bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Konfliktnost med mladostniki in starši: razvojno psihološki vidiki in sistemski vidik konfliktnosti v družini
Authors: Čotar Konrad Sonja
Published: March 2016

Problematika konfliktnosti med mladostnikom in starši je kljub porastu števila raziskav v tujini v Sloveniji še vedno relativno neraziskano področje. Aktualnost konfliktov v družini odraža tudi naraščajoče število agresivnih izražanj družinskih sporov v slovenski družbi, ki s tem dnevno postavlja znanost pred nove strokovne izzive. V članku najprej opredelimo konfliktnost v družini in pojem ločimo od drugih sorodnih pojmov. Prispevek prinaša tudi pomembna teoretična in empirično podprta izhodišča za razumevanje razlogov konfliktnosti v družini, natančneje konfliktnosti med mladostnikom in starši. Kritično predstavljamo razvojno psihološki vidik konfliktov med mladostnikom in starši, kjer soočamo in ocenjujemo štiri danes aktualne možne perspektive razvojno-psihološke razlage konfliktnosti: psihoanalitični vidik, socio-biološki, kognitivno razvojni in socio-relacijski vidik. Nazadnje pa v prispevku osvetlimo konfliktnost med mladostniki in starši kot element spremembe celotnega družinskega sistema skozi prizmo soočanja družine s stresom v skladu s Burr-Kleinovim modelom in omenjen model ovrednotimo na osnovi hipotetično predstavljenega primera delovanja družine.
Nevrokognitivne osnove numeričnega procesiranja
Authors: Bregant Tina
Published: March 2016

V prispevku predstavimo nekaj novejših spoznanj s področja numerične kognicije in nevrokognitivnih osnov numeričnega procesiranja. Osnovo numerične kognicije predstavlja prepoznava in primerjava količin. Ker je ta sistem prepoznaven tako pri dojenčkih kot nekaterih živalskih vrstah, ga podrobneje predstavimo. Osnovni sistem ali matematično intuicijo lahko nadgradimo s kompleksnejšim, aritmetičnim procesiranjem, ki ga predstavimo v luči novejših nevroznanstvenih spoznanj. Spoznanja o numeričnem procesiranju lahko pomembno prispevajo k razumevanju matematičnih kompetenc v različnih obdobjih otrokovega razvoja ter tako prispevajo h kakovosti poučevanja matematike ter usvajanju matematičnih znanj in veščin.
Zahteve po regulaciji čustev in napovedi čustev glede pričakovanih organizacijskih sprememb
Authors: Kubicek Bettina , Hoelzl Erik , Korunka Christian
Published: March 2016

Med procesi organizacijskih sprememb zaposleni razvijejo določena pričakovanja glede prihodnjih dogodkov in oblikujejo napovedi glede lastnih čustvenih reakcij v prihodnosti. Ko oblikujejo napovedi, ljudje pogosto projicirajo trenutna čustva na prihodnje dogodke brez upoštevanja nekaterih edinstvenih značilnosti teh dogodkov. Čeprav so napovedi čustev proučevali na številnih področjih, jih je le malo bilo izvedeno v delovnih okoljih. S tem razlogom, je bil namen pričujoče raziskave ugotoviti, ali napoved z delom povezanih čustev temelji na trenutnih čustvih. Nadalje je pričujoča raziskava proučevala, ali so tisti zaposleni, katerih delo pogosto zahteva regulacijo čustev, v manjši meri nagnjeni k projekciji trenutnih čustev na prihodnje dogodke. Prečna raziskava, ki je zajemala 1610 avstrijskih zaposlenih na področju nege in oskrbe starostnikov, je potrdila omenjene domneve. Pri oblikovanju napovedi o prihodnjih z delom povezanih čustev se zaposleni pogosto oprejo na trenutna čustva. Po drugi strani pa je pri tistih, katerih delo zahteva visoko stopnjo regulacije čustev, odnos med trenutnimi čustvi in napovedanimi šibkejši. Omenjeni rezultati imajo implikacije za razumevanje in upravljanje s procesi organizacijskih sprememb.
Analiza notranje strukture slovenske oblike Vprašalnika o sprejemanju bolečine (CPAQ)
Authors: Horvat Barbara , Jamnik Helena , Vidmar Gaj , Sočan Gregor , Mramor Majda
Published: March 2016

