bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGF Requires the Receptor NRP-1 To Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Dependent Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Oussa Nougboli A. E. , Dahmani Amina , Gomis Marie , Richaud Manon , Andreev Emil , Navab-Daneshmand Ali-Reza , Taillefer Julie , Carli Cédric , Boulet Salix , Sabbagh Laurent , Labrecque Nathalie , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Delisle Jean-Sébastien
Published: October 2016

To stimulate a productive T cell response, dendritic cells (DC) must undergo maturation characterized by heightened cell surface expression of MHC and costimulatory molecules as well as cytokine production. Conversely, the inhibition of DC maturation is a central mechanism of immune tolerance. The control of the DC maturation process relies on the integration of several cellular stimulatory or inhibitory signals. The soluble factors and their receptors controlling this central aspect of DC biology are incompletely characterized. We show that murine bone marrow–derived DC (BMDC) maturation induced by LPS, as opposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid or cytosine-phosphate-guanine, is robustly inhibited by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a previously identified immunosuppressive cytokine. Using BMDC from wild type and conditional knockout mice, we show that neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a known receptor of VEGF, is necessary to suppress LPS-dependent BMDC maturation. The absence of NRP-1 had no ostensible effects on the biology of BMDC in the absence of VEGF. However, NRP-1–deficient BMDC remained completely insensitive to the VEGF-dependent inhibition of BMDC maturation in culture. In the presence of VEGF, NRP-1 directly interacted with the LPS receptor TLR4 and suppressed downstream signaling through ERK and NF-κβ, resulting in a sharp inhibition of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD86) expression as well as proinflammatory cytokine production. Consequently, we identify NRP-1 as a target to optimize DC maturation within environments that are rich in VEGF, such as tumors.
Students’ perceptions of the infopreneurship education in the Department of Records and Archives Management at the National University of Science and Technology
Authors: Dewah Peterson , Mutula Stephen
Published: October 2016

Background: The infopreneurship education course forms part of the final year Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Records and Archives Management (BScRAM) at the National University of Science (NUST). The course looks unique and out of place in relation to other records and archives courses which specifically focus on the management of records and archives.Objectives: The study examined the students’ perceptions regarding the relevance of the infopreneurship course in the BScRAM that is offered in the Department of Records and Archives Management at NUST, Zimbabwe. The aim of the study was to determine student evaluation of relevance of the course to the BScRAM.Method: Both quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting data were used. Using a census method, data was collected through a focus group interview and a self-administered questionnaire from a study population that comprised 17 students who were in their final year of the BScRAM at NUST.Results: The results revealed students found the infopreneurial education module quite relevant to their degree. Although the lecturer was helpful in providing resources, students felt that they needed to visit some infopreneurial businesses for familiarisation and looked forward to having guest lecturers from the infopreneurial world.Conclusion: Although the BScRAM was not well known at high school level, students found the infopreneurial education in this degree quite stimulating. Having gone through an infopreneurship course, students were prepared to undertake infopreneurial businesses after graduating from the university.
Role of Chemotherapy and Mechanisms of Resistance to Chemotherapy in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lohiya Vipin , Aragon-Ching Jeanny B. , Sonpavde Guru
Published: October 2016

Chemotherapy using the taxanes, docetaxel and cabazitaxel, remains an important therapeutic option in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, despite the survival benefits afforded by these agents, the survival increments are modest and resistance occurs universally. Efforts to overcome resistance to docetaxel by combining with biologic agents have heretofore been unsuccessful. Indeed, resistance to these taxanes is also associated with cross-resistance to the antiandrogen drugs, abiraterone and enzalutamide. Here, we discuss the various mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy in metastatic CRPC and the potential role of emerging regimens and agents in varying clinical phases of development.
The Significance of the Enteric Microbiome on the Development of Childhood Disease: A Review of Prebiotic and Probiotic Therapies in Disorders of Childhood
Authors: Slattery John , Macfabe Derrick F. , Frye Richard E.
Published: October 2016

