bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Thermosensitive Gel for Controlled Release of Levofloxacin and Their Application in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Alves Danilo Antonini , Machado Daisy , Melo Adriana , Pereira Rafaella Fabiana Carneiro , Severino Patrícia , Hollanda Luciana Maria de , Araújo Daniele Ribeiro , Lancellotti Marcelo
Published: September 2016

Levofloxacin is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent for oral or intravenous administration. Chemically, levofloxacin is the levorotatory isomer (L-isomer) of racemate ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent. Quinolone derivatives rapidly and specifically inhibit the synthesis of bacterial DNA. Levofloxacin hasin vitroactivity against a broad range of aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, formulation of combined poloxamers thermoregulated (as Pluronic® F127) and levofloxacin for use in multiresistant bacterial treatment were poorly described in the current literature. Thus, the aim of the present work is to characterize poloxamers for levofloxacin controlled release and their use in the treatment of multidrug bacterial resistance. Micelles were produced in colloidal dispersions, with a diameter between 5 and 100 nm, which form spontaneously from amphiphilic molecules under certain conditions as concentration and temperature. Encapsulation of levofloxacin into nanospheres showed efficiency and enhancement of antimicrobial activity againstEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andKlebsiella pneumoniaewhen compared with only levofloxacin. Furthermore, all formulations were not cytotoxic for NIH/3T3 cell lineage. In conclusion, poloxamers combined with levofloxacin have shown promising results, better than alone, decreasing the minimal inhibitory concentration of the studied bacterial multiresistance strains. In the future, this new formulation will be used after being tested in animal models in patients with resistant bacterial strains.
Wnt5a Increases the Glycolytic Rate and the Activity of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Cortical Neurons
Authors: Cisternas Pedro , Salazar Paulina , Silva-Álvarez Carmen , Barros L. Felipe , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: September 2016

In the last few years, several reports have proposed that Wnt signaling is a general metabolic regulator, suggesting a role for this pathway in the control of metabolic flux. Wnt signaling is critical for several neuronal functions, but little is known about the correlation between this pathway and energy metabolism. The brain has a high demand for glucose, which is mainly used for energy production. Neurons use energy for highly specific processes that require a high energy level, such as maintaining the electrical potential and synthesizing neurotransmitters. Moreover, an important metabolic impairment has been described in all neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the key role of glucose metabolism in the brain, little is known about the cellular pathways involved in regulating this process. We report here that Wnt5a induces an increase in glucose uptake and glycolytic rate and an increase in the activity of the pentose phosphate pathway; the effects of Wnt5a require the intracellular generation of nitric oxide. Our data suggest that Wnt signaling stimulates neuronal glucose metabolism, an effect that could be important for the reported neuroprotective role of Wnt signaling in neurodegenerative disorders.
Curcumin Attenuates Retinal Vascular Leakage by Inhibiting Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Peipei , Ying Jia , Chen Zhen , Yu Songping
Published: September 2016

