bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rnd3-induced cell rounding requires interaction with Plexin-B2
Authors: McColl Brad , Garg Ritu , Riou Philippe , Riento Kirsi , Ridley Anne J.
Published: September 2016

Rnd proteins are atypical members of the Rho GTPase family that induce actin cytoskeletal reorganization and cell rounding. Rnd proteins have been reported to bind to the intracellular domain of several plexin receptors, but whether plexins contribute to the Rnd-induced rounding response is not known. Here we show that Rnd3 interacts preferentially with plexin-B2 of the three plexin-B proteins, whereas Rnd2 interacts with all three B-type plexins, and Rnd1 shows only very weak interaction with plexin-B proteins in immunoprecipitations. Plexin-B1 has been reported to act as a GAP for R-Ras and/or Rap1 proteins. We show that all three plexin-B proteins interact with R-Ras and Rap1, but Rnd proteins do not alter this interaction or R-Ras or Rap1 activity. We demonstrate that plexin-B2 promotes Rnd3-induced cell rounding and loss of stress fibres, and enhances the inhibition of HeLa cell invasion by Rnd3. We identify the amino acids in Rnd3 that are required for plexin-B2 interaction, and show that mutation of these amino acids prevents Rnd3-induced morphological changes. These results indicate that plexin-B2 is a downstream target for Rnd3, which contributes to its cellular function.
Methodological approaches to the analysis of transport-geographical location of recreational objects (the example of Arkhangelsk region)
Authors: Потапов Игорь , Potapov Igor
Published: September 2016

A major task for successful development of tourism in concrete territory is providing of steady tourist flows to its recreational objects, taking into account their transport
Interest of applicants of a physical education university in training program "Service and Tourism"
Authors: Павлов Евгений , Pavlov Evgeniy
Published: September 2016

This article analyzes the interest of applicants in studying non-core for a physical culture university training program “Service and Tourism”. The author considers the results of a three-year survey of applicants to academic program “Service and Tourism” and “Physical culture and sport” for studying in consolidated groups at Institute of Tourism, Recreation, Rehabilitation and Fitness. The survey included the following questions: training programs and profiles that are of interest in applicants; form of learning; the possibility of training on a contractual basis; the existence of privileges when entering; interest in training on an accelerated educational programs; basic education of applicants. The article compares the results of the applicants survey and statistics of first year students, shows correlations between applicants questioning on selected training programs and the actual set, as well as between the applicants questioning on the selected profile (both individually and grouped in training program) and the actual set.
Cartel Formation Through Strategic Information Leakage in a Distribution Channel
Authors: Shamir Noam
Published: September 2016

This paper studies the ability of competing retailers to form a cartel by sharing information with their mutual manufacturer. In a market characterized by demand uncertainty, colluding retailers wish to share information about the potential market demand to coordinate on the optimal collusive retail price. However, in light of potential exposure to antitrust investigations and possible sanctions, the retailers search for mechanisms to exchange information while avoiding the risks of scrutiny by the antitrust authorities. This paper examines such a mechanism: each retailer shares his private information with the mutual manufacturer; the wholesale price set by the latter is thereafter used by the retailers to infer the market condition and coordinate on the cartel’s price. Although a cartel at the retail level limits the manufacturer’s sold quantity, under certain conditions the manufacturer is better off accepting the retailers’ private information, thereby assisting the cartel formation. Moreover, vertical information sharing between the retailers and their mutual manufacturer can result in lower consumer surplus than that would have occurred had the retailers been permitted to collude directly.
Managing acne: The importance of considering resistance
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: September 2016

Severe acne can leave children scarred mentally and physically. Yet recent evidence suggests that referral to secondary care is often delayed. Moreover, antibiotics are often used inappropriately, which could drive resistance in Propionibacterium acnes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria. School nurses can help dispel many myths and misconceptions that surround acne, offer self-help suggestions, facilitate appropriate management and aid antibiotic stewardship.
Newly qualified health visitor: Reflections on a year in post
Authors: Williams Emma
Published: September 2016

JHV board member Emma Williams reflects on her eventful year as a newly-qualified health visitor, and hopes that recent cuts to the public health budget will not be detrimental to the preventive work of the profession.
Minor injuries and ailments. 9: Bronchiolitis
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

Approximately one in three children in the UK develop bronchiolitis, a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children before their first birthday and is most common in babies aged 3–6 months. This article will focus on managing and treating bronchiolitis in children at home; when parents should be advised to attend A&E; and when to call an ambulance.
An evaluation of a health visiting clinical academic hub in London
Authors: Baldwin Sharin , Sherry Monica , Kelly Patricia
Published: September 2016

This case study outlines the process of setting up a clinical academic hub for health visiting and evaluates its effectiveness after being in existence for 18 months. The Health Visiting Clinical Academic Hub was created in north-west London in May 2014 to develop the health visiting workforce. This case study will discuss how the London North West Healthcare NHS (LNWH) Trust's Health Visiting Clinical Academic Hub was set up, what it aimed to do and its effectiveness to date. There is a need for more leadership, innovation and research in health visiting and these can be achieved through setting up a hub like this. This case study has been written so that others wanting to set up a clinical academic hub can follow this model and learn from it.
A new species of Nyleta Dodd (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) from Southeast Asia
Authors: Kamalanathan Veenakumari , Mohanraj Prashanth
Published: September 2016