V procesu sprejemanja kronične bolečine se omenja psihološki koncept sprejemanja, ki vključuje izpostavljenost bolečini, ki jo posameznik doživi brez poskusov izogibanja ali nadzora, ter vztrajanje v telesni aktivnosti navkljub prisotnosti bolečine. Na Univerzitetnem rehabilitacijskem inštitutu Republike Slovenije – Soča (URI – Soča) izvajamo program, v katerem celostno obravnavamo paciente s kronično razširjeno bolečino, kjer se prav tako soočamo s pomenom sprejemanja. Za merjenje koncepta sprejemanja uporabljamo Vprašalnik sprejemanja kronične bolečine (CPAQ, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire; McCracken idr., 2004), ki smo ga prevzeli iz angleško govorečega prostora. Namen naše študije je bil za ta instrument preveriti konstruktno veljavnost (prileganje dvofaktorskega modela – delitev 20 postavk v lestvici Pripravljenost na bolečino in Vključenost v aktivnost) ter zanesljivost z vidika notranje skladnosti in ponovnega merjenja. V študijo smo vključili 241 udeležencev, ki so bili med marcem 2011 in julijem 2013 pregledani v ambulanti za rehabilitacijo oseb s kronično nerakavo bolečino na URI – Soča. Vsi udeleženci so izpolnili CPAQ. Tako konfirmatorna faktorska analiza kot analiza postavk sta pokazali na neustreznost postavke 16, ki bi jo bilo v prihodnje smiselno opustiti ali preoblikovati. V splošnem se je zanesljivost z vidika notranje skladnosti (obeh lestvic in skupnega dosežka) in vidika ponovnega merjenja izkazala kot ustrezna predvsem za raziskovalne namene.
Prispevek navezanosti na starše in vključenosti staršev k akademskemu, čustvenemu in socialnemu prilagajanju na študij: tri-letna vzdolžna raziskava
Authors: Smojver-Ažić Sanja , Martinac Dorčić Tamara , Juretić Jasminka
Published: March 2016

V tri-letni vzdolžni raziskavi smo preučevali učinke navezanosti na starše in začetne prilagoditve na študij na zaznave študentov glede vključenosti staršev v njihovo akademsko delo. Poleg tega smo obravnavali prispevek večjega števila starševskih dimenzij na akademsko, čustveno in socialno prilagajanje študentov po treh letih študija. Na vzorcu 171 hrvaških študentov smo aplicirali vprašalnike glede navezanosti na starše, vključenosti staršev v njihovo akademsko funkcioniranje in prilagajanja na študij. Rezultati hierarhičnih regresijskih analiz so pokazali, da je vključenost staršev v akademsko delo študentov v drugem letniku študija v večji meri povezano s kakovostjo navezanosti na starše kot z začetno prilagoditvijo na študij. Medtem ko je navezanost na starše statistično značilno napovedovala le čustveno prilagoditev, je podpora s strani staršev pomembno napovedovala akademsko in socialno prilagoditev po treh letih študija. Rezultati nakazujejo, da imajo različni dejavniki, vezani na starše, tudi v času študija še vedno pomembno vlogo pri različnih vidikih prilagajanja študentov na študij.
Šestdeset let spraševanja "Kdo sem jaz?": Analiza vprašalnika Twenty Statements Test (TST)
Authors: Musil Bojan , Preglej Andrej
Published: March 2016

Leta 1954 sta Kuhn in McPartland v kontekst raziskovanja posameznikovega pojmovanja sebe oziroma sebstva postavila enostavno vprašanje "Kdo sem jaz?". V kasnejših letih je ta preizkus postal popularen na področju psihološkega in sociološkega raziskovanja, v zadnjem času pa je aktualen na področju medkulturnih (psiholoških) študij. Po 60 letih smo si omenjeno vprašanje zastavili znova, in sicer v kontekstu analitičnega pregleda preteklih raziskav omenjenega instrumenta, s čimer poskušamo v celoviti evalvaciji odgovoriti tudi na vprašanje, ali je uporaba omenjenega vprašanja v raziskovalne namene dandanes še smiselna.
Čas za reformo Zoisovega štipendiranja
Authors: Nagy Mirt
Published: March 2016

V prispevku sta predstavljena zgodovina razvoja štipendiranja nadarjenih in razvoj meril ter kriterijev za dodelitev štipendij od začetkov štipendiranja nadarjenih do sprememb leta 2008, ko se je začel uporabljati nov zakon o štipendiranju. Navedene so nekatere bistvene pomanjkljivosti sedanje ureditve podeljevanja Zoisovih štipendij, kot izhajajo iz veljavnega zakona o štipendiranju, in predlog potrebnih izboljšav sistema štipendiranja, s katerimi bi Zoisove štipendije dobile večjo vlogo pri spodbujanju razvoja nadarjenih in tudi razvoja njihove kariere med in po zaključku izobraževanja.
Identificação e mitigação de riscos em projetos de desenvolvimento distribuído de software
Authors: Coelho Pedro Henrique Veras , Fenner Germano , Lima Alberto Sampaio
Published: March 2016

Os mercados estão cada vez mais globalizados, gerando impactos em diversas áreas e  provocando o surgimento de novas formas de competição e cooperação que ultrapassam os limites das fronteiras dos países. Nesse contexto, a área de desenvolvimento de software também foi afetada, impulsionando muitas organizações a experimentarem o desenvolvimento de software em instalações localizadas em vários países. Surgiu assim o desenvolvimento distribuído de software (DDS). O DDS apresenta diversos fatores de risco como a dispersão geográfica e problemas de comunicação. Embora existam diversas dificuldades enfrentadas pelas organizações que adotam o DDS, foi verificado que com medidas de mitigação dos riscos, as vantagens do DDS se sobrepõem as dificuldades e seu uso possibilita a redução de custos e aumento da competitividade das organizações. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e um estudo de caso, onde foram identificados os riscos mais comuns do DDS e as formas de tratá-los.
Psychological attachment: An issue of due concern in parenting
Authors: Datani Megha
Published: March 2016

