bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Are They a Real Threat to the Patient?
Authors: Xavier Sofia , Magalhães Joana , Cotter José
Published: February 2018

Background: Proton pump inhibitors are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world and are generally considered safe. However, there is growing concern regarding their safety. Summary: A nonsystematic review of the current literature was performed regarding proton pump inhibitors and their adverse effects. Proton pump inhibitors seem to be associated with fundic gland polyp development (without clinical relevance) and Clostridium difficile infection. Also, in cirrhotic patients, their prescription should be carefully reviewed. Regarding their association with other enteric infections, micronutrient deficiency, dementia, and chronic kidney disease, current evidence is still of low quality, and further studies are needed. Key Messages: Considering the current evidence, most patients with a clear clinical indication for proton pump inhibitor treatment should probably benefit from the maintenance of their treatment without significant adverse effects. However, higher-quality studies are needed to confirm or dismiss most of the proposed adverse effects.
Hypouricemic and Nephroprotective Effects of an Active Fraction from Polyrhachis Vicina Roger On Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemia in Rats
Authors: Su Qibiao , Su Hua , Nong Zhihuan , Li Dongmei , Wang Laiyou , Chu Shifeng , Liao Lizhen , Zhao Jie , Zeng Xianbiao , Ya Qikang , He Fei , Lu Wenjie , Wei Baowei , Wei Guining , Chen Naihong
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the hypouricemic and nephroprotective effects of an active fraction from Polyrhachis vicina Roger (AFPR) in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats. Methods: Hyperuricemia was induced by potassium oxonate in male rats. AFPR was orally administered to hyperuricemic rats for 12 consecutive weeks. Serum, liver and kidney samples were collected for effects and mechanism analysis. The levels of serum uric acid (SUA) were measured by the phosphotungstic acid method, xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the hepatic and serum samples were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, serum levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1β), interleukin-1 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were determined by colorimetric method. Protein expression of renal URAT1, GLUT9, and OAT1 were analyzed by Western blot. Results: AFPR significantly decreased the levels of SUA, serum and hepatic XOD, SCr, BUN, and MDA as well as increased SOD. In addition, AFPR treatment significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in serum, including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Moreover, we found the significant decrease in protein expression of URAT1 and GLUT9, and the significant increase in protein expression of OAT1 in the kidney in AFPR treated groups compared to the model groups of hyperuricemia. Conclusion: These findings suggest that AFPR has anti-hyperuricemic activity attributed to the inhibition of uric acid generation in the liver and probably to the enhancement of urate excretion in the kidney, and possess nephroprotective effect in hyperuricemic rats due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Mortality in Elderly Waiting-List Patients Versus Age-Matched Kidney Transplant Recipients: Where is the Risk?
Authors: Hernández Domingo , Alonso-Titos Juana , Armas-Padrón Ana María , Ruiz-Esteban Pedro , Cabello Mercedes , López Verónica , Fuentes Laura , Jironda Cristina , Ros Silvia , Jiménez Tamara , Gutiérrez Elena , Sola Eugenia , Frutos Miguel Angel , González-Molina Miguel , Torres Armando
Published: February 2018

