bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved cardiac filling facilitates the postprandial elevation of stroke volume inPython regius
Authors: Enok Sanne , Leite Gabriella , Leite Cléo , Gesser Hans , Hedrick Michael S. , Wang Tobias
Published: July 2016

To accommodate the pronounced metabolic response to digestion, pythons increase both heart rate and elevate stroke volume, where the latter has been ascribed to a massive and fast cardiac hypertrophy. However, numerous recent studies show that heart mass rarely increases even upon ingestion of large meals, and we therefore explored the possibility that a rise in mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP) serves to elevate venous pressure and cardiac filling during digestion. To this end, we measured blood flows and pressures in anaesthetised Python regius. The anaesthetised snakes exhibited the archetypal tachycardia as well as a rise in both venous pressure and MCFP that fully account for the approximate doubling of stroke volume. There was no rise in blood volume and the elevated MCFP must therefore stem from increased vascular tone, possibly by means of increased sympathetic tone on the veins. Furthermore, while both venous pressure and MCFP increased during volume loading, there was no evidence that postprandial hearts were endowed with an additional capacity to elevate stroke volume. In vitro measurements of force development of paced ventricular strips also failed to reveal signs of increased contractility, but the postprandial hearts had higher activities of cytochrome oxidase and pyruvate kinase, which probably serves to sustain the rise in cardiac work during digestion.
Field-Scale Predictions of Soil Contaminant Sorption Using Visible–Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Paradelo Marcos , Hermansen Cecilie , Knadel Maria , Moldrup Per , Greve Mogens H. , de Jonge Lis W.
Published: July 2016

Models used to evaluate leaching of contaminants to groundwater are very sensitive to sorption coefficients ( Kd). These models need reliable Kd data at the field scale, but the number of samples required makes the classic batch sorption experiments inappropriate for this purpose. Since visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy is an inexpensive and fast method, it has been used for predicting soil properties related to soil sorption capacity. In this study, we aimed to predict the spatial variation of Kd from vis–NIR spectra for two contaminants: phenanthrene (sorbed on organic fractions) and glyphosate (sorbed on mineral fractions). Forty-five bulk soil samples were collected from an agricultural field in Estrup, Denmark, in a 15 m × 15 m grid. Samples were air-dried, sieved to 2 mm and analysed for selected soil properties. Sorption coefficients were obtained from a batch equilibration experiment. Soil samples were measured with a bench-top spectrometer covering the vis–NIR range between 400 nm and 2500 nm. Partial least squares regression with full cross-validation was used to correlate the soil spectra with Kd values and soil properties. The sorption coefficients ranged from 345 L kg−1 to 886 L kg−1 and from 162 L kg−1 to 536 L kg−1 for phenanthrene and glyphosate, respectively. The regression coefficients showed that phenanthrene sorption was correlated with total organic carbon, aluminium oxides and cation exchange capacity, and glyphosate sorption with clay minerals and iron oxides. By means of the vis–NIR spectra we were able to predict phenanthrene ( R2 = 0.95, RMSECV = 31 L kg−1) and glyphosate ( R2 = 0.79, RMSECV = 45 L kg−1) sorption capacities. A model using vis–NIR spectra plus pH values improved the prediction of glyphosate sorption capacity ( R2 = 0.88, RMSECV = 34 L kg−1). The models obtained from vis–NIR spectra successfully predicted Kd within the investigated field, indicating the potential of vis–NIR spectroscopy as a fast method for determining Kd for input to leaching risk assessment models. However, further studies of different soil types and geographical scales are needed to confirm our findings.
Studying the Physical Protection of Soil Carbon with Quantitative Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Barthès Bernard G. , Kouakoua Ernest , Moulin Patricia , Hmaidi Kaouther , Gallali Tahar , Clairotte Michaël , Bernoux Martial , Bourdon Emmanuel , Toucet Joële , Chevallier Tiphaine
Published: July 2016

