bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotyping and virulence analysis of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from a dead human fetus and dead pigs in Jiangsu province, Eastern China
Authors: Hou Zhaofeng , Zhou Yonghua , Liu Dandan , Su Shijie , Zhao Zhenxing , Xu Jinjun , Tao Jianping 
Published: April 2018

AbstractToxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution. Virulence ofT.gondiiis a multigenic trait. Genetic and virulence data forT.gondiiisolates from humans and animals in China have been reported. However, almost all biological materials used for genotyping ofT.gondiifrom humans and pigs were DNA samples prepared from tissues, andT. gondiistrains used for virulence analysis were isolated mainly from cats. In this study, one isolate from a dead human fetus was identified as type I (ToxoDB #10) while the two isolates from dead pigs were type Chinese I (ToxoDB #9) with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism using 10 markers (SAG1,SAG2,SAG3,BTUB,GRA6,c22–8,c29–2,L358,PK1and Apico). Three isolates were comfirmed as virulent strains in mice. By cloning and sequences analysis, all isolates contained aPvuII restriction site (572–577 bp) in the KHB fragment and five tandem repeats in the 5′ UTR region ofSAG1, which were associated withT.gondiivirulence. The type Chinese I isolates contained two deletions of 15 and 3 bp at positions 635 to 649 and 658 to 660 in theGRA6, which were correlated with genotype, but not with virulence. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the systematic analysis of murine virulence of type Chinese I strain from pigs, and the associations of sequences of the KHB fragment andSAG1with virulence of type Chinese I strain. The Chinese I genotype was more closely related to type II strains.
Detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from ten provinces of China
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Kelly Patrick , Zhang Jilei , Shi Zhengsheng , Song Chunlian , Zheng Xiaofeng , Zhang Yi , Hao Yongqing , Dong Haiju , El-Mahallawy Heba S. , Xiong Wenbin , Wang Heng , Li Jianji , Zhang Xinjun , Wang Chengming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDespite the fact vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have been increasingly reported in dogs worldwide, there are only limited reports on VBDs in dogs in China with most being based on molecular detection of active infections. To provide further data on the exposure of dogs in China to VBD agents, we used commercial immunochromatographic assays to test plasma from 637 apparently healthy indoor and breeding colony dogs from 21 veterinary clinics in 10 provinces in China and a commercial dog breeding facility for circulating antigen ofDirofilaria immitis, and for circulating antibodies againstEhrlichiaspp.,Anaplasmaspp., andBorrelia burgdorferi. Overall, we found only low levels of exposure toEhrlichiaspp. (4.7%; 30/637),Anaplasmaspp. (1.4%; 9/637),B.burgdorferi(0.9%; 6/637) andD.immitis(0.2%; 1/637) with most of the positive animals coming from the commercial breeding colony (26/103; 25.2%) where ectoparasites were most commonly noted. At least one vector-borne agent was found in dogs from 6 of the 10 provinces investigated. Our results confirm exposure of dogs from around China to a variety of VBDs, even indoor pets seldom observed to harbor ectoparasites.
Evaluation of frequency of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp. and transmission routes in sheep from Humid Pampa, Argentina
Authors: Hecker Yanina P. , Masson Fernando Mogaburu , Armendano Joaquín I. , Cora Juan , Olivares Carlos Flores , Gual Ignacio , Pardini Lais , Moore Dadín P. , Moré Gastón , Cantón Germán J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the frequency of ovine specific antibodies toToxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninumandSarcocystisspp. and to estimate different transmission routes of these infections. One hundred and thirty Texel sheep and their 117 Texel lambs were included in the study. Serum samples were tested for antibodies toT.gondii,N.caninumandSarcocystisspp. using IFAT.Toxoplasma gondiiseroprevalence was 10.00% in sheep (IC95%: 4.80–15.20%), being higher in adult sheep (≥12 year) than in younger sheep (OR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10–1.50).N.caninumandSarcocystisspp. seroprevalences were 1.54% (IC95%: 0.00–5.70) and 72.09% (IC95%: 67.70–82.70), respectively, with no association between age and seropositivity in sheep (P>0.05).T.gondiiseroprevalence in lambs was 4.27% (IC95%: 0.61–7.94). No association betweenT.gondiiserological status in sheep and their lambs was detected (P= 0.07). TwoT.gondiiandSarcocystisspp. seropositive lambs were euthanized andT.gondiiandSarcocystisspp. DNA was detected by PCR in their tissues. In conclusion, the increase ofT.gondiiseropositivity in relationship with sheep age and the lack of association between sheep-lamb serological status, suggest that horizontal infection is the main transmission route in this flock as reported before. Due to the low number ofN.caninum-seropositive ewes no assumptions can be done about the impact of this parasite in this flock. According with previous reports, the main transmission route forSarcocystisspp. in this species in the present study was horizontal.
