bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine mapping of a calving QTL on Bos taurus autosome 18 in Holstein cattle
Authors: Mao X. , Kadri N.K. , Thomasen J.R. , De Koning D.J. , Sahana G. , Guldbrandtsen B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryDecreased calving performance not only directly impacts the economic efficiency of dairy cattle farming but also influences public concern for animal welfare. Previous studies have revealed a QTL on Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 18 that has a large effect on calving traits in Holstein cattle. In this study, fine mapping of this QTL was performed using imputed high‐density SNP chip (HD) genotypes followed by imputed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) variants. BTA18 was scanned for seven direct calving traits in 6113 bulls with imputed HD genotypes. SNP rs136283363 (BTA18: 57 548 213) was consistently the most significantly associated SNP across all seven traits [e.g. p‐value = 2.04 × 10−59 for birth index (BI)]. To finely map the QTL region and to explore pleiotropic effects, we studied NGS variants within the targeted region (BTA18: 57 321 450–57 625 355) for associations with direct calving traits and with three conformation traits. Significant variants were prioritized, and their biological relevance to the traits was interpreted. Considering their functional relationships with direct calving traits, SIGLEC12, CD33 and CEACAM18 were proposed as candidate genes. In addition, pleiotropic effects of this QTL region on direct calving traits and conformation traits were observed. However, the extent of linkage disequilibrium combined with the lack of complete annotation and potential errors in the Bos taurus genome assembly hampered our efforts to pinpoint the causal mutation.
An Investigation into GHG and non‐GHG Impacts of Double Skin Façades in Office Refurbishments
Authors: Pomponi Francesco , Piroozfar Poorang A.E. , Farr Eric R.P. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe building sector is a major contributor to energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and depletion of natural resources. In developed countries, existing buildings represent the majority of the stock, their low‐carbon refurbishment hence being one of the most sensible ways to mitigate GHG emissions and reduce environmental impacts of the construction sector. This article has investigated and established the GHG and non‐GHG life cycle impacts of several double skin façade (DSF) configurations for office refurbishments by means of a parametric comparative life cycle assessment against up‐to‐standard single skin façade (SSF) refurbishment solutions. Two different methods were used to assess both GHG emissions and other environmental impacts. Results show that if, on the one hand, most of the DSF configurations assessed actually reduce GHG emissions compared to SSFs over their life cycle—thus supporting a wider adoption of DSFs for low‐carbon refurbishments—on the other hand, there exist non‐negligible ecological and environmental impacts that the DSF generates, specifically in terms of some materials of the structure and their final disposal. Research attention is thus needed regarding the environmental impacts of the materials used for DSFs and not only in minimizing the energy consumption of the operational phase.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐634G/C polymorphism was associated with severe pre‐eclampsia and lower serum VEGF level
Authors: Salimi Saeedeh , Yaghmaei Minoo , Tabatabaei Ehsan , Mokhtari Mojgan , Naghavi Anoosh 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor whose production is increased in pre‐eclampsia (PE). Therefore, the present study was conducted aiming at assessing the possible association of VEGF polymorphisms with PE susceptibility in the southeast of Iran.Material and MethodsOverall, 192 PE women and 186 unrelated age‐matched normotensive pregnant women were genotyped for the VEGF‐2578C/A (rs699947), ‐1154G/A (rs1570360), and ‐634G/C (rs2010963) polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Serum VEGF levels were determined by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsThere was no significant difference in VEGF‐2578C/A, ‐1154G/A and ‐634G/C polymorphisms between PE women and controls. However, the frequency of VEGF‐634GC and CC genotypes was significantly higher in women with severe PE compared to mild PE and controls. In addition, serum VEGF levels were significantly lower in PE women. The VEGF‐634CC genotype was associated with lower serum VEGF levels compared to the VEGF‐634GG genotype. Moreover, serum VEGF levels were significantly lower in individuals with the VEGF‐634CC genotype compared to VEGF‐634GC genotype only in the control group. The mean serum VEGF levels did not differ significantly between genotypes of VEGF‐2587C/A and ‐1154G/A polymorphisms.