bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of preterm birth by maternal age at first and second pregnancy and race/ethnicity
Authors: Baer Rebecca J. , Yang Juan , Berghella Vincenzo , Chambers Christina D. , Coker Tumaini R. , Kuppermann Miriam , Oltman Scott P. , Rand Larry , Ryckman Kelli K. , Muglia Louis J. , Chung Paul J. , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura L.
Published: April 2017

We examined the risk of preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks’ gestation) in a second pregnancy and analyzed the extent to which this risk varies by maternal age and race/ethnicity. The sample included nulligravida mothers in California who delivered two singletons between 2005 and 2011. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of PTB in the second pregnancy. Within each race/ethnicity stratum, women delivering term infants in their first pregnancy and between 25 and 34 years old for both pregnancies served as the referent group. There were 2,90,834 women included in the study. Among women who delivered their first infant at term, the odds of delivering their second infant early differed by race and age. Hispanic, Black and Asian non-Hispanic women who were <18 years for both pregnancies were at higher odds of having a PTB in their second pregnancy (adjusted odds ratios 1.7, 3.3 and 2.9, respectively). Asian non-Hispanic women who were <18 years for their first delivery at term and between 18 and 24 years for their second delivery, or were >34 years for both, were also at higher odds of delivering their second baby prematurely (adjusted odds ratios 1.9 and 1.3, respectively). Women who deliver their first infant at <37 weeks of gestation are at 3 to 7 times higher odds of delivering their second infant preterm. Providers should consider including information about these risks in counseling their patients.
Effects of different dormancy-breaking and storage methods on seed tuber sprouting and subsequent yield of two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties
Authors: Mustefa Gemeda , Mohammed Wassu , Dechassa Nigussie , Gelmesa Dandena
Published: April 2017

Potato is an important food and cash crop which in Ethiopia is produced two or more times in a year. However, its productivity is low owing to a number of constraints including a) limited availability of quality planting materials, and b) poor tuber sprouting due to long dormancy period of improved varieties at the time of planting. Two consecutive experiments were conducted from November 2013 to June 2014: 1) to assess the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and storage methods on seed tuber dormancy breakage of two potato varieties; and 2) to assess the effects of dormancy breakage treatments and storage methods on subsequent growth, yield and related traits of potato crop. The treatments in the first experiment consisted of two potato varieties (Bubu and Bate), three levels of GA3 [0, 10 and 20 parts per million (ppm)], and three storage methods [in diffused light store (DLS), in pit store (PS), and in farm-yard manure (FYM)]. The first trial was laid out as a complete randomized design with four replications and conducted at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. The second trial consisted of seed from each treatment in the first experiment, planted in randomized complete block design with three replications on a farmers’ field. The results showed that varieties, application of GA3 and storage methods as well as the interaction among the variety and treatments significantly affected tuber dormancy period, sprouting characteristics and subsequent tuber yield. When tubers were treated with 20 ppm GA3 and stored under FYM, the dormancy period was reduced from 102.5 and 52 to 36.5 and 31 days in improved and farmer’s variety, respectively. Tuber treatment with 20 ppm GA3 and stored under DLS, PS, and FYM, increased marketable tuber yield by 31.6%, 29.6%, and 33.6%, respectively for Bubu variety and by 92.5%, 78.4%, and 80.9% for Bate variety, respectively compared to non-GA3 treated tubers stored under DLS, PS, and FYM. However, tubers of improved variety Bubu treated with 20 ppm GA3 and stored under DLS produced the highest marketable tuber yield of 34.20 ton per ha. Tuber quality attributes (specific gravity, dry matter, and total starch content) were affected only due to interaction effects of variety and GA3 application with the highest values at 20 ppm GA3 for improved potato variety Bubu. In general, the research indicated that treating seed tubers with GA3 and storing under DLS, PS or FYM promoted early tuber sprouting and better tuber yield of both varieties. These results suggest that, use of GA3 treatment combined with different storage methods enhances early tuber sprouting and increases tuber yield. Nevertheless, further research should be continued to evaluate different potato varieties, GA3 treatment, and storage methods under different atmospheric conditions and production seasons.
Anti-cancer agents and reactive oxygen species modulators that target cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Ndombera Fidelis Toloyi
Published: April 2017

Traditionally the perspective on reactive oxygen species (ROS) has centered on the role they play as carcinogenic or cancer-causing radicals. Over the years, characterization and functional studies have revealed the complexity of ROS as signaling molecules that regulate various physiological cellular responses or whose levels are altered in various diseases. Cancer cells often maintain high basal level of ROS and are vulnerable to any further increase in ROS levels beyond a certain protective threshold. Consequently, ROS-modulation has emerged as an anticancer strategy with synthesis of various ROS-inducing or responsive agents that target cancer cells. Of note, an increased carbohydrate uptake and/or induction of death receptors of cancer cells was exploited to develop glycoconjugates that potentially induce cellular stress, ROS and apoptosis. This mini review highlights the development of compounds that target cancer cells by taking advantage of redox or metabolic alteration in cancer cells.
Reconstituted Parchment: Its Physical Properties and Suitability as a Repair Material for Parchment Bindings
Authors: Watanabe Mariko
Published: April 2017

