bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The leptin system and its expression at different nutritional and pregnant stages in lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
Authors: Zhang Huixian , Qin Geng , Zhang Yanhong , Li Shuisheng , Lin Qiang
Published: September 2016

Leptin is an essential hormone for the regulation of energy metabolism and food intake in vertebrate animals. To better understand the physiological roles of leptin in nutrient regulation in paternal ovoviviparous fish (family Syngnathidae), the present study cloned the full-length of leptin-a and leptin receptor (lepr) genes in lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus). Results showed that there was a 576-bp intron between two exons in leptin-a gene but no leptin-b gene in seahorse. Although the primary amino acid sequence conservation of seahorse leptin-a was very low, the 3-D structure modeling of seahorse leptin-a revealed strong conservation of tertiary structure with other vertebrates. Seahorse leptin-a mRNA was highly expressed in brain, whereas lepr mRNA was mainly expressed in ovary and gill. Interestingly, both leptin-a and lepr mRNA were expressed in the brood pouch of male seahorse, suggesting the leptin system plays a role during the male pregnancy. Physiological experiments showed that the expression of hepatic leptin-a and lepr mRNA in unfed seahorses was significantly higher than that in those fed 100%, as well as 60%, of their food during the fasting stage, showing that seahorse might initiate the leptin system to regulate its energy metabolism while starving. Moreover, the expression of leptin-a in the brood pouch of pregnant seahorse was significantly upregulated compared with non-pregnant seahorse, whereas the expression of lepr was downregulated, suggesting that the leptin system might be involved in the male pregnancy. In conclusion, the leptin system plays a role in the energy metabolism and food intake, and might provide new insights into molecular regulation of male pregnancy in seahorse.
Emergence of dorsal-ventral polarity in ESC-derived retinal tissue
Authors: Hasegawa Yuiko , Takata Nozomu , Okuda Satoru , Kawada Masako , Eiraku Mototsugu , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: September 2016

We previously demonstrated that mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)-derived retinal epithelium self-forms an optic cup-like structure. In the developing retina, the dorsal and ventral sides differ in terms of local gene expression and morphological features. This aspect has not yet been shown in vitro. Here, we demonstrate that mESC-derived retinal tissue spontaneously acquires polarity reminiscent of the dorsal-ventral (D-V) patterning of the embryonic retina. Tbx5 and Vax2 were expressed in a mutually exclusive manner, as seen in vivo. Three-dimensional morphometric analysis showed that the in vitro-formed optic cup often contains cleft structures resembling the embryonic optic fissure. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the spontaneous D-V polarization of mESC-derived retina, we examined the effects of patterning factors, and found that endogenous BMP signaling plays a predominant role in the dorsal specification. Further analysis revealed that canonical Wnt signaling, which was spontaneously activated at the proximal region, acts upstream of BMP signaling for dorsal specification. These observations suggest that D-V polarity could be established within the self-formed retinal neuroepithelium by intrinsic mechanisms involving the spatiotemporal regulation of canonical Wnt and BMP signals.
Functional roles of MMP14 and MMP15 in early postnatal mammary gland development
Authors: Feinberg Tamar Y. , Rowe R. Grant , Saunders Thomas L. , Weiss Stephen J.
Published: September 2016

During late embryogenesis, mammary epithelial cells initiate migration programs that drive ductal invasion into the surrounding adipose-rich mesenchyme. Currently, branching morphogenesis is thought to depend on the mobilization of the membrane-anchored matrix metalloproteinases MMP14 (MT1-MMP) and MMP15 (MT2-MMP), which drive epithelial cell invasion by remodeling the extracellular matrix and triggering associated signaling cascades. However, the roles that these proteinases play during mammary gland development in vivo remain undefined. Here, we characterize the impact of global Mmp14 and Mmp15 targeting on early postnatal mammary gland development in mice. Unexpectedly, both Mmp14−/− and Mmp15−/− mammary glands retain the ability to generate intact ductal networks. Although neither proteinase is required for branching morphogenesis, transcriptome profiling reveals a key role for MMP14 and MMP15 in regulating mammary gland adipocyte differentiation. Whereas MMP14 promotes the generation of white fat depots crucial for energy storage, MMP15 differentially controls the formation of thermogenic brown fat. Taken together, these data not only indicate that current paradigms relevant to proteinase-dependent morphogenesis need be revisited, but also identify new roles for the enzymes in regulating adipocyte fate determination in the developing mammary gland.
Control of lens development by Lhx2-regulated neuroretinal FGFs
Authors: Thein Thuzar , de Melo Jimmy , Zibetti Cristina , Clark Brian S. , Juarez Felicia , Blackshaw Seth
Published: September 2016

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is an essential regulator of lens epithelial cell proliferation and survival, as well as lens fiber cell differentiation. However, the identities of these FGF factors, their source tissue and the genes that regulate their synthesis are unknown. We have found that Chx10-Cre;Lhx2lox/lox mice, which selectively lack Lhx2 expression in neuroretina from E10.5, showed an early arrest in lens fiber development along with severe microphthalmia. These mutant animals showed reduced expression of multiple neuroretina-expressed FGFs and canonical FGF-regulated genes in neuroretina. When FGF expression was genetically restored in Lhx2-deficient neuroretina of Chx10-Cre;Lhx2lox/lox mice, we observed a partial but nonetheless substantial rescue of the defects in lens cell proliferation, survival and fiber differentiation. These data demonstrate that neuroretinal expression of Lhx2 and neuroretina-derived FGF factors are crucial for lens fiber development in vivo.
A ternary complex comprising transportin1, Rab8 and the ciliary targeting signal directs proteins to ciliary membranes
Authors: Madugula Viswanadh , Lu Lei
Published: September 2016

