bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of seismic waves at the earth's crust (brittle–ductile transition) based on the Burgers model
Authors: Carcione J. M. , Poletto F. , Farina B. , Craglietto A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The earth's crust presents two dissimilar rheological behaviors depending on the in situ stress-temperature conditions. The upper, cooler part is brittle, while deeper zones are ductile. Seismic waves may reveal the presence of the transition but a proper characterization is required. We first obtain a stress–strain relation, including the effects of shear seismic attenuation and ductility due to shear deformations and plastic flow. The anelastic behavior is based on the Burgers mechanical model to describe the effects of seismic attenuation and steady-state creep flow. The shear Lamé constant of the brittle and ductile media depends on the in situ stress and temperature through the shear viscosity, which is obtained by the Arrhenius equation and the octahedral stress criterion. The P and S wave velocities decrease as depth and temperature increase due to the geothermal gradient, an effect which is more pronounced for shear waves. We then obtain the P−S and SH equations of motion recast in the velocity-stress formulation, including memory variables to avoid the computation of time convolutions. The equations correspond to isotropic anelastic and inhomogeneous media and are solved by a direct grid method based on the Runge–Kutta time stepping technique and the Fourier pseudospectral method. The algorithm is tested with success against known analytical solutions for different shear viscosities. A realistic example illustrates the computation of surface and reverse-VSP synthetic seismograms in the presence of an abrupt brittle–ductile transition.
Identification of sensitive indicators to assess the interrelationship between soil quality, management practices and human health
Authors: Zornoza R. , Acosta J. A. , Bastida F. , Domínguez S. G. , Toledo D. M. , Faz A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Soil quality (SQ) assessment has been a challenging issue since soils present high variability in properties and functions. This paper aims to increase understanding of SQ through review of SQ assessments in different scenarios providing evidence about the interrelationship between SQ, land use and human health. There is a general consensus that there is a need to develop methods to assess and monitor SQ for assuring sustainable land use with no prejudicial effects on human health. This review points out the importance of adopting indicators of different nature (physical, chemical and biological) to achieve a holistic image of SQ. Most authors use single indicators to assess SQ and its relationship with land uses, being the most used indicators soil organic carbon and pH. The use of nitrogen and nutrients content has resulted sensitive for agricultural and forest systems, together with physical properties such as texture, bulk density, available water and aggregate stability. These physical indicators have also been widely used to assess SQ after land use changes. The use of biological indicators is less generalized, being microbial biomass and enzyme activities the most selected indicators. Although most authors assess SQ using independent indicators, it is preferable to combine some of them into models to create a soil quality index (SQI), since it provides integrated information about soil processes and functioning. The majority of revised articles used the same methodology to establish a SQI, based on scoring and weighting of different soil indicators, selected by multivariate analyses. The use of multiple linear regressions has been successfully used under forest land use. Urban soil quality has been poorly assessed, with lack of adoption of SQIs. In addition, SQ assessments were human health indicators or exposure pathways are incorporated are practically inexistent. Thus, new efforts should be carried out to establish new methodologies not only to assess soil quality in terms of sustainability, productivity and ecosystems quality, but also human health. Additionally, new challenges arise with the use and integration into SQIs of stable isotopic, genomic, proteomic and spectroscopy data.
Brief Communication: Trends in sea ice extent north of Svalbard and its impact on cold air outbreaks as observed in spring 2013
Authors: Tetzlaff A. , Lüpkes C. , Birnbaum G. , Hartmann J. , Nygård T. , Vihma T.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. An analysis of Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) satellite data reveals that the Whaler's Bay polynya north of Svalbard was considerably larger in the three winters from 2012 to 2014 compared to the previous 20 years. This increased polynya size leads to strong atmospheric convection during cold air outbreaks in a region north of Svalbard that was typically ice-covered in the last decades. The change in ice cover can strongly influence local temperature conditions. Dropsonde measurements from March 2013 show that the unusual ice conditions generate extreme convective boundary layer heights that are larger than the regional values reported in previous studies.
Insights into ice stream dynamics through modelling their response to tidal forcing
Authors: Rosier S. H. R. , Gudmundsson G. H. , Green J. A. M.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The tidal forcing of ice streams at their ocean boundary can serve as a natural experiment to gain an insight into their dynamics and constrain the basal sliding law. A nonlinear 3-D viscoelastic full Stokes model of coupled ice stream ice shelf flow is used to investigate the response of ice streams to ocean tides. In agreement with previous results based on flow-line modelling and with a fixed grounding line position, we find that a nonlinear basal sliding law can qualitatively reproduce long-period modulation of tidal forcing found in field observations. In addition, we show that the inclusion of lateral drag, or allowing the grounding line to migrate over the tidal cycle, does not affect these conclusions. Further analysis of modelled ice stream flow shows a varying stress-coupling length scale of boundary effects upstream of the grounding line. We derive a viscoelastic stress-coupling length scale from ice stream equations that depends on the forcing period and closely agrees with model output.
Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Motivos de Consumo de Alcohol para Argentina
Authors: Caneto Florencia , Cupani Marcos , Pilatti Angelina
Published: September 2014