In this study, the suitability of reconstituted parchment as a repair material for three-dimensional and movable parts of books, such as joints and the spine, was assessed. Reconstituted parchment sheets were produced with the “dry method” following five recipes: Budapest, Giovannini’s, Forstmeyer’s, Wouters’ and a new recipe. Tensile and lap-shear resistances were tested. Half the samples for the tensile and the lap-shear tests were folded 1, 000 times to model the mechanical stress. As the result of the tests, Forstmeyer’s reconstituted parchment was applied with 3 % (w/v) gelatin mousse to repair damaged spines of parchment book models.
An overview of the reaction conditions for an efficient photoconversion of CO2
Authors: Meryem Syeda Shaima , Nasreen Sadia , Siddique Maria , Khan Romana
Published: April 2017

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is one of the well-known causes of global warming. Photoconversion of CO2to useful chemical compounds using solar energy is an attractive approach as it reduces the major greenhouse gas and promises a sustainable energy source. This method involves radical-chain reactions that form cation and anion radicals generated as a result of the reaction with photogenerated electrons (e−) and holes (h+) between metal oxide photocatalyst and the reactants. Therefore, the product distribution of a modified photocatalyst even under specific reaction conditions is difficult to predict. The CO2photocatalytic reduction process is controlled by several conditions such as reactor configuration, photocatalyst type, and nature of the reducing agents. Here, we review the parameters such as temperature, pH, CO2pressure, type of reductant, role of co-catalysts, dopants, and type of photocatalysts that influence the end products of the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. In this review, the different modifications recommended for the photocatalysts to improve CO2reduction and receive maximum valuable end product (methane, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide) have been listed. The discussion also includes specific behaviors of photocatalysts which lead to different product distribution. It has been noted that different metal and nonmetal dopants improve the activity of a photocatalyst and influence the end product distribution by altering the active species. Similarly, the key factors, i.e. size, morphology and doping, which have been ruling the photocatalytic activity of CO2reduction under UV or visible light irradiation have been identified.
Professional Education and Training of Family Physicians at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Authors: Dulksnienė Liudmila , Stankevičienė Sigutė , Ramanauskas Irmantas , Šarkauskienė Laima
Published: April 2017

The changing approach to a physician’s profession brings about changes in the professional education and training of family physicians as well as in their continuous qualification improvement. For this reason, during the reformation of Lithuania’s primary healthcare system, not only alterations in family physicians’ activity, but also the changes in their education and training and the updating and improvement of their curriculum were seen as priority areas.

The aim of the study was to reveal and compare resident physicians’ attitude to the peculiarities of the professional education and training of family physicians based on the traditional and problem-based learning systems at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (subsequently, LSMU).

The study on the professional education and training of family physicians was conducted in 2005 and in 2015. The quantitative study was carried out via a written questionnaire survey. The studied population consisted of resident physicians who were studying family medicine at the LSMU.

The analysis of the peculiarities of the professional education and training of family physicians showed that resident physicians acquired sufficient knowledge and skills in the fields of disease diagnostics and treatment, qualification improvement, disease prevention, and teamwork organization. Resident physicians had insufficient skills to adapt to new conditions of activity, and their studies did not develop creative thinking. The problem-based learning (PBL) system helps future family physicians to develop essential competences and to acquire knowledge and skills required for the career of a family physician.
Biotechnology for bioenergy dedicated trees: meeting future energy demands
Authors: Al-Ahmad Hani
Published: April 2017

With the increase in human demands for energy, purpose-grown woody crops could be part of the global renewable energy solution, especially in geographical regions where plantation forestry is feasible and economically important. In addition, efficient utilization of woody feedstocks would engage in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing the challenge of food and energy security, and resolving the conflict between land use for food or biofuel production. This review compiles existing knowledge on biotechnological and genomics-aided improvements of biomass performance of purpose-grown poplar, willow, eucalyptus and pine species, and their relative hybrids, for efficient and sustainable bioenergy applications. This includes advancements in tree in vitro regeneration, and stable expression or modification of selected genes encoding desirable traits, which enhanced growth and yield, wood properties, site adaptability, and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Genetic modifications used to alter lignin/cellulose/hemicelluloses ratio and lignin composition, towards effective lignocellulosic feedstock conversion into cellulosic ethanol, are also examined. Biotech-trees still need to pass challengeable regulatory authorities’ processes, including biosafety and risk assessment analyses prior to their commercialization release. Hence, strategies developed to contain transgenes, or to mitigate potential transgene flow risks, are discussed.
Laminar Localization and Projection-Specific Properties of Presubicular Neurons Targeting the Lateral Mammillary Nucleus, Thalamus, or Medial Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Huang Li-Wen , Simonnet Jean , Nassar Mérie , Richevaux Louis , Lofredi Roxanne , Fricker Desdemona
Published: April 2017

