bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher Leadership Perceptions in Turkish Culture: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Cemaloğlu Necati , Duran Ali
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study is to reveal the perceptions of school administrators, teachers, students and parents on characteristics as well as attitudes and behaviours of teacher leaders. Phenomenological research design from qualitative rmethods was employed in this study. The participants were selected from school administrators, teachers, students and parents through maximum diversity sampling method. Data analyses relied on content analyses technique. The findings of the study showed that school administrators and teachers attribute some traits, such as being knowledgeable and leader to teacher leaders, whereas students attach more importance to being reliable, fair and egalitarian. Parents, on the other hand, consider teachers who are friendly and impressive as leaders. It was found in the study that teacher leaders enhance the student learning, become role models and advocate strong collaboration with colleagues. As a result, it can be said that teacher leaders are those having the potential to attract others to follow him / her.
A Study on the Use of Social Networks by Turkish and German University Students in the Globalization Process
Authors: Çelebi Nurhayat , Selçuk Gülenaz , Peker Huriye Sevinç
Published: November 2018

Today's rapidly evolving technology is expanding the use of innovative communication technologies and their usage areas. to traditional communication technologies today; smartphones, laptop computers, handheld computers, and tablets are also added. Wireless communication technology removes time and space limits, allowing people to communicate both voiced and visual whenever and wherever they wish. Every day, millions of people communicate with each other through social networking networks and share their experience day by day with other network users. The social networks that people often use are also affecting interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this research is to determine the aims of Turkish and German university students to use social networks and how effective social influence is in interpersonal communication. A total of 338 students, 236 Turkish students studying at Karabük University and 102 German students studying at Kassel University in Germany, participated in the research in the academic year of 2016-2017. As a data collection tool, a 10-item questionnaire developed by Özdayı (2010) and a 13-item, “social impact scale” were used. 4 items of the questionnaire used in the study were arranged in the form of "yes-no" and the other items were arranged by the participants to point to the box opposite to the statement they found appropriate. Each participant can mark a few of the options suitable for him / her. Secondly, the "social impact scale" is 5-Likert type. In the face of each article (5) from its fully appropriate expression, (1) Not suitable at all, a gradation to the statement was made. Percentages, mean and t test for binary comparison were used as statistical analysis in the study. According to research findings; all students have smartphones and they use whatsapp, facebook and youtube most from social networks. By students, social media is used to look at mails, homework, study, follow current events, read news, communicate with friends, make new friends, get informed about activities, share videos and photos and have fun. Also by students travel, shopping, technology and cinema blogs are the most preferred. In the survey, in the social dimension of social networks; there was no significant difference between the groups regarding "communication, self-expression, staying out of the group, becoming popular, joining groups, getting social environment, getting status in social environment and sharing". On the other hand, social networking has become an important means of communication and interaction among people today. For this reason, academicians should encourage students who are interested in new technology and communication applications to support the achievement of up-to-date information within the context of lifelong learning, and to conduct research for their own development in the teaching-learning process.
Perception- Attention - Memory Reaction Time of PE Teacher and Computer Teacher Candidates
Authors: Karagün Elif
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the study is to determine the visual and auditory reaction time, perception, attention and memory levels of PE teacher candidates and computer teacher candidates.For this purpose, after giving necessary information to the teacher candidates of the Department of Physical Education and Sports and the candidates of Computer Teaching Department of Kocaeli University, 88 voluntary students, were applied Benton Perception, Attention-Memory test and Newtest 1000 which determined their visual and auditory reaction time. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 21.00 software. The Man Whitney U test was used for the comparison of the paired groups since the data in the normality analysis did not follow a normal distribution. As a result, it was found that computer teacher candidates had higher levels of attention-perception and memory scores than those of PE teacher candidates. PE teacher candidates were found to be faster to perceive auditory stimulus and give reactions.
Assesment of Gross Motor Skills as a Part of Child’s Physical Readiness for Compulsory School Attenadance
Authors: Rechtik Zdeněk
Published: November 2018

Children in the Czech Republic before the beginning of compulsory school attendance undergo assessment evaluating so called school readiness. The part of this evaluation is assessment of children’s biological, mental, social and emotional readiness for the demands of school education. The assessment of gross motor skills is an important part of this evaluation. But motor skills are also connected not only with academic achievement but also with physical activity in future lifestyle. Therefore is the aim of the research analysis of gross motor skills in pre-school children. The research group consisted of 232 children (102 boys, 130 girls) from kindergartens and nursery schools at the age 5,9 ± 1,63 years. For the assessment of gross motor skills was used TGMD-2 test battery. The results show strong relationship between locomotor and manipulative skills in children at pre-school age. The results indicate strong positive correlation r = 0,76 on the significance level p < 0,05 between locomotor and manipulative skills. From the results is obvious that teachers in kindergartens should focus on the development of locomotor skills, which are strongly connected with manipulative skills. That means pre-school teachers should focus on basic skills and then develop them which could result in highly motor-skilled children with interest in physical games and activities. The data was obtained within the project GF_PdF_006_2018. According to preference of parents’ sedentary lifestyle the physical activity of Czech children at younger school age is lowering. Possibilities for improvement we see in the aimed development of gross motor skills in Czech kindergartens and nursery schools.
Teacher's Concept of Constructivism in Real Conditions of School Teaching
Authors: Jitka Nábělková , Jitka Plischke , Pavlína Kobzová
Published: November 2018