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the association of VEGF‐634G/C polymorphisms with severe PE and the VEGF‐634CC genotype was correlated with lower serum VEGF levels.
On the Limits of Rights and Representation
Authors: Johnson Terrence L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis essay explores the degree to which public reason can sustain political liberalism's commitment to justice and pluralism without attending to the role of whatJeffreyStout calls “cultural inheritance” in shaping and justifying political commitments. At issue is whether public reason is the best resource for guiding conversations on political matters that are enmeshed in religious commitments and moral beliefs. Unless public reason can account for cultural inheritance, and foster a deliberative context in which political actors might grapple with the relationship between overlapping political claims and comprehensive doctrines, public reason will remain narrow and inadequate in a contemporary world where epistemic diversity is increasingly at odds with political liberalism's normative model of social cooperation and public deliberation.
Public Capital, Redistribution and Growth in A Two‐Class Economy
Authors: Tavani Daniele , Zamparelli Luca 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe develop a growth model with a productive and redistributive role for the public sector in a two‐class economy. We focus on two different model closures: a Classical‐Marxian one, which produces endogenous growth, and a Post‐Keynesian one where growth is exogenous. When growth is endogenous, the policy maker fixes the long run accumulation rate and the after tax income shares. In the exogenous growth model, the government determines the after tax income shares and the unemployment compensation. In both cases, the policy choice is compared to a benchmark scenario involving no redistribution.
End‐of‐life care provision: experiences of intensive care nurses in Iraq
Authors: Rafii Forough , Nikbakht Nasrabadi Alireza , Karim Muaf Abdulla 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundNurses play a key role in providing care for the critically ill in the intensive care unit (ICU). The physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual intimate care given by Kurdish nurses allows them to develop a therapeutic relationship with terminally ill patients in the ICU.AimsThis study sought to explore the meaning of caring for terminally ill patients from the perspective of Kurdish ICU nurses.DesignVan Manen's (1990) hermeneutic phenomenological design was adopted.MethodThe data were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of 10 nurses working in ICUs. Interviews were transcribed and finally analysed according to Van Manen's method.ResultsFour major themes including emotional labour, death as a positive dimension, optimistic rather than futile care and working within constraints emerged.ConclusionsKurdish nurses in their caring encounters with terminally ill patients experienced a range of feelings from emotional strain to being optimistic while working within limited resources in the ICU. Further research is needed to explore the experiences of nurses with other cultures of caring for terminally ill patients in ICUs.Relevance to practiceEnd‐of‐life care in ICU is emotionally challenging, therefore, nurses in this setting require psychological and spiritual support to ensure optimal care provision.
A conserved co‐chaperone is required for virulence in fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Lo Presti Libera , López Díaz Cristina , Turrà David , Di Pietro Antonio , Hampel Martin , Heimel Kai , Kahmann Regine 
Published: October 2015

