bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More Crop per Drop of Water: Adoption and Dis-adoption Dynamics of System of Rice Intensification
Authors: Durga A.R. , Kumar D. Suresh
Published: January 2016

For efficient use of water, there is a dire need to manage acute water scarcity in agriculture through the adoption of sustainable water management technologies. To produce more crops per drop of water, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology is being promoted. We undertook a case study in the state of Kerala, India, to examine the factors influencing adoption and dis-adoption of SRI. The humid and tropical climate of Kerala is conducive for rice cultivation. However, over the years, the area under rice cultivation in Kerala has been declining. In this context, SRI technology has emerged as a prominent tool to achieve increased rice production and thus productivity. The study reveals that factors such as experience in farming, income from off-farm and non-farm sources, size of landholding and contact with agriculture extension officers are significant determinants of adoption of SRI technology. On the other hand, factors such as difficulty in water management and early transplantation, non-availability of skilled labour and difficulty in using the cono weeder cause the dis-adoption of SRI. We suggest that, in addition to promoting SRI technology, it is also imperative to develop effective irrigation facilities and promote participatory irrigation management to produce more crop per drop of water. Many farmers who discontinued SRI technology cited the lack of institutional support and capacity building as the factors influencing their decision. Therefore, the state government needs to focus on these aspects so that not only dis-adoption can be minimized significantly, but more farmers can also be encouraged to adopt the technology in the coming years.
Whose Responsibility Is It to Stop Bullying?
Authors: Bellmore Amy
Published: January 2016

In the last 20 years, public awareness of the problem of bullying has increased to the degree that legislation has been developed to protect youth in all 50 United States. Bullying is clearly harmful to students’ social, psychological, and academic functioning. Researchers are now challenged to prevent or reduce bullying and its negative effects. The potential that key stakeholders—peers, parents, schools, and new media—hold for stopping bullying is reviewed. The evidence from the large body of bullying research offers hope for many ways that stakeholders can produce meaningful reductions in bullying, when provided proper supports for their efforts.
Activation of the thrombopoietin receptor by mutant calreticulin in CALR-mutant myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Araki Marito , Yang Yinjie , Masubuchi Nami , Hironaka Yumi , Takei Hiraku , Morishita Soji , Mizukami Yoshihisa , Kan Shin , Shirane Shuichi , Edahiro Yoko , Sunami Yoshitaka , Ohsaka Akimichi , Komatsu Norio
Published: January 2016

Key Points

Mutant CALR induces TPO-independent growth in the human megakaryocytic cell line UT-7/TPO. Mutant CALR binds to the TPO receptor, inducing phosphorylation of JAK2 and activating downstream signaling.
Constitutive activation of Pim1 kinase is a therapeutic target for adult T-cell leukemia
Authors: Bellon Marcia , Lu Ling , Nicot Christophe
Published: January 2016

Key Points

Epigenetic silencing of miR-124a leads to constitutive STAT3 and activation of downstream Pim1. Pim1 kinase signaling is constitutively activated in ATL cells and represents a novel therapeutic target.
Inter-Strain Differences of Serotonergic Inhibitory Pain Control in Inbred Mice
Authors: Wijnvoord Nina , Albuquerque Boris , Häussler Annett , Myrczek Thekla , Popp Laura , Tegeder Irmgard
Published: January 2016

Background:

Descending inhibitory pain control contributes to the endogenous defense against chronic pain and involves noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. The clinical efficacy of antidepressants suggests that serotonin may be particularly relevant for neuropathic pain conditions. Serotonergic signaling is regulated by synthesis, metabolisms, reuptake and receptors.

Results:

To address the complexity, we used inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J, 129 Sv, DBA/2J and Balb/c, which differ in brain serotonin levels. Serotonin analysis after nerve injury revealed inter-strain differences in the adaptation of descending serotonergic fibers. Upregulation of spinal cord and midbrain serotonin was apparent only in 129 Sv mice and was associated with attenuated nerve injury evoked hyperalgesia and allodynia in this strain. The increase of dorsal horn serotonin was blocked by hemisectioning of descending fibers but not by rhizotomy of primary afferents indicating a midbrain source. Para-chlorophenylalanine-mediated serotonin depletion in spinal cord and midbrain intensified pain hypersensitivity in the nerve injury model. In contrast, chronic inflammation of the hindpaw did not evoke equivalent changes in serotonin levels in the spinal cord and midbrain and nociceptive thresholds dropped in a parallel manner in all strains.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that chronic nerve injury evoked hypernociception may be contributed by genetic differences of descending serotonergic inhibitory control.
Identification of molecular signatures specific for distinct cranial sensory ganglia in the developing chick
Authors: Patthey Cedric , Clifford Harry , Haerty Wilfried , Ponting Chris P. , Shimeld Sebastian M. , Begbie Jo
Published: January 2016

Background

The cranial sensory ganglia represent populations of neurons with distinct functions, or sensory modalities. The production of individual ganglia from distinct neurogenic placodes with different developmental pathways provides a powerful model to investigate the acquisition of specific sensory modalities. To date there is a limited range of gene markers available to examine the molecular pathways underlying this process.

