bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid arthritis–associated autoantibodies in non–rheumatoid arthritis patients with mucosal inflammation: a case–control study
Authors: Janssen Koen M J , de Smit Menke J , Brouwer Elisabeth , de Kok Fenne A C , Kraan Jan , Altenburg Josje , Verheul Marije K , Trouw Leendert A , van Winkelhoff Arie Jan , Vissink Arjan , Westra Johanna
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis–associated autoantibodies (RA-AAB) can be present in serum years before clinical onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been hypothesized that initiation of RA-AAB generation occurs at inflamed mucosal surfaces, such as in the oral cavity or lungs. The aim of this study was to assess systemic presence of RA-AAB in patients without RA who had oral or lung mucosal inflammation.

Methods

The presence of RA-AAB (immunoglobulin A [IgA] and IgG anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 antibodies (anti-CCP2), IgM and IgA rheumatoid factor (RF), IgG anti-carbamylated protein antibodies and IgG and IgA anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies against fibrinogen, vimentin and enolase) were determined in sera of non-RA patients with periodontitis (PD, n = 114), bronchiectasis (BR, n = 80) or cystic fibrosis (CF, n = 41). Serum RA-AAB levels were compared with those of periodontally healthy controls (n = 36). Patients with established RA (n = 86) served as a reference group. Association of the diseases with RA-AAB seropositivity was assessed with a logistic regression model, adjusted for age, sex and smoking.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed that IgG anti-CCP seropositivity was associated with BR and RA, whereas the association with PD was borderline significant. IgA anti-CCP seropositivity was associated with CF and RA. IgM RF seropositivity was associated with RA, whereas the association with BR was borderline significant. IgA RF seropositivity was associated with CF and RA. Apart from an influence of smoking on IgA RF in patients with RA, there was no influence of age, sex or smoking on the association of RA-AAB seropositivity with the diseases. Anti-CarP levels were increased only in patients with RA. The same held for IgG reactivity against all investigated citrullinated peptides.

Conclusion

Although overall levels were low, RA-AAB seropositivity was associated with lung mucosal inflammation (BR and CF) and may be associated with oral mucosal inflammation (PD). To further determine whether mucosal inflammation functions as a site for induction of RA-AAB and precedes RA, longitudinal studies are necessary in which RA-AAB of specifically the IgA isotype should be assessed in inflamed mucosal tissues and/or in their inflammatory exudates.
A differentiable characterization of local contractions on Banach spaces
Authors: Hefti Andreas
Published: July 2015

This note provides a differentiable characterization of local contractions on an arbitrary Banach space. As a corollary, a refinement to Ostrowski’s sufficient condition for local convergence in finite spaces is obtained, which applies to many models, e.g. in economics, ecology or game theory, where one has an interest in fixed point iterations and local stability of discrete dynamic processes. We show that for the local contraction property to hold, continuity of the derivative at the fixed point is indispensable.
Increasing Persistence in Undergraduate Science Majors: A Model for Institutional Support of Underrepresented Students
Authors: Toven-Lindsey Brit , Levis-Fitzgerald Marc , Barber Paul H. , Hasson Tama
Published: July 2015

The 6-yr degree-completion rate of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors at U.S. colleges and universities is less than 40%. Persistence among women and underrepresented minorities (URMs), including African-American, Latino/a, Native American, and Pacific Islander students, is even more troubling, as these students leave STEM majors at significantly higher rates than their non-URM peers. This study utilizes a matched comparison group design to examine the academic achievement and persistence of students enrolled in the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS), an academic support program at the University of California, Los Angeles, for first- and second-year science majors from underrepresented backgrounds. Results indicate that PEERS students, on average, earned higher grades in most “gatekeeper” chemistry and math courses, had a higher cumulative grade point average, completed more science courses, and persisted in a science major at significantly higher rates than the comparison group. With its holistic approach focused on academics, counseling, creating a supportive community, and exposure to research, the PEERS program serves as an excellent model for universities interested in and committed to improving persistence of underrepresented science majors and closing the achievement gap.
Alumni Perspectives on Career Preparation during a Postdoctoral Training Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Faupel-Badger Jessica M. , Raue Kimberley , Nelson David E. , Tsakraklides Sophia
Published: July 2015

