bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Economic Analysis of ‘Comply or Explain Principle’ under a Review Panel Regime
Authors: Biondi Yuri
Published: January 2015

This note comments on the Sergakis (2015)’s proposal to amend the ‘comply and explain principle’ concerning corporate governance disclosure through the introduction of a review panel in charge to supervise the disclosure process. Our preliminary economic analysis focuses on the review task that is foreshadowed for this panel that may be established at the macro- or the micro-level. Accordingly, we conclude that the Panel composition, including representatives for stakeholders inside and outside the firms, is critical to discover and obtain disclosure of sensitive information. In fact, although supervised by a review panel, the ‘comply or explain’ mechanism appears still quite unable to obtain disclosure of information that threatens the majority of vested interests represented in the panel.
Ceramide and sphingosine in pulmonary infections
Authors: Seitz Aaron P. , Grassmé Heike , Edwards Michael J. , Pewzner-Jung Yael , Gulbins Erich
Published: January 2015

Acid sphingomyelinase and ceramide have previously been shown to play a central role in infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium avium. Recent studies have extended the role of sphingolipids in bacterial infections and have demonstrated that ceramide and sphingosine are central to the defense of lungs against bacterial pathogens. Ceramide accumulates in the airway epithelium of cystic fibrosis and ceramide synthase 2 (CerS2)-deficient mice, which respond to the lack of very long chain (C22-C24-) ceramides with a profound compensatory increase of long chain (mainly C16-) ceramides. In contrast, sphingosine is present in healthy airways and is almost completely absent from diseased or deficient epithelial cells. Both sphingolipids are crucially involved in the high susceptibility to infection of cystic fibrosis and CerS2-deficient mice, as indicated by findings showing that the normalization of ceramide and sphingosine levels rescue these mice from acute infection with P. aeruginosa.
Dental aesthetics perception and eating behavior in adolescence
Authors: Settineri Salvatore , Rizzo Amelia , Ottanà Angela , Liotta Marco , Mento Carmela
Published: January 2015

Background: This correlational study explored the psychosocial aspects related to eating behavior in different age samples of adolescents in treatment from 0 to 60 months at the Clinic of Orthodontics and Dentistry of Messina, Messina, Italy. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between psychosocial impact, levels of self-esteem, and the possible connection with eating habits of adolescents under orthodontic treatment.

Methods: Sixty-one adolescents, aged between 12 and 22 years (mean=15.6±2.8) participated to the study. Each adolescents was interviewed with the Eating Attitudes Test, the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire.

Results: Data did not show a direct connection between eating disorder and dental aesthetics, nevertheless, adolescents under orthodontic treatment, especially in the earliest phase of wearing braces, showed peculiar eating habits and underwent a higher psychological impact of dental aesthetics. Eating behaviors are strictly linked to global self-esteem. The processing of the results was made through the Student’s t-test and using Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Conclusion: Increased knowledge of the psychological aspects involved in orthodontic treatment compliance may have positive effects in the relationship between adolescent patients and orthodontists. More attention should be paid to aspects that are often underestimated in clinical practice, thus, influencing the outcome of treatment and patient satisfaction, not only in terms of dental health, but also of mental health.
Evaluation of fetuin-A and carotid intima-media thickness in adolescent type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Abd El Dayem Soha M. , Battah Ahmed A. , El Bohy Abo El Magd , El Shehaby Amal
Published: January 2015

To evaluate fetuin-A level and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in adolescent type 1 diabetics.

The study included 62 type 1 diabetic patients and 30 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex. Blood sample was taken for assessment of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1), lipid profile, and fetuin-A. Urine sample was also taken for assessment of albumin/creatinine ratio. Anthropometric measurements were taken, including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference. CIMT was assessed for all patients and controls.

Serum fetuin-A, Rt., Lt. and both CIMT were significantly higher in diabetics. Fetuin-A had a significant positive correlation with duration of disease, waist and hip circumference, BMI, BMI SDS, waist/height ratio, Rt., Lt. and both CIMT. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the duration of disease, waist/height ratio, and HDL-c were the factors related to fetuin-A.

Adolescent type 1 diabetic patients have high fetuin-A levels and increased CIMT, with the latter representing the development of early atherosclerosis. In this light, adolescents with type 1 diabetes require frequent follow up for early detection of atherosclerosis.
Applications of halogen bonding in solution
Authors: Vargas Jentzsch Andreas
Published: January 2015

