bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onkológiai betegek szoros képalkotó követése – előny vagy hátrány?
Authors: Deme Dániel , Telekes András
Published: September 2016

The International Commission on Radiological Protection estimates, that 100 mSv exposure of radiation increases cancer risk by 0.5%. The central hypothesis of the Linear No Threshold model is that low dose ionizing radiation can induce carcinogenesis through the so called “one hit action”, that is one or more deoxyribonucleic acid strands can be broken by the hit of only one electron particule. Regardless of the radiation dose, radiation exposure increases cancer risk. In the United States of America, one-third of computed tomographic scans are carried with no clear clinical indication, i.e. non radiating imaging can be applied with equal sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, computed tomographic scans are repeated unnecessarily. Although technical improvements have reduced the concern of the potential danger of radiation exposure, the cumulative aspects and cancer risk should always be considered. Cancer risk, accompanied by ionizing radiation, should be minimized during the follow up of oncologic patients. It is mandatory, that all diagnostic tools which are not using ionizing radiation should be made widely accessable (eg. whole body diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging). Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1538–1545.
Ujjon lévő cystosus elváltozás hátterében diagnosztizált dirofilariosis
Authors: Molnár Klára , Józsa Gergő , Oberritter Zsolt , Cholnoky Eszter , Pankovics Péter , Reuter Gábor , Tornóczky Erika
Published: September 2016

Dirofilariasis is a zoonosis affecting dogs and cats. It can be transmitted to human by mosquito bites. Because of the local inflammation caused by the parasite, a lump may develop. The authors present a case of a 13-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with dirofilariasis in association with a cyst located on the middle finger of the right hand. During physical examination, a lump on the extensor surface of the middle phalanx of the right middle finger was found. Soft tissue ultrasound was performed, which indicated the presence of a worm in the cyst. The cyst was surgically removed under local anesthesia and with parasitology test Dirofilaria repens infection was confirmed. The child had no complains or symptoms during recovery after the surgery. A solitary growth developing on the fingers of the hand often presents a differential diagnostic problem. Ultrasound can be greatly helpful in the preoperative diagnosis. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1571–1574.
Measuring the Level of Socialization in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Khaustov A.V. , Rudneva E.V.
Published: September 2016

Difficulties with socialization common for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a serious problem for their inclusion into educational settings. These socialization deficits are basically related to underdeveloped social skills. The paper describes a study aimed at revealing the level of socialization in children with ASD. The study involved 117 children aged 5–7 years and their parents. The children’s socialization level was measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. The outcomes showed that most children with ASD display low levels of socialization resulting in their inability to adequately communicate and cooperate with other people as in play, as in everyday life. Two factors were found to affect the level of socialization in the children: deficit of motivation and specific cognitive impairments. The paper argues for the necessity of developing a program for psychologi- cal and educational assistance aimed at forming social skills in children with ASD.
Development of Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United States and Russia
Authors: Esterbrook R.L. , Esterbrook S.A. , Dreyfus A. , Karpekova T.A. , Soldatenkova E.N.
Published: September 2016

The article presents an analysis of theoretical principles and methodological approaches within the framework of research schools both in the United States and Russia; these schools provide the basis for the development of effective learning and communication skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The authors consider the indicators for communication disorders in children with ASD, as well as the main strategies for overcoming them in the context of utilizing verbal behavior analysis (B.F. Skinner, M.L. Sundberg, J.W. Partington, and M.L. Barbera - USA), the tradition of cultural-historical psychology (L.S. Vygotsky, D.B. Elkonin, B.D. Elkonin - Russia), reflective-activity approach (A.N. Leontiev, V.K. Zaretsky – Russia), the theory of systemic dynamic localization of higher mental functions(A.R. Luria – Russia), and method of ”replacing ontogenesis” (B.A. Arkhipov, A.V. Semenovich Russia). Despite the differences in methodologies used by American and Russian scholars, the most important idea is that the researchers and practitioners of both schools have common goal: to concentrate their efforts on developing social interaction skills in children with ASD, which helps them to better adjust in their lives and function in the social environment.
Life Competencies in the Context of Education Planning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Davydova E.Y. , Sorokin A.B.
Published: September 2016

The article examines contemporary views on the structure and contents of the life competency concept and evaluates how it can contribute to education planning if used as a tool for evaluating effectiveness of functioning. The article reveals the problems associated with ambiguity of semantically similar terminology used in psychology, medicine and education. It presents a blueprint for structuring key life competencies and practicing the competency-based activity approach to educating children with ASD including universal criteria for evaluating basic skills and major planning steps.
This paper was written within the framework of the state-financed work “Rendering psychological and educational support and methodological assistance to organizations educating individuals with difficulties in acquiring general education programs” of the Department of Education of Moscow.
Modernization of the Autism Research Ideas and Development of Support Services for People with Autism in Russia: From a Regional Initiative to Globalization of Solutions
Authors: Chereneva E.A. , Bogdashina O.B. , Casanova F. , Li X.
Published: September 2016

The article describes the experience of the development of ideas of regional initia- tives, autism research, and the formation and development of the academic system aiming to help people with autism in Russia and abroad. The authors propose a model of autism research and the formation of a professional training system for specialists working with children and adults with autism.
The Effect of Multiple Intelligence-Based Instruction on Critical Thinking of Full Day Islamic Elementary Schools Students
Authors: Alhamuddin Alhamuddin , Bukhori Bukhori
Published: September 2016