The monotypic genus Nyleta was described by Dodd from Australia in 1926, with Nyleta striaticeps Dodd as the type species. A new species of Nyleta is now described and imaged from the remote island of Little Andaman in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Indian Ocean. Variants of the same species were also collected from Tamil Nadu. The images of the holotype of N. striaticeps are also provided for the first time.
Prospect of indigenous plant species for revegetation in the tailings area of ex community gold mine
Authors: EKYASTUTI WIWIK , ASTIANI DWI , ROSLINDA EMI
Published: September 2016

Ekyastuti W, Astiani D, Roslinda E. 2016. Prospect of indigenous plant species for revegetation in the tailings area of ex community gold mining. Biodiversitas 17: 764-768. One of the reclamation activities in the tailings area of ex community gold mine is revegetation. The success of revegetation is strongly influenced by the selection of suitable plant species. The purpose of this research was to determine the prospects of indigenous plant species for revegetation in the tailings area of ex community gold mine. Research has been conducted at the tailings area of ex community gold mining in Menjalin subdistricts Landak District West Kalimantan, using an experiment method with randomized complete block design (RCBD). Used ss basic for blocking is the difference of tailings area age: 2 years old and 10 years old after mining activities. In both locations, seven indigenous plant species were planted, i.e: Dillenia suffruticosa, Vitex pinnata, Archidendron pauciflorum, Anacardium occidentale, Shorea leprosula, Alstonia scholaris and Hevea brasiliensis. The results showed that the seven indigenous plant species are tolerant to mercury and can grow well in the tailing areas of ex community gold mine of both 2-years and 10-years after mining. Five indigenous plant species use phytostabilization to remediate mercury in the plant tissue, while two others species use phytoextraction. Therefore, the prospect of using indigenous plant species for revegetation in tailings area of ex community gold mine is very well. Keywords: Ex community gold mining, indigenous plant species, tailing
Cantus: Construction and evaluation of a software solution for real-time vocal music training and musical intonation assessment
Authors: Pérez-Gil Manuel , Tejada Jesús , Morant Remigi , De Martos A. Pérez-González
Published: September 2016

The development of the ability to sing or play in tune is one of the most critical tasks in music training. In music education, melodic patterns are usually learned by imitative processes (modelling). Once modelled, pitch sounds are then associated to a representation according to a syllabic system such as the Guidonian system – or an arbitrary single syllable – or western graphic notation system symbols. From a didactic standpoint, few advances have been made in this area besides the use of audio-supported guides and existing software, which use a microphone to analyse the input and estimate the pitch or fundamental frequency of the given tone. However, these programmes lack the necessary analytical algorithm to provide the student with precise feedback on their execution; and also they do not provide adequate noise-robust solutions to minimize the student assessment error rate. The ongoing research discussed in this article focuses on Cantus, a new software solution expressly designed as an assessment and diagnosis tool for online training and assessment of vocal musical intonation at the initial stages of music education. Cantus software embodies the latest research on real-time analysis of audio stream, which permits the teacher to customize music training by means of recording patterns and embedding them into the programme. The study presented in this article includes the design, implementation and assessment of Cantus by music teachers. The pilot study for the software assessment includes a sample of 21 music teachers working at thirteen music schools in Valencia, Spain. These teachers worked with the software at their own pace for a week in order to evaluate it. Subsequently, a two-part questionnaire was filled in with (1) questions related to demographics, professional experience and the use of ITC; and (2) questions related to the software’s technical and didactic aspects. The questionnaire also included three open questions related to Cantus, namely advantages, issues and suggestions. The results show an excellent reception by teachers, who consider this software as a highly adequate music training tool at the initial stages of music education.
New tartrate based cyclic phosphoric acids as organocatalysts in Mannich reactions
Authors: Budragchaa Tuvshinjargal , Abraham Michael , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Roller Alexander , Widhalm Michael
Published: September 2016

Cyclic phosphoric acids have attracted much attention as chiral organocatalysts. While binaphthol based ligands have been extensively used in various transformations, the analogous TADDOL-type ligands are less explored. A library of seventeen cyclic phosphoric acids with structural variation of the TADDOL backbone were synthesized and an optimization study of the Mannich reaction of aromatic N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imines with 2,2-dimethyl-1-methoxy-silylenolate was performed. Enantioselectivities between 96% (S) and 70% (R) were observed and a rationalisation, based on crystal structure analysis and DFT calculations, is provided.
P35 and P22 Toxoplasma gondii antigens abbreviate regions to diagnose acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy: toward single-sample assays
Authors: Costa Juan G. , Peretti Leandro E. , García Valeria S. , Peverengo Luz , González Verónica D.G. , Gugliotta Luis M. , Dalla Fontana Maria L. , Lagier Claudia M. , Marcipar Iván S.
Published: September 2016

Background:

P35 and P22

Methods:

We bioinformatically predicted P35 and P22 regions with the highest density of epitopes, and expressed them in pET32/BL21DE3 alternative expression system, obtaining the soluble proteins rP35a and rP22a. We assessed their diagnostic performance using pregnant woman serum samples typified as: not infected, NI (IgG−, IgM−), typical-chronic, TC (IgM−, IgG+), presumably acute, A (IgG+, IgM+, low-avidity IgG), and recently chronic, RC (IgG+, IgM+, high-avidity IgG).