Background: Curcumin possesses many pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory effects. Although prior studies indicate that curcumin has beneficial effects for diabetic retinopathy, the mechanism of action is not known. To address this issue, we investigated the effect of curcumin against diabetes-induced retinal vascular damage and its mechanism of action by using cultured retinal Müller cells stimulated with high glucose. Methods: We studied the effects of curcumin in vivo in the retinas of rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin and in vitro in Müller cells stimulated with high glucose. We administered curcumin, or KN93, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), or saline vehicle to experimental animals on a daily basis for 12 weeks. Primary cultures of rat Müller cells were incubated with normal glucose or high glucose, with or without curcumin, KN93, or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of the transcription protein nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). We examined mRNA and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Retinal levels of CaMKII and NF-κB were examined by Western blotting. Vascular leakage was evaluated using Evans blue. Results: Curcumin and KN93 significantly inhibited the activation of CaMKII/NF-κB signaling induced by diabetes or elevated glucose, and subsequently decreased the expression of VEGF, iNOS and ICAM-1. These changes were associated with a decrease of diabetes-induced retinal vascular leakage. Conclusion: Curcumin protects the diabetic rat retina against early retinal vascular damage, by inhibition of CaMKII activity. Curcumin is currently used to treat a number of clinical conditions, and may prove beneficial for the management of diabetic retinopathy.
Transient versus Permanent Congenital Hypothyroidism after the Age of 3 Years in Infants Detected on the First versus Second Newborn Screening Test in Oregon, USA
Authors: Ford George A. , Denniston Sara , Sesser David , Skeels Michael R. , LaFranchi Stephen H.
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: The newborn screening (NBS) program in Oregon, USA, collects two routine specimens in all infants. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of permanent versus transient congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in infants detected on the first versus second screening test. Methods: Thyroid function was determined in infants after the age of 3 years diagnosed with CH and born in Oregon between 2005 and 2011. Permanent hypothyroidism was defined as a TSH rise >10 mIU/ml after the first year on treatment or a TSH rise >6 mIU/ml with temporary discontinuation of l-thyroxine after the age of 3 years. Results: Of the cases detected on the first test, 72 of 87 (83%) were permanent and 15 of 87 (17%) were transient, while of the cases detected on the second test, 5 of 22 (23%) were permanent and 17 of 22 (77%) were transient (OR 16.3, p < 0.001). There was a female preponderance detected on the first screen versus a male preponderance on the second screen. Blood spot and serum thyroid function tests at diagnosis, before treatment, were not meaningfully different between the two groups. The mean l-thyroxine dose at the age of 3 years was greater on the first screen: 61.2 versus 36.6 μg/day. Conclusions: Infants detected on the second NBS specimen have a higher incidence of transient CH.
Closing the Gender Gap: Can We Improve Bladder Cancer Survival in Women? - A Systematic Review of Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes
Authors: Burge Frances , Kockelbergh Roger
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Despite recent attention, there are no gender specific guidelines to address the disparity in bladder cancer survival between the sexes. The focus of this review was to identify areas of clinical practice that may influence bladder cancer outcomes and to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve bladder cancer survival in women. Method: A systematic search of MEDLINE was conducted to identify studies related to referral, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of patients with bladder cancer with particular reference to gender differences. Results: Patients' knowledge of key signs and symptoms of bladder cancer is poor. There is evidence that there is a gender difference in referral patterns both at patient and primary care level. The presence of cystits, in particular, delays referral. Treatment and surveillance of high-risk non-muscle invasive cancers is variable and non-urothelial bladder cancer, which has higher incidence in women is more likely to be treated non-operatively than urothelial bladder cancer. Conclusion: We have offered recommendations to improve patient education and streamline referrals and suggested considerations for treatment of high-risk cancers to help improve survival in female bladder cancer patients.
Comparison of the Apical Sealing Ability of Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer and Resin-Based Sealer Using the Fluid-Filtration Technique
Authors: Asawaworarit Widcha , Yachor Prapaporn , Kijsamanmith Kanittha , Vongsavan Noppakun
Published: September 2016

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of tricalcium silicate-based (MTA Fillapex®) and resin-based (AH Plus®) sealers at 24 h, 7 days and 4 weeks. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four extracted human upper anterior teeth were used. All the teeth were sectioned to leave the root 15 mm long, and then all the roots were instrumented using a set of ProTaper® rotary instruments. Four roots were selected randomly as controls, and the remaining 30 were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 each: MTA Fillapex and gutta-percha (group 1) and AH Plus and gutta-percha (group 2) using a warm vertical compaction technique. The apical sealing ability of the filled root canal was measured using the fluid-filtration method with 200 mm Hg (26.67 KPa) above atmospheric pressure at 24 h, 7 days and 4 weeks. The apical microleakage of the 2 groups was compared using Student's t test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean apical microleakage in group 1 at 24 h, 7 days and 4 weeks was 1.01 ± 0.24, 0.43 ± 0.07 and 0.24 ± 0.08 nl/s. The corresponding values in group 2 were 1.15 ± 0.40, 0.32 ± 0.09, and 0.38 ± 0.10 nl/s. MTA Fillapex had significantly more leakage than AH Plus at 7 days, but at 4 weeks, MTA Fillapex showed a significantly better sealing ability than AH Plus (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, the tricalcium silicate-based sealer promoted proper sealing when used for filling the root canals.
Combined Group I and III ABO Discrepancies in Multiple Myeloma with IgG-Lambda Type: A Case Report
Authors: Park Joonhong , Jekarl Dong Wook , Park Suk Young , Shin Soyoung
Published: September 2016

Objective: To report a case with unusual ABO discrepancies caused by coexistence of the loss of anti-B isoagglutinin and rouleau formation. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 79-year-old female diagnosed as having multiple myeloma (MM) with monoclonal IgG-λ type showed rouleau formation in peripheral blood smear. The ABO and Rh blood type before the diagnosis of MM was A+, but the following ABO grouping was interpreted as AB+. The ABO genotype revealed the subtypes A102 and O101, which confirmed her ABO phenotype as A+. Conclusion: This was a case of combined group I and III ABO discrepancies mimicking blood group AB.
Artes populares: Serial Amusement between the Effects of Genre and Medium in early Modernity (Artes Populares: Serielles Vergnügen in der Frühen Neuzeit zwischen Gattungs- und Medieneffekten).
Authors: Günter Manuela , Homberg Michael
Published: September 2016

This article examines the status of ‘Unterhaltung’ in early modern prose (novels, short novellas etc.) while focussing on the intersections of an evolving literary market and the production of new medial artefacts in 16th and 17th centuries. Following the traces of the emerging poetological discourse in the poetics as well as in the prefaces it offers a perspective on popular ‘arts’ in the literal sense of artes populares (Bodmer and Breitinger) which is to be characterized by an emphasis on seriality in terms of novelty and reiteration, a distinctive autoreflexive gesture and the promotion of an effective idea of fiction.
Heilung des Wahns durch den Wahn
Authors: Bergengruen Maximilian
Published: September 2016