The presubiculum (PrS) is part of an interconnected network of distributed brain regions where individual neurons signal the animals heading direction. PrS sends axons to medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), it is reciprocally connected with anterior thalamic nuclei (ATNs), and it sends feedback projections to the lateral mammillary nucleus (LMN), involved in generating the head direction signal. The intrinsic properties of projecting neurons will influence the pathway-specific transmission of activity. Here, we used projection-specific labeling of presubicular neurons to identify MEC-, LMN-, and ATN-projecting neurons in mice. MEC-projecting neurons located in superficial layers II/III were mostly regular spiking pyramidal neurons, and we also identified a Martinotti-type GABAergic neuron. The cell bodies of LMN-projecting neurons were located in a well-delimited area in the middle portion of the PrS, which corresponds to layer IV. The physiology of LMN projecting, pyramidal neurons stood out with a tendency to fire in bursts of action potentials (APs) with rapid onset. These properties may be uniquely adapted to reliably transmit visual landmark information with short latency to upstream LMN. Neurons projecting to ATN were located in layers V/VI, and they were mostly regular spiking pyramidal neurons. Unsupervised cluster analysis of intrinsic properties suggested distinct physiological features for the different categories of projection neurons, with some similarities between MEC- and ATN-projecting neurons. Projection-specific subpopulations may serve separate functions in the PrS and may be engaged differently in transmitting head direction related information.
Decorrelated Input Dissociates Narrow Band γ Power and BOLD in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Butler Russell , Bernier Pierre-Michel , Lefebvre Jérémie , Gilbert Guillaume , Whittingstall Kevin
Published: April 2017

Although fMRI using the BOLD contrast is widely used for noninvasively mapping hemodynamic brain activity in humans, its exact link to underlying neural processing is poorly understood. Whereas some studies have reported that BOLD signals measured in visual cortex are tightly linked to neural activity in the narrow band γ (NBG) range, others have found a weak correlation between the two. To elucidate the mechanisms behind these conflicting findings, we hypothesized that BOLD reflects the strength of synaptic inputs to cortex, whereas NBG is more dependent on how well these inputs are correlated. To test this, we measured NBG, BOLD, and cerebral blood flow responses to stimuli that either correlate or decorrelate neural activity in human visual cortex. Next, we simulated a recurrent network model of excitatory and inhibitory neurons that reproduced in detail the experimental NBG and BOLD data. Results show that the visually evoked BOLD response was solely predicted by the sum of local inputs, whereas NBG was critically dependent on how well these inputs were correlated. In summary, the NBG-BOLD relationship strongly depends on the nature of sensory input to cortex: stimuli that increase the number of correlated inputs to visual cortex will increase NBG and BOLD in a similar manner, whereas stimuli that increase the number of decorrelated inputs will dissociate the two. The NBG-BOLD relationship is therefore not fixed but is rather highly dependent on input correlations that are both stimulus- and state-dependent.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt is widely believed that γ oscillations in cortex are tightly linked to local hemodynamic activity. Here, we present experimental evidence showing how a stimulus can increase local blood flow to the brain despite suppressing γ power. Moreover, using a sophisticated model of cortical neurons, it is proposed that this occurs when synaptic input to cortex is strong yet decorrelated. Because input correlations are largely determined by the state of the brain, our results demonstrate that the relationship between γ and local hemodynamics is not fixed, but rather context dependent. This likely explains why certain neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by weak γ activity despite showing normal blood flow.
Transient transcription factor (OSKM) expression is key towards clinical translation of in vivo cell reprogramming
Authors: de Lázaro Irene , Cossu Giulio , Kostarelos Kostas
Published: April 2017

Reprogramming adult, fully differentiated cells to pluripotency in vivo via Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4 and c‐Myc (OSKM) overexpression has proved feasible in various independent studies and could be used to induce tissue regeneration owing to the proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of the reprogrammed cells. However, a number of these reports have described the generation of teratomas caused by sustained reprogramming, which precludes the therapeutic translation of this technology. A recent study by the Izpisúa‐Belmonte laboratory described a cyclic regime for short‐term OSKM expression in vivo that prevents complete reprogramming to the pluripotent state as well as tumorigenesis. We comment here on this and other studies that provide evidence that in vivo OSKM induction can enhance tissue regeneration, while avoiding the feared formation of teratomas. These results could inspire more research to explore the potential of in vivo reprogramming in regenerative medicine.
A spectrum of modularity in multi‐functional gene circuits
Authors: Jiménez Alba , Cotterell James , Munteanu Andreea , Sharpe James
Published: April 2017

A major challenge in systems biology is to understand the relationship between a circuit's structure and its function, but how is this relationship affected if the circuit must perform multiple distinct functions within the same organism? In particular, to what extent do multi‐functional circuits contain modules which reflect the different functions? Here, we computationally survey a range of bi‐functional circuits which show no simple structural modularity: They can switch between two qualitatively distinct functions, while both functions depend on all genes of the circuit. Our analysis reveals two distinct classes: hybrid circuits which overlay two simpler mono‐functional sub‐circuits within their circuitry, and emergent circuits, which do not. In this second class, the bi‐functionality emerges from more complex designs which are not fully decomposable into distinct modules and are consequently less intuitive to predict or understand. These non‐intuitive emergent circuits are just as robust as their hybrid counterparts, and we therefore suggest that the common bias toward studying modular systems may hinder our understanding of real biological circuits.
Endocrine targets of hypoxia-inducible factors
Authors: Lee Hsiu-Chi , Tsai Shaw-Jenq
Published: April 2017

