bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of blackberry and quercetin on sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress and histological changes in the hepatic, renal, testis and brain tissue of male rat
Authors: Hamza Reham Z. , El-Shenawy Nahla S. , Ismail Hayat A.A.
Published: October 2014

Background: Sodium fluoride (NaF) intoxication is associated with oxidative stress and altered antioxidant defense mechanism. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential protective role of blackberry and quercetin (Q) against NaF-induced oxidative stress and histological changes in liver, kidney, testis and brain tissues of rats.

Methods: The rats were allocated evenly to seven groups. The first group was maintained as the control, whereas groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were administered blackberry juice (BBJ), Q, NaF, BBJ+NaF, Q+NaF and BBJ+Q+NaF, respectively, for a period of 30 days.

Results and conclusions: NaF caused an elevation in lipid peroxidation level paralleled with significant decline in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as the total antioxidant activity in liver, kidney, testes and brain. Some histopathological changes were detected in all tested tissues of the NaF treated group. Q and BBJ had successfully maintained normal histological architecture and mitigated the induction of oxidative stress caused by NaF. Q effectively reduced the elevation in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level and restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes in liver, kidney, testis and brain. Less histopathological changes were observed in Q+NaF and BBJ+NaF treated groups. As a result, BBJ and Q significantly reduced NaF-induced oxidative and histological changes in rats. In the combination of BBJ and Q against NaF toxicity, the effects were more severe than from separate exposure, thus indicating that these flavonoids exhibited synergistic effects on all antioxidant and histological parameters.
Skiing Trauma and Safety: 20th Volume
Authors: Johnson Robert J. , Shealy Jasper E. , Greenwald Richard M.
Published: October 2014

Description

Access 12 peer-reviewed papers on Skiing Trauma and Safety in this expert compilation sponsored by the International Society for Skiing Safety and ASTM International.

Topics of papers in this compilation fall into the following categories

Get expert case-controlled studies on both the perception of the effectiveness of helmets and the actual effectiveness of helmets. Examine the main reason for lack of helmet use in snow sports. Learn about whether the increased number of terrain parks has caused an increase in injury rates. Discover the necessities for consistent application of international standards for correct setup of ski-binding boot systems in New Zealand. Read about potential advances in ski equipment that could lead to less ACL injuries.

These Selected Technical Papers were presentenced at the 20th International Society for Skiing Safety Congress in Bariloche, Argentina, on August 4-10, 2013. The meeting was sponsored by the ISSS and this publication is supported by ASTM International Committee F27 on Snow Skiing and Subcommittee F27.30 on Skis and Boots._x000D_
Viewing Myth and History on the Shield of Aeneas
Authors: Feldherr Andrew
Published: October 2014

This article analyzes the representational strategies Vergil uses in the description of the shield of Aeneas to shape the reception of his text. Three aspects of the ekphrasis highlight its ambiguous status as a literary representation figuring itself as a material presence that can become part of history as well as depicting it. First, descriptions of rivers frame narrative units within book 8 as though the text were a visual image, while failing to perform such a function in the case of the shield itself. Rivers also symbolize both the linear progression of the narrative and its static visual surface. Second, the presence of multiple levels of internal spectators simultaneously reminds Vergil's audience of the differences between poem and image and image and reality and provides focalizing perspectives from which each represented image can be perceived as real. Finally, intertextual references to defining features of historiography as a literary genre provide a model for how literary accounts of the past can influence events. But the comparison with historiography also draws attention to what Vergil does differently, particularly his direct representation of divine action and his refashioning of history's linear order into a circular, spatial image that can be viewed synchronically.
The Great Dionysia and the End of the Peloponnesian War
Authors: Hanink Johanna
Published: October 2014

Scholars have disagreed about whether the Great Dionysia was celebrated in 404 BCE, despite the grim circumstances in Athens on the eve of the city's surrender to Sparta. This article reconsiders the problem and reviews the positive documentary evidence for the festival's celebration. The evidence indicates that the festival was indeed held, which speaks to the centrality of the Great Dionysia to Athenian civic life. The article then re-examines the conditions in Athens in the spring of 404, the practical consequences that these may have had for the festival, and the celebration of other festivals during times of war and crisis. Despite the evidence that the Great Dionysia was celebrated, the scale of its festivities must have been reduced. The first regular celebration after the war did not likely take place until 402/1, when the posthumous premiere of Sophocles' Oidipous at Kolonos would have served partially as a symbolic proclamation that Athens' great theatrical tradition would continue undiminished.
Structure of the Rad50 DNA double‐strand break repair protein in complex with DNA
Authors: Rojowska Anna , Lammens Katja , Seifert Florian U , Direnberger Carolin , Feldmann Heidi , Hopfner Karl‐Peter
Published: October 2014

