bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The developmental biology of genetic Notch disorders
Authors: Mašek Jan , Andersson Emma R.
Published: May 2017

Notch signaling regulates a vast array of crucial developmental processes. It is therefore not surprising that mutations in genes encoding Notch receptors or ligands lead to a variety of congenital disorders in humans. For example, loss of function of Notch results in Adams-Oliver syndrome, Alagille syndrome, spondylocostal dysostosis and congenital heart disorders, while Notch gain of function results in Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, serpentine fibula polycystic kidney syndrome, infantile myofibromatosis and lateral meningocele syndrome. Furthermore, structure-abrogating mutations in NOTCH3 result in CADASIL. Here, we discuss these human congenital disorders in the context of known roles for Notch signaling during development. Drawing on recent analyses by the exome aggregation consortium (EXAC) and on recent studies of Notch signaling in model organisms, we further highlight additional Notch receptors or ligands that are likely to be involved in human genetic diseases.
FGF signaling refines Wnt gradients to regulate patterning of taste papillae
Authors: Prochazkova Michaela , Häkkinen Teemu J. , Prochazka Jan , Spoutil Frantisek , Jheon Andrew H. , Ahn Youngwook , Krumlauf Robb , Jernvall Jukka , Klein Ophir D.
Published: May 2017

The patterning of repeated structures is a major theme in developmental biology, and the interrelationship between spacing and size of such structures is an open question. Fungiform papillae are repeated epithelial structures that house taste buds on the anterior tongue. Here, we report that FGF signaling is a critical regulator of fungiform papillae development. We found that mesenchymal FGF10 controls the size of the papillary area, while overall patterning remains unchanged. Our results show that FGF signaling negatively affects the extent of canonical Wnt signaling, which is the main activation pathway during fungiform papillae development, but this effect does not occur at the level of gene transcription. Rather, our experimental data together with computational modeling indicate that FGF10 modulates the range of Wnt effects, likely via induction of Sostdc1 expression. We suggest that modification of the reach of Wnt signaling could be due to local changes in morphogen diffusion, representing a novel mechanism in this tissue context, and we propose that this phenomenon might be involved in a broader array of mammalian developmental processes.
Reduced MAD2 levels dampen apoptotic response to non-exchange sex chromosomes and lead to sperm aneuploidy
Authors: Faisal Imrul , Kauppi Liisa
Published: May 2017

In meiosis, non-exchange homologous chromosomes are at risk for missegregation and should be monitored by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to avoid formation of aneuploid gametes. Sex chromosome missegregation is particularly common and can lead to sterility or to aneuploid offspring (e.g. individuals with Turner or Klinefelter syndrome). Despite major implications for health and reproduction, modifiers of meiotic SAC robustness and the subsequent apoptotic response in male mammals remain obscure. Levels of SAC proteins, e.g. MAD2, are critical for normal checkpoint function in many experimental systems, but surprisingly, apparently not in male meiosis, as indicated by the lack of chromosome segregation defects reported earlier in Mad2+/- spermatocytes. To directly test whether MAD2 levels impact the meiotic response to missegregating chromosomes, we utilized Spo11β-onlymb mice that are prone to non-exchange X-Y chromosomes. We show that reduced MAD2 levels attenuate the apoptotic response to missegregating sex chromosomes and allow the formation of aneuploid sperm. These findings demonstrate that SAC protein levels are critical for the efficient elimination of aberrant spermatocytes.
MAPK pathway activation in the embryonic pituitary results in stem cell compartment expansion, differentiation defects and provides insights into the pathogenesis of papillary craniopharyngioma
Authors: Haston S. , Pozzi S. , Carreno G. , Manshaei S. , Panousopoulos L. , Gonzalez-Meljem J. M. , Apps J. R. , Virasami A. , Thavaraj S. , Gutteridge A. , Forshew T. , Marais R. , Brandner S. , Jacques T. S. , Andoniadou C. L. , Martinez-Barbera J. P.
Published: May 2017

Despite the importance of the RAS-RAF-MAPK pathway in normal physiology and disease of numerous organs, its role during pituitary development and tumourigenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that the over-activation of the MAPK pathway, through conditional expression of the gain-of-function alleles BrafV600E and KrasG12D in the developing mouse pituitary, results in severe hyperplasia and abnormal morphogenesis of the gland by the end of gestation. Cell-lineage commitment and terminal differentiation are disrupted, leading to a significant reduction in numbers of most of the hormone-producing cells before birth, with the exception of corticotrophs. Of note, Sox2+ve stem cells and clonogenic potential are drastically increased in the mutant pituitaries. Finally, we reveal that papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), a benign human pituitary tumour harbouring BRAF p.V600E also contains Sox2+ve cells with sustained proliferative capacity and disrupted pituitary differentiation. Together, our data demonstrate a critical function of the MAPK pathway in controlling the balance between proliferation and differentiation of Sox2+ve cells and suggest that persistent proliferative capacity of Sox2+ve cells may underlie the pathogenesis of PCP.
Dmrt1 induces the male pathway in a turtle with temperature-dependent sex determination
Authors: Ge Chutian , Ye Jian , Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Yi , Sun Wei , Sang Yapeng , Capel Blanche , Qian Guoying
Published: May 2017

