bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy: A Nationwide Study From Turkey
Authors: Akinci Baris , Onay Huseyin , Demir Tevfik , Ozen Samim , Kayserili Hulya , Akinci Gulcin , Nur Banu , Tuysuz Beyhan , Nuri Ozbek Mehmet , Gungor Adem , Yildirim Simsir Ilgin , Altay Canan , Demir Leyla , Simsek Enver , Atmaca Murat , Topaloglu Haluk , Bilen Habib , Atmaca Hulusi , Atik Tahir , Cavdar Umit , Altunoglu Umut , Aslanger Ayca , Mihci Ercan , Secil Mustafa , Saygili Fusun , Comlekci Abdurrahman , Garg Abhimanyu
Published: May 2016

Context:

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by near-total lack of body fat.

Objective:

We aimed to study natural history and disease burden of various subtypes of CGL.

Design:

We attempted to ascertain nearly all patients with CGL in Turkey.

Setting:

This was a nationwide study.

Patients or Other Participants:

Participants included 33 patients (22 families) with CGL and 30 healthy controls.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We wanted to ascertain genotypes by sequencing of the known genes. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the extent of fat loss. Metabolic abnormalities and end-organ complications were measured on prospective follow-up.

Results:

Analysis of the AGPAT2 gene revealed four previously reported and four novel mutations (CGL1; c.144C>A, c.667_705delinsCTGCG, c.268delC, and c.316+1G>T). Analysis of the BSCL2 gene revealed four different homozygous and one compound heterozygous possible disease-causing mutations (CGL2), including four novel mutations (c.280C>T, c.631delG, c.62A>T, and c.465-468delGACT). Two homozygous PTRF mutations (c.481-482insGTGA and c.259C>T) were identified (CGL4). Patients with CGL1 had preservation of adipose tissue in the palms, soles, scalp, and orbital region, and had relatively lower serum adiponectin levels as compared to CGL2 patients. CGL4 patients had myopathy and other distinct clinical features. All patients developed various metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance. Hepatic involvement was more severe in CGL2. End-organ complications were observed at young ages. Two patients died at age 62 years from cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

CGL patients from Turkey had both previously reported and novel mutations of the AGPAT2, BSCL2, and PTRF genes. Our study highlights the early onset of severe metabolic abnormalities and increased risk of end-organ complications in patients with CGL.
DNA Methylation Biphasically Regulates 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Yang Xiaosong , Wu Rui , Shan Weiguang , Yu Liqing , Xue Bingzhong , Shi Hang
Published: May 2016

Better understanding the mechanisms underlying adipogenesis may provide novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of obesity. Most studies investigating the mechanisms underlying adipogenesis focus on highly regulated transcriptional pathways; little is known about the epigenetic mechanisms in this process. Here, we determined the role of DNA methylation in regulating 3T3-L1 adipogenesis in early and late stage of differentiation. We found that inhibiting DNA methylation pharmacologically by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) at early stage of 3T3-L1 differentiation markedly suppressed adipogenesis. This inhibition of adipogenesis by 5-aza-dC was associated with up-regulation of Wnt10a, an antiadipogenic factor, and down-regulation of Wnt10a promoter methylation. In contrast, inhibiting DNA methylation by 5-aza-dC at late stage of differentiation enhanced the lipogenic program. The differential effects of 5-aza-dC on adipogenesis were confirmed by gain or loss of function of DNA methyltransferase 1 using genetic approaches. We further explored the molecular mechanism underlying the enhanced lipogenesis by inhibition of DNA methylation at late stage of differentiation. The Srebp1c promoter is enriched with CpG sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that DNA methyltransferase 1 bound to the methylation region at the Srebp1c promoter. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that the DNA methylation at the key cis-elements of the Srebp1c promoter was down-regulated in adipogenesis. Further, luciferase reporter assays showed that the Srebp1c promoter activity was dramatically up-regulated by the unmethylated promoter compared with the fully methylated promoter. Thus DNA methylation appears to exert a biphasic regulatory role in adipogenesis, promoting differentiation at early stage while inhibiting lipogenesis at late stage of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation.
Lessons Learned from Latin America
Authors: Sommer Doris
Published: May 2016

During the US Cold War boom in area studies, scholars would sometimes innocently support homeland economic and political interests. In Latin America and elsewhere, the fact-finding focus often morphed into the look of love, as objects of investigation turned out to be more charming than alarming. Inevitably, interrogations led to lessons in sociability and wit to derail some missions promoted by private and public Cold Warriors. Ethical quandaries would soon turn new North American lovers of Latin America toward ironies related to the metaphor of cannibalism that Brazil’s Oswald de Andrade formulated in his 1928 “Manifesto antropófago.” “Who eats whom?” they asked. And, “Is it bad?” For humanists, thanks to theoretical contributions in literary studies by Jorge Luis Borges, and for the range of arts by Luis Camnitzer, scholars north and south have been learning that the vital processes of ingestion and appropriation give flesh and blood to art and to life in general. Reformulating ethical questions, scholars now ask about levels of collaboration and mutual admiration. Interest need not disappear when love arrives. That’s why teachers today (through Pre-Texts, for example) can appropriate the art processes they love in the hope of developing student skills and civility.
Disruption of a cystine transporter downregulates expression of genes involved in sulfur regulation and cellular respiration
Authors: Simpkins Jessica A. , Rickel Kirby E. , Madeo Marianna , Ahlers Bethany A. , Carlisle Gabriel B. , Nelson Heidi J. , Cardillo Andrew L. , Weber Emily A. , Vitiello Peter F. , Pearce David A. , Vitiello Seasson P.
Published: May 2016