The number of elderly patients on the waiting list (WL) for kidney transplantation (KT) has risen significantly in recent years. Because KT offers a better survival than dialysis therapy, even in the elderly, candidates for KT should be selected carefully, particularly in older waitlisted patients. Identification of risk factors for death in WL patients and prediction of both perioperative risk and long-term post-transplant mortality are crucial for the proper allocation of organs and the clinical management of these patients in order to decrease mortality, both while on the WL and after KT. In this review, we examine the clinical results in studies concerning: a) risk factors for mortality in WL patients and KT recipients; 2) the benefits and risks of performing KT in the elderly, comparing survival between patients on the WL and KT recipients; and 3) clinical tools that should be used to assess the perioperative risk of mortality and predict long-term post-transplant survival. The acknowledgment of these concerns could contribute to better management of high-risk patients and prophylactic interventions to prolong survival in this particular population, provided a higher mortality is assumed.
Mental health in primary care: an evaluation using the Item Response Theory
Authors: Rocha Hugo André da , Santos Alaneir de Fátima dos , Reis Ilka Afonso , Santos Marcos Antônio da Cunha , Cherchiglia Mariângela Leal
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: To determine the items of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care that better evaluate the capacity to provide mental health care. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out using the Graded Response Model of the Item Response Theory using secondary data from the second cycle of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care, which evaluates 30,523 primary care teams in the period from 2013 to 2014 in Brazil. The internal consistency, correlation between items, and correlation between items and the total score were tested using the Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman’s correlation, and point biserial coefficients, respectively. The assumptions of unidimensionality and local independence of the items were tested. Word clouds were used as one way to present the results. RESULTS: The items with the greatest ability to discriminate were scheduling of the agenda according to risk stratification, keeping of records of the most serious cases of users in psychological distress, and provision of group care. The items that required a higher level of mental health care in the parameter of location were the provision of any type of group care and the provision of educational and mental health promotion activities. Total Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.87. The items that obtained the highest correlation with total score were the recording of the most serious cases of users in psychological distress and scheduling of the agenda according to risk stratification. The final scores obtained oscillated between -2.07 (minimum) and 1.95 (maximum). CONCLUSIONS: There are important aspects in the discrimination of the capacity to provide mental health care by primary health care teams: risk stratification for care management, follow-up of the most serious cases, group care, and preventive and health promotion actions.
Evidence of validity of the Stress-Producing Life Events (SPLE) instrument
Authors: Rizzini Marta , Santos Alcione Miranda dos , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the construct validity of a list of eight Stressful Life Events in pregnant women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,446 pregnant women in São Luís, MA, and 1,364 pregnant women in Ribeirão Preto, SP (BRISA cohort), from February 2010 to June 2011. In the exploratory factorial analysis, the promax oblique rotation was used and for the calculation of the internal consistency, we used the compound reliability. The construct validity was determined by means of the confirmatory factorial analysis with the method of estimation of weighted least squares adjusted by the mean and variance. RESULTS: The model with the best fit in the exploratory analysis was the one that retained three factors with a cumulative variance of 61.1%. The one-factor model did not obtain a good fit in both samples in the confirmatory analysis. The three-factor model called Stress-Producing Life Events presented a good fit (RMSEA < 0.05; CFI/TLI > 0.90) for both samples. CONCLUSIONS: The Stress-Producing Life Events constitute a second order construct with three dimensions related to health, personal and financial aspects and violence. This study found evidence that confirms the construct validity of a list of stressor events, entitled Stress-Producing Life Events Inventory.
Oral Anticoagulation in Very Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chao Tze-Fan , Liu Chia-Jen , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Liao Jo-Nan , Chung Fa-Po , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: February 2018

Background:

Stroke prevention with oral anticoagulants (OACs) is the cornerstone for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data about the use of OACs among patients ≥90 years of age are limited. We aimed to investigate the risk of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and the net clinical benefit of OAC treatment for very elderly patients with AF (≥90 years of age).

Methods:

This study used the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Risks of ischemic stroke and ICH were compared between 11 064 and 14 658 patients with and without AF ≥90 years of age without antithrombotic therapy from 1996 to 2011. Patients with AF (n=15 756) were divided into 3 groups (no treatment, antiplatelet agents, and warfarin), and the risks of stroke and ICH were analyzed. The risks of ischemic stroke and ICH were further compared between patients treated with warfarin and nonvitamin K antagonist OACs (NOACs) from 2012 to 2015 when NOACs were available in Taiwan.

Results:

Compared with patients without AF, patients with AF had an increased risk of ischemic stroke (event number/patient number, incidence = 742/11 064, 5.75%/y versus 1399/14 658, 3.00%/y; hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.74–2.14) and similar risk of ICH (131/11 064, 0.97%/y versus 206/14 658, 0.54%/y; hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–1.09) in competing risk analysis for mortality. Among patients with AF, warfarin use was associated with a lower stroke risk (39/617, 3.83%/y versus 742/11 064, 5.75%/y; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.96 in a competing risk model), with no difference in ICH risk compared with nontreatment. When compared with no antithrombotic therapy or antiplatelet drugs, warfarin was associated with a positive net clinical benefit. These findings persisted in propensity-matched analyses. Compared with warfarin, NOACs were associated with a lower risk of ICH (4/978, 0.42%/y versus 19/768, 1.63%/y; hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.97 in a competing risk model), with no difference in risk of ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

Among patients with AF ≥90 years of age, warfarin was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke and positive net clinical benefit. Compared with warfarin, NOACs were associated with a lower risk of ICH. Thus, OACs may still be considered as thromboprophylaxis for elderly patients, with NOACs being the more favorable choice.
Contributions of Intraindividual and Interindividual Differences to Multisensory Processes
Authors: Murray Micah M. , Thelen Antonia , Ionta Silvio , Wallace Mark T.
Published: February 2018

