bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location Pattern of Unorganised Manufacturing Industries in India: A District-level View
Authors: Saikia Dilip
Published: March 2016

This article examines the location pattern of unorganised manufacturing enterprises across districts in India. Using a unique data set of 435 districts spread across 25 states, drawn from the Enterprise Survey data of the National Sample Survey (NSS) 1994–95 and 2005–06 ‘thick’ rounds, we find that unorganised manufacturing enterprises are concentrated in a few leading districts, mostly in the metropolitan areas, but their share has declined in the post-reform (post-1991) period, and some new metropolises and suburban districts have emerged as new industrial destinations. The spatial concentration in the distribution of the unorganised manufacturing enterprises across districts has marginally declined—both at the aggregated and disaggregated industry level—in the post-reform period. Our econometric analysis shows that the level of economic development, infrastructure facilities, labour productivity, capital productivity, population size, population density, availability and stock of raw materials, presence and size of organised industries and urbanisation have significant positive effects on the location of unorganised manufacturing enterprises, while economic diversity has a strong negative impact. The specificity of our study is that we use district-level data, which allows us to provide a relatively comprehensive view of the location pattern of unorganised manufacturing enterprises in India.

JEL Classification: R12, R58, L5, L6
Agricultural Credit in India in the 2000s: Growth, Distribution and Linkages with Productivity
Authors: Misra Rekha , Chavan Pallavi , Verma Radheshyam
Published: March 2016

The period of the 2000s witnessed a sharp revival in agricultural credit in India that was largely policy induced. There were emerging shifts in institutional, functional and regional distributions of agricultural credit during the decade. This study attempts to explore the relationship between agricultural credit and agricultural production/productivity. The state-level panel model attempted in this article suggests a positive impact of the intensity of agricultural credit on total factor productivity in agriculture. The impact was relatively stronger with respect to direct agricultural credit. A case study of the (combined) state of Andhra Pradesh also suggests a positive association between agricultural credit and agricultural production. The study lends credence to the policy approach of including agriculture, the largest employer in the Indian economy, as a sector for priority credit in India. It also highlights the point that the sector deserves continued policy support in order to move onto a sustainable and higher growth path.

JEL Classification: Q10, Q14, Q18, N55
Suburbanization of Indian Cities
Authors: Sridhar Kala Seetharam , Narayanan Priya
Published: March 2016

In this article, we make an attempt to understand the population and employment suburbanization of a mid-tier Indian city—Gulbarga, Karnataka. We estimate population and employment density gradients for the city for two periods and find the evidence of suburbanization. While we are unable to explain the suburbanization, our anecdotal examination of the ratio of unemployment rate in the central city to that of the suburbs indicate the suburbanization of the city due to central city blight. The effects of suburbanization were also seen from the spatial distribution of working population.
Modelling, characterisation and uncertainties of stabilised pseudoelastic shape memory alloy helical springs
Authors: Enemark Søren , Santos Ilmar F , Savi Marcelo A
Published: March 2016

The thermo-mechanical behaviour of pseudoelastic shape memory alloy helical springs is of concern discussing stabilised and cyclic responses. Constitutive description of the shape memory alloy is based on the framework developed by Lagoudas and co-workers incorporating two modifications related to hardening and sub-loop functions designated by Bézier curves. The spring model takes into account both bending and torsion of the spring wire, thus representing geometrical non-linearities. Simplified models are explored showing that a single point in the wire cross section is enough to represent the global spring behaviour in spite of complex stress–strain distributions. The experiments are carried out considering different deflection amplitudes, frequencies and ambient temperatures, which influence the spring behaviour to different extents. The model is fitted against a calibration data set resulting in 1.3% residual standard deviation relative to the full range force. Compared to the validation data set, the errors are below 10% relative to the full range of the complex modulus. Uncertainty analysis of the model parameters using a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique shows low to high parameter correlation, and the relative uncertainties are less than ±12%. Both the heat capacity and the convection coefficient are clearly identifiable from the performed experiments.
Examining Clinical Utility of Imaging for Inpatient Palliative Care
Authors: Grant Matthew Paul , Cardin Anthony , O’Connor Niamh , Eastman Peter
Published: March 2016

Background:

Medicine in the final months of life is increasingly interventional, both in the manner by which life may be prolonged and symptoms may be reduced. Radiology is frequently utilized to provide diagnostic clarity and improve symptom control. As with any intervention, examining the benefit and potential harms of a procedure is required to establish its role in ongoing clinical care.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study involved patients admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit between October 2013 and September 2014. Data were collected using clinical databases manually searched by the researchers.

Results:

Of 388 admissions, there were a total of 154 imaging events completed in 85 patients. Patients who had imaging performed had longer mean length of stays, more likely to be discharged home, and male. Very few imaging events (4%) occurred in the 3 days prior to death and none on the day of death. In total, 43% of imaging confirmed the clinical suspicion and management changed 42% of times. Limbs X-rays and computed tomography brain had low rates of confirming clinical suspicion (21% and 17%) and changing management (21% and 33%). There were a total of 7 complications resulting from imaging, the majority due to interventional procedures.

