bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarity and difference in vegetation structure of three desert shrub communities under the same temperate climate but with different microhabitats
Authors: Tao Ye , Zhang Yuan-Ming , Downing Alison
Published: December 2013

Background

Community structure and species composition are closely related to plant diversity and ecosystem stability. To explore the similarity in vegetation structure of shrub communities under the same temperate climate but with different microhabitats, 36, 28 and 13 sampling plots in Ephedra distachya, Seriphidium terrae-albae and Artemisia songarica communities were selected respectively, during the course of three seasons (early spring, summer, autumn) in Gurbantunggut Desert, north-western China. The species composition, abundance, biomass and soil nutrients were investigated. Floristic changes were characterized by similarity and ordination methods.

Results

Two communities, E. distachya and S. terrae-albae, were similar in terms of soil nutrients but differed from the A. songarica community. Soil organic matter, nitrogen and biological soil crusts accounted for the differences of microhabitats. In spring and summer, more plant families, genera and species were recorded in E. distachya and S. terrae-albae communities than in the A. songarica community but in each community, the number of families, genera, species, herbs and life forms showed a consistent trend summer > spring > autumn. There were significant differences in absolute biomass among the three communities, but the ratio of dead biomass to total biomass was consistently 1:4, indicating the constant turnover rate of plant biomass for nutrient cycling. In each community shrubs accounted for the most biomass. Herbaceous biomass was negligible but the herbs contributed the most richness and abundance.

Conclusions

The similarity in response of all three communities to seasonal changes in vegetation structure and biomass allocation demonstrate convergence although divergence is demonstrated in soil characteristics or microhabitats.
A note on transhumant pastoralism in Niti valley, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Mitra Monideepa , Kumar Amit , Adhikari Bhupendra S , Rawat Gopal S
Published: December 2013

Pastoralism plays an important role in the ecology of alpine habitats and the economy of rural people in some regions of India. The pastoralists move from lower altitudes of the Himalayas to higher alpine regions in summer and return back to lower altitude villages with the onset of autumn. The forested areas along the routes of transhumant pastoralists are affected by anthropogenic pressures, viz. grazing by livestock and tree lopping by the herders for fuelwood. To demarcate such areas and evaluate the effect of anthropogenic disturbances, a preliminary documentation of the routes is needed. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires to elucidate the information from herders visiting Niti valley, Western Himalayas. The interviews found that most of these herders had common stopovers following a similar route to the valley from their respective villages. More than 70% of herders made their transit camps at Niti village and adjoining areas. They stay there for a few days and then the majority move on to higher alpine pastures of Geldung. The rest either stay back at alpine areas near Niti or in the alpine areas adjoining Gamsali village. These stopovers are areas which experience maximum anthropogenic pressure during livestock migrations, and the vegetation is the most affected. Documentation of migration routes will help identify such areas of high pressure and develop management plans to minimize the disturbances.
MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is effective for the distinct pattern of uterine fibroids seen in African-American women: data from phase III/IV, non-randomized, multicenter clinical trials
Authors: Machtinger Ronit , Fennessy Fiona M , Stewart Elizabeth A , Missmer Stacey A , Correia Katharine F , Tempany Clare MC
Published: December 2013

Background

Uterine fibroids are common among women at the reproductive age. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a novel and a conservative treatment for symptomatic cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of MRgFUS in African-American (AA) women compared with that in non-African-Americans (non-AA).

Methods

A single-armed phase IV study was conducted to establish the efficacy of treatment in AA women. Comparison of patient, fibroid, and treatment characteristics from this trial was compared with that of the previously published phase III trial. Both studies were approved by the IRB of each medical center.

Results

Sixty-three AA and 59 non-AA women were treated with MRgFUS. Although AA women had a different pattern of disease, outcomes were similar in both groups. AA patients had a significant higher total number of fibroids compared with non-AA (median 6.0, interquartile range (IQR) 3.0–10.0 vs. 2.0, IQR 1.0–4.0, respectively, p < 0.001), although their total fibroid volume was significantly smaller (median 196.9 cm3, IQR 112.8–415.3 cm3 vs. 394.8 cm3, IQR 189.8–674.4 cm3, respectively, p < 0.001). AA women were younger compared with non-AA (mean ± SD 43.4 ± 5.1 vs. 46.3 ± 4.1 years of age, respectively, p = 0.001) when they presented for treatment. The rate of alternative treatments as well as fibroid-associated symptoms at follow-up time points (3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, period following MRgFUS treatment) did not differ according to race (p ≥ 0.62).

