bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertility and sexual function: a gap in training in pediatric endocrinology
Authors: Nahata Leena , Ziniel Sonja I. , Garvey Katharine C. , Yu Richard N. , Cohen Laurie E.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Infertility and sexual dysfunction result from many different pediatric conditions and treatments and can profoundly impact quality of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended consulting “fertility specialists” for counseling, but it remains unclear who these specialists are. Our objective was to assess whether pediatric subspecialists who manage hypogonadism and/or genitourinary conditions feel adequately trained to provide fertility and sexual function counseling.

Methods:

An online survey was distributed to members of Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES), Society for Pediatric Urology (SPU), and North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG). Providers’ comfort in counseling various age groups about fertility and sexual function was assessed via a five-point Likert scale. Providers reported whether they felt adequately trained in these areas.

Results:

Two hundred and eighty-four surveys were completed by endocrinologists, 124 surveys by urologists, and 41 surveys by gynecologists. Respondents (44% male, 86% Caucasian) represented 39 states and Canada. Seventy-nine percent were at academic centers. Thirty-four percent of providers had been practicing for >20 years. Comfort level was variable and lowest in young males. Ninety-one percent of pediatric endocrinologists reported routinely seeing patients at risk for infertility, but only 36% felt adequately trained in fertility, and 25% felt adequately trained in sexual function.

Conclusions:

Infertility and sexual dysfunction are often overlooked in pediatric care. Our results suggest that pediatric endocrinologists, who frequently manage male and female hypogonadism, should also receive formal training in these areas. Optimizing counseling would help prevent missed opportunities for fertility preservation and alleviate distress among patients and families.
Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in a hospital-based population of Australian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Keel Stuart , Itsiopoulos Catherine , Koklanis Konstandina , Vukicevic Meri , Cameron Fergus , Brazionis Laima
Published: September 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of, and traditional and emerging risk factors associated with, retinopathy in a hospital-based population of Australian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of 483 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Medical files were audited to collect all relevant clinical data. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed from colour retinal images by an ophthalmologist.

Results:

Diabetic retinopathy was observed in 11 (2.3%) participants. Logistic regression revealed that the principal components analysis derived risk profile of: higher serum creatinine, older age, higher systolic blood pressures, higher body mass index, abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<59 mL/min), lower high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, higher serum sodium, longer duration of diabetes and narrower retinal arteriolar calibre was associated with diabetic retinopathy (ExpB=2.60, 95% CI 1.36/4.96, p=0.004).

Conclusions:

These results support the concept that the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy is likely due to the combined influence of various risk factors, many already identified.
Diagnostic relevance of circulating cell-free and exosomal microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in blood of cancer patients
Authors: Schwarzenbach Heidi
Published: September 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) belong to a large group of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules that possess diverse functions in epigenetic and chromatin structure modifications. In particular, they post-transcriptionally inhibit the protein expression of their target mRNAs and therefore, are involved in different tumor-associated signaling pathways. As the expression of both ncRNAs is frequently dysregulated in cancer and shows unique signatures, they may play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis. They are passively and actively released into the blood circulation, and accordingly, their plasma/serum and exosomal profiles reflect disease development, tumor load and malignant progression towards metastatic relapse. Considering the biology and nature of ncRNAs in the regulation of different cellular processes, they may have potential clinical utility as blood-based tumor markers and future therapeutic targets in the treatment of cancer patients. The present review focuses on the diagnostic value of cell-free and exosomal ncRNAs in plasma/serum of cancer patients and the challenges to establish them as future tumor markers.
Detection and characterization of circulating cell free tumor DNA in cancer patients with malignant solid tumors. Liquid biopsy: a new tool in molecular pathology?
Authors: Hinrichsen Tanja , Dworniczak Juliane K. , Wachter Oliver , Dworniczak Bernd , Dockhorn-Dworniczak Barbara
Published: September 2016

The term liquid biopsy comprises methods of blood-based analysis of nucleic acids, which are increasingly under discussion in oncology and personalized medicine, and are already applied in individual cases. The analysis of tumor markers, which in certain tumor diseases can be found as protein markers in vast amounts in the blood, constitutes a primary form of liquid biopsy. Cell-free circulating DNA fragments in the blood (ctDNA), which reflect the genetic profile of a tumor cell and are released in different ways by the tumor, represent a new class of more specific and sensitive biomarkers that can be correlated with the dynamics of the tumor disease. New technologies based on PCR and sequencing techniques pave the way for diagnostic approaches to define molecular tumor characteristics, not only in tumor tissue but also in the blood, by analyzing cell-free circulating DNA. The combination of molecular profiling of the tumor with ctDNA analytics by liquid biopsy is a promising step in the advancement of precision medicine.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of a well dispersed suspension of gallium-68-labeled magnetic nanosheets of graphene oxide for in vivo coincidence imaging
Authors: Fazaeli Yousef , Rahighi Reza , Tayyebi Ahmad , Feizi Shahzad
Published: September 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were hybridized with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) to form magnetic GO (MGO) and were further labeled by [68Ga]GaCl3 as a potential drug delivery system. Paper chromatography, Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy, low-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), CHN and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to characterize the trinary composite ([68Ga]@MGO). Biological evaluations of the prepared nanocomposite were performed in normal Sprague Dawley rats and it was found to be a possible host for theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. The results showed that the grafting of Fe3O4 NPs on nanocomposite reduced the unwanted liver and spleen uptakes and increased the ratio of kidney/liver uptake from 0.037 to 1.07, leading to the fast removal of radioactive agent and less imposed radiation to patients. The high level of hydrogen bonding caused by the presence of functional groups is responsible for this effect. Considering the accumulation of the tracer in vital organs of rat (especially brain), efficient iron oxide grafting, fast wash-out, the short half-life gallium-68 and less imposed radiation doses to patients, this nanocomposite could be a suitable candidate for positron emission tomography (PET) studies and imaging applications.
The Wheeler–DeWitt Equation in Filćhenkov Model: The Lie Algebraic Approach
Authors: Panahi H. , Zarrinkamar S. , Baradaran M.
Published: September 2016

