bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Engagement in Prioritizing Research Proposals
Authors: Smith Cobi
Published: February 2014

Australia has reflected an international shift toward public participation in governance and science. Researchers have critiqued this shift as insufficient. Meanwhile, studies of how research funds are allocated also found room for improvement. This experiment tested a way to add value to the effort researchers put into research proposals by using them for deliberative public engagement. Three Australian events tested a model of deliberative participation in decision-making about science funding. These events were shorter than most deliberative processes, based on a model tested in the United Kingdom. Although recruitment was aimed at broad representation, participants had more formal education than Australia’s average. Voting decisions were most influenced by potential benefits to society of the planned research, as well as participants’ understanding of plans presented. Some reported that their decisions were influenced by whether benefits would happen locally. Results suggested that participants’ voting decisions were more influenced by the research plans than who presented them. However, unconscious biases cannot be ruled out as factors in decision-making. Participants reported they would be keen to participate in such a process again; however, this enthusiasm was linked to a meal incentive. The impact of brevity on deliberative decision-making is discussed, along with potential modifications for future experiments.
Job Cognition and Justice Influencing Organizational Attachment
Authors: Sahu Sangeeta , Pathardikar Avinash D.
Published: February 2014

Organizational attachment echoes the psychological bond between employee and employer relations, differing from affective component of commitment in terms of employees’ psychological and behavioral involvement. This study examines the extent to which employee perception about procedural, distributive justice and job cognition contributes toward organizational attachment in India. The effect of justice and job cognition variables relates differently to previous studies from western part of the globe. First, in past studies, procedural justice predicted commitment, whereas, for Indian employees, distributive justice contributed to organizational attachment. Second, the contribution of extrinsic job cognition in organizational attachment was evident in the model developed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM; AMOS). Organizations must take cognizance of the outcomes exhibited by the behavior of managers while following the laid down policies and processes. Cognition of fairness at workplace and attachment can play key role in limiting retention. Practical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Negotiating the Transition to College
Authors: Conley Colleen S. , Kirsch Alexandra C. , Dickson Daniel A. , Bryant Fred B.
Published: February 2014

The transition to college, which for the majority of youth coincides with the transition to emerging adulthood, is stressful and disruptive. Using latent growth curve modeling (LGM), this study examines the longitudinal course of psychosocial adjustment in a sample of 2,095 emerging adults, at three time-points across this transition: In the week prior to college entry and at the end of each semester of the first year. Overall, the immediate transition is characterized by steep declines in psychological well-being, cognitive-affective strengths, and social well-being as well as increases in psychological distress and cognitive-affective vulnerabilities. These setbacks generally plateau, but do not resolve, later in the year. Examining gender differences in developmental trajectories revealed that females experience additional elevations in psychological distress even after the immediate transition, while males evidenced worse baseline levels in cognitive-affective vulnerabilities, cognitive-affective strengths, and social well-being. These findings indicate the need for services that promote well-being across this challenging developmental transition.
Eccentric and Isometric Hip Adduction Strength in Male Soccer Players With and Without Adductor-Related Groin Pain
Authors: Thorborg Kristian , Branci Sonia , Nielsen Martin Peter , Tang Lars , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Hölmich Per
Published: February 2014

Background:

Adductor-related pain is the most common clinical finding in soccer players with groin pain and can be a long-standing problem affecting physical function and performance. Hip adductor weakness has been suggested to be associated with this clinical entity, although it has never been investigated.

Purpose:

To investigate whether isometric and eccentric hip strength are decreased in soccer players with adductor-related groin pain compared with asymptomatic soccer controls. The hypothesis was that players with adductor-related groin pain would have lower isometric and eccentric hip adduction strength than players without adductor-related groin pain.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Male elite and subelite players from 40 teams were contacted. In total, 28 soccer players with adductor-related groin pain and 16 soccer players without adductor-related groin pain (asymptomatic controls) were included in the study. In primary analysis, the dominant legs of 21 soccer players with adductor-related groin pain (≥4 weeks duration) were compared with the dominant legs of 16 asymptomatic controls using a cross-sectional design. The mean age of the symptomatic players was 24.5 ± 2.5 years, and the mean age of the asymptomatic controls was 22.9 ± 2.4 years. Isometric hip strength (adduction, abduction, and flexion) and eccentric hip strength (adduction) were assessed with a handheld dynamometer using reliable test procedures and a blinded assessor.

Results:

Eccentric hip adduction strength was lower in soccer players with adductor-related groin pain in the dominant leg (n = 21) compared with asymptomatic controls (n = 16), namely 2.47 ± 0.49 versus 3.12 ± 0.43 N·m/kg, respectively ( P < .001). No other hip strength differences were observed between symptomatic players and asymptomatic controls for the dominant leg ( P = .35-.84).

