bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitotic Accumulation of Dimethylated Lysine 79 of Histone H3 Is Important for Maintaining Genome Integrity During Mitosis in Human Cells
Authors: Guppy Brent J , McManus Kirk J
Published: December 2014

The loss of genome stability is an early event that drives the development and progression of virtually all tumor types. Recent studies have revealed that certain histone post-translational modifications exhibit dynamic and global increases in abundance that coincide with mitosis and exhibit essential roles in maintaining genomic stability. Histone H2B ubiquitination at lysine 120 (H2Bub1) is regulated by RNF20, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is altered in many tumor types. Through an evolutionarily conserved trans-histone pathway, H2Bub1 is an essential prerequisite for subsequent downstream dimethylation events at lysines 4 (H3K4me2) and 79 (H3K79me2) of histone H3. Although the role that RNF20 plays in tumorigenesis has garnered much attention, the downstream components of the trans-histone pathway, H3K4me2 and H3K79me2, and their potential contributions to genome stability remain largely overlooked. In this study, we employ single-cell imaging and biochemical approaches to investigate the spatial and temporal patterning of RNF20, H2Bub1, H3K4me2, and H3K79me2 throughout the cell cycle, with a particular focus on mitosis. We show that H2Bub1, H3K4me2, and H3K79me2 exhibit distinct temporal progression patterns throughout the cell cycle. Most notably, we demonstrate that H3K79me2 is a highly dynamic histone post-translational modification that reaches maximal abundance during mitosis in an H2Bub1-independent manner. Using RNAi and chemical genetic approaches, we identify DOT1L as a histone methyltransferase required for the mitotic-associated increases in H3K79me2. We also demonstrate that the loss of mitotic H3K79me2 levels correlates with increases in chromosome numbers and increases in mitotic defects. Collectively, these data suggest that H3K79me2 dynamics during mitosis are normally required to maintain genome stability and further implicate the loss of H3K79me2 during mitosis as a pathogenic event that contributes to the development and progression of tumors.
Macroprudential warnings in the Euro zone and Hungary
Authors: Mérő Katalin
Published: December 2014

During the present financial crisis, the focus of the regulation and supervision of financial institutions has shifted from being institution-based (microprudential) towards the systemic level (macroprudential). A special element of the macroprudential regulatory and supervisory toolkit is the issue of macroprudential warnings. Prior to the crisis, both the international and the domestic authorities issued warnings concerning the emergence of system-wide risks in the financial sector. However, these warnings did not result in significant changes in the behaviour of the banks, which were the main addressees of the warnings. The article analyses the practice and effectiveness of macroprudential warnings in relation to the European Central Bank and the competent Hungarian authorities. The subject matter is particularly topical, taking into account that one of the very first steps in changing the institutional framework of financial supervision, as a response to the financial crisis, has been the establishment of an institutional framework for issuing macroprudential warnings.
Does FDI increase market concentration? An evaluation of the Portuguese manufacturing industries
Authors: Forte Rosa , Sarmento Paula
Published: December 2014

We analyse the impact of FDI on market concentration for the Portuguese manufacturing industries in the 2006–2009 period. Using panel data estimation, and after controlling for other determinants of industry concentration (entry barriers, market size, and growth), we found a significant negative impact of FDI on industry concentration. This finding is in line with the results of the empirical literature on other developed countries. Moreover, it supports the argument that FDI has positive effects on domestic firms, eventually through positive externalities, and contradicts the widespread view that in small economies FDI increases concentration. Overall, this study adds to the controversial literature on FDI and concentration, and it is the first study on this topic applied to Portugal.
The role of expectations in austerity cycles: The political economy of crisis management in Ireland and Greece
Authors: Győrffy Dóra
Published: December 2014

The main goal of the paper is to explain the role of expectations in austerity cycles during financial bailouts. The paper presents a political economy model of bailouts, where the conditions, their implementation, and market reception are considered as forms of a social dilemma. In such situations, expectations about the actions of other actors approximated by the concepts of trust or distrust play a critical role. An environment of trust is conducive to mitigating the size and effects of fiscal contraction, while an environment of distrust is likely to magnify both. It is also argued that the credibility of government is the key driving force in these self-reinforcing cycles. The crisis management experiences of Greece and Ireland serve to illustrate the theoretical model.
Quantificação do Dano: o Estudo da Debilidade de Função e Deformidade Permanente nas Lesões Dentárias
Authors: Lúcia Virgínia Mendonça Gomes Porto  , Janaina Ribeiro de Sousa  , Eliane Helena Alvim de Souza  , Joaquim Celestino da Silva Neto
Published: December 2014