Lack of critical thinking skills of elementary schools’ students was influenced by teachers’ domination in instructional activities; meanwhile students did not play independently as the learners. Theoretically, multiple intelligences based instruction is an appropriate solution. For that reason, this research aims to know the impact of multiple intelligences based instruction on students' critical thinking skills. The research was conducted at Al-Amanah and Buahati Islamic Elementary Schools by using a quantitative approach with case study method. Data collected through critical thinking tests was analyzed by using independent sample t-test to examine the impact of instruction on students' critical thinking skills. The results showed that the implementation of multiple intelligences based intruction had significant effect on students’ critical thinking skills. From the finding, some recommendations are given as follows: 1) The teacher’s role is not only for transferring knowledge based on his/her competencies but also students’ characteristics reflecting their instruction styles; and 2) for further researcher, it is suggested to investigate this issues more specifically and comprehensively. Kurangnya keterampilan berpikir kritis dari siswa sekolah dasar dipengaruhi oleh dominasi guru dalam kegiatan pembelajaran; Sementara itu siswa tidak bermain secara independen sebagai peserta didik. Secara teoritis, pendekatan berbasis kecerdasan ganda merupakan solusi yang tepat. Untuk itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak pendekatan berbasis kecerdasan ganda pada keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Sekolah Dasar Islam Al-Amanah dan Buahati dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Data dikumpulkan melalui tes berpikir kritis dianalisis dengan menggunakan sampel independent t-test untuk menguji dampak dari pendekatan pada keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan pendekatan berbasis kecerdasan ganda memiliki dampak yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa. Dari temuan tersebut, beberapa rekomendasi yang diberikan sebagai berikut: 1) Peran guru tidak hanya untuk mentransfer pengetahuan berdasarkan kompetensinya, tapi juga karakteristik siswa mencerminkan gaya pendekatan mereka; dan 2) bagi peneliti selanjutnya, disarankan untuk menyelidiki ini secara lebih spesifik dan komprehensif.
Implementation of Integrated Islamic Primary School (SRAI) from Administrators’, Teachers’, and Pupils’ Perspectives
Authors: Othman Ikhsan , Salleh Norila Md.
Published: September 2016

Integrated Islamic Primary School or in Malaysian Language called  Sekolah Rendah Agama Integrasi (SRAI), it a type of primary school in Malaysia which is under the administration of Selangor Islamic Department. SRAI integrates curriculum implemented in Malaysia National Primary School and curriculum implemented in Selangor Islamic Primary School. The two different curriculums are normally implemented in two different sessions and in the two types of the mentioned schools. Upon the operation of SRAI, there are strenghts and weakenesses that can be identified and positively discussed for further enhancement of the schools as this type of schools might someday be proposed or looked as a model school. This paper is based on a study done on the schools. The study focusies on administrators, teachers, and pupils perspectives on the selected issues regarding SRAI. Questionnaires were given to the respondents to seek their perceptions on SRAI. Generally, the findings of the study showed that most aspects in the implementation of SRAI are recieved positively while there are others which need enhancements. Periodic review should be done to monitor the development and situation of the schools from time to time. Sekolah Dasar Islam Terpadu atau dalam bahasa Malaysia disebut Sekolah Rendah Agama Integrasi (SRAI) yaitu salah satu jenis sekolah dasar di Malaysia yang berada di bawah administrasi Departemen Islam Selangor. SRAI mengintegrasikan kurikulum yang diimplementasikan di Sekolah Dasar Negeri Malaysia dan Sekolah Dasar Islam Selangor. Dua kurikulum yang berbeda dilaksanakan secara normal dalam dua sesi yang berbeda dari dua jenis sekolah tersebut. Setelah pelaksanaan SRAI, ada kelebihan dan kelemahan yang dapat diidentifikasi dan baik dibahas untuk peningkatan lebih lanjut dari sekolah sebagai jenis sekolah yang pada kemudian hari akan diusulkan atau diperlihatkan sebagai sekolah model. Makalah ini didasarkan pada kajian yang dilakukan di sekolah-sekolah. Penelitian ini memfokuskan pada perspektif administrator, guru, dan murid tentang isu-isu yang dipilih mengenai SRAI. Kuesioner yang diberikan kepada responden untuk mencari persepsi mereka tentang SRAI. Secara umum, temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar aspek dalam pelaksanaan SRAI diterima dengan baik sementara aspek-aspek lainnya membutuhkan peningkatan. Tinjauan secara periodik harus dilakukan untuk memantau perkembangan dan situasi sekolah dari waktu ke waktu.
Urban planning and water management in Ancient Aetolian Makyneia, Western Greece
Authors: Kollyropoulos K. , Georma F. , Saranti F. , Mamassis N. , Kalavrouziotis I. K.
Published: September 2016

