chen Feng
Published: June 2014

Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione), a high-value ketocarotenoid with a broad range of applications in food, feed, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, has been gaining great attention from science and the public in recent years. The green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis represent the most promising producers of natural astaxanthin. Although H. pluvialis possesses the highest intracellular astaxanthin content and is now believed to be a good producer of astaxanthin, it has intrinsic shortcomings such as slow growth rate, low biomass yield, and a high light requirement. In contrast, C. zofingiensis grows fast phototrophically, heterotrophically and mixtrophically, is easy to be cultured and scaled up both indoors and outdoors, and can achieve ultrahigh cell densities. These robust biotechnological traits provide C. zofingiensis with high potential to be a better organism than H. pluvialis for mass astaxanthin production. This review aims to provide an overview of the biology and industrial potential of C. zofingiensis as an alternative astaxanthin producer. The path forward for further expansion of the astaxanthin production from C. zofingiensis with respect to both challenges and opportunities is also discussed.
Emerging Strategies and Integrated Systems Microbiology Technologies for Biodiscovery of Marine Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Rocha-Martin Javier , Harrington Catriona , Dobson Alan , O'Gara Fergal
Published: June 2014

Marine microorganisms continue to be a source of structurally and biologically novel compounds with potential use in the biotechnology industry. The unique physiochemical properties of the marine environment (such as pH, pressure, temperature, osmolarity) and uncommon functional groups (such as isonitrile, dichloroimine, isocyanate, and halogenated functional groups) are frequently found in marine metabolites. These facts have resulted in the production of bioactive substances with different properties than those found in terrestrial habitats. In fact, the marine environment contains a relatively untapped reservoir of bioactivity. Recent advances in genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, combinatorial biosynthesis, synthetic biology, screening methods, expression systems, bioinformatics, and the ever increasing availability of sequenced genomes provides us with more opportunities than ever in the discovery of novel bioactive compounds and biocatalysts. The combination of these advanced techniques with traditional techniques, together with the use of dereplication strategies to eliminate known compounds, provides a powerful tool in the discovery of novel marine bioactive compounds. This review outlines and discusses the emerging strategies for the biodiscovery of these bioactive compounds.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Pigment Echinochrome A from Sea Urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis
Authors: Lee Sung , Pronto Julius , Sarankhuu Bolor-Erdene , Ko Kyung , Rhee Byoung , Kim Nari , Mishchenko Natalia , Fedoreyev Sergey , Stonik Valentin , Han Jin
Published: June 2014

Echinochrome A (EchA) is a dark-red pigment of the polyhydroxynaphthoquinone class isolated from sea urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are used in the treatment of various neuromuscular disorders, and are considered as strong therapeutic agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although EchA is clinically used to treat ophthalmic diseases and limit infarct formation during ischemia/ reperfusion injury, anti-AChE effect of EchA is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-AChE effect of EchA in vitro. EchA and its exhausted form which lost anti-oxidant capacity did not show any significant cytotoxicy on the H9c2 and A7r5 cells. EchA inhibited AChE with an irreversible and uncompetitive mode. In addition, EchA showed reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, particularly with nitric oxide. These findings indicate new therapeutic potential for EchA in treating reduced acetylcholine-related diseases including AD and provide an insight into developing new AChE inhibitors.