bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The domain structure and distribution of Alu elements in long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs
Authors: Kim Eugene Z. , Wespiser Adam R. , Caffrey Daniel R.
Published: December 2015

Approximately 75% of the human genome is transcribed and many of these spliced transcripts contain primate-specific Alu elements, the most abundant mobile element in the human genome. The majority of exonized Alu elements are located in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the untranslated regions of mRNA, with some performing molecular functions. To further assess the potential for Alu elements to be repurposed as functional RNA domains, we investigated the distribution and evolution of Alu elements in spliced transcripts. Our analysis revealed that Alu elements are underrepresented in mRNAs and lncRNAs, suggesting that most exonized Alu elements arising in the population are rare or deleterious to RNA function. When mRNAs and lncRNAs retain exonized Alu elements, they have a clear preference for Alu dimers, left monomers, and right monomers. mRNAs often acquire Alu elements when their genes are duplicated within Alu-rich regions. In lncRNAs, reverse-oriented Alu elements are significantly enriched and are not restricted to the 3′ and 5′ ends. Both lncRNAs and mRNAs primarily contain the Alu J and S subfamilies that were amplified relatively early in primate evolution. Alu J subfamilies are typically overrepresented in lncRNAs, whereas the Alu S dimer is overrepresented in mRNAs. The sequences of Alu dimers tend to be constrained in both lncRNAs and mRNAs, whereas the left and right monomers are constrained within particular Alu subfamilies and classes of RNA. Collectively, these findings suggest that Alu-containing RNAs are capable of forming stable structures and that some of these Alu domains might have novel biological functions.
Intraoperative and delayed wound approximation in closure of skin defects in different areas
Authors: Aboelatta Y. A. , Elshahm A. , Saleh M. A. , Kamel I.H. , Aly H. M.
Published: December 2015

Objective:

Wound approximation device is an interesting reconstructive option but not well popularised. In this study we present a simple device that can be used for immediate or delayed closure of large dermal wounds in different anatomical areas.

Method:

Patients with acute and chronic wounds were recruited and underwent immediate intra-operative wound approximation and/or delayed wound approximation, with a home-made wound approximation device.

Results:

Approximation time in the immediate closure group ranged from 20–140 minutes. Satisfactory scars were obtained in 19 patients (76%) and adherent scars developed in 6 patients. Delayed wound approximation was used successfully in closure of 9 defects.

Conclusion:

This simple dermal wound approximation device can be used intraoperatively to successfully close large difficult wounds, located on the trunk and thigh, with minimal complications. The device can also be used to approximate delayed wounds located in regions where closure is particularly problematic, like the lower leg, foot, and scalp. Some modifications of the device are needed to improve its safety and efficacy. Wound tension is detrimental to adequate wound healing and tensile strength, another basic principle that should not be overlooked to avoid wound dehiscence. Wound approximation is adding to reconstructive options, not replacing them, and they must always be considered.
O COTIDIANO DA CIDADE DE BELO HORIZONTE NA REVISTA VEJA BH: A CLASSE MÉDIA ALTA, A CIDADE PODEROSA E OS DILEMAS DO PLANEJADO VERSUS O VIVIDO
Authors: Teixeira Juliana , Carrieri Alexandre de Pádua , Peixoto Tereza Cristina
Published: December 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o discurso de reportagens de capa da revista Veja BH para compreender qual cotidiano da cidade de Belo Horizonte/MG a revista evidencia e como a cidade é discursivamente apresentada. Como aporte teórico, utilizamos a perspectiva do cotidiano de Certeau (1998). Este trabalho contribui para reflexões sobre o registro do cotidiano da cidade por meio de uma escrita midiática a respeito da forma pela qual a história e a mídia retratam eventos, sujeitos e formas de viver. Os resultados da análise do discurso de corrente francesa demonstram que o cotidiano evidenciado é o da classe média alta belo-horizontina, suas formas de lazer, suas práticas culturais e gastronômicas e os problemas que a atingem. Tal cotidiano envolve grandes números, estatísticas, valores e sucesso. Além disso, a revista se posiciona a favor do que seria a cidade planejada diante da cidade vivida e silencia problemas que possam ser considerados detritos da gestão das cidades, construindo a personagem de uma BH poderosa e em crescimento. Ideologicamente, constrói a BH que atende aos interesses do homem branco, construindo, para as mulheres, personagens atreladas à sexualidade ou ao ambiente doméstico.
Book Review Essay
Authors: Busch Otto von
Published: December 2015

‘Fashion: Red in tooth and claw’: A lycology for Alan Moore and Malcolm McLaren’s Fashion Beast, Alan Moore, Malcolm McLaren, Anthony Johnston and Facundo Pericio (2013) Fashion Beast, Rantoul, IL: Avatar Press. ISBN 9781592912117, Trade Paperback, $24.99
Further seductions: ‘Mrs. Robinson’, post-Graduate
Authors: Godsall Jonathan
Published: December 2015

