bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will the circle be unbroken: specific mutations in the yeast Sm protein ring expose a requirement for assembly factor Brr1, a homolog of Gemin2
Authors: Schwer Beate , Roth Allen J. , Shuman Stewart
Published: December 2016

A seven-subunit Sm protein ring assembles around specific U-rich RNA segments of the U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs that direct pre-mRNA splicing. Using human snRNP crystal structures to guide mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we gained new insights into structure–function relationships of the SmD1 and SmD2 subunits. Of 18 conserved amino acids comprising their RNA-binding sites or intersubunit interfaces, only Arg88 in SmD1 and Arg97 in SmD2 were essential for growth. Tests for genetic interactions with non-Sm splicing factors identified benign mutations of SmD1 (N37A, R88K, R93A) and SmD2 (R49A, N66A, R97K, D99A) that were synthetically lethal with null alleles of U2 snRNP subunits Lea1 and/or Msl1. Tests of 264 pairwise combinations of SmD1 and SmD2 alleles with each other and with a collection of SmG, SmE, SmF, SmB, and SmD3 alleles revealed 92 instances of inter-Sm synthetic lethality. We leveraged the Sm mutant collection to illuminate the function of the yeast Sm assembly factor Brr1 and its relationship to the metazoan Sm assembly factor Gemin2. Mutations in the adjacent SmE (K83A), SmF (K32A, F33A, R74K), SmD2 (R49A, N66A, E74A, R97K, D99A), and SmD1 (E18A, N37A) subunits—but none in the SmG, SmD3, and SmB subunits—were synthetically lethal with brr1Δ. Using complementation of brr1Δ lethality in two Sm mutant backgrounds as an in vivo assay of Brr1 activity, we identified as essential an N-terminal segment of Brr1 (amino acids 24–47) corresponding to the Gemin2 α1 helix that interacts with SmF and a Brr1 C-terminal peptide (336QKDLIE341) that, in Gemin2, interacts with SmD2.
The ISMARA client
Authors: Artimo Panu , Duvaud Séverine , Pachkov Mikhail , Ioannidis Vassilios , van Nimwegen Erik , Stockinger Heinz
Published: December 2016

ISMARA (ismara.unibas.ch) automatically infers the key regulators and regulatory interactions from high-throughput gene expression or chromatin state data. However, given the large sizes of current next generation sequencing (NGS) datasets, data uploading times are a major bottleneck. Additionally, for proprietary data, users may be uncomfortable with uploading entire raw datasets to an external server. Both these problems could be alleviated by providing a means by which users could pre-process their raw data locally, transferring only a small summary file to the ISMARA server. We developed a stand-alone client application that pre-processes large input files (RNA-seq or ChIP-seq data) on the user's computer for performing ISMARA analysis in a completely automated manner, including uploading of small processed summary files to the ISMARA server. This reduces file sizes by up to a factor of 1000, and upload times from many hours to mere seconds. The client application is available from ismara.unibas.ch/ISMARA/client.
ANALYSIS OF EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RESTRUCTURING OF RUSSIAN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT MARKET POWER FACTOR
Authors: Клочков Владислав , Klochkov Vladislav , Селезнева Ирина , Selezneva Irina
Published: December 2016

In the transition from full-cycle production of complex products and all their major components in every enterprise to network organization of production with the release of specialized production for each component a number of problems arise. In particular, isolated - certainly few - specialized suppliers acquire significant market power on the component market issued by them. Caused by this increase in selling prices of purchased components may exceed the savings achieved through the reduction of production cost components at specialized enterprises. In this paper, based on the author´s model of bilateral oligopoly as a closed queuing system evaluated oligopolistic surcharge to the price component. The method proposed makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of the transition from full-cycle production of complex products in each enterprise to the network structure of the industry, taking into account the impact of market power of the components suppliers.
MANAGEMENT OF BUDGET PLANNING IN THE REGION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Истомина Наталья , Istomina Natalya
Published: December 2016

Management of budget planning is especially important in modern conditions of uncertainty and crisis tendencies. Because of significant role, which territories play in a federal state, management of budget planning has to be carrying out consistently in each subject of the federation. In the article the results of research of a question of management of budget planning in the subject (region) of the federation are presented. The basic concept of «management of budget planning» is given, the characteristic of subjects of planning (with division into subjects of federal level and regional level) is provided. Also the detailed characteristic of complex tools of management (legal, information and methodical tools) is presented. The description of the specific instrument of management – the state target design – is provided.
REFORM OF HOUSING AND COMMUNAL SERVICES IN RUSSIA: EVALUATION OF ACTUAL RESULTS
Authors: Дьякова Оксана , D'yakova Oksana
Published: December 2016

The article describes the carried out in real conditions a scientific experiment aimed at identifying practical viability of the results of such a form of common property management as the homeowners, which allowed to identify and describe the problems faced by the owners united in condominiums. Based on this experiment, proposals are outlined that enable owners to approach the solution of problems in apartment buildings.
DETERMINATION OF QUALITY OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND MODEL BUILDING OF THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SYSTEM OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Шарашкина Татьяна , Sharashkina Tatyana
Published: December 2016