The molecular mechanism underlying temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) has been a long-standing mystery; in particular, the thermo-sensitive genetic triggers for gonadal sex differentiation are largely unknown. Here, we characterized a conserved DM domain gene, Dmrt1, in the red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta (T. scripta), which exhibits TSD. We found that Dmrt1 has a temperature-dependent, sexually dimorphic expression pattern, preceding gonadal sex differentiation, and is capable of responding rapidly to temperature shifts and aromatase inhibitor treatment. Most importantly, loss- and gain-of-function analyses provide solid evidence that Dmrt1 is both necessary and sufficient to initiate male development in T. scripta. Furthermore, the DNA methylation dynamics of the Dmrt1 promoter are tightly correlated with temperature and could mediate the impact of temperature on sex determination. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Dmrt1 is a candidate master male sex-determining gene in this TSD species, consistent with the idea that DM domain genes are conserved during the evolution of sex determination mechanisms.
Lowering metabolic rate mitigates muscle atrophy in western fence lizards
Authors: Balaban J. , Azizi E.
Published: May 2017

Extended periods of skeletal muscle disuse can cause a significant loss of contractile proteins, which compromises the ability to generate force, mechanical work or power, thus compromising locomotor performance. Several hibernating organisms can resist muscle atrophy despite months of inactivity. This resistance has been attributed to a reduction in body temperature and metabolic rate and activation of physiological pathways that counteract pathways of protein degradation. However, in these systems such strategies are not mutually exclusive and the effects of these mechanisms can be difficult to separate. In this study, we used the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, as an ectothermic model to determine whether a reduction in metabolic rate is sufficient to resist muscle atrophy. We induced atrophy through sciatic denervation of the gastrocnemius muscle and housed lizards at either 15°C or 30°C for 6–7 weeks. Following treatment, we used muscle ergometry to measure maximum isometric force, the force-velocity relationship, and contractile dynamics in the gastrocnemius. This approach allows us to relate changes in the size and morphology to functional metrics of contractile performance. A subset of samples was used to histologically determine muscle fiber types. At 30°C, denervated muscles had a larger reduction in muscle mass, physiological cross-sectional area and maximum isometric force compared to 15°C. Maximum shortening velocity of the muscle decreased slightly in animals housed at 30°C but did not change in those housed at 15°C. Our results suggest that metabolic rate alone can influence the rate of muscle atrophy and that ectothermic vertebrates may have an intrinsic mechanism to resist muscle atrophy during seasonal periods of inactivity.
The Relationship of Economy and Industry Development Macroconstants
Authors: Юсим  , Yusim Vyacheslav , Свирчевский  , Svirchevskiy Vadim
Published: May 2017

The article substantiates benchmarks of reindustrialization economy, Russia. While reindustrialization is understood as a technology base, capable of concurrent development of industry and the economy as a whole. The authors examine the global trend of decline in the share of industry in the gross product of the developed countries and the aim is to find indicators of development communication industry with the development of the economy as a whole. Based on the analysis of statistical information of development indicators large technologically developed countries it is demonstrated that long-term acceleration of economies is based on accelerating their industrial component. It is proved that there is a single quantitative indicator of the quality of the economy and its industrial sector, which is characterized by the ability of these macrosystems for longer-term accelerating their development. The article substantiates that industrial policy must be based on the use of previously unknown indicative guidelines development: macroconstants of development of economies and their industrial sector. The range of quantitative ratio of quality indicators of economy and quality indicators of their industry, the prevailing for most of the major countries of the world technological leaders. The authors consider the roots of pushback to development of technological environment and it is proved that there are promising developments of Russian researchers on technology reform in the large socioeconomic systems, and positive changes in the provocation techniques backward technological habitat.
Influence of New Technologies and Human Capital on a Contribution of New Ways to Economy of Regions of Central Federal District
Authors: Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena
Published: May 2017

Econometric impact assessments of new technologies and human capital on a contribution of new technological ways GDP in regions of Central Federal District of Russia are received. Coefficients of elasticity of a contribution of new ways GDP on use of the new technologies estimated by armament of work by new fixed assets and for use of the human capital estimated by a share of busy workers with the higher education are estimated. Use of new technologies is more effective in the Belgorod, Kursk, Vladimir and Lipetsk regions. Efficiency use of new technologies in the Kostroma, Ivanovo, Tver, Tambov regions is the lowest. The human capital is effectively in the Belgorod and Lipetsk regions, in Moscow. Efficiency use of a human capital in the Oryol, Ivanovo, Tambov, Bryansk and Kostroma regions is the lowest. In case of big sizes of coefficients of elasticity of a contribution of new ways to per capita GDP on use of the new technologies estimated by armament of work by new fixed assets it is reasonable to increase, first, investments into fixed assets of the region. In case of big sizes of coefficients of elasticity of a contribution of new ways to per capita GDP on use of the human capital estimated by a share of busy workers with the higher education it is reasonable to increase, first of all, a share of workers with the highest education.
Optimal Boundary Surface for Irreversible Investment with Stochastic Costs
Authors: De Angelis Tiziano , Federico Salvatore , Ferrari Giorgio
Published: May 2017

