bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion criteria update for the rat intraluminal ischaemic model for preclinical studies
Authors: Fernández-Susavila Héctor , Iglesias-Rey Ramón , Dopico-López Antonio , Pérez-Mato María , Sobrino Tomás , Castillo José , Campos Francisco
Published: December 2017

Proper occlusion of the medial cerebral artery, as determined by laser Doppler monitoring, during cerebral ischaemia in rat models is an important inclusion criterion in experimental studies. However, successful occlusion of the artery does not always guarantee a reproducible infarct volume, which is crucial for validating the efficacy of new protective drugs. In a rat intraluminal ischaemic model, laser Doppler monitoring alone was compared with laser Doppler monitoring in combination with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Twenty-eight animals showed successful occlusion and reperfusion determined with Doppler monitoring, with an infarct size at 24 h of 16.7±11.5% (determined as ischaemic damage with respect to the ipsilateral hemisphere volume). However, when arterial occlusion and infarct damage were analysed in these animals using MRA and DWI, respectively, 15 animals were excluded and only 13 animals were included, with an infarct size at 24 h of 21.6±6.1%, showing a variability in the infarct size significantly lower (P<0.05, F-test) than that obtained with Doppler monitoring alone. We also observed that blocking of the pterygopalatine artery (a maxillary artery that is usually occluded in the intraluminal ischaemic model) was not relevant for this model, at least in terms of infarct variability. These results show that laser Doppler monitoring is a necessary procedure, but not sufficient to guarantee a reproducible infarct volume, in a rat ischaemic model. Therefore, laser Doppler monitoring in combination with DWI and MRA represents a reliable inclusion protocol during ischaemic surgery for the analysis of new protective drugs.
Early VGLUT1-specific parallel fiber synaptic deficits and dysregulated cerebellar circuit in the KIKO mouse model of Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Lin Hong , Magrane Jordi , Clark Elisia M. , Halawani Sarah M. , Warren Nathan , Rattelle Amy , Lynch David R.
Published: December 2017

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with progressive ataxia that affects both the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). While later CNS neuropathology involves loss of large principal neurons and glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic terminals in the cerebellar dentate nucleus, early pathological changes in FRDA cerebellum remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we report early cerebellar VGLUT1 (SLC17A7)-specific parallel fiber (PF) synaptic deficits and dysregulated cerebellar circuit in the frataxin knock-in/knockout (KIKO) FRDA mouse model. At asymptomatic ages, VGLUT1 levels in cerebellar homogenates are significantly decreased, whereas VGLUT2 (SLC17A6) levels are significantly increased, in KIKO mice compared with age-matched controls. Additionally, GAD65 (GAD2) levels are significantly increased, while GAD67 (GAD1) levels remain unaltered. This suggests early VGLUT1-specific synaptic input deficits, and dysregulation of VGLUT2 and GAD65 synaptic inputs, in the cerebellum of asymptomatic KIKO mice. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy further show specific reductions of VGLUT1-containing PF presynaptic terminals in the cerebellar molecular layer, demonstrating PF synaptic input deficiency in asymptomatic and symptomatic KIKO mice. Moreover, the parvalbumin levels in cerebellar homogenates and Purkinje neurons are significantly reduced, but preserved in other interneurons of the cerebellar molecular layer, suggesting specific parvalbumin dysregulation in Purkinje neurons of these mice. Furthermore, a moderate loss of large principal neurons is observed in the dentate nucleus of asymptomatic KIKO mice, mimicking that of FRDA patients. Our findings thus identify early VGLUT1-specific PF synaptic input deficits and dysregulated cerebellar circuit as potential mediators of cerebellar dysfunction in KIKO mice, reflecting developmental features of FRDA in this mouse model.
Noncanonical NF-κB signaling and the essential kinase NIK modulate crucial features associated with eosinophilic esophagitis pathogenesis
Authors: Eden Kristin , Rothschild Daniel E. , McDaniel Dylan K. , Heid Bettina , Allen Irving C.
Published: December 2017

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic disease of the esophagus driven by T cell and eosinophil responses to dietary allergens, resulting in chronic mucosal inflammation. Few spontaneous animal models of esophageal eosinophilia exist, with most studies relying on artificial sensitization procedures. NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK; MAP3K14) is a key signaling molecule of the noncanonical NF-κB (NFKB1) pathway, an alternative signaling cascade producing chemokines involved in lymphoid stroma development and leukocyte trafficking. Nik−/− mice have been shown to develop a hypereosinophilic syndrome in peripheral blood and major filtering organs; however, the gastrointestinal mucosa of these mice has not been well characterized. We show that Nik−/− mice develop significant, localized eosinophilic esophagitis that mimics human EoE, including features such as severe eosinophil accumulation, degranulation, mucosal thickening, fibrosis and basal cell hyperplasia. The remainder of the GI tract, including the caudal stomach, small intestine and colon, in mice with active EoE are unaffected, also similar to human patients. Gene expression patterns in esophageal tissue of Nik−/− mice mimics human EoE, with thymic stromal lymphopoetin (TSLP) in particular also elevated at the protein level. In gene expression data sets from human biopsy specimens, we further show that many genes associated with noncanonical NF-κB signaling are significantly dysregulated in EoE patients, most notably a paradoxical upregulation of NIK itself with concurrent upregulation of powerful protein-level destabilizers of NIK. These findings suggest that Nik−/− mice could be useful as a spontaneous model of specific features of EoE and highlight a novel role for noncanonical NF-κB signaling in human patients.
New chimeric RNAs in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rufflé Florence , Audoux Jerome , Boureux Anthony , Beaumeunier Sacha , Gaillard Jean-Baptiste , Bou Samra Elias , Megarbane Andre , Cassinat Bruno , Chomienne Christine , Alves Ronnie , Riquier Sebastien , Gilbert Nicolas , Lemaitre Jean-Marc , Bacq-Daian Delphine , Bougé Anne Laure , Philippe Nicolas , Commes Therese
Published: December 2017