Endocrine is an important and tightly regulated system for maintaining body homeostasis. Endocrine glands produce hormones, which are released into blood stream to guide the target cells responding to all sorts of stimulations. For maintaining body homeostasis, the secretion and activity of a particular hormone needs to be adjusted in responding to environmental challenges such as changes in nutritional status or chronic stress. Hypoxia, a status caused by reduced oxygen availability or imbalance of oxygen consumption/supply in an organ or within a cell, is a stress that affects many physiological and pathological processes. Hypoxic stress in endocrine organs is especially critical because endocrine glands control body homeostasis. Local hypoxia affects not only the particular gland but also the downstream cells/organs regulated by hormones secreted from this gland. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that function as master regulators of oxygen homeostasis. Recent studies report that aberrant expression of HIFs in endocrine organs may result in the development and/or progression of diseases including diabetes, endometriosis, infertility and cancers. In this article, we will review recent findings in HIF-mediated endocrine organ dysfunction and the systemic syndromes caused by these disorders.
NuA4 Lysine Acetyltransferase Complex Contributes to Phospholipid Homeostasis inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dacquay Louis , Flint Annika , Butcher James , Salem Danny , Kennedy Michael , Kaern Mads , Stintzi Alain , Baetz Kristin
Published: April 2017

Actively proliferating cells constantly monitor and readjust their metabolic pathways to ensure the replenishment of phospholipids necessary for membrane biogenesis and intracellular trafficking. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, multiple studies have suggested that the lysine acetyltransferase complex NuA4 plays a role in phospholipid homeostasis. For one, NuA4 mutants induce the expression of the inositol-3-phosphate synthase gene, INO1, which leads to excessive accumulation of inositol, a key metabolite used for phospholipid biosynthesis. Additionally, NuA4 mutants also display negative genetic interactions with sec14-1ts, a mutant of a lipid-binding gene responsible for phospholipid remodeling of the Golgi. Here, using a combination of genetics and transcriptional profiling, we explore the connections between NuA4, inositol, and Sec14. Surprisingly, we found that NuA4 mutants did not suppress but rather exacerbated the growth defects of sec14-1ts under inositol-depleted conditions. Transcriptome studies reveal that while loss of the NuA4 subunit EAF1 in sec14-1ts does derepress INO1 expression, it does not derepress all inositol/choline-responsive phospholipid genes, suggesting that the impact of Eaf1 on phospholipid homeostasis extends beyond inositol biosynthesis. In fact, we find that NuA4 mutants have impaired lipid droplet levels and through genetic and chemical approaches, we determine that the genetic interaction between sec14-1ts and NuA4 mutants potentially reflects a role for NuA4 in fatty acid biosynthesis. Altogether, our work identifies a new role for NuA4 in phospholipid homeostasis.
Genomic-Enabled Prediction in Maize Using Kernel Models with Genotype × Environment Interaction
Authors: Bandeira e Sousa Massaine , Cuevas Jaime , de Oliveira Couto Evellyn Giselly , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Jarquín Diego , Fritsche-Neto Roberto , Burgueño Juan , Crossa Jose
Published: April 2017

Multi-environment trials are routinely conducted in plant breeding to select candidates for the next selection cycle. In this study, we compare the prediction accuracy of four developed genomic-enabled prediction models: (1) single-environment, main genotypic effect model (SM); (2) multi-environment, main genotypic effects model (MM); (3) multi-environment, single variance G×E deviation model (MDs); and (4) multi-environment, environment-specific variance G×E deviation model (MDe). Each of these four models were fitted using two kernel methods: a linear kernel Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Predictor, GBLUP (GB), and a nonlinear kernel Gaussian kernel (GK). The eight model-method combinations were applied to two extensive Brazilian maize data sets (HEL and USP data sets), having different numbers of maize hybrids evaluated in different environments for grain yield (GY), plant height (PH), and ear height (EH). Results show that the MDe and the MDs models fitted with the Gaussian kernel (MDe-GK, and MDs-GK) had the highest prediction accuracy. For GY in the HEL data set, the increase in prediction accuracy of SM-GK over SM-GB ranged from 9 to 32%. For the MM, MDs, and MDe models, the increase in prediction accuracy of GK over GB ranged from 9 to 49%. For GY in the USP data set, the increase in prediction accuracy of SM-GK over SM-GB ranged from 0 to 7%. For the MM, MDs, and MDe models, the increase in prediction accuracy of GK over GB ranged from 34 to 70%. For traits PH and EH, gains in prediction accuracy of models with GK compared to models with GB were smaller than those achieved in GY. Also, these gains in prediction accuracy decreased when a more difficult prediction problem was studied.
Genome-Wide Exome Analysis of Cmv5-Disparate Mouse Strains that Differ in Host Resistance to Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Gillespie Alyssa , Lee Heather , Robertson Catherine , Cabot Maya , Brown Michael G
Published: April 2017