In the paper is observed the teacher's concept and realization of the conception of constructivism in the real conditions of school teaching. Constructivist pedagogy, despite numerous curricular reforms, is not sufficiently implemented in the real conditions of school teaching. We ask ourselves a question about which of the didactic implications has the constructivist epistemology in teaching. Teacher's concept of teaching as a general strategy for teacher's thinking and negotiation is the basis for planning constructivist-oriented teaching and for its actual practice in the lesson. In the theoretical part of the paper is represented the significance of the term teacher's conception of constructivist-oriented teaching and its real understanding of the constructivism theory in terms of school teaching. Based on the results of a research conducted through a questionnaire survey and a direct observation of lessons, we bring closer the reality of teaching of this epistemology, different perspectives, the teachers themselves as constructors of this paradigm.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: November 2018

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 11aDr. Abdurrahman İlgan, TurkeyDr. Agniezska Zembrzuska, PolandDr. Agniezska Zyta, PolandDr. Amanda Yeşilbursa, TurkeyDr. Ana Campina, PortugalDr. Aydın Balyer, TurkeyDr. Begona Montera Fleta, SpainDr. Bergün Meriç, TurkeyDr. Carlos Sousa Reis, PortugalDr. Cevat Elma, TurkeyDr. Christer Ohlin, SwedenDr. Dina Bethere, LatviaDr. Ertuğrul Gelen, TurkeyDr. Ilze Mikelsone, LatviaDr. Jitka Plische, CzechiaDr. Kamile Demir, TurkeyDr. Katarzyn Cwirynkalo, PolandDr. Linda Pavitola, LatviaDr. Maria das Dores Formosinho, PortugalDr. Mehmet Akif Helvaci, TurkeyDr. Murat Gülcan Gürkan, TurkeyDr. Mustafa Bayrakcı, TurkeyDr. Nilgün Sazak, TurkeyDr. Pavel Jurs, LatviaDr. Pavel Radnicki, PolandDr. Rüyam Küçüksüleymanoğlu, TurkeyDr. Şenay Sezgin Nartgün, TurkeyDr. Soner Polat, TurkeyDr. Stephen P. Harmon, USADr. Türkan Argon, TurkeyRobert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on preventing diabetes in adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wechkunanukul Kannikar , Benton Fiona , May Nikki
Published: November 2018

Review question:

The question of this review is: Is lifestyle intervention effective in preventing type 2 diabetes in adults identified as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

Additional specific review sub-questions are:
Local responses to state-led municipal reform in the Finnish-Swedish border region: conflicting development discourses, culture and institutions
Authors: Jakola Fredriika
Published: November 2018

This paper scrutinises the intersections and collisions of different development discourses in the Kemi-Tornio sub-region which lies alongside the Finnish-Swedish border within the political context of municipal reform initiated by the Finnish government in 2011–2015. By drawing on cultural political economy and institutional regional theory, this paper studies how local actors utilize different development discourses produced at (and producing) different scales to justify or contest the municipal amalgamation within the Kemi-Tornio region. In addition, the specific interest is on the how local institutional environment, and border location in particular, are mobilized and strategically used in these processes. The results, based on policy documents and qualitative interviews with key municipal actors, highlight the coexistence of three different, yet overlapping development discourses. While some municipal actors support the state-led development discourse with justification of economic reasoning, there is a strong opposing discourse emphasising the region’s history, identity and municipal self-autonomy. The latter, interestingly, resonates with the EU’s cross-border co-operation discourse; offering an alternative development strategy. Together with the path-dependent regional history, this intersection creates unbalanced power relations between municipalities both with and without a state border. Thus, this paper illustrates how different scalar discourses and institutional structures are actively utilized in municipal reform processes.
The fragility of welcome – commentary to Gill
Authors: Darling Jonathan
Published: November 2018