In the article various approaches to determination of quality of labor life are considered and on their basis author´s definition of this concept is given. As an element of quality of labor life the special attention is paid to a control system of labor protection. The acts and normative documents regulating labor protection in the Russian Federation are provided in the article. Process of development and deployment of a control system of labor protection at the enterprise is presented in the form of creation of business process by IDEF0 technique. The program of formation of a control system of labor protection according to requirements of GOST 12.0.230-2007 is also developed.
FEATURES OF FORMATION OF THE RUSSIAN MARKET OF EQUITY CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Есафьев Никита , Esafev Nikita , Баронин Сергей , Baronin Syergyey , Тутунджян Артем , Tutundzhyan Artem
Published: December 2016

The article considers and analyzes the main features of formation of the market of equity construction in Russia. The article considers the history of the concept of «equity construction» the preconditions of its occurrence abroad and the prototype of equity construction in the USSR, which formed the vector of its further development in Russia. The article also reviewed a set of problems and flaws in the mechanism of legal regulation of Russian market of equity construction. Was analyzed the significance of the legal flaws in the formation of negative socio-economic things such as the existence of illegal schemes of attraction of money of real estate investors and, as a consequence, the problem of «deceived investors», which can be regarded as features of the Russian market of equity construction, negatively affecting its development. On the basis of the analysis a set of recommendations was formulated, implementation of which contributes to minimize the risks of participation in shared construction.
CRISIS: METAPHOR OR ESSENCE
Authors: Морозов Сергей , Morozov Sergey , Погодин Михаил , Pogodin Mikhail
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this article is to establish the contextual environment of the concept of "crisis" in economic and socio-philosophical context.

To achieve objectives the methods are used to estimate economic models and theories on the basis of socio-philosophical approach.

As a result of the conclusions that are logically correct term "crisis" is only possible in local areas of knowledge, and a comprehensive interpretation of the crises is not productive. In the Russian context special direction of research crises dominates - in the framework of anti-crisis enterprise management.

Partial conclusions and recommendations of economic science in relation to crises do not meet the criteria reentrancy for different socio – economic conditions or types of objects. Diagnosis of the crisis confirms the ambiguity of findings regarding a crisis situation.

Relative to global economic theories given the conclusion that the challenges to anticipate and overcome the crisis cannot be solved within existing economic theory methods.

Development of mathematical apparatus, the introduction in the model of logical and qualitative indicators, the construction of behavioral models developed understanding of socio-economic systems and processes. But it is not allowed to create a universal economic theory of sustainable development and crises. The effectiveness of local approaches and global insolvency is discovered. Conclusion: in the framework of economic theory there cannot be formulated the minimum and sufficient set of consistent axioms required for solving problems of crisis.

Partial conclusion is made that the main issue of crisis management is the question of ownership of the company, as well as its obligations to external agents.

The scope of the results – socio-economic system, crisis management.
Mecistogaster linearis (Fabricius) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae): First Record from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Marciel Elio , Koroiva Ricardo , Ragalzi-da-Silva Eric , De Moura Emanuelle Batista
Published: December 2016

Commonly called “helicopter damselflies”, Mecistogaster species (Coenagrionidae) are recognized by their large body size in comparison with other Odonata species, ability to flap both anterior and posterior wings in opposite directions, and preference for dense forest. These species feed on spiders and require trunks or plants that can accumulate water, like bromeliads, for laying eggs. This relationship with phytotelm environments makes the Mecistogaster species sensitives to forest fragmentation and habitat changes. In Brazil, there are records of seven species, mainly in Amazon forest regions. Mecistogaster linearis (Fabricius) has a wide distribution reported in the Brazilian states of Acre, Amazonas, Roraima, Pará, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Herein, we report the first record of M. linearis in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul with specimens sampled from the municipality of Corumbá, in the Pantanal.Mecistogaster linearis (Fabricius) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae): Primeiro registro para o Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, BrasilResumo. Conhecidas como “libélulas helicóptero”, as espécies do gênero Mecistogaster (Coenagrionidae) são caracterizadas pelo grande tamanho quanto comparado as outras espécies de Odonata, pela habilidade de bater as duas asas anteriores e posteriores em sentidos opostos e preferência por habitats de interiores de matas. Estas se alimentam de aranhas e dependem principalmente de troncos de árvores ou plantas, como bromélias, capazes de acumular água para a postura dos ovos. A relação com ambientes de fitotelmatas faz com que as espécies deste gênero sejam sensíveis a fragmentação florestal e a alterações em seu habitat. No Brasil há registros de sete espécies, com ocorrências principalmente em regiões de floresta amazônica. Mecistogaster linearis (Fabricius) tem uma ampla distribuição, sendo reportada, até então no país, para os estados do Acre, Amazonas, Roraima, Pará, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo. Nesta comunicação, reportamos o primeiro registro desta espécie para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, coligida no município de Corumbá, região do Pantanal.
Combating Prerelease Piracy: Modeling the Effects of Antipiracy Measures in P2P Networks
Authors: Hann Il-Horn , Oh JooHee
Published: December 2016