The sensory functions of cilia are dependent on the enrichment of cilium-resident proteins. Although it is known that ciliary targeting signals (CTSs) specifically target ciliary proteins to cilia, it is still unclear how CTSs facilitate the entry and retention of cilium-resident proteins at the molecular level. We found that non-ciliary membrane reporters can passively diffuse into cilia through the lateral transport pathway, and the translocation of membrane reporters through the ciliary diffusion barrier is facilitated by importin binding motifs and domains. Screening known CTSs of ciliary membrane residents uncovered that fibrocystin, photoreceptor retinol dehydrogenase, rhodopsin and retinitis pigmentosa 2 interact with transportin1 (TNPO1) through previously identified CTSs. We further discovered that a new ternary complex, comprising TNPO1, Rab8 and a CTS, can assemble or disassemble under the guanine nucleotide exchange activity of Rab8. Our study suggests a new mechanism in which the TNPO1–Rab8–CTS complex mediates selective entry into and retention of cargos within cilia.
An Investigation into the Effects of Pressure on Gas Detection Using an Integrating Sphere as Multipass Gas Absorption Cell: Analysis and Discussion
Authors: Ducanchez Arnaud , Bendoula Ryad , Roger Jean-Michel
Published: September 2016

The approach adopted in the present work was to increase the pressure within an integrating sphere system to increase the number density of molecules in the gas cell and hence to obtain a significant absorption in order to improve the sensitivity of the measurement system. This feasibility study has allowed an assessment of the net absorption gain with the rise of pressure and highlights the validity domain of the linear operating regime relative to Beer's law. Experiments were conducted on the oxygen A-band. The absorption peaks of oxygen at 760 nm typically were measured with a 50 mm diameter integrating sphere system under various pressures. Tests were performed up to 200 bar, the pressure for which the linear regime was operative, and analysed from a theoretical and experimental point of view. An experimental net absorption gain of 160 was achieved in this pressure range with the possibility of up to 650 bar while remaining in the linear regime. Finally, the experimental data obtained, in particular the absorption evolution due to the contribution of oxygen gas, seem consistent with the simulated results and are discussed in this paper.
Ταξιδιωτικές ενθυμήσεις από ιερατικό δίπτυχο της μονής Ομπλού Πατρών
Authors: Τσελίκας Αγαμέμνων
Published: September 2016

No abstract
«Ρήγας Θεσσαλός». Αθησαύριστη έκδοση της τραγωδίας του Ιωάννη Ζαμπελίου
Authors: Δημαράς Κ. Θ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Tο αρχείον Ιωάννου Κωλέττη
Authors: Πρεβελάκης Ελευθέριος
Published: September 2016

No abstract
«Βιβλία» ουδέποτε εκδοθέντα
Authors: Μαυρής Ν. Γ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ελληνική Βιβλιογραφία 1800-1863. Προσθήκες
Authors: Πλουμίδης Γ. Σ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Δημητρίου Μαθιουδάκη, Βραχύ χρονικόν
Authors: Εξίσου Ευφημία Χρ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Applying a complex adaptive system's understanding of health to primary care
Authors: Bircher Johannes , Hahn Eckhart G.
Published: September 2016

This paper explores the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of a new concept of health. Investigations into the nature of health have led to a new definition that explains health as a complex adaptive system (CAS) and is based on five components (a-e). Humans like all biological creatures must satisfactorily respond to (a) the demands of life. For this purpose they need (b) a biologically given potential (BGP) and (c) a personally acquired potential (PAP). These properties of individuals are embedded within (d) social and (e) environmental determinants of health. Between these five components of health there are 10 complex interactions that justify viewing health as a CAS. In each patient, the current state of health as a CAS evolved from the past, will move forward to a new future, and has to be analyzed and treated as an autonomous whole. A diagnostic procedure is suggested as follows: together with the patient, the five components and 10 complex interactions are assessed. This may help patients to better understand their situations and to recognize possible next steps that may be useful in order to evolve toward better health by themselves. In this process mutual trust in the patient-physician interaction is critical. The described approach offers new possibilities for helping patients improve their health prospects.
Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in low- and middle-income countries by 2030: is it possible?
Authors: Harries Anthony D. , Suthar Amitabh B. , Takarinda Kudakwashe C. , Tweya Hannock , Kyaw Nang Thu Thu , Tayler-Smith Katie , Zachariah Rony
Published: September 2016

The international community has committed to ending the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical infections by 2030, and this bold stance deserves universal support. In this paper, we discuss whether this ambitious goal is achievable for HIV/AIDS and what is needed to further accelerate progress. The joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets and the related strategy are built upon currently available health technologies that can diagnose HIV infection and suppress viral replication in all people with HIV. Nonetheless, there is much work to be done in ensuring equitable access to these HIV services for key populations and those who remain outside the rims of the traditional health services. Identifying a cure and a preventive vaccine would further help accelerate progress in ending the epidemic. Other disease control programmes could learn from the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Revisiting inconsistency in large pharmacogenomic studies
Authors: Safikhani Zhaleh , Smirnov Petr , Freeman Mark , El-Hachem Nehme , She Adrian , Rene Quevedo , Goldenberg Anna , Birkbak Nicolai J. , Hatzis Christos , Shi Leming , Beck Andrew H. , Aerts Hugo J.W.L. , Quackenbush John , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: September 2016