Recent studies have highlighted the fact that the enteric microbiome, the trillions of microbes that inhabit the human digestive tract, has a significant effect on health and disease. Methods for manipulating the enteric microbiome, particularly through probiotics and microbial ecosystem transplantation, have undergone some study in clinical trials. We review some of the evidence for microbiome alteration in relation to childhood disease and discuss the clinical trials that have examined the manipulation of the microbiome in an effort to prevent or treat childhood disease with a primary focus on probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics (ie, probiotics + prebiotics). Studies show that alterations in the microbiome may be a consequence of events occurring during infancy and/or childhood such as prematurity, C-sections, and nosocomial infections. In addition, certain childhood diseases have been associated with microbiome alterations, namely necrotizing enterocolitis, infantile colic, asthma, atopic disease, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, malnutrition, mood/anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Treatment studies suggest that probiotics are potentially protective against the development of some of these diseases. Timing and duration of treatment, the optimal probiotic strain(s), and factors that may alter the composition and function of the microbiome are still in need of further research. Other treatments such as prebiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, and antibiotics have limited evidence. Future translational work, in vitro models, long-term and follow-up studies, and guidelines for the composition and viability of probiotic and microbial therapies need to be developed. Overall, there is promising evidence that manipulating the microbiome with probiotics early in life can help prevent or reduce the severity of some childhood diseases, but further research is needed to elucidate biological mechanisms and determine optimal treatments.
Propionibacterium acnes Susceptibility and Correlation with Hemolytic Phenotype
Authors: Wright Travis E. , Boyle K. Keely , Duquin Thomas R. , Crane John K.
Published: October 2016

Background

Many studies have noted an increase in the number of recognized cases of invasive infections due to Propionibacterium acnes, especially after shoulder replacement surgery. The increase in the number of recognized cases of P. acnes, a nonspore-forming, anaerobic, Gram-positive organism, appears due to both an increase in the number of shoulder operations being performed and more specimens being sent for anaerobic cultures. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical and antibiotic management of P. acnes remains controversial.

Methods

We tested the susceptibility of 106 P. acnes strains from sterile body sites collected at the Erie County Medical Center between 2012 and 2015, using Etest gradient antibiotic strips.

Results

P. acnes is very susceptible to the penicillins and the first-generation cephalosporins. We noted an association between hemolytic phenotype on Brucella Blood Agar and clindamycin resistance.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of P. acnes should no longer just be confined to the research laboratory but expanded and incorporated into routine microbiological evaluation of P. acnes. This would improve patient care as well as help clarify the relationship between hemolysis and clindamycin resistance.
H3 and H4 Lysine Acetylation Correlates with Developmental and Experimentally Induced Adult Experience-Dependent Plasticity in the Mouse Visual Cortex
Authors: Vierci Gabriela , Pannunzio Bruno , Bornia Natalia , Rossi Francesco M.
Published: October 2016

Histone posttranslational modifications play a fundamental role in orchestrating gene expression. In this work, we analyzed the acetylation of H3 and H4 histones (AcH3-AcH4) and its modulation by visual experience in the mouse visual cortex (VC) during normal development and in two experimental conditions that restore juvenile-like plasticity levels in adults (fluoxetine treatment and enriched environment). We found that AcH3-AcH4 declines with age and is upregulated by treatments restoring plasticity in the adult. We also found that visual experience modulates AcH3-AcH4 in young and adult plasticity-restored mice but not in untreated ones. Finally, we showed that the transporter vGAT is downregulated in adult plasticity-restored models. In summary, we identified a dynamic regulation of AcH3-AcH4, which is associated with high plasticity levels and enhanced by visual experience. These data, along with recent ones, indicate H3-H4 acetylation as a central hub in the control of experience-dependent plasticity in the VC.
Гиперквазимногочлены и их приложения
Authors: Bykovskii Victor Alexeevich
Published: October 2016

Изучаются линейные пространства $\mathcal{F}(g)$ для фиксированной ненулевой целой функции $g\colon\mathbb{C}\to\mathbb{C}$. Они состоят из всех целых функций $f$, таких, что
$$
f(z+w)g(z-w)=\varphi_1(z)\psi_1(w)+…+\varphi_n(z)\psi_n(w)
$$
с некоторыми $\varphi_1, \psi_1, …,\varphi_n, \psi_n\colon\mathbb{C}\to\mathbb{C}$. В случае $g\equiv1$ разложение характеризует квазимногочлены - линейные комбинации произведений многочленов на показательные функции (теорема Леви-Чивита). В качестве приложения получены все решения одного функционального уравнения, возникшего в теории трилинейных функциональных уравнений.
Лестницы Штарка-Ваннье и кубические экспоненциальные суммы
Authors: Klopp F , Fedotov Aleksandr Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2016

Рассматривается одномерный оператор Штарка-Ваннье, моделирующий движение электрона в кристалле в постоянном электрическом поле. Изучается коэффициент отражения и его полюса в нижней полуплоскости вдали от
вещественной оси. Показано, в частности, что асимптотически коэффициент отражения описывается в терминах регуляризованных кубических экспоненциальных сумм.
The Holocaust Journal of Miksa Fenyő
Authors: Lo Bello Maya J.
Published: October 2016