In this commentary, I take Nick Gill’s discussion of the ‘suppression of welcome’ and the politics of hospitality, as a starting point for reflection on how ‘cultures of welcome’ are produced. In exploring the work of those supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Sheffield, UK, I argue that welcome may encompass a range of practices, with varying levels of intention and recognition attached. Yet what draws these practices together are two factors, first, a positive engagement with difference that holds the potential to promote solidaristic, or at the very least non-violent, relations. And second, a fragility that means that welcome is always at risk of being suppressed or commandeered for other purposes. In considering the implications of the ‘suppression of welcome’, I argue for a focus on welcoming as a negotiated process that involves varying durations, demands and levels of commitment.
Envisioning human security – commentary to Gill
Authors: Morrissey John
Published: November 2018

Prompted by Nick Gill’s review essay, ‘The suppression of welcome’, this commentary additionally reflects on attendant questions of security and responsibility in seeking to conceptualize a more human-centred vision of populations and population management in our current moment of refugee crisis in Europe. It charts how we might productively conceptualize and enact a ‘human security’ vision of population management, how such a vision requires us to think differently and cooperatively about security, and ultimately how this compels us to supplant a prevailing narrative of external threat and risk with a story of shared precarity, human empathy and collective responsibility.
Institucionalidad Pública para el Envejecimiento y las formas de organización residencial
Authors: Jaramillo Angela María
Published: November 2018

Uno de los aspectos señalados desde la primera asamblea mundial de envejecimiento, es la familia y el hogar. Su importancia se relaciona con los cambios observados en el siglo XX, respecto a la composición de los hogares y su función de apoyo para las personas mayores. A continuación, se presenta la forma en la que los distintos instrumentos políticos internacionales, regionales y nacionales han abordado la familia y el hogar, y los avances de la implementación de las acciones de la política nacional en este campo. Para esto se utilizaron fuentes documentales, entrevistas realizadas a profesionales[1] que han trabajado en la formulación e implementación de la política nacional, y académicos[2] que se dedican a la investigación del envejecimiento y la vejez en el país. El propósito es establecer los avances y tensiones del proceso de institucionalización del tema en Colombia, en particular, respecto al asunto de la familia y el hogar.   Palabras claves: envejecimiento, vejez, familia, hogar política social. [1] Se realizaron 11 entrevistas a profesionales del nivel nacional, departamental, municipal y local.  Para el caso de las entidades territoriales, no se recibió respuesta a la solicitud de las entrevistas. Las entrevistas hacen parte de dos investigaciones: De la política a la acción: “Estado y Avances de la Implementación de la Política Pública social para el Envejecimiento y la Vejez (PPSEV) en Bogotá; y “Envejecimiento Demográfico, Derechos Humanos y Protección Social de la Vejez. Colombia, 1951-2020",  realizados entre los años 2012 y 2014, en colaboración con  el Instituto de Envejecimiento y Vejez de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ). Los resultados de las investigaciones se encuentran disponibles en el Instituto de Envejecimiento de la PUJ. El análisis que se hace de las entrevistas en este estudio no se hace parte de los resultados de las investigaciones mencionadas, ni se ha publicado.  [2] Se realizaron cuatro entrevistas a expertos académicos que llevan más de 10 años investigando sobre envejecimiento y vejez. Dos de estas entrevistas hacen parte de una serie de cuatro programas de radio que se hizo sobre las políticas públicas de envejecimiento y vejez en Colombia y Bogotá  (Programa Hologramas Sociales, Javeriana Estéreo, 2012-2013).
Digital acoustic sensor performance across the infrasound range in non-isolated conditions
Authors: Asmar Karina , Garcés Milton , Hart Darren , Williams Brian
Published: November 2018

The next generation of acoustic sensors is emerging to supplement legacy sensors traditionally used in regional and global networks. These devices operate under similar principles as traditional sensors, without the need of a separate external digitizer. The calibration of these sensors against their predecessors is crucial to the modernization of conventional technologies. This work describes the characterization of the next-generation MB3 digital microbarometer and the iPrecision smartphone microphone in a non-isolated calibration room across the infrasound (i.e., 0.01–20 Hz) range. The intent is to evaluate nominal instrument performance before deployment. A portable rotary subwoofer is used as a controllable infrasound source to generate single-tone sinusoidal and broadband noise pressure waves in a room configured for calibration purposes. For each device, comparison measurements are made, from which the digital sensitivity and the parametric response is developed. The results provide insight into the performance of the sensors in non-isolated environments. By overlapping the responses of the test sensors, digital sensor performance across the infrasound range can be benchmarked. These responses may serve as a double-reference scheme in future pressure measurements and digital calibrations of acoustic sensors.
Two-step hybrid calibration of remote microphones
Authors: Awasthi M. , Rowlands J. , Moreau D. J. , Doolan C. J.
Published: November 2018