First report of Cryptosporidium parvum in a dromedary camel calf from Western Australia
Authors: Zahedi Alireza , Lee Gary K.C. , Greay Telleasha L. , Walsh Audra L. , Blignaut David J.C. , Ryan Una M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCryptosporidiumis an important enteric parasite that can contribute large numbers of infectious oocysts to drinking water catchments. As a result of its resistance to disinfectants including chlorine, it has been responsible for numerous waterborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Wildlife and livestock play an important role in the transmission ofCryptosporidiumin the environment. Studies conducted outside Australia have indicated that camels may also play a role in the transmission of zoonotic species ofCryptosporidium. Despite Australia being home to the world’s largest camel herd, nothing is known about the prevalence and species ofCryptosporidiuminfecting camels in this country. In the present study,C. parvumwas identified by PCR amplification and sequencing of a formalin-fixed intestinal tissue specimen from a one-week old dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Subtyping analysis at the glycoprotein 60 (gp60) locus identifiedC. parvumsubtype IIaA17G2R1, which is a common zoonotic subtype reported in humans and animals worldwide. Histopathological findings also confirmed the presence of large numbers of variably-sized (1–3 µm in diameter) circular basophilic protozoa – consistent withCryptosporidiumspp.– adherent to the mucosal surface and occasionally free within the lumen. Further analysis of the prevalence and species ofCryptosporidiumin camel populations across Australia are essential to better understand their potential for contamination of drinking water catchments.
Virulent T4 Acanthamoeba causing keratitis in a patient after swimming while wearing contact lenses in Southern Brazil
Authors: Fabres Laura Fuhrich , Maschio Vinicius José , Santos Denise Leal dos , Kwitko Sergio , Marinho Diane Ruschel , Araújo Bruno Schneider de , Locatelli Claudete Inês , Rott Marilise Brittes 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSeveral strains of free-living amoebae belonging to the genusAcanthamoebacan cause a painful sight-threatening disease of the cornea known asAcanthamoebakeratitis (AK). The numbers of AK cases keep rising worldwide mainly due to an increase in contact lens wearers and lack of hygiene in the maintenance of contact lenses and their cases. We report a case of AK in a healthy young woman admitted to the Hospital de Clinicas in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Corneal scrapings were examined for the presence ofAcanthamoebastrains. The initial isolate was characterized by morphological and genotypic properties. The isolate belonged to group III according to Pussard and Pons’ cyst morphology. Analysis of its 18S rDNA sequence identified the isolate as genotype T4. The T4 genotype is the most commonly reported among keratitis isolates and the most common in environmental samples.
Beyond ‘(non) native-speakerism’: Being or becoming a native-speaker teacher of English
Authors: Leonard Josie 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe labelling of teachers of English as either ‘native’ or ‘non-native’ speakers in the field of English Language Teaching continues to promote ideals of ‘native-speakers’ that impact negatively on the teaching lives of those teachers using English as another language. In this paper, I explore constructs of ‘native-speakerism’ (Holliday, Adrian. 2015. Native-speakerism: Taking the Concept Forward and Achieving Cultural Belief. In Anne Swan, Pamela Aboshiha & Adrian. Hollliday (eds.),Encountering Native-speakerism: Global perspectives, 11–25. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan) by examining them as networks or assemblages formed through interactions of people, technologies, discourses and other material objects integral to teaching and learning environments. Drawing on ‘Actor-network theory’, I analyse unique influences of ‘native’ and ‘non-native’ networks as experienced by individual teachers of English from different contexts. The data collected in this qualitative study shows how ‘native-speaker’ networks form and exert power to reinforce the ideal of ‘native-speaker’ teachers, and restrict the agency of those who are classed as ‘non-native’. By unravelling these networks, I challenge the notions on which they are constructed, and show how the categorising of teachers in this way undermines the legitimacy of those classed as ‘non-native’, and limits their professional development. I therefore argue that moving beyond these labels is an essential step for English Language Teaching to move forward as a profession.