The Wheeler–DeWitt equation in Filćhenkov model with terms related to strings, dust, relativistic matter, bosons and fermions, and ultra stiff matter is solved in a quasi-exact analytical manner via the Lie algebraic approach. In the calculations, using the representation theory of sl(2), the general (N+1)-dimensional matrix equation is constructed whose determinant yields the solutions of the problem.
Two new POM-based compounds containing a linear tri-nuclear copper(II) cluster and an infinite copper(II) chain, respectively
Authors: Tian Ai-xiang , Ning Ya-li , Ni Huai-ping , Hou Xue , Xiao Ru , Ying Jun
Published: September 2016

Using the pendent organic ligand 1-butyl-1H-(1,3,4)triazole (btz), two new polyoxometalate (POM)-based compounds, [Cu3(btz)6(H2O)4(H3P2W18O62)2]·6H2O (1) and [Cu2(btz)(tz)(H2O)2(SiMo12O40)]·5H2O (2) (tz=1H-(1,3,4)triazole), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In compound 1, three CuII ions are fused by six btz ligands to form a linear tri-nuclear CuII cluster, with water as bridging molecules. Two Wells-Dawson anions offer two terminal O atoms to link two apical CuII atoms of this tri-nuclear cluster. In compound 2, the btz and tz molecules connect CuII ions to construct an infinite CuII chain still with water molecules as bridges. The adjacent chains are linked by one type of POM anions to build a 2D grid-like layer. Considering the long-range coordinative Cu–O bonds, the other types of POM anions connect adjacent layers to form a 3D framework. The electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were also studied.
Synthesis of copper(II) and gold(III) bis(NHC)-pincer complexes
Authors: Jürgens Eva , Back Oliver , Mayer Johannes J. , Heinze Katja , Kunz Doris
Published: September 2016

CuII and AuIII chlorido complexes bearing the bis(NHC) carbazolide pincer ligand (bimca) were synthesized by transmetallation from the respective lithium complex [Li(bimca)] (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene). In the case of copper, two different molecular structures were obtained depending on the copper source. With Cu(II) chloride the paramagnetic mononuclear [Cu(bimca)Cl] complex is formed and has been characterized by EPR spectroscopy and X-ray structure analysis, while copper(I) chloride leads under oxidation to a dinuclear structure in which two cationic [CuII(bimca)] moieties are bridged by one chlorido ligand. The positive charge is compensated by the [CuCl2]− counter ion, as proven by X-ray structure analysis. Transmetallation of [Li(bimca)] with AuCl3 leads to the [Au(bimca)Cl]+ complex with a tetrachloridoaurate counter ion.
See-Thru-Gonad zebrafish line: developmental and functional validation
Authors: Presslauer Christopher , Bizuayehu Teshome Tilahun , Razmi Komeil , Fernandes Jorge M O , Babiak Igor
Published: September 2016

Zebrafish are an important model species in developmental biology. However, their potential in reproductive biology research has yet to be realized. In this study, we establishedSee-Thru-Gonadzebrafish, a transparent line with fluorescently labeled germ cells visible throughout the life cycle, validated its gonadal development features, and demonstrated its applicability by performing a targeted gene knockdown experiment using vivo-morpholinos (VMOs). To establish the line, we crossed the zf45Tg andmitfaw2/w2;mpv17b18/b18zebrafish lines. We documented thein vivovisibility of the germline-specific fluorescent signal throughout development, from gametes through embryonic and juvenile stages up to sexual maturity, and validated gonadal development with histology. We performed targeted gene knockdown of the microRNA (miRNA) miR-92a-3p through injection of VMOs directly to maturing ovaries. After the treatment, zebrafish were bred naturally. Embryos from miR-92a-3p knockdown ovaries had a significant reduction in relative miR-92a-3p expression and a higher percentage of developmental arrest at the 1-cell stage as compared with 5-base mismatch-treated controls. The experiment demonstrates thatSee-Thru-Gonadline can be successfully used for vertical transmission of the effects of targeted gene knockdown in ovaries into their offspring.
Genetic Mapping by Bulk Segregant Analysis in Drosophila: Experimental Design and Simulation-Based Inference
Authors: Pool John E
Published: September 2016