Most evidence on the neural and perceptual correlates of sensory processing derives from studies that have focused on only a single sensory modality and averaged the data from groups of participants. Although valuable, such studies ignore the substantial interindividual and intraindividual differences that are undoubtedly at play. Such variability plays an integral role in both the behavioral/perceptual realms and in the neural correlates of these processes, but substantially less is known when compared with group-averaged data. Recently, it has been shown that the presentation of stimuli from two or more sensory modalities (i.e., multisensory stimulation) not only results in the well-established performance gains but also gives rise to reductions in behavioral and neural response variability. To better understand the relationship between neural and behavioral response variability under multisensory conditions, this study investigated both behavior and brain activity in a task requiring participants to discriminate moving versus static stimuli presented in either a unisensory or multisensory context. EEG data were analyzed with respect to intraindividual and interindividual differences in RTs. The results showed that trial-by-trial variability of RTs was significantly reduced under audiovisual presentation conditions as compared with visual-only presentations across all participants. Intraindividual variability of RTs was linked to changes in correlated activity between clusters within an occipital to frontal network. In addition, interindividual variability of RTs was linked to differential recruitment of medial frontal cortices. The present findings highlight differences in the brain networks that support behavioral benefits during unisensory versus multisensory motion detection and provide an important view into the functional dynamics within neuronal networks underpinning intraindividual performance differences.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Does Not Affect the Decrease of Decision Threshold during the Choice Process When There Is No Conflict, Time Pressure, or Reward
Authors: Leimbach Friederike , Georgiev Dejan , Litvak Vladimir , Antoniades Chrystalina , Limousin Patricia , Jahanshahi Marjan , Bogacz Rafal
Published: February 2018

During a decision process, the evidence supporting alternative options is integrated over time, and the choice is made when the accumulated evidence for one of the options reaches a decision threshold. Humans and animals have an ability to control the decision threshold, that is, the amount of evidence that needs to be gathered to commit to a choice, and it has been proposed that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is important for this control. Recent behavioral and neurophysiological data suggest that, in some circumstances, the decision threshold decreases with time during choice trials, allowing overcoming of indecision during difficult choices. Here we asked whether this within-trial decrease of the decision threshold is mediated by the STN and if it is affected by disrupting information processing in the STN through deep brain stimulation (DBS). We assessed 13 patients with Parkinson disease receiving bilateral STN DBS six or more months after the surgery, 11 age-matched controls, and 12 young healthy controls. All participants completed a series of decision trials, in which the evidence was presented in discrete time points, which allowed more direct estimation of the decision threshold. The participants differed widely in the slope of their decision threshold, ranging from constant threshold within a trial to steeply decreasing. However, the slope of the decision threshold did not depend on whether STN DBS was switched on or off and did not differ between the patients and controls. Furthermore, there was no difference in accuracy and RT between the patients in the on and off stimulation conditions and healthy controls. Previous studies that have reported modulation of the decision threshold by STN DBS or unilateral subthalamotomy in Parkinson disease have involved either fast decision-making under conflict or time pressure or in anticipation of high reward. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of reward, decision conflict, or time pressure for decision-making, the STN does not play a critical role in modulating the within-trial decrease of decision thresholds during the choice process.
Modulating Episodic Memory Alters Risk Preference during Decision-making
Authors: St-Amand David , Sheldon Signy , Otto A. Ross
Published: February 2018

When choosing between options that vary in risk, we often rely on our experience with options—our episodic memories—to make that choice. Although episodic memory has been demonstrated to be critically involved in value-based decision-making, it is not clear how these memory processes contribute to decision-making that involves risk. To investigate this issue, we tested a group of participants on a repeated-choice risky decision-making task. Before completing this task, half of the participants were given a well-validated episodic induction task—a brief training procedure in recollecting the details of a past experience—known to engage episodic memory processes, and the other half were given a general impressions induction task. Our main finding was that risk-taking following the general impressions induction task was significantly lower than following the episodic induction task. In a follow-up experiment, we tested risk-taking in another group of participants without any prior induction task and found that risk-taking from this no-induction (baseline) group was more similar to the episodic induction than to the general impression group. Overall, these findings suggest engaging episodic memory processes when learning about decision outcomes can alter apparent risk-taking behavior in decision-making from experience.
A review of the helminths co-introduced with Trachemys scripta elegans – a threat to European native turtle health
Authors: Demkowska-Kutrzepa Marta , Studzińska Maria , Roczeń-Karczmarz Monika , Tomczuk Krzysztof , Abbas Zahrai , Różański Paweł
Published: February 2018

In the 20th century large numbers of exotic turtles Trachemys scripta elegans have been imported into Europe as pets and this has led to frequent introductions into many freshwater ecosystems. Nowadays, established populations of red-eared slider, coexist and compete with the native in Europe species of turtles in the wild. Invasive turtles are a threat to indigenous species because of carriage of many parasites, which are often considered to cause disease emergence and produce high mortality in native hosts. Helminths are the most prominent group introduced with T. s. elegans and due to their host-switching ability have become important co-invaders, a potential threat to indigenous turtle health. The aim of this review was to assess the risks of the transfer of helminths co-introduced with T. s. elegans to native species of European turtles.
Values for the Sake of the (Post-Soviet) Nation
Authors: Puleri Marco
Published: February 2018