Conclusion:

Large eccentric hip adduction strength deficits were found in soccer players with adductor-related groin pain compared with asymptomatic soccer players, while no isometric strength differences were observed between the groups.
CLEC-2 is required for development and maintenance of lymph nodes
Authors: Bénézech Cécile , Nayar Saba , Finney Brenda A. , Withers David R. , Lowe Kate , Desanti Guillaume E. , Marriott Clare L. , Watson Steve P. , Caamaño Jorge H. , Buckley Christopher D. , Barone Francesca
Published: February 2014

Key Points

CLEC-2 is necessary for lymphatic cell proliferation and lymph node anlage persistence after birth. Lack of CLEC-2 expression on megakaryocytes and platelets compromises lymph node integrity in adult life.
Common fixed points in partially ordered modular function spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Ali Sartaj , Kumam Poom
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this paper is to study the existence and uniqueness of common fixed point results in partially ordered modular function spaces.

MSC:47H10, 54H25, 54C60, 46B40.
Global changes in gene expression associated with phenotypic switching of wild yeast
Authors: Šťovíček Vratislav , Váchová Libuše , Begany Markéta , Wilkinson Derek , Palková Zdena
Published: February 2014

Background

Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from natural settings form structured biofilm colonies that are equipped with intricate protective mechanisms. These wild strains are able to reprogram themselves with a certain frequency during cultivation in plentiful laboratory conditions. The resulting domesticated strains switch off certain protective mechanisms and form smooth colonies that resemble those of common laboratory strains.

Results

Here, we show that domestication can be reversed when a domesticated strain is challenged by various adverse conditions; the resulting feral strain restores its ability to form structured biofilm colonies. Phenotypic, microscopic and transcriptomic analyses show that phenotypic transition is a complex process that affects various aspects of feral strain physiology; it leads to a phenotype that resembles the original wild strain in some aspects and the domesticated derivative in others. We specify the genetic determinants that are likely involved in the formation of a structured biofilm colonies. In addition to FLO11, these determinants include genes that affect the cell wall and membrane composition. We also identify changes occurring during phenotypic transitions that affect other properties of phenotypic strain-variants, such as resistance to the impact of environmental stress. Here we document the regulatory role of the histone deacetylase Hda1p in developing such a resistance.

Conclusions

We provide detailed analysis of transcriptomic and phenotypic modulations of three related S. cerevisiae strains that arose by phenotypic switching under diverse environmental conditions. We identify changes specifically related to a strain’s ability to create complex structured colonies; we also show that other changes, such as genome rearrangement(s), are unrelated to this ability. Finally, we identify the importance of histone deacetylase Hda1p in strain resistance to stresses.
Arginine deiminase pathway is far more important than urease for acid resistance and intracellular survival in Laribacter hongkongensis: a possible result of arc gene cassette duplication
Authors: Xiong Lifeng , Teng Jade LL , Watt Rory M , Kan Biao , Lau Susanna KP , Woo Patrick CY
Published: February 2014

Background

Laribacter hongkongensis is a Gram-negative, urease-positive bacillus associated with invasive bacteremic infections in liver cirrhosis patients and fish-borne community-acquired gastroenteritis and traveler’s diarrhea. Its mechanisms of adaptation to various environmental niches and host defense evasion are largely unknown. During the process of analyzing the L. hongkongensis genome, a complete urease cassette and two adjacent arc gene cassettes were found. We hypothesize that the urease cassette and/or the arc gene cassettes are important for L. hongkongensis to survive in acidic environment and macrophages. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by constructing single, double and triple non-polar deletion mutants of the urease and two arc gene cassettes of L. hongkongensis using the conjugation-mediated gene deletion system and examining their effects in acidic environment in vitro, in macrophages and in a mouse model.

Results

HLHK9∆ureA, HLHK9∆ureC, HLHK9∆ureD and HLHK9∆ureE all exhibited no urease activity. HLHK9∆arcA1 and HLHK9∆arcA2 both exhibited arginine deiminase (ADI) activities, but HLHK9∆arcA1/arcA2 double deletion mutant exhibited no ADI activity. At pH 2 and 3, survival of HLHK9∆arcA1/arcA2 and HLHK9∆ureA/arcA1/arcA2 were markedly decreased (p < 0.001) but that of HLHK9∆ureA was slightly decreased (p < 0.05), compared to wild type L. hongkongensis HLHK9. Survival of HLHK9∆ureA/arcA1/arcA2 and HLHK9∆arcA1/arcA2 in macrophages were also markedly decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively) but that of HLHK9∆ureA was slightly decreased (p < 0.05), compared to HLHK9, although expression of arcA1, arcA2 and ureA genes were all upregulated. Using a mouse model, HLHK9∆ureA exhibited similar survival compared to HLHK9 after passing through the murine stomach, but survival of HLHK9∆arcA1/arcA2 and HLHK9∆ureA/arcA1/arcA2 were markedly reduced (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In contrast to other important gastrointestinal tract pathogens, ADI pathway is far more important than urease for acid resistance and intracellular survival in L. hongkongensis. The gene duplication of the arc gene cassettes could be a result of their functional importance in L. hongkongensis.
Physical violence during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in Ghana
Authors: Pool Michelle Sharon , Otupiri Easmon , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , de Jonge Ank , Agyemang Charles
Published: February 2014

Background

In pregnancy, violence can have serious health consequences that could affect both mother and child. In Ghana there are limited data on this subject. We sought to assess the relationship between physical violence during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes (early pregnancy loss, perinatal mortality and neonatal mortality) in Ghana.

Method

The 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data were used. For the domestic violence module, 2563 women were approached of whom 2442 women completed the module. After excluding missing values and applying the weight factor, 1745 women remained. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between physical violence in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes with adjustments for potential confounders.