Conclusion:

The use of imaging in inpatient palliative care seems to be of substantive utility, prompting alterations in management in >40% of instances. The majority of imaging occurred prior to the terminal phase of the disease and with few complications.
Anaplastic Sarcoma of the Kidney
Authors: Arabi Haitham , Al-Maghraby Hatim , Yamani Arwa , Yousef Yasmin , Huwait Hassan
Published: March 2016

Anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney (ASK) is an extremely rare tumor, which usually presents as a large renal mass. Microscopically, the tumor is composed of pleomorphic mesenchymal spindle cells with marked atypia, associated with chondroid differentiation and focal round primitive mesenchymal cells. Herein, we present a case of anaplastic sarcoma of the kidney in a 3-year-old female, who presented with a large abdominal mass. To the best of our knowledge, less than 25 cases are reported in the literature. In addition, this is the first case reported from the Middle East.
Neighborhood Ethnoracial Composition and Gentrification in Chicago and New York, 1980 to 2010
Authors: Timberlake Jeffrey M. , Johns-Wolfe Elaina
Published: March 2016

This research examines the impact of neighborhood ethnoracial composition on the likelihood that neighborhoods that could gentrify do gentrify over time. Drawing on findings from the gentrification and residential preference literatures, we hypothesize that the percentage of Black and Latino residents in neighborhoods in 1980 is associated with the probability of gentrification, conditional on the racial composition of neighborhoods in 2010. We test these hypotheses with analyses of census data for tracts in the central cities of Chicago and New York in 1980 to 2010. We find that the percentage of Black residents in 1980 was negatively associated with gentrified White and positively associated with gentrified Black neighborhoods, and that percent Latino in 1980 was positively associated with gentrified Latino neighborhoods. Finally, we found strong evidence that gentrification in these cities was much more likely to occur in neighborhoods close to the central business district.
The frictionless axial interaction of a rigid disk with a two-layered functionally graded transversely isotropic medium
Authors: Shahmohamadi Mehdi , Khojasteh Ali , Rahimian Mohammad , Pak Ronald
Published: March 2016

A rigorous formulation is presented for the frictionless axisymmetric interaction of a rigid disk with a two-layered inhomogeneous medium. The materials are considered to be linearly elastic transversely isotropic materials and the exponential variation of properties along the depth of each layer is assumed in order to model the effect of inhomogeneity. The disk is considered to be at the top of the coating layer or embedded at the interface of the two media. By satisfying the boundary conditions, the problem leads to a dual integral equation and is reducible to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind which is solved numerically. The numerical solutions survey the effect of material inhomogeneity through two special cases: a functionally graded coating on a homogeneous transversely isotropic half-space and a homogeneous transversely isotropic coating on an inhomogeneous half-space. The accuracy of the numerical solutions is verified by comparison with the corresponding solution for homogeneous material in the literature.
Effect of room partitions on airborne and impact sound insulation in large, open rooms
Authors: Zambon Giovanni , Benocci Roberto , Angelini Fabio , Scrosati Chiara
Published: March 2016

ISO 16283 for measuring sound insulation in buildings supersedes ISO 140 but is particularly lacking for measurements in large, open rooms of the type considered here (floor volume: ~4000 m3). Following ISO 16283-1, the room volume is theoretically divided into smaller volumes through an analysis of sound level distribution. Large absorbing panels in the ceiling prevent the growth of diffuse sound fields, and thus, the analysis makes critical use of normalization factors used in the airborne sound insulation and impact noise levels based on the Sabine equation. Given the likely division of finished floors into rooms, mobile separation walls are used here to investigate the influence of partitions on sound insulation. The results seem to show that they reduce sound insulation and increase impact noise level in each considered enclosed volume. These variations were investigated further through measurements taken in two volumes of different dimensions and at positions near to and far away from the separation walls.
Managing language mismatches in emergency calls
Authors: Penn Claire , Watermeyer Jennifer , Nattrass Rhona
Published: March 2016

The complex linguistic profile of South Africa has the potential to limit the efficiency of emergency calls. Emergency services depend on rapid resolution of a call, dispatch of an ambulance and response at scene. Resolving language mismatches is a critical feature of everyday practice in such a setting. This study examined accommodation to language shifts in a call centre using conversation analysis methods. Three main call trajectories were identified and the analysis suggested marked differences in responsivity, reflecting attitudinal and societal stratification. Conversation analysis provided insight into communication barriers and contextual features, which have implications for training.
The impact of topic interest, L2 proficiency, and gender on EFL incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading
Authors: Lee Sunjung , Pulido Diana
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the impact of topic interest, alongside L2 proficiency and gender, on L2 vocabulary acquisition through reading. A repeated-measures design was used with 135 Korean EFL students. Control variables included topic familiarity, prior target-word knowledge, and target-word difficulty (word length, class, and concreteness). Participants read both high- and low-interest topic passages and took vocabulary posttests (word-form recognition, translation recognition, and translation production) immediately and four weeks after reading. Analyses revealed significant effects of topic interest and L2 proficiency, and a significant interaction between topic interest and gender. These results were maintained over time. The article concludes by discussing the facilitative role of topic interest, expanding on the motivational factor considered in the involvement load hypothesis.
Multiracial people and their partners in Britain: Extending the link between intermarriage and integration?
Authors: Song Miri
Published: March 2016

