bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of lumped hydrological modeling in a semi-arid mountainous
catchment facing water-use changes
Authors: Hublart Paul , Ruelland Denis , García de Cortázar-Atauri Inaki , Gascoin Simon , Lhermitte Stef , Ibacache Antonio
Published: September 2016

Abstract. This paper explores the reliability of a hydrological modeling framework in a mesoscale (1515 km2) catchment of the dry Andes (30° S) where irrigation water use and snow sublimation represent a significant part of the annual water balance. To this end, a 20-year simulation period encompassing a wide range of climate and water-use conditions was selected to evaluate three types of integrated models referred to as A, B and C. These models share the same runoff generation and routing module but differ in their approach to snowmelt modeling and irrigation water use. Model A relies on a simple degree-day approach to estimate snowmelt rates and assumes that irrigation impacts can be neglected at the catchment scale. Model B ignores irrigation impacts just as Model A but uses an enhanced degree-day approach to account for the effects of net radiation and sublimation on melt rates. Model C relies on the same snowmelt routine as Model B but incorporates irrigation impacts on natural streamflow using a conceptual irrigation module. Overall, the reliability of probabilistic streamflow predictions was greatly improved with Model C, resulting in narrow uncertainty bands and reduced structural errors, notably during dry years. This model-based analysis also stressed the importance of considering sublimation in empirical snowmelt models used in the subtropics, and provided evidence that water abstractions from the unregulated river are impacting on the hydrological response of the system. This work also highlighted areas requiring additional research, including the need for a better conceptualization of runoff generation processes in the dry Andes.
Estimating soil erosion risk and evaluating erosion control measures for soil conservation planning at Koga Watershed, Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Molla Tegegne , Sisheber Biniam
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Soil erosion is one of the major factor affecting sustainability of agricultural production in Ethiopia. This research applied recently validated RUSLE soil erosion model based on 6 to 14 years data for the Ethiopian highlands to estimate soil erosion and to evaluate soil conservation strategies in the Koga watershed. In this study, the average annual soil loss rate determined is 30.2 t ha−1 yr−1. The lowest soil loss is estimated about 12.1 t ha−1 yr−1 around the outlet of the Koga river which is greater than the minimum tolerable soil loss (2 t ha−1 yr−1). The highest soil loss is estimated from the steep slopes of upper watershed which is 456.2 t ha−1 yr−1 by far higher than the maximum tolerable soil loss (18 t ha−1 yr−1). Using ordinary least square regression, existing land use aggravates soil erosion with 92 % overall coefficient of determination (R2). The topographic factor also influences soil loss with 89 % R2 value. Based on the evaluation of technical standards of soil conservation measures, 35.56 % of the existing soil conservation practices fit with the recommended national standard which has less contribution to tackle soil erosion. Therefore, to sustain agricultural practices, appropriate and standardized soil conservation structures on different erosion prone land uses and landforms should be implemented in Koga watershed.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Firms’ Performance: An Empirical Analysis of Firms Listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange
Authors: Alhumoudi Hamad Yuosef
Published: September 2016

This study examines whether implementation of internal CG mechanisms have affected the performance of non-financial firms listed on the Saudi stock exchange “Tadawul”, since the implementation of Saudi CG code. A cross-sectional regression analysis is employed on a sample of 118 non-financial Saudi firms in 2014, to test the hypotheses set out in the study. Board characteristics assessed include, board size, board composition, board meetings and CEO duality. Ownership structures include managerial and concentrated ownership. The study's empirical findings show board size and CEO duality, are amongst those board characteristics with a positive influence on firm performance. In the case of the second internal mechanisms of CG ownership structures, the findings suggest only managerial ownership positively affects performance. The study findings conclude that CG structures differ in every country, as each has its own social and regulations situation. The study contributes to existing literature about the CG in Saudi Arabia by reviewing the impact of CG practices eight years after the CGC. It enhances understanding among practitioners of CG, and explains how it influences firm performance in Saudi.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Biology and Life Science, Vol. 7, No. 2
Authors: Lee Kelvin
Published: September 2016

Journal of Biology and Life Science (JBLS) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from February 1, 2016 to August 1, 2016. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether JBLS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.

 Abhay Anand Shukla

Geonyzl Lepiten Alviola

Ghulam Nabi

Hossam El-Din Mohamed Omar

Khyati hitesh shah

Naimesh Solanki

Palmiro Poltronieri

Qi Sun

Rajeshwari Valiathan

Shuchi Gupta

Waldiney Mello
Party Cross-carpeting in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: Cases and Causes
Authors: Awofeso Olu , A. Irabor Paul
Published: September 2016

The study examines party cross-carpeting in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. These were with the view to investigating the effects of cross-carpeting on the country’s democratic engagement. From historical antecedence standpoint, the study reveals that cross-carpeting was patterned towards ethnic/religion inclination, intra-party feud and selfish interest of the political class. Coupled with these anti-democratic tendencies, the study also found that indiscipline in political parties and lack of ideology were the major factors that determined cross-carpeting in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Finally, the study affirms that party discipline and ideology must be strictly adhered to by political parties to check the menace of incessant cross-carpeting among political office holders.
Influences of Macau Visitor Expectations on Purchase and Behavioural Intention: Perspectives of Low-cost Carrier Passengers
Authors: Leou Chia Hsin EuseBio , Chan Suk Ha Grace , Li Yang Marco , Song Yang Carol
Published: September 2016