Summary

The maize pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis experiences endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during plant colonization and relies on the unfolded protein response (UPR) to cope with this stress.

We identified the U. maydis co‐chaperone, designated Dnj1, as part of this conserved cellular response to ER stress. ∆dnj1 cells are sensitive to the ER stressor tunicamycin and display a severe virulence defect in maize infection assays.

A dnj1 mutant allele unable to stimulate the ATPase activity of chaperones phenocopies the null allele. A Dnj1‐mCherry fusion protein localizes in the ER and interacts with the luminal chaperone Bip1. The Fusarium oxysporum Dnj1 ortholog contributes to the virulence of this fungal pathogen in tomato plants. Unlike the human ortholog, F. oxysporum Dnj1 partially rescues the virulence defect of the Ustilago dnj1 mutant.

By enabling the fungus to restore ER homeostasis and maintain a high secretory activity, Dnj1 contributes to the establishment of a compatible interaction with the host. Dnj1 orthologs are present in many filamentous fungi, but are absent in budding and fission yeasts. We postulate a conserved and essential role during virulence for this class of co‐chaperones.
Phenotypic and genotypic variation in Michigan populations of Phytophthora infestans from 2008 to 2010
Authors: Rojas A. , Kirk W. W. 
Published: October 2015

Severe potato and tomato late blight epidemics in Michigan since 2008 prompted characterization of Phytophthora infestans isolates from the region. From eight counties in Michigan, 124 isolates were collected from infected potato and tomato plants from 2008 to 2010 and characterized using ‘classical’ markers and microsatellites. The classical markers included mating type, Gpi allozyme, mitochondrial DNA haplotype, sensitivity to metalaxyl‐M and tuber pathogenicity. All isolates from 2008 to 2010 were A2 mating type and Ia mtDNA haplotype (124 isolates), 105 isolates had Gpi profile 100/122, 17 isolates had the profile 100/100/111 and the remaining two isolates had 100/111/122. Sensitivity to metalaxyl‐M, expressed as EC50 for mycelial growth in vitro, ranged from <0·1 to 91 μg mL−1, where 95 and 96% of isolates were classified as either sensitive or intermediate in 2008–2009 and 2010 respectively. The metalaxyl‐M sensitivity and dominant Gpi profile were typical of clonal lineage US‐22, first isolated in 2008 in North America from tomato plants. Tuber pathogenicity, characterized as severity of tuber late blight, was also variable among isolates; however, isolates were less aggressive than previous genotypes present in Michigan, such as US‐8. Microsatellites (simple sequence repeats; SSRs) revealed a shift in the population, characterized by two clusters differentiated over time. These results suggested displacement of the US‐8 genotype by US‐22 from 2008 to 2010 in Michigan. Continuous tracking of changes within P. infestans populations provides evidence of genetic shifts due to migration, prompting modification of management strategies based on the phenotypic characteristics of causal genotypes.
Climate‐modulated sequence development in a tropical rift basin during the Late Palaeocene to Early Eocene super greenhouse Earth
Authors: Samanta Arpita , Bera Melinda K. , Sarkar Anindya 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSequence developments in rift basins are considered to be influenced largely by tectonics and to a lesser extent by eustatic sea‐level and climate. Studies indicate that in passive margin basins, climate can mask the effects of tectonics and eustasy by modulating the sediment supply. It is, however, less understood how the sedimentary sequence in rift basins might respond to strong climatic fluctuations where tectonic pulses generate rapid accommodation space. Here a case study has been provided to assess the effect of climate vis à vis sea‐level and tectonics on sequence development in the Cambay rift basin, western India, during the Early Palaeogene (Late Palaeocene to Early Eocene) super greenhouse globe. Facies analysis of this shale–lignite sequence suggests deposition in a lagoon/bay, developed over the Deccan Trap basement. Detailed sequence stratigraphic analysis using basin‐wide representative composite sections, marker lignite seam, event bed and high‐resolution carbon isotope (δ13C) chemostratigraphy suggest an overall transgressive motif. Among the three prominent Early Eocene eustatic