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas -validez de estructura y consistencia interna- de tres modelos teóricos (Drinking Motives Questionnaire [DMQ], Drinking Motives Questionnaires-Revised [DMQ-R] y Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaires-Revised [M-DMQ-R]) desarrollados para medir los motivos de consumo de alcohol y explorar la relación entre estos y la severidad de los problemas derivados. La muestra constó de 315 jóvenes y adultos jóvenes argentinos, con edades entre 18 y 40 años, que reportaron beber alcohol en los últimos tres meses. Para evaluar los modelos teóricos, se utilizaron modelos confirmatorios de análisis factorial con estimación por máxima verosimilitud. Los resultados indicaron que los modelos DMQ y DMQ-R presentaron excelentes y adecuados niveles de ajuste, respectivamente. Sin embargo, el modelo M-DMQ-R no mostró adecuado ajuste a los datos. Respecto a la validez concurrente, los motivos de mejora y de afrontamiento, pero no los motivos sociales, se asociaron a un mayor nivel de severidad de problemas con el alcohol. Los resultados indican que el DMQ representa una herramienta válida y confiable para medir los motivos de consumo de alcohol de jóvenes y adultos jóvenes de la población general argentina.
Instrumentos de evaluación de habilidades sociales en América Latina: un análisis bibliométrico
Authors: Morán Valeria E. , Olaz Fabián O.
Published: September 2014

El presente estudio analizó las investigaciones que desarrollan instrumentos psicométricos para evaluar habilidades sociales y otros constructos emparentados, tales como asertividad, competencia social y autoeficacia social, en América Latina. Se analizaron 37 estudios publicados en revistas y tesis, como así también en anales y resúmenes de congresos en el periodo 1990-2013. Se estudiaron los índices de productividad y de colaboración, además de los constructos de los estudios. Los resultados indican que 2003 y 2009 fueron los años de mayor producción, y que los países más productivos fueron Brasil y Argentina. Los estudios fueron desarrollados por diversos grupos de investigación y sólo unos pocos autores han publicado más de un artículo dentro del período de estudio. Existe una tendencia a trabajar en grupos reducidos de dos o tres autores y el constructo más evaluado es habilidades sociales, especialmente en poblaciones de niños y estudiantes universitarios. Los estudios psicométricos desarrollados con mayor frecuencia incluyen el análisis de confiabilidad y validez basados en la estructura interna, utilizando análisis factorial exploratorio.
Gas Sensing Performance of Multiple-shell Hollow Silver and Hematite Composite Microspheres
Authors: Ariunaa Garnaad , Burmaa Gunchin , Xiaoyong Lai , Dan Wang
Published: September 2014

In this report, multiple-shell hollow silver and hematite composite microsphere has been prepared by using carbonaceous saccharide microsphere as template. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The core size and shell thickness of hollow spheres obtained can be manipulated by changing the concentration of metal salt. The unique multiple-shell hollow silver and hematite composite microspheres may be potentially used as gas-sensor materials for detecting various toxic gases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.163 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 7-15
The Precious metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh) adsorption on the Silicon – organic sorbents
Authors: Burmaa G , Alen S , Ganchimeg Yu , Sukhbaatar I
Published: September 2014

Sorption activity of two types of Silicon-organic sorbents for the previous metals has been studied. A polymer – poly (3- silsesquioxanilpropylthiocarbamate) - 3- silsesquioxanilpropylammonium which was obtained by the hydrolytic poly-condensation reaction and has been determined its physical, chemical characteristics and its sorption activity for the Ag(I), Au(III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Rh(III). It has been found out that the sorbent shows high static sorption of Gold (III), Mercury (II) at acidic condition. The second a net structured silicon-organic copolymer {SiO2*2[O1.5Si(CH2)3NHC5H4N}n was synthesized by hydrolytic co-poly-condensation reaction. It likely to react as an anionit that adsorbs chloro-complex anion of the Au (III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Rh(III).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.167 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 29-34
Study on arsenic removal process from water
Authors: Bayarmaa B , Selenge E , Min Yang
Published: September 2014