Precariousness or disturbance seeing someone in the consideration framework might give newborn children or kids significant issues in their capacity to trust and hence append to folks or parental figures. Unattached kids experience issues relating regularly with others. How do the above issues identify with the absence of connection? In the youngster's first association with his essential guardians he realizes what he can and can't anticipate from others. Youngsters who don't experience a sound give and take in this relationship will most likely be unable to experience it in different connections. It is most troublesome for the unattached youngster to become socially. They have awesome trouble figuring out how to manufacture and keep up connections of any kind. Having gotten little love, they experience difficulty giving it. They have not figured out how to tend to others. They proceed in their immature ways - egotistical and acting indiscreetly.
Management of Pipkin Type-III Femoral Head Fracture and Ipsilateral Open Floating Knee with Extensor Apparatus Injury
Authors: Singaravadivelu V. , Bassetty Keerthy Chandra , Balakrishnan T.M. , Lankaram J.J.
Published: March 2016

Case:

A twenty-eight-year-old man presented with a Pipkin type-III femoral head fracture and open floating knee injury. Initially debridement was performed, during which the extensor apparatus could not be salvaged. The top priority in management of the floating knee was achievement of adequate soft-tissue coverage followed by skeletal stabilization as staged procedures. Because the femoral head was split, dislocated, comminuted, and deemed nonreconstructible, arthroplasty was considered the best option. The extensor mechanism damage was addressed by reconstruction using an iliotibial tract flap.

Conclusion:

This case report is presented for its uniqueness, the management protocol, and the difficulties encountered during the multistage treatment.
The Pratt Pouch Provides a Three-Fold Access Increase to Antiretroviral Medication for Births outside Health Facilities in Southern Zambia
Authors: Dahinten Alexander P. , Malkin Robert A.
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Modern day antiretroviral therapy allows HIV+ pregnant women to lower the likelihood of viral transmission to their infants before, during, and after birth from 20-45% to less than 5%. In developing countries, where non-facility births may outnumber facility births, infant access to safe antiretroviral medication during the critical first three days after birth is often limited. A single-dose, polyethylene pouch (“Pratt Pouch”) addresses this challenge by allowing the medication to be distributed to mothers during antenatal care.

Methods:

The Pratt Pouch was introduced as part of a one year clinical feasibility study in two districts in Southern Province, Zambia. Participating nurses, community health workers, and pharmacists were trained before implementation. Success in achieving improved antiretroviral medication access was assessed via pre intervention and post intervention survey responses by HIV+ mothers.

Results:

Access to medication for HIV-exposed infants born outside of a health facility increased from 35% (17/51) before the introduction of the pouch to 94% (15/16) after (p<0.05). A non-significant increase in homebirth rates from 33% (pre intervention cohort) to 50% (post intervention cohort) was observed (p>0.05). Results remained below the national average homebirth rate of 52%. Users reported minimal spillage and a high level of satisfaction with the Pratt Pouch.

Conclusion:

The Pratt Pouch enhances access to infant antiretroviral medication in a rural, non-facility birth setting. Wide scale implementation could have a substantial global impact on HIV transmission rates from mother to child.
Initial Results of an Acetabular Center Axis Registration Technique in Navigated Hip Arthroplasty with Deformed Acetabular Rims
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Mishima Hajime , Yoshizawa Tomohiro , Sugaya Hisashi , Nishino Tomofumi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: March 2016

Background

In cementless total hip arthroplasty, imageless computer-assisted navigation is usually used to register the anterior pelvic plane (APP). The accuracy of this method is influenced by the subcutaneous tissues overlying the registration landmarks. On the other hand, the acetabular center axis (ACA) is determined from the acetabular rim. Precise registration of the ACA is possible because of direct palpation using a pointer. Imageless navigation using the ACA usually targets patients with normal acetabular morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of imageless navigation using the ACA instead of the APP in patients with normal or deformed acetabular rims.

Methods

The intraoperative cup position was compared with that obtained from the postoperative computed tomography (CT) images in 18 cases.

Results

The inclination angle derived from the navigation system was 3.4 ± 5.3 degrees smaller and the anteversion angle was 1.4 ± 3.1 degrees larger than those derived from the CT images.

Conclusion

The inclination cup angle of the navigation system was significantly inferior to the true value, particularly in cases with large anterior osteophytes.
Influence of dental filling material type on the concentration of interleukin 9 in the samples of gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Stefanovic Vladimir , Taso Ervin , Petkovic-Curcin Aleksandra , Djukic Mirjana , Gardasevic Milka , Rakic Mia , Xavier Struillou , Jovic Milena , Miller Karolina , Stanojevic Ivan , Vojvodic Danilo
Published: March 2016

