bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Docentes resilientes em contextos precários: Estudo de casos em Espanha
Authors: Sousa Carolina Silva , Extremera Marta Olmo
Published: December 2016

O artigo debruça-se sobre docentes que enfrentam grandes desafios, em contextos socioeconómicos e culturais muito precários, em que os alunos apresentam muitas diferenças quanto às suas necessidades e aspirações educativas. Os docentes destas escolas acabam por atuar numa perspetiva mais social e moral do que académica e as famílias dos alunos demonstram pouca participação e interesse, junto às instituições de ensino nas quais os seus filhos estudam. A resiliência desempenha um papel importante ao ser entendida como uma atitude de resposta à adversidade com que os docentes se confrontam. A investigação centra-se, assim, no conceito e em alguns fatores a ele associados, como a busca do sucesso dos alunos e o bom funcionamento da escola. Neste enquadramento, as respostas obtidas com a recolha de dados são únicos para cada contexto social e educacional e seria errado extrapola-las, a partir de um centro para outro, porque cada centro tem a sua própria realidade. Os dados obtidos foram extraídos através do programa estatístico qualitativo Nvivo, tendo sido realizada uma análise da variável resiliência para se conhecer, de forma substantiva, o conteúdo que a define, assim como se identificam os fatores que têm sido mais e menos usados pelos participantes, atendendo às características próprias de cada instituição escolar. A análise de dados possibilitou conhecer como a resiliencia é interpretada pelos docentes e inventariar que fatores de resiliência estão mais presentes (ou não) nas práticas docentes dos informantes e a sua relação com as escolas em que lecionam. Por último, é de sublinhar que a percentagem de docentes cujo grau de compromisso contribui para o melhoramento escolar e social dos seus alunos é elevada, implicando-se no apoio e no trabalho em equipa, ante as dificuldades com as quais se confrontam, num esforço continuado de fazer das suas escolas um lugar de êxito.
Spirituality and the psychological impact of unemployment: Personality characteristics, loneliness and depressive symptomatology
Authors: Kleftaras George , Vasilou Evdokia
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this research is to explore spirituality in relation to the negative impacts of unemployment, such as depressive symptomatology and loneliness in connection with the five factor personality model. In particular, we wanted to investigate whether the unemployed individuals with higher levels of spirituality have lower depressive symptomatology and loneliness, but also to examine how these variables are related to personality factors. Our sample consisted of 133 unemployed individuals who completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments (ASPIRES), the UCLA loneliness scale and the Questionnaire of self evaluated Depressive Symptomatology. The results showed that there was no significant association between depressive symptomatology and spirituality, while concerning loneliness and spirituality, a significant negative correlation was found, only in relation to the spirituality dimension of universality. Significant correlations were also shown between spirituality and personality factors, such as openness to experience and agreeableness, whilst significant correlations arose between personality factors and the three dimensions of spirituality. Finally, results are discussed.
Sollen et altérité selon Fichte
Authors: Dumont Augustin
Published: December 2016

L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser la mobilisation fichtéenne du concept de Sollen en montrant de quelle manière ce dernier permet à Fichte de lier la dimension catégorique du savoir transcendantal à sa dimension problématique. L’article propose un parallèle entre la mobilisation du Sollen au plan de la fondation du savoir et sa mobilisation au plan de la théorie de l’intersubjectivité. Pour ce faire, l’article superpose trois points de vue : le point de vue fondamental de l’intersubjectivité pure, le point de vue appliqué de l’intersubjectivité juridique et le point de vue appliqué de l’intersubjectivité éthique.
L’argument de la Simulation et le problème de la classe de référence : le point de vue du contextualisme dialectique
Authors: Franceschi Paul
Published: December 2016

Je présente dans cet article une analyse de l’argument de la Simulation selon le point de vue du contextualisme dialectique, fondée sur le problème de la classe de référence. Je décris tout d’abord l’argument de la Simulation de manière détaillée. J’identifie ensuite la classe de référence et j’applique successivement l’argument à trois classes de référence distinctes : les simulations conscientes de leur propre nature de simulation, les simulations imparfaites et les simulations à immersion. Finalement, je montre qu’il existe trois niveaux de conclusion dans l’argument de la Simulation, selon la classe de référence choisie, qui engendrent des conclusions finales d’une nature très différente.
Ces morts qui ne sont jamais oubliés : retour et survivance dans les séries télévisées contemporaines
Authors: Desmet Maud
Published: December 2016

Parmi les différentes figures récurrentes représentant la mort dans les fictions télévisées s’en trouve une particulièrement troublante, celle d’un mort qui refuse de mourir totalement : le revenant. Si cette figure est peut-êtrelafigure de la mise en scène de la mort sur le petit écran, c’est justement parce qu’elle partage avec le médium sériel des qualités persistantes qui repoussent et nient constammentla fin. Banalité du médium et banalité de la figure se rejoignent également : le revenant est en effet la figure de « mort qui revient » la plus détachée de toute altérité. Il n’est ni le zombie ni le spectre, seulement un mort qui refuse la disparition physique, et dont le statut formel est similaire à celui des vivants. Cette mise en scène spécifique de la mort dans laquelle s’inscrit le revenant, parce qu’elle rend possible une réunion fictionnelle des morts et des vivants, interroge sans doute avec le plus de justesse et en rendant compte de toute sa complexité, notre relation réelle aux morts.
La forme du monumental : usage et circulation dans les représentations des morts dus à la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: Trouche Dominique
Published: December 2016