Andreas Gryphius’ Cardenio und Celinde is a ghost story which at the same time is also a psychological healing story and one of theological conversion. Both stories would not have been possible had the technical preconditions offered by Baroque theater not been available to let ghosts appear on stage with public appeal. For analyzing the entertaining function of these ghosts the mentioned three levels provide orientation. This article will therefore examine psychology (1), then turn to theology (2) in order to finally address the technical preconditions of their presentability (3).
A new species, Navicula lothargeitleri sp. nov., within the Navicula cryptocephala complex (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: POULÍČKOVÁ ALOISIE , NEUSTUPA JIŘÍ , HAŠLER PETR , TOMANEC ONDŘEJ , COX EILEEN J.
Published: September 2016

Recently published phylogenetic analyses of 52 strains of Navicula cryptocephala-like diatoms confirmed the existence of genetically distinct lineages within N. cryptocephala: clade I “RBG” and clade II “Lubnaig”. Using geometric morphometry, we compared strains of both clades with the lectotype and found that clade I represents N. cryptocephala sensu stricto, while clade II constitutes a different taxon, for which we establish a new species, Navicula lothargeitleri sp. nov. Both species can be distinguished by their interphase nucleus structure. Slight differences in valve morphology are described and discussed.
Bulbophyllum paramjitii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Malaxideae): a new species from Sikkim Himalaya, India

Authors: AGRAWALA DINESH K. , SHARIEF MOHAMED U. , SINGH BASANT K.
Published: September 2016

Bulbophyllum Petit-Thouars (1822) is one of the largest orchid genera with about 2200 taxa, widely distributed in the tropics (Vermeulen 2014). The main centres of diversity are Asia-Pacific (1700 species), Madagascar (200 species) and New Guinea (600 species). Based on evidence from morphological and molecular data, Vermeulen (2014) recommended a wider circumscription of Bulbophyllum.
On the taxonomic status of the European Scolelepis (Scolelepis) squamata (Polychaeta: Spionidae), with description of a new species from southern Europe

On the taxonomic status of the European Scolelepis (Scolelepis) squamata
(Polychaeta: Spionidae), with description of a new species from southern Europe

Authors: SURUGIU VICTOR
Published: September 2016

In order to clarify taxonomic problems relating to the identity of Scolelepis (Scolelepis) specimens from the Black Sea, the identified material was compared with specimens of Scolelepis cirratulus (Delle Chiaje, 1829) from the Mediterranean, of S. squamata (Abildgaard, in O.F. Müller, 1806) from the North Sea and the Atlantic coast of Spain, and with the syntypes of S. mesnili (Bellan & Lagardère, 1971) from the Atlantic coast of France. The examination of a large number of specimens (both juveniles and adults) reveals that the currently accepted morphological differences distinguishing all species show size-related patterns, suggesting that they all belong to one species. Therefore, this study supports the view that Scolelepis cirratulus and Scolelepis mesnili are junior synonyms of Scolelepis (Scolelepis) squamata. As a result of the re-assessment of the species limits of Scolelepis (Scolelepis) squamata, a new species, Scolelepis (Scolelepis) neglecta sp. nov., is distinguished and described from the Cantabrian coast of Spain. It inhabits shallow sublittoral fine sands and was earlier misidentified and reported from the Atlantic coast of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea as Scolelepis squamata, Scolelepis mesnili, Scolelepis cantabra (Rioja, 1918), or Dispio uncinata Hartman, 1951. The new species is characterized by having a trilobate prostomium with an acuminate medial portion, a short peristomium with well-developed dorso-lateral wings, short palps with two longitudinal bands of elevated lobes, neuropodial postchaetal lamellae notched from chaetigers 14–41, and strongly curved bidentate neuropodial hooded hooks with a slight constriction on the shaft starting from chaetigers 19–49. The morphology, diagnostic characters and ecology of both Scolelepis (Scolelepis) squamata and Scolelepis (Scolelepis) neglecta sp. nov. are discussed.
Review of the genus Haba Semenov, 1954 (Hymenoptera Chrysididae) with the key to species
Authors: STRUMIA FRANCO
Published: September 2016

Four species of the genus Haba are reviewed. New combination is proposed for Haba colonialis (Mocsáry, 1911), comb. nov. (from Holopyga). The synonymy between Holopyga colonialis and Holopyga beaumonti Balthasar, 1953 is not supported. Key to the species is given.
Ultrastructural observations on the development of Ceratomyxa aegyptiaca (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) infecting Solea aegyptiaca (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae) from Tunisian coastal lagoon
Authors: YEMMEN CHIRAZ , QUILICHINI YANN , MARCHAND BERNARD , BAHRI SIHEM
Published: September 2016