For readers today, first-person accounts provide one of the most effective means of gaining an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of those experiencing historical events. Diary entries recorded during the Holocaust not only individualize the process of mass extermination, they also preserve the words of those bearing witness to horrendous crimes. Yet should these written records only be interpreted as works of non-fiction? What literary techniques might have been employed in creating these depictions? Other than the period in which they were written, what characteristics may diaries written during the Holocaust share? In an attempt to address a few issues posed by Holocaust journals and diaries, this paper examines Miksa Fenyő’s Holocaust journal, Az elsodort ország [‘A Country Adrift’] (1946), written while the author was in hiding from June 22, 1944 to January 19, 1945 in Budapest, Hungary.
Zombory-Moldován, Béla. 2014. The Burning of the World - A Memoir of 1914 (trans. Peter Zombory-Moldovan). New York: New York Review of Books. 155 pp. Illus.
Authors: Kádár Judit
Published: October 2016

Zombory-Moldován, Béla. 2014. The Burning of the World - A Memoir of 1914 (trans. Peter Zombory-Moldovan). New York: New York Review of Books. 155 pp. Illus.
Hungarian Refugees of 1956: From the Border to Austria, Camp Kilmer, and Elsewhere
Authors: Niessen James P.
Published: October 2016

Camp Kilmer dominates the story of flight from Hungary in 1956-1957 for many Hungarian Americans who experienced the Revolution, and with good reason: roughly four-fifths of them came through the camp, and their subsequent integration into American life was largely successful.  But it is less well known that many fifty-sixers did not share this experience: as many may have returned to Hungary as came to the US, and by far most of the refugees ended up in other countries.  US restrictions on entry steered many refugees to other countries, but the US provided most of the funding for the international relief effort.  This article seeks to relativize the myth of Camp Kilmer by examining the refugees’ motives for leaving Hungary, their experience in Austria, and why so many ended up in the US, in other countries, or back in their homeland.
Swanson, John C. 2011. “About a Village” (Documentary Feature). 68 minutes.
Authors: Jobbitt Steven
Published: October 2016

Swanson, John C. 2011. “About a Village” (Documentary Feature). 68 minutes
Tragicomedy, Melodrama, and Genre in Early Sound Films: The Case of Two “Sad Clown” Musicals
Authors: Garber Michael G.
Published: October 2016

This interdisciplinary study applies the theatrical theories of stage genres to examples of the early sound cinema, the 1930 Hollywood musicals Puttin’ on the Ritz (starring Harry Richman, and with songs by Irving Berlin) and Free and Easy (starring Buster Keaton). The discussion focuses on the phenomenon of the sad clown as a symbol of tragicomedy. Springing from Rick Altman’s delineation of the “sad clown” sub-subgenre of the show musical subgenre, outlined in The American Film Musical, this article shows that, in these seminal movie musicals, naïve melodrama and “gag” comedy coexist with the tonalities, structures, philosophy, and images of the sophisticated genre of tragicomedy, including by incorporating the grotesque into the mise en scene of their musical production numbers.
Screening the Urban: An Analysis of the Urban Life and Subjectivities in the Assamese Films of Bhabendra Nath Saikia and Jahnu Barua
Authors: Dutta Minakshi
Published: October 2016

Amidst the clichéd representations of the urban world in Indian cinema in post-independence times, where ‘the urban’ is often perceived as the inevitable vice, there are few directors in both mainstream and regional cinema of India who attempted to dwell on a more engaged and critical reading of the newly emerging urban world and subject in Indian contexts. Within the domain of the Assamese cinema, Bhabendra Nath Saikia and Jahnu Barua have been the two prolific serious film makers who are noted for such engagement of their films with urbanity. This paper aims to describe, analyze and compare the characteristics of the cinematic projections of the urban life and urban subjectivities in the films of Saikia and Barua.
Gjirokastra’S Promotion as a Branding & Marketing City
Authors: Avdulaj Jonida , Muço Klodian
Published: October 2016

The sustainable development of the tourism phenomenon and the impact that it produces it is important not only for the enterprises receiving tourism but also for the economic sectors correlated with the structures above as handicrafts, trade and services, turning tourism in a primary factor for the economic development of a region or a country. To talk about tourism in a city very rich in "contrasts" such as Gjirokastra, is an issue that goes beyond simple economic aspect, generating significant consequences in terms of geography and especially in social level. This is because Gjirokastra is a city with a glorious history since the fifteenth century, rich in culture, archaeology, enogastronomia (Food and wine) and several endless natural beauties. Although is the capital of the most important cultural event, the national folk festival which perform the tradition through the art. Shortly, Gjirokastra is a genuine multidimensional brand; the promotion of it would increase the income, the employment, the consumption and most of all it would transform into in an international city. Certainly to promote this brand it is needed a coordination between decision-maker institutions and local businesses but above all is necessary an efficient and comprehensive marketing plan that promote "brand " pointing at the same time in the centre of the universe "tourist".Based on this affirmation, this paper requires just to give some modest idea on the development of the city image through qualitative and quantitative analysis of data obtained from a sample of tourists visiting various cities in the world and recently have visited the Gjirokastra.
Teaching Chemistry in Rural America: A Comparative Study Examining Innovative Informal Education and Applied Science Approaches to Improving Engagement
Authors: Van Doren Gregory , Duffy Lawrence Kevin
Published: October 2016