Results:

rP35a performed better than rP22a to differentiate A from RC, the areas under the curve (AUC) being 0.911 and 0.818, respectively. They, however, performed similarly to differentiate A from TC+RC (AUC: 0.915 and 0.907, respectively). rP35a and rP22a evaluation by avidity ELISA to discriminate A from RC rendered AUC values of 0.974 and 0.921, respectively. The indirect ELISA and avidity ELISA results analyzed in tandem were consistent with those obtained using commercial kits.

Conclusions:

rP35a and rP22a features suggest that, with complementary use, they could replace parasite lysate for toxoplasmosis infection screening and for acute toxoplasmosis diagnosis. Our proposal should be validated by a longitudinal study and may lead to a reliable toxoplasmosis pregnancy control, performing tests in only one serum sample.
Improving Gram stain proficiency in hospital and satellite laboratories that do not have microbiology
Authors: Guarner Jeannette , Street Cassandra , Matlock Margaret , Cole Lisa , Brierre Francoise
Published: September 2016

Background:

Consolidation of laboratories has left many hospitals and satellite laboratories with minimal microbiologic testing. In many hospitals and satellite laboratories, Gram stains on primary specimens are still performed despite difficultly in maintaining proficiency.

Methods:

To maintain Gram stain proficiency at a community 450-bed hospital with an active emergency room we designed bimonthly challenges that require reporting Gram staining and morphology of different organisms. The challenges consist of five specimens prepared by the reference microbiology laboratory from cultures and primary specimens. Twenty to 23 medical laboratory scientists participate reading the challenges. Results from the challenges are discussed with each medical laboratory scientists. In addition, printed images from the challenges are presented at huddle to add microbiology knowledge.

Results:

On the first three challenges, Gram staining was read correctly in 71%–77% of the time while morphology 53%–66%. In the last six challenges correct answers for Gram stain were 77%–99% while morphology 73%–96%.

Conclusions:

We observed statistically significant improvement when reading Gram stains by providing frequent challenges to medical laboratory scientists. The clinical importance of Gram stain results is emphasized during huddle presentations increasing knowledge and motivation to perform the test for patients.
Electrodeposition of sustainable fluoridated hydroxyapatite coatings on 316L stainless steel for application in bone implant
Authors: Nam Pham Thi , Thom Nguyen Thi , Phuong Nguyen Thu , Hanh Vo Thi , Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Van Vu Thi Hai , Trung Trinh Hoang , Lam Tran Dai , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai
Published: September 2016

Fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHAp) coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel (316LSS) substrate by the electrodeposition method. Different concentrations of F– ion were incorporated into the apatite structure by adding NaF into the electrolyte solution. The coating was uniform and dense, with thickness of 9.6 µm, and F– ions were doped on HAp with mass percentage of 1.7%; F– concentration was 0.002 M. Results of IR, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the obtained coatings were single phase crystals of HAp, of a cylinder shape with average size of about 100 nm×30 nm, and characterized for the molecular structure FHAp. The in vitro test of 316LSS, HAp/316LSS and FHAp/316LSS materials in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution was realized with different immersion times. After 21 immersion days in SBF solution, the apatite crystals have a cactus-like shape, and they grow to form a thick block on the surface of FHAp/316LSS leading to the decrease of the corrosion current density during the immersion process in the SBF solution.
Vendor-Managed Inventory Practice in the Supermarket Supply Chain
Authors: Laganà Demetrio , Longo Francesco , Vocaturo Francesca
Published: September 2016

Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an important coordination mechanism in supply chain management where decisions about timing and level of customer’s replenishment are determined not by the customer but by the supplier. The article is motived by real applications arising in the food engineering field. Specifically, a VMI strategy is applied to a logistic system in the supermarket supply chain. Such system comprises a distribution center and several retail outlets. An effective heuristic method for tackling the inventory-routing problem related to the coordination mechanism is discussed and numerical results are presented.
Mathematical Modelling of Enfuvirtide and Protease Inhibitors as Combination Therapy for HIV
Authors: Chowdhury Sonia , Roy Priti Kumar , Smith Robert J.
Published: September 2016