Near infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (mid-IR) reflectance spectroscopy are time- and cost-effective tools for characterising soil organic carbon (SOC). Here they were used for quantifying (i) carbon (C) dioxide (CO2) emission from soil samples crushed to 2 mm and 0.2 mm, at 18°C and 28°C; (ii) physical C protection, calculated as the difference between CO2 emissions from 0.2 mm and 2 mm crushed soil at a given temperature; and (iii) the temperature vulnerability of this protection, calculated as the difference between C protection at 18°C and 28°C. This was done for 97 topsoil samples from Tunisia, mostly calcareous, which were incubated for 21 days. Soil CO2 emission increased with temperature and fine crushing. However, C protection in 0.2–2 mm aggregates had little effect on the temperature vulnerability of CO2 emission, possibly due to preferential SOC protection in smaller aggregates. In general, NIR spectroscopy, and to a lesser extent mid-IR spectroscopy, yielded accurate predictions of soil CO2 emission (0.60 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.91), and acceptable predictions of C protection at the beginning of incubation (0.52 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.81) but not over the whole 21 day period ( R2 ≤ 0.59). For CO2 emission, prediction error was the same order of magnitude as, and sometimes similar to, the uncertainty of conventional determination, indicating that a noticeable proportion of the former could be attributed to the latter. The temperature vulnerability of C protection could not be modelled correctly ( R2 ≤ 0.11), due to error propagation. The prediction of SOC was better with NIR spectroscopy and that of soil inorganic C (SIC) was very accurate ( R2 ≥ 0.94), especially with mid-IR spectroscopy. Soil CO2 emission, C protection and its vulnerability were best predicted with NIR spectra, those of 0.2 mm samples especially. Mid-IR spectroscopy of 2 mm samples yielded the worst predictions in general. NIR spectroscopy prediction models suggested that CO2 emission and C protection depended (i) on aliphatic compounds (i.e. labile substrates), dominantly at 18°C; (ii) on amides or proteins (i.e. microbial biomass), markedly at 28°C; and (iii) negatively, on organohalogens and aromatic amines (i.e. pesticides). Models using mid-IR spectra showed a negative influence of carbonates on CO2 emission, suggesting they did not contribute to soil CO2 emission and might form during incubation. They also suggested that CO2 emission and C protection related to carboxylic acids, saturated aliphatic ones especially.
Networks of fibers and factors: regulation of capsule formation in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Ding Hao , Mayer François L. , Sánchez-León Eddy , de S. Araújo Glauber R. , Frases Susana , Kronstad James W.
Published: July 2016

The ability of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans to cause life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals is due in large part to elaboration of a capsule consisting of polysaccharide fibers. The size of the cell-associated capsule is remarkably responsive to a variety of environmental and host conditions, but the mechanistic details of the regulation, synthesis, trafficking, and attachment of the polysaccharides are poorly understood. Recent studies reveal a complex network of transcription factors that influence capsule elaboration in response to several different signals of relevance to disease (e.g., iron deprivation). The emerging complexity of the network is consistent with the diversity of conditions that influence the capsule and illustrates the responsiveness of the fungus to both the environment and mammalian hosts.
A review of cultural competence training in UK mental health settings
Authors: Clegg Stephanie , Heywood-Everett Suzanne , Siddiqi Najma
Published: July 2016

Background:

Cultural competence is key to high-quality mental health care and is a required competency for professionals. However, there is little to guide practitioners on the content, format, implementation or effectiveness of cultural competence training.

Aims:

This review aimed to identify the evidence base for cultural competence training in UK mental health settings and to summarise definitions, theoretical models, contents and measures of effectiveness used in such training.

Methods:

A systematic search and narrative synthesis of the literature on cultural competence training was conducted.

Results:

A literature search generated seven articles that met the inclusion criteria, which reported five original studies. There were no randomised controlled trials. Only two studies described training that was underpinned by an explicit definition or model of cultural competence. Three studies reported service user involvement.

Conclusions:

There literature on cultural competence training in mental health settings in the UK is surprisingly limited. There is insufficient evidence on which to base recommendations for clinical practice. Research is required to develop theoretically informed cultural competence training and evaluate its effectiveness
Learning for fun in the garden
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: July 2016

The government has asked early years settings to promote British values; these lend themselves to activities that will help children get out into the garden and nature.
Berry nice: Loch Ness and Giant
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: July 2016

Dawn Francis-Pester gives us tips on picking wild blackberries, cultivating container varieties, and making delicious recipes that will delight children and their families.
Optimise opportunities
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: July 2016

The Common Inspection Framework has been largely perceived in a positive light by childminders, but concerns still exist about what inspectors are looking for and why.
Explore, repeat, learn
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: July 2016

Schema theory has been around for a long time, with Piaget and Athey proposing ideas about how it helps children learn, but how do we link these to what we see in our settings?
End-of-life care in the neonatal intensive care unit: applying comfort theory
Authors: Marchuk Allison
Published: July 2016

The provision of quality end-of-life care is essential when a neonate is dying. End-of-life care delivered in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) must consider the needs of both the newborn and their family. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how comfort theory and its associated taxonomic structure can be used as a conceptual framework for nurses and midwives providing end-of-life care to neonates and their families. Comfort theory and its taxonomic structure are presented and issues related to end-of-life care in the NICU are highlighted. A case study is used to illustrate the application of comfort theory and issues related to implementation are discussed. The delivery of end-of-life care in the NICU can be improved through the application of comfort.
A team approach to recruitment in hospice research: engaging patients, close people and health professionals
Authors: L Campbell Cathy , Bailey Cara , Armour Kathy , Perry Rachel , Orlando Rosanna , Kinghorn Philip , Jones Louise , Coast Joanna
Published: July 2016

Research is vital to the future development of hospice care. However, research in hospice settings is very challenging. This paper describes a case study of a successful multidisciplinary research team approach (MDRT) to the recruitment of participants (hospice patients, family members and health professionals) for a study in a hospice setting on the economic evaluation of end-of-life care. A successful recruitment plan includes three key strategies: identifying key members of the MDRT early in the research process; having a clear and constant communication stream; and creating an environment where all team members have a shared commitment to the research, all voices are heard and valued, and everyone contributes to the research aims. An MDRT approach will be helpful to guide the development of successful recruitment plans for academic-community research partnerships in the hospice setting.
Assessment of anxiety in advanced cancer patients: a mixed methods study
Authors: Veldhuisen Hanneke , Zweers Danielle , de Graaf Everlien , Teunissen Saskia
Published: July 2016

Background:

Anxiety is a risk for reduced quality of life in advanced cancer patients. However, it is an overlooked symptom without routine use of instruments to assess anxiety.