This article considers Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Mrs. Robinson’ in its original context of The Graduate (Nichols, 1967) in relation to its composition, lyrical content and narrative role. The song’s later use in other films is then examined, with consideration of issues of intention and reception in regard to evocation of The Graduate, and of the part that visual and other elements play in this alongside music. ‘Mrs. Robinson’ is seemingly universally employed as a deliberate nod to Nichols’s film, but a variety of contexts for and manners of this can be identified, in part using Serge Lacasse’s (2000) concepts of ‘autosonic’ and ‘allosonic’ quotation (where the former is the quotation of recorded sound, and the latter that of abstract musical structure, realized through new sonic means). The article argues that these later uses of ‘Mrs. Robinson’ have contributed to a re-inscription of the song’s signification in culture more broadly; much as Benjamin is seduced – led astray – by Mrs Robinson in The Graduate, we ourselves have now been seduced into new and arguably false interpretations of her musical namesake.
Does the song really remain the same? ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’ as narrational vehicle in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968 and 1999)
Authors: Bennett Marie
Published: December 2015

Despite the charisma of its stars, Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, the original version of The Thomas Crown Affair (Jewison,1968) is not thought of as a classic film of its era. As a consequence, it is generally best remembered less for its plot than for its use of novel split screen images, the infamous chess game scene, and its Oscar-winning song, ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’, performed by Noel Harrison. The song is heard during the film’s opening titles, but also features as non-diegetic underscore during a scene in which Crown (McQueen) flies a glider part way through the film. Various scholars suggest that ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’s inclusion is as an interpolated song, i.e., that it has no particular connection to the film’s storyline. In contrast, I argue that the song’s music and lyrics do serve a narrative function, and that my claim is reinforced through its inclusion in the 1999 remake, which features Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo in the leading roles. On this occasion, the song appears to be included as an homage to the original version; it is performed by another Englishman, Sting, and it is heard over the closing credits as an evocative reminder of the earlier film.
Informática Educativa y Educación en Informática
Authors: Sierra-Rodríguez José Luis , García Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: December 2015

Selección de artículos extendidos relacionados con Informática Educativa y Educación en Informática presentados en la decimosexta edición del Simposio Internacional de Informática Educativa (SIIE 2014), celebrado entre el 12 y el 14 de noviembre de 2014 en Logroño, La Rioja, España.
Herramientas basadas en rúbricas para el control y la evaluación de los Proyectos Final de Grado
Authors: Moreno Oliver Verónica , Hernández-Leo Davinia
Published: December 2015

El papel del Trabajo Fin de Grado (TFG) en Ingeniería es crítico dado que ofrece la oportunidad al estudiantado de integrar y aplicar las competencias, tanto específicas como transversales, desarrolladas a lo largo del grado. Sin embargo, dadas sus características académicas (personalizado de acuerdo con los intereses del estudiante, el número de profesorado implicado, la evaluación mediante un tribunal, etc.), la sistematización de la evaluación formativa y sumativa del BFP es un elemento considerado tan necesario como complejo. Para abordar la complejidad de ambos procesos hay múltiples iniciativas recientemente reportadas a la literatura que proponen el uso de rúbricas como herramienta para asesorar y monitorizar tanto el proceso como el producto. En este artículo analizamos la experiencia de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de la Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) basada en la aplicación de rúbricas como parte de una guía de evaluación (con apoyo de una herramienta web) para los TFG. Esta guía fue evaluada cuantitativa y cualitativamente tanto antes, como durante y después del uso de las rúbricas y los resultados obtenidos nos permitieron conocer su valoración en términos de utilidad, pertenencia, usabilidad y precisión. Los resultados nos llevaron a realizar cambios para aportar nuevas prestaciones a la herramienta web dirigidos a la integración de la evaluación de competencias transversales y específicas, así como el diseño de una versión de la rúbrica resumida para su uso a través de dispositivos móviles.
Producción Divergente Explicativa: La relación entre resiliencia y creatividad
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Óscar , Méndez Francisco Xavier , Garber Judy
Published: December 2015