In this study a novel adsorbent, iron oxide, is used for As (V) or As (III) removal. Some ferric oxides have been reported to be effective for arsenic removal. Ferric oxides powder is a good adsorbent material since it’s has magnetic properties and a good adsorption capacity. The main purpose of this study has been focused on to study the relationship between adsorption capacity (ability, performance) and the surface characteristics of the ferric oxide. Prepared sample’s capacity was evaluated. The value was 26.1-67.4 mg/g for As (V) and 20.5-47.8 mg/g for As (III). pH dependence was evaluated and when pH increasing, adsorption capacity was decreased. The kinetic was evaluated and about 12 hours reached equilibrium and a capacity of 49 mg/g for As (V) and 42 mg/g for As(III) was gained. The kinetic constants for arsenic adsorption on the ferrihydrite adsorbent’s were fitted.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.172 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 53-55
Biochemical Study of Mumijo in Uvs province, Mongolia
Authors: Sukhdolgor J , Orkhonselenge D
Published: September 2014

The authors cleared mumijo by extractive and distil methods, defined pure output of natural mumijo and compared difference between these two methods. We defined the amount of dry and extractive substances, raw oil, antioxidant-rutin, vitamin C, fulvic acid, common nitrogen and total protein, content of protein amino acids, and mineral elements in natural mumijo. We exposed 13 protein amino acids in sample of natural mumijo. The content of total irreplaceable amino acids (5) were 26.2%. The authors defined macro and microelements (42) in ash of natural mumijo. In sample of mumijo exposed 10 elements are oxide form, W, Y, Cs, La-rare metal of the earth, and actinoids- Nd, Th, U; lantanoids-Pr, Sm. The same exposed non-ferrous metal-Cu, Mo; light metal-Al, mixed metal-Pb, Zn. However, the valuable metals-Au, Ag and white gold are not exposed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.173 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 56-59
Activated carbons from Mongolian coals by thermal treatment
Authors: Ariunaa A , Narangerel J , Purevsuren B , Erdenechimeg R
Published: September 2014

Mongolian different rank coals were used as raw material to prepare activatedcarbons by physical activation method. The coal derived carbons were oxidized with nitric acid in order to introduce surface oxygen groups. The ultimate elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, surface area, pore size distribution analysis and selective neutralization method were used to characterize the surface properties of activated carbons, oxidizedcarbons and raw coals. The effect of coal grade on the adsorption properties of the carbons were studied. It was concluded that Naryn sukhait bituminous coal could be serve as suitable raw material for production of activated carbons for removal of heavy metal ions from solution.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.174 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 60-64
Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs and OCP) in air and soil from Ulaanbaatar and the Lake Hovsgol region, Mongolia
Authors: Mamontova EA , Tarasova EN , Ganchimeg D , Kuzmin MI , Mamontov AA , Khomutova M Yu , Burmaa G , Odontuya G , Erdenebayasgalan G
Published: September 2014

The investigations of POPs in soil and air in three urban and rural sites of the Mongolia are presented. The POPs distribution in air repeats the POPs distribution in soil on the area investigated. The POPs levels in soil and air are lower than maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) and preliminary permissible concentrations (PPC) of PCBs and OCP accepted in Russia. POPs levels in Mongolian soil obtained in the investigation are comparable with those from background areas of the world. POPs levels in Mongolian air are in the frame of concentrations found in the world. The PCB homological pattern in soil near electric power station in Ulaanbaatar is close to homological pattern in PCB technical mixture (Sovol or Arochlor 1254). The homological patterns in soil from other sites changed due to the redistribution of PCB congeners in the environment. The ratio of DDT and its metabolites indicates fresh entrance of DDT in the environment of Mongolia due to the atmospheric transboundary transport from countries using DDT (China, India) or from local agricultural sources. Hazard indexes in result from human exposure with POPs in soil and air are lower by 2-4 orders than 1 that denotes the possible default of disturbances in target organ and system. CR under the same scenario corresponds to the first diapason that is taken by population as negligible risk, not differ from usual everyday risks. Such risks don’t require additional measures for the reducing of risks and their levels are a subject of periodical control. The necessity of additional investigation of POPs distribution and the fate in Mongolian environment is indicated.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.176 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 69-77
Callus induction and biomass accumulation in vitro in explants from chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot) fruit
Authors: Calalb Tatiana I. , Nistreanu Anatolie C. , Oroian Silvia G. , Samarghitan Mihaela M.
Published: September 2014

In this study, the following features were determined: biological (the optimal histogen as explant and the optimal age of donor fruit), biotechnological (type, dosage and combination of growth regulators supplements in culture medium Murashige and Skoog as well as sucrose dosage), and physical (light regime), to induce callusing and biomass accumulation in vitro from the succulent chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot) fruit. It turned out that it was much easier to induce callus from explants composed of the epicarp and hypoderm cut from fruits at 50–60 days after flowering. The role of light regime and varied supplementation of the basic MS medium with different doses of growth regulators was established; they resulted in four pigmented carpomass: violet, cream-pink, cream-white and green. The best combinations for the proliferation of fruit callus were culture media with 0.2–2.5 mg × dm-3 2,4-D+0.5 mg × dm-3 KIN +60 g × dm-3sucrose, while for fruit biomass accumulation enriched with phenolic substances – 2.5–3.5 mg × dm-3 NAA+0.5 mg × dm-3 KIN+60 g × dm-3sucrose. The chemical study of phenolic compounds by HPLC coupled with the mass spectrometry method identified chlorogenic acid, hiperozide, quercetrin, isoquercitrin and rutozide quantitatively and qualitatively in all pigmented carpomass and fruits; an exception is p-coumaric present only qualitatively in green carpomass and absent in fruit and quercetol absent in green carpomass.
Evaluation of growth and flowering of historical cultivars of Rosa gallica L. growing in the National Collection of Rose Cultivars in the Polish Academy Of Science Botanical Garden in Powsin
Authors: Monder Marta J.
Published: September 2014

