bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body condition impacts blood and muscle oxygen storage capacity of free-living beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas)
Authors: Choy Emily S. , Campbell Kevin L. , Berenbrink Michael , Roth James D. , Loseto Lisa L.
Published: May 2019

Arctic marine ecosystems are currently undergoing rapid environmental changes. Over the past 20 years, individual growth rates of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) have declined, which may be a response to climate change; however, scarcity of physiological data makes it difficult to gauge the adaptive capacity and resilience of the species. We explored relationships between body condition and physiological parameters pertaining to oxygen (O2) storage capacity in 77 beluga whales in the eastern Beaufort Sea. Muscle myoglobin concentrations averaged 77.9 mg g−1, one of the highest values reported among mammals. Importantly, blood hematocrit, hemoglobin, and muscle myoglobin concentrations correlated positively to indices of body condition, including maximum half-girth to length ratios. Thus, a whale with the lowest body condition index would have ∼27% lower blood (26.0 vs. 35.7 mL kg−1) and 12% lower muscle (15.6 vs. 17.7 mL kg−1) O2 stores than a whale of equivalent mass with the highest body condition index; with the conservative assumption that underwater O2 consumption rates are unaffected by body condition, this equates to a >3 minute difference in maximal aerobic dive time between the two extremes (14.3 vs. 17.4 minutes). Consequently, environmental changes that negatively impact body condition may hinder the ability of whales to reach preferred prey sources, evade predators, and escape ice entrapments. The relationship between body condition and O2 storage capacity may represent a vicious cycle, in which environmental changes resulting in decreased body condition impair foraging, leading to further reductions in condition through diminished prey acquisition and/or increased foraging efforts.
Nonlinear sequence similarity between the Xist and Rsx long noncoding RNAs suggests shared functions of tandem repeat domains
Authors: Sprague Daniel , Waters Shafagh A. , Kirk Jessime M. , Wang Jeremy R. , Samollow Paul B. , Waters Paul D. , Calabrese J. Mauro
Published: May 2019

The marsupial inactive X chromosome expresses a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) called Rsx that has been proposed to be the functional analog of eutherian Xist. Despite the possibility that Xist and Rsx encode related functions, the two lncRNAs harbor no linear sequence similarity. However, both lncRNAs harbor domains of tandemly repeated sequence. In Xist, these repeat domains are known to be critical for function. Using k-mer based comparison, we show that the repeat domains of Xist and Rsx unexpectedly partition into two major clusters that each harbor substantial levels of nonlinear sequence similarity. Xist Repeats B, C, and D were most similar to each other and to Rsx Repeat 1, whereas Xist Repeats A and E were most similar to each other and to Rsx Repeats 2, 3, and 4. Similarities at the level of k-mers corresponded to domain-specific enrichment of protein-binding motifs. Within individual domains, protein-binding motifs were often enriched to extreme levels. Our data support the hypothesis that Xist and Rsx encode similar functions through different spatial arrangements of functionally analogous protein-binding domains. We propose that the two clusters of repeat domains in Xist and Rsx function in part to cooperatively recruit PRC1 and PRC2 to chromatin. The physical manner in which these domains engage with protein cofactors may be just as critical to the function of the domains as the protein cofactors themselves. The general approaches we outline in this report should prove useful in the study of any set of RNAs.
Gene expression of Interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy
Authors: Khalid Sabeen , Yousaf Muhammad Javad , Rashid Amir , Khan Saleem Ahmad
Published: May 2019

Background & Objectives: The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation that is mediated by the macrophages and monocytes that cause release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-18. It is highly expressed in serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and has a positive association with disease activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression of interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy.

Methods: The cross sectional comparative study is conducted at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Center for Research in Experimental and Applied Medicine (CREAM-1Lab), Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with Rheumatology Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. Study was conducted on two groups consisting of Group-I of rheumatoid arthritis patients on diseases modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and control Group-II comprising of normal healthy individuals. Non-probability purposive sampling was done from patients and controls. The duration of study was one year i-e from November 2015 to November 2016. Relative quantification of gene expression of interleukin-18 was done by Real time PCR using ∆∆CT method.

Results: Expression analysis for interleukin-18 showed down regulation of gene in rheumatoid arthritis patients as compared to controls.

Conclusion: Interleukin-18 gene shows down regulation in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1070

How to cite this:Khalid S, Yousaf MJ, Rashid A, Khan SA. Gene expression of Interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):802-806. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1070

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effects of whole body vibration on cardiac autonomic function and exercise capacity in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Maia Tuíra O , Paiva Dulciane N , Filho Dário C Sobral , Cavalcanti Frederico CB , Rocha Livia G , Macedo Júnior Aluísio RA , de Melo Marinho Patrícia Érika
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims

Whole body vibration is an exercise alternative that can be used in the rehabilitation of renal transplant recipients with the aim of reducing cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole body vibration training on heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory parameters and functional capacity on five renal transplant recipients.

Methods

Renal transplant recipients underwent whole body vibration exercise twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. All participants were monitored using the 24-hour Holter to evaluate the heart rate variability domains. An exercise test to evaluate maximal oxygen consumption and the distance walked in the Six-Minute Walk Test to evaluate functional capacity were also recorded.

