bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dubious promise of educational technologies: Historical patterns and future challenges
Authors: Cuban Larry , Jandrić Petar
Published: April 2015

In this article, Larry Cuban discusses his ideas about the topic of this Special Issue of E-learning and Digital Media ‘Networked Realms and Hoped-For Futures: A trans-generational dialogue’ with one of its co-editors, Petar Jandrić. The conversation explores the historical relationships between education and information and communication technologies and draws lessons for present and future. The first part of the conversation explores methodological issues pertaining to historical thinking about schools and computers in the network society. It identifies a continued need to recognize historical patterns, including those in thought experiments, and shows that Rogers’ theory of diffusion of innovations should be supplemented by more nuanced approaches to the historical relationships between schools and computers. The second part of the conversation presents an attempt to explain historical patterns using the ancient notion of magical thinking. It explores why teachers use computers in their private lives much more than in their professional lives, and ‘school anarchy’ caused by student usage of personally owned devices in classrooms. It creates a baseline for comparison between desktop / laptop computers and various hand-held devices, and dismantles the quest for deschooling as another example of magical thinking. The third part of the conversation examines the ideological role of information and communication technologies in contemporary school reform and explores their potential for democracy. It analyses the contemporary transformations of traditional publishing formats such as books, journals and newspapers, and their reflections in the world of academia. It examines the changing role of teachers as public intellectuals, and the role of information and communication technologies in their public exposure. The last part of the conversation analyses the process of ‘educationalizing’ various social and economic problems, and links it to contemporary technologies. It revisits Larry Cuban’s predictions from Teachers and Machines: Classroom Use of Technology Since 1920 (1986), and reminds us that accurate predictions are rare, while inaccurate ones are not only common but often memorable. Finally, it examines why it is so hard to balance education with information and communication technologies.
Cigarette smoke condensate and individual constituents modulate DNA methyltransferase expression in human liver cells
Authors: Xiao Yongmei , Word Beverly , Lyn-Cook Lascelles , Lyn-Cook Beverly , Hammons George
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Previous studies found higher expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 in liver samples from smokers compared to those from non-smokers. In contrast, expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 3a and DNA methyltransferase 3b were similar in smokers and non-smokers. This study extends these studies to establish a causal linkage to cigarette smoke exposure by examining whether DNA methyltransferase expression is modulated by cigarette smoke condensate.

Methods:

These experiments were conducted in an in vitro system using HepG2 human liver cells. The dose range of cigarette smoke condensate was 0.1–120 µg/mL. The duration of exposure was up to 72 h.

Results:

In a 24-h exposure, DNA methyltransferase 1 expression was found to increase significantly in a dose-dependent manner (greater than threefold at 100 µg/mL cigarette smoke condensate). Expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 3a and DNA methyltransferase 3b were, however, not affected under these conditions. The effect of two cigarette constituents, nicotine and cotinine, on DNA methyltransferase 1 expression was also examined. Nicotine exposure significantly increased DNA methyltransferase 1 expression in a dose-dependent manner (greater than twofold at 50 µM). However, under these conditions, cotinine did not increase DNA methyltransferase 1 expression.

Conclusion:

These results clearly provide additional support of the modulating effect of cigarette smoke on DNA methyltransferase 1 expression. Given the potential of alterations in DNA methyltransferase expression to affect cellular function, this pathway may play a critical role in cigarette smoke-induced toxicity.
Theophylline toxicity leading to suicidal ideation in a patient with no prior psychiatric illness
Authors: Kapoor Sumit , Thakkar Jyotsana , Aggarwal Vikas
Published: April 2015

Suicidal behavior is a common psychiatric emergency and is associated with psychiatric illness and history of prior suicide attempts. Neuropsychiatric manifestations related to theophylline toxicity are well described in literature. We report a case of theophylline toxicity manifesting as suicidal ideation in a patient with no prior psychiatric illness.
Big Data and central banks
Authors: Bholat David
Published: April 2015

This commentary recaps a Centre for Central Banking Studies event held at the Bank of England on 2–3 July 2014. The article covers three main points. First, it situates the Centre for Central Banking Studies event within the context of the Bank’s Strategic Plan and initiatives. Second, it summarises and reflects on major themes from the event. Third, the article links central banks’ emerging interest in Big Data approaches with their broader uptake by other economic agents.
Early Cocking Phase Mechanics and Upper Extremity Surgery Risk in Starting Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Douoguih Wiemi A. , Dolce Donald L. , Lincoln Andrew E.
Published: April 2015

Background:

Early cocking phase pitching mechanics may affect risk of upper extremity injury requiring surgery in professional baseball players.