Identifying the genomic regions that underlie complex phenotypic variation is a key challenge in modern biology. Many approaches to quantitative trait locus mapping in animal and plant species suffer from limited power and genomic resolution. Here, I investigate whether bulk segregant analysis (BSA), which has been successfully applied for yeast, may have utility in the genomic era for trait mapping in Drosophila (and other organisms that can be experimentally bred in similar numbers). I perform simulations to investigate the statistical signal of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in a wide range of BSA and introgression mapping (IM) experiments. BSA consistently provides more accurate mapping signals than IM (in addition to allowing the mapping of multiple traits from the same experimental population). The performance of BSA and IM is maximized by having multiple independent crosses, more generations of interbreeding, larger numbers of breeding individuals, and greater genotyping effort, but is less affected by the proportion of individuals selected for phenotypic extreme pools. I also introduce a prototype analysis method for simulation-based inference for BSA mapping (SIBSAM). This method identifies significant QTL and estimates their genomic confidence intervals and relative effect sizes. Importantly, it also tests whether overlapping peaks should be considered as two distinct QTL. This approach will facilitate improved trait mapping in Drosophila and other species for which hundreds or thousands of offspring (but not millions) can be studied.
Effects of subclinical Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis infection on some physiological parameters, health status and production in dairy cows
Authors: Jurkovich Viktor , Bognár Barbara , Balogh Krisztián , Kovács-Weber Mária , Fornyos Kinga , Szabó Rubina Tünde , Kovács Péter , Könyves László , Mézes Miklós
Published: September 2016

Milk yield, milk ingredients, health and other, production-related parameters of subclinically infected, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP-) shedding (positive faecal PCR, n = 20) and non-shedding (negative faecal PCR, n = 10) dairy cows were compared in the period from 10 days prepartum to 120 days postpartum. Body condition, rumen fill and faeces scores were lower in the MAP-shedding cows. There was no significant difference in plasma or urine metabolic parameters between the groups. Milk yield and lactose content tended to be lower (P = 0.074 and 0.077, respectively), somatic cell count tended to be higher (P = 0.097), while milk fat content was significantly higher (P = 0.006) in MAP-shedding cows than in the controls. Milk protein content did not differ between the groups. All other health and production parameters [number of reproductive tract treatments, number of udder treatments, number of artificial inseminations (AIs), calving interval, and service period] were significantly better in the control group. It is concluded that MAP infection, even in a subclinical form, has a significant impact on some production and health parameters of dairy cows.
Herpetofauna from an urban Pampa fragment in southern Brazil: composition, structure and conservation
Authors: Entiauspe-Neto Omar Machado , Perleberg Tângela Denise , Freitas Marco Antonio de
Published: September 2016

Faunistic inventories regarding natural history of amphibians and reptiles are considered scarce and very little is known about their assemblages in urban areas; the Pampas morphoclimatic domain, also known as Uruguayan Savannah or Southern Grasslands, is also poorly known regarding their faunal composition.  Herein, we present a checklist of 16 amphibian and 20 reptile species recorded over a course of four years in the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciências e Tecnologia, Câmpus Pelotas-Visconde da Graça, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We also present data on natural history and discuss conservation efforts to be undertaken in the area, in one of the least preserved and known Brazilian morphoclimatic domains, providing insights into urban herpetofaunal diversity patterns and showing the importance of modified areas in its conservation.
Penjara Nagari sebagai Hukuman Adat dan Upaya Masyarakat Nagari Tigo Jangko dalam Menanggulangi Perzinaan
Authors: Salma Salma , Solihin Solihin
Published: September 2016

This article deals with Penjara Nagari as a place to quarantine a couple who committed an adultery or fornication in Nagari Tigo Jangko. The study attempts to explore the reasons of the people to build a jail, regardless the existing government’s jails. The research found that the Penjara Nagari was built based on the decision of the kerapatan adat to anticipate and educate people to avoid adultery and fornication which were forbidden by Islamic law and Minangkabau tradition. The people caught the couple directly at the location. They screamed, humiliated and hit them. Then they brought the couple to the Penjara Nagari and few of people interrogated the couple and let the other people saw them in the jail. The prisoning of the couple had continued until kerapatan adat had made a decision which contained some punishments for the couple. Usually the prisoning occurred all night long till morning. Penjara Nagari in Islamic and Indonesian legal perspective was not real jail, since the real jail was built for prisoners who got a justice procedure and punishment from the court.
Genealogi dan Transformasi Ideologi Partai berbasis Islam di Indonesia Pasca Orde Baru
Authors: Aminuddin M Faishal , Masykuri Romel
Published: September 2016