Rosa gallica is a native species under strict protection and its cultivars are practically unknown in Poland. The aim of the observations was to evaluate the possibilities of growing the studied cultivars in the climate of Central Poland. In the years 2000–2012, observations were conducted of shrubs derived from the French rose (R. gallica L.) gathered in the Collection of Rose Cultivars of the PAS Botanical Garden CBDC in Powsin, Poland. 13 cultivars were studied: ‘Ambroise Paré’, ‘Belle Herminie’, ‘Camaïeux’, ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’, ‘Charles de Mills’, ‘Complicata’, ‘Duchesse d’Angoulême’, ‘Duchesse de Montebello’, ‘Officinalis’, ‘Splendens’, ‘Tuscany Superb’, ‘Versicolor’, and ‘Violacea’. Every year, frost damage to shrubs, the date of bud breaking and leaf development as well as the dates of initial, full and final flowering were recorded and the presence of symptoms of damage from diseases was observed. During the observation years, periods of weather conditions unfavorable for roses often occurred, both in autumn-winter-spring and in summer. Only small differences were observed in winter hardiness, development during the growing season, and blooming period. The majority of the studied rose cultivars overwinter without frost damage, even through severe winters. The shrubs begin their growth late, usually until the second half of April. Gallicas start flowering early, in the third decade of May – first decade of June. Most Gallicas should find a wider application as shrubs or hedges for parks, green areas in cities, historical places, or home gardens. They are recommendable for their high resistance to frost and diseases as well as for their small size.
Influence of various chemical compounds on postharvest longevity of cut leaves of Waldsteinia geoides Willd.
Authors: Ulczycka-Walorska Maria P. , Krzymińska Agnieszka
Published: September 2014

The influence of conditioning and different methods of application of chemical compounds on cut leaves of Waldsteinia geoides was assessed. Gibberellic acid and benzyladenine at a concentration of 50 or 100 mg × dm-3, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate at a concentration of 200 mg × dm-3 were used in the process of conditioning. The leaves were conditioned in two different ways. In the first one, half of leaf stalks were soaked for 24 hours. In the latter, whole leaf blades were dipped for thirty seconds. Cut leaves were stored either in water or in the solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate at a concentration of 200 mg × dm-3. It was both the chemical compounds applied and the application method that influenced the postharvest longevity of the leaves. The leaves conditioned in 8HQS and stored in water, those conditioned in BA at a concentration of 50 mg × dm-3 and stored in 8HQS, and those which were not conditioned and stored in 8HQS exhibited the highest level of postharvest longevity. The application of 8HQS for conditioning had a favorable effect on the increase in the weight of Waldsteinia geoides cut leaves. 8HQS applied in storing resulted in a smaller decrease in the values of the leaf greenness index.
Influence of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) as intercrop with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on the diversity of weed communities
Authors: Orzech Krzysztof , Wanic Maria
Published: September 2014

The paper presents results of 3 years of studies (2009–2011) on the influence of Italian ryegrass on the development of weed communities in spring barley (without chemical weeds control) cultivated after potato, spring wheat and spring barley. The reaction of spring barley to the choice of the forecrop was compared with identical plots with pure stand of that cereal where herbicides were applied for weeds control. Evaluation of infestation with weeds was conducted during barley tillering and before harvest. That evaluation considered the number and composition of weed species. During harvest, the dry mass of weeds was also considered. The results were used for determination of Shannon-Wiener diversity index and species homogeneity coefficient, Simpson’s index of dominance as well as Sørensen similarity index.
Spring barley weeding was significantly higher in case of cultivating it in mixed stand with Italian ryegrass (without chemical control), than in pure stand (with control). In the plots with mixed crop, lower diversity and homogeneity of weeds’ communities were recorded than in pure stand. Barley in mixed crop sown after spring barley, during both times of evaluation (spring and before harvest), increased the value of the index of dominance according to the number of species the most. As concerns the composition of species, number and biomass, the communities of pure stand and mixed crop with Italian ryegrass on the plot after potato were the most similar.
Comparative morphology of the endophallic structures of the genus Laius (Coleoptera, Melyridae), with the descriptions of three new species
Authors: Yoshitomi Hiroyuki
Published: September 2014