A two-step, hybrid procedure to calibrate the remote microphones is presented. The calibration obtained in this manner can be directly applied to the measured pressure spectrum without resorting to any modeling or assumptions about the shape of the calibration curve. To demonstrate an application of the methodology, measurements of wall pressure fluctuations underneath a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer were made. The calibrated pressure spectrum is shown to be qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with previous experimental studies and an empirical model, indicating the accuracy of the hybrid calibration technique.
One crystal out of many
Authors: Rollett Anthony
Published: November 2018

Fast-moving grain boundaries convert a hanging polycrystalline metal foil into a single crystal
K shell absorption jump ratios and jump factor measurements for some elements in the range of 40 ≤ Z ≤ 50
Authors: Turşucu A.
Published: November 2018

In this study, K shell absorption jump ratios (JK) and jump factors (rK) of specimens in the atomic number range of 40 ≤ Z ≤ 50 were measured using the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Related specimens were excited using 59.54 keV γ-photons that were radiated from a 241Am point source. Typical K X-rays emitting from specimens were detected from silicon drifted lithium (Si(Li)) semiconductor detector. Derived JK and rK values of related specimens were compared with calculated theoretical and other experimental values. The agreement of measured values was reasonable with theoretical calculations.
Inter-row stubble seeding and plant growth regulators to improve field pea standability and production
Authors: Strydhorst S.M. , Yang R.C. , Gill K.S. , Bowness R.
Published: November 2018

Field pea (Pisum sativum) is an important economic and rotational crop in Alberta, Canada; however, standability problems are a major barrier to increasing seeded area in highly productive growing environments. Field experiments were conducted from 2015 to 2017 at three sites in the central and Peace regions of Alberta to determine if (i) pea standability and production can be improved using inter-row seeding into untilled standing wheat stubble; (ii) pea standability and production can be improved using chlormequat chloride (CCC), trinexapac-ethyl (TXP), or ethephon (ETH) plant growth regulators (PGRs); and (iii) PGR responses are cultivar-specific. Depending on the site–year, there were 16–17 inter-row seeding, PGR, and cultivar treatment combinations arranged in a randomized complete block design. Relative to the no-stubble control, inter-row seeding into 20- or 30-cm-tall, untilled wheat stubble significantly improved standability between 6% and 23% under conditions when lodging occurred. It also reduced days to maturity and increased 1000-seed weight, but had no effect on yield. Individual PGR treatments (CCC, TXP, and ETH) generally had small and inconsistent impacts on agronomic traits, yield, and seed quality. In dry conditions, PGRs reduced yield. CDC Meadow was slightly more responsive to PGR treatments than AAC Lacombe, indicating responses may be cultivar-specific. Because of the small and inconsistent responses, PGRs have little value as an agronomic tool in field pea. Alternatively, inter-row seeding into standing wheat stubble is a low-cost, easy to implement practice for improving field pea standability.
COMPARISON OF MAXIMAL HIP JOINT TORQUE DURING CONCENTRIC, ISOMETRIC AND ECCENTRIC CONTRACTIONS BETWEEN ELDERLY MEN AND WOMEN
Authors: KWON YU-RI , CHOI YOON-HYEOK , EOM GWANG-MOON , KO JUNGHYUK , KIM JI-WON
Published: November 2018

A higher fall rate has been reported in elderly women than in elderly men. Muscle strength is one of the key fall risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences associated with maximal voluntary hip flexion and extension torque in concentric, isometric and eccentric contractions among the elderly subjects. A total of 20 healthy elderly subjects (10 men and 10 women) participated in this study. A dynamometer was used to measure hip joint torque during various modes of isokinetic contraction in frontal plane. The peak torque was normalized according to each subject’s body mass. Independent [Formula: see text]-tests were conducted to compare elderly women with elderly men. Elderly women exhibited weaker normalized peak torque during flexion and extension compared with elderly men in isometric contraction mode ([Formula: see text]). Eccentric strength of elderly women was significantly lower than in elderly men primarily in hip extension ([Formula: see text]). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in concentric contraction mode between the two genders ([Formula: see text]). These results suggest that the decreased muscle strength per body mass, especially in isometric and eccentric contraction, may be associated with a higher frequency of falls in elderly women than in elderly men. This study suggests the need for effective muscle strength training and intervention for fall prevention in elderly women.
INVESTIGATION OF ROBOTIC BRACES OF PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS (IS) — REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND DESCRIPTION OF A NOVEL BRACE
Authors: NIU XINJIAN , YANG CHIFU , TIAN BOWEN , LI XIANG , ZHENG SHUTAO , CONG DACHENG , HAN JUNWEI , AGRAWAL SUNIL K.
Published: November 2018