Aim:

To gain insight into the use of instruments by nurses to assess anxiety in advanced cancer patients and the rationale behind it.

Methods:

Data with regard to nurses' use of instruments were collected from medical records of 154 patients in three settings. Additionally, 12 nurses were interviewed.

Findings:

Four instruments were used to assess anxiety. The frequency of assessed anxiety differed among settings. The application of instruments guided patient care and improved communication. Lack of knowledge was the main reason not to use instruments.

Conclusions:

Application was influenced by patient and environmental factors, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of nurses. Multifaceted strategies, leadership and education of nurses in the assessment and analysis of anxiety are needed to improve symptom management in advanced cancer patients.
A prospective study of patient-centred outcomes in the management of malignant pleural effusions
Authors: Walker Susan , Zubrinic Marijana , Massey Christine , Shargall Yaron , Bédard Eric , Darling Gail
Published: July 2016

Background:

In a patient population with a limited life expectancy, malignant pleural effusion can significantly impact quality of life (QoL). Different treatment options are available, each with its own effect on QoL. To date, satisfaction with treatment options has not been evaluated.

Purpose:

To evaluate QoL and satisfaction with treatment using patient-reported outcomes for four different treatment strategies.

Design:

A prospective, cohort study that compared four treatment options: indwelling pleural catheter (IPC); video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and IPC; chest tube and talc slurry; and VATS talc poudrage.

Setting:

A total of 104 participants were treated across four acute care teaching hospitals in a large Canadian city.

Measurements:

Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using functional assessment of chronic illness therapy–palliative (FACIT–PAL), London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale and FACIT–treatment satisfaction questionnaires.

Results:

No significant difference was identified between the four treatments based on patient-reported outcomes. VATS talc poudrage provided the most durable improvement. At the 6-week post-treatment time point, the highest patient satisfaction was noted in patients who received VATS and talc pleurodesis, lowest satisfaction in patients with chest tube and talc pleurodesis; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p=0.20). VATS and talc pleurodesis had the highest scores at 6 weeks for recommendation of treatment to others; however, the comparison with other treatment groups was not statistically significant (p=0.22). For FACIT-PAL, total scores when analysed as one group, there was a statistically significant increasing trend (indicating improvement) (p<0.0001). Breathlessness, measured using the London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale, indicated a statistically decreasing trend, suggesting an improvement (p=0.0003). There was no statistically significant difference in trends over time between the four treatment groups.

Conclusions:

While all treatment options addressed the patients' symptoms and relieved dyspnoea, an IPC offered effective treatment with minimal discomfort and time in hospital yet still high satisfaction.
An update on the Zika virus
Authors: Umeed Margaret
Published: July 2016

Margaret Umeed explains what primary care nurses need to tell Brazil-bound travellers this summer
Treating vaginal discharge
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: July 2016

This symptom commonly presents in primary care. Here's how to identify the cause, writes Suneeta Kochhar
Nest Architecture of Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)
Authors: Duarte Raoni , Souza Jairo , Soares Ademilson Espencer Egea
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to describe the nest architecture of Tetragona clavipes colonies, and to compare its features with other stingless bee species. The measurements were made on 10 colonies in terms of brood chamber, brood cells, royal cells, food pots, pillars between combs, and population. Brood chamber (= 3117.9 ± 1230.6 cm3) of spiral-shaped combs were all in the center of the nest. The values of equatorial diameter of brood chambers (= 14.33 ± 3.03 cm) can be useful to scale bee boxes. The height and width of food pots (= 3.42 ± 0.39 cm; = 2.21 ± 0.23 cm), and brood cells (= 6.37 ± 0.32 mm; = 3.73 ± 0.35 mm) were statistically different among colonies. The measurements of the internal nest structures of T. clavipes were similar to the few other reported studies of this species. T. clavipes nests presented only few differences from other stingless bee species. This species has large potential for honey production, which has not yet been explored and deserves attention in future studies.
Combinatorial Potential of bait matrix against subterranean termites under lab and field conditions
Authors: Rasib Khalid , Ashraf Hina
Published: July 2016

Bait matrix of different treatments were evaluated against two termite species i.e. Odontotermes obesus and Coptotermes heimi both under laboratory and field conditions. Mean wood consumption in laboratory bioassays were investigated for 2, 4 and 6 weeks with maximum consumption was noted after 4 weeks. While, field experiment was conducted for 24 there was greater consumption of the loosely bound bait matrix compared to the tightly bound matrix. However, feeding was comparatively high in combinations with attractants. Overall, treated colonies experienced a 90-95% decrease in population size after 24 weeks of baiting. The queen in the royal chamber of the mound was found dead.
Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci in the Independent-founding Wasp Polists versicolor (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Takahashi Yumi , Yamada Ayano , Mateus Sidnei , Zucchi Ronaldo , Nascimento Fabio , Kudô Kazuyuki
Published: July 2016