Halogen bonding is the noncovalent interaction where the halogen atom acts as an electrophile towards Lewis bases. Known for more than 200 years, only recently it has attracted interest in the context of solution-phase applications, especially during the last decade which was marked by the introduction of multitopic systems. In addition, the small yet rich collection of halogen-bond donor moieties that appeared in this period is shown to be versatile enough as to be applied in virtually any solvent system. This review covers the applications of halogen bonding in solution during the past ten years in a semi-comprehensive way. Emphasis is made on molecular recognition, catalytic applications and anion binding and transport. Medicinal applications are addressed as well with key examples. Focussing on the major differences observed for halogen bonding, as compared to the ubiquitous hydrogen bonding, it aims to contribute to the design of future solution-phase applications.
Dynamics of EEG Rhythms Support Distinct Visual Selection Mechanisms in Parietal Cortex: A Simultaneous Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and EEG Study
Authors: Capotosto Paolo , Spadone Sara , Tosoni Annalisa , Sestieri Carlo , Romani Gian Luca , Della Penna Stefania , Corbetta Maurizio
Published: January 2015

Using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), we have recently shown a functional anatomical distinction in human parietal cortex between regions involved in maintaining attention to a location [ventral intraparietal sulcus (vIPS)] and a region involved in shifting attention between locations [medial superior parietal lobule (mSPL)]. In particular, while rTMS interference over vIPS impaired target discrimination at contralateral attended locations, interference over mSPL affected performance following shifts of attention regardless of the visual field (Capotosto et al., 2013). Here, using rTMS interference in conjunction with EEG recordings of brain rhythms during the presentation of cues that indicate to either shift or maintain spatial attention, we tested whether this functional anatomical segregation involves different mechanisms of rhythm synchronization. The transient inactivation of vIPS reduced the amplitude of the expected parieto-occipital low-α (8–10 Hz) desynchronization contralateral to the cued location. Conversely, the transient inactivation of mSPL, compared with vIPS, reduced the high-α (10–12 Hz) desynchronization induced by shifting attention into both visual fields. Furthermore, rTMS induced a frequency-specific delay of task-related modulation of brain rhythms. Specifically, rTMS over vIPS or mSPL during maintenance (stay cues) or shifting (shift cues) of spatial attention, respectively, caused a delay of α parieto-occipital desynchronization. Moreover, rTMS over vIPS during stay cues caused a delay of δ (2–4 Hz) frontocentral synchronization. These findings further support the anatomo-functional subdivision of the dorsal attention network in subsystems devoted to shifting or maintaining covert visuospatial attention and indicate that these mechanisms operate in different frequency channels linking frontal to parieto-occipital visual regions.
Impact of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Inputs on Basolateral Amygdala Neurons
Authors: Unal Cagri T. , Pare Denis , Zaborszky Laszlo
Published: January 2015

In addition to innervating the cerebral cortex, basal forebrain cholinergic (BFc) neurons send a dense projection to the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). In this study, we investigated the effect of near physiological acetylcholine release on BLA neurons using optogenetic tools andin vitropatch-clamp recordings. Adult transgenic mice expressing cre-recombinase under the choline acetyltransferase promoter were used to selectively transduce BFc neurons with channelrhodopsin-2 and a reporter through the injection of an adeno-associated virus. Light-induced stimulation of BFc axons produced different effects depending on the BLA cell type. In late-firing interneurons, BFc inputs elicited fast nicotinic EPSPs. In contrast, no response could be detected in fast-spiking interneurons. In principal BLA neurons, two different effects were elicited depending on their activity level. When principal BLA neurons were quiescent or made to fire at low rates by depolarizing current injection, light-induced activation of BFc axons elicited muscarinic IPSPs. In contrast, with stronger depolarizing currents, eliciting firing above ∼6–8 Hz, these muscarinic IPSPs lost their efficacy because stimulation of BFc inputs prolonged current-evoked afterdepolarizations. All the effects observed in principal neurons were dependent on muscarinic receptors type 1, engaging different intracellular mechanisms in a state-dependent manner. Overall, our results suggest that acetylcholine enhances the signal-to-noise ratio in principal BLA neurons. Moreover, the cholinergic engagement of afterdepolarizations may contribute to the formation of stimulus associations during fear-conditioning tasks where the timing of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli is not optimal for the induction of synaptic plasticity.
TFG clusters COPII‐coated transport carriers and promotes early secretory pathway organization
Authors: Johnson Adam , Bhattacharya Nilakshee , Hanna Michael , Pennington Janice G , Schuh Amber L , Wang Lei , Otegui Marisa S , Stagg Scott M , Audhya Anjon
Published: January 2015

In mammalian cells, cargo‐laden secretory vesicles leave the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) en route to ER‐Golgi intermediate compartments (ERGIC) in a manner dependent on the COPII coat complex. We report here that COPII‐coated transport carriers traverse a submicron, TFG (Trk‐fused gene)‐enriched zone at the ER/ERGIC interface. The architecture of TFG complexes as determined by three‐dimensional electron microscopy reveals the formation of flexible, octameric cup‐like structures, which are able to self‐associate to generate larger polymers in vitro. In cells, loss of TFG function dramatically slows protein export from the ER and results in the accumulation of COPII‐coated carriers throughout the cytoplasm. Additionally, the tight association between ER and ERGIC membranes is lost in the absence of TFG. We propose that TFG functions at the ER/ERGIC interface to locally concentrate COPII‐coated transport carriers and link exit sites on the ER to ERGIC membranes. Our findings provide a new mechanism by which COPII‐coated carriers are retained near their site of formation to facilitate rapid fusion with neighboring ERGIC membranes upon uncoating, thereby promoting interorganellar cargo transport.
Progesterone action in breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers
Authors: Diep Caroline H , Daniel Andrea R , Mauro Laura J , Knutson Todd P , Lange Carol A
Published: January 2015