Results

Transcriptional profiles were generated for populations of differentiated neurons purified from distinct cranial sensory ganglia using microdissection in embryonic chicken followed by FAC-sorting and RNAseq. Whole transcriptome analysis confirmed the division into somato- versus viscerosensory neurons, with additional evidence for subdivision of the somatic class into general and special somatosensory neurons. Cross-comparison of distinct ganglia transcriptomes identified a total of 134 markers, 113 of which are novel, which can be used to distinguish trigeminal, vestibulo-acoustic and epibranchial neuronal populations. In situ hybridisation analysis provided validation for 20/26 tested markers, and showed related expression in the target region of the hindbrain in many cases.

Conclusions

One hundred thirty-four high-confidence markers have been identified for placode-derived cranial sensory ganglia which can now be used to address the acquisition of specific cranial sensory modalities.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of bexarotene in moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L. , Zhong Kate , Kinney Jefferson W. , Heaney Chelcie , Moll-Tudla Joanne , Joshi Abhinay , Pontecorvo Michael , Devous Michael , Tang Anne , Bena James
Published: January 2016

Background

We assessed the impact of retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist bexarotene on brain amyloid measured by amyloid imaging in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a proof-of-concept trial.

Methods

Twenty patients with AD [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 10–20 inclusive] with positive florbetapir scans were randomized to receive 300 mg of bexarotene or placebo for 4 weeks. The amyloid imaging result was the primary outcome. Whole-population analyses and prespecified analyses by genotype [apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE4) carriers and ApoE4 noncarriers] were conducted. Secondary outcomes included scores on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive subscale, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living scale, MMSE, Clinical Dementia Rating scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Serum amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide sequences Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 measurements were collected as biomarker outcomes.

Results

There was no change in the composite or regional amyloid burden when all patients were included in the analysis. ApoE4 noncarriers showed a significant reduction in brain amyloid on the composite measure in five of six regional measurements. No change in amyloid burden was observed in ApoE4 carriers. There was a significant association between increased serum Aβ1–42 and reductions in brain amyloid in ApoE4 noncarriers (not in carriers). There were significant elevations in serum triglycerides in bexarotene-treated patients. There was no consistent change in any clinical measure.

Conclusions

The primary outcome of this trial was negative. The data suggest that bexarotene reduced brain amyloid and increased serum Aβ1–42 in ApoE4 noncarriers. Elevated triglycerides could represent a cardiovascular risk, and bexarotene should not be administered outside a research setting. RXR agonists warrant further investigations as AD therapies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01782742. Registered 29 January 2013.
Species-level resolution of 16S rRNA gene amplicons sequenced through the MinION™ portable nanopore sequencer
Authors: Benítez-Páez Alfonso , Portune Kevin J , Sanz Yolanda
Published: January 2016

Background

The miniaturised and portable DNA sequencer MinION™ has been released to the scientific community within the framework of an early access programme to evaluate its application for a wide variety of genetic approaches. This technology has demonstrated great potential, especially in genome-wide analyses. In this study, we tested the ability of the MinION™ system to perform amplicon sequencing in order to design new approaches to study microbial diversity using nearly full-length 16S rDNA sequences.

Results

Using R7.3 chemistry, we generated more than 3.8 million events (nt) during a single sequencing run. These data were sufficient to reconstruct more than 90 % of the 16S rRNA gene sequences for 20 different species present in a mock reference community. After read mapping and 16S rRNA gene assembly, consensus sequences and 2d reads were recovered to assign taxonomic classification down to the species level. Additionally, we were able to measure the relative abundance of all the species present in a mock community and detected a biased species distribution originating from the PCR reaction using ‘universal' primers.

Conclusions

Although nanopore-based sequencing produces reads with lower per-base accuracy compared with other platforms, the MinION™ DNA sequencer is valuable for both high taxonomic resolution and microbial diversity analysis. Improvements in nanopore chemistry, such as minimising base-calling errors and the nucleotide bias reported here for 16S amplicon sequencing, will further deliver more reliable information that is useful for the specific detection of microbial species and strains in complex ecosystems.
Complete genome sequence and genomic characterization of Microcystis panniformis FACHB 1757 by third-generation sequencing
Authors: Zhang Jun-Yi , Guan Rui , Zhang Hu-Jun , Li Hua , Xiao Peng , Yu Gong-Liang , Du Lei , Cao De-Min , Zhu Bing-Chuan , Li Ren-Hui , Lu Zu-Hong
Published: January 2016

