bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A surface potential change in the membranes of frog skeletal muscle is associated with excitation‐contraction coupling.
Authors: Jong D S , Stroffekova K , Heiny J A
Published: December 2014

1. Voltage changes and intramembrane charge movements in the transverse tubule membranes (T‐system) of frog fast twitch muscle fibres were compared using the potentiometric dye WW‐375 and a Vaseline‐gap voltage clamp. As shown previously, the potentiometric dye reports a dynamic surface potential change that occurs on the myoplasmic face of the T‐system membranes when the macroscopic potential applied across the surface membrane exceeds the mechanical threshold (about ‐60 mV). 2. The voltage dependence of the extra surface potential change and charge movement were found to be similar. Both activated with a sigmoid voltage dependence centred around ‐35 to ‐40 mV, and saturated at voltages above 0 mV. Both processes inactivated upon sustained depolarization, with a mid‐point for inactivation of ‐40 mV. 3. Pharmacological agents which alter charge movement and excitation‐contraction (E‐C) coupling altered the non‐linear surface potential change in a parallel manner. Perchlorate, which potentiates charge movement and E‐C coupling, slowed the activation and deactivation of both charge movement and the non‐linear surface potential change at voltages above ‐40 mV, and shifted the voltage dependence of both processes by 13 14 mV to more negative voltages. Dantrolene, which depresses charge movement and E‐C coupling, shifted the voltage dependence of both processes to more positive voltages. Nifedipine, which suppresses charge movement and E‐C coupling, reduced the magnitude of both charge movement and the non‐linear surface potential change. 4. The non‐linear surface potential change remained after the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was depleted of Ca2+, suggesting that it is not a consequence of Ca2+ release. 5. These results suggest that the non‐linear surface potential change is closely associated with movements of the voltage sensor (dihydropyridine (DHP) receptor) that control E‐C coupling and/or signal transduction across the triadic junction. We propose that the movement of charged intramembrane domains of the DHP receptor which generate charge movement drive a subsequent movement of charged intracellular molecular domains that move within about 1 nm of the T‐system membrane to generate a measurable change in surface charge. For example, the postulated mobile surface charges could be on an intracellular domain of the voltage sensor or closely associated protein, or could be a charged molecular domain of a protein that associates/dissociates with T‐system membrane or DHP receptor during E‐C coupling.
Stimulated release of lactate in freely moving rats is dependent on the uptake of glutamate.
Authors: Demestre M , Boutelle M , Fillenz M
Published: December 2014

1. Physiological stimulation of neuronal activity induces an increase in extracellular lactate. Experiments were designed to determine the role of the reuptake of neuronally released glutamate in lactate delivery to the extracellular compartment. 2. In vivo microdialysis was used in freely moving rats. The lactate concentration in striatal dialysate was assayed using an enzyme‐based on‐line assay at 1 min intervals. Drugs were given locally through the dialysis probe. 3. The extracellular concentration of lactate, determined using the zero net flux method, was 346 +/‐ 21 microM. 4. Induced grooming caused a maximal increase in lactate concentration in striatal dialysate of 58 +/‐ 10%. 5. Administration of 100 microM glutamate caused a transient increase in dialysate lactate concentration of 72 +/‐ 17%. 6. A 20 min infusion of the glutamate uptake blockers beta‐D,L‐threohydroxyaspartate (THA) or pirrolidine‐2‐4‐dicarboxylate (PDC) produced an increase in basal lactate, which was sustained in response to THA and transient in response to PDC. 7. Grooming induced during the infusion of PDC produced no significant increase in lactate. 8. Grooming induced after the infusion of the glutamate uptake blockers gave rise to a reduced increase in lactate. 9. These results support the hypothesis that stimulated release of lactate is dependent on the uptake of glutamate.
Ischaemic skeletal muscle hyperaemia in the anaesthetized cat: no contribution of A2A adenosine receptors.
Authors: Poucher S M
Published: December 2014

1. The present study investigated the contribution of the A2A adenosine receptor subtype to the functional hyperaemia response evoked by muscle contraction in anaesthetized cats when muscle blood flow was limited. 2. Application of a stenosis reduced the hindlimb blood flow at rest from 9.67 +/‐ 1.80 to 5.53 +/‐ 0.91 ml min(‐1) (kg body mass)(‐1) and during muscle contraction from 36.80 +/‐ 2.55 to 11.11 +/‐ 1.19 ml min(‐1) (kg body mass)(‐1) (P < 0.001). The force produced by the extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior (EDL‐TA) muscle groups was also reduced, from 9.66 +/‐ 0.56 to 4.10 +/‐ 0.4 N (kg muscle mass)(‐1) (P < 0.01). 3. The selective A2A adenosine receptor antagonist ZM241385 (3 mg kg(‐1), I.V.) had no effect upon the hindlimb vascular conductance or muscle contraction responses in the presence of the flow‐limiting stenosis. 4. In contrast, in the absence of the flow restriction the vascular conductance response was reduced by 27.5 +/‐ 5.0% (P < 0.05), whilst the isometric force produced by the EDL‐TA muscle group was unaffected (pre‐ vs. post‐contraction, 5.8 +/‐ 0.8 vs. 4.6 +/‐ 1.0 N (kg muscle mass)(‐1) contraction). Oxygen consumption by the contracting hindlimb muscles was maintained (1.71 +/‐ 0.25 vs. 1.69 +/‐ 0.26 ml min(‐1) (kg body mass)(‐1)) by an increase in the oxygen extraction (51.9 +/‐ 4.9 vs. 66.2 +/‐ 6.1%; P< 0.01). 5. These results confirm previous data showing that adenosine, acting at the A2A receptor subtype, can contribute up to 30% of the functional hyperaemia response in the hindlimb of anaesthetized cats under free flow conditions. However, when blood flow is limited by a stenosis, antagonism of the A2A adenosine receptor does not affect functional hyperaemia.
Contrasting effects of intracellular redox couples on the regulation of maxi‐K channels in isolated myocytes from rabbit pulmonary artery.
Authors: Thuringer D , Findlay I
Published: December 2014