The short period right after the release of a song is typically associated with extensive publicity and the highest sales. However, these songs are often found well before the official release date on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Not surprisingly, the industry considers this so-called “prerelease” piracy to be extremely damaging to the potential sales of a song. In this paper, we analyze the effect of antipiracy measures on the propagation of unauthorized content in P2P networks. For this purpose, we develop a model that describes the dynamics of demand and supply of piracy from the early stages. Using a unique data set, we quantify the impact of antipiracy measures; specifically, we analyze two antipiracy measures: the reduction of file supply and the reduction of file demand. We find that the impact of a demand reduction on demand is greater than the impact of a supply reduction on supply. From a policy point of view, our results suggest that taking antipiracy measures early on is important. In addition, and potentially more controversial, our results provide support for the notion that to reduce piracy, punishing end users is as effective as controlling the supply of unauthorized music files.
Safety and effectiveness of therapeutic magnetic resonance in diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Piaggesi A. , Sambataro M. , Nicoletti C , Goretti C. , Lacopi E. , Coppelli A.
Published: December 2016

Objective:

To test the efficacy and safety of therapeutic magnetic resonance (TMR) in the management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), the authors designed a prospective randomised controlled trial in three highly specialised diabetic foot clinics.

Method:

All the patients consecutively visited in a period of 18 months were screened according to the inclusion (presence of an ulcer >1 cm2 in the foot lasting at least 6 weeks; ABPI>0.6; consent to participate in the study) and exclusion (Charcot's foot; local or systemic infections; chronic renal failure; any wearable electrically-driven life-supporting device) criteria. Patients, who were treated according to international guideline protocols, were randomised into two groups: group A received for four weeks the sham application of TMR, while group B received the active TMR for the same period. People were followed-up to 10 weeks and healing rate (HR), healing time (HT), rate of granulation tissue on wound bed (% GT), reduction of the area of the lesion (∆AL) and a score (0–3) evaluating erythema, oedema, pain and tenderness, respectively, were measured. Adverse events (AE) were registered and monitored throughout the study.

Results:

No differences were observed in HR, HT and ∆AL between the two groups during follow-up, while % GT and the scores for erythema, oedema and pain at 10 weeks showed significant (p<0.05) improvements in group B compared with group A and versus baseline. When restricted to non-ischaemic patients (ABPI>0.8), ∆AL was significantly (p<0.05) more pronounced in group B than in group A. No difference in AE occurrence was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Our study, despite not being able to demonstrate the effectiveness of TMR on healing rate at 10 weeks, with 4 weeks of active treatment in neuro-ischaemic DFUs, shows positive effects on clinical aspects of the DFU and is associated with a significant increase of GT in the wound bed.

Declaration of interest:

The study has been fully sponsored by Thereson S.p.A., manufacturer of TMR devices.
Use of anteromedial thigh perforator flap and immunological implications of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: a case study
Authors: Scalise A. , Calamita R. , Tartaglione C. , Bolletta E. , Di Benedetto G. , Pierangeli M.
Published: December 2016

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is mainly characterised by the development of numerous multicentric and relapsing cutaneous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). A major problem for patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is the large amount of BCCs that can invade the deep underlying structures, especially the face. Here, we describe the case of a 23-year-old male affected by Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. He had recurrent BCCs on a hairless scalp and dorsum since he was 17 years old and underwent four surgical procedures to excise BCCs, including a reconstruction with anteromedial thigh perforator flap. For each of the surgical procedures, a phenotypic study on peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry was performed on the same day of surgery, and on days 7, 14 and 21 after surgery. The role of the tumour-specific cytolytic immune response as a potential future treatment of syndromic BCCs and its trend in relation to surgical ablation of large portions of tumour tissue was examined, and the cosmetic and therapeutic results are shown.
Research Roundup
Authors: Winter George
Published: December 2016

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Flora da Bahia: Melastomataceae – Tibouchina s.l.
Authors: Freitas Juliana Gomes , Dos Santos Andrea Karla Almeida , Guimarães Paulo José Fernandes , De Oliveira Reyjane Patricia
Published: December 2016

A taxonomic treatment of Tibouchina s.l. from Bahia, Brazil, is presented. Thirty-seven species are recognized, one of them in Pleroma (P. michelangelii). Four species are new records for Northeast Brazil (T. crassiramis, T. elegans, T. granulosa and T. sebastianopolitana), 25 are endemic to the state and nine restricted to the Chapada Diamantina. The treatment includes an identification key, descriptions, illustrations, comments, and distribution maps of the species in the state.
Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas mediante un modelo de Teleenseñanza
Authors: Martinez Garcia Miriam , Romero Faz David
Published: December 2016