The cyanobacterial genus Microcystis is well known as the main group that forms harmful blooms in water. A strain of Microcystis, M. panniformis FACHB1757, was isolated from Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu in August 2011. The whole genome was sequenced using PacBio RS II sequencer with 48-fold coverage. The complete genome sequence with no gaps contained a 5,686,839 bp chromosome and a 38,683 bp plasmid, which coded for 6,519 and 49 proteins, respectively. Comparison with strains of M. aeruginosa and some other water bloom-forming cyanobacterial species revealed large-scale structure rearrangement and length variation at the genome level along with 36 genomic islands annotated genome-wide, which demonstrates high plasticity of the M. panniformis FACHB1757 genome and reveals that Microcystis has a flexible genome evolution.
Appoptosin interacts with mitochondrial outer-membrane fusion proteins and regulates mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Zhang Cuilin , Shi Zhun , Zhang Lingzhi , Zhou Zehua , Zheng Xiaoyuan , Liu Guiying , Bu Guojun , Fraser Paul E. , Xu Huaxi , Zhang Yun-wu
Published: January 2016

Mitochondrial morphology is regulated by fusion and fission machinery. Impaired mitochondria dynamics cause various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Appoptosin (encoded by SLC25A38) is a mitochondrial carrier protein that is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Appoptosin overexpression causes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-dependent apoptosis, whereas appoptosin downregulation abolishes β-amyloid-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and neuronal death during Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we found that overexpression of appoptosin resulted in mitochondrial fragmentation in a manner independent of its carrier function, ROS production or caspase activation. Although appoptosin did not affect levels of mitochondrial outer-membrane fusion (MFN1 and MFN2), inner-membrane fusion (OPA1) and fission [DRP1 (also known as DNM1L) and FIS1] proteins, appoptosin interacted with MFN1 and MFN2, as well as with the mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase MITOL (also known as MARCH5) but not OPA1, FIS1 or DRP1. Appoptosin overexpression impaired the interaction between MFN1 and MFN2, and mitochondrial fusion. By contrast, co-expression of MFN1, MITOL and a dominant-negative form of DRP1, DRP1K38A, partially rescued appoptosin-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and apoptosis, whereas co-expression of FIS1 aggravated appoptosin-induced apoptosis. Together, our results demonstrate that appoptosin can interact with mitochondrial outer-membrane fusion proteins and regulates mitochondrial morphology.
Recent Understandings of Pet Allergies
Authors: Ownby Dennis , Johnson Christine Cole
Published: January 2016

Allergic reactions to pets have been recognized for at least a hundred years. Yet our understanding of the effects of all of the interactions between pet exposures and human immune responses continues to grow. Allergists, epidemiologists, and immunologists have spent years trying to better understand how exposures to pet allergens lead to allergic sensitization (the production of allergen-specific immunoglobulin class E [IgE] antibodies) and subsequent allergic disease. A major new development in this understanding is the recognition that pet exposures consist of not only allergen exposures but also changes in microbial exposures. Exposures to certain pet-associated microbes, especially in the neonatal period, appear to be able to dramatically alter how a child’s immune system develops and this in turn reduces the risk of allergic sensitization and disease. An exciting challenge in the next few years will be to see whether these changes can be developed into a realistic preventative strategy with the expectation of significantly reducing allergic disease, especially asthma.
Podocytes
Authors: Reiser Jochen , Altintas Mehmet M.
Published: January 2016

Podocytes are highly specialized cells of the kidney glomerulus that wrap around capillaries and that neighbor cells of the Bowman’s capsule. When it comes to glomerular filtration, podocytes play an active role in preventing plasma proteins from entering the urinary ultrafiltrate by providing a barrier comprising filtration slits between foot processes, which in aggregate represent a dynamic network of cellular extensions. Foot processes interdigitate with foot processes from adjacent podocytes and form a network of narrow and rather uniform gaps. The fenestrated endothelial cells retain blood cells but permit passage of small solutes and an overlying basement membrane less permeable to macromolecules, in particular to albumin. The cytoskeletal dynamics and structural plasticity of podocytes as well as the signaling between each of these distinct layers are essential for an efficient glomerular filtration and thus for proper renal function. The genetic or acquired impairment of podocytes may lead to foot process effacement (podocyte fusion or retraction), a morphological hallmark of proteinuric renal diseases. Here, we briefly discuss aspects of a contemporary view of podocytes in glomerular filtration, the patterns of structural changes in podocytes associated with common glomerular diseases, and the current state of basic and clinical research.
Recent advances in understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Christoffersson Gustaf , Rodriguez-Calvo Teresa , von Herrath Matthias
Published: January 2016