There are now a growing number of studies on intermarriage in Western multi-ethnic societies, especially in countries with post-colonial migrants (and their descendants). Intermarriage is of great interest to analysts because a group’s tendency to partner across ethnic boundaries is a key indicator of the social distance between groups in a multi-ethnic society. However, theorizing on intermarriage is typically premised upon the union (usually) of a White and non-White individual. We know little, therefore, about what happens the next generation down: the unions of multiracial people, who are the children of intermarried couples. With whom do multiracial people partner? Furthermore, are multiracial individuals who are partnered with White people different in their outlooks, identifications, and socialization of their children, from those who have ethnic minority partners? I draw upon some findings from a Leverhulme-funded research project on multiracial people and their experiences as parents in Britain.
From mapreading to mapmaking: Civic learning as orientation, disorientation and reorientation
Authors: Cowell Gillian , Biesta Gert
Published: March 2016

Space represented on geographical maps is ordered and navigable, allowing one to ‘know’ features and layouts of places before visiting, and finding landmarks, pathways and spaces of importance that connect you from one point to another, reducing possibilities for disorientation. Maps ‘work’ because they represent a reality already ordered and structured. We argue that this order could be considered a form of Biesta's (2011) socialisation conception of civic learning, where the map reader can know in advance where they are going and what they will find. However, regarding interactions with derelict, historical, new or ‘missing’ spaces, the use of maps with residents can create different understandings of place. The map within these engagements stimulates the unexpectedness necessary to disrupt space as seen ‘from above’. These ground-level disruptions, we argue, are a necessary part of subjectification processes ( Biesta, 2011 ): the map reader becomes map-maker in the creation of an alternative engagement with their landscape. In our paper we report on an empirical study involving two cases: a historical society in a post-industrial location with an invisible history, due to the decline of its heavy industry since the 1980s, and an environment group in an official Conservation Area with a history broadly stable and visible today, both in Scotland. We utilise a psychogeographic methodology that deconstructs the mapreading and mapmaking ‘order’, exposing it to re-explorations by individuals, who in turn construct layered spatial and temporal maps – through their civic actions – towards their subjectification and emergence as political agents.
Gender, Nation, and Colonialism
Authors: Shome Raka
Published: March 2016

This special issue explores 21st-century articulations of gender, nation, and colonialism.
Learning for life and/or work: The status quo of pre-vocational education in India, China, Germany and the USA
Authors: Pilz Matthias , Krisanthan Balasundaram , Michalik Bjoern , Zenner Lea , Li Jun
Published: March 2016

The role of pre-vocational education in general compulsory education has become increasingly relevant over recent years, with the international debate focussing particularly on its importance in school-to-work transitions. This study considers curriculum design and the implementation of pre-vocational education in four countries with radically different cultures: India, China, Germany and the USA. Using a theoretically framed concept of relevance to inform curriculum analysis, it compares the widely divergent content of curricula. In addition to this, interviews with teachers in all four countries flesh out how the curriculum is implemented in practice. The study, which is based on the ‘prescribed curriculum’ and ‘enacted curriculum’ approach, demonstrates that a range of factors means implementation varies widely from country to country but that teachers in all four countries focus in pre-vocational education on equipping students with life-skills.
Post-stroke dysphagia: A review and design considerations for future trials
Authors: Cohen David L , Roffe Christine , Beavan Jessica , Blackett Brenda , Fairfield Carol A , Hamdy Shaheen , Havard Di , McFarlane Mary , McLauglin Carolee , Randall Mark , Robson Katie , Scutt Polly , Smith Craig , Smithard David , Sprigg Nikola , Warusevitane Anushka , Watkins Caroline , Woodhouse Lisa , Bath Philip M
Published: March 2016

Post-stroke dysphagia (a difficulty in swallowing after a stroke) is a common and expensive complication of acute stroke and is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and institutionalization due in part to aspiration, pneumonia, and malnutrition. Although most patients recover swallowing spontaneously, a significant minority still have dysphagia at six months. Although multiple advances have been made in the hyperacute treatment of stroke and secondary prevention, the management of dysphagia post-stroke remains a neglected area of research, and its optimal management, including diagnosis, investigation and treatment, have still to be defined.
The training of international level distance runners
Authors: Tjelta Leif Inge
Published: March 2016