How to engage underrepresented students in Science and Engineering careers is an important challenge in most rural areas. A formal school environment is not always the best place to learn for many students. Informal, place-based, culturally relevant and applied Science education can be used to engage many students commonly bypassed by formal lecture approaches. Integration of traditional “western” Science with traditional local culture has been proposed to increase engagement and broaden the participation of rural students in Science courses. Principles of chemistry such as colors and dyes were taught in both standard University classes and community workshops. Participant self-assessments were compared with self-assessments of students in introductory chemistry courses at two Universities. The formal course data correlated prior knowledge of content to increased learning gains for basic chemistry concepts. The community workshop participant responses differed with those of formal University students, indicating both location and context of the presentation as factors in engagement. When held in a University classroom and laboratory, where ideas were not related to local cultures and places, learning outcomes were lower in applied knowledge compared to workshops held at a cultural center. A long-term commitment to informal Science education in a community setting is a promising approach to improving diversity in the Science workforce by using applied Science topics and cultural relevance to teach basic concepts.
Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Riyadh
Authors: Asi Khaled Yousef
Published: October 2016

The current study aimed to identify the level of quality of life among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and the differences according to the relationship with the autistic child, gender, severity of disability. The sample consisted of (100) parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, enrolled in the program of autism, intentionally selected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Quality of life scale prepared and utilized by the author after verification of validity and reliability. The results showed that the level of quality of life among the participants was medium, and the results showed statistically significant differences in the level of quality of life among the participants due to the impact of the relationship with autistic children, where differences were in favor of the parents, and the variable of gender of the autistic child, where differences were in favor of the males, and severity of the disability, where the differences were in favor of the mild group. The study recommended the need to draw the attention of officials in the care and service centers for children with autism spectrum to provide training programs and activities for parents of autistic children to raise the level of quality of life, especially mothers.
Primary penile malignant lymphoma: report of a rare case
Authors: Wang Guang-chun , Peng Bo , Zheng Jun-hua
Published: October 2016

A 73-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of two penile masses: one on the shaft and one on the glans penis. Both lesions were poorly defined, fixated and without tenderness. The sizes were 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 cm and 1.2 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm, respectively. The patient underwent lumpectomy of the glans penis; we confirmed malignant lymphoma of the glans penis (B-cell derived; diffused large B-cell) by postoperative pathological examinations. CHOP (cyclophosphamide-hydroxydaunorubicin-oncovin-prednisone) chemotherapy was administered. The patient was tumour-free at the 33-month follow-up.
The top 100 cited articles in urology: An update
Authors: Nason Gregory J. , Tareen Farhan , Mortell Alan
Published: October 2016

Background: In this paper, we identify and analyze the top 100 cited articles in urology since 1965 and assess changes in the top 100 since 2007.Methods: We selected highest impact journals in both urological and general medicine journals from the 2011 edition of Journal Citation Reports: Science edition. We identified and analyzed the 100 most cited articles using the Science Citation Index Expanded (1965-present).Results: The top 100 articles were cited a mean of 892 times (range: 529-2088) and published between 1966 and 2009, with 21 published since 2000. In 2012, 19 new articles appeared in the updated top 100 cited articles. Also, 16 journals were represented, led by the New England Journal of Medicine (n=36), the Journal of Urology (n=16) and the Lancet (n=12). In total, 81 articles were published from North America (USA=77, Canada=4). From the United States, the following institutes were among the top 5 represented: Johns Hopkins University (n=12), Harvard University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, National Institute of Health and Washington University (all 5). Only one institute outside the United States published more than one article in the top 100 (Institut Gustave Roussy, France). Nine urologists were first authors of 2 or more articles. Oncology (n=54) and transplantation (n=22) were the most common subspecialties represented.Conclusion: It is important to acknowledge the top cited articles as they mark key topics and advances in urology. There has been a 19% change in the top 100 cited articles in the past 5 years. Oncology and transplantation remain the most highly cited topics.
Primary adrenocortical sarcomatoid carcinoma: Report of a case
Authors: Yan Jia-jun , Sun Ai-jing , Ren Yu , Hou Chuanlin
Published: October 2016