This paper examines a Markovian model for the optimal irreversible investment problem of a firm aiming at minimizing total expected costs of production. We model market uncertainty and the cost of investment per unit of production capacity, as two independent one-dimensional regular diffusions, and we consider a general convex running cost function. The optimization problem is set as a three-dimensional degenerate singular stochastic control problem. We provide the optimal control as the solution of a reflected diffusion at a suitable boundary surface. Such boundary arises from the analysis of a family of two-dimensional parameter-dependent optimal stopping problems, and it is characterized in terms of the family of unique continuous solutions to parameter-dependent, nonlinear integral equations of Fredholm type.
Production with Risk Hedging—Optimal Policy and Efficient Frontier
Authors: Wang Liao , Yao David D.
Published: May 2017

Demand for many products may depend on the price of a tradable asset or on the economy in general. For example, demand for equipment that plants or harvests corn correlates with the corn price on the commodity market, and discount stores experienced increased sales revenue during the last recession. Thus, we model demand as a stochastic process with two components: in addition to the usual Gaussian component reflecting demand volatility, there is a drift component taking the form of a function of a tradable asset price. (In the case of dependence on the general economy, the asset price can be a broad market index, such as the S&P 500 Index.) With this demand model, we study the one-time production quantity decision along with a real-time risk-hedging strategy over a given planning horizon (the production cycle). Pursuing a mean-variance formulation, we derive the optimal solution to both production and hedging decisions. We give a complete characterization of the efficient frontier and quantify the improvement in risk-return trade-off achieved by the hedging strategy. Furthermore, we show that the hedging strategy is self-financing in the sense that the expected total wealth from both production and hedging stays nonnegative at all times.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1597
The 11-plus is ‘like rolling a loaded dice’, researchers say
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: May 2017

Research into Kent's 11-plus system raises questions over prime minister's claim that expanding selection will be meritocratic
Ideas for effective differentiation
Authors: Webb Helen
Published: May 2017

How do you teach a mixed-ability class effectively? Helen Webb offers some practical advice and ideas to help achieve effective differentiation in your classroom
O Canis familiaris: sua denominação em francês e português
Authors: Scheinowitz Celina
Published: May 2017

Estudar-se como uma denominação, em francês e em português, espécie zoológica primeiramente domesticada pelo homem, cão. Prestam-se informações extralinguísticas acerca do animal e destaca-se a questão dos estudos linguísticos, naqueles concernentes são analisados do ponto de vista de sua constituição histórica, sincrônica, na rede paradigmática e sintagmática de significações em que se inserem.
Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine as preoperative skin preparation to prevent surgical site infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Anggrahita Tasya , Wardhana Aditya , Sudjatmiko Gentur
Published: May 2017

Background: Surgical site infection remains substantial problems to surgeons and patients as it increases the morbidity, mortality, length of stay, hospital cost, rate of re-admission, and rate of re-surgery. This study aims to compare the use of chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for preoperative skin preparation to prevent surgical site infection.Methods: The literature search was conducted through the PubMed database on November 2015. Included studies were RCTs with the year of publication up to 2015 which compared the use of chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine in its effectiveness reducing surgical site infection in adult patients. The quality of the study was assessed using Jadad Score. A meta-analysis was conducted in the included study to obtain a pooled estimate of the effect size. The evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was also assessed.Results: Six RCTs with a total of 2,080 patients were included in the meta-analysis. It showed that the use of chlorhexidine-alcohol was associated significantly with fewer SSIs (pooled risk ratio=0.60 (95% CI=0.45-0.79)) and fewer positive skin culture results (pooled risk ratio, RR=0.38 (95% CI=0.28-0.51)) compared with povidone iodine.Conclusion: Preoperative skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine is more effective than povidone-iodine in preventing surgical site infection.
EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL COMO CAMPO DE SABER E PODER NAS POLÍTICAS DE INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR
Authors: Lunardi-Lazzarin Márcia Lise , Hermes Simoni Timm
Published: May 2017

Considerando as reformas educacionais relativas às políticas públicas de Educação Especial, este artigo problematiza a emergência e a operacionalidade da Educação Especial por meio do Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) nas escolas inclusivas. Partindo de um estudo de caráter exploratório, inscrito nos Estudos Foucaultianos em Educação, desenvolvemos o entendimento da Medicina Social, da Psicologia e da Pedagogia como condições de possibilidade da emergência da Educação Especial, bem como problematizamos a tríade palavra-razão-ordem na operacionalidade dessa educação especializada. Concluímos que, apesar das reformas educacionais, continuamos a produzir prisioneiros do pertencimento nas escolas, efetivando inclusões excludentes e exclusões includentes.
A FORMAÇÃO DOS PROFISSIONAIS DA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL NO MUNICÍPIO DE GUARAPUAVA/PR: DESAFIOS ÀS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS
Authors: Mesomo Lira Aliandra Cristina , Abreu Drewinski Jane Maria de , Oliveira Jáima Pinheiro de
Published: May 2017