Microsatellite primers developed for a given species are sometimes useful for another in the same genus, making possible to search for pre-existing suitable primers in the data banks such as GenBank. We examined whether existing primers developed for Polistes wasps could be used for the independent-founding wasp Polistes versicolor. We tested 50 microsatellite primers from three Polistes species and found that five microsatellite loci show polymorphism in size in P. versicolor. These five loci were highly polymorphic, having four to 10 alleles in P. versicolor with an expected heterozygosity of 0.530–0.836. These loci can be used to study parameters concerning genetic relatedness such as social interactions in colonies and genetic conflicts of interest among nestmate individuals.
Whiteflies Provide Honeydew to Camponotus ants Without Receiving Reciprocal Favor
Authors: De Jesus Raí Martins , Paes Junior Ramon , Do Carmo Gleicy , Mota Danilo , Gontijo Lessando Moreira , Oliveira Marco Antonio
Published: July 2016

The notion that tending ants provide protection to honeydew-producing hemipterans is widely accepted. Nevertheless, there have been debates about whether or not this protection can always disrupt the biological control of hemipterans. Although various hemipteran species interact with tending ants, most studies have focused on the mutualism between ants and aphids.  Woolly whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) is an important pest of citrus whose nymphs are frequently tended by ants such as Camponotus. However, it is unknown whether or not ants in this genus can disrupt biological control of woolly whitefly by protecting this pest’s nymphs from natural enemies. We investigated the impact of Camponotus ants on the biological control of woolly whitefly in the field by excluding or allowing the access of ants to whitefly nymph colonies in different tangerine trees. Furthermore, in a laboratory study we also assessed the behavior of Camponotus ants in response to woolly whitefly’s common predator cues (visual and scent).  In summary, this field-laboratory study suggests that there is no mutualism between tending Camponotus ants and the whitefly A. floccosus; rather it indicates commensalism as an alternative interaction. Interactions as this may provide more benefits for the host plant, whereby Camponotus ants can reduce sooty mold by removing honeydew from the leaves and favor pest biological control by leaving the whiteflies unprotected.
First occurrence of the ant genus Brachymyrmex Mayr, 1868 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sharaf Mostafa R. , Salman Shehzad , Al Dhafer Hathal M. , Al_Yousef Albandari F. , Aldawood Abdulrahman S.
Published: July 2016

The formicine ant genus Brachymyrmex Mayr, 1868 is recorded for the first time from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and from the Arabian Peninsula by the species B. cordemoyi Forel, 1895. A brief description and automontage images of the species are presented with ecological and biological notes.
What is a drawing?
Authors: Ashwin Clive
Published: July 2016

Drawing, both as process and product, has proved notoriously resistant to definition. The current need for a reformulated definition is made more pressing by the postulation of ‘an expanded field of drawing’ comparable with a presumed expanded field of sculpture. This expanded field of drawing is characterized by a widespread dissolution of the traditional boundaries between categories such as drawing, writing, diagram and code. A revolution in art practice has been accompanied by a corresponding resurgence in analytical theory and critical context, reflected in exhibitions, publications and the formation of professional networks. In such a period of transformation and change it is advisable that we revisit the issue of definition of terms and practices. A variety of approaches to definition are reviewed, including ostensive and stipulative strategies. Wittgenstein’s concept of definition based upon ‘family resemblance’ is tested but found unhelpful in this case. The philosophical concepts of qualia and supervenience are introduced as useful strategies in formulating a consistent definition. The role of intention is appraised, as is the legitimacy of applying the concept of drawing by transference to print media. The article concludes with a proposal that there is still scope for a stipulative definition of drawing, and that the essence of drawing resides in the articulation of planar space. It is proposed that in this context the role of intention is immaterial. It is suggested that by deploying the concepts of qualia and supervenience the appellation ‘drawing’ can with some justification be extended by transference to a wide range of analogous products such as painting and prints.
Diamond turning fabrication of an ultra-compact endoscope
Authors: Huang Chih-Yu , Liang Rongguang
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose a technique by integrating mechanical mounts into lens elements to fulfill a self-aligned and self-assembled optical system. To prove this concept, we designed, fabricated, and tested an ultra-compact endoscope that adopts this technique. By taking advantages of the specially designed fixture and observing the interference fringes between the lens and fixture, we developed a method to minimize decenter and tilt between the two surfaces of the endoscope lens during the diamond turning fabrication process. The integrated mechanical mounts provide an easy assembly process for the endoscope system while maintaining high accuracy in system alignment. With the application of heat shrink tube as the endoscope system holder and to block stray light, the proposed endoscope system has the advantages of low cost, compact size, and high imaging quality.
The occurrence of the common European fish cestode Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) in the River Irtysh, China: a morphological characterization and molecular data
Authors: Xi Bing Wen , Barčák Daniel , Oros Mikuláš , Chen Kai , Xie Jun
Published: July 2016