Conclusion

Despite differences in the pattern of fibroid disease, MRgFUS for uterine fibroids has a similar efficacy for AA women compared with non-AA women.
Outcomes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection of cryopreserved sperm from men with spinal cord injury
Authors: Bechoua Shaliha , Berki-Morin Yasmine , Michel Frédéric , Girod Sophie , Sagot Paul , Fauque Patricia
Published: December 2013

Background

Erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and poor semen quality are the main causes of infertility in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Different sperm retrieval techniques such as penile vibratory stimulation (PVS), electro-ejaculation (EEJ) or surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) associated or not with sperm cryopreservation can be offered to these patients to preserve their fertility. If fatherhood cannot be achieved naturally, assisted reproductive techniques can be offered to these patients using either fresh or frozen/thawed sperm. The aim of the study was to report in SCI patients from Dijon (Burgundy) and in the literature, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes using frozen sperm obtained either by antegrade ejaculation (PVS or sexual intercourse) or by SSR.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in Dijon, Burgundy over a 17 year period (1995-2011) on a cohort of 19 SCI men (6 quadriplegics and 13 paraplegics, mean age: 25.2 ± 5.6 years) who underwent a sperm cryopreservation followed or not by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Patients were divided into two groups according to the sperm retrieval method used (antegrade ejaculation group (n=10): penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) for 9 patients and sexual intercourse for 1 patient and surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) group: n=9). The sperm parameters in both groups were analyzed. Pregnancy outcomes in the 8 couples who underwent ICSI were evaluated.

Results

The fertilization rates were 57 and 55%, the embryo’s cleavage rates were 90 and 93% in the antegrade ejaculation and SSR groups respectively. Among the 8 couples who underwent ICSI, 5 couples achieved pregnancy. The pregnancy rates per couple were 50% and 75% in the antegrade and SSR groups respectively.

Conclusions

Although some studies don’t recommend freezing sperm in SCI patients, the pregnancy rates presented in this study are encouraging and warrant the use of frozen/thawed sperm in very specific situations.
Kinetic spectrophotometric determination of an important pharmaceutical compound,
pregabalin
Authors: Najam Raafia , Shah Gh Mohd , Andrabi S Muzaffar Ali
Published: December 2013

Background

Pregabalin (PGB), an anticonvulsant, was studied throughout this work using
spectrophotometric method.

Methods

The spectrophotometric method is based on the condensation reaction of PGB with
p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p DMAB) in acid medium. The
condensation product showed λ
max at 420 nm.

Results

The different parameters affecting the stability of the condensation product were
carefully studied and optimized. The calibration plots were constructed over the
concentration range of 40 to 120 μg ml-1.

Conclusions

A simple, reliable, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric method has been
developed for the determination of an anticonvulsant drug, PGB. The proposed
method was successfully applied to the analysis of the drug in dosage form. The
high sensitivity of the proposed method allows determination of PGB in bulk and in
pharmaceutical preparations.
Effect of tocilizumab on haematological markers implicates interleukin-6 signalling in the anaemia of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Isaacs John D , Harari Olivier , Kobold Uwe , Lee Janet S , Bernasconi Corrado
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Our objective was to determine the interrelationships of interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibition with haemoglobin, acute-phase reactants and iron metabolism markers (including hepcidin) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Data of patients receiving tocilizumab or placebo in the MEASURE study were analysed. We investigated associations at baseline and during tocilizumab treatment among haemoglobin, parameters of haemoglobin and iron homeostasis [ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hepcidin, haptoglobin], IL-6 and acute-phase reactants [C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)] to identify statistical correlates of rise in haemoglobin level.

Results

At baseline, CRP and haptoglobin were inversely correlated (modestly) with haemoglobin levels. After treatment with tocilizumab, CRP, hepcidin, ferritin and haptoglobin levels fell alongside increases in TIBC and haemoglobin. The falls in CRP, hepcidin and haptoglobin levels in the first 2 weeks correlated with a week 12 rise in TIBC and haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Inflammatory anaemia improves in patients with RA treated with tocilizumab. This improvement correlates with the degree of suppression of systemic inflammation, reduction in hepcidin and haptoglobin and increase in iron-binding capacity. These clinical data provide evidence of a role for IL-6 signalling in the inflammatory anaemia of RA.
Development of clinical decision rules to predict recurrent shock in dengue
Authors: Huy Nguyen Tien , Thao Nguyen Thanh Hong , Ha Tran Thi Ngoc , Lan Nguyen Thi Phuong , Nga Phan Thi Thanh , Thuy Tran Thi , Tuan Ha Manh , Nga Cao Thi Phi , Van Tuong Vo , Van Dat Tran , Huong Vu Thi Que , Karbwang Juntra , Hirayama Kenji
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Mortality from dengue infection is mostly due to shock. Among dengue patients with shock, approximately 30% have recurrent shock that requires a treatment change. Here, we report development of a clinical rule for use during a patient’s first shock episode to predict a recurrent shock episode.

Methods

The study was conducted in Center for Preventive Medicine in Vinh Long province and the Children’s Hospital No. 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We included 444 dengue patients with shock, 126 of whom had recurrent shock (28%). Univariate and multivariate analyses and a preprocessing method were used to evaluate and select 14 clinical and laboratory signs recorded at shock onset. Five variables (admission day, purpura/ecchymosis, ascites/pleural effusion, blood platelet count and pulse pressure) were finally trained and validated by a 10-fold validation strategy with 10 times of repetition, using a logistic regression model.