Progesterone and progesterone receptors (PRs) are essential for the development and cyclical regulation of hormone-responsive tissues including the breast and reproductive tract. Altered functions of PR isoforms contribute to the pathogenesis of tumors that arise in these tissues. In the breast, progesterone acts in concert with estrogen to promote proliferative and pro-survival gene programs. In sharp contrast, progesterone inhibits estrogen-driven growth in the uterus and protects the ovary from neoplastic transformation. Progesterone-dependent actions and associated biology in diverse tissues and tumors are mediated by two PR isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. These isoforms are subject to altered transcriptional activity or expression levels, differential crosstalk with growth factor signaling pathways, and distinct post-translational modifications and cofactor-binding partners. Herein, we summarize and discuss the recent literature focused on progesterone and PR isoform-specific actions in breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Understanding the complexity of context-dependent PR actions in these tissues is critical to developing new models that will allow us to advance our knowledge base with the goal of revealing novel and efficacious therapeutic regimens for these hormone-responsive diseases.
Pericardiectomy: Prompt Surgical Management of Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Inamdar Kamran Y. , Aikebaier Maimaiti , Li Lijunhong , Abudunaibi Hi , Abudureheman Mulati
Published: January 2015

Background: Constrictive pericarditis is a slow progressive fibrosis of the pericardium leading to a variety of symptoms and signs over time. The disease poses a diagnostic challenge; restrictive cardiomyopathy and other syndromes associated with right-sided pressure abnormalities share similar symptoms and clinical findings. Pericardiectomy is considered the treatment of choice for constrictive pericarditis. Here we studied the effects of total radical pericardiectomy on hemodynamics in 37 patients diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2012 thirty-seven patients, 31 males and 6 females, age range 15 to 69 years, underwent total pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical, pathological and diagnostic modalities-ECG, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and echocardiogram. The surgical approach was median sternotomy and surgery was conducted without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Results: Postoperative outcomes showed overall improvement in the majority of patients. Hemodynamics-stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction, central venous pressure-were all measurably improved postoperatively. There was no postoperative mortality.

Conclusion: Radical pericardiectomy is a demonstrably useful procedure for correction of hemodynamic abnormalities and improvement of overall heart function in symptomatic patients with constrictive pericarditis.
Evaluation of Quality Of Life after Cardiac Surgery in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Tabesh Hanif , Tafti Hossein Ahmadi , Ameri Sara , Jalali Arash , Kashanivahid Narges
Published: January 2015

Background: Conventionally, there is controversy over subjecting high-risk patients to cardiac operations, due to major postoperative complications. Higher survival rates and less morbidity as well as better quality of life can be good predictors of the outcome of surgery. This study evaluates the quality of life before and 12 months after cardiac operations on high-risk patients.

Methods: In this study, the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II was used to separate high-risk patients from others. The quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) before surgery and one year afterward. Based on SF-36, the score for each of the eight different dimensions of the quality of life was quantified; and, their differences between pre-surgery and post-follow up period were analyzed.

Results: 126 high-risk patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 64.29 � 12.35 years. The median of EuroSCORE II score in these cases was 6.83 (6.04-25.98). The results reveal that the majority of the quality of life dimensions, except mental health, improved significantly after the follow-up period.

Conclusion: Cardiac surgery on high-risk patients can noticeably promote the different aspects of their quality of life; although, such improvements should be considered against surgical complications.
Peri-Prosthetic Infection in the Orthopedic Tumor Patient
Authors: Allison MD, MBA, FACS Daniel , Huang, MD Eddie , Ahlmann, MD Elke , Carney, MD Scott , Wang, PA-C Ling , Menendez, MD, FACS Lawrence
Published: January 2015