Cystine and cysteine are important molecules for pathways such as redox signaling and regulation, and thus identifying cellular deficits upon deletion of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cystine transporter Ers1p allows for a further understanding of cystine homeostasis. Previous complementation studies using the human ortholog suggest yeast Ers1p is a cystine transporter. Human CTNS encodes the protein Cystinosin, a cystine transporter that is embedded in the lysosomal membrane and facilitates the export of cystine from the lysosome. When CTNS is mutated, cystine transport is disrupted, leading to cystine accumulation, the diagnostic hallmark of the lysosomal storage disorder cystinosis. Here, we provide biochemical evidence for Ers1p-dependent cystine transport. However, the accumulation of intracellular cystine is not observed when the ERS1 gene is deleted from ers1-Δ yeast, supporting the existence of modifier genes that provide a mechanism in ers1-Δ yeast that prevents or corrects cystine accumulation. Upon comparison of the transcriptomes of isogenic ERS1+ and ers1-Δ strains of S. cerevisiae by DNA microarray followed by targeted qPCR, sixteen genes were identified as being differentially expressed between the two genotypes. Genes that encode proteins functioning in sulfur regulation, cellular respiration, and general transport were enriched in our screen, demonstrating pleiotropic effects of ers1-Δ. These results give insight into yeast cystine regulation and the multiple, seemingly distal, pathways that involve proper cystine recycling.
The challenges of big data
Authors: Mardis Elaine R.
Published: May 2016

The largely untapped potential of big data analytics is a feeding frenzy that has been fueled by the production of many next-generation-sequencing-based data sets that are seeking to answer long-held questions about the biology of human diseases. Although these approaches are likely to be a powerful means of revealing new biological insights, there are a number of substantial challenges that currently hamper efforts to harness the power of big data. This Editorial outlines several such challenges as a means of illustrating that the path to big data revelations is paved with perils that the scientific community must overcome to pursue this important quest.
Incubation temperature causes skewed sex ratios in a precocial bird
Authors: Durant Sarah E. , Hopkins William A. , Carter Amanda W. , Kirkpatrick Laila T. , Navara Kristin J. , Hawley Dana M.
Published: May 2016

Many animals that have genetic sex determination are capable of manipulating sex ratios via behavioral and physiological means, which can sometimes result in fitness benefits to the parent. Sex ratio manipulation in birds is not widely documented, and revealing the mechanisms for altered sex ratios in vertebrates remains a compelling area of research. Incubation temperature is a key component of the developmental environment for birds, but despite its well documented effects on offspring phenotype it has rarely been considered as a factor in avian sex ratios. Using ecologically-relevant manipulations of incubation temperature within 35.0–37.0°C, we found greater mortality of female embryos during incubation than males regardless of incubation temperature, and evidence that more female than male embryos die at the lowest incubation temperature (35.0 °C). Our findings in conjunction with previous work in brush turkeys suggest incubation temperature is an important determinant of avian secondary sex ratios that requires additional study, and should be considered when estimating the impact of climate change on avian populations.
Establishing Nature of Law in Judicial Decisions
Authors: Лазарев Валерий , Lazaryev Valyeriy , Фурсов Дмитрий , Fursov Dmitriy
Published: May 2016

The problem of establishing the nature of law has deep theoretical roots, because no one can reveal the phenomenon of law. In spite of various scientific aspects of this concept, in practice it is necessary to recognize its role as a single tool. The authors conclude that the court is not only the subject of the interpretation of the jus, not only the enforcer or entity conflict resolution relationship, it introduces its own innovations to the search for justice, it is the creator of the law. The article substantiates the role of the court not only as a guarantor of the existing legal system, but also as an institution imperatively harmonizing the system. The relevance of the study is explained by the fact that the establishment of the nature of law, even in the acts of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation is a very complex problem, which has not been adequately investigated, especially with regard to court’s decisions. But all courts create the “living law”. Without the will of the state, no law is possible, but the jus does not embrace the whole law and the latter always takes priority over the jus. Transformation of a legal activity in the aspect of searching for the law is necessary for all judicial authorities. If the first instance courts shut themselves within the framework of the law, their mission will be extremely limited. They won´t even be able to outline the legal boundaries, where the authorized review judicial authorities and persons involved in the case could in-depth study, evaluate the circumstances associated with the search for and finding of the most justified solution. The authors believe that the law revealed in court decisions, forms the foundation of the rule of law and therefore requires additional account as an important information resource, necessary for the formation of unified law enforcement, for its use by a legislator for the purpose of implementing the models of legal relations, as reflected in the decisions, into legislative acts.
On Legal Nature and Classificatory Identity Standards of Law Enforcement Ethics
Authors: Валиев Рафаиль , Valiev Rafail
Published: May 2016