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio es describir y analizar un nuevo test y constructo, la Producción Divergente Explicativa (PDE), definido como la capacidad de observar las situaciones adversas desde varios puntos de vista. A nivel teórico supone un puente entre el modelo reformulado de indefensión aprendida como modelo de resiliencia, con la inteligencia creativa. En este trabajo se estudia la relación de la PDE con la inteligencia creativa, así como las diferencias de género.Método. La muestra estuvo formada por 89 participantes 1º y 2º de ESO pertenecientes a siete centros educativos de la Región de Murcia a la que se les aplicó dos test para medir la relación entre PDE y creatividad. Se realizaron análisis correlacionales, de regresión y de diferencia de medias independientes respecto al género y baja o alta PDE.Resultados. Los distintos análisis estadísticos que se aplicaron reflejan que los participantes que produjeron más explicaciones causales en general y más explicaciones causales resilientes en particular, ante hipotéticas adversidades, se asociaron con una mayor inteligencia creativa. No se hallaron diferencias significativas de género.Discusión. Siendo unos resultados interesantes, al relacionar el estilo explicativo resiliente con la creatividad, es necesario nuevos estudios, con mayores muestras, estudiar la relación con otras variables afines (flexibilidad cognitiva, flexibilidad explicativa, optimismo disposicional, curiosidad, etc.) así como estudiar su papel en las hipótesis de los mediadores sobre la mejora en intervenciones preventivas y de tratamiento de problemas emocionales.
The Impact of Cyberbullying on the Self-Esteem and Academic Functioning of Arab American Middle and High School Students
Authors: Yousef Wael Shaher Mohammed , Bellamy Al
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Cyberbullying has received a considerable amount of attention within the academic and public literature. However, very little if any cyberbullying research has been conducted among Arab American students. This current study explored the impact of cyberbullying among middle and high school Arab American students on their self-esteem and academic functioning. It further explored the extent to which levels of emotional intelligence moderated these relationships.Method. The population of this study consisted of 1,152 middle and high school students, grades 6 through 12 from four different charter schools in Wayne County in Michigan. These schools represented different ethnic groups, such as Arab Americans, African Americans, Hispanic and White.Results. The results of the study indicate that Arab Americans experience more cyberbullying than the other ethnic groups within the study. The data illustrates that cyberbullying has an expected negative effect on student self-esteem and academic functioning among the Arab American group. There were mixed findings among the other ethnic student groups.Discussion. The level of student emotional intelligence was shown to moderate the relationships between cyberbullying, self-esteem and academic functioning more-so among Arab Americans than for the African American and White American student groups. This finding informs school practitioners that it would be advantageous to develop programs that promote emotional intelligence among students.
POR UMA IDENTIDADE CONSTITUCIONAL “COMUM”
Authors: Bolzan de Morais Jose Luis , Hoffmam Fernando
Published: December 2015

A transição paradigmática da teoria jurídica ante a inter-dependência da mundialização aponta para o fim do monopólio estatal na produção jurídica, inventando, impondo e/ou constru-indo novos espaços normativos, a partir dos quais se permite apostar numa retomada do aspecto cosmopolita das tradições jurídicas rumo a uma diversidade jurídica sustentável, ainda que não seja esta a tendência preponderante, fazendo tanto emer-gir convergências nas tradições jurídicas que se conectam, assim como promover uma homogeneização jurídico-cultural fruto da imposição sob o risco de um imperialismo de tradições jurídicas hegemônicas ditadas pelo domínio econômico que se converte em político e cultural. Disso tudo, resta uma crise desfuncionali-zante do modelo tradicional de se pensar e se fazer Direito. No conjunto, o resultado desse contexto da mundialização gera um cenário pós-nacional que, por um lado, aponta à crise conceitual do Estado e à transição paradigmática da teoria jurídica, e, por outro, indica uma evidente abertura cada vez mais persistente e permanente do Estado e da Constituição às redes político-nor-mativas transnacionais. Isto posto, torna-se necessário pensar um cenário constitucional que transcenda o espaço-tempo do Estado Nação, convergindo em direção de uma identidade constitucion-al “comum-cosmopolita” centrada na concretização e na garantia dos direitos humanos.
A systematic review of light therapy on mood scores in major depressive disorder: light specification, dose, timing and delivery
Authors: Alotaibi Mohammad , Halaki Mark , Chow Chin-Moi
Published: December 2015

Background: Depression is associated with prolonged disability, mortality, and morbidity. Ninety percent of patients with Major depressive disorder (MDD) have sleep problems. Light therapy has been shown to be effective in treating sleep disorders and MDD. This review aims to assess the characteristics (colour, intensity), exposure dose (duration and timing) and the mode of delivery (light boxes, visor etc) of light in reducing depression, measured by mood scores, in MDD.

Method: a systematic literature search was performed on 6 major databases. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale was applied to assess study quality.

Result: Twenty-four articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. Effective light intensities varied from 176 -10,000 lux. Effective modes of delivery included light box, table lamp, visor and light emitting diode (LED) glasses. Effective light colours included white, green, and blue with the white colour being the most commonly used. The duration of light treatment ranged from 30 min to 2 h, and evening light generally improved mood.

Conclusion: Light therapy, with exposure durations in the range of 30 min to 2 h per day, intensity range of 176 to 10,000 lux, in any of blue, green, or white light colour and exposure during morning mostly demonstrated a positive change in mood effects. Factors other than the light properties, such as anti-depressant medication use, depression episodes and severity, natural light exposure and sleep deprivation may confound the effects of light therapy.
Clustering and multiple imputation of missing data
Authors: Koko Elsiddig , Mohamed Amin Ibrahim Adam
Published: December 2015

