bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The delayed presentation of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in children
Authors: Mifsud M. , Abela M. , Wilson N. I. L.
Published: May 2016

Aims

Although atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) is a common cause of torticollis in children, the diagnosis may be delayed. The condition is characterised by a lack of rotation at the atlantoaxial joint which becomes fixed in a rotated and subluxed position. The management of children with a delayed presentation of this condition is controversial. This is a retrospective study of a group of such children.

Patients and Methods

Children who were admitted to two institutions between 1988 and 2014 with a diagnosis of AARF were included. We identified 12 children (four boys, eight girls), with a mean age of 7.3 years (1.5 to 13.4), in whom the duration of symptoms on presentation was at least four weeks (four to 39). All were treated with halo traction followed by a period of cervical immobilisation in a halo vest or a Minerva jacket. We describe a simple modification to the halo traction that allows the child to move their head whilst maintaining traction. The mean follow-up was 59.6 weeks (24 to 156).

Results

Despite the delay in referral, the subluxation was successfully reduced in all children. Only two children required atlantoaxial fusion.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that normal anatomy with restoration of movement may be achieved even in cases of AARF presenting late, obviating the need for fusion. We also show a simple modification to the halo traction that allows the child to move their head about while still maintaining traction. Take home message: Prompt diagnosis and management with halo traction (with a simple modification as described) is associated with good results in patients with AARF who present late. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:715–20.
Short Communication: Microscopic decay pattern of yellow meranti caused by white-rot fungus Phlebia brevispora
Authors: ERWIN ERWIN
Published: May 2016

Erwin. 2016. Microscopic decay pattern of yellow meranti (Shorea gibbosa) wood caused by white-rot fungusÂ Plebia brevispora. Biodiversitas 17: 417-421. The anatomical changes of wood decaying by white-rot fungus Phlebia brevispora could provide the basis for evaluating and analysis of decay on yellow merantiÂ (Shorea gibbosa) heartwood. By using soil-block test procedure of JIS K-1571 and microscopic analysis, a progressive decay in vitro of S. gibbosa wood caused by P. brevispora was well characterized.The percentage of wood weight loss was ranged from 0.91% to 12.34%in 2-12 weeks' incubation. On the first 6 weeks of incubation of S. gibbosa infected with P. brevispora, the early stages decay, in which pit erosion and slight erosion of cell walls facilitated by hyphal spreading among cells. The intermediate decay features of numerous and conspicuous holes as well as erosion troughs in cell walls were found after 8 weeks' incubation. Furthermore, complete degradation of wood cell components, defined as the advanced stage of decay, was found in some areas of wood after 12 weeks' incubation. The pattern of wood decay was similar to those of the decayed xylem of S. gibbosa stem canker in field conditions.
User-composable Electronic Health Record Improves Efficiency of Clinician Data
Viewing for Patient Case Appraisal: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Senathirajah Yalini , Kaufman David R. , Bakken Suzanne R.
Published: May 2016

Background: Challenges in the design of electronic health records (EHRs) include
designing usable systems that must meet the complex, rapidly changing, and high-stakes
information needs of clinicians. The ability to move and assemble elements together on
the same page has significant human-computer interaction (HCI) and efficiency
advantages, and can mitigate the problems of negotiating multiple fixed screens and the
associated cognitive burdens.Objective: We compare MedWISE—a novel EHR that supports
user-composable displays—with a conventional EHR in terms of the number of repeat views
of data elements for patient case appraisal.Design and Methods: The study used
mixed-methods for examination of clinical data viewing in four patient cases. The study
compared use of an experimental user-composable EHR with use of a conventional EHR, for
case appraisal. Eleven clinicians used a user-composable EHR in a case appraisal task in
the laboratory setting. This was compared with log file analysis of the same patient
cases in the conventional EHR. We investigated the number of repeat views of the same
clinical information during a session and across these two contexts, and compared them
using Fisher’s exact test.Results: There was a significant difference (p<.0001) in
proportion of cases with repeat data element viewing between the user-composable EHR
(14.6 percent) and conventional EHR (72.6 percent). Discussion and Conclusion: Users of
conventional EHRs repeatedly viewed the same information elements in the same session,
as revealed by log files. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that
conventional systems require that the user view many screens and remember information
between screens, causing the user to forget information and to have to access the
information a second time. Other mechanisms (such as reduction in navigation over a
population of users due to interface sharing, and information selection) may also
contribute to increased efficiency in the experimental system. Systems that allow a
composable approach that enables the user to gather together on the same screen any
desired information elements may confer cognitive support benefits that can increase
productive use of systems by reducing fragmented information. By reducing cognitive
overload, it can also enhance the user experience.
Alicante: una ciudad de la Cora de Tudmir
Authors: Ramos Hidalgo Antonio
Published: May 2016

Las siguientes notas tratan del carácter geográfico que prevalece en el origen y consolidación urbana de Alicante en su emplazamiento del cerro Benacantil tras el Pacto de Tudmir en los momentos iniciales de la dominación musulmana. Constituyen una reflexión sobre el conjunto de elementos de la estructura urbana, por escasos o embrionarios que fuesen, que configuraban su porte ciudadano.
Las ciudades-estado italianas de la Edad Media y la herencia de Roma
Authors: Ascheri Mario
Published: May 2016