The endophallic structure of the genus Laius is studied and discussed based on the examination of 19 species from Asia to the Indian Ocean. The structure contains two primary sclerites (named gonoporal piece and ligula), a secondary sclerite on the basal part of the gonoporal piece (named additional sclerite) in some species, and a membranous basal area closely covered with many spines (named spinous area). Five species groups are recognized based on the morphology of the endophallic sclerites. The sympatric species have different body sizes and quite distinguishable endophallic sclerites (= different species group), while the allopatric species have overlapping body sizes and similar endophallic sclerites (= same species group). Three new species are described and six previously known species are redescribed with endophallic sclerites, and the descriptions of endophallic sclerites of the remaining ten species are added. The larva of Laius rodriguesensis sp. nov. is also described. The genus Nossibeus Evers, 1994 is synonymised with Laius Guérin-Méneville, 1830.
Biomarkers in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Decade of Progress
Authors: Sholl Lynette M.
Published: September 2014

Context

The analysis of molecular biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma (ACA) is now a central component of pathologic diagnosis and oncologic care. The identification of an EGFR mutation or ALK rearrangement in advanced-stage lung ACA will dictate a change in first-line treatment from standard chemotherapy to targeted inhibition of these oncogenic alterations. Viable approaches to therapeutic targeting of KRAS-mutated ACA are now under investigation, raising the possibility that this too will become an important predictive marker in this tumor type. The recognized array of less common oncogenic alterations in lung ACA, including in the ROS1, RET, BRAF, and ERBB2 genes, is growing rapidly. The therapeutic implications of these findings are, in many cases, still under investigation.

Objective

To focus on the major molecular biomarkers in lung ACA, recommended testing strategies, the implications for targeted therapies, and the mechanisms that drive development of resistance.

Data Sources

Our current understanding of predictive and prognostic markers in lung ACA is derived from a decade of technical advances, clinical trials, and epidemiologic studies. Many of the newest discoveries have emerged from application of high-throughput next-generation sequencing and gene expression analyses in clinically and pathologically defined cohorts of human lung tumors.

Conclusions

Best practices require a solid understanding of relevant biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of patients with lung ACA.
Aetiology Based Diagnosis and Treatment Selection in Intellectually Disabled People with Challenging Behaviours
Authors: Verhoeven Willem M.A. , Egger Jos I.M.
Published: September 2014

Since both intellectual disability and challenging behaviour are entities encompassing heterogeneous clinical conditions and current taxonomies are of limited use in this field of psychiatry, diagnosing psychiatric symptoms in intellectually disabled patients is still very complex. In the diagnostic process of psychiatric symptoms and behavioural abnormalities, the first step should be genome profiling using the latest techniques in order to detect pathogenic CNVs or single gene mutations that are causative for the developmental delay. Their importance can be derived from the scientific observation that several genetic syndromes are associated with a specific behavioural, psychiatric, neuropsychological or neurological symptom profile, relevant for both choice of treatment and prognosis. Second, it has to be stressed that psychiatric disorders, especially from the depression and anxiety spectrum, frequently manifest with atypical symptoms that may hamper adequate pharmacological treatment. With respect to challenging behaviours in general, it should be emphasized that these are essentially dependent on contextual variables for which no rational pharmacological treatment is available and behavioural interventions are primarily warranted. Prescription of psychotropics has been demonstrated to be marginally effective only and to induce regularly unwanted side effects or even an increase of abnormal behaviours. It is therefore recommended to measure always the plasma concentration of psychotropics and antiepileptics and to perform, preferably prior to the start of treatment, genotyping of relevant cytochrome isoenzymes.
In is concluded that, apart from the a priori genetic analysis, careful investigation of the here described data sources is needed to formulate a diagnostic hypothesis and treatment proposal.
Discrepancy between Motor and Cognitive Control in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hirata Shogo , Okuzumi Hideyuki , Kitajima Yoshio , Hosobuchi Tomio , Kokubun Mitsuru
Published: September 2014

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between motor and cognitive control in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), focusing on two aspects, speed and accuracy.
Method: Participants were 62 adults with ID aged 20 to 47 years. Their intelligence quotients (IQ) ranged from 13 to 61. Nine of the adults with ID had Down syndrome, and 8 of the adults had autism. We conducted three tasks: seal affixation task, tray-carrying task, and the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT). The seal affixation and tray-carrying tasks are motor tasks we devised that can separately measure the speed and accuracy of motor control. MFFT is a cognitive control task that can be used to evaluate cognitive styles, such as impulsive-reflective.
Results: Adults with ID showed high motor accuracy and similar motor speed regardless of their MFFT performance. That is, discrepancies between motor and cognitive control existed in adults with ID.
Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that some types of motor control problem may become unclear with growth. A longitudinal investigation focused on the motor skill development of persons with ID is therefore necessary.
Diagnosis “Autism” – from Kanner and Asperger to DSM-5
Authors: Achkova Meglena , Manolova Harieta
Published: September 2014