The findings of a large-scale archaeological investigation, conducted from 2009 to 2013 at a site in the vicinity of Antirrion, Western Greece, identified with ancient Makyneia, provides interesting information on the architectural features and urban planning of an ancient settlement in this area of mainland Western Greece. Through an interdisciplinary study of its morphological and technological characteristics, water management problems and solutions can be revealed by the water management infrastructure (waterways, water reservoirs, drainage systems, etc.) as it has been documented during the excavation, An interesting question to investigate is whether water management systems of the ancient settlement represent sustainable techniques and principles that can still be used today. To this aim, the functioning of the systems is reconstructed and characteristic quantities are calculated both for the potable water system and the drainage system.
Microbiological pollutants in air and antibiotic resistance profile of some bacterial isolates
Authors: Kabir Md Shahinur , Mridha Farzana , Islam Salma , Shorifujjaman Md
Published: September 2016

Microbiological quality assessment is one of the most important investigations to determine the pollution of indoor and outdoor air. To evaluate the microbial load in air, samples were collected from 3 different outdoor and 3 different indoor sites within Jahangirnagar University campus. In outdoor air, bacterial and fungal counts varied from 117 - 7284 CFU/m3 and 88 - 5287 CFU/m3, respectively. On the other hand, in indoor air bacterial and fungal counts varied from 440 - 6226 CFU/m3 and 88 - 5874 CFU/m3, respectively. Furthermore, to reveal the antibiotic resistance profile, Staphylococcus aureus isolates were subjected to antibiogram study against 14 antibiotics. Among the isolates, 87.5% exhibited resistance to ceftazidime; 50% to penicillin G; 31.25 % to cefotaxime; 25 % to ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cloxacillin; and 18.75% to amoxicillin. None of the isolates showed resistance to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, imipenem, nitrofurantoin and vancomycin. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in air may cause serious health hazard to the people living in this area.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 5(1): 47-56, 2016 (June)
Puddling of butterflies in Jahangirnagar University campus and the bank of Bangshi river, Savar, Bangladesh
Authors: Rima Nourin , Meme Afroza , Hossain Md Monwar
Published: September 2016

Butterfly is one of the amazing creatures of nature, which possesses some interesting behavior like puddling that includes feeding at mud, dung or carrion. A total of 54 species of butterflies under 8 families were found to gather around two different puddle grounds viz. Jahangirnagar University campus (JU campus) and bank of Bangshi river (BBR), Savar, Dhaka during January 2012 to December 2013. Among the recorded 54 species of butterflies, 6 species belonged to the family Papilionidae, 11 species to Pieridae, 10 species to Lycaenidae, 3 species to Danaidae, 13 species to Nymphalidae, 7 species to Satyridae, 3 species to Hesperiidae and 1 species to Acraeidae. In JU campus several types of puddling sources were used by butterflies viz. mud or wet soil, dung, carrion, wet sands and wet bricks, human sweat, bird-dropping, rotten fruits and flowers. On the other hand, in the bank of Bangshi river, butterflies used polluted water on the river side. In those puddle sources, members of Papilionidae and Pieridae were preferred mineral sources as they did puddle on mostly water sources (mud, wet soil, wet sand, wet brick), while members of Nymphalidae, Hesperiidae and Lycaenidae preferred to puddle on various nutrient sources (carrion, dung, rotten flowers). These results indicated that butterfly require various minerals and nutrients which are extracted through puddling sources for their reproductive success and other physiological activities.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 5(1): 57-70, 2016 (June)
Laboratory rearing of the brown marmorated stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the impact of single and combination of food substrates on development and survival
Authors: Dingha Beatrice N. , Jackai Louis E.N.
Published: September 2016

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB),Halyomorpha halys(Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is non-native species that has rapidly expanded its range in the United States of America and Canada. This study was aimed at increasing our knowledge of the biology of BMSB and developing a rearing method. A laboratory culture maintained on 15 different foods (pear, peach, Granny Smith apple, red delicious apple, squash, tomato, carrot, green bean, grape, corn, leaves of princess tree, leaves of butterfly-bush, dry seeds of sunflower, cowpea, and peanut) had on average 26.0±2.1 eggs per egg mass, and an incubation period averaging 6.94±1.2 days. Developmental duration from second instar to adult averaged 28.2±0.9 days similar to second instars reared to adult on single diet of green beans, corn, sunflower, cowpea, and peanut seeds. Survival from egg to adult was 85.4% and a growth index (GI) of 2.2±0.2 for the laboratory culture comparable to ⩾2.0 GI and 80–90% reported nymphal development on a diet of dry sunflower, cowpea, and peanut seeds. We reared six generations of BMSB before the study was terminated. Our results indicate the foods that are better for BMSB growth, development, and survival.
Standardized Follow-up of Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with a Single Intra-articular Injection of a Combination of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid and Mannitol
Authors: Conrozier Thierry , Bozgan Ana-Maria , Bossert Marie , Sondag Maxime , Lohse-Walliser Anne , Balblanc Jean-Charles
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study is to obtain pilot data from daily practice conditions of a viscosupplement made of a cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) combined with mannitol in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