Results

Overall, two of the five transplant recipients improved sympathovagal balance at the end of the study. Maximal oxygen consumption improved in three transplanted patients, and the distance walked improved for two patients. The results showed that whole body vibration training improved heart rate variability and maximal and submaximal test performance in some transplanted recipients.

Conclusion

The 12-week training protocol with twice weekly whole body vibration sessions was sufficient to improve heart rate variability and the performance of maximal and submaximal tests in some renal transplant recipients, although the responses were heterogeneous for the considered variables. Whole body vibration may be an alternative to conventional means of physical exercise because it causes minimal cardiovascular stress, which could be especially indicated for this population given the risk presence of arrhythmias and sudden death; therefore studies with better designs need to be developed in order to verify the effectiveness of this intervention.
The democratic consequences of online media consumption in post-revolutionary Egypt
Authors: El-Shamy Alaa A.
Published: May 2019

Considerable academic focus has been directed towards exploring the roles played by online media in initiating and shaping Egypt’s uprisings experienced since 2011. However, little is known about whether electronic media outlets remained a political agent in post-revolutionary Egypt or not. The current work seeks to redress this gap, relying on unique data collected in April 2016 from a representative sample of 1200 Egyptian adults. Findings show that electronic media consumption leads to increased demands for democratic regimes and negative positions towards Islamic governments. Furthermore, online media use enhances citizens’ protesting behaviour rather than voting action. In the online domain, electronic media exposure instigates more online political activism among online media users. Arguably, the current work concludes that online media have still been a potent democratizing actor in today’s Egypt as it had been during the 2011 and 2013 insurgencies, yet taking different forms and diverse degrees.
Reshaping representation of race relations in the age of new media: A case study of Chapeltown in Leeds, UK
Authors: Raja Irfan
Published: May 2019

This study examines the role and the impact of new media in the Chapeltown area of Leeds in the North of England. Drawing on in-depth interviews and personal observations, it traces incredible illustrations of mutual cooperation among people of different faiths and ethnicities who come together to celebrate Carnival and Vaisakhi and enjoy food during Ramadan in the local mosques. Also, it finds that despite the differences among communities of various cultural and religious backgrounds, the takeaway lesson here in Chapeltown is that communities can be united for a common goal. For instance, people can struggle side-by-side to overcome social ills and challenge negative press by effectively using new media technologies.

This study argues that most sections of the British press need to review their attitude towards ethnic minorities that is to change the reporting approach and practice investigative journalism.

Review of the history of Chapeltown’s early migrants, the British Jews, suggests that high levels of education and becoming part of the mainstream literacy circles in both universities and mainstream media can improve the representation of ethnic minorities. Furthermore, unless members of the ethnic minorities become part of the mainstream media it will be difficult for them to improve their media representation.
Comportamento hídrico das depressões cársticas da região de Lagoa Santa, MG
Authors: Pampolini Amaral Diógenes Guilherme , Velásquez Leila Nunes Menegasse , Rodrigues Paulo César Horta
Published: May 2019

As depressões cársticas se configuram como importantes feições dissolutivas presentes principalmente em regiões calcárias. À luz da típica geomorfologia e hidrogeologia cárstica, este trabalho apresenta as investigações realizadas nas depressões cársticas situadas sobre as rochas pelito carbonáticas do Grupo Bambuí, localizadas nos arredores da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) Carste Lagoa Santa (MG). As investigações tiveram como principal objetivo a compreensão do comportamento e desempenho hídrico das 393 depressões cársticas detectadas a partir de Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) derivado de uma imagem do satélite ALOS PALSAR. As etapas se constituíram fundamentalmente de geoprocessamento em ambiente SIG, foto observação através de imagens do Google Earth Pro, classificação supervisionada em imagens multiespectrais dos satélites Landsat registradas em quatro períodos hidrológicos distintos (ano com índice pluviométrico normal e ano atipicamente seco). O coeficiente de Kappa e acurácia geral indicaram que as classificações supervisionadas realizadas obtiveram resultados excelentes. As análises estatísticas multivariadas revelaram que a presença de lagoas no interior das depressões cársticas após o período de estiagem em ano hidrológico normal ou em ano de excepcional stress hídrico está relacionada com a morfologia e morfoestrutural. Isto é, as depressões maiores, com grandes profundidades, altos índices de eixos de alongamento e grandes áreas de maciços calcários em seus interiores são aquelas mais favoráveis a possuírem água em seus interiores.
Variabilidade da Composição Isotópica da Precipitação na Região Central do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Santos Vinícius Dos , Gastmans Didier , Santarosa Lucas Vituri , Batista Ludmila Vianna , Betancur Sebastian Balbin , Dias de Oliverira Marcelo Eduardo , Pereira Filho Augusto José
Published: May 2019