The Mre11–Rad50 nuclease–ATPase is an evolutionarily conserved multifunctional DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair factor. Mre11–Rad50's mechanism in the processing, tethering, and signaling of DSBs is unclear, in part because we lack a structural framework for its interaction with DNA in different functional states. We determined the crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima Rad50NBD (nucleotide‐binding domain) in complex with Mre11HLH (helix‐loop‐helix domain), AMPPNP, and double‐stranded DNA. DNA binds between both coiled‐coil domains of the Rad50 dimer with main interactions to a strand‐loop‐helix motif on the NBD. Our analysis suggests that this motif on Rad50 does not directly recognize DNA ends and binds internal sites on DNA. Functional studies reveal that DNA binding to Rad50 is not critical for DNA double‐strand break repair but is important for telomere maintenance. In summary, we provide a structural framework for DNA binding to Rad50 in the ATP‐bound state.
APC/CCdh1 controls CtIP stability during the cell cycle and in response to DNA damage
Authors: Lafranchi Lorenzo , de Boer Harmen R , de Vries Elisabeth GE , Ong Shao‐En , Sartori Alessandro A , van Vugt Marcel ATM
Published: October 2014

Human cells have evolved elaborate mechanisms for responding to DNA damage to maintain genome stability and prevent carcinogenesis. For instance, the cell cycle can be arrested at different stages to allow time for DNA repair. The APC/CCdh1 ubiquitin ligase mainly regulates mitotic exit but is also implicated in the DNA damage‐induced G2 arrest. However, it is currently unknown whether APC/CCdh1 also contributes to DNA repair. Here, we show that Cdh1 depletion causes increased levels of genomic instability and enhanced sensitivity to DNA‐damaging agents. Using an integrated proteomics and bioinformatics approach, we identify CtIP, a DNA‐end resection factor, as a novel APC/CCdh1 target. CtIP interacts with Cdh1 through a conserved KEN box, mutation of which impedes ubiquitylation and downregulation of CtIP both during G1 and after DNA damage in G2. Finally, we find that abrogating the CtIP–Cdh1 interaction results in delayed CtIP clearance from DNA damage foci, increased DNA‐end resection, and reduced homologous recombination efficiency. Combined, our results highlight the impact of APC/CCdh1 on the maintenance of genome integrity and show that this is, at least partially, achieved by controlling CtIP stability in a cell cycle‐ and DNA damage‐dependent manner.
Autophagy in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ding Yan , Choi Mary E
Published: October 2014

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Increasing prevalence of diabetes has made the need for effective treatment of DN critical and thereby identifying new therapeutic targets to improve clinical management. Autophagy is a highly conserved ‘self-eating’ pathway by which cells degrade and recycle macromolecules and organelles. Autophagy serves as an essential mechanism to maintain homeostasis of glomeruli and tubules, and plays important roles in human health and diseases. Impairment of autophagy is implicated in the pathogenesis of DN. Emerging body of evidence suggests that targeting the autophagic pathway to activate and restore autophagy activity may be renoprotective. In this review, we examine current advances in our understanding of the roles of autophagy in diabetic kidney injury, focusing on studies in renal cells in culture, human kidney tissues, and experimental animal models of diabetes. We discuss the major nutrient-sensing signal pathways and diabetes-induced altered intracellular metabolism and cellular events, including accumulation of advanced glycation end-products, increased oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hypoxia, and activation of the renin–angiotensin system, which modulate autophagic activity and contribute to the development of DN. We also highlight recent studies of autophagy and transforming growth factor-β in renal fibrosis, the final common response to injury that ultimately leads to end-stage kidney failure in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest the possibility that autophagy can be a therapeutic target against DN.
In vivo regulation of intestinal absorption of amino acids by leptin
Authors: Fanjul Carmen , Barrenetxe Jaione , De Pablo-Maiso Lorena , Lostao María Pilar
Published: October 2014

Leptin is secreted by the gastric mucosa and is able to reach the intestinal lumen and bind to its receptors located in the apical membranes of enterocytes. We have previously demonstrated that apical leptin inhibits uptake of amino acids in rat intestine in vitro and in Caco-2 cells. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of leptin on absorption of amino acids using in vivo techniques, which generate situations closer to physiological conditions. In vivo intestinal absorption of amino acids in rats was measured by isolating a jejunal loop and using the single-pass perfusion system. Disappearance of glutamine (Gln), proline (Pro), and β-alanine (β-Ala) from the perfusate, in the absence or presence of leptin, was measured using a radioactivity method. Luminal leptin (25 nM) inhibited the absorption of 2 mM Pro, 5 mM β-Ala, and 5 mM Gln by approximately 45% after 5–15 min; the effect remained constant until the end of the experiment (80 min) and was rapidly and completely reversed when leptin was removed from the perfusion medium. Moreover, leptin was able to regulate the absorption of galactose and Gln in the same animal, indicating a direct action of the hormone on the specific transporters implicated in the uptake of each nutrient. The results of the present work indicate that luminal leptin decreases absorption of amino acids in vivo in a short-term manner and in a reversible way. These results, together with our previous findings, make it evident that leptin can be considered as a hormone which provides the intestine with a control mechanism to handle absorption of nutrients.
Early-life nutritional effects on the female reproductive system
Authors: Chan K A , Tsoulis M W , Sloboda D M
Published: October 2014