The data of 40 consecutive patients, 29 women and 11 men, who were prospectively followed up for 6 months, using a standardized procedure, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients have received a single intra-articular injection of H Anox-M-XL (4.4 mL), viscosupplement made of a cross-linked HA (16 mg/mL) + mannitol (35 mg/mL), in the target knee. The primary outcome was safety. The secondary end points included 3- and 6-month change in the WOMAC pain (0–50) and WOMAC total (0–240) and patient's global assessment (PGA). Patient's self-assessment of treatment efficacy (0–3) and analgesic consumption were obtained at months 3 and 6. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 60.7 (13.9) years, and mean BMI was 28.6 (5.0). Kellgren–Lawrence radiological grade was I/II and III/IV in 13 and 27 of the subjects, respectively. The average WOMAC pain and WOMAC total scores at baseline were 21.5 (9.8) and 89.9 (42.8), respectively. Thirty-nine patients completed the follow-up. HAnox-M-XL was well tolerated; two patients experienced knee pain after injection, which resolved within three days. No treatment-related severe adverse event was reported. Mean (SD) variations in WOMAC pain and WOMAC total scores were –8.2 (8.9) and –38.4 (35.6), respectively, at month 6 ( P = 0.001). PGA decreased from 5.5 (2.0) to 3.0 (2.2) ( P = 0.006). Efficacy was rated as good or very good in 76.9% of the cases. Most of the regular analgesics users decreased their consumption.

Conclusion

Treatment with one injection of 4.4 mL HAnox-M-XL is effective to alleviate KOA symptoms over six months, without safety concern. Controlled trials are needed to confirm these pilot data.
Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking among Dental Practitioners: Prevalence and Health Perceptions
Authors: Dar-Odeh Najla , Alnazzawi Ahmad , Shoqair Noora , Al-Shayyab Mohammad H. , Abu-Hammad Osama
Published: September 2016

Background

Waterpipe tobacco smoking prevalence, practice, and the associated health perceptions among dental practitioners have not been previously reported. This study aims to determine the prevalence of waterpipe smoking among dental practitioners and to evaluate their awareness of health hazards of waterpipe smoking, particularly the adverse effects on oral health.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among dental practitioners. Surveyed dental practitioners practiced dentistry in the holy city of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, a city in the Central-Western Region of Saudi Arabia, and the study was conducted during March 2015. The questionnaire consisted of questions on demographic data, history and practices of tobacco use, and perceptions toward the health hazards of smoking. Dentists were approached at their work places and invited to participate. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample's demographic and smoking characteristics, while cross-tabulation and chi-square test were used to determine the statistical significance of association between the groups ( P ≤ 0.05).

Results

One hundred dental practitioners participated in the survey, with 55 males and 45 females. Twenty-six percent indicated that they were water-pipe smokers. Male gender and cigarette smoking were the only factors to be significantly associated with waterpipe smoking ( P = 0.008 and P = 0.000, respectively). Most participants stated that waterpipe smoking is harmful to health, and the most commonly reported health hazard was respiratory disease, which was reported by 81% of participants.

Conclusions

Prevalence of waterpipe smoking among dental practitioners is comparable to adult populations but lower than younger populations of university students. Health awareness of dental practitioners regarding waterpipe smoking was judged to be insufficient.
Analogue PTSD Symptoms are Best Predicted by State Rumination
Authors: Holz Elena , Lass-Hennemann Johanna , Michael Tanja
Published: September 2016

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by distressing intrusions. Since not all traumatized individuals develop PTSD, it is important to understand its underlying risk factors. So far, several psychological and physiological risk factors have been identified. However, these factors have rarely been examined together. An excellent tool to assess analogue PTSD in a prospective manner is the trauma film paradigm. This study examined relevant psychological and physiological factors in 60 healthy participants before, during and after the presentation of a “traumatic” film clip, including rumination, dissociation, anxiety, mood, cortisol and psychophysiology measures. Moreover, we assessed intrusions and administered the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) for one week following the “trauma”. Surprisingly, the only significant predictor for both intrusion frequency and IES-R was rumination about the film (state rumination). Furthermore, intrusion distress was predicted by both state rumination and an increase in anxiety after the film clip. Our study highlights the relevance of rumination in PTSD. Further well designed clinical studies with PTSD patients should investigate these key variables prospectively to confirm our findings.
Reactions to Prospective Positive vs. Negative Evaluation in the Laboratory: A Comparison of High and Low Socially Anxious Participants
Authors: Barber Kevin C. , Moscovitch David A.
Published: September 2016

We present a study designed to investigate fear of positive vs. negative evaluation within the context of a laboratory-based paradigm designed to evoke social threat. Eighty-nine undergraduates with high (n = 43) or low (n = 46) levels of trait social anxiety took part in a “getting acquainted” task. Participants rated their anxiety about receiving prospective positive vs. negative evaluation in anticipation of receiving public feedback on a filmed introduction of themselves that they had made for an unknown social partner whom they expected they would later meet. Results demonstrated, in contrast to extant theories of fear of positive evaluation in social anxiety, that all participants, including those with high levels of social anxiety, rated the prospect of positive evaluation as anxiety reducing. This finding raises important questions about the construct of fear of positive evaluation and how to measure it “in vivo” in an ecologically valid manner.
Within-person process-outcome Relationships in Residential Cognitive and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Reanalysis Using Disaggregated Data
Authors: Hoffart Asle , Borge Finn-Magnus , Clark David M.
Published: September 2016