Background/Aim. Several cytokines and lymphokines (IL1?, ENA78, IL6, TNF?, IL8 and S100A8) are expressed during dental pulp inflammation. Analysis of gingival crevicu-lar fluid (GCF) offers a non-invasive means of studying gen-eral host response in oral cavity. Although GCF levels of various mediators could reflect the state of inflammation both in dental pulp and gingiva adjacent to a tooth, GCF samples of those without significant gingivitis could be inter-preted as reflection of pulpal process. The aim of this study was to investigate IL9 GCF values in patients with dental car-ies and to assess possible influence of various dental fillings materials on local IL9 production. Methods. The study group included 90 patients, aged 18?70, with inclusion and exclusion criteria in the prospective clinical study. Of the 6 types of material used for the restoration of prepared cavities, 3 were intended for temporary and 3 for definitive restora-tion. According to dental fillings weight, all the participants were divided into 3 groups: those with fillings lighter than 0.50 g, those with 0.50?1.00 g, and those with fillings heavier than 1.00 g. Samples were taken from gingival sulcus using the filter paper technique. Clinical parameters were deter-mined by bleeding index, plaque index (Silness-Lou, 0?3), gingival index (0?3), and gingival sulcus depth. Cytokine con-centrations were assessed using commercially available cy-tomix. Results. According to the weight of dental fillings, there was a clear decreament trend of IL9 values meaning that dental defects greater than 1.00 g of dental filling were associated with lower GCF IL9 concentration. The IL9 val-ues correlated with the degree of gingival index and depth of gingival sulcus, being higher with more advanced gingivitis and more pronounced anatomical changes in the tooth edge. Different filling materials exerted various local IL9 responses. Zink polycarbonate cement and amalgam fillings induced a significant and long-lasting local IL9 decrement, while the use of Tetric EvoCeram and GMA-BISK significantly increased IL9 levels. Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that IL9 GCF could be regarded as a measure of odontoblasts? re-sponse to the extensity of dental caries. The type of material used for dental fillings could profoundly alter biological func-tion of gingival and pulpal cells. Also, the results obtained in this study suggest that some materials could even enhance wound repair by modulating macrophage activation.
Teacher Attrition and Mobility During the Teach for America Clustering Strategy in Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Authors: Hansen Michael , Backes Ben , Brady Victoria
Published: March 2016

Retaining effective teachers is a key policy priority nationwide, particularly in districts that serve large numbers of disadvantaged students. We investigate whether a change in the Miami region’s Teach for America (TFA) placement strategy was accompanied by changes in teacher attrition and mobility decisions. Our results suggest that the increased concentration of TFA corps members in schools was associated with a reduction in TFA mobility across schools after the first year of service, but showed no association with the overall retention of corps members in the district after the 2-year commitment. We also find that TFA corps members eventually retained beyond the 2-year commitment performed substantially better in mathematics during their first 2 years of teaching: evidence of positive selection into postcommitment retention.
Impact Results of the eMINTS Professional Development Validation Study
Authors: Meyers Coby V. , Molefe Ayrin , Brandt W. Christopher , Zhu Bo , Dhillon Sonica
Published: March 2016

This article presents the findings of an evaluation of the eMINTS (enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies) professional development program. eMINTS is an intensive teacher professional development program designed to promote inquiry-based learning, support high-quality lesson design, build community among students and teachers, and create technology-rich learning environments. This evaluation included 60 high-poverty rural schools across Missouri that were randomly assigned to two treatment conditions and a control condition, with approximately 200 teachers and 3,000 students in the 2011–2012 baseline academic year. The researchers conclude that after 3 years, the eMINTS treatment group and an eMINTS treatment group with an additional year of Intel support resulted in changed teacher instructional behaviors and increased student achievement in mathematics.
Facile fabrication, microstructure, and corrosion resistance of high-strength, high-hardness pure bulk aluminum
Authors: Yin Bing , Jin Kongjie , Yang Jun , Tang Huaguo , Qiao Zhuhui
Published: March 2016

High-strength pure bulk aluminum was fabricated by mechanical alloying and press forming, and its electrochemical properties and corrosion behavior in 0.5 M NaCl solution were investigated by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Microstructural characterizations revealed that in addition to a Vickers hardness of 144 HV, the refined grain (0.2–1 μm) enhanced tensile and yield strengths to 560 and 520 MPa, respectively. Electrochemical data demonstrated that pure Al exhibited higher corrosion resistance than its alloys AA5083 and AA2024. Ultrafine, compact structure and homogeneous composition ensured a dense film formation during passivation. Moreover, the defect-free passive film protects the substrate by providing a high barrier against the aggressive chloride ions.
Anticancer activity of midostaurin in hormone refractory human prostate cancer DU145 cells
Authors: Sun Jin-Jun , Kan Shi-Feng , Sun Guan-Xing
Published: March 2016

We tried a new method of prostate cancer treatment by inducing in vitro differentiation which resulted in reduction of cancer cells growth. A protein kinase inhibitor, midostaurin's ability to trigger the human prostate cancer cell line, DU145 to segregate into nerve cells was studied. Midostaurin (100 nM) suppressed the growth of DU145 cells but without change in the number of dead cells. Midostaurin started to extend neurites on DU145 cells after 24 hours and differentiated into nerve cells by 72 hours. The microtubule was stabilized by tau protein and its mRNA expression showed time-dependent increase in midostaurin-treated DU145 cells. At the same time, the amount of acetylcholinesterase was also increased. The midostaurin-treated DU145 cells showed 40% less activity than control in the colony forming assay. The results suggests that midostaurin can induce differentiation of DU145 cells into nerve cells.