A limited number of studies have examined the distribution of training at different intensities during longer training periods among elite runners. Runners who want to reach international level in distance running should run ≥110 km/week at the age of 18–19 years. For senior runners, it appears that training volumes around 150–200 km/week are appropriate for 5000 and 10,000 m runners and 120–160 km/week for 1500 m runners. It also appears to be beneficial to combine these weekly training volumes with two to four sessions per week at the velocity at the anaerobic threshold pace, and one to two sessions per week above velocity at the anaerobic threshold pace during the preparation period. For runners who compete over distances from 1500 to 10,000 m, it seems appropriate to reduce the number of sessions carried out at velocity at the anaerobic threshold pace and to increase the number of sessions at specific race pace in the pre-competition period and during the competition period. Top results for the marathon can be achieved by a “low volume/high intensity model” (150–200 km/week), as well as by a “high volume/low intensity model” (180–260 km/week).
An analysis of National Football League coaching trees and the network they comprise
Authors: McCullick Bryan A , Elliott Jeremy , Schempp Paul G
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze professional football coaches’ coaching trees and the network they comprise. Employment histories were collected for head coaches (HCs) in the National Football League (NFL) along with the NFL HCs under whom they served as assistant coaches (ACs) prior to their first NFL HC position and repeated until no new mentors were found. Coaches’ win–loss records, championships, and Pro Football Hall of Fame status were obtained. Three themes emerged from data analysis: (a) “Roots are a Must, But Fewer are Stronger”; (b) “Established Roots Prosper and Flourish”; and (c) “Prolific Bounties are Not Necessarily Successful Ones”. Analysis revealed: (a) a limited number of apprenticeships appeared to be the best way to achieve HC success; (b) AC apprenticeships are best served under successful HCs; and (c) the weight attributed to an AC’s experience working under a successful HC should be viewed cautiously.
Expert youth coaches’ diversification strategies in talent development: A qualitative typology
Authors: Voigt Lenard , Hohmann Andreas
Published: March 2016

The development of expert-level performance in sports is discussed against the background of two different pathways. The early specialization approach emphasizes both early onset and high volumes of sport-specific practice in a desired main sport. On the other hand, the diversification approach promotes diversified involvement in a range of other sports with later specialization. This study examines the way in which youth coaches translate the antagonistic concepts of specialization and diversification into their coaching strategies during the early stages of talent development. Using qualitative research methodology, 44 expert German youth coaches (M age = 45.1 years, SD = 7.5; 39 male and 5 female) in 24 different sports, with an average of 21.7 years accumulated coaching experience (SD = 7.0) were included in the inductive thematic analysis. Analysis showed a differentiated understanding of the process of specialization that considered multiple ways to apply diversification both within sports and across several sports. Although all of the coaches appeared to acknowledge the importance of within-sports diversification, there was considerable variation in the reported purposeful implementation and significance of sporting activities other than the main sport leading to a nuanced typology of strategies. The typology could be divided into the following four categories based on the preferred strategies that the coaches described: (I) changers and late entrants; (II) early engagement in DS + secondary sports; (III) early engagement in DS + supplementary sports; and (IV) early engagement in DS + specialization. The findings strengthened existing suggestions of a gradual and multidimensional understanding of diversification prior to necessary specialization. Furthermore, it can be assumed that the preferred strategies are fundamentally influenced by individual cognitions and contextual aspects that acknowledge the complex and ideographical nature of coaching.
Consent and capacity: What GPs need to know
Authors: Walters Daisy E A , Metcalfe Neil H
Published: March 2016

Consent and capacity are ethical issues that doctors encounter every day in clinical practice. Informed consent, when taken correctly, can help empower patients and improve adherence and understanding of their treatment. Despite this, these areas seem to be poorly understood by clinicians, and are a major cause of calls to medico-legal defence organisations. This article is a concise amalgamation of General Medical Council (GMC) and British Medical Association (BMA) guidance, with justification for the importance of consent in practice. It covers the definitions of consent and capacity, how they are to be taken, lack of capacity, consent in minors, and parental responsibility. This is in order to provide clinicians with a base knowledge of these issues, which they can apply to their everyday practice.
Inadequate Helmet Fit Increases Concussion Severity in American High School Football Players
Authors: Greenhill Dustin A. , Navo Paul , Zhao Huaqing , Torg Joseph , Comstock R. Dawn , Boden Barry P.
Published: March 2016

Background:

There is limited information on the relationship between football helmet fit and concussion severity.

Hypothesis:

Poor helmet fit may predispose football players to a more severe concussion.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Data from concussion injury reports were obtained from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System over a 9-year period. Symptoms, duration, and helmet parameters (fit, interior padding) were analyzed for all first-time concussions.