Process-outcome research in psychotherapy has mainly focused on between-person data (e.g., how differences in psychological process among patients are related to differences in outcome among the patients). However, this level of analysis is in danger of missing its target because psychotherapy models and therapists focus primarily on within-person relationships (e.g., whether change in a patient's cognitive process during the course of therapy may lead to a reduction of symptoms in that client). The study of within-person processes requires collection of repeated data and a disaggregation of the between- and within-person components of time-varying process predictors. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the results of a previously published longitudinal process-outcome study of cognitive and interpersonal therapy for social anxiety disorder (SAD) (Hoffart, Borge, Sexton, & Clark, 2009) were maintained when the process predictors were disaggregated. Eighty social phobic patients were randomized to 10-week residential cognitive or interpersonal psychotherapy. In the present reanalysis, time-varying predictors were disaggregated by use of person-mean centering. For the cognitive process predictors (self-focus, estimated probability and estimated cost of negative social events, safety behaviors), the within-person relationships between predictors and subsequent social anxiety remained significant when disaggregating the predictors. On the other hand, the previously significant within-person relationship between the interpersonal variable of perceived acceptance by others and subsequent social anxiety disappeared with disaggregation. Disaggregated social anxiety also predicted fluctuations in self-focus, estimated probability and estimated cost of negative social events, but not in safety behaviors and perceived acceptance.
A Nonlinear Empirical Test on the Stochastic Convergence of Economic Growth: A Case Study of East Asian Economic Community
Authors: Kun Wang , Na An
Published: September 2016

In this paper we use the nonlinear unit root test and the replacement residual sampling, i.e. the Bootstrap method, to analyze the relative dynamic growth of GDP per capita between China and EAEC countries, observe the stochastic convergence of economy, and further divide the convergence into the long-term convergence and process convergence. The empirical results show that: compared with China, all EAEC countries’ per capital output gap is characterized by the nonlinear time series and the majority of countries’ in the nonlinear convergence. This gives a new perspective for the market-guided economic integration planning development, as well as reducing regional disparities.
Determinants of Market Liquidity: Evidence from the Jordanian Stock Market
Authors: Tayeh Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Empirical work that investigates how market liquidity varies over time for an emerging market is virtually nonexistent. This paper, therefore, provides evidence from the Amman Stock Exchange (thereafter ASE), on the sources of the times-series variation of market liquidity and its time-series behavior, using a comprehensive sample of stocks over a 15-year time span. Concurrent market movements and market trend variables significantly affect daily changes in market liquidity. There is inconclusive evidence of the impact of market volatility on market liquidity. Market liquidity exhibits both weekly and monthly regularities. Liquidity drops on Sunday but there is inconsistency in its pattern on Thursday. The results of spread regressions show that market liquidity is lower in February and December, while the results of trading activity regressions show that market liquidity is lower in January compared with other months.
TEX13 is a novel male germ cell‐specific nuclear protein potentially involved in transcriptional repression
Authors: Kwon Jun Tae , Jin Sora , Choi Heejin , Kim Jihye , Jeong Juri , Kim Jaehwan , Cho Chunghee
Published: September 2016

The identification and characterization of male germ cell‐specific genes is crucial to understanding the mechanisms of male germ cell development. In this study, we investigated the protein encoded by the novel mouse germ cell‐specific gene testis‐expressed gene 13 (Tex13). We found that TEX13 expression is testis‐ and germ cell‐specific and is regulated in a stage‐specific manner via translational repression. Immunostaining of testicular cells and sperm showed that TEX13 is localized in the nuclei of spermatogenic cells and the redundant nuclear envelope of mature sperm. Remarkably, we found that TEX13 possesses transcriptional repressor activity and that its overexpression in GC‐2 cells altered the expression levels of 130 genes. Our results suggest that TEX13 has a potential role in transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis.
Convective moisture adjustment time scale as a key factor in regulating model amplitude of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation
Authors: Jiang Xianan , Zhao Ming , Maloney Eric D. , Waliser Duane E.
Published: September 2016

Despite its pronounced impacts on weather extremes worldwide, the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) remains poorly represented in climate models. Here we present findings that point to some necessary ingredients to produce a strong MJO amplitude in a large set of model simulations from a recent model intercomparison project. While surface flux and radiative heating anomalies are considered important for amplifying the MJO, their strength per unit MJO precipitation anomaly is found to be negatively correlated to MJO amplitude across these multimodel simulations. However, model MJO amplitude is found to be closely tied to a model's convective moisture adjustment time scale, a measure of how rapidly precipitation must increase to remove excess column water vapor, or alternately the efficiency of surface precipitation generation per unit column water vapor anomaly. These findings provide critical insights into key model processes for the MJO and pinpoint a direction for improved model representation of the MJO.
Peat bogs in northern Alberta, Canada reveal decades of declining atmospheric Pb contamination
Authors: Shotyk William , Appleby Peter G. , Bicalho Beatriz , Davies Lauren , Froese Duane , Grant‐Weaver Iain , Krachler Michael , Magnan Gabriel , Mullan‐Boudreau Gillian , Noernberg Tommy , Pelletier Rick , Shannon Bob , van Bellen Simon , Zaccone Claudio
Published: September 2016