 
National Prof. Mohammad Ibrahim (1911-1989)
Authors: Rahman Tahminur
Published: March 2016

No abstract available.
College News Vol.27(3) 2009
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2016

No abstract.
Obituaries Vol.27(3) 2009
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2016

No abstract.
Obituaries Vol.28(2) 2010
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2016

No abstract.
Regulation of the Adaptive Immune Response by the IκB Family Protein Bcl-3
Authors: Herrington Felicity , Nibbs Robert
Published: March 2016

Bcl-3 is a member of the IκB family of proteins and an important regulator of Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB activity. The ability of Bcl-3 to bind and regulate specific NF-κB dimers has been studied in great depth, but its physiological roles in vivo are still not fully understood. It is, however, becoming clear that Bcl-3 is essential for the proper development, survival and activity of adaptive immune cells. Bcl-3 dysregulation can be observed in a number of autoimmune pathologies, and Bcl3-deficient animals are more susceptible to bacterial and parasitic infection. This review will describe our current understanding of the roles played by Bcl-3 in the development and regulation of the adaptive immune response, including lymphoid organogenesis, immune tolerance, lymphocyte function and dendritic cell biology.
On the Front Lines of a Sustainable Transportation Fleet: Applications of Vehicle-to-Grid Technology for Transit and School Buses
Authors: Ercan Tolga , Noori Mehdi , Zhao Yang , Tatari Omer
Published: March 2016

The electricity generation/supply and transportation sectors are the two largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S., and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is a rapidly emerging solution to reduce these emissions with the adoption of battery-electric (BE) vehicles. Deployments of BE transit and school buses are expected to have larger battery capacities than passenger vehicles, making them more feasible candidates for V2G service. Five electricity generation regions are considered for cash flow analysis of BE and diesel transit and school buses over their entire respective lifetimes with the allowance of V2G services’ net revenue. Besides, the environmental benefits of using the V2G system are studied in place of combustion power generation plants for the regulation services of each study region. Air emission externalities are another crucial issue for bus operations because buses are operated near highly populated areas, so these externalities are also studied in this research with the benefits of a V2G emission reduction potential taken into account. The analysis concluded that BE transit and school buses with V2G application have potential to reduce electricity generation related greenhouse-gas emissions by 1067 and 1420 tons of CO2 equivalence (average), and eliminate $13,000 and $18,300 air pollution externalities (average), respectively.
S-Rich CdS1−yTey Thin Films Produced by the Spray Pyrolysis Technique
Authors: Ikhmayies Shadia
Published: March 2016

Understanding the properties of CdSTe ternary alloys is important because they always form at the interface between the CdS window layer and CdTe absorber layer in CdS/CdTe solar cells due to the intermixing. This interdiffusion is necessary because it improves the device performance. Experimental work has been devoted to studying Te rich p-type CdSxTe1−x alloys, but there is a lack of studies on S-rich n-type CdS1−yTey solid solutions. In this work, a review of the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the S-rich n-type CdS1−yTey thin films produced by the spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates is presented.
Spatial Patterns of Irradiance and Advanced Reproduction along a Canopy Disturbance Severity Gradient in an Upland Hardwood Stand
Authors: Keasberry Amanda , Hart Justin , Dey Daniel , Schweitzer Callie
Published: March 2016

Regeneration failure of Quercus in mature Quercus-dominated forests has been reported throughout the temperate zone. Quercus seedlings are often abundant in these forests, yet frequently fail to recruit to larger size classes despite canopy disturbances. To examine intra-stand patterns of advanced reproduction, competition, and irradiance in an upland Quercus stand, we installed a 2 ha plot that captured the canopy disturbance severity gradient caused by a wind event. To quantify disturbance severity and stand conditions, we inventoried all living and dead woody stems ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh, 1.37 m above the surface) and quantified irradiance in 25 m2 quadrats (n = 800) using synchronized ceptometers. To inventory patterns of advanced reproduction within the plot, we recorded the species of every woody stem >1 m in height and <5 cm dbh. We also documented the species and height of every Quercus stem ≥0.5–<5 cm dbh and the species, height, and distance to each stem nearest the focal Quercus stem. At the genus-level, Quercus was the most common nearest neighbor. However, at the species-level, the most common nearest neighbors were Acer saccharum and Ostrya virginiana. Competition index values significantly differed by species (p < 0.01), but did not significantly differ by disturbance severity class and we found no significant interactions between species and disturbance class. Quercus advanced reproduction was significantly clustered through the study plot and cluster locations overlapped with clusters of high irradiance, but these patterns were scale-dependent. Our results indicate that an appreciation for intra-stand heterogeneity may improve forest management planning.
Investigating “Locality” of Intra-Urban Spatial Interactions in New York City Using Foursquare Data
Authors: Sun Yeran
Published: March 2016

Thanks to the increasing popularity of location-based social networks, a large amount of user-generated geo-referenced check-in data is now available, and such check-in data is becoming a new data source in the study of mobility and travel. Conventionally, spatial interactions between places were measured based on the trips made between them. This paper empirically investigates the use of social media data (i.e., Foursquare data) to study the “locality” of such intra-urban spatial interactions in New York City, and specifically: (i) the level of “locality” of spatial interactions; (ii) the impacts of personal characteristics on “locality” of spatial interaction and finally; (iii) the heterogeneity in spatial distribution of “local” interactions. The results of this study indicate that: (1) spatial interactions show a high degree of locality; (2) gender does not have a considerable impact on the locality of spatial interactions and finally; (3) “local” interactions likely cluster in some places within the research city.
The Role of Ultrahigh Resolution Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FT-MS) in Astrobiology-Related Research: Analysis of Meteorites and Tholins
Authors: Somogyi Árpád , Thissen Roland , Orthous-Daunay Francois-Régis , Vuitton Véronique
Published: March 2016