We report the case of a 72-year-old man with a right adrenocortical mass who had undergone complete tumour excision with the adrenal gland and around adipose tissue. Pathologic examination led to a final diagnosis of primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the right adrenal gland. The patient was without recurrence at the one year follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case in China and the second reported case in English published studies.
Factors predicting overall success: a review of 747 microsurgical vasovasostomies
Authors: Bolduc Stéphane , Fischer Marc Anthony , Deceuninck Genevieve , Thabet Michel
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Advances in surgical techniques have improved the outcome of microsurgical vasovasostomy (VV). We performed a retrospective analysis of surgical procedures to determine outcomes and predictors of VV success, to develop Kaplan–Meier Curves for predicting VV outcomes and to evaluate the use of α-glucosidase (AG) to predict outcomes.Patients and Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of 747 modified 1-layer microsurgical VV procedures performed between 1984 and 2000. Obstructive interval, partner status, social status preoperatively and method of vasal obstruction, vasal fluid quality and sperm granuloma intraoperatively were compared with outcome results. Parameters evaluated at follow-up included semen analysis, AG concentration in ejaculate fluid and pregnancy rates.Results: The overall patency rate was 86% and pregnancy rates were 33% and 53% at 1 and 2 years after primary VV, respectively. Preoperative factors associated with successful outcome and pregnancy included shorter obstructive interval and same female partner (p < 0.05). Intraoperative factors predicting success included the use of surgical clips instead of suture at vasectomy, the presence of a sperm granuloma, the presence and quality of vasal fluid, and the presence and quality of sperm in vasal fluid. Further, increased AG in the postoperative semen predicted improved patency and pregnancy outcomes.Conclusion: This study confirms the effectiveness of VV for vasectomized men who wish to father children. It also demonstrates that preoperative and intraoperative factors are predictive of the VV outcome. Postoperative AG is also a useful marker of patency and it appears to predict pregnancy outcome.
Laparoscopic excision of a large extra-adrenal perirenal myelolipoma
Authors: Beiko Darren , Roldan Hector , SenGupta Sandip K. , George Ralph L.
Published: October 2016

Extra-adrenal myelolipoma is a very rare type of tumour.Laparoscopic removal of extra-adrenal myelolipoma has not beenpreviously reported. We report the first case of laparoscopic excisionof a large extra-adrenal perirenal myelolipoma.
Metastases of renal cell carcinoma to the larynx and thyroid: Two case reports on metastasis developing years after nephrectomy
Authors: Demir Lutfiye , Erten Cigdem , Somali Isil , Can Alper , Dirican Ahmet , Bayoglu Vedat , Kucukzeybek Yuksel , Altınboga Aysegul Aksoy , Ermete Murat , Oztop Rukiye Mine , Tarhan Mustafa Oktay
Published: October 2016

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a high metastatic potential due to its hematogen and vascular features. It metastasizes frequently to the lungs, the bones, the liver, the lymph nodes and the brain. Metastasis of RCC to the head and neck region is quite rare. In this case report, two RCC patients with head and neck metastases are presented: one occurring after 5 years and the other occurring 17 years after diagnosis.
3.4 kb mitochondrial genome deletion serves as a surrogate predictive biomarker for prostate cancer in histopathologically benign biopsy cores
Authors: Reguly Brian , Jakupciak John P. , Parr Ryan L.
Published: October 2016

Recently, we described a 3.4-kb mitochondrial genome deletionhaving significance for identifying malignant and benign prostatetissues (p < 0.001). This biomarker was also present in normalappearing tissue, in close proximity to a tumour indicating a “fieldeffect.” In the present study, we report 4 cases (3 malignant, 1benign) which suggest that this field effect may occur beforetumourigenesis; this effect may also identify the presence of asmall tumour focus/foci, which are difficult to detect with singleor multiple biopsy procedures.
Strategy: Does the Concept Exist in Islamic Sources of Knowledge?
Authors: Gul Waseem
Published: October 2016

The study brings new insights about the notion of strategy by exploring it in the Islamic sources of knowledge. It employs qualitative research methodologies to analyze the content taken from the texts of the Quran and the Hadith, their interpretations as well as from the biographies of Muhammad PBUH. It is part of the efforts which are being made to explore alternate perspectives in order to overcome the prevailing issues emerging in the classical management theory and practice. While works of scholars from cultural contexts different from the western cultures are surfacing in this area, it seems to be useful to also explore the Islamic sources of knowledge for the very purpose. Current study should be considered an early attempt in the specific area of strategy. It is a straightforward manner of looking into the Islamic sources of knowledge for the managerial wisdom and bringing it to light by an individual or collective effort. It should not be considered a way of negating the existing body of knowledge, but it is an attempt to bring something which may complement it.
Perceived Stress and Psychiatric Symptoms in Swedish Upper Secondary School Students
Authors: Thorsen Frida , Antonson Carl , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: October 2016