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a complex three-dimensional (3D) deformity. The non-operative treatments for IS have been developed for a long time. According to current studies, hard braces are more effective than soft braces for the treatment of scoliosis. Though current braces are proved to be effective for the treatment of IS, there are several shortcomings needed to be overcome: (i) Braces cannot realize precise control over a specific vertebra. (ii) Braces affect cardiopulmonary efficiency (braces limit maximal exercise performance). (iii) The brace is not modulated based on user’s needs. (iv) Braces, including motions during eating, tying shoes, sitting, and standing. (v) Braces apply forces on skin, which causes pain, skin breakdown, and abnormal deformation of bone. In order to solve these boring problems of the current braces, this paper proposed a new intelligent robotic spine brace based on the principle of human biomechanics, three point pressure treatment theory and parallel mechanism theory. This novel brace can offer 3D active dynamic adjustable corrective forces for the treatment of IS and some experiments are employed for verifying the effect of the proposed brace.
Identifying short disorder-to-order binding regions in disordered proteins with a deep convolutional neural network method
Authors: Fang Chun , Moriwaki Yoshitaka , Tian Aikui , Li Caihong , Shimizu Kentaro
Published: November 2018

Molecular recognition features (MoRFs) are key functional regions of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which play important roles in the molecular interaction network of cells and are implicated in many serious human diseases. Identifying MoRFs is essential for both functional studies of IDPs and drug design. This study adopts the cutting-edge machine learning method of artificial intelligence to develop a powerful model for improving MoRFs prediction. We proposed a method, named as en_DCNNMoRF (ensemble deep convolutional neural network-based MoRF predictor). It combines the outcomes of two independent deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) classifiers that take advantage of different features. The first, DCNNMoRF1, employs position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) and 22 types of amino acid-related factors to describe protein sequences. The second, DCNNMoRF2, employs PSSM and 13 types of amino acid indexes to describe protein sequences. For both single classifiers, DCNN with a novel two-dimensional attention mechanism was adopted, and an average strategy was added to further process the output probabilities of each DCNN model. Finally, en_DCNNMoRF combined the two models by averaging their final scores. When compared with other well-known tools applied to the same datasets, the accuracy of the novel proposed method was comparable with that of state-of-the-art methods. The related web server can be accessed freely via http://vivace.bi.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp:8008/fang/en_MoRFs.php .
Using two-dimensional convolutional neural networks for identifying GTP binding sites in Rab proteins
Authors: Le Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Ho Quang-Thai , Ou Yu-Yen
Published: November 2018

Deep learning has been increasingly and widely used to solve numerous problems in various fields with state-of-the-art performance. It can also be applied in bioinformatics to reduce the requirement for feature extraction and reach high performance. This study attempts to use deep learning to predict GTP binding sites in Rab proteins, which is one of the most vital molecular functions in life science. A functional loss of GTP binding sites in Rab proteins has been implicated in a variety of human diseases (choroideremia, intellectual disability, cancer, Parkinson’s disease). Therefore, creating a precise model to identify their functions is a crucial problem for understanding these diseases and designing the drug targets. Our deep learning model with two-dimensional convolutional neural network and position-specific scoring matrix profiles could identify GTP binding residues with achieved sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 99.8%, accuracy of 99.5%, and MCC of 0.92 for independent dataset. Compared with other published works, this approach achieved a significant improvement. Throughout the proposed study, we provide an effective model for predicting GTP binding sites in Rab proteins and a basis for further research that can apply deep learning in bioinformatics, especially in nucleotide binding site prediction.
Determination of Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing for In-738LC Gas-Tungsten-Arc-Welds
Authors: Bonifaz E. A. , Conde J. M. , Czekanski A.
Published: November 2018

Microstructure and defect development in the gas tungsten arc weld process is influenced by the solidification and melt-pool dynamics. Melt-pool geometrical parameters which depend mainly on heat input have profound influence on the dendrite growth velocity and growth pattern in the melt pool. Temperature magnitude and history during the process directly determine the molten pool dimensions and surface integrity. However, due to the transient nature and small size of the molten pool, the temperature gradient and the molten pool size are very challenging to measure and control. The proposed research aims to establish a methodology for characterizing direct energy deposited metals by linking processing variables to the resulting microstructure and subsequent material properties. Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing (SDAS) optical metallographic measurements of equiaxed solidified IN-738LC gas tungsten arc welds were conducted to find a new expression that links the cooling rate that is imposed on the welding during solidification, and the resultant scale of the grain substructure.
Assessment of the engineering geological characteristics of the Bazoft dam site, SW Iran
Authors: Rastegarnia Ahmad , Lashkaripour Gholam Reza , Ghafoori Mohammad , Farrokhad Sajad Safari
Published: November 2018