In today’s highly competitive environment, air transport is crucial to tourism development. A destination marketer must understand the reasons that affect visitors’ purchase behaviour to facilitate service quality. This study aimed to provide specific clues to understanding the low-cost airline (LCA) business in a broad context and to present a holistic perspective of the buying behaviour of low-cost carrier (LCC) passengers. Through its investigation of the motivations of LCC passengers, it found that the main determinants of passengers’ behavioural intentions rested on the values of these passengers and their satisfaction with the destination. This study adopted a qualitative approach in which 30 individuals who travelled to Macau within the last 6 months were interviewed. According to the results, the destination of Macau had a significantly positive effect on the visitors’ purchase intentions. Recommendations for destination marketers are identified in this study.
Mapping Soil Moisture as an Indicator of Wildfire Risk Using Landsat 8 Images in Sri Lanna National Park, Northern Thailand
Authors: Burapapol Kansuma , Nagasawa Ryota
Published: September 2016

Severely dry climate plays an important role in the occurrence of wildfires in Thailand. Soil water deficits increase dry conditions, resulting in more intense and longer burning wildfires. The temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) and the normalized difference drought index (NDDI) were used to estimate soil moisture during the dry season to explore its use for wildfire risk assessment. The results reveal that the normalized difference wet index (NDWI) and land surface temperature (LST) can be used for TVDI calculation. Scatter plots of both NDWI/LST and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)/LST exhibit the triangular shape typical for the theoretical TVDI. However, the NDWI is more significantly correlated to LST than the NDVI. Linear regression analysis, carried out to extract the maximum and minimum LSTs (LSTmax, LSTmin), indicate that LSTmax andLSTmin delineated by the NDWI better fulfill the collinearity requirement than those defined by the NDVI. Accordingly, the NDWI-LST relationship is better suited to calculate the TVDI. This modified index, called TVDINDWI-LST, was applied together with the NDDI to establish a regression model for soil moisture estimates. The soil moisture model fulfills statistical requirements by achieving 76.65% consistency with the actual soil moisture and estimated soil moisture generated by our model. The relationship between soil moisture estimated from our model and leaf fuel moisture indicates that soil moisture can be used as a complementary dataset to assess wildfire risk, because soil moisture and fuel moisture content (FMC) show the same or similar behavior under dry conditions.
Effects of Nitrogen on Seedling Growth of Wheat Varieties under Salt Stress
Authors: Ibrahim Muhi Eldeen Hussien , Zhu Xinkai , Zhou G. , Abidallhaa Eltayib H. M. A.
Published: September 2016

Wheat growth is hampered by various environmental stresses including salinity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nitrogen effect on seedling emergence and growth under salinity conditions. For this reason the seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties Argine, and Elnilein from Sudan and Xumai 30, and Yang 10-13 from China were cultured under four NaCl solutions containing (0, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl) and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (N0 = 0, N1 = 105, and N2 12 = 210 kg N/h). Emergence percentage and early growth were determined. There were significant differences among salinity and N levels for emergence percentage shoot and root length, dry weight, salt tolerance index, and seedling vigor index. At all salinity levels, the varieties showed similar salt resistance, but each responded differently. Nitrogen affected positively on the seedling characteristics under saline soil. Elnilein had a better emergence percentage, shoot and root length, dry weight, salt tolerance index, and seedling vigor index than the other varieties. Elnilein is recommended for saline soils. We suggest that a simple seedling test would be a useful selection tool in order to develop productive new wheat lines on saline soils.
Yield and Quality Traits of Some Flax Cultivars as Influenced by Different Irrigation Intervals
Authors: Rashwan Emad , Mousa Ahmed , EL-Sabagh Ayman , Barutçular Celaleddin
Published: September 2016

Flax is a potential winter crop for Egypt that can be grown for both seed and fiber. The study was conducted during two successive winter seasons of 2013/14 and 2014/15 in the experimental farm of El-Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, Agriculture Research Centre, Egypt. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of irrigation intervals (25, 35 and 45) on the straw, seed, oil, fiber yields and quality of flax cultivars (Sakha1, Giza9 and Giza10). Irrigation intervals significantly influenced all studied traits except oil percentage. Irrigated flax plants every 35 days gave the maximum values for all traits, while irrigation every 45 days gave the minimum values. In respect to cultivars, significant differences were found in most yield and quality characters. Furthermore, the performance of Sakha 1 cultivar was superior in main stem diameter, biological, straw yields per faddan, seed index, seed, oil yields per faddan and oil percentage. Meanwhile, Giza 10 cultivar highly significantly out yielded Giza9 and Sakha1 in plant height, fiber fineness, fiber length, total fiber percentage and fiber yield per faddan. The interactions between irrigation intervals and flax cultivars were highly significant for all traits. Based on the results, Sakha1 cultivar recorded the maximum values for main stem diameter, biological, straw yields per faddan, seed, oil yields per faddan and oil percentage and Giza 10 recorded the maximum values for plant height, fiber fineness, fiber length, total fiber percentage and fiber yield per faddan under irrigation of plants every 35 days.
Efficacy of Paper Mill Sludge Along with Organic and Inorganic Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Dalei Bibhuti Bhusan , Sahoo Bibhuti Bhusan , Nayak Lalatendu , Meena Manoj Kumar , Phonglosa Amit , Acharya Pravamayee , Senapati Niranjan
Published: September 2016