The authors make a synthesized overview of the evolution of the understanding of autism in historical context and a critical analysis of the development of diagnostic criteria in the spirit of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Based on personal research and extensive clinical experience they put forward a number of debatable issues and own views about the nature of autistic disorder by outlining the trends and directions for future research. Discussed is the issue of "core" and "additional" symptoms of autism and the need for comparison of categorical and dimensional data when constructing empirical studies for the autistic population. The article contains reflections on the underlying impairment which, according to the authors, is a disturbance in the processing and integration of the incoming information, especially at the level of filtration of significant and insignificant stimuli and their linking into a mental sequence appearing at different levels and with varying degree of severity. Noted is the importance of the detailed assessment of mental functioning for early diagnosis and individualized targeting of the therapeutic efforts. In this regard is emphasized the need to search for a new paradigm in the methodology of future research on autism that would make possible the comparison of interdisciplinary results and identification of connections between the relevant scientific achievements. Thus it will be possible to identify trends that will bring us closer to revealing the etiology, perhaps will have an impact on the criteria for diagnosis and on the overall construction of future therapeutic strategies.
Contributions to the Cognitive Study of Facial Recognition on Down Syndrome: A New Approximation to Exploring Facial Emotion Processing Style
Authors: Morales Guadalupe Elizabeth , Lopez Ernesto Octavio , Castro-Campos Claudia , Charles David Jose , Mezquita-Hoyos Yanko Norberto
Published: September 2014

Background: This paper aimed to explore the ability of people with Down syndrome (PWDS) in recognizing facial emotion by considering automatic cognitive processing levels of face recognition.
Method: A sample of PWDS and participants with typical development (PWTD) participated in a set of two affective priming studies. In each study, participants had to categorize an emotional or neutral target face that was preceded by another emotional face. Stimuli presentation for each facial set (one face after another) was conducted by using an stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of 300 ms with the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) set at 50 ms. The first affective priming study manipulated emotion congruency between prime and target emotional faces to explore emotion classification abilities and to identify the cognitive mechanisms underlying automatic recognition of some emotional faces. The second study explored the effect that gender of a face has over categorization of facial emotion and difficulty in recognizing negative facial expressions.
Results: The results strongly suggest that not all of the PWDS present difficulties in recognizing negative facial emotions. PWDS’ performance pattern in categorizing emotion was similar to that of PWTDs if they had to use broad classification categories (e.g., emotion vs. no emotion). However, differences between both samples occurred if PWDS had to use a specific category task (e.g., classification of happiness, sadness, etc.).
Conclusions: At least two emotion information processing styles can be identified in PWDS. Methodological and theoretical implications for exploring the emotional capabilities of people with DS are discussed.
Synthetic CpG islands reveal DNA sequence determinants of chromatin structure
Authors: Wachter Elisabeth , Quante Timo , Merusi Cara , Arczewska Aleksandra , Stewart Francis , Webb Shaun , Bird Adrian
Published: September 2014

The mammalian genome is punctuated by CpG islands (CGIs), which differ sharply from the bulk genome by being rich in G + C and the dinucleotide CpG. CGIs often include transcription initiation sites and display ‘active’ histone marks, notably histone H3 lysine 4 methylation. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs) some CGIs adopt a ‘bivalent’ chromatin state bearing simultaneous ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ chromatin marks. To determine whether CGI chromatin is developmentally programmed at specific genes or is imposed by shared features of CGI DNA, we integrated artificial CGI-like DNA sequences into the ESC genome. We found that bivalency is the default chromatin structure for CpG-rich, G + C-rich DNA. A high CpG density alone is not sufficient for this effect, as A + T-rich sequence settings invariably provoke de novo DNA methylation leading to loss of CGI signature chromatin. We conclude that both CpG-richness and G + C-richness are required for induction of signature chromatin structures at CGIs.
Detection time for global and regional sea level trends and accelerations
Authors: Jordà G.
Published: September 2014