Results

The results showed that shorter admission day (fewer days prior to admission), purpura/ecchymosis, ascites/pleural effusion, low platelet count and narrow pulse pressure were independently associated with recurrent shock. Our logistic prediction model was capable of predicting recurrent shock when compared to the null method (P < 0.05) and was not outperformed by other prediction models. Our final scoring rule provided relatively good accuracy (AUC, 0.73; sensitivity and specificity, 68%). Score points derived from the logistic prediction model revealed identical accuracy with AUCs at 0.73. Using a cutoff value greater than −154.5, our simple scoring rule showed a sensitivity of 68.3% and a specificity of 68.2%.

Conclusions

Our simple clinical rule is not to replace clinical judgment, but to help clinicians predict recurrent shock during a patient’s first dengue shock episode.
Efficient large-scale generation of functional hepatocytes from mouse embryonic stem cells grown in a rotating bioreactor with exogenous growth factors and hormones
Authors: Zhang Shichang , Zhang Yunping , Chen Li , Liu Tao , Li Yangxin , Wang Yingjie , Geng Yongjian
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are considered a potentially advantageous source of hepatocytes for both transplantation and the development of bioartificial livers. However, the efficient large-scale generation of functional hepatocytes from ES cells remains a major challenge, especially for those methods compatible with clinical applications.

Methods

In this study, we investigated whether a large number of functional hepatocytes can be differentiated from mouse ES (mES) cells using a simulated microgravity bioreactor. mES cells were cultured in a rotating bioreactor in the presence of exogenous growth factors and hormones to form embryoid bodies (EBs), which then differentiated into hepatocytes.

Results

During the rotating culture, most of the EB-derived cells gradually showed the histologic characteristics of normal hepatocytes. More specifically, the expression of hepatic genes and proteins was detected at a higher level in the differentiated cells from the bioreactor culture than in cells from a static culture. On further growing, the EBs on tissue-culture plates, most of the EB-derived cells were found to display the morphologic features of hepatocytes, as well as albumin synthesis. In addition, the EB-derived cells grown in the rotating bioreactor exhibited higher levels of liver-specific functions, such as glycogen storage, cytochrome P450 activity, low-density lipoprotein, and indocyanine green uptake, than did differentiated cells grown in static culture. When the EB-derived cells from day-14 EBs and the cells’ culture supernatant were injected into nude mice, the transplanted cells were engrafted into the recipient livers.

Conclusions

Large quantities of high-quality hepatocytes can be generated from mES cells in a rotating bioreactor via EB formation. This system may be useful in the large-scale generation of hepatocytes for both cell transplantation and the development of bioartificial livers.
Best Practices for Measuring Students’ Attitudes toward Learning Science
Authors: Lovelace Matthew , Brickman Peggy
Published: December 2013

Science educators often characterize the degree to which tests measure different facets of college students’ learning, such as knowing, applying, and problem solving. A casual survey of scholarship of teaching and learning research studies reveals that many educators also measure how students’ attitudes influence their learning. Students’ science attitudes refer to their positive or negative feelings and predispositions to learn science. Science educators use attitude measures, in conjunction with learning measures, to inform the conclusions they draw about the efficacy of their instructional interventions. The measurement of students’ attitudes poses similar but distinct challenges as compared with measurement of learning, such as determining validity and reliability of instruments and selecting appropriate methods for conducting statistical analyses. In this review, we will describe techniques commonly used to quantify students’ attitudes toward science. We will also discuss best practices for the analysis and interpretation of attitude data.
The EvoDevoCI: A Concept Inventory for Gauging Students’ Understanding of Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Authors: Perez Kathryn E. , Hiatt Anna , Davis Gregory K. , Trujillo Caleb , French Donald P. , Terry Mark , Price Rebecca M.
Published: December 2013

The American Association for the Advancement of Science 2011 report Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education encourages the teaching of developmental biology as an important part of teaching evolution. Recently, however, we found that biology majors often lack the developmental knowledge needed to understand evolutionary developmental biology, or “evo-devo.” To assist in efforts to improve evo-devo instruction among undergraduate biology majors, we designed a concept inventory (CI) for evolutionary developmental biology, the EvoDevoCI. The CI measures student understanding of six core evo-devo concepts using four scenarios and 11 multiple-choice items, all inspired by authentic scientific examples. Distracters were designed to represent the common conceptual difficulties students have with each evo-devo concept. The tool was validated by experts and administered at four institutions to 1191 students during preliminary (n = 652) and final (n = 539) field trials. We used student responses to evaluate the readability, difficulty, discriminability, validity, and reliability of the EvoDevoCI, which included items ranging in difficulty from 0.22–0.55 and in discriminability from 0.19–0.38. Such measures suggest the EvoDevoCI is an effective tool for assessing student understanding of evo-devo concepts and the prevalence of associated common conceptual difficulties among both novice and advanced undergraduate biology majors.
Understanding Clicker Discussions: Student Reasoning and the Impact of Instructional Cues
Authors: Knight Jennifer K. , Wise Sarah B. , Southard Katelyn M.
Published: December 2013