Purpose:

To assess the occurrence of inverted-W arm positioning and early trunk rotation in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and to determine whether this throwing position is associated with upper extremity injury requiring surgery.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

For 250 MLB pitchers in the 2010 season, 15 to 20 pitches from the start and end of an outing were reviewed using slow-motion game video for presence of an inverted-W position and early trunk rotation. Previous or current incidence of upper extremity injury requiring surgery for each player was determined using the MLB injury database, minor league injury records, available collegiate data, and publicly available online injury databases. Upper extremity surgery associated with an injury was considered to result from pitching.

Results:

Consensus between investigators was achieved for 99% of players for inverted-W positioning (248 players) and in 97% of players for early trunk rotation (243 players) for videos reviewed independently. Rate of surgery with and without inverted-W position was 28 of 93 (30%) and 42 of 155 (27%), respectively. Rate of surgery with and without early trunk rotation was 37 of 111 (33%) and 30 of 132 (23%), respectively. Using a Cox proportional hazards model for risk analysis using the measured number of innings pitched at time of surgery as an approximate index of exposure and adjusting for age and fastball speed at time of surgery, early trunk rotation was associated with significantly increased risk of shoulder and/or elbow surgery with hazard ratio estimate of 1.69 (95% CI, 1.02-2.80). Presence of the inverted-W position was not associated with significantly increased risk (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.79-2.14).

Conclusion:

The inverted-W throwing position was not associated with significantly greater risk of upper extremity injury requiring surgery in MLB pitchers. Early trunk rotation was associated with significantly elevated risk of injury requiring surgery.
Serum substance P levels are associated with severity and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M , Almeida Teresa , Hernández Mariano , Ramos Luis , Argueso Mónica , Cáceres Juan J , Solé-Violán Jordi , Jiménez Alejandro
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Substance P (SP) is a member of the tachykinin family of neuropeptides, which are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and actively involved in inflammatory processes. SP is released early following acute injury to the CNS, promoting a neurogenic inflammatory response characterized by an increase in the permeability of the blood–brain barrier and the development of vasogenic edema. High levels of SP could lead to an exacerbated inflammatory response that could be fatal for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, the main goal of the present study was to determine whether serum SP levels are associated with injury severity and mortality in patients with severe TBI.

Methods

This multicenter, observational, prospective study was carried out in six Spanish intensive care units and included patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores ≤8. Patients with an Injury Severity Score ≥10 in non-cranial aspects were excluded. Blood samples were collected on day 1 of TBI to measure serum SP levels. The endpoint was 30-day mortality.

Results

We found higher serum SP levels (P=0.002) in non-surviving patients (n =27) than in surviving patients (n =73). The area under the curve for serum SP levels with regard to predicting 30-day mortality was 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60 to 0.79;P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that patients with serum SP levels >299 pg/ml had higher 30-day mortality than patients with lower levels (hazard ratio =3.7; 95% CI, 1.75 to 7.94;P<0.001). Multiple binomial logistic regression analysis showed that serum SP levels >299 pg/ml were associated with 30-day mortality when we controlled for APACHE II score and Marshall computed tomography lesion classification (odds ratio (OR) =5.97; 95% CI, 1.432 to 24.851;P=0.01) and for GCS score and age (OR =5.71; 95% CI, 1.461 to 22.280;P=0.01). We found a negative association between serum SP levels and GCS score (Spearman’s ρ = −0.22;P=0.03).

Conclusions

We report, for the first time to our knowledge, that serum SP levels were associated with injury severity and mortality in patients with severe TBI. These results open the possibility that SP antagonists may be useful in the treatment of patients with severe TBI.
Capillary lactate as a tool for the triage nurse among patients with SIRS at emergency department presentation: a preliminary report
Authors: Manzon Cyril , Barrot Loïc , Besch Guillaume , Barbot Olivier , Desmettre Thibaut , Capellier Gilles , Piton Gaël
Published: April 2015

Background

The triage nurse is involved in the early identification of the most severe patients at emergency department (ED) presentation. However, clinical criteria alone may be insufficient to identify them correctly. Measurement of capillary lactate concentration at ED presentation may help to discriminate these patients. The primary objective of this study was to identify the prognostic value of capillary lactate concentration measured by the triage nurse among patients presenting to the ED.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study, performed in the ED of a university hospital. At ED presentation, capillary lactate measurement was performed by the triage nurse among patients presenting with a clinical criteria of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Clinical variables usually used to determine severity were collected at presentation. Twenty-eight-day mortality and MEDS score were recorded.