It is an important but also a challenging analytical problem to understand the chemical composition and structure of prebiotic organic matter that is present in extraterrestrial materials. Its formation, evolution and content in the building blocks (“seeds”) for more complex molecules, such as proteins and DNA, are key questions in the field of exobiology. Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry is one of the best analytical techniques that can be applied because it provides reliable information on the chemical composition and structure of individual components of complex organic mixtures. Prebiotic organic material is delivered to Earth by meteorites or generated in laboratories in simulation (model) experiments that mimic space or atmospheric conditions. Recent representative examples for ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry studies using Fourier-transform (FT) mass spectrometers such as Orbitrap and ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometers are shown and discussed in the present article, including: (i) the analysis of organic matter of meteorites; (ii) modeling atmospheric processes in ICR cells; and (iii) the structural analysis of laboratory made tholins that might be present in the atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan.
Property Arrangements and Soy Governance in the Brazilian State of Mato Grosso: Implications for Deforestation-Free Production
Authors: Rausch Lisa , Gibbs Holly
Published: March 2016

The production of soy is one of the most important economic activities in the Brazilian Amazon, though the expansion of this industry has come at the cost of huge swaths of forest. Since 2006, the private firms that buy and trade soybeans globally have assumed a key role in ensuring that soy producers comply with forest protection policies, including the Soy Moratorium and public policies banning the use of illegally deforested land. We used evidence from field interviews and a GIS of property boundaries and soy-production areas to describe the private sector governance process and to characterize the variety of property arrangements underlying soy production in Mato Grosso, the leading soy-producing state in the Brazilian Amazon. These increasingly complex property arrangements include ownership of multiple properties by a single producer, use of rental properties owned by others, and soy and cattle production on a single property. This complexity could create loopholes allowing soy associated with deforestation to enter the supply chain. Comprehensive soy-governance strategies that include more robust procedures for verifying the provenance of soy across all properties, that account for the entire property rather than only the area planted to soy, and that use more transparent verification systems could achieve greater reductions in deforestation.
Bioactive Glasses with Low Ca/P Ratio and Enhanced Bioactivity
Authors: Araújo Marco , Miola Marta , Baldi Giovanni , Perez Javier , Verné Enrica
Published: March 2016

Three new silica-based glass formulations with low molar Ca/P ratio (2–3) have been synthesized. The thermal properties, the crystalline phases induced by thermal treatments and the sintering ability of each glass formulation have been investigated by simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and hot stage microscopy (HSM). The glasses exhibited a good sintering behavior, with two samples achieving shrinkage of 85%–95% prior to crystallization. The bioactivity of the glasses in simulated body fluid (SBF) has been investigated by performing XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on the samples prior and after immersion. The glasses with lower MgO contents were able to form a fully crystallized apatite layer after three days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), while for the glass exhibiting a higher MgO content in its composition, the crystallization of the Ca–P layer was achieved after seven days. The conjugation of these properties opens new insights on the synthesis of highly bioactive and mechanically strong prosthetic materials.
Corrosion Behavior of Pure Ti under a Solid NaCl Deposit in a Wet Oxygen Flow at 600 °C
Authors: Fan Lei , Liu Li , Cao Min , Yu Zhongfen , Li Ying , Chen Minghui , Wang Fuhui
Published: March 2016

The corrosion behavior of pure Ti under a solid NaCl deposit in a wet O2 flow at 600 °C has been studied. The results showed that the corrosion rate was greatly accelerated by solid NaCl, which destroyed the compact and protective TiO2 scale to yield non-protective N4Ti5O12 and other products. Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that, during the corrosion process, the metal (Ti) diffused outward rapidly and reacted with the wet O2 to form a thick and porous corrosion products scale. The electrochemical reaction was also observed during the whole corrosion process at 600 °C, which further accelerated the corrosion rate. A possible mechanism has been proposed for pure Ti covered with a solid NaCl deposit in wet O2 at 600 °C, based on the experimental results.
Imidazopyranotacrines as Non-Hepatotoxic, Selective Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors, and Antioxidant Agents for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy
Authors: Boulebd Houssem , Ismaili Lhassane , Bartolini Manuela , Bouraiou Abdelmalek , Andrisano Vincenza , Martin Helene , Bonet Alexandre , Moraleda Ignacio , Iriepa Isabel , Chioua Mourad , Belfaitah Ali , Marco-Contelles José
Published: March 2016

Herein we describe the synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of thirteen new, racemic, diversely functionalized imidazo pyranotacrines as non-hepatotoxic, multipotent tacrine analogues. Among these compounds, 1-(5-amino-2-methyl-4-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrano[2,3-b]quinolin-3-yl)ethan-1-one (4) is non-hepatotoxic (cell viability assay on HepG2 cells), a selective but moderately potent EeAChE inhibitor (IC50 = 38.7 ± 1.7 μM), and a very potent antioxidant agent on the basis of the ORAC test (2.31 ± 0.29 μmol·Trolox/μmol compound).
From Nanorods to Nanowires of CdS Synthesized by a Solvothermal Method: Influence of the Morphology on the Photoactivity for Hydrogen Evolution from Water
Authors: Vaquero Fernando , G. Fierro José , Navarro Yerga Rufino
Published: March 2016