Previous research has shown that undergraduate science students learn from peer discussions of in-class clicker questions. However, the features that characterize such discussions are largely unknown, as are the instructional factors that may lead students into productive discussions. To explore these questions, we recorded and transcribed 83 discussions among groups of students discussing 34 different clicker questions in an upper-level developmental biology class. Discussion transcripts were analyzed for features such as making claims, questioning, and explaining reasoning. In addition, transcripts were categorized by the quality of reasoning students used and for performance features, such as percent correct on initial vote, percent correct on revote, and normalized learning change. We found that the majority of student discussions included exchanges of reasoning that used evidence and that many such exchanges resulted in students achieving the correct answer. Students also had discussions in which ideas were exchanged, but the correct answer not achieved. Importantly, instructor prompts that asked students to use reasoning resulted in significantly more discussions containing reasoning connected to evidence than without such prompts. Overall, these results suggest that these upper-level biology students readily employ reasoning in their discussions and are positively influenced by instructor cues.
Development of the Biology Card Sorting Task to Measure Conceptual Expertise in Biology
Authors: Smith Julia I. , Combs Elijah D. , Nagami Paul H. , Alto Valerie M. , Goh Henry G. , Gourdet Muryam A. A. , Hough Christina M. , Nickell Ashley E. , Peer Adrian G. , Coley John D. , Tanner Kimberly D.
Published: December 2013

There are widespread aspirations to focus undergraduate biology education on teaching students to think conceptually like biologists; however, there is a dearth of assessment tools designed to measure progress from novice to expert biological conceptual thinking. We present the development of a novel assessment tool, the Biology Card Sorting Task, designed to probe how individuals organize their conceptual knowledge of biology. While modeled on tasks from cognitive psychology, this task is unique in its design to test two hypothesized conceptual frameworks for the organization of biological knowledge: 1) a surface feature organization focused on organism type and 2) a deep feature organization focused on fundamental biological concepts. In this initial investigation of the Biology Card Sorting Task, each of six analytical measures showed statistically significant differences when used to compare the card sorting results of putative biological experts (biology faculty) and novices (non–biology major undergraduates). Consistently, biology faculty appeared to sort based on hypothesized deep features, while non–biology majors appeared to sort based on either surface features or nonhypothesized organizational frameworks. Results suggest that this novel task is robust in distinguishing populations of biology experts and biology novices and may be an adaptable tool for tracking emerging biology conceptual expertise.
Engaging Actively with Issues in the Responsible Conduct of Science: Lessons from International Efforts Are Relevant for Undergraduate Education in the United States
Authors: Clements John D. , Connell Nancy D. , Dirks Clarissa , El-Faham Mohamed , Hay Alastair , Heitman Elizabeth , Stith James H. , Bond Enriqueta C. , Colwell Rita R. , Anestidou Lida , Husbands Jo L. , Labov Jay B.
Published: December 2013

Numerous studies are demonstrating that engaging undergraduate students in original research can improve their achievement in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and increase the likelihood that some of them will decide to pursue careers in these disciplines. Associated with this increased prominence of research in the undergraduate curriculum are greater expectations from funders, colleges, and universities that faculty mentors will help those students, along with their graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, develop an understanding and sense of personal and collective obligation for responsible conduct of science (RCS). This Feature describes an ongoing National Research Council (NRC) project and a recent report about educating faculty members in culturally diverse settings (Middle East/North Africa and Asia) to employ active-learning strategies to engage their students and colleagues deeply in issues related to RCS. The NRC report describes the first phase of this project, which took place in Aqaba and Amman, Jordan, in September 2012 and April 2013, respectively. Here we highlight the findings from that report and our subsequent experience with a similar interactive institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our work provides insights and perspectives for faculty members in the United States as they engage undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, to help them better understand the intricacies of and connections among various components of RCS. Further, our experiences can provide insights for those who may wish to establish “train-the-trainer” programs at their home institutions.
Preconditioning seismic data with 5D interpolation for computing geometric attributes
Authors: Chopra Satinder , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: December 2013

The most common preconditioning of seismic data improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the seismic data by removing spatial noise or enhancing the coherency and alignment of the reflection events, without unnecessary smoothing or smearing of the discontinuities. Although we usually think of removing unwanted features, we can also improve the S/N by predicting unmeasured signal, such as dead traces and lower-fold areas corresponding to unrecorded offsets and azimuths in the gathers. Missing offsets and azimuths almost always negatively impact prestack inversion and AVAz analysis. While missing offsets and azimuths may not result in sufficiently reduced S/N of stacked data to impair conventional time-structure interpretation, they usually give rise to attribute artifacts. If the inconsistencies in fold follow a regular pattern, we refer to the corresponding attribute pattern as “acquisition footprint.” Acquisition footprint is an undesirable artifact that masks the geologic features or amplitude variations seen on time slices from the seismic data, especially at shallow times. We begin our article by correlating missing data and areas of low fold to artifacts seen in seismic attributes. We then show how 5D interpolation of missing data prior to prestack migration results in more complete gathers resulting in a better balanced stack and the reduction of footprint and other attribute artifacts.
Application of nitrogen gas-adsorption technique for characterization of pore structure of mudrocks
Authors: Kuila Utpalendu , Prasad Manika
Published: December 2013