Published evaluations of career preparation of alumni from long-standing postdoctoral fellowship programs in the biomedical sciences are limited and often focus on quantitative analysis of data from extant publicly available sources. Qualitative methods provide the opportunity to gather robust information about specific program elements from structured postdoctoral training programs and the influence of this training on subsequent career paths of alumni. In-depth interviews with a subset of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) alumni (n = 27), representing more than 25 years of the program’s history and multiple career sectors, were conducted to assess alumni reflections on the training environment and career preparation during their time in the CPFP. NVivo software was used to analyze data and identify major themes. Four main themes emerged from these interviews, including: the value of structured training curriculum, mentorship, transdisciplinary environment, and professional identity. Even when reflecting on training that occurred one to two decades earlier, alumni were able to highlight specific components of a structured postdoctoral training program as influencing their research and career trajectories. These results may have relevance for those interested in assessing how postdoctoral training can influence fellows throughout their careers and understanding salient features of structured programs.
The Faculty Costs to Educate a Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student
Authors: Smolka Adam J. , Halushka Perry V. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Academic medical centers nationwide face numerous fiscal challenges resulting from implementation of restructured healthcare delivery models, contracting state support for higher education, and increased competition for federal and other sources of biomedical research funding. In pursuing greater accountability and transparency in its fiscal operations, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has implemented a responsibility centers management budgetary model, which requires all MUSC colleges to be eventually self-sustaining financially. Graduate schools in the biomedical sciences are particularly vulnerable in the face of these challenges, depending traditionally as they do on financial support from training grant tuition, occasional medical school tuition and medical practice plan revenues, graduate college–based revenue-generating programs, and faculty payment of PhD tuition. The revenue streams are often insufficient to support PhD training programs, and supplemental financial support is required from the institution. In the context of a college of graduate studies, estimates of the cost of educating a graduate student become a significant necessity. This study presents a readily applicable model of empirically estimating the faculty salary costs that may provide a basis for budgetary planning that will help to sustain a biomedical sciences graduate school’s commitment to its teaching, research, and service mission goals.
The Synthesis Map Is a Multidimensional Educational Tool That Provides Insight into Students’ Mental Models and Promotes Students’ Synthetic Knowledge Generation
Authors: Ortega Ryan A. , Brame Cynthia J.
Published: July 2015

Concept mapping was developed as a method of displaying and organizing hierarchical knowledge structures. Using the new, multidimensional presentation software Prezi, we have developed a new teaching technique designed to engage higher-level skills in the cognitive domain. This tool, synthesis mapping, is a natural evolution of concept mapping, which utilizes embedding to layer information within concepts. Prezi’s zooming user interface lets the author of the presentation use both depth as well as distance to show connections between data, ideas, and concepts. Students in the class Biology of Cancer created synthesis maps to illustrate their knowledge of tumorigenesis. Students used multiple organizational schemes to build their maps. We present an analysis of student work, placing special emphasis on organization within student maps and how the organization of knowledge structures in student maps can reveal strengths and weaknesses in student understanding or instruction. We also provide a discussion of best practices for instructors who would like to implement synthesis mapping in their classrooms.
The Grass Isn’t Always Greener: Perceptions of and Performance on Open-Note Exams
Authors: Sato Brian K. , He Wenliang , Warschauer Mark , Kadandale Pavan
Published: July 2015

Undergraduate biology education is often viewed as being focused on memorization rather than development of students’ critical-thinking abilities. We speculated that open-note testing would be an easily implemented change that would emphasize higher-order thinking. As open-note testing is not commonly used in the biological sciences and the literature on its effects in biology education is sparse, we performed a comprehensive analysis of this intervention on a primary literature–based exam across three large-enrollment laboratory courses. Although students believed open-note testing would impact exam scores, we found no effect on performance, either overall or on questions of nearly all Bloom’s levels. Open-note testing also produced no advantage when examined under a variety of parameters, including research experience, grade point average, course grade, prior exposure to primary literature–focused laboratory courses, or gender. Interestingly, we did observe small differences in open- and closed-note exam performance and perception for students who experienced open-note exams for an entire quarter. This implies that student preparation or in-test behavior can be altered by exposure to open-note testing conditions in a single course and that ­increased experience may be necessary to truly understand the impact of this intervention.
Differences in Metacognitive Regulation in Introductory Biology Students: When Prompts Are Not Enough
Authors: Stanton Julie Dangremond , Neider Xyanthe N. , Gallegos Isaura J. , Clark Nicole C.
Published: July 2015

Strong metacognition skills are associated with learning outcomes and student performance. Metacognition includes metacognitive knowledge—our awareness of our thinking—and metacognitive regulation—how we control our thinking to facilitate learning. In this study, we targeted metacognitive regulation by guiding students through self-evaluation assignments following the first and second exams in a large introductory biology course (n = 245). We coded these assignments for evidence of three key metacognitive-regulation skills: monitoring, evaluating, and planning. We found that nearly all students were willing to take a different approach to studying but showed varying abilities to monitor, evaluate, and plan their learning strategies. Although many students were able to outline a study plan for the second exam that could effectively address issues they identified in preparing for the first exam, only half reported that they followed their plans. Our data suggest that prompting students to use metacognitive-regulation skills is effective for some students, but others need help with metacognitive knowledge to execute the learning strategies they select. Using these results, we propose a continuum of metacognitive regulation in introductory biology students. By refining this model through further study, we aim to more effectively target metacognitive development in undergraduate biology students.
Modeling Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences: An Agenda for Future Research and Evaluation
Authors: Corwin Lisa A. , Graham Mark J. , Dolan Erin L.
Published: July 2015