Study of political Islam did not paid attention to observing the patterns of thought and its transformation in political organization. Even though some studies conducted and brought analysis with case study against specific in their respective political parties. This article departs from the question of how the genealogy of political Islam thought and how it transformed into Islamic-base political parties in democratic Indonesia? The unit of analysis of this study is Islamic-based parties, having a main support base from Islamic religious organizations and had seat in parliament since 1999 election. This study reveals an important finding that Islamic-based parties had been undertakes adaptation and transforming political Islam doctrinaire with more flexible. This is proven through the tracing of consistency between values, platform and the party's work program either in parliament or the public. This study combines historical discursive approach and genealogy as an analytical framework.
Search, Matching and Training
Authors: Flinn Christopher , Gemici Ahu , Laufer Steven
Published: September 2016

We estimate a partial and general equilibrium search model in which firms and workers choose how much time to invest in both general and match-specific human capital. To help identify the model parameters, we use NLSY data on worker training and we match moments that relate the incidence and timing of observed training episodes to outcomes such as wage growth and job-to-job transitions. We use our model to offer a novel interpretation of standard Mincer wage regressions in terms of search frictions and returns to training. Finally, we show how a minimum wage can reduce training opportunities and decrease the amount of human capital in the economy.
Near-Money Premiums, Monetary Policy, and the Integration of Money Markets: Lessons from Deregulation
Authors: Carlson Mark , Wheelock David C.
Published: September 2016

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed rapid growth in the markets for new money market instruments, such as negotiable certificates of deposit (CDs) and Eurodollar deposits, as banks and investors sought ways around various regulations affecting funding markets. In this paper, we investigate the impacts of the deregulation and integration of the money markets. We find that the pricing and volume of negotiable CDs and Eurodollars issued were influenced by the availability of other short-term safe assets, especially Treasury bills. Banks appear to have issued these money market instruments as substitutes for other types of funding. The integration of money markets and ability of banks to raise funds using a greater variety of substitutable instruments has implications for monetary policy. We find that, when deregulation reduced money market segmentation, larger open market operations were required to produce a given change in the federal funds rate, but that the pass through of changes in the funds rate to other market rates was also greater.
Los intermediarios laborales tradicionales como brokers culturales
Authors: Sanchez Saldaña Kim
Published: September 2016

En México, los intermediarios laborales tradicionales en la agricultura han sido cruciales en la construcción de dinámicos emporios agroindustriales. Con base en evidencias empíricas se reflexiona sobre la dimensión simbólica de su papel como enlace entre capital y trabajo, articulando espacios culturalmente diferenciados, ya sea como representantes o como traductores de códigos disímiles. Esta perspectiva puede servir para entender prácticas laborales consuetudinarias del medio rural, pero también cambios asociados con los nuevos estándares de calidad del mercado global agroalimentario.
Principals’ Management Strategies in High-Performing Schools
Authors: Derbyshire Natalya , Pinskaya Мarina
Published: September 2016

The article evaluates the effectiveness of schools with regard to their contextual characteristics. We use the data from the 2012/2013 Monitoring of Education Markets and Organizations, namely the results of a survey among the principals of 979 schools. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to reveal the factors promoting differentiation of the average USE (Unified State Exam) score across the schools. The analysis results were used to develop an academic achievement contextualization model allowing the evaluation of school performance in the context of individual characteristics. We identified a group of schools that may be regarded as high-performing, i. e. showing ultimate performance under the existing conditions, and analyzed the management strategies of the school principals. These strategies turned out to be mostly based on attracting human resources: teachers, students and their parents. High-performing schools implement a consistent selection policy. They enroll children from families with a higher socioeconomic status, which gives them a head start in terms of academic attainment. Such schools also attract committed parents who will encourage their children towards higher achievements.
Analysis of Real-World Math Problems: Theoretical Model and Classroom Application
Authors: Larina Galina
Published: September 2016

The Russian education standards stress the importance of real-life applications of mathematics. However, the performance standards do not provide a clear idea of how a math teacher should organize their syllabus to develop such skills in students. As long as there is no universal definition of a real-world math problem, it is rather uneasy to qualify the problems that teachers use in classrooms. We analyzed algebra problems that teachers give to secondary school students. 83 text problems were coded using three parameters: situational importance, mathematical modeling, and novelty of problem posing. We carried out a cluster analysis to identify typical categories of mathematical problems. As a result, we determined three types of problems differing in the abovementioned characteristics. Only one cluster appeared to feature all the tree characteristics typical of real-life word problems. Therefore, part of the problems that teachers give students as real-world fail to qualify as such according to the proposed theoretical model. secondary school, algebra, real-world math problems, everyday context, math word problems, transfer of learning, mathematical modeling.
Two Approaches to the Concept of Knowledge Application: Transfer and Modeling Overview and Criticism
Authors: Tyumeneva Yulia , Shkliaeva Irina
Published: September 2016

The patterns of knowledge application in new situations are explored from the perspectives of modeling and transfer. We provide an overview of studies to compare these two conceptions and get a comprehensive idea of which psychological processes are involved in knowledge application, what will change in research and teaching practices if the conceptual frameworks change, and how these conceptions can contribute to each other. We show that analyzing the problem structure and comparing problem models in different representational systems are the key prerequisites for a successful knowledge application in both conceptions. Based on the data obtained, we draw conclusions about approaches to education promoting effective knowledge application and about training problem assessment criteria.
FONOLOGI BAHASA ABUN DI KABUPATEN TAMBRAUW PROVINSI PAPUA BARAT
Authors: Maturbongs Antonius , Asmabuasappe Asmabuasappe
Published: September 2016