Background: High-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enable the detection of biomarkers used for tumor classification, disease monitoring and cancer therapy. Whole-transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq is important, not only as a means of understanding the mechanisms responsible for complex diseases but also to efficiently identify novel genes/exons, splice isoforms, RNA editing, allele-specific mutations, differential gene expression and fusion-transcripts or chimeric RNA (chRNA).

Methods: We used Crac, a tool that uses genomic locations and local coverage to classify biological events and directly infer splice and chimeric junctions within a single read. Crac’s algorithm extracts transcriptional chimeric events irrespective of annotation with a high sensitivity, and CracTools was used to aggregate, annotate and filter the chRNA reads. The selected chRNA candidates were validated by real time PCR and sequencing.  In order to check the tumor specific expression of chRNA, we analyzed a publicly available dataset using a new tag search approach.

Results:  We present data related to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) RNA-seq analysis. We highlight novel biological cases of chRNA, in addition to previously well characterized leukemia chRNA. We have identified and validated 17 chRNAs among 3 AML patients: 10 from an AML patient with a translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17 (AML-t(15;17), 4  from patient with normal karyotype (AML-NK) 3 from a patient with chromosomal 16 inversion (AML-inv16). The new fusion transcripts can be classified into four groups according to the exon organization.

Conclusions:  All groups suggest complex but distinct synthesis mechanisms involving either collinear exons of different genes, non-collinear exons, or exons of different chromosomes. Finally, we check tumor-specific expression in a larger RNA-seq AML cohort and identify new AML biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and prognosis of AML.
The stress concept in gastroenterology: from Selye to today
Authors: Elsenbruch Sigrid , Enck Paul
Published: December 2017

More than eighty years after Hans Selye (1907–1982) first developed a concept describing how different types of environmental stressors affect physiological functions and promote disease development (called the “general adaptation syndrome”) in 1936, we herein review advances in theoretical, mechanistic, and clinical knowledge in stress research, especially in the area of gastroenterology, and summarize progress and future perspectives arising from an interdisciplinary psychoneurobiological framework in which genetics, epigenetics, and other advanced (omics) technologies in the last decade continue to refine knowledge about how stress affects the brain-gut axis in health and gastrointestinal disease. We demonstrate that neurobiological stress research continues to be a driving force for scientific progress in gastroenterology and related clinical areas, inspiring translational research from animal models to clinical applications, while highlighting some areas that remain incompletely understood, such as the roles of sex/gender and gut microbiota in health and disease. Future directions of research should include not only the genetics of the stress response and resilience but also epigenetic contributions.
Predictive value of early postoperative IOP and bleb morphology in Mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy
Authors: Esfandiari Hamed , Pakravan Mohammad , Loewen Nils A. , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: December 2017

Background: To determine the predictive value of postoperative bleb morphological features and intraocular pressure (IOP) on the success rate of trabeculectomy.

Methods: In this prospective interventional case series, we analyzed for one year 80 consecutive primary open angle glaucoma patients who underwent mitomycin-augmented trabeculectomy. Bleb morphology was scored using the Indiana bleb appearance grading scale (IBAGS). Success was defined as IOP ≤15 mmHg at 12 months. We applied a multivariable regression analysis and determined the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results: The mean age of participants was 62±12.3 years in the success and 63.2±16.3 years in the failure group (P= 0.430) with equal gender distribution (P=0.911). IOPs on day 1, 7 and 30 were similar in both (P= 0.193, 0.639, and 0.238, respectively.) The AUC of IOP at day 1, day 7 and 30 for predicting a successful outcome was 0.355, 0.452, and 0.80, respectively. The AUC for bleb morphology parameters of bleb height, extension, and vascularization, on day 14 were 0.368, 0.408, and 0.549, respectively. Values for day 30 were 0.428, 0.563, and 0.654. IOP change from day 1 to day 30 was a good predictor of failure (AUC=0.838, 95% CI: 0.704 to 0.971) with a change of more than 3 mmHg predicting failure with a sensitivity of 82.5% (95% CI: 68 to 91%) and a specificity of 87.5% (95% CI: 53 to 98%).

Conclusions: IOP on day 30 had a fair to good accuracy while bleb features failed to predict success except bleb vascularity that had a poor to fair accuracy.  An IOP increase more than 3 mmHg during the first 30 days was a good predictor of failure.
Pricing with Cookies: Behavior-Based Price Discrimination and Spatial Competition
Authors: Choe Chongwoo , King Stephen , Matsushima Noriaki
Published: December 2017

We present a model of dynamic competition between two firms where firms gather customer information through first-period purchase. This creates asymmetric information in the second period whereby a firm knows more about its own past customers than its competitor does. We examine how the ability to offer personalized prices based on customer information affects prices and profit over the two periods. When product differentiation is exogenously fixed, asymmetric information leads to two asymmetric equilibria where one firm chooses more aggressive pricing to secure a larger first-period market share. When product differentiation is also chosen endogenously, there continue to exist two asymmetric equilibria where one firm chooses more aggressive positioning. The more aggressive firm, whether through pricing or positioning, can force the game to be played to its advantage. But both firms end up worse off compared to when they use simpler pricing strategies or commit to substantial product differentiation.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2873 .