The effect of temperature and water/thiourea ratio on the growth, crystallinity and morphological characteristics of CdS nanostructures synthetized by a solvothermal method using ethylenediamine as solvent were studied. The temperature and water/thiourea ratio used in the synthesis determine the surface area, shape, length and degree of crystallinity of the CdS nanostructures obtained. Nanowires of high crystallinity and length were obtained when the solvothermal synthesis was performed at 190 °C, while nanorods with lower length and crystallinity were obtained as the solvothermal temperature decreased to 120 °C. The change in the water/thiourea ratio affects the crystallinity and length of the CdS nanostructures to a lesser extent than temperature. Nevertheless an increase in the water/thiourea ratio used during the solvothermal synthesis resulted in CdS nanorods with higher crystallinity, lower aspect ratio and lower specific surface area. Textural, structural and surface properties of the prepared CdS nanostructures were determined and related to the activity results in the production of hydrogen from aqueous solutions containing SO32− + S2− under visible light.
Protective Effect of a (Poly)phenol-Rich Extract Derived from Sweet Cherries Culls against Oxidative Cell Damage
Authors: Matias Ana , Rosado-Ramos Rita , Nunes Sara , Figueira Inês , Serra Ana , Bronze Maria , Santos Claúdia , Duarte Catarina
Published: March 2016

Oxidative stress is one of the key phenomena behind the most common types of chronic diseases. Therefore, the modulation of oxidative stress is an interesting target for acting either through prevention or as a therapeutic approach. In this work, a Portuguese variety of cherry (Saco Cherry) was processed in order to obtain a potent in vitro antioxidant phenolic-rich extract (Ch-PRE), which was further explored to evaluate its potential application as nutraceutical agent against cellular oxidative stress damage. Ch-PRE was mainly composed of anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside and neochlorogenic acid, and exhibited a potent chemical antioxidant activity expressed by its oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and hydroxyl radical averting capacity (HORAC) values. Ch-PRE also displayed effective intracellular radical scavenging properties in intestinal epithelial and neuronal cells challenged with oxidative stress but showed a different order of effectiveness regarding the modulation of endogenous antioxidant system. Ch-PRE could be an attractive candidate to formulate an agent for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced disorders such as intestinal inflammation disorders or with an appropriated delivery system for neurodegenerative diseases.
The Effects of Urban Policies on the Development of Urban Areas
Authors: Amato Federico , Maimone Biagio , Martellozzo Federico , Nolè Gabriele , Murgante Beniamino
Published: March 2016

For more than a decade, the European Union recognizes soil as a common good and considers it as a finite resource of inestimable value. The European Union defines it as the “upper layer of earth’s crust, formed by mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and living organisms”. Despite such definitions, usually, planning choices do not take into account the need to reduce soil consumption to build up resilience. This paper presents the controversial case of Agri Valley (Basilicata, Southern Italy); on the one hand, this region is characterized by the presence of extremely valuable land, because of the exceptional degree of soil fertility; on the other hand, Valdagri is also known to have one of the largest oilfields of Europe. An application built around the SLEUTH model was developed in order to produce a simulation and an estimate of the extent to which urban areas may grow in the near future. Results confirm that urban policies implemented so far by local governments—which aimed almost exclusively to favor industrial development—irreversibly threaten the integrity of the natural values of the valley.
An Integrated Diagnostic Framework to Manage Organization Sustainable Growth: An Empirical Case
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Schmidt Klaus , Li Hui
Published: March 2016

This research aims to develop a quantitative diagnostic framework by combining the Weisbord six-box model with the growth management model to focus on an organization’s internally driven sustainable management system. The research adopted an instrument developed by Preziosi and an extended Weisbord six-box model. The research employed a survey to collect 180 samples in a Chinese petrol company and applied the comparative method: (a) the average score method; and (b) the entropy method to confirm the growth level of the company. The survey also attempted to identify corresponding top growth influence factors using the obstacle degree formula. The results showed that the integrated diagnostic framework worked well to diagnose a regional but large Chinese petroleum company. In other words, the research successfully quantified the growth position and top influence factors and helped put forward specific suggestions to drive the organization of sustainable development. The method confirmed this organization during the fourth phase of five phases. In addition, top influence factors hindering the internal growth were (a) the lack of task engagement with energy and time; (b) the lack of personal work units; and (c) a poor division of labor for reaching sustainable growth rates. The research provides a generic theoretical framework support to incorporate growth management models into an organizational diagnosis to obtain sustainable growth. It further highlights and practices guidelines in examining actual growth management levels in companies and discusses top influence factors to design efficient management systems to pursue organizational growth in a multitude of industrial contexts.
Convergence Rate of a Stable, Monotone and Consistent Scheme for the Monge-Ampère Equation
Authors: Awanou Gerard
Published: March 2016

We prove a rate of convergence for smooth solutions of the Monge-Ampère equation of a stable, monotone and consistent discretization. We consider the Monge-Ampère equation with a small low order perturbation. With such a perturbation, we can prove uniqueness of a solution to the discrete problem and stability of the discrete solution. The discretization considered is then known to converge to the viscosity solution but no rate of convergence was known.
Isolation of biologically active and morphologically intact exosomes from plasma of patients with cancer
Authors: Hong Chang‐Sook , Funk Sonja , Muller Laurent , Boyiadzis Michael , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Isolation from human plasma of exosomes that retain functional and morphological integrity for probing their protein, lipid and nucleic acid content is a priority for the future use of exosomes as biomarkers. A method that meets these criteria and can be scaled up for patient monitoring is thus desirable.