AbstractAbun language is a kind of native language in Tambrauw Regency, West Papua Province. This language belongs to group of Non Austronesia language. This study is qualitative one and using descriptive method in order to get complete description of phonology of Abun language. There are three stages in this study. They are data supplying stage, data analysis, and presentation of data analysis result stage. The aim of this study is to describe Abun phonology, especially phonemes in Abun language as well its distribution and phonotactic. The result shows that Abun language has 26 phonemes which is divided into 16 consonant phonemes and 8 vowels phonemes. Furthermore, Abun language has eight diphtongs and fourteen consonant clusters.Keyword: Abun language, phonology, phonemes, diphtong, consonant clusters.  AbstrakBahasa Abun merupakan salah satu bahasa daerah yang ada di Kabupaten Tambrauw, Provinsi Papua Barat. Bahasa Abun termasuk dalam kelompok bahasa Non Austronesia. Penelitian ini bersifat kualitatif dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif, dimaksudkan untuk mendapatkan gambaran lengkap tentang fonologi bahasa Abun. Penelitian ini menggunakan tiga tahapan. Ketiga tahapan itu yakni tahap penyediaan data, tahap penganalisisan, dan tahap penyajian hasil analisis data. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan fonologi bahasa Abun, khususnya fonem-fonem bahasa Abun beserta distribusi dan fonotaktiknya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahasa Abun memiliki 26 fonem yang terdiri atas 16 fonem konsonan dan delapan fonem vokal. Di samping itu, bahasa Abun juga memiliki delapan kelompok deret vokal dan 14 kelompok gugus konsonan. Kata kunci: bahasa Abun, fonologi, fonem, deret, vokal, gugus konsonan.
Características del arbitraje de obras públicas en el Estado Peruano periodo 2010 al 2014
Authors: Huaquisto-Cáceres Samuel , Castillo-Aroni Emilio
Published: September 2016

El Estado Peruano utiliza el arbitraje para dirimir las disputas, lograr una solución efectiva a las controversias y dinamizar los contratos por las ventajas que éste supone: rapidez, confianza, especialidad, cumplimiento y transparencia que no se cumple. El estudio describe las características generales del arbitraje en el Perú para el cual se ha considerado el análisis de los laudos arbitrales del Organismo Supervisor de Contrataciones del Estado cuyos resultados indican que la efectividad del Estado Peruano en relación a la tasa de éxito y pagos evitados es insuficiente consecuentemente se tienen obras con mayores costos a los previstos, mayor número de controversias y montos como las obras viales, mayor número de arbitrajes generados por el proceso de selección licitación pública y el sistema de ejecución a suma alzada, tribunales arbitrales que arbitran controversias que no les compete como los adicionales de obra y el enriquecimiento sin causa, incremento en el tiempo contractual en relación al plazo de ejecución de obra.

  

 

ABSTRACT

The Peruvian State uses arbitration to settle disputes, to achieve an effective solution to disputes and streamline contracts for the advantages that this entails: speed, reliability, specialty, compliance and transparency is not met. The study describes the general characteristics of arbitration in Peru for which it has been considered the analysis of arbitral awards of the Supervisory Board Contracting State whose results indicate that the effectiveness of the Peruvian State in relation to the success rate and payments avoided is insufficient consequently must work with higher costs than expected, more disputes and amounts as roadworks, greater number of arbitrations generated by the selection process public bidding and execution system lump sum, arbitral tribunals to arbitrate disputes it is not for them as additional labor and unjust enrichment, increased time in relation to contractual execution period of work.

KEY WORDS: arbitration, effectiveness, works, payments avoided, cup success.

 

 

 
A Classification System for the Spread of Polymethyl Methacrylate in Vertebral Bodies Treated with Vertebral Augmentation
Authors: Frankl Joseph , Sakata Michael P. , Choudhary Gagandeep , Hur Seung , Peterson Andrew , Hennemeyer Charles T.
Published: September 2016