Host resistance to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) varies in different strains of laboratory mice due to differences in expression of determinants that control and clear viral infection. The major histocompatibility complex class I Dk molecule is one such determinant that controls MCMV through the action of natural killer (NK) cells. However, the extent of NK cell–mediated Dk-dependent resistance to infection varies in different mouse strains. The molecular genetic basis of this variation remains unclear. Previous work to examine the Dk effect on MCMV resistance in MA/My × C57L offspring discovered multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) that may serve to modify NK cells or their capacity to respond during MCMV infection. One QTL in particular, Cmv5, was found to regulate the frequency of NK cells and secondary lymphoid organ structure in spleen during MCMV infection. Cmv5 alleles, however, have not been identified. We therefore sequenced and analyzed genome-wide exome (GWE) variants, including those aligned to the critical genetic interval, in Cmv5-disparate mouse strains. Their GWE variant profiles were compared to assess strain-specific sequence data integrity and to analyze mouse strain relatedness across the genome. GWE content was further compared against data from the Mouse Genomes Project. This approach was developed as a platform for using GWE variants to define genomic regions of divergence and similarity in different mouse strains while also validating the overall quality of GWE sequence data. Moreover, the analysis provides a framework for the selection of novel QTL candidate sequences, including at the Cmv5 critical region.
The Nucleoporin Nup2 Contains a Meiotic-Autonomous Region that Promotes the Dynamic Chromosome Events of Meiosis
Authors: Chu Daniel B , Gromova Tatiana , Newman Trent A C , Burgess Sean M
Published: April 2017

Chromosomes are organized in the nucleus to accommodate multiple functions. Chu et al. show a functional link between a nuclear pore complex protein...

Meiosis is a specialized cellular program required to create haploid gametes from diploid parent cells. Homologous chromosomes pair, synapse, and recombine in a dynamic environment that accommodates gross chromosome reorganization and significant chromosome motion, which are critical for normal chromosome segregation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ndj1 is a meiotic telomere-associated protein required for physically attaching telomeres to proteins embedded in the nuclear envelope. In this study, we identified additional proteins that act at the nuclear periphery from meiotic cell extracts, including Nup2, a nonessential nucleoporin with a known role in tethering interstitial chromosomal loci to the nuclear pore complex. We found that deleting NUP2 affects meiotic progression and spore viability, and gives increased levels of recombination intermediates and products. We identified a previously uncharacterized 125 aa region of Nup2 that is necessary and sufficient for its meiotic function, thus behaving as a meiotic autonomous region (MAR). Nup2-MAR forms distinct foci on spread meiotic chromosomes, with a subset overlapping with Ndj1 foci. Localization of Nup2-MAR to meiotic chromosomes does not require Ndj1, nor does Ndj1 localization require Nup2, suggesting these proteins function in different pathways, and their interaction is weak or indirect. Instead, several severe synthetic phenotypes are associated with the nup2Δ ndj1Δ double mutant, including delayed turnover of recombination joint molecules, and a failure to undergo nuclear divisions without also arresting the meiotic program. These data suggest Nup2 and Ndj1 support partially overlapping functions that promote two different levels of meiotic chromosome organization necessary to withstand a dynamic stage of the eukaryotic life cycle.
DIF in Spanish and Mathematics from Costa Rica’s national tests in reported students with ADHD
Authors: Montero-Rojas Eiliana , Moreira-Mora Tania Elena
Published: April 2017

The detection of differential item functioning (DIF) is fundamental to ensure instruments’ invariance, and, therefore, a better estimate of the construct being measured across the different groups of examinees. The purpose of this research was to provide substantive hypothesizes related to possible sources of DIF, comparing students reported with accommodations for ADHD (focal group) and students with no accommodations (reference group), using the Standardized-P Difference and the Mantel Haenszel (MH) methods. Data from the Costa Rican national high school exit tests in Spanish and Math, from the year 2004, in public schools, were analyzed. First, these two methods were used to detect items with DIF, and then, using a more qualitative approach, drew hypotheses related to possible sources of DIF. Some degree of agreement was verified between the two different empirical methods, being Mantel-Haenszel more sensitive. In the Spanish test, DIF was hypothesized to be caused by the length and wording of the options, and the literary and non-literary texts in the stem. In Math, possible sources of DIF involved vocabulary, wording, the transition of verbal to mathematical language, the visuospatial item organization, and the drawing of graphs and geometrical figures. At the methodological level, complementing the statistical analyses with the judges’ criteria was helpful to identify possible sources of irrelevant variance in the construct measured by these tests. The hypotheses must be interpreted with caution, though, since the number of items detected as exhibiting DIF was relatively small.
Efectividad de un programa de estimulación cognitiva a través del arte en niños con problemas de aprendizaje: un estudio piloto
Authors: Trujillo Dávila Angie Johanna , Bonilla Santos Jasmín , Flor Luisa Fernanda , Vargas Nataly
Published: April 2017