Background: Previous studies in adolescents have rarely used validated questionnaires to assess stress and psychiatric symptoms. The first aim of this study, which was conducted in 2011, was to examine the prevalence and potential sex differences of perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms among Swedish upper secondary school students for comparison with Swedish reference populations from 1996 and 1998. The second aim was to examine the correlation between perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms in 2011. Methods: Perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms were measured in 194 Swedish students, aged 15-19 years, with the validated questionnaires Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and Symptoms Checklist 90 (SCL-90). PSS-14 data were compared with data from the 1996 study. SCL-90 data were compared with a large Swedish reference sample from 1998. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01457222. Results: Significantly higher PSS-14 scores (more stress) and Global Severity Index scores (from SCL-90) (more psychiatric symptoms) were found in both sexes compared with the reference groups. Although no sex difference was found in perceived stress, female students showed more psychiatric symptoms than male students. Perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms were well correlated (ρ=0.67). Conclusions: Using validated scales, this study shows that Swedish adolescents reported higher levels of perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms in 2011, in comparison with Swedish reference populations from 1996 and 1998. Girls reported more psychiatric symptoms than the boys. Future studies could examine which strategies are useful to help young people improve in coping with stress and to prevent associated psychiatric symptoms.
Gasification of Nickel-Preloaded Oil Palm Biomass with Air
Authors: Syed-Hassan Syed Shatir A. , Nor-Azemi Siti Nor Izuera
Published: October 2016

This study experimentally investigates the gasification of nickel-preloaded oil palm biomass as an alternative catalytic approach to produce clean syngas. To eliminate the use of catalyst support, nickel was added directly to the oil palm mesocarp fiber via ion-exchange using an aqueous solution of nickel nitrate. Nickel species was found to disperse very well on the biomass at a nano-scale dispersion. The presence of the finely dispersed nickels on biomass enhanced syngas production and reduced tar content in the producer gas during the air gasification of biomass. It is believed that nickel particles attached on the biomass and its char promote the catalytic cracking of tar on their surface and supply free radicals to the gas phase to enhance the radical-driven gas-phase reactions for the reforming of high molecular weight hydrocarbons. The unconsumed nickel-containing char shows great potential to be re-utilised as a catalyst to further enhance the destruction of tar components in the secondary tar reduction process.
Production of acrylic acid and propionic acid by constructing a portion of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle from Metallosphaera sedula in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Zhijie , Liu Tiangang
Published: October 2016

Acrylic acid and propionic acid are important chemicals requiring affordable, renewable production solutions. Here, we metabolically engineered Escherichia coli with genes encoding components of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle from Metallosphaera sedula for conversion of glucose to acrylic and propionic acids. To construct an acrylic acid-producing pathway in E. coli, heterologous expression of malonyl-CoA reductase (MCR), malonate semialdehyde reductase (MSR), 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthetase (3HPCS), and 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA dehydratase (3HPCD) from M. sedula was accompanied by overexpression of succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS) from E. coli. The engineered strain produced 13.28 ± 0.12 mg/L of acrylic acid. To construct a propionic acid-producing pathway, the same five genes were expressed, with the addition of M. sedula acryloyl-CoA reductase (ACR). The engineered strain produced 1430 ± 30 mg/L of propionic acid. This approach can be expanded to synthesize many important organic chemicals, creating new opportunities for the production of chemicals by carbon dioxide fixation.
Our experience with adnexal masses in the pediatric age group and review of literature
Authors: Khedkar Kiran , Shah Hemanshi , Tiwari Charu , Makhija Deepa , Waghmare Mukta
Published: October 2016

Background and objectives:

Adnexal masses are rare in the pediatric age group. We present our experience with 20 patients with adnexal masses.

Design and setting:

This retrospective observational analysis was performed on 20 children with adnexal masses who were treated at our institute between May 2011 and November 2015. Patients and methods: Fifteen pediatric patients who were admitted between May 2011 and November 2015 were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed based on their age at the time of admission, their presenting complaints, clinical and radiological findings, tumor markers, management and follow-up.

Results:

The patients’ age at the time of admission ranged between 3 days and 12 years. Abdominal pain and lump were the most common presenting complaints.

Four patients (20%) had antenatally diagnosed cystic ovarian lesions. On postnatal scan, two patients had a simple cyst measuring less than 6 cm, which resolved on follow-up ultrasound at 3 months. One neonate had a simple cyst, larger than 6 cm on postnatal scan, which was managed by marsupialization. One antenatally diagnosed patient had a dermoid cyst that required oophorectomy.

Ten patients (50%) had dermoid cyst and underwent complete surgical excision of the mass. Based on histopathologic results, two of these patients had immature teratoma and required adjuvant chemotherapy (Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin). The serum AFP levels of these patients were carefully monitored.

One patient with bilateral ovarian cysts was diagnosed with Van Wyk—Grumbach syndrome, which resolved significantly after a 3-month regimen of thyroxin supplementation.

Five patients presented with torsion and required emergency surgery—three had mature teratoma, one had an immature teratoma and one had large simple cysts.