Language Choice and Researcher’s Stance in a Multilingual Ethnographic Fieldwork
Authors: Gallego-Balsà Lídia 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In bilingual settings language choice represents one of the main resources individuals have to construct their identities. According to Jaffe (2009), it is also a way in which individuals position themselves towards the languages of the sociolinguistic context. However, in the context of researching multilingual settings, very little attention has been paid to how the researcher’s language choice(s) interact with the participants’ language choices, and how the linguistic features that s/he activates contribute to the construction of the researcher’s identity and her/his stance towards the languages of the sociolinguistic matrix within which the research is embedded. This paper is based in the context of Catalonia and explores how the researcher projects and is ascribed a stance as a consequence of her own linguistic practices. First, it shows that these practices lead to the construction of relationships of (dis)affiliation between the researcher and the participants, which ultimately influence the type of data collected. Second, it suggests that language choice is an essential lens through which to look at the researcher’s positionality in multilingual settings and provide more transparent accounts of multilingual ethnographic research.
Doing ethnography among Latinos in London and Barcelona: languages, genders, and ethnicities
Authors: Corona Victor , Kelsall Sophie 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Based on two ethnographic studies of people of Latin American descent in global cities, this article explores how language, gender, and ethnicity shape field relations, community membership, and data collection. It examines some of the implications of being positioned intersectionally as an outsider or insider of the community, and being sexualised by a male gatekeeper. It suggests that gender roles are a powerful aspect of conducting ethnographic research among Latinos, while pointing to the challenge of dealing with, and potentially contributing to, essentialising discourses in the field. It argues that the notion of ‘being Latino’ is imagined and constructed interactionally and contextually, in reaction to social pressures, as well as local and historical narratives.
The relationship between English proficiency and humour appreciation among English L1 users and Chinese L2 users of English
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Dewaele Jean-Marc 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHumour appreciation involves split second detection and resolution of cultural and pragmatic incongruities. Second language (L2) users may need more time and effort to understand and appreciate L2 humour. Previous studies have mostly used decontextualized verbal jokes and reported a linear relationship between L2 proficiency and humour appreciation. The present study strives for more ecological validity by using audiovisual-based, multimodal humorous stimuli. A total of 272 Chinese L2 users of English and 94 English L1 users rated the funniness and the ease of understanding of two short video extracts and then completed an English vocabulary size test, LexTALE. The findings suggest that L2 users need to reach a certain threshold in L2 linguistic, pragmatic and sociocultural knowledge before a positive linear relationship emerges between proficiency and appreciation of multimodal humorous stimuli. Also, advanced L2 users demonstrated similarities with English L1 users in humour processing.
Biogas digestate – benefits and risks for soil fertility and crop quality – an evaluation of grain maize response
Authors: Przygocka-Cyna Katarzyna , Grzebisz Witold 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The agricultural usability of biogas digestate solids (BDS) as a soil amendment depends upon its impact on soil fertility and the content of minerals in the edible part of the grown crop. This hypothesis was verified in a series of field experiments with maize conducted between 2014 and 2016 at Brody, Poland. The two-factorial experiment consisted of the DBS application method (broadcast and row) and its rate: 0, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 t ha–1. The post-harvest analysis of soil fertility showed that BDS can, at least partly, replace mineral fertilizers. The supply of N-NO3 to maize as a growth driving factor was significantly limited by a shortage of iron, potassium and, to some extent, magnesium. As recorded in 2016, the shortage of available Fe resulted in a low/pool of N-NO3, thus significantly decreasing the yield of grain. The shortage of K supply to grain created a pathway for the accumulation of other elements, including heavy metals. The disadvantage of the N-NO3 pool increase, due to the DBS application, was concomitant with the enhanced intake of cadmium and lead, which consequently exceeded their permissible concentration limits in grain. These unfavorable results of biogas digestate impact on the quality of maize grain can be ameliorated by incorporating zinc into the biogas type of soil amendment and keeping a sufficiently high level of available potassium and iron. The shortage of K can be partly overcome by a better sodium supply, however, its accumulation in grain results in an enhanced accumulation of cadmium and lead.