Results

About five percent of the women experienced violence during their pregnancy. Physical violence in pregnancy was positively associated with perinatal mortality and neonatal mortality, but not with early pregnancy loss. The differences remained largely unchanged after adjustment for age, parity, education level, wealth status, marital status and place of residence: adjusted odds ratios were 2.32; 95% CI: 1.34-4.01 for perinatal mortality, 1.86; 95% CI: 1.05-3.30 for neonatal mortality and 1.16; 95% CI: 0.60-2.24 for early pregnancy loss.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that violence during pregnancy is related to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ghana. Major efforts are needed to tackle violence during pregnancy. This can be achieved through measures that are directed towards the right target groups. Measures should include education, empowerment and improving socio-economic status of women.
PKC α regulates netrin-1/UNC5B-mediated survival pathway in bladder cancer
Authors: Liu Jiao , Kong Chui-ze , Gong Da-xin , Zhang Zhe , Zhu Yu-yan
Published: February 2014

Background

Netrin-1 and its receptor UNC5B play important roles in angiogenesis, embryonic development, cancer and inflammation. However, their expression patttern and biological roles in bladder cancer have not been well characterized. The present study aims to investigating the clinical significance of PKC α, netrin-1 and UNC5B in bladder cancer as well as their association with malignant biological behavior of cancer cells.

Methods

Netrin-1 and UNC5B expression was examined in 120 bladder cancer specimens using immunohistochemistry and in 40 fresh cancer tissues by western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed in cancer cell lines. PKC α agonist PMA and PKC siRNA was employed in bladder cancer cells. CCK-8, wound healing assays and flow cytometry analysis were used to examine cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle, respectively.

Results

Netrin-1 expression was positively correlated with histological grade, T stage, metastasis and poor prognosis in bladder cancer tissues. Immunofluorescence showed elevated netrin-1 and decreased UNC5B expression in bladder cancer cells compared with normal bladder cell line. Furthermore, cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression were promoted with PMA treatment while inhibited by calphostin C. In addition, PMA treatment could induce while calphostin C reduce netrin-1 expression in bladder cancer cells.

Conclusions

The present study identified netrin-1/UNC5B, which could be regulated by PKC signaling, was important mediators of bladder cancer progression.
Molecular analysis of hyperthermophilic endoglucanase Cel12B from Thermotoga maritima and the properties of its functional residues
Authors: Shi Hao , Zhang Yu , Wang Liangliang , Li Xun , Li Wenqian , Wang Fei , Li Xiangqian
Published: February 2014

Background

Although many hyperthermophilic endoglucanases have been reported from archaea and bacteria, a complete survey and classification of all sequences in these species from disparate evolutionary groups, and the relationship between their molecular structures and functions are lacking. The completion of several high-quality gene or genome sequencing projects provided us with the unique opportunity to make a complete assessment and thorough comparative analysis of the hyperthermophilic endoglucanases encoded in archaea and bacteria.

Results

Structure alignment of the 19 hyperthermophilic endoglucanases from archaea and bacteria which grow above 80°C revealed that Gly30, Pro63, Pro83, Trp115, Glu131, Met133, Trp135, Trp175, Gly227 and Glu229 are conserved amino acid residues. In addition, the average percentage composition of residues cysteine and histidine of 19 endoglucanases is only 0.28 and 0.74 while it is high in thermophilic or mesophilic one. It can be inferred from the nodes that there is a close relationship among the 19 protein from hyperthermophilic bacteria and archaea based on phylogenetic analysis. Among these conserved amino acid residues, as far as Cel12B concerned, two Glu residues might be the catalytic nucleophile and proton donor, Gly30, Pro63, Pro83 and Gly227 residues might be necessary to the thermostability of protein, and Trp115, Met133, Trp135, Trp175 residues is related to the binding of substrate. Site-directed mutagenesis results reveal that Pro63 and Pro83 contribute to the thermostability of Cel12B and Met133 is confirmed to have role in enhancing the binding of substrate.

Conclusions

The conserved acids have been shown great importance to maintain the structure, thermostability, as well as the similarity of the enzymatic properties of those proteins. We have made clear the function of these conserved amino acid residues in Cel12B protein, which is helpful in analyzing other undetailed molecular structure and transforming them with site directed mutagenesis, as well as providing the theoretical basis for degrading cellulose from woody and herbaceous plants.
Size-dependent cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in human lung cells: the role of cellular uptake, agglomeration and Ag release
Authors: Gliga Anda R , Skoglund Sara , Odnevall Wallinder Inger , Fadeel Bengt , Karlsson Hanna L
Published: February 2014

Background

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently one of the most manufactured nanomaterials. A wide range of toxicity studies have been performed on various AgNPs, but these studies report a high variation in toxicity and often lack proper particle characterization. The aim of this study was to investigate size- and coating-dependent toxicity of thoroughly characterized AgNPs following exposure of human lung cells and to explore the mechanisms of toxicity.