O trabalho propõe estudar a classificação das lesões dentárias no artigo 129 do Código Penal Brasileiro por meio da análise de acórdãos, determinando as opiniões dadas pelos juízes de diferentes tribunais em diferentes anos, estabelecendo se as decisões proferidas acatam os pronunciamentos periciais e avaliando as causas e consequências deste fato. Os acórdãos foram selecionados através da pesquisa nos sites dos Tribunais de Justiça dos Estados brasileiros e Distrito Federal, analisando aqueles relacionados a processos criminais onde houve a fratura ou perda dentária. A amostra consistiu de 44 acórdãos dos Estados de Minas Gerais (3), Pará (3), Amapá (4), Paraná (1), Rio Grande do Sul (2), Santa Catarina (8), São Paulo (22) e Sergipe (1) julgados entre os anos de 1996 e 2009. 25% dos acórdãos decidiram pela inexistência das qualificadoras do art. 129 do Código Penal, desconsiderando o laudo pericial. As decisões que ilustram o presente trabalho somente acataram os pronunciamentos periciais que foram claros, detalhados e suficientemente esclarecedores. Desta forma, por deficiências no laudo, pode um o réu causador de lesão dentária em outrem não receber a penalidade adequada para sua conduta.
Fatores de Insucessos em Implantodontia e sua Importância na Prevenção de Processos Judiciais
Authors: Alessandra Kichler  , Mário Marques Fernandes  , Rogério Nogueira Oliveira
Published: December 2014

A implantodontia é a especialidade odontológica que visa implantar na mandíbula e ou maxila, materiais aloplásticos destinados a suportar próteses unitárias, parciais ou totais, envolvendo um longo tempo de duração do tratamento, custos elevados e a possibilidade de uma série de complicações locais ou sistêmicas durante e após o procedimento, associada a uma alta expectativa do cliente quanto ao resultado. O presente trabalho objetiva revisar na literatura fatores de insucesso relacionados à Implantodontia e destacar sua identificação na prevenção de lides judiciais. A identificação£o dos fatores de insucessos em Implantodontia e o conhecimento da legislação relacionada são importantes para o manejo junto ao paciente e consequentemente na prevenção de processos judiciais.
Thomas A. Szlezák: Homer oder Die Geburt der abendländischen Dichtung.
Authors: Kircher Nils
Published: December 2014

Thomas A. Szlezák: Homer oder Die Geburt der abendländischen Dichtung. München: C. H. Beck 2012. 255 S. 14 Abb. 24,95 €.
Unusually sluggish microemulsion system with water, toluene and a technical branched alkyl polyethoxylate
Authors: Ilic Marija , Haegel Franz-Hubert , Pavelkic Vesna , Zlatanovic Snezana , Markovic Zoran , Cvjetic Aleksandar
Published: December 2014

Microemulsion systems with water, toluene and nonionic surfactants are
interesting for application due to the excellent solvent properties of
aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, the pseudo-binary phase diagram
(?fish-diagram?) of such a ternary system was investigated using a branched
technical alkyl polyethoxylate. Lutensol ON 50 (i-C10E5) was considered a
suitable surfactant. The system with technical branched i-C10E5 exhibits very
long and for compositions near optimum solubilization, i.e. the minimum
content of surfactant needed for a bicontinuous microemulsion, extremely long
times for equilibration. In addition to visual observation, qualitative
measurements of turbidity were performed with a UV-Vis spectrometer for
characterizing the behavior of this unusually sluggish system. Isothermal
phase diagrams at 20, 25 and 30?C yielded inconsistent results after the
change of temperature and the application of mechanical stress for different
treatment of the samples. Ternary mixtures of water, toluene, and Lutensol ON
50 seem to form long-living metastable states. The sluggishness and the
ambiguous phase behavior of the system are discussed. Inconsistent results
are attributed to the slow kinetics of the formation and destruction of
liquid crystals and the ability of the system to form miniemulsions within an
unusual concentration range.
Air Abrasion Before and/or After Zirconia Sintering: Surface Characterization, Flexural Strength, and Resin Cement Bond Strength
Authors: Abi-Rached FO , Martins SB , Almeida-Júnior AA , Adabo GL , Góes M Sousa , Fonseca RG
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of air-abrasion/zirconia sintering order on the yttria partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) surface characterization (roughness, morphology, and phase transformation), flexural strength (FS), and shear bond strength (SBS) to a resin cement. Y-TZP specimens were air abraded with 50-μm Al2O3 particles after (AS), before (BS), or before and after zirconia sintering (BAS). For roughness (Ra), 30 block specimens (12×12×3.0 mm; n=10) had their surfaces analyzed by a profilometer. Next, on the air-abraded surfaces of these specimens, composite resin discs (n=30) were bonded with RelyX ARC. The bonded specimens were stored for 24 hours in distilled water at 37°C before shear testing. Failure mode was determined with a stereomicroscope (20×). The surface morphology (n=2) was evaluated by SEM (500×). For the four-point flexural strength test (EMIC DL2000), 39 bar-shaped specimens (20×4.0×1.2 mm; n=13) were air abraded according to the three conditions proposed, and an additional group (nonabraded) was evaluated (n=13). The quantitative analysis of phase transformation (n=1) was completed with Rietveld refinement with X-ray diffraction data. Ra (μm) and SBS (MPa) data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (α=0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine if there was a correlation between roughness and SBS. For FS (MPa) data, one-way ANOVA and the Dunnett C-test (α=0.05) were used. The air-abrasion/zirconia sintering order influenced significantly (p<0.001) Ra, SBS, and FS. The BS and AS groups presented the highest (1.3 μm) and the lowest (0.7 μm) Ra. The highest SBS (7.0 MPa) was exhibited by the BAS group, followed by the AS group (5.4 MPa) and finally by the BS group (2.6 MPa). All groups presented 100% adhesive failure. A weak correlation (r=−0.45, p<0.05) was found between roughness and SBS. The air-abrasion/zirconia sintering order provided differences in the surface morphology. The nonabraded (926.8 MPa) and BS (816.3 MPa) groups exhibited statistically similar FS values but lower values than the AS (1249.1 MPa) and BAS (1181.4 MPa) groups, with no significant difference between them. The nonabraded, AS, BS, and BAS groups exhibited, respectively, percentages of monoclinic phase of 0.0 wt%, 12.2 wt%, 0.0 wt%, and 8.6 wt%. The rougher surface provided by the air-abrasion before zirconia sintering may have impaired the bonding with the resin cement. The morphological patterns were consistent with the surface roughness. Considering the short-term SBS and FS, the BAS group exhibited the best performance. Air abrasion, regardless of its performance order, provides tetragonal to monoclinic transformation, while sintering tends to zero the monoclinic phase content.
Are Sportspersons Good Moral Role Models?
Authors: Melin Roger
Published: December 2014