1. The effects of intracellular redox couples were investigated on the activation by voltage, Ca2+ and NS 1619 of maxi‐K channels in enzymatically isolated smooth muscle cells from large pulmonary arteries of rabbits. 2. In inside‐out membrane patches, maxi‐K channels were characterized by a single‐channel conductance of 266 pS in symmetrical 140 mM KCl solutions. The relationship between the open‐state probability (Po) and the membrane potential could be fitted to the Boltzmann equation. The activating action of intracellular Ca2+ was reversible, concentration dependent, and was manifested as the reduction in the voltage necessary to half‐activate the channel (V1/2) with no change in the slope factor. NS 1619 also predisposed the maxi‐K channel to open at more hyperpolarized membrane potentials. 3. The oxidizing agent 5,5'‐dithio‐bis(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB, 1 mM) activated maxi‐K channels by inducing a negative shift of the activity‐voltage curve, while the reducing agent 2‐hydroxy‐1‐ethanethiol (beta‐mercaptoethanol) (BME, 1 mM) had no effect. DTNB increased the efficacy of Ca2+ in activating maxi‐K channels. The action of DTNB was not reversible upon wash‐out, but could be counteracted by BME. 4. Maxi‐K channel activity was unaffected by other oxidizing agents, such as NAD (2 mM) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG, 5 mM), or by their reduced forms (NADH and GSH). Mg‐ATP (0.1 and 1 mM) increased the channel activity in a dose‐dependent manner, while guanine nucleotides (100 microM GTP gamma S, 500 microM GDP and 200 microM GDP beta S) had no effect. 5. Our data suggest that a change in the intracellular redox state, which would be expected during acute hypoxia, does not alter the activity of maxi‐K channels of large pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. The sulfhydryl‐specific redox reagents (DTNB and BME) must act through another regulatory mechanism.
The Effect of Changing the Gap Height on Droplet Deformation During Transport in Digital Microfluidics Systems
Authors: Yafia Mohamed , Najjaran Homayoun
Published: December 2014

The objective of this paper is to characterize the droplet deformation during transport and to show how the droplet morphology changes at different gap heights in digital microfluidics systems. The aspect ratio defined as the ratio between the gap height to the electrode side length will be varied within the range of high to extremely low. In this way, we will demonstrate that the droplet morphology significantly changes during transport when the aspect ratio is changed. Analogous to the channel dimensions, the gap height and the electrode side length are the two most important geometrical variables affecting droplet motion in digital microfluidic systems. In this study, the droplet deformation was found to be minimal at higher aspect ratios. Contrarily, the droplet will exhibit severe necking and elongation at very low aspect ratios. The deformation and necking patterns were found to be similar to the necking pattern that happens during splitting. However, the droplet exhibits this necking when it is only driven by one activated electrode during the transport process. On the other hand, the droplet is pulled by driving forces from two opposite directions in the conventional splitting process. Extended simulations are performed to investigate the effect of changing the aspect ratio and the actuation voltage used. The simulations were performed by FLOW-3D software which uses the volume of fluid (VOF) technique. The results confirm the effect of changing the gap height on the droplet behavior during motion. The extreme deformation and necking happens only at very low aspect ratios. In this case, the transport process starts by moving a small portion of the droplet toward the activated electrode. When this small portion advances toward the activated electrode the rest of the droplet is not greatly affected or pulled toward the same direction. It can be noticed that the remaining portion of the droplet is not moving at the initial stages of motion and the droplet start to be squeezed gradually through a neck instead of moving in a bulk form. Further observations demonstrated droplet elongation and delayed response of the back portion of the droplet compared to the motion of the leading edge. Analyzing the motion by analytical models can be inaccurate as they assume that the droplet retains its circular shape. Therefore, CFD simulations can demonstrate the droplet behavior better than the analytical models where the droplet exhibits severe deformation and deviation from the circular shape.
Pressure Drop Measurements in Turbulent Channel Flow Over Superhydrophobic Surfaces With Riblets
Authors: Prince Joseph F. , Maynes Daniel , Crockett Julie
Published: December 2014