Methods

BEAS-2B cells were exposed to citrate coated AgNPs of different primary particle sizes (10, 40 and 75 nm) as well as to 10 nm PVP coated and 50 nm uncoated AgNPs. The particle agglomeration in cell medium was investigated by photon cross correlation spectroscopy (PCCS); cell viability by LDH and Alamar Blue assay; ROS induction by DCFH-DA assay; genotoxicity by alkaline comet assay and γH2AX foci formation; uptake and intracellular localization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and cellular dose as well as Ag release by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).

Results

The results showed cytotoxicity only of the 10 nm particles independent of surface coating. In contrast, all AgNPs tested caused an increase in overall DNA damage after 24 h assessed by the comet assay, suggesting independent mechanisms for cytotoxicity and DNA damage. However, there was no γH2AX foci formation and no increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reasons for the higher toxicity of the 10 nm particles were explored by investigating particle agglomeration in cell medium, cellular uptake, intracellular localization and Ag release. Despite different agglomeration patterns, there was no evident difference in the uptake or intracellular localization of the citrate and PVP coated AgNPs. However, the 10 nm particles released significantly more Ag compared with all other AgNPs (approx. 24 wt% vs. 4–7 wt%) following 24 h in cell medium. The released fraction in cell medium did not induce any cytotoxicity, thus implying that intracellular Ag release was responsible for the toxicity.

Conclusions

This study shows that small AgNPs (10 nm) are cytotoxic for human lung cells and that the toxicity observed is associated with the rate of intracellular Ag release, a ‘Trojan horse’ effect.
A potential mechanism for extracellular matrix induction of breast cancer cell normality
Authors: Bruno Robert D , Smith Gilbert H
Published: February 2014

Extracellular matrix proteins from embryonic mesenchyme have a normalizing effect on cancer cells in vitro and slow tumor growth in vivo. This concept is suggestive of a new method for controlling the growth and spread of existing cancer cells in situ and indicates the possibility that extracellular proteins and/or embryonic mesenchymal fibroblasts may represent a fertile subject for study of new anti-cancer treatments.
Microcirculatory effects of the transfusion of leukodepleted or non-leukodepleted red blood cells in patients with sepsis: a pilot study
Authors: Donati Abele , Damiani Elisa , Luchetti Michele Maria , Domizi Roberta , Scorcella Claudia , Carsetti Andrea , Gabbanelli Vincenzo , Carletti Paola , Bencivenga Rosella , Vink Hans , Adrario Erica , Piagnerelli Michael , Gabrielli Armando , Pelaia Paolo , Ince Can
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Microvascular alterations impair tissue oxygenation during sepsis. A red blood cell (RBC) transfusion increases oxygen (O2) delivery but rarely improves tissue O2 uptake in patients with sepsis. Possible causes include RBC alterations due to prolonged storage or residual leukocyte-derived inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two types of transfused RBCs on microcirculation in patients with sepsis.

Methods

In a prospective randomized trial, 20 patients with sepsis were divided into two separate groups and received either non-leukodepleted (n = 10) or leukodepleted (n = 10) RBC transfusions. Microvascular density and perfusion were assessed with sidestream dark field (SDF) imaging sublingually, before and 1 hour after transfusions. Thenar tissue O2 saturation (StO2) and tissue hemoglobin index (THI) were determined with near-infrared spectroscopy, and a vascular occlusion test was performed. The microcirculatory perfused boundary region was assessed in SDF images as an index of glycocalyx damage, and glycocalyx compounds (syndecan-1, hyaluronan, and heparan sulfate) were measured in the serum.

Results

No differences were observed in microvascular parameters at baseline and after transfusion between the groups, except for the proportion of perfused vessels (PPV) and blood flow velocity, which were higher after transfusion in the leukodepleted group. Microvascular flow index in small vessels (MFI) and blood flow velocity exhibited different responses to transfusion between the two groups (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively), with a positive effect of leukodepleted RBCs. When within-group changes were examined, microcirculatory improvement was observed only in patients who received leukodepleted RBC transfusion as suggested by the increase in De Backer score (P = 0.02), perfused vessel density (P = 0.04), PPV (P = 0.01), and MFI (P = 0.04). Blood flow velocity decreased in the non-leukodepleted group (P = 0.03). THI and StO2 upslope increased in both groups. StO2 and StO2 downslope increased in patients who received non-leukodepleted RBC transfusions. Syndecan-1 increased after the transfusion of non-leukodepleted RBCs (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This study does not show a clear superiority of leukodepleted over non-leukodepleted RBC transfusions on microvascular perfusion in patients with sepsis, although it suggests a more favorable effect of leukodepleted RBCs on microcirculatory convective flow. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01584999
Flagellin and LPS each restores rat lymphocyte populations after colorectal irradiation
Authors: Lacave-Lapalun Jean-Victor , Benderitter Marc , Linard Christine
Published: February 2014