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are being championed as scalable ways of involving undergraduates in science research. Studies of CUREs have shown that participating students achieve many of the same outcomes as students who complete research internships. However, CUREs vary widely in their design and implementation, and aspects of CUREs that are necessary and sufficient to achieve desired student outcomes have not been elucidated. To guide future research aimed at understanding the causal mechanisms underlying CURE efficacy, we used a systems approach to generate pathway models representing hypotheses of how CURE outcomes are achieved. We started by reviewing studies of CUREs and research internships to generate a comprehensive set of outcomes of research experiences, determining the level of evidence supporting each outcome. We then used this body of research and drew from learning theory to hypothesize connections between what students do during CUREs and the outcomes that have the best empirical support. We offer these models as hypotheses for the CURE community to test, revise, elaborate, or refute. We also cite instruments that are ready to use in CURE assessment and note gaps for which instruments need to be developed.
Recent scientific advances in leiomyoma (uterine fibroids) research facilitates better understanding and management
Authors: Taylor Darlene K. , Holthouser Kristine , Segars James H. , Leppert Phyllis C.
Published: July 2015

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most prevalent medical problem of the female reproductive tract, but there are few non-surgical treatment options. Although many advances in the understanding of the molecular components of these tumors have occurred over the past five years, an effective pharmaceutical approach remains elusive. Further, there is currently no clinical method to distinguish a benign uterine leiomyoma from a malignant leiomyosarcoma prior to treatment, a pressing need given concerns about the use of the power morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. This paper reviews current studies regarding the molecular biology of uterine fibroids, discusses non-surgical approaches and suggests new cutting-edge therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
Trends in the development of compression sonoelastography superficial organs and endosonography in the field of the standardization methods
Authors: Рахимжанова  , Rakhimzhanova R. , Бусько  , Busko E. , Васильева  , Vasileva Yu. , Смысленова  , Smyslenova M. , Мамошин  , Mamoshin A. , Казакова  , Kazakova O. , Ковалев  , Kovalev A. , Синюкова  , Sinyukova G. , Данзанова  , Danzanova T. , Морозова  , Morozova T. , Борсуков  , Borsukov A. , Фазылова  , Fazylova S.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this research is the use 5 stages of standardized methodology of compression elastography based on a preliminary assessment of gray-scale images, qualitative and semi-quantitative elastography. The authors give comparative characteristics of diagnostic efficiency and reproducibility standard data and propose the elastography in 3419 people with focal lesions of the breast, thyroid, regional lymph nodes, pancreas. The article presents the ways of nationwide discussion of standardized recommendations for compression elastography. Analysis of the data shows the advantage of the proposed standardized methodology of compression elastography. The evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic values of routine and standardized methods sonoelastography was carried out. Statistics are distributed as follows: in a routine method, the specificity is 90.3%, the sensitivity is estimated at 82.4%, the accuracy - 86,7%, AUC is equal 0,892 with 95% confidence interval [0,872 – 0,974]. In a standardized method, the specificity is 93.8%, the sensitivity is 84.7%, the accuracy – 88.5%, AUC is 0,938 with 95% confidence interval [0,889 – 0,981]. The non-specificity of the standardized compression sonoelastography method allows its use in any pathology of internal organs and tissues. Strict adherence to the stages of the standardized elastography contributes to the formation of a precise protocol elastographic examination.
Primary gastric malt lymphoma - modern treatment approaches
Authors: Сотников  , Sotnikov V. , Солодкий  , Solodkiy V. , Голуб  , Golub S. , Паньшин  , Panshin G.
Published: July 2015

Main idea of this article is to make a short overview of modern MALT lymphoma treatment approaches. Historically, surgery was the leading treatment modality. Discovery of H.pylori involvement, invention of new drugs and chemotherapy protocols, wide use of monoclonal antibodies, significantly raised the effectiveness of conservative treatment. Routine use of CT scanning, invention of conformal, precise radiotherapy techniques allowed to achieve fine radiotherapy treatment results, especially in the case of combined chemo – radiotherapy protocols. That is why nowadays conservative treatment plays more significant role. However, complete remission cannot be achieved in all the cases. More research is required and thorough analyze of advantages and disadvantages of every technique and their combinations.
Ecosystems homeostasis and the chaos theory and synergetics (short report)
Authors: Хадарцева  , Khadartseva K. , Филатова  , Filatova O.
Published: July 2015

From the prospective of the theory of chaos and self-organization it is necessary to define a finite quasi-attractor and move into the area of phase space where it is located. Not each motion is evolution, since evolu-tion means shifting center of quasi-attractors. The participation of each element of the system is necessary, otherwise the evolution will not. In the human body there are organs that are guidelines and may stop the evolu-tion of the organism (in the form of aging) or delay fatal, although death teleologically for us is defined in con-trast to the society.
Development of a software system to define personal potential of staff of health care institutions
Authors: Калинин  , Kalinin A. , Мартынова  , Martynova N. , Басова  , Basova L. , Кузьмин  , Kuzmin A.
Published: July 2015