Methods

Plasma specimens (1 mL) of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were differentially centrifuged, ultrafiltered and fractionated by size exclusion chromatography in small disposable columns (mini‐SEC). Exosomes were eluted in phosphate‐buffered saline and were evaluated by qNano for particle size and counts, morphology by transmission electron microscopy, protein content, molecular profiles by western blots, and for ability to modify functions of immune cells.

Results

Exosomes eluting in fractions #3–5 had a diameter ranging from 50 to 200 nm by qNano, with the fraction #4 containing the bulk of clean, unaggregated exosomes. The exosome elution profiles remained constant for repeated runs of the same plasma. Larger plasma volumes could be fractionated running multiple mini‐SEC columns in parallel. Particle concentrations per millilitre of plasma in #4 fractions of AML and HNSCC were comparable and were higher (p<0.003) than those in normal controls. Isolated AML exosomes co‐incubated with normal human NK cells inhibited NKG2D expression levels (p<0.004), and HNSCC exosomes suppressed activation (p<0.01) and proliferation of activated T lymphocytes (p<0.03).

Conclusions

Mini‐SEC allows for simple and reproducible isolation from human plasma of exosomes retaining structural integrity and functional activity. It enables molecular/functional analysis of the exosome content in serial specimens of human plasma for clinical applications.
Clinical Outcome in Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiation With Weekly Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for Locally Advanced Esophageal and Junctional Cancer
Authors: Noronha Vanita , Prabhash Kumar , Joshi Amit , Patil Vijay Maruti , Talole Sanjay , Nakti Dipti , Sahu Arvind , Shah Srushti , Ghosh-Laskar Sarbani , Patil Prachi S. , Mehta Shaesta A. , Jambhekar Nirmala , Mahajan Abhishek , Purandare Nilendu
Published: March 2016

There are little data on the efficacy and safety of taxane/platinum with definitive radiotherapy (RT) for esophageal/GEJ cancer. This article is a retrospective analysis of patients who received weekly paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 2 with radical definitive RT for
locally advanced esophageal/GEJ cancer. Between February 2011 and July 2014, 179 patients were included. The median age was 54 years. Ninety-two percent of patients had squamous histology. Mean RT dose was 58.7 Gy in 32 fractions over 53 days, with mean of six chemotherapy cycles. Fifty-six
percent of patients developed ≥grade 3 acute toxicities, commonly febrile neutropenia (12%) and infection (11%); ≥grade 3 laboratory abnormalities included hyponatremia (38%), leukopenia (49%), neutropenia (27%), and anemia (16%). Twelve percent of patients developed ≥grade 3 chronic
toxicity. Fatal toxicities included six during CRT, eight within 30 days of completing CRT, and three chronic. Radiologic response was 49% (CR 5.6%, PR 43%). Follow-up endoscopy showed remission in 53% and residual disease in 14%. At a median follow-up of 28 months, median PFS was 11 months
(95% CI: 8‐13.9), median OS was 19 months (95% CI: 15.4‐22.6), and estimated 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survivals were 70%, 47%, and 39%, respectively. Weekly paclitaxel‐carboplatin concurrently with definitive RT is efficacious with manageable toxicity. [The trial was
registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI), registration number: CTRI/2014/07/004776.]
FGF19 Contributes to Tumor Progression in Gastric Cancer by Promoting Migration and Invasion
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhao Daqi , Tian Ruihua , Shi Hailong , Chen Xiangming , Liu Wenzhi , Wei Lin
Published: March 2016

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Since patients are often diagnosed at a late stage, very few effective therapies are left in the arsenal. FGF19, as a hormone, has been reported to promote tumor growth
in various types of cancer; however, its function in gastric cancer remains unknown. In the current study, we showed that FGF19 is overexpressed in gastric cancer and is associated with depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated
that FGF19 is able to enhance migration and invasion abilities of gastric cancer cells. Given its great potency in gastric cancer progression, FGF19 may be an effective target of treatment for advanced gastric cancer patients.
MULTIOBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR SCHEDULING OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UNDER EXTREME WEATHER
Authors: SENOUCI Ahmed B. , MUBARAK Saleh A.
Published: March 2016

Extreme weather significantly impacts construction schedules and costs and can be a source of schedule de­lays and budget overruns. A multi-objective optimization model, presented herein for the scheduling of construction projects under extreme weather conditions, can generate optimal/near optimal schedules that minimize the time and cost of construction projects in extreme weather regions. The model computations are organized as follows: (1) a scheduling module for developing practical schedules for construction projects, (2) a cost module for computing total project cost, and (3) a multi-objective module for determining optimal/near optimal trade-offs between project time and cost. Two practical examples of the effects of extreme weather on construction time and direct cost are provided, the first of which shows the impact of extreme weather on construction time and cost, and the second of which demonstrates the ability of the model to generate and visually present the optimal trade-offs between the duration and costs of construction projects under extreme weather conditions.