The geotechnical parameters and permeability of the Bazoft dam site were investigated. The bedrock of the Bazoft dam site belongs to the Asmari and Jahrum (Eocene, Oligocene and Miocene) formations. Rock mass rating (RMR) and geological strength index (GSI) classification systems were used to evaluate the dam site. Physical, mechanical and dynamic tests were performed on samples in a rock mechanics laboratory. Shear strength parameters and geotechnical parameters of the rock mass were determined. The results of Lugeon tests for determining rock mass permeability were in the range of 10–30. Based on the RMR, the dam site is located in the ‘good’ category. Finally, the relationship between Lugeon, the number of joints and rock quality designation
(
RQD) of the rock mass was evaluated using statistical analysis for 24 exploratory boreholes with a total length of 3400 m. The values of these parameters were determined and analysed using equations, tables and reports in sections of 5 m along the borehole. The results showed that the relationship between Lugeon with RQD and the joint number is an exponential equation with a good correlation coefficient. Multiple linear analysis also showed high accuracy of the estimated Lugeon based on RQD and joint number.
Identification of log units in clay rock formations based on local and spatial statistics of well-log properties: application to the Opalinus claystone in the Benken borehole
Authors: Rabaute Alain , Garcia Michel H. , Becker Jens
Published: November 2018

Due to their particularly good mechanical and self-healing properties combined with exceptionally efficient cation adsorbents and exchanger capacities, clay minerals and clay rock formations are considered as suitable geological barriers for radioactive waste disposal. The Middle Jurassic Opalinus Clay Formation has been identified as a potential host rock. Logging data were measured at the Benken borehole drilled through this formation in northern Switzerland. This paper presents a statistical methodology to improve the description of the physical properties of the clay rock based on the well-log data. The methodology involves the classification of a set of local statistics, calculated from a reduced number of principal components computed from well-log properties. The use of a kernel-based method to calculate local statistics allows an analysis of spatial variability to be carried out at different scales, and with different scale effects. The first-order layering was found to be robust and independent of kernel size (i.e. observation scale), while preserving small-scale heterogeneities that are useful for further interpretation. The log units can be more clearly interpreted in terms of stationary or transitional log units, depending on the behaviour of local statistics. Finally, the derived spatial variability of the log-units properties are compared with earlier lithological descriptions and stratigraphic data.
Ultrasonographic Findings of Uterine Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Zhao Fangui , Xu Yang , Zhang Hao , Ren Yunyun
Published: November 2018

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and ultrasonographic findings of uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). Methods: Seventy-five patients (mean age, 58.6 years) with pathologically proven UCS who were treated at our hospital from January 2003 to December 2015 were retrospectively recruited. The clinical features and preoperative findings on transvaginal sonography (TVS) were investigated. Results: Eighty percent of the patients were postmenopausal. The primary symptoms were postmenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding (57.3%), irregular menstruation (18.7%), vaginal discharge (10.7%) and the presence of a uterine mass or others (13.3%). The tumor marker CA125 was evaluated in 43 women and was found to be elevated in 15 (34.9%); in 60% of those women (9/15), the CA125 level was lower than 200U/ml. According to the frequency of the different types of lesions observed by ultrasonic imaging, we decided to categorize the lesions into 3 different groups as follows: Group I, intrauterine tumors (73.33%); group II, intra-myometrial tumors (13.33%); and group III, intra-endometrial tumors (13.33 %). Conclusion: Combined with the clinical features, the characteristics demonstrated by TVS provide evidence for an indication of the presence of UCS and could contribute to clinical decision-making.
Analysis of Meiotic Segregation Pattern and Interchromosomal Effects in a Bull Heterozygous for a 3/16 Robertsonian Translocation
Authors: Barasc Harmonie , Mouney-Bonnet Nathalie , Peigney Clémence , Calgaro Anne , Revel Clémence , Mary Nicolas , Ducos Alain , Pinton Alain
Published: November 2018