The present work specifically focuses on the data analysis as the objective is to deal with the missing values in cluster analysis. Two-Step Cluster Analysis is applied in which each participant is classified into one of the identified pattern and the optimal number of classes is determined using SPSS Statistics/IBM. Any observation with missing data is excluded in the Cluster Analysis because like multi-variable statistical techniques. Therefore, before performing the cluster analysis, missing values will be imputed using multiple imputations (SPSS Statistics/IBM). The clustering results will be displayed in tables. Furthermore, goal of analysis is to reduce biases arising from the fact that non-respondents may be different from those who participate and to bring sample data up to the dimensions of the target population totals.
The relationship between secondary school grade point average scores and musical interest in Turkey
Authors: Soycan Merve , Göher Vural Feyzan
Published: December 2015

In Turkish educational system, students’ secondary school grade point average (GPA) scores constitute the basic criteria in determining the high schools they will next attend. Students, who start their high school careers based on this grade, receive their education together with peers who have similar GPA scores.  In these pivotal years which play a significant role in developing character, teenagers not only affect each other through interaction, but also shape their likes and dislikes collectively during this high school period. Music interest in students is also shaped during this process.  This descriptive study has been conducted at nine high schools in central Konya. The sample group includes a total of 626 students, 195 of whom are from three high schools with high GPA scores, 193 from three high schools with average GPA scores, and 238 from three high schools with low GPA scores.  The results of the study reveal not only certain similarities between the student groups, but also significant difference between the groups in terms of the will to play a musical instrument,  the music genres the students prefer to listen, singers and bands the students follow, and whether or not to choose music as a career path.
Prawnomiędzynarodowe uwarunkowania samorządu terytorialnego
Authors: Kiczka Karol
Published: December 2015

Opracowanie porusza wybrane zagadnienia odnoszące się do znaczenia prawa międzynarodowego, w tym unijnego i jego praktyki na status jurydyczny samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce. Zbadany wybiórczo materiał i przeprowadzone rozważania dają podstawę do stwierdzenia, że restytucja samorządu terytorialnego w naszym państwie uwzględniała wzmiankowane prawodawstwo międzynarodowe, a zwłaszcza dorobek Rady Europy.
A Fredholm alternative for quasilinear elliptic equations with right-hand side measure
Authors: Colturato Michele , Degiovanni Marco
Published: December 2015

We consider a quasilinear elliptic equation with right-hand side
measure, which does not satisfy the usual coercivity assumption.
We prove an existence result in the line of the Fredholm alternative. For this purpose we develop a variant of degree theory suited to this setting.
Practices and Changes in Public Nutrition in Slovakia During the Period of Construction of Socialism
Authors: Stoličná Rastislava
Published: December 2015

The study aims to describe the changes in public nutrition during the period of socialism in Slovakia. It explains the essence of the state Communist ideology’s involvement in people’s eating habits and the reality of food production, distribution and consumption.
Earth rotation and geodynamics
Authors: Bogusz Janusz , Brzezinski Aleksander , Kosek Wieslaw , Nastula Jolanta
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the summary of research activities carried out in Poland in 2011-2014 in the field of Earth rotation and geodynamics by several Polish research institutions. It contains a summary of works on Earth rotation, including evaluation and prediction of its parameters and analysis of the related excitation data as well as research on associated geodynamic phenomena such as geocentre motion, global sea level change and hydrological processes. The second part of the paper deals with monitoring of geodynamic phenomena. It contains analysis of geodynamic networks of local, and regional scale using space (GNSS and SLR) techniques, Earth tides monitoring with gravimeters and water-tube hydrostatic clinometer, and the determination of secular variation of the Earth’ magnetic field.
Positioning and applications
Authors: Rogowski Jerzy B. , Wielgosz Pawel
Published: December 2015

The paper presents national report of Poland for IAG on positioning and applications. The selected research presented was carried out at leading Polish research institutions and concern precise multi-GNSS satellite positioning - relative and absolute - and also GNSS-based ionosphere and troposphere modelling and studies. The research resulted in noticeable advancements in these subjects confirmed by the development of new algorithms and methods. New and improved methods of precise GNSS positioning were developed, and also GNSS metrology was studied. New advanced troposphere models were presented and tested. In particular, these models allowed testing IPW variability on regional and global scales. Also, new regional ionosphere monitoring web-based services were developed and launched.
Generating Interactive Prototypes from Query Annotated Discourse Models
Authors: Kis Filip , Bogdan Cristian
Published: December 2015

Model Based User Interface Development offers the possibility to design User Interfaces without being concerned about the underlying implementation. This is achieved by devising models at a high level of abstraction, thus creating the potential for involving users or domain experts to achieve a user-centered design process. Obtaining a running interactive application from such models usually requires several model transformations. One of the current problems is that while a user interface is generated after these transformations, other parts of the interactive system such as the application logic need to pre-exist or they must be written manually before the interface can be tested in a realistic scenario. This leaves the domain experts dependent on programmers and increases the time between iterations. In this paper we work with Query Annotations, which were previously used only for modeling at low levels and for generating fully functional interfaces, and we aim to generalize them for the high-level modeling approach called Discourse Modeling. The direct expected benefit of this generalization is the possibility to generate complete, readily testable interactive prototypes, rather than just their user interfaces. In addition, Query Annotations can serve as the mapping between the various levels of abstraction and bring to the domain experts a better understanding of the transformation process, as well as the possibility to modify the interfaces and models directly.
Multiple Virus Infections and the Characteristics of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus in Diseased Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera L.) in China
Authors: Wu Yan Y. , Jia Hui R. , Wang Qiang , Dai Ping L. , Diao Qing Y. , Xu Shu F. , Wang Xing , Zhou Ting
Published: December 2015