In this paper we consider the combined drag reducing mechanisms of superhydrophobicity with riblets. Pressure drop measurements were acquired for turbulent flow in a channel with superhydrophobic walls, riblet walls, and walls with both drag reducing mechanisms. The superhydrophobic structuring was composed of alternating microribs (15 microns tall and 8 microns wide) and cavities (32 microns wide), aligned parallel to the flow. Superhydrophobic surfaces function to reduce drag by minimizing the effective liquid-solid contact area as water will not penetrate the cavities between microribs due to surface tension. The riblets were nominally 80 microns tall, 18 microns wide, spaced with a period of 160 microns and were also aligned parallel to the flow. Riblets function by damping out spanwise turbulent motions. Since turbulence is a three-dimensional phenomenon, this destruction of turbulent motions acts to reduce the average friction at the surface. Fabrication of the drag reducing surfaces was completed with photolithographic techniques on silicon wafers. The wafers were inserted into a channel consisting of a control section with smooth wafers and a test section with patterned wafers. In all cases, the test section walls were structured on top and bottom while the side walls were left smooth. The channel had a hydraulic diameter of 7.3 mm and an aspect ratio of 10:1. Tests were obtained over a Reynolds number range of 5 × 103 to 1.5 × 104. The superhydrophobic surfaces with riblets showed a maximum drag reduction of 7.0% which was a higher reduction than either the surfaces patterned with riblets or the superhydrophobic surfaces.
Design of a Mini Heat Sink Based on Constructal Theory for Electronic Chip Cooling
Authors: Srinivasan Srikanth , Al-Suwaidi Shaikha , Sadr Reza
Published: December 2014

New technological advancements in electronic circuits and computer engineering have increased the need for better cooling systems; liquid cooling of electronic components seems to offer a solution for this problem. An important part of such solution is to design a compact cooling channel system that offers a uniform temperature distribution over the part to be cooled. This work investigates the application of constructal theory for the design of a compact double sided cooling pad for such applications. Fluid enters the two networks, on the top and bottom of the pad, via a single inlet inside a separating layer between them. The heated fluid then collected at the periphery of the channel network. An exit port is then attached to a collection well for the exit flow. Numerical method is used to redesign flow passage dimensions inside the heat sink and optimize fluid outlet layout to ensure uniform heat removal and temperature distribution in the pad. A sample model of the actual device is built; using advanced 3D printing technology, for flow study. Flow pattern, temperature distribution, and the resulted pressure drop for the designed heat sink are presented for different flow rates.
Numerical Analysis and Thermal Testing of a Microchannel Chassis for Military Electronics Cooling Applications
Authors: Alakoç Uğur , Öksüz Selçuk , Ayyılmaz Tolga
Published: December 2014

A microchannel chassis was specifically designed for conduction-cooled 6U CPU boards. Numerical simulations and experiments were performed on an aluminum microchannel chassis with single phase solution of 50% (by volume) ethylene glycol and deionized water. Thermal and CFD analyses were carried out for 440μm and 900μm and 3mm channel widths using commercial software ANSYS Icepak®. Thermal simulation results were seen to agree fairly well with the experimental data. Thermal testing was done on a 440 μm microchannel chassis manufactured with vacuum brazing. CPU heat flux as high as 30 W/cm2 was tested with coolant flow rates from 0.6 lpm to 1.5 lpm. The heat gained from the chassis was rejected to an air cooled thermal control unit. Experimental results show that CPU junction temperature was 29.6°C higher than the coolant inlet temperature when the flow rate was 0.6 lpm and the chassis pressure drop was 0.22 bar. It was demonstrated that CPU heat flux as high as 30 W/cm2 could be thermally managed with the developed microchannel chassis at 71°C extreme coolant inlet temperature.
Semi-Analytical Method for the Solution of the Poisson Equation Derived From the Navier-Stokes Using Integral Transforms
Authors: Chalhub Daniel J. N. M. , Sphaier Leandro A. , de B. Alves Leonardo S.
Published: December 2014

The present work proposes two methodologies using the Integral Transform Technique to solve the Poisson equation arising from the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The solution of this Poisson equation is very common in the formulations based on pressure-correction and are the main bottleneck of these approaches. The new formulation proposed in this work will allow the elimination of the pressure-velocity decomposition and also eliminate the sub-iterations of the usual pressure-correction methods. The results show a comparison in performance of both proposed approaches.
The Impact of Leadership Changes on Expectations of Organizational Performance
Authors: Soebbing Brian P. , Wicker Pamela , Weimar Daniel
Published: December 2014

Previous research has examined the effect of changes in upper management positions on actual organizational performance; however, the influence of leadership changes on performance expectations has been largely neglected. This gap in the literature is surprising given that failure to meet expectations leads to dismissal. The purpose of the present research is to analyze how coaching changes affect expectations of a sports team’s performance. Betting lines are used as performance expectations because they are unbiased forecasts of game outcomes. This study uses data from 13 seasons of the German Football Bundesliga. Significant positive timelagged effects on performance expectations are evident when examining underlying expected performance. These positive effects are evident 8 weeks after the leadership change, indicating that new leaders are expected to need some time before significant performance improvements are expected to occur.
Host Demise as a Beneficial Function of Indigenous Microbiota in Human Hosts
Authors: Blaser Martin J. , Webb Glenn F.
Published: December 2014