La herencia de Roma en las ciudades estado italianos ha sido un ámbito de intensa controversia historiográfica, un ensayo crítico como el que se presenta permite observar las pautas históricas, disociar todos los elementos del discurso historiográfico, aportar claves interpretativas desde el ámbito de la historia política y la historia del derecho.
La obra de Me’am Lo’ez y su influencia sobre los judíos sefardíes en la cuenca del Mediterráneo
Authors: Meyuhas Ginio Alisa
Published: May 2016

El Rabí Ya’akov Khuli, Jerusalem ca. 1689– Estambul 1732, compuso la obra Me’am Lo’ez, que consistió en una recopilación de diversos comentarios de autores sobre 13 de los 24 libros de la Biblia, además el citado rabí insertó una serie de comentarios para que los judíos llevaran una vida según los preceptos hebreos, cuestión que le confiere un carácter enciclopédico a esta obra, que se examina en profundidad en estas líneas.
A Theoretically Grounded Framework for Integrating the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Walls Jill K.
Published: May 2016

SoTL scholars have written about the importance and utility of teaching from a guiding theoretical framework. In this paper, ecological theory and specifically Bronfenbrenner’s Process, Person, Context, Time (PPCT) model, is examined as a potential framework for synthesizing SoTL research findings to inform effective teaching at the college level. A general overview of the PPCT model of human development and its connections to current topics and areas of inquiry in the SoTL literature are provided. The benefit of adopting an ecologically-based framework to better understand and exploit the interdisciplinary nature of SoTL is discussed.
Cultural leadership behaviors of the primary school principals regarding certain variables
Authors: Hiçyılmaz Yasin , Şahin Fırat Necla
Published: May 2016

This study was carried out in order to analyse the primary school teachers’ perception of the cultural leadership behaviours of the primary school principals regarding the personal and vocational qualities of the principals and certain features of the school in which they work, and in order to develop suggestions based on the findings. “The Scale for Cultural Leadership Behaviours of the School Administrators” Yıldırım (2001) was used as data collection tool.  The scale tool used in the study was applied to 859 teachers working in randomly selected 51 primary schools in four central districts (Konak, Buca, Karşıyaka and Bornova) of İzmir-Turkey. Arithmetic average, standard deviation, t- test, ANNOVA and Scheffe Test were made us of in the analysis of the study. These findings were attained in the study: The perceptions of the primary school teachers for the cultural leadership behaviours of the primary school principals are at a good level. The perceptions of the primary school teachers for the school principals’ cultural leadership behaviours indicate significant discrepancy in terms of gender, age, training of educational administration and school type variables. However, the perceptions of the primary school teachers for the school principals’ cultural leadership behaviours indicate no significant discrepancy in terms of vocational seminars or school size.
MafB, a target of microRNA-155, regulates dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Yang Lu , Li Rui , Xiang Shaoxun , Xiao Weihua
Published: May 2016

MafB is a member of bZip transcription factors that share similar basic region/leucine zipper DNA binding motifs and N-terminal activation domains. It is well known that MafB is highly expressed in macrophages and promotes differentiation of myeloid progenitors into macrophage. However, little is known about its function in dendritic cells. Here, we report that MafB, as a target of miR-155, which had been reported to be required for dendritic cell maturation and function, regulated dendritic cell maturation. MafB and miR-155were reversely correlated during DC maturation induced by LPS and forced expression of miR-155 reduced MafB expression. The luciferase reporter assay showed that MafB 3’UTR was directly targeted bymiR-155. In addition, knockdown of MafB promoted the phenotypic maturation of DC2.4 cells. Forced expression of MafB could significantly attenuate the phenotypic maturation of DC2.4 cells caused by overexpression of miR-155. Overall, our data demonstrates that MafB, inhibited by miR-155, was a negative regulator of DC maturation.
Handing over and letting go: using online continuing medical education in teaching and assessing medical English language and communication skills to undergraduates
Authors: Vekemans Herlinda
Published: May 2016

In the last few decades the medical community has increasingly underlined the necessity for medical students and healthcare professionals to acquire adequate and patient-friendly medical language and communication skills. Although teachers of foreign languages for medical purposes are usually not medically trained, their learners present them with very specific content and communication needs. Medical undergraduates who have entered the clinical phase of their programme are particularly keen to remain within the boundaries of their newly acquired expertise. Teachers of English for Medical Purposes easily recognize their need to deepen and broaden their medical knowledge, and needs-responsive teaching in this context therefore often involves specific materials development. Although implementing material from continuing medical education (CME) may seem a bridge too far at first sight, careful selection of content geared to students’ medical knowledge at a particular stage in their clinical study programme avoids overstepping the mark. Well-chosen online interactive CME materials engage the students in authentic language in a context they immediately recognize as typical of their future workplace. The learners in the course described in this article are medical undergraduates in their fifth year who need to attend the course to prepare them for a clinical placement in an English-speaking environment abroad. The article describes how CME materials have become part of teaching practice and oral assessment in a two-semester course of medical English organized on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Leuven in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium.
“It is natural for you to be afraid…”: On the discourse of web-based communication with patients
Authors: Mazzi Davide
Published: May 2016