Results

One hundred seventy-six patients with clinical SIRS presented to the ED. Median age was 72 years, and 28-day mortality was 16%. Capillary lactate at ED presentation was significantly higher among 28-day non-survivors than among survivors (5.7 mmol.L−1 [3.2 to 7.4] vs 2.9 mmol.L−1 [1.9 to 5.2], p = 0.003). A score based on mottling and capillary lactate concentration >3.6 mmol.L−1 was significantly associated with 28-day mortality (area under curve, AUC = 0.75), independently of the MEDS score (AUC = 0.79) for the prediction of 28-day mortality (AUC global model 0.87).

Conclusions

A high capillary lactate concentration measured by the triage nurse among patients presenting to the ED with clinical SIRS is associated with a high risk of death. A score calculated by the triage nurse, based on mottling and capillary lactate concentration, appears to be useful for identifying the most severe patients.
Testing the importance of search frictions and matching through a randomized experiment in Jordan
Authors: Groh Matthew , McKenzie David , Shammout Nour , Vishwanath Tara
Published: April 2015

We test the role of search and matching frictions in explaining the high unemployment of tertiary-educated youth in Jordan through a randomized experiment. Firms and job candidates were provided with a job-matching service based on educational backgrounds and psychometric assessments. Although more than 1,000 matches were made, youth rejected the opportunity of an interview in 28 percent of cases, and when a job offer was received, they rejected this offer or quickly quit the job 83 percent of the time. The results suggest voluntary unemployment in this context arises from preferences over non-wage job attributes.
How do teachers respond to tenure?
Authors: Jones Michael D
Published: April 2015

I use the 2007 Schools and Staffing Survey to estimate the effect of tenure on K-12 teacher behavior. Estimates are obtained by exploiting the cross-state variation in the probationary period length of novice teachers. I find that in the year that teachers are evaluated for tenure, they spend significantly more of their own money on classroom materials. The teachers also participate more in school committees and extracurricular activities during the evaluation year. After increased activity during the tenure evaluation year, behavior appears to return to the baseline established prior to evaluation.

JEL Classifications: I21; I28; J22; M5
Seismic imaging to help understand and manage water quality in coastal Bénin, West Africa
Authors: Lindsay Kyle , Bradford John , Silliman Stephen , Yalo Nicaise , Boukari Moussa
Published: April 2015

We collected seismic data along 15 transects to characterize the geometry of a coastal aquifer in Bénin, West Africa, that is being contaminated by saltwater. We used standard high-resolution seismic methods to image the upper [Formula: see text] using a sledgehammer source and a 120-channel recording system. Three transects were processed with an iterative updating flow that includes prestack depth migration, residual moveout analysis, and reflection tomography, and the remaining 12 transects were processed with routine processing flows and poststack time migration. We identified one unconfined aquifer and three confined aquifers separated by reflective confining clay layers. Some transects showed areas of missing reflectors, which we interpreted as sand-filled channels that could provide potential high-permeability conduits for saltwater flow to the Godomey well field.
Optimal survey design for big data
Authors: Coles Darrell , Prange Michael , Djikpesse Hugues
Published: April 2015

The volume of data routinely acquired in many industrial geoscientific settings has increased to a point that it poses serious technical challenges to store and process. Optimal experimental design is a tool that can address some of these challenges. First, before data acquisition, optimal design can forecast optimum acquisition geometries and can thus be used to minimize the acquired data volume and reduce the cost of the data life cycle. Second, after data acquisition, optimal design can optimally select the best data to process, thus minimizing the data volume throughput in processing workflows. The catch is that optimal survey design is itself subject to the computational difficulties of big data. We have developed a parallelizable dimensionality reduction method, based on sparse rank-revealing QR-factorization to reduce computing and storage costs for optimal survey design. We implemented the distributable procedure for a guided Bayesian survey design and developed it as part of a workflow to optimize a marine seismic survey of more than 100 million source-receiver pairs in the Gulf of Mexico. The method improved computation times by more than an order of magnitude and reduced memory requirements by nearly two orders of magnitude. Although the procedure involves approximations in exchange for subsequent computational efficiency, the marine survey design results were identical to those achieved without compression. The distributable reduction method may be generally useful for matrix reduction problems in which the matrix data are distributed over multiple machines.
Integrated workflow approach to static modeling of Igloo R3 reservoir, onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Anakwuba Emmanuel Kenechukwu , Onyekwelu Clement Udenna , Chinwuko Augustine Ifeanyi
Published: April 2015