Enfuvirtide (formerly T20) is an injectable fusion inhibitor that has established effective antiretroviral activity and excellent tolerability in extensively pretreated patients. This fusion inhibitor does not affect the metabolism of other co-administrated drugs for metabolic drug interactions involving enfuvirtide. Few mathematical models have considered co-administration of antiretroviral drugs. We develop a mathematical model to study the effect of enfuvirtide upon this process in combination with protease inhibitors (PIs) using impulsive differential equations. We divide the T cells into several classes to describe the drug activity. Analytical results show that a combination of enfuvirtide and PIs gives a better outcome than single drug activity; furthermore, use of enfuvirtide clearly outranks PIs if only one class of drugs were to be used. We determine the threshold value for the dosage and dosing intervals to ensure the stability of the disease-free state and illustrate our results with numerical simulations. We recommend that use of enfuvirtide, in combination with PIs, be expanded beyond salvage therapy.
One month of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, glucose levels and blood pressure in overweight schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome
Authors: García-López Salvador , Villanueva Arriaga Rosina E. , Nájera Medina Oralia , Rodríguez López Carmen Paulina , Figueroa-Valverde Lauro , Cervera Elodia García , Muñozcano Skidmore Octavio , Rosas-Nexticapa Marcela
Published: September 2016

Background:

This study sought to investigate the effects of omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on the lipid profiles and glucose (GLU) levels of overweight (OW) schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods:

Thirty-nine OW schoolchildren with MS, including 19 girls and 20 boys, received 1-month of dietary supplementation with gel capsules containing ω-3 fatty acids. Fasting lipid profiles and GLU levels were measured before and after supplementation.

Results:

Both sexes of OW schoolchildren with MS who received daily supplementation with 2.4 g of ω-3 fatty acids for 1 month displayed improved lipid profiles, reduced fasting GLU levels and reduced blood pressure (BP).

Conclusions:

These findings support the addition of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to programs aiming to improve the metabolic status of OW children with MS, although additional research on the longer-term safety and efficacy of this treatment in this population is required.
Aptamer-assembled nanomaterials for fluorescent sensing and imaging
Authors: Lu Danqing , He Lei , Zhang Ge , Lv Aiping , Wang Ruowen , Zhang Xiaobing , Tan Weihong
Published: September 2016

Aptamers, which are selected in vitro by a technology known as the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), represent a crucial recognition element in molecular sensing. With advantages such as good biocompatibility, facile functionalization, and special optical and physical properties, various nanomaterials can protect aptamers from enzymatic degradation and nonspecific binding in living systems and thus provide a preeminent platform for biochemical applications. Coupling aptamers with various nanomaterials offers many opportunities for developing highly sensitive and selective sensing systems. Here, we focus on the recent applications of aptamer-assembled nanomaterials in fluorescent sensing and imaging. Different types of nanomaterials are examined along with their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we look toward the future of aptamer-assembled nanomaterials.
Effect of chain extender on the mechanical and thermal resistance properties of polyurethane liners for composite propellants
Authors: Ross P. , Sevilla G. , Quagliano J.
Published: September 2016

Polyurethane formulations utilized as liners for composite propellants were prepared by the reaction of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) with hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), while polymer chains were further extended with neopentyl glycol diol, NPG triol and two different triols (monoglyceryl ricinoleate, MRG and trimethylolpropane, TMP). Liners were formulated with micronized titanium dioxide mechanically dispersed in hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). The molecular structures of liners were confirmed by FT-IR. Thermal properties indicated that the nature of chain extender (crosslinker) only slightly affected the temperatures for decomposition of liners. Two main thermal changes were found at 370∘C and another at around 440–500∘C, depending on the chain extender utilized. On the other side, mechanical properties varied within the range of 0,7-1,8 MPa, consistent with this kind of elastomers. Tensile strength at break was only significantly affected with TMP and MRG-chain extended liners at the lowest concentrations tested of 1,3 and 2% (w/w), respectively. However, the behaviour depended on whether TDI or IPDI isocyanate was utilized for curing. TMP 1,3% crosslinked liner cured with TDI had a tensile strength of 1,82MPa whileMRG-crosslinked liner cured with IPDI had a tensile strength of 1,56 MPa. It was observed that at the higher NCO/OH ratios essayed, tensile strength and hardness increased, improving mechanical properties. Our results confirmed that TMP and MRG triols together with NPG diols can be used to tailor mechanical and thermal properties of liners, considering their different hydroxyl functionalities and chain lengths.
Hepatorenal Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment – newsreel –
Authors: Enescu Aurelia , Petrescu F. , Mitruţ P. , Petrescu Ileana Octavia , Pădureanu V. , Enescu Anca Ştefania
Published: September 2016

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as renal failure that occurs in the presence of severe acute or chronic liver disease in the absence of underlying renal pathology. Due to the functional nature of the disease and the absence of specific diagnostic markers, HRS diagnosis is determined based on positive criteria associated with excluding other causes of renal failure in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Differentiation from other types of acute or chronic renal disease is extremely difficult and therapeutic options are limited, prophylactic behavior is most appropriate in patients with severe hepatic disease and risk factors for the installation of hepatorenal syndrome.