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
De la mariposa a la tormenta: análisis de los comentarios de los lectores en la red a textos argumentativos irónicos
Authors: Caro Lopera Miguel Angel
Published: December 2017

El propósito de este artículo es analizar los comentarios de los lectores en la Red sobre un texto argumentativo irónico, en contraste con los formulados a un texto argumentativo no irónico en contextos de producción similares. A pesar del número mayor de comentarios para el texto no irónico, estos se pueden agrupar en torno a las categorías de adhesión y rechazo; en cambio, para el irónico emergen múltiples respuestas que revelan toda una tormenta patética propiciada por la ironía al otro lado del lector.
La apreciación y la producción del chiste en E/L2. Un salto cognitivo y metapragmático
Authors: Linares Bernabéu Esther
Published: December 2017

Este trabajo analiza la competencia humorística de estudiantes de español como segunda lengua, a través de los parámetros de la apreciación y la producción del chiste. En concreto, el estudio ha contado con la participación de 71 adolescentes extranjeros, que se encontraban en España realizando sus estudios de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria o Bachillerato durante el curso académico 2016-2017. Para alcanzar el objetivo principal de esta investigación, se llevó a cabo un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de los datos recogidos por medio de un cuestionario y de una plantilla de observación. En el estudio observamos cómo influyen variables como el grado de inmersión lingüística, el tiempo de estancia en España, el nivel de lengua, o el género y la edad del estudiante en la evolución de las competencias humorística y metapragmática. Los datos obtenidos en esta investigación serán fundamentales para poder elaborar recursos didácticos adaptados a las capacidades y preferencias de nuestro alumnado.
Metonimia como recurso cohesionador en el texto periodístico deportivo
Authors: Quintero-Ramírez Sara
Published: December 2017

En este artículo nos proponemos identificar las metonimias más comunes en un corpus de 150 notas periodísticas deportivas en español, francés e inglés. Para lograr lo anterior, primero determinamos el tipo de metonimias que se utilizan en las tres lenguas que nos ocupan y posteriormente, distinguimos el tipo de metonimias que solamente se utilizan en una lengua en particular. Con lo anterior, pretendemos establecer la función textual de las metonimias en el marco de la nota periodística deportiva. Con base en la observación de nuestros materiales, hemos inventariado una diversidad de metonimias que van desde términos hiperónimos hasta sintagmas nominales elaborados que proporcionan información específica de un equipo o atleta. Por último, advertimos que las metonimias son recursos textuales anafóricos de los que se sirve el periodista deportivo para designar a los diferentes referentes de sus notas en innumerables ocasiones y conferirle unidad a su texto.
Evaluación de la calidad de programas de radio universitaria
Authors: Rendón-López Lina-María , Ortega-Carrillo José-Antonio
Published: December 2017

El presente artículo presenta una batería de instrumentos diseñados para la autoevaluación y evaluación por expertos de la calidad de los programas de radio elaborados por producciones noveles formados en los cursos en línea de la Escuela Iberoamericana de Radio Digital. Para tal fin se elaboró un banco de indicadores de calidad obtenidos de la revisión de bibliografía especializada y de un conjunto de entrevistas a expertos del medio radio. Desde este banco de indicadores se elaboraron cuatro cuestionarios con el objetivo de facilitar a los productores pertenecientes a voluntariado de emisoras de radio por internet de naturaleza universitaria autoevaluar la calidad de sus primeros guiones, locuciones y autoproducciones realizadas de forma artesanal. Tras aplicar a un grupo piloto los cuatro cuestionarios, los resultados obtenidos se sometieron a los oportunos tratamientos estadísticos para determinar su fiabilidad y validez de constructo, a la vez que fueron validados en cuanto a la pertinencia, relevancia y univocidad de su contenido por jueces expertos (profesionales e investigadores del medio radio) de tres países. En este trabajo se presenta la segunda versión de dichos cuestionarios junto a los nuevos estudios estadísticos realizados tras su aplicación en los que se confirma de nuevo su alta fiabilidad y validez.
Los spots de perfumes televisados y su música en la campaña navideña 2016-2017
Authors: Van-Zummeren-Moreno Guillermo , Haro-Almansa Rosario
Published: December 2017

El rol de la música en la publicidad audiovisual ha sido controvertido. Pese a que existe consenso en cuanto a su empleo como herramienta, comúnmente se le considera como un elemento útil pero prescindible. Ello explica la escasez bibliográfica tanto en cantidad como en extensión. Sin embargo, en la actualidad la publicidad recurre usualmente a estrategias y técnicas publicitarias basadas en la argumentación emocional, campo en el que la música puede tener un papel mucho más importante. Además, otra de las cualidades positivas de la música en el ámbito de la publicidad es la capacidad de segmentación del público objetivo. Durante el transcurso de esta investigación se esclarecerá el estatus de la música en los espacios publicitarios televisados de perfumes en la campaña navideña 2016-2017 mediante  análisis de contenido. Para ello se ha seleccionado una muestra de 37 anuncios de perfumes que responderá ampliamente a las cuestiones musicales principales de cada spot (forma musical, origen, género, instrumentación, tempo o tonalidad); demostrando la importancia del uso musical en este tipo de campañas, y más concretamente la tendencia al empleo de músicas preexistentes, vocales y dirigidas a la mujer.
Revistas nativas digitales en el ámbito del deporte en España: el caso de MARCA Plus
Authors: Labarga-Adán Ignacio , González-Díez Laura , Pérez-Cuadrado Pedro
Published: December 2017