We constructed a 3D static model of the R3 reservoir at the Igloo Field, Onshore Niger Delta, by integrating the 3D seismic volume, geophysical well logs, and core petrophysical data. In this model, we used a combined petrophysical-based reservoir zonation and geostatistical inversion of seismic attributes to reduce vertical upscaling problems and improve the estimation of reservoir properties between wells. The reservoir structural framework was interpreted to consist of three major synthetic faults; two of them formed northern and southern boundaries of the field, whereas the other one separated the field into two hydrocarbon compartments. These compartments were pillar gridded into 39,396 cells using a [Formula: see text] dimension over an area of [Formula: see text]. Analysis of the field petrophysical distribution showed an average of 21% porosity, 34% volume of shale, and 680-mD permeability. Eleven flow units delineated from a stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot were used to define the reservoir’s stratigraphic framework. The calibration of acoustic impedance using sonic- and density-log porosity showed a 0.88 correlation coefficient; this formed the basis for the geostatistic seismic inversion process. The acoustic impedance was transformed into reservoir parameters using a sequential Gaussian simulation algorithm with collocated cokriging and variogram models. Ten equiprobable acoustic impedance models were generated and further converted into porosity models by using their bivariate relationship. We modeled the permeability with a single transform of core porosity with a correlation coefficient of 0.86. We compared an alternative model of porosity without seismic as a secondary control, and the result showed differences in their spatial distributions, which was a major control to fluid flow. However, there were similarities in their probability distribution functions and cumulative distribution functions.
Effect of mineralogy and organic matter on mechanical properties of shale
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Sondergeld Carl , Rai Chandra S.
Published: April 2015

We report a nanoindentation study of shales on 144 samples from Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Kimmeridge, Ordovician, and Woodford plays. Mineralogy is found to play an important role in controlling mechanical properties of shales: An increase in carbonate and quartz content is correlated with an increase in Young’s modulus, whereas an increase in total organic content, clay content, and porosity decreases Young’s modulus. We had a close agreement between indentation moduli measured on small samples (millimeter scale) and dynamic moduli calculated from velocity and density measurements made on larger samples (centimeter scale). By taking an average of a large number of indentation Young’s moduli, 100 indentations in our case, and using an appropriate penetration force, nanoindentation technology measured an acceptable average Young’s modulus even for heterogeneous samples such as shale highlighting the potential of applying this technology to plug and perhaps field-scale problems.
Incision and stress regulation in borderline personality disorder: Neurobiological mechanisms of self-injurious behaviour
Authors: Reitz Sarah , Kluetsch Rosemarie , Niedtfeld Inga , Knorz Teresa , Lis Stefanie , Paret Christian , Kirsch Peter , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Baumgärtner Ulf , Bohus Martin , Schmahl Christian
Published: April 2015

Background

Patients with borderline personality disorder frequently show non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). In these patients, NSSI often serves to reduce high levels of stress.

Aims

Investigation of neurobiological mechanisms of NSSI in borderline personality disorder

Method

In total, 21 women with borderline personality disorder and 17 healthy controls underwent a stress induction, followed by either an incision into the forearm or a sham treatment. Afterwards participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging while aversive tension, heart rate and heart rate variability were assessed.

Results

We found a significant influence of incision on subjective and objective stress levels with a stronger decrease of aversive tension in the borderline personality disorder group following incision than sham. Amygdala activity decreased more and functional connectivity with superior frontal gyrus normalised after incision in the borderline personality disorder group.

Conclusions

Decreased stress levels and amygdala activity after incision support the assumption of an influence of NSSI on emotion regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder and aids in understanding why these patients use self-inflicted pain to reduce inner tension.
Observation of the Intermediates of In-Source Aldolization Reactions in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Heteroaromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Jiang Kezhi , Bai Xingfeng , Lv Huiqing , Li Zuguang , Lee Maw-Rong
Published: April 2015

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analyses of 2-(1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)-6-methyl-3-quinolinecarboxaldehyde were carried out by using an ion trap mass spectrometer in a positive-ion mode. Interestingly, several unusual [M + 15]+, [M + 33]+ and [M + 47]+ ions were observed with a high abundance in the ESI-MS spectrum when methanol was used as the ESI solvent. However, only the protonated molecule was obtained with acetonitrile as the ESI solvent. These unusual ions have been proposed as the intermediates of an aldolization reaction occurring in the ESI source, which have been validated by a tandem mass spectrometry experiment, high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and theoretical calculations. A full understanding of this reaction can contribute to the avoidance of analysis errors in the ESI-MS analysis of unknown heteroaromatic aldehydes.
Signal-to-Noise Performance Evaluation of a New 12-Bit Digitizer on a Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Hondo Toshinobu , Kawai Yousuke , Toyoda Michisato
Published: April 2015