O objetivo deste texto é problematizar a formação dos profissionais que atuam na educação infantil de instituições públicas do município de Guarapuava-PR, tendo como pressuposto que a formação influencia diretamente a atuação do professor na organização do trabalho pedagógico e nos processos educativos desenvolvidos com as crianças. Para efeito de investigação, foram aplicados questionários, aos profissionais dos Centros Municipais de Educação Infantil, deste município e realizadas entrevistas com aproximadamente 15% deles. Os dados dos questionários forneceram informações importantes sobre a formação profissional dos professores. As entrevistas abordaram questões sobre as condições de trabalho, organização do trabalho pedagógico, dentre outras. Em seguida, estas foram transcritas e analisadas por meio de seus conteúdos, de modo que foram obtidas quatro categorias temáticas: a) dados acerca das condições de trabalho; b) formação continuada ofertada pela mantenedora; c) orientações recebidas institucionalmente para a organização do trabalho e d) perfil do profissional da educação infantil segundo a concepção dos professores. Os resultados indicaram que grande parte dos profissionais atuantes realizou sua formação a distância ou está em processo de formação em cursos na modalidade a distância, tanto em nível médio como superior. Não existe, no município, uma proposta de formação continuada. Além disso, destacaram-se as precárias condições de trabalho explicitadas por uma série de dificuldades que acabam por comprometer o trabalho desenvolvido com as crianças. Esses resultados confirmam a urgência de políticas públicas que incluam diretrizes e estratégias de educação em serviço e, fundamentalmente, formas de ingresso que valorizem esses profissionais, a fim de que seja diminuído o contingente que abandona esse serviço ou que pretende abandonar, como ficou claro em vários relatos obtidos.
Editorial
Authors: Lottersberger Javier , Costamagna Alicia
Published: May 2017

Editorial
EXPERIENCIAS PEDAGÓGICAS: Educar en las primeras infancias: una experiencia de formación docente en nutrición y alimentación saludable
Authors: Ravelli Sandra , Manuale Marcela
Published: May 2017

El presente trabajo analiza una experiencia de formación docente centrada en la Educación Alimentaria Nutricional, que permitió fortalecer vínculos entre la universidad y otros nivelesdel sistema educativo, promoviendo intervenciones en la intersección entre educación, salud y primeras infancias. Desde la propuesta del Programa Nacional de Formación Permanente, del Ministerio de Educación de la Nación, se propuso desde la Facultad de  Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB) de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) un curso de capacitación denominado “Salud, nutrición y educación infantil: construyendo estrategias en el nivel inicial“, donde participaron docentes y directivos de nivel nicial, docentes del primer ciclo de educación primaria, alumnos avanzados de formación docente, especialmente del Profesorado de Educación Física y alumnos avanzados de la carrera de Licenciatura en Nutrición (LN) y de Terapia Ocupacional FBCB-UNL. El desarrollo de esta experiencia de formación pedagógica posibilitó el diseño y desarrollo de propuestas educativas contextualizadas, transfiriendo los ejes vinculados a la salud y nutrición trabajados a las prácticas de enseñanza en los niveles involucrados.
INVESTIGACIONES EDUCATIVAS 87: Investigación acerca de la utilización de los conocimientos científicos y lingüísticos en la interpretación de textos académicos
Authors: Temporetti Félix , Corvalan Facundo
Published: May 2017

Este trabajo estudia las estrategias de interpretación de textos argumentativos utilizados por estudiantes universitarios considerando la relevancia que los conocimientos científicos y lingüísticos tienen en la comprensión de los mismos. Estas actividades de interpretación y comprensión están estrechamente relacionadas con la cultura de la educación institucional en la cual los lectores han sido formados.Para el logro de los objetivos perseguidos, fueron observados los procedimientos de lectura e interpretación en una muestra no aleatoria de32 estudiantes de Psicopedagogía y realizadas posteriormente entrevistas semi-dirigidas.Durante el análisis de las experiencias se evidenció que las anticipaciones sobre el significado de los textos realizada por los estudiantes estaban atravesadas por un conocimiento previo elemental. Dichas anticipaciones revelaron el predominio de una asociación mecánica entre un estímulo lingüístico y un nombre que había sido reforzado por la experiencia educativa. El conocimiento científico estaba asociado a la interpretación del docente. Los grupos ubicaron alos autores en el campo de la Psicología pero sin argumentar con detalles sobre las diferencias y discrepancias que se evidenciaban en los textos utilizados en la situación experimental. Con respecto al conocimiento lingüístico aunque percibieron  diferencias de escritura entre un autor y otro fueron incapaces de efectuar una profunda reflexión sobre la intencionalidad comunicativa del autor y su vinculación con la posición teórica o epistemológica adoptada. Tampoco pudieron captar la trama argumentativa y la dimensión dialógica presente en ambos textos.
INVESTIGACIONES EDUCATIVAS 87: Diálogo entre programas de pós-graduação: Contribuições para uma investigação no ensino de ciências
Authors: Oliveira Itamar S. , Boccardo Lilian
Published: May 2017