The cestode
Vaccination with a cocktail of Ancylostoma ceylanicum recombinant antigens leads to worm burden reduction in hamsters
Authors: Wiśniewski Marcin , Łapiński Maciej , Daniłowicz-Luebert Emilia , Jaros Sławomir , Długosz Ewa , Wędrychowicz Halina
Published: July 2016

Hookworms, a group to which
First report on the molecular characterization of Diaphorocleidus armillatus Jogunoori et al. 2004 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) infecting the gills of introduced fish, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi in India
Authors: Chaudhary Anshu , Verma Chandni , Singh Hridaya Shanker
Published: July 2016

During an investigation of the diversity of monogenean parasites in Meerut, U.P., India, the exotic freshwater fish
Coasean Quality of Regulated Goods
Authors: Moszoro Marian W.
Published: July 2016

The quality of goods provided by public utilities depends on infrastructure features and operational inputs. I compare the economic efficiency that results from price ceilings and minimum quality standards (i. e., compliance with environmental, chemical, and performance standards and norms) imposed by a benevolent regulator to a Coasean bargaining solution between a median consumer and a monopolist. When quality is non-excludable and non-rival, rate-of-return regulation yields higher economic efficiency than price cap regulation.
Proximate biochemical composition and mineral content of edible species from the genus Cystoseira in Portugal
Authors: Vizetto-Duarte Catarina , Custódio Luísa , Barreira Luísa , Moreira da Silva Manuela , P. Rauter Amélia , Albericio Fernando , Varela João
Published: July 2016

Macroalgae are valuable resources for human consumption in many countries. This work reports for the first time a comparative evaluation of the nutritional properties of five edible macroalgae from the genus Cystoseira, namely C. humilis, C. tamariscifolia, C. nodicaulis, C. compressa and C. baccata. For this purpose, their proximate composition was determined in terms of moisture, ash, and total contents of protein, lipids, carbohydrates and mineral profile. Cystoseira tamariscifolia and C. baccata were the species that in general had the higher ash, protein and lipid contents, while the highest levels of moisture and total carbohydrates were detected in C. nodicaulis and C. compressa. Cystoseira species had also high amounts of minerals, especially of potassium, calcium and iron, and a favorable Na/K ratio. The present study shows that Cystoseira has a balanced nutritional composition, suitable for human consumption, and that its intake can contribute to a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Finite automata and numbers
Authors: Aleshin Stanislav V. , Panteleev Pavel A.
Published: July 2016

We study finite automata representations of numerical rings. Such representations correspond to the class of linear p-adic automata that compute homogeneous linear functions with rational coefficients in the ring of p-adic integers. Finite automata act both as ring elements and as operations. We also study properties of transition diagrams of automata that compute a function f(x)= cx of one variable. In particular we obtain precise values for the number of states of such automata and show that for c > 0 transition diagrams are self-dual (this property generalises self-duality of Boolean functions). We also obtain the criterion for an automaton computing a function f(x)= cx to be a permutation automaton, and fully describe groups that are transition semigroups of such automata.
On elementary word functions obtained by bounded prefix concatenation
Authors: Marchenkov Sergey S.
Published: July 2016

The operation of bounded prefix concatenation (BPC) is introduced on the set of word functions in the alphabet {1, 2}. The class BPC of polynomially computable functions is defined on the basis of this operation and the superposition operation. The class BPC is shown to contain a number of word functions and to be closed with respect to certain known operations. A certain type of two-tape nonerasing Turing machines is introduced, functions from the class BPC are shown to be computable on machines of this type in polynomial time.
Extinction of decomposable branching processes
Authors: Vatutin Vladimir A. , Dyakonova Elena E.
Published: July 2016

The asymptotic behavior, as n → ∞, of the conditional distribution of the number of particles in a decomposable critical branching process
Z
(m) = (Z
1 (m), …, ZN
(m)) with N types of particles at moment m = n − k, k = 0(n), is investigated given that the extinction moment of the process equals to n.
Association study of DRD2 A2/A1, DRD3 Ser9Gly, DβH −1021C>T, OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A polymorphisms with alcohol dependence
Authors: Ragia Georgia , Veresies Ivan , Veresie Louiza , Veresies Kyriakos , Manolopoulos Vangelis G.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The reinforcing effects of alcohol are mediated through complex interactions between multiple neurochemical systems. Genes of dopaminergic (DRD2, DRD3 and DβH), opioid (OPRM1) and glutaminergic (GRIK1) systems mediate the dependent behavior via different mechanisms; however, they all target the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways in the ventral tegmental area.

Methods:

In the present study, DRD2 A2/A1, DRD3 Ser9Gly, DβH −1021C>T, OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A polymorphisms and their interactions were analyzed in 72 alcohol-dependent patients and 74 controls of Greek-Cypriot origin, using the PCR-RFLP method.

Results:

No differences were found in the genotype or allele distribution of DRD2 A2/A1, DRD3 Ser9Gly, DβH −1021C>T, OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A between alcohol-dependent patients and controls. Additionally, we did not find any gene×gene interactions in association with alcohol dependence in the studied population.