Rapid acquisition of time-of-flight (TOF) spectra from fewer acquisitions on average was investigated using the newly introduced 12-bit digitizer, Keysight model U5303A. This is expected to achieve a spectrum acquisition 32 times faster than the commonly used 8-bit digitizer for an equal signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. Averaging fewer pulses improves the detection speed and chromatographic separation performance. However, increasing the analog-to-digital converter bit resolution for a high-frequency signal, such as a TOF spectrum, increases the system noise and requires the timing jitter (aperture error) to be minimized. We studied the relationship between the S/N ratio and the average number of acquisitions using U5303A and compared this with an 8-bit digitizer. The results show that the noise, measured as root-mean-square, decreases linearly to the square root of the average number of acquisitions without background subtraction, which means that almost no systematic noise existed in our signal bandwidth of interest (a few hundreds megahertz). In comparison, 8-bit digitizers that are commonly used in the market require 32 times more pulses with background subtraction.
Strategy to Rapidly Discriminate Trace Isomeric Lignan Compounds from Gymnotheca Chinensis by Probe Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Jie , Xia Bing , Ji Baocheng , Li Jingrong , Xiao Shiji , Ding Lisheng , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2015

Probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is a recently developed ionization technique based on electrospray ionization (ESI) that generates electrospray from the tip of a solid needle. High tolerance to salts, requirements of a trace amount of sample and direct ambient sampling are major advantages of PESI compared with conventional ESI. In this report, three pairs of isomeric lignans bearing tetrahydrofuran with variable conformations from Gymnotheca chinensis were investigated by probe electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (PESI-MS/MS) in the positive ion mode. The diagnostic characteristics of these compounds were obtained and the isomers could be successfully distinguished by comparison with their breakdown curves, even though the isomers differed only in the conformation of some groups of the isomer pairs. This report provides a rapid and reliable method for the identification of trace amounts of isomeric lignans by PESI-MS/MS. Furthermore, application of PESI and breakdown curves should have value in mass spectrometry studies of isomeric natural products compounds.
In vitro Metabolism Studies on the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LG121071 and its Implementation into Human Doping Controls Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Knoop Andre , Krug Oliver , Vincenti Marco , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario
Published: April 2015

LG121071 is a member of the tetrahydroquinolinone-based class of selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) drug candidates. These nonsteroidal compounds are supposed to act as full anabolic agents with reduced androgenic properties. As SARMs provide an alternative to anabolic androgenic steroids, they represent an emerging class of potential doping substances abused by athletes for illicit performance enhancement. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency's regulations, SARMs are banned substances and part of the Prohibited List since 2008. In consideration of the increasing number of adverse analytical findings in doping controls caused by SARMs abuse, potential drug candidates such as LG121071 have been proactively investigated to enable a timely integration into routine testing procedures even though clinical trials are not yet complete. In the present approach, the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of LG121071 was characterized by means of electrospray ionization-high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry, MS n, and isotope labeling experiments. Interestingly, the even-electron precursor ion [M + H]+ at m/z 297 was found to produce a radical cation at m/z 268 under CID conditions, violating the “even-electron rule” that commonly applies. For doping control purposes, metabolites were generated in vitro and a detection method for urine samples based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was established. The overall metabolic conversion of LG121071 was modest, yielding primarily mono-, bis- and trishydroxylated species. Notable, however, was the identification of a glucuronic acid conjugate of the intact drug, attributed to an N-glucuronide structure. The sample preparation procedure included the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucuronides prior to liquid–liquid extraction, allowing intact LG121071 to be measured, as well as the corresponding phase-I metabolites. The method was characterized concerning inter alia lower limit of detection (0.5 ng mL−1 in urine), recovery (40%) and intra-/interday precision (2.3% to 11.7%) to assess its fitness for purpose. Prospectively, the assay can serve as detection method for LG121071 in drug testing and/or doping controls.
Multisectional Linear Ion Trap and Novel Loading Method for Optical Spectroscopy of Electron and Nuclear Transitions
Authors: Troyan Victor I. , Borisyuk Peter V. , Krasavin Andrey V. , Vasiliev Oleg S. , Palchikov Vitaly G. , Avdeev Ivan A. , Chernyshev Denis M. , Poteshin Sergey S. , Sysoev Alexey A.
Published: April 2015

