bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divergent respiratory and cardiovascular responses to hypoxia in bar-headed geese and Andean birds
Authors: Lague Sabine L. , Chua Beverly , Alza Luis , Scott Graham R. , Frappell Peter B. , Zhong Yang , Farrell Anthony P. , McCracken Kevin G. , Wang Yuxiang , Milsom William K. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTMany high-altitude vertebrates have evolved increased capacities in their oxygen transport cascade (ventilation, pulmonary diffusion, circulation and tissue diffusion), enhancing oxygen transfer from the atmosphere to mitochondria. However, the extent of interspecies variation in the control processes that dictate hypoxia responses remains largely unknown. We compared the metabolic, cardiovascular and respiratory responses to progressive decreases in inspired oxygen levels of bar-headed geese (Anser indicus), birds that biannually migrate across the Himalayan mountains, with those of Andean geese (Chloephaga melanoptera) and crested ducks (Lophonetta specularioides), lifelong residents of the high Andes. We show that Andean geese and crested ducks have evolved fundamentally different mechanisms for maintaining oxygen supply during low oxygen (hypoxia) from those of bar-headed geese. Bar-headed geese respond to hypoxia with robust increases in ventilation and heart rate, whereas Andean species increase lung oxygen extraction and cardiac stroke volume. We propose that transient high-altitude performance has favoured the evolution of robust convective oxygen transport recruitment in hypoxia, whereas life-long high-altitude residency has favoured the evolution of structural enhancements to the lungs and heart that increase lung diffusion and stroke volume.
Improved Detection of HER2 by a Quasi-Targeted Proteomics Approach Using Aptamer–Peptide Probe and Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Weixian , Xu Feifei , Li Danni , Chen Yun 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is a particularly aggressive type of the disease. To date, much evidence has indicated that accurate HER2 status detection is crucial for prognosis and treatment strategy selection. Thus, bioanalytical techniques for early and accurate detection of HER2 have the potential to improve patient care. Currently, the widely used immunohistochemical staining normally has problems with reproducibility and lack of standardization, resulting in poor concordance between laboratories. Aptamers are a good alternative, but the extent of their use in quantitative analysis of HER2 is limited because of the lack of effective detection methods.

METHODS
We developed a quasi-targeted proteomics assay and converted the HER2 signal into the mass response of reporter peptide by a combination of aptamer–peptide probe and LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS
The selected aptamer–peptide probe consisted of aptamer HB5 and the substrate peptide GDKAVLGVDPFR that contained the reporter peptide AVLGVDPFR. After characterization of this newly synthesized probe (e.g., conjugation efficiency, stability, binding affinity, specificity, and digestion efficiency), probe binding and trypsin shaving conditions were optimized. The resulting limit of quantification for HER2 was 25 pmol/L. Then, the quasi-targeted proteomics assay was applied to determine the HER2 concentrations in the HER2-positive breast cancer cells BT474 and SK-BR-3, the HER2-negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and 36 pairs of human breast primary tumors and adjacent normal tissue samples. The results were highly concordant with those obtained by immunohistochemistry with reflex testing by fluorescent in situ hybridization.

CONCLUSIONS
Quasi-targeted proteomics can be a quantitative alternative for HER2 detection.
What is Design for Meaning?
Authors: Giacomin Joseph 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Considering the importance of meaning, it is perhaps surprising to note the frequent lack of clarity about the matter in the design literature and in design practice. Concepts such as value, ideology, meaning, function, ritual, myth and metaphor are often used interchangeably, with important consequences in terms of possible misunderstanding. A review of key concepts in the discussion of artefact meaning has been performed, and several considerations of relevance to commercially active designers have been identified. The reflections are summarized as a framework that provides a tool for identifying key questions that should be answered. As part of the process of defining the framework of design for meaning, the concept of ‘meaningfication’ was established. The potential usefulness of the proposed framework is noted in relation to recent developments in the areas of value creation, business and branding.