Subcritical N2 gas-adsorption techniques are used more frequently now for characterizing the pore structure of mudrocks. This article discusses some application challenges associated with mudrocks: sample preparation, choice of inversion techniques of the raw isotherm data, representation of pore-size distribution (PSD) data, and reproducibility of measurement data. Gas-adsorption analysis on hand-ground < 40-mesh powder samples is recommended over using intact rock samples because of the slow diffusion process. Crushing the sample to <40-mesh powder has no significant effect on any of the measured pore-structure attributes. The dV/d(logD) representation is recommended for graphical PSD results because log-scale pore-size abscissa are used most commonly for geologic materials. Pore-size distribution inversion using the Barett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method should be preferred over the density-functional-theory (DFT) method because it yields more consistent and less noisy inverted data. The Harkins-Jura thickness equation is recommended as the choice of thickness equation. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory specific surface area, total pore-volume, and PSD are reproducible within a variation range of 10% to 20%.
Formation evaluation and characterization of shale-gas reservoirs by means of core and wireline data integration
Authors: Quihein John , Galfohd Jim , Witkowsky Jim
Published: December 2013

Formation evaluation using wireline logs in shale-gas or source-rock reservoirs can be complicated by the presence of total organic carbon (TOC) and, at times, rapidly varying mineralogy. If not properly accounted for, both can result in erroneous calculations of porosity and free-gas and adsorbed-gas volume. When core data, such as mineralogy, porosity, TOC, and elastic properties, are available from a large multiwell database, it is possible to extract reliable statistical relationships among properties. This paper documents a workflow to apply these relationships to other wells using wireline logs.
Estimation of dispersion in orientations of natural fractures from seismic data: Application to DFN modeling and flow simulation
Authors: Michelena Reinaldo J. , Godbey Kevin S. , Wang Huabing , Gilman James R. , Zahm Chris K.
Published: December 2013

This article describes a statistical methodology to estimate dominant fracture orientation and dispersion from seismically calculated 3D structural attributes. The orientation-dispersion parameter is a modified version of the circular variance that is independent of direction and can be used to compute the Fisher coefficient, a key parameter in the probability density function used in discrete-fracture-network (DFN) modeling to stochastically generate fracture orientations. We show examples of applications to seismic-constrained DFN modeling and perform flow simulations on fractured models built using different dispersion-parameter models to discuss possible implications for drainage of naturally fractured unconventional reservoirs.
The effect of kerogen on the AVO response of organic-rich shales
Authors: Sayers Colin M.
Published: December 2013

Shales make up a large proportion of the rocks in most sedimentary basins and form the seal and source rocks for many hydrocarbon reservoirs. In unconventional shale plays, shale acts as both the source rock and the reservoir. Currently, there is great interest in organic-rich shales because they represent an enormous energy resource. Wensaas et al. (2012) and Gading et al. (2012) demonstrate that the top of a source-rock interval is characterized by a drop in acoustic impedance and a strong negative reflection amplitude that dims with offset—amplitude variation with offset (AVO) class IV behavior. Organic-rich shales are often strongly anisotropic because of the partial alignment of anisotropic clay minerals and the bedding-parallel lamination of organic material within the shale ( Vernik and Nur, 1992 ; Vernik, 1993 , 1994 ; Vernik and Landis, 1996 ; Vernik and Liu, 1997 ; Sondergeld et al., 2000 ; Hornby et al., 2003 ; Walsh et al., 2007 ; Sondergeld and Rai, 2011 ). This leads to anisotropy at all scale lengths, and neglecting shale anisotropy may lead to incorrect estimates of rock and fluid properties derived from inversion of seismic AVO data. In this paper, the effect of anisotropy on the AVO response of organic-rich shales is investigated using a rock-physics model. This uses parameters given by Vernik and coworkers in their study of the Bakken shale.
Suicide by occupation: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Milner Allison , Spittal Matthew J. , Pirkis Jane , LaMontagne Anthony D.
Published: December 2013

Background

Previous research has shown that those employed in certain occupations, such as doctors and farmers, have an elevated risk of suicide, yet little research has sought to synthesise these findings across working-age populations.

Aims

To summarise published research in this area through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method

Random effects meta-analyses were used to calculate a pooled risk of suicide across occupational skill-level groups.

Results

Thirty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Elementary professions (e.g. labourers and cleaners) were at elevated risk compared with the working-age population (rate ratio (RR) = 1.84, 95% CI 1.46–2.33), followed by machine operators and deck crew (RR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.22–2.60) and agricultural workers (RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.19–2.28). Results suggested a stepwise gradient in risk, with the lowest skilled occupations being at greater risk of suicide than the highest skill-level group.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive meta-analytical review of suicide and occupation. There is a need for future studies to investigate explanations for the observed skill-level differences, particularly in people employed in lower skill-level groups.