Many studies analyze trends on sea level data with the underlying purpose of finding indications of a long‐term change that could be interpreted as the signature of anthropogenic climate change. The identification of a long‐term trend is a signal‐to‐noise problem where the natural variability (the “noise”) can mask the long‐term trend (the “signal”). The signal‐to‐noise ratio depends on the magnitude of the long‐term trend, on the magnitude of the natural variability, and on the length of the record, as the climate noise is larger when averaged over short time scales and becomes smaller over longer averaging periods. In this paper, we evaluate the time required to detect centennial sea level linear trends and accelerations at global and regional scales. Using model results and tide gauge observations, we find that the averaged detection time for a centennial linear trend is 87.9, 76.0, 59.3, 40.3, and 25.2 years for trends of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mm/yr, respectively. However, in regions with large decadal variations like the Gulf Stream or the Circumpolar current, these values can increase up to a 50%. The spatial pattern of the detection time for sea level accelerations is almost identical. The main difference is that the length of the records has to be about 40–60 years longer to detect an acceleration than to detect a linear trend leading to an equivalent change after 100 years. Finally, we have used a new sea level reconstruction, which provides a more accurate representation of interannual variability for the last century in order to estimate the detection time for global mean sea level trends and accelerations. Our results suggest that the signature of natural variability in a 30 year global mean sea level record would be less than 1 mm/yr. Therefore, at least 2.2 mm/yr of the recent sea level trend estimated by altimetry cannot be attributed to natural multidecadal variability.
An integrated database of ocean temperature and salinity observations
Authors: Atkinson Christopher P. , Rayner Nick A. , Kennedy John J. , Good Simon A.
Published: September 2014

Observations made by surface‐based instruments and subsurface profiling instruments have, up to now, largely been treated separately, motivated by a focus on different aspects of the climate system. However, activities such as coupled climate reanalyses, long‐term forecasting, satellite validation, and climate monitoring increasingly want observations from both sets of instruments. To address this, we create an “Integrated” Ocean Database of global in situ temperature and salinity observations covering 1900–2010, which we name HadIOD. The database merges data taken from the latest versions of the International Comprehensive Ocean‐Atmosphere Data Set (surface observations) and the Met Office Hadley Centre EN dataset (subsurface observations). Duplicates introduced by this process are flagged. In addition to the measurements and their basic metadata, each observation in the database is allocated a unique identifier, quality flags and, where possible, bias corrections and uncertainty estimates. A short investigation is presented demonstrating the use, and value, of some of the bias corrections and uncertainties in the database. While this paper describes our initial attempt at building HadIOD, there is much that could be done to build on the foundations presented here. Some ideas for future development are discussed.
Genotype‐phenotype relationships in Freeman–Sheldon syndrome
Authors: Beck Anita E. , McMillin Margaret J. , Gildersleeve Heidi I. S. , Shively Kathryn M. B. , Tang Andy , Bamshad Michael J.
Published: September 2014

Distal arthrogryposis (DA) syndromes are a group of disorders characterized by multiple congenital contractures. DA type 2A (DA2A or Freeman–Sheldon syndrome), caused by mutations in MYH3, is typically considered the most severe of the DA syndromes. However, there is wide phenotypic variability among individuals with DA2A. We characterized genotype‐phenotype relationships in 46 families with DA2A. MYH3 mutations were found in 43/46 (93%) kindreds, with three mutations (p.T178I, p.R672C, and p.R672H) explaining 39/43 (91%) of cases. Phenotypic severity varied significantly by genotype (P = 0.0055). Individuals with p.T178I were the most severely affected with both facial contractures and congenital scoliosis. Classification of individuals with DA2A into phenotypic groups of varying severity should facilitate providing families with more accurate information about natural history and suggests that individuals might benefit from personalized medical management motivated by MYH3 genotype. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of differences in methodology among some recent applications of shearing quotients
Authors: Boyer Doug M. , Winchester Julia , Kay Richard F.
Published: September 2014

A shearing quotient (SQ) is a way of quantitatively representing the Phase I shearing edges on a molar tooth. Ordinary or phylogenetic least squares regression is fit to data on log molar length (independent variable) and log sum of measured shearing crests (dependent variable). The derived linear equation is used to generate an ‘expected’ shearing crest length from molar length of included individuals or taxa. Following conversion of all variables to real space, the expected value is subtracted from the observed value for each individual or taxon. The result is then divided by the expected value and multiplied by 100. SQs have long been the metric of choice for assessing dietary adaptations in fossil primates. Not all studies using SQ have used the same tooth position or crests, nor have all computed regression equations using the same approach. Here we focus on re‐analyzing the data of one recent study to investigate the magnitude of effects of variation in 1) shearing crest inclusion, and 2) details of the regression setup. We assess the significance of these effects by the degree to which they improve or degrade the association between computed SQs and diet categories. Though altering regression parameters for SQ calculation has a visible effect on plots, numerous iterations of statistical analyses vary surprisingly little in the success of the resulting variables for assigning taxa to dietary preference. This is promising for the comparability of patterns (if not casewise values) in SQ between studies. We suggest that differences in apparent dietary fidelity of recent studies are attributable principally to tooth position examined. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:166–178, 2015 © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality of life improvement from sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with asthma and nasal polyps
Authors: Zhang Zi , Adappa Nithin D. , Doghramji Laurel J. , Chiu Alexander G. , Lautenbach Ebbing , Cohen Noam A. , Palmer James N.
Published: September 2014

Background

It is unclear whether chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with both nasal polyps and asthma have different quality of life (QOL) improvement after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We aimed to determine whether CRS patients with asthma and nasal polyps had a greater QOL improvement after FESS compared to patients without asthma or polyps.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included adult CRS patients who underwent FESS between 2007 and 2011. QOL was measured using the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). Variables collected included baseline demographics, clinical factors, SNOT‐22 scores before FESS, and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post‐FESS. Groups tested were asthma alone, polyps alone, asthma and polyps, and no asthma or polyps. Linear mixed‐effects regression model was performed to calculate β‐coefficients, which represent the adjusted mean QOL differences.