There is now considerable epidemiological and experimental evidence indicating that early-life environmental conditions, including nutrition, affect subsequent development in later life. These conditions induce highly integrated responses in endocrine-related homeostasis, resulting in persistent changes in the developmental trajectory producing an altered adult phenotype. Early-life events trigger processes that prepare the individual for particular circumstances that are anticipated in the postnatal environment. However, where the intrauterine and postnatal environments differ markedly, such modifications to the developmental trajectory may prove maladaptive in later life. Reproductive maturation and function are similarly influenced by early-life events. This should not be surprising, because the primordial follicle pool is established early in life and is thus vulnerable to early-life events. Results of clinical and experimental studies have indicated that early-life adversity is associated with a decline in ovarian follicular reserve, changes in ovulation rates, and altered age at onset of puberty. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the relationship between the early-life developmental environment and postnatal reproductive development and function are unclear. This review examines the evidence linking early-life nutrition and effects on the female reproductive system, bringing together clinical observations in humans and experimental data from targeted animal models.
A central role for the mammalian target of rapamycin in LPS-induced anorexia in mice
Authors: Yue Yunshuang , Wang Yi , Li Dan , Song Zhigang , Jiao Hongchao , Lin Hai
Published: October 2014

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, induces profound anorexia. However, the LPS-provoked pro-inflammatory signaling cascades and the neural mechanisms underlying the development of anorexia are not clear. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of metabolism, cell growth, and protein synthesis. This study aimed to determine whether the mTOR pathway is involved in LPS-induced anorexia. Effects of LPS on hypothalamic gene/protein expression in mice were measured by RT-PCR or western blotting analysis. To determine whether inhibition of mTOR signaling could attenuate LPS-induced anorexia, we administered an i.c.v. injection of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, on LPS-treated male mice. In this study, we showed that LPS stimulates the mTOR signaling pathway through the enhanced phosphorylation of mTORSer2448and p70S6KThr389. We also showed that LPS administration increased the phosphorylation of FOXO1Ser256, the p65 subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (P<0.05), and FOXO1/3aThr24/32(P<0.01). Blocking the mTOR pathway significantly attenuated the LPS-induced anorexia by decreasing the phosphorylation of p70S6KThr389, FOXO1Ser256, and FOXO1/3aThr24/32. These results suggest promising approaches for the prevention and treatment of LPS-induced anorexia.
Differential effects of fasting vs food restriction on liver thyroid hormone metabolism in male rats
Authors: de Vries E M , van Beeren H C , Ackermans M T , Kalsbeek A , Fliers E , Boelen A
Published: October 2014

A variety of illnesses that leads to profound changes in the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) are axis collectively known as the nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). NTIS is characterized by decreased tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and inappropriately low TSH serum concentrations, as well as altered hepatic thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism. Spontaneous caloric restriction often occurs during illness and may contribute to NTIS, but it is currently unknown to what extent. The role of diminished food intake is often studied using experimental fasting models, but partial food restriction might be a more physiologically relevant model. In this comparative study, we characterized hepatic TH metabolism in two models for caloric restriction: 36 h of complete fasting and 21 days of 50% food restriction. Both fasting and food restriction decreased serum T4concentration, while after 36-h fasting serum T3also decreased. Fasting decreased hepatic T3but not T4concentrations, while food restriction decreased both hepatic T3and T4concentrations. Fasting and food restriction both induced an upregulation of liver D3 expression and activity, D1 was not affected. A differential effect was seen inMct10mRNA expression, which was upregulated in the fasted rats but not in food-restricted rats. Other metabolic pathways of TH, such as sulfation and UDP-glucuronidation, were also differentially affected. The changes in hepatic TH concentrations were reflected by the expression of T3-responsive genesFasandSpot14only in the 36-h fasted rats. In conclusion, limited food intake induced marked changes in hepatic TH metabolism, which are likely to contribute to the changes observed during NTIS.
Effect of calcium, bicarbonate, and albumin on capacitation-related events in equine sperm
Authors: Macías-García B , González-Fernández L , Loux S C , Rocha A M , Guimarães T , Peña F J , Varner D D , Hinrichs K
Published: October 2014