Conclusions:

Alcohol dependence is a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. In the present study, we have shown that DRD2 A2/A1, DRD3 Ser9Gly, DβH −1021C>T, OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A are not associated with this dependent behavior alone or in interaction.
Characterization and adsorptive properties of cross-linked poly (1-vinylimidazole)-iron (III) complex synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Chi Hui , Chen Pei , Cao Liqin , Wu Xiujuan , Wang Jide
Published: July 2016

In this study, poly (1-vinylimidazole)-iron(III) [PVIm-Fe(III)] complex was investigated along with adsorption behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The cross-linked PVIm-Fe(III) was synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide by using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) as a cross-linker. The obtained products were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) analysis. The results reveal that iron ion is complexed by coordination with basic (-N) functional groups of 1-vinylimidazole successfully. The effects of the operating pressure, the ratio of iron and cross-linker concentration were investigated. A fine and yellow powder was obtained at high yield and crosslinking degrees at 20 MPa, 70°C. Additionally, the property of PVIm-Fe(III) complexes in terms of BSA adsorption has been studied, and the higher adsorption capacity was 660 mg/g.
Area properties associated with a convex plane curve
Authors: Kim Dong-Soo , Kim Young Ho , Ju Hyeong-Kwan , Shim Kyu-Chul
Published: July 2016

Archimedes knew that for a point P on a parabola X and a chord AB of X parallel to the tangent of X at P,
the area of the region bounded by the parabola X and chord AB is four thirds of
the area of the triangle

△

A
⁢
B
⁢
P

{\bigtriangleup ABP}

. Recently,
the first two authors have proved that this fact is the characteristic property of parabolas.

In this paper, we study strictly locally convex curves in the plane

ℝ
2

{{\mathbb{R}}^{2}}

.
As a result,
generalizing the above mentioned characterization theorem for parabolas,
we present two conditions, which are necessary and sufficient, for a strictly locally convex curve in the plane to be an open arc of a parabola.
The Hardy--Littlewood maximal operator and BLO1/log class of exponents
Authors: Kopaliani Tengiz , Zviadadze Shalva
Published: July 2016

It is well known that if the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator is
bounded in the variable exponent Lebesgue space

L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

[
0
;
1
]

${L^{p(\,\cdot\,)}[0;1]}$

, then

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

∈

BMO

1
/
log

${p(\,\cdot\,)\in\mathrm{BMO}^{1/\log}}$

. On the other hand, there exists an exponent

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

∈

BMO

1
/
log

${p(\,\cdot\,)\in\mathrm{BMO}^{1/\log}}$

,

1
<

p
-

≤

p
+

<
∞

${1<p_{-}\leq p_{+}<\infty}$

, such that
the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator is not bounded in

L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

⁢

[
0
;
1
]

${L^{p(\,\cdot\,)}[0;1]}$

.
But for any exponent

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

∈

BMO

1
/
log

${p(\,\cdot\,)\in\mathrm{BMO}^{1/\log}}$

,

1
<

p
-

≤

p
+

<
∞

${1<p_{-}\leq p_{+}<\infty}$

, there exists a constant

c
>
0

${c>0}$

such that
the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator is bounded in

L

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

+
c

⁢

[
0
;
1
]

${L^{p(\,\cdot\,)+c}[0;1]}$

.
In this paper, we construct an exponent

p
⁢

(
⋅
)

${p(\,\cdot\,)}$

,

1
<

p
-

≤

p
+

<
∞

${1<p_{-}\leq p_{+}<\infty}$

,

1
/
p

⁢

(
⋅
)

∈

BLO

1
/
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Application of multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of Taenia spp. from domestic dogs in the north of Iran
Authors: Rahimi M.T. , Sarvi S. , Daryani A. , Sharif M. , Ahmadpour E. , Shokri A. , Mizani A.
Published: July 2016

The family Taeniidae is of great importance in the medical and veterinary fields, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Identification of eggs of different Taenia spp. in the final host by morphological examination is difficult owing to their similarity. Therefore, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a mitochondrial gene was applied to identify morphologically indistinguishable eggs. Fecal samples from 100 domestic dogs, from the Mazandaran province in Iran, were examined using the flotation/sieving method followed by multiplex PCR. Taeniid eggs were observed in 24 % samples, of which 12 %, 10 %, and 2 % were infected with Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia spp., and both E. granulosus and Taenia spp., respectively. E. multilocularis was absent in these samples. The prevalence of E. granulosus in the examined domestic dogs as definitive hosts in north of Iran was high (14 %). Therefore, people living in this region of Iran are in danger of acquiring hydatid cyst, which is a serious public health problem.
First report of metacercariae of Cyathocotyle prussica parasitising a fish host in the Czech Republic, Central Europe
Authors: Kvach Y. , Ondračková M. , Jurajda P.
Published: July 2016

Examination of western tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) from the River Dyje (Czech Republic, Danube basin) for metazoan parasites revealed the presence of metacercariae of Cyathocotyle prussica Mühling, 1896 (Digenea: Cyathocotylidae) in both muscle tissue and the peritoneal cavity. This is the first time that tubenose gobies have been reported as an intermediate host for C. prussica, and the first time that C. prussica metacercariae have been registered parasitising fish hosts in the Czech Republic. Here, we describe the morphology of metacercariae and five-day preadults, cultivated in vitro, and discuss the importance of recently established, non-native species as suitable hosts for this parasite.
Parasites with possible zoonotic potential in the small intestines of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Northwest Bohemia (CzR)
Authors: Jankovská I. , Brožová A. , Matějů Z. , Langrová I. , Lukešová D. , Sloup V.
Published: July 2016