Conclusion:

The majority of ovarian tumors are benign. Accurate staging, complete resection and chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant tumors have contributed to excellent survival rates in these patients.
Development of the Hypogonadism Impact of Symptoms Questionnaire Short Form: Qualitative Research
Authors: Gelhorn Heather L. , Bodhani Amit R. , Wahala Louisa S. , Sexton Chris , Landrian Amanda , Miller Michael G. , Derogatis Leonard , Dobs Adrian , Revicki Dennis A.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Hypogonadism in men is often associated with poor libido, erectile dysfunction, irritability, fatigue, and psychological and relationship problems. Many of these symptoms can be best assessed through patient report. The 28-item Hypogonadism Impact of Symptoms Questionnaire (HIS-Q) was developed to evaluate hypogonadism symptoms in men with low testosterone in the context of clinical trials.

Aim

To develop a briefer version of the HIS-Q that could be practical for use in treatment settings.

Methods

Participants with low testosterone levels and symptoms consistent with hypogonadism were recruited through clinical sites. Focus groups and interviews were conducted to elicit symptom concepts and identify those that were most relevant to patients, including changes as a consequence of treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Systematic analysis of the qualitative data and expert clinician input were used to develop the HIS-Q short form (HIS-Q-SF). One-on-one cognitive interviews were conducted to confirm the content validity of the HIS-Q-SF.

Results

Thirty-five men participated in this qualitative research. Concept elicitation was conducted through focus group discussions (n = 18) and telephone interviews (n = 2); then, the draft HIS-Q-SF was evaluated through cognitive interviews (n = 15). The mean age of total sample was 53.2 ± 6.8 years, and the mean serum total testosterone level was 184.9 ± 55.2 ng/dL. Results suggest that the HIS-Q-SF has demonstrated content validity, including the content coverage, comprehensibility, and the appropriateness of the response options and recall period. The final version of the HIS-Q-SF includes 17 items and is aligned with the original longer version of the instrument.

Conclusion

The HIS-Q-SF is a comprehensive measurement of hypogonadism symptom severity in men. Content coverage and content validity were confirmed. The instrument will be evaluated further to establish the psychometric characteristics and to assess the utility of the measurement in clinical treatment settings.
The buffering role of positive affect on the association between pain intensity and pain related outcomes
Authors: Thong Ivan S.K. , Tan Gabriel , Jensen Mark P.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Chronic pain is a significant problem worldwide and is associated with significant elevations in negative affect, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and physical dysfunction. Positive affect could potentially buffer the impact of pain on patient functioning. If it does, then positive affect could be directly targeted in treatment to benefit individuals with chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to test for such moderating effects.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, we administered measures of pain intensity, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, pain interference, and positive and negative affect to 100 individuals with chronic back or knee pain in a single face-to-face assessment session.

Results

The associations between pain intensity and negative affect, and between pain intensity and depressive symptoms were moderated by positive affect. This moderation effect was explained by the fact that participants with low positive affect evidenced strong associations between pain intensity and both depression and negative affect; participants with high positive affect, on the other hand, evidenced weak and non-significant associations between pain intensity and both depression and negative affect. Positive affect did not moderate the associations between pain intensity and either sleep problems or pain interference.

Conclusion

The findings are consistent with the possibility that positive affect may buffer the impact of pain intensity on negative affect and depressive symptoms. Longitudinal and experimental research is needed to determine the potential benefits of treatments that increase positive affect on negative affect and depressive symptoms in chronic pain populations.

Implications

The study findings suggest the possibility that “positive psychology” interventions which increase positive affect could benefit individuals with chronic pain by reducing the impact of pain on negative outcomes. Research to test this possibility is warranted.
Climatic and tectonic controls on strath terraces along the upper Weihe River in central China
Authors: Gao Hongshan , Li Zongmeng , Ji Yapeng , Pan Baotian , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: October 2016

The Weihe River in central China is the largest tributary of the Yellow River and contains a well-developed strath terrace system. A new chronology for the past 1.11 Ma for a spectacular flight of strath terraces along the upper Weihe River near Longxi is defined based on field investigations of loess—paleosol sequences and magnetostratigraphy. All the strath terraces are strikingly similar, having several meters of paleosols that have developed directly on top of fluvial deposits located on the terrace treads. This suggests that the abandonment of each strath terrace by river incision occurred during the transition from glacial to interglacial climates. The average fluvial incision rates during 1.11—0.71 Ma and since 0.13 Ma are 0.35 and 0.32 m/ka, respectively. These incision rates are considerably higher than the average incision rate of 0.16 m/km for the intervening period between 0.71 and 0.13 Ma. Over all our results suggest that cyclic Quaternary climate change has been the main driving factor for strath terrace formation with enhanced episodic uplift.
A Force for Law and Order
Authors: Herndon James S.
Published: October 2016