L’article analyse l’hypothèse d’une transformation par circulation de la forme du monumental plutôt que sa disparition à partir d’un corpus de monuments aux morts et mémoriaux érigés à partir de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Si le monumental est associé à la grandeur, à la solidité, à l’imposant, nous montrons qu’à partir de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle, ces caractéristiques sont toujours présentes bien qu’ayant été profondément transformées. Sont ainsi identifiés quatre aspects qui oeuvrent, souvent conjointement, à une nouvelle matérialisation, par la représentation, des morts collectives dues aux guerres : le passage de la verticalité à l’horizontalité, l’irruption de fractures venant briser la masse monumentale, la fausse disparition du monumental par son enfermement sous terre et, enfin, la projection imagée du monumental.
Récit de vie et vécu de précarité sociale : exemple d’une recherche en psychologie soutenue par un logiciel de données qualitatives
Authors: Fierdepied Sophie , Sturm Gesine , Baubet Thierry
Published: December 2016

Nous proposons d’exposer la dimension méthodologique
d’une recherche qualitative en psychologie, auprès
d’individus pris dans un processus de précarisation et,
dans ce cadre, l’apport d’un logiciel de traitement de
données qualitatives.

Il s’agit, dans cet article, de décrire et
d’argumenter les choix méthodologiques : ils
intègrent une démarche conceptualisante dans la tradition
de la théorie ancrée, une lecture
phénoménologique ainsi que l’utilisation
d’une lecture clinique. La réalisation des entretiens de
recherche est largement influencée par un outil
multimodèle et multiaxial, l’OPD-2 (Operationalized
Psychodynamic Diagnosis-2). Cette démarche méthodologique
peut ainsi être qualifiée de triangulation dans le sens
où elle intègre plusieurs perspectives théoriques
(psychanalytique, philosophique ou encore sociologique) et
méthodologiques (théorie ancrée,
phénoménologie, utilisation de l’OPD-2).

L’utilisation d’un logiciel de traitement de données
qualitatives a permis de faciliter cette démarche
méthodologique complexe. Il s’agit d’un logiciel qui
permet d’organiser les données, mais qui facilite aussi la
création de catégories conceptualisantes : ces
dernières sont rédigées par le chercheur à
partir d’une démarche de comparaison et de confrontation
des données à des idées, des
références théoriques grâce notamment
à l’écriture de mémos. Cette démarche
est la base des premières tentatives de théorisation du
chercheur : les résultats de la recherche sont
exposés succinctement à la fin de ce texte.

Après avoir décrit les différents
éléments de la méthodologie,
l’intérêt et les limites du logiciel NVivo dans
cette démarche seront discutés.
1940: the Tiber river length shortened for 2700 m
Authors: Pantaloni Marco
Published: December 2016

Not available.
Hydrogeological events in Fall 2016
Authors: Petitta Marco , Ducci Daniela , Del Bon Andrea , Polemio Maurizio
Published: December 2016

Not available.
Full recovery of aqueduct water wells in the urban area of Milan: an example of application of circular economy to public utility works
Authors: Costa Angelo
Published: December 2016

Not available.
Translational control of auditory imprinting and structural plasticity by eIF2α
Authors: Batista Gervasio , Johnson Jennifer Leigh , Dominguez Elena , Costa-Mattioli Mauro , Pena Jose L
Published: December 2016

The formation of imprinted memories during a critical period is crucial for vital behaviors, including filial attachment. Yet, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a combination of behavior, pharmacology, in vivo surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) and DiOlistic labeling we found that, translational control by the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) bidirectionally regulates auditory but not visual imprinting and related changes in structural plasticity in chickens. Increasing phosphorylation of eIF2α (p-eIF2α) reduces translation rates and spine plasticity, and selectively impairs auditory imprinting. By contrast, inhibition of an eIF2α kinase or blocking the translational program controlled by p-eIF2α enhances auditory imprinting. Importantly, these manipulations are able to reopen the critical period. Thus, we have identified a translational control mechanism that selectively underlies auditory imprinting. Restoring translational control of eIF2α holds the promise to rejuvenate adult brain plasticity and restore learning and memory in a variety of cognitive disorders.
Pathogen effectors and plant immunity determine specialization of the blast fungus to rice subspecies
Authors: Liao Jingjing , Huang Huichuan , Meusnier Isabelle , Adreit Henri , Ducasse Aurélie , Bonnot François , Pan Lei , He Xiahong , Kroj Thomas , Fournier Elisabeth , Tharreau Didier , Gladieux Pierre , Morel Jean-Benoit
Published: December 2016

Understanding how fungi specialize on their plant host is crucial for developing sustainable disease control. A traditional, centuries-old rice agro-system of the Yuanyang terraces was used as a model to show that virulence effectors of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzaeh play a key role in its specialization on locally grown indica or japonica local rice subspecies. Our results have indicated that major differences in several components of basal immunity and effector-triggered immunity of the japonica and indica rice varieties are associated with specialization of M. oryzae. These differences thus play a key role in determining M. oryzae host specificity and may limit the spread of the pathogen within the Yuanyang agro-system. Specifically, the AVR-Pia effector has been identified as a possible determinant of the specialization of M. oryzae to local japonica rice.
Green Synthesis of Sub‐10 nm Gadolinium‐Based Nanoparticles for Sparkling Kidneys, Tumor, and Angiogenesis of Tumor‐Bearing Mice in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Bingbo , Yang Weitao , Yu Jiani , Guo Weisheng , Wang Jun , Liu Shiyuan , Xiao Yi , Shi Donglu
Published: December 2016