Tras ser reconocida por Apple como una de las mejores 'apps' para iPad y ganar los 'Digital Magazine Awards' (2015 y 2016), MARCA Plus se ha convertido en un referente para las publicaciones nativas digitales. Es una de las apuestas de Unidad Editorial por las nuevas tecnologías, habiendo conseguido, con cerca de 72 números en 32 meses, un posicionamiento excepcional en el mercado digital. Este trabajo pretende poner en valor un nuevo formato en el panorama de los medios actual: las revistas nativas digitales. MARCA Plus destaca por su diseño, creatividad, carácter innovador, interactividad y nuevas narrativas audiovisuales. A ello se suma el ser un soporte ideal para las nuevas tendencias en publicidad. Al ser una investigación descriptiva y un estudio de caso, utilizaremos técnicas cualitativas como la observación participante y la entrevista en profundidad. También aplicaremos técnicas cuantitativas como el análisis de contenido con una ficha ad hoc. Nos encontramos ante una revista digital que ha superado a su propio soporte. Lo demuestran algunos datos, como por ejemplo que la métrica del último número analizado determina que la permanencia del usuario por sesión en el smartphone fue más de diez minutos, frente a los dos minutos en el ordenador.
Impulso transmedia en las radios universitarias. Análisis de El Escaparate, programa de radio de la Universidad de Vigo
Authors: Feijoo-Fernández Beatriz , García-González Aurora
Published: December 2017

La convergencia mediática ha facilitado el desarrollo de proyectos multimedia en los que el contenido de la plataforma central (en este caso la radio) se expande a otros soportes que complementan y enriquecen la oferta. En este concreto momento de la evolución histórica de la radio, se pensó en la posibilidad de estudiar uno de los planteamientos multimedia ya en marcha en la propia Universidad de Vigo. El objetivo del trabajo se orientó a comprobar el nivel de transmedialidad que ofrece El Escaparate, programa universitario de la Universidad de Vigo. Y para alcanzar este objetivo nos propusimos observar hasta qué punto este producto radiofónico tiene desarrolladas las características de un proyecto transmedia, apoyándonos para ello en las notas aportadas por Jenkins o Scolari. Del estudio de ambos autores pueden extraerse, al menos, estos rasgos característicos: el empleo de varias plataformas, que cada plataforma de acceso a distintos usuarios o consumidores sin que sea necesario acceder a la totalidad de los contenidos para entender la historia, que cada plataforma disponga de contenidos específicos de manera que puedan explotar sus posibilidades sin perder continuidad, que la audiencia tenga un papel activo y participador, expansión y profundidad. Con esos elementos a la vista se procedió a establecer la metodología de trabajo que consistió en una combinación de técnicas cuantitativas (como el análisis de contenido) y cualitativas (observación no participante) adecuadas al estudio de caso que se plantea. Entre las principales conclusiones destaca la evolución experimentada por este programa radiofónico al convertirse en un proyecto transmedia en el que las plataformas secundarias adquirieron un protagonismo especial como reclamo de audiencias.
Una disputa de los años 90: el enfrentamiento entre Soriano y Feiling como una lucha por la representación. La Guerra de Malvinas en A sus plantas rendido un león y El agua electrizada
Authors: Niemetz Diego
Published: December 2017

Este trabajo aborda la conocida polémica entre C. E. Feiling y Osvaldo Soriano. Después de recorrer el asunto como un problema generacional, propongo utilizar las ficciones sobre un hecho histórico trascendente y masivo (como es la Guerra de Malvinas) en las producciones de los dos autores para entender cuáles son los planteamientos ideológicos y representacionales en tensión en el campo cultural argentino de los noventa. En primer lugar, observamos cómo se aborda la temática desde A sus plantas rendido un león (1986), donde la contienda es reflejada de un modo que remite a la cultura popular. En segunda medida, El agua electrizada (1992) puede ser abordada como una mirada sobre las heridas todavía abiertas de la guerra y la dictadura.
Poéticas del tránsito en el arte latinoamericano contemporáneo: Presentación
Authors: Rolle Carolina
Published: December 2017

¿Cómo leer las producciones latinoamericanas contemporáneas? ¿Qué metáforas críticas resultan útiles para pensar prácticas artísticas que transitan entre géneros, soportes, medios y entrecruzan referencias y materiales literarios, plásticos, cinematográficos, massmediáticos, musicales? Frente a objetos que nos obligan a indagar en nuevos modos de pensar críticamente, los especialistas convocados en este dossier reflexionan entre un campo terminológico que bordea la noción de medialidad a partir de los prefijos inter–, multi–, trans– y de conceptos como el de expansión, constelación o inespecifidad.
Formas fluidas. Pasajes y diálogos entre la danza y el audiovisual. Sobre Pizzurno pixelado y Medusas de Margarita Bali
Authors: Torres Alejandra
Published: December 2017