Over the last twenty years, medical discourse has attracted a great deal of scholarly research. Language in healthcare settings has been more generally analysed through genres – whether in terms of expert-to-expert or expert-to-lay communication – whereas more specific aspects include the study of discourse strategies behind the expression of empathy, problems of media representation of healthcare issues, and the role played by cultural variables in healthcare contexts. While substantial research exists on medical discourse and the transmission of medical knowledge, a number of works still tend to focus on accuracy and comprehensiveness of content rather than on the linguistic analysis of communication strategies. In light of that, the aim of this work is to substantiate the findings in the literature published so far by bringing a genuinely discourse-based perspective to bear on them. To achieve this goal, a corpus investigation was carried out of web-based resources employed by a leading nationwide organisation to communicate to the public about cancer. The study focuses on the discourse functions of frequently occurring phraseology, in the attempt to address the following questions: (a) Are there any recurrent discourse patterns that tend to be reiterated across the sections of informative healthcare materials? (b) How are patients’ needs addressed through the language of such materials? (c) More generally, how can findings be interpreted with a view to both their relevance to the context under analysis and their possible application in the language-learning classroom?
Semantic change from space-time to contrast: The case of Italian adversative connectives
Authors: Musi Elena
Published: May 2016

Adversative connectives such as
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Metoprolol and Its Intermediate Organic Reaction Products: Kinetics and Degradation Pathway
Authors: Pinedo Alfonso , López Mariana , Leyva Elisa , Zermeño Brenda , Serrano Benito , Moctezuma Edgar
Published: May 2016

High purity metoprolol prepared by neutralization of an aqueous solution of metoprolol tartrate is efficiently mineralized to CO2 and water by photocatalysis with TiO2, UV light and a constant flow rate of oxygen. Since the tartrate anions were eliminated, all the HO• generated by photocatalysis reacted efficiently with the aromatic part of the medication. The reaction pathway includes two routes of degradation. The first one includes the transformation of metoprolol to hydroquinone via formation of 4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenol, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Metoprolol is also degraded directly to hydroquinone. Then, this aromatic compound is oxidized to 1,2,4-benzenetriol, which is rapidly oxidized to low molecular weight organic acids before being completely mineralized to CO2 and water. Kinetic studies indicated that the initial reaction rate of the degradation of metoprolol, 4-(2-methoxyethyl)phenol, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde is described by the LH-HW model.
Deíxis y contacto en la región del Gran Chaco: Los demostrativos en las lenguas guaycurúes y mataguayas
Authors: Messineo Cristina , Carol Javier , Klein Harriet E. Manelis
Published: May 2016

Las lenguas guaycurúes y mataguayas (Gran Chaco) constituyen casos interesantes y tipológicamente inusuales por la complejidad de sus sistemas de demostrativos que combinan deíxis espacial con rasgos como visibilidad, tangibilidad, movimiento, postura y evidencia (visual). Sistemas similares han sido hallados en otras lenguas del mundo, aunque la combinación de estos con postura y/o movimiento es atípica.

En la familia guaycurú los demostrativos, además de cumplir la función de determinantes, son clasificadores nominales. Esta característica, en cambio, no es del todo compartida por las lenguas mataguayas. En las lenguas de ambas familias los demostrativos contribuyen también al señalamiento pragmático del tiempo, el modo y la evidencialidad, no necesariamente codificados en el predicado.

El trabajo muestra las semejanzas entre los sistemas de ambas familias y propone que ellas no pueden explicarse por causas universales o mera coincidencia, sino que el contacto juega allí un papel importante. Por otra parte, aun cuando la hipótesis de una relación genética entre ambas familias sea razonable, esta no parece suficiente para explicar las similitudes en los sistemas de demostrativos, que van más allá de las formas presumiblemente cognadas.
Lexico groups and direct products of lattice ordered groups
Authors: Jakubík Ján
Published: May 2016

A lattice ordered group A will be said to be a lexico group if there exists a convex ℓ-subgroup A
0 of A with A
0 ≠ A such that for each a ∈ A\A
0 we have either a > a
0 for each a
0 ∈ A
0, or a < a
0 for each a
0 ∈ A
0. We prove the following result. Let A be a convex ℓ-subgroup of a lattice ordered group ∈ such that

(i)

A is a lexico group, and

(ii)

A fails to be upper bounded in G.

Then A is a direct factor of G.
On the q-Bernstein polynomials of the logarithmic function in the case q > 1
Authors: Ostrovska Sofiya
Published: May 2016

The q-Bernstein basis used to construct the q-Bernstein polynomials is an extension of the Bernstein basis related to the q-binomial probability distribution. This distribution plays a profound role in the q-boson operator calculus. In the case q > 1, q-Bernstein basic polynomials on [0, 1] combine the fast increase in magnitude with sign oscillations. This seriously complicates the study of q-Bernstein polynomials in the case of q > 1.