Ultrastructural description of Ceratomyxa aegyptiaca Yemmen, Marton, Eszterbauer and Bahri, 2012 infecting the gallbladder of Solea aegyptiaca Chabanaud, 1927 from a tunisian north-east costal lagoon, was presented in this study. The primary cell was attached to the gallbladder epithelium and presented at one side cytoplasmic projections corresponding to pinocytotic invaginations. Netherless, early sporogonic stages development was carried with contact to the epithelial cells of gallbladder. Immature spores were identified in early sporoblasts by their valvogenic, capsulogenic and binucleated sporoplasmic cells. Capsulogenesis was asynchronous. Each capsulogenic cell presented a large condensed nucleus and a capsular primordium that extended into an external tube. The eversion and coiling of the external tube gave rise to the polar filament, which displayed six turns and an apical plug.
Nothocasis rosariae sp. n., a new sylvicolous, montane species from southern Europe (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Larentiinae)
Authors: SCALERCIO STEFANO , INFUSINO MARCO , HAUSMANN AXEL
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we describe Nothocasis rosariae sp. n. as the second European species belonging to the genus Nothocasis Prout, 1937. Differential features from its allopatric sibling species N. sertata (Hübner, 1817) are presented basing on wing pattern, morphology of male and female genitalia, and molecular data (COI barcode region). The type series is designated from southern Italy, but one examined specimen was collected in Epirus, Greece. The largest phenotypic and genetic variation was observed in the Pollino Massif, northern Calabria, whilst the population of the locus typicus in the Sila Massif, central Calabria, appears to be more homogeneous. 128 individuals were collected in mountainous beech forests from late August to mid-November. We hypothesize that larvae of N. rosariae sp. n. feed on Fagus sylvatica whilst those of its sibling species, N. sertata, feed on Acer.
The genus Leucophenga (Diptera, Drosophilidae), part VI: the argentata species group from the East Asia, with morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: HUANG JIA , CHEN HONGWEI
Published: September 2016

Six species of the Leucophenga argentata species group from East Asia are examined (including one known and five new ones): L. argentata (de Meijere, 1914); L. bicuspidata sp. nov.; L. fuscivena sp. nov.; L. longipenis sp. nov.; L. quadricuspidata sp. nov.; L. tricuspidata sp. nov.; the diagnoses for Asian species of the argentata group and a key to these species are provided. A total of 44 DNA sequences of the mitochondrial COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) gene with BOLD process ID and GenBank accession numbers are provided for these species. The intra- and interspecific pairwise p-distances are summarized. The NJ (Neighbor-joining) and the Bayesian analyses are used to conduct a molecular phylogenetic analysis for the above-mentioned species. The molecular data are used as complementary evidence for the identification of the argentata group species with sexually dimorphic abdominal tergites.
Bayerotrochus delicatus, a new species of pleurotomariid from Yap Seamount, near Palau, Western Pacific (Gastropoda: Pleurotomariidae)
Authors: ZHANG SUPING , ZHANG SHUQIAN , WEI PENG
Published: September 2016

A new pleurotomariid species, Bayerotrochus delicatus sp. nov., collected from the Yap Seamount, near Palau, Western Pacific (8°51′N, 137°47′E), is described and illustrated. The generic assignment is based on morphology and molecular evidence. The new species is characterized by a small, depressed trochoid shell sculptured with delicate spiral threads and axial riblets; the shell surface is lustrous orange mottled with iridescence. The radula has a formula of R + 3 + 23 + (ca. 30) + (ca. 65) + 9. These features can separate Bayerotrochus delicatus sp. nov. from its congeners. To determine the relationships of Bayerotrochus delicatus sp. nov. with other pleurotomariids, a neighbor-joining (NJ) tree was established using available sequences of cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI) from this study and GenBank.
Two new species of nematodes (Nematoda) from highly mineralized rivers of Lake El'ton basin, Russia
Authors: GUSAKOV VLADIMIR A. , GAGARIN VLADIMIR G.
Published: September 2016

Two new nematode species, Mesodorylaimus rivalis sp. n. and Allodiplogaster media sp. n., from the highly mineralized rivers of the El'ton Lake basin (Russia) are described and illustrated from numerous mature females and males. Mesodorylaimus rivalis sp. n. is similar to M. vulvapapillatus Bagaturia & Eliava, 1966, but differs from it in the longer body, shorter spicules and longer female prerectum. Allodiplogaster media sp. n. resembles A. lupata (Shoshin, 1989) Kanzaki, Ragsdale & Giblin-Davis, 2014 and A. mordax (Shoshin, 1989) Kanzaki, Ragsdale & Giblin-Davis, 2014, but differs from the first species in having a shorter pharynx, shorter outer labial setae, longer spicules and different ratio between anterior and posterior pharynx sections, and from A. mordax in the thinner body, shorter pharynx and longer spicules.
New data on Horaeomorphus Schaufuss (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae) from the Oriental region, with description of a bizarre new species from Yunnan, Southeast China
Authors: ZHOU DE-YAO , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: September 2016