The age structure of human populations is exceptional among animal species. Unlike with most species, human juvenility is extremely extended, and death is not coincident with the end of the reproductive period. We examine the age structure of early humans with models that reveal an extraordinary balance of human fertility and mortality. We hypothesize that the age structure of early humans was maintained by mechanisms incorporating the programmed death of senescent individuals, including by means of interactions with their indigenous microorganisms. First, before and during reproductive life, there was selection for microbes that preserve host function through regulation of energy homeostasis, promotion of fecundity, and defense against competing high-grade pathogens. Second, we hypothesize that after reproductive life, there was selection for organisms that contribute to host demise. While deleterious to the individual, the presence of such interplay may be salutary for the overall host population in terms of resource utilization, resistance to periodic diminutions in the food supply, and epidemics due to high-grade pathogens. We provide deterministic mathematical models based on age-structured populations that illustrate the dynamics of such relationships and explore the relevant parameter values within which population viability is maintained. We argue that the age structure of early humans was robust in its balance of the juvenile, reproductive-age, and senescent classes. These concepts are relevant to issues in modern human longevity, including inflammation-induced neoplasia and degenerative diseases of the elderly, which are a legacy of human evolution.

IMPORTANCEThe extended longevity of modern humans is a very recent societal artifact, although it is inherent in human evolution. The age structure of early humans was balanced by fertility and mortality, with an exceptionally prolonged juvenility. We examined the role of indigenous microbes in early humans as fundamental contributors to this age structure. We hypothesize that the human microbiome evolved mechanisms specific to the mortality of senescent individuals among early humans because their mortality contributed to the stability of the general population. The hypothesis that we present provides new bases for modern medical problems, such as inflammation-induced neoplasia and degenerative diseases of the elderly. We postulate that these mechanisms evolved because they contributed to the stability of early human populations, but their legacy is now a burden on human longevity in the changed modern world.
Severe drug-induced interstitial lung disease successfully treated with corticosteroid plus recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin
Authors: Marumo Satoshi , Shirata Masahiro , Sakuramoto Minoru , Fukui Motonari
Published: December 2014

There is no established therapeutic option for corticosteroid (CS) refractory drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DILD). We report a case of CS refractory severe DILD successfully treated with recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rhTM). A 64-year-old Japanese man was admitted with symptoms of fever, dry cough and dyspnoea. A chest radiograph showed bilateral infiltrations. DILD from Nijutsutou, a Chinese medicine, was suspected based on a history of similar interstitial lung disease after its administration 4 years prior and a positive drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test. Nijutsutou was promptly discontinued and high doses of CS administered, but the patient's bilateral infiltrations remained unimproved. Since coagulation tests also indicated a rapid aggravation of coagulopathy, rhTM was added to the CS therapy. The patient's lung infiltration ameliorated and plasma levels of D-dimer and high morbidity group box 1 (HMGB1) decreased. rhTM may be an alternative agent for CS refractory DILD. Further study is necessary to confirm this.
Health-related quality of life in partners of persons with MS: a longitudinal 10-year perspective
Authors: Gottberg Kristina , Chruzander C , Einarsson U , Fredrikson S , Johansson S , Widén Holmqvist L
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in partners, but knowledge on the longitudinal perspective is needed. The aim was to analyse HRQL in partners of persons with MS living in Sweden a decade ago and after 10 years.

Materials and methods

Partners were identified through a population-based study of persons with MS in Stockholm. Information on HRQL (the Sickness Impact profile), personal factors and disease-specific factors, and measures of functioning of persons with MS was collected at both time points mainly by home visits.

Results

Some 64 of 102 identified partners (63%) agreed to participate at baseline, and at 10 years 40 of 54 eligible partners were included (74%). HRQL in partners was worse than in a Swedish, aged-grouped reference population at both baseline and follow-up. Depressive symptoms in persons with MS were independently associated with worse HRQL in partners.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms in persons with MS were associated with worse HRQL in their partners, and HRQL of partners was continuously impacted in the longitudinal perspective. This knowledge needs to be accounted for in the planning of MS care, together with the development of evidence-based support for depressive symptoms, and engagement in recreational life in both partners and persons with MS.
Impaired imitation of gestures in mild dementia: comparison of dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
Authors: Nagahama Yasuhiro , Okina Tomoko , Suzuki Norio
Published: December 2014

Introduction

To examine whether imitation of gestures provided useful information to diagnose early dementia in elderly patients.

Methods

Imitation of finger and hand gestures was evaluated in patients with mild dementia; 74 patients had dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), 100 with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 52 with subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD).

Results

Significantly, more patients with DLB (32.4%) compared with patients with AD (5%) or SVaD (11.5%) had an impaired ability to imitate finger gestures bilaterally. Also, significantly, more patients with DLB (36.5%) compared with patients with AD (5%) or SVaD (15.4%) had lower mean scores of both hands. In contrast, impairment of the imitation of bimanual gestures was comparable among the three patient groups (DLB 50%, AD 42%, SVaD 42.3%).