The article presents the results of testing a computer program for assessing personal potential medical staff of health facilities. The authors have developed software system "Medtest". It implements a test method for determining the personal potential, fully automates all stages of the research and automates the processing of forms and getting results. The authors describe in detail the algorithm research to identify individual potential health care workers on the basis of the developed methodology for assessing personal potential by the sum of scores. Compliance resulting figure is its maximum value indicates the full readiness of personal potential staffing to carry out medical activities. Creation of a single database of employees of health facilities in the process of complex information of therapeutic and diagnostic departments will create a single information network to help monitor the professional activities of doctors and paramedical staff. According to the authors, the use of software package will help policy-makers, as well as the chief doctor of the hospital quickly and accu-rately assess the readiness of health workers to the profession and to implement an integrated approach to man-agement decision-making, aimed at identifying and using available in this area of personnel reserve
Mast cells leiomyoma
Authors: Пагиева  , Pagieva M. , Мильдзихов  , Mildzikhov G. , Дзодзикова  , Dzodzikova M. , Туриев  , Turiev A.
Published: July 2015

The authors described a case of a rare, asymptomatic form of tumors of the retroperitoneal space (leiomyoma) with a successful outcome in the young man, 19 years old. Connective tissue mast cells were detected in the tumor and examined. The instability of their population is morphologically obvious, and morpho-functional parameters in different areas of the tumor are heterogeneous. A slight amount of mast cells have been detected in dense parts and nodular tumors. Their number and degree of degranulation were highest in areas of inflammation and plethora, as well as on the periphery of the cystic parts of the tumor. The reactivity of a population of mast cells in the processes of tumor formation was confirmed morphologically by the results of this study. It is recommended to consider with prognostic purposes and with a view to developing optimal therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Proinflammatory potential for quantitative differentiation of various forms of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients in the medico-social examination of disability
Authors: Рождественский  , Rozhdestvenskiy Mikhail , Юргель  , Yurgel E.
Published: July 2015

In this article the authors examine changes in the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and nitric oxide in the blood in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension. The study included 66 patients aged 60 to 75 years compared with the control group of 25 people. The results suggest that endothelial dysfunction is developed in patients. It is manifested by changes in the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and nitric oxide in the blood. The studied parameters can be the markers of severity and indicate a differentiated approach to various forms of atrial fibrillation. On the severity, an atrial fibrillation is clinically subdivided into paroxysmal, persis-tent and permanent (up to 30, 60 and 80 points, respectively).
The study of complex stereognostic feelings in clinical practice
Authors: Михайлов  , Mikhaylov I.
Published: July 2015

The work is devoted to the author´s method of investigation of tactile sensitivity, within its stereognostic sense, implemented by means of the original three-dimensional figures. It describes the types and forms of figures, especially, the study of the process of multi-component sensory tactile sensitivity. The author gives are examples of the evaluation and interpretation of the results, comparison with clinical data and instrumental methods of research. Testing is conducted on 470 practically healthy subjects and 232 patients with physical, psycho-neurological, psychiatric pathology by means of electrophysiological studies (electroneuromyography, evoked potentials, rheoencephalography, rheovasography), neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging).The proposed method of the study can be used for various types of medical examination (medical, military-medical, medical and social). It allows to carry out a differential - tentative diagnosis of several diseases (damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, post-traumatic, vertebrogenic, endocrine, vascular, psychosomatic, psychiatric genesis of occupational diseases). The advantages of the technique are the adequacy assessment of the dynamics of the disease during treatment and (or) rehabilitation applicability in ambulatory - polyclinic con-ditions. The method can be used for the purpose of professional selection and vocational guidance, including in professions that demand a great deal of difficult-coordinated fine manipulative actions, an important component of which is tactile sensory afferentation (watch plants, jewelry businesses).
A detailed algorithm of a plurality of implementations of information security threats in the medical information system
Authors: Гулов  , Gulov V. , Хвостов  , Khvostov Viktor , Чесноков  , Chesnokov P.
Published: July 2015

The article presents a detailed algorithm for implementing information security threats to information resources health information systems used in the processing of personal data. The proposed algorithm is developed in relation to the problems of justification of requirements to information security, contains verbal and statistical description of the basic stages of realization of threats. The algorithm is based on the results of statistical processing of experimental records the digital stream to the standard conditions using specialized software analysis tools. The authors offer a list of registered signs for recognition of threats to information security in the digital stream. The technique of the experimental analysis of statistical characteristics of realizations of information safety threats consists of following stages: recording the digital data stream segment local area network that implements information security representative for a period of time, recognition of the types of implementations of information security threats on the grounds of IP packets. The detailed algorithm is designed to develop a predictive "picture of state of nature, which is source data of the normalization procedure of requirements for information security methods of decision making. To formalize multivariate nature of the implementations of information security threats, the authors propose a method of constructing formal models using logical attack trees with the assignment of the arcs of the tree of the numerical coefficients that have a temporal meaning.
Modern criteria for evaluation of aesthetic results of dental treatment (literature review)
Authors: Васильева  , Vasileva T. , Тихонов  , Tikhonov V. , Митин  , Mitin N. , Гришин  , Grishin M.
Published: July 2015