Red soils are strongly to moderately acidic with low to medium organic matter and poor water retentive capacity. These soils are deficient in macro as well as micronutrients like boron and molybdenum. Being a commercially cultivated crop turmeric production was drastically affected in such type of soil. To defence against the above said crisis an experiment was conducted with seven treatments and replicated thrice, at Regional Research & Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), during kharif-2012, under Eastern Ghat High Land zone of Odisha, to assess the efficacy of paper mill sludge (PMS) with a mixture of organic and inorganic fertilizers on turmeric cv. Roma. Results revealed that application of 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer with PMS i.e. (T3) recorded highest fresh rhizome yield of 285.30 q per ha followed by 100% RDF i.e. T2 with 261.83 q per ha which is at par with T3. Maximum plant height of 136.97 cm along with highest weight of 73.25 g and 98.27 g of primary and secondary fingers per clump respectively were obtained from T3.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 8, No. 10
Authors: Brown Anne
Published: September 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 8, No. 10, 2016.
Eenvoudig beter?
Authors: van den Broek Andries , Steenbekkers Anja , van Houwelingen Pepijn , Putters Kim
Published: September 2016

Dossier

In this feature authors discuss recent research findings that are of interest to readers of Beleid en Maatschappij.
Storm op komst voor bestuurders en commissarissen in de semipublieke sector
Authors: de Ruijter B.A.
Published: September 2016

Storm op komst voor bestuurders en commissarissen in de semipublieke sector. De Wet bestuur en toezicht rechtspersonen komt eraan!

Begin juni is het wetsvoorstel bestuur en toezicht rechtspersonen ingediend bij de Tweede Kamer. Dit wetsvoorstel beoogt de regeling voor bestuur en toezicht bij de verschillende soorten rechtspersonen aan te vullen en te verduidelijken. Dit zorgt vooral voor een aanscherping van het wettelijk kader bij de niet-commerciële vereniging en de stichting. Dus semipublieke sector: opgelet!
Nederland en kinderhuwelijken
Authors: Rutten Susan
Published: September 2016

The Netherlands and child marriages

Current developments and recent research findings reveal that the Netherlands have to cope with the existence of child marriages. In this article it will be examined whether the modifications that were introduced by the Dutch marriage law that entered into force at the end of 2015, can be expected to contribute to the improvement of issues on child marriages.
Crítica ao debate em torno das finalidades do ensino médio
Authors: Giovinazzo Junior Carlos Antonio
Published: September 2016

Tendo como referncia a teoria crtica da sociedade, este estudo apresenta consideraessobre a necessidade de estudos que tomem o ensino mdio como prtica social, bem comoos conceitos que so a base da anlise realizada. Em seguida, so problematizados aspectosrelacionados s peculiaridades do ensino mdio (funo da escola, formao para o trabalho,experincia dos estudantes na escola e formao poltica). O ensino mdio pode se constituir emimportante espao para o debate acerca da vida social, o que adquiriria uma dimenso formativainegvel, permitindo que os jovens refletissem sobre suas prprias aspiraes e expectativasem confronto com as necessidades sociais.
Políticas educacionais para o Ensino Médio e sua gestão no Brasil contemporâneo. Entrevista com a Profª Drª Monica Ribeiro da Silva
Authors: Roggero Rosemary
Published: September 2016

Dialogia entrevista a Professora Monica, em busca de suas reflexes sobre o ensino mdio, sobretudo no mbito das polticas educacionais e de gesto deste nvel de ensino.
Composition and structure of the flora in intra-urban railway areas
Authors: Wrzesień Małgorzta , Denisow Bożena , Mamchur Zvenyslava , Chuba Maria , Resler Ija
Published: September 2016

Railway areas are considered as large greenspaces and are recognized important in improving the biodiversity and dynamic of urban flora. In this study, we examined the flora composition and diversity along intra-city railway lines in Lublin, SE Poland and Lviv, W Ukraine. The flora has been analyzed in terms of species composition (multivariate ordination techniques), life span, life form, type of pollination mode, seed dispersal, life strategy sensu Grime, hemerophoby, urbanity degree, and in terms of habitat preferences using ecological indicator values. The multivariate analysis (CCA) clearly revealed that abiotic factors (topographical), weather elements (annual precipitation and air temperature), and soil attributes (moisture, trophy, pH, salinity) differed between two cities and impacted on the differences in railway flora composition. Plants growing on the intra-urban railway areas are mainly hemicryptophytes/perennials, C, CR, CRS-strategists, insect-, self-, or wind-pollinated, reproducing by seeds and mainly dispersed by wind. Intra-urban railway areas are predominated by native species, however the participation of invasive alien species is higher than their proportion in domestic floras. The share of invasive species is greater in railway areas of Lviv, ca. 12% (45 species) compared to 8% in Lublin (36 species). Spontaneous flora in intra-urban railway areas represent distinct adaptations to unique urban-industrial ecosystems with different degree of anthropogenic disturbance.
Formação continuada dos professores das escolas técnicas da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Authors: Milanesi Paola Mendes , Maciel Caciara Gonzatto , Piveta Graziela , Gonzatto Rogério , Rocha Karla Marques da
Published: September 2016