Discussion

Our study revealed that imitation of bimanual gestures was impaired non-specifically in about half of the patients with mild dementia, whereas imitation of finger gestures was significantly more impaired in patients with early DLB than in those with AD or SVaD. Although the sensitivity was not high, the imitation tasks may provide additional information for diagnosis of mild dementia, especially for DLB.
A hint of a strong supersymmetric standard model
Authors: Jora Renata , Schechter Joseph
Published: December 2014

We discuss the supersymmetric standard model from the perspective that the up and down Higgs supermultiplets are composite states. We show that a Higgs multiplet in which the scalar states are bound states of two squarks and the corresponding Higgsinos are bound states of a quark and a squark has the correct supersymmetry transformations and may lead to an alternative model which contains additional effective operators and which displays dynamical symmetry breaking. We describe this model through an effective Higgs potential which by itself may lead to the correct mass of 125.9 GeV for the lightest Higgs boson and to other neutral scalar masses respecting the experimental constraints.
The Effect of TOMM40 Poly-T Repeat Lengths on Age of Onset and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Finnish Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Authors: Helisalmi Seppo , Hall Anette , Meriläinen Esa-Heikki , Väisänen Viljami , Koivisto Anne Maria , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Laitinen Marjo , Soininen Hilkka , Hiltunen Mikko
Published: December 2014

Background: Poly-T repeat lengths of rs10524523 in TOMM40 together with APOE polymorphism have been reported to affect the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and the age of onset (AOO). Objective: To explore whether the AOO and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers Aβ42, total tau and phosphorylated tau are associated with different repeat lengths. Methods: We conducted both the fragment and sequencing analysis of rs10524523 in 336 LOAD patients with a known APOE genotype. Results: AOO and Aβ42 levels associated significantly with certain poly-T repeat lengths of rs10524523 in LOAD patients encompassing APOE 34/44 genotype. Conclusion: We conclude that the poly-T repeat associations of rs10524523 in TOMM40 reflect the APOE ε4-dependent association in LOAD.
RANK Ligand Blockade with Denosumab in Combination with Sorafenib in Chemorefractory Osteosarcoma: A Possible Step Forward?
Authors: Cathomas Richard , Rothermundt Christian , Bode Beata , Fuchs Bruno , von Moos Roger , Schwitter Michael
Published: December 2014

Background: There is no established systemic treatment option for unresectable osteosarcoma progressing after standard chemotherapy. A recently published clinical trial has demonstrated some activity of sorafenib in this situation. Preclinical research suggests a role for the inhibition of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-ĸB ligand (RANKL), but no clinical data have been reported so far. Case Report: A 37-year-old man was diagnosed with unresectable osteoblastic, osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma in the C7/Th1 vertebra. The tumour progressed locally despite two lines of chemotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy. On treatment with sorafenib and denosumab, a complete metabolic remission was achieved and is ongoing for over 18 months. Immunohistochemistry revealed an overexpression of RANK and RANKL in the patient's primary tumour. Discussion: This is the first report of activity achieved by the combination of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib and the RANKL inhibitor denosumab in a patient with osteosarcoma. It confirms preclinical data on RANK/RANKL inhibition in osteosarcoma and could serve as a hypothesis-generating approach for clinical trials in this patient population.
The History of the Academic Study of Religion in Universities, Centers, and Institutes in India
Authors: Narayanan Vasudha
Published: December 2014

India is home to more than 800 million Hindus and has a massive higher education system that is overseen by the University Grants Commission (ugc). Despite this, there are hardly any departments of religion or Hinduism in India, but the ugc, even though it has a secular mission, funds universities with explicit religious affiliations. This article traces the reasons for these paradoxes and discusses the apparent lacuna of religious studies departments by looking at the genealogy of the study of religion in India. It initially looks at the contested terrain of nineteenth-century educational institutions. The work of British missionaries, Orientalists, and government officials form the imperial context to understand Charles Wood’s momentousDespatch(1854), which, on the one hand, argues for secular institutions but, on the other, tries to accommodate the work of the Orientalists and the missionaries. Wood recommends a system in which government subsidies, secular education, and universities with overt religious profiles become interlocked, but the formal study of religion is bypassed. Finally, I reconsider what the “dearth” of religious studies and the “absence” of Hinduism departments reveal about the construction of religion in India itself. The lack of conceptual correspondence between “religion” and “Hinduism” as taught in Western academic contexts does not preclude the formal study of religion in India. Instead, the study of religion is conducted within particularized frameworks germane to the Indic context, using a network of unique institutes. Reflection on these distinctively Indian epistemological frameworks push new ways of thinking about religious education and the construction of religion as an object of study in South Asia.
The Idea of Natural Law
Authors: Stafleu M.D.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the transition in natural science from the search for the essence of matter to the search for the laws to which matter is subject. Starting about 1600, this transition meant a change of perspective, the introduction of a new metaphysical view of the world. A scientific worldview has at least four components, its ontology, epistemology, logic and heuristic, which I shall discuss with respect to the idea of natural law.
Het Conservatisme: Kritiek van de Verlichting en de Moderniteit
Authors: Kinneging A.A.M.
Published: December 2014