Declaration on interest

None.
The long case: a case for revival?
Authors: Michael Albert , Rao Ranga , Goel Vishaal
Published: December 2013

Until 2003 the long case was the clinical component of the two summative
examinations for the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
(MRCPsych). This changed to an Objective Structured Clinical Examination
(OSCE) format, initially for the Part I examination, and more recently to
the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) at the end of 3
years of basic training. Although there are distinct advantages to the
objective, competency-based assessment, questions remain on its validity.
The expectation that formative workplace-based assessments would fill in the
void left by the loss of the long case has not materialised. The options for
retaining the advantages of the long case within the CASC framework while
minimising the shortcomings of the CASC are suggested as a way forward.
Self-assembly of Oligo(phenylisoxazolyl)benzenes Induced by Multiple Dipole–Dipole Interactions
Authors: Haino Takeharu , Ueda Yuko , Hirao Takehiro , Ikeda Toshiaki , Tanaka Masahiro
Published: December 2013

We have demonstrated that oligo(phenylisoxazolyl)benzenes 3–6 formed polymeric assemblies. The intermolecular associations were discussed using thermodynamic parameters. The formation of the polymeric assemblies were confirmed by DOSY and AFM measurements. The large polymeric structures were observed both in solution and in the solid state. The multiple dipole–dipole interactions were crucial for the supramolecular polymerization of the oligo(phenylisoxazolyl)benzenes.
Diagnostik und Therapie venöser Thromboembolien in der Schwangerschaft und Postpartalperiode
Authors: Randrianarisoa E. , Abele H. , Balletshofer B.
Published: December 2013

Das Auftreten sowohl der tiefen Beinvenenthrombose als auch einer Lungenarterienembolie wird bereits durch physiologische Mechanismen in der Schwangerschaft und im Wochenbett begünstigt. Es kommt neben vorbestehenden Risikofaktoren zu transienten Erscheinungen, die das Risiko für venöse thromboembolische Erkrankungen erhöhen. Die Klinik von Thromboembolien ist oft unspezifisch. Erprobte Diagnosealgorithmen bestehen in der Schwangerschaft nicht. Aufgrund der klinischen Relevanz ist jedoch eine Diagnosesicherung unerlässlich. Die Anamnese, Klinik und Labordiagnostik sind wesentliche Bestandteile in der Diagnosefin-dung, können aber alleine eine venöse Thromboembolie nicht ausschließen. Eine apparative Beurteilung der betroffenen Venen durch die Sonographie ist dabei die Untersuchungsmethode der Wahl. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Diagnostik und Therapie venöser Thromboembolien in der Schwangerschaft.
Die Kunst des Dr. Weinhold
Authors: Hach W.
Published: December 2013

Als Preußischer Hofrat und Professor für Chirurgie und Augenheilkunde an der Universität Halle-Wittenberg war Karl August Wein-hold (1782–1829) ein angesehener Chirurg seiner Zeit. Die Therapie von Geschwüren an den Beinen oder an anderen Körperstellen nahm er in zwei Schritten vor. Zunächst erfolgte die Anregung von Granulationen mit Quecksilber-Präparaten bis in das Hautniveau. Dann wurde die umgebende Haut über dem Geschwür durch spezielle Circulairpflaster kräftig zusammengezogen. Weinhold musste sich den harten Kritiken seiner Kollegen stellen, die Anhänger der Kompressionstherapie nach den von Theden und Baynton angegebenen Techniken waren. Das kleine Buch und andere Veröffentlichungen des Autors vermitteln auch tiefe Einblicke in die sozialen Probleme der Patienten dieser Zeit.
Interventionelle Therapie einer deszendierenden Beckenvenenthrombose bei einer jungen Frau
Authors: Blättler W. , Largiadèr J. , Altenkämper H.
Published: December 2013

Wir schildern den Fall einer 15-jährigen Patientin mit deszendierender Beckenvenenthrombose des linken Beines bei einer ilio-cavalen Gefäßanomalie, bei der nach zunächst frustraner Thrombektomie in einem zweiten Schritt, dann in einem spezialisierten Zentrum, eine kombinierte Behandlung im Sinne einer Spätthrombektomie mit lokoregionärer Thrombolyse, AV-Fistelanlage und Stentim-plantation durchgeführt wurde. Im Langzeitverlauf ist die Patientin beschwerdefrei ohne klinische oder meßtechnische Zeichen eines postthrombotischen Syndroms.

Die Möglichkeit einer interventionellen Therapie proximaler Thrombosen sollte insbesondere bei jüngeren Patienten häufiger als heute üblich in Erwägung gezogen werden. Dabei sollte immer an die Möglichkeit von Gefäßanomalien und anatomischen Varian-ten gedacht und eine entsprechend subtile Diagnostik präinterventionell vorgenommen werden. Nach den derzeitigen Empfehlungen kommt in etwa zwei Drittel der Fälle solcher Thrombosen eine restitutive Therapie in Betracht.
Pupil dilation prediction of random events
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E , Martinelli Massimiliano , Semenzato Luca
Published: December 2013

We report the results of a conceptual replication of a study that reported that pupil dilation can predict potentially threatening random events above chance level. In this study, participants’ pupil dilation was used to predict the appearance of a threatening or a neutral stimulus, presented randomly in a double sequence of ten trials with replacement, i.e. replacing the chosen trial for the future extractions.