Gadolinium (Gd)‐based nanoparticles are known for their high potential in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, further MRI applications of these nanoparticles are hampered by their relatively large sizes resulting in poor organ/tumor targeting. In this study, ultrafine sub‐10 nm and biocompatible Gd‐based nanoparticles are synthesized in a bioinspired, environmentally benign, and straightforward fashion. This novel green synthetic strategy is developed for growing dextran‐coated Gd‐based nanoparticles (GdNPs@Dex). The as‐prepared GdNPs@Dex is not only biocompatible but also stable with a sub‐10 nm size. It exhibits higher longitudinal and transverse relaxivities in water (r1 and r2 values of 5.43 and 7.502 s−1 × 10−3m−1 of Gd3+, respectively) than those measured for Gd–DTPA solution (r1 and r2 values of 3.42 and 3.86 s−1 × 10−3m−1 of Gd3+, respectively). In vivo dynamic T1‐weighted MRI in tumor‐bearing mice shows GdNPs@Dex can selectively target kidneys and tumor, in addition to liver and spleen. GdNPs@Dex is found particularly capable for determining the tumor boundary with clearly enhanced tumor angiogenesis. GdNPs@Dex is also found cleared from body gradually mainly via hepatobiliary and renal processing with no obvious systemic toxicity. With this green synthesis strategy, the sub‐10 nm GdNPs@Dex presents promising potentials for translational biomedical imaging applications.
Progress in Understanding Degradation Mechanisms and Improving Stability in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Mateker William R. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: December 2016

Understanding the degradation mechanisms of organic photovoltaics is particularly important, as they tend to degrade faster than their inorganic counterparts, such as silicon and cadmium telluride. An overview is provided here of the main degradation mechanisms that researchers have identified so far that cause extrinsic degradation from oxygen and water, intrinsic degradation in the dark, and photo‐induced burn‐in. In addition, it provides methods for researchers to identify these mechanisms in new materials and device structures to screen them more quickly for promising long‐term performance. These general strategies will likely be helpful in other photovoltaic technologies that suffer from insufficient stability, such as perovskite solar cells. Finally, the most promising lifetime results are highlighted and recommendations to improve long‐term performance are made. To prevent degradation from oxygen and water for sufficiently long time periods, OPVs will likely need to be encapsulated by barrier materials with lower permeation rates of oxygen and water than typical flexible substrate materials. To improve stability at operating temperatures, materials will likely require glass transition temperatures above 100 °C. Methods to prevent photo‐induced burn‐in are least understood, but recent research indicates that using pure materials with dense and ordered film morphologies can reduce the burn‐in effect.
Carbon Nanotubes in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Habisreutinger Severin N. , Nicholas Robin J. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: December 2016

The remarkable optoelectronic properties of hybrid halide perovskite absorbers have, in the past years, made the perovskite solar cell one of the most promising emerging photovoltaic technologies. The charge collecting layers are essential parts of this type of solar cell. Carbon nanotubes have emerged as a potential candidate to take on this role. Equipped with a range of highly beneficial properties including excellent charge transport characteristics, chemical inertness, as well as mechanical robustness, carbon nanotubes are able to both efficiently extract photogenerated charges, and improve the resilience and stability of a perovskite solar cell. Here, a concise overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art of perovskite solar cells, in which carbon nanotubes are incorporated as a charge conduction layer, is provided.
Private schooling and labour market outcomes
Authors: Green Francis , Henseke Golo , Vignoles Anna
Published: December 2016

Though a relative small part of the school sector, private schools have an important role in British society, and there are policy concerns about their negative effect on social mobility. Other studies show that individuals who have attended a private school go on to have higher levels of educational achievement, are more likely to secure a high‐status occupation and also have higher wages. In this article we contribute new evidence on the magnitude of the wage premium, and address a puzzle found in previous studies: how to explain the direct pay premium whereby privately educated male workers have higher wages even than their similarly educated peers. It is commonly conjectured that the broader curriculum that private schools are able to deliver, coupled with the peer pressures of a partially segregated section of society, help to inculcate cultural capital, including some key ‘non‐cognitive’ attributes. We focus here on leadership, organisational participation and an acceptance of hard work. We find that privately educated workers are in jobs that require significantly greater leadership skills, offer greater organisational participation and require greater work intensity. These associations are partially mediated by educational achievement. Collectively these factors contribute little, however, to explaining the direct pay premium. Rather, a more promising account arises from the finding that inclusion of a variable for industry reduces the private school premium to an insignificant amount, which is consistent with selective sorting of privately educated workers into high‐paying industries.
Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene (CAG)n and (GGN)n Length Polymorphisms and Symptoms in Young Males With Long-Lasting Adverse Effects After Finasteride Use Against Androgenic Alopecia
Authors: Cauci Sabina , Chiriacò Giovanni , Cecchin Erika , Toffoli Giuseppe , Xodo Serena , Stinco Giuseppe , Trombetta Carlo
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Long-term adverse symptoms of men who used oral finasteride against androgenic alopecia have been recently described as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS).