The aim of this paper is to deeply rethink and better understand the different approaches to ‘value-based’ politics – and social subroupings’ reactions to it – in the post-Soviet area through the lens of the Ukrainian scene, by analysing both the political and cultural narratives which have emerged in the aftermath of the recent Ukrainian-Russian clash of discourses. An accurate tracking of the policies normativising the field of culture on the one hand, and of blurred cultural boundaries on the other, will help us to question the fixed constructs of national and cultural identity when looking at the everchanging post-Soviet social milieus. This could lead to a general reassessment of the dynamics of self-representation in the post-Soviet cultural and political scene.
New species, redescriptions and a new combination of Acanthocyrtus Handschin, 1925 and Amazhomidia Cipola & Bellini, 2016 (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Entomobryinae)
Authors: CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA , DE MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: February 2018

Herein one new species of Amazhomidia Cipola & Bellini from Brazilian Amazon is described and illustrated: A. thaisae sp. nov., plus one specimen no nominal due to lack of material for formal descriptionend point.  Acanthocyrtus guianiensis Womersley is redescribed and transferred to Amazhomidia by presence of prelabral chaetae bifurcated, macrochaetotaxy pattern, manubrium laterally with long distal mac finely ciliate and dens ventrally unscaled. Acanthocyrtus croceus Womersley is confirmed as a junior synonymy of A. guianiensis. The juvenile description of Amazhomidia ducke is provided, and changes in chaetotaxy nomenclature are made based on them. Acanthocyrtus lineatus Womersley is redescribed based on type material and new diagnostic characters are revealed. Identification keys for both genera and a comparison for Entomobryinae genera with dental spines are provided. Amazhomidia has now three and Acanthocyrtus Handschin six valid species.
Ascidians collected during the Madibenthos expedition in Martinique: 1—Phlebobranchia
Authors: MONNIOT FRANÇOISE
Published: February 2018

The aim of the Madibenthos 2016 expedition was to establish an inventory of the benthic marine fauna around Martinique. All kinds of biota were collected with different devices down to 40m depth. Among a large amount of invertebrates the ascidians were varied and abundant. Their study will be made in several steps. The first group studied concerns the Order Phlebobranchia represented here by species already described from the Caribbean area; one of them was collected for only the second time. The variability of internal characters which are ordinarily considered as generic or specific is discussed here for the genera Ascidia and Phallusia.
Pseudacanthicus major: description of one of the largest known Loricariidae (Hypostominae: Ancistrini), a species from rio Tocantins basin, Brazil
Authors: CHAMON CARINE C. , SILVA THIAGO COSTA E
Published: February 2018

The genus Pseudacanthicus currently comprises the following six species distributed in the Amazon and Tocantins basins, and coastal drainages from Guyana to French Guyana: P. serratus, P. fordii, P. histrix, P. spinosus, P. leopardus, P. pitanga, and P. pirarara. Herein we describe P. major, from rio Tocantins basin, one of the largest loricariid species known. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: having body color pattern with dark brown background without spots or blotches and dorsal and caudal fins with transversal white bands; anterior process of compound pterotic with no contacting with the posterior margin of the orbit and by the absence of a conspicuous crest on the posterior edge of parieto-supraocciptal. Other osteological characteristics are further used to diagnose P. major from others congeners. A discussion on gigantism and miniaturization in freshwater fish, ornamental fisheries activities, threats and conservation of the new species are also provided.
New species of Chimerothalassius Shamshev & Grootaert (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Parathalassiinae) from the West Indies and Costa Rica
Authors: BROOKS SCOTT E. , CUMMING JEFFREY M.
Published: February 2018

Chimerothalassius runyoni sp. nov. is described from rocky coastlines of Montserrat and Dominica, and the genus is newly recorded from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, based on female specimens of an undescribed species.
New species of Echinoderes (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida) from Mediterranean seamounts and from the deep-sea floor in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, including notes on two undescribed species
Authors: YAMASAKI HIROSHI , NEUHAUS BIRGER , GEORGE KAI HORST
Published: February 2018