Neste texto destaca-se a importância da formação continuada de professores, tendo como objetivo analisar a participação dos docentes dos Colégios Politécnico e Técnico Industrial - Ctism - da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM - em cursos de formação continuada. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, sendo os dados coletados por meio de um questionário de múltipla escolha que foi aplicado para os docentes das referidas instituições. Concluiu-se que a maioria dos professores dos colégios Politécnico e Ctism da UFSM participam de cursos de formação continuada e recebem incentivos das suas instituições. Ainda, os professores frequentam cursos de atualização na área da educação, mesmo aqueles que estão inseridos em áreas mais técnicas.Palavras-chave: atualização profissional, ensino tecnológico.
Ensino médio politécnico no Rio Grande do Sul (2011-2014): fatores que interferem na ressignificação da política, no contexto da prática, em escolas de Farroupilha/RS
Authors: Marchetto Suelen , Corsetti Berenice
Published: September 2016

Este texto se vincula com pesquisa que está em desenvolvimento no curso de Mestrado em Educação da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos. O tema da investigação é a implementação do ensino médio politécnico no Rio Grande do Sul entre os anos 2011 e 2014. A partir da pesquisa pretende-se identificar os fatores que conduzem, no contexto da prática, as resistências e ressignificações dadas à política educacional do ensino médio politécnico. O campo empírico escolhido para a realização da investigação são duas escolas de ensino médio da cidade de Farroupilha/RS, que apresentam realidades sociais e econômicas diferentes. O projeto de investigação está em andamento, na fase de análise do material coletado no campo empírico.Palavras-chave: política educacional, materialismo histórico-dialético, ciclo de políticas, ensino médio politécnico.
Gestão escolar num processo educacional mediado pelas tecnologias na área ciências da natureza
Authors: Melchior Marcia , Mallmann Elena Maria
Published: September 2016

O uso das tecnologias na mediação escolar é um fator principal no processo de ensino e aprendizagem no mundo contemporâneo. Deste modo, o presente artigo tem o objetivo principal mostrar a caracterização e formas de utilização das TIC na área Ciências da Natureza na Escola Estadual de Ensino Médio Guia Lopes, localizada na cidade de Candelária - RS. De natureza qualitativa por meio de estudo de caso, a pesquisa foi realizada com observações diretas realizadas no local e por um questionário enviado via e-mail a oito professores da área pesquisada. A análise apresentou indícios de que houve incentivos por parte da gestão escolar na integração e inserção das TIC.Palavras-chave: gestão escolar, ciências da natureza e tecnologias.
Calcified fibrous nodules in masseter muscle - A case report and possible etiologies
Authors: Barros Renata Cunha , Gonçalves Gabriela Mendes , Moreira David , Setubal Miguel Andrade , Ramos Eduardo Gonçalves , Medrado Alena Ribeiro Alves Peixoto
Published: September 2016

Fibro-calcified nodules represent a rare group of lesions that are composed of fibrous connective tissue with calcified areas. The etiology of fibro-calcified nodules may be related to secondary changes that are caused by trauma, infectious and autoimmune diseases, or calcified thrombi. The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of a lesion of a fibro-calcified nature in the masseter muscle and its possible etiologies. The patient, a 35-year-old melanoderm female, presented with a nodule in the left masseter region with 12 months of pro- gression. Considering the accessibility of the lesion, an excisional biopsy was performed. A histopathological examination revealed residual fibro-calcified nodules with central foci of coagulation necrosis surrounded by fatty tissue and striated skeletal muscle fibers. The test for acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus (BAAR) was negative. Two years after the surgical procedure, there were no signs of lesion recurrence. Thus, the results of histochemical staining ratified the fibro-calcified aspect of the lesion, which suggested dystrophic calcification.
Oral manifestation of thrombocytopenia in immunosuppressed patient - Report of case
Authors: Lima Antonio Adilson Soares de , Melo Norma Suely Falcao de Oliveira , Gil Francisca Berenice Dias
Published: September 2016

Thrombocytopenia (or thrombopenia) is a relative decrease of platelets in blood.This condition is associated with increased mortality rates in critically ill patients. It is especially present in cases of sepsis, but can also be caused by medications or associated with the use of foreign materials. Many physiological mechanisms (immune-mediated, consumption or destruction) are involved in the decrease of platelet count. This manuscript describes a case of severe thrombocytopenia with oral manifestation in immunosuppressed patient. A 39-year-old male was admitted to the Hospital Oswaldo Cruz complaining of bleeding in the lower lip. Epistaxis, crusts on the lips and red lesions in the hard palate were observed.
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS)
Authors: Nogueira Alexandre Simoes , Nogueira Carlos Bruno Pinheiro , Medeiros Rômulo , Beviláqua Ana Cristina , Santos Paulo Sérgio da Silva , Rubira-Bullen Izabel Regina Fischer , Gonçales Eduardo Sanches
Published: September 2016