Type 1 diabetes is a multifactorial disease in which genetic and environmental factors play a key role. The triggering event is still obscure, and so are many of the immune events that follow. In this brief review, we discuss the possible role of potential environmental factors and which triggers are believed to have a role in the disease. In addition, as the disease evolves, beta cells are lost and this occurs in a very heterogeneous fashion. Our knowledge of how beta cell mass declines and our view of the disease’s pathogenesis are also debated. We highlight the major hallmarks of disease, among which are MHC-I (major histocompatibility complex class I) expression and insulitis. The dependence versus independence of antigen for the immune infiltrate is also discussed, as both the influence from bystander T cells and the formation of neo-epitopes through post-translational modifications are thought to influence the course of the disease. As human studies are proliferating, our understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis will increase exponentially. This article aims to shed light on some of the burning questions in type 1 diabetes research.
Associations between joint effusion in the knee and gene expression levels in the circulation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Peters Marjolein J. , Ramos Yolande F.M. , den Hollander Wouter , Schiphof Dieuwke , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , Oei Edwin H.G. , Slagboom P. Eline , Kloppenburg Margreet , Bloem Johan L. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , Meulenbelt Ingrid , van Meurs Joyce B.J.
Published: January 2016

Objective: To identify molecular biomarkers for early knee osteoarthritis (OA), we examined whether joint effusion in the knee associated with different gene expression levels in the circulation.

Materials and Methods: Joint effusion grades measured with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and gene expression levels in blood were determined in women of the Rotterdam Study (N=135) and GARP (N=98). Associations were examined using linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, fasting status, RNA quality, technical batch effects, blood cell counts, and BMI. To investigate enriched pathways and protein-protein interactions, we used the DAVID and STRING webtools.

Results: In a meta-analysis, we identified 257 probes mapping to 189 unique genes in blood that were nominally significantly associated with joint effusion grades in the knee. Several compelling genes were identified such as C1orf38 and NFATC1. Significantly enriched biological pathways were: response to stress, gene expression, negative regulation of intracellular signal transduction, and antigen processing and presentation of exogenous pathways.

Conclusion: Meta-analyses and subsequent enriched biological pathways resulted in interesting candidate genes associated with joint effusion that require further characterization. Associations were not transcriptome-wide significant most likely due to limited power. Additional studies are required to replicate our findings in more samples, which will greatly help in understanding the pathophysiology of OA and its relation to inflammation, and may result in biomarkers urgently needed to diagnose OA at an early stage.
Material evolution in critical parts of marine low speed engines
Authors: Рогалев Владимир , Rogalev Vladimir , Чернявский Олег , Chernyavskiy Oleg
Published: January 2016

With the growth of average effective pressure in cylinders of marine lowspeed diesel engines the requirements increased to materials used for manufacturing their critical parts. This paper reports the dynamics of mechanical data changes in materials (steel and cast iron) of critical parts in diesel engines by the example of produce of the Bryansk engineering plant. From 1961 till 2008 the Bryansk engineering plant is the only manufacturer of powerful marine low-speed diesel engines in Russia. Diesel engines were being built under licence of “MAN Burmeister Diesel” Co. Diesel engines manufactures in different years differ with forcing degree. A diesel engine with a higher forcing degree has a higher value of mean effective pressure. In the paper there are shown types of diesel engines manufactured by the Bryansk engineering plant and is shown the evolution of mechanical data of cylinder iron bushes, piston rings, steel components of a bed frame, crankshafts.

It is pointed out that the application of new steel and cast iron kinds should follow considerable changes in the design of marine low-speed diesel engines of the type 6DKRN 50/200-14 of compact modification.

The conclusion is drawn of that with the growth of a forcing degree in diesel engines the mechanical data of steel and cast iron will increase at the expense of material chemistry changes by means of the introduction of alloying elements and application of modern metallurgical equipment for qualitative billet manufacturing.
Importance of Children’s Creativity Updating in the Course of Preschool and School Education in Globalization Conditions
Authors: Каримова  , Karimova A.
Published: January 2016

This paper reveals the importance of creativity updating

during personality growing up in the course of teaching in a preschool

and school educational institution, as necessary condition

for child’s personal and psychological health. Material of paper is

analyzed through a phenomenon prism of "Bitter candy" which had

been introduced into scientific use by A.N. Leontiev, and Gestalt

psychology, which reveals and describes such concepts as creative

adjustment and passive adaptation, convergent and divergent cogitations.