Este artigo versa sobre as contribuições para uma investigação na área de Ensino de Ciências mediante a experiência de participação na missão de estudos entre os programas de Mestrado em Educação Científica e Formação de Professores (UESB / Brasil) e a Maestría en Didactica de Las Ciéncias Experimentales (UNL / Argentina). Inicialmente a intervenção foi realizada no Brasil com estudantes do Ensino Médio nas aulas de Biologia propondo-lhesproblematizações referentes ao Ensino de Zoologia com base na Metodologia da Solução de Problemas e na Argentina foi realizada uma intervenção similar. Os resultados com estudantes argentinos conduziram os investigadores a reavaliar os dados iniciais, já que, mesmo considerando os diferentes contextos, apontaram problemas relacionados à ausência decompetências linguísticas e deficiência relacionada à alfabetização científica dos estudantes brasileiros. A investigação não teve o objetivo fazer uma comparação entre os grupos, mas apontar caminhos para ações reflexivas que o intercâmbio proporcionou, cooperando para o estabelecimento de redes investigativas e ampliação do debate acerca do Ensino de Ciências.
RESÚMENES DE JORNADAS: Resúmenes presentados en las Vo JORNADA PARA EL FORTALECIMIENTO DE LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA ENFERMEDAD DE CHAGAS EN LAS CIENCIAS DE LA SALUD, realizadas en la Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas. Santa Fe, 24 setiembre de 2016
Authors: Aula Universitaria Revista
Published: May 2017

Resúmenes presentados en las Vo JORNADA PARA EL FORTALECIMIENTO DE LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA ENFERMEDAD DE CHAGAS EN LAS CIENCIAS DE LA SALUD, realizadas en la Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas. Santa Fe, 24 setiembre de 2016
Shale volume and permeability of the Miocene unconsolidated turbidite sands of Bonga oil field, Niger delta, Nigeria
Authors: Namdie Inyang , Akpabio Idara , Okechukwu .E. Agbasi
Published: May 2017

Bonga oil field is located 120km (75mi) southeast of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. It is a subsea type development located about 3500ft water depth and has produced over 330 mmstb of hydrocarbon till date with over 16 oil producing and water injection wells. The producing formation is the Middle to Late Miocene unconsolidated turbidite sandstones with lateral and vertical homogeneities in reservoir properties. This work, analysis the petrophysical properties of the reservoir units for the purpose of modeling the effect of shale content on permeability in the reservoir. Turbidite sandstones are identified by gamma-ray log signatures as intervals with 26-50 API, while sonic, neutron, resistivity, caliper and other log data are applied to estimate volume of shale ranging between 0.972 v/v for shale intervals and 0.0549 v/v for turbidite sands, water saturation of 0.34 v/v average in most sand intervals, porosity range from 0.010 for shale intervals to 0.49 v/v for clean sands and permeability values for the send interval 11.46 to2634mD, for intervals between 7100 to 9100 ft., Data were analyzed using the Interactive Petrophysical software that splits the whole curve into sand and shale zones and estimates among other petrophysical parameters the shale contents of the prospective zones. While Seismic data revealed reservoir thickness ranging from 25ft to over 140ft well log data within the five wells have identified sands of similar thickness and estimated average permeability of700mD. Within the sand units across the five wells, cross plots of estimated porosity, volume of shale and permeability values reveal strong dependence of permeability on shale volume and a general decrease in permeability in intervals with shale volume. It is concluded that sand units with high shale contents that are from0.500 to0.900v/v will not provide good quality reservoir in the field.
Use of online sources of information for dental prac-tice among private dental practitioners in Bangalore – a cross sectional survey
Authors: Reddy Mayur Nath , K Hemalatha
Published: May 2017

Introduction: The Internet seems to provide a new opportunity to overcome problems of access and provide clinically appropriate information to practitioners. However, while use of the Internet for clinical information has grown substantially in recent years. Access to the Internet has been improving rapidly for all professional groups. Dental professionals in clinical practice have been increasing opportunities to obtain information for clinical decision-making from a variety of resources, including a growing availability through online technology.Objectives:1)      To assess the frequency of utilizing online sources of information for practical guidance.2)      To assess the influence of online sources of information on practical guidance.Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional survey was carried out among 386 private dental practitioners in Bangalore city. A self-administered, structured questionnaire containing 16 items was used (including demographic details). Cronbach's α was found to be 0.87 for each item. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test.Results: 81.6% (n=315) of private dental practitioners use the Internet as their source of information for clinical practice. Only 18.4% (n=71) do not use, the main reason for not using internet is lack of time and it is too complicated to use. 44.8% (n=173) rated on online source as most influential and 45.6% (n=176) frequently using online source for guidance. Information was primarily sought on patient education, oral disease, updates on common disease, and diagnosis. Medline was the most frequently accessed source.Conclusion: A relatively large proportion of dental practitioners uses information from online sources for practical guidance. The Internet could be a valuable medium for the information, provided, that its use is accompanied by training in the identiﬁcation, use, and application.
Clinical and biochemical aspects associated with diabetic nephropathy among type 2 diabetic males in Gaza strip
Authors: Abu Mustafa Ayman , Yassin Maged
Published: May 2017