It has been thought that sportspersons, through their participation in sport, acquire moral attitudes and behavior that make them good moral role models. These moral attitudes and behavior can be called the ethos of sport, and consist of the principles of fair play and courage, justice, and honesty. In this article, it is argued that this belief is mistaken. Through four very common examples of sporting practice, it is shown that sport, contrary to providing a good basis for proper moral behavior, promotes what otherwise would be called non-moral attitudes and behavior. As a conclusion, it is pointed out that sportspersons might very well be good moral role models, but that they would be moral role models in spite of the fact that they are involved in sporting activities.
First-principles study of solid methane at high pressure
Authors: Pantha Nurapati , Acharya Jagaran , Adhikari Narayan Prasad
Published: December 2014

We study the structural and electronic properties of solid methane of space group P212121 at high pressure. The density-functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculations within the Generalized Gradient Approximations (GGA) have been performed by using Quantum Espresso package. Our findings show that the solid methane in orthorhombic structure compresses fast at the first, and then slowly as a function of elevated hydrostatic pressure. The pressure-volume diagram agrees with the available previously reported data up to pressure of around 200 GPa. In orthorhombic structure, solid methane is a wide band gap insulator at low pressures (tens of GPa). The band gap decreases with increase in the pressure. At high pressure (around 900 GPa), the band gap decreases to semi-conductor range (1.78 eV). Our results reveal that methane to be metallic above the pressure coverage of the present study which is consistent to the interior of the giant planets. The band gap as a function of pressure (from the present work) agrees well with the previously reported data. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v12i0.11779BIBECHANA 12 (2015) 70-79
Conductometric study of nickel chloride in ethanol-water mixed solvent media at various temperatures
Authors: Basnet Nabin , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: December 2014

The conductivity measurement of nickel chloride has been done in binary solvent of the ethanol-water system. The different percentage of ethanol including 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 (v/v) has been chosen as binary solvents. The concentration of the electrolyte in the prepared solutions varies from 0.008 to 0.1 mol.l-1 for temperatures 298.15 K, 303.15 K and 308.15 K. The conductivity of the electrolyte decreases with increase in ethanol content in the solvent at a particular temperature, which is due to the decrease in dielectric constant of the medium. The conductivity increases with increase in temperature and concentration, due to increase in mobility of ions and number of ions from observed electrolyte respectively.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v12i0.11789BIBECHANA 12 (2015) 128-134
Corporate Influence and Conflicts of Interest: Assessment of Veterinary Medical Curricular Changes and Student Perceptions
Authors: Dowers Kristy L. , Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina M. , Hellyer Peter W. , Kogan Lori R.
Published: December 2014

The ethics document of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges provides guiding principles for veterinary schools to develop conflict of interest policies. These policies regulate faculty and student interactions with industry, potentially reducing the influence companies have on students' perceptions and future prescribing practices. This paper examines the implementation of a conflict of interest policy and related instructional activities at one veterinary college in the US. To inform policy and curricular development, survey data were collected regarding veterinary students' attitudes toward pharmaceutical marketing, including their perceptions of their own susceptibility to bias in therapeutic decisions. Responses from this group of students later served as control data for assessing the effectiveness of educational programs in the content area. A conflict of interest policy was then implemented and presented to subsequent classes of entering students. Classroom instruction and relevant readings were provided on ethics, ethical decision making, corporate influences, and the issue of corporate influence in medical student training. Within seven days of completing a learning program on conflict of interest issues, another cohort of veterinary students (the treatment group) were administered the same survey that had been administered to the control group. When compared with the control group who received no instruction, survey results for the treatment group showed moderate shifts in opinion, with more students questioning the practice of industry-sponsored events and use of corporate funds to reduce tuition. However, many veterinary students in the treatment group still reported they would not be personally influenced by corporate gifts.
Students' Perceptions of the Script Concordance Test and Its Impact on Their Learning Behavior: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Cobb Kate A. , Brown George , Hammond Richard , Mossop Liz H.
Published: December 2014