In 2013, we published a comparative analysis mutation and gene expression profiles and drug sensitivity measurements for 15 drugs characterized in the 471 cancer cell lines screened in the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). While we found good concordance in gene expression profiles, there was substantial inconsistency in the drug responses reported by the GDSC and CCLE projects. We received extensive feedback on the comparisons that we performed. This feedback, along with the release of new data, prompted us to revisit our initial analysis. Here we present a new analysis using these expanded data in which we address the most significant suggestions for improvements on our published analysis — that targeted therapies and broad cytotoxic drugs should have been treated differently in assessing consistency, that consistency of both molecular profiles and drug sensitivity measurements should both be compared across cell lines, and that the software analysis tools we provided should have been easier to run, particularly as the GDSC and CCLE released additional data.

           

Our re-analysis supports our previous finding that gene expression data are significantly more consistent than drug sensitivity measurements. The use of new statistics to assess data consistency allowed us to identify two broad effect drugs and three targeted drugs with moderate to good consistency in drug sensitivity data between GDSC and CCLE. For three other targeted drugs, there were not enough sensitive cell lines to assess the consistency of the pharmacological profiles. We found evidence of inconsistencies in pharmacological phenotypes for the remaining eight drugs.

            Overall, our findings suggest that the drug sensitivity data in GDSC and CCLE continue to present challenges for robust biomarker discovery. This re-analysis provides additional support for the argument that experimental standardization and validation of pharmacogenomic response will be necessary to advance the broad use of large pharmacogenomic screens.
ASP, The Art and Science of Practice: Increasing Productivity and Minimizing Errors in Operations Research Spreadsheet Models
Authors: LeBlanc Larry J. , Bartolacci Michael R. , Grossman Thomas A.
Published: September 2016

Operations research practitioners often write spreadsheet software that is used, modified, and transferred to other people over time. They need techniques that enable them to quickly write error-free code whose accuracy can be easily verified and tested. Practitioner spreadsheet models often must be suitable for transfer to others and be robust in the sense that inadvertently introducing errors during reuse and updating is difficult. We examine some problem areas for spreadsheet design and programming and suggest techniques intended to increase productivity and reduce the risk of errors, especially in situations in which someone other than the original author is using or maintaining the spreadsheets.
Indirect Reciprocity and Charitable Giving— Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Khadjavi Menusch
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates two channels of prosociality: indirect reciprocity and charitable giving. We conducted a natural field experiment in a hair salon in Hamburg, Germany, over the course of four months. In the baseline, we collected data on customers’ tips—a scenario absent indirect reciprocity and donations. In two treatments we had the hairdresser collect donations to a charity. In one treatment the hairdresser pointed out the opportunity to donate. Our data indicate that the voluntary activity of collecting donations in the salon led to greater tips for the hairdresser and significant donations. In the second treatment, the hairdresser unconditionally donated to the charity before the customers could. This donation did not increase tips further compared with the collection-only treatment. Our data indicate that indirect reciprocity works in the field. We find evidence that indirect reciprocity and charitable giving work as complements.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2519 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Achieving zero deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon: What is missing?
Authors: Moutinho Paulo , Guerra Raissa , Azevedo-Ramos Claudia
Published: September 2016

Amazon deforestation causes severe climatic and ecological disruptions, with negative consequences for the livelihood of forest-dependent peoples. To avoid further disruptions, Brazil will need to take bold steps to eliminate both illegal and legal Amazon deforestation over the short term. Amazon deforestation declined by 70% between 2005 and 2014 due to drops in commodity prices and interventions by federal and state governments, such as law enforcement campaigns and credit restrictions for landowners who deforest illegally. Despite these impressive achievements, Brazil still deforests 5,000 km2 of Amazonian forests each year. How then will Brazil eliminate Amazon deforestation altogether if the country is only committed to cut illegal deforestation by 2030—as stated in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (iNDC) to the 2015 climate change treaty meeting in Paris? Here we provide an analysis of the major socio-economic-political threats that could constrain Brazil from achieving its current goals. We then propose six fundamental strategies to help Brazil achieve a more ambitious goal to eliminate all major legal and illegal Amazon deforestation. These strategies involve bringing social and environmental safeguards to the infrastructure plans in the region, consolidating and expanding positive incentives for the production of sustainable commodities, establishing a new policy to guarantee the social and environmental sustainability of rural settlements, fully implementing the national legislation protecting forests (the Forest Code), protecting the land rights of indigenous people and traditional communities, and expanding the existing network of protected areas, allocating the 80 million hectares of not designated public forests as protected areas or areas for sustainable use of timber and non-timber forest products. The implementation of these strategies however depends on the formulation of a new development paradigm that promotes economic growth, social justice and productive agriculture, while protecting the fundamentally important ecological services of tropical forests.
Identifikasi Akuifer Dangkal dan Akuifer Dalam dengan Metode Geolistrik (Kasus: Di Kecamatan Masaran)
Authors: Darsono D
Published: September 2016