Isótopos estáveis vêm sendo utilizados como ferramenta em estudos hidrometeorológicos, gerando informações sobre a relação entre clima e recarga de águas subterrâneas e origem de fluxos de água superficial, contribuindo para o entendimento das consequências das mudanças climáticas sobre o ciclo hidrológico. O presente trabalho apresenta os principais controles climáticos responsáveis pela variabilidade na composição isotópica da precipitação mensal na região central do estado de São Paulo, onde situam-se áreas de recarga de importantes aquíferos da Bacia do Paraná. A equação da reta meteórica local (δ2H= 8,34*δ18O + 15,71) indica que a composição isotópica é influenciada por uma fonte de umidade oceânica e processos de recirculação de vapor ao longo do deslocamento de massas de ar até a região de estudo. A sazonalidade observada indica que chuvas empobrecidas (δ18O= <-6‰) ocorrem durante o período chuvoso, associadas a grande disponibilidade de umidade, transportada principalmente da Amazônia, a atuação da Zona de Convergência do Atlântico Sul (ZCAS) e sistemas frontais, enquanto chuvas enriquecidas (δ18O = >-3‰) ocorrem durante o período seco, com atuação das Frentes Frias (FF) e formação de chuvas convectivas. Os resultados apresentados e discutidos neste trabalho contribuem para o estabelecimento de padrões sazonais na composição isotópica da chuva, que podem auxiliar na compreensão da movimentação da água, o que inclui a recarga de aquíferos, no estado de São Paulo.
Práticas Abusivas em face do Consumidor Endividado
Authors: Neto Luiz Mesquita de Almeida
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo estuda o tema das cláusulas gerais do Direito Civil, especialmente a boa-fé objetiva e a vedação ao abuso de direito. Como método, propõe uma abordagem indutiva, a partir da coleta de dados por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica. O objetivo é fundamentar teoricamente  o combate às práticas abusivas em face do consumidor endividado e, por outro lado, verificar quais são as principais práticas abusivas documentadas nesse contexto. O artigo propõe a hipótese, que se confirma ao final, de que o superendividamento tem alterado o preenchimento da  cláusula geral da boa-fé objetiva, com a criação de novos deveres anexos ao fornecedor na contratação do crédito, bem como modificando o conteúdo efetivo da vedação ao abuso de direito, com o reconhecimento de novas práticas abusivas em face do consumidor endividado.
El atomismo de Leibniz en De summa rerum (1676): una interpretación a la luz de la cosmología cartesiana
Authors: Fazio Rodolfo
Published: May 2019

En el presente trabajo estudiamos la teoría atomista que Leibniz propone en De summa rerum (1676). Luego de explicar las razones que esgrime con vistas a introducir átomos materiales en la naturaleza, defendemos una doble hipótesis. En primer lugar, mostramos que el atomismo leibniziano recibe inspiración de la cosmología cartesiana. En segundo lugar, proponemos que esta teoría ha de comprenderse en el marco de sus reflexiones acerca de la sustancia corpórea y que es concebida con vistas a superar las dificultades que el período parisino presenta a su metafísica juvenil.
La conformación intersubjetiva de la libertad: un análisis de la influencia de Fichte en la filosofía de Kierkegaard
Authors: Rodríguez Pablo Uriel
Published: May 2019

El pensamiento de Kierkegaard fue fuertemente influenciado por los filósofos idealistas alemanes. Mientras que los especialistas estudiaron el vínculo filosófico entre Hegel (o Schelling) y el danés, la relación de Kierkegaard con Fichte permaneció en silencio. El propósito de este artículo es desarrollar una nueva perspectiva de la relación Fichte-Kierkegaard. Primero, exploramos las lecturas que Kierkegaard realizó sobre el sistema de Fichte. Segundo, discutimos las nuevas interpretaciones globales de la filosofía kierkegaardeana y el puesto que en ellas ocupa Fichte. Tercero, mostramos que el concepto fichteano de Aufforderung está a la base de la teoría del yo expuesta por Kierkegaard en sus últimos libros.
TRADISI LITERASI DI PERGURUAN TINGGI ISLAM: PANDANGAN DAN MOTIVASI PARA PENULIS JURNAL AL-AHWAL UIN SUNAN KALIJAGA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Syafei Ermi Suhasti , Hadi Samsul , Habudin Ihab
Published: May 2019