There is a growing need for the development of atomic and nuclear frequency standards because of the important contribution of methods for precision time and frequency measurements to the development of fundamental science, technology and the economy. It is also conditioned by their potential use in optical clocks and quantum logic applications. It is especially important to develop a universal method that could allow one to use ions of most elements effectively (including ones that are not easily evaporated) proposed for the above-mentioned applications. A linear quadrupole ion trap for the optical spectroscopy of electron and nuclear transitions has been developed and evaluated experimentally. An ion source construction is based on an ultra-high vacuum evaporator in which a metal sample is subjected to an electron beam of energy up to 1 keV, resulting in the appearance of gaseous atoms and ions of various charge state. The linear ion trap consists of five successive quadrupole sections including an entrance quadrupole section, quadrupole mass filter, quadrupole ion guide, ion-trap section and exit quadrupole section. The same radiofrequency but a different direct current voltage feeds the quadrupole sections. The instrument allows the mass- and energy-selected trapping of ions from ion beams of various intensities and their localization in the area of laser irradiation. The preliminary results presented show that the proposed instrument and methods allow one to produce effectively up to triply charged thorium ions as well as to trap ions for future spectroscopic study. The instrument is proposed for future use in optical clocks and quantum logic application development.
Noncoding RNAs that associate with YB-1 alter proliferation in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Liu Teresa T. , Arango-Argoty Gustavo , Li Zhihua , Lin Yuefeng , Kim Sang Woo , Dueck Anne , Ozsolak Fatih , Monaghan A. Paula , Meister Gunter , DeFranco Donald B. , John Bino
Published: April 2015

The highly conserved, multifunctional YB-1 is a powerful breast cancer prognostic indicator. We report on a pervasive role for YB-1 in which it associates with thousands of nonpolyadenylated short RNAs (shyRNAs) that are further processed into small RNAs (smyRNAs). Many of these RNAs have previously been identified as functional noncoding RNAs (http://www.johnlab.org/YB1). We identified a novel, abundant, 3′-modified short RNA antisense to Dicer1 (Shad1) that colocalizes with YB-1 to P-bodies and stress granules. The expression of Shad1 was shown to correlate with that of YB-1 and whose inhibition leads to an increase in cell proliferation. Additionally, Shad1 influences the expression of additional prognostic markers of cancer progression such as DLX2 and IGFBP2. We propose that the examination of these noncoding RNAs could lead to better understanding of prostate cancer progression.
Predicting RNA 3D structure using a coarse-grain helix-centered model
Authors: Kerpedjiev Peter , Höner zu Siederdissen Christian , Hofacker Ivo L.
Published: April 2015

A 3D model of RNA structure can provide information about its function and regulation that is not possible with just the sequence or secondary structure. Current models suffer from low accuracy and long running times and either neglect or presume knowledge of the long-range interactions which stabilize the tertiary structure. Our coarse-grained, helix-based, tertiary structure model operates with only a few degrees of freedom compared with all-atom models while preserving the ability to sample tertiary structures given a secondary structure. It strikes a balance between the precision of an all-atom tertiary structure model and the simplicity and effectiveness of a secondary structure representation. It provides a simplified tool for exploring global arrangements of helices and loops within RNA structures. We provide an example of a novel energy function relying only on the positions of stems and loops. We show that coupling our model to this energy function produces predictions as good as or better than the current state of the art tools. We propose that given the wide range of conformational space that needs to be explored, a coarse-grain approach can explore more conformations in less iterations than an all-atom model coupled to a fine-grain energy function. Finally, we emphasize the overarching theme of providing an ensemble of predicted structures, something which our tool excels at, rather than providing a handful of the lowest energy structures.
Transcriptome sequencing uncovers novel long noncoding and small nucleolar RNAs dysregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zou Angela E. , Ku Jonjei , Honda Thomas K. , Yu Vicky , Kuo Selena Z. , Zheng Hao , Xuan Yinan , Saad Maarouf A. , Hinton Andrew , Brumund Kevin T. , Lin Jonathan H. , Wang-Rodriguez Jessica , Ongkeko Weg M.
Published: April 2015