El proceso de aprendizaje en los niños puede ser afectado por un desarrollo disfuncional de los mecanismos (factores) neuropsicológicos necesarios para la ejecución de las acciones escolares. Este artículo presenta una investigación cuyo objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de un programa piloto de estimulación cognitiva basado en el uso de artes plásticas, sobre el funcionamiento de los mecanismos neuropsicológicos de niños y niñas con problemas de aprendizaje. La investigación es de enfoque cuantitativo y adoptó un diseño cuasi-experimental. Se seleccionaron 23 escolares pertenecientes al segundo grado de básica primaria de una institución educativa oficial de la ciudad de Neiva, Colombia. Los participantes fueron clasificados en dos grupos: un grupo estudio, formado por niños y niñas con problemas generales de aprendizaje (n=11) y un grupo comparación, formado por niños y niñas sin problemas de aprendizaje (n=12). La clasificación de los grupos se efectúo mediante el Cuestionario de Evaluación de Problemas de Aprendizaje (CEPA), el funcionamiento de los mecanismos neuropsicológicos se evalúo a través del protocolo de Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil Breve. Se diseñó un programa de estimulación cognitiva que fue aplicado al grupo estudio en 30 sesiones. Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en el funcionamiento de los factores neuropsicológicos de regulación y control, organización cinética de los movimientos y oído fonemático, en los niños y niñas con problemas generales de aprendizaje; además, los profesores percibieron cambios favorables en las acciones escolares. Estos hallazgos sugieren que el programa de estimulación cognitiva a través de artes plásticas ejerció un efecto positivo en la actividad de aprendizaje en el contexto educativo de los niños.
Bhāviveka vs. Candrānanda
Authors: He Huanhuan
Published: April 2017

This essay offers an analysis of “the two-finger” illustration which Bhāviveka discusses in the Vaiśeṣikatattvaviniścaya chapter of the Tarkajvālā, the auto-commentary on his Madhyamakahṛdaya[kārikā], wherein he introduces and criticises the theories of the Vaiśeṣika school. Going through the early Vaiśeṣika literature, I have noticed that these two-finger (dvyaṅgula, two fingers in a unit form, or finger-pair) illustrations only occur in Candrānanda’s Vṛtti, and in a very clear and straightforward manner. As I will point out, it is a mystery and indeed somewhat perplexing that the references to this illustration in the Tarkajvālā are not at all immediately intelligible. This circumstance will be addressed in this essay, where also an interpretation and a solution will be offered. In addition, the relative chronology of Bhāviveka and Candrānanda as well as their contemporaries in around 6th-century India will also be discussed.
The roles of revision-oriented peer evaluation as pragmatic intervention in web-based ELF communication
Authors: Liu Ping , Liu Huiying
Published: April 2017

Peer evaluation (PE) in web-based English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) communication demonstrates certain uniqueness in moderating, transforming, or reinforcing linguistic and intercultural competence development. Within the framework of Spencer-Oatey’s (2000, 2008) rapport management framework, this article focuses on the use of revision-oriented peer evaluation (RPE) as a pragmatic intervention, drawing on data from the Cross-Pacific Exchange, an online exchange program between Chinese and American university students. Three types of RPE are identified based on its thematic content: knowledge-sharing, relationship-oriented, and disclaiming. The thematic content analysis hence reveals three major concerns in PE: the knowledge gap between ELF users, interpersonal care, and self-awareness. RPE, as a pragmatic intervention, mainly addresses these three concerns. The frequency and functional analysis of each type of RPE shows that Chinese and American students demonstrate a similar tendency, though their specific ways of intervening are not the same. Their top priorities are to scaffold common-ground construction and attend to interpersonal relationships; their least concern is to protect self/group face and identity, indicating the cooperative, mutually supportive feature of web-based ELF communication.
‘Your care and concern are my burden!’
Authors: Chang Wei-Lin Melody , Fukushima Saeko
Published: April 2017

While the enactment of gendered identities has been a key focus in the field of sociolinguistics and im/politeness (e.g. Holmes, 1995; Lakoff, 1975; Mills, 2003), research specifically investigating females’ emic understanding in relation to im/politeness has not been paid much attention. Building on prior work on ‘attentiveness’ (Fukushima, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015; Fukushima & Haugh, 2014), this article aims to further examine the emic understandings and evaluations of ‘attentiveness’ and ‘empathy’ in relation to ‘im/politeness’ by female speakers of Mandarin Chinese. It is suggested that, although the concepts of attentiveness (zhoudao) and empathy (titie) are intrinsically polite, these two concepts are found to be discursively disputable through the emergence of the three folk notions, meddlesomeness (jipo), familiarity, and reciprocity in the course of metapragmatic interviews. These notions give rise to cultural nuances in the evaluations of im/politeness which are thus grounded in a particular language or culture.
A contrastive study of discourse markers used by native and Chinese L2 English speakers across speech context
Authors: Liu Binmei
Published: April 2017