Results

Among the 376 patients included, 40.16% had both asthma and polyps (n = 151), 14.36% had asthma alone (n = 54), 19.45% had polyps alone (n = 75), and 25.53% had no asthma or polyps (n = 96). After adjusting for all factors, there were significantly more QOL improvements in patients with both asthma and nasal polyps from baseline to 1‐month (β‐coefficient = −10.05; 95% CI, −15.86 to −4.23; p = 0.001) and 3‐month follow‐up (β‐coefficient = −8.27; 95% CI, −14.98 to −1.56; p = 0.016), and patients with asthma alone from baseline to 6‐month follow‐up (β‐coefficient = −8.78; 95% CI, −17.45 to −0.11; p = 0.047), when compared to patients without asthma or nasal polyps.

Conclusion

CRS patients with both asthma and nasal polyps or asthma alone experience a larger QOL benefit from FESS immediately after FESS compared to CRS patients without asthma or polyps.
Steroid‐eluting sinus implant for in‐office treatment of recurrent polyposis: a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Ow Randall , Groppo Eli , Clutter Donald , Gawlicka Anna K.
Published: September 2014

Background

Long‐term use of systemic glucocorticoid therapy has been associated with hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis suppression and other systemic adverse events. This pharmacokinetic study evaluated the systemic safety and performance of a bioabsorbable sinus implant that gradually releases 1350 μg of mometasone furoate directly to the sinus mucosa.

Methods

A prospective, single‐center study treating 5 adult patients with recurrent polyposis after bilateral total ethmoidectomy. Each patient received 2 steroid‐releasing implants in‐office under local/topical anesthesia. Plasma concentrations of mometasone furoate and cortisol were determined before placement and through 30‐day follow‐up, which also included endoscopic grading and patient‐reported outcomes.

Results

Five patients (mean age 46.2 ± 9.2 standard deviation [SD] years; 60% male) underwent successful placement in all 10 ethmoid sinuses. There were no serious adverse events. The plasma concentrations of mometasone furoate were generally below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the assay (30 pg/mL). Cortisol concentrations at follow‐up ranged from 3.9 to 5.7 mg/dL compared to 4.7 mg/dL at baseline. At 1 month, there was a significant improvement in bilateral polyp grade (p = 0.037), nasal obstruction score (p = 0.002), and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) (p = 0.010) compared to baseline.

Conclusion

The reported 100% placement success, negligible systemic exposure to mometasone furoate released over time, lack of adrenal suppression, and the absence of serious adverse events suggest that the implant provides a valid and safe option for the in‐office treatment of recurrent polyposis. Randomized, controlled, blinded clinical studies are underway to provide further evidence of safety and efficacy.
The Anatomy of the Dog Soft Palate. III. Histological Evaluation of the Caudal Soft Palate in Brachycephalic Neonates
Authors: Pichetto Michela , Arrighi Silvana , Gobbetti Matteo , Romussi Stefano
Published: September 2014

A thickened and abnormally long soft palate is mostly involved in the pathogenesis of both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal narrowing, affecting the respiratory activity in virtually all of the brachycephalic dogs suffering from Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome (BAOS). The morphology of the soft palate in adult mesaticephalic and brachycephalic dogs has been previously described. In this article specimens from brachycephalic dog neonates (N = 10) dead from one to 3 hr after birth of unrelated conditions were collected and histologically evaluated at three transverse levels to describe the microscopic aspect of the caudal part of the soft palate. The soft palate of neonate brachycephalic dogs was histologically characterized by a musculo‐connective axis containing salivary glands and coated by a mucosal layer on both the nasopharyngeal and the oral side. Quali‐quantitative features, such as thickened superficial epithelium, broad oedema of the lamina propria, mucous gland hyperplasia and diverse muscular modifications described in adult brachycephalic dogs, were not observed in the soft palate of brachycephalic neonate dogs. The lack of tissue lesions in the soft palate of newborn brachycephalic dogs further supports the hypothesis that inspiratory depression during the inspiratory phase causes chronic vibration and microtrauma, which lead to soft palate alterations in adult brachycephalic dogs starting from the earliest grade of the respiratory syndrome. Overall, this study provides baseline information for the comprehension of the pathogenesis of BAOS. Anat Rec, 298:618–623, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.