Repeatable methods for IVF have not been established in the horse, reflecting the failure of standard capacitating media to induce changes required for fertilization capacity in equine sperm. One important step in capacitation is membrane cholesterol efflux, which in other species is triggered by cholesterol oxidation and is typically enhanced using albumin as a sterol acceptor. We incubated equine sperm in the presence of calcium, BSA, and bicarbonate, alone or in combination. Bicarbonate induced an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was abolished by the addition of calcium or BSA. Bicarbonate induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PY), even in the presence of calcium or BSA. Incubation at high pH enhanced PY but did not increase ROS production. Notably, no combination of these factors was associated with significant cholesterol efflux, as assessed by fluorescent quantitative cholesterol assay and confirmed by filipin staining. By contrast, sperm treated with methyl-β-cyclodextrin showed a significant reduction in cholesterol levels, but no significant increase in PY or ROS. Presence of BSA increased sperm binding to bovine zonae pellucidae in all three stallions. These results show that presence of serum albumin is not associated with a reduction in membrane cholesterol levels in equine sperm, highlighting the failure of equine sperm to exhibit core capacitation-related changes in a standard capacitating medium. These data indicate an atypical relationship among cholesterol efflux, ROS production, and PY in equine sperm. Our findings may help to elucidate factors affecting failure of equine IVF under standard conditions.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: May Philip A. , Baete Amy , Russo Jaymi , Elliott Amy J. , Blankenship Jason , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Brooks Marita , Hasken Julie , Abdul-Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie , Hoyme H. Eugene
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) among first grade students (6- to 7-year-olds) in a representative Midwestern US community.

METHODS:

From a consented sample of 70.5% of all first graders enrolled in public and private schools, an oversample of small children (≤25th percentile on height, weight, and head circumference) and randomly selected control candidates were examined for physical growth, development, dysmorphology, cognition, and behavior. The children’s mothers were interviewed for maternal risk.

RESULTS:

Total dysmorphology scores differentiate significantly fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial FAS (PFAS) from one another and from unexposed controls. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) is not as clearly differentiated from controls. Children who had FASD performed, on average, significantly worse on 7 cognitive and behavioral tests and measures. The most predictive maternal risk variables in this community are late recognition of pregnancy, quantity of alcoholic drinks consumed 3 months before pregnancy, and quantity of drinking reported for the index child’s father. From the final multidisciplinary case findings, 3 techniques were used to estimate prevalence. FAS in this community likely ranges from 6 to 9 per 1000 children (midpoint, 7.5), PFAS from 11 to 17 per 1000 children (midpoint, 14), and the total rate of FASD is estimated at 24 to 48 per 1000 children, or 2.4% to 4.8% (midpoint, 3.6%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children who have FASD are more prevalent among first graders in this Midwestern city than predicted by previous, popular estimates.
Hearing Loss and Congenital CMV Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Goderis Julie , De Leenheer Els , Smets Koenraad , Van Hoecke Helen , Keymeulen Annelies , Dhooge Ingeborg
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Hearing loss caused by congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection was first observed in 1964. Today cCMV is the most common cause of nonhereditary sensorineural hearing loss in childhood. Our objective was to provide an overview of the prevalence of cCMV-related hearing loss, to better define the nature of cCMV-associated hearing loss, and to investigate the importance of cCMV infection in hearing-impaired children.

METHODS:

Two reviewers independently used Medline and manual searches of references from eligible studies and review articles to select cohort studies on children with cCMV infection with audiological follow-up and extracted data on population characteristics and hearing outcomes.

RESULTS:

Thirty-seven studies were included: 10 population-based natural history studies, 14 longitudinal cohort studies, and 13 retrospective studies. The prevalence of cCMV in developed countries is 0.58% (95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.79). Among these newborns 12.6% (95% confidence interval, 10.2–16.5) will experience hearing loss: 1 out of 3 symptomatic children and 1 out of 10 asymptomatic children. Among symptomatic children, the majority have bilateral loss; among asymptomatic children, unilateral loss predominates. In both groups the hearing loss is mainly severe to profound. Hearing loss can have a delayed onset, and it is unstable, with fluctuations and progression. Among hearing-impaired children, cCMV is the causative agent in 10% to 20%. Despite strict selection criteria, some heterogeneity was found between selected studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

This systematic review underscores the importance of cCMV as a cause of sensorineural hearing loss in childhood.
Perinatal Complications and Aging Indicators by Midlife
Authors: Shalev Idan , Caspi Avshalom , Ambler Antony , Belsky Daniel W. , Chapple Simon , Cohen Harvey Jay , Israel Salomon , Poulton Richie , Ramrakha Sandhya , Rivera Christine D. , Sugden Karen , Williams Benjamin , Wolke Dieter , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND:

Perinatal complications predict increased risk for morbidity and early mortality. Evidence of perinatal programming of adult mortality raises the question of what mechanisms embed this long-term effect. We tested a hypothesis related to the theory of developmental origins of health and disease: that perinatal complications assessed at birth predict indicators of accelerated aging by midlife.

METHODS:

Perinatal complications, including both maternal and neonatal complications, were assessed in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study cohort (N = 1037), a 38-year, prospective longitudinal study of a representative birth cohort. Two aging indicators were assessed at age 38 years, objectively by leukocyte telomere length (TL) and subjectively by perceived facial age.