In the first experiment, with a sample of 100 participants, the average correct prediction was 55.9%, with a small difference between the two stimuli.

This effect was further tested in an exact pre-registered study where the average correct prediction was 58.7%. The reliability of these findings was checked utilizing both a frequentist and a Bayesian statistical parameters estimate approach.

These findings collectively support the hypothesis that pupil dilation can be used to anticipate random and therefore theoretically “unpredictable” events in an implicit unconscious way that is without a conscious awareness, and that this ability is another characteristic of the powerful anticipatory adaptive systems of our psychophysiological system.
SENSORY COGNITION AS A BASIS FOR FOSTERING LOGICAL THINKING AND SPEECH HABITS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: December 2013

The paper focuses on issues pertinent to the

sensory upbringing of primary schoolchildren. The ways

to develop sensory cognition are discussed as the basis for

formation of logical thinking and speech habits. The author

presents some examples of exercises stimulating the use

of sensory images of objects for solving logical tasks.
ON THE LEARNING OF NATURAL LANGUAGES BY PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THE MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Асадулаева  , Asadulaeva F.
Published: December 2013

The paper proves that the primary schoolchildren

should start education from learning their own natural

language. Such approach, the author argues, helps the

primary schoolchildren to effectively learn Russian as the

teaching language, stimulates their intellectual, spiritual,

moral and aesthetic development and familiarizes them

with the values of their ethnic culture. The special focus

is given to the organizational aspects of ethnic languages

teaching considering the realities of naturally bi-lingual

(Russian-native) and multicultural environment.
EXPANDING THE “FOREIGN LANGUAGE” SUBJECT EDUCATIONAL SPACE IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH REGIONAL CONTENT
Authors: Ромашина  , Romashina Svetlana , Погорелая  , Pogorelaya Galina
Published: December 2013

Educational potential of using the regional content in the course of teaching foreign language to primary schoolchildren in the RF are discussed. Special attention is given to the contents of foreign language textbooks,

satisfying requirements needed for implementation of the

Federal State Educational Standard for the Primary General Education.
LOCAL LORE MATERIAL IN TEACHING PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN (TO THE 1150-TH ANNIVERSARY OF SMOLENSK)
Authors: Иванова  , Ivanova Irina
Published: December 2013

The author shares the experience of using local lore material related to the history of Smolensk and surrounding country at The-World-Around-Us lessons, shows how such material helps in teaching literacy and organizing after-school activities for primary schoolchildren. Focus areas for local lore work, helpful to evoke interest

among pupils to the history and culture of their native

heath, are highlighted.
Effective Contract With The He ad Of Educational Organization: Professional Comment
Authors: Фёклин  , Feklin Sergey
Published: December 2013

Present-day social sphere of the Russian

Federation employs over 14.4 million workers;

the majority (about 5.2 mln) are occupied in the

educational sphere and another 3.9 mln — in the

spheres of public health and social services. Remuneration

of labor system for those occupied in

state federal institutions is established based on

the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation

№583 as of 5th August of 2008. Introduction

of the new system has had a positive affect on

the dynamics in government (municipal) employees’

compensation. Still, as the evidence shows,

even the new system of remuneration fails to solve

the problem of performance-contingent motivation

for all categories of institutions. Ii is observed that

in many cases performance indicators and criteria

are not properly developed and are applied as a

mere formality. In many public institutions incentive

rewards are paid as a guaranteed part of compensation

without any relation to the results of work.

This is largely due to the extremely low tariff rates

at the public institutions and their low competitiveness

at local labor markets. As a result public institutions

have to reward workers regardless of their

performance results to retain manpower. The author

concludes that remuneration of labor systems should

be adapted to new conditions, aimed at the growth

of appropriate industries, increase of services quality

and maintain contingency between the public

servants’ performance results and their compensation.
Organizing self-education among gifted schoolchildren
Authors: Сергеева  , Sergeeva Tatyana
Published: December 2013

This article explores the role of selfeducation

activities for gifted schoolchildren development

and self-fulfillment. Necessary prerequisites

for organizing self-education are discussed,

including: designing of individual educational

trajectories, follow-up support through the

two-tier “tutor-mentor” model, foundation of

educational portal.
Trends in Modernizing Modes of Interaction Between Social Partners and Vocational Education Institutions
Authors: Бибик  , Bibik Vladislav , Пальянов  , Palyanov M. , Лебедев  , Lebedev Vladimir
Published: December 2013