Aim

To determine whether (CAG)n-rs4045402 and (GGN)n-rs3138869 polymorphisms in the androgen receptor (AR) gene are implicated in PFS.

Methods

AR polymorphisms were studied according to PFS symptoms in 66 white participants (31.8% Italian, 28.8% American, and 39.4% other).

Main Outcome Measures

Symptoms were investigated by an ad hoc 100-item questionnaire and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Aging Male Symptom Scale (AMS). (CAG)n and (GGN)n repeats were categorized as short ([CAG]9–19, [GGN]<23), medium ([CAG]20–24, [GGN]23), or long ([CAG]25–37, [GGN]>23).

Results

Median age was 32 years, duration of finasteride use was 360 days, and time from finasteride discontinuation was 1,053 days. We observed several frequency differences in symptoms according to (CAG)n and (GGN)n repeat numbers. Three AMS items were worse for medium (GGN)23 than for long (GGN)>23 carriers and one item was worse for short (GGN)<23 carriers. The AMS item for decrease in sexual desire or libido was worse for short (CAG)9–19 carriers than for medium (CAG)20–24 carriers. Through the ad hoc questionnaire, significant findings in (CAG)n and/or (GGN)n repeats were obtained for penile discomfort, loss of scrotal sensitivity, scrotal discomfort, less pubic hair, loss of perceived perineal fullness, increased sperm density, involuntary muscle spasms, loss of muscle tone, increased weight (>2 kg), increased skin dryness, and onset of symptoms after finasteride use.

Conclusion

This study showed that short and/or long (CAG)n and (GGN)n repeats had different frequencies according to symptoms reported by patients with PFS, likely reflecting the vast array of genes modulated by the AR. This study showed a U-curvilinear profile of (CAG)n repeats for skin dryness symptoms, where the two extremes exhibited a worse condition than medium repeats. Further studies are necessary to investigate the PFS pathophysiology using a precision medicine approach.
In-hospital mortality among electroconvulsive therapy recipients: A 17-year nationwide population-based retrospective study
Authors: Liang C.-S. , Chung C.-H. , Tsai C.-K. , Chien W.-C.
Published: December 2016

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains irreplaceable in the treatment of several psychiatric conditions. However, evidence derived using data from a national database to support its safety is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate in-hospital mortality among patients with psychiatric conditions treated with and without ECT.

Methods

Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 1997 to 2013, we identified 828,899 inpatients with psychiatric conditions, among whom 0.19% (n = 1571) were treated with ECT.

Results

We found that ECT recipients were more frequently women, were younger and physically healthier, lived in more urbanized areas, were treated in medical centers, and had longer hospital stays. ECT recipients had lower odds of in-hospital mortality than did those who did not receive ECT. Moreover, no factor was identified as being able to predict mortality in patients who underwent ECT. Among all patients, ECT was not associated with in-hospital mortality after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusion

ECT was indicated to be safe and did not increase the odds of in-hospital mortality. However, ECT appeared to be administered only on physically healthy but psychiatrically compromised patients, a pattern that is in opposition with the scientific evidence supporting its safety. Moreover, our data suggest that ECT is still used as a treatment of last resort in the era of modern psychiatry.
Neurilemmomas of the Hand—A Review of the Clinical Presentation, Surgical Outcome, and Potential Risk Factors
Authors: Jonathan Chan Ka-Chun , Fu-Keung Ip , Tak-Chuen Wong , Prisilla Leung Oi-Yee , Sze-Yan Chan
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Neurilemmoma of the hand may not usually present with the classic triad (mass, differential mobility, Tinel's sign). Failure to recognize a neurilemmoma may result in the inadvertent injury of nerves. Preoperative diagnosis is very important and challenging.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for neurilemmoma of the hand between 2001 and 2013 was conducted. Their clinical presentation, surgical outcome and potential risk factors were reviewed.

Results

Twenty-eight cases of neurilemmoma arising from digits and hands in 28 patients were retrieved for study. Seventeen were male and 11 were female; the mean age at surgery was 57.1 years old and mean follow-up was 15.4 months. Nineteen lesions were on the volar side and the others were on the dorsal side. Volar digital nerve was the most common site of involvement. All patients presented with a mass, with an average duration of symptoms of 41.1 months; 35.7% had local tenderness. Differential mobility and Tinel's sign could be elicited in 39.3% and 21.4%, respectively. Correct preoperative diagnosis was made only in 25% of cases. At final follow-up, 82.1% of patients was symptom-free. Numbness, local tenderness and hypertrophic scar were reported in 7.1%, 7.1% and 3.6% of patients, respectively. No recurrence and no wound complications were noted. No reoperation was necessary. Multiple lesions and a positive Tinel's sign were associated with less satisfactory outcome and increased risk of postoperative complications as shown by the statistical analysis.

Conclusion

Neurilemmoma should be one of the differential diagnoses when dealing with hand masses. Tinel's sign should be done routinely on examination to facilitate correct preoperative diagnosis. Loupe magnification should be used during operation for optimal surgical outcome.
Deep neck space infection – A retrospective study of 270 cases at tertiary care center
Authors: Gujrathi Atishkumar B. , Ambulgekar Vijayalaxmi , Kathait Pallavi
Published: December 2016

Objective

To review the clinical findings in deep neck infections and identification predisposing factors of these complications.