RESULTS:

Perinatal complications predicted both leukocyte TL (β = −0.101; 95% confidence interval, −0.169 to −0.033; P = .004) and perceived age (β = 0.097; 95% confidence interval, 0.029 to 0.165; P = .005) by midlife. We repeated analyses with controls for measures of family history and social risk that could predispose to perinatal complications and accelerated aging, and for measures of poor health taken in between birth and the age-38 follow-up. These covariates attenuated, but did not fully explain the associations observed between perinatal complications and aging indicators.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings provide support for early-life developmental programming by linking newborns’ perinatal complications to accelerated aging at midlife. We observed indications of accelerated aging “inside,” as measured by leukocyte TL, an indicator of cellular aging, and “outside,” as measured by perceived age, an indicator of declining tissue integrity. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying perinatal programming of adult aging is needed.
Use of and Regional Variation in Initial CT Imaging for Kidney Stones
Authors: Tasian Gregory E. , Pulido Jose E. , Keren Ron , Dick Andrew W. , Setodji Claude M. , Hanley Jan M. , Madison Rodger , Saigal Christopher S.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to determine the prevalence of initial computed tomography (CT) utilization and to identify regions in the United States where CT is highly used as the first imaging study for children with nephrolithiasis.

METHODS:

We performed a cross-sectional study in 9228 commercially insured children aged 1 to 17 years with nephrolithiasis who underwent diagnostic imaging in the United States between 2003 and 2011. Data were obtained from MarketScan, a commercial insurance claims database of 17 827 229 children in all 50 states. We determined the prevalence of initial CT use, defined as CT alone or CT performed before ultrasound in the emergency department, inpatient unit, or outpatient clinic, and identified regions of high CT utilization by using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Sixty-three percent of children underwent initial CT study and 24% had ultrasound performed first. By state, the proportion of children who underwent initial CT ranged from 41% to 79%. Regional variations persisted after adjusting for age, gender, year of presentation, and insurance type. Relative to children living in West South Central states, the highest odds of initial CT utilization were observed for children living in the East South Central US Census division (odds ratio: 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.54). The lowest odds of initial CT were observed for children in the New England states (odds ratio: 0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.38–0.62).

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of CT as the initial imaging study for children with nephrolithiasis is highly prevalent and shows extensive regional variability in the United States. Current imaging practices deviate substantially from recently published guidelines that recommend ultrasound as the initial imaging study.
Fish, Salto Osório Reservoir, Iguaçu River basin, Paraná State, Brazil
Authors: Baumgartner Dirceu , Baumgartner Gilmar , Pavanelli Carla Simone , Silva Pedro Rogério Leandro da , Frana Vitor André , Oliveira Luciano Caetano de , Michelon Márcio Roberto
Published: October 2014

The Iguaçu River is a large tributary of the Paraná River, with a highly endemic ichthyofauna due to the geographic isolation imposed by the Iguaçu falls, located near its mouth. Fish were collected monthly in four sampling stations along the Salto Osório Reservoir, from July 2003 to June 2005, using gill nets, casting nets, and long lines. Considering the entire period, 41 fish species were colleted, which belong to six Orders, 17 Families, and 27 Genera. From these, 24 species are considered endemic. Comparisons with other surveys conducted in the Iguaçu River are provided, in addition to comments on the fish endemism, even within the basin.
Reptilia, Chelidae, Mesoclemmys tuberculata: geographical distribution extension
Authors: Loebmann Daniel , Mai Ana Cecília Giacometti , Garcia Alexandre Miranda
Published: October 2014

None
Amphibians, Machalilla National Park, province of Manabí, western Ecuador
Authors: Cisneros-Heredia Diego F.
Published: October 2014

Fifteen species of amphibians are reported from the Machalilla National Park, located in coastal western Ecuador. Scinax quinquefasciatus, Trachycephalus venulosus, and Leptodactylus ventrimaculatus are reported from the area for the first time. Several amphibian species are rangerestricted and endemic. The amphibian fauna of this national park is related to the Tumbesian endemic region. Updated information is presented for Ceratophrys stolzmanni and Leptodactylus ventrimaculatus.
Insecta, Ephemeroptera: range extensions and new Alabama state records
Authors: McCafferty W. P. , Webb J. M.
Published: October 2014

None
Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae, Melanophryniscus moreirae: distribution extension
Authors: Marques Renato Matos , Colas-Rosas Paul François , Toledo Luís Felipe , Haddad Célio F. B.
Published: October 2014

None
Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae, Rhadinaea montecristi: Distribution extension, geographic distribution map
Authors: Wilson Larry David , Townsend Josiah H. , Plenderleith T. Lynette , Talley Brooke L. , Fraser Douglas C.
Published: October 2014

None
Stability of sheet-pile walls subjected to seepage flow by slip lines and finite elements
Authors: VEISKARAMI M. , ZANJ A.
Published: October 2014