Results:

Data from 4580 concussions were analyzed. Patients who suffered concussions with a helmet that did not fit properly (3.22%), as determined by an athletic trainer, had higher rates of drowsiness (RR, 1.46; P = 0.005), hyperexcitability (RR, 2.38; P = 0.047), and sensitivity to noise (RR, 1.88; P < 0.001); had more symptoms (5.34 vs 4.54, P = 0.004); and had longer symptom duration ( P = 0.04). Athletes with helmets lined with an air bladder had greater rates of sensitivity to light (RR, 1.13; P = 0.02), sensitivity to noise (RR, 1.25; P = 0.009), and longer symptom duration ( P = 0.004) compared with foam or gel liners.

Conclusion:

An improperly fitted football helmet is a risk factor for a concussion with more symptoms and of longer duration. Concussions of longer duration are also more common in players with an air bladder–lined helmet. Current high school football rules should mandate supervision and maintenance of helmet fit throughout the season, prior to impact.

Clinical Relevance:

Team physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, and high school officials should ensure proper oversight of helmet fit in high school athletes to decrease concussion severity and duration.
Decision Fatigue, Choosing for Others, and Self-Construal
Authors: Polman Evan , Vohs Kathleen D.
Published: March 2016

Past research has shown that people tend to feel depleted by their decisions. In contrast, we found people report that making decisions for others (vs. the self) is less depleting because it is more enjoyable. Our investigation thus replicated a prior finding (that decision-making is depleting), moderated it by target of decision (self vs. other), and demonstrated mediation (enjoyment). We further measured chronic focus on self or others (self-construal) and established a full process model that marries prior findings with the current ones: Choosing for others is more enjoyable and less depleting to the extent that decision makers are independent, and less enjoyable and more depleting to the extent that decision makers are interdependent. That a mismatch between chronic and state orientation leads to the better outcomes for self-control indicates a special link between self-construal and decision-making.
A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Impression Management Strategies Used by Women in Indian Organizations
Authors: Sanaria Apurva D.
Published: March 2016

This article attempts to understand the impression management strategies used by women in Indian organizations. The extant research on gender differences in impression management, primarily conducted in Western cultures, has been inconclusive. This may be a result of attempting to generalize across cultures and/or the lack of research on moderating variables in the choice of impression management strategies by women. India provides an interesting context with high power distance culture, low social status of women as well as an emerging women’s movement. These factors set the context for the choice of impression management strategies by women in Indian organizations. This article proposes relevant moderators that could contribute towards a better understanding of the impression management strategies of women in Indian organizations. The nature of the job role and the attitude towards gender stereotypes provide a conceptual framework to understand the impression management strategies of women in Indian organizations. The proposed framework is explained and relevant propositions are suggested. The opportunities for future research are also indicated.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Authors: Lucas Samuel R.
Published: March 2016

Sociologists use data from experiments, ethnographies, survey interviews, in-depth interviews, archives, and administrative records. Analysts disagree, however, on whether probability sampling is necessary for each method. To address the issue, the author introduces eight dimensions of data collection, places each method within those dimensions, and uses that resource to assess the necessity and feasibility of probability sampling for each method. The author finds that some methods often seen as unique are not, whereas others’ unique natures are confirmed. More surprisingly, some methods for which probability sampling is rare were found to require it, whereas one for which probability sampling is usually believed to be impossible was found to easily use it. Efforts to salvage nonprobability samples and eight additional general justifications for nonprobability sampling are addressed. Advice for individual analysts and counsel for collective responses to improve research are offered.
Mean Reverting Financial Leverage and Firm Life Cycle: Theory versus Evidence (Pakistan)
Authors: Ahsan Tanveer , Wang Man , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem
Published: March 2016

The purpose of the study 3 3 This article is a part of a PhD thesis submitted at School of Accounting, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian, P. R. China. is to decide between two competing theories of capital structure (trade-off theory and pecking order theory) along a firms’ life cycle and to find out whether there exists a target capital structure or not. To carry out the purpose, we develop a database of 13,375 firm-year observations of non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange spread over 39 years (1972–2010). A multivariate approach has been followed to classify 13,375 firm-year observations into different life cycle stages, and Fisher type panel unit root test has been applied to check the mean reversion of financial leverage ratios. The results of unit root analysis for growing and mature firms clearly support trade-off financing behavior while for declining firms results do not support trade-off financing behavior.
MIP-1α/CCL3-expressing basophil-lineage cells drive the leukemic hematopoiesis of chronic myeloid leukemia in mice
Authors: Baba Tomohisa , Tanabe Yamato , Yoshikawa Soichiro , Yamanishi Yoshinori , Morishita Soji , Komatsu Norio , Karasuyama Hajime , Hirao Atsushi , Mukaida Naofumi
Published: March 2016

Key Points

Basophil-like leukemia cells crucially contribute to CML development by providing an inflammatory chemokine, CCL3.
A novel DFP tripeptide motif interacts with the coagulation factor XI apple 2 domain
Authors: Wong Szu S. , Østergaard Søren , Hall Gareth , Li Chan , Williams Philip M. , Stennicke Henning , Emsley Jonas
Published: March 2016