The Script Concordance Test (SCT) is increasingly used in postgraduate and undergraduate education as a method of summative clinical assessment. It has been shown to have high validity and reliability but there is little evidence of its use in veterinary education as assessment for learning. This study investigates some students' perceptions of the SCT and its effects on their approaches to learning. Final-year undergraduates of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) at the University of Nottingham participated in a mixed-methods study after completing three formative SCT assessments. A qualitative, thematic analysis was produced from transcripts of three focus group discussions. The quantitative study was a survey based on the analyses of the qualitative study. Out of 50 students who registered for the study, 18 participated in the focus groups and 28 completed the survey. Clinical experience was regarded as the most useful source of information for answering the SCT. The students also indicated that recall of facts was perceived as useful for multiple-choice questions but least useful for the SCT. Themes identified in the qualitative study related to reliability, acceptability, educational impact, and validity of the SCT. The evidence from this study shows that the SCT has high face validity among veterinary students. They reported that it encouraged them to reflect upon their clinical experience, to participate in discussions of case material, and to adopt a deeper approach to clinical learning. These findings strongly suggest that the SCT is potentially a valuable method for assessing clinical reasoning and enhancing student learning.
Airport Cities and Airport Public Transport Access
Authors: Orth Hermann , Weidmann Ulrich
Published: December 2014

Many airports are adding nonaviation activities in an effort to diversify and become less dependent on direct air traffic revenues and thus create so-called airport cities. As these added activities generate an increase in traffic, the question arises as to how this increased traffic influences the ground transport access system and if this influence can be used in strategies to achieve higher public transport mode shares. In the best case, the additional traffic would follow a distribution that would balance out the peaks created by the aviation-induced travel and therefore would help create more even transport demand. Such a more balanced situation is especially critical for providing cost-efficient public transport services where service capacity cannot be adjusted very flexibly without sacrificing ease of use. In the worst case, however, additional nonaviation travel demand would peak at the same time as aviation-induced travel and thus increase peak period travel demand. This effect would increase costs for peak period service without improving utilization during low-demand periods. This paper presents a generic framework for analyzing aviation and nonaviation transport demand, followed by a specific study of Zurich Airport in Switzerland. In this case, the nonaviation demand is distributed as complementary to the aviation-induced demand, but the volume of nonaviation demand is so high that it dominates the total demand curve. This result means that the total travel demand is high enough to support a higher level of public transport service than could be operated economically if fed only by the aviation operations and is one reason why Zurich Airport's public transport mode share for air travelers is approximately 50%.
Designer Life using Synthetic Biology
Authors: Hessel Andrew
Published: December 2014

This article is a starting place for anyone that has not yet been exposed to synthetic biology or the concept of designing living things. It is not an exhaustive review of these areas by any means. It is more of an orientation – a first step into a vast and still almost completely unexplored space. It describes what synthetic biology is, examines some of the trendlines, and peers a short way into the future of this technology. For those that are interested, it also offers some pointers for how to get started.
The Al Khiday Cemetery in Central Sudan and its “Classic/Late Meroitic” Period Graves
Authors: Usai Donatella , Salvatori Sandro , Jakob Tina , David Romain
Published: December 2014

The first millennium BC in Sudan sees the birth of the Kushite (Napatan and then Meroitic) Kingdom. Royal cities, cemeteries and centres of religious power have attracted archaeologists and historians while peripheral areas have only rarely seen any systematic investigations. This lack of research provides difficulties in interpreting the limited evidence of the Napatan and Meroitic periods located on the White and Blue Niles and limits our comprehension of the role of this region within the political, economic and cultural framework of the kingdom. Recently, a multiphase cemetery was discovered at the site of Al Khiday 2, on the west bank of the White Nile, which was also used by a small group that is thought to be closely related to the Meroitic. The graves excavated have produced a bio-archaeological sample that is presented here with detailed descriptions of the funerary practices, including different types of grave structures, grave goods, burial position and orientation of the inhumations, as well as an overview of the anthropological analysis of this population. These findings are placed within the wider context of Meroitic studies by providing comparisons with contemporaneous sites, highlighting the possible elements of contiguity with that world, as well as providing some reflection on future research directions.
The Lalibela Rock Hewn Site and its Landscape (Ethiopia): An Archaeological Analysis
Authors: Bosc-Tiessé Claire , Derat Marie-Laure , Bruxelles Laurent , Fauvelle François-Xavier , Gleize Yves , Mensan Romain
Published: December 2014