The aim of this paper is to present new results related to the q-Bernstein polynomials Bn
,
q
of discontinuous functions in the case q > 1. The behavior of polynomials Bn

, q
(f; x) for functions f possessing a logarithmic singularity at 0 has been examined.
On O’Malley preponderantly continuous functions
Authors: Kowalczyk Stanisław
Published: May 2016

In the paper some algebraic properties of functions which are preponderantly continuous in O'Malley sense and functions satisfying property A
1 are studied. The maximal additive class, the maximal multiplicative class and the maximal class with respect to minimums for these families of functions are described.
Majorization of starlike and convex functions of complex order involving linear operators
Authors: Murugusundaramoorthy G. , Thilagavathi K.
Published: May 2016

The main object of this present paper is to investigate the problem of majorization of certain class of analytic functions of complex order defined by the Dziok-Raina linear operator. Moreover we point out some new or known consequences of our main result.
Solutions and constrained null-controllability for a differential-difference equation
Authors: Iakovleva Valentina , Manzanilla Raúl , Mármol Luis Gerardo , Vanegas Carmen J.
Published: May 2016

A formula for the solution of a differential-difference equation is given, and then the corresponding semigroup theory is developed, with a detailed description of the infinitesimal generator and some of its spectral properties.

Results in Sections 2 and 3 are used in particular to show how the equation can be rewritten as a classical Cauchy problem. This, in Section 4, allows to study its exact null-controllability, by using some techniques from Functional Analysis and Operator Theory. The control u is constrained to lie in a separable weakly compact subset Ω of an arbitrary Banach space U.
Non-linear dynamic response and vibration of an imperfect three-phase laminated nanocomposite cylindrical panel resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments
Authors: Thu Pham Van , Duc Nguyen Dinh
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an analytical approach to investigate the non-linear dynamic response and vibration of an imperfect three-phase laminated nanocomposite cylindrical panel resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments. Based on the classical laminated shell theory and stress function, taking into account geometrical non-linearity, initial geometrical imperfection, Pasternak-type elastic foundation, and temperature, the governing equations of the three-phase laminated nanocomposite cylindrical panel are derived. The numerical results for the dynamic response and vibration of the polymer nanocomposite cylindrical panel are obtained by using the Runge-Kutta method. The influences of fibres and nanoparticles, different fibre angles, material and geometrical properties, imperfection, elastic foundations, and temperature on the non-linear dynamic response of the polymer nanocomposite cylindrical panel are discussed in detail.
Crystal structures and vibrational spectra of biuret co-crystals with cyanuric and glutaric acids, discussion of hydrogen bonding involving carbonyl groups
Authors: Matulková Irena , Mathauserová Jana , Císařová Ivana , Němec Ivan , Fábry Jan
Published: May 2016

The title structures of biuret-cyanuric acid (2/2) monohydrate, C10H18N12O11, 1 [P1̅, Z=2, a=8.2598(4) Å, b=10.8795(5) Å, c=11.9138(6) Å, α=67.036(1)°, β= 79.842(2)°, γ=69.859(2)°, V=924.38(8) Å3], and of biuret-glutaric acid (1/1), C7H13N3O6, 2 [P1̅, Z=2, a=5.0044(3) Å, b=7.0832(3) Å, c=14.9803(10) Å, α=102.860(4)°, β= 91.899(3)°, γ=102.202(4)°, V=504.20(5) Å3], show usual features both in constitution and intermolecular contacts except for a slightly longer C=O bond length in one of the carbonyl groups in 2. The biuret molecules have conformations with anti-parallel arrangement of the carbonyl groups. In each structure O–H…O and N–H…O hydrogen bonds of the moderate strength are present. The new results are compared with other structures which contain biuret molecules. The influence of the hydrogen bonding on the bond length of the carbonyl group C=O in the fragment NH2-(C=O)-NH with amine and hydroxyl donors has also been investigated. It transpires that the C=O…H angle of about 120° favors a slight elongation of the C=O bond length. The elongation of the C=O bond is more susceptible to the relative orientation of the C=O group with regard to amine over hydroxyl groups. This is the likely explanation why one of the C=O bonds in 2 is slightly longer than usual because this carbonyl group is simultaneously involved in two hydrogen bonds where C=O…H–O and C=O…H–N satisfy the 120° condition. Vibrational spectra of the title structures were also recorded and assigned.
Reverse Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Styrene in the Presence of Functionalized Silica Aerogel Nanoparticles
Authors: Khezri Khezrollah , Mahdavi Hossein
Published: May 2016