Two new species of Echinoderes from the Eratosthenes Seamount and a deep-sea station near the Sedlo Seamount are described. Echinoderes multiporus sp. nov. from the Eratosthenes Seamount is characterized by a combination of the presence of middorsal acicular spines on segments 4, 6, and 8, ventrolateral tubes on segment 2, lateroventral tubes on segment 5, lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6–9, midlateral tubes on segment 10, and type-2 glandular cell outlets in subdorsal position on segment 2 and in laterodorsal position on segments 4–9. Echinoderes unispinosus sp. nov. from the deep-sea station differs from its congeners by the combination of middorsal acicular spine on segment 4, lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6 and 7, type-2 glandular cell outlets present in midlateral position on segment 1, in subdorsal, laterodorsal, sublateral, and ventrolateral position on segment 2, in lateral accessory position on segment 5, and in sublateral position on segment 8, and densely aligned pectinate fringe teeth of the primary pectinate fringes similar in width on segments 1–10. In addition, the morphological data of two undescribed species from the Anaximenes Seamount and a deep-sea station near the Sedlo Seamount are given. An undescribed species from the Anaximenes Seamount is morphologically similar to Echinoderes unispinosus sp. nov., but differs in the smaller trunk length, the presence of broader pectinate fringe teeth of the primary pectinate fringe on segment 1, and the absence of ventromedial sensory spots on segment 8. Another undescribed species from the deep-sea station differs from its congeners in the pattern of spines, tubes, and type-2 glandular cell outlets and length of middorsal and lateral terminal spines. New names are not given to both undescribed species in this study, because only one specimen is available for each species, and both of the specimens were damaged during the preparation.
Fabrication of Dielectrically Sensitive Carbon Nanotube/Polyethylene Nanohybrid Shish-Kebab Structure for Potential Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Wu Tong , Peng Yiyan , Jiang Lin , Chen Tao , Sha Jin , Ma Yulu , Xie Linsheng , Turng Lih-Sheng
Published: February 2018

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer nanohybrid shish-kebab (NHSK) structure is a unique approach to functionalize CNTs and mimic the hierarchical architecture of native collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM), owing to their favorable geometric similarity. This study thus aimed
at combining the unique NHSK architecture of CNTs with their favorable dielectric properties to fabricate a collagen-like, dielectrically sensitive and biocompatible material. The NHSK structure was fabricated with CNTs and polyethylene (PE) by means of a solution crystallization technique.
Configuration of PE in terms of molecular weight and structure was found to be one of the important factors that determined the morphology of the NHSK. Moreover, the material was exposed to dielectrophoresis (DEP) to guide the deposition of CNT/PE NHSK into the directional pattern. The PE-decorated
CNTs exhibited enhanced dielectrophoretic sensitivity and controllable structural alignment, while the neat CNTs did not. Human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were cultured on the scaffolds to examine their biocompatibility and results indicated that the nanotopography of the kebab crystals on
the CNTs facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation while the DEP-patterned NHSK structure further boosted cell attachment and viability, thus suggesting that the CNT/polymer nanohybrid shish kebab structure has potential applications in tissue engineering.
Effects of Iron Nanoparticles on Immune Response of Two Immunocytes Like Virus
Authors: Zhang Ling , Chen Yan , Wu Lin , Liu Yingxun , Wang Jinke
Published: February 2018

Virus usually induces strong immune response, which plays the most critical role in immunotherapy. As virus-like particles, nanoparticles may have the similar immune effects. By performing in-depth datum mining of global gene expression profiles, this study investigated the effects of DMSA-coated Fe3O4magnetic nanoparticles (named FeNPs) on the immune system of four mammalian cells at various doses for different times. The results revealed that the FeNPs triggered comprehensive immune responses of two immunocytes (RAW264.7 and THP-1) like virus, inducing production of many kinds of cytokines. Especially, nearly half of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found being interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which are closely related to antivirus. These virus-like effects showed dose-dependent feature and immunocyte specificity. This study thus firstly reported the systematic effects on the immune response at the gene transcription level, and also suggests that FeNPs may be developed into useful immuno nanoinducers.
Raphanus sativus Mediated Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Akbar Sadia , Haleem Kashif Syed , Tauseef Isfahan , Rehman Wajid , Ali Nasir , Hasan Murtaza
Published: February 2018

Biological synthesis of nanoparticles employing plants and their extracts is cheap and eco-friendly technique as compared to physical and chemical procedures that are expensive and hazardous to the environment. In this study, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf
extract of Raphanus sativus. Energy Dispersive X-ray, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction were used for characterization. In-vitro, antibacterial activity against, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus
aureus, and antifungal activity against, Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were investigated. Furthermore, the influence of precursor salt and capping agent concentrations on the size, morphology and subsequently on the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was examined by synthesizing
six samples of ZnO nanoparticles at varying concentrations of zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) and R. sativus leaf extract. Synthesized nanoparticles were spherical shaped and their size and agglomeration inclined with increasing zinc sulphate concentration,
while declined with increasing R. sativus leaf extract. The antimicrobial results varied with the size and concentration of ZnO nanoparticles proving that these are two significant factors affecting their antimicrobial activity. The work reported in this paper demonstrates that R.
sativus leaf extract can be successfully employed for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles for their antimicrobial applications.
Ultrafast Bonding of Wafer Scale Vertical Aligned Carbon Nanotubes onto Gold Surface by Induction Heating
Authors: Song Xiaohui , Zhao Lanpu , Wang Jianye , Qiao Yanchao
Published: February 2018