Based on the problem situation conditioned by indeterminacy of institutional position of the standards of law enforcement ethics within the mechanism of contemporary law enforcement regulation, the author attempts to analyze the legal nature of the above standards. The study reveals that the legal nature of standards of law enforcement ethics is conditioned by the necessity to protect the identity of citizens and the law enforcement system itself from the negative impact produced by various forms of irregular conduct by subjects of law enforcement. As a result of comparing the standards of law enforcement ethics and the rules of law the author establishes that according to the technical-legal forms of their external expression and other attributes, as well as their regulatory potential, the standards of law enforcement ethics are comparable to the status of the rules of law. The study permits us to conclude that the standards of law enforcement ethics possess the classificatory identity typical of the protective rules of law represented by relations in the field of law enforcement activity. This identity is conditioned by the specificity of the subject of their regulation. The standards of law enforcement ethics are of subsidiary significance as they supplement and develop standards of status laws in matters of legal regulation of the moral aspect of the law enforcement activity.
Criminal and Administrative Responsibility for Violation of the Freedom of Conscience and Religion: Problem of Differentiation
Authors: Шилин Дмитрий , Shilin Dmitriy
Published: May 2016

The article analyzes objective and subjective characteristics of elements of the violation of the right to freedom of worship and religions. In particular, the author investigates disposition of public actions that express obvious disrespect for the society with the aim to insult religious feelings of believers. The author notes timeliness of legislative recognition of this law which is in line with modern development of public relations and foreign best practice. The author calls into question the relevancy of establishing goals as an obligatory element of corpus delicti. The author pays attention to the contentious nature of article 148 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and article 5.26 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences and the absence of the due mechanism to overcome it in the criminal law science. Following the results of the research the author proposes changes to the criminal law to ensure the principle of inevitability of criminal liability and protection of the right to freedom of worship and religions guaranteed by the Constitution.
On Legal Nature, Concept and System of Criminal-Procedural Coercion
Authors: Вершинина Светлана , Vershinina Svetlana
Published: May 2016

Revealing the legal nature of criminal procedural coercion, the author recognizes its dependency on the procedural obligations of the parties to the judicial procedure which, being enshrined in the existing law, form a model of proper behavior and determine the kind, scope and content of possible and necessary force in criminal proceedings. On this basis the author analyzes the procedure presented in the science, definition of the concept and system of criminal procedural coercion and concludes about the multidimensionality of understanding the procedural coercion and the need for its research in three areas: 1) theoretical concept explaining this phenomenon from the standpoint of social significance, and expressing a certain vision of this phenomenon in the relevant historical period; 2) as legal education covering a specific set of legal provisions governing compulsion in criminal proceedings, and that are in line with the logical structure of the rules of law; 3) as a set of coercive measures envisaged by the Code of Criminal Procedure, the contents of which include on the one hand, real actions and/or decisions of officials, who apply coercion, and, on the other hand, procedural rights and obligations of participants who are exposed to compulsory coercion.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF LEGAL CULTURE
Authors: Автономов Алексей , Avtonomov Alyeksyey
Published: May 2016

The article is devoted to theoretical issues of using one of the research methods — structural analysis — for legal culture studying. Legal culture is a kind of a layer in social environment that represents one of the regulatory types. Law in its functioning is closely connected with the state, but rules of that law are rooted in societal life, resting upon the ideas of fairness which are dominant in the society under specific historical conditions. Legal culture manifests itself in the samples (models) of behavior and values. Legal culture combines the rational and the irrational. Legal culture is formed and developed under concrete historical conditions and, on the one hand, relies on law, being one of the legal phenomena (hence, the existence of law is the indispensable prerequisite for the existence of legal culture), and on the other hand, it is a factor of ensuring law existence and enforcement, because any rules that do not meet the dominant society’s values and predominant behavior samples (models), would be invalid: either they will be ignored and not applied or attempts will be made to adapt them to the values and behavior samples (models) by means of interpretation, enforcement practices, etc. (but as a result of that, the content of the rules will be different), or such rules will be changed or cancelled.
MONITORING OF LEGISLATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RULE MAKING: EXPERIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: Полящук Наталья , Polyashchuk Natalya
Published: May 2016