Robertsonian translocations are the most frequent chromosomal rearrangements detected in cattle. Here, we report on the detection of a new Robertsonian translocation between chromosomes BTA3 and BTA16. This rob(3;16) was dicentric, suggesting that its occurrence was recent. FISH analysis of decondensed sperm nuclei revealed a relatively low rate of unbalanced gametes produced by adjacent segregation (5.87%). In addition, and for the first time in bovines, a significant interchromosomal effect (ICE) was detected for 2 different autosomes: BTA17 (global disomy + nullisomy rate of 9%) and BTA20 (1.8%). These results suggest that ICE should be taken into consideration when assessing the putative effect of Robertsonian translocations on reproduction.
Phosphate Homeostasis, Inflammation and the Regulation of FGF-23
Authors: Lang Florian , Leibrock Christina , Pandyra Aleksandra A. , Stournaras Christos , Wagner Carsten A. , Föller Michael
Published: November 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is released primarily from osteoblasts/osteocytes in bone. In cooperation with the transmembrane protein Klotho, FGF23 is a powerful inhibitor of 1α 25OH Vitamin D Hydroxylase (Cyp27b1) and thus of the formation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). As 1,25(OH)2D3 up-regulates intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, the downregulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis counteracts phosphate excess and tissue calcification. FGF23 also directly inhibits renal phosphate reabsorption. Other actions of FGF23 include triggering of cardiac hypertrophy. FGF23 formation and/or release are stimulated by 1,25(OH)2D3, phosphate excess, Ca2+, PTH, leptin, catecholamines, mineralocorticoids, volume depletion, lithium, high fat diet, iron deficiency, TNFα and TGFß2. The stimulating effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on FGF23 expression is dependent on RAC1/PAK1 induced actin-polymerisation. Intracellular signaling involved in the stimulation of FGF23 release also includes increases in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) following intracellular Ca2+ release and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). SOCE is accomplished by the Ca2+ release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1) and its stimulator stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). Expression of Orai1, SOCE and FGF23-formation are up-regulated by the proinflammatory transcription factor NFκB. The present brief review describes the cellular mechanisms involved in FGF23 regulation and its sensitivity to both phosphate metabolism and inflammation. The case is made that up-regulation of FGF23 by inflammatory mediators and signaling may amplify inflammation by inhibiting formation of the anti-inflammatory 1,25(OH)2D3.
Probability of At Least One High Arterial Blood Pressure Measurement in Elderly Patients with Healthy Vascular Aging in Two Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Freitas Ercilhana G.B. , Souza Denis F. , Ferreira-Filho Sebastião R.
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Elderly patients with normal systemic arterial blood pressure associated with femoral carotid pulse velocity (cf-PWV) less than 7.6 m/s and without associated comorbidities are considered to have good vascular health. The aim of the current study was to verify the probability that elderly patients with good vascular health have at least one blood pressure measurement above the different thresholds for systolic blood pressure (120, 130 and 140 mmHg) during two years of follow–up. Methods: We selected 72 normotensive patients (< 140/90 mmHg) without comorbidities and divided them into group A, with cf-PWV < 7.6 m/s (n = 27; 65 ± 4 years), and group B, with cf-PWV ≥ 7.6 m/s (n = 45; 66± 8 years). These patients were followed for two years and were observed in 3 outpatient visits (0, 12 and 24 months). At each visit, the brachial pressures were indirectly measured in triplicate, and applanation tonometry was performed. Results: When group A and group B were compared, the odds ratio (OR) of having a systolic pressure measurement ≥ 140 mmHg in two years of follow-up was 0.22 (P < 0.0001); ≥ 130 mmHg, the OR was 0.49 (P < 0.0007), and ≥ 120 mmHg, the OR was 0.54 (P < 0.001). Group A and group B showed increased values of cf-PWV during the two years of follow-up (P < 0.05). Changes in the average systolic brachial pressure were not significant during the two years in groups A or B. Conclusion: Vascular health in elderly individuals seems to protect against occasional elevations in systemic arterial pressure.
The Kidney Specific Protein myo-Inositol Oxygenase, a Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Gao Peng , Xu Bo , Song Panai , Zhu Xuejing , Yuan Shuguang , Kanwar Yashipal S. , Sun Lin
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Renal tubular injury plays an important role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, there is a lack of specific biomarkers for tubular damage in incipient DN. We have evaluated the role of myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) in the tubular injury of DN, but whether it could serve as a new biomarker for the early diagnosis of DN is unclear. Methods: Ninety patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were divided into normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups. Fifteen patients from the last group were pathologically diagnosed as type 2 DN (T2DN), and fifteen patients with minimal change disease served as a control group. The expression of MIOX and silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) in renal biopsies was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and serum/urine MIOX, Sirt1, KIM-1 and NGAL were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were carried out for statistical analyses. Results: Compared with the controls, MIOX expression was significantly increased in the renal tissues of T2DN patients, and was positively correlated with tubulointerstitial lesions and renal ROS production but inversely correlated with Sirt1 expression. In addition, the serum and urine MIOX were significantly increased and gradually elevated with the increasing of UACR. Interestingly, elevated MIOX levels in serum and urine were found in diabetic patients without early signs of glomerular damage (normoalbuminuric group). Further multivariate regression analysis showed that sMIOX and uMIOX correlated significantly with HbA1c, serum creatinine and logUACR, respectively. Conclusion: These data indicate that increased MIOX expression in the kidney contributes to tubular damage in DN. The concentration of MIOX in the serum and urine may serve as a new biomarker for the early diagnosis of DN.