This article presents the methods employed at the site of Lalibela, Ethiopia during the 2009, 2010, 2011 and part of the 2012 campaigns, as well as the first results obtained. This site consists of a group of rock-cut churches attributed to the sovereign of the same name, King Lalibela, who we know to have reigned in the late 12th century and in the first third of the 13th century. Cut out of solid rock, Lalibela is an exceptional archaeological site since most of the traces of its early phases were eliminated in the process of its transformation. The site thus presents a significant challenge for historians and archaeologists. How is it possible to write its history without excavation? Geomorphological observations of the region offer new keys for understanding Lalibela; identification of the spoil heap, in which we discovered a clear stratigraphy confirming the existence of different cutting phases; the topographic and taphonomic analysis of the remains, and investigations in the cemetery of Qedemt, revealed that the site was formed in multiple phases, probably reflecting a long occupation sequence spanning at least eleven centuries (from the 10th to the 21st century).
Physiological Effects of Positive Pressure Breathing with Pure Oxygen and a Low Oxygen Gas Mixture
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Xiao Huajun , Shi Weiru , Wen Dongqing , Yu Lihua , Chen Jianzhang
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION: Positive pressure breathing (PPB) can cause circulatory dysfunction due to peripheral pooling of blood. This study explored a better way at ground level to simulate pure oxygen PPB at 59,055 ft (18,000 m) by comparing the physiological changes during PPB with pure
oxygen and low oxygen at ground level.METHODS: Six subjects were exposed to 3 min of 69-mmHg PPB and 3 min of 59-mmHg PPB with pure oxygen and low oxygen while wearing the thoracic counterpressure jerkin inflated to 1× breathing pressure and G-suit inflated to 3 and 4×
breathing pressure. Stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2) were measured. Subjects completed a simulating flying task (SFT) during 3-min PPB and scores were recorded.RESULTS: HR and SV responses differed
significantly between breathing pure oxygen and low oxygen. CO response was not significantly different for pure oxygen and low oxygen, the two levels of PPB, and the two levels of G-suit pressure. Spo2 declined as a linear function of time during low-oxygen PPB and there
was a significant difference in Spo2 response for the two levels of PPB. The average score of SFT during pure oxygen PPB was 3970.5 ± 1050.4, which was significantly higher than 2708.0 ± 702.7 with low oxygen PPB.CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia and PPB have
a synergistic negative effect on both the cardiovascular system and SFT performance. PPB with low oxygen was more appropriate at ground level to investigate physiological responses during PPB and evaluate the protective performance of garments.Liu X, Xiao H, Shi W, Wen D, Yu L, Chen J.
Physiological effects of positive pressure breathing with pure oxygen and a low oxygen gas mixture. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(1):15–20.
Effects of Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia on Children’s Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life: Saudi Arabian Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Baghdadi Ziad , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: December 2014

Aim: To determine whether dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) would improve quality of life for children as reported by Saudi Arabian parents using a Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and a Family Impact Scale (FIS). Methods: Sixty-six parents completed P-CPQ and FIS scales four to eight weeks after their children (ages three to ten years) underwent comprehensive dental treatment under GA. Postoperative data were compared with baseline data gathered before GA using paired t-test at the 0.05 level of significance. The responsiveness of the P-CPQ and the FIS and the magnitude of changes in children’s quality of life as a result of dental treatment were determined by calculating the effect size (ES). Cross-sectional construct validity and internal consistency were also examined using the pretreatment scores of the P-CPQ and the FIS scores. Results: The overall P-CPQ and FIS scores showed a significant decrease following treatment, concomitant with large ES in both scales and all their subscales with the exception of social wellbeing, which showed moderate ES (ES 0.59). The greatest relative changes were seen in the oral symptoms (ES 1.81) and the family activity (ES 1.57) subscales. Conclusion: Dental treatment under GA is associated with considerable improvement in children’s quality of life as perceived by Saudi parents. The P-CPQ and the FIS scales are valid and responsive to changes resulting from dental treatment of young children affected by severe childhood caries.
Blood Lead Concentrations in Jamaican Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rahbar Mohammad , Samms-Vaughan Maureen , Dickerson Aisha , Loveland Katherine , Ardjomand-Hessabi Manouchehr , Bressler Jan , Shakespeare-Pellington Sydonnie , Grove Megan , Pearson Deborah , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: December 2014

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder manifesting by early childhood. Lead is a toxic metal shown to cause neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Several studies have investigated the possible association between exposure to lead and ASD, but their findings are conflicting. Using data from 100 ASD cases (2–8 years of age) and their age- and sex-matched typically developing controls, we investigated the association between blood lead concentrations (BLC) and ASD in Jamaican children. We administered a questionnaire to assess demographic and socioeconomic information as well as exposure to potential lead sources. We used General Linear Models (GLM) to assess the association of BLC with ASD status as well as with sources of exposure to lead. In univariable GLM, we found a significant difference between geometric mean blood lead concentrations of ASD cases and controls (2.25 μg/dL cases vs. 2.73 μg/dL controls, p < 0.05). However, after controlling for potential confounders, there were no significant differences between adjusted geometric mean blood lead concentrations of ASD cases and controls (2.55 μg/dL vs. 2.72 μg/dL, p = 0.64). Our results do not support an association between BLC and ASD in Jamaican children. We have identified significant confounders when assessing an association between ASD and BLC.
Suicide Risks among Adolescents and Young Adults in Rural China
Authors: Zhao Sibo , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2014