Stability of sheet-pile walls is often very sensitive to seepage flow. In the presence of seepage flow, the reduction in passive pressure on one side and increase in active pressure on the other side of the wall increase the risk of the instability that may precede instabilities due to piping or ground heaving. In this research the earth pressure behind sheet-pile walls in granular soils is studied. The flow field is computed by the finite-element method and the slip lines (stress characteristics) method is utilised to compute the associated stress field required to compute the effective passive pressure. The same finite-element mesh and interpolation functions are used to solve the flow field and to interpolate the seepage forces in the stress field solved by the stress characteristics method. Comparisons are made to verify the numerical results with those values available in the literature; these show reasonable agreement. The stability of sheet-pile walls is then analysed for a number of different problems with varying geometries and boundary conditions. These different geometries and boundary conditions are expressed in terms of non-dimensional factors and results are plotted.
Re-doped fullerene-like MoS2 nanoparticles in relationship with soft lubrication
Authors: Sedova A. , Ron R. , Goldbart O. , Elianov O. , Yadgarov L. , Kampf N. , Rosentsveig R. , Shumalinsky D. , Lobik L. , Shay B. , Moshonov J. , Wagner H. D. , Tenne R.
Published: October 2014

Inorganic, fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles of tungsten disulfide (WS2) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have been synthesised in the past and their useful tribological properties have been studied quite extensively. Rhenium doping of such nanoparticles was also reported and studied to some extent. Herein, further studies of the physico-chemical properties are reported in connection to lubrication under mild loads. Due to their self-repelling character, the doped nanoparticles form tessellated monolayers on certain substrates. When mixed in small amounts, the IF nanoparticles lead to a reduction in the viscosity of water-based gels. Furthermore, the added nanoparticles lead to a precipitous reduction in traction force (friction) under mild loads. The lubrication mechanism of such nanoparticles is briefly discussed.
Electronic health records: current and future use
Authors: Peters Steve G , Khan Munawwar A
Published: October 2014

This paper provides an overview of the current state of the electronic medical record, including benefits and shortcomings, and presents key factors likely to drive development in the next decade and beyond. The current electronic medical record to a large extent represents a digital version of the traditional paper legal record, owned and maintained by the practitioner. The future electronic health record is expected to be a shared tool, engaging patients in decision making, wellness and disease management and providing data for individual decision support, population management and analytics. Many drivers will determine this path, including payment model reform, proliferation of mobile platforms, telemedicine, genomics and individualized medicine and advances in ‘big data’ technologies.
Declining of forests - biotic and abiotic stress
Authors: Radulovic Zlatan , Karadzic Dragan , Milenkovic Ivan , Lucic Aleksandar , Rakonjac Ljubinko , Miletic Zoran , Pizurica Radojica
Published: October 2014

During the last several years, a significant decline of different forests in
Serbia was recorded. The decline is more widespread in conifer stands, but
occurence of decline was recorded in broadleaved forest stands as well. These
declines are the result of abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors.
According to the studies performed so far in Serbia, the predisposing factor
were droughts during the 2012 and 2013 vegetation periods that caused
physiological weakness of the trees. Among the biotic factors, the most
important are fungi (mainly root rot, but rot fungi, and needle diseases) and
insects (bark beetles in conifer species) and defoliators in broadleaved
species).
The role of plantation forestry in sustainable development
Authors: Ivetic Vladan , Vilotic Dragica
Published: October 2014

The paper gives an overview of types of forest plantations and their role in
sustainable development, with an emphasis on the definition of artificially
established (planted) forests and forest plantations. Forest plantations, the
most productive part of planted forests, play a significant role in
fulfilling the principles of sustainable development. Plantation forestry can
provide additional quantities of roundwood and fuelwood (including biomass),
additional products in the form of non-timber forest products and additional
services in the form of shelterbelts and phytoremediation.
Indigenous fruit species as a significant resource for sustainable development
Authors: Mratinic Evica , Fotiric-Aksic Milica
Published: October 2014

Sustainable agriculture means increasing yields and profits without degrading
the natural resources which are the most important for agricultural
production. The aim is to meet the people?s needs for food and improve the
quality of life while preserving the environment. Among hundreds of forest
species, particular attention is drawn to the wild relatives of cultivated
fruit trees, so called indigenous fruit trees, whose regular collection,
production and use can affect all aspects of agricultural economy. The
natural habitats of the Republic of Serbia include 15 families and 26 genera
with 100 species of wild fruit trees. The primary use of the indigenous
fruits is for human consumption (either fresh or processed). A number of wild
relatives of cultivated fruit trees could be used in the future as rootstocks
for fruit production, or for large-scale production, either organic or
conventional. In addition, indigenous fruit species are carriers of genes
for resistance to economically important diseases and pests, and they can be
used in breeding of fruit trees and grapevines. Wild species of fruit trees
are used as planting materials for afforestation and erosion prevention, some
for timber production, as well as some decorative forms in landscape
architecture, while some species are important bee pastures.
The repositioning of the euro area in the world system: Political and economic dimensions
Authors: Silva Augusto
Published: October 2014