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, including its shift of the immune balance, remains a major limitation to delivering tumoricidal doses of abdominal radiation therapy. This study evaluates the effect on the colon's innate and adaptive immune responses to moderate irradiation doses and the therapeutic possibilities of maintaining immune homeostasis. We investigated whether administration of the TLR4 agonist LPS or of the TLR5 agonist flagellin, 3 days after a single 20-Gy colorectal irradiation, modified recruitment of neutrophils, NK cells, or CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, 7 days postirradiation. Flow cytometric analysis showed that LPS and flagellin reduced irradiation-induced neutrophil infiltration and normalized NK frequency. LPS normalized the CD4+ population and enhanced the CD8+ population, whereas flagellin maintained the radiation-induced elevation in the frequencies of both. Irradiation also modified TLR4 and TLR5 expression on the surface of both populations, but LPS and flagellin each subsequently normalized them. LPS and flagellin were strong inducers of Th1 cytokines (IL-12p35, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ) and thus, contributed to a shift from the Th2 polarization induced by irradiation toward a Th1 polarization, confirmed by an increase of the T-bet:GATA3 ratio, which assesses the Th1 or Th2 status in mixed cell populations. LPS and flagellin treatment resulted in overexpression of FoxP3, IL-2Rα (CD25), IL-2, and OX40, all expressed specifically and involved in high levels of Treg cell expansion. We observed no variation in Treg function-related expression of IL-10 or CTLA-4. These data suggest that the use of TLR ligands limits the effects of irradiation on innate and adaptive immunity.
Cot/tpl2 participates in the activation of macrophages by adiponectin
Authors: Sanz-Garcia Carlos , Nagy Laura E , Lasunción Miguel A , Fernandez Margarita , Alemany Susana
Published: February 2014

Whereas the main function of APN is to enhance insulin activity, it is also involved in modulating the macrophage phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that at physiological concentrations, APN activates Erk1/2 via the IKKβ-p105/NF-κΒ1-Cot/tpl2 intracellular signal transduction cassette in macrophages. In peritoneal macrophages stimulated with APN, Cot/tpl2 influences the ability to phagocytose beads. However, Cot/tpl2 did not modulate the known capacity of APN to decrease lipid content in peritoneal macrophages in response to treatment with oxLDL or acLDL. A microarray analysis of gene-expression profiles in BMDMs exposed to APN revealed that APN modulated the expression of ∼3300 genes; the most significantly affected biological functions were the inflammatory and the infectious disease responses. qRT-PCR analysis of WT and Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages stimulated with APN for 0, 3, and 18 h revealed that Cot/tpl2 participated in the up-regulation of APN target inflammatory mediators included in the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway (KEGG ID 4060). In accordance with these data, macrophages stimulated with APN increased secretion of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β, IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, and CCL2. Moreover, Cot/tpl2 also played an important role in the production of these inflammatory mediators upon stimulation of macrophages with APN. It has been reported that different types of signals that stimulate TLRs, IL-1R, TNFR, FcγR, and proteinase-activated receptor-1 activate Cot/tpl2. Here, we demonstrate that APN is a new signal that activates the IKKβ-p105/NF-κΒ1-Cot/tpl2-MKK1/2-Erk1/2 axis in macrophages. Furthermore, this signaling cassette modulates the biological functions triggered by APN in macrophages.
Translating DRiPs: MHC class I immunosurveillance of pathogens and tumors
Authors: Antón Luis C , Yewdell Jonathan W
Published: February 2014

MHC class I molecules display oligopeptides on the cell surface to enable T cell immunosurveillance of intracellular pathogens and tumors. Speed is of the essence in detecting viruses, which can complete a full replication cycle in just hours, whereas tumor detection is typically a finding-the-needle-in-the-haystack exercise. We review current evidence supporting a nonrandom, compartmentalized selection of peptidogenic substrates that focuses on rapidly degraded translation products as a main source of peptide precursors to optimize immunosurveillance of pathogens and tumors.
Imagine an Albanian Joyce: An Interview with Yuri Andrukhovych
Authors: Starosta Anita
Published: February 2014

Ukrainian poet, novelist, essayist, translator, and “patriarch of Bu-Ba-Bu” Yuri Andrukhovych shares his perspectives on contemporary European, Russian, and Ukrainian cultures and politics, and on the current situation of writers working in minor languages in this part of the world. East Central Europe, for him, is the ever-shifting terrain of struggle over and for Europeanness and, at the same time, a place where ruins are still uncertain and thus full of creative potentiality. Andrukhovych’s own influences, which include Franz Kafka, magical realism, and the Polish O’Harists—itself a movement influenced by the New York School—trace an uncommon path of world-literary circulation.
Analysis of the development education state system in post-Soviet period if its evolution: historical aspect
Authors: Тюрина Юлия , Tyurina Yuliya
Published: February 2014

Analysis of the education management system in the post-Soviet period of its evolution in Russia represented in this article

can allow to get a fair and comprehensive idea about transformation

of this institute for the period under review.
STUDY OF THE TIME DEPENDENCE OF RADIOACTIVITY
Authors: Bellotti E , Broggini C. , Di Carlo G. , Laubenstein M. , Menegazzo R.
Published: February 2014

The activity of a 137Cs source was measured using a germanium detector installed deep underground in the Gran Sasso Laboratory. In total about 5100 energy spectra, one hour measuring time each, were collected and used to search for time variations of the decay constant with periods from a few hours to 1 year. No signal with amplitude larger than 9.6 × 10−5 at 95% C.L. was detected. These limits are more than one order of magnitude lower than the values on the oscillation amplitude reported in the literature. The same data give a value of 29.96±0.08 years for the 137Cs half life, which is in good agreement with the world mean value of 30.05 ± 0.08 years.
CP VIOLATIONS (AND MORE) AFTER THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF LHCB
Authors: Auriemma Giulio
Published: February 2014