Pristine silica aerogel nanoparticles surface was functionalized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate
(MPS). Then, the resultant functionalized nanoparticles were used in grafting through polymerization of styrene by reverse
initiation technique for atom transfer radical polymerization. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm is applied to
examine surface area and structural characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. Evaluation of size distribution and
morphological studies were also performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Conversion and molecular
weight determinations were carried out using gas and size exclusion chromatography respectively. Addition of
MPS-functionalized nanoparticles by 3 wt % results in a decrease of conversion from 98 to
81%. Molecular weight (M
n) of the free polystyrene chains decreases by adding 3 wt %
modified silica aerogel nanoparticles; however, polydispersity index (PDI) values increases from 1.31 to
1.92. Although PDI values of attached polystyrene chains are increased, M
n values reveal an increment by
adding silica aerogel nanoparticles. A peak around 4.1 ppm which originates from hydrogen atom of terminal
units of polystyrene chains in proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra can demonstrate the living nature of the
polymerization. Increasing thermal stability of the nanocomposites is demonstrated by TGA. Differential scanning
calorimetry also shows a decrease in glass transition temperature by increasing modified silica aerogel nanoparticles.
Phase Behavior Studies on ZnS Nanoparticles Doped Liquid Crystal Mixture
Authors: Santhosh Marimuthu , Chitravel Thangaiyan , Jayaprakasam Ramasamy , Vijayakumar Vellalapalayam Nallagounder
Published: May 2016

The Liquid Crystalline (LC) mixture is prepared from chiral compound of cholesteryl nonanoate and non-chiral compound of
biphenylpyrimidine. The phase change with temperature and corresponding textures of the LC mixtures are analyzed by
Polarizing Optical Microscope (POM). LC mixture at its isotropic state is doped with 1% of ZnS nanoparticles and
its influence on mesophases is discussed. Normally blue phase is identified within narrow thermal width. The note worthy
observation is that the blue phase and cholesteric phase with extended thermal span width in the ZnS doped LC
mixture. Also the thermal stability factor of the different liquid crystal phases is discussed.
Pitting Corrosion of Zn Peculiarly Caused by Acetate Anions
Authors: Abdel-Samad Hesham S. , Hassan Hamdy H.
Published: May 2016

The corrosion behaviour of zinc metal was studied in acetate solutions. The potentiodynamic polarization curve in
0.1 M acetate solution displays an anodic peak (A1) owing to the anodic dissolution of zinc followed by
a passive layer formation region. Breakdown of the passive film and the initiation of pitting corrosion were observed
beyond the pitting potential (E
pit) and confirmed by SEM images. The reverse scan of the cyclic voltammogram shows
three cathodic peaks; CI, CII and CIII. CI was attributed to the reduction of the pitting corrosion product formed at
potentials more anodic than E
pit, while the overlapped CII and CIII peaks were attributed to the reduction of the
exterior and the interior passive layers, respectively. The potentiostatic current time transients at different applied
potentials (around the pitting potential) for different electrolyte concentrations involved three stages. The first stage
exhibited rapid current decrease with time till a minimum value (i
m) at the incubation time
(t
i). The second and the third stages, where the current increases again linearly with time through two
different slopes, are correlated to the pit nucleation and growth, respectively. An increase of the pit nucleation rate
and a decrease in its growth were observed with increasing the anodic potential limit (E
a). Electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, at different potentials before and after E
pit were performed. The effect of the
acetate concentration was studied as well. A suggested equivalent circuit was used to fit the EIS data. The impedance
results confirmed that the thickness of the formed passive layer increases with proceeding of the anodic potential
reaching a maximum value at E
pit. The passive film thickness decreased again at more anodic potentials.
Functional Indicators of Glutamate Transport in Single Striatal Astrocytes and the Influence of Kir4.1 in Normal and Huntington Mice
Authors: Dvorzhak Anton , Vagner Tatyana , Kirmse Knut , Grantyn Rosemarie
Published: May 2016

This study evaluates single-cell indicators of glutamate transport in sulforhodamine 101-positive astrocytes of Q175 mice, a knock-in model of Huntington's disease (HD). Transport-related fluorescent ratio signals obtained with sodium-binding benzofuran isophtalate (SBFI) AM from unperturbed or voltage-clamped astrocytes and respective glutamate transporter currents (GTCs) were induced by photolytic or synaptic glutamate release and isolated pharmacologically. The HD-induced deficit ranged from −27% (GTC maximum at −100 mV in Ba2+) to −41% (sodium transients in astrocytes after loading SBFI-AM). Our specific aim was to clarify the mechanism(s) by which Kir4.1 channels can influence glutamate transport, as determined by either Na+imaging or transport-associated electrical signals. A decrease of Kir4.1 conductance was mimicked with Ba2+(200 μm), and an increase of Kir4.1 expression was obtained by intravenous administration of AAV9–gfaABC1D–Kir4.1–EGFP. The decrease of Kir4.1 conductance reduced the sodium transients but increased the amplitudes of somatic GTCs. Accordingly, after genetic upregulation of Kir4.1, somatic GTCs were found to be decreased. In individual cells, there was a negative correlation between Kir4.1 currents and GTCs. The relative effect of the Kir4.1 conductance was higher in the astrocyte periphery. These and other results suggest that the Kir4.1 conductance affects glutamate transporter activity in a dual manner: (1) by providing the driving force (voltage dependency of the transport itself) and (2) by limiting the lateral charge transfer (thereby reducing the interference with other electrogenic transporter functions). This leads to the testable prediction that restoring the high conductance state of passive astrocytes will not only normalize glutamate uptake but also restore other astrocytic transporter activities afflicted with HD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTInsufficiency of astrocytic glutamate uptake is a major element in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the heterogeneity of astrocytes and their differential susceptibility to therapeutic interventions, it becomes necessary to evaluate the determinants of transport activity in individual astroglial cells. We have examined intracellular Na+transients and glutamate transporter currents as the most telling indicators of glutamate clearance after synaptic or photolytic release of glutamate in striatal slices. The results show that, in Huntington's disease, glutamate uptake activity critically depends on Kir4.1. These channels enable the high conductance state of the astrocytic plasma membrane, which ensures the driving force for glutamate transport and dumps the transport-associated depolarization along the astrocyte processes. This has significant implications for developing therapeutic targets.
Prolonged Type 1 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Dependent Synaptic Signaling Contributes to Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia Type 1
Authors: Power Emmet M. , Morales Adrienne , Empson Ruth M.
Published: May 2016

Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1)-dependent signaling at parallel fiber to Purkinje neuron synapses is critical for cerebellar function. In a mouse model of human spino-cerebellar ataxia type 1 (early SCA1, 12 weeks) we find prolonged parallel fiber mGluR1-dependent synaptic currents and calcium signaling. Acute treatment with a low dose of the potent and specific activity-dependent mGluR1-negative allosteric modulator JNJ16259685 shortened the prolonged mGluR1 currents and rescued the moderate ataxia. Our results provide exciting new momentum for developing mGluR1-based pharmacology to treat ataxia.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAtaxia is a progressive and devastating degenerative movement disorder commonly associated with loss of cerebellar function and with no known cure. In the early stages of a mouse model of human spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, SCA1, where mice exhibit only moderate motor impairment, we detect excess “gain of function” of metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling at an important cerebellar synapse. Because careful control of this type of signaling is critical for cerebellar function in mice and humans, we sought to remove the excess signaling with a powerful, readily available pharmacological modulator. Remarkably, this pharmacological treatment acutely restored normal motor function in the ataxic mice. Our results pave the way for exploring a new avenue for early treatment of human ataxias.
On Being a Homeless Work of Fiction
Authors: Herrmann Andrew F.
Published: May 2016

In this piece the author takes a journey into the meaning of quests through the philosophical terrain of existential phenomenology and authenticity. Unlike quest narratives in literature and popular culture, our life narratives are not yet finished, but ongoing. Comparing the idea of existential homelessness with its undeniable and constant change to that of autoethnographic writing, he examines narrative and memory and how current life events change our understandings of past narratives and our sense of identity. Our life narratives are made up of fragmented thoughts and ideas, the stories others told before we were born—and will tell about us after we are gone.
Leaving Home
Authors: Lockford Lesa
Published: May 2016

To feel at home is an experience often proffered as desirable because it connotes comfort and familiarity, and as such it is often taken for granted as positive. In this essay, I delineate how “home,” whether actual or metaphorical, is a contested concept and location, one that is marked not only by who and what we let in but by what we keep out. I offer that belonging—multiple, elective, and temporary—enables a way more in keeping with our transient being.
Estrategias gerenciales en la educación básica y participación de madres y padres
Authors: Furguerle-Rangel Johel , Pacheco-Barrio José Gregorio , Hernández Alba , Bastidas-Pacheco Gilberto
Published: May 2016

In the educational process it is necessary to use management paradigms and active participation of parents. The objective was to determine the use of management strategies by the director of basic education and participation of parents in the educational process. It is a descriptive, transversal and field study, whose instrument was a questionnaire of 26 closed-questions.   The sample comprised 16 directors, 52 teachers and 62 parents. For most managers and faculty the technique of brainstorming, involvement in decision-making, continues knowledge management and radical change are crucial in the educational process of children.   But mothers and fathers believe that managerial groups do not use strategies properly except for reengineering.   The mother and fathers are mainly involved in education management but not in the learning process. It is recommended the deepening of policy management training teaching force, through continuous training provided by the government and the promotion of family participation in the teaching-learning process of children.
Repercusiones del consumismo en el proyecto de vida: Un análisis desde la educación ciudadana
Authors: Ramírez-Díaz Jose Laurian
Published: May 2016

Nowadays, work is being considered a social fact through which people satisfy different types of needs. However, some lines of thought proposed consumption as sole mediator to achieve happiness, which promotes poor scenarios where some people jeopardize their health and integrity with excessive practices such as consumerism, causing effects of different nature such as environmental damage and alienation of the project of life. Civic education is facing major challenges regarding the inclusion of critical thinking in advertising messages, effective decision making, environmental conservation and protection, imitation of social models in a conscious way and appropriate stewardship.  This essay aims to treat these lines based on different theoretical edges concerning the human being concept and development; so they constitute training process criteria for analysis in different contexts, especially educational, whereas one of the Ministry of Public Education action policies is, precisely, civic training.
La acción tutorial académica en pequeños grupos: Una experiencia educativa con estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Martínez-Bello Vladimir Essau , Martínez.Rojas Ángela
Published: May 2016