Identification of aquifer layer location has been done using Schlumberger configuration of geoelectric resistivity methods in Masaran District. Data collection was performed using resistivity meter OYO Mc-el-ohm series 2119c having a length of current electrode (AB / 2) from 1.5 m to 350 meters. Data processing was done using software IP2win. The purpose of this study was to identify the location of confined aquifer and unconfined aquifer. The result showed that litology of aquifer layers were detected as clayed sand, sands and gravel sands. The depth of confined aquifer was detected for TS1 (4.52 meters to 8.57 meters and 22.4 meters to 34 meters), TS2 (8.84 meters to 20.9 meters), TS3 (2.87 meters to 10 meters and 13.3 meters to 41.5 meters), TS4 (20.09 meters to 6.71 meters and 17.3 meters to 36.4 meters) and TS5 (6.3 meters to 25 meters). The thickest layer of confined aquifer was TS3. While, the depth of unconfined aquifer was detected for TS1 (68.1 meters to 78 meters and 94.3 meters to 115 meters), TS2 (36.9 meters to 93.4 meters and 103 meters to 134 meters), TS3 (72.8 meters to 101 meters), TS4 (46.3 meters to 67.5 meters and 82.1 meters to 98 meters), and TS5 (50.1 meters to 93.5 meters and 99.7 meters to 111 meters). The layer thickness of unconfined aquifer were detected for TS1 (30.6 meters), TS2 (86.7 meters), TS3 (28.4 meters), TS4 (37 meters), and TS5 (55 meters). The layer thickness of unconfined aquifer that has the thickest was TS2.
UVA, VINHO E ANARQUISMO: perspectivas e possibilidades para o enoturismo na região de Palmeira - PR
Authors: Margraf Wilena , Medeiros Mirna de Lima
Published: September 2016

O enoturismo tem se destacado nos últimos anos como modalidade turística. A união do vinho com o turismo faz parte de uma atividade que vem se desenvolvendo rapidamente e que atrai apaixonados pela bebida e curiosos. Assim surgiu o interesse de analisar as propriedades vínicas de Palmeira – Paraná, suas características e possibilidades. Foi desenvolvido um estudo de caso com base em pesquisa bibliográ ca, entrevistas, observação e análise documental com vistas a investigar perspectivas e possibilidades com relação ao desenvolvimento do enoturismo em Palmeira-PR. Foram realizadas doze entrevistas: dez com os produtores de vinho durante visita às suas propriedades; uma com a presidente da Associação de Turismo do município; uma com descendente do primeiro produtor de vinho. Os resultados apontam que as propriedades ainda estão em preparo para receber turistas principalmente com relação à infraestrutura. Contudo, uma rota enoturística já está entre as prioridades da associação. Ademais, Palmeira pode se valer do diferencial de possuir a única experiência anarquista da América Latina, a Colônia Cecília, onde os italianos produziam uvas e vinho.Palavras-chave: Enoturismo; Palmeira - PR; Colônia Cecília; Anarquismo.
Risco e regulação emocional em idade pré-escolar: a qualidade das interações dos educadores de infância como potencial moderador
Authors: Cadima Joana , Ferreira Tiago , Guedes Carolina , Vieira Joana , Leal Teresa , Matos Paula M.
Published: September 2016

A investigação tem demonstrado que as crianças em desvantagem social enfrentam muitos desafios e estão mais vulneráveis a desenvolver dificuldades a nível da regulação emocional, sendo extremamente relevante identificar fatores protetores que moderem esta vulnerabilidade. No presente estudo, foi analisado o papel moderador das interações do educador de infância no desenvolvimento da regulação emocional. Os participantes foram 338 crianças em idade pré-escolar de dois ambiente sociais distintos: em desvantagem social (n = e em situação de não risco. A regulação emocional foi avaliada através de um questionário ao educador, o Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC, Shields & Cichetti, 1997). A qualidade das interações do educador de infância com as crianças foi observada através de uma escala de observação, o Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS, Pianta, La Paro & Hamre, 2008). Os educadores avaliaram ainda a sua relação com cada criança participante através da Student-Teacher Rating Scale (STRS, Pianta, 2001). Análises multi-grupo multi-nível indicaram que no grupo de crianças de risco nas salas com mais qualidade a nível emocional e na sua organização, as crianças demonstraram competências de regulação emocional mais elevadas, sugerindo o importante papel dos educadores de infância no desenvolvimento da regulação emocional.
Como podem as organizações gerir paradoxos?
Authors: Cunha Miguel Pina e , Rego Arménio , Sousa Mlton
Published: September 2016

As organizações participam em ambientes que, além de complexos, são repletos de ambiguidade ede exigências contraditórias. A capacidade de trabalhar com os paradoxos énecessária para responder a essa complexidade ambiental. Este artigo discutecomo esse desafio pode ser levado a cabo. Começa por esclarecer a diferençaentre processos por vezes equiparados a paradoxos por envolverem contradições,nomeadamente dilemas e dialéticas. Trata, depois, de diferentes possibilidadesde resposta às situações paradoxais. Discute, finalmente, como dessas respostaspodem resultar círculos viciosos versusvirtuosos.
The Service–Profit Chain: A Meta-Analytic Test of a Comprehensive Theoretical Framework
Authors: Hogreve Jens , Iseke Anja , Derfuss Klaus , Eller Tönnjes
Published: September 2016