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, and the published data on various aspects of the disease is rare in Gaza Strip.Objective: to investigate clinical and biochemical aspects associated with DN among type 2 diabetic males in Gaza Strip.Methods: The study comprised 150 type 2 diabetic males from Gaza Strip. Data were obtained from a questionnaire interview, patients’ records, and biochemical analysis of blood and urine samples. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.Results: The prevalence of DN was 71/150 (47.3%). Duration of diabetes in patients with DN was significantly higher than in patients without DN (p<0.001). Smoking, retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and neuropathy were significantly more frequent among patients with DN (p<0.05). Serum glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower in patients with DN (p<0.05). Urinary albumin and Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) were 10 to 13 times higher in patients with DN. Conversely, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was significantly lower in patients with DN (137.1±35.0 versus 187.8±70.8 ml/min/1.73m2, p<0.001). ACR showed significant positive correlations with duration of diabetes (r=0.311, p<0.001), glucose (r=0.308, p<0.001), urea (r=0.474, p<0.001), creatinine (r=0.356, p<0.001), cholesterol (r=0.307, p<0.001), LDL-C (r=0.319, p<0.001) and urinary albumin (r=0.942, p<0.001), and significant negative correlation with GFR (r=-0.297, p<0.001). The predicted factors of DN were duration of diabetes, smoking, retinopathy, CVD, neuropathy, glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, LDL-C and GFR. The more to fewer effective predicted variables of ACR were urinary albumin, urea, creatinine, LDL-C, duration of diabetes, glucose, cholesterol and GFR.Conclusion: Management of some predicted factors of DN could delay the progression of the disease.
The Assessment and Mentoring Program (AMP): Final Year Pre-Service Physical Education Peer Mentors Perceptions of Effective Mentoring
Authors: Jenkinson Kate Adele , Benson Amanda Clare
Published: May 2017

In the teacher education context, most peer mentoring programs have focused on pre-service teachers and a qualified teacher mentor within schools (Hobson, et.al., 2009; Ambrosetti, Knight & Dekkers, 2014). Few studies have focused on mentoring between pre-service physical education teachers. Therefore, we describe the Assessment and Mentoring Program (AMP): a four-way collaborative learning community. Mentoring occurs between final year physical education students (mentors), reciprocally between mentors and their year two mentees, and in collaboration with lecturers. Prior to the commencement of the AMP, to understand the pre-service mentors’ perception of effective mentoring, they were asked to annotate an A3 poster with the characteristics they perceived were required to be the ‘perfect’ mentor and complete the AMP successfully. We present data of their perceptions. De-identified data were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using NVivo (Version10) software to explore themes of the mentor’s perceptions of effective mentoring within the context of Le Cornu’s (2005) critical mentoring framework including interpersonal skills, a mentoring attitude and critical reflection. The AMP mentors identified characteristics in all three categories; organisation was also identified as an essential mentoring characteristic. Students’ perceived a diverse set of mentoring skills were required. Given that many key skills developed through mentoring are important for pre-service teachers when they graduate, the challenge is how to provide relevant, authentic and context specific experiences for students that enable them to become collaborative reflective practitioners who can provide quality learning and assessment opportunities for their own diverse students within the constraints of a university environment.
Student Engagement Across Cultures - Investigating Lecture Software
Authors: Green Alison J , Sammons Gail , Swift Alice
Published: May 2017

Most instructors are looking for ways to improve student engagement in higher education classrooms across the globe.  With the influx of tablets and laptops as the tool for students in the 21st century, the question arises of how best to integrate technology into the design of a lecture and is there a difference when designing a lecture with technology across cultures?  The purpose of this study was to investigate lecture software in the classroom. Students and instructors from Singapore and the U.S. participated.  The instrument, to collect the perceptions of the lecture software was the Student Engagement Survey, and the results reveal that active learning was a common educational thread across the globe by using the lecture software technology.
Enhance Students’ Learning in Business Statistics Class Using Video Tutorials
Authors: Lai Guolin , Zhu Zhiwei , Williams Douglas
Published: May 2017

As a supplement to traditional classroom instruction, online video tutorials were created and made available as just-in-time support to enhance undergraduate business students’ academic performance in a required introductory business statistics course. The study showed the availability of video tutorials enriched students’ learning experiences and enhanced their academic performance. The results suggest that the learning benefits of the video tutorials were instrumental to those students with a final course grade B or C because these students were struggling to understand the course materials in the class. While those students with a final grade of A, D, or F might believe that they either totally understood everything or they were absolutely lost in the class. In either case, these students might believe that studying the video tutorials added no more value to their understanding of the materials presented in the class.
Seasonal variations of Fucus vesiculosus fertility under ocean acidification and warming in the western Baltic Sea
Authors: Graiff Angelika , Dankworth Marie , Wahl Martin , Karsten Ulf , Bartsch Inka
Published: May 2017

Ocean warming and acidification may substantially affect the reproduction of keystone species such as
On non-optimal spectral factorizations
Authors: Ephremidze Lasha , Selesnick Ivan , Spitkovsky Ilya
Published: May 2017

For a given Laurent polynomial matrix function S, which is positive definite on the unit circle in the complex plane, we consider all possible polynomial spectral factors of S which are not necessarily invertible inside the unit circle.
Two-step hydrogen transfer catalysis conversion of lignin to valuable small molecular compounds
Authors: Li Zhihao , Bi Zhihao , Yan Lifeng
Published: May 2017