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic condition characterized by premature aging and it’s about one case for every four to eight million people. Children affected usually have premature death due to cardiovascular problems. The gene that causes progeria was recently discovered and it has attracted the interest of the scientific community worldwide not only by the possibility of cure of this genetic pathology but also because of the possibility to retard or to minimize the effects of premature aging caused by the disease in human beings. Among the oral and facial findings is remarkable the delay in tooth eruption, the micrognathia and the disproportion between the skull and face. Dental treatment is directed to preventive aspects and strict supervision of oral conditions in order to minimize the need for more invasive treatments. The authors highlight the most relevant aspects related to that syndrome, emphasizing the important aspects to all the oral and maxillofacial surgeons, reporting a case of progeria in a five-year old Brazilian child.
Canalicular adenoma of the minor salivary gland in the upper lip
Authors: Stramandinoli-Zanicotti Roberta Targa , Cesa Thiago Serafim , Giustina Jean Della , Bahr Joao Augusto , Schussel Juliana Lucena , Sassi Laurindo Moacir
Published: September 2016

Canalicular adenoma is a rare benign tumor of the minor salivary glands that is the most prevalent in older adults (mean age, 60 years). The upper lip is the most commonly affected site, followed by the buccal mucosa and palate. It presents as a nodular lesion without a tendency for recurrence. Here, we describe a case of canalicular adenoma presenting as a nodular, painful mass in the upper lip of a 62-year-old man with a history of trauma. Fine needle aspiration biopsy yielded inconclusive results but excluded malignancy. The lesion was enucleated, and a definitive diagnosis of canalicular adenoma was established by histological and immunohistochemical analyses. No signs of recurrence were noted at the 8-month follow-up examination. The case emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis of nodular lesions in the oral mucosa for appropriate treatment and histological analysis for definitive diagnosis.
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome
Authors: Pinto Lucielma Salmito Soares , Carlos-Bregni Román , Martelli Júnior Hercílio , Melo Filho Mário Rodrigues , Wilson Delgado Azañero  , León Jorge Esquiche , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , Almeida Oslei Paes , Jorge Jacks
Published: September 2016

The nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. It is caused by mutations in the patched gene, mapped to chromosome 9q22.3-q31. Its characteristics include multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, vertebral and rib anomalies, and intracranial calcifications. Here, we describe the features of 4 familial and 2 sporadic cases of the NBCCS.
Orofacial manifestations of the Levy-Hollister syndrome
Authors: Costa Denis Damiao , Duplat Candice Belchior Silva , Mariano Mariana Mota Campos , Nascimento Bruno Campos , Maia Caroline Chaves , Falcao Antônio Fernando Pereira
Published: September 2016

The Levy–Hollister syndrome, also known as the lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital (LADD) syndrome, shows different phenotypes, resulting in a variety of local and systemic signs and symptoms. It is a rare hereditary disorder that mainly causes lacrimal, auricular, and auditory apparatus disturbances and dental and digital anomalies. Here, we describe a case of the Levy–Hollister syndrome in a 24-year-old woman and focus on its orofacial manifestations. The patient had chronic lacrimation, low-set ears, thumb agenesis, elbows with limited pronation and supination movements, pronounced hallux on the left foot, concave facial profile, and tooth roots with atypical morphology.The case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for early diagnosis of the Levy–Hollister syndrome.
Translating Learning Trajectories Into Useable Tools for Teachers
Authors: Edgington Cyndi , Wilson P. Holt , Sztajn Paola , Webb Jared
Published: September 2016

Mathematics teacher educators play a critical role in translating research findings into frameworks that are useful for mathematics teachers in their daily practice. In this article, we describe the development of a representation that brings together four research-based learning trajectories on number and operations. We detail our design process, present the ways in which we shared this representation with teachers during a professional development project, and provide evidence of the ways teachers used this translation of research into a pedagogical tool to make sense of students' mathematics. We conclude with revisions to the representation based on our analysis and discuss the role of mathematics teacher educators in translating research findings into useful tools for teachers.
Aberrant Transforming Growth Factor-β Activation Recruits Mesenchymal Stem Cells During Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Wang Long , Xie Liang , Tintani Francis , Xie Hui , Li Changjun , Cui Zhuang , Wan Mei , Zu Xiongbing , Qi Lin , Cao Xu
Published: September 2016

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the overgrowth of prostate tissues with high prevalence in older men. BPH pathogenesis is not completely understood, but it is believed to be a result of de novo overgrowth of prostatic stroma. In this study, we show that aberrant activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mobilizes mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs) in circulating blood, which are recruited for the prostatic stromal hyperplasia. Elevated levels of active TGF-β were observed in both a phenylephrine-induced prostatic hyperplasia mouse model and human BPH tissues. Nestin lineage tracing revealed that 39.6% ± 6.3% of fibroblasts and 73.3% ± 4.2% smooth muscle cells were derived from nestin+ cells in Nestin-Cre, Rosa26-YFPflox/+mice. Nestin+ MSCs were increased in the prostatic hyperplasia mice. Our parabiosis experiment demonstrate that nestin+ MSCs were mobilized and recruited to the prostatic stroma of wild-type mice and gave rise to the fibroblasts. Moreover, injection of a TGF-β neutralizing antibody (1D11) inhibits mobilization of MSCs, their recruitment to the prostatic stroma and hyperplasia. Importantly, knockout of TβRII in nestin+ cell lineage ameliorated stromal hyperplasia. Thus, elevated levels of TGF-β-induced mobilization and recruitment of MSCs to the reactive stroma resulting in overgrowth of prostate tissues in BPH and, thus, inhibition of TGF-β activity could be a potential therapy for BPH.
Neural Progenitor-Like Cells Induced from Human Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate Myelination of Schwann Cells in Rat Sciatic Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Qunzhou , Nguyen Phuong , Xu Qilin , Park Wonse , Lee Sumin , Furuhashi Akihiro , Le Anh D.
Published: September 2016