The article provides general characteristics of legal acts regulating the rule making process in the Republic of Belarus and reveals drawbacks that are subject to rectification as part of further improvement of rule-making. The author justifies the position that monitoring of legislation and law enforcement is an integral component of law making that permits to assess efficiency of legal and regulatory framework and optimize both rule making and law enforcement activity. Nevertheless, among the sources regulating certain stages of rule-making process in the Republic of Belarus, there are no regulatory legal acts that would envisage the necessity to carry out legal monitoring (monitoring of legislation and law enforcement) and set forth its procedure. At the same time the Republic of Belarus has enough potential to form an appropriate system to monitor legislation and law enforcement and enshrine it at the regulatory level. Taking these circumstances into account, the author outlines proposals relating to conceptual content (meaning) of regulatory legal acts on the basis of which the author intends to introduce the institute of legal monitoring into the practice of rule-making authorities (executive officers) in the Republic of Belarus.
MANDATORY DEATH PENALTY IN THE GLOBALIZED WORLD
Authors: Нагорная Ирина , Nagornaya Irina
Published: May 2016

The subject of this research is the death penalty as a mandatory punishment for the most serious crimes in the United States, Asia and the Caribbean and corresponding constitutional problems. The author analyses foreign courts’ judgments and foreign researchers’ points of view. The author considers the influence of the jurisprudence of the US Supreme Court on the countries with similar legal systems, the importance of legal thought in other countries for further development of law-enforcement practice in a particular region and the globalized world. The author analyzes inconsistent position of Singapore, as well as the indecisiveness of the government of Malaysia, because until recently these two countries were fervent supporters of the mandatory death penalty in the Commonwealth. The author supports the global trend towards the abolition of the mandatory death penalty and the fact that the “Asian values” are not an insurmountable barrier to achieve this goal.
MULTILINGUAL TAX TREATIES AND PECULIARITIES OF THEIR INTERPRETATION
Authors: Хаванова Инна , Khavanova Inna
Published: May 2016

In this article dedicated to multilingual tax treaties special attention is drawn to the treaties concluded by the Russian Federation. The author points out that Russia has no treaties on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion concluded in one language. The author examines the rules of construing and application of authentic texts of agreements and illustrates them by the Russian case law. Much attention in the article is paid to the analysis of the treaty construing rules applicable to the agreements whose text is authenticated in two or more languages. The aim of this article is to examine principles of multilingual tax treaties as well as widespread problems which arise in practice and to suggest possible solutions. The author reveals particular features of tax treaties which should be taken into consideration while construing such agreements. Special attention is paid to the discrepancy between texts in different languages.
ON DEFINITION OF A DEPENDENT AGENT AS A TYPE OF PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT: RUSSIAN AND INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION
Authors: Макарова Яна , Makarova Yana
Published: May 2016

This paper analyzes the definition and characteristics of a dependent agent as a subject of the international tax law and a special type of permanent establishment. The term “dependent agent” is not sufficiently studied either in Russia or globally. Over the last few years the global community has been concerned about capital outflows from developed economies through tax optimization structures, including a scheme aimed at artificial avoidance of permanent establishment. Based on international law and following the release of the OECD recommendations (BEPS project), the author of the article provides the analysis of the definition and main characteristics of a dependent agent, which may be incorporated into the Russian tax legislation. Development of certain criteria necessary for setting up a permanent establishment in the form of a dependent agent may lead to the establishment of clear rules governing this tax category. In turn, this may help to reduce practices of tax avoidance by foreign organizations who may try to artificially avoid creating permanent establishment in another tax jurisdiction.
PARTICULAR FEATURES OF CONTRACTUAL INHERITANCE OF LEGAL CLAIMS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Authors: Пилипсон Эдвард , Pilipson Edvard
Published: May 2016

Contractual succession of legal claims and liabilities in administering rules of private international law is a quite complicated practical problem. The correct choice of the applicable law is the priority in this situation. As of today inheritance of movables, including claims, liabilities takes place according to the connecting factors’ rules “lex patriae” and “lex domicilii” which according to the offered assumption, are not adequate in a situation of the inheritance by contract. It is worth mentioning that in some cases the right to claim, liability acquires legal regime called “res in transitu” which requires special succession regime. Secondly, it is necessary to evaluate the subject matter of the contract. Inheritance by contract is mediated by the tools of the contractual right which is based on the concluded contract with the cross material perquisites evaluated in a certain sum. Due to this circumstance the assessment should be accepted as a basis for the contract price. Since in accordance with the current legislation the assessment can be made solely in relation to a constant liability (for example, in the situation with a contract of purchase), in case of a contractual inheritance of legal claims (cession), it is not clear how provisional assessment can be made, as the cost of liabilities can change drastically depending on circumstances in the course of a certain period of time. This article is devoted to the investigation of these problems.
ROLE OF FICTIONS IN REGULATION OF PROPERTY RELATIONS IN THE MEDIEVAL ENGLISH LAW
Authors: Рыбаков Роман , Rybakov Roman
Published: May 2016