Key Points

A novel FXI binding tripeptide motif has sequence Asp-Phe-Pro (DFP). FXI complex crystal structures reveal DFP peptides bound to the apple 2 domain.
Disturbed sialic acid recognition on endothelial cells and platelets in complement attack causes atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Hyvärinen Satu , Meri Seppo , Jokiranta T. Sakari
Published: March 2016

Key Points

Sialic acids are critical for factor H–mediated complement regulation on endothelial cells, erythrocytes, and platelets. Impaired ability of factor H mutants to simultaneously bind sialic acid and C3b on cells explains their association with aHUS.
Irisin Is Regulated by CAR in Liver and Is a Mediator of Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Mo Li , Shen Jing , Liu Qinhui , Zhang Yuwei , Kuang Jiangying , Pu Shiyun , Cheng Shihai , Zou Min , Jiang Wei , Jiang Changtao , Qu Aijuan , He Jinhan
Published: March 2016

Irisin, a hormone proteolytically processed from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), has been reported to induce the browning of sc adipocytes by increasing the level of uncoupling protein 1. In this study, we showed that activation of the nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor induced FNDC5 mRNA expression in the liver and increased the circulating level of irisin in mice. FNDC5/irisin is a direct transcriptional target of constitutive androstane receptor. Hepatic-released irisin functioned as a paracrine/autocrine factor that inhibited lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis via the Adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase pathway. Adenovirus-overexpressed irisin improved hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in genetic-induced obese mice. Irisin transgenic mice were also protected against high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. In conclusion, our results reveal a novel pathway in regulating FNDC5/irisin expression and identify a physiological role for this hepatic hormone in glucose and lipid homeostasis.
Low-Fidelity Haptic Simulation Versus Mental Imagery Training for Epidural Anesthesia Technical Achievement in Novice Anesthesiology Residents: A Randomized Comparative Study
Authors: Lim Grace , Krohner Robert G. , Metro David G. , Rosario Bedda L. , Jeong Jong-Hyeon , Sakai Tetsuro
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:

There are many teaching methods for epidural anesthesia skill acquisition. Previous work suggests that there is no difference in skill acquisition whether novice learners engage in low-fidelity (LF) versus high-fidelity haptic simulation for epidural anesthesia. No study, however, has compared the effect of LF haptic simulation for epidural anesthesia versus mental imagery (MI) training in which no physical practice is attempted. We tested the hypothesis that MI training is superior to LF haptic simulation training for epidural anesthesia skill acquisition.

METHODS:

Twenty Post-Graduate Year 2 (PGY-2) anesthesiology residents were tested at the beginning of the training year. After a didactic lecture on epidural anesthesia, they were randomized into 2 groups. Group LF had LF simulation training for epidural anesthesia using a previously described banana simulation technique. Group MI had guided, scripted MI training in which they initially were oriented to the epidural kit components and epidural anesthesia was described stepwise in detail, followed by individual mental rehearsal; no physical practice was undertaken. Each resident then individually performed epidural anesthesia on a partial-human task trainer on 3 consecutive occasions under the direct observation of skilled evaluators who were blinded to group assignment. Technical achievement was assessed with the use of a modified validated skills checklist. Scores (0–21) and duration to task completion (minutes) were recorded. A linear mixed-effects model analysis was performed to determine the differences in scores and duration between groups and over time.

RESULTS:

There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for scores and duration to task completion. Both groups showed similarly significant increases (P = 0.0015) in scores over time (estimated mean score [SE]: group MI, 15.9 [0.55] to 17.4 [0.55] to 18.6 [0.55]; group LF, 16.2 [0.55] to 17.7 [0.55] to 18.9 [0.55]). Time to complete the procedure decreased similarly and significantly (P = 0.032) for both groups after the first attempt (estimated mean time [SE]: group MI, 16.0 [1.04] minutes to 13.7 [1.04] minutes to 13.3 [1.04] minutes; group LF: 15.8 [1.04] minutes to 13.4 [1.04] minutes to 13.1 [1.04] minutes).

CONCLUSIONS:

MI is not different from LF simulation training for epidural anesthesia skill acquisition. Education in epidural anesthesia with structured didactics and continual MI training may suffice to prepare novice learners before an attempt on human subjects.
The Mg2+ transporter CNNM4 regulates sperm Ca2+ homeostasis and is essential for reproduction
Authors: Yamazaki Daisuke , Miyata Haruhiko , Funato Yosuke , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Ikawa Masahito , Miki Hiroaki
Published: March 2016