Tadalafil, a long acting phosphodiesterase inhibitor, promotes bone marrow stem cell survival and their homing into ischemic myocardium for cardiac repair
Authors: Elmadbouh Ibrahim , Ashraf Muhammad 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aim was to evaluate the tadalafil‐mediated effects at molecular level on bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) survival and their homing into the infarcted hearts to promote cardiac repair and improve function. MSCs were pretreated in vitro with inhibitors of PKG, MAPK, FasL, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (L‐NAME), CXCR4 (AMD3100), or miR‐21 inhibitors (+/−luciferase construction +/−Fas) prior to tadalafil treatment for 2 h. These MSCs were then subjected to H2O2 stress to assess their injury. Rats were subjected to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and then followed by injection of saline or 1.5 x 106 MSCs‐treated ± tadalafil into infarcted and peri‐infarcted area. In another group, AMI was performed in 1‐month post‐myelo‐ablated rats and were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with tadalafil ± AMD3100 or L‐NAME for 5 days. Also, in another group, AMI mice were treated with IP ± tadalafil before intravenous injection with 111In‐oxine‐MSCs followed by CT/SPECT imaging to locate mobilized MSCs. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. MSCs and heart extracts were analyzed by molecular bioassays. Tadalafil‐treated MSCs had higher expression of cGMP, NOS, SDF‐1α, p‐VASP, p‐Erk1/2, p‐STAT3, p‐Akt, PKG1 and Bcl‐xl; expression of these molecules was reduced with PKG1, MAPK, NOS or FasL inhibitors. Tadalafil inhibited apoptosis through increased miR‐21 expression and improved cell survival by inhibiting Fas (restored by PKG1, MAPK or miR‐21 inhibitors). In vivo, heart function, grafted cell survival, MSCs mobilization and homing were improved in tadalafil‐treated AMI animals versus controls. Conclusions: Tadalafil prolonged MSCs survival via up‐regulation of miR‐21 dependent suppression of Fas, and increased MSCs mobilization and their homing into infarcted myocardium resulting in improved cardiac repair and function.
Turkey’s Ambitions to Emerge as a Regional Power: Example or Counter-Example for Potential Aspiring Competitors
Authors: Baltos Georgios C. , Vidakis Ioannis G. , Balodis Janis 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper aims to provide a functional assessment of a country’s dynamics at a regional power level, through the development of a tool which shall examine the working hypothesis of a given country’s “candidacy” to emerge as a regional power. The power equation applied in order to have such an evaluation has been formulated in a visually enriched and prototype format, given that particularly the geopolitics activate systems of interactions dynamically changing into many dimensions. The scope also includes the criteria verifying the achievement of the regional powers’ objectives as well as the review of future relevant prospects through a SWOT (strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats) analysis in a specific spatial and temporal context. Contemporary Turkey shall be taken as an example of this application and, therefore, while enumerating the assessment criteria, it will be briefly examined whether Turkey meets the conditions under discussion. This country has been selected on the grounds that its intentions have been overtly declared and its efforts are underway. The study consequently emphasises on the policy implications of the dilemmatic question if the on-going Turkish regime transformation may be or keep being a pilot for other states’ progress in the heavily turmoiled Middle Eastern area.
Factors Relieving Perceived Living Difficulties in Patients with Depression
Authors: Hiroshima Mayo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBased on interviews with 6 patients with depression, factors relieving perceived living difficulties among them were extracted using qualitative induction analysis. The following factors were extracted: selfcognition control, existence of family and being able to self-disclose to family, hours of the day, healthcare services, doing something, peer support (existence of peers, getting information), understanding at the workplace (understanding, carefree attitude), and casual address by nurses. These results suggested nursing care tips to relieve perceived living difficulties in patients with depression.
Influence of Hemodialysis Treatment on Biochemical Markers of Bone Disease
Authors: Coric Aida , Resic Halima , Spasovski Goce , Lepara Orhan , Ajanovic Selma , Klapuh Nermina , Prohic Nejra , Beciragic Amela 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Introduction. Bone disease is a chronic complication of chronic kidney disease and major clinical problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of treatment longevity on biochemical parameters of mineral and bone metabolism in HD patients, and to identify the most important parameters. Methods. The research was observational and retrospective, involved 70 patients, mean age 58.69±12.54, divided into groups in respect to the duration of dialysis treatment (Group I-5 years, Group II-5-10 years and Group III-over 10 years). Results. Serum phosphorus was increased, but the values tend to increase along with dialysis duration - (Group I: 1.93±0.45; Group II: 1.97±0.50; Group III: 2.01±0.37; p>0,05). Calcium values were also not significantly increased based on the duration of treatment [Group I: 2.3 (2.2-2.41); Group II: 2.46 (2.15-2.6), Group III: 2.35 (2.10-2.52)]. Dialysis and PTH correlated positively in the first group of patients (Rho=0.470, p=0.013). The values of calcium and alkaline phosphatase correlated positively in all patients (Rho=0.351, p=0.003). PTH was significantly higher in the second and third compared to the first group (p=0.009 and p=0.038, respectively), and there was no significant difference between the second and the third group. Interestingly, parathyroidectomized patients had higher PTH values compared to those without parathyroidectomy (557 vs. 359 pg/ml). Conclusion. The most reliable marker for clinical monitoring of bone disease in dialysis patients is PTH. The values of calcium and phosphorus are highly variable and not reliable parameters for bone disease follow-up.