This article discusses the level of literacy traditions in Indonesia, especially with regard to the publication of comparatively low scientific journal articles. Psychologically, one that affects the level of scientific journal publications relates to the motivation of the authors. This article describes the views and motivations of authors of the Al-Ahwal Journal: Journal of Islamic Family Law, one of the nationally accredited journals (Rank two), published by Islamic Family Law Study Program, Syari'ah Faculty and Law, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Sources of research data were 30 respondents as article writers and 2 speakers. The data is analyzed through a psychological perspective, using motivational theories developed by Abraham Maslow and Alderfer. The study revealed that the motivation to write articles in journals is not based on the fulfillment of physiological needs and the need for security as in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, nor is it driven by the existence needs in Alderfer's theory. The writing tradition in Al-Ahwal's journal was motivated more by social needs and self-actualization in Maslow's theory, or based on factors to meet the needs of social relations and self-development as found in Alderfer's theory. [Artikel ini membahas tingkat tradisi literasi di Indonesia, khususnya yang berkaitan dengan publikasi artikel jurnal ilmiah yang relatif rendah. Secara psikologis, yang mempengaruhi tingkat publikasi jurnal ilmiah berkaitan dengan motivasi penulis. Artikel ini menjelaskan pandangan dan motivasi penulis Jurnal Al-Ahwal: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Islam, salah satu jurnal terakreditasi nasional (Peringkat dua), yang diterbitkan oleh Program Studi Hukum Keluarga Islam, Fakultas Syari'ah dan Hukum, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Sumber data penelitian adalah 30 responden sebagai penulis artikel dan 2 pembicara. Data dianalisis melalui perspektif psikologis, menggunakan teori motivasi yang dikembangkan oleh Abraham Maslow dan Alderfer. Studi ini mengungkapkan bahwa motivasi untuk menulis artikel di jurnal tidak didasarkan pada pemenuhan kebutuhan fisiologis dan kebutuhan akan keamanan seperti dalam hierarki kebutuhan Maslow, juga tidak didorong oleh kebutuhan yang ada dalam teori Alderfer. Tradisi penulisan dalam jurnal Al-Ahwal lebih termotivasi oleh kebutuhan sosial dan aktualisasi diri dalam teori Maslow, atau berdasarkan faktor untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hubungan sosial dan pengembangan diri seperti yang ditemukan dalam teori Alderfer.]
Effect of Sodium 2,3-Dimercaptopropane-1-Sulphonate (DMPS) on Chronic Daunorubicin Toxicity in Rabbits: Comparison with Dexrazoxane
Authors: Hrdina Radomír , Geršl Vladimír , Klimtová Ivona , Šimůnek Tomáš , Mazurová Yvona , Macháčková Jarmila , Adamcová Michaela
Published: May 2019

A possible protective action of DMPS (a dithiol chelating agent) against chronic daunorubicin toxicity in rabbits in comparison with dexrazoxane was investigated. The rabbits were divided into five groups: control (saline, 1 ml/kg i.v.), daunorubicin (3 mg/kg i.v.), DMPS (50 mg/kg i.v.); the remaining two groups were pre-treated either with dexrazoxane (60 mg/kg i.p.) or DMPS (50 mg/kg i.v.) 30 min before administration of daunorubicin (3 mg/kg i.v.). Drugs were given once a week for 10 weeks. Routine biochemical parameters were determined in weeks 1, 5 and 11. In the 11th week, invasive haemodynamic parameters were measured, then the rabbits underwent autopsy, cardiac tissue was examined by light microscopy and scored semiquantitatively. The contents of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and selenium were measured in the left heart ventricle. DMPS administered alone was well tolerated and did not cause any major signs of toxicity. It decreased the cardiac content of calcium, but did not affect the iron concentration. In contrast to dexrazoxane, DMPS pre-treatment did not prevent the decline in body weight in weeks 8–11 caused by daunorubicin, actually worsened mortality (26.7% vs 40.0%), did not ameliorate daunorubicin-induced nephrotic syndrome, and did not prevent the occurrence of the severe myocardial lesions. Unlike dexrazoxane, a lack of protective effect of DMPS against chronic daunorubicin toxicity in rabbits was demonstrated. The underlying cause may consist in the fact that DMPS does not efficiently chelate tissue iron and thus may not prevent the formation of oxygen free radicals.
Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Deproteinized Bovine Bone (Bio-Oss®) and Impladent® Dental Implant System Part I. Comparison Between One-Stage and Two-Stage Procedure
Authors: Kasabah Samer , Šimůnek Antonín , Krug Jiří , Lecaro Miguel Cevallos
Published: May 2019

This study was undertaken to compare implant survival after one- or two-stage sinus augmentation. Ninety-two maxillary sinuses in 77 patients were augmented with deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss®). These sinuses were subdivided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 49) was operated on with a one-stage procedure, and Group 2 (n = 43) with a twostage operation. A hundred and eighty-five implants were inserted in these augmented sinuses. Clinical and radiographical evaluations were performed and recorded according to certain criteria. The follow-up period was ranging from 16 to 44 months. Out of the implants inserted using the one-stage procedure, all survived. Two implants failed in the two-stage procedure group (98.91 % implant survival). This study showed that no statistically significance was observed between the two surgical techniques (P<0.05). Therefore, the authors concluded the type of surgical procedure (one- or two-stage) has no effect on implant survival.
Combined Off-Pump Coronary Revascularization and Lung Resection
Authors: Köksal Cengiz , Sarıkaya Sabit , Zengin Mustafa , Atasalihi Ali
Published: May 2019

Concomittant severe coronary artery disease and lung malignancies occur rarely. Combined conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with lung resection posses several perioperative and postoperative problems related to extracorporeal circulation and heparinization. The avoidance of CPB may be advantageous by decreasing blood loss, pulmonary complications and hospital stay. Further, exposure to the immunosuppresive and inflammatory effects of CPB may have deleterious impact on tumor growth and dissemination. Off-pump CABG makes the combined procedure safer as it abolishes the complications of CPB. We report two patients with the diagnosis of severe coronary artery disease and lung malignancies, underwent off-pump CABG and lung resections in the same surgical setting.
Dynamic D-Vine Copula Model with Applications to Value-at-Risk (VaR)
Authors: Tófoli Paula V. , Ziegelmann Flávio A. , Candido Osvaldo , Valls Pereira Pedro L.
Published: May 2019