Optimum Conversion of Major Ginsenoside Rb1 to Minor Ginsenoside Rg3(S) by Pulsed Electric Field-Assisted Acid Hydrolysis Treatment
Authors: Lu Chengwen , Yin Yongguang 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg3(S) is a primary bioactive component in ginseng, which has pharmacological effects and nutritional activities. In the present study, pulsed electric field (PEF)-assisted acid hydrolysis processing was used to convert major ginsenoside Rb1 to minor ginsenoside Rg3(S). The optimum parameters of PEF assisted acid hydrolysis were analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum processing conditions were: electric field intensity, 20 kVcm−1; acid concentration, 0.25 mol/L; pulse number, 10. The conversion rate of ginsenoside Rg3(S) achieved 68.58%, in accordance to the predicted value. The structure of hydrolyzed product was confirmed by 13C-NMR. The results suggested that PEF-assisted acid hydrolysis significantly enhanced conversion rate of ginsenoside Rg3(S).
Relationships between diatoms and environmental variables in industrial water biotopes of Trzuskawica S.A. (Poland)
Authors: Malinowska-Gniewosz Agnieszka , Czerwik-Marcinkowska Joanna , Massalski Andrzej , Kubala-Kukuś Aldona , Majewska Urszula , Jankowski Michał 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The heterogeneous nature and widespread anthropogenic impacts on industrial water biotopes in the Trzuskawica S.A., pose challenges to biomonitoring of this habitat. Generally, the concentration of trace elements in the industrial water biotopes reflects the anthropogenic impacts. With X-ray fluorescence method (TXRF) in waters 17 elements:P,S,Cl,K,Ca,Ti,Cr, Mn,Fe,Ni,Cu,Zn,Br,Rb, Sr, Ba, Pb were revealed. High amounts of Ca, from 300 ppm to 198 ppm in May and from 999 ppm to 231 ppm in September 2015, was determined. A total of 36 diatoms were found in two reservoirs and drainage ditch, but only three taxa: Cymatopleura radiosa, Navicula upsaliensis and Nitzschia angustata were present in all 7 sampling sites. These species are known to be tolerant to organic pollution, eutrophication, and also characteristic for limestone waters. The results of CVA showed that dintoms in the water reservoir stocked with fish were distinguished by highest species richness. The relationships between diatoms and environmental variables confirm the positive correlation with the currently functioning industrial plant (despite the increased water temperature and large content of trace elements). Our results suggest that, though heterogeneity in both diatoms and selected elements in industrial waters, diatoms can be useful indicators of habitat conditions.
Antioxidant, Anti-microbial Properties and Chemical Composition of Cumin Essential Oils Extracted by Three Methods
Authors: Fang Lianying , Wang Xiangxing , Guo Limin , Liu Qiang 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-bacterial activity of cumin essential oils (CEOs) extracted by different techniques, including supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCE), subcritical butane extraction (SBE) and traditional solvent extraction (SE). Our results indicated that CEOs are a valuable source of bioactive compounds, including cumin aldehyde, γ-terpinene and β-pinene. The most abundant components found in CEOs obtained by SCE and SBE were similar, while the abundant components in SE, β-Cumic aldehyde (19.31%) and α-phellandrene (9.49%), were distinctive. CEOs obtained by SCE exhibited higher antioxidant activity, followed by those extracted by SE and SBE. Moreover, the anti-microbial properties of CEOs obtained by SCE and SBE were higher than that of CEOs collected by SE. In conclusion, CEOs exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, which suggests a potential role of CEOs in preventing diseases associated with aging and oxidative stress, and our results highlight the potential usage of CEOs in the food industry.