The article is devoted to legal fictions in regulating property relations in the English medieval common law (XIII—XVII centuries). Fictions are explained as features influencing the development of law, means of expansion of courts’ jurisdiction and mechanisms of the development of remedies protecting property relations. The article focuses on the role of fiction during the appellate review stage. Relevant case law is analyzed in this article. In this research the author uses the following set of methods of scientific cognition: dialectical method, historical method as well as special scientific research methods, such as technical legal method, comparative law method, formal legal method and legal interpretation method. This research results in better understanding of the role of fictions during the appellate review stage and provides analysis of differences between legal fictions used in the medieval civil law and the common law. In conclusion, the author suggests a classification of legal fictions’ functions in the medieval English common law.
ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE 105th PLENARY SESSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION)
Authors: Белялова Асия , Belyalova Asiya , Шведкова Ольга , Shvedkova Olga , Курбанов Рашад , Kurbanov Rashad , Демина Анна , Demina Anna
Published: May 2016

The article presents a brief review of the activities of the European Commission for democracy through law (Venice Commission) during the 105th plenary session held in Venice in December 2015.
Greening of the Construction Industry and its Regulatory Support
Authors: Болтанова Елена , Boltanova Elena
Published: May 2016

The term ecologization (“greening”) is becoming increasingly common for scientific studies and legal acts. The present article is devoted to the ecologization problem of one sector of the Russian economy. This study is aimed at formulation of theoretical statements on the construction industry ecologization, analysis of the current legislation with regard to ensuring this process, as well as at identification of the existing defects of legal regulation of corresponding relations. The study shows the importance of greening for the country´s economy, the author proposes to define greening as a complex of diverse measures, united by a single purpose. As one of the ways to ensure the greening in the construction industry the author proposes a conceptual approach to the land development as a specific type of management, as an activity that has an integrated impact on the environment and determines a long-term prospective use of the relevant territory. Based on the analysis of the current legislation on natural resources, the author suggests some changes in the forest, water, town planning legislation and legislation on subsoil.
Legal Basis of Territorial Delimitation between Russia and Japan
Authors: Ильинская Ольга , Iliinskaya Olga
Published: May 2016

The author deals with the issue, that has been widely considered in a number of scientific researches and has been regularly raised by Japan, — the problem of the so called “northern territories”. Having analyzed various international legal instruments, domestic and foreign scientists’ research papers, the author pays attention to some translation inaccuracies between the original text and the text in the Japanese language in the Simoda treaty, 1855, and the Saint-Petersburg treaty, 1875. Those mistakes have been used by Japan to prove the thesis that the term “the Kurils” doesn’t include Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomais. Besides, special attention is paid to the analysis of international legal instruments that were adopted during and after the World War II, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Japan territorial claims are well-grounded. At the end of the article the author offers the way to overcome the long-standing “Kuril problem”.
Independence of Judges as a Prerequisite for Fair and Unbiased Justice
Authors: Гущина Нина , Gushchina Nina
Published: May 2016

The article focuses on the system of measures for preventing corruption in the courts of general jurisdiction, in conjunction with the problem of strengthening the guarantees of independence of judges. With social significance of the judicial system rising, the need has redoubled for finding measures of strengthening guarantees of independence of judges, prevention of corruption in the court system, enhancing public confidence and trust in justice, increasing the openness of the judicial system for the needs of the civil society. To resolve the task in hand, the author carries out a comparative – law analysis of the legislation that regulates the relations in the judicial field, providing critical evaluation of certain provisions of the laws “The Status of Judges in the Russian Federation”, “The Judicial System of the Russian Federation”. The author reveals main shortcomings and gaps in the legislation which have a negative impact on the guarantees on strengthening the independence of judges. Excellent moral and professional qualities of judges, their independence form cross-cutting issues of developing a system of measures to combat corruption in courts. The author puts forward proposals to improve the legislation, capable of strengthening the guarantees of independence of judges and becoming an effective means of preventing corruption in the courts of general jurisdiction.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: May 2016

Helen Cowan presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Nylon 6 Nanofiber Reinforced Dental Composite Resins
Authors: Tokar Emre , Tokar Nihal , Karacaer Ozgul
Published: May 2016

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate mechanical properties of different mass fraction of Nylon 6 (N6) nanofibers reinforced bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate (Bis-GMA) and tri-(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) based dental composite resins.
Materials and Methods: N6 nanofibers were produced using electrospinning method. The nanofibers were mixed with composite resin and cured. Powder of this mixture was added into the resin matrix at different mass fractions (1%, 2%, 3%). Eight specimens were prepared for each nanofiber reinforced dental composites and neat resin. Three point bending test was applied to specimens. Flexural strength (Fs), flexural modulus (EY) and work of fracture (WOF) of groups were found.
Results: Fs results were shown increasing trend going to the highest mass fraction of N6 nanofiber. EY result of 2% N6 nanofiber reinforced composite group was significantly increased compared to neat resin. Difference of WOF results between the control and N6 1% nanofiber reinforced composite groups was statistically significant.
Conclusions: Fs and EY results of the dental composites could be increased after impregnating relatively small amount of N6 nanofibers. Ratio of surface area to volume could be increased due to inter-molecular hydrogen bonding between the nanofiber and the resin.
Ozone in Dental Therapy
Authors: Chickanna Rudrakshi
Published: May 2016