Background: In China, suicide is one of the major causes of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 34 years. Aim: The current study examines how risk factors vary by age groups in rural China, referring to those aged 15 to 24 years and those aged 25 to 34 years. Method: A case-control psychological autopsy (PA) study is conducted in sixteen counties from three Chinese provinces, including 392 suicide cases and 416 community living controls in the sample. Results: In China, young adults aged 25 to 34 years have a higher risk for suicide than adolescents aged 15 to 24 years, and it holds true even controlling for relevant social factors. In addition, age-related factors such as education, marital status, whether having children, status in the family, physical health, and personal income all have varying degrees of impact on suicide risks for rural youth. Conclusions: This study shows that there are some age-related risk factors for suicide at certain life stages and emphasizes that young adults in rural China aged 25 to 34 years have an increased risk of suicide as a result of experiencing more psychological strains with age.
Formins: Linking Cytoskeleton and Endomembranes in Plant Cells
Authors: Cvrčková Fatima , Oulehlová Denisa , Žárský Viktor
Published: December 2014

The cytoskeleton plays a central part in spatial organization of the plant cytoplasm, including the endomebrane system. However, the mechanisms involved are so far only partially understood. Formins (FH2 proteins), a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins sharing the FH2 domain whose dimer can nucleate actin, mediate the co-ordination between actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in multiple eukaryotic lineages including plants. Moreover, some plant formins contain transmembrane domains and participate in anchoring cytoskeletal structures to the plasmalemma, and possibly to other membranes. Direct or indirect membrane association is well documented even for some fungal and metazoan formins lacking membrane insertion motifs, and FH2 proteins have been shown to associate with endomembranes and modulate their dynamics in both fungi and metazoans. Here we summarize the available evidence suggesting that formins participate in membrane trafficking and endomembrane, especially ER, organization also in plants. We propose that, despite some methodological pitfalls inherent to in vivo studies based on (over)expression of truncated and/or tagged proteins, formins are beginning to emerge as candidates for the so far somewhat elusive link between the plant cytoskeleton and the endomembrane system.
Exposure to Non-Extreme Solar UV Daylight: Spectral Characterization, Effects on Skin and Photoprotection
Authors: Marionnet Claire , Tricaud Caroline , Bernerd Françoise
Published: December 2014

The link between chronic sun exposure of human skin and harmful clinical consequences such as photo-aging and skin cancers is now indisputable. These effects are mostly due to ultraviolet (UV) rays (UVA, 320–400 nm and UVB, 280–320 nm). The UVA/UVB ratio can vary with latitude, season, hour, meteorology and ozone layer, leading to different exposure conditions. Zenithal sun exposure (for example on a beach around noon under a clear sky) can rapidly induce visible and well-characterized clinical consequences such as sunburn, predominantly induced by UVB. However, a limited part of the global population is exposed daily to such intense irradiance and until recently little attention has been paid to solar exposure that does not induce any short term clinical impact. This paper will review different studies on non-extreme daily UV exposures with: (1) the characterization and the definition of the standard UV daylight and its simulation in the laboratory; (2) description of the biological and clinical effects of such UV exposure in an in vitro reconstructed human skin model and in human skin in vivo, emphasizing the contribution of UVA rays and (3) analysis of photoprotection approaches dedicated to prevent the harmful impact of such UV exposure.
A Space View of Radar Archaeological Marks: First Applications of COSMO-SkyMed X-Band Data
Authors: Chen Fulong , Masini Nicola , Yang Ruixia , Milillo Pietro , Feng Dexian , Lasaponara Rosa
Published: December 2014