Durante los cursos académicos 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 y 2013-14 se han aplicado técnicas de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas junto con la utilización de un Modelo de Sistema de Teleenseñanza (e-learning) junto con un modelo de acción tutorial, con grupos de alumnos voluntarios de los últimos cursos de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Civil de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, logrando incrementar el tiempo de dedicación e implicación con las asignaturas. La experiencia se ha desarrollado con alumnos voluntarios matriculados en las asignaturas de Caminos (Grado), Caminos I (Antigua Ing. Téc.) y Caminos II (Antigua Ing. Téc.), ya que estas son asignaturas que históricamente han obtenido tasas de aprobados y eficiencia muy bajos, del entorno del 25%.El trabajo realizado ha consistido, en un primer lugar, en conocer las expectativas que los alumnos tienen sobre la acción tutorial, tanto al comienzo del curso como una vez finalizado este, y posteriormente trabajar con alumnos voluntarios aplicando el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP) para la adquisición de conocimientos apoyándose en un sistema de acción tutorial basado en la tele-enseñanza.La utilización de estas técnicas de aprendizaje han hecho que los resultados obtenidos a lo largo de la investigación sean mucho más satisfactorias que las obtenidas sin la aplicación de estas técnicas, ya que ha dado lugar a un número de aprobados cercano al 100%, con mejores calificaciones, destacando la reducción que se ha producido en las tasas de abandono en las asignaturas estudiadas, llegando a obtener niveles despreciables.
Evaluación del método Scenario Centered Curriculum en función del perfil tecnológico del estudiante
Authors: Escudero David FONSECA , Climent August , Canaleta Xavier , Vicent Lluís
Published: December 2016

En el presente artículo se presentan los resultados obtenidos de evaluar la usabilidad del método Scenario Centered Curriculum (SCC) y el grado de satisfacción de los estudiantes con el mismo, en función del perfil tecnológico de cada grupo de estudiantes. El método se ha introducido en un curso de Marketing Digital impartido en tres escuelas de Formación Profesional de España, Italia y Francia. Dichas escuelas forman parte, junto a otros siete socios, del consorcio formado para el desarrollo del proyecto AUTOREF, enmarcado dentro del programa Erasmus+ de la Comunidad Europea. El objetivo del proyecto es constatar si las metodologías de aprendizaje activo aplicadas a entornos de Formación Profesional mejoran la motivación y rendimiento de los estudiantes y significan una mejora significativa en el mundo laboral. Los resultados preliminares nos muestran la necesidad de adaptar los contenidos de forma específica al ámbito de cada escuela para mejorar los resultados, ya que sin una fase de contextualización los estudiantes no acaban percibiendo la potencialidad del método.
Modelo de simulação para captura e aproveitamento de ociosidade para manutenção em sistemas de expedição de minérios
Authors: Faria Pedro Henrique Librelon , Ribeiro José Luis Duarte , Viana Herbert Ricardo Garcia
Published: December 2016

Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um simulador que permite prever janelas de oportunidade para manutenção em sistemas de expedição de produtos de mineração. O simulador foi desenvolvido considerando o caso da mina de Carajás no Pará, uma das maiores do país. Para tal, foi elaborado um modelo heurístico para prever as janelas de oportunidade, de forma a capturá-las para atividades de manutenção. Esse modelo foi baseado em conhecimentos prévios do pesquisador sobre o problema e estudo da lógica de operação do sistema, dando origem a um aplicativo que foi nomeado Mosaico de Simulação da Expedição. Testes realizados com dados históricos do sistema de expedição mostraram que a diferença entre o tempo real de ociosidades ocorridas no período histórico e o tempo simulado de ociosidades para o mesmo período foi de aproximadamente 10% a favor da segurança (tempo previsto pelo Mosaico menor que o tempo real disponível para atividades de manutenção). Esta diferença foi considerada aceitável, e confirmou a utilidade do Mosaico como suporte ao planejamento das atividades de manutenção, buscando o aproveitamento das oportunidades e, consequentemente, melhorar o desempenho do sistema em estudo.
Proposta de um modelo conceitual para tomada de decisão entre centralizar ou descentralizar armazéns
Authors: Leite Gilberto Marassi de Loiola , Beiler Bruno , Ferreira Carolinne , Kors Thomas , Ignácio Paulo Sérgio de Arruda
Published: December 2016

O presente estudo tem como objetivo geral propor um modelo conceitual para a alocação de um ou múltiplos CDs (Centros de Distribuição) que considere os aspectos que influenciam o desempenho (operacional e financeiro) das operações logísticas, visando auxiliar o tomador de decisão no planejamento da distribuição que melhor atenda às características do mercado em que a empresa está inserida. O objetivo secundário é avaliar as implicações da decisão de centralizar ou não a distribuição de produtos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa indutiva e explicativa, que busca o levantamento de informações relevantes à determinação da localização de estoques de produtos acabados que, por meio de revisão bibliográfica, intenta produzir critérios de decisão a serem utilizados no método de análise multicritérios conhecido como AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). Em seguida, simula-se a aplicação do modelo conceitual proposto a uma hipotética distribuição de calçados em nível nacional, com estabelecimento assistemático de pesos para cada critério para um teste básico de aplicabilidade, com a realização do cálculo e da avaliação de consistência pelo software PriEsT. Para os fins a que se propõe, este trabalho apresenta importância ao reunir de forma lógica os diversos critérios, com a intenção de ser instrumento de aplicação no planejamento estratégico de distribuição das empresas com necessidades convergentes ao problema apresentado. Intenta, por fim, ser um ponto de partida para adaptações a possíveis estudos de caso.
Métodos quantitativos para seleção de fornecedores sustentáveis: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Ganga Gilberto Miller Devós , Rodrigues Letícia Reis , Yoshino Rui Tadashi , Santa-Eulalia Luis Antonio de
Published: December 2016