Regeneration of peripheral nerve injury remains a major clinical challenge. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered as potential candidates for peripheral nerve regeneration; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that human gingiva-derived MSCs (GMSCs) could be directly induced into multipotent NPCs (iNPCs) under minimally manipulated conditions without the introduction of exogenous genes. Using a crush-injury model of rat sciatic nerve, we demonstrate that GMSCs transplanted to the injury site could differentiate into neuronal cells, whereas iNPCs could differentiate into both neuronal and Schwann cells. After crush injury, iNPCs, compared with GMSCs, displayed superior therapeutic effects on axonal regeneration at both the injury site and the distal segment of the injured sciatic nerve. Mechanistically, transplantation of GMSCs, especially iNPCs, significantly attenuated injury-triggered increase in the expression of c-Jun, a transcription factor that functions as a major negative regulator of myelination and plays a central role in dedifferentiation/reprogramming of Schwann cells into a progenitor-like state. Meanwhile, our results also demonstrate that transplantation of GMSCs and iNPCs consistently increased the expression of Krox-20/EGR2, a transcription factor that governs the expression of myelin proteins and facilitates myelination. Altogether, our findings suggest that transplantation of GMSCs and iNPCs promotes peripheral nerve repair/regeneration, possibly by promoting remyelination of Schwann cells mediated via the regulation of the antagonistic myelination regulators, c-Jun and Krox-20/EGR2.
Predoping effects of boron and phosphorous on arsenic diffusion along grain boundaries in polycrystalline silicon investigated by atom probe tomography
Authors: Takamizawa Hisashi , Shimizu Yasuo , Inoue Koji , Nozawa Yasuko , Toyama Takeshi , Yano Fumiko , Inoue Masao , Nishida Akio , Nagai Yasuyoshi
Published: September 2016

The effect of P or B predoping on As diffusion in polycrystalline Si was investigated by atom probe tomography. In all samples, a high concentration of As was found at grain boundaries, indicating that such boundaries are the main diffusion path. However, As grain-boundary diffusion was suppressed in the B-doped sample and enhanced in the P-doped sample. In a sample codoped with both P and B, As diffusion was somewhat enhanced, indicating competition between the effects of the two dopants. The results suggest that As grain-boundary diffusion can be controlled by varying the local concentration of P or B.
Is there any effect of pneumoperitoneum pressure on coagulation and fibrinolysis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Authors: Donmez Turgut , Uzman Sinan , Yildirim Dogan , Hut Adnan , Avaroglu Huseyin Imam , Erdem Duygu Ayfer , Cekic Erdinc , Erozgen Fazilet
Published: September 2016

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) are generally performed in a 12 mmHg-pressured pneumoperitoneum in a slight sitting position. Considerable thromboembolism risk arises in this operation due to pneumoperitoneum, operation position and risk factors of patients. We aim to investigate the effect of pneumoperitoneum pressure on coagulation and fibrinolysis under general anesthesia.

Material and Methods

Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) I–III patients who underwent elective LC without thromboprophlaxis were enrolled in this prospective study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the pneumoperitoneum pressure during LC: the 10 mmHg group (n= 25) and the 14 mmHg group. Prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and blood levels of d-dimer and fibrinogen were measured preoperatively (pre), one hour (post1) and 24 h (post24) after the surgery. Moreover, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase and lactate dehydrogenase were measured before and after the surgery. These parameters were compared between and within the groups.

Results

PT, TT, aPTT, INR, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels significantly increased after the surgery in both of the groups. D-dimer level was significantly higher in 14-mmHg group at post24.

Conclusion

Both the 10-mmHg and 14-mmHg pressure of pneumoperitoneum may lead to affect coagulation tests and fibrinogen and D-dimer levels without any occurrence of deep vein thrombosis, but 14-mmHg pressure of pneumoperitoneum has a greater effect on D-dimer. However, lower pneumoperitoneum pressure may be useful for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
Impact of exposure to tobacco smoke, arsenic, and phthalates on locally advanced cervical cancer treatment—preliminary results
Authors: Neamtiu Iulia A. , Bloom Michael S. , Dumitrascu Irina , Roba Carmen A. , Pop Cristian , Ordeanu Claudia , Balacescu Ovidiu , Gurzau Eugen S.
Published: September 2016

Background

Cancer research is a national and international priority, with the efficiency and effectiveness of current anti-tumor therapies being one of the major challenges with which physicians are faced.

Objective

To assess the impact of exposure to tobacco smoke, arsenic, and phthalates on cervical cancer treatment.