As the major composite of biomass, lignin can be utilized as feedstock for valuable chemicals, especially phenols. Catalysis hydrogenation of lignin is an attractive route for the conversion. However, most of them require hydrogen gas under high pressure which is dangerous. Hydrogen transfer reaction provides an alternative route to degrade and hydrogenate lignin or its units to small molecular compounds. Here, a two-step method has been employed using Raney Ni and Pd/C catalysts consecutively for hydrogen transfer catalysis for lignin. The results reveal that lignin can be degraded efficiently about 90% during conversion, and the major products are phenols with ~30% in yield. It provides a new green method for converting natural lignin to valuable chemicals.
Biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using barberry (Berberis vulgaris) extract and assessment of their physico-chemical properties and antibacterial activities
Authors: Anzabi Younes
Published: May 2017

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using barberry (Berberis vulgaris) extract via heating method. The effects of the amount of barberry extract (15–35 ml) and the reaction time (30–90 min) on the antibacterial (clear zone diameter, mm) and antioxidant (%) activities of the synthesized ZnO NPs were investigated by response surface methodology. Main reducing and stabilizing compounds of barberry extract were identified by gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spherical ZnO NPs with an average size of 20 nm were successfully fabricated at optimal synthesis conditions using 35 ml of barberry extract and 30 min reaction time. ZnO NPs were determined to have a zeta potential of –15.3 mV and an antioxidant activity of 28.8%. The antibacterial activity of fabricated ZnO NPs was tested againstStaphylococcus aureusand found to possess significant (p<0.05) inhibitory effect against this microorganism.
Numerical Modeling and Parametric Optimization of Micromixer for Low Diffusivity Fluids
Authors: Karthikeyan K. , Sujatha L. , Sudharsan N. M
Published: May 2017

This paper deals with the design, analysis and optimization of micro-mixer for fluids having very low diffusivity (in the order of 10−12 m2/s) to be used in Lab on Chip (LOC) for medical diagnosis. As flow is laminar and the cross-sectional area is in microscale, the viscous forces are strong causing the fluids to be transported in streamline with minimum diffusion. The main objective in designing a micro mixer is to achieve complete mixing with minimum channel length and pressure drop. In this work a passive micro mixer with two inlets and one outlet (Y shaped passive micro mixer) with obstacles in various shapes and sizes is modelled, to study the effect of mixing. After a CFD analysis, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of 3K design with 3 parameters as well as a 2K design with 4 parameters was performed to study the effect of parameters on mixing index (mixing length) and pressure loss. There is a negative correlation between the response obtained for mixing length and pressure loss while varying the parameters. This makes it difficult to predict the optimum configuration. Taguchi method is used to obtain an optimum configuration to overcome this negative correlatiozn.
Schlaf, Nahrungsaufnahme und Fortbewegung – Koordination von angeborenem Verhalten durch den lateralen Hypothalamus
Authors: Korotkova Tatiana , Ponomarenko Alexey
Published: May 2017

Der laterale Hypothalamus (LH) reguliert angeborenes Verhalten, wie Nahrungsaufnahme, Schlaf, Wachzustand und Fortbewegung. Pathologien des LH werden mit einem weiten Spektrum von Schlaf- und Essstörungen in Zusammenhang gebracht. Technologische Fortschritte in den Bereichen Optogenetik, Elektrophysiologie und Kalzium-Imaging ermöglichten Identifizierung, Aktivitätsanalyse und Manipulation unterschiedlicher Zelltypen des Hypothalamus mit hoher zeitlicher Präzision in verhaltenden Mäusen. Hier fassen wir neuere Studien zusammen, welche Funktionen der Orexin/Hypocretin-, GABA- und MCH (melanin-concentrating hormone)-exprimierenden LH-Neurone bei der Regulation angeborenen Verhaltens aufklärten. Des Weiteren erläutern wir wie spontane oder optogenetisch induzierte Änderungen der neuronalen Aktivität im hypothalamischen Netzwerk zu Veränderungen im Verhalten führen können.
Apollos Fluch und Segen: Musizieren als Neuroplastizitätsmotor
Authors: Altenmüller Eckart , Furuya Shinichi
Published: May 2017