Background: Infection complicates traditional joint reconstruction prostheses in up to 7% of cases, with even higher rates in oncologic cases. Questions / Purposes: The authors ask if prosthetic infection in bone tumor patients is associated with any epidemiologic, treatment, or outcome variables that could influence management of these difficult conditions. Patients and Methods: Authors retrospectively reviewed 329 consecutive bone tumor (malignant and benign) patients treated with hip or knee tumor resection and subsequent joint reconstruction, comparing infected and non-infected cases. Patients were followed for a mean of 34 months.Results: Of lower extremity tumor reconstructions, 13.1% developed periprosthetic infection, with the knee significantly more involved than the hip (20.5% vs 6.1%). The most common organism cultured was Staphylococcus aureus (33%). The diagnosis of sarcoma was associated with a higher infection rate, and infections were associated with a two-fold increase in number of total surgeries. Adjuvant radiation alone and chemotherapy alone (but not in combination) was associated with statistically increased infection rates. Debridement with fixed implant retention achieved a 70% infection remission rate, as opposed to 62% with two-staged treatment, and 100% with amputation. The implants tended to survive longer than the patients.Conclusions: Infection complicates lower extremity prosthetic joint reconstructions in tumor patients more frequently than in non-tumor arthroplasty cases, with eradication rates lower than that of non-tumor patients. Periprosthetic infection correlates with radiation and chemotherapy administration, as well as an overall increase in revision surgery. Single stage debridement procedures result in infection remission rates comparable to two-stage reconstructions.Level of Evidence  Level III, Retrospective comparative study.
A Practical Protection of Edmonton-Hardisty Capsule Pipelining: Trunkline Test
Authors: Hodgson G.W. , Kruyer Jan , Roehl A.A. , Round G.F. , Ellis H.S.
Published: January 2015

The first trunkline test of capsule pipeline flow was carried out jointly from March 10 to 12, 1965, by the Research Council of Alberta and the Interprovincial Pipe Line Company. The Interprovincial system runs from Edmonton to Toronto, and the test was run in the 109-mile section of the 20-in.-O.D. No. 1 line from Edmonton to Hardisty. The capsule, which was 16 ins. in diameter and about 50 ins. long, consisted of a steel shell filled with crude oil and weighed 514 lbs. The velocity of the capsule was determined from timing observations at fifty-two points along the line. The capsule velocity averaged 2.88 ft/sec (1.95 mph) over the undulating country; the average oil velocity was 4.08 ft/sec (2.52 to 3.11 mph). The ratio of capsule to oil velocity generally varied from 0.62 to 0.85, and was dependent both on the gradient of the line and on the oil velocity, the effect of the latter being more pronounced. The flow characteristics of the large-scale capsule are compatible with those found in the extensive laboratory investigations and confirm the belief that capsule pipelining merits comprehensive technological research and development.
A Perspective of Western Canada's Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Govier G.W.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Members of the CIM are generally well aware of the importance of Canada's mineral industries to the national economy, but those of you who are involved chiefly with the mining and metallurgical aspects of the industry may not have too much appreciation of the nature and importance of the oil and gas industries. It seemed to me that it would be appropriate this year, when your President is associated with the petroleum industry and when the Petroleum Society of CIM is getting well established, if the President's informal talk to the Branches could include a brief perspective view of the petroleum industry.
New Matrix Sealing and Fluid Diversion Systems Find Application in Both Injection and Producing Wells
Authors: Moran J.P. , Gray H.L. , Cameron R.C.
Published: January 2015

New, low-cost, easily-applied matrix sealing materials have proved highly successful in many applications throughout the United States and Canada. Pumped or placed, as a low-viscosity liquid, the material forms a strong gel plug in the formation to seal off undesired zones. It is the first material for this purpose which provides positively-controlled setting times. It has been used to seal off channels in waterfloods, plug thief zones in injection wells and shut off unwanted water or gas zones in production wells.

This paper discusses the material and techniques of application and describes many of the actual field applications which have proved successful.
Maximizing Individual Well Performance
Authors: McCoy James N.
Published: January 2015

This paper discusses the maximizing of the performance of individual wells through the use of the sonic liquid level instrument for obtaining accurate liquid level data. The theory of well production is covered, and the pumping equipment used is described.

Introduction

Maximizing individual well performance is one of the important steps in efficiently producing oil. This job exists from the day a well is completed until the day it is plugged. The task consists of daily field observation, supplemented by detailed examination of well records and well data. The sonic liquid level instrument offers valuable supplemental information as downhole pressures can be determined from the depth-to-liquid measurement. Efficient well performance results in considerably more oil in a shorter period of time. A barrel of oil produced today through better production methods is worth many times the barrel of oil that is produced years from now when the income barely exceeds the expenses.
Taxonomic diversity dynamics of early cretaceous brachiopods and gastropods in the Azerbaijanian domains of the Lesser Caucasus (Neo-Tethys Ocean)
Authors: Ruban Dmitry
Published: January 2015