In dit artikel wordt een poging ondernomen tot een analyse van het wijsgerige wezen van het conservatisme. Een belangrijke conclusie van de analyse is dat het christelijke denken over mens en maatschappij wezensverwant is aan het conservatisme. Het behoeft dan ook geen verbazing te wekken dat conservatieve idee�n in politicis eerst en vooral verdedigd zijn door christelijke politici. Historisch gezien is het conservatisme een reactie op de idee�n van de Verlichting en de Franse revolutie. Het grijpt terug op de Philosophia perennis van de oudheid en de middeleeuwen, met name op het inzicht dat centraal staat daarin, namelijk dat de mens in zekere zin uit de scheppingsorde lijkt te vallen, in die zin dat het goede voor hem een vraag is en hij geneigd is het kwade voor het goede te houden. In de oudheid werd dit gegeven uitgebeeld in de gelijkenis van Hercules op de tweesprong, in de middeleeuws-christelijke traditie in het verhaal van de zondeval. Hieruit volgt dat een innerlijke ommekeer de voornaamste voorwaarde is om orde in de ziel en in de samenleving tot stand te brengen en te behouden. Stelt men hier tegenover het Verlichtingsdenken, dat ten grondslag ligt aan de twee belangrijkste tegenhangers van het conservatisme, namelijk socialisme en liberalisme, dan ontwaart men een tegengestelde visie op de condition humaine: de menselijke geneigdheid tot het kwade wordt ontkend en daarmee de noodzaak van innerlijke ommekeer. In plaats daarvan komt een sterke nadruk op maatschappelijke hervorming. In het artikel wordt deze transformatie van het denken geanalyseerd en vanuit een conservatief perspectief gekritiseerd.
Influence of nickel and cobalt on microstructure of silicon solution strengthened ductile iron
Authors: Weiβß P. , Brachmann J. , Bührig-Polaczek A. , Fischer S. F.
Published: December 2014

‘Second Generation’ ductile iron with a silicon content of up to 4.3 wt- exhibits a fully ferritic matrix, which is solution strengthened by silicon. Outstanding advantages of these ductile iron grades result in their strongly increasing demand. However, due to a presumed formation of a silicon long range order, the maximum strength is limited to 600 MPa at 4.3 wt- silicon. At higher silicon content, the mechanical properties dramatically decrease. In order to increase the maximum achievable strength, the potential of additional solution strengthening elements is subject of present research. Initially, the effects of cobalt and nickel on matrix, graphite shape and nodule count are investigated. Cobalt and nickel are identified as promising candidates for further solid solution hardening.
Conserved syntenic clusters of protein coding genes are missing in birds
Authors: Lovell Peter V , Wirthlin Morgan , Wilhelm Larry , Minx Patrick , Lazar Nathan H , Carbone Lucia , Warren Wesley C , Mello Claudio V
Published: December 2014

Background

Birds are one of the most highly successful and diverse groups of vertebrates, having evolved a number of distinct characteristics, including feathers and wings, a sturdy lightweight skeleton and unique respiratory and urinary/excretion systems. However, the genetic basis of these traits is poorly understood.

Results

Using comparative genomics based on extensive searches of 60 avian genomes, we have found that birds lack approximately 274 protein coding genes that are present in the genomes of most vertebrate lineages and are for the most part organized in conserved syntenic clusters in non-avian sauropsids and in humans. These genes are located in regions associated with chromosomal rearrangements, and are largely present in crocodiles, suggesting that their loss occurred subsequent to the split of dinosaurs/birds from crocodilians. Many of these genes are associated with lethality in rodents, human genetic disorders, or biological functions targeting various tissues. Functional enrichment analysis combined with orthogroup analysis and paralog searches revealed enrichments that were shared by non-avian species, present only in birds, or shared between all species.

Conclusions

Together these results provide a clearer definition of the genetic background of extant birds, extend the findings of previous studies on missing avian genes, and provide clues about molecular events that shaped avian evolution. They also have implications for fields that largely benefit from avian studies, including development, immune system, oncogenesis, and brain function and cognition. With regards to the missing genes, birds can be considered ‘natural knockouts’ that may become invaluable model organisms for several human diseases.
Vespas Sociais (Vespidae: Polistinae) em uma Área de Floresta Ombrófila Densa Amazônica no Estado do Maranhão, Brasil
Authors: Somavilla Alexandre , Marques Dayse Willkenia Almeida , Barbosa Ernesto Augusto Silva , Junior Juarez da Silva Pinto , De Oliveira Marcio Luiz
Published: December 2014

As vespas sociais constituem um grupo com elevada riqueza de espécies e muito comum em áreas amazônicas. Apesar disto, nenhum trabalho foi realizado na Amazônia Maranhense e apenas 58 espécies de vespas sociais são registradas para o estado do Maranhão. O presente trabalho apresenta dados faunísticos referentes às vespas sociais da Reserva Biológica do Gurupi, caracterizada por ser uma floresta ombrófila latifoliada amazônica localizada no noroeste do Maranhão. As coletas e instalação de armadilhas (Malaise do tipo Gressitt & Gressitt, armadilha suspensa, armadilha luminosa, armadilha atrativa com isca de fruta) ocorreram entre janeiro de 2010 e maio de 2011, totalizando 63 dias amostrados. Para a Reserva Biológica do Gurupi foram obtidos 384 espécimes de vespas sociais pertencentes a Epiponini e Polistini, alocados em 12 gêneros e 38 espécies. Polybia destacou-se por apresentar o maior número de espécies (14), seguido de Agelaia (seis espécies) e Apoica (quatro espécies). Quatorze espécies são registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Maranhão, aumentando, desta forma, para 72 espécies com registros confirmados para o estado.