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma persists as one of the most common and deadly malignancies, with early detection and effective treatment still posing formidable challenges. To expand our currently sparse knowledge of the noncoding alterations involved in the disease and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, we globally profiled the dysregulation of small nucleolar and long noncoding RNAs in head and neck tumors. Using next-generation RNA-sequencing data from 40 pairs of tumor and matched normal tissues, we found 2808 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts significantly differentially expressed by a fold change magnitude ≥2. Meanwhile, RNA-sequencing analysis of 31 tumor-normal pairs yielded 33 significantly dysregulated small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA). In particular, we identified two dramatically down-regulated lncRNAs and one down-regulated snoRNA whose expression levels correlated significantly with overall patient survival, suggesting their functional significance and clinical relevance in head and neck cancer pathogenesis. We confirmed the dysregulation of these noncoding RNAs in head and neck cancer cell lines derived from different anatomic sites, and determined that ectopic expression of the two lncRNAs inhibited key EMT and stem cell genes and reduced cellular proliferation and migration. As a whole, noncoding RNAs are pervasively dysregulated in head and squamous cell carcinoma. The precise molecular roles of the three transcripts identified warrants further characterization, but our data suggest that they are likely to play substantial roles in head and neck cancer pathogenesis and are significantly associated with patient survival.
Student perception about working in rural United States/Canada after graduation: a study in an offshore Caribbean medical school
Authors: Shankar P Ravi , Dubey Arun K , Nandy Atanu , Herz Burton L , Little Brian W
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Rural residents of the United States (US) and Canada face problems in accessing healthcare. International medical graduates (IMGs) play an important role in delivering rural healthcare. IMGs from Caribbean medical schools have the highest proportion of physicians in primary care.  Xavier University School of Medicines admits students from the US, Canada and other countries to the undergraduate medical (MD) course and also offers a premedical program. The present study was conducted to obtain student perception about working in rural US/Canada after graduation.  

Methods: The study was conducted among premedical and preclinical undergraduate medical (MD) students during October 2014. The questionnaire used was modified from a previous study. Semester of study, gender, nationality, place of residence and occupation of parents were noted. Information about whether students plan to work in rural US/Canada after graduation, possible reasons why doctors are reluctant to work in rural areas, how the government can encourage rural practice, possible problems respondents anticipate while working in rural areas were among the topics studied.

Results: Ninety nine of the 108 students (91.7%) participated. Forty respondents were in favor of working in rural US/Canada after graduation. Respondents mentioned good housing, regular electricity, water supply, telecommunication facilities, and schools for education of children as important conditions to be fulfilled. The government should provide higher salaries to rural doctors, help with loan repayment, and provide opportunities for professional growth.  Potential problems mentioned were difficulty in being accepted by the rural community, problems in convincing patients to follow medical advice, lack of exposure to rural life among the respondents, and cultural issues.

Conclusions: About 40% of respondents would consider working in rural US/Canada. Conditions required to be fulfilled have been mentioned above. Graduates from Caribbean medical schools have a role in addressing rural physician shortage. Similar studies in other offshore Caribbean medical schools are required as Caribbean IMGs make an important contribution to the rural US and Canadian health workforce.
Signal-processing tools for core-collection selection from genetic-resource collections
Authors: Borrayo Ernesto , Takeya Masaru
Published: April 2015

Selecting a representative core collection (CC) is a proven and effective strategy for overcoming the expenses and difficulties of managing genetic resources in gene banks around the globe. Because of the diverse applications available for these sub-collections, several algorithms have been successfully implemented to construct them based on genotypic, phenotypic, passport or geographic data (either by individual datasets or by consensus). However, to the best of our knowledge, no single comprehensive dataset has been properly explored to date.

Thus, researchers evaluate multiple datasets in order to construct representative CCs; this can be quite difficult, but one feasible solution for such an evaluation is to manage all available data as one discrete signal, which allows signal processing tools (SPTs) to be implemented during data analysis.

In this research, we present a proof-of-concept study that shows the possibility of mapping to a discrete signal any type of data available from genetic resource collections in order to take advantage of SPTs for the construction of CCs that adequately represent the diversity of two crops. This method is referred to as 'SPT selection.'

All available information for each element of the tested collections was analysed under this perspective and compared, when possible, with one of the most used algorithms for CC selection.

Genotype-only SPT selection did not prove as effective as standard CC selection algorithms; however, the SPT approach can consider genotype alongside other types of information, which results in well-represented CCs that consider both the genotypic and agromorphological diversities present in original collections.Furthermore, SPT-based analysis can evaluate all available data both in a comprehensive manner and under different perspectives, and despite its limitations, the analysis renders satisfactory results. Thus, SPT-based algorithms for CC selection can be valuable in the field of genetic resources research, management and exploitation.
Visual Communication in the Political Attitudes System
Authors: Грейдина  , Greydina N.
Published: April 2015

The research article represents communication principles of functional and

speech realization of visual communication. Pragmalinguistic analysis is actualized

in the political attitudes system context. Communication component

of the notion “power” is indicated. The range of communication channels in

the format of visual symbolism within which the multichannel mechanism

has its impact. The whole complex of visual means that transmit the meaningful

component directly and indirectly is analyzed. The experimental data

of contradiction visual channels and specificity of their perception transmission

are represented. The obligatory multifactor principles of professional

visual political communication realization are given. The visualization national

cultural specificity, social etiquette component, gender differences

of communicators’ political thoughts is pointed out. The communication

manifestation bases of the strategic and tactical complex within visual political

communicative plane are stated. The conclusions dealing with correct

visual information production and perception parametres are formulated.
German and English Translations of А.S. Pushkin’s «The Song About Prince Oleg» Within the Framework of Intercultural Communication
Authors: Какзанова  , Kakzanova E.
Published: April 2015