Study of strength properties of semi-finished products from economically alloyed high-strength aluminium-scandium alloys for application in automobile transport and shipbuilding
Authors: Baranov Vladimir , Sidelnikov Sergey , Zenkin Evgeny , Frolov Viktor , Voroshilov Denis , Yakivyuk Olga , Konstantinov Igor , Sokolov Ruslan , Belokonova Irina 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The results of a study on the strength of rolled products from aluminium alloys doped with scandium under various processing conditions of hot and cold rolling are presented. The regularities of metal flow and the level of strength of deformed semi-finished products from aluminum-scandium alloys are established, depending on the total degree of deformation and the various modes of single reduction during rolling. It is shown that when using one heating of a cast billet to obtain high-quality semi-finished products, the temperature during the rolling process should not be lower than 350-370°, and the total degree of deformation does not exceed 50-60%. It was found that the semi-finished products from alloys with a content of scandium in the range 0.11-0.12% in the deformed state had elevated values of ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the metal, which allows them to be recommended for industrial production of sheet metal products.
Room temperature silanization of Fe3O4 for the preparation of phenyl functionalized magnetic adsorbent for dispersive solid phase extraction for the extraction of phthalates in water
Authors: Faraj Benrabha Abdulhadi Muftah , Tay Kheng Soo 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The preparation of magnetic solid adsorbents for solid phase extraction often involved time-consuming stepwise reaction and high-temperature reaction. In this study, the coating of silica and the functionalization of magnetite were performed in a single step at room temperature. The prepared solid adsorbent was phenyl functionalized magnetic adsorbent (Fe3O4@SiO2-Ph). The Fe3O4@SiO2-Ph was used for the determination of phthalates (butyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, di-ethylhexyl phthalate and di-n-octyl phthalate) in water. Under optimized conditions, this developed magnetic solid phase extraction method achieved the pre-concentration factor of 100, low method detection limit (0.62–1.02 μg/l) and limit of quantitation (1.98–3.25 μg/l), wide linear dynamic range (0.5–100 μg/l) with good coefficient of determination (>0.9980) and good repeatability (relative standard deviation <5%) during the extraction of the selected phthalates. The developed method was also successfully applied to analyze drinking water, mineral water and lake water with good extraction efficiency (70%–102%) and a high degree of precision (≤5%).
A Re-examination of the Family Reunification Directive in the post-Lisbon Fundamental Rights Scene
Authors: Milios Georgios 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The article examines the issue of compatibility of the Family Reunification Directive with the important changes that the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty brought to the field of fundamental rights in the EU especially considering the fact that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU gained the same legal value as the treaties. The article examines all possible scenarios that may derive from Art 52 (3) of the Charter and the problems or issues that each of them may entail for the immigrants’ right to family life in the EU. This examination reveals that certain aspects of the provisions of the Family Reunification Directive are not compatible with Art 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and proposes that the EU should, in any event, provide more extensive protection than the one provided for by the Convention. The article proposes a reunification model which may be more compatible with the post-Lisbon fundamental rights scene.
Interdependency between Sovereignty, Citizenship and the Right to Vote
Authors: Suksi Markku 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
It is fully legitimate and permissible under international human rights law to limit the right to vote to the citizens of the State. The relationship between sovereignty, citizenship and the right to vote is to some extent self-evident and undramatic. However, the triangular relationship between the three concepts is an important background factor summarizing much of what States are and do, and therefore, it is necessary to make visible the self-sustaining nature of the triangle and explicate the three corners of the triangle by means of drafting history of the human rights conventions and case law from international and national court instances as well as by means of examples from national law, in this case drawn from the Nordic space. The point here is that although the various human rights conventions formulate a right to participation through elections, the normative powers exercised in relation to sovereignty, citizenship and the right to vote are held by the national law-maker, and they are not influenced much by international human rights law.