highstands, only the one at ca 53·7 Ma is expressed by the thickest coal accumulation throughout the basin. Expression of the other sequence stratigraphic surfaces is subdued and can be due to the overall finer grain size of the sediment or local variation in the subsidence rate at different fault‐controlled mini‐basins. Enigmatic presence of a maximum flooding surface coinciding with the 53·7 Ma climate event (Eocene Thermal Maximum 2), manifested by negative carbon isotope excursion, indicates possible influence of climate over and above tectonics in developing the rift sequence. Qualitative rainfall variation assessed using the magnitude of the carbon isotope excursion and pollen abundance show that a relatively dry/low precipitation climatic phase during the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 hindered the siliclastic supply to the basin. Thus, it has been inferred that climate‐induced high siliciclastic supply possibly enhanced the autocyclic reorganization and hindered the development of the key sequence stratigraphic surfaces across the basin during climate extremes.
Mark Time: India's March to Universal Health Care Coverage
Authors: Bali Azad S. , Ramesh M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article evaluates the efforts underway in India to achieve universal health care coverage and the conditions that fostered its contemporary evolution. It finds that India’s health system is characterized by private provision and financing, horizontal and vertical fragmentation, and weak governance arrangements. The article argues that these defining characteristics, which have solidified over time, account for poor health outcomes and make the system impervious to reforms as they deny the government levers to intervene and shape outcomes in the sector. While the government's recent efforts of increased public funding of national programmes have helped to reduce out of pocket spending, these are unlikely to work in the long run unless the government addresses the sources of the problems. The article argues that building health care governance, strengthening regulatory architecture, and stewardship over the system, in conjunction with increased public spending, are essential if the health care system is to provide affordable care to the entire population.
An Analysis of Selected Pension and Health Care Initiatives for Informal Sector Workers in India
Authors: Asher Mukul , Vora Yutika , Maurya Dayashankar 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIndia's demographic trends portend moderately rapid ageing of the population. This, combined with the limited coverage of pension and health care programmes in terms of population, types of risks covered, and benefit levels has led to greater urgency in extending the coverage and reform directions of the current pension and health care programmes.This article analyses three pension and health care initiatives in India directed at the workers and their families engaged in the informal sector. The first initiative, India's National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), undertaken in 1995 provides budget‐financed transfers targeted at older persons. It is funded by the Union government but implemented by the state governments. The second initiative, called Swavalamban, was started in 2010, but has been subsumed under Atal Pension Yojana (APY), in the 2015–16 budget. Both are voluntary co‐contributory initiatives aimed at providing access to retirement income to low‐income individuals (government co‐contributing with the individual). Unlike Swavalamban, the APY initiative has provisions for minimum guaranteed pension benefits, with contributions required by the members adjusted accordingly. Effectiveness in increasing enrollment and in sustaining contributions over a longer period will impact on the extent of retirement income security obtained by the members.The third initiative, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), is insurance‐based and aims to provide hospital care to low‐income households. The article argues that for improving outcomes of these initiatives, more effective implementation, greater fiscal resources, and an integrated and systemic approach which is aided by technology‐enabled platforms such as Aadhaar, will be needed.
Management of delivery when malposition of the fetal head complicates the second stage of labour
Authors: Tempest Nicola , Navaratnam Kate , Hapangama Dharani K 
Published: October 2015