Ca2+ influx triggers sperm capacitation; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that CNNM4, a Mg2+ transporter, is required for Ca2+ influx during capacitation. We find that Cnnm4-deficient male mice are almost infertile because of sperm dysfunction. Motion analyses show that hyperactivation, a qualitative change in the mode of sperm motility during capacitation, is abrogated in Cnnm4-deficient sperm. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of flagellar proteins, a hallmark of capacitation, is excessively augmented. These seemingly paradoxical phenotypes of Cnnm4-deficient sperm are very similar to those of sperm lacking a functional cation channel of sperm (CatSper) channel, which plays an essential role in Ca2+ influx during sperm capacitation. Ca2+ imaging analyses demonstrate that Ca2+ influx is perturbed in Cnnm4-deficient sperm, and forced Ca2+ entry into these sperm normalizes the level of tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, we confirm the importance of CNNM4 in sperm by generating germ-cell-specific Cnnm4-deficient mice. These results suggest a new role of CNNM4 in sperm Ca2+ homeostasis.
The importance of understanding individual differences in Down syndrome
Authors: Karmiloff-Smith Annette , Al-Janabi Tamara , D'Souza Hana , Groet Jurgen , Massand Esha , Mok Kin , Startin Carla , Fisher Elizabeth , Hardy John , Nizetic Dean , Tybulewicz Victor , Strydom Andre
Published: March 2016

In this article, we first present a summary of the general assumptions about Down syndrome (DS) still to be found in the literature. We go on to show how new research has modified these assumptions, pointing to a wide range of individual differences at every level of description. We argue that, in the context of significant increases in DS life expectancy, a focus on individual differences in trisomy 21 at all levels—genetic, cellular, neural, cognitive, behavioral, and environmental—constitutes one of the best approaches for understanding genotype/phenotype relations in DS and for exploring risk and protective factors for Alzheimer’s disease in this high-risk population.
From simple to supercomplex: mitochondrial genomes of euglenozoan protists
Authors: Faktorová Drahomíra , Dobáková Eva , Peña-Diaz Priscila , Lukeš Julius
Published: March 2016

Mitochondria are double membrane organelles of endosymbiotic origin, best known for constituting the centre of energetics of a eukaryotic cell. They contain their own mitochondrial genome, which as a consequence of gradual reduction during evolution typically contains less than two dozens of genes. In this review, we highlight the extremely diverse architecture of mitochondrial genomes and mechanisms of gene expression between the three sister groups constituting the phylum Euglenozoa - Euglenida, Diplonemea and Kinetoplastea. The earliest diverging euglenids possess a simplified mitochondrial genome and a conventional gene expression, whereas both are highly complex in the two other groups. The expression of their mitochondrial-encoded proteins requires extensive post-transcriptional modifications guided by complex protein machineries and multiple small RNA molecules. Moreover, the least studied diplonemids, which have been recently discovered as a highly abundant component of the world ocean plankton, possess one of the most complicated mitochondrial genome organisations known to date.
Flow cytometry analysis of epithelial cell populations from touch samples using the BD Influx flow cytometry platform
Authors: Kwon Ye Jin , Stanciu Cristina E. , Philpott M. Katherine , Ehrhardt Christopher J.
Published: March 2016

‘Touch’ or trace cell mixtures submitted as evidence are a significant problem for forensic laboratories as they can render resulting genetic profiles difficult or even impossible to interpret. Optical signatures that distinguish epidermal cell populations from different contributors could facilitate the physical separation of mixture components prior to genetic analysis, and potentially the downstream production of single source profiles and/or simplified mixtures.  For this dataset, optical properties including forwards scatter (FSC), side scatter (SSC), and fluorescence emissions in the Allophycocyanin (APC) channel were measured in epithelial cell populations from touch samples collected from several different contributors on multiple days to assess inter- and intra-contributor variability.
On the prediction of the amplitudes of the foundation´s oscillations
Authors: Нуждин Леонид , Nuzhdin Leonid
Published: March 2016

Article contains calculated according to the amplitudes of the oscillations for all foundation of the power and impact by kinematic excitation components. It is derived from the model of an elastic half-space. Depending include only general expressions of stiffness and damping of the base, the action-sponding load and the basic parameters of the foundation. The use of the dependencies facilitates the selection and optimization of constructive solutions and sizes of foundations operated under dynamic loading
The design parameters of geotextile containers for dewatering sediment
Authors: Волков Владимир , Volkov Vladimir , Кравченко Александр , Kravchenko Aleksandr
Published: March 2016

This article describes an efficient method of clearing of small rivers in the dense housing floodplain. Presents disadvantages tive-rate documentation on the design of flexible containers. Developm HN dependence of the parameters of geotextile containers dehydrating-of sediment for practical design and monitoring.
IDENTIFICATION OF RESIDUAL STRESSESIN PRODUCTS FROM CARBON- CARBONACEOUSMATERIALS
Authors: Казначеева Анна , Kaznacheeva Anna , Полинко Юлия , Polinko Yuliya
Published: March 2016

The method of assessing the level of residual stresses in graphitic carbon shell of revo-lution, by interpreting the experimental data obtained by the x-ray method is proposed. The results of experimental studies of mental-phase composition, the parameters of the crystal lattice, the degree of graphitization and texturing of pyrolytic reinforced carbon-carbonaceous composite are given. Estimation of the level of residual technological tensions resulting in defects of products has been performed at the micro and macro stages.