China has the largest number of managed honey bee colonies globally, but there is currently no data on viral infection in diseased A. mellifera L. colonies in China. In particular, there is a lack of data on chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) in Chinese honey bee colonies. Consequently, the present study investigated the occurrence and frequency of several widespread honey bee viruses in diseased Chinese apiaries, and we used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Described was the relationship between the presence of CBPV and diseased colonies (with at least one of the following symptoms: depopulation, paralysis, dark body colorings and hairless, or a mass of dead bees on the ground surrounding the beehives). Phylogenetic analyses of CBPV were employed. The prevalence of multiple infections of honey bee viruses in diseased Chinese apiaries was 100%, and the prevalence of infections with even five and six viruses were higher than expected. The incidence of CBPV in diseased colonies was significantly higher than that in apparently healthy colonies in Chinese A. mellifera aparies, and CBPV isolates from China can be separated into Chinese-Japanese clade 1 and 2. The results indicate that beekeeping in China may be threatened by colony decline due to the high prevalence of multiple viruses with CBPV.
On the reconstruction of obstacles and of rigid bodies immersed in a viscous incompressible fluid
Authors: San Martín Jorge , Schwindt Erica L. , Takahashi Takéo
Published: December 2015

We consider the geometrical inverse problem consisting in recovering an unknown obstacle in a viscous incompressible fluid by measurements of the Cauchy force on the exterior boundary. We deal with the case where the fluid equations are the nonstationary Stokes system and using the enclosure method, we can recover the convex hull of the obstacle and the distance from a point to the obstacle. With the same method, we can obtain the same result in the case of a linear fluid-structure system composed by a rigid body and a viscous incompressible fluid. We also tackle the corresponding nonlinear systems: the Navier–Stokes system and a fluid-structure system with free boundary. Using complex spherical waves, we obtain some partial information on the distance from a point to the obstacle.
Heuristics for NP-hard optimization problems - simpler is better!?
Authors: Žerovnik Janez
Published: December 2015

We provide several examples showing that local search, the most basic metaheuristics, may be a very competitive choice for solving computationally hard optimization problems. In addition, generation of starting solutions by greedy heuristics should be at least considered as one of very natural possibilities. In this critical survey, selected examples discussed include the traveling salesman, the resource-constrained project scheduling, the channel assignment, and computation of bounds for the Shannon capacity.
Tourism sector, Travel agencies, and Transport Suppliers: Comparison of Different Estimators in the Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Kovačić Nataša , Topolšek Darja , Dragan Dejan
Published: December 2015

The paper addresses the effect of external integration (EI) with transport suppliers on the efficiency of travel agencies in the tourism sector supply chains. The main aim is the comparison of different estimation methods used in the structural equation modeling (SEM), applied to discover possible relationships between EIs and efficiencies. The latter are calculated by the means of data envelopment analysis (DEA). While designing the structural equation model, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are also used as preliminary statistical procedures. For the estimation of parameters of SEM model, three different methods are explained, analyzed and compared: maximum likelihood (ML) method, Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (BMCMC) method, and unweighted least squares (ULS) method. The study reveals that all estimation methods calculate comparable estimated parameters. The results also give an evidence of good model fit performance. Besides, the research confirms that the amplified external integration with transport providers leads to increased efficiency of travel agencies, which might be a very interesting finding for the operational management.
Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of Erwinia spp. associated with pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] and papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Ramachandran Kogeethavani , Manaf Uyub Abdul , Zakaria Latiffah
Published: December 2015

The Erwinia species are well-known pathogens of economic importance in Malaysia causing serious damage to high-value fruit crops that include pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] and papaya (Carica papaya L.).The 16S rRNA sequence using eubacteria fD1 and rP2 primers, identified two bacteria species; Dickeya zeae from pineapple heart rot, and Erwinia mallotivora from papaya dieback. Phylogenetic analysis based on the neighbor-joining method indicated that all the bacterial isolates clustered in their own taxa and formed monophyletic clades. From the pathogenicity test, all isolates of D. zeae and E. mallotivora showed pathogenic reactions on their respective host plants. Genetic variability of these isolates was assessed using repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) fingerprinting. The results indicated interspecies, and intraspecies variation in both species’ isolates. There were more polymorphic bands shown by rep-PCR fingerprints than enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) and BOX- PCRs, however both species’ isolates produced distinguishable banding patterns. Unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis indicated that all Dickeya and Erwinia isolates from the same species were grouped in the same main cluster. Similarity among the isolates ranged from 77 to 99%. Sequencing of 16S rRNA using eubacteria fD1 and rP2 primers, and rep-PCR fingerprinting revealed diversity among Dickeya and Erwinia isolates. But this method appears to be reliable for discriminating isolates from pineapple heart rot and papaya dieback.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) tolerance to some post-emergence herbicides
Authors: Monjezi Nadia , Razmjo Jamshid , Karimmojeni Hassan
Published: December 2015