En este artículo nos acercamos a la obra de Margarita Bali para analizar los cruces entre danza y audiovisual en dos momentos de su producción: la video instalación Pizzurno pixelado y la videodanza Medusas. En estas dos obras se pueden comprobar los pasajes y diálogos entre lenguajes y dispositivos que permiten acercarse a reflexiones que exceden los problemas del arte y la tecnología.
Transmedialidad y transposición: entre literatura e historieta. «El almohadón de plumas»
Authors: Favaro Alice
Published: December 2017

El artículo se organiza en torno a la transposición considerada en su especificidad e hibridez y propone un abordaje de la traducción intersemiótica realizando una reflexión sobre las potencialidades de la transposición, la hipertextualidad y lo que queda como intraducible. Se analiza específicamente la transposición examinando las posibilidades que abren la intertextualidad y la transmedialidad: en numerosos casos la intertextualidad enriquece el hipotexto y le añade contenidos y referencias. Se propone el estudio de la transposición en historieta de «El almohadón de plumas» de Horacio Quiroga considerándola ejemplarizadora del resultado que acontece en el proceso transmedial: coexistiendo elementos narrativos, géneros literarios, medios de comunicación y referencias a diferentes obras artísticas, el texto que resulta es inevitablemente un texto que establece un diálogo recíproco con las otras artes y se construye en diferentes niveles.
«Some Statements and Truisms about Neologisms, Newisms, Postisms, Parasitisms, and Other Small Seisms», de Jacques Derrida
Authors: Panesi Jorge
Published: December 2017

«Some Statements and Truisms about Neologisms, Newisms, Postisms, Parasitisms, and Other Small Seisms»,de Jacques Derrida.En Derrida d’ici, Derrida de là. Thomas Dutoit y Philippe Romanski, editores. París: Galilée, 2009.
Sobre: Contradegüellos, de Francisco Madariaga.
Authors: Díaz Marcelo
Published: December 2017

Reseña de Contradegüellos, de Francisco Madariaga.
Molecular gas in high-mass filament WB673
Authors: Kirsanova Maria S. , Salii Svetlana V. , Sobolev Andrej M. , Olofsson Anders Olof Henrik , Ladeyschikov Dmitry A. , Thomasson Magnus
Published: December 2017

We studied the distribution of dense gas in a filamentary molecular cloud containing several dense clumps. The center of the filament is given by the dense clump WB673. The clumps are high-mass and intermediate-mass starforming regions. We observed CS (2-1), 13CO (1-0), C18O(1-0), and methanol lines at 96 GHz toward WB673 with the Onsala Space Observatory 20-m telescope. We found CS (2-1) emission in the inter-clump medium so the clumps are physically connected and the whole cloud is indeed a filament. Its total mass is 104 M⊙ and mass-to-length ratio is 360M⊙ pc−1 from 13CO (1-0) data. Mass-to-length ratio for the dense gas is 3.4 − 34M⊙ pc−1 from CS (2-1) data. The PV-diagram of the filament is V-shaped. We estimated physical conditions in the molecular gas using methanol lines. Location of the filament on the sky between extended shells suggests that it could be a good example to test theoretical models of formation of the filaments via multiple compression of interstellar gas by supersonic waves.
Expanding known dinoflagellate distributions: investigations of slurry cultures from Caspian Sea sediment
Authors: Lewis Jane , Taylor Joe D. , Neale Klaire , Leroy Suzanne A.G.
Published: December 2017

To investigate the disparity between plankton and cyst records, sediment slurry cultures were used to isolate the motile stage of dinoflagellates from Caspian Sea sediment. This has resulted in new records for this area ofKryptoperidinium foliaceum,Gymnodinium aureolumandWoloszynskiasp. and for the cyst record,Scrippsiella acuminata. TwoGonyaulaxspecies were isolated, one was identified asGonyaulax balticaand the other an unknown species. Cultures ofLingulodinium polyedrawere also isolated. The approach of using slurries was useful to provide cultures from sediments that were relatively poor in dinoflagellate cysts with contents.
Rule-out of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction by five point of care cardiac troponin assays according to the 0 h/3 h algorithm of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Suh Durie , Keller Dagmar I. , Hof Danielle , von Eckardstein Arnold , Gawinecka Joanna
Published: December 2017

Background:

Point of care (POC) assays for cardiac troponins I or T (cTnI or cTnT) may accelerate the diagnosis of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, their clinical utility according to the 0 h/3 h algorithm recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is unknown.

Methods:

Blood samples from 90 patients with suspected ACS were obtained at hospital admission and 3 h later. Concentrations of cTn were determined using five POC assays (AQT90 FLEX cTnI and cTnT; PATHFAST™ cTnI; Stratus CS 200 cTnI; and Triage MeterPro cTnI) and two guideline-acceptable high-sensitivity (hs) immunoassays.

Results:

For the diagnosis of NSTEMI (n=15), AUCs for Abbott hs-cTnI and Roche hs-cTnT were 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–0.96] and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.95), respectively, at admission, and 0.96 and 0.94, respectively, 3 h later. With the 99th percentile cutoff, their sensitivities were 62% and 92%, respectively, at admission, and 77% and 100%, respectively, 3 h later. The PATHFAST™ cTnI assay showed AUCs of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82–0.97) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89–1.00), respectively, and sensitivities of 67% and 75% at admission and 3 h later, respectively. The other cTn POC assays had AUCs of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.53–0.89) to 0.84 (95% CI, 0.71–0.96) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.72–0.99) to 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75–0.99) and sensitivities of 39%–50% and 62%–77% at admission and 3 h later, respectively.