This article advocates a comprehensive approach to the current crisis in the
Euro Area - and, namely, the joint consideration of the economic and
political issues at stake. The European integration - whose greatest
development is, to present time, the Monetary Union - is a political project:
a matter of will and action. Surely, this political project has a strong and
specific economic component. Still, it is political. Therefore, political
variables are critical. They must be included in any analysis of the
financial and economic circumstances, and they must be considered in any
strategy to overcome the current roadblock. The Euro Area has to cope, not
only with excessive indebtedness, fiscal unbalances and financial markets,
but also with the democratic restrictions to austerity and economic
recession, and with the democratic requirement to respect social rights, to
look for public support and to engage in political dialogue and compromise.
In liberal democracies, as ours, the employment, social protection,
citizenship and the right to believe and hope are full goals for the public
policies, including the economic and fiscal ones.
Robin Hood versus Piggy Bank: Income redistribution in Portugal 2006-2010
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos , Andrade Isabel
Published: October 2014

The redistributive effect of the Portuguese welfare state through pensions,
benefits and income taxes is investigated in detail over the 2006- 2010
period using disposable income as benchmark. All social and fiscal policy
instruments analysed contribute significantly to the reduction in inequality
and poverty, with benefits other than pensions being the most cost-efficient.
However, the impact of the economic crisis and austerity policies implemented
from 2010 has reversed the previous trends and affected negatively the
efficacy and efficiency of all instruments.
Mass mortality of Serbian prisoners of war and interned civilians in Austro-Hungarian camps during the First World War 1914-1918
Authors: Vemic Mirceta
Published: October 2014

This paper discusses the massive use of camps by the Austro-Hungarian Empire
during the First World War, 1914-1918, in order to achieve its war aims,
being the most prominent country of the Central Powers. The camps were
founded for each nation separately. There were at least 300 camps, out of
which ten were large. There were captivated Serbian prisoners of war, but
unlike other nations, there were also Serbian civilians interned, which was
prohibited by Geneva conventions. In these camps, there was a mass mortality
of Serbian inmates aged 1 to 101 years. The final number of imprisoned and
killed Serbs has not been determined, but it is considered to be much higher
than the estimated number accepted at the peace conference in Versailles.
From the previous research the main causes of their suffering can be seen.
These are hunger, inadequate housing of the inmates, the location of the
camps, heavy forced labor, poor hygiene and health care, illness and disease,
punishment and looting of detainees, etc. All camps operated by the same
principle and achieved the same war results: the mass mortality of the
imprisoned people. Given that the camps were massively opened during the
Second World War by the same countries, it is clear that from the beginning
they were planned and designed as the most efficient means of genocide
against the Serbs.
Role of media in the project of cultural imperialism
Authors: Djordjevic Ivica , Filijovic Marko
Published: October 2014

Military power, combined with the economic potential and scientific and
technological superiority, aims globalization on a larger scale. Confirmation
of dominance and its maintenance are realized through an ideological project
by imposing a model of social organization which provides the control over
the positions of hegemons. The ideology matrix of neoliberal capitalism is
used through globalism to maintain such positions. The conversion of cultural
patterns of local communities is rightly explained as westernization of the
rest of the world done by the Euro-Atlantic countries. Global multimedia
networks enforce the western value system and lifestyle which leads to
degradation of local cultural patterns. As a result, the collective identity
of members of local communities is endangered and cultural patterns created
over centuries are being destroyed and replaced by an inadequate social
structure which cannot satisfy the needs of the local population.
Classical music in the new millennium: Return of philantropy
Authors: Isakovic Smiljka
Published: October 2014

Artists need economic base and financial support, either by individuals,
corporations, non-profit organizations or government institutions. Investing
in culture implies the provision of natural and human resources for artists
and cultural institutions, in order to achieve, in return, certain counter
services - generally improving the image. Those who want to influence the
world must offer to the society something healing and positive, such as
culture and art. These contribute to the vitality and mental health of
society in finding the sense of identity and the meaning of life in turbulent
times. Thus the benefactor eternalizes his name for future generations while
artists sometimes become a living advertisement of their patrons or sponsors.
In 2011, Ministry of Serbian Culture established the "Golden Wreath" award
for the contribution to the development of Serbian culture through
sponsorship and donations. This is the ideal form of support for the
existence and development of arts and classical music in Serbia.
Effects of temperature and time on deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) content in corn
Authors: Jaukovic Marko , Stanisic Nikola , Nikodijevic Branislav , Krnjaja Vesna
Published: October 2014

Fumonisins are Fusarium mycotoxins that occur in corn and corn-based foods
and they have been implicated in several animal and human diseases. Their
effect on human health is unclear, however, fumonisins are considered to be
risk factors for cancer. Baking, frying, and extrusion cooking of corn at
high temperatures (190?C) reduce fumonisin concentrations in foods, with the
amount of reduction achieved depending on cooking time, temperature, recipe,
and other factors. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of
temperature (200 and 220 ?C) and time (15 and 20 min) on the detoxification
of corn flour deliberately contaminated with DON and ZON. After processing at
200?C for 15 min, an average of 12% and after 20 min an average of 15% of DON
was lost. At 200?C ZON content was reduced by 22% (after 15 min) and by 27%
(after 20 min). Higher temperature (220?C) did not significantly affect
further reduction of DON or ZON content. The process was only partially
effective in both cases.
Invasive species in ass. Trifolio-Agrostietum stoloniferae Markovic 1973 in Backa (Serbia)
Authors: Dzigurski Dejana , Nikolic Ljiljana
Published: October 2014