Methods

We investigated 37 patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We determined cotinine and five phthalate metabolites in urine samples collected prior to cancer treatment, by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and urinary total arsenic by atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generation. We used linear regression to evaluate the effects of cotinine, arsenic, and phthalates on the change in tumor size after treatment, adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

We detected no significant associations between urinary cotinine, arsenic, or phthalate monoesters on change in tumor size after treatment, adjusted for urine creatinine, age, baseline tumor size, and cotinine (for arsenic and phthalates). However, higher %mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (%MEHP), a putative indicator of phthalate diester metabolism, was associated with a larger change in tumor size (β= 0.015, 95% CI [0.003–0.03],P= 0.019).

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant association between the urinary levels of arsenic, cotinine, and phthalates metabolites and the response to cervical cancer treatment as measured by the change in tumor size. Still, our results suggested that phthalates metabolism may be associated with response to treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. However, these observations are preliminary and will require confirmation in a larger, more definitive investigation.
Do the same risk and protective factors influence aggression toward partners and same‐sex others?
Authors: Bates Elizabeth A. , Archer John , Graham‐Kevan Nicola
Published: September 2016

The current studies examined whether several risk and protective factors operate similarly for intimate partner violence (IPV) and same‐sex aggression (SSA) in the same sample, and to assess whether they show similar associations for men and women. Study 1 (N = 345) tested perceived benefits and costs, and instrumental and expressive beliefs about aggression: perceived costs predicted IPV and SSA for both men and women. Expressive beliefs predicted IPV (more strongly for women), and instrumental beliefs predicted SSA. Study 2 (N = 395) investigated self‐control, anxiety and empathy, finding that self‐control strongly predicted both types of aggression in both sexes. Study 3 (N = 364) found that primary psychopathy (involving lack of anxiety) was associated with IPV for men and SSA in both sexes, whereas secondary psychopathy (involving lack of self‐control) was associated with IPV and SSA in both sexes. Overall there were both similarities and differences in the risk factors associated with IPV and SSA, and for men and women. The implications of the findings for theoretical debates about the study of IPV are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 43:163–175, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of a Dandelion‐Like Supramolecular Polymer into Nanotubes for use as Highly Efficient Aqueous Light‐Harvesting Systems
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Liu Yannan , Fan Yujiao , Yu Chunyang , Zheng Yongli , Jin Haibao , Fu Li , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: September 2016

A dandelion‐like supramolecular polymer (DSP) with a “sphere‐star‐parachute” topological structure consisting of a spherical hyperbranched core and many parachute‐like arms is constructed by the non‐covalent host–guest coupling between a cyclodextrin‐endcapped hyperbranched multi‐arm copolymer (host) and many functionalized adamantanes with each having three alkyl chain arms (guests). The obtained DSPs can further self‐assemble into nanotubes in water in a hierarchical way from vesicles to nanotubes through sequential vesicle aggregation and fusion steps. The nanotubes have a bilayer structure consisting of multiple “hydrophobic‐hyperbranched‐hydrophilic” layers. Such a structure is very useful for constructing a chlorosome‐like artificial aqueous light‐harvesting system, as demonstrated here, via the incorporation of hydrophobic 4‐(2‐hydroxyethylamino)‐7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole as donors inside the hyperbranched cores of the nanotubes and the hydrophilic Rhodamine B as the acceptors immobilized on the nanotube surfaces. This as‐prepared nanotube light harvesting system demonstrates unexpectedly high energy transfer efficiency (above 90%) in water. This extends supramolecular polymers with more complex topological structure, special self‐assembly behavior, and new functionality.
Photoactuators for Direct Optical‐to‐Mechanical Energy Conversion: From Nanocomponent Assembly to Macroscopic Deformation
Authors: Hu Ying , Li Zhe , Lan Tian , Chen Wei
Published: September 2016

Photoactuators with integrated optical‐to‐mechanical energy conversion capacity have attracted growing research interest in the last few decades due to their unique features of remote control and their wide applications ranging from bionic robots, biomedical devices, and switches to motors. For the photoactuator design, the energy conversion route and structure assembly are two important parts, which directly affect the performance of the photoactuators. In particular, the architectural designs at the molecular, nano‐, micro‐, and macro‐ level, are found to play a significant role in accumulating molecular‐scale strain/stress to macroscale strain/stress. Here, recent progress on photoactuators based on photochemical and photothermal effects is summarized, followed by a discussion of the important assembly strategies for the amplification of the photoresponsive components at nanoscale to macroscopic scale motions. The application advancement of current photoactuators is also presented.
Polymer‐Stabilized Blue Phase Liquid Crystals for Photonic Applications
Authors: Li Yan , Huang Shuaijia , Zhou Pengcheng , Liu Shuxin , Lu Jiangang , Li Xiao , Su Yikai
Published: September 2016