In this literature review, the authors examine the actual problem in dentistry - the modern criteria for evaluation of aesthetic results of orthopedic treatment, they analyze the main objectives of treatment to improve the aesthetic parameters, such as: restore the functions of mastication and speech formation, normalization aesthetic appearance and eliminating the negative impact of a partial or complete absence of teeth, and defects and deformities of the jaws that affect the mental state of the patient. Often, the desire to eliminate blemishes, enhance facial contours encourages patients to visit a dental clinic. Thus, the functional defects bother them less. Evaluation of aesthetic results is a very important problem in dental treatment, as because of violations of the communicative and social functions associated with the aesthetic perception of their own persons, patients in many cases, feel the psychological tension and discomfort, especially teenagers, children, women suffer from this. Often these patients turn in on themselve, their social circle is shrinking and interest in life decreases. Aesthetic dental defects of the mouth constrain open smile, people tend to speak slightly opening the lips, many people think that others are carefully looking out for their defects. Based on this problem the authors describe the basic criteria for evaluation of aesthetic results of dental treatment.
The insulin effects on the morphological structure of the kidneys in wistar rats
Authors: Макишева  , Makisheva R. , Субботина  , Subbotina Tatyana
Published: July 2015

The study of morphological changes in the kidneys of white rats after intramuscular injection of insulin at a dose of 1 IU/kg of body weight was carried out. The insulin effect was amplified using stress models of immobilization and swimming. Blood samples from tail vein of rats were taken to confirm the action of insulin. At autopsy, the authors conducted the fence venous blood flowing from the kidneys. Comparison with a control group showed that morphological changes in the renal parenchyma were formed after the insulin introduction and characterized by venous congestion in the microvasculature, ischemic changes in the renal parenchyma with areas of hemorrhage, thickening of the basement membrane, expansion of tubules, hydropic degeneration of the epithelium, hypertrophy and enlargement of the loops of the glomeruli. Measurement of glucose in venous blood flowing from the kidneys revealed hyperglycemia. The morphological changes in the tissues of the kidney indicate the development of venous congestion, glomerular hyperfiltration and hypovolemia, hypertension, glycosuria, glycosylation membranes, the deposition of glycogen in the epithelium of kidney tubules, microalbuminuria. The obtained results allow to draw attention to the fact that among the factors of damage during the development of diabetic nephropa-thy, a hyperinsulinemia may have a negative impact
General Medical Council cosmetic interventions consultation: key considerations
Authors: Luckman Mandy
Published: July 2015

Two years on from the publication of the Keogh report, there is still widespread concern in the industry about patient safety and the regulation of non-surgical procedures. This is reflected in the recent consultation launched by the General Medical Council to ensure best practice and help better protect patients. In this month's column, Mandy Luckman outlines core considerations for aesthetic practitioners
Developing the skills and knowledge to deliver effective skin care and rejuvenation
Authors: Durant Sally
Published: July 2015

Improving the condition of the skin can greatly enhance the outcomes of medical aesthetic procedures, from injectables to laser and intense pulsed light. However, it can be difficult for aesthetic practitioners to find high-quality, accredited courses on maintaining skin health and rejuvenation, says Sally Durant. In this article, she advises practitioners on accessing the best education and training in this specialist area
Nurses should not be ashamed of making money—they are offering a valuable service
Authors: Senior Amy
Published: July 2015

For many nurses, patients will always come before profit. However, to succeed in the competitive arena of medical aesthetics, business management and promotion need to be made a priority, says Amy Senior. In this month's Private Independent Aesthetic Practices Association column, she encourages nurses to feel no shame in making money from the coveted services they offer
Thinking creatively about your clinic: capture, clarify and engage
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: July 2015

In a world where digital communication is king, aesthetic practitioners can often be distracted by a constant flow of emails and social media notifications. However, there are many ways in which tasks can be prioritised and actioned in order to create more time to think creatively, says Jason Ratcliffe. In this month's article, he introduces five useful steps practitioners can use to enhance their productivity
‘Patients want natural results, taking into consideration their personality and lifestyle’
Authors: Zadah Kate
Published: July 2015

In medical aesthetics, establishing and running a successful clinic is not just about delivering high-quality treatments—having business acumen and a nose for the latest trends is key to setting your business apart from the rest. In this practice management series, PR professional Kate Zadah interviews clinic managers from all over the UK to find out about each practice's successes and struggles
The issue of violence in teenage relationships
Authors: Bowles Mark
Published: July 2015