Palaeontological data available from the Azerbaijanian domains
(Somkhit-Agdam, Sevan-Karabakh, and Miskhan-Kafan tectonic zones) of the
Lesser Caucasus permit reconstruction of the regional taxonomic diversity
dynamics of two groups of Early Cretaceous marine benthic invertebrates.
Stratigraphical ranges of 31 species and 14 genera of brachiopods and 40
species and 31 genera of gastropods are considered. The total number of
species and genera of brachiopods was low in the Berriasian-Valanginian and
then rose to peak in the Barremian. Then, the diversity declined in the
Aptian, and brachiopods are not known regionally from the Albian. Gastropods
appeared in the Hauterivian and experienced a strong radiation in the
Barremian. The diversity of species and genera declined in the Aptian (with a
minor radiation in the Middle Aptian), and no gastropods are reported from
the Albian. Globally, the number of brachiopod genera remained stable through
the Early Cretaceous, and the number of gastropod genera increased stepwise
with the maximum in the Albian. The regional and global patterns of the
diversity dynamics differed for the both groups of marine benthic
invertebrates. The Barremian maximum of the taxonomic diversity coincided
with the regional flourishing of reefal ecosystems. The taxonomic diversity
dynamics of brachiopods in the Azerbaijanian domains of the Lesser Caucasus
is very similar to those of the Northern Caucasus, which is an evidence of
proximity of these regions during the Early Cretaceous.
Quaternary tectonic and depositional evolution of eastern Srem (northwest Serbia)
Authors: Toljic Marinko , Nenadic Drazenko , Stojadinovic Uros , Gaudenyi Tivadar , Bogicevic Katarina
Published: January 2015

The area of eastern Srem is situated in the southern periphery of the
Pannonian basin. Its depositional evolution during the Neogene and the
Quaternary has been controlled by tectonic processes. Miocene extensional
subsidence was followed by the Pliocene-Quaternary inversion of the basin.
The latter was accomplished as the result of replacement of the tensile by
the compressive stress field. Since the Late Neogene, the regional tectonic
activity has been controlled by compressive stress produced by the
northnortheastern propagation of the Adria microplate. In the compressive
NE-SW-oriented stress field, the recent structural plan of the Pannonian
basin and its wider environment, including its southern periphery, was
reactivated. The youngest tectonic deformations are characterized by positive
and negative vertical motions of large intrabasinal segments and basinal
periphery, resulting in the final inversion of the basin. The effects of the
basinal inversion can be recognized in genetic features of Quaternary
sediments and geomorphological characteristics of the relief. Sources of data
used for the interpretation of the Quaternary tectonic activity in the area
of eastern Srem are of geological, geomorphological, thermochronological, and
geophysical character. The positions of prominent fault structures have been
ascertained by remote sensing, interpretations of available geophysical
cross-sections, and using the field data.
Excavations of Mediana in 2010 and 2011
Authors: Vasic Miloje , Milosevic Gordana , Gavrilovic Nadezda
Published: January 2015

Throughout 2010 and 2011, a systematic nine month archaeological exploration
was conducted on the north-eastern, northwestern and south-eastern parts of
the villa with peristyle, as well as the area in front of the museum building
(see note 8). The envisaged area of exploration was around 1,400 m?. In
total, 1,230 m? of this area was thoroughly examined (Fig. 1). The
excavations were performed with the aim of defining the dimensions of the
north-western and south-western parts of the villa, the appearance of the
villa?s entrance, as well as to explore the foundations of the museum
building. In the course of the excavations, certain differences were
perceived in the stratigraphy of the villa with peristyle and the part
excavated outside the villa.
Classicisation or representation? Mimesis in Byzantine pictorial arts as a derivative of style
Authors: Grotowski Piotr
Published: January 2015

The idea of mimesis in art theory has been neglected by Byzantine scholars.
Reasons for this may lie in the fact that the understanding of the term in
Byzantium was very complex and that it changed over time. In the Early
Byzantine period and the so-called Macedonian Renaissance, a tendency to use
tonal modelling, which was inherited from ancient Greco-Roman art, can still
be observed. Starting in the late tenth century they give way to a more
linear style. Simultaneously, a change in the understanding of mimesis in
theological writings can also be observed. The aim of this paper is to
introduce the problem of a mimetic approach in visual arts as a phenomenon in
Byzantine culture.
Picturing Christ’s childhood: Some examples of a rare iconographic theme inspired by the infancy gospels
Authors: Fundic Leonela
Published: January 2015

This article examines Byzantine wall paintings dated to the thirteenth and
fourteenth century depicting a rare iconographic theme of Jesus?s childhood
inspired by the Infancy Gospels. The iconography shows the Virgin Mary
leading the child Jesus by the hand. The child is depicted holding different
objects, such as a writing tablet, an unfurled scroll, or a wicker basket
filled with flowers or fruits. Several of the scenes under examination have
been hitherto misidentified or altogether unknown. In addition to this, the
article interprets these representations in a broader iconographic context
and addresses the possible origin of the theme.
Gospel scenes in the narthex of the Mileseva church: A contribution to the reconstruction and interpretation of the original programme
Authors: Milanovic Vesna
Published: January 2015