In the vegetation of meadows and pastures, due to climate changes and an
inadequate and intensive use of hydromeliorative measures, invasive species
play a significant role in the degradation of biodiversity. Secondary
development of ass. Trifolio-Agrostietum stoloniferae Markovic 1973 stands
was observed in Backa, in periodically flooded pastures. Floristic
composition of these stands consists of 117 plant species, of which 94 grow
in the Danube riverbank region and 97 around the Tisa river. According to the
floristic analysis, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Bellis perennis, Carduus nutans,
Cirsium arvense, Eupatorium cannabinum, Linaria vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus,
Lythrum salicaria, Rumex crispus, and Trifolium repens are characterized as
invasive plants of the European region. Moreover, Ambrosia artemisiifolia,
Eleusine indica and Xanthium spinosum, included in the List of invasive
species in AP Vojvodina, are also present. Lythrum salicaria is regarded as
one of the 100 most dangerous invasive alien species in the world.
Effects of sample site and size, skin tension lines, surgeon, and formalin fixation on shrinkage of skin samples excised from canine cadavers
Authors: Upchurch David A. , Malenfant Renee-Claire , Wignall Jamie R. , Ogden Daniel M. , Saile Katrin
Published: October 2014

Objective—To assess the effects of sample size and location, skin tension lines, surgeon, and formalin fixation on the extent of shrinkage that occurs in excised canine skin samples.

Animals—Cadavers of 4 adult purpose-bred mixed-breed hound dogs with grossly normal skin.

Procedures—54 circular areas of skin (2-, 4-, and 6-cm-diameter samples from each of 9 body regions on each side) were excised by 1 of 2 surgeons from each cadaver. The diameter of each sample was measured in 4 orientations (parallel to previously reported tension lines, perpendicular to tension lines, in a dorsoventral orientation, and in a craniocaudal [or rostrocaudal] orientation) at 3 time points (before and immediately after excision and after 24 hours of formalin fixation).

Results—216 samples were measured in all 4 orientations at all 3 time points. For all samples, mean ± SE decrease in diameter after fixation, compared with pre-excision findings, was 6.2 ± 0.7 mm. No significant correlations were found between percentage of skin shrinkage and surgeon, body side or region, or measurement orientation in relation to skin tension lines. The mean sample diameter immediately after excision differed significantly from that before excision (mean diameter decrease, 5.5 ± 0.7 mm). Overall, sample diameter immediately after excision and after formalin fixation did not differ.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The extent of shrinkage of skin samples from hound cadavers that occurred immediately after excision was notable. A better understanding of the effectors of excised skin sample shrinkage is needed, especially when histopathologic findings provide guidelines for surgical margins.
Effects of pulse-delivered inhaled nitric oxide administration on pulmonary perfusion and arterial oxygenation in dorsally recumbent isoflurane-anesthetized horses
Authors: Grubb Tamara L. , Lord Peter F. , Berger Mieth , Larsson Christina , Rydén Anneli , Frendin Jan , Funkquist Pia , Edner Anna , Nyman Görel
Published: October 2014

Objective—To image the spatial distribution of pulmonary blood flow by means of scintigraphy, evaluate ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) matching and pulmonary blood shunting (Qs/Qt) by means of the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET), and measure arterial oxygenation and plasma endothelin-1 concentrations before, during, and after pulse-delivered inhaled nitric oxide (PiNO) administration to isoflurane-anesthetized horses in dorsal recumbency.

Animals—3 healthy adult Standardbreds.

Procedures—Nitric oxide was pulsed into the inspired gases in dorsally recumbent isoflurane-anesthetized horses. Assessment of VA/Q matching, Qs/Qt, and Pao2 content was performed by use of the MIGET, and spatial distribution of pulmonary blood flow was measured by perfusion scintigraphy following IV injection of technetium Tc 99m–labeled macroaggregated human albumin before, during, and 30 minutes after cessation of PiNO administration.

Results—During PiNO administration, significant redistribution of blood flow from the dependent regions to the nondependent regions of the lungs was found and was reflected by improvements in VA/Q matching, decreases in Qs/Qt, and increases in Pao2 content, all of which reverted to baseline values at 30 minutes after PiNO administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of PiNO in anesthetized dorsally recumbent horses resulted in redistribution of pulmonary blood flow from dependent atelectatic lung regions to nondependent aerated lung regions. Because hypoxemia is commonly the result of atelectasis in anesthetized dorsally recumbent horses, the addition of nitric oxide to inhaled gases could be used clinically to alleviate hypoxemia in horses during anesthesia.