Peat cores were collected from six bogs in northern Alberta to reconstruct changes in the atmospheric deposition of Pb, a valuable tracer of human activities. In each profile, the maximum Pb enrichment is found well below the surface. Radiometric age dating using three independent approaches (14C measurements of plant macrofossils combined with the atmospheric bomb pulse curve, plus 210Pb confirmed using the fallout radionuclides 137Cs and 241Am) showed that Pb contamination has been in decline for decades. Today, the surface layers of these bogs are comparable in composition to the “cleanest” peat samples ever found in the Northern Hemisphere, from a Swiss bog ~ 6000 to 9000 years old. The lack of contemporary Pb contamination in the Alberta bogs is testimony to successful international efforts of the past decades to reduce anthropogenic emissions of this potentially toxic metal to the atmosphere.
Transport of solar wind plasma onto the lunar nightside surface
Authors: Vorburger A. , Wurz P. , Barabash S. , Futaana Y. , Wieser M. , Bhardwaj A. , Dhanya M. B. , Asamura K.
Published: September 2016

We present first measurements of energetic neutral atoms that originate from solar wind plasma having interacted with the lunar nightside surface. We observe two distinct energetic neutral atom (ENA) distributions parallel to the terminator, the spectral shape, and the intensity of both of which indicate that the particles originate from the bulk solar wind flow. The first distribution modifies the dayside ENA flux to reach ∼6° into the nightside and is well explained by the kinetic temperature of the solar wind protons. The second distribution, which was not predicted, reaches from the terminator to up to 30° beyond the terminator, with a maximum at ∼102° in solar zenith angle. As most likely wake transport processes for this second distribution we identify acceleration by the ambipolar electric field and by the negatively charged lunar nightside surface. In addition, our data provide the first observation indicative of a global solar zenith angle dependence of positive dayside surface potentials.
Global water vapor variability and trend from the latest 36 year (1979 to 2014) data of ECMWF and NCEP reanalyses, radiosonde, GPS, and microwave satellite
Authors: Chen Biyan , Liu Zhizhao
Published: September 2016

The variability and trend in global precipitable water vapor (PWV) from 1979 to 2014 are analyzed using the PWV data sets from the ERA‐Interim reanalysis of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), reanalysis of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), radiosonde, Global Positioning System (GPS), and microwave satellite observations. PWV data from the ECMWF and NCEP have been evaluated by radiosonde, GPS, and microwave satellite observations, showing that ECMWF has higher accuracy than NCEP. Over the oceans, ECMWF has a much better agreement with the microwave satellite than NCEP. An upward trend in the global PWV is evident in all the five PWV data sets over three study periods: 1979–2014, 1992–2014, and 2000–2014. Positive global PWV trends, defined as percentage normalized by annual average, of 0.61 ± 0.33% decade−1, 0.57 ± 0.28% decade−1, and 0.17 ± 0.35% decade−1, have been derived from the NCEP, radiosonde, and ECMWF, respectively, for the period 1979–2014. It is found that ECMWF overestimates the PWV over the ocean prior to 1992. Thus, two more periods, 1992–2014 and 2000–2014, are studied. Increasing PWV trends are observed from all the five data sets in the two periods: 1992–2014 and 2000–2014. The linear relationship between PWV and surface temperature is positive over most oceans and the polar region. Steep positive/negative regression slopes are generally found in regions where large regional moisture flux divergence/convergence occurs.
Molecular cloning, heterologous expression, and enzymatic characterization of lysoplasmalogen‐specific phospholipase D from Thermocrispum sp.
Authors: Matsumoto Yusaku , Kashiwabara Nana , Oyama Takayuki , Murayama Kazutaka , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Sakasegawa Shin‐ich , Sugimori Daisuke
Published: September 2016

Lysoplasmalogen (LyPls)‐specific phospholipase D (LyPls‐PLD) is an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolytic cleavage of the phosphoester bond of LyPls, releasing ethanolamine or choline, and 1‐(1‐alkenyl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphate (lysoplasmenic acid). Little is known about LyPls‐PLD and metabolic pathways of plasmalogen (Pls). Reportedly, Pls levels in human serum/plasma correlate with several diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and arteriosclerosis as well as a variety of biological processes including apoptosis and cell signaling. We identified a LyPls‐PLD from Thermocrispum sp. strain RD004668, and the enzyme was purified, characterized, cloned, and expressed using pET24a(+)/Escherichia coli with a His tag. The enzyme's preferred substrate was choline LyPls (LyPlsCho), with only modest activity toward ethanolamine LyPls. Under optimum conditions (pH 8.0 and 50 °C), steady‐state kinetic analysis for LyPlsCho yielded Km and kcat values of 13.2 μm and 70.6 s−1, respectively. The ORF of LyPls‐PLD gene consisted of 1005 bp coding a 334‐amino‐acid (aa) protein. The deduced aa sequence of LyPls‐PLD showed high similarity to those of glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterases (GDPDs); however, the substrate specificity differed completely from those of GDPDs and general phospholipase Ds (PLDs). Structural homology modeling showed that two putative catalytic residues (His46, His88) of LyPls‐PLD were highly conserved to GDPDs. Mutational and kinetic analyses suggested that Ala55, Asn56, and Phe211 in the active site of LyPls‐PLD may participate in the substrate recognition. These findings will help to elucidate differences among LyPls‐PLD, PLD, and GDPD with regard to function, substrate recognition mechanism, and biochemical roles.

Data Accessibility

Thermocrispum sp. strain RD004668 and its 16S rDNA sequence were deposited in the NITE Patent Microorganisms Depositary (NPMD; Chiba, Japan) as NITE BP‐01628 and in the DDBJ database under the accession number AB873024. The nucleotide sequences of the 16S rDNA of strain RD004668 and the LyPls‐PLD gene were deposited in the DDBJ database under the accession numbers AB873024 and AB874601, respectively.