The convergent and divergent cogitations are coordinated

in an interesting way with neuropsychology’s data on cerebral

hemispheres’ functioning features. The phenomenon of evocation

and creativity is considered in this work as well. The globalization

problem and inevitable life’s quality change, as well as ways of

person’s realization in surrounding social reality determinate new

living conditions and expose a development priority on innovative

trands in education.
Aggression as Teenagers’ Internet Dependence Factor
Authors: Иванов  , Ivanov M.
Published: January 2016

In this paper has been revealed a concept of aggression

as one of Internet dependence factors at teenage years, have been

formulated the main features of teenagers’ aggressive behavior,

emphasized the teenagers’ behavior types, presented recommendations

for aggressive behavior prevention at teenage years.
Principles and Conditions for Interactive Environment Creation in Educational Process
Authors: Леонова  , Стрижак  , Strizhak V.
Published: January 2016

The research plan for creation an interactive educational

environment in the context of humanitarian methodology is

laid out in this paper.
Studying the Effect of Facilities’ Arrangement Structure for Students’ Physical Training
Authors: Чубаров  , Chubarov M.
Published: January 2016

It is known that in mathematics the sum does not depend

on the items’ order permutation. However the positive effect (the sum)

of students’ training in physical education, sport, sports training significantly

depends not only on used facilities and methods’ dosage and

ratios, but also on the way (structure) of their arrangement in time

(items’ permutation). This studying was devoted to this hypothesis’

experimental verification.
Professional Development as an Important Part of the Modernization of Pedagogical Education
Authors: Положенцева  , Polozhentseva I. , Артемьева  , Artemyeva Svetlana , Шишов  , Shishov Cergey
Published: January 2016

This article discusses the problems of efficiency of the

existing system of teacher training, as well as changes of its content

and the conditions for the development of a mechanism for its

improvement based on Russian and foreign experience, taking into

account the requirements of the federal target programme for the

development of education in 2011–2015, Federal Law No. 273 of

29.12.2012 "on education in the Russian Federation", the modernization

of pedagogical education, State program of the Russian

Federation "Development of education" for 2013–2020 years"

(approved by decree of the Government of the Russian Federation

and other documents.
Native Origins’ History Comprehension As Young People’s Spiritually-Moral Education Basis
Authors: Извеков  , Izvekov Igor , Зимовина  , Zimovina Olga
Published: January 2016

A modern innovative technology in the pedagogic area

used in educational institutions and based on young people’s inclusion

to native origins’ micro-history study in the National History

has been considered in this work. A valuation-genealogical approach

to complete education environment of family and educational

institution is the methodological basis of this educational innovation.

Learning and comprehension by person of values, which are

classified as genealogical ones, productive influences young people’s

spiritually-moral education, civil consciousness, tolerance and

patriotic feelings.
Orthodox Symbols
Authors: Волосков  , Voloskov Igor
Published: January 2016

The basic Orthodox symbols that are developed in the vita genre tradition of Old Russian literature are considered in this paper. It is specially noted that the symbol of Christ is the defining one, organizing both the literature tradition and vitas’ artistic world.
Forming Universal Educational Actions of Younger Schoolchildren
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: January 2016

The article discusses the problem of realization of the planned metasubject results of training of younger schoolchildren in view of the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard — formation of universal educational actions. The author considers the difficulties that a schoolchild has in the learning process, which aimed at forming universal educational actions, are characterized by particular organization of the educational process to the formation and development of communicative teaching specific actions studied in elementary school subjects.
Teacher’s Psychological Culture
Authors: Кряхтунов  , Kryakhtunov M.
Published: January 2016

The article describes the features of teacher’s psychological culture, the system of values that it represents. Such values as Man, Contact,

Experience and Development are defined. The features of teachers’ behavior in different situations of communication: with students, colleagues,

students’ parents, are described; different positions of the teacher and feedback of interviewees are analyzed.
Expansion of Primary Human AML by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Antagonism Minimally Affects Leukemic Transcriptional Profiles but Alters Cellular Metabolism
Authors: Casado Fanny L. , Salci Kyle R. , Shapovalova Zoya , Guezguez Borhane , Collins Tony J. , Bhatia Mickie
Published: January 2016

Small molecule-based antagonism of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) by StemRegenin1 (SR1) promotes ex vivo expansion and maintenance of primary human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. However, basis and nature of SR1 induced expansion of human AML remains unknown. Here, global expression profiling on 7 clinically diverse human AML patient samples treated ex vivo with a synthesized analog of SR1 (aSR1) uncovered that only as few as 750 genes were differentially regulated. Uniquely, aSR1 treatment did not modulate self-renewal associated pathways including Hedgehog, Notch or Wnt across patient samples, but instead resulted in overall upregulation of the oxidative phosphorylation metabolic pathway. Higher oxygen consumption rates, along with increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent cytarabine (AraC) validated that aSR1-induced transcriptional profiles lead to functional enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation. Our study reveals that aSR1 induces minor alterations to the leukemic transcriptional profile leading to a shift in cellular metabolism. This finding should further instruct use of SR1-mediated expansion for mechanistic studies of leukemic self-renewal and the development of drug screening platforms using patient specific AML samples.
The Black-White Achievement Gap Revisited
Authors: Braun Henry , Chapman Lauren , Vezzu Sailesh
Published: January 2016