Social Wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) in a Dense Ombrophilous Amazon Forest in the Maranhão State, Brazil

Abstract. Social wasps are a high species richness group and very common in Amazonian areas. Despite this, no study have been made in the amazonian forest on the state of Maranhão and only 58 species of social wasps are registered for this state. This paper presents data about the social wasps fauna of Gurupi Biological Reserve, characterized as an ombrophylous broadleaf forest located in the northwest Amazon of Maranhão. The collect and traps installation (Malaise trap, suspended trap, light traps and fruit attractive trap) occurred between January 2010 and May 2011, with a total of 63 sample days. We collected 384 specimens in the Biological Reserve of Gurupi, were obtained social wasps belonging to Epiponini and Polistini, allocated to 12 genera and 38 species. Polybia have the largest number of species (14), followed by Agelaia (six species) and Apoica (four species). Fourteen species are first records for the state of Maranhão, increasing, thus, for 72 species with confirmed records occurrence to Maranhão.
Tackling poverty in Hong Kong: measurement as a prelude to action
Authors: Saunders Peter
Published: December 2014

Poverty in Hong Kong is high and rising. This has given rise to community concern and put the government under pressure. It responded by establishing a Commission on Poverty in 2012, which announced in 2013 that it had reached agreement on an official poverty line for Hong Kong — a decision that has since been endorsed by the government. This paper describes how the poverty line is constructed and summarises the key findings in a new report on poverty in Hong Kong. It highlights existing policy failings and examines the implications for policy reform and research.
Evaluative criteria of diamond jewellery used in the decision-making process: Variations across ethnic groups
Authors: Strubel Jessica , Burnsed Annette
Published: December 2014

Given the growing importance of ethnicity in America and the unique nature of diamonds, this study formally asked whether an ethnicity effect exists in diamond jewellery attribute preferences (shape, cut, colour, clarity, weight, type, treatment, venue, certification, willingness to spend and origin of the diamond) and, if it does, what differences and similarities have been expressed by the key ethnic consumer groups in America. Survey data were analysed through profile analysis and Tukey’s HSD to determine whether ethnic differences exist in diamond jewellery consumption among African Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Caucasians, Hispanics/Latinos, Middle Easterners and Native Americans. Study results suggest that there is an ethnicity effect associated with diamond jewellery attribute preferences. Ultimately, this study will allow the diamond industry to effectively reach specific end-use consumers.
From phonetics to grammar
Authors: Keydana Götz
Published: December 2014

In this paper I argue that if we search for a phonological origin of the lengthened grade in the n.sg. of consonant stems, the most plausible candidates are stems in /r/ which underwent the change known as Szemerényi’s Law. In an attempt to evaluate the validity of the law I then give a scenario for the processes behind it based on the interaction of hypocorrection and morphological restructuring. Finally, I plead for an alternative scenario based exclusively on external reconstruction, which forfeits the ideal of a transparent PIE with strict concatenative inflectional morphology.
Notes on three “acrostatic” neuter s-stems
Authors: Höfler Stefan
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the three possible “acrostatic” neuter s-stems *mēd-es-, *sēd-es-, and *h2ēd-es-, and their various continuants and derivatives within the IE daughter languages. I will argue that their lengthened root vowel is neither a result of a nominal ē : ĕ ablaut pattern nor due to systematic root-inherent characteristics, but can, in principle, be explained individually as the product of a secondary remodeling in analogy to verbal formations where a lengthened grade was regular.
Inorganic Surface Ligands for Colloidal Nanomaterials
Authors: Nag Angshuman , Zhang Hao , Janke Eric , Talapin Dmitri V.
Published: December 2014

Since the discovery of metal chalcogenide complexes (MCCs) as capping
ligands for colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) in 2009, the chemistry of
inorganic ligands for NCs has provided a new paradigm for surface
design of nanomaterials. Various inorganic anions including MCCs,
metal-free chalcogenides, oxoanions/oxometallates, and
halides/pseudohalides/halometallates have been employed to replace the
original long-chain organic ligands on NCs. This ligand exchange can
also be achieved through a two-step route using ligands stripping
agents like HBF4. This review outlines recent advances in
inorganically-capped colloidal NCs and details the ligand exchange
process for NCs using MCCs and metal-free chalcogenides. The binding
affinities of ligands to NC surface have been rationalized in terms of
Pearson's hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle. We also
demonstrate that inorganic ligands broaden the functionality of NCs by
tailoring their electro-optical properties or generating new inorganic
phases through chemical reactions between nanomaterials and their
surface ligands. Especially promising are the electronic,
optoelectronic, and thermoelectric applications of solution-processed,
inorganically-capped colloidal NCs, which substantially outperform
their organically-capped couterparts.
Effect of row orientation and elevation on leaf morphology of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) c.v. Furmint
Authors: Bodor P. , Baranyai L. , Parrag V. , Bisztray Gy.
Published: December 2014