With the development of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in terms of multi-band, multi-polarization and high-resolution data, space radar remote sensing for archaeology has become a potential field for research. Nevertheless, the archaeological detection capability of this technology has so far not been fully assessed. This paper is a pioneering effort to assess the potential of satellite SAR X-band data in the detection of archaeological marks. We focus on the results obtained from a collaborative contribution jointly carried out by archaeologists and remote sensing experts in order to test the use of COSMO-SkyMed data in different contexts and environmental conditions. The methodological approaches we adopted are based on two different feature-enhancement procedures: (i) multi-temporal analysis performed to reduce noise and highlight archaeological marks; (ii) single-date analysis to assess the ability of the single SAR scene to detect archaeological features like with optical remote sensing. Results from multi-temporal data analysis, conducted using 40 scenes from COSMO-SkyMed X-band Stripmap data (27 February to 17 October 2013), enable us to detect unknown archaeological crop, soil, and shadow marks representing Luoyang city, dating from the Eastern-Han to Northern-Wei Dynasties. Single-date analyses were conducted using COSMO-SkyMed Spotlight scenes acquired for Sabratha (Libya) and Metapontum (southern Italy). These case studies were selected because they are characterized by diverse superficial conditions (desert and Mediterranean area) and archaeological marks (crop, soil and shadow). The results we obtained for both of them show that even a single SAR X-band acquisition is a feasible and effective approach for archaeological prospection. Overall, the methodological approach adopted demonstrated that both multi-temporal and single-date analysis are suitable for the enhancement of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental features.
Application of Gas Sensor Arrays in Assessment of Wastewater Purification Effects
Authors: Guz Łukasz , Łagód Grzegorz , Jaromin-Gleń Katarzyna , Suchorab Zbigniew , Sobczuk Henryk , Bieganowski Andrzej
Published: December 2014

A gas sensor array consisting of eight metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) type gas sensors was evaluated for its ability for assessment of the selected wastewater parameters. Municipal wastewater was collected in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in a primary sedimentation tank and was treated in a laboratory-scale sequential batch reactor (SBR). A comparison of the gas sensor array (electronic nose) response to the standard physical-chemical parameters of treated wastewater was performed. To analyze the measurement results, artificial neural networks were used. E-nose—gas sensors array and artificial neural networks proved to be a suitable method for the monitoring of treated wastewater quality. Neural networks used for data validation showed high correlation between the electronic nose readouts and: (I) chemical oxygen demand (COD) (r = 0.988); (II) total suspended solids (TSS) (r = 0.938); (III) turbidity (r = 0.940); (IV) pH (r = 0.554); (V) nitrogen compounds: N-NO3 (r = 0.958), N-NO2 (r = 0.869) and N-NH3 (r = 0.978); (VI) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) (r = 0.987). Good correlation of the abovementioned parameters are observed under stable treatment conditions in a laboratory batch reactor.
Rapid Detection of Microorganisms Based on Active and Passive Modes of QCM
Authors: Farka Zdeněk , Kovář David , Skládal Petr
Published: December 2014

Label-free immunosensors are well suited for detection of microorganisms because of their fast response and reasonable sensitivity comparable to infection doses of common pathogens. Active (lever oscillator and frequency counter) and passive (impedance analyzer) modes of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were used and compared for rapid detection of three strains of E. coli. Different approaches for antibody immobilization were compared, the immobilization of reduced antibody using Sulfo‑SMCC was most effective achieving the limit of detection (LOD) 8 × 104 CFU·mL−1 in 10 min. For the passive mode, software evaluating impedance characteristics in real-time was developed and used. Almost the same results were achieved using both active and passive modes confirming that the sensor properties are not limited by the frequency evaluation method but mainly by affinity of the antibody. Furthermore, reference measurements were done using surface plasmon resonance. Effect of condition of cells on signal was observed showing that cells ruptured by ultrasonication provided slightly higher signal changes than intact microbes.
The Impact of Industrial Transformation on Water Use Efficiency in Northwest Region of China
Authors: Shi Qingling , Chen Shiyi , Shi Chenchen , Wang Zhan , Deng Xiangzheng
Published: December 2014

China has been stressing the needs of promoting regional sustainable development through industrial transformation. In the northwest region of China, which is faced with both urgent socioeconomic development and fragile ecological conditions, with water scarcity being one of the major characters, the relationship between industrial transformation and water use efficiency ought to be investigated. This paper conducted an empirical analysis of industry transformation’s impact on water use efficiency by using the Input-output analysis. First, we compiled an extended Input-output table with water use account; Second, the input-output analysis model was built based on the extended Input-output table; Then, a counterfactual experiment was performed to document the water use efficiency caused by industrial transformation; Finally, water use efficiency of different sectors in both northwest region of China as a whole and its five provinces were calculated. The results show that water use efficiency of northwest region of China is improved by optimizing industrial structure. Also, sectors with low water use efficiency but huge improvement potential were found out. Then policy implications for regional sustainable development and water resources management are provided at the end of the article.
Economic Feasibility of Irrigated Agricultural Land Use Buffers to Reduce Groundwater Nitrate in Rural Drinking Water Sources
Authors: Mayzelle Megan , Viers Joshua , Medellín-Azuara Josué , Harter Thomas
Published: December 2014