Methods

In this study, 270 patients with deep neck infections were studied retrospectively, study conducted in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India, from March 2013 to March 2016.

Results

Analysis showed that males are most likely to have deep neck space infections (DNSI). Odontogenic and tonsillar causes were the more frequent ones. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species were the microorganisms more commonly isolated.

Conclusion

DNSI remains a common and challenging disease for otorhinolaryngologists, and should be treated on emergency basis. In developing countries, lack of adequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, tobacco chewing, smoking and beetle nut chewing has led to an increased prevalence of dental and periodontal diseases. In present study, Odontogenic infections were the most common etiological factor for DNSI.
Assessment of rock musician's efferent system functioning using contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Kumar Prawin , Grover Vibhu , Publius A Sam , Sanju Himanshu Kumar , Sinha Sachchidanand
Published: December 2016

Objective

Contralateral suppression of oto acoustic emission (OAE) is referred as activation of efferent system. Previous literature mentioned about the importance of contralateral suppression of OAEs as a tool to assess efferent system in different groups of population. There is dearth of literature to explore the efferent system function in experienced musicians exposed to rock music using TEOAEs and DPOAEs.

Methods

Two groups of participant (14 rock musicians and 14 non‐musicians) in the age range of 18–25 years were involved in the study. Contralateral suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs were measured using ILO (Version 6) in both groups.

Results

Descriptive statistics showed higher suppression of TEOAEs and DPOAEs in rock‐musicians at most of the frequencies in comparison to non‐musicians. For DPOAE measures, Mann Whitney U test results revealed significantly greater DPOAE suppression only at 1 kHz and 3 kHz in rock‐musicians compared to non‐musicians. For within group comparison, Kruskal Wallis test results revealed there were significant difference observed across most of the frequencies i.e. at 1 kHz, 3 kHz and 6 kHz. For TEOAE measures, Mann Whitney U test results revealed that only at 2 kHz, TEOAE suppression in rock‐musician was significantly greater compared to non‐musicians. Similarly, Kuskal Wallis test results revealed that within group there were no significant differences observed for most of the frequencies except 2 kHz.

Conclusions

Based on the above finding, present study concludes that rock musicians are having better efferent system compared to non‐musicians. No suppression effect at few frequencies probably indicates more vulnerability at those frequencies. Contralateral suppression of DPOAE shows more significant finding in comparison to contralateral suppression of TEOAEs in present study.
Transitioning Back to Mainstream Education: The Flexible Integration Model
Authors: Cumming Therese M. , Strnadová Iva
Published: December 2016

The implementation of a transition model, the flexible integration model, was investigated in a school in Sydney, Australia, using an exploratory single case study design (Rowley, 2002). It is a person-centred model designed to assist students in transitioning from a special school for students with emotional and behavioural disabilities to mainstream settings. Students enrol in mainstream classes in areas that interest them academically and vocationally, while receiving support in developing the necessary social and behavioural skills to successfully fully transition to mainstream and post-school settings. The model, based on the person-centred planning framework, was implemented with 1 student during the last 2 terms of a school year. The outcomes and effectiveness of adopting the model were evaluated by analysing the student's behaviour and attendance, and interviews with principals, teachers, and paraprofessionals. Results indicated improvement in the student's behaviour, attendance, and interpersonal skills.
Neurophysiological aspects of brainstem processing of speech stimuli in audiometric-normal geriatric population
Authors: Ansari M S , Rangasayee R , Ansari M A H
Published: December 2016

Objective:

Poor auditory speech perception in geriatrics is attributable to neural de-synchronisation due to structural and degenerative changes of ageing auditory pathways. The speech-evoked auditory brainstem response may be useful for detecting alterations that cause loss of speech discrimination. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the speech-evoked auditory brainstem response in adult and geriatric populations with normal hearing.

Methods:

The auditory brainstem responses to click sounds and to a 40 ms speech sound (the Hindi phoneme |da|) were compared in 25 young adults and 25 geriatric people with normal hearing. The latencies and amplitudes of transient peaks representing neural responses to the onset, offset and sustained portions of the speech stimulus in quiet and noisy conditions were recorded.

Results:

The older group had significantly smaller amplitudes and longer latencies for the onset and offset responses to |da| in noisy conditions. Stimulus-to-response times were longer and the spectral amplitude of the sustained portion of the stimulus was reduced. The overall stimulus level caused significant shifts in latency across the entire speech-evoked auditory brainstem response in the older group.

Conclusion:

The reduction in neural speech processing in older adults suggests diminished subcortical responsiveness to acoustically dynamic spectral cues. However, further investigations are needed to encode temporal cues at the brainstem level and determine their relationship to speech perception for developing a routine tool for clinical decision-making.
Continuous mobility of mobile robots with a special ability for overcoming driving failure on rough terrain – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Xu He , Gao X. Z. , Xu Yan , Wang Kaifeng
Published: December 2016

The original version of this article listed the authors in the wrong order. The correct order is as follows:

He Xu, Yan Xu, Kaifeng Wang, X.Z. Gao, Khalil Alipour, Hongpeng Yu, Zhen Li, Ozoemena Anthony Ani.