Grapevine (Vitis viniferaL.) shows morphological plasticity influenced by environmental factors such as radiation and temperature. The effect of row orientation, exposition of leaves and orchard altitude on leaf morphological traits was evaluated. Grapevine cultivar ‘Furmint’ was investigated in this study with the new version of the GRA.LE.D. raster graphic software. The standard OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine) descriptors were used with additional size parameters. High morphological variability was observed among the leaves collected from 4 different row orientations and 5 levels of expositions. Exposition levels were assigned according to the estimated total radiation collected by leaves at their position. Selected parameters also responded sensitively to changing elevation in the range of 110–289 m. According to the results, traditional leaf morphological investigations performed with machine vision systems may be recommended to reveal significant ecological factors on ampelometric traits.
Uso da técnica de brainstorming para tomada de decisões na equipe de enfermagem de saúde pública
Authors: Nóbrega Maria de Magdala , Lopes Neto David , Santos Sérgio Ribeiro dos
Published: December 2014

O estudo enfoca o uso da ferramenta "brainstorming" ou "tempestade de idéias" para a tomada de decisões consensuais no serviço de enfermagem. Desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, com o emprego da técnica de grupo focal envolvendo 06 funcionários de uma unidade básica de saúde do município de João Pessoa, pertencente à rede estadual da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde da Paraíba. Os resultados evidenciaram a viabilidade da aplicação do método como estratégia para a melhoria da qualidade dos serviços de enfermagem.
Participação de crianças em pesquisas: uma proposta considerando os avanços teórico-metodológicos
Authors: Campos-Ramos Patrícia Cristina , Barbato Silviane
Published: December 2014

Nas pesquisas em Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e outras áreas do conhecimento, as crianças foram mais consideradas como objetos do que sujeitos, sendo mais observadas do que escutadas. Esse posicionamento, que vem mudando recentemente, conduziu à limitação da construção do conhecimento a respeito do desenvolvimento do self na infância, especialmente, durante experiências de transição. Neste texto, apresentamos uma breve revisão da literatura, com estudos que consideram especificidades do envolvimento das crianças na pesquisa e, a fim de aprofundarmos a compreensão de suas interpretações a respeito de si mesmas, do outro e do mundo nesta experiência, e das diferentes dinâmicas de interação mediadas por essas interpretações, desenvolvemos uma proposta de estudo longitudinal com crianças de 5 a 7 anos, durante a transição da Educação Infantil para o primeiro ano do Ensino Fundamental.
Work schedule influence on sleep habits in elementary and high school teachers according to chronotype
Authors: Souza Jane Carla de , Galina Sabinne Danielle , Almeida Jônathas Cleiton Florêncio de , Sousa Ivanise Cortez de , Azevedo Carolina Virginia Macêdo de
Published: December 2014

The influence of work schedule on sleep habits and quality, and daytime sleepiness according to individual preferences in sleep schedules was assessed in 131 elementary and high school teachers through questionnaires. Teachers who initiate classes around 7:00 hr wake up earlier and show more frequency of poor sleep quality than those who start classes in the afternoon. Between them, those who have a preference for intermediate or later hours for sleep are more irregular in their wake up schedules and increase their sleep duration on the weekend compared to those with earlier sleep preferences. On the other hand, working only in the afternoon seems to provide better sleep/awake conditions for teachers, because they keep the same sleep duration during the week and on the weekend, and they are diagnosed with less daytime sleepiness. Therefore, the discussion of school start times, originally proposed for adolescents, needs to be magnified to teachers, contributing to improvement of sleep habits and life quality in school environments.
Alta hospitalar de pacientes idosos: necessidades e desafios do cuidado contínuo
Authors: Flesch Letícia Decimo , Araujo Tereza Cristina Cavalcanti Ferreira de
Published: December 2014

No Brasil, o crescimento da longevidade tem aumentado a prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas, as quais podem ocasionar dependência funcional e exigir hospitalizações repetitivas. Especificamente, esta investigação visou conhecer e analisar a percepção de idosos sobre a alta hospitalar, definida como transição hospital-domicílio. A amostra foi constituída por 30 pacientes idosos recrutados em um hospital da rede pública. Antes da alta (internação) e após a alta (domicílio), aplicou-se o Questionário de Continuidade de Cuidado do Paciente, traduzido e adaptado. Verificaram-se correlações significativas entre as subescalas do instrumento. Os resultados reafirmaram a importância do planejamento e da coordenação da alta hospitalar para assegurar continuidade dos cuidados e propiciar atenção integral no campo da Saúde do Idoso. Recomenda-se a validação do instrumento adotado, no intuito de possibilitar estudos multicêntricos.