The paper is focused on the issue of the original content and structure of a
heavily damaged iconographic whole in the narthex of the Mileseva monastery
church. A careful examination of the surviving material and contemporary
analogies seeks to elucidate the unknowns and dilemmas surrounding the
adopted solutions. The analysis of the content of the frescoes on the side
walls should clarify the role of the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet
within the small group of scenes whose underlying theme was the Passion of
Christ. The findings concerning the relationship between these scenes and a
seemingly inexplicable combination of solutions on the west wall corroborate
the assumption that the whole was conceived as a system of counterparts. Some
observations substantiate the recently advanced hypothesis that the now gone
east wall of the narthex featured, above the door to the naos, a Crucifixion
scene as an integral and especially emphasized component of the cycle.
Observations on the oldest known icons of the Monastery of King Marko (I): The issue of the patronage of Helena Dragas and the inscription on the shield of St Demetrios
Authors: Markovic Miodrag
Published: January 2015

The paper refutes the assumption of Petar Miljkovic-Pepek that the oldest
icons in the treasury of Monastery of King Marko were painted between 1395
and 1405, as a gift the Byzantine empress Helena Dragas made to the monastery
so as to ensure a yearly memorial service for her tragically killed father
Constantine. The part of the inscription on the icon of St Demetrios, on
which the assumption was based, has been differently interpreted here: it is
not actually related to empress Helena but to the military title of
Thessalonian megalomartyr, like the rest of the inscription.
Computed tomographic features of clinical and subclinical middle ear disease in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): 88 cases (2007–2014)
Authors: de Matos Ricardo , Ruby Jennifer , Van Hatten Ruth A. , Thompson Margret
Published: January 2015

Objective—To describe and compare CT abnormalities of the middle ear in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that had clinical or subclinical middle ear disease and to determine the prevalence of otitis media and evaluate the role of predisposing factors for otitis media in that species.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—88 domestic rabbits.

Procedures—Medical records for rabbits that underwent CT of the head in June 2007 through February 2014 were searched and classified on the basis of reason for head CT (ie, ear-related disease vs non–ear-related disease). The ears, upper respiratory tract, teeth, and other important structures of each rabbit's head were evaluated. Follow-up information was obtained for rabbits with CT abnormalities of the middle ear without clinical signs (ie, subclinical disease).

Results—12 of 21 (57%) rabbits with clinical signs of ear disease and 18 of 67 (27%) rabbits without clinical signs of ear disease had CT abnormalities of the middle ear. In CT images, all affected ears had soft tissue–attenuating material within the tympanic bulla. Tympanic bulla lysis was associated with clinical middle ear disease. Most (12/18) rabbits with subclinical middle ear disease remained subclinical after CT examination. Middle ear CT-detected changes and lop-ear conformation or otitis externa were strongly correlated; middle ear disease and upper respiratory tract disease were not correlated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggested that subclinical otitis media frequently affects rabbits, and those with bulla lysis should be closely monitored. Lop-eared rabbits and rabbits with otitis externa had a higher risk of developing otitis media.
Bacillus-based biological control of cotton seedling disease complex
Authors: Khiyami Mohammad Ahmed , Omar Moawad Ragab , Abd-Elsalam Kamel Ahmed , El-Hady Aly Aly Abd
Published: January 2015

To formulate an efficient and eco-friendly strategy for the management of cotton seedling disease complex, pot experiments
were conducted and the efficiency of eight Bacillus strains against seven fungi involved in the disease were determined. A greenhouse
evaluation of the interaction between fungal isolates and Bacillus strains was carried out. The evaluation revealed a very highly
significant Bacillus strains x fungal isolates interaction for all the following parameters: preemergence damping-off, postemergence
damping-off, survival, plant height, and dry weight. This interaction implies that a single strain of the Bacillus sp. can be highly effective
against a fungal isolate, but may have only minimal effects on other fungal isolates. The results of the present study demonstrated
that Bacillus circulans and B. coagulans were the most effective strains in controlling cotton seedling disease. Therefore, strains of Bacillus
spp. should be tested against as many fungal isolates as possible. The testing will improve the chance of identifying Bacillus strains
effective against several fungal isolates.
Biotypes of scentless chamomile Matricaria maritima (L.) ssp. inodora (L.) Dostal and common poppy Papaver rhoeas (L.) resistant to tribenuron methyl, in Poland
Authors: Adamczewski Kazimierz , Kierzek Roman , Matysiak Kinga
Published: January 2015

Scentless chamomile Matricaria maritima (L.) ssp. inodora (L.) Dostal and common poppy Papaver rhoeas (L.) are species
which very often infest winter cereal and winter rape crops. Inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (ALS) are commonly used for control
of these weeds. The herbicides are characterised by a single site of action in the plant, which has an influence on selection of the weed
population and may result in a rapid development of resistance. In 2012, five seed samples of scentless chamomile and five samples
of common poppy were collected from five winter wheat crop fields in Żuławy Gdańskie where the weed species were very poorly
controlled. Results of greenhouse experiments showed that two biotypes of scentless chamomile and common poppy were resistant to
tribenuron methyl. It was not possible to control resistant biotypes even after use of tribenuron methyl at a dose four times higher than
recommended in Poland, it is the first reported case of scentless chamomile and common poppy biotypes’ resistance to herbicides. It
is not of economic importance but it does prove the growing problem of weed resistance in the country.
Effect of soil type on pyrethrum seed germination
Authors: Sladonja Barbara , Krapac Marin , Ban Dean , Užila Zoran , Dudaš Slavica , Dorčić Dušica
Published: January 2015

Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch. Bip.) is an autochthonous insecticidal plant from Dalmatia (Croatia). It is
commercially grown worldwide with a particularly fast expansion in Africa and Australia (Tasmania) and used as a natural insecticide.
The study was conducted in Istria, Croatia, in a greenhouse, to determine the effect of soil type on the germination of pyrethrum
seeds. The effect of different soil types on the germination of pyrethrum was found to be highly significant. The highest percentage
of germination was found on white clay loam (soil type 2), and the lowest on red clay Terra Rossa (soil types 1 and 6). Seed germination
was greatly influenced by soil texture, foremost silt percentage, and soil pH. The present study suggests that pyrethrum seed
germination is best on slightly alkaline clayey loams with moderate nutrients. Positive correlation was confirmed among germination
percentage and silt content and soil pH.
Experimental Measurements of a Model of Pile, Slab and Raft Foundation
Authors: Burkovič Kamil , Buchta Vojtěch
Published: January 2015

A design of the load-bearing capacity and settlement of a pilot base is usually based on the assumption that all of the load from the top of the building is transferred only by pilots. The influence of the adjacent connecting structures, which are in contact with the ground (pile cap, slab, block, belt, etc.), is usually ignored. The necessary data from the experimental measurement of the impact of these structures, concerning the overall bearing capacity of the foundations, was obtained on the testload device (Stand), in the area of Faculty of Civil Engineering, VŠB-TU of Ostrava. The progress of the experiment and the results of the load tests are listed in this paper
Optimal Protection of Reactor Hall Under Nuclear Fuel Container Drop Using Simulation Methods
Authors: Králik Juraj
Published: January 2015

This paper presents of the optimal design of the damping devices cover of reactor hall under impact of nuclear fuel container drop of type TK C30. The finite element idealization of nuclear power plant structure is used in software ANSYS. The steel pipe damper system is proposed for dissipation of the kinetic energy of the container free fall in comparison with the experimental results. The probabilistic and sensitivity analysis of the damping devices was considered on the base of the simulation methods in program AntHill using the Monte Carlo method.
Evaluating the Impacts of “New” Performance Funding in Higher Education
Authors: Hillman Nicholas W. , Tandberg David A. , Fryar Alisa H.
Published: January 2015

In 2007, Washington adopted the Student Achievement Initiative, a statewide performance accountability system designed to improve retention rates and degree productivity among community colleges. Using difference-in-differences analysis, we found that the policy change has had little immediate effect on retention rates or associate’s degree productivity. However, community colleges produced more short-term certificates after the policy reform. These results are robust across many alternative comparison groups. Considering that certificates yield less value in the labor market than associate’s degrees but are easier for colleges to produce, we discuss the unintended consequences of rewarding colleges based on the number of credentials they produce.
The Positive Effects of Parents Mental Illness on Their Children: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zeighami Reza , Oskouie Fatemeh , Joolaee Soodabeh
Published: January 2015

Objective: The main objective of this research is to explore the positive consequences of parents mental illness on their children. Material & methods: This study was a part of a more comprehensive study performed based on grounded theory. In this work semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants selected by purposeful and theoretical sampling approach. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis suggested by Straus and Corbin (1988) method. Results: Despite negative effects of the illness, the children have been perceived positive effects from their parents illness. These findings categorized in two category of "independence" and "considering the others needs". Conclusion: Application of these findings in care plan of patients and families, particularly their children, can offer more efficient coping with mental illness. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.12989 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.449-453
Transoral migration of peritoneal end of ventriculoperitoneal shunt with perforation of gastro-esophageal junction: a case report of a rare complication
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Mala Tariq Ahmed , Gupta Atul , Paul Rozy , Malla Shahaid Amin , Gupta Arun Kumar
Published: January 2015

A rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is presented. A 11-year old boy presented with a tube coming out of the mouth. He had multiple VP shunt done earlier. Clinical features, laboratory investigations and imaging studies showed that the peritoneal end had perforated the gastro-oesophageal junction and then prolapsed trans-orally. The shunt was removed and he made an uneventful recovery. Though migration of the peritoneal end of the shunt tube into various organs is known, to our knowledge, only six/seven cases have been reported in the English literature of a shunt tube coming out of the mouth and this is the next. The management of this very rare problem is discussed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20654Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.492-495
Effect of Addition of Natural Antioxidants on the Shelf-Life of “Chorizo”, a Spanish Dry-Cured Sausage
Authors: Pateiro Mirian , Bermúdez Roberto , Lorenzo José , Franco Daniel
Published: January 2015