Conclusions:

PATHFAST™ cTnI assay proved itself as comparable to ESC-guideline acceptable hs-cTn assays. The lower sensitivity of the other POC assays limits their clinical utility and would require longer follow-up monitoring of patients for the safe NSTEMI rule-out.
Cultural and Linguistic Translation of the Self: A Case Study of Multicultural Identity Based on Eva Hoffman’s Lost in Translation
Authors: Frittella Francesca Maria
Published: December 2017

The present article explores the profound impact of intercultural contact on identity, a topic that is gaining in relevance as multicultural experiences become increasingly common in globalised societies. The focus of the investigation is on the impact of culture and language upon the process of migrant identity (re) building in interaction with the new environment. Theory is applied to the analysis of Eva Hoffman’s memoir Lost in Translation-A Life in a New Language (1998), which offers a profound insight into these complex dynamics. In the first section, intercultural contact is investigated as a bidirectional translation process with both a disruptive and a reinforcing influence on individual identity, as shown through the concepts of hybridity and triangulation. The first section also highlights the points of contact between self-translation and interlingual translation to enhance understanding of their shared challenges. The second section focuses on the interconnection between language and migrant identity and argues that L2 proficiency may be regarded as the fundamental competence to accomplish successful self-translation. The depth of this impact is shown at multiple levels of identity: personal, enacted and social.
Cervantes, the Journey, and What it Tells Us About Becoming a Writer
Authors: Knight Lania
Published: December 2017

The article traces the notion of empathy in fiction writing and how Cervantes’s treatment of characters in Don Quixote initiated a tradition which is ongoing in literature even today. The path of the writer is examined as a means for understanding how a writer must develop empathy for others, beginning with quotes from writers Helene Cixous and Henry James. Next, within the current political context of global upheaval and shift following on from the election of Donald Trump as president of the U.S.A. as well as the vote for Brexit in the U.K., the article argues for the relevance of Cervantes’s novel, not as a dated work of fiction, but as a text relevant both in form and in content for the modern political climate. Finally, the connection is made between fiction writers’ ability to feel empathy for others and create characters which readers will feel empathy for. The article follows on to proclaim the revolutionary and timely role of the fiction writer to help save us from ourselves in a tumultuous political landscape made unpredictable by social media-generated confirmation bias and insularity.
COQ2 polymorphisms are not associated with increased risk of statin-induced myalgia/myopathy in the Czech population
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Adamkova Vera , Zlatohlavek Lukas , Steiner-Mrazova Lenka , Vrablik Michal
Published: December 2017

Background:

The gene

Methods:

Adult patients with SAMS (on low doses of atorvastatin and simvastatin)-induced myalgia/myopathy (n=278), patients on statins but without SAMS (n=293) and population (part of the post-MONICA [Multinational MONItoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease] study) controls (n=561) were genotyped (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] assay) for rs6535454 and rs4693075 polymorphisms within the

Results:

Distribution of rs6535454 in patients with SAMS (GG=51.1%, GA=40.0%, AA=8.9%) did not significantly differ (p=0.33; respectively 0.32 for codominant models of the analysis) from that in the population controls (GG=48.1%, GA=45.0%, AA=6.9%) or the SAMS-unaffected patients (GG=49.8%, GA=40.3%, AA=9.7%). Similarly, neither rs4693075 was associated with SAMS (CC=36.8%, CG=48.2%, GG=15.0% in patients suffering SAMS vs. CC=36.6%, CG=47.5%, GG=15.9 in controls and CC=35.8%, CG=48.2%, GG=15.9% in symptom-free patients, p=0.94 and 0.95 for codominant models of the analysis). Also, the haplotype distributions were not significantly different between the groups analyzed.

Conclusions:

The polymorphisms of the
Universal locally finite maximally homogeneous semigroups and inverse semigroups
Authors: Dolinka Igor , Gray Robert D.
Published: December 2017

In 1959, Philip Hall introduced the locally finite group𝒰{\mathcal{U}}, today known as Hall’s universal group. This group is countable, universal, simple, and any two finite isomorphic subgroups are conjugate in𝒰{\mathcal{U}}. It can explicitly be described as a direct limit of finite symmetric groups. It is homogeneous in the model-theoretic sense since it is the Fraïssé limit of the class of all finite groups. Since its introduction Hall’s group and several natural generalisations have been studied widely. In this article we use a generalisation of Fraïssé’s theory to construct a countable, universal, locally finite semigroup𝒯{\mathcal{T}}, that arises as a direct limit of finite full transformation semigroups, and has the highest possible degree of homogeneity. We prove that it is unique up to isomorphism among semigroups satisfying these properties. We prove an analogous result for inverse semigroups, constructing a maximally homogeneous universal locally finite inverse semigroupℐ{\mathcal{I}}which is a direct limit of finite symmetric inverse semigroups (semigroups of partial bijections). The semigroups𝒯{\mathcal{T}}andℐ{\mathcal{I}}are the natural counterparts of Hall’s universal group for semigroups and inverse semigroups, respectively. While these semigroups are not homogeneous, they still exhibit a great deal of symmetry. We study the structural features of these semigroups and locate several well-known homogeneous structures within them, such as the countable generic semilattice, the countable random bipartite graph, and Hall’s group itself.
Comparison of anticancer effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extract with doxorubicin hydrochloride alone and plus thermotherapy on erythroleukemia cell line
Authors: Ebrahimi Alireza , Atashi Amir , Soleimani Masoud , Mashhadikhan Maedeh , barahimi Ahmadreza , Kaviani Saeid
Published: December 2017

Background

Recent studies have introduced Pleurotus ostreatus (Pleurotaceae) as a herbal medicine for treating different types of cancer. This survey utilizes P. ostreatus and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) alone and then with hyperthermia to investigate the erythroleukemia cell line. This study evaluates and compares the apoptotic and necrotic effects of various treatments on the KG-1 cell line.