Horaeomorphus bicornis sp. n., a remarkable species with strongly modified head from Yunnan, Southwest China is described. A distinctly different female from the same locality is also recorded, its identity remains unconfirmed until associated males become available. The previously unknown female of H. hujiayaoi Zhou & Zhang, 2016, is discovered, with its spermatheca and female terminalia illustrated. Horaeomorphus punctatissimus Franz, 1992 is newly recorded from Mount Trus Madi, Malaysia. Two females of H. eumicroides Schaufuss, 1889 were discovered from Singapore, with female terminalia illustrated.
How much terror? Dissidents, governments, institutions, and the cross-national study of terror attacks
Authors: Bakker Ryan , Hill Daniel W , Moore Will H
Published: September 2016

Our knowledge of the set of concepts that influence the number of terror attacks experienced by different countries is rudimentary. Existing work on the incidence of terror focuses upon the structural characteristics of polities, economies, and societies, and fails to place competition between dissidents and states center stage. It also tends to treat terror as isolated from other tactics that dissident groups might use to pressure the state. This study addresses these shortcomings by placing government and dissident group behavior at the center of the analysis. Drawing on arguments from the larger literature on dissent and repression, we argue that government behavior and dissident behavior are likely to be more important determinants of terror attacks than structural factors. We scour the literature for existing arguments to round out our model specification, and evaluate hypotheses using Bayesian statistical techniques and a broad scope of relevant data. For many of our independent variables we construct indices using measurement models that are able to account for measurement error and missing data, resulting in a more comprehensive set of data than previous studies. The results demonstrate that measures of government and dissident behavior have more explanatory power than measures of the concepts that populate existing research.
Organized violence, 1989–2015
Authors: Melander Erik , Pettersson Therése , Themnér Lotta
Published: September 2016

The alarming upward trend since 2012 in the number of fatalities incurred by organized violence did not continue in 2015. Indeed, 2014 saw more than 130,000 people killed in organized violence while in 2015 this figure was close to 118,000. This is still an unusually high number, the third-worst year in the post-Cold War period. The number of conflicts continued to increase from 41 in 2014 to 50 in 2015. This increase was by and large driven by the expansion of the Islamic State. Most of the fatalities, over 97,000, incurred in state-based conflicts. Non-state conflicts also increased, from 61 in 2014 to 70 in 2015, the highest number recorded in the 1989–2015 period. No non-state conflict passed the threshold of 1,000 battle-related deaths, but 11 state-based conflicts did – a decrease by one from 2014. Seven of the ten most violent state-based conflicts in 2014 became less violent. Twenty-six actors were registered in one-sided violence just as in 2014, while the number of fatalities decreased from over 13,500 to 9,500.
On interior rehabilitation of buildings with historic facades
Authors: Wójcik Robert , Bomberg Mark
Published: September 2016

The first part of this overview deals with an effect of interior insulation that changes thermal regime in a wall and thereby affects moisture performance of this wall. Moderately cold and wet climate is probably the most difficult to deal with because any interior insulation increases a number of freeze-thaw cycles that takes place during winters. In this respect, materials used for interior thermal insulation are separated depending on their air leakage characteristics and where needed an additional air barrier system is added. This article discusses one-step freeze-thaw method for assessment of clay brick durability and different materials that can be used for interior insulation.
Evaluating the accuracy of protein design using native secondary sub-structures
Authors: Movahedi Marziyeh , Zare-Mirakabad Fatemeh , Arab Seyed Shahriar
Published: September 2016

Background

According to structure-dependent function of proteins, two main challenging problems called Protein Structure Prediction (PSP) and Inverse Protein Folding (IPF) are investigated. In spite of IPF essential applications, it has not been investigated as much as PSP problem.

In fact, the ultimate goal of IPF problem or protein design is to create proteins with enhanced properties or even novel functions. One of the major computational challenges in protein design is its large sequence space, namely searching through all plausible sequences is impossible. Inasmuch as, protein secondary structure represents an appropriate primary scaffold of the protein conformation, undoubtedly studying the Protein Secondary Structure Inverse Folding (PSSIF) problem is a quantum leap forward in protein design, as it can reduce the search space.

In this paper, a novel genetic algorithm which uses native secondary sub-structures is proposed to solve PSSIF problem. In essence, evolutionary information can lead the algorithm to design appropriate amino acid sequences respective to the target secondary structures. Furthermore, they can be folded to tertiary structures almost similar to their reference 3D structures.