The dose effect of the addition of natural antioxidants (tea, chestnut, grape seed and beer extracts) on physicochemical, microbiological changes and on oxidative stability of dry-cured “chorizo”, as well as their effect during the storage under vacuum conditions was evaluated. Color parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the addition of antioxidants so that samples that contained antioxidants were more effective in maintaining color. The improving effects were dose-dependent with highest values with the dose of 50 mg/kg during ripening and depend on the extract during vacuum packaging. Addition of antioxidants decreased (p < 0.05) the oxidation, showing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values below 0.4 mg MDA/kg. Natural antioxidants matched or even improved the results obtained for butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Regarding texture profile analysis (TPA) analysis, hardness values significantly (p < 0.001) decreased with the addition of antioxidants, obtaining the lower results with the dose of 200 mg/kg both during ripening and vacuum packaging. Antioxidants reduced the counts of total viable counts (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mold and yeast. Free fatty acid content during ripening and under vacuum conditions showed a gradual and significant (p < 0.05) release as a result of lipolysis. At the end of ripening, the addition of GRA1000 protected chorizos from oxidative degradation.
Message Authentication over Noisy Channels
Authors: Zheng Fanfan , Xiao Zhiqing , Zhou Shidong , Wang Jing , Huang Lianfen
Published: January 2015

The essence of authentication is the transmission of unique and irreproducible information. In this paper, the authentication becomes a problem of the secure transmission of the secret key over noisy channels. A general analysis and design framework for message authentication is presented based on the results of Wyner’s wiretap channel. Impersonation and substitution attacks are primarily investigated. Information-theoretic lower and upper bounds on the opponent’s success probability are derived, and the lower bound and the upper bound are shown to match. In general, the fundamental limits on message authentication over noisy channels are fully characterized. Analysis results demonstrate that introducing noisy channels is a reliable way to enhance the security of authentication.
The Language Desert: The Condition of Literacy and Reading in Contemporary America
Authors: Tracey Michael
Published: January 2015

This essay is an engagement with a series of propositions about literacy and reading in the United States: that large numbers of people struggle with what one might call narrative complexity; that they resolve such struggles by falling back onto narrative simplicities which, through a series of cultural preferences, congeal to produce much of the stuff of popular culture; that this condition and process is essentially what the varied critics—from left and right—of the culture of modernity were actually identifying, though from a largely normative, not empirical, standpoint; that what was being critiqued was essentially a condition formed by cognitive underdevelopment; and that we can actually explain this empirically by mining decades’ worth of research in reading and literacy studies, particularly in the context of childhood and social class. In short, this paper is an admittedly tentative step in an effort to build a bridge between two knowledge silos that have in part remained determinably apart—reading/literacy studies and cultural/critical theory. The essay also suggests that, in order to understand reading and literacy, it is important to begin to engage research in neuroscience, particularly that which suggests that the brain is actually not designed—in evolutionary terms—to read.
A Method for Screening Climate Change-Sensitive Infectious Diseases
Authors: Wang Yunjing , Rao Yuhan , Wu Xiaoxu , Zhao Hainan , Chen Jin
Published: January 2015

Climate change is a significant and emerging threat to human health, especially where infectious diseases are involved. Because of the complex interactions between climate variables and infectious disease components (i.e., pathogen, host and transmission environment), systematically and quantitatively screening for infectious diseases that are sensitive to climate change is still a challenge. To address this challenge, we propose a new statistical indicator, Relative Sensitivity, to identify the difference between the sensitivity of the infectious disease to climate variables for two different climate statuses (i.e., historical climate and present climate) in non-exposure and exposure groups. The case study in Anhui Province, China has demonstrated the effectiveness of this Relative Sensitivity indicator. The application results indicate significant sensitivity of many epidemic infectious diseases to climate change in the form of changing climatic variables, such as temperature, precipitation and absolute humidity. As novel evidence, this research shows that absolute humidity has a critical influence on many observed infectious diseases in Anhui Province, including dysentery, hand, foot and mouth disease, hepatitis A, hemorrhagic fever, typhoid fever, malaria, meningitis, influenza and schistosomiasis. Moreover, some infectious diseases are more sensitive to climate change in rural areas than in urban areas. This insight provides guidance for future health inputs that consider spatial variability in response to climate change.
Cutaneous Protothecosis in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nguyen Quynh-Giao , Rosen Ted
Published: January 2015

Protothecosis is a rare infection, which has the potential to cause severe disease in patients with underlying immunosuppression. We describe a case of an elderly female with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as other risk factors, who presented with pustular and erythematous plaques, initially presumed to be leukemia cutis. A biopsy with special stains revealed the lesions to be cutaneous protothecosis, thus presenting a most unusual concurrence of disease entities. The literature to date on this rare infection will be reviewed.