Violence in adolescent relationships is a growing concern for many. Expert Mark Bowles examines the evidence, prevalence, and impact of this kind of violence on young people – and looks at what schools can do to play their part in tackling the problem
Structural holes, knowledge intermediaries and evolution of the triple helix system with reference to the hard disk drive industry in Thailand
Authors: Nakwa Karantarat , Zawdie Girma
Published: July 2015

This article explores the evolutionary process underlying the development of the triple helix innovation system and the role of knowledge intermediaries in the process. It draws on the experience of knowledge network development in an SME cluster in the Thai hard disk drive industry. Conceptually, the evolutionary process starts with inter-firm networks, which occur in the form of supply chain-based vertical links and trade association or cluster-based horizontal links. These evolve into triple helix networks and culminate into the triple helix innovation system through the agency of network dynamics. Intermediaries enhance network development as sponsors, providing funds; as brokers, closing and bridging structural holes that disconnect network players; and as boundary spanners, facilitating knowledge circulation. The case study suggests that knowledge network development in Thailand has a long way to go before morphing into the triple helix innovation system. Some evidence of network dynamics was nonetheless detected; but for lack of trust in the triple helix culture the fledgling network dynamics fizzled out when the government prop, which initiated the process, was withdrawn. The article concludes by highlighting the need for policy to promote the culture of trust among network players and for knowledge intermediaries to be robustly systemic in their organization and operation.
LGMD2A gaixotasunaren diagnostiko molekularra
Authors: Jaka Oihane
Published: July 2015

2A motako gerrietako muskulu-distrofia (LGMD2A) CAPN3 geneko mutazioen ondorio den gaixotasun autosomiko azpirakorra da. CAPN3 geneak muskulu eskeletikoan adierazten den kalpaina 3 proteina kodetzen du. Ikerlan honetan, LGMD2A gaixoen diagnostiko molekularra egin da eta MLPA erabili da berrordenatze posibleak identifikatzeko. Teknika horri esker lau delezio mota identifikatu dira. Gure emaitzetan oinarrituz, LGMD2A gaixotasunaren diagnostiko molekularra egiteko algoritmo bat proposatzen dugu.
Normative Characterization in Empirical Explanation
Authors: Bauer Mark
Published: July 2015

Normative characterization is a commonplace feature of biological and cognitive explanation. Such language seems to commit the biological and cognitive sciences to the existence of natural norms, but it is also difficult to understand how such normativity fits into a natural world of physical causes and forces. Existing models for how such language can have a legitimate causal-explanatory role in the sciences are, I think, unsatisfactory.  I suggest an alternative model in which normativity is mapped onto systems stabilized by counteractive constraints. Such a mapping, I propose, explains normativity’s causal-explanatory role in biological and cognitive inquiry.
Avaliação do potencial de melhoria dos processos de empresas de transporte rodoviário urbano: estudo de caso em três empresas de Porto Alegre – RS
Authors: Borchardt Miriam , Pereira Giancarlo Medeiros , Coelho Antônio Sérgio
Published: July 2015

Este artigo apresenta os dados obtidos a partir de estudos de casos em três empresas de transporte coletivo rodoviário urbano de Porto Alegre. O objetivo é identificar o potencial de melhoria dos processos destas organizações. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um instrumento de diagnóstico que considera a realidade do setor de transporte por ônibus nesta cidade e sistemas de gestão baseados na melhoria dos processos, tais como: critérios de excelência do Prêmio ANTP de Qualidade, os princípios da Mentalidade Enxuta e do Lean Management. O conhecimento do cliente e de suas expectativas é um fator considerado relevante pelas três organizações estudadas. A integração da cadeia de valor do sistema de transporte é um dos parâmetros avaliados que apresenta o maior potencial de melhoria.
A percepção do especialista sobre o tema mobilidade urbana
Authors: Magagnin Renata Cardoso , Silva Antônio Nélson Rodrigues da
Published: July 2015

O conceito de mobilidade urbana ainda é muito recente no Brasil e os problemas a ele relacionados ainda não estão muito claros para uma parcela significativa da população. Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar se isto também se verifica com técnicos e planejadores trabalhando especificamente nos campos do planejamento urbano e de transportes. O estudo foi realizado em uma cidade média brasileira, com uma ferramenta computacional concebida para ajudar na definição de um Sistema de Indicadores de Mobilidade Urbana. Neste estudo de caso foram utilizadas técnicas de avaliação qualitativa que permitiram confrontar a percepção dos usuários acerca do conceito de mobilidade urbana antes e depois do uso da ferramenta. A abordagem permitiu demonstrar que de fato havia inicialmente uma visão parcial da mobilidade por parte dos técnicos. Também conduziu à conclusão de que parece ter havido uma significativa ampliação no seu grau de conhecimento sobre o tema ao longo do processo.