The service–profit chain (SPC) has served as a prominent guidepost for service managers and researchers alike. This meta-analysis provides the first comprehensive test of the SPC, showing that all the proposed links are statistically significant and substantial. However, the effect sizes vary considerably, partly according to the type of service provided. Meta-analytic structural equation models show that internal service quality translates into service performance through various mechanisms beyond employee satisfaction, and they highlight the importance of the service encounter and customer relationship characteristics for customer responses. The findings not only indicate the need to integrate complementary paths in the SPC framework but also challenge the implicit SPC rationale that firms should always maximize employee satisfaction and external service quality to optimize firm performance.
A critical review on soil ionisation modelling for grounding electrodes
Authors: Mokhtari Mehrdad , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Gharehpetian Gevork B.
Published: September 2016

Grounding electrode resistance non-linearly changes under impulse conditions due to soil ionisation phenomenon. Several models have been proposed to model soil ionisation for grounding electrodes applications. However, to date, there is yet an attempt made to compile all these works into a comprehensive review article. Therefore, this paper is written with the objective of summarizing all related works in this field as a one- stop reference. With reference to the literature, this paper is written to summarize the working principles of the soil ionisation models as well as the accuracy and performance analysis of the models. This paper, particularly highlights the deficiencies of the available models in terms of accuracy and performance. This knowledge will contribute to the development of a new accurate and efficient soil ionisation model.
Low cost, high accuracy real-time simulation used for rapid prototyping and testing control algorithms on example of BLDC motor
Authors: Baszyński Marcin
Published: September 2016

This article presents the simulation of a BLDC motor and its closed control system in FPGA. The simulation is based on a mathematical model of the motor, including the electromagnetic torque, phase currents, back electromotive force, etc. In order to ensure calculation precision, the equations describing the motor were solved using a floating point representation of real numbers, and a small step of numerical calculations of 1 μs was assumed. The time step selection methodology has been discussed in detail. The motor model was executed with the use of Textual Programming Languages (with HDL codes).
Common mode behavior in grid connected DC and AC decoupled PV Inverter topologies
Authors: Sundar D. John , Kumaran M. Senthil
Published: September 2016

The transformer-less grid connected inverters are gaining more popularity due to their high efficiency, very low ground leakage current and economic feasibility especially in photovoltaic systems. The major issue which surfaces these systems is that of common mode leakage current which arises due to the absence of an electrical transformer connected between the inverter and the utility grid. Several topologies have evolved to reduce the impact of common mode leakage current and a majority of them have succeeded in eliminating the impacts and have well kept them within the limits of grid standards. This paper compares and analyses the impact of the common mode leakage current for four popular inverter configurations through simulation of the topologies such as H5, H6, HERIC and FBZVR inverters.
Analysis and optimisation of an axial flux permanent magnet coreless motor based on the field model using the superposition principle and genetic algorithm
Authors: Wojciechowski Rafał M.
Published: September 2016

In the paper, methodologies for the magnetic field simulation in an axial flux permanent magnet coreless (AFPMC) motor have been proposed and discussed. Two approaches have been considered and investigated, both based on representing the 3D field distribution by superimposing axisymmetric 2D patterns. The first of studied approaches applies directly to the Biot-Savart law while the second uses a 2D axisymmetric finite element method. The selected results of magnetic field distributions and electromagnetic torque characteristics for the considered AFPMC motor have been presented and compared with results obtained using the commercial FEM package ‘Maxwell’. The elaborated algorithms have been incorporated into the design routines allowing multi-parameter optimisation of the considered motor construction.
Iron Metabolism Modification During Repeated Show Jumping Event in Equine Athletes
Authors: Piccione Giuseppe , Rizzo Maria , Arfuso Francesca , Bruschetta Daniele , Giudice Elisabetta , Assenza Anna
Published: September 2016

In athletic horse the evaluation of iron status is of great importance to improve physical performance and health status of animal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of iron indices following show jumping. Ten regularly trained Italian Saddlebred horses aged 7-8 years (mean body weight 467±12 kg) were subjected to three days jumping competition. Blood samples were collected at 5 time points: T0 (the day before competitions), T1 (immediately after exercise at day 1), T2 (immediately after exercise at day 2), T3 (immediately after exercise at day 3) and during the recovery period T4 (24 h after day 3). On each blood sample the values of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) were assessed. One-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistical significant effect of exercise (P<0.05) on all studied parameters. The application of Bonferroni’s post-hoc comparison showed a statistical significant increase in all studied parameters after exercise. These results provide new information about the changes in iron profile of jumper horse following exercise allowing for better evaluation of the health status and physical performance of this athlete horse.
Changes in the expression of selected antioxidative proteins in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) epididymis in different periods of the rutting season
Authors: Lecewicz Marek , Majewska Anna , Kordan Władysław , Wysocki Paweł , Koziorowska-Gilun Magdalena
Published: September 2016