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a medicinal plant, but its cultivation is restricted by weed competition. Therefore, three rates (0.75X, 1X, and 1.25X, where X is equal to the recommended dose of haloxyfop-R (methyl ester), sethoxydim, oxadiargyl, bentazon, oxadiazon, and oxyfluorfen) were applied at the 3-4 leaf stages to valerian plants. This application was done to select the herbicide type and rate for post-controlling broadleaf and grasses weeds in this species. Herbicide injury, Soil-Plant Analyses Development (SPAD) reading, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter, and fresh and dry weights were determined 10, 20, and 30 days after herbicide application. Oxyfluorfen application caused the most herbicide injury followed by bentazon. Injury increased as the rate and the days after application increased. Oxadiazon only caused significant damage 30 days after application under all three rates. Other treatments showed no marked injuries under any rate or date after application, as compared with the control. Effects on other measured traits depended on the trait, herbicide, and herbicide rate. The highest SPAD, leaf number, shoot diameter, fresh weight and dry weight, was recorded under application of 30 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil oxadiargyl and 90 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil oxadiazon, 81 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil haloxyfop-R, 37.5 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil oxadiargyl, 22.5 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil oxadiargyl, 81 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil haloxyfop-R, and 81 mg a.i. ∙ kg-1soil haloxyfop-R, respectively. To sum up, the results showed that sethoxydim, oxadiargyl, and haloxyfop-R produced no significant symptoms of phytotoxicity or reduction of measured traits. This means that oxadiargyl, haloxyfop-R, and sethoxydim may be used safely for weed control of valerian at the rates used in this experiment under similar conditions.
The Effects of L-Carnitine in Budd-Chiari Syndrome in a Domestic Cat
Authors: Öztürk Aliye Sağkan , Altuğ Nuri , Köse Serkan İrfan , Öztürk Oktay Hasan
Published: December 2015

This paper describes a thrombosis in the vena cava caudalis of a 15 year-old cat with ascites. Trauma and eventually feline enteric corona virus infection in the cat were not detected. In the intrahepatic region, a blockage of vena cava caudalis was brought to light by ultrasonographic imaging. An aspirate of abdominal fluid revealed modified transudate. Liver enzyme levels were increased in the serum sample of the cat. The levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were elevated in the peritoneal fluid. Liver protection diet with L-carnitine, diuretic therapy and antimicrobial drugs were administrated for treatment of the cat. During the continuous treatment, the amount of abdominal fluid decreased, but never completely absorbed. L-carnitine was administered to the cat during the time of treatment, and subsequently the levels of liver enzymes decreased. However, the cat died because of recurrent ascites and persistent thrombosis. In conclusion, ultrasonographic examination was very reliable, non-invasive and highly useful diagnostic method for BCS and L-carnitine has crucial effects on the quality of life, energy metabolism and liver enzyme levels. However, the blockage of the vena cava caudalis could not completely respond to medical treatment and thrombosis should be eliminated by surgical intervention.
On Monoids of Injective Partial Cofinite Selfmaps
Authors: Gutik Oleg , Repovš Dušan
Published: December 2015

We study the semigroup Icf
λ of injective partial cofinite selfmaps of an infinite cardinal λ. We show that Icf
λ is a bisimple inverse semigroup and each chain of idempotents in Icf
λ is contained in a bicyclic subsemigroup of Icf
λ , we describe the Green relations on Icf
λ and we prove that every non-trivial congruence on Icf
λ is a group congruence. Also, we describe the structure of the quotient semigroup Icf
λ /σ, where σ is the least group congruence on Icf
λ.
Spectra and Fine Spectra of Lower Triangular Double-Band Matrices as Operators on Lp (1 ≤ p < ∞)
Authors: Akhmedov Ali M. , El-Shabrawy Saad R.
Published: December 2015

Let Δa,b denote an infinite lower triangular double-band matrix. In this paper, the spectrum, the point spectrum, the continuous spectrum and the residual spectrum of the matrix Δa,b as a linear operator on the sequence space lp, where 1 ≤ p < ∞ are characterized completely
Topological Fundamental Groups and Small Generated Coverings
Authors: Torabi Hamid , Pakdaman Ali , Mashayekhy Behrooz
Published: December 2015

This paper is devoted to study some topological properties of the SG subgroup, πsg
1 (X, x), of the quasitopological fundamental group of a based space (X, x), πqtop
1 (X, x), its topological properties as a subgroup of the topological fundamental group πτ
1 (X, x) and its influence on the existence of universal covering of X. First, we introduce small generated spaces which have indiscrete topological fundamental groups and also small generated coverings which are universal coverings in the categorical sense. Second, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of the small generated coverings. Finally, by introducing the notion of semi-locally small generatedness we show that the quasitopological fundamental groups of semi-locally small generated spaces are topological groups.
A Relation between two Kinds of Norms for Martingales
Authors: Kikuchi Masato
Published: December 2015