Much of police psychology over the past 50 years or so has been clinically focused. The role and function of the industrial–organizational (I-O) psychologist within the context of law enforcement was highlighted by Lefkowitz (1977), and in the years since, the contributions of I-O psychology applied to law enforcement issues have become increasingly valued. It is, therefore, appreciated that Ruggs et al. (2016) offer suggestions for how I-O psychologists might get involved in addressing some of the current hot spots in police work.
Community-Oriented Policing: Hiring in the Spirit of Service
Authors: Hough Leaetta M.
Published: October 2016

The authors of the focal article ask a very important question: “Baltimore Is Burning: Can I-O Psychologists Help Extinguish the Flames?” (Ruggs et al., 2016). The answer is yes, emphatically, yes. The applied science of industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology knows a great deal that can be brought to bear to help solve this real-world problem. As the title of this commentary indicates, personnel selection is one area that is highly relevant to this issue. Personnel selection is one of I-O psychology's specialty areas and is thought of by many around the world, including those in the U.S. legal system, as “owned” by I-O psychology. Other I-O specialty areas such as recruitment, training and development, onboarding/socialization, performance management, leadership, culture/climate, and culture/climate change also clearly have much to offer to help solve the problem. Others can address relevant research and practice in those areas; this commentary, however, is devoted to personnel selection. Revising a police department's hiring strategy is not a quick fix, nor is it, by itself, sufficient. Nonetheless, it is an important part of the package that I-O psychology has to offer.
Alignment Between Antecedents and Interventions: The Critical Role of Implicit Bias
Authors: Tomlin Kathleen A. , Bradley-Geist Jill C.
Published: October 2016

We applaud the authors for tackling the important issue of policing and race from the unique perspective of industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology. Here, we propose a framework by which to examine the authors’ recommended interventions along the same implicit–explicit dimension employed in the focal article's conceptualization of racial bias. Mirroring current thinking within the diversity literature, the focal article notes that racial bias is “often very subtle” (Ruggs et al., 2016, p. 531) and can include “unconscious and implicit” aspects (p. 531). Extending this notion of implicit versus explicit bias to interventions themselves, we advocate for increased attention toward more implicitly focused interventions, as opposed to some of the more explicitly focused interventions suggested in the focal article. We conceptualize explicitly focused interventions as those that deal directly and openly with race, diversity, or demographic differences. Below, we discuss three potential advantages of implicitly focused interventions.
Additional Ideas for Putting Out the Flames
Authors: Jacobs Rick , Phillips Jean , Gully Stan
Published: October 2016

It is hard to argue with the central thesis of the focal article (Ruggs et al., 2016) that industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology has much to offer police departments in helping them meet their mission. As an example, the Los Angeles Police Department provides a clear statement that is representative of most police agencies:

It is the mission of the Los Angeles Police Department to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and to enhance public safety while working with the diverse communities to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with honor and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence. (Los Angeles Police Foundation & LAPD, 2016)
Are We on the Same Wavelength? Four Steps for Moving From Talent Signals to Valid Talent Management Applications
Authors: Church Allan H. , Silzer Rob
Published: October 2016

In their focal article, Chamorro-Premuzic, Winsborough, Sherman, and Hogan (2016) provide an overview of a number of new technologies with potentially significant implications for talent management related practices of industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology (both challenges and opportunities) that they label as “new talent signals.” These signals, they argue, are part of a revolution, due to increasing levels of social activity online as well as data-collection and mining techniques that have overtaken the conventional practice of talent identification in organizations. Their position is that these trends are leaving I-O psychologists in the dust in terms of our existing traditional theory, research, and methodologies. Their optimistic tone, however, also seems to suggest that while these approaches “have not yet demonstrated validity comparable with old school methods, they tend to disregard theory, and they pay little attention to the constructs being assessed (Chamorro-Premuzic et al., p. 634)” they may, in fact, have some legitimate basis in the identification of talent. Their point, of course, is that momentum in this area has surpassed human resources (HR), let alone I-O psychology, so that any concerns one might have about these trends are essentially “irrelevant.” This reminds us of a reference to lemmings going off a cliff together.
Legal Trends in Organizational Online Social Media Use
Authors: Schroeder Amber N. , Lile Cameron R.
Published: October 2016

The growth in the popularity of social networking websites (SNSs) has resulted in many organizations using such platforms for organizational activities, including recruitment, employee selection, employee monitoring, and termination. However, the legality of organizations using social networking for these purposes is unclear. Although many researchers have touched on the potential legal implications of organizations using these tools (see e.g., Brown & Vaughn, 2011), no empirical studies have examined how the court system views their use in organizational settings. Thus, the current study examined federal court cases related to the use of SNSs in various employment practices.