A temática ambiental e social, cada vez mais presente e atuante no cotidiano das operações das empresas, precisa ser tratada no contexto da seleção de fornecedores, pois a literatura acadêmica e profissional é carente nesta área, especialmente no que tange ao uso de métodos quantitativos e no tratamento de aspectos sociais. Para tanto, o objetivo deste artigo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura com um propósito descritivo-explicativo que permitisse coletar, identificar, selecionar e avaliar criticamente os métodos quantitativos utilizados na seleção de fornecedores sustentáveis do ponto de vista verde e social. Buscando ir além de uma revisão sistemática tradicional, este trabalho fez uso também de técnicas de análise de conteúdo via tag clouds e de análise de correspondência. As principais evidências encontradas na literatura sobre seleção de fornecedores verdes/sustentáveis foi o uso intensivo de técnicas combinadas e a ampla adoção da lógica fuzzy nas técnicas multicritério, programação matemática e inteligência artificial.
Strategi Penghidupan Berkelanjutan Masyarakat Berbasis Aset di Sub DAS Pusur, DAS Bengawan Solo
Authors: Wijayanti Rathna , Baiquni M. , Harini Rika
Published: December 2016

In coping with water insufficiency and socio-economic culture problems, the strategy by combining the livelihoods assets which they have already owned and which are accessible has applied by the farmers at Pusur Sub-Watershed. The study aims to review the conditions of livelihoods assets owned and those which were accessible by the community, as well as to review the strategies of sustainable livelihoods of community-based on the asset in order to increase the living and to protect the environment sustainability in Pusur Sub-Watershed, Bengawan Solo Watershed. The method used was using quantitative and qualitative analysis through the questionnaire, in-depth interview, and observation techniques. The variables are used to value the condition of livelihoods assets are the human capital, natural capital, social capital, physical capital, and financial capital. The livelihood strategies were grouped into an intensification and extensification, diversification, and migration. The method of sampling area and purposive sampling are applied to split the area of research into three, i.e. the upper part, middle part, and bottom part. The result showed that the highest asset owned by Sub-Watershed on the middle part, upper and the last is a bottom part. The physical capital would have the highest value in the whole area of Sub-Watershed if it compared to the other capitals. The intensification strategy on the upper part is agroforestry, while the middle and bottom have “panca usaha tani” strategy. The diversification strategy through livestock is taken in the upper part, while the strategies as the employee or hourly workers are found in the middle and bottom part. The migration strategies with the reason of marriage were dominating in the bottom and upper parts, while the middle part the migration is due to the work issues.
Evaluation of pixel-wise geometric constraint-based phase-unwrapping method for low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) phase
Authors: An Yatong , Liu Ziping , Zhang Song
Published: December 2016

This paper evaluates the robustness of our recently proposed geometric constraint-based phase-unwrapping method to unwrap a low-signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) phase. Instead of capturing additional images for absolute phase unwrapping, the new phase-unwrapping algorithm uses geometric constraints of the digital fringe projection (DFP) system to create a virtual reference phase map to unwrap the phase pixel by pixel. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that this new phase-unwrapping method can even successfully unwrap low-SNR phase maps that bring difficulties for conventional multi-frequency phase-unwrapping methods.
Δμ-sets and ∇μ-sets in generalized topological spaces
Authors: Jeyanthi Pon , Nalayini Periadurai , Noiri Takashi
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we introduce and study some properties of the sets, namely

Δ
μ

{\Delta_{\mu}}

-sets,

∇
μ

{\nabla_{\mu}}

-sets and

Δ
μ
*

{\Delta_{\mu}^{*}}

-closed sets in a generalized topological space.
Assessing Reactive Strength Measures in Jumping and Hopping Using the Optojump™ System
Authors: Healy Robin , Kenny Ian C. , Harrison Andrew J.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of the Optojump™ system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) versus a force platform in the estimation of temporal and reactive strength measures. In two separate investigations, twenty physically active males performed double-leg and single-leg drop jumps from a box height of 0.3 m and a 10 s vertical bilateral hopping test. Contact time, flight time and total time (the sum of contact and flight time) were concurrently assessed during single and double-leg drop jumps and during hopping. Jump height, the reactive strength index and the reactive strength ratio were also calculated from contact time and flight time. Despite intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for all variables being close to 1 (ICC > 0.975), a significant overestimation was found in contact time (0.005 ± 0.002 s) and underestimations in flight time (0.005 ± 0.003 s), the reactive strength index (0.04 ± 0.02 m·s-1) and the reactive strength ratio (0.07 ± 0.04). Overestimations in contact time and underestimations in flight time were attributed to the physical design of the Optojump™ system as the transmitter and receiver units were positioned 0.003 m above the floor level. The Optojump™ demonstrated excellent overall temporal validity with no differences found between systems for total time. Coaches are advised to be consistent with the instrumentation used to assess athletes, however, in the case of comparison between reactive strength values collected with the Optojump™ and values collected with a force platform, regression equations are provided.
Leukocyte Populations are Associated with Heart Rate Variability After a Triathlon
Authors: Cruz Germán Hernández , Orellana José Naranjo , Taraco Adrián Rosas , Colmenero Blanca Rangel
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze cellular immune components and their association with heart rate variability in triathlon athletes. Twelve athletes were included (age 36.41 ± 5.57 years, body mass 81.84 ± 10.97 kg) and blood samples were taken one week before, immediately, at 2 and 48 hours, and one week after competition. Total lymphocytes and their subpopulations, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils and monocytes were analyzed. At the same time, heart rate variability was recorded for 30 minutes using Polar Team2®. A significant difference between lymphocyte subpopulations and heart rate variability was found in the different study periods. A positive correlation was found between total lymphocytes and rMSSD (r = .736, p <0.05), CD3+ and rMSSD (r = .785, p <0.05), and CD4+ and rMSSD (r = .795, p < 0.05) at the end of the competition. After one week of competition, a negative correlation was found between eosinophils and MRR, SDNN, pNN50, and rMSSD (p <0.01); and basophils and MRR, SDNN, pNN50, and rMSSD (p <0.01); while a positive correlation was found between CD19+ (B cells) and pNN50 (r = .678, p <0.05). Our results suggest that it is possible to predict the effect of training with regard to the athlete's performance.
Mechanical Differences between Barbell and Body Optimum Power Loads in the Jump Squat Exercise
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Pereira Lucas A. , Zanetti Vinicius , Kitamura Katia , Abad César C. Cal , Kobal Ronaldo , Nakamura Fabio Y.
Published: December 2016