Agricultural irrigation leachate is often the largest source for aquifer recharge in semi-arid groundwater basins, but contamination from fertilizers and other agro-chemicals may degrade the quality of groundwater. Affected communities are frequently economically disadvantaged, and water supply alternatives may be too costly. This study aimed to demonstrate that, when addressing these issues, environmental sustainability and market profitability are not incompatible. We investigated the viability of two low impact crops, alfalfa and vineyards, and new recharge basins as an alternative land use in recharge buffer zones around affected communities using an integrated hydrologic, socio-geographic, and economic analysis. In the southern Central Valley, California, study area, alfalfa and vineyards currently constitute 30% of all buffer zone cropland. Economic analyses of alternative land use scenarios indicate a wide range of revenue outcomes. Sector output gains and potential cost saving through land use conversion and resulting flood control result in gains of at least $2.3 billion, as compared to costs of $0.3 to $0.7 billion for treatment options over a 20 year period. Buffer zones would maintain the economic integrity of the region and concur with prevailing policy options. Thus, managed agricultural recharge buffer zones are a potentially attractive option for communities facing financial constraint and needing to diversify their portfolio of policy and infrastructure approaches to meet drinking water quality objectives.
Pollen limitation and the contribution of autonomous selfing to fruit and seed set in a rewarding orchid
Authors: Jacquemyn Hans , Brys Rein
Published: December 2014

• Premise of the study: Although rewarding orchids are believed to have a high pollination efficiency, pollination success is often low, suggesting that rewarding orchids may be prone to pollen limitation. Assuming that selfing contributes significantly to fruit and seed set (i.e., reproductive assurance) and that the quality of selfed seeds is high (i.e., low inbreeding depression), it can be hypothesized that under these circumstances populations evolve to facultative or even complete self‐pollination.

• Methods: In this study, we performed emasculation and pollen supplementation experiments in the field to assess the extent of outcross pollen limitation and the contribution of autonomous self‐pollination to fruit and seed set in the rewarding orchid Epipactis palustris. Hand‐pollinations using cross and self‐pollen were performed in the greenhouse to investigate the impact of selfing on seed set and seed quality and to assess the magnitude of inbreeding depression.

• Key results: Fruit set under natural conditions was high: ca. 70% of all flowers set fruit. Percentage fruit set of emasculated plants was 56%, implying that fruit set in about 14% of all flowers was the result of autonomous self‐pollination. Pollen supplementation significantly increased fruit and seed set, indicating strong outcross pollen limitation. Hand‐pollination with cross pollen resulted in significantly higher seed set and seed quality compared with manual self‐pollination, indicating high levels of early inbreeding depression (δ = 0.46 ± 0.08).

• Conclusions: Overall, these results indicate that, despite the high pollination efficiency, populations of this rewarding orchid species were strongly pollen limited. Costs of early inbreeding depression, on the other hand, were high, which may prevent rapid evolution of complete selfing.
COMPUTERIZED INTEGRATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A MATERIAL PULL STRATEGY
Authors: Kim Sang-Chul , Kim Yong-Woo
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present a computerized integrated project management system and report results of a survey on the effectiveness of the system. The system consists of a scheduling system, material management system, labor/equipment system, and safety/quality control system. The backbone system is a scheduling system that adopts a production planning system and a project scheduling system. The lowest level in the scheduling system is a daily work management system, which is linked to each functional management system (i.e. material management system, labor/equipment system, and safety/quality control system). The paper focuses on the material management and scheduling systems to implement a material “pull” system to reduce material inventories on site. Details of material management and scheduling systems are discussed, and a sample application is presented to demonstrate the features of the proposed computer application system. The paper presents practitioners and researchers with a practical tool to integrate material management and scheduling systems for site personnel.
DEGRADATION OF THE MAIN GAS PIPELINE MATERIAL AND MECHANISMS OF ITS FRACTURE
Authors: Maruschak Pavlo , Danyliuk Iryna , Prentkovskis Olegas , Bishchak Roman , Pylypenko Andriy , Sorochak Andriy
Published: December 2014

The effect of the in-service scattered damage in the pipe wall metal is evaluated, and the effect of hydrogen absorbed by metal on the variation of the structure and mechanical properties of the main gas pipeline after a long-term operation is found. The main regularities in the graded nature of the static deformation process and the effect of hydrogenation on the scattered damage and fracture accumulation are found.
THE EVALUATION AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF 4D CAD USING MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS
Authors: Reizgevicius Marius , Ustinovichius Leonas , Simanaviciene Ruta , Rasiulis Romas , Peliksa Mykolas
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of the analysis focused on the effectiveness of 4D CAD the phenomenon of which has been analysed by foreign scientists considering a number of different aspects. The conducted research differs from prior literature as the objective, in our case, was to evaluate effectiveness and justify results using multi-criteria analysis. Effectiveness has been investigated through the construction experiment observing group performances applying two different types of information – 2D CAD and 4D CAD drawings. Research findings have proved that the efficiency of using the 4D model has been doubled given the same time constraints when the evaluating the completeness of the construction object. Research results have also showed that the use of the 4D model helped with completing the construction of the object much faster. A comparison of the results of the participants of two groups has revealed that the use of the 4D CAD model has twice reduced the occurrence of mistakes in the construction process and helped the participants with faster detecting and fixing the errors they made. TOPSIS, SAW and CORPAS multifunctional solution making methods were employed for 2D and 4D ranking during the experiment on 4D efficiency. The findings confirm that the 4D model is more rational, more convenient and efficient than the 2D model regarding all results of statistical and multi criteria analysis.