Methods

The proliferation of KG-1 cells was measured by using a tetrazolium salt (MTT)-based colorimetric assay during 96 h after treatment by gradient dilutions of 100 ng/mL to 100 mg/mL of P. ostreatus methanol extract and then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined and was applied in additional experiments. Afterward, the cells were treated using P. ostreatus extract, DOX (6.95 mg/L), and hyperthermia (42 and 44 °C), separately and then applying hyperthermia. Finally, the ratios of apoptosis and necrosis after 24 h incubation were evaluated by using flow cytometry.

Results

The MIC of the extract was determined (1 mg/mL), which significantly increased the ratio of apoptosis rather than necrosis, whereas the DOX treatment primarily induced necrosis on the KG-1 cells. The anticancer effects of the mushroom extract were significantly increased when it was combined with thermotherapy, which exhibited apoptotic effects at 42 °C but induced necrosis at 44 °C.

Conclusions

The results suggest that P. ostreatus extract induces apoptosis on KG-1 cells and its anticancer effects are significantly increased in combination with thermotherapy. Therefore, P. ostreatus could be considered as an alternative with anticancer effect for further studies in erythroleukemia patients.
Birth-weight centiles and the risk of serious adverse neonatal outcomes at term
Authors: Yu Joanna , Flatley Christopher , Greer Ristan M. , Kumar Sailesh
Published: December 2017

Background:

Birth-weight is an important determinant of perinatal outcome with low birth-weight being a particular risk factor for adverse consequences.

Aim:

To investigate the impact of neonatal sex, mode of birth and gestational age at birth according to birth-weight centile on serious adverse neonatal outcomes in singleton term pregnancies.

Materials and methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton term births at the Mater Mother’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Serious adverse neonatal outcome was defined as a composite of severe acidosis at birth (pH ≤7.0 and/or lactate ≥6 mmol/L and/or base excess ≤−12 mmol/L), Apgar <3 at 5 min, neonatal intensive-care unit admission and antepartum or neonatal death. The main exposure variable was birth-weight centile.

Results:

Of the 69,210 babies in our study, the overall proportion of serious adverse neonatal outcomes was 9.1% (6327/69,210). Overall, neonates in the <3rd birth-weight centile category had the highest adjusted odds ratio (OR) for serious adverse neonatal outcomes [OR 3.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.06–4.07], whilst those in the ≥97th centile group also had elevated odds (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30–1.75). Regardless of birth modality, smaller babies in the <3rd centile group had the highest adjusted OR and predicted probability for serious adverse neonatal outcomes. When stratified by sex, male babies consistently demonstrated a higher predicted probability of serious adverse neonatal outcomes across all birth-weight centiles. The adjusted odds, when stratified by gestational age at birth, were the highest from 37+0 to 38+6 weeks in the <3rd centile group (OR 5.97, 95% CI 4.60–7.75).

Conclusions:

Low and high birth-weights are risk factors for serious adverse neonatal outcomes. The adjusted OR appears to be greatest for babies in the <3rd birth-weight centile group, although an elevated risk was also found in babies within the ≥97th centile category.
Morphological diversity of Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties “Pachchaperumal” and “Suduru samba”
Authors: Rathnathunga Elpitiya Udari Uvindhya , Geekiyanage Sudarshanee
Published: December 2017

Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties consist of more than one accession mostly which, exhibit a wide variation in morphological characters, flowering time and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity based on days to flowering (DF) and 12 morphological characters of two Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba comprising of 13 and 7 accessions respectively. DF of Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba varied from 60 - 72 and 79 - 99 days respectively. Vegetative morphological characters and yield components also varied among Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba accessions while pericarp colour, grain width, and length were distinct characters between the two varieties. According to the hierarchical cluster analysis, 2 major clusters were identified at the rescale distance of 25 separating accessions of Pachchaperumal and Suduru samba except for accession 3136 of Pachchaperumal, which was located in Sudura samba cluster. Seven clusters were derived at rescaled distance of 5 where accessions of similar quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were clustered together. There were negative correlations between DF and selected yield components in contrast to positive correlations between DF and selected vegetative growth parameters. Our results may be useful in the determination of identity of accessions belonging to the same variety, which could be further supported by molecular analysis.
Design and synthesis of organic sensitizers with enhanced anchoring stability in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Reginato Gianna , Calamante Massimo , Zani Lorenzo , Mordini Alessandro , Franchi Daniele
Published: December 2017