Vine copulas are multivariate dependence models constructed from pair-copulas (bivariate copulas). In this paper, we allow the dependence parameters of the pair-copulas in a D-vine decomposition to be potentially time-varying, following a restricted ARMA(1, m) process, in order to obtain a very flexible dependence model for applications to multivariate financial return data. We investigate the dependence among the broad stock market indexes from Germany (DAX), France (CAC 40), Britain (FTSE 100), the United States (S&P 500) and Brazil (IBOVESPA) both in a crisis and in a non-crisis period. We find evidence of stronger dependence among the indexes in bear markets. Surprisingly, though, the dynamic D-vine copula indicates the occurrence of a sharp decrease in dependence between the indexes FTSE and CAC in the beginning of 2011, and also between CAC and DAX during mid-2011 and in the beginning of 2008, suggesting the absence of contagion in these cases. We evaluate the dynamic D-vine copula with respect to Value-at-Risk (VaR) forecasting accuracy in crisis periods. The dynamic D-vine outperforms the static D-vine in terms of predictive accuracy for our real data sets. We also investigate the dynamic D-vine copula in a simulation study and the overall results of the Monte Carlo experiments are quite favorable to the dynamic D-vine copula in comparison with a static D-vine copula.
Analysis of a non-Markovian queueing model: Bayesian statistics and MCMC methods
Authors: Braham Hayette , Berdjoudj Louiza , Boualem Mohamed , Rahmania Nadji
Published: May 2019

The stationary distribution is the key of any queueing system; its determination is sufficient to infer the corresponding characteristics. This paper deals with theEr/M/1{\mathrm{Er}/M/1}queue. Bayesian inference is developed to estimate the system parameters, specially the root of the relative equation which allows the determination of the stationary distribution. A numerical study is performed with MCMC methods to support the results, and a comparison with another existing method in the literature (moments method) is provided.
On solving stochastic differential equations
Authors: Ermakov Sergej M. , Pogosian Anna A.
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a new approach to solving Ito stochastic differential equations.
It is based on the well-known Monte Carlo methods for solving integral equations (Neumann–Ulam scheme, Markov chain Monte Carlo).
The estimates of the solution for a wide class of equations do not have a bias, which distinguishes them from estimates based on difference approximations (Euler, Milstein methods, etc.).
Modification of the gut microbiome to combat neurodegeneration
Authors: Sasmita Andrew Octavian
Published: May 2019

The gut microbiome was extensively researched for its biological variety and its potential role in propagating diseases outside of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recently, a lot of effort was focused on comprehending the gut-brain axis and the bizarre communication between the GI system and the nervous system. Ample amount of studies being carried out also revealed the involvement of the gut microbiome in enhancing the degree of many neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. It was widely observed that there were distinct microbiome profiles and dysbiosis within patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Various approaches to re-establish the balance of the gut microbiome, from antibiotic therapy, fecal microbiota transplant, or ingestion of psychobiotics, are discussed within this review within the specific context of combating neurodegenerative diseases. Present studies and clinical trials indicate that although there is an immense potential of gut microbiome modification to be preventive or therapeutic, there are still many intercalated components of the gut-brain axis at play and thus, more research needs to be carried out to delineate microbiome factors that may potentially alleviate symptoms of neurodegeneration.
Signizing: The root of the functions of the intentional sign
Authors: Jin Yiqiang , Cao Liqin
Published: May 2019

Studies on the functions of the sign to date have been inadequate in that they leave unanswered a basic question of semiotics: What are the functions of a simple sign that consists essentially in the relation between two relata? The answer to this question is to be found in the phenomenon called “signize.” For intentional signs at least, all the mental entities can be signized, but only certain kinds of them have a strong signizing value. When these mental entities are signized, they tend to be signized into certain kinds of images. The advantages of these images over those mental entities give rise to certain benefits that, in turn, result in the basic functions of simple intentional signs. These basic functions are the starting point of a systematic study of the hierarchy of functions of intentional sign.
Semiotic and discursive consequences of the cybertextual condition: The case of tragedy
Authors: Vargas-Iglesias Juan J.
Published: May 2019

In recognition of the central place that the concept of tragedy holds in the historical understanding of culture and society, this paper features an analysis of its presence, current state, and value in the digital environments of the postmodern era, with special attention to videogames. Thus, the overcoming of a classic model of tragedy in the cybertextual condition is first determined, along with the discursive dimension underlying said overcoming. To this end a theoretical statement to the issue of tragedy is proposed, from the perspective of the cybertext as procedural rhetoric. This will establish the formulation of a semiotic analytical model that problematizes Greimas’ actantial system under the light of the digital and interactive reality of videogames. To avoid this constraint, we propose to attach a new variable to the base of the generative trajectory: the “configurative synthesis,” product of the so-called “gaming/playing function.” This addition will integrate the figures of the game and the player in the dynamic distinction of the “quasi-Actant.” Finally, a sample of 79 cases will be observed in regards to the implications of the cybertextual notion of tragedy to the narrative and discourse of videogames.
Effect of Welding Processes on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Duplex Stainless Steel Weld Joints
Authors: Korra Nanda Naik , Maduraimuthu V. , Vasudevan M. , Balasubramanian K. R.
Published: May 2019