This study establishes three objectives. The first, describe the main characteristics of a tutorial action program developed within an academic subject in a Faculty of teacher training. The second, determine the level of appraisement of the degree of importance given by students to a group of transversal skills and the kowledge level related to the research methodology during the tutorial action. The third, discuss the role of the tutorial action at the university in the new European Higher Education Area. The experience was developed in the academic year 2014-2015. Thirty six students participated and constructed two ad-hoc questionnaires. Four elements can be highlighted from the analysis of results: the interaction between participants, the perceived organization and the tutorial action methodology, the positive assessment to the development of skills related to research, and the development of critical attitude. As conclusion, it is considered that showing the process of construction and development of the tutorial action as an alternative experience in higher education and teacher training subjects, can help to clarify alternative pedagogical mechanisms to facilitate communication and participatory processes consistent with the new European Higher Education Area.
¿Cómo se concibe la etnografía crítica dentro de la investigación cualitativa?
Authors: Vargas-Jiménez Ileana
Published: May 2016

In the first place, the article intends to get closer to what qualitative research is. Subsequently, throughout reflection, ethnography is considered in more detail, and, for this, its origin and foundations are mentioned. Then, the results of several investigations are disclosed as well as some trends of research in critical ethnography are indicated. The author wants to rescue the fact that from the bibliographical search carried out there was a case illustrating what critical ethnography is and how it is linked to research. The main conclusions highlighted that critical ethnography works not only to listen to complaints in a critical and reflective way, but to vigorously denounce, respecting the voices and approaches: this is what critical ethnography tries to rescue from its participants through their stories and experiences.
Influenza in Infants Born to Women Vaccinated During Pregnancy
Authors: Shakib Julie H. , Korgenski Kent , Presson Angela P. , Sheng Xiaoming , Varner Michael W. , Pavia Andrew T. , Byington Carrie L.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND:

Infants <6 months old with influenza are at risk for adverse outcomes. Our objective was to compare influenza outcomes in infants <6 months old born to women who did and did not report influenza vaccine during pregnancy.

METHODS:

The study included all women who delivered from 12/2005 to 3/2014 at Intermountain facilities and their infants. Influenza outcomes included infant influenza-like illness (ILI), laboratory-confirmed influenza, and influenza hospitalizations.

RESULTS:

The cohort included 245 386 women and 249 387 infants. Overall, 23 383 (10%) pregnant women reported influenza immunization. This number increased from 2.2% before the H1N1 pandemic to 21% postpandemic (P < .001). A total of 866 infants <6 months old had ≥1 ILI encounter: 32 (1.34/1000) infants born to women reporting immunization and 834 (3.70/1000) born to women who did not report immunization (relative risk [RR] 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.52; P < .001). A total of 658 infants had laboratory-confirmed influenza: 20 (0.84/1000) born to women reporting immunization and 638 (2.83/1000) born to unimmunized women (RR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.19–0.46; P < .001). A total of 151 infants with laboratory-confirmed influenza were hospitalized: 3 (0.13/1000) born to women reporting immunization and 148 (0.66/1000) born to unimmunized women (RR 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06–0.60; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS:

Self-reported influenza immunization during pregnancy was low but increased after the H1N1 pandemic. Infants born to women reporting influenza immunization during pregnancy had risk reductions of 64% for ILI, 70% for laboratory-confirmed influenza, and 81% for influenza hospitalizations in their first 6 months. Maternal influenza immunization during pregnancy is a public health priority.
High-Dose Erythropoietin and Hypothermia for Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Wu Yvonne W. , Mathur Amit M. , Chang Taeun , McKinstry Robert C. , Mulkey Sarah B. , Mayock Dennis E. , Van Meurs Krisa P. , Rogers Elizabeth E. , Gonzalez Fernando F. , Comstock Bryan A. , Juul Sandra E. , Msall Michael E. , Bonifacio Sonia L. , Glass Hannah C. , Massaro An N. , Dong Lawrence , Tan Katherine W. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Ballard Roberta A.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if multiple doses of erythropoietin (Epo) administered with hypothermia improve neuroradiographic and short-term outcomes of newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

METHODS:

In a phase II double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, we randomized newborns to receive Epo (1000 U/kg intravenously; n = 24) or placebo (n = 26) at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days of age. All infants had moderate/severe encephalopathy; perinatal depression (10 minute Apgar <5, pH <7.00 or base deficit ≥15, or resuscitation at 10 minutes); and received hypothermia. Primary outcome was neurodevelopment at 12 months assessed by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Warner Initial Developmental Evaluation. Two independent observers rated MRI brain injury severity by using an established scoring system.