Highlighting all precipitating factors of acute renal insufficiency and therapeutic modalities in order to minimize adverse events is an important step in improving the follow-up of the patients with liver cirrhosis. The prognosis is reserved especially for type 1 HRS. Liver transplantation is the best option for patients without contraindications. The therapies introduced in recent years, such as vasoconstrictor drugs or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are effective methods in the renal function improvement.
Vygotsky, Bakhtin, Lotman: Towards a theory of communication in the horizon of the other
Authors: Gherlone Laura
Published: September 2016

Shortly before his death, Yuri Lotman (1922–1993), by now blind, dictated some considerations on the concept of ‘alien,’ ‘stranger’ (chuzhdoe): a concept that de facto weaves all of his thirty-year reflections on the relationship between language, meaning, and culture and that, until the end, appears as the mark of a speculative orientation focused on the ethics of otherness. A profound influence on Lotman’s thinking in this direction was exercised by two leading figures of the Russian intellectual tradition: the psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934) and the philosopher, critic, and literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin (1895–1975). It is no wonder the Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School dedicated to them volumes IV (1969) and VI (1973), respectively, of the Trudy po znakovym sistemam, the review on sign systems launched in 1964 by the Department of Russian Literature of the University of Tartu. The horizon of otherness, and the consequent emphasis on the relational nature of man, fill in fact as much of Vygotsky’s theoretical reflection on the human mind as does Bakhtin’s on literary creation (slovesnost’). This article intends to explore the concept of “dialog” as thematized in Vygotsky’s and Bakhtin’s studies, theoretical roots of the Lotmanian idea of communication as a dialogical semiotic act.
The Effects of Turbulent Burning Velocity Models in a Swirl-Stabilized Lean Premixed Combustor
Authors: Kim Jong-Chan , Jung Won-Chul , Hong Ji-Seok , Sung Hong-Gye
Published: September 2016

The effects of turbulent burning velocities in a turbulent premixed combustion simulation with a G-equation are investigated using the 3D LES technique. Two turbulent burning velocity models – Kobayashi model, which takes into account the burning velocity pressure effect, and the Pitsch model, which considers the flame regions on the premixed flame structure – are implemented. An LM6000 combustor is employed to validate the turbulent premixed combustion model. The results show that the flame structures in front of the injector have different shapes in each model because of the different turbulent burning velocities. These different flame structures induce changes in the entire combustor flow field, including in the recirculation zone. The dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method and linear acoustic analysis provide the dominant acoustic mode.
Seasonal variation of gastroprotective terpenoids in Maytenus robusta (Celastraceae) quantified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID)
Authors: Zermiani Tailyn , Junior Antonio A.S. , Ferreira Renê A. , Wagner Theodoro M. , Machado Marina S. , Cechinel-Filho Valdir , Niero Rivaldo
Published: September 2016

The triterpenes friedelin (1), β-friedelinol (2) and 3,15-dioxo-21α-hydroxyfriedelane (3) in the aerial parts of Maytenus robusta, a Brazilian medicinal plant with antiulcer potential, were seasonally quantified by gas chromatography flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) using an external standard. The method was found to be linear, precise and sensitive. Compounds 1 and 2 were found in M. robusta leaves and branches, with highest concentrations in the leaves collected in autumn, i.e. 3.21 ± 0.16 and 12.60 ± 1.49 mg g−1 dry weight of 1 and 2, respectively. On the other hand, compound 3 was found only in the branches, with the highest concentrations in winter and autumn (0.21 ± 0.01 and 0.20 ± 0.02 mg g−1). The results allow to define the optimal season and plant parts for the collection of M. robusta as a phytotherapeutic drug.
Aspernolides L and M, new butyrolactones from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus versicolor
Authors: Ibrahim Sabrin R.M. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Ross Samir A.
Published: September 2016

During the systematic search of active compounds from endophytic fungi, two new butyrolactones, namely aspernolides L (2) and M (4), together with four known compounds: 1-O-acetylglycerol (1), butyrolactone I (3), butyrolactone VI (5), and (+) alantrypinone (6) were characterized from the EtOAc extract of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus versicolor isolated from the roots of Pulicaria crispa (Asteraceae). Extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS, was used to elucidate their structures. Compounds 1, 5, and 6 are reported for the first time from this fungus.
Acute Physiological Responses to Moderate-Load Resistance Exercise in Hypoxia
Authors: Scott Brendan R. , Slattery Katie M. , Sculley Dean V. , Lockhart Catriona , Dascombe Ben J.
Published: September 2016

Scott, BR, Slattery, KM, Sculley, DV, Lockhart, C, and Dascombe, BJ. Acute physiological responses to moderate-load resistance exercise in hypoxia. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1973–1981, 2017—This study assessed whether hypoxia augments anabolic responses to moderate-load resistance exercise. Fourteen trained men performed moderate-load resistance exercise in normoxia (NORM; fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] = 21%) and moderate-level hypoxia (MH; FIO2 = 16%). Exercise comprised 3 sets of 10 repetitions of squats and deadlifts at 60% of 1 repetition maximum, with 60-second interset rest. Blood lactate (BLa−) was quantified after each exercise, whereas arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR) were assessed after each set. Thigh circumference was measured before and after exercise. Muscle activation and oxygenation were monitored by surface electromyography (EMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Relative BLa− concentrations were significantly higher following squats (p = 0.041) and deadlifts (p = 0.002) in MH than NORM. Arterial oxygen saturation was lower after each set in MH compared with NORM (p < 0.001), although HR and thigh circumference were not different between conditions. Integrated EMG was higher in MH than in NORM for the squat during several repetitions (p ≤ 0.032). Measures of muscle oxygen status were not significantly different between conditions (p ≥ 0.247). The main findings from this study suggest that hypoxia during moderate-load resistance exercise augments metabolite accumulation and muscle activation. However, a significant hypoxic dose was not measured at the muscle, possibly because of the moderate level of hypoxia used. The current data support previous hypotheses that have suggested hypoxia can augment some physiological responses that are important for muscular development, and may therefore provide benefit over the equivalent training in normoxia.
Orientation Tuning Depends on Spatial Frequency in Mouse Visual Cortex
Authors: Ayzenshtat Inbal , Jackson Jesse , Yuste Rafael
Published: September 2016