Enzyme

EC number EC 3.1.4.4
The Processing and Properties of Syntactic Al Foams Containing Low Cost Expanded Glass Particles
Authors: Wright Andrew , Kennedy Andrew
Published: September 2016

Expanded glass particles (EGP) are used to manufacture Al syntactic foams using a simple vacuum casting method. Clamping of the casting in the stainless steel mold is observed when preheating the mold to >400 C, causing damage to the EGP, resulting in a weaker foam but with the significant advantage of eliminating the yield drop, improving the energy absorption characteristics. The same effect in castings that are not clamped (for mold preheats <400 °C) can be achieved by quenching in liquid nitrogen. These “low strength” syntactic metal foams are a cost‐effective alternative to metal foams and porous metals (in terms of specific strength, stiffness, and energy absorption) rather than “conventional” syntactic foams which contain smaller, stronger, hollow microspheres.
Aquointermediate Assisted Highly Orientated Perovskite Thin Films toward Thermally Stable and Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Fan Jiandong , Mai Yaohua , Wang Liduo
Published: September 2016

The stability of single‐crystalline/monocrystalline‐like perovskite film is expected to be better than its microcrystalline counterparts. In the present work, highly orientated perovskite thin films (CH3NH3PbI3–xClx) are prepared by means of aquointermediates assisted solution process. It displays super‐duper preferred‐orientation along <110> direction that is close to the single crystal, and its diffraction intensity ratio of (110)/(310) is nearly two orders of magnitude higher in contrast to the films that prepared by traditional way. Owing to its superior performances, e.g., highly crystallized quality, stress‐free inside films, longer electron lifetime, faster temporal response time, etc., the highly orientated perovskite‐based solar cells accordingly allow realizing high efficiency while improving its thermal stability.
Buparlisib, a PI3K inhibitor, demonstrates acceptable tolerability and preliminary activity in a phase I trial of patients with advanced leukemias
Authors: Ragon Brittany Knick , Kantarjian Hagop , Jabbour Elias , Ravandi Farhad , Cortes Jorge , Borthakur Gautam , DeBose LaKiesha , Zeng Zhihong , Schneider Heather , Pemmaraju Naveen , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Kornblau Steven , Wierda William , Burger Jan , DiNardo Courtney D , Andreeff Michael , Konopleva Marina , Daver Naval
Published: September 2016

Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling plays a crucial role in oncogene‐mediated tumor growth and proliferation. Buparlisib (BKM120) is an oral pan‐class I PI3K inhibitor. This phase I study was conducted to determine the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of BKM120 in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory acute leukemias. Fourteen pts (12 acute myeloid leukemia, 1 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1 mixed phenotype leukemia) were enrolled. Twelve pts received BKM‐120 80 mg/day and two 100 mg/day. The MTD was 80 mg/day. Of the 14 patients treated, the best response was stable disease in one patient that lasted 82 days. The median survival for all patients was 75 days (range 10–568). Three patients with a 3q26 chromosome abnormality had a significantly improved median survival of 360 days (range 278–568) as compared to a median survival of 57 days (range, 10–125) among the 11 other patients. The most frequent drug‐related toxicities included confusion, mucositis, dysphagia, and fatigue. Western blot profiling revealed a decrease in p‐pS6K/total pS6K in 5/7 (71%) available patient samples with a mean quantitative inhibition of 65% (range, 32–100%) and a decrease in p‐FOXO3/total FOXO3 in 4/6 (67%) samples with a mean quantitative inhibition of 93% (range, 89–100%). BKM120 administered at 80 mg/day showed modest efficacy and was tolerable in advanced acute leukemias. Am. J. Hematol. 92:7–11, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traumatic injury risk and agricultural transitions: A view from the American Southeast and beyond
Authors: Lambert Patricia M. , Welker Martin H.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Bioarchaeological research has documented a general decline in health with the transition from foraging to farming, primarily with respect to changing patterns of morbidity. Less is known about changes in injury risk, an aspect of health more obviously tied to particular landscapes and behaviors associated with different subsistence regimes. The purpose of this research is to evaluate several hypotheses emerging from the ideal free distribution model (Fretwell & Lucas,) that predict injury risk based on subsistence‐specific practices and land use patterns.

Materials and Methods

Postcranial fracture frequencies for long bones and clavicles in human skeletal remains from three Southeast U.S. regions permit examination of variability in injury risk among low‐intensity (floodplain) farmers. Published data on six hunter‐gatherer samples, four low‐intensity agriculturalist samples, and six high‐intensity agriculturalist samples comprise a comparative sample for examining variability in injury risk across three distinct subsistence traditions. Differences are evaluated usingZscores and the Fisher Exact test, Chi‐Square test, and Mann–WhitneyUtest.

Results

While statistically significant differences are apparent among low‐intensity farming groups in the Southeast sample, in the global comparison postcranial fractures are significantly less common in low‐intensity agriculturalists than in hunter‐gatherers or high‐intensity agriculturalists.