This study compared the values of bar-peak force (PFBar) and power (PPBar), body-peak force (PFBody) and power (PPBody) and bar-mean propulsive power (MPPBar) in different jump-squat (JS) conditions: unloaded condition (UC); bar-loaded condition (BLC) and optimum bar-MPP condition (OBC). Twenty-five soccer players performed the JS using a bar with negligible mass (UC), using the Smith-machine bar (BLC) and using the load capable of maximizing the bar-MPP (OBC). The PFBody was significantly higher in the UC (2847.9 ± 489.1 N) than in the OBC (2655.4 ± 444.3 N). The UC presented greater PPBody (3775.9 ± 631.5 W) than the BLC (3359.7 ± 664.3 W) and OBC (3357.8 ± 625.3 W). The OBC presented higher values of PFBar, PPBar and MPPBar (676.2 ± 109.4 W) than the BLC (MPPBar = 425.8 ± 53.7 W) (all p < 0.05). In the OBC (compared to the UC), the body peak-power presented a reduction of ≈ 11%, while generating bar-power output from ≈ 59 to 73% higher than the BLC. While the fact that the body-peak power is maximized in the UC denotes a mechanical phenomenon, the bar-optimum load represents an intensity at which both components of the power equation (force and velocity) are optimized. This has important implications for sports training.
Developing Talented Soccer Players: An Analysis of Socio-Spatial Factors as Possible Key Constraints
Authors: Serra-Olivares Jaime , Pastor-Vicedo Juan C. , González-Víllora Sixto , Teoldo da Costa Israel
Published: December 2016

Most studies on the identification and development of soccer talent have been one-dimensional in nature. Although some multi-dimensional analyses have been conducted, few research studies have assessed in any depth the socio-spatial factors influencing talent development. The aim of this particular study was to analyse variations in the international representation of clubs (n = 821) and countries (n = 59) in the development of players who took part in the 2014 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Clubs and countries were ranked and divided into quartiles according to the number of players developed between the ages of 15 and 21 (clubs and countries that developed players for at least three years between these ages) and the number of official league matches played by these players up to the age of 23. Significant variations were observed between clubs in terms of the number of developed players who took part in the World Cup and the number of official league matches played by these players up to the age of 23 (p < .05), and also between countries (p < .05). The findings reveal the need to carry out more in-depth studies into the type of training and competition engaged in by elite players in the period of development between the ages of 15 and 21. It may be the case that these factors are potentially decisive socio-spatial constraints in the development of soccer talent.
Does the MTHFR A1298C Polymorphism Modulate the Cardiorespiratory Response to Training?
Authors: Cięszczyk Paweł , Zarębska Aleksandra , Jastrzębski Zbigniew , Sawczyn Michał , Kozakiewicz-Drobnik Izabela , Leońska-Duniec Agata , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Żmijewski Piotr , Trybek Grzegorz , Smółka Wojciech , Pilch Jan , Leźnicka Katarzyna , Lulińska-Kuklik Ewelina , Sawczuk Marek , Massidda Myosotis
Published: December 2016

The 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) A1298C polymorphic variant is a candidate to explain the individual differences in trainability and response to exercise training. Therefore, the aim of the study was to verify whether the A1298C polymorphism influenced the aerobic and anaerobic performance as well as body and mass composition in young Polish women following low-high impact aerobic exercise training. Two hundred and one women aged 21 ± 1 years (range 19–24) were included in the study. All of them completed a 12-week exercise training program and were measured for selected somatic features, aerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness indices as well as peak anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity, before and after the intervention. A mixed 2 x 2 ANOVA for 20 dependent variables grouped in three categories was conducted. No significant interaction of the genotype with training for body mass and body composition variables was observed. Although, there were three significant genotype x training interactions for maximal oxygen uptake variables, regardless of body mass i.e.: for VO2max (p < 0.05), HRmax (p < 0.0001) and HRAT/HRmax (p < 0.0001). Significantly greater improvement in VO2max was gained by the CC+AC group compared to the AA genotype group. The present results support the hypothesis that individual differences in trainability are at least in part determined by the genetic component and MTHFR A1298C seems to be one of the many polymorphisms involved.
Monitoring steroid replacement therapy in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Birkebaek Niels H. , Hougaard David M. , Cohen Arieh S.
Published: December 2016

Background:

The objective of this study was to compare the analysis of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) by radio-immunoassay (RIA) in serum with analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on dried blood spot samples (DBSS) for monitoring therapy in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and to investigate differences in 17-OHP values during the day.