One of the factors determining the homeostasis of biological systems is the balance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of the antioxidative defence system. Regarding seasonal variations in secretory activity in different parts of roe buck’s (Capreolus capreolus) epididymis, the aim of present study was to compare the expression of selected antioxidative proteins in three periods of the rutting season. Using proteomics methods (2D PAGE , tandem mass spectrometry MS/MS) 5 antioxidative enzymes were identified for the first time in different segments of the epididymis of the roe buck. The highest expression of these enzymes was found in the rutting season. Findings indicated that the antioxidative function of the buck’s epididymis, regardless of the period of the rutting season, but particularly in the rutting season, is maintained mainly because of the presence of three conservative polypeptides: glutathione S-transferase (GST), protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3), and PDIA3 precursor. Moreover, a protective role against the harmful products of redox reactions is played during the discussed periods by peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), identified in the cauda of the epididymis. In the tissue of the corpus and caput of the epididymis its expression was only found in the rutting season. The expression of biliverdin reductase A (BRVA ) in the epididymis was only observed in the rutting season.
Effects of dietary supplementation of inorganic, organic or nano zinc forms on performance, eggshell quality, and bone characteristics in laying hens
Authors: Olgun Osman , Yildiz Alp Önder
Published: September 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of dietary zinc forms and dosages on egg production performance, egg quality, and bone characteristics in laying hens. Forty-two-week-old, 144 Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens were allocated to 12 experimental groups in a 4 (forms) × 3 (dosages) factorial arrangement. Four zinc forms including zinc-sulphate and zinc-oxide as inorganic forms, zinc-glycine as organic form and nano zinc-oxide powder as nano form at different dosages (50, 75 and 100 mg per kg diet) were tested. Compared to the inorganic (zinc-sulphate) form, the zinc-glycine supplementation significantly depressed the egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio. The eggshell thickness was significantly decreased by supplementation with nano zinc-oxide. The shear force of tibia was significantly decreased by zinc-glycine or nano zinc-oxide supplemented in the diet when compared to inorganic forms of zinc. On the other hand, the dietary 50 mg/kg dosage of zinc was sufficient for optimum performance and the dietary 75 mg/kg dosage of zinc significantly improved shear force of tibia in laying hens. Tibia zinc content increased with the dietary 100 mg/kg dosage of zinc. The interactions between zinc forms and dosages had a significant effect on egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, eggshell thickness, shear force and shear stress of bone, and tibia calcium concentration. The highest egg weight and the lowest eggshell thickness were observed for the group fed with nano Zn-oxide at 100 mg/kg in the diet. These results showed that nano zinc form supplementation negatively affects the eggshell thickness and bone mechanical properties. The zinc in nano form may not be suggested for feeding laying hens, but other forms of zinc could be used safely in layer diets.
Low temperature green synthesis of LaAlO3 using microcrystalline LaOCl and amorphous Al2O3 precursors derived from spray pyrolysis
Authors: Wang Zhenfeng , Wu Wenyuan , Bian Xue , Wu Yongfu
Published: September 2016

LaAlO3 was synthesized using microcrystalline LaOCl and amorphous Al2O3 precursors. The precursors were derived with single inorganic materials through spray pyrolysis. The precursors and derived oxide powders were characterized by differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. LaAlO3 was found to crystallize directly from microcrystalline LaOCl and amorphous Al2O3 precursors at 1073 K for 2 h in air, and the LaAlO3 product purity is more than 99.9%.
Die Entwicklung der qualifikatorischen Lohnund Beschäftigungsstruktur in Deutschland / Changes of the Structure of Wages and Employment with Respect to Qualifications in Germany
Authors: Möller Joachim
Published: September 2016

Der Beitrag untersucht die Entwicklung der qualifikatorischen Lohn- und Beschäftigungsstruktur vollerwerbstätiger männlicher Arbeitnehmer auf Basis der IAB-Beschäftigtenstichprobe im Zeitraum 1975 bis 1995. Die Analyse führt zu drei Hauptergebnissen. Erstens wird anhand von zwei alternativen Indikatoren ein für die Hauptsektoren der Wirtschaft parallel verlaufender Trend zur Höherqualifizierung nachgewiesen. Zweitens haben im Unterschied insbesondere zu der US-amerikanischen Entwicklung auch Arbeitnehmer in den unteren Rängen der Lohnverteilung deutliche Reallohnerhöhungen zu verzeichnen gehabt. Drittens ist in der Entwicklung der deutschen Lohnstruktur eine den weltweiten Trends entsprechende verstärkte Differenzierung beobachtbar, auch wenn die Veränderungen nicht dramatisch sind. So hat sich bei den Ungelernten die für die späten siebziger und frühen achtziger Jahre im unteren Bereich nachweisbare Kompressionstendenz danach wieder umgekehrt. Generell nimmt insbesondere rechts vom Median die Lohnspreizung erkennbar zu. Im Bereich der höheren Dezile ist diese Entwicklung bei den Facharbeitern noch ausgeprägter als bei den Ungelernten. Dies impliziert, daß das qualifikatorische Lohndifferential der Facharbeiter gegenüber den Ungelernten im oberen Bereich der Lohnverteilung ansteigt.