This study examines trends in Black student achievement and in the Black-White achievement gap over the period 2000 to 2007, employing data from ten states drawn from the NAEP Grade 8 mathematics assessments. Results are obtained for three levels of aggregation: the state, school poverty stratum within the state, and schools within poverty stratum. In addition, information on the ten states’ education policies for the period 1998 to 2005 was compiled. States relative ranks on the overall strength of their reform efforts were compared to their relative ranks with respect to their success in improving Black student achievement and in reducing the Black- White achievement gap. This study constitutes an extension of earlier work that considered the same issues for the period 1992 to 2000 and, thus, offers a unique comparison between the pre-NCLB era and the present one. Although the ten states certainly differed in their outcomes, the general picture at all three levels of aggregation is quite clear: The achievement gaps are substantial and the introduction of federally mandated high stakes test-based accountability through No Child Left Behind has had a very modest impact on the rates of improvement for Black students and on the pace of reductions in the achievement gaps between Black students and White students. Moreover, there was only a weak association between states’ policy rankings and their rankings related to test results. It appears there is a need for both fresh thinking on education reform and a more concerted effort to collect comprehensive longitudinal information on states' education policies.
Crafting Coherence from Complex Policy Messages: Educators’ Perceptions of Special Education and Standards-Based Accountability Policies
Authors: Russell Jennifer Lin , Bray Laura E.
Published: January 2016

Federal special education and accountability policies requires that educators individualize instruction for students with disabilities, while simultaneously ensuring that the vast majority of these students meet age-based grade-level standards and assessment targets. In this paper, we examine this dynamic interplay between policies through analysis of policy documents and interviews that reveal how a sample of educators grapple with their simultaneous implementation. We found that educators made sense of some facets of the policies as complementary and others as contradictory. NCLB and IDEA offered consistent and specific guidelines defining “highly qualified” teachers and educators reported a clear and accurate understanding of these policy demands. On an issue where there was no specific guidance from NCLB–the placement of special education students–educators interpreted the law as promoting the inclusion of more students in general education courses, often to an extent that contradicted the guidance offered by IDEA. With respect to fundamental issues of teaching and learning, NCLB and IDEA represent contradictory theories of action and educators perceived conflict and expressed concerns about unintended consequences for students. Based on our empirical findings, we conclude with a set of theoretical propositions regarding how the alignment of policy messages influences educators’ interpretation of policies, which in turn may have implications for how they enact policies.
STEM Club Participation and STEM Schooling Outcomes
Authors: Gottfried Michael A , Williams Darryl
Published: January 2016

To develop a more robust understanding of the relationship between non-formal, school-based STEM activities and students’ success and persistence in STEM fields, this study evaluates how math club participation influences math GPA and how science club participation influences science GPA. Additionally, this study evaluates how math or science club participation associates with the probability of selecting a STEM major in college. Utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to examine these relationships, the results suggest that there is a STEM achievement gap in the success and persistence of students who do and do not participate in STEM-related extracurricular clubs. While, for the most part, the results were not differentiated by gender or race/ethnicity per se, they were in fact distinguishable by poverty status and the interaction between race and poverty status.
Case Study of Community Centered AAC Training for a Adult with Disability
Authors: Chae Soo Jung , Kim Kyung Yang ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2016

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of AAC training for people with cerebral palsy and communication disorders. Method: A participant had severe physical and communication disorders and was one of 00 church members. MyTalkie was provided for him in the AAC training. His assistant helped him to put many vocabulary into the device. The AAC training consisted of 4 phases; Evaluation-Device selection- Individualized consulting-AAC training. Results: After the AAC training sessions, the participant reported that the program contents were satisfied and his communication skills were enhanced using Conclusion: Also, AAC training for adults with severe disabilities was useful to improve their communication skills related to communitity activities.
Epidemiological Analysis on 3614 Patients with Temporo-Mandibular Disorders (TMD) Basic Statistical Aspects
Authors: Jurkemik J , Janickova M , Malachovsky I , Rozic L , Chmurny M , Statelova D
Published: January 2016

The aim of this work was to present data from a large sample of patients with Temporo-Mandibular Disorders (TMD) in order to clarify some aspects of the development of pathological conditions that affect large parts of the population. In the past years there was a rapid growth of the incidence of the temporomandibular dissorders. The ethiopathogenesis is in most cases unclear. Based on the latest information supposed are the biopsychosocial factors.
Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia of the Mandible
Authors: Malachovsky I , Statelova D , Janickova M , Jurkemik J , Adamicova K
Published: January 2016

Condylar hyperplasia (CH) of the mandible is a rare pathology that occurs at the head of the condyle and can lead to facial asymmetry affecting occlusion and possible association with pain and dysfunction. Unilateral condylar hyperplasia is an uncommon condition of unknown aetiology, proper diagnosis of which has to be established, as the patients may look for surgical help. A rare case of unilateral condylar hyperplasia of the mandible is reported here.
Destruction Mechanism of ZnAl4 as Cast Alloy Subjected to Cavitational Erosion Using Different Laboratory Stands
Authors: Jasionowski R. , Polkowski W. , Zasada D.
Published: January 2016