A room temperature bonding method was developed in this study to bond vertical allied carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto gold surface within 5 seconds, and the contact electrical resistance between the CNTs and metal surface was reduced by up to 99%. Unlike traditional thermocompression bonding
method, the non-contact induction selective heating occurred at CNT/metal interface, avoiding high temperature and pressure applied on the device. In particular, the atomic study indicated that surface charges induced by the induction heating could improve the wetting between metal atoms and
the CNT surface. In addition, the contact configure modification effectively facilitated the surface melting due to increased anharmonicity at the interface. As a result, the welding occurred at much lower temperature than the metal melting point. This behavior provides more material choices
for targeting metallic surface rather than using metals with excellent wetting properties to the carbon nanotube. Also, the debonding process also showed that the bonding strength was higher than the tensile strength of CNT itself. The process is promising for large-scale and wafer-level CNT-based
devices and thermal interface material assembly.
Magnetic Fe3O4@Mesoporous Silica Composite Microspheres: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yang Hongcheng , Jiang Pengfei , Chen Zhu , Nie Libo
Published: February 2018

With the development of nanotechnology, multifunctional nanoparticles have attracted great attention in the field of biomedicine in recent years. Magnetic Fe3O4@mSiO2composite microspheres (MMS), consist of magnetic Fe3O4cores and mesoporous silica shells, are considered as promising biomedical materials. In this review, we focused on the current advances in synthesis methods and biomedical applications of MMS. At First, we outlined different structures of MMS such as core–shell, hollow and rattle type MMS, and their structures, synthesis approaches and properties were discussed in detail. Combining with the magnetism of Fe3O4and the mesopores of mSiO2, MMS were wildly applied in biomedical. Then, we summarized the biomedical applications of MMS, including drug loading and release, MRI, tumour targeted therapy, hyperthermia, multimodal cancer therapies and bioseparation. At last, the great potentials of MMS as multifunctional diagnose and therapy platforms were discussed.
Cloning and Expression Analysis of AP2/EREBP Transcription Factor Gene (MwAP2/EREBP) in Agropyron mongolicum Keng
Authors: Ao Te-Gen-Bai-Yin , Gao Li-Jie , Wang Li-Cheng , Li Yun-Qi , Zhao Yong , Lang Ming-Lin , Yang Xue-Ju
Published: February 2018

In this research, an AP2/EREBP transcription factor gene cDNA from Agropyron mongolicum Keng was isolated through RT-PCR and RACE techniques and named MwAP2/EREBP (GenBank accession no. KJ534637), and the abbreviation of which is MwAP2. Sequence analysis showed that the
cDNA sequence was 1199 bp, including 813 bp of open reading frame, which encoded a protein of 270 amino acids, and the encoded protein was predicted to be unstable hydrophilic protein located in the nucleus; the encoding protein was a new member of AP2/EREBP family transcription factor; the
secondary structure of encoding protein was mainly random coil, alpha helix structure; and one alpha helix and three beta sheets were in space structure. Homology between MwAP2/EREBP and the transcription factor gene of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) is 94%. And phylogenetic tree
indicated that MwAP2/EREBP is closest with the transcription factor of Leymus multicaulis in evaluation and has high conservation. MWAP2/EREBP has tissue and temporal specificity, which suggested that MwAP2/EREBP gene might be involved in drought-resistant physiological
process of Agropyron mongolicum Keng.
Constraining Projection-Based Estimates of the Future North Atlantic Carbon Uptake
Authors: Goris Nadine , Tjiputra Jerry F. , Olsen Are , Schwinger Jörg , Lauvset Siv K. , Jeansson Emil
Published: February 2018

The North Atlantic is one of the major sinks for anthropogenic carbon in the global ocean. Improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms is vital for constraining future projections, which presently have high uncertainties. To identify some of the causes behind this uncertainty, this study investigates the North Atlantic’s anthropogenically altered carbon uptake and inventory, that is, changes in carbon uptake and inventory due to rising atmospheric CO2and climate change (abbreviated as [Formula: see text]-uptake and [Formula: see text]-inventory). Focus is set on an ensemble of 11 Earth system models and their simulations of a future with high atmospheric CO2. Results show that the model spread in the [Formula: see text]-uptake originates in middle and high latitudes. Here, the annual cycle of oceanic pCO2reveals inherent model mechanisms that are responsible for different model behavior: while it is SST-dominated for models with a low future [Formula: see text]-uptake, it is dominated by deep winter mixing and biological production for models with a high future [Formula: see text]-uptake. Models with a high future [Formula: see text]-uptake show an efficient carbon sequestration and hence store a large fraction of their contemporary North Atlantic [Formula: see text]-inventory below 1000-m depth, while the opposite is true for models with a low future [Formula: see text]-uptake. Constraining the model ensemble with observation-based estimates of carbon sequestration and summer oceanic pCO2anomalies yields later flattening of the [Formula: see text]-uptake than previously estimated. This result highlights the need to depart from the concept of unconstrained model ensembles in order to reduce uncertainties associated with future projections.
Measuring the Sea: Marsili’s Oceanographic Cruise (1679–80) and the Roots of Oceanography
Authors: Pinardi Nadia , Özsoy Emin , Latif Mohammed Abdul , Moroni Franca , Grandi Alessandro , Manzella Giuseppe , De Strobel Federico , Lyubartsev Vladyslav
Published: February 2018