We determined the prevalence of primarily zoonotic parasites in the small intestines of 40 (20 males and 20 females) red foxes living near human dwellings. The total prevalence of parasite infection was 77.5 % (31/40); the prevalence was 37.5 % (15/40) for Toxocara canis and 35 % (14/40) for Toxascaris leonina. The mean intensity infection was 3 and 11 helminths for T. canis and T. leonina, respectively. The prevalence of other intestinal helminths and mean infection intensity in this study are given: Echinococcus multilocularis 40 % (16/40) with 1000 individuals, Mesocestoides spp. 40 % (16/40) with 8 individuals, Uncinaria stenocephala 10 % (4/40) with 8 individuals, and Taenia pisiformis 10 % (4/40) with 1 individual. With regards to prevalence and intensity of infection, as well as prevalence of individual parasites, there were no significant differences (P≥0.05) between male and female red foxes.
First report on the helminthfauna of the yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis, in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Debenedetti Á. L. , Sainz-Elipe S. , Sáez-Durán S. , Galicia D. , Imaz A. , Galán-Puchades M. T. , Fuentes M. V.
Published: July 2016

Information about the prevalence of helminth parasites of the yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis, in the Iberian Peninsula is almost non-existent and there is no reliable data reported from Spain. Fourteen A. flavicollis from the Erro River valley (Navarre, Spain) were examined for endoparasites, between February 2001 and July 2002. Thirteen specimens (92.9 %) of the total sample were parasitized by at least one of the following six helminth species: one trematode (Corrigia vitta), one cestode (Taenia parva larvae) and four nematodes (Trichuris muris, Calodium hepaticum, Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Syphacia stroma). This is the first report about the helminthfauna of A. flavicollis in the Iberian Peninsula. Nevertheless, a larger number of hosts should be analysed to complete these preliminary results and to adequately characterize the helminth community of this rodent. The finding of C. hepaticum, the causative agent of human capillarosis, stands out.
Treatment of black liquor (BL) by adsorption on AE resins and a subsequent electrochemical degradation of BL to obtain vanillin
Authors: Schmitt Dominik , Regenbrecht Carolin , Schubert Moritz , Schollmeyer Dieter , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: July 2016

The dominating kraft pulping process leads to kraft pulp and to black liquor (BL), which is incinerated for recovery of inorganic chemicals. A certain part of the BL can also be used as a source of organic chemicals without disturbing the recovery and energy balance of the mill. In this research, the removal of low molecular weight (MW) phenolic products from BL without disturbing the recovery process. Strongly basic anion exchange (AE) resin was utilized to deplete BL from different phenolic derivatives on a preparative scale. The adsorbed low MW phenols can be easily liberated by acidic treatment. Completely depleted BL was then electrochemically treated for further highly selective degradation of kraft lignin. This combined approach enabled the concentration of phenolic substances.
Annexin A1 and resolution of inflammation: tissue repairing properties and signalling signature
Authors: Gobbetti Thomas , Cooray Sadani N.
Published: July 2016

Inflammation is essential to protect the host from exogenous and endogenous dangers that ultimately lead to tissue injury. The consequent tissue repair is intimately associated with the fate of the inflammatory response. Restoration of tissue homeostasis is achieved through a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving mediators. In chronic inflammatory diseases such balance is compromised, resulting in persistent inflammation and impaired healing. During the last two decades the glucocorticoid-regulated protein Annexin A1 (AnxA1) has emerged as a potent pro-resolving mediator acting on several facets of the innate immune system. Here, we review the therapeutic effects of AnxA1 on tissue healing and repairing together with the molecular targets responsible for these complex biological properties.
Comparative Analysis of Instruments Measuring Time Varying Harmonics
Authors: Belchior Fernando Nunes , Ribeiro Paulo Fernando , Carvalho Frederico Marques
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to evaluate the performance of commercial class A and class S power quality (PQ) instruments when measuring time-varying harmonics. By using a high precision programmable voltage and current source, two meters from different manufacturers are analyzed and compared. Three-phase voltage signals are applied to PQ instruments, considering 3 situations of time-varying harmonic distortions, whose harmonic distortion values are in accordance with typical values found in power systems. This work is relevant considering that international standardization documents do not pay much attention to this aspect of harmonic distortion.
Nonhomogeneous Porosity and Thermal Diffusivity Effects on a Double-Diffusive Convection in Anisotropic Porous Media
Authors: Harfash Akil J.
Published: July 2016

A model for double-diffusive convection in anisotropic and inhomogeneous porous media has been analysed. In particular, the effects of variable permeability, thermal diffusivity and variable gravity with respect to the vertical direction, have been studied. The validity of both the linear instability and global nonlinear energy stability thresholds are tested using three dimensional simulation. Our results show that the linear theory produce a good predicts on the onset of instability in the basic steady state. It is known that as