Let X be a Banach function space over a nonatomic probability space Ω and let M- denote the collection of all uniformly integrable martingales on Ω. For f = (fn)n∈Z+ ∈Mu, let Mf denote the maximal function of f, and let f∞ denote the almost sure limit of f. We give some necessary and sufficient conditions for X to have the property that if f, g ∈Mu and ‖Mg‖x ≤ ‖Mf‖x, then ‖g∞‖X ≤ C‖f∞‖x.
Linearization Regions in Singular Weakly Nonlinear Regression Models with Constraints
Authors: Kubáček Lubomír
Published: December 2015

A linearization of nonlinear regression models is frequently used in practice. A recognition whether it can be done need some additional investigation. Some problems occur when constraints are involved in the model mainly when the model is singular. One possible solution is given in the paper.
Identification of a Parameter in Fourth-Order Partial Differential Equations by an Equation Error Approach
Authors: Bush Nathan , Jadamba Baasansuren , Khan Akhtar A. , Raciti Fabio
Published: December 2015

The objective of this short note is to employ an equation error approach to identify a variable parameter in fourth-order partial differential equations. Existence and convergence results are given for the optimization problem emerging from the equation error formulation. Finite element based numerical experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Driving factors affecting spatial and temporal variations in the structure of phytoplankton functional groups in a temperate reservoir
Authors: Ćirić Miloš , Gavrilović Bojan , Subakov Simić Gordana , Krizmanić Jelena , Vidović Milka , Zebić Goran
Published: December 2015

During the twenty-five years of existence, water quality has declined and severe blooms of cyanobacteria have occurred in the Grlište Reservoir. Changes in phytoplankton functional groups over time and along horizontal and vertical gradients were investigated in the course of a one-year study in this water-supply reservoir. We identified 19 dominant taxa, classified into 12 phytoplankton associations. The presence of the codons C, P, D and S1 differentiated the transitional from the lacustrine part of the reservoir. The nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria Dolichospermum viguieri dominated the phytoplankton community in the epilimnion during August and September, when the reservoir showed P-limitation, but the bloom was not observed. The driving factors that accounted for the main variability in phytoplankton functional groups along the seasonal and vertical profile were identified using the direct gradient analysis (RDA). Our results revealed the importance of two bipolar factors. The first factor explained the variability in phytoplankton due to thermal stratification and physical mixing, each process affecting the algal community in contrasting ways. The second factor was interpreted as reduction vs. oxidation processes. Positive correlation between stratification and water pumping by a drinking water plant indicated that human activities were not severe enough to break down the thermal stability of the reservoir and to cause a cyanobacterial bloom.
Are beetles good indicators of insect diversity in freshwater lakes?
Authors: Pakulnicka Joanna , Buczyńska Edyta , Buczyński Paweł , Czachorowski Stanisław , Kurzątkowska Alicja , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Stryjecki Robert , Frelik Anna
Published: December 2015

The study verifies the usefulness of aquatic beetles as an indicator of biodiversity of a simple ecological system. Detailed analyses were carried out at the elementary level for the purpose of determining the significance of correlations between the biodiversity of Coleoptera and other groups of aquatic insects in single samples. The relation of selected taxa to selected habitats of the lake Wukśniki (north-eastern Poland) was also investigated. Moreover, the possibility of application of biodiversity surrogates, i.e. higher taxonomic units (genera and orders), in the determination of biodiversity was examined. A significant high correlation was determined between Coleoptera and the total remaining taxa (RR - Remaining Richness) in samples collected in the entire lake. The correlation has the highest value at the species level. The complementarity analysis reveals that the percentage contribution of Coleoptera in the overall biodiversity of the lake is similarly high at the species and genus level, and substantially lower at the family level. In accordance with the hypothesis, aquatic beetles can be used as indicators of the overall biodiversity of insects in the ecosystem of a mesotrophic lake. Biodiversity surrogates, i.e. higher taxonomic units (genera and families), can be applied instead of the species level.
MEG Multivariate Analysis Reveals Early Abstract Action Representations in the Lateral Occipitotemporal Cortex
Authors: Tucciarelli Raffaele , Turella Luca , Oosterhof Nikolaas N. , Weisz Nathan , Lingnau Angelika
Published: December 2015