In this study, we develop a classification system for describing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spread in vertebral bodies after kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and for assessing whether PMMA spread varies between operators, VCF etiology, or vertebral level. Intraoperative fluoroscopic images of 198 vertebral levels were reviewed in 137 patients (women, 84; men, 53; mean age, 75.8 ± 12.5; and those with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, 63%) treated with kyphoplasty between January 01, 2015 and May 31, 2015 at a single center to create a 5-class descriptive system. PMMA spread patterns in the same images were then classified by 2 board-certified radiologists, and a third board-certified radiologist resolved conflicts. A total of 2 primary PMMA spread patterns were identified, namely, acinar and globular, with subtypes of localized acinar, diffuse globular, and mixed, to describe an equal combination of patterns. Interrater reliability using the system was moderate (κ = 0.47). After resolving conflicts, the most common spread class was globular (n = 63), followed by mixed (n = 58), diffuse globular (n = 30), acinar (n = 27), and localized acinar (n = 20). The spread class after treatment by the 2 most frequent operators differed significantly (n1 = 63, n2 = 70; P < .0001). There was no difference in the spread class between VCF etiologies or vertebral levels. PMMA spread may, therefore, be a modifiable parameter that affects kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty efficacy and adverse events.
The aspirations and realities of prison education for under-25s in the London area
Authors: Rogers Lynne , Hurry Jane , Simonot Margaret , Wilson Anita
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study, undertaken in 2012, was to describe provision available for under25s in prisons and to gain insight into the particularities of prison education. Six custodial establishments serving the London area were visited (prisons or Young Offender Institutions) and
available statistical data were collected from a larger sample. Main findings were that, whilst many prisons are working hard to offer good provision, prison education is constrained in terms of the options available, and the length and level of courses. Some useful methods for addressing
some of these problems were being used in different contexts. However, in conclusion, prisons need to focus more on education, training, and employment if they are to provide viable support for young prisoners as they move back into society. The proportion of education and training options
at or above Level 2 should be increased.
Examining the doctoral viva: Perspectives from a sample of UK academics
Authors: Poole Brian
Published: September 2016

The doctoral viva voce examination has existed in Britain since the PhD (or DPhil) was introduced at Oxford University almost a hundred years ago. However, despite some recent research studies, it seems that the viva remains somewhat under-researched and that viva voce examinations
continue to take place according to largely unchanged and unchallenged procedures. This paper presents evidence collected via questionnaire and interview from a sample of UK academics working in education departments at 16 universities in England. It is shown that individuals within the sample
hold contrasting views about the purpose, value, and degree of reliability associated with oral assessment at doctoral level. The paper critically examines eight aspects of the viva's design, purpose, conduct, and outcomes, under such headings as 'examiner judgement', 'examiner behaviour/attitudes'
and 'the viva as opportunity'. The question of whether examiners should have the power to waive the viva under certain circumstances is also addressed. Rather than attempting to provide definitive answers to such questions, the paper highlights a series of inter-related issues which seem problematic.
The author's intention is to spark further discussion in academia about the viva's current and possible future content, conduct, and purposes.
The marketization of English higher education and the financing of tuition fees
Authors: Palfreyman David , Tapper Ted
Published: September 2016

This article explores the marketization of English higher education with particular reference to the introduction of undergraduate student tuition fees. It argues that the breakdown of the political consensus that underwrote the public funding of undergraduate student funding was the
consequence of ideological and economic changes that, following the threat of some universities to impose top-up fees, resulted in the appointment of the Dearing Committee and thereafter the steady introduction of variable fees up to a ceiling of €9,000 per annum, repayable through income-contingent
loans. It reviews the contemporary breaking of the political consensus on this issue, as evidenced by the Labour Party's promise in the 2015 general election campaign to lower the maximum annual fee to €6,000, with the further possibility of replacing income-contingent loans with a graduate
tax. It concludes by putting forward the policy options that are likely to emerge in the context of the publication of the current government's Green Paper on higher education.
Researching the transnational higher education policy landscape: Exploring network power and dissensus in a globalizing system
Authors: Caruana Viv
Published: September 2016

This article reviews research on transnational higher education (TNHE) published in academic journals between 2006 and 2014 through the lenses of network power and dissensus. Conclusions suggest the need for more research on the 'entrapping' aspects of global social relations to provide
a counterweight to the influence of dominant paradigms. It is argued that research at local-institutional level, harnessing the dissensus of the academic community with the needs and aspirations of students, provides the means to develop global imaginaries and initiate new policy directions
that break free of entrapment and address the perverse outcomes of globalized knowledge-based economy models in higher education (HE).
Transnational partnerships in higher education in China: The diversity and complexity of elite strategic alliances
Authors: Montgomery Catherine
Published: September 2016

Transnational partnerships between universities can illustrate the changing political, social, and cultural terrain of global higher education. Drawing on secondary data analysis of government educational statistics, university web pages, and a comprehensive literature review, this
article focuses on transnational partnerships with particular reference to China in order to illuminate the diversifying relationships between networks of global universities. International partnerships develop in historical, geographic, social, and cultural contexts and the analysis of Chinese
universities’ partnerships across different social, cultural, and geopolitical contexts indicates that, even within the elite groups of universities, transnational partnerships are diverse and complex. This article aims to demonstrate that the spread of internationalization in the form
of transnational partnership is not uniform but is influenced by complex contextual factors, some of which are accentuating inequalities in the system.
Using design-based research to improve the lesson study approach to professional development in Camden (London)
Authors: Brown Chris , Taylor Carol , Ponambalum Lorna
Published: September 2016