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed) and other electronic basis from 1991 to 2014. Search included books and journals based on the systematic and critical reviews, in vitro and in vivo clinical studies on Ozone therapy in dentistry. Ozone has been shown as powerful oxidizing agent capable of interacting as metabolic, immune modulator as well as an antimicrobial agent. It has been used to stimulate remineralisation of recent caries-affected teeth, as a preventive therapy in caries, root caries, intra-canal irrigants in endodontic treatment, treatment of alveolitis, avascular osteonecrosis of the jaw, herpes virus infection, to inhibits plaque formation, an adjuvant in periodontal surgical and maintenance phase and to disinfect implant surface and treat peri-implantitis and in water line to disinfect water.
Morphological, anatomical and isozyme variation among giant taro
Authors: SURATMAN SURATMAN , PITOYO ARI , KURNIASARI SEPTIANA , SURANTO SURANTO
Published: May 2016

Suratman, Pitoyo A, Kurniasari S, Suranto. 2016. Morphological, anatomical and isozyme variation among giant taroÂ (Alocasia macrorrhizos) accessions from Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 422-429. The objective of this study was to evaluateÂ morphological, anatomical and isozyme variation among giant taroÂ (Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don) accessions from Central Java. Identification of morphological characters was done by direct observation of roots, leaves, stems, and corms. Anatomical characters were observed from both paradermal and transverse sections of leaf. Identification of biochemical markers was done by using peroxidase and esterase isozyme system. The genetic similarity among giant taro accessions was measured by using Group Average Clustering. The results of the analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for majority of the tested morphological and anatomical characters suggesting that there was a high degree of diversity among the giant taro accessions. Isozyme polymorphism was observed in giant taroÂ accessions using peroxidase (two banding patterns)Â and esterase (four banding patterns).Â Based on the dendogram, giant taro accessions were segregated into two major clusters. In Cluster I, the closest relationship were showed in KTN 2 and WNG 1 accessions from Klaten and Wonogiri that had 80.95% of similarity coefficient. The five accessions (SKA, SKH, WNG 4, KRA 3, KRA 4)Â fromÂ Surakarta, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri and some parts of Karanganyar were clustered separately as Cluster II with similarity coefficient of 50%.
Culture jamming (and tucking): RuPaul’s Drag Race and unconventional reality
Authors: Gudelunas David
Published: May 2016

Reality television is rarely subversive, but occasionally a programme enters the popular culture Zeitgeist that not just contributes to the genre, but rather exposes it. Launched in 2009, Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race presents a case study on how occasionally even commercial television can serve as a type of culture jamming. This article offers a critical analysis of RuPaul’s Drag Race and argues that the typical reality competition format is both exploited and exposed as a type of culture jamming that is uniquely queer. Through interviews with queer audiences, this article also looks at how audiences understand and react to promotional realities.
La ganadería en Elche medieval
Authors: Hinojosa Montalvo José
Published: May 2016

En el presente artículo se realiza un estudio minucioso sobre el fenómeno ganadero en la villa de Elche durante los siglos bajomedievales atendiendo a diversos criterios de análisis como la actividad de los pastores, la funciones de las zonas de pasto, las especies, la trashumancia, la diversidad de conflictos institucionales y sociales que giraban entorno a la cabaña ganadera y la importancia de los productos ganaderos que se derivan al mercado, así como el papel de la comunidad mudéjar en esta actividad económica.
Los judíos en el Reino de Valencia: testigos de una historia secular
Authors: Hinojosa Montalvo José
Published: May 2016

Los judíos valencianos conocieron una compleja y diversa trayectoria histórica durante los siglos bajomedievales marcada siempre por su difícil relación de todo tipo con la comunidad dominante, la cristiana. Los perfiles sociales, las principales actividades y los aspectos de la cultura material y de la vida cotidiana hebrea valenciana se reconstruyen a través de un análisis que descansa en un amplio examen historiográfico y revisión documental.
Las raíces de la eficacia del discurso homilético de Fray Vicente Ferrer en la campaña de predicación castellana de 1411-1412
Authors: Grande Esteban María Teresa
Published: May 2016

La colección de sermones de la campaña de predicación castellana de 1411-1412 de fray Vicente Ferrer, recopilados en el Códice del Corpus Christi de Valencia, permite enraizar la eficacia del discurso del dominico en el aval que le otorgan la Corona y los poderes civiles y eclesiásticos a cuyos fines políticos sirve emitiendo un mensaje que finalmente publicita la norma legal vigente. El contenido de dicho mensaje, emitido en medio de un espectáculo de liturgia teatralizada, es coercitivo por la presencia de la horda de flagelantes que acompaña al predicador.
La ciudad en el espejo: hacienda municipal e identidad urbana en la Cataluña bajomedieval
Authors: Verdés Pijuan Pere
Published: May 2016