Polymer‐stabilized blue phase liquid crystal (PS‐BPLC) is emerging as a promising candidate for next‐generation photonic applications due to its attractive features: nano‐scale structure that enables sub‐millisecond response time, self‐assembly that eliminates the need for surface alignment, and three‐dimensional cubic structure so that it is quasi‐isotropic without applied field. Here, we will look into the photonic properties of PS‐BPLC microscopically and macroscopically, and will focus on the non‐display photonic applications based on these properties. First we will give a general introduction to the polymer stabilization process, general photonic properties, electric field effects and desirable electro‐optical properties of PS‐BPLC. Next we will present applications based on the microscopic photonic properties in the cubic structures with double twist cylinders: photonic band gap, scattering and unwinding of the double twist structure under electric field. Then, we will cover applications based on the macroscopic refractive index change of PS‐BPLC under electric fields, whose mechanisms are further classified into phase retardation, phase modulation, and resonance condition change. Finally we will look into the remaining challenges and future perspectives of PS‐BPLC for photonic applications.
Autosomal and X chromosome structural variants are associated with congenital heart defects in Turner syndrome: The NHLBI GenTAC registry
Authors: Prakash Siddharth K. , Bondy Carolyn A. , Maslen Cheryl L. , Silberbach Michael , Lin Angela E. , Perrone Laura , Limongelli Giuseppe , Michelena Hector I. , Bossone Eduardo , Citro Rodolfo ,   BAVCon Investigators, GenTAC Registry Investigators, Lemaire Scott A. , Body Simon C. , Milewicz Dianna M.
Published: September 2016

Turner Syndrome (TS) is a developmental disorder caused by partial or complete loss of one sex chromosome. Bicuspid aortic valve and other left‐sided congenital heart lesions (LSL), including thoracic aortic aneurysms and acute aortic dissections, are 30–50 times more frequent in TS than in the general population. In 454 TS subjects, we found that LSL are significantly associated with reduced dosage of Xp genes and increased dosage of Xq genes. We also showed that genome‐wide copy number variation is increased in TS and identify a common copy number variant (CNV) in chromosome 12p13.31 that is associated with LSL with an odds ratio of 3.7. This CNV contains three protein‐coding genes (SLC2A3, SLC2A14, and NANOGP1) and was previously implicated in congenital heart defects in the 22q11 deletion syndrome. In addition, we identified a subset of rare and recurrent CNVs that are also enriched in non‐syndromic BAV cases. These observations support our hypothesis that X chromosome and autosomal variants affecting cardiac developmental genes may interact to cause the increased prevalence of LSL in TS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Further defining the critical genes for the 4q21 microdeletion disorder
Authors: Hu Xuyun , Chen Xiaoli , Wu Bingbing , Soler Irene Mademont , Chen Shaoke , Shen Yiping
Published: September 2016

4q21 microdeletion syndrome (MIM: 613509) is a new genomic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, absent or severely delayed speech, growth retardation, hypotonia, variable brain malformation, and facial dysmorphism. The critical genes had been proposed based on an overlapping 1.37 Mb genomic region. No further refinement has been done since year 2010. Here, we present three cases with 4q21 deletion identified by clinical chromosomal microarray analysis. One of the cases have a de novo 761 kb deletion which is the smallest deletion ever reported at this locus. It provides an opportunity to further define the critical regions/genes associated with specific features of the 4q21 microdeletion syndrome. The evidence support the notion that PRKG2 and RASGEF1B are critical genes for intellectual disability and speech defect, and the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein HNRNPD and HNRNPDL (previously known as HNRPDL) genes are associated with growth retardation and hypotonia. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oberflächenmodifizierung von Wasseraufbereitungsmembranen
Authors: Miller Daniel J. , Dreyer Daniel R. , Bielawski Christopher W. , Paul Donald R. , Freeman Benny D.
Published: September 2016

Polymermembranen sind ein energieeffizientes Mittel zur Aufbereitung von Wasser, ein Problem ist jedoch das Auftreten von Fouling während der Filtration. Ein Weg, Membran‐Fouling zu umgehen, ist die Modifizierung der Membranoberfläche, um eine höhere Wasserproduktivität aufrechtzuerhalten. Wir diskutieren hier eine Reihe gängiger Membranoberflächenmodifizierungstechniken, darunter Oberflächenbeschichtungen und Pfropfen, sowie verschiedene Behandlungsmethoden wie etwa chemische Behandlungen, UV‐Bestrahlung und Plasma‐Behandlungen. Die Diskussion wird in den historischen Hintergrund der Membranentwicklung und Oberflächenmodifizierung eingebunden. Wir stellen außerdem Polydopamin als ein neu entwickeltes Material für die Membranmodifizierung vor, das sich in einfacher Weise auf einer Vielzahl von Substraten aufbringen lässt.
Vinylboronic Acids as Fast Reacting, Synthetically Accessible, and Stable Bioorthogonal Reactants in the Carboni–Lindsey Reaction
Authors: Eising Selma , Lelivelt Francis , Bonger Kimberly M.
Published: September 2016

Bioorthogonal reactions are widely used for the chemical modification of biomolecules. The application of vinylboronic acids (VBAs) as non‐strained, synthetically accessible and water‐soluble reaction partners in a bioorthogonal inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) reaction with 3,6‐dipyridyl‐s‐tetrazines is described. Depending on the substituents, VBA derivatives give second‐order rate constants up to 27 m−1 s−1 in aqueous environments at room temperature, which is suitable for biological labeling applications. The VBAs are shown to be biocompatible, non‐toxic, and highly stable in aqueous media and cell lysate. Furthermore, VBAs can be used orthogonally to the strain‐promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition for protein modification, making them attractive complements to the bioorthogonal molecular toolbox.