The Haverstock Primary to Secondary Transition Project was designed to improve the experience of transition to secondary school for vulnerable pupils in Camden (London). The project used lesson study to help primary and secondary practitioners work collaboratively, to develop effective
cross-phase pedagogical approaches to teaching English/literacy and science. This paper has three specific aims in relation to the project. First it reports on how a design-based research (DBR) method was used to tailor the lesson study approach to the Camden context in order to maximize its
benefits and ensure its sustainability and scalability. Second it illustrates how a DBR approach to impact assessment led to a radical rethink and understanding of how impact might be measured with regard to projects that involve joint practice development. Specifically, collaborative approaches
to practice development rely on more iterative, evolving approaches to understanding and collecting baseline data, developing strategies, and understanding the goals to be reached. Finally, it provides initial data on the impact of the DBR-led lesson study approach.
Negotiating and appropriating the 'one person, one language' policy within the complex reality of a multilingual crèche in Strasbourg
Authors: Caporal-Ebersold Eloise , Young Andrea
Published: September 2016

The aim of this article is to analyse the early childhood education and care (ECEC) language policy in the city of Strasbourg, focusing on an ethnographic case study of a newly established bilingual English–French crèche in the city. In France, establishing an early childhood
education structure – more specifically, a day care centre catering to young children – involves close coordination with national, departmental, and local government entities. Associations that embark on this process go through a long administrative process. Taking this fact
into consideration, we maintain that to understand the language policy in ECEC, it is imperative to examine the overlapping participation of different government entities and services from the national, regional, departmental, city, and local levels. Our data reveal that the conceptualization
of the language policy at a newly created bilingual crèche structure was highly influenced by top-down language policies and pervading language ideologies. Yet, the crèche personnel needed to interpret, negotiate, and appropriate this policy in order to consider its feasibility
and to take into account the children's interests and welfare within the normal functioning of this early years structure.
DISPERSIÓN DE MATERIAL PARTICULADO (PM10), CON INTERRELACIÓN DE FACTORES METEOROLÓGICOS Y TOPOGRÁFICOS
Authors: Arrieta Fuentes Alvaro Javier
Published: September 2016

Los procesos minero-industriales llevados a cabo por acción antrópica, traen consigo la generación de impactos al medio ambiente; entre los asociados a la minería está la afectación de la calidad del aire producida por la liberación de contaminantes atmosféricos, siendo objeto de estudio el comportamiento de la fracción respirable de material particulado menor a 10 micras (PM10) con respecto a los factores meteorológicos y topográficos. Los escenarios analizados en el estudio involucraron tiempos de exposición diario y anual de PM10, para los cuales se hizo la modelación con el Software AERMOD View. El modelo se corrió para dos zonas topográficas, una zona compleja ubicada en el Municipio de Socha y una zona simple ubicada en el Municipio de Sogamoso. Se empleó información meteorológica horaria de tipo satelital, en formato .SAM para las zonas modeladas. Se identificaron tres tipos de fuentes de emisión en las zonas; teniendo que, predominan las fijas dispersas, seguido de las móviles y en baja proporción las puntuales. Los modelos de dispersión de PM10 realizados para las zonas de topografía simple y compleja, dieron como resultado que la dirección y velocidad del viento está condicionada por la misma. Ésta permitió un flujo libre en la dirección predominante en la rosa de vientos para la zona de topografía simple y un flujo turbulento en la zona compleja. Se determinó que los focos de emisión dePM10 en ambos casos son de escala local; estos presentaron un radio crítico de arrastre y deposición de partículas de 200 m aproximadamente.
Pobreza alimentaria y desarrollo en México
Authors: Székely Pardo Miguel , Ortega Díaz Araceli
Published: September 2016

El presente artículo analiza los efectos de los cambios en los precios de los alimentos en la pobreza alimentaria en México. Las principales aportaciones del estudio son la estimación por primera vez para el caso mexicano de la elasticidad precio de la demanda para los 22 productos incluidos en la canasta alimentaria para el periodo 1992-2010, y la identificación de las diferencias en elasticidades entre la población pobre y no pobre usando el método quadratic almost ideal demand system (QUAIDS) de Banks, Blundell y Lewbel (1997). El análisis incluye la construcción de una serie de pobreza alimentaria para 1950-2010, la descomposición de los cambios en la pobreza que identifica la importancia del efecto del incremento en los precios, el análisis de las variaciones en la estructura de consumo de los hogares en pobreza alimentaria. De nuestros resultados se infiere propuestas concretas para amortiguar el efecto de aumentos en los precios sobre el consumo de los hogares, así como opciones para motivar la producción de bienes alimentarios críticos para los pobres
Crecimiento económico y cortes estructurales. El caso de Andalucía (1900-1999)
Authors: Lizárraga Carmen , Chica-Olmo Jorge
Published: September 2016

La falta de series macroeconómicas históricas para las economías regionales dificulta la profundización en el conocimiento de los factores explicativos de su evolución económica. En este artículo se utiliza una serie anual del producto interno bruto, estimada por la vía de la oferta, para Andalucía a lo largo del siglo XX. A partir de estas cifras se establece los cortes estructurales que se producen en esa etapa y que contribuyen a explicar el atraso económico relativo andaluz. Se encuentran tres fechas significativas de corte y los resultados obtenidos permiten establecer que la tasa de crecimiento económico medio anual del producto interno bruto al costo de los factores (PIBcf) per capita fue igual a 1.64%, lo que supone un diferencial de más de medio punto porcentual respecto al 2.20% de España
Sustentabilidad de las fusiones, asimetrías de información y estrategias de las empresas no fusionadas
Authors: Méndez Naya José
Published: September 2016