The objective of the present investigation involves studying the microstructure and mechanical properties of duplex stainless steel (DSS) alloy 2205 and super DSS (SDSS) alloy 2507 weld joints fabricated by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and its variant, activated TIG (A-TIG) welding. Square butt weld joints were fabricated from 10-mm-thick plates of DSS and SDSS using single pass A-TIG and multi-pass TIG welding processes. The filler wire ER2209 was used for multi-pass TIG welding of DSS 2205, and ER2594 filler wire was used for multi-pass TIG welding of SDSS 2507. The microstructure in the A-TIG weld metals was found to be coarser, which was caused by high peak temperatures during A-TIG welding. The microstructures exhibited different forms of austenite, including grain boundary allotriomorphs, Widmanstätten side plates, and intragranular precipitates in the weld metal. In the A-TIG weld metals, the microstructure exhibited a balanced ferrite-to-austenite ratio. The hardness values of multi-pass TIG weld joints were higher compared to A-TIG weld joints. The tensile and yield strengths of multi-pass TIG weld joints were higher compared to A-TIG weld joints, which was mainly due to higher delta ferrite content and finer microstructure. The toughness values obtained by Charpy impact testing were higher in A-TIG weld joints compared with multi-pass TIG weld joints at room temperature, which was mainly due to the balanced ferrite-to-austenite ratio in the weld microstructure. However, at subzero temperatures, the A-TIG weld joints exhibit lower impact toughness because of their coarser weld metal structure.
Friction Stir Welding of AISI 316L Stainless Steel in a 3.5 NaCl Aqueous Solution: Metallurgical and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Shashi Kumar S. , Murugan N. , Ramachandran K. K.
Published: May 2019

Submerged friction stir welding (SFSW) was employed for joining AISI 316L stainless steel sheets. The effect of submerged friction stir welding on the metallurgical and mechanical properties of the weld joints was studied by varying tool rotational speed from 600 to 1,400 r/min, in steps of 400 r/min with other constant process parameters (welding speed of 55 mm/min, axial force of 12 kN, and tool tilt of 1.5°) in an artificially prepared 3.5 sodium chloride aqueous solution chamber. Characterization studies, such as scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction, were used for studying the microstructural studies of the weld zone. The results of the experimental analysis reveal that the SFSW joints exhibited overall better joint strength, and the weld made at 1,000 r/min was superior in terms of strength and microstructural features to that of the base steel. The pitting corrosion behavior of the base steel and the weld joints depicts a stable pitting potential with no active passive behavior, in which the pitting corrosion resistance of all weld joints was marginally higher, especially the weld joint made at 1,000 r/min, which was superior to that of the base steel. The existence of the secondary precipitates was ruled out in all the cases, owing to lower peak temperatures and continuous (fast) cooling of the weld zone.
The NeuroD6 Subtype of VTA Neurons Contributes to Psychostimulant Sensitization and Behavioral Reinforcement
Authors: Bimpisidis Zisis , König Niclas , Stagkourakis Stefanos , Zell Vivien , Vlcek Bianca , Dumas Sylvie , Giros Bruno , Broberger Christian , Hnasko Thomas S. , Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa
Published: May 2019

Reward-related behavior is complex and its dysfunction correlated with neuropsychiatric illness. Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have long been associated with different aspects of reward function, but it remains to be disentangled how distinct VTA DA neurons contribute to the full range of behaviors ascribed to the VTA. Here, a recently identified subtype of VTA neurons molecularly defined by NeuroD6 (NEX1M) was addressed. Among all VTA DA neurons, less than 15% were identified as positive for NeuroD6. In addition to dopaminergic markers, sparse NeuroD6 neurons expressed the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) gene. To achieve manipulation of NeuroD6 VTA neurons, NeuroD6(NEX)-Cre-driven mouse genetics and optogenetics were implemented. First, expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) was ablated to disrupt dopaminergic function in NeuroD6 VTA neurons. ComparingVmat2lox/lox;NEX-Creconditional knock-out (cKO) mice with littermate controls, it was evident that baseline locomotion, preference for sugar and ethanol, and place preference upon amphetamine-induced and cocaine-induced conditioning were similar between genotypes. However, locomotion upon repeated psychostimulant administration was significantly elevated above control levels in cKO mice. Second, optogenetic activation of NEX-Cre VTA neurons was shown to induce DA release and glutamatergic postsynaptic currents within the nucleus accumbens. Third, optogenetic stimulation of NEX-Cre VTA neuronsin vivoinduced significant place preference behavior, while stimulation of VTA neurons defined by Calretinin failed to cause a similar response. The results show that NeuroD6 VTA neurons exert distinct regulation over specific aspects of reward-related behavior, findings that contribute to the current understanding of VTA neurocircuitry.
Palaeotopography concerning sea level changes to rethink past human activities in central Dalmatian islands area, Adriatic Sea
Authors: Podobnikar Tomaž
Published: May 2019