The first in situ measurements of seawater density that referred to a geographical position at sea and time of the year were carried out by Count Luigi Ferdinando Marsili between 1679 and 1680 in the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Marmara Sea, and the Bosporus. Not only was this the first investigation with documented oceanographic measurements carried out at stations, but the measurements were described in such an accurate way that the authors were able to reconstruct the observations in modern units. These first measurements concern the “specific gravity” of seawaters (i.e., the ratio between fluid densities). The data reported in the historical oceanographic treatiseOsservazioni intorno al Bosforo Tracio(Marsili) allowed the reconstruction of the seawater density at different geographic locations between 1679 and 1680. Marsili’s experimental methodology included the collection of surface and deep water samples, the analysis of the samples with a hydrostatic ampoule, and the use of a reference water to standardize the measurements. A comparison of reconstructed densities with present-day values shows an agreement within 10%–20% uncertainty, owing to various aspects of the measurement methodology that are difficult to reconstruct from the documentary evidence. Marsili also measured the current speed and the depth of the current inversion in the Bosporus, which are consistent with the present-day knowledge. The experimental data collected in the Bosporus enabled Marsili to enunciate a theory on the cause of the two-layer flow at the strait, demonstrated by his laboratory experiment and later confirmed by many analytical and numerical studies.
Equating Braille Forms of the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress
Authors: Trismen Donald A.
Published: February 2018

Sequential Tests of Educational Progress (STEP) in the areas of social studies, science, and mathematics were adapted and translated into braille. Score conversions were obtained which made it possible to relate scores on the braille forms to existing norms. The equating procedure is described, and some illustrative score relationships are presented and discussed.
Educational Engineering with Emotionally Disturbed Children
Authors: Hewett Frank M.
Published: February 2018

An engineered classroom design based on the behavior modification model has been developed and used in institutional and public schools. It attempts to provide a setting for implementation of a hierarchy of educational tasks, meaningful rewards for learning, and an appropriate degree of teacher structure. The classroom, students, and techniques are described.
Training the Mentally Retarded for Competitive Employment
Authors: Neuhaus Edmund C.
Published: February 2018

In a three year research and demonstration project to determine the feasibility of employing the educable retarded adult in a competitive work setting after appropriate vocational training, the training time and work performance of a retarded group were compared with the performance of nonretarded employees at Abilities, Inc. Results indicated that the retarded worker was able to learn the typical industrial and commercial skills needed at Abilities. The crucial matter in success was not in learning job skills per se, but in developing adequate work habits and personal social skills.
The Effects of Segregated and Partially Integrated School Programs on Self Concept and Academic Achievement of Educable Mental Retardates
Authors: Carroll Anne Welch
Published: February 2018

The effects of 2 types of school programs upon self concept and academic achievement of educable mentally retarded children were compared by means of a pretest posttest battery over an 8 month interval. Both groups were administered the Illinois Index of Self Derogation and the Wide Range Achievement Test. The 39 subjects had no previous experience in special education. IQ scores ranged between 60 and 80. The results of the study supported the hypothesis which predicted that EMR children in a segregated setting would show less improvement in self concept than would EMR children in a partially integrated setting over a period of 1 academic year.
Successful Teachers of the Gifted
Authors: Bishop William E.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to analyze selected characteristics of high school teachers who were identified as successful by intellectually gifted high achieving students, and to discover what differentiated these teachers from teachers not so identified. More specifically, the study was concerned with personal and social traits and behaviors, professional attitudes and educational viewpoints, and classroom behavior patterns of effective teachers of gifted high school students.
Programed Instruction and the Exceptional Learner
Authors: Johnson Gordon F.
Published: February 2018

A rapidly growing body of research in the development of effective learning procedures is being produced through experimentation in operant conditioning, programed instruction, and computerized education. Conceivably, technological advances will enable every child to learn at his own rate. The exceptional child with the necessary biological equipment can learn; to expect him not to learn is not only inconsistent with the facts but also contributes heavily to the possibility that he will not learn. Curricula which integrate programed instruction and contingency management can provide the environments necessary for maximizing learning efficiency.
The Intelligence of Preschool Children as Related to Ethnic and Demographic Variables
Authors: Rieber Morton , Womack Marceleete
Published: February 2018