RESULTS:

The mean age at first study drug was 16.5 hours (SD, 5.9). Neonatal deaths did not significantly differ between Epo and placebo groups (8% vs 19%, P = .42). Brain MRI at mean 5.1 days (SD, 2.3) showed a lower global brain injury score in Epo-treated infants (median, 2 vs 11, P = .01). Moderate/severe brain injury (4% vs 44%, P = .002), subcortical (30% vs 68%, P = .02), and cerebellar injury (0% vs 20%, P = .05) were less frequent in the Epo than placebo group. At mean age 12.7 months (SD, 0.9), motor performance in Epo-treated (n = 21) versus placebo-treated (n = 20) infants were as follows: Alberta Infant Motor Scale (53.2 vs 42.8, P = .03); Warner Initial Developmental Evaluation (28.6 vs 23.8, P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

High doses of Epo given with hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may result in less MRI brain injury and improved 1-year motor function.
Supernatural Agency and Forgiveness
Authors: Nieuwboer Wieteke , Van Schie Hein , Karremans Johan , Wigboldus Daniël
Published: May 2016

The present research examined the hypothesis that supernatural agency attributions underlie the relation between religion and forgiveness. In two experiments a priming procedure was used to make religious concepts temporarily more salient. In Experiment 1, a religion prime marginaly enhanced forgiveness but did not enhance supernatural attributions, compared to a control group. However, correlational support was found for the hypothesis that supernatural attributions were associated with more forgiveness, less punishment and less responsibility of the offender. In Experiment 2, it was attempted to enhance supernatural attributions by first manipulating participants’ sense of control (high vs. low) before presenting a religion prime. As expected, in the low control condition, religious priming enhanced the perceived likelihood that a higher power had an influence on violent situations, and enhanced participants’ forgiveness toward the offenders. Importantly, mediation analysis further supported the existence of a relation between supernatural agency attributions and participants’ ability to forgive.
Philosophy in the Cognitive Science of Religion
Authors: Geertz Armin W.
Published: May 2016

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Economic feasibility of biogas production in swine farms using time series analysis
Authors: Rockenbach Felipe Luis , Souza Adriano Mendonça , Oliveira João Helvio Righi de
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to measure the economic feasibility and the time needed to return capital invested for the installation of a swine manure treatment system, these values originated the sale of carbon credits and/or of compensation of electric energy in swine farms, using the Box-Jenkins forecast models. It was found that the use of biogas is a viable option in a large scale with machines that operate daily for 10h or more, being the return period between 70 to 80 months. Time series analysis models are important to anticipate the series under study behavior, providing the swine breeder/investor means to reduce the financial investment risk as well as helping to decrease the production costs. Moreover, this process can be seen as another source of income and enable the breeder to be self-sufficient in the continuous supply of electric energy, which is very valuable nowadays considering that breeders are now increasingly using various technologies.
Cold storage of budsticks/clefts for staggered grafting in persimmon trees
Authors: Peche Pedro Maranha , Figueiredo Alana Lauar , Pio Rafael , Andrade Cínthia Aparecida , Melo Evaldo Tadeu de , Barbosa Caio Morais de Alcântara
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT: The persimmon tree is propagated by grafting and the rootstocks are produced from seeds. Grafting is done in July, which coincides with the time when the persimmon trees are pruned. But, at this time, many rootstocks are not yet eligible to receive the grafts. In this case budsticks/cleft storage is an option. Thus, this study aimed to verify the feasibility of cold storage of budsticks/cleft and verify the grafting method to promote better graft development. Rootstock was sown in August 2012 and the branches were collected in July 2013. Part of the branches was used for grafting (budding and cleft graft methods) in one-year old rootstocks and the other part was stored at low temperature (cuttings wrapped in moistened paper and then wrapped in polyethylene bags placed in cold storage at 4°C), during the months of August to December. Every 30 days, a number of branches was removed from the cold storage to perform grafting by budding and cleft and to quantify total sugars and starch in the budsticks/cleft stored. One hundred and twenty days after the grafting was performed, the length and diameter of the bud, number of leaves, sprouting percentage, dry weight of aerial part and root from the grafts were measured. It was concluded that there is no difference in the budding graft for different periods, but in seedlings grafted by the cleft grafting method there is greater growth when the clefts have been in cold storage for 60 to 120 days.
Knowledge generation in agricultura research
Authors: Freire José Roberto de Souza , Santos Isabel Cristina dos , Sauer Leandro
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT: Over the past decades, Brazilian agriculture has played an important role in the international market, in response to growing global demand for products, services and food security. This achievement was in a large extent powered by the ability to generate knowledge and the actions promoted by science and technology institutes. This article aims to describe the model of knowledge generation in agriculture, assuming that the knowledge cycle is responsible for the capture, identification, selection and share of informal and formal information, through practices in the workplace and outside it, in personal and institutional networks. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this research deals with a multi-case study on three Brazilian science and technology institutes dedicated to agricultural research. Using both, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and collecting data through semi-structured interviews applied to seniors researchers, as well as questionnaires answered by 410 scientists holding master's and doctoral degrees in natural sciences. Results indicate the existence of a knowledge generation model in agriculture research focused innovation, whose process starts from capturing ideas on how to solve a problem using the technological competence developed, through formal research projects.