Discourse markers (DMs) are difficult even for advanced L2 speakers compared with L1 speakers because of their special linguistic features. The influence of contextual factors on the use of DMs has not been examined in detail in the literature. The present article investigates the impact of speech contexts (interview vs conversation) on the use of DMs by native and advanced Chinese speakers of English. Data for the study were gathered using individual sociolinguistic interviews and group conversations. A quantitative analysis revealed that native English speakers used and and just more frequently in the interviews than in the conversations at a significant level; the Chinese speakers of English used oh, ok, and uh huh significantly more often in the conversations than in the interviews. A qualitative analysis showed that the functions of well varied across the contexts by both groups. The article further analyses the reasons for these differences: they can be due to different functions of individual markers across contexts or influence of L2 speakers’ native language (Mandarin Chinese), etc. The results indicate that the advanced L2 English speakers may not have acquired some DMs used by the native English speakers in terms of frequency and functions across the speech contexts. The article suggests that explicit instruction of functions of DMs which are difficult for L2 speakers of English can be strengthened in EFL/ESL (English as a foreign/second language) classrooms.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: Skin diseases and visceral lesions
Authors: Elkin V D , Sedova T G , Kopytova E A , Plotnikova E V
Published: April 2017

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disorder that belongs to class I histiocytoses and is characterized by infiltration of one or many organs by Langerhans cells to form granulomas. The literature analysis could identify a lot of etiological, pathogenetic, and trigger factors and mechanisms for LCH development, which determine the diversity of the clinical picture and course of the disease. The clinical manifestations of LCH are very variable and depend on the severity of lesions and the age of patients. In addition to skin lesions, there is involvement of one or more visceral organs. Difficulties in diagnosing the disease lead to statistical variations of LCH in different countries of the world and require more attention by physicians of all specialties.
Direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation patients aged 75 years or older: Efficacy and safety balance
Authors: Fomin V V , Svistunov A A , Napalkov D A , Sokolova A A , Gabitova M A
Published: April 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders in the population. Researchers revealed a direct relationship between their incidence and a patient’s age long ago. One of the most challenging issues of clinical practice in patients with AF is anticoagulant therapy used in the so-called very elderly patients aged 75 years and older when age itself is a risk factor for developing both thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events due to anticoagulants, regardless of the mechanism of action of the latter. However, scientific data regarding the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic events in elderly and senile patients with AF are very scarce and often uninformative. The data from the EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation Registry Pilot Phase (EORP-AF Pilot) and the randomized clinical studies RELY, ROCKET AF, ARISTOTLE, and AVERROES were analyzed to identify the most safe and most effective anticoagulant for elderly patients (over 75 years). Relying on the analyses of literature data, the authors propose an algorithm based on clinical characteristics for choosing the anticoagulant for patients older than 75 years.
Psychoemotional and autonomic states in patients with cholelithiasis
Authors: Vakhrushev Ya M , Khokhlacheva N A , Sergeeva N N
Published: April 2017

Aim. To investigate the psychoemotional and autonomic states of patients with biliary system diseases and to determine their significance in the development of cholelithiasis. Subjects and methods. A total of 396 patients with stage 1 cholelithiasis were examined. The results of hepatobiliary ultrasonography, multifractional duodenal probing, followed by macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical examinations of bile (the total concentration of bile acids and cholesterol, by subsequently calculating the cholate-cholesterol ratio) were used to verify the diagnosis. The functional state of the hepatobiliary system was evaluated by dynamic echocholecystography and dynamic hepatobiliscintigraphy. To characterize the emotional state, the investigators applied indicators of the motivational sphere and orientation of an individual and his/her mental state, such as reactive anxiety, personal anxiety, the levels of depression and neuroticism, and intra-, extraversion. The autonomic state was determined from autonomic tone, autonomic reactivity, and autonomic support. Results. Biliary lithogenesis was found to be related to psychoemotional and autonomic states. In cholelithiasis, there was an increase in reactive and personal anxiety and a predominance of diminished parasympathetic and perverted sympathetic autonomic reactivity. The signs of emotional instability and autonomic dystonia were shown to increase with age and the degree of an autonomic response depended on the severity of mental and emotional disorders. Conclusion. The results of these comprehensive studies can reveal new pathophysiological patterns of lithogenic bile formation and enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis.
Aportes de la teoría del discurso para comprender la relación universidad y sociedad / Contributions of discourse theory to understand the university
Authors: Bravo Reinoso Pedro Andrés
Published: April 2017