A group of 568 Negro, Latin American, and Anglo preschool children from families with incomes in the lowest 20 percent for the community were given the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. The average IQ for Anglos was 85.0, for Negroes 69.0, and for Latins 50.3. Children who scored in the lowest quartile were compared with those in the highest on a number of economic and family variables. Income and educational level of parents, size of family, and maternal employment were found to differ significantly for the two groups. Approximately one-fourth were retested after five weeks in a Headstart preschool program and all three groups showed significant improvement.
Comprehensive Research, Evaluation, and Assistance for Exceptional Children
Authors: Beery Keith E.
Published: February 2018

A multitude of variables and approaches are needed in order to conduct comprehensive programs of research, evaluation, and assistance for exceptional children. A model for such efforts is presented and practical strategies for evaluating and assisting exceptional children are suggested, including a hypothetical deductive method of evaluation in which age specific screening tasks and a teaching approach which is based upon behavioral analysis are utilized.
Observing the Classroom Behavior of Elementary School Children
Authors: Werry John S. , Quay Herbert C.
Published: February 2018

In this study of 10 normal children and a group of children with conduct or acting out disorders, evidence has been presented to suggest that a method of direct behavioral observation in the classroom is reliable, can discriminate between normal and emotionally disturbed children, yields meaningful information on the nature of a child's maladjustment to school when it is of the conduct problem type, offers data on the efficacy of a special class program, serves as a sensitive dependent variable measure of various acute therapeutic manipulations, and is comprised largely of independent items. The relevance of this measure to children with problems other than the conduct problem type has not been established.
Project Re-Ed Schools for Emotionally Disturbed Children: Effectiveness as Viewed by Referring Agencies, Parents, and Teachers
Authors: Weinstein Laura
Published: February 2018

The home and school adjustment of children who entered 2 Re-Ed schools for emotionally disturbed children were studied before and after the Re-Ed intervention. According to their parents, after Re-Ed the children displayed fewer symptoms, were more socially competent, and were generally less discrepant from parental standards than before Re-Ed. More specifically, the children were seen as more relaxed, less aggressive, and more dominant than they had been prior to Re-Ed. Their teachers saw them as being less disruptive in class, working harder, being more able to face new or difficult situations, and having better relationships with their classmates. Improvement in academic adequacy was significant for children from one of the 2 schools; they showed a substantial increase in rate of acquisition of academic skills after Re-Ed, but they were not up to age or grade norms.
Special Education: Organization and Administration
Authors: Willower Donald J.
Published: February 2018

A social system approach to educational organizations can add some potentially fruitful lines of inquiry in the area of special education administration. Some illustrations of these lines of inquiry are furnished, and barriers to the extensive utilization of a social system framework in special education administration are suggested.
The Effects of Loud and Soft Reprimands on the Behavior of Disruptive Students
Authors: O'leary K. Daniel , Kaufman Kenneth F. , Kass Ruth E. , Drabman Ronald S.
Published: February 2018

Two children in each of five classes were selected for a 4 month study because of their high rates of disruptive behavior. During a baseline condition the frequency of disruptive behaviors and teacher reprimands was assessed. Almost all teacher reprimands were found to be of a loud nature and could be heard by many other children in the class. During the second phase of the study, teachers were asked to use primarily soft reprimands which were audible only to the child being reprimanded. With the institution of the soft reprimands, the frequency of disruptive behavior declined in most of the children. Then the teachers were asked to return to the loud reprimand and a consequent increase in disruptive behavior was observed. Finally, the teachers were asked to again use soft reprimands, and again disruptive behavior declined.
CD317 Signature in Head and Neck Cancer Indicates Poor Prognosis
Authors: Yang L.-L. , Wu L. , Yu G.-T. , Zhang W.-F. , Liu B. , Sun Z.-J.
Published: February 2018

Targeted therapy using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has emerged as a widely used form of immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Membrane-associated glycoprotein CD317 has been preferentially overexpressed by multiple myeloma cells, and its humanized mAb has been previously used in clinical trials. However, overexpression of CD317 in HNSCC and its correlation with tumor immunity is still uncertain. Here, the immunoreactivity of CD317 was detected in human HNSCC tissue microarrays, which contained 43 oral mucosa samples, 48 dysplasia samples, and 165 primary HNSCC. We found that CD317 expression was up-regulated in HNSCC tumor cells, and the CD317 expression level was independent of the histological grade, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with high expression of CD317 had a poor prognosis compared with patients with low expression. Furthermore, CD317 overexpression in HNSCC was correlated with immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1, B7-H3, and B7-H4 and tumor-associated macrophage markers (CD68 and CD163). We also observed that CD317 was overexpressed in immunocompetent mouse HNSCC tissue compared with normal tissue. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that CD317 overexpression indicates poor prognosis and is correlated with immune-related components in this patient cohort. CD317 may serve as a potential target for effective immunotherapy of HNSCC.