Key content

Second stage caesarean section (CS) is associated with greater maternal and neonatal morbidity and second stage CS rates are rising.

Malposition of the fetal head is the most common indication for CS in the second stage of labour.

Rotational vaginal deliveries are high risk obstetric procedures requiring advanced operator expertise and are associated with increased rates of failure.

Currently, there are no UK guidelines for performing, training and documentation of rotational vaginal deliveries.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' training matrix advises trainees to be competent at rotational ventouse before commencing specialist training year 6 and does not mention any other methods of rotational vaginal delivery.

Learning objectives

To learn how to manage fetal malposition in the second stage of labour.

To identify appropriate maternal and fetal factors for trials of rotational instrumental vaginal delivery.

To understand the requirement for national guidelines for documentation and training.

Ethical issues

Is exclusion of Kielland forceps and manual rotation in the current training matrix deskilling the future workforce?

Is 24‐hour consultant presence on the labour ward a practical solution to promote training and increase success rates in rotational vaginal deliveries?

Can the use of training mannequins replace or reduce the length of appropriately supervised hands‐on practice?
Serum concentration and skin tissue expression of insulin‐like growth factor 2 in canine generalized demodicosis
Authors: Yarim Gul F. , Yagci Bugrahan B. , Yarim Murat , Sozmen Mahmut , Pekmezci Didem , Cenesiz Sena , Pekmezci Gokmen Z. , Karaca Efe 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that insulin‐like growth factor‐2 (IGF‐2) levels are altered in skin injury; there are no data evaluating the serum concentration and skin tissue expression of IGF‐2 in canine generalized demodicosis.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo assess serum concentrations of IGF‐2 collected from dogs with generalized demodicosis compared to healthy dogs and to determine the location of IGF‐2 in the skin of affected dogs.MethodsBlood and skin samples were collected from 12 dogs of differing breeds and gender at 1–2 years of age that had a confirmed diagnosis of generalized demodicosis. Age‐matched control skin and blood samples were collected from 11 normal dogs of different breeds and gender. Serum IGF‐2 concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Skin tissue expression of IGF‐2 was analysed by immunohistochemical methods.ResultsSerum concentration and skin tissue expression of IGF‐2 were increased in dogs with generalized demodicosis compared with control dogs.Conclusions and clinical importanceThese findings indicate that keratinocytes, histiocytes and fibrocytes in the dermis are positive for IGF‐2; they may be a source of the elevated serum IGF‐2 levels in dogs with generalized demodicosis.
CULTIVATION SYSTEM OF GREEN MICROALGAE, BOTRYOCOCCUS BRAUNII: A REVIEW
Authors: Zakariah Nor Azalina , Abd. Rahman Norazah , Hamzah Fazlena , Md Jahi Tajuddin 
Published: October 2015

Renewable energy by using microalgae is another route to solve fossil fuel dependence, reduce climate change and enhance food security. The microalgae has a simple structure. Photosynthesis reaction of the microalgae converts solar energy into chemical energy which later can be used as fuel. This paper reviews microalgae as a new prospective for biofuel feedstock that is produced from non - food sources which offer a long term of sustainability and energy security. The cultivation system under open and closed system are discussed in this paper. A common weakness of the systems is low lipid production. A two stages culture also known as hybrid cultivation system that is discuseed in this paper can be used to overcome the weakness. A review on the performance of the microalgae biofuel applying in the internal combustion engines is presented in the last section of this paper.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SODIUM LAURYL ETHER SULPHATE MODIFIED LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDES
Authors: Jamal Siti Hasnawati , Wan Yunus Wan Md Zin , Mohd Kasim Noor Azilah , Khim Ong Keat , Ahmad Mansor 
Published: October 2015

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has attracted much attention of many industrialists as well as academicians as these materials can be used as catalysts, adsorbents, anion exchangers, stabilizers and fillers for polymers. The materials which consist of divalent and trivalent cations, and anions are nontoxic and easy to prepare. In addition, the exchangeability of their anions makes them easy to be modified to increase their hydrophobicity property through anion exchange process using long chain surfactant anions. In this study, sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) modified LDHs was prepared by co precipitation of LDHs and followed SLES ions modification via ion exchange process. Intercalations of the anions into the LDHs layers were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The presence of functional groups before and after modification was studied by FTIR spectrometry. Thermalgravitmeric analysis also was carried out to determine the amount of surfactant intercalated into LDHs.
FLEXURAL AND TENSILE PROPERTIES OF KENAF/GLASS FIBRES HYBRID COMPOSITES FILLED WITH CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: Sapiai Napisah , Jumahat Aidah , Mahmud Jamaluddin 
Published: October 2015

The usage of nanofillers reinforcement in polymer matrix has been recently explored for natural fibres composites to improve mechanical properties of polymers. In this study, 0.5 wt% , 0.75 wt% and 1.0 wt% of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added into epoxy resin. The CNTs-modified epoxy resins were then used to produce kenaf/glass hybrid composites. The laminates were prepared using dry filament winding machine and hand lay up method. All samples were tested according to the ASTM Standards, i.e. D790 and D3039 for flexural properties and tensile properties, respectively. Experimental results obtained showed that the flexural strength decreases with increasing CNTs content, while the flexural modulus increases with increasing CNTs content. The tensile strength was found to decrease with the addition of 0.5 and 0.75 wt% CNTs but increase with the addition of 1.0 wt% CNTs. Hybridization with glass also showed an improvement in flexural and tensile properties of kenaf composite.