Abstract The concept of urban mobility is still recent in Brazil. As a consequence, the problems related to the concept are not clear for a significant part of the population. The objective of this study is to examine if this is also the case for technicians and planners working specifically in the fields of urban and transportation planning. The study was carried out in a Brazilian medium-sized city, through an application with a computational tool originally designed to help in the construction of a System of Urban Mobility Indica- tors. Qualitative analyses tools were applied for comparing the participants’ perception about the urban mobility concept before and after the used of the tool. The approach was able to reveal that the professionals had indeed a partial view of mobility at the beginning of the research. It also led to the conclusion that their knowledge about the theme evolved significantly during the process.
Reaproveitamento da areia de fundição como material de base e sub-base de pavimentos flexíveis
Authors: Klinsky Luis Miguel Gutiérrez , Fabbri Glauco Tulio Pessa
Published: July 2015

O principal resíduo das indústrias de fundição é a areia de fundição de descarte que, no ano 2007, no Brasil, ultrapassou os três milhões de toneladas. Com o objetivo de preservar os recursos naturais e diminuir a degradação do meio ambiente, procuram-se alternativas para reutilizar a areia de fundição em grandes quantidades e a utilização na construção de rodovias fornece oportunidades. Assim, este trabalho avaliou a possibilidade de reutilizar a areia de fundição, misturada a solos argilosos, como material de base e subbase para rodovias de baixo volume de tráfego e vias urbanas para a região de Sertãozinho/SP, que é geradora de resíduo de areia de fundição, mas carece de jazidas de solos arenosos para a construção de rodovias. No estudo foi empregada a técnica de estabilização granulométrica para obter misturas solo-areia em diferentes proporções, nas quais foram realizados ensaios de classificação, propriedades mecânicas e ambientais. Os resultados dos ensaios mostraram que solos argilosos com 60% de areia de fundição adicionada poderiam ser utilizados como material de sub-base e base para pavimentos de tráfego leve, com baixo risco de poluir o meio ambiente.

Abstract: The main residue of the foundry industries is the foundry sand that in 2007, in Brazil, exceeded three millions tons. The modern world searches the preservation of the natural resources and the reduction of the environment degeneration. Aiming at these objectives, new alternatives are researched to reuse the foundry sand in large amounts and the pavement construction provides opportunities. This paper evaluated the reuse of the foundry sand in pavement sub-bases and bases, through its incorporation to clay soils from Sertaozinho/SP. This region has a high production of foundry metals and residues, and does not have natural sandy soils deposits for pavement construction. This study used the mechanic stabilization technique to obtain soil-sand mixes and classification tests, mechanical properties tests and environment tests were done in these artificial soils. The results showed that clay soils with the addition of 60% of foundry sand could be used as sub-base and base material for low traffic pavements, with low risk of environment pollution.
The Dynamics of Biochemical Parameters in Blood of Clinically Healthy Holstein Cows from Day 5 before to Day 60 after Calving
Authors: Celeska Irena , Janevski Aleksandar , Dzadzovski Igor , Ulchar Igor , Kirovski Danijela
Published: July 2015

The peripartal period in Holstein dairy cows is critical, due to the transition from pregnancy to lactation. We have studied the dynamics of biochemical parameters from day 5 before to day 60 after calving. The study included 10 multiparous Holstein cows, examined at days -5, 5, 10, 30 and 60 relative to calving. Blood samples were taken from vena jugularis. Analyzed biochemical parameters were glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, albumin, total protein, urea, NEFA and BHBA. Milk production and body condition score were also estimated. Obtained results showed that cows were exposed to mild to marked metabolic distress. Energy status was changed due to increased values of NEFA and BHBA and decreased value of glucose after calving. Protein concentrations were increased at day 10 after calving, despite the decrease of the level of albumin. Urea concentrations before and after calving were within physiological range indicating an optimal protein diet. Increased values of total bilirubin at day 5 after calving indicated liver increased activity. Lipid status presented by triglycerides and total cholesterol revealed no differences in blood concentrations. Milk production was highest at day 30 after calving. BCS were highest in dry cows, thereafter they declined and recovered at day 60 after calving.

In conclusion, biochemical parameters can be used as relevant indicators of metabolic distress in cows around calving with milk and BCS recording as aside parameters. Changes in some biochemical parameters indicate liver increased activity and metabolic stress, that could lead to decreased milk production, impaired reproductive performance and, finally, to illness.
Magnetic nanoparticles adapted for specific biomedical applications
Authors: Dutz Silvio , Müller Robert , Eberbeck Dietmar , Hilger Ingrid , Zeisberger Matthias
Published: July 2015