Discussion

The results of this study support the hypothesis that, with respect to traumatic injury risk, low‐intensity farming is a risk‐averse subsistence strategy in comparison with full‐time foraging or high‐intensity agriculture. These data suggest that it is not agriculture per se that predicts an increase in this health risk, but rather the mode and intensity of agricultural production, findings that have important ramifications for our understanding of the health consequences of major subsistence transitions.
Ein stabiles kristallines Triarylphosphinoxidradikalanion
Authors: Schaub Tobias A. , Zolnhofer Eva M. , Halter Dominik P. , Shubina Tatyana E. , Hampel Frank , Meyer Karsten , Kivala Milan
Published: September 2016

Triarylphosphinoxide (Ar3P=O) werden zurzeit intensiv als elektronenarme Halbleitermaterialien untersucht. Trotz ihres weitverbreiteten Einsatzes als Elektronenleiter gibt es kaum experimentelle Daten bezüglich der strukturellen und elektronischen Besonderheiten von negativ geladenen Triarylphosphinoxiden, was unter anderem ihrer Neigung zu Folgereaktionen zuzuschreiben ist. Im Hinblick darauf wurde ein Triarylphosphinoxid konzipiert und synthetisiert, bei dem die zentrale fragile Phosphorylgruppe (P=O) durch sterisch anspruchsvolle Spirofluorenyleinheiten abgeschirmt ist. Die Verbindung kann chemisch zum entsprechenden Triarylphosphinoxidradikalanion reduziert werden, das, aufgrund seiner außergewöhnlichen Stabilität, erstmals mittels Einzelkristallröntgenbeugung charakterisiert werden konnte. Die gewonnenen experimentellen Daten wurden durch spektroskopische Messungen und quantenchemische Berechnungen ergänzt, um ein umfassendes Bild der vorliegenden anionischen Spezies zu erhalten. Unsere Ergebnisse sind von grundlegender Bedeutung für den Entwurf von phosphinoxidbasierten Materialien mit erhöhter Stabilität im einfach negativ geladenen Zustand.
1H‐detektierte Festkörper‐NMR‐Studien wasserunzugänglicher Proteine in vitro und in situ
Authors: Medeiros‐Silva João , Mance Deni , Daniëls Mark , Jekhmane Shehrazade , Houben Klaartje , Baldus Marc , Weingarth Markus
Published: September 2016

1H‐Detektion kann die spektrale Empfindlichkeit in der Festkörper‐NMR‐Spektroskopie stark verbessern und erlaubt dadurch Studien komplexerer Proteine. Zur 1H‐Detektion müssen jedoch austauschbare Wasserprotonen in ansonsten perdeuterierte Proteine eingeführt werden. Diese Vorbedingung hat bisweilen Studien wasserunzugänglicher Proteine stark erschwert. Hier präsentieren wir eine Methode, welche die hochaufgelöste 1H‐Detektion wasserunzugänglicher Proteine ermöglicht und selbst in hochkomplexen Medien wie zellulären Oberflächen funktioniert. Wir demonstrieren unsere Methode am Beispiel des K+‐Kanals KcsA in Liposomen sowie in situ in nativen bakteriellen Zellmembranen. Wir verwenden unsere Daten für eine Analyse der KcsA‐Dynamik und zeigen, dass der Selektivitätsfilter, der in K+‐Kanälen hochkonserviert vorliegt und kritisch für die Ionenleitfähigkeit ist, ausgeprägte molekulare Flexibilität aufweist.
Closing Uranyl Polyoxometalate Capsules with Bismuth and Lead Polyoxocations
Authors: Renier Olivier , Falaise Clément , Neal Harrison , Kozma Karoly , Nyman May
Published: September 2016

Uranyl polyoxometalate clusters are both fundamentally fascinating and potentially relevant to nuclear energy applications. With only ten years of development, there is still much to be discovered about heterometal derivatives and aqueous speciation and behavior. Herein, we show that it is possible to encapsulate the polyoxocations [Bi6O8]2+ and [Pb8O6]4+ in [(UO2)(O2)(OH)]2424− (denoted Bi@U24 and Pb@U24) in pure form and high yields despite the fact that under aqueous conditions, these compounds are stable on opposite ends of the pH scale. Moreover, [Pb8O6]4+ is a formerly unknown PbII polynuclear species, both in solution and in the solid state. Raman spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analysis of the reaction solutions revealed the very rapid assembly of the nested clusters, driven by bismuth‐ or lead‐promoted decomposition of excess peroxide, which inhibits U24 formation. Experimental and simulated small‐angle X‐ray scattering data of Bi@U24 and Pb@U24 solutions revealed that this technique is very sensitive not only to the size and shape of the clusters, but also to the encapsulated species.
Fabrication of Hollow Materials by Fast Pyrolysis of Cellulose Composite Fibers with Heterogeneous Structures
Authors: Dong Yue , Jia Baoquan , Fu Feiya , Zhang Heyou , Zhang Lina , Zhou Jinping
Published: September 2016

A facile method for the fabrication of inorganic hollow materials from cuprammonium cellulose composite filaments based on fast pyrolysis has been developed. Unlike Ostwald ripening, approaches based on the Kirkendall effect, and other template methods, this process yielded hollow materials within 100 s. The heterogeneous structure of the cellulose composite fibers and the gradient distribution of the metal oxides are the main reasons for the formation of the hollow structure. The diameter, wall thickness, and length of the hollow microfibers could be conveniently controlled. With their perfect morphology, these hollow structural materials have great potential for use in various fields.