Berechnungen auf der Grundlage von Lohnfunktionsschätzungen, die eine Dekomposition in einen Struktur-, Bewertungs- und Varianzeffekt erlauben, führen zu weiteren Erkenntnissen. Beispielsweise zeigt sich, daß das qualifikatorische Lohndifferential für die Fachhochschul- und Universitätsabsolventen unter Berücksichtigung des Struktureffekts nicht gesunken ist.
Betriebsinterne Arbeitsmärkte und die qualifikatorische Lohn- und Beschäftigungsstruktur / Internal Labor Markets and the Structure of Wages and Employment with Respect to Qualifications
Authors: Gerlach Knut , Stephan Gesine
Published: September 2016

Die Existenz und die Entwicklung betriebsinterner Arbeitsmärkte ist von nicht zu unterschätzender Bedeutung für die Lohn- und Qualifikationsstruktur in einer Wirtschaft. Der vorliegende Beitrag betrachtet drei Aspekte betriebsinterner Arbeitsmärkte: Erstens ist - einhergehend mit der steigenden Ungleichheit der Arbeitseinkommen - eine zunehmende Segregation nach Qualifikation zwischen den Unternehmen zu beobachten, die sich gegenwärtig vor allem mit Hilfe produktionstheoretischer Argumente erklären läßt. Eine wichtige Frage ist damit, wann sich Unternehmen für eine Hochlohnstrategie in Kombination mit einer hochqualifizierten Belegschaft und wann sie sich für eine Niedriglohnstrategie in Kombination mit einer geringqualifizierten Belegschaft entscheiden. Zweitens ist die Messung von Qualifikation durch humankapitaltheoretische Variablen vermutlich nicht hinreichend, sondern muß durch mehr betrieblich orientierte Maße ergänzt werden. Insbesondere ist hier das Zusammenspiel von Qualifikation, Informationstechnologie und Arbeitsorganisation von Bedeutung - die Investition in Informationstechnologien zahlt sich vor allem in solchen Unternehmen aus, die einen hohen Humankapitalbestand und eine dezentrale Arbeitsorganisation aufweisen. Drittens setzen betriebsinterne Arbeitsmärkte bei der Anpassung der Entlohnungs- und Beschäftigungsstrukturen von Unternehmen implizite Restriktionen, die über Ländergrenzen hinweg sehr ähnlich ausfallen. Unter bestimmten Umständen können diese innerbetrieblichen Restriktionen die Voraussetzungen für eine Weiterbildung von gering qualifizierten Arbeitnehmern schaffen, was sich positiv auf deren Löhne und Beschäftigungschancen auswirkt.
The Role of Wage and Skill Differences in US-German Employment Differences / Die Bedeutung von Lohn- und Qualifikationsunterschieden für die deutschen-amerikanischen Beschäftigungsunterschiede
Authors: Freeman Richard B. , Schettkat Ronald
Published: September 2016

The most popular explanation for greater job creation in the US than in Germany is that greater dispersion of wages coupled with less regulations governing the labour market and the product market in the US has induced firms to employ many less skilled workers. While popular, these explanations turn out to be difficult to prove empirically.

Based on the Comparative German American Structural Database and the International Adult Literacy Survey we find that:

1. Employment rates differ more than unemployment rates by skill levels and overall.

2. German and US relative pay by level of skill was similar in 1970 but diverged in the 1980s.

3. The German work force is more skilled than the US work force especially at the lower skill levels.

4. The employment of skilled to unskilled labour within industries is unrelated to country differences in skill premium but changes in relatives wages are related to changes in relative employment.

5. The differing dispersion of wages is not a major contributor to differences in employment rates between Germany and the US. The jobs problem in Germany is not primarily one of relative labor demand but of demand for labor in general.
Weibliche Haushaltsvorstände – Ein Phänomen sich ändernder Haushaltsstrukturen oder Neudefinition tradierter Rollenbilder? / Changing Household Composition and Female Household Heads – Causes and Implications
Authors: Eberharter Veronika V.
Published: September 2016

Untersuchungen des Erwerbsverhaltens von Frauen in Deutschland und den USA begründen die geringere Arbeitsmarktpräsenz deutscher Frauen unter anderem mit deren traditionsverhaftetem Rollenverhalten. Dieser Beitrag untersucht, ob sich dieser Befund anhand des Ausmaßes, in dem Frauen die Rolle des Haushaltsvorstandes übernehmen, bestätigen läßt. Unter Verwendung sozioökonomischer Paneldaten wird geprüft, inwieweit die Dynamik des Anteils weiblicher Haushaltsvorstände in den beiden Ländern durch Veränderungen der Haushaltsstruktur (Struktureffekt) bewirkt wird oder als Neudefinition des Rollenbildes der Frau (emanzipatorischer Effekt) zu interpretieren ist. Für Haushalte, in denen Partner oder Partnerin die Rolle des Haushaltsvorstandes übernehmen können, wird außerdem überprüft, inwieweit das Alter, das Bildungsniveau und das Beschäftigungsausmaß der beiden Partner diese Entscheidung beeinflussen. Die empirischen Ergebnisse sprechen eher für eine konservativere Rollenverteilung in den USA. In Deutschland weisen sowohl der steigende Anteil weiblicher Haushaltsvorstände sowie der hohe Beitrag der emanzipatorischen Komponente auf eine ausgeprägtere Rollendynamik hin. Allerdings zeigen sowohl bivariate Ansätze als auch die multivariate Diskriminanzanalyse nur einen schwachen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Geschlecht des Haushaltsvorstandes und dem Alter, dem Bildungsniveau und dem Beschäftigungsausmaß der beiden Partner.
Methoden und Anwendungen der dynamischen Optimierung in der Umwelt- und Ressourcenökonomie / Methods and Applications of Dynamic Optimization Techniques in Environmental and Resource Economics
Authors: Goetz Renan-Ulrich , Keusch Alois
Published: September 2016