Environmental conditions and access to natural resources are important factors for human behaviour and choices about where to make settlements. This important information must be understood and abstracted into appropriate spatial datasets, so as to be modelled in geographic information systems (GIS). The main objective is to design and realize a seamless integrated digital elevation model (DEM) from several data sources, including bathymetry. The important focus of this paper is to collect and interpret the sea level data for the Central Dalmatian islands over the past 15,000 years, describing the entire case study’s implementation in terms of hydrology, landscape archaeology, geodesy, data quality assessment, and spatial analysis. The results demonstrate that the proposed model has the potential to rethink the archaeological theories of settlement patterns in the studied area. The limitation of the proposed study is a lower quality of bathymetric datasets, and the determination of the historical sea level due to a number of uncertain factors. The work has profound implications in terms of the developed GIS tools that make it possible to generate reliable datasets and simulate various scenarios, as well as for a non-destructive prediction of the past archaeological landscapes. The solution may help increase awareness about cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and climate change.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Individualised management of acromegaly
Authors: Bollerslev Jens , Heck Ansgar , Olarescu Nicoleta Cristina
Published: May 2019

Acromegaly is a rare and challenging disease calling for management in highly specialised multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). Untreated disease has severe morbidity and a clearly increased mortality. Major attainments have been gained over the latest decades, and therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss recent achievements in modern multimodal therapy of acromegaly performed by MDTs, with an emphasis on an individualised, proactive management from the time of diagnosis to long-term outcome. Treatment by surgery is the only potential curative treatment, however, even with modern techniques still with modest cure rates, leaving the patients to often long-term medical treatment. Treatment strategies have changed dramatically in the Western world over recent years, implying a more proactive treatment algorithm often with a shorter or longer pre-surgical treatment period with somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). Not all patients will however respond to primary treatment with conventional SRLs and there has recently been a development of potential biomarkers for response that has been implemented in the clinical routine. By today, multimodal treatment can bring every patient in remission, but still almost a third of all patients are undertreated according to large, international registries. On the other hand, it might be a challenge not to over treat thereby bringing the patient into a state of relative or absolute growth hormone deficiency. Clinical series published during the last decade on treatment of patients with acromegaly have indicated a normalisation of mortality, most probably reflecting the proactive and individualised modern treatment. In conclusion, modern, multimodal treatment seems to have normalised mortality, but still the patients suffer from a high multi-organ morbidity and often multi-pharmacy. Every patient should receive an individualised, proactive treatment in order to improve long-term outcome and to reduce costs for the society.
Contraction of the ROS Scavenging Enzyme GlutathioneS-Transferase Gene Family in Cetaceans
Authors: Tian Ran , Seim Inge , Ren Wenhua , Xu Shixia , Yang Guang
Published: May 2019

Cetaceans are a group of marine mammals whose ancestors were adaptated for life on land. Life in an aquatic environment poses many challenges for air-breathing mammals. Diving marine mammals have adapted to rapid reoxygenation and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated reperfusion injury. Here, we considered the evolution of the glutathione transferase (GST) gene family which has important roles in the detoxification of endogenously-derived ROS and environmental pollutants. We characterized the cytosolic GST gene family in 21 mammalian species; cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, and their terrestrial relatives. All seven GST classes were identified, showing that GSTs are ubiquitous in mammals. Some GST genes are the product of lineage-specific duplications and losses, in line with a birth-and-death evolutionary model. We detected sites with signatures of positive selection that possibly influence GST structure and function, suggesting that adaptive evolution of GST genes is important for defending mammals from various types of noxious environmental compounds. We also found evidence for loss of alpha and mu GST subclass genes in cetacean lineages. Notably, cetaceans have retained a homolog of at least one of the genes GSTA1, GSTA4, and GSTM1; GSTs that are present in both the cytosol and mitochondria. The observed variation in number and selection pressure on GST genes suggest that the gene family structure is dynamic within cetaceans.
Protein Adsorption Behavior on the Surface of the Microfiltration Membrane Based on a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)
Authors: Zhou Wang  , Yadong Kong  , Qian Zhang  , Zhan Wang  , Natsagdorj Khaliunaa  , Rooha Khurram  , Yuenan Zhou  , Tungalagtamir Bold  , Khan Bushra
Published: May 2019

How to fast and efficiently determinate the fouling behavior of the microfiltration membrane has great significance for the industrial membrane application. In this paper, the MF membrane was put on the surface of a gold-coated quartz crystal of QCM to study the adsorption behavior of protein at different conditions. The adsorbed mass increased with the increasing of concentration, ionic strength and temperature while decreased with the increasing of pH. Then the BSA adsorption results were compared with the corresponding membrane flux in dead-end cell at the identical conditions. Furthermore, the BSA adsorption process can be described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms very well. These results suggested that directly putting the membrane on the surface of a gold-coated quartz crystal of QCM can be used as a rapid and efficient approach to study protein fouling on the membrane surface. This approach using QCM and a small piece of the membrane could yield quantitative information for adsorption kinetics investigation and reduce the workload in large-scale industrial project.
The Political Dimension in Arab Contemporary Art through the Marcuse Aesthetic Theory: A Descriptive Analytical Study
Authors: Salameh Mohammad Ahmad Bani , Rafee Yakup Mohd.
Published: May 2019