Methods:

Fourteen children (8 females), median age 4.2 (0.3–16.0) years, were studied. Serum samples and DBSS were drawn before hydrocortisone dosing.

Results:

17-OHP by LC-MS/MS in DBSS were highly correlated to 17-OHP by RIA in serum, r=0.956, p<0.01. A total of 26 three-time-point series were investigated. Using only the afternoon 17-OHP values to determine the hydrocortisone doses would have led to overdosing seven times and underdosing six times.

Conclusions:

Good agreement was demonstrated between 17-OHP determination by RIA in serum and LC-MS/MS on DBSS. Multiple 17-OHP measurements per day are required to ensure sufficient hydrocortisone dose adjustment.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one, C19H18O4
Authors: El-Sayed Nahed N.E. , Almaneai Norah M. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Alafeefy Ahmed M.
Published: December 2016

C19H18O4, orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 21.1472(8) Å, b = 9.7978(4) Å, c = 14.5181(6) Å, V = 3008.1(2) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0520, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1194, T = 100(2).
Lipid nanotechnologies for structural studies of membrane-associated clotting proteins by cryo-electron microscopy
Authors: Stoilova-McPhie Svetla
Published: December 2016

Biological membranes surround all living cells, confining internal organelles and participating in a variety of essential cellular functions, such as signaling, electrolyte balance, and energy conversion. Cell membranes are structurally and chemically heterogeneous environment composed of numerous types of lipids arranged as a continuous bilayer. The assembly of protein complexes at the membrane surface is responsible for fundamental biological processes such as synaptic transmission, blood coagulation, and apoptosis. Resolving the macromolecular organization of these complexes at the membrane surface will help to understand the structural basis of their function and significance for the associated biological processes. In this review, we present our work on direct structure determination of membrane-bound clotting factors, specifically factor VIII (FVIII), by cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM). To resolve the FVIII membrane-bound organization, we have optimized lipid nanostructures resembling the activated platelet membrane. Combining structural CryoEM, capable of near-atomic resolution, with customized lipid nanotechnologies is a powerful approach to investigate how the cellular membrane can modulate protein function at close to physiological conditions. The outcome will open novel avenues for developing lipid nanotechnologies of diverse shapes and composition that can be optimized for various protein systems, germane for both drug delivery and macromolecular structure determination.
Reversible stacking of lipid nanodiscs for structural studies of clotting factors
Authors: Grushin Kirill , White Mark Andrew , Stoilova-McPhie Svetla
Published: December 2016

Nanodiscs (ND) are discoidal phospholipid bilayers stabilized by a pair of membrane-scaffolding proteins (MSP). The macromolecular composition and size of ND are ideal for structural and functional studies of membrane and membrane-associated proteins. In this work, we investigate the assembly of ND from a galactosylceramide and dioleoyl phosphatidylserine (PS) lipid mixture with two different MSP and at four MSP-to-lipid ratios. This lipid composition has been optimized for structural and biophysical studies of membrane-bound blood clotting factors that require Ca2+ ions for function. We have demonstrated that CaCl2 induces reversible stacking of the ND that depends on the ND size and Ca2+ concentrations. Our biophysical and electron microscopy (EM) studies show a predominant ND population of ~12 nm in diameter for both the ND assembled from MSP1D1 to lipids ratio of 1:40 and from MSP1E3D1-to-lipids ratio of 1:80. Approximately half of the ND population assembled at MSP1E3D1-to-lipids ratio of 1:150 has a diameter of ~16 nm. These larger ND form ordered stacks at 5-mm Ca2+ concentrations, as shown by cryo-EM. The number and length of the ND stacks increase with the increasing in Ca2+ concentration. Adding millimolar concentrations of EDTA reverses the stacking of the ND.
Nanoscale lipid membrane mimetics in spin-labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of protein structure and function
Authors: Georgieva Elka R.
Published: December 2016

Cellular membranes and associated proteins play critical physiological roles in organisms from all life kingdoms. In many cases, malfunction of biological membranes triggered by changes in the lipid bilayer properties or membrane protein functional abnormalities lead to severe diseases. To understand in detail the processes that govern the life of cells and to control diseases, one of the major tasks in biological sciences is to learn how the membrane proteins function. To do so, a variety of biochemical and biophysical approaches have been used in molecular studies of membrane protein structure and function on the nanoscale. This review focuses on electron paramagnetic resonance with site-directed nitroxide spin-labeling (SDSL EPR), which is a rapidly expanding and powerful technique reporting on the local protein/spin-label dynamics and on large functionally important structural rearrangements. On the other hand, adequate to nanoscale study membrane mimetics have been developed and used in conjunction with SDSL EPR. Primarily, these mimetics include various liposomes, bicelles, and nanodiscs. This review provides a basic description of the EPR methods, continuous-wave and pulse, applied to spin-labeled proteins, and highlights several representative applications of EPR to liposome-, bicelle-, or nanodisc-reconstituted membrane proteins.
Proteoliposomes – a system to study membrane proteins under buffer gradients by cryo-EM
Authors: Sejwal Kushal , Chami Mohamed , Baumgartner Paul , Kowal Julia , Müller Shirley A. , Stahlberg Henning
Published: December 2016