Dieser Artikel untersucht, inwieweit dynamische Optimierungsmethoden einen substanziellen Beitrag zur Erweiterung des Spektrums umweit- und ressourcenökonomischer Fragestellungen leisten und die Qualität umweit- und ressourcenpolitischer Empfehlungen verbessern können. Darüber hinaus werden neue Anwendungsgebiete dieser Methoden im Bereich der Umwelt-und Ressourcenökonomie dargestellt, die sich vom klassischen Konzept der intertemporalen Optimierung lösen. Die neuen Anwendungsgebiete erfassen neben dem intertemporalen Entscheidungsproblem auch den Aspekt der Unsicherheit, des Raumes oder auch beliebige andere qualitative Aspekte. Die diskutierten dynamischen Optimierungsansätze umfassen die dynamische Programmierung, die optimale Kontrolle in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit oder dem eindimensionalen Raum. Wir erläutern die zweistufige optimale Kontrolle, bei der die Kontrollvariable von der Zeit und dem eindimensionalen Raum (bspw. einem Landklassifizierungssystem) abhängt, die Zustandsvariable dagegen jedoch nur von der Zeit. Darüber hinaus skizzieren wir die Grundlagen der verteilten optimalen Kontrolle, bei der beide, die Kontroll- und die Zustandsvariable, von der Zeit und dem eindimensionalen Raum oder von der Zeit und einem anderen heterogenen qualitativen Aspekt abhängen. Diese qualitativen Aspekte sind bspw. durch die Altersverteilung einer Population, der Verteilung des Umfanges des Stammes der Bäume, oder durch die Einkommensverteilung der Wirtschaftssubjekte gegeben.
Zurück zum Trennsystem als Königsweg zu mehr Föderalismus in Zeiten des „Aufbau Ost“? / Back to a Divided Tax System as an „Ideal Way“ for Reinforcing German Federalism in Times of Adequate Financial Aid for East Germany
Authors: Lenk Thomas , Schneider Friedrich
Published: September 2016

Ein wesentliches Problem des deutschen Finanzausgleichs ist die zu einer drastischen Einschränkung der Länderautonomie führende ungleichmäßige Verteilung der Teilkompetenzen auf die Gebietskörperschaften. Dieses Problem ließe sich durch ein Trennsystem lösen, in dem auf der Grundlage einer klaren Kompetenzverteilung Machtungleichgewichte zwischen den Gebietskörperschaften beseitigt werden könnten. Nach einigen prinzipiellen Überlegungen zu den Vorteilen eines auf mehr Wettbewerb ausgerichteten Finanzausgleichs wird beispielhaft ein daran orientierter Vorschlag diskutiert. Es wird eine Aufgaben- und Steuerverteilung für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland untersucht, die die Gemeinschaftsaufgaben weitgehend den Ländern überträgt, bei den Steuern eine Trennung der Steuerertragskompetenz in großen Bereichen vorsieht und auf dauerhafte Bundesergänzungszuweisungen verzichtet. Gleichzeitig wird, um den „Aufbau Ost“ nicht zu gefährden, die Finanzierung der neuen Länder auf eine neue Grundlage gestellt. Hervorzuheben ist, daß das unterbreitete Modell bei einer simulierten Abstimmung im Bundesrat die erforderliche politische Mehrheit fände.
Pareto Efficient Pay-as-you-go Pension Systems with Multi-Period Lives / Pareto-effiziente umlagefinanzierte Alterssicherungssysteme bei mehrperiodigem Arbeitsleben
Authors: Wrede Matthias
Published: September 2016

This paper employs a three-period-overlapping-generations model to discuss intergenerational (in-)efficiency of a PAYG system when labor supply is endogenous. Four main results will be derived.

First, a pension system is (constrained) efficient if the existing system itself and reforms are restricted to guarantee that benefits are proportional to contributions in present value terms.

Second, the result does not carry over to other pension systems where the benefits of a retiree are proportional to weighted individual contributions.

Third, if the actual PAYG scheme is not a second-best-optimum for some generations, a welfare improving reform is possible provided that the government is not restricted to systems with partial equivalence of contributions and benefits in present value terms. A Pareto-improving transition from the PAYG system to a fully funded system might become feasible provided that the change in the pension scheme is accompanied by an adequate compensating redistribution among generations.

Fourth, partial equivalence in present value terms, which requires uniform benefit-adjusted taxation of labor income, does not ensure intergenerational efficiency in all circumstances. However, if uniform benefit-adjusted taxation were optimal, a pension system like the German PAYG system would not be intergenerationally efficient since it misses partial equivalence in present value terms.
Stylized Facts of Eurolands Business Cycle / Stilisierte Fakten des Konjunkturzyklus in Euroland
Authors: Döpke Jörg
Published: September 2016

The paper presents stylized facts of Euroland’s business cycle using aggregated data. The main results are: The determination of turning points in Euroland’s business cycle is not very sensitive to the detrending method used, although the level of the recent output gap depends on it. Investment, net exports and stock building explain the largest share of the swings in real GDP. The types of expenditures - except for net exports - are pro-cyclical with almost no lag or lead. The results for monetary variables are mixed. Prices are counter-cyclical, whereas labour productivity and real wages are pro-cyclical. The cyclical component of industrial production in all member countries shows a positive and over time increasing correlation coefficient with the one in the rest of Euroland.