Various issues of interaction between

employers and vocational education institutions

are discussed. Ways to ensure employment to

those who graduates from vocational education

institutions are proposed; pedagogical and institutional

conditions for effective interaction between

social partners and vocational education institutions

are outlined.
Internet as a Means to Develop Higher School Students’ Research Potential at the Lessons
Authors: Макотрова  , Makotrova Galina
Published: December 2013

The author provides evidence of the

sharpened need to extend theoretic and technological

foundations of developing higher school

students’ research skills at the lessons with the

help of Internet. Research potential is treated in

the context of culture genesis, while development

of research potential in the course of teaching

process is considered with respect to ideas of

subjectness and subjectiveness. Ways are proposed

to integrate Internet in the teaching conditions

and adapt to current technologies of development

upperclassmen’ research potential at the

lessons.
New Technological Scheme of Sewage Treatment with High Concentration of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Новиков  , Novikov D. , Козлов  , Kozlov Nikolai , Камруков  , Kamrukov A. , Селиверстов  , Seliverstov A.
Published: December 2013

This work is directed on search of new scientific and technological approaches to the solution of a problem related to ecological safety ensuring of modern productions of the vital biochemical substances and preparations. Results of pilot studies of the new technological scheme related to sewage treatment from high-molecular organic compounds of a natural and artificial origin with use of combined methods including reagent technologies, filtration and liquid-phase photo oxidizing process of pollution destruction under influence of high-intensity pulse optical radiation of constant spectrum have been presented. Optimum limits of each method’s applicability have been defined and the technological scheme of sewage treatment with high concentration of organic pollution for application on biochemical and pharmaceutical productions has been offered.
Experience related to Organization of Entrants and Students’ Creative Work in Technosphere Safety Area
Authors: Смирнов  , Smirnov S. , Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir , Строкин  , Strokin A.
Published: December 2013

Experience related to organization of students’ creative work and development of their informative abilities on BMSTU’s “Ecology and

Industrial Safety” chair has been considered. The experience related to entrants’ work organization within schoolchildren’s academic

competition movement “A step to the future”, as well as carrying out the student´s academic competition on technosphere safety

and annual student´s scientific and technical conference have been described. The results of this work confirming its efficiency in

development of students’ creative abilities, training of young academic and teaching staff, development and improvement of educational

process aimed to creation of individually focused teaching programs within students’ independent scientific work have been given.
The Value of Information in Portfolio Problems with Dependent Projects
Authors: Bhattacharjya Debarun , Eidsvik Jo , Mukerji Tapan
Published: December 2013

In the portfolio problem, the decision maker selects a subset from a set of candidate projects, each yielding an uncertain profit. When the projects in the portfolio are probabilistically dependent, further information regarding any particular project also provides information about other projects, and there is thus an opportunity to improve value through prudential information gathering. In this paper, we study the value of information in portfolio problems with multivariate Gaussian projects, analyzing the effect of parameters such as the expected values and standard deviations of profits from each project, the accuracy of the information, and dependence among projects. We are particularly interested in the role that dependence plays, illustrating the results using examples from the earth sciences, where there is spatial dependence among physical locations.
Information Security Investment When Hackers Disseminate Knowledge
Authors: Gao Xing , Zhong Weijun , Mei Shue
Published: December 2013

As an emerging and thriving research branch, information security economics has recently drawn significant attention from practitioners and academics. Traditionally, both decision and static game theoretical techniques are employed to characterize the strategies of firms and hackers. However, these techniques fail to capture the dynamic attribute of the risk environment, which is an increasingly important element, especially in modern distributed and complex computer and communication networks. Utilizing a differential game framework in which hackers disseminate security knowledge within a hacker population over time, this paper analyzes dynamic interactions between a firm endeavoring to protect its information assets and a hacker seeking to misappropriate them. In particular, we investigate three differential games in which the firm and the hacker move simultaneously and sequentially, respectively. We find that (a) the hacker invests the most in the simultaneous differential game, whereas the firm, as the leader, invests the most in the sequential differential game, and (b) both the firm and the hacker enjoy their highest payoffs in the sequential differential game with the hacker as the leader. Furthermore, it is numerically shown that in equilibrium, knowledge dissemination may not necessarily benefit the hacker and harm the firm. Some of our results are consistent with the findings of previous work, although the earlier results were obtained from a static game framework. Our main findings contrast with those of several previous studies that showed mixed results for comparisons between simultaneous and sequential games.
Choosing a Strictly Proper Scoring Rule
Authors: Merkle Edgar C. , Steyvers Mark
Published: December 2013

Strictly proper scoring rules, including the Brier score and the logarithmic score, are standard metrics by which probability forecasters are assessed and compared. Researchers often find that one's choice of strictly proper scoring rule has minimal impact on one's conclusions, but this conclusion is typically drawn from a small set of popular rules. In the context of forecasting world events, we use a recently proposed family of proper scoring rules to study the properties of a wide variety of strictly proper rules. The results indicate that conclusions vary greatly across different scoring rules, so that one's choice of scoring rule should be informed by the forecasting domain. We then describe strategies for choosing a scoring rule that meets the needs of the forecast consumer, considering three unique families of proper scoring rules.