Five Years of Renal Transplantations in Montenegro: Results and Challenges
Authors: Ratkovic Marina , Basic-Jukic Nikolina , Kastelan Zeljko , Radunovic Danilo , Prelevic Vladimir , Hudolin Tvrtko , Grkovic Marija , Stoic-Brezak Jasna , Kavaric Petar 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
First renal transplantation in Montenegro was performed on September 25th, 2012. Since then, 32 transplantations have been performed. Only one was from deceased donor, the remaining were from living donors. 40.4% of all patients with end-stage renal disease currently live with the functioning renal allograft (190 patients on dialysis, 129 transplanted patients). There are 32 patients on the waiting list. Further efforts will be focused on development of the deceased donor program and introduction of the AB0 incompatible renal transplantations.
The Issues of Real Estate Valuation in the Process of Privatization
Authors: Kalandadze Levan 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The process of privatization in our country was characterized and unfortunately is still characterized by very important difficulties. The purpose of the research is to analyze the issues of real estate valuation in the process of privatization. In Georgia, the privatization process began after dissolution of the Soviet system. It should be noted that the process of privatization is of particular importance in terms of activation of investment activities in the country. In this regard, privatization can be considered one of the essential and most important incentives for attracting investments by the state. Currently, thousands of enterprises have already been privatized, but there are still quite many stateowned production facilities and property. Determination of the market value of the items of state-owned property is especially important when selling them at auctions or on competitive basis. In addition, one of the causes for incompetent privatization of the state-owned property at the early stage is disregard of the institute of appraisers of movable and immovable property, who did not participate in determining the market value of the property and in the privatization process. The information assessment, analysis, comparison and generalization, as well as systematic, quantitative, qualitative and logical generalization methods are used in the article.
Facile nitration of aromatic compounds using Bi(NO3)3·5H2O/MgSO4 under mechanochemical conditions
Authors: Guo Feng-Chao , Ji Min-Zun , Zhang Pu , Guo Zhi-Xin 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Bi(NO3)3·5H2O/MgSO4 was developed as an efficient and green reagent for the nitration of aromatic compounds under mechanochemistry (or ball milling) condition. While aromatics with weak activating groups such as phenyl could be nitrated by this reagent with 100% conversion, aromatics with weak deactivating groups such as chloro- or bromo- could also be nitrated but with moderate conversion and regioselectivity with big para/ortho ratios. The in situ generated N2O4 or NO2 due to the decomposition of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O promoted by MgSO4 should be responsible for this mechanochemical nitration.
The ransom of mussels in the lagoon of Venice: when the louses become “black gold”
Authors: Vianello Rita 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The article presented here is rooted in our doctoral research in Ethnology and Social History developed in the lagoon of Venice in 2010-2013. It is a research based on the methodology of ethnographic field research, in parallel with the bibliographic and archive research. The fieldwork was conducted between March 2010 and August 2012 with 21 informants, fishermen aged 20 to 90 years. In this article we analyze how the formation of a new food taste is a process that can be defined “cultural”. We can meet an example in the history of mussel-farming on the island of Pellestrina, an island of fishermen in the southern lagoon of Venice, where the exploitation of this mollusk as food and economic resource appears rather late in history. Our research enabled us to find some frequent allusions to the alleged toxicity of this mollusk, called in Venice peòcio, that is to say “louse”, and once considered inedible. What mechanisms have transformed today the mussels into an appreciated and great demanded food, into “traditional food”?
When “Germany” became the new “France”? Royal Dining at the Bavarian Court of Maximilian II and the Political Gastronomy of Johann Rottenhöfer in Transnational European Perspective, 1830–1870
Authors: Kreklau Claudia 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
While France defined European hâute cuisine (royal dining for the purpose of expressing rankdistinction) around 1800, by the mid-nineteenth century the French court failed to hold the best chefs of Europe. Other European courts were rising in power and asserting their absolutist ideals in the century of revolution and socio-political change using meals. Within this context, the culinary art of Johann Rottenhofer in service of Maximilian II of Bavaria synthesized Antonin Careme’s hâute cuisine and Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s “political gastronomy” to communicate peace, foster international bonds, and establish equality among sovereigns. The works of Levi-Strauss and Norbert Elias find resonance in these culinary practices, wherein monarchs were represented at the table in the form of food. Mid-nineteenth century European monarchs not only appreciated the cultural symbolism and the political significance of food, but actively exploited it as a form of communication. I rely on the typologies provided by Ken Albala and Sara Peterson to decode food meanings in the cookbooks written by royals’ chefs after retirement.