El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar la relación entre Universidad y Sociedad, tal como fue conceptualizada en los debates de reforma universitaria de segunda mitad de siglo XX en el Ecuador. Para ello se toman las propuestas realizadas por tres intelectuales y rectores universitarios: Alfredo Pérez Guerrero, Manuel Agustín Aguirre y Hernán Malo. Esta investigación pretende mostrar que por encima de las diferencias de contenido de sus propuestas, hay un discurso de época en el cual participan estos autores, el cual es congruente con un tipo de modernidad desarrollista. La investigación asume la perspectiva del análisis crítico del discurso y para ello se sirve de la perspectiva teórica del filósofo francés Michel Foucault y del semiólogo argentino Eliseo Verón. 
La heurística de el Autómaton aristotélico en fenómenos de recurrencia cíclica del sector inmobiliario y financiero
Authors: Beltran Diego Alberto
Published: April 2017

This paper is aimed to analyze the hermeneutics possibilities of the concept Automaton applied to the explanation of some type of cyclic recurrence phenomena in the Economics of nancial and real estate market. On the other hand, the heuristic value of this concept is stood out in relation with the recurrent perspective of the story of Louis Auguste Blanqui. The main hypothesis points out that the cycles of real estate growth of the construction and subsequent nancial crisis occur in a frame of lack of purpose or of nal cause; according to the Aristotelian perspective. The updating of the Aristotelian perspective or the interpretive turn we propose is that this lack of purpose must be seen as an impossibility of transcending or overcoming the constant reiteration of those cycles. This impossibility of transcendence is due to the progressive loss, on the part of the society of consumption, of the legal notion of limit. According to the dialogue between Book II of Aristotle’s Physics and the text of Louis Auguste Blanqui Eternity through the stars we propose that what is reiterated in vain is not an excrescence parallel to the scheme of four Aristotelian causes but that all human historical time is Automaton. That is to say, the text of Blanqui gives us the possibility of transforming the Aristotelian concept Automaton into a notion of greater heuristic value that can analyze the cyclic recurrence immanent or incapable of surpassing itself. For the two hypotheses developed has been key the theoretical perspective provided by Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari in his studies on capitalism. 
GFP ELISA Assay Protocol v3
Authors: P. O’Callaghan James , PhD not provided
Published: April 2017

This is the protocolto be used in the quantification of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in mouse brain tissue.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KOMPETENSI PROFESIONAL GURU BIDANG KOMPETENSI KEAHLIAN TEKNIK INSTALASI TENAGA LISTRIK DI SMK
Authors: Saripudin Saripudin
Published: April 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan faktor-faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap kompetensi profesional guru bidang kompetensi keahlian teknik instalasi tenaga listrik di SMK. Metode penelitan yang digunakan adalah metode survei, dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 4 SMK Kelompok Program Studi Keahlian Teknik Ketenagalistrikan yang tersebar di Kota Bandung, Kab. Bandung Barat, dan Kab. Sumedang, sedangkan sampel penelitian adalah 2 SMKN yang memiliki Kompetensi Keahlian Teknik Instalasi Tenaga Listrik, dengan jumlah anggota sampel berjumlah 30 orang guru. Teknik pengambilan sampel ditentukan dengan menggunakan teknik cluster sampling. Pengumpulan data penelitian dengan menggunakan kuesioner dan tes. Dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif, korelasi dan regresi. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa: (1) terdapat pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan kepemimpinan kepala sekolah terhadap kompetensi profesional guru sebesar 48%, (2) terdapat pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan sikap guru tentang profesinya terhadap kompetensi profesional guru sebesar 50%, (3) terdapat pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan motivasi kerja guru terhadap kompetensi profesional guru sebesar 53%; dan (4) hasil analisis regresi ganda mengungkapkan adanya sumbangan yang positif dan signifikan kepemimpinan kepala sekolah, sikap guru terhadap profesinya, dan motivasi kerja secara bersama-sama terhadap kompetensi profesional guru sebesar 70%.
PERENCANAAN PERHITUNGAN KEBUTUHAN BENANG PADA GARMEN T-SHIRT UNTUK GRAMASI KAIN YANG BERBEDA
Authors: Martina Tina , Tresnawardhani Annisa , Supandi Supandi
Published: April 2017

Perhitungan perencanaan kebutuhan benang jahit  yang tepat, pada industri garmen akan memberikan gambaran kebutuhan benang sesuai dengan jumlah garmen yang dipesan. Jumlah kebutuhan benang jahit akan dipengaruhi oleh jenis serta gramasi kain yang berbeda. Penghematan benang pada proses penjahitan dapat dicapai dengan perhitungan kebutuhan benang pada perencanaan produksi yang lebih efisien. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah  membuat  perencanaan perhitungan kebutuhan benang untuk  garmen  t-shirt pada setiap mesin yang digunakan, dengan gramasi kain yang berbeda yaitu : 115 g/m2 dan 145 g/m2. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan mengukur panjang jahitan pada setiap proses yang ada hubungannya dengan penggunaan benang, kemudian hasil dari beberapa percobaan dirata-ratakan, dan dihitung sesuai perhitungan cara Coats. Kebutuhan benang pada produk T-shirt untuk gramasi kain 115 gram/m2 dibutuhkan benang 121 cone untuk spunpoly dan 138 cone untuk polyna. Pada gramasi kain 145 gram/m2 dibutuhkan 133 cone spunpoly dan 147 polyna