The main reason of a cavitational destruction is the mechanical action of cavitation pulses onto the material’s surface. The course of cavitation destruction process is very complex and depends on the physicochemical and structural features of a material. A resistance to cavitation destruction of the material increases with the increase of its mechanical strength, fatigue resistance as well as hardness. Nevertheless, the effect of structural features on the material’s cavitational resistance has been not fully clarified. In the present paper, the cavitation destruction of ZnAl4 as cast alloy was investigated on three laboratory stands: vibration, jet-impact and flow stands. The destruction mechanism of ZnAl4 as cast alloy subjected to cavitational erosion using various laboratory stands is shown in the present paper.
Effect of Sand Wetting on Physically Hardened Moulding Sands Containing a Selected Inorganic Binder. Part 2
Authors: Stachowicz M. , Granat K. , Pałyga Ł.
Published: January 2016

In the paper, an attempt is made to explain the previously observed increased effectiveness of utilising hydrated sodium water-glass grade 137 after hardening moulding sands with selected physical methods. In the modified process of preparing sandmixes, during stirring components, water as a wetting additive was introduced to the sand-binder system. Presented are examination results of influence of faster microwave heating and slower traditional drying of the so-prepared moulding sands on their tensile and bending strength, calculated per weight fraction of the binder. The measurement results were confronted with SEM observations of linking bridges and with chemical analyses of grain surfaces of high-silica base. On the grounds of comprehensive evaluation of hardened moulding sands, positive effects were found of the applied physical process of binder dehydration and presence of the wetting additive. It was observed that introduction of this additive during stirring, before adding the binder, improves flowing the binder to the places where durable linking bridges are created. It was also found that the applied methods of hardening by dehydration enable creation of very durable linking bridges, strongly connected with the sand base, which results in damages of high-silica grain surfaces, when the bridges are destroyed.
Applicability of Business Rules to Production Management in Foundries
Authors: Stawowy A. , Duda J. , Wrona R.
Published: January 2016

The size and complexity of decision problems in production systems and their impact on the economic results of companies make it necessary to develop new methods of solving these problems. One of the latest methods of decision support is business rules management. This approach can be used for the quantitative and qualitative decision, among them to production management. Our study has shown that the concept of business rules BR can play at most a supporting role in manufacturing management, but alone cannot form a complete solution for production management in foundries.
Modelling of the Dendritic Crystallization by the Cellular Automaton Method
Authors: Zyska A. , Konopka Z. , Łągiewka M. , Nadolski M.
Published: January 2016

A numerical model of binary alloy crystallization, based on the cellular automaton technique, is presented. The model allows to follow the crystallization front movement and to generate the images of evolution of the dendritic structures during the solidification of a binary alloy. The mathematic description of the model takes into account the proceeding thermal, diffusive, and surface phenomena. There are presented the results of numerical simulations concerning the multi-dendritic growth of solid phase along with the accompanying changes in the alloying element concentration field during the solidification of Al + 5% wt. Mg alloy. The model structure of the solidified casting was achieved and compared with the actual structure of a die casting. The dendrite interaction was studied with respect to its influence on the generation and growth of the primary and secondary dendrite arms and on the evolution of solute segregation both in the liquid and in the solid state during the crystallization of the examined alloy. The morphology of a single, free-growing dendritic crystal was also modelled. The performed investigations and analyses allowed to state e.g. that the developed numerical model correctly describes the actual evolution of the dendritic structure under the non-equilibrium conditions and provides for obtaining the qualitatively correct results of simulation of the crystallization process.
Solidification Front of Oriented Ledeburite
Authors: Trepczyńska-Łent M. , Olejnik E.
Published: January 2016

Directional solidification of the Fe - 4,3 wt % C alloy was performed with the pulling rate equal to v=83 μm/s. Sample was frozen during solidification to reveal the shape of the solid/liquid interface. Structures eutectic pyramid and spherolitic eutectic were observed. The solidification front of ledeburite eutectic was revealed. The leading phase was identified and defined.
Tin-Copper-Lead Alloy Produced by Horizontal Centrifugal Casting
Authors: Vahdat S.E.
Published: January 2016

Horizontal centrifugal casting is an effective method for the production of hollow metal with good mechanical properties, low defect, cast to size and relatively cheap. The ability of a metal to satisfy the above requirements highly depends on its microstructure. In this study, the relationship between microstructural parameters such as grain size and the amount of phases with bulk hardness of SnCu4Pb3 is concerned in three areas of the product. Consequently, to achieve the desired hardness of the product in a particular area, the interaction of two factors of the microstructure including, grain size and particles amount of the hard intermetallic compositions (Cu6Sn5) should be noted.
Evaluation method of single blow experiment for the determination of heat transfer coefficient and dispersive Peclet number
Authors: Roetzel Wilfried , Na Ranong Chakkrit
Published: January 2016