Quality criterion is written as a deviation square sum, calculated and measured broa-dening of diffractogram lines.

High informativity of the radiographic method for estimating artificial graphite prod-uct quality and the possibility of using this method in the production environment.
Algorithm interval estimation of the parameters according to the simulation experiment
Authors: Казначеева Анна , Kaznacheeva Anna , Полинко Юлия , Polinko Yuliya
Published: March 2016

Algorythm of calculating spacing estimations of variables of physics and mechanics parameters defining a construction rigidity according to measured variables of state with consideration of random errors of the measure system. For the spacing estimation of required parameters an algorythm implementing the Monte-Carlo method, with measurement errors and reflection approximation errors being considered. Varification of the given algorithm is shown as an example of spacial (interestimation of rigidity parameters of a nonlinear –elastic reinforced concrete beam
The Upbringing Development Strategy in the Russian Federation for the Period through to 2025: Fundamental Ideas, Principles and Guidelines
Authors: Вяземский  , Vyazemskiy Evgeniy , Евладова  , Evladova E.
Published: March 2016

The paper concerns the public need for developing the upbringing strategy for the Russian Federation. The Strategy goal, objectives and the content are

defi ned, the priorities and objectives of upbringing and education, appropriate for the modern Russia, are outlined, as well as fundamental guidelines,

aimed at developing upbringing and education, and the needed qualitative changes in the upbringing system to be achieved through the Strategy

implementation.
Current Trends in Professional Improvement of Art Teachers in Terms of Further Training
Authors: Дуганова  , Duganova L. , Руднева  , Rudneva Olga
Published: March 2016

The paper outlines the current trends intrinsic to the Art teachers’ professional improvement in terms of developing the refl ective culture, taking place

under the conditions of implementing the process of further professional training.
Network Approach to Professional Development of a Teacher and a Student in the System of Secondary Vocational Education
Authors: Василевская  , Vasilevskaya E.
Published: March 2016

The paper considers the network approach to improving professional competency of teachers, as well as the network approach to the students’ personal

and professional development, concerning means of collaborative learning.
Studying Anton Chekhov’s Story “The Student” in the Context of the Gospel Storyline
Authors: Щелкунова  , Shchelkunova Svetlana
Published: March 2016

The paper introduces the concept of studying the Russian literature masterpieces in the context of Gospel storylines and parables in order to reveal

spiritual meanings and unique poetics of classic examples of the great works of literature.
Organizational and Pedagogical Conditions for Developing the Regulatory Universal Educational Activities in the Course of Natural-Science Education Based on Individualized Curricula
Authors: Драчева  , Dracheva Elena
Published: March 2016

The Regulatory Universal Educational Activities (RUEA) are crucial to forming the learners’ abilities for self-organization of their educational activities,

and thus are core to the successful training outcomes. RUEA can be formed not only based on the subject contents, but also through the organizational

forms of education. One of such models is the training based on the individualized curriculum (IC), because in the process of drawing and implementing

the IC the learner has to master all the stages of the RUEA development. In the course of arranging the set of conditions, needed for the IC-based training

model, the eff ect of these conditions on forming the RUEA in upperclassmen, trained in natural sciences in terms of subject-oriented education, has

been identifi ed. It was found, that in students, specializing in natural sciences, all types of universal educational activities are better developed. Due to

mastering the very methodology of educational activities, this educational model allows to maintain and enhance learning outcomes not only in the

groups of subject-oriented study of natural-science disciplines, but also in the basic education groups.
Ethnic Law As a Social Control: a Socio-Philosophical Aspect
Authors: Халтурин  , Khalturin A.
Published: March 2016

The article presents a socio-philosophical analysis of the problems of social regulation of life of different types of ethnic communities designated category of "national community." Considering the problem of the historical and philosophical perspective, the author has presented various options and proposals for the formation of local law of indigenous peoples. The socio-philosophical sounding received proposals on the content of the mechanism of legal regulation of V.N. Leksin and E.N. Andreeva, "Samoyed law" by A. Zhuravsky, the basic situation of aboriginal law by Y. Popkov. As a methodological basis acts hypothesis of «customary ethnic law» by I.B. Lomakina. The article reflected the social study of customary law, taken by Russian jurists in the second half of the XIX century. The study of customary law of the northern "foreigners" made by M. Kharuzin, A.Y. Efimenko and P.S. Efimenko is of fundamental importance. During the process of socio-philosophical analysis revealed the general opinion of scientists — the law of indigenous peoples should be comprehensive, it must be presented the norms of state law and customary law regulating the ethnocultural activities of indigenous peoples. On the basis of a proposal it was offered the author´s version of the definition of ethnic law. The author represented in the form of theses the version of the essence of ethnic law in the ontological, anthropological, axiological, social and philosophical context.