Communication and culture are the two key notions implied by the term

“intercultural communication”. The organic connection between culture and

communication makes the basis of modern cultural studies. The article

deals with the issues of intercultural communication within the framework

of translation traditions. The translation is an integral part of the intercultural

communication, and is viewed as a variety of and as a means of the

intercultural communication. The German and English translations of A.S.

Pushkin’s “The Song of Oleg the Wise” are analyzed in this article. The

foreign-language matrix perceived and narrated by a talented translator

becomes available to perception by other culture (other cultures), and

starts to sparkle with new colors. Thus, the accuracy of translation and,

consequently, effective intercultural communication depend at large on the

translator’s personality and talent. This article deals with translations made

by German writer and translator Friedrich Martin von Bodenstedt, English-

Russian translator A.L. Pogosky and English poet W.W. Gibson.
Concept of Integral Education in NRNU MEPhI
Authors: Брукс  , Bruks Elena
Published: April 2015

The possibilities to use modern psychological and pedagogic approaches in teaching and learning process and to adjust these technologies in engineering training higher education are considered in the article. All the technological concepts are based on the latest scientific research of different scientists in psychology and pedagogical over the globe. The author of the article tries to attract everyone’s attention to meta-subject teaching technologies and interdisciplinary approaches in teaching and learning which are able to define comprehensive and integral education.
Systematic approach to the development of retail banking based on correlation-regression analysis
Authors: Фаизова Гузель , Faizova Guzel , Силаева Анна , Silaeva Anna
Published: April 2015

The crisis of financial globalization increases uncertainty, contributes to the emergence of new risks, so the strategy of development banks in the Russian regions, focused on domestic resources, should be formed on the basis of pre-calculable scenarios of socio-economic development for certain conditions. In banking activities are widely used various models based on the mathematical apparatus. The study shows the absence of works using econometric techniques to develop a methodical approach to the development of the retail banking business. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between loans granted to non-financial organizations and individuals, and the amount of bank deposits / deposits volume / volume of deposits. The study used annual values of the variables for the period 01.01.2007-01.01.2013, for analysis were available 79 observations of official statistics of the Bank of Russia for each year. The article presents the methodological proposals to improve the retail banking business on the basis of regression analysis where identified are the relationships between the primary source of bank resources and the volume of lending in regional banking markets. The resulting form of relation of the retail banking business in the form of regression equations with multiple variables can be used as a banking methodology to evaluate the potential of credit institutions in the event of a recession or boom in the economy, as well as to predict and develop a strategy. Knowing the form of communication, it is possible to predict at what value will be raised lending activity, if the amount of deposits, for example, increases by only 1%, and to assess the potential of credit institutions in the event of a recession or boom in the economy.
Methods of diagnostics of fictitious and deliberate bankruptcy on the basis of financial statements
Authors: Попова Светлана , Popova Svetlana , Зотикова Ольга , Zotikova Olga , Ливадина Светлана , Livadina Svetlana
Published: April 2015

In the current situation in the field of competition, globalization and integration of the world economy a modern organization must be highly competitive, financially stable, with high adaptation to changes in internal and external environment. Sharp fluctuations in external conditions, particularly complicating the process of management, may lead the company to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can be related to numerous credit and financial relations, and is characterized by such a state of an organization in which it is impossible to pay obligations. In a situation where the cash amount of liabilities exceeds a certain limit, individuals and legal entities are declared insolvent, that is bankrupt. At the same time they cease all activities, including commercial one. Managers experiencing financial difficulties can protect theirr organization from closing via initiation of bankruptcy proceedings, searching for opportunities to restore its solvency. This article presents a systematic form data on the effect of fraud in bankruptcy to change the balance sheet items and income statement of the organization. The article indicates the important role of accounting (financial) statements, which allow to timely evaluate the property and financial position of the organization, to design a successful forecast of its operation. Authors present a list of suspicious transactions that have a negative impact on the financial and economic state of bankruptcy, which is based on analysis of existing experiences of diagnosis of fictitious and deliberate bankruptcy. The results can be used in the professional activity of managers and specialists, as well as a mechanism for improving diagnostic signs of fictitious and deliberate bankruptcies, in particular, for experts and arbitration managers.