MORC2 Enhances Tumor Growth by Promoting Angiogenesis and Tumor-Associated Macrophage Recruitment via Wnt/β-Catenin in Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Meihan , Sun Xiaochun , Shi Shaomin 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate how MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) affects tumor progression of lung cancer. Methods: The MORC2 level was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal control tissues and lung cancers. LL/2 cells overexpressing MORC2 were used to study how MORC2 expression influences lung cancer progression. The effects of MORC2 on cell viability, migration and invasion were assessed by MTT assay, Western blotting, and transwell assays, respectively. Afterwards, the effects of MORC2 on the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were explored by Western blotting. The effects of MORC2 on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) were determined by immunofluorescence (IF) staining, real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Our results showed that MORC2 was upregulated in lung cancers relative to adjacent tissues. The results also demonstrated that MORC2 promoted lung cancer tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, MORC2 overexpression stimulated the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), driving angiogenesis. MORC2 overexpression in LL/2 also increased the amount of aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) protein, indicating that MORC2 increased cancer stem cell features. We further determined that MORC2 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung cancer cells. Upregulation of macrophage-recruiting genes including VEGF and Macrophage-specific colony stimulating factor (CSF-1) recruits TAMs to the tumor site, which has the net effect of promoting additional tumor growth and metastasis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that MORC2 overexpression can drive lung cancer growth by stimulating the recruitment of TAMs in addition to angiogenesis and that activation of Wnt/β-signaling may be a key pathway underlying this phenotype that is amenable to pharmacological intervention.
Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein (1-40) Enhances Calcium Uptake in Rat Enterocytes Through PTHR1 Receptor and Protein Kinase Cα/β Signaling
Authors: Liu Cuiping , Shao Guoli , Lu Yirong , Xue Minmin , Liang Fenfen , Zhang Zhenshu , Bai Lan
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is implicated in regulating calcium homeostasis in vertebrates, including sea bream, chick, and mammals. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the function of PTHrP in regulating calcium transport is still not fully investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PTHrP on the calcium uptake and its underlying molecular mechanism in rat enterocytes. Methods: The rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6) was used. Calcium uptake was determined by using the fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester fluorescence method. The expression levels of RNAs and proteins was assessed by RT-PCR and Western-blot, respectively. Results: PTHrP (1-40) induced rapid calcium uptake in enterocytes in a dose-dependent manner. PTHrP (1-40) up-regulated parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTHR1) protein but not 1,25D3-MARRS receptor. Pre-treatment of anti- PTHR1 antibody abolished the PTHrP (1-40)-induced calcium uptake. PTHrP (1-40) significantly up-regulated four transcellular calcium transporter proteins, potential vanilloid member 6 (TRPV6), calbindin-D9k (CaBP-D9k), sodium-calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1) and plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 (PMCA1), in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with TRPV6 or CaBP-D9k antibodies or knockout of rat TRPV6 or CaBP-D9k markedly inhibited PTHrP (1-40)-induced calcium uptake, whereas inhibition of NCX or PMCA1 by antibodies or inhibitors had no effect on PTHrP(1-40)-induced calcium uptake. Furthermore, PTHrP (1-40) treatment up-regulated protein levels of protein kinase C (PKC α/β) and protein kinase A (PKA). Pretreatment of PKC α/β inhibitor (but not PKA inhibitor) inhibited PTHrP (1-40)-induced calcium uptake. Conclusion: PTHrP (1-40) stimulates calcium uptake via PTHR1 receptor and PKC α/β signaling pathway in rat enterocytes, and calcium transporters TRPV6 and CaBP-D9k are necessary for this stimulatory effect.
Notoginsenoside R1 Protects HUVEC Against Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-Induced Atherogenic Response via Down-Regulating miR-132
Authors: Fu Changgeng , Yin Dexin , Nie Haiying , Sun Dajun
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Radix notoginseng is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has extensively pharmacological activities in cardiovascular system. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is one main active ingredient of Radix notoginseng. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional effects of NGR1 on atherosclerosis (AS). Methods: Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), before which cells were preconditioned with NGR1. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were carried out to assess the impacts of ox-LDL and NGR1 on HUVECs. Besides, the expression of microRNA-132 (miR-132), and the regulatory role of miR-132 in Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) expression were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: NGR1 pre-conditioning prevented ox-LDL-induced apoptosis, migration and overproduction of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1) and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1). miR-132 was up-regulated in response to ox-LDL while was down-regulated by NGR1 pre-conditioning. The protective actions of NGR1 in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs were enhanced by miR-132 inhibitor, while were attenuated by miR-132 mimic. Besides, the up-regulated miR-132 could further decrease the expression of MGP, which acted as an anti-migratory and anti-adhesive factor. Furthermore, ox-LDL-induced the activation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) pathways were partially attenuated by NGR1, and were fully eliminated by NGR1 treatment together with MGP overexpression. Conclusion: NGR1 prevents ox-LDL-induced apoptosis, migration and adhesion-related molecule release in HUVECs possibly via down-regulating miR-132, and subsequent up-regulating MGP.