Musiker sind ein hervorragendes Modell, um die Plastizität des menschlichen Gehirns zu ergründen. Die Anforderungen an das Nervensystem sind beim Musizieren außerordentlich hoch und bieten ein einzigartig reiches multisensorisches und motorisches Erlebnis. Dieser Artikel resümiert den aktuellen Forschungsstand zu den Auswirkungen musikalischer Ausbildung auf Hirnfunktionen, neuronale Konnektivität und Gehirnstruktur. Als Erstes wird diskutiert, welche Faktoren die Plastizität im Gehirn von Musikern auslösen und fortwährend anregen. Dabei stellen wir die Hypothese auf, dass kontinuierliches zielorientiertes Üben, multisensorische motorische Integration und emotionale und soziale Belohnungen an diesen plastizitätsinduzierten Veränderungen des Gehirns beteiligt sind. Im Anschluss daran fassen wir kurz die Neuroanatomie und Neurophysiologie des Musizierens zusammen. Der folgende Abschnitt beschäftigt sich mit dem Zusammenhang von musikalischer Ausbildung und strukturellen Anpassungen der grauen und weißen Substanz im Gehirn. Wir diskutieren kritisch den Befund, dass strukturelle Veränderungen am häufigsten beobachtet wurden, wenn die musikalische Ausbildung nach dem siebten Lebensjahr begonnen wurde, wohingegen die funktionelle Optimierung effektiver vor diesem Zeitraum stattfindet. Danach widmen wir uns dem Verlust der feinmotorischen Kontrolle, der „Musikerdystonie“. Dieser Zustand ist durch maladaptive Plastizität des Gehirns bedingt. Wir schließen mit einer kurzen Zusammenfassung über die Rolle von Hirnplastizität, Metaplastizität und maladaptiver Plastizität mit dem Erwerb und Verlust von musikalischer Expertise ab.
To eat? To sleep? To run? Coordination of innate behaviors by lateral hypothalamus
Authors: Korotkova Tatiana , Ponomarenko Alexey
Published: May 2017

Lateral hypothalamus (LH) is crucial for the regulation of innate behaviors, including food intake, sleep, wakefulness and locomotion. Pathologies of LH are associated with widespread sleep and eating disorders. Recent progress in several technologies, including optogenetics, multisite high-density neuronal recordings and Ca2+ imaging in behaving mice have enabled cell-type specific readout of activity in hypothalamus, as well as identification and manipulation of defined neuronal populations and their projections with high temporal resolution. Here we summarize recent studies characterizing the functions of orexin/hypocretin-, GABA- and MCH (melanin-concentrating hormone)-expressing LH neurons in innate behaviors. Further, we describe how top-down inputs convey information from other forebrain regions to LH and regulate innate behaviors. We then elucidate how spontaneous or optogenetically induced changes of neuronal activity in hypothalamic circuits are translated into behavior.
Apollos Gift and Curse: Making Music as a model for Adaptive and Maladaptive Plasticity
Authors: Altenmüller Eckart , Furuya Shinichi
Published: May 2017

Musicians with extensive training and playing experience provide an excellent model for studying plasticity of the human brain. The demands placed on the nervous system by music performance are very high and provide a uniquely rich multisensory and motor experience to the player. As confirmed by neuroimaging studies, playing music depends on a strong coupling of perception and action mediated by sensory, motor, and multimodal integration regions distributed throughout the brain. A pianist, for example, must draw on a whole set of complex skills, including translating visual analysis of musical notation into motor movements, coordinating multisensory information with bimanual motor activity, developing fine motor skills in both hands coupled with metric precision, and monitoring auditory feedback to fine-tune a performance as it progresses. This article summarizes research on the effects of musical training on brain function, brain connectivity and brain structure. First we address factors inducing and continuously driving brain plasticity in dedicated musicians, arguing that prolonged goal-directed practice, multi-sensory-motor integration, high arousal, and emotional and social rewards contribute to these plasticity-induced brain adaptations. Subsequently, we briefly review the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology underpinning musical activities. Here we focus on the perception of sound, integration of sound and movement, and the physiology of motor planning and motor control. We then review the literature on functional changes in brain activation and brain connectivity along with the acquisition of musical skills, be they auditory or sensory-motor. In the following section we focus on structural adaptions in the gray matter of the brain and in fiber-tract density associated with music learning. Here we critically discuss the findings that structural changes are mostly seen when starting musical training after age seven, whereas functional optimization is more effective before this age. We then address the phenomenon of de-expertise, reviewing studies which provide evidence that intensive music-making can induce dysfunctional changes which are accompanied by a degradation of skilled motor behavior, also termed “musician’s dystonia”. This condition, which is frequently highly disabling, mainly affects male classical musicians with a history of compulsive working behavior, anxiety disorder or chronic pain. Functional and structural brain changes in these musicians are suggestive of deficient inhibition and excess excitation in the central nervous system, which leads to co-activation of antagonistic pairs of muscles during performance, reducing movement speed and quality. We conclude with a concise summary of the role of brain plasticity, metaplasticity and maladaptive plasticity in the acquisition and loss of musicians’ expertise.
Role of activin in cognitive functions, affective behavior and neuronal survival
Authors: Zheng Fang , Link Andrea , Alzheimer Christian
Published: May 2017

The multifunctional regulatory protein activin is a member of the transforming growth factor-β family. In the adult brain, activin serves as a neuroprotective factor in acute and chronic brain damage, but it also regulates brain circuits under physiological conditions. This review will highlight activin as a master molecule at excitatory and inhibitory CNS synapses and discuss how synaptic tuning by activin impacts on cognitive functions and affective behavior. By augmenting NMDA receptor function and adjusting spine morphology and density, activin strengthens hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), leading to improved performance in rodent learning and memory tasks. Disruption of activin signaling not only impairs cognitive functions, but also engenders a low-anxiety phenotype, which has been linked to alterations in GABAergic inhibition. Finally, accumulating evidence implicates activin as a putative endogenous antidepressant as well as a target of antidepressant treatment.