The most interesting cosmological open problems, baryon asymmetry, dark matter, inflation and dark energy, are not explained by the standard model of particle physics (SM). The final
goal of the Large Hadron Collider an experimental verification of the SM in the Higgs sector, and also a search for evidence of new physics beyond it. In this paper we will report some of the results obtained in 2010 and 2011, from the LHCb experiment dedicated to the study of CP violations and rare decays of heavy quarks.
THE HISTORY OF THE S PROCESS AND ITS PRESENT STATE
Authors: Shaviv Giora
Published: February 2014

We review the history and the present status of the s-process and point to problems in need of clarification. In some cases it has to do with lack of experimental data and in other the theory is missing.
THE SZ EFFECT IN THE PLANCK ERA: ASTROPHYSICAL AND COSMOLOGICAL IMPACT
Authors: Colafrancesco Sergio
Published: February 2014

The Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect (SZE) is a relevant probe for cosmology and particle astrophysics. The Planck Era marks a definite step forward in the use of this probe for astrophysics and cosmology. Astrophysical applications to galaxy clusters, galaxies, radiogalaxies and large-scale structures are discussed. Cosmological relevance for the Dark Energy equation of state, modified Gravity scenarios, Dark Matter search, cosmic magnetism and other cosmological applications is also reviewed. Future directions for the study of the SZE and its polarization are finally outlined.
METALS IN THE ICM: WITNESSES OF CLUSTER FORMATION AND EVOLUTION
Authors: Lovisari Lorenzo , Laganá Tatiana F. , Borm Katharina , Schellenberger Gerrit , Reiprich Thomas H.
Published: February 2014

The baryonic composition of galaxy clusters and groups is dominated by a hot, X-ray emitting Intra-Cluster Medium (ICM). The mean metallicity of the ICM has been found to be roughly 0.3 ÷ 0.5 times the solar value, therefore a large fraction of this gas cannot be of purely primordial origin. Indeed, the distribution and amount of metals in the ICM is a direct consequence of the past history of star formation in the cluster galaxies and of the processes responsible for the injection of enriched material into the ICM. We here shortly summarize the current views on the chemical enrichment, focusing on the observational evidence in terms of metallicity measurements in clusters, spatial metallicity distribution and evolution, and expectations from future missions.
RX-J0852−4622: THE NEAREST HISTORICAL SUPERNOVA REMNANT – AGAIN
Authors: Aschenbach Bernd
Published: February 2014

RX-J0852−4622, a supernova remnant, is demonstrated to be closer than 500 pc, based on the measurements of the angular radius, the angular expansion rate and the TeV g-ray flux. This is a new method of limiting the distance to any supernova remnant with hadronic induced TeV g-ray flux. The progenitor star of RX-J0852−4622 probably exploded in its blue supergiant wind, like SN 1987A, preceeded by a red supergiant phase. A cool dense shell, expected around the outskirts of the red wind, my have been identified. The distance (200 pc) and age (680 yr) of the supernova remnant, originally proposed, are supported.
THE IMPACT OF SUZAKU MEASUREMENTS ON ASTROPARTICLE PHYSICS
Authors: Ota Naomi
Published: February 2014

Results from the Suzaku X-ray broad-band observations of clusters of galaxies are summarized. Aiming at understanding the physics of gas heating/particle acceleration and the cluster dynamical evolution, we search for non-thermal hard X-ray emission from merging clusters, particularly A2163 and the Bullet Cluster, based on the Suzaku and XMM-Newton/Chandra joint analyses. The observed hard X-ray emission is well represented by single- or multi-temperature thermal models, including super-hot (kT ~ 20 keV) gas. However, no significant non-thermal hard X-ray emission has been detected. Together with the presently available literature, the hard X-ray properties have been studied for about 10 clusters with Suzaku. The present status on Suzaku measurements of non-thermal X-ray emission and the cluster magnetic field are summarized and compared with those from the RXTE, BeppoSAX, and Swift satellites. The future prospects are briefly mentioned.
POPULATION OF BLACK HOLES IN THE MILKY WAY AND IN THE MAGELLANIC CLOUDS
Authors: Ziółkowski Janusz
Published: February 2014

In this review, I will briefly discuss the different types of black hole (BH) populations (supermassive, intermediate mass and stellar mass BHs) both in the Galaxy and in the Magellanic Clouds and compare them with each other.
FACTOR AND PALINDROMIC COMPLEXITY OF THUE-MORSE’S AVATARS
Authors: Frougny Christiane , Klouda Karel
Published: February 2014

Two infinite words that are connected with some significant univoque numbers are studied. It is shown that their factor and palindromic complexities almost coincide with the factor and palindromic complexities of the famous Thue-Morse word.
A LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR MONITORING SYSTEM BASED ON A WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: Mikeš Jan , Kreibich Ondrej , Neužil Jan
Published: February 2014