Membrane proteins are vital to life and major therapeutic targets. Yet, understanding how they function is limited by a lack of structural information. In biological cells, membrane proteins reside in lipidic membranes and typically experience different buffer conditions on both sides of the membrane or even electric potentials and transmembrane gradients across the membranes. Proteoliposomes, which are lipidic vesicles filled with reconstituted membrane proteins, provide an ideal model system for structural and functional studies of membrane proteins under conditions that mimic nature to a certain degree. We discuss methods for the formation of liposomes and proteoliposomes, their imaging by cryo-electron microscopy, and the structural analysis of proteins present in their bilayer. We suggest the formation of ordered arrays akin to weakly ordered two-dimensional (2D) crystals in the bilayer of liposomes as a means to achieve high-resolution, and subsequent buffer modification as a method to capture snapshots of membrane proteins in action.
Temporal variation of the soft-bottom molluscan fauna in north-western İskenderun Bay (Levantine Sea)
Authors: Bakır Banu Bitlis , Öztürk Bilal , Doğan Alper , Türkçü Neslihan
Published: December 2016

The present study was performed to follow temporal variation of the soft-bottom molluscan fauna in north-western Iskenderun Bay. The benthic material was collected at a depth ranging from 3 to 37 m at 12 sampling locations by the van Veen grab sampler in the summer season of 2012, 2013 and 2014. A total of 133 species were identified in the study area through the examination of the collected material. Among the identified species, Corbula gibba (Olivi, 1792), Bittium reticulatum (da Costa, 1778), Nassarius pygmaeus (Lamarck, 1822), Cerithidium diplax (Watson, 1886) and Finella pupoides Adams, A., 1860 have the highest values of the frequency index. According to the Bray-Curtis similarity index, these species also have an important effect on the similarity between the stations. Furthermore, C. diplax and F. pupoides are alien species to the Mediterranean.
Phytoplankton distribution and variation along a freshwater-marine transition zone (Kızılırmak River) in the Black Sea
Authors: Baytut Özgür , Gönülol Arif
Published: December 2016

Both phytoplankton of the Kizilirmak River/Black Sea transition zone and their interactions with nutrients were investigated between July 2007 and December 2008. A total of 447 taxa belonging to the divisions: Cyanobacteria (24), Bacillariophyta (209), Bigyra (1), Cercozoa (1), Charophyta (11), Chlorophyta (32), Cryptophyta (11), Miozoa (119), Euglenozoa (14), Haptophyta (13), Ochrophyta (10) and Protozoa Incertae Sedis (2) were identified at 5 different sites in the study area. Seventy four taxa were recognized as new records for the Algal Flora of Turkey and 41 taxa were determined as HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom) organisms.

According to the hierarchical clustering and MDS analyses, surface phytoplankton were distributed along the salinity gradient from freshwater to saline waters, and the early spring samples were separated from the other samples. However, in addition to the agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis, the samples were divided into four groups – “Fresh”, “Brackish”, “Marine” and “Early spring-Marine” – as a result of MDS analysis.

The results of this study revealed that the surface phytoplankton were influenced by the salinity and the Secchi Disc depth together with the seasonal water temperature dynamics and NO3-N concentrations throughout the research period.
Occurrence of microcystins and anatoxin-a in eutrophic lakes of Saint Petersburg, Northwestern Russia
Authors: Chernova Ekaterina , Russkikh Iana , Voyakina Ekaterina , Zhakovskaya Zoya
Published: December 2016

Cyanobacteria are natural components of many freshwater bodies worldwide. In Russian lakes, the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria was also frequently observed. Our study was conducted in Sestroretskij Razliv Lake (Razliv) and Lower Suzdal Lake (Suzdal) in Saint Petersburg region, Northwestern Russia, which differ from one another in eutrophic status and composition of the phytoplankton community. In large, shallow, artificial and hypertrophic Razliv, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Microcystis spp. dominated. Fourteen microcystin variants were identified in this lake. The maximum concentration of extracellular microcystins was 41.37 μg l−1. In eutrophic and shallow Suzdal, dominated by Planktothrix agardhii, nine microcystin variants and anatoxin-a (<0.54 μg l−1) were found. The maximum total concentration of extracellular MCs in this lake was 2.89 μg l−1. Regular studies into the production of cyanotoxins in these water bodies were carried out for the first time. The analyses performed with the application of high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of microcystins in 59% of the samples collected during a 3-year study. Since both lakes are used for recreational purposes, the regular monitoring program should be implemented to protect water users from a potential risk that was identified in our study.