Relation between Social Conservatism, Moral Competence, Moral Orientations, and the Importance of Moral Foundations
Authors: Trups-Kalne Ingrida , Dimdins Girts 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the relation between moral competence, moral orientations, importance of moral foundations, and political orientation, by combining two theoretical approaches in moral psychology--the cognitive perspective and social-intuitionist perspective. The participants (Study 1 N=348, aged 18 to 67, and Study 2 N = 361, aged 16 to 74) completed the Moral Competence Test (formerly Moral Judgment Test, Lind, 1978, 2008), the 30-Item Full Version of the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (Graham, Haidt & Nosek, 2008), and measurements of political orientation (a seven-point self-evaluation scale in study 1 and an 8-item social conservatism scale in Study 2). There was a negative correlation between moral competence on the one hand and conservative political orientation and binding moral foundations on the other hand. The overall correlation pattern between the scores of moral orientation and moral competence, and importance of moral foundations and political orientation was relatively weak and only partially consistent with the theoretical predictions. The results suggest that constructs used in the cognitive and social-intuitionist perspectives on moral judgment are conceptually different, and integrating the two approaches may be a challenging task.
Congregation of the Condemned: Decades of Discontinuous Debates on Death by Design in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Obarisiagbon Barr. Emmanuel Imuetinyan 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The application of death penalty has been a subject of heated arguments amongst scholars, human right proponents and Christian religious leaders. Although several nations the world over have abrogated its use, Nigeria still has death penalty deeply entrenched in its statute books. In spite of this, capital offences are still on the increase thus calling to question, its relevance as a form of deterrent. The study utilised the functionalist theory.The design was exploratory and involved the use of qualitative methods of data collection. Three states: Edo, Delta and Anambra in southern Nigeria were purposively selected due to high incidence of the commission of capital offences in the locations. 1200 questionnaires were administered to respondents, 30 in-depth interviews and 15 key informant interviews were conducted. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data collected was undertaken using frequency distribution while the manual content analysis was used for qualitative data collected from the field work. Findings from this investigation showed that death penalty does not in any way deter would-be criminals from committing crime. Based on the findings of the study, government rather than eliminating criminals should instead focus more on their rehabilitation and also use its enormous power and resources to redress some of the inequalities and injustice that characterize our society which is often the cause of crime.
Sexual Promiscuity and Health Issues among Female Undergraduate Students in Adekunle Ajasin University: Counselling Implications
Authors: Ajidahun Beatrice O. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study examined the promiscuous behaviour of female undergraduate students and the various health issues related to it. It also investigated the relationship between the University lifestyles and female students’ promiscuous behaviour. The study adopted descriptive survey with a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) undergraduate female students selected using simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire titled “Sexual Promiscuity (SP) designed by the researcher was used to collect data for the study. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the result of the study. The study revealed that there was a significant relationship between the female undergraduates’ promiscuous behaviour and their University lifestyles X2= 178.092<0.05). Also, there was significant relationship between the promiscuous behaviour and sexually transmitted diseases (X2= 70.69<0.05). It was therefore concluded that female undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University were promiscuous because of their University lifestyles and that many were exposed to various sexually transmitted diseases that affect their health. Recommendations were based on the findings of the study that the University lifestyles of students should be modernized to discourage promiscuous behaviour among female undergraduate students. Besides, adequate health and counselling seminars should be organized on regular basis to intimate female students with the consequences of such promiscuous lifestyles.
Investigating the Causal Relationship between Inflation and Trade Openness using Toda–Yamamoto Approach: Evidence from Zambia
Authors: Zombe Chibvalo , Daka Lincoln , Phiri Christopher , Kaonga Oliver , Chibwe Francis , Seshamani Venkatesh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe paper examines whether a significant relationship exists between inflation and trade openness in Zambia over the period 1985 to 2015. We use the Toda-Yamamoto approach to Granger causality to test for a causal relationship between inflation and trade openness. The results establish a bi-directional causality between inflation and trade openness. Further, there exists a positive relationship between inflation and trade openness in Zambia. Our findings stress the importance for central banks to understand the consequences of international trade for domestic inflation.