Results

The proposed algorithm called GAPSSIF benefits from evolutionary information obtained by solved proteins in the PDB. Therefore, we construct a repository of protein secondary sub-structures to accelerate convergence of the algorithm.

The secondary structure of designed sequences by GAPSSIF is comparable with those obtained by Evolver and EvoDesign. Although we do not explicitly consider tertiary structure features through the algorithm, the structural similarity of native and designed sequences declares acceptable values.

Conclusions

Using the evolutionary information of native structures can significantly improve the quality of designed sequences. In fact, the combination of this information and effective features such as solvent accessibility and torsion angles leads IPF problem to an efficient solution. GAPSSIF can be downloaded at http://bioinformatics.aut.ac.ir/GAPSSIF/.
Pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir in infants under the age of 1 year
Authors: Dixit Rashmi , Matthews Slade , Khandaker Gulam , Walker Karen , Festa Marino , Booy Robert
Published: September 2016

Background

Oseltamivir is the only antiviral treatment recommended for influenza in young children over the age of 1 year. There is scant data on oseltamivir pharmacokinetics (PK) in infants <1 year. We set out to perform PK measurements in infants who received oseltamivir.

Methods

This study was a prospective, uncontrolled, open label evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir metabolism, safety of oseltamivir, viral clearance in infants <12 months diagnosed with influenza by nasopharyngeal influenza nucleic acid antigen test (NAAT). Blood levels of the prodrug oseltamivir and its active carboxylate were measured prior to a dose of oseltamivir and at 4 time points afterwards, to calculate Cmax (ng/mL), Tmax (h), AUC0−t (ng h/mL) and time for AUC (h).

Results

Four children with influenza A received oral oseltamivir, 2.35–3 mg/kg/dose. This dose range produced a target oseltamivir carboxylate plasma concentration in excess of the proposed 12‐h target AUC of 3800 ng h/mL, selected from earlier studies to avert resistance. One patient developed GIT adverse event: dry retching.

Conclusion

Oseltamivir was well tolerated at a dose of 2.35–3 mg/kg/dose twice a day in infants under the age of 1 year. In general agreement with earlier data, these doses produced a target oseltamivir carboxylate plasma exposure in excess of the proposed 12‐h target exposure of AUC equal to 3800 ng h/mL in two patients. The limited plasma concentration data in the remaining two patients were not inconsistent with the target exposure being reached.
Coverage of employment protection legislation
Authors: Aleksynska Mariya , Eberlein Friederike
Published: September 2016

This paper documents the construction of a novel database on coverage of workers by employment protection legislation (EPL), across over 90 countries around 2010. Coverage is shown to be an important, yet largely neglected, aspect of employment protection institution, complementing our knowledge about the protection level afforded by this institution. Our findings suggest that while coverage of employees across the world is generally high, coverage of all employed workers exhibits a substantial variation across countries in different regions and at different stages of development, reflecting the fact that wage employment still represents only a small proportion of total employment in developing countries. Our preliminary results indicate that there may not necessarily be a trade-off between the level of protection afforded by EPL and the proportion of workers legally covered by these rules. The results suggest that failure to account for EPL coverage in studies looking at aggregate effects of EPL level may lead to overestimating the importance of EPL, with this overestimation being especially large in lower-income countries.

JEL Classification: J5, J8
Costs on Social Responsible Activity of Enterprise: Essence and Classification
Authors: Бессарабов  , Bessarabov Vladislav
Published: September 2016

The article discusses the nature and classification of expenditure on socially

responsible activities, the relevance of the study which is due to the lack of special

scientific literature clearly defined category of "social costs" and "costs of socially

responsible activities," which, in turn, leads to a lack of unity in the classification

of these expenses. The article also focused that socially responsible activities

costs are accompanied by direct future economic benefits, such as training, skills

upgrading and retraining of workers increases the future economic benefits

(economic effect), and the provision of charitable aid — an increase in social

importance in society (social effect). Within the framework of the present study,

based on analysis of the views of scholars, practitioners of socially responsible

activities proved that the concept of "costs of socially responsible activities"

is much broader than the concept of "social costs" or "cost of providing social

benefits to employees". Based on this thesis, the article clarified and supplemented

by classification signs spending on socially responsible activities of enterprises.
The Finnish Economy Through the Prism of the Theory of Long Waves
Authors: Аверина  , Averina Tatyana , Иванова  , Ivanova O.
Published: September 2016

The article presents the research results of Kondratieff cycles in the economy of Finland on the basis of real GDP per capita over the period of 1860–2008 years. The using of economic and mathematical modeling has allowed estimating the power of long duration business cycles, revealing the chronological framework of long waves: the third, fourth and fifth. Kondratieff’s theory has served as a methodological basis for the study of processes: the emergence, the domination and the withering away of technological structures. Regression analysis has allowed establishing the productivity of different technological structures in the Finnish economy.
Evaluation of Innovation Efficiency
Authors: Столяр  , Stolyar T.
Published: September 2016