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are used in different biomedical applications, whereby each application requires specific particle properties. To fulfill these requirements, particle properties have to be optimized by means of variation of crystal structure, particle size, and size distribution. To this aim, improved aqueous precipitation procedures for magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis were developed. One procedure focused on the cyclic growth of MNPs without nucleation of new particle cores during precipitation. The second novel particle type are magnetic multicore nanoparticles, which consist of single cores of approximately 10 nm forming dense clusters in the size range from 40 to 80 nm. Their highest potential features these multicore particles in hyperthermia application. In our
First reports of the red alga Hypoglossum caloglossoides from the Mediterranean and the Red Sea
Authors: Hoffman Razy , Wynne Michael J.
Published: July 2015

The occurrence of the red algal species Hypoglossum caloglossoides (Delesseriaceae, Ceramiales) is reported for the first time from shallow sub-littoral sites in both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. This small but morphologically distinctive species, originally described from Lord Howe Island in the southwestern South Pacific Ocean, has been recorded from scattered tropical and subtropical locations around the globe. Some aspects of its ecology in the north Israeli Mediterranean are also discussed.
Sequence analysis of minor protein genes of equine arteritis virus during persistent infection
Authors: Rola Jerzy , Socha Wojciech , Żmudziński Jan F.
Published: July 2015

The variability of the ORF2a, ORF2b, ORF3, and ORF4 genes of the equine arteritis virus (EAV) was analysed during a seven year observation of persistent infection in a stallion of the Malopolska breed. A total of 11 semen samples were collected between 2004 and 2011. RNA of EAV isolates obtained from the semen of the stallion was amplified, sequenced, and compared with the sequences of other strains available in GenBank. Multiple nucleotide substitutions were found in sequences of the analysed regions, however, neither deletion nor insertions were detected. The highest number of point mutations (11-6 synonymous and 5 non-synonymous) were found in the ORF2b gene, and the lowest number of substitutions (6-5 synonymous and one non-synonymous) were found in the ORF2a gene. None of the identified mutations affected any of the glycosylation or phosphorylation sites of the minor EAV protein. Phylogenetic analysis of the ORF3 gene of EAV isolates showed that they grouped together within the cluster of European strains of EAV. Additionally, the ORF3 gene sequences of the isolates showed high (86.4% - 98.3%) similarity to the previously isolated Polish EAV strains.
Occurrence and characterisation of MRSA and extended-spectrum ß-lactamases producing Escherichia coli isolated from mastitic cows’ milk
Authors: Weiner Marcin , Różańska Hanna , Kubajka Maria , Szulowski Krzysztof , Krajewska Monika , Wasiński Bernard
Published: July 2015

The aim of study was the preliminary evaluation of the occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) - producing Escherichia coli in 650 milk and inflammatory secretions from cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis. One millilitre of the sample was added to Mueller-Hinton broth supplemented with 6.5% NaCl, Tryptone Soya Broth with cefoxitin and aztreonam, and then to MRSA ID agar. Presumptive MRSA colonies were analysed for the presence of mecA gene. Parallel to MRSA identification, the samples were incubated in buffered peptone water, lauryl tryptose broth and McConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxim for ESBL-producing E. coli isolation. These bacteria were identified using API Rapid 32 E and the ability of ESBL production was initially established using disc test D68C and confirmed by MIC technique using Sensititre ESBL plates. The primers (blaCTX, blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCMY-2-group) for the detection of some of the genes encoding ESBL production were used. The 45 strains of S. aureus with mecA gene and 41 strains of E. coli with blaTEM gene were detected.
Dynamics of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in red fox populations with high and low prevalence of this parasite in Poland (2007–2014)
Authors: Karamon Jacek , Kochanowski Maciej , Dąbrowska Joanna , Sroka Jacek , Różycki Mirosław , Bilska-Zając Ewa , Cencek Tomasz
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was to estimate the current prevalence of E. multilocularis in selected populations of red foxes in Poland and to evaluate the changes in prevalence of this parasite by comparison with the results obtained in the same area during earlier surveillance. The investigations were performed in the area of four Polish provinces: 2 eastern/south-eastern (Lubelskie and Podkarpackie) and 2 south-western (Śląskie and Opolskie). Five hundred red foxes coming from the investigated areas were examined between 2013 and 2014 to estimate the current situation in selected provinces. Moreover, 550 red foxes from the same areas examined between 2007 and 2013 were used for comparison of differences in E. multilocularis prevalences in time. Intestines were examined with the use of the sedimentation and counting technique. Among 500 foxes examined in the current study, 118 were positive for E. multilocularis. There were differences in prevalence between individual provinces: Podkarpackie Province - 54.6%, Lubelskie Province - 18.9%, Śląskie Province - 11.7%, and Opolskie Province - 3.9%. Statistical analysis demonstrated that in most cases there were no differences in prevalence between the current results and the results from previous studies. Only in Opolskie Province was a statistically significant increase observed between 2010 and 2014. A stable degree of infection in the region with high prevalence of this parasite was demonstrated. However, a significant increase in the region with very low prevalence of E. multilocularis points out the necessity to monitor this infection during the coming years to control the progress of the disease