Automated heating, lighting and irrigation systems are nowadays standard features of industrial and commercial buildings, and are also increasingly found in ordinary housing. In addition to the benefits of user comfort, automated technology for buildings saves energy and, above all, it provides enhanced protection against leakage of water and hazardous gases, and against fire hazards. Lightning strikes are a natural phenomenon that poses a significant threat to the safety of buildings. The statistics of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic show that buildings are in many cases inadequately protected against lightning strikes, or that systems have been damaged by previous strikes. A subsequent strike can occur within the period between regular inspections, which are normally made at intervals of 2–4 years. Over the whole of Europe, thousands of buildings are subjected to the effects of direct lightning strikes each year. This paper presents ways to carry out wireless monitoring of lightning strikes on buildings and to deal with their impact on lightning conductors. By intervening promptly (disconnecting the power supply, disconnecting the gas supply, sending an engineer to inspect the structure, submitting a report to ARC, etc.) we can prevent many downstream effects of direct lightning strikes on buildings (fires, electric shocks, etc.) This paper introduces a way to enhance contemporary home automation systems for monitoring lightning strikes based on wireless sensor networks technology.
Zwischen religiöser Ideologie und religiösem Fundamentalismus
Authors: Fischer Johannes
Published: February 2014

According to a wide-spread opinion, protestant ethics is based on its Christian understanding of reality. Hence the task of protestant ethics is seen in the deduction and justification of moral judgments about ethically controversial questions from premises of the Christian faith. The present contribution offers an in-depth critique of this predominant view. Its assumption is that this concept is based on a wrong understanding of both moral and religion. Either one is connected to the presence of reality (»Wirklichkeitspräsenz«); thus the relation between the two has to be determined within the horizon of the presence of reality instead of theoretical deductions and constructs.
»die Thaler… für die Armen schaffen zu lassen«
Authors: Klein Michael
Published: February 2014

This contribution analyses the field of loan and interest in the history of Protestantism. It focuses on cooperative solutions and discusses the attitudes of the reformation towards a social monetized economy based on cooperative structures. Finally some models of interaction informed by protestant economic ethics are presented as examples.
Opfer?
Authors: Zink Markus
Published: February 2014

Gezeigt wird, wie in einer „anstçßigen“ Kunstaktion zu Karfreitag ein theologisch inszeniertes Bild alltagsweltlich eingeschliffene Vorstellungen verfremdet.
Zur gesellschaftlichen Bedeutung von Kirchenräumen in Zeiten religiöser Relativierung
Authors: Körs Anna
Published: February 2014

In Zeiten von Globalisierung, Pluralisierung und Säkularisierung werden auch religiöse Räume und ihre Bedeutungen neu verhandelt. Kirchenräume sind nicht nur Gotteshäuser, sondern - gerade durch ihre Bedeutungsvarianz sowie als Erinnerungs- und Gefühlsräume - wichtige symbolische Orte der Gesellschaft. Dabei ist ihre Wirksamkeit weder materialistisch durch den Kirchenraum noch konstruktivistisch durch den Kirchenbesucher zu erklären, sondern entsteht erst in der interrelationalen Verbindung aus beiden. In einer netzwerktheoretischen Deutung des Kirchenraums wird seine relationale Wirkungskraft deutlich sowie sein besonderes Potential als gesellschaftliche Gestaltungkraft und im interreligiösen Dialog.
The Characters of Mo-MoSi2 Functionally Graded Coating
Authors: Zhang Ying-Yi , Li Yun-Gang , Qi Yuan-Hong , Zou Zong-Shu
Published: February 2014

Mo-MoSi2 functionally graded coating on Mo substrate is prepared by siliconizing technology. The characters of Mo-MoSi2 functionally graded coating are analyzed by SEM, EDS, GDS and XRD. The result shows that Mo-MoSi2 functionally graded coating is dense and smooth, without pore and crack defects, gradient coating and Mo matrix achieve good metallurgy bond. The silicon molybdenum atom ratios (Si/Mo) in functionally graded coating appear three changing regularities. When the Si/Mo of outer layer are from 6:1 to 2:1, the surface phase is constituted by MoSi2 and Si; when the Si/Mo of interlayer is about 2:1, the interlayer phase is constituted by MoSi2; when the Si/Mo of transitional layer are from 2:1 to 0:1, the transitional layer phase is constituted by Mo5Si3 and Mo. The phase structure of Mo-MoSi2 functionally graded coating from outside to inside is outer layer MoSi2 + Si, interlayer MoSi2 and transitional layer Mo5Si3 + Mo3Si three-layer structure. The thermodynamic calculation results are consistent with the experimental results substantially.
Microstructure and Creep Property of Isothermal Forging GH4169G Superalloy
Authors: Li Zhenrong , Ma Chunlei , Tian Sugui , Chen Liqing , Liu Xianghua
Published: February 2014

By means of direct aging, microstructure observation and creep property measurement, the microstructure and creep behaviors of GH4169G superalloy are investigated. Results show that, after direct aging, the grain size is inhomogeneous in the alloy, and some δ precipitates discontinuously distribute in the grain and along the boundaries, which may improve the bonding strength of the boundaries. Under the experimental conditions, the creep activation energy of the alloy during steady-state creep are calculated to be Q = 594.7 kJ/mol. During creep, the deformation features of the alloy are twinning deformation and dislocations slipping in the matrix. As creep goes on, deformed dislocations pile up near the boundary regions to induce stress concentration for promoting the initiation and propagation of cracks along boundaries.
Effect of Liquid-phase Siliconizing Process on Silicon Diffusion Behavior in Mo Matrix
Authors: Zhang Ying-Yi , Li Yun-Gang , Shi Xue-Feng , Qi Yuan-Hong
Published: February 2014