The response properties of neurons to sensory stimuli have been used to identify their receptive fields and to functionally map sensory systems. In primary visual cortex, most neurons are selective to a particular orientation and spatial frequency of the visual stimulus. Using two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal populations from the primary visual cortex of mice, we have characterized the response properties of neurons to various orientations and spatial frequencies. Surprisingly, we found that the orientation selectivity of neurons actually depends on the spatial frequency of the stimulus. This dependence can be easily explained if one assumed spatially asymmetric Gabor-type receptive fields. We propose that receptive fields of neurons in layer 2/3 of visual cortex are indeed spatially asymmetric, and that this asymmetry could be used effectively by the visual system to encode natural scenes.
A vital region for human glycoprotein hormone trafficking revealed by an LHB mutation
Authors: Potorac Iulia , Rivero-Müller Adolfo , Trehan Ashutosh , Kiełbus Michał , Jozwiak Krzysztof , Pralong Francois , Hafidi Aicha , Thiry Albert , Ménagé Jean-Jacques , Huhtaniemi Ilpo , Beckers Albert , Daly Adrian F
Published: September 2016

Glycoprotein hormones are complex hormonally active macromolecules. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for the postnatal development and maturation of the male gonad. Inactivating Luteinizing hormone beta (LHB) gene mutations are exceptionally rare and lead to hypogonadism that is particularly severe in males. We describe a family with selective LH deficiency and hypogonadism in two brothers. DNA sequencing of LHB was performed and the effects of genetic variants on hormone function and secretion were characterized by mutagenesis studies, confocal microscopy and functional assays. A 20-year-old male from a consanguineous family had pubertal delay, hypogonadism and undetectable LH. A homozygous c.118_120del (p.Lys40del) mutation was identified in the patient and his brother, who subsequently had the same phenotype. Treatment with hCG led to pubertal development, increased circulating testosterone and spermatogenesis. Experiments in HeLa cells revealed that the mutant LH is retained intracellularly and showed diffuse cytoplasmic distribution. The mutated LHB heterodimerizes with the common alpha-subunit and can activate its receptor. Deletion of flanking glutamic acid residues at positions 39 and 41 impair LH to a similar extent as deletion of Lys40. This region is functionally important across all heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones, because deletion of the corresponding residues in hCG, follicle-stimulating hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone beta-subunits also led to intracellular hormone retention. This novel LHB mutation results in hypogonadism due to intracellular sequestration of the hormone and reveals a discrete region in the protein that is crucial for normal secretion of all human glycoprotein hormones.
Incorporating Functional Annotations for Fine-Mapping Causal Variants in a Bayesian Framework Using Summary Statistics
Authors: Chen Wenan , McDonnell Shannon K , Thibodeau Stephen N , Tillmans Lori S , Schaid Daniel J
Published: September 2016

Functional annotations have been shown to improve both the discovery power and fine-mapping accuracy in genome-wide association studies. However, the optimal strategy to incorporate the large number of existing annotations is still not clear. In this study, we propose a Bayesian framework to incorporate functional annotations in a systematic manner. We compute the maximum a posteriori solution and use cross validation to find the optimal penalty parameters. By extending our previous fine-mapping method CAVIARBF into this framework, we require only summary statistics as input. We also derived an exact calculation of Bayes factors using summary statistics for quantitative traits, which is necessary when a large proportion of trait variance is explained by the variants of interest, such as in fine mapping expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). We compared the proposed method with PAINTOR using different strategies to combine annotations. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves the best accuracy in identifying causal variants among the different strategies and methods compared. We also find that for annotations with moderate effects from a large annotation pool, screening annotations individually and then combining the top annotations can produce overly optimistic results. We applied these methods on two real data sets: a meta-analysis result of lipid traits and a cis-eQTL study of normal prostate tissues. For the eQTL data, incorporating annotations significantly increased the number of potential causal variants with high probabilities.
Donor Preference Meets Heterochromatin: Moonlighting Activities of a Recombinational Enhancer in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dodson Anne E , Rine Jasper
Published: September 2016