This paper discusses the political dimension in Arab contemporary art based on the Marcuse aesthetic theory. The researchers believe there is a high correlation between Arab contemporary art and Marcuse aesthetic theory when the three main axes of this theory are tested and reflected on contemporary Arab artworks (study sample). This study attempts to describe and analyze the artworks (study sample) and link this analysis to Marcuse theory. The study sample contains three Arab contemporary artworks from 2010-2015 to clarify the political dimension in Arab contemporary art in accordance with the Marcuse aesthetic theory. The findings prove strong correlations between Arab contemporary art and Marcuse aesthetic theory.
Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Religiosity at the Workplace
Authors: Awuni Mathias , Zaidan Tanko Mohammed
Published: May 2019

Religion pervades all aspects of human life. Even in communities where a growing number of people deny the existence or belief in any form of supreme power, allegiance to religious groups is anything but uncommon. Managers of global companies are increasingly confronted with managing religious sentiments at the workplace. Three hundred (300) employees from various organizations in Karnataka state of India were sampled for this study. The data was systematized, organized and analyzed using Microsoft excel and SPSS. Correlations and regression analysis were run to establish the relationship among dependent and independent variables. The results showed that the level employees’ religiosity has a strong impact on OCB. Organizational climate also was proved to be a significant moderating variable in the relationship between OCB and religiosity at the workplace
الادارة الروسية للازمة السورية (Russian administration of the Syrian crisis)
Authors: Zikra D. Nadia
Published: May 2019

لها اثر كبير في استمرارها وتأجيجها, تأتي في مقدمتها الانتشار الكبير للبطالة وقلة فرص العمل نتيجة الفساد الاداري وتعدد مراكز القوى والسياسات الاقتصادية الخاطئة , وانتشار العشوائيات في معظم المحافظات السورية وسوء الخدمات, مما ادى الى تأثر ابناء الشعب السوري بما سمي بثورات ( الربيع العربي ) والتي بدأت في تونس لتنتشر في مصر وليبيا واليمن يضاف الى ذلك المواقف العربية والغربية التي زادت من خطورة الازمة وتصاعدها والتي انقسمت الى فريقين الاول يطالب بتنحي الرئيس السوري بشار الاسد عن الحكم باستخدام مختلف الاسلحة العسكرية والاقتصادية للإطاحة به, وهو يضم المملكة العربية السعودية وقطر وتركيا فضلا عن الولايات المتحدة الامريكية وفرنسا وبريطانيا, وعلى الجانب الآخر فريق يؤيد ويدعم وجود هذا النظام واستمراره خدمة لمصالحه وعلاقته الاستراتيجية مع سوريا, متمثلا بروسيا الاتحادية ورئيسها بوتين الذي كان يسعى الى تغيير مراكز القوة في العالم, والذي نجح في تغيير مسار الازمة لصالح الحكومة السورية ورئيسها بشار الاسد.
Tiempo, historia y política. Una reflexión comparativa sobre las conmemoraciones bicentenarias en México y Argentina
Authors: Perochena Camila
Published: May 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es comparar las conmemoraciones oficiales del bicentenario de las Revoluciones independentistas que tuvieron lugar en México y Argentina. Por un lado, se busca analizar cómo dos gobiernos ideológicamente diferentes conmemoraron el Bicentenario y representaron la idea de revolución y, por otro, examinar las relaciones que dichos gobiernos establecieron con el tiempo histórico. Las fuentes utilizadas para alcanzar dicho objetivo son los discursos oficiales de los presidentes y las celebraciones bicentenarias. Las hipótesis que se busca demostrar es, en primer lugar, la de que, mientras México intentó construir una memoria reconciliatoria, en Argentina se procuró poner en evidencia las rupturas entre los actores del pasado y el presente. En segundo lugar, esas dos formas de conmemorar dieron lugar a dos representaciones diferentes de la idea de revolución y a dos maneras de representar la tríada pasado-presente-futuro.
Detrás de las palabras: usos políticos del concepto de imparcialidad y su función en la construcción de la historia de América en la Ilustración española
Authors: Soriano Muñoz Nuria
Published: May 2019

En tiempos de renovado debate sobre el presentismo y la objetividad de los historiadores, pretendo indagar en los usos ideológicos y las funciones políticas que desempeñó el concepto de imparcialidad en la Ilustración española, su relación con la escritura de la historia y, más particularmente, con la conquista de América. A partir de diversos textos impresos de finales del s. XVIII e inicios del s. XIX —apologías, elogios, diccionarios y otros textos literarios— y adoptando una metodología que aúna la historia cultural y de los conceptos, me detendré en cómo las élites culturales dieciochescas atribuyeron al concepto un significado positivo y necesario para construir los discursos sobre lo acontecido en 1492. Desmontar su dimensión ideológica permite pensar en la “imparcialidad” como herramienta constructora de la “diferencia”, una noción que legitima y confiere prestigio a la nación española y, al mismo tiempo, vertebra una compleja red de identidades.