El objetivo de este artículo es el de analizar la rentabilidad de una fusión horizontal de empresas que compiten en cantidades, en el supuesto de que puede haber tanto asimetrías de información entre las diferentes empresas del mercado como que se pueden realizar pagos colaterales entre las mismas. En este contexto, se prueba que una fusión entre dos empresas seguidoras puede ser beneficiosa. Por otra parte, se prueba que el número mínimo de empresas necesario para garantizar la sustentabilidad de la fusión es menor si existen asimetrías informativas que en un contexto de información simétrica
Arboreal Legume Litter Nutrient Contribution to a Tropical Silvopasture
Authors: de Oliveira Apolinário Valéria Xavier , Dubeux José Carlos Batista , de Andrade Lira Mário , Sampaio Everardo V. S. B. , de Amorim Silvânia Oliveira , de Miranda e Silva Nalígia Gomes , Muir James P.
Published: September 2016

Legumes contribute to pasture sustainability through symbiotic N2 fixation, which may increase primary productivity and animal performance in low‐input systems. Litterfall is the main way of cycling nutrients from tree legumes. We quantified gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.] and sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth) litter deposition, along two 336‐d cycles, in a signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) pasture. Litterfall was produced throughout the year but concentrated in the dry season. Sabiá produced slightly greater (P < 0.0001) litterfall amounts in the two cycles (10,790 kg ha−1) than gliricidia (10,420 kg ha−1) but the overall average N concentration of gliricidia (21.5 g kg−1) was greater than that of sabiá (18.8 g kg−1). Nitrogen amounts cycled through the litter were greater for gliricidia in both cycles (105 and 109 kg N ha−1) than for sabiá (87 and 98 kg N ha−1). The proportions of litter N that were derived from the atmosphere by symbiotic fixation were similar (P ≥ 0.05) in both species (55%) and varied little along the two cycles. Lignin concentration, which influences decomposition, was similar in both species, averaging 238 and 214 g kg−1 in the two cycles for gliricidia and 233 and 246 g kg−1 for sabiá. Greater N concentration, lower C/N ratio and lower lignin concentration indicate that gliricidia litter may have a faster cycling rate than sabiá litter. Sabiá could be a more promising species for soil cover and protection because of its slower litter decomposition rate.

Core Ideas

Litter deposition was an important pathway of N return in warm‐climate silvopasture systems.

Tree legumes added significant amounts of biological nitrogen fixation to silvopasture systems.

Gliricidia litter presented better quality than Mimosa litter.

Proportion of litter N derived from atmosphere was significant.
Critical Trifoliolate Leaf and Petiole Potassium Concentrations during the Reproductive Stages of Soybean
Authors: Parvej Md. Rasel , Slaton Nathan A. , Purcell Larry C. , Roberts Trenton L.
Published: September 2016

The critical K concentration in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has been determined only for leaf tissue at the R2 (full bloom) stage. Our research objective was to develop critical K concentrations in soybean for both leaves and petioles across reproductive stages. Fifteen fully‐expanded, uppermost trifoliolate leaves with petioles plot−1 were collected 7 to 12 times from the V5 to R7 stages in five research trials that evaluated multiple fertilizer‐K rates and/or cultivars from different maturity groups (MGs). Both leaf‐ and petiole‐K concentrations, regardless of site‐year, cultivar, and fertilizer‐K rate, peaked around R2 stage and declined linearly with time at average rates of –0.198 g K kg−1 d−1 for leaves and –0.559 g K kg−1 d−1 for petioles. The leaf‐ and petiole‐K concentrations at the R2 to R6 stages explained 48 to 80% and 41 to 85%, respectively, of the variation in relative yield (RY). Petiole‐K concentration was a better predictor of RY than leaf‐K at the R2 stage where the predicted critical range (CR) concentrations were 14.6 to 19.0 g leaf‐K kg−1 and 30.1 to 38.3 g petiole‐K kg−1. The wider CR of petiole‐K at the R2 stage followed by a greater linear decline rate across reproductive stages indicates that growth stage as well as deficiency and sufficiency thresholds for petiole‐K could be more easily categorized than for leaves. Overall, the ability to interpret the K nutritional status in soybean tissues at numerous reproductive growth stages will improve K management.

Critical soybean tissue‐K concentrations in the trifoliolate leaf and petiole can be developed for growth stages beyond the R2 stage by modeling the rate of tissue‐K decline across time.

Petiole‐K concentrations are approximately twofold higher and decline at a greater rate than trifoliolate leaf‐K concentrations and may be equally as good or a better tissue to sample for the diagnosis of K deficiency.

The ability to interpret the K nutritional status in leaves, petioles, or both tissues at numerous reproductive growth stages allows plant K status to be monitored and possibly corrected during the growing season across a range of growth stages.