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a small, intergenic region known as the recombination enhancer regulates donor selection during mating-type switching and also helps shape the conformation of chromosome III. Using an assay that detects transient losses of heterochromatic repression, we found that the recombination enhancer also acts at a distance in cis to modify the stability of gene silencing. In a mating-type-specific manner, the recombination enhancer destabilized the heterochromatic repression of a gene located ∼17 kbp away. This effect depended on a subregion of the recombination enhancer that is largely sufficient to determine donor preference. Therefore, this subregion affects both recombination and transcription from a distance. These observations identify a rare example of long-range transcriptional regulation in yeast and raise the question of whether other cis elements also mediate dual effects on recombination and gene expression.
Eddy Dissipation Combustion Modeling of Turbulent Reacting Flow
Authors: Majid Almas
Published: September 2016

In this paper specious transport and gaseous combustion have been modeled numerically using computational fluid dynamics method. A cylindrical combustor burning methane (CH4) in air is studied using the eddy-dissipation model. Eddy dissipation combustion model has been coupled with the standard k-ɛ model to simulate this highly complex turbulent reactive fluid flow field. Effects of air and fuel velocities have been investigated on the reactant mass fractions, temperature and velocity profiles and NOX production.
Lactobacillus pentosus expressing porcine lactoferrin elevates antibacterial activity and improves the efficacy of vaccination against Aujeszky’s disease
Authors: Xu Yigang , Zong Xiaolin , Han Bing , Li Yijing , Tang Lijie
Published: September 2016

In this study, Lactobacillus pentosus expressing porcine lactoferrin (pLF) was tested for in vitro antibacterial activity and for its ability to enhance immunity induced by an orally administered Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV) vaccine. The cDNA encoding N-terminus of pLF was cloned into a Lactobacillus-specific plasmid to produce L. pentosus pLF expressing transformants (pPG612.1-pLFN/ L. pentosus). The antimicrobial activity of the recombinant pLF protein inhibited bacterial growth in vitro. The supernatant of pPG612.1-pLF-N/L. pentosus had an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus strain CVCC26003, Bacillus subtilis strain CVCC63501, Escherichia coli strain CVCC10141 and Salmonella enterica ssp. entericaCholeraesuis strain CVCC79102, while it did not inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus casei strain ATCC393. A mouse model was established to test the effectiveness of the orally administered probiotic L. pentosus recombinant strain in the gastrointestinal tract. Mice were immunised with an attenuated porcine Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV) vaccine. Serum antibody levels determined using a mouse Aujeszky’s disease IgG ELISA showed that IgG levels were significantly higher in the pPG612.1-pLFN/L. pentosus group than in the PBS and Lactobacillus pentosus groups at days 7 and 21 (P < 0.01) and at day 14 (P < 0.05), indicating that this oral recombinant strain can improve the effectiveness of the vaccine and play a role in immune enhancement through humoral immunity. These results suggest that the recombinant Lactobacillus pentosus not only has the beneficial characteristics of lactic acid bacteria but also produces biologically functional lactoferrin.
Comparative clinical evaluation of tacrolimus and cyclosporine eye drops for the treatment of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Radziejewski Krzysztof , Balicki Ireneusz
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus eye drops in alleviating the clinical symptoms of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and to compare this efficacy with that of cyclosporine. The clinical study was conducted on 40 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic KCS. The dogs were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. In Group I, 0.75% cyclosporine eye drops were administered three times a day, while in Group II 0.02% tacrolimus eye drops were given twice daily. In addition, each group was subdivided into three subgroups based on the results of Schirmer tear test I (STT I). Clinical and ophthalmologic examinations were performed prior to the treatment as well as after one and two months of therapy. The application of both tacrolimus and cyclosporine resulted in a significant reduction of neovascularisation after the first and second month of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.001); however, in moderate and advanced stages, the observed efficacy of tacrolimus was higher. Across all patients, a significant increase in STT I values was observed after both the first and second month of treatment with tacrolimus (P < 0.01), as well as after two months of treatment with cyclosporine (P < 0.05). In both groups, some patients were observed to exhibit inhibited development of pigmentation, but an analysis of particular clinical cases and statistical data revealed no statistically significant discrepancies in the course of the study. In cases of advanced canine KCS, the efficacy of tacrolimus may be higher than that of cyclosporine.
Multiple congenital cardiovascular defects including type IV persistent truncus arteriosus in a Shetland pony – Short communication
Authors: Taulescu Marian , Palmieri Chiara , Leach Joshua , Nagy Andras , Ober Ciprian , Cernea Mihai , Catoi Cornel
Published: September 2016

This case report describes the pathological findings of multiple congenital cardiac defects in a 2-year-old female Shetland pony with clinical signs of chronic respiratory distress. Persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) type IV, interventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary trunk agenesis, pulmonary arteries arising from the descending aorta, and compensatory right ventricular hypertrophy were observed.
Correlation of carcass meat content with development of the reproductive system in sexually immature gilts
Authors: Jankowiak Hanna , Kapelański Wojciech , Bocian Maria , Soltész Angéla , Balogh Péter
Published: September 2016