Understanding other people's actions is a fundamental prerequisite for social interactions. Whether action understanding relies on simulating the actions of others in the observers' motor system or on the access to conceptual knowledge stored in nonmotor areas is strongly debated. It has been argued previously that areas that play a crucial role in action understanding should (1) distinguish between different actions, (2) generalize across the ways in which actions are performed (Dinstein et al., 2008; Oosterhof et al., 2013; Caramazza et al., 2014), and (3) have access to action information around the time of action recognition (Hauk et al., 2008). Whereas previous studies focused on the first two criteria, little is known about the dynamics underlying action understanding. We examined which human brain regions are able to distinguish between pointing and grasping, regardless of reach direction (left or right) and effector (left or right hand), using multivariate pattern analysis of magnetoencephalography data. We show that the lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) has the earliest access to abstract action representations, which coincides with the time point from which there was enough information to allow discriminating between the two actions. By contrast, precentral regions, though recruited early, have access to such abstract representations substantially later. Our results demonstrate that in contrast to the LOTC, the early recruitment of precentral regions does not contain the detailed information that is required to recognize an action. We discuss previous theoretical claims of motor theories and how they are incompatible with our data.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt is debated whether our ability to understand other people's actions relies on the simulation of actions in the observers' motor system, or is based on access to conceptual knowledge stored in nonmotor areas. Here, using magnetoencephalography in combination with machine learning, we examined where in the brain and at which point in time it is possible to distinguish between pointing and grasping actions regardless of the way in which they are performed (effector, reach direction). We show that, in contrast to the predictions of motor theories of action understanding, the lateral occipitotemporal cortex has access to abstract action representations substantially earlier than precentral regions.
Auxiliary Subunit GSG1L Acts to Suppress Calcium-Permeable AMPA Receptor Function
Authors: McGee Thomas P. , Bats Cécile , Farrant Mark , Cull-Candy Stuart G.
Published: December 2015

AMPA-type glutamate receptors are ligand-gated cation channels responsible for a majority of the fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. Their behavior and calcium permeability depends critically on their subunit composition and the identity of associated auxiliary proteins. Calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) contribute to various forms of synaptic plasticity, and their dysfunction underlies a number of serious neurological conditions. For CP-AMPARs, the prototypical transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein stargazin, which acts as an auxiliary subunit, enhances receptor function by increasing single-channel conductance, slowing channel gating, increasing calcium permeability, and relieving the voltage-dependent block by endogenous intracellular polyamines. We find that, in contrast, GSG1L, a transmembrane auxiliary protein identified recently as being part of the AMPAR proteome, acts to reduce the weighted mean single-channel conductance and calcium permeability of recombinant CP-AMPARs, while increasing polyamine-dependent rectification. To examine the effects of GSG1L on native AMPARs, we manipulated its expression in cerebellar and hippocampal neurons. Transfection of GSG1L into mouse cultured cerebellar stellate cells that lack this protein increased the inward rectification of mEPSCs. Conversely, shRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous GSG1L in rat cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurons led to an increase in mEPSC amplitude and in the underlying weighted mean single-channel conductance, revealing that GSG1L acts to suppress current flow through native CP-AMPARs. Thus, our data suggest that GSG1L extends the functional repertoire of AMPAR auxiliary subunits, which can act not only to enhance but also diminish current flow through their associated AMPARs.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCalcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) are an important group of receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate. These receptors contribute to various forms of synaptic plasticity, and alterations in their expression or regulation are also seen in a number of serious neurological conditions, including stroke, motor neuron disease, and cocaine addiction. Several groups of auxiliary transmembrane proteins have been described that enhance the function and cell-surface expression of AMPARs. We now report that the recently identified auxiliary protein GSG1L decreases weighted mean channel conductance and calcium permeability of CP-AMPARs while increasing polyamine-dependent rectification by diminishing outward current. Our experiments reveal that GSG1L is an auxiliary subunit that can markedly suppress CP-AMPAR function, in both recombinant systems and central neurons.
The Actual vs. Predicted Effects of Intonation Accuracy on Vocal Performance Quality
Authors: Warren Richard A. , Curtis Meagan E.
Published: December 2015

The belief that intonation accuracy is a key determinant of musical performance quality is ubiquitous in music pedagogy; nonetheless, empirical validation of this belief is lacking. We investigated the effects of intonation accuracy on perceived performance quality and assessed whether music professionals’ beliefs about the importance of intonation are consistent with these effects. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants listened to vocal performances that were in tune, moderately out of tune, or severely out of tune. Only severe mistunings caused decreases in performance quality ratings for intonation insensitive listeners (those who performed poorly on a mistuning detection prescreening). However, both moderate and severe mistunings were detrimental to the ratings of intonation sensitive listeners. These results indicate that moderate mistunings exert a negative influence on the perceived quality of a performance only if the listener can explicitly detect the mistunings. If a listener cannot explicitly detect the mistunings, those mistunings do not implicitly exert a negative influence on the perception of the performance. In Experiment 3, music professionals heard samples of performances from Experiments 1 and 2 in each intonation condition and were asked to estimate the impact of the mistunings on listeners’ ratings of performance quality. Their predictions were compared to the actual performance quality ratings obtained in Experiment 2. Music professionals overestimated the impact of moderate mistunings for both intonation sensitive and insensitive listeners, suggesting that music professionals may hold inaccurate beliefs about the importance of intonation accuracy in vocal performance.