The present article provides an overview of modern sources of scientific literature

on the evaluation of the effectiveness of innovative projects. Currently, there is no

generally accepted methodology for evaluating innovation efficiency. Since

innovation and investment activities are closely related, many authors use the

UNIDO methodology (based on accounting cash flow) to evaluate the efficiency

of innovation activities. In Methodological Recommendations of the Ministry

of Economy of the Russian Federation of 1999, in addition to reviewing the

financial efficiency of investment projects, it is proposed to evaluate the social

and budgetary efficiency. However, the evaluation system in these

recommendations refer only to the part of business (financial) efficiency. Since

the Russian Federation is on its way of formation of an innovative economy, there

is a need to develop an adequate methodology for evaluating innovation efficiency,

taking into account the most significant of effects: financial, socio-economic,

budgetary, environmental, scientific and technical. The author of the article

reviews and analyzes the main achievements made in this area, discloses the

essential characteristics of the efficiency types. Also the author analyzes the most

rational approaches of Russian scientists in trying to develop a methodology for

evaluating innovation efficiency.
The Pension Relations in Society, Their Essence and Components
Authors: Алексеева  , Alekseeva A.
Published: September 2016

The article describes the essence of pension relations in society as a system

of protection the socially vulnerable groups of the people. A primary purpose

is the unification of the conceptual apparatus of pension relations in society, and

also analysis of their basic constituents for effective reformation of the pension

system in the future. The studied the approaches of different authors to the

definition of the term «pension», that allowed to set forth authorial determination

to the «pension relations». The detailed description of making pension relations

is given. An analysis is conducted dependence of some making pension relations

in society.
CORRUPTION AND LEGAL ORDER IN THE FOCUS OF MODERN LEGAL DOCTRINE
Authors: Хабриева Талия , Khabriyeva Taliya
Published: September 2016

Counteracting corruption is one of strategic objectives for cooperation among states of the Eurasian region, the objective thereof is of significant impact on the process of interstate integration. The dynamics thereof determines the status and the solution of a number of tasks of both theoretical and practical nature, and, inter alia, most importantly, understanding of new challenges posed by corruption which is currently facing practically all countries of the Eurasian region, as well as search for adequate responses to said challenges. The analysis of contemporary transformations relating to corruption led the author to make the conclusion of the necessity to develop not only new tactical solutions, but also qualitatively new approaches to counteract corruption. The author is drawing the attention to the problem as closely interrelated with the law and order, thus leaving no room for corruption practices. Such attitude enables to substantially perfect the strategies and tactics employed to combat corruption nationally and internationally, and also outlines new targets in decision-making processes at the state level. It is in this connection that the author looks into the already known legal mechanisms employed to counteract corruption — anti-corruption legislation, law enforcement issues, legal education, as well as contemporary legal technologies employed to combat this social phenomenon such as anticorruption expertize of the normative legal acts, legal monitoring, etc. It also emphasizes the importance of the processes relating to Eurasian integration for making states more active in counter corruption activities. The author calls for unification of legal decisions adopted by states and suggests new ways for further cooperation among the states of the Eurasian region.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS: CONTENTS, PROCEDURE FOR PREVENTION AND SETTLEMENT
Authors: Михайлов Валентин , Mikhaylov Valentin
Published: September 2016

The author of the article reviews a definition of conflicts of interest which are used in such international legal acts as the Convention of the United Nations against corruption (2003), The Convention against bribery of foreign officials during implementation of international commercial transactions which was adopted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (1997), as well as in the national legislation of the Russian Federationа and a number of other countries (The Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, the Kyrgyz Republic). Subject to analysis are the organizational and legal mechanisms aimed at preventing and settlement of conflict of interests, procedure of notification of personal interests which might give rise to the collision of interests both within the sphere of state sector and private sector alike. Along with it the author analyses the problems in the course of implementation of the respective legal machinery. Specifically, it relates to the moral aspects of prevention and settlement of the conflict of interests in view of deficiencies in the existing system of normative anti corrupt prohibitions, restrictions and obligations — all aimed to prevent all possible types of corruptive practices.
ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT AS AN INSTRUMENT TO BE USED TO COUNTERACT CORRUPTION IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Степанов Олег , Stepanov Oleg
Published: September 2016