This study evaluated the correlation of carcass meat content with the development of the reproductive system in sexually immature gilts of Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL) breeds. The results, obtained from three groups (I, II, III) of gilts differing in lean meat percentage, indicate an effect on fattening and slaughtering traits as well as on the morphometric characteristics of the uterus. There were statistically significant differences in the values of fattening and slaughtering traits in the groups of gilts tested. Studies on the relationship between morphometric characteristics of the reproductive system and carcass meat content showed that there was a correlation between the weight of the uterus with and without the broad ligament and the meat content of the carcass. The weight of the uterus was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in gilts with lower meat content. The negative influence of high gilt meatiness on development of the reproductive system was more pronounced in PLW gilts.
T-2 mycotoxin slows down the development of mouse blastocysts, decreases their blastomere number and increases chromatin damage
Authors: Somoskői Bence , Kovács Melinda , Cseh Sándor
Published: September 2016

The mycotoxin T-2 has many harmful effects on mammalian cells and reproductive functions. In the present study, the in vitro effect of T-2 toxin on mouse blastocysts was examined. Embryos were cultured in media supplemented with 0.5, 0.75 and 1 ng/ml T-2. Different exposure times were applied [96 h (treatment I) or 24 h following 72 h in toxin-free media (treatment II)]. Blastomere number, nuclear chromatin status and blastocoel formation were investigated in blastocysts. Our data show that the effect of T-2 toxin may vary depending on the stage of the embryo at the start of exposure. At 96 h of exposure, the blastocysts had blastomeres with normal chromatin quality but their developmental potential was decreased. After 24 h of exposure applied following a 72-h culture, blastomeres had a higher level of chromatin damage, although their developmental potential was the same as in the control embryos. In both cases, decreased mitotic rate was found, which resulted in decreased blastomere number even at low toxin concentration.
A pszichológiai jóllét szociodemográfiai korrelátumai, kapcsolata a big five vonásokkal és az optimizmussal
Authors: Nagy Henriett , Gyurkovics Máté
Published: September 2016

Elméleti háttér

A pszichológiai jóllét többtényezos modelljét Ryff alkotta meg 1989-ben. Korábbi kutatások rámutattak arra, hogy a pszichológiai jóllét az extraverzióval pozitív, a neuroticizmussal pedig negatív irányú összefüggést mutat, továbbá igazolták a pszichológiai jóllét és az optimizmus közötti kapcsolatot.

Cél

Jelen tanulmány arra keresi a választ, hogy milyen mértékben alkalmasak az ötfaktoros elmélet személyiségvonásai a pszichológiai jóllét szintjének elorejelzésére magyar mintán (figyelembe véve a demográfiai tényezok hatását is), illetve, hogy az optimizmus képes-e bejósolni a pszichológiai jóllét szintjét a big five dimenziók kontrollálása után is.

Módszer

Keresztmetszeti vizsgálatunkban 314 felnott (63,7% no; átlagéletkor: 29,5 év, SD =10,96 év) vett részt. Méroeszközök: szociodemográfiai kérdések, Big Five Kérdoív, Pszichológiai Jóllét Skála, Életszemlélet Teszt.

Eredmények

Az alábbi szociodemográfiai változók mutattak kapcsolatot a pszichológiai jólléttel: az anyagi helyzet; a jelenlegi lakóhely; az apa iskolai végzettsége; és az anya iskolai végzettsége. A személyiségváltozók közül a diszpozicionális optimizmus eros, pozitív irányú együttjárást (r = 0,61; p < 0,001) mutatott a jóllétszinttel, a big five dimenziók pedig legfeljebb közepes mértéku összefüggést jeleztek (r = |0,27|−|0,45|; p < 0,01). A bináris logisztikus regresszió elemzés eredményei alapján a big five személyiségvonások mind szignifikáns hatást gyakoroltak a jóllét szintjére a szociodemográfiai változók szinten tartása utána is — és e hatás valamennyi dimenzió esetében pozitív, a neuroticizmust leszámítva (Nagelkerke-féle R2 = 59,9%; X2(17) = 156,35; p < 0,001). Az eredmények szerint továbbá az optimizmus önálló (OR = 4,32, p = 0,014), a big five dimenzióktól független magyarázóerovel bír a jóllétszint alakulása tekintetében (Nagelkerke-féle R2 = 61,7%; X2(18) = 162,75; p < 0,001; Δ X2(1) = 6,39; p = 0,011).

Következtetés

Jelen kutatás egy újabb bizonyíték azon kutatások sorában, amelyek azt demonstrálják, hogy a személyiség lényeges szerepet játszik a pszichológiai jóllét alakulásában. Az eredmények azt is sugallják, hogy az optimizmus önálló, a big five dimenzióktól független magyarázóerovel bír a jóllét szintjének alakulása tekintetében.
British Dam Society young engineers' forum
Authors: Sampson Jen , Tudor Samuel , Dooley Barry , Basford Andrew , Morris Jonathan
Published: September 2016

This paper summarises the inaugural meeting of the British Dam Society Young Engineers' Forum (YEF). The forum was convened in Manchester, with the objectives of discussing the role and objectives of the YEF and creating a network of young dam engineers focused on sharing learning and best practices. The meeting provided the opportunity for a number of short technical presentations to be given and for the delegates to network with their industry colleagues. This paper presents a summary of the forum proceedings.