Tomando como pretexto la ciudad de Girona, este artículo pretende aproximarse al proceso de construcción de una identidad urbana en Cataluña durante la baja edad media a partir del análisis de la hacienda municipal. Habida cuenta de la práctica ausencia de estudios dedicados propiamente al tema así como su complejidad, se propone una primera reflexión general a partir del privilegiado observatorio que, tanto en el principado como en otros territorios y épocas, constituyen las finanzas públicas y la fiscalidad. Concretamente, a partir de la importante masa de trabajos dedicados a esta cuestión en Cataluña, se intenta mostrar como las incesantes demandas reales (y/o señoriales) y el consiguiente endeudamiento censal contribuyó decisivamente a la configuración institucional del municipio y, por ende, al reforzamiento de la conciencia colectiva de la universitas. También se observa como la fiscalidad municipal en sus distintas modalidades se hizo cada vez más presente en la vida urbana, hasta el punto de convertirse en un elemento clave para la formulación del concepto de «ciudadanía» o de condicionar de forma importante el desarrollo urbanístico local. Por último, se llama la atención sobre la progresiva importancia adquirida por la gestión del erario público en el «buen (o mal) gobierno» de la ciudad. Todo ello, a partir del análisis detallado de la dialéctica que se estableció entre el discurso, los símbolos e incluso los «rituales» de carácter fiscal y financiero así como del proceso de aculturación política experimentado por la población urbana en el principado a finales del periodo medieval.
Ciudades y villas del reino de Aragón en el siglo XV: proyección institucional e ideología burguesa
Authors: Navarro Espinach Germán
Published: May 2016

Once ciudades eran nombradas con este rango a finales del siglo XV en el reino de Aragón por delante de 190 villas y otras 1.213 aldeas o lugares pequeños. Esas ciudades y villas son registradas en un apéndice con sus datos institucionales esenciales: cifra de población fiscal, fechas de privilegios reales, sedes institucionales, asiento en las cortes aragonesas. El título de ciudad es estudiado en comparación con otros indicadores de promoción institucional de las villas más importantes del reino. El concepto de identidad urbana es debatido en contraste con la noción de ideología burguesa. Por último, se propone a la historiografía una lista breve de temas para el futuro próximo.
Phytochemical analysis, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves
Authors: Usunobun Usunomena , I. Samuel Ekpemupolo
Published: May 2016

Background: Celosia argentea, a traditional vegetable in West and Central Africa is widely grown for ornamental purpose in the tropics and subtropics such as in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to determine phytochemicals, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves.Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures, Mineral analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while antioxidant potential, free radical scavenging and reducing power scavenging activity were also carried out.Results: The phytochemical composition revealed the presence of active ingredients such as glycosides, steroids, Saponins, Phenols, Flavonoids, and alkaloids while mineral analysis showed higher concentration in calcium (295mg/100g) and least concentration in chromium (0.85mg/100g). Other minerals and their concentrations includes magnesium (122.53mg/100g), potassium (128.33mg/100g), sodium (71.32mg/100g), iron (35.16mg/100g), zinc (5.42mg/100g), copper (2.18mg/100g), manganese (1.86mg/100g). Moreover, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity and reducing power activity of Celosia argentea increased as the concentration increases.Conclusion: The present study reveals therapeutic potential of Celosia argentea leaves due to its bioactive compounds and minerals. Also, Celosia argentea possess powerful antioxidant activity and can therefore offer good protection against oxidative damage.
Comparative study of diagnostic methods used for monitoring of common grape vine (Vitis vinifera L.) crown gall (Agrobacterium vitis Ophel & Kerr) in Slovenia
Authors: LAMOVŠEK Janja , ZIDARIČ Igor , MAVRIČ PLEŠKO Irena , UREK Gregor , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: May 2016

Agrobacterium vitis causes common grape vine (Vitis vinifera L.) crown gall disease that destroyed a lot of Slovenian vineyards more than a decade ago. Eighty isolates of Agrobacterium spp. collected during monitoring in 2006 were identified as A. vitis and A. tumefacies by pehA and multiplex PCR method. Tumor-inducing capacity of these strains was assessed on test plants and with PCR methods for detection of the Ti plasmid responsible for tumor induction. With VCF3/VCR3 primer pair six false negatives and no false positives were detected. The high genetic diversity of pathogenic Agrobacterium spp. strains affects the performance of molecular methods, thus biological test should be performed where results from molecular methods are doubtful.
Synthesis and characterization of amorphous Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3 by spray pyrolysis
Authors: Wang Zhenfeng , Wu Wenyuan , Bian Xue , Wu Yongfu
Published: May 2016