An evaluation method is developed for single blow experiments with liquids on heat exchangers. The method is based on the unity Mach number dispersion model. The evaluation of one experiment yields merely one equation for the two unknowns, the number of transfer units and the dispersive Peclet number. Calculations on an example confirm that one single blow test alone cannot provide reliable values of the unknowns. A second test with a liquid of differing heat capacity is required, or a tracer experiment for the measurement of the Peclet number. A modified method is developed for gases. One experiment yields the effective number of transfer units and approximate values of the two unknowns. The numerical evaluation of calculated experiments demonstrates the applicability of the evaluation methods.
Investigation of flow structures during HFE-7100 refrigerant condensation
Authors: Bohdal Tadeusz , Sikora Małgorzata , Widomska Katarzyna , Radchenko Andrii M.
Published: January 2016

The experimental research of environmentally friendly refrigerant HFE-7100 condensation in pipe minichannels was conducted. During the investigations of HFE-7100 condensation in a minichannel with internal diameter 2 mm together with visualization of flow patterns was made. Visualization results were compared with existing flow structure maps. The identification of the range of flow patterns occurrence during the condensation process of low-pressure refrigerant HFE-7100 was made. The tests were performed throughout the whole range of condensation process.
On the scores and degrees in hypertournaments
Authors: Pirzada Shariefuddin , Raja Rameez , Iványi Antal
Published: January 2016

A k-hypertournament H = (V, A), where V is the vertex set and A is an arc set, is a complete k-hypergraph with each k-edge endowed with an orientation, that is, a linear arrangement of the vertices contained in the edge. In a k-hypertournament, the score si
(losing score ri
) of a vertex is the number of edges containing vi
in which vi
is not the last element(in which vi
is the last element) and the total score of a vertex vi
is ti = si − ri
. For v ∈ V we denote

d
H
+

=

∑

a
∈
H

ρ
(
v
,
a
)

$d_H^ + = \sum\limits_{a \in H} {\rho (v,a)} $

(or simply d+
(v)) the degree of a vertex where, ρ(v, a) is k − i if v ∈ a ∈ A and v is the ith entry in a, otherwise zero. In this paper, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for a k-hypertournament to be degree regular. We use the inequalities of Holder and Chebyshev from mathematical analysis to study the score and degree structure of the k-hypertournaments.
Aggravation of Risk and Precautionary Measures in Non-Life Insurance: A Tricky Scope for the Insurer?
Authors: Olavi-Jüri Luik , Rainer Ratnik , Magnus Braun
Published: January 2016

Aggravation of risk and failure to take precautionary measures are focal issues in non-life insurance in terms of potential partial or full release of the insurer from the duty to perform. Not infrequently, it is difficult to draw a line between the aggravation of risk on the one hand, and non-compliance with precautionary measures on the other, since a particular action by a policyholder may present both situations. At the same time, the legal remedies available to the insurer regarding these two situations are different in scope. The aggravation of risk and non-compliance with precautionary measures are precisely the bases on which insurers actually reduce indemnity or refuse to compensate for damages. This article explores the differences between insurance laws in the Baltic states—specifically, the Estonian Law of Obligations Act, the Latvian Insurance Contract Law and Lithuanian rules contained in the Civil Code and Insurance Law. The article explores the differences between the Baltic states’ insurance laws and the Principles of European Insurance Contract Law (PEICL) with regard to a policyholder’s duty in relation to aggravation of risk and precautionary measures, as the rights and obligations of policyholders do change where the optional instrument is applied. The article also includes comparisons to German, Finnish and Russian insurance law.
Selenium induced selenocysteine methyltransferase gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activities in Astragalus chrysochlorus
Authors: Çakir Özgür , Turgut-Kara Neslihan , Ari Şule
Published: January 2016

Astragalus sp. are used in folk medicine because of their biological activities and are known for the ability to accumulate high levels of selenium (Se). The purpose of this study was to explore gene expression of selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMT), responsible for forming MeSeCys, and activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) enzymes in callus tissues of Astragalus chrysochlorus growing in different Se-containing media. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was done for quantification of SMT gene transcript and it was normalized to actin gene. It was found that transcript level of callus tissues grown at 5.2 μM and 26.4 μM Se-enriched media was lower than that of the control callus. In contrast, a high level of Se (132.3 μM) in the medium caused an approximately 4.26 times higher level of SMT transcript in callus than the control. APX, POX, CAT and GR enzymes were all effected by different Se concentrations. While POX and APX activities were higher then control, CAT and GR activities decreased. These results show that an increase of SMT gene expression led to a rise in APX and POX, but a suppression of CAT and GR enzymes activities in Astragalus chrysochlorus. This suggests that Se could be involved in the antioxidant metabolism in Astragalus chrysochlorus.