D-π-A dyes have received a special attention in the field of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this kind of molecules, the acceptor group (A) generally acts as an anchor, enabling the adsorption of the dye onto the metal oxide substrate (TiO2) and providing a good electron injection. The search for new anchors represents a critical factor for the development of improved DSSCs and in recent years has been a very active research field. This mini-review focuses especially on our work on pyridine-derived anchoring groups for D-π-A dyes, with a special regard on the preparation and characterization of three different families of dyes and a critical evaluation of their stability and efficiency.
Determination of natural radiation levels and lifetime cancer risk in Kırıkkale, Turkey
Authors: Bingöldağ Nesli , Otansev Pelin
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of background radiation in nine districts of Kırıkkale, Turkey. The outdoor gamma dose rate in the air was measured using a portable digital environmental radiation detector at 170 locations. The mean outdoor gamma dose rate in the air was determined as 121 nGy h−1 with a range between 23 and 320 nGy h−1. The annual effective dose for districts was between 0.04 and 0.59 mSv year−1 with a mean value of 0.23 mSv year−1. Excess lifetime cancer risk values for districts ranged from 0.14×10−3 to 2.07×10−3 with a mean of 0.80×10−3. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in 84 soil samples were determined using HPGe detector. The mean activity values (ranges) of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in soil samples were found to be 20.4 (4.9±3.0–53.0±0.8) Bq kg−1, 38.8 (3.7±0.2–163.5±1.8) Bq kg−1, 598.0 (108.5±70.2–1500.5±38.7) Bq kg−1 and 3.9 (0.2±0.1–11.9±0.7) Bq kg−1, respectively. The mean activity concentration of 232Th and 40K was higher than the world’s mean value. The mean radium equivalent activity was 119.76 Bq kg−1 which is lower than the recommended maximum value of 370 Bq kg−1. The mean external terrestrial gamma dose rate was found to be 56.71 nGy h−1. This mean value was lower than the world mean of 60 nGy h−1. The calculated external hazard value was 0.32 and within the acceptable limit which is less than unity (Hex≤1). The indoor radon concentration in 150 houses for the summer and winter seasons was determined using solid state nuclear track detector (CR-39). The mean indoor concentration for the summer season was found to be 63.27 Bq m−3 ranging from 14.0±1.5 to 288.0±21.9 Bq m−3. On the other hand, the mean indoor concentration in the winter season was found to be 86.94 Bq m−3 ranging from 17.0±4.5 to 484.0±26.9 Bq m−3. The present results showed that the radon activity concentrations in winter were 42.3% higher than in the summer. The mean annual effective dose equivalent and lifetime cancer risk were also calculated.
Optimization of thermal conductivity in composites loaded with the solid-solid phase-change materials
Authors: Mnasri Taoufik , Abbessi Adel , Ben Younes Rached , Mazioud Atef
Published: December 2017

This work focuses on identifying the thermal conductivity of composites loaded with phase-change materials (PCMs). Three configurations are studied: (1) the PCMs are divided into identical spherical inclusions arranged in one plane, (2) the PCMs are inserted into the matrix as a plate on the level of the same plane of arrangement, and (3) the PCMs are divided into identical spherical inclusions arranged periodically in the whole matrix. The percentage PCM/matrix is fixed for all cases. A comparison among the various situations is made for the first time, thus providing a new idea on how to insert PCMs into composite matrices. The results show that the composite conductivity is the most important consideration in the first case, precisely when the arrangement plane is parallel with the flux and diagonal to the entry face. In the present work, we are interested in exploring the solid-solid PCMs. The PCM polyurethane and a wood matrix are particularly studied.
A novel application of oriental beetle juvenile Anomala corpulenta to reflect Pb contamination in soil
Authors: Xia Xichao , Zheng Xinhua , Lu Suxiang , Chen Zhiguo , Bai Xianguang , Liang Guina , Xue Shipeng , Hua Chuanxiu , Song Guoying , Guo Lianghong
Published: December 2017

Objective

Insects dwelled in soil play a key role in monitoring of metal contaminations. In order to explore the toxicity of lead (Pb) in soil, juvenile of oriental beetle Anomala corpulenta, were firstly applied to analyze effect of Pb.

Methods

In the current study, toxicity of different concentrations Pb on A. corpulenta in the laboratory was performed by measuring survival, growth and avoidance of animals. Meanwhile, activities of acetylcholinesterase (ChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in A. corpulenta were examined to quantify the extent of alterations caused by Pb treatments.

Result

Events of mortality were occurred in the Pb treated groups (1200 and 1600 mg Pb/kg soil). Administration of Pb treatments could result in a significant decrease of mean end weights in contrasted with that of control group. Treatment of Pb at 800 mg Pb/kg soil caused an obviously avoidance behavior. Expressions of ChE, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px of Pb treated groups were significant decreased compared with that of control group in the experiment observed.

Conclusion

Pb contamination of soil may cause multiple effects on juvenile A. corpulenta including occurrence of mortality, delay of growth and avoidance of contaminated environment.
Answer fragments
Authors: Osborne Timothy , Groß Thomas
Published: December 2017

This manuscript presents a dependency grammar (DG) theory of answer fragments. The ellipsis mechanism implicated in answer fragments is calledfragment ellipsis. The potential of a DG account based on thecatenaunit is probed, but found to be insufficient because it fails to account for certain cases involving in-situ focusing, e.g.Institutionalwhatis hindering progress? – Authority. Therefore, an alternative account is produced, one that identifies four constraints on answer fragments, two that pertain to the elided material and two that pertain to the remnants that survive ellipsis. These four constraints then predict the shape of answer fragments to a large extent.