R
c

${R_c}$

increases the onset of convection is more likely to be via oscillatory convection as opposed to steady convection, and the three dimensional simulation results show that as

R
c

$Rc$

increases, the actual threshold moving toward the nonlinear stability threshold and the behaviour of the perturbation of the solutions becomes more oscillated.
Unsteady Convective Boundary Layer Flow of Maxwell Fluid with Nonlinear Thermal Radiation: A Numerical Study
Authors: Mabood Fazle , Imtiaz Maria , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: July 2016

The main purpose of this work is to investigate unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow of Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface with nonlinear thermal radiation. Heat and mass transfer analysis is carried out in the presence of convective boundary conditions and first-order chemical reaction. A uniform magnetic field is applied normal to the direction of the fluid flow. The nonlinear coupled partial differential equations are solved numerically using an implicit finite difference method with quasi-linearization technique. Effects of the emerging parameters on the dimensionless velocity, temperature and concentration are investigated. The rate of heat transfer in terms of Nusselt number and rate of mass transfer in terms of Sherwood number are also computed and addressed.
Social cybersecurity: Understanding and leveraging social influence to increase security sensitivity
Authors: Das Sauvik
Published: July 2016

Despite substantial improvements made by the usable security community at raising lay people's awareness
of, motivation to use, and knowledge of how to use security and privacy tools (i.e., their
security sensitivity), much security advice remains ignored and many security tools remain
underutilized. I argue that this low security sensitivity can be at least partially explained by the fact that
security and privacy behaviors can have myriad social consequences. For example, by using two-factor
authentication, one might also be perceived as paranoid or as someone with something to hide. To that end, in this
article, I will describe some recent work that introduces and establishes a theoretical foundation for a new genre
of usable security research: social cybersecurity.
Dietary fructose intake in obese children and adolescents: relation to procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hamza Rasha Tarif , Ahmed Alaa Youssef , Rezk Doaa Gamal , Hamed Amira Ibrahim
Published: July 2016

Background:

Excessive use of fructose has been incriminated as a risk factor for hepatic steatosis. Procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) is a marker for steatohepatitis. Thus, we aimed to assess fructose intake in obese children and its relation to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and P3NP.

Methods:

Fifty-five obese children were compared to 30 controls. All were subjected to dietary fructose and anthropometric assessment, fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin (FI) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), P3NP and abdominal ultrasound.

Results:

Patients had higher fructose intake which was associated with increased NAFLD grade. There was an increase in P3NP with increased NAFLD grade. P3NP correlated positively with fructose intake (processed sources and total) and caloric intake.

Conclusions:

High fructose intake is associated with NAFLD and P3NP may serve as a marker of NAFLD in obese children with a proposed cutoff value of 8.5 ng/mL.
Cerebrospinal fluid cytology: a highly diagnostic method for the detection of diseases of the central nervous system
Authors: Torzewski Michael , Lackner Karl J.
Published: July 2016

Cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a technically simple, yet productive diagnostic procedure. The cytocentrifuge technique is the most commonly utilized method to concentrate the generally scant cellular components of CSF. There are several preanalytical and analytical pitfalls causing artefacts and making proper assessment of the CSF cell preparation more difficult or even impossible. The common cell types of CSF are lymphocytes and monocytes including their activated forms. Cytologic examination of inflammatory conditions puts emphasis on the cellular composition of CSF caused by bacterial infections compared to viral infections and noninfectious inflammatory diseases of the brain. Concerning non-neoplastic disorders, diagnosis of subarachnoidal hemorrhage is of special interest and a main field of application of CSF cytology. The cytology of neoplastic disorders encounters three typical constellations the investigator is usually confronted with: either a primary malignancy is already known and dissemination to the meninges shall be evaluated or clinical and neuroradiological findings are suggestive of neoplastic meningitis though without sufficient evidence of the primary tumor. And third, a spinal tap is performed for other reasons and malignant cells are an incidental finding.
Characteristics of den, den tree and sites selected by the Persian squirrel in Zagros forests, western Iran
Authors: Khalili Farzaneh , Malekian Mansoureh , Hemami Mahmoud Reza
Published: July 2016

We investigated characteristics of den, den tree and sites selected by the Persian squirrel (
Celiac axis compression syndrome: laparoscopic approach in a strange case of chronic abdominal pain in 71 years old man
Authors: Eretta Costantino , Ferrarese Alessia , Olcese Sonja , Imperatore Mikaela , Francone Elisa , Bianchi Claudio , Bruno Maria Santina , Sagnelli Carlo , Di Martino Maria , Ranghetti Savina , Martino Valter , Falco Emilio , Berti Stefano
Published: July 2016

Celiac Axis Compression Syndrome by the Median Arcuate Ligament is a very rare condition characterized by chronic postprandial abdominal pain (angina abdominis), nausea, vomiting, which occurs mostly in young patients. The main treatment is a surgical procedure that consists of the division of the arcuate ligament combined with the section of the close diaphragmatic crus and the excision of the celiac plexus. Actually laparoscopic management is feasible and safe.