The authors apologise for this error.
Maternal effect gene expression in porcine metaphase II oocytes and embryos in vitro: effect of epidermal growth factor, interleukin-1β and leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Wasielak Marta , Więsak Teresa , Bogacka Iwona , Jalali Beenu Moza , Bogacki Marek
Published: December 2016

Maternal effect genes (MEG) play a crucial role in early embryogenesis. In vitro culture conditions may affect MEG expression in porcine oocytes and embryos. We investigated whether in vitro culture medium supplementation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), IL-1β or LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) affects the mRNA level of ZAR-1 (zygote arrest 1), NPM2 (nucleoplasmin 2) and DPPA3 (developmental associated protein 3) in porcine MII oocytes and embryos. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in NCSU-37 medium (control) or in NCSU-37 with EGF 10 ng/ml, IL-1β 10 ng/ml or LIF 50 ng/ml. After maturation for 44–46 h, MII oocytes were preserved for the analysis of MEG mRNA levels (experiment 1). In experiment 2, COCs were fertilized, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured in the same groups. Then, 2-, 4-, 8-cell embryos, morulae and blastocysts were collected for the analysis of MEG mRNA levels. LIF addition to the maturation medium increased MII oocyte numbers (P < 0.05), while EGF and IL-1β did not affect oocyte maturation. Medium supplementation with EGF resulted in lower DPPA3 mRNA levels in MII oocytes and in 2- and 4-cell embryos versus control embryos (P < 0.05). LIF treatment increased DPPA3 mRNA levels in morulae and blastocysts (P < 0.05). Culture with EGF and IL-1β decreased ZAR-1 and NPM2 mRNA levels in 2-cell embryos (P < 0.05). The inclusion of EGF or IL-1β in the porcine in vitro production system influences ZAR-1, NPM2 and DPPA3 mRNA in MII oocytes and embryos but not beyond the 4-cell stage. LIF stimulates oocyte maturation and affects DPPA3 mRNA in porcine morulae and blastocysts in vitro.
EXISTENCE OF POSITIVE SOLUTION FOR INDEFINITE KIRCHHOFF EQUATION IN EXTERIOR DOMAINS WITH SUBCRITICAL OR CRITICAL GROWTH
Authors: FIGUEIREDO G. M. , DE MORAIS FILHO D. C.
Published: December 2016

Using variational methods and depending on a parameter$\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$we prove the existence of solutions for the following class of nonlocal boundary value problems of Kirchhoff type defined on an exterior domain$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}\subset \mathbb{R}^{3}$:$$\begin{eqnarray}\left\{\begin{array}{@{}ll@{}}M(\Vert u\Vert ^{2})[-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}u+u]=\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}a(x)g(u)+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}|u|^{4}u\quad & \text{in }\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA},\\ u=0\quad & \text{on }\unicode[STIX]{x2202}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA},\end{array}\right.\end{eqnarray}$$for the subcritical case ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}=0$) and also for the critical case ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}=1$).
Role of manganese oxides in peptide synthesis: implication in chemical evolution
Authors: Bhushan Brij , Nayak Arunima , Kamaluddin
Published: December 2016

During the course of chemical evolution the role of metal oxides may have been very significant in catalysing the polymerization of biomonomers. The peptide bond formation of alanine (ala) and glycine (gly) in the presence of various oxides of manganese were performed for a period of 35 days at three different temperatures 50, 90 and 120°C without applying drying/wetting cycling. The reaction was monitored every week. The products formed were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry techniques. Trace amount of oligomers was observed at 50°C. Maximum yield of peptides was found after 35 days at 90°C. It is important to note that very high temperatures of 120°C favoured the formation of diketopiperazine derivatives. Different types of manganese oxides [manganosite (MnO), bixbyite (Mn2O3), hausmannite (Mn3O4) and pyrolusite (MnO2)] were used as catalyst. The MnO catalysed glycine to cyclic (Gly)2, (Gly)2 and (Gly)3, and alanine, to cyclic (Ala)2 and (Ala)2. Mn3O4 also produced the same products but in lesser yield, while Mn2O3 and MnO2 produced cyclic anhydride of glycine and alanine with a trace amount of dimers and trimmers. Manganese of lower oxidation state is much more efficient in propagating the reaction than higher oxidation states. The possible mechanism of these reactions and the relevance of the results for the prebiotic chemistry are discussed.
How Global Warming's Effect on Clouds May Make It Rain Harder
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: December 2016

More clustering of clouds due to higher temperatures increases the likelihood of heavy downpours.
Hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy induces autophagy and decreases lipids in THP-1 macrophage by promoting ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB
Authors: Li Xuesong , Zhang Xin , Zheng Longbin , Kou Jiayuan , Zhong Zhaoyu , Jiang Yueqing , Wang Wei , Dong Zengxiang , Liu Zhongni , Han Xiaobo , Li Jing , Tian Ye , Zhao Yajun , Yang Liming
Published: December 2016