As an environmentally friendly method, spray pyrolysis has been widely used to produce a variety of metal oxides and composite metal oxides. Spray pyrolysis is used to synthesize amorphous Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3. A pyrolysis temperature ranging from 1073 to 1273 K and a collector temperature ranging from 273 to 283 K result in amorphous Al2O3. To strengthen the stability of the amorphous Al2O3, La3+ was added to modify amorphous Al2O3 with different La3+ concentrations. With a particle residence time of 2.6–3.0 s in the calciner, the pyrolysis temperature of γ-Al2O3 was obtained at 1373 and 1273 K, respectively. Microstructural and morphological analyses conducted by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and infrared absorption spectrum showed that the obtained alumina are amorphous or γ crystalline forms flake.
Oligodendroglial TNFR2 Mediates Membrane TNF-Dependent Repair in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Promoting Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Remyelination
Authors: Madsen Pernille M. , Motti Dario , Karmally Shaffiat , Szymkowski David E. , Lambertsen Kate Lykke , Bethea John R. , Brambilla Roberta
Published: May 2016

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is associated with the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. It exists as a transmembrane form tmTNF, signaling via TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) and TNFR1, and a soluble form, solTNF, signaling via TNFR1. Multiple sclerosis is associated with the detrimental effects of solTNF acting through TNFR1, while tmTNF promotes repair and remyelination. Here we demonstrate that oligodendroglial TNFR2 is a key mediator of tmTNF-dependent protection in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). CNP-cre:TNFR2fl/flmice with TNFR2 ablation in oligodendrocytes show exacerbation of the disease with increased axon and myelin pathology, reduced remyelination, and increased loss of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature oligodendrocytes. The clinical course of EAE is not improved by the solTNF inhibitor XPro1595 in CNP-cre:TNFR2fl/flmice, indicating that for tmTNF to promote recovery TNFR2 in oligodendrocytes is required. We show that TNFR2 drives differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, but not proliferation or survival. TNFR2 ablation leads to dysregulated expression of microRNAs, among which are regulators of oligodendrocyte differentiation and inflammation, including miR-7a. Our data provide the first directin vivoevidence that TNFR2 in oligodendrocytes is important for oligodendrocyte differentiation, thereby sustaining tmTNF-dependent repair in neuroimmune disease. Our studies identify TNFR2 in the CNS as a molecular target for the development of remyelinating agents, addressing the most pressing need in multiple sclerosis therapy nowadays.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur study, using novel TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) conditional KO mice with selective TNFR2 ablation in oligodendrocytes, provides the first direct evidence that TNFR2 is an important signal for oligodendrocyte differentiation. Following activation by transmembrane TNF, TNFR2 initiates pathways that drive oligodendrocytes into a reparative mode contributing to remyelination following disease. This identifies TNFR2 as a new molecular target for the development of therapeutic agents in multiple sclerosis.
Glutamatergic Preoptic Area Neurons That Express Leptin Receptors Drive Temperature-Dependent Body Weight Homeostasis
Authors: Yu Sangho , Qualls-Creekmore Emily , Rezai-Zadeh Kavon , Jiang Yanyan , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf , Morrison Christopher D. , Derbenev Andrei V. , Zsombok Andrea , Münzberg Heike
Published: May 2016

The preoptic area (POA) regulates body temperature, but is not considered a site for body weight control. A subpopulation of POA neurons express leptin receptors (LepRbPOAneurons) and modulate reproductive function. However, LepRbPOAneurons project to sympathetic premotor neurons that control brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, suggesting an additional role in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation. We determined the role of LepRbPOAneurons in energy homeostasis usingcre-dependent viral vectors to selectively activate these neurons and analyzed functional outcomes in mice. We show that LepRbPOAneurons mediate homeostatic adaptations to ambient temperature changes, and their pharmacogenetic activation drives robust suppression of energy expenditure and food intake, which lowers body temperature and body weight. Surprisingly, our data show that hypothermia-inducing LepRbPOAneurons are glutamatergic, while GABAergic POA neurons, originally thought to mediate warm-induced inhibition of sympathetic premotor neurons, have no effect on energy expenditure. Our data suggest a new view into the neurochemical and functional properties of BAT-related POA circuits and highlight their additional role in modulating food intake and body weight.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBrown adipose tissue (BAT)-induced thermogenesis is a promising therapeutic target to treat obesity and metabolic diseases. The preoptic area (POA) controls body temperature by modulating BAT activity, but its role in body weight homeostasis has not been addressed. LepRbPOAneurons are BAT-related neurons and we show that they are sufficient to inhibit energy expenditure. We further show that LepRbPOAneurons modulate food intake and body weight, which is mediated by temperature-dependent homeostatic responses. We further found that LepRbPOAneurons are stimulatory glutamatergic neurons, contrary to prevalent models, providing a new view on thermoregulatory neural circuits. In summary, our study significantly expands our current understanding of central circuits and mechanisms that modulate energy homeostasis.