The article discusses the features and prospects relating to the development of technology of “electronic government” due to the use of electronic information systems and the introduction of scientific and practical turnover category “standard-setting action”. Events are interpreted as the expression of functional external relations of the subjects of the right to information through the use of the code which reflects the algorithm acts of such entities as the digital code of fixed length, which carries the regulatory information, reflecting more or less similar to the original legally significant situation. Based on the need for uniform accounting standards in judicial practice, it is important to optimize the use of such information in order to improve the efficiency of anti-corruption court. This state can promote the computer evaluation of the quality of the developed judicial act (judgment, ruling), connected with the development and creation of a comprehensive quality management system of judicial decisions based on the use of modern software and hardware. Integrated quality management system in judicial decisions should be composed of at least two groups of models: the first is to describe the boundary condition for the existence of society, and the second — human activity. This first group of models should be attributed to the number of basic and human activity unit must be built on the basis of established legal limits. This involves consideration of the process of preparation of the judicial act (decision, judgment) on the basis of the synthesis of the legal needs of society and the state with the parameters of human rights and freedoms.
CORRUPTION IN RUSSIA: METHODOLOGY RESEARCH
Authors: Сидоренко Элина , Sidorenko Elina
Published: September 2016

This paper reveals the author’s assessment method of corruption in Russia and as well as in regions of Russia, in order to justify the introduction into scientific circulation polyfactorial corruption index. It’s based on the mathematical correlation between the measurement of the job crime and major social, economic and political indicators relating to the development of society. The use of polyfactorial corruption index is suggested to calculate the total value of the potential corruption and corruption risks. Said calculations helped to reveal regions with a high risk of corruption and structure the forecasts of bribery situation in Russia until 2020. The author establishes a relationship between the level of corruption and the main socio-economic indicators and explains the trend of corruption in Russia.
QUESTIONS OF INFORMATION SUPPORT OF PROSECUTORIAL SUPERVISION OVER ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS
Authors: Хатов Эдуард , Khatov Eduard
Published: September 2016

The present article is devoted to identifying the sources and gathering information system in the process of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of laws on combating corruption. On the basis of the content of the legal acts regulating the activities of designated prosecutors in the field of supervision over the implementation of laws on combating corruption as well as the application thereof, and also statistics, the author undertakes to study the information component of the activities of prosecutors in the field in question. The definition and classification are based on the information used in this area by supervisory agencies. The author analyzed the powers of prosecutors in the field in question. Special attention is given to the existing restrictions established for the methods of working with the information that is accessible to prosecutors. The author specifies the causes which give rise to liability for breach of such requirements. The article also contains a number of recommendations relating to the collection and identification of sources of information in the exercise of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of laws on combating corruption. The conclusion is that the achievement of positive results in supervisory activities in this area is impossible without the high-quality information and analytical support for the activities of the prosecutor.
LEGAL REGULATION OF LIABILITY FOR LAUNDERING (LEGALIZATION) OF THE PROCEEDS OF CORRUPTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Гехова Дина , Gekhova Dina
Published: September 2016

The article notes that the Eurasian group on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism (EAG) is the largest of the regional FATF-type bodies (Group of development of financial measures for combating money laundering — Financial Action Task Force, FATF) from the point of view of the entire area and population of member States and it covers such countries as Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer status in the EAG has been granted to 16 States and 14 international and regional organizations. The key task of the EAG is to assist the regional States in the creation and development of national systems to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. The implementation of this task is conducive to the economic security and stability of the region, it also prevents the threat of international terrorism and helps to increase investment attractiveness of the region. Republic of Kazakhstan, as a young member of the international community, in the beginning of its career was sympathetic to the recommendations and requirements of the world community to conform its domestic legislation to the norms and provisions of international law. Naturally, it was a time consuming process but today we can safely say that, overall, domestic law and criminal legislation of Kazakhstan, in particular the General principles, are consistent with international standards in this area. It propounds that Republic of Kazakhstan as a responsible member of the international community, it consistently seeks to implement the recommendations and provisions of international legal norms, and today the domestic law of Kazakhstan on countering the legalization of illegal income is in full compliance with the world standards.
LAW AND ORDER AND CORRUPTION: PRESENT-DAY CHALLENGES
Authors: Трунцевский Юрий , Truntsevskiy Yuriy , Гехова Дина , Gekhova Dina , Муратова Ольга , Muratova Olga
Published: September 2016

The article examined the following aspects: universal means of countering corruption in the various legal systems; the main directions of the state anti-corruption policy at the present stage; criminological features of crime of corruption, as well as theoretical and practical issues related to increasing of the efficiency of mechanisms for the settlement of competing interests. The scientific ideas and new approaches of the anti-corruption efforts were identified and formulated by the participants of the Fifth Eurasian Anti-Corruption Forum “Law and Order and Corruption: Modern Challenges”, held in Moscow on 20 — 21 April 2016. The annual Eurasian Anti-Corruption Forum is traditionally attended by representatives of international and foreign organizations (IACA, FATF, OECD, EAG, Transparency International, UNCAC), the federal and regional governmental bodies, scientific and educational institutions and leading Russian and foreign experts. The main Forum’s goals — understanding of fundamental scientific and actual problems of realization the principles of the rule of law in the formation of international and national anti-corruption strategies, as well as the discussion of the problems relating to overcoming of the prerequisites of conflict of interest and corruption practices in the public and private spheres.