Lipid catabolism disorder is the primary cause of atherosclerosis. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) prevents atherosclerosis by activating macrophage autophagy to promote lipid degradation. Hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy (HY-SDT) has been proved non-invasively inducing THP-1-derived macrophage apoptosis; however, it is unknown whether macrophage autophagy could be triggered by HY-SDT to influence cellular lipid catabolism via regulating TFEB. Here, we report that HY-SDT resulted in the time-dependent THP-1-derived macrophage autophagy activation through AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway. Besides, TFEB nuclear translocation in macrophage was triggered by HY-SDT to promote autophagy activation and lysosome regeneration which enhanced lipid degradation in response to atherogenic lipid stressors. Moreover, following HY-SDT, the ABCA1 expression level was increased to promote lipid efflux in macrophage, and the expression levels of CD36 and SR-A were decreased to inhibit lipid uptake, both of which were prevented by TFEB knockdown. These results indicated that TFEB nuclear translocation activated by HY-SDT was not only the key regulator of autophagy activation and lysosome regeneration in macrophage to promote lipolysis, but also had a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transporters to decrease lipid uptake and increase lipid efflux. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were adequately generated in macrophage by HY-SDT. Further, ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine abolished HY-SDT-induced TFEB nuclear translocation and autophagy activation, implying that ROS were the primary upstream factors responsible for these effects during HY-SDT. In summary, our data indicate that HY-SDT decreases lipid content in macrophage by promoting ROS-dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB to influence consequent autophagy activation and cholesterol transporters. Thus, HY-SDT may be beneficial for atherosclerosis via TFEB regulation to ameliorate lipid overload in atherosclerotic plaques.
Rab8a/Rab11a regulate intercellular communications between neural cells via tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Hui , Xue Chengbin , Xu Xi , Guo Yibing , Li Xiaohong , Lu Jingjing , Ju Shaoqing , Wang Yongjun , Cao Zheng , Gu Xiaosong
Published: December 2016

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are F-actin-based membrane tubes, and can form between cultured cells and within vital tissues. TNTs mediate intercellular communications that range from electrical signaling to the transfer of organelles. Following peripheral nerve injury, the orchestrated intercellular communications among neural and non-neural cells are required for effective nerve regeneration. It remains unknown whether TNTs exist between neural cells in the peripheral nerve system and how TNTs affect neural regeneration. To address these interesting questions, we investigated the transfer of neurotropic factors, membrane protein, cytoplasmic protein, mitochondria and RNA in functional TNTs formed between cultured Schwann cells (SCs). TNT-like structures were increased not only in cultured SCs after exposure to serum depletion but also in longitudinal sections of proximal sciatic nerve stump harvested after rat peripheral nerve transection. Meanwhile, downregulation of Rab8a or Rab11a in cultured SCs inhibited the formation of functional TNTs and vesicle transfer and led to decrease in cell migration, increase in SCs apoptosis. Likewise, knockdown of Rab8a or Rab11a in primary SCs also suppressed axonal outgrowth from co-cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Overall, our results suggested that the gene of Rab8a or Rab11a might be involved in the formation of TNTs structures in the peripheral nerve system, while TNTs structures were likely to affect peripheral nerve regeneration through the regulation of neural cell communications.
Human umbilical cord blood-stem cells direct macrophage polarization and block inflammasome activation to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shin Tae-Hoon , Kim Hyung-Sik , Kang Tae-Wook , Lee Byung-Chul , Lee Hwa-Yong , Kim Yoon-Jin , Shin Ji-Hee , Seo Yoojin , Won Choi Soon , Lee Seunghee , Shin Kichul , Seo Kwang-Won , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: December 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting intractable autoimmune disorder, which has become a substantial public health problem. Despite widespread use of biologic drugs, there have been uncertainties in efficacy and long-term safety. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested as a promising alternative for the treatment of RA because of their immunomodulatory properties. However, the precise mechanisms of MSCs on RA-related immune cells are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with RA and to explore the mechanisms underlying hUCB-MSC-mediated immunomodulation. Mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were administered with hUCB-MSCs after the onset of disease, and therapeutic efficacy was assessed. Systemic delivery of hUCB-MSCs significantly ameliorated the severity of CIA to a similar extent observed in the etanercept-treated group. hUCB-MSCs exerted this therapeutic effect by regulating macrophage function. To verify the regulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs on macrophages, macrophages were co-cultured with hUCB-MSCs. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated activation of cyclooxygenase-2 and TNF-stimulated gene/protein 6 in hUCB-MSCs polarized naive macrophages toward an M2 phenotype. In addition, hUCB-MSCs down-regulated the activation of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin 3 inflammasome via a paracrine loop of interleukin-1β signaling. These immune-balancing effects of hUCB-MSCs were reproducible in co-culture experiments using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with active RA. hUCB-MSCs can simultaneously regulate multiple cytokine pathways in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines elevated in RA microenvironment, suggesting that treatment with hUCB-MSCs could be an attractive candidate for patients with treatment-refractory RA.
Precipitation SELEX: identification of DNA aptamers for calcium phosphate materials synthesis
Authors: Baillargeon K. R. , Meserve K. , Faulkner S. , Watson S. , Butts H. , Deighan P. , Gerdon A. E.
Published: December 2016

DNA aptamers that enhance calcium phosphate mineral formation were identified using a novel precipitation SELEX method.
Bio-orthogonal “click-and-release” donation of caged carbonyl sulfide (COS) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Authors: Steiger Andrea K. , Yang Yang , Royzen Maksim , Pluth Michael D.
Published: December 2016

The inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) click reaction between thiocarbamate-functionalized trans-cyclooctenes and tetrazines provides a new strategy for bio-orthogonal COS/H2S delivery.
Synthesis of fully arylated (hetero)arenes
Authors: Suzuki Shin , Yamaguchi Junichiro
Published: December 2016