MoSi2 functionally graded coating on Mo substrate is prepared by liquid-phase siliconizing technology. The SEM, GDS and XRD analysis shows that the silicon content in gradient layer appears in three changing regularities. Along the Mo substrate to the surface of the coating, the phase composition of gradient coating changes as follows: Mo → transition layer Mo (main phase) + Mo3Si + Mo5Si3 → intermediate layer MoSi2 → surface layer MoSi2 (main phase) + Si. According to the Si-Mo diffusion couple and Arrhenius equation, the activation energy (Q) was obtained as 430 kJ·mol−1, and the Arrhenius dependence of D on temperature can be described as D = 4.9 × 10−3 exp(−430000/RT) m2/s. The diffusion temperature has an important influence on silicon diffusion coefficient. As the diffusion temperature increases, silicon diffusion coefficient is also gradually increasing.
Plasma chromogranin A is a marker of death in elderly patients presenting with symptoms of heart failure
Authors: Goetze Jens P , Hilsted Linda M , Rehfeld Jens F , Alehagen Urban
Published: February 2014

Cardiovascular risk assessment remains difficult in elderly patients. We examined whether chromogranin A (CgA) measurement in plasma may be valuable in assessing risk of death in elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure in a primary care setting. A total of 470 patients (mean age 73 years) were followed for 10 years. For CgA plasma measurement, we used a two-step method including a screening test and a confirmative test with plasma pre-treatment with trypsin. Cox multivariable proportional regression and receiver-operating curve (ROC) analyses were used to assess mortality risk. Assessment of cardiovascular mortality during the first 3 years of observation showed that CgA measurement contained useful information with a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.4 (95% CI 1.7–16.4) (CgA confirm). In a multivariate setting, the corresponding HR was 5.9 (95% CI 1.8–19.1). When adding N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) to the model, CgA confirm still possessed prognostic information (HR: 6.1; 95% CI 1.8–20.7). The result for predicting all-cause mortality displayed the same pattern. ROC analyses in comparison to NT-proBNP to identify patients on top of clinical variables at risk of cardiovascular death within 5 years of follow-up showed significant additive value of CgA confirm measurements compared with NT-proBNP and clinical variables. CgA measurement in the plasma of elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure can identify those at increased risk of short- and long-term mortality.
Liposomal polychemotherapy improves adrenocortical carcinoma treatment in a preclinical rodent model
Authors: Hantel Constanze , Jung Sara , Mussack Thomas , Reincke Martin , Beuschlein Felix
Published: February 2014

Owing to high relapse rates and early metastatic spread, prognosis in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) patients remains poor, highlighting the importance of developing new treatment alternatives for them. Recently, polychemotherapy regimens including etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin together with mitotane (EDP-M) have been defined as the standard treatment for late-stage disease patients. Nevertheless, the administration of conventional cytostatic drugs is associated with severe and dose-limiting side effects. In an attempt to optimize existing clinical treatment regimens, in this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of EDP-M in comparison with that of a paclitaxel-modified scheme (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, cisplatin plus mitotane (PDP-M)) in preclinicalin vitroandin vivomodels. In addition, based on an extraordinary uptake phenomenon of liposomes in ACC cells, we further evaluated liposomal variants of these protocols (etoposide, liposomal doxorubicin, liposomal cisplatin plus mitotane (LEDP-M) and nab-paclitaxel, liposomal doxorubicin, liposomal cisplatin plus mitotane (LPDP-M)).In vitro, PDP-M was more potent in the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell viability as well as cell proliferation than EDP-M. Following the administration of a single therapeutic cycle, we further demonstrated that LEDP-M and LPDP-M exerted significant antitumoral effectsin vivo, which were not as evident upon EDP-M and PDP-M treatments. These results were confirmed in a long-term experiment, in which the highest and sustained antitumoral effects were observed for LEDP-M. In summary, liposomal cytostatic substances could represent a promising option that deserves testing in appropriate clinical protocols for the treatment of ACC patients.
Endocrine disruption of the epigenome: a breast cancer link
Authors: Knower Kevin C , To Sarah Q , Leung Yuet-Kin , Ho Shuk-Mei , Clyne Colin D
Published: February 2014

The heritable component of breast cancer accounts for only a small proportion of total incidences. Environmental and lifestyle factors are therefore considered to among the major influencing components increasing breast cancer risk. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment. The estrogenic property of EDCs has thus shown many associations between ongoing exposures and the development of endocrine-related diseases, including breast cancer. The environment consists of a heterogenous population of EDCs and despite many identified modes of action, including that of altering the epigenome, drawing definitive correlations regarding breast cancer has been a point of much discussion. In this review, we describe in detail well-characterized EDCs and their actions in the environment, their ability to disrupt mammary gland formation in animal and human experimental models and their associations with exposure and breast cancer risk. We also highlight the susceptibility of early-life exposure to each EDC to mediate epigenetic alterations, and where possible describe how these epigenome changes influence breast cancer risk.