This article reports the synthesis of fully arylated (hetero)arenes and categorizes this emerging topic by the type of (hetero)arene core and the type of chemistry employed to install the (hetero)aryl substituents.
Rearrangement of bis(alkylidynyl)phosphines to phospha-acyls
Authors: Colebatch Annie L. , Han Yong-Shen , Hill Anthony F. , Sharma Manab , Shang Rong , Ward Jas S.
Published: December 2016

A range of bis(alkylidynyl)phosphines RP{CM(CO)2(Tp*)}2 (M = Mo, W; R = Cl, Ph, Cy; Tp* = hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) are obtained from the reactions of [M(CLi)(CO)2(Tp*)] with Cl2PR or alternatively via the palladium(0)-mediated reactions of [W(CBr)(CO)2(Tp*)] with RPH2 (R = Py, Cy).
Improving the zT value of thermoelectrics by nanostructuring: tuning the nanoparticle morphology of Sb2Te3by using ionic liquids
Authors: Schaumann Julian , Loor Manuel , Ünal Derya , Mudring Anja , Heimann Stefan , Hagemann Ulrich , Schulz Stephan , Maculewicz Franziska , Schierning Gabi
Published: December 2016

Morphology and thermoelectric properties of Sb2Te3nanoparticles synthesized in ionic liquids are controlled by the cation and anion.
Tuning the dipolar second-order nonlinear optical properties of 5-π-delocalized-donor-1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzenes, related cyclometallated platinum(ii) complexes and methylated salts
Authors: Nisic Filippo , Cariati Elena , Colombo Alessia , Dragonetti Claudia , Fantacci Simona , Garoni Eleonora , Lucenti Elena , Righetto Stefania , Roberto Dominique , Williams J. A. Gareth
Published: December 2016

Increase of the μβEFISH absolute value by methylation or cyclometallation of novel substituted dipyridylbenzenes.
Nanofabricated optical tuning and epitaxial overgrowth of In2S3shells on CdSe cores
Authors: Adegoke Oluwasesan , Park Enoch Y.
Published: December 2016

We report here a new type-II core/shell quantum dot (QD) structure and a new fabrication strategyviautilization of the organometallic hot-injection route to epitaxially passivate the surface of CdSe with a nontoxic In2S3shell layer.
Macrocycle-based topological azo-polymers: facile synthesis and unusual photoresponsive properties
Authors: Ding Liang , Song Wei , Jiang Ruiyu , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2016

Macrocycle-based topological azo-polymers with unusual photosensitive properties were synthesized via a selective acyclic diene metathesis polymerization of different monomers using an acrylate-functionalized cyclic azo-polymer as a chain stopper prepared from a linear precursor by “click” cyclization reaction, which will open a new perspective in photoinduced materials.
Sorption and photodegradation under visible light irradiation of an organic pollutant by a heterogeneous UiO-67–Ru–Ti MOF obtained by post-synthetic exchange
Authors: Navarro Amador Ricardo , Carboni Michaël , Meyer Daniel
Published: December 2016

By exchanging metals in a photoactive MOF, it has been possible to obtain a material for the photodegradation of methylene blue.
Differences between the elimination of early and late transition metals: DFT mechanistic insights into the titanium-catalyzed synthesis of pyrroles from alkynes and diazenes
Authors: Guo Jiandong , Deng Xi , Song Chunyu , Lu Yu , Qu Shuanglin , Dang Yanfeng , Wang Zhi-Xiang
Published: December 2016

A DFT study demonstrates that titanium is capable of promoting C–N bond formation via an unconventional reductive elimination pathway featuring back-donation (REBD).
Interacting post-muscarinic receptor signaling pathways potentiate matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression and invasion of human colon cancer cells
Authors: Said Anan H. , Hu Shien , Abutaleb Ameer , Watkins Tonya , Cheng Kunrong , Chahdi Ahmed , Kuppusamy Panjamurthy , Saxena Neeraj , Xie Guofeng , Raufman Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2016

M3 muscarinic receptor (M3R) expression is increased in colon cancer; M3R activation stimulates colon cancer cell invasion via cross-talk with epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), post-EGFR activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and induction of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) expression. MMP1 expression is strongly associated with tumor metastasis and adverse outcomes. Here, we asked whether other MAPKs regulate M3R agonist-induced MMP1 expression. In addition to activating ERK1/2, we found that treating colon cancer cells with acetylcholine (ACh) stimulated robust time- and dose-dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Unlike ERK1/2 activation, ACh-induced p38 phosphorylation was EGFR-independent and blocked by inhibiting protein kinase C-α (PKC-α). Inhibiting activation of PKC-α, EGFR, ERK1/2, or p38-α/β alone attenuated, but did not abolish ACh-induced MMP1 expression, a finding that predicted potentiating interactions between these pathways. Indeed, ACh-induced MMP1 expression was abolished by incubating cells with either an EGFR or MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor combined with a p38-α/β inhibitor. Activating PKC-α and EGFR directly with the combination of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and EGF potentiated MMP1 gene and protein expression, and cell invasion. PMA- and ACh-induced MMP1 expression were strongly diminished by inhibiting Src and abolished by concurrently inhibiting both p38-α/β and Src, indicating that Src mediates the cross-talk between PKC-α and EGFR signaling. Using siRNA knockdown, we identified p38-α as the relevant p38 isoform. Collectively, these studies uncover novel functional interactions between post-muscarinic receptor signaling pathways that augment MMP1 expression and drive colon cancer cell invasion; targeting these potentiating interactions has therapeutic potential.