bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Genetic Screen to Identify Interneurons Governing Behaviorally Distinct Aspects ofDrosophilaLarval Motor Programs
Authors: Clark Matt Q , McCumsey Stephanie J , Lopez-Darwin Sereno , Heckscher Ellie S , Doe Chris Q
Published: August 2016

Drosophila larval crawling is an attractive system to study rhythmic motor output at the level of animal behavior. Larval crawling consists of waves of muscle contractions generating forward or reverse locomotion. In addition, larvae undergo additional behaviors, including head casts, turning, and feeding. It is likely that some neurons (e.g., motor neurons) are used in all these behaviors, but the identity (or even existence) of neurons dedicated to specific aspects of behavior is unclear. To identify neurons that regulate specific aspects of larval locomotion, we performed a genetic screen to identify neurons that, when activated, could elicit distinct motor programs. We used 165 Janelia CRM-Gal4 lines—chosen for sparse neuronal expression—to ectopically express the warmth-inducible neuronal activator TrpA1, and screened for locomotor defects. The primary screen measured forward locomotion velocity, and we identified 63 lines that had locomotion velocities significantly slower than controls following TrpA1 activation (28°). A secondary screen was performed on these lines, revealing multiple discrete behavioral phenotypes, including slow forward locomotion, excessive reverse locomotion, excessive turning, excessive feeding, immobile, rigid paralysis, and delayed paralysis. While many of the Gal4 lines had motor, sensory, or muscle expression that may account for some or all of the phenotype, some lines showed specific expression in a sparse pattern of interneurons. Our results show that distinct motor programs utilize distinct subsets of interneurons, and provide an entry point for characterizing interneurons governing different elements of the larval motor program.
Fine Mapping of the Barley Chromosome 6H Net Form Net Blotch Susceptibility Locus
Authors: Richards Jonathan , Chao Shiaoman , Friesen Timothy , Brueggeman Robert
Published: August 2016

Net form net blotch, caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. teres, is a destructive foliar disease of barley with the potential to cause significant yield loss in major production regions throughout the world. The complexity of the host–parasite genetic interactions in this pathosystem hinders the deployment of effective resistance in barley cultivars, warranting a deeper understanding of the interactions. Here, we report on the high-resolution mapping of the dominant susceptibility locus near the centromere of chromosome 6H in the barley cultivars Rika and Kombar, which are putatively targeted by necrotrophic effectors from P. teres f. teres isolates 6A and 15A, respectively. Utilization of progeny isolates derived from a cross of P. teres f. teres isolates 6A × 15A harboring single major virulence loci (VK1, VK2, and VR2) allowed for the Mendelization of single inverse gene-for-gene interactions in a high-resolution population consisting of 2976 Rika × Kombar recombinant gametes. Brachypodium distachyon synteny was exploited to develop and saturate the susceptibility region with markers, delimiting it to ∼0.24 cM and a partial physical map was constructed. This genetic and physical characterization further resolved the dominant susceptibility locus, designated Spt1 (susceptibility to P. teres f. teres). The high-resolution mapping and cosegregation of the Spt1.R and Spt1.K gene/s indicates tightly linked genes in repulsion or alleles possibly targeted by different necrotrophic effectors. Newly developed barley genomic resources greatly enhance the efficiency of positional cloning efforts in barley, as demonstrated by the Spt1 fine mapping and physical contig identification reported here.
Construction and Annotation of a High Density SNP Linkage Map of the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Genome
Authors: Tsai Hsin Y , Robledo Diego , Lowe Natalie R , Bekaert Michael , Taggart John B , Bron James E , Houston Ross D
Published: August 2016

High density linkage maps are useful tools for fine-scale mapping of quantitative trait loci, and characterization of the recombination landscape of a species’ genome. Genomic resources for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) include a well-assembled reference genome, and high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Our aim was to create a high density linkage map, and to align it with the reference genome assembly. Over 96,000 SNPs were mapped and ordered on the 29 salmon linkage groups using a pedigreed population comprising 622 fish from 60 nuclear families, all genotyped with the ‘ssalar01’ high density SNP array. The number of SNPs per group showed a high positive correlation with physical chromosome length (r = 0.95). While the order of markers on the genetic and physical maps was generally consistent, areas of discrepancy were identified. Approximately 6.5% of the previously unmapped reference genome sequence was assigned to chromosomes using the linkage map. Male recombination rate was lower than females across the vast majority of the genome, but with a notable peak in subtelomeric regions. Finally, using RNA-Seq data to annotate the reference genome, the mapped SNPs were categorized according to their predicted function, including annotation of ∼2500 putative nonsynonymous variants. The highest density SNP linkage map for any salmonid species has been created, annotated, and integrated with the Atlantic salmon reference genome assembly. This map highlights the marked heterochiasmy of salmon, and provides a useful resource for salmonid genetics and genomics research.
ForestPMPlot: A Flexible Tool for Visualizing Heterogeneity Between Studies in Meta-analysis
Authors: Kang Eun Yong , Park Yurang , Li Xiao , Segrè Ayellet V , Han Buhm , Eskin Eleazar
Published: August 2016

Meta-analysis has become a popular tool for genetic association studies to combine different genetic studies. A key challenge in meta-analysis is heterogeneity, or the differences in effect sizes between studies. Heterogeneity complicates the interpretation of meta-analyses. In this paper, we describe ForestPMPlot, a flexible visualization tool for analyzing studies included in a meta-analysis. The main feature of the tool is visualizing the differences in the effect sizes of the studies to understand why the studies exhibit heterogeneity for a particular phenotype and locus pair under different conditions. We show the application of this tool to interpret a meta-analysis of 17 mouse studies, and to interpret a multi-tissue eQTL study.
Budding YeastSLX4Contributes to the Appropriate Distribution of Crossovers and Meiotic Double-Strand Break Formation on Bivalents During Meiosis
Authors: Higashide Mika , Shinohara Miki
Published: August 2016

The number and distribution of meiosis crossover (CO) events on each bivalent are strictly controlled by multiple mechanisms to assure proper chromosome segregation during the first meiotic division. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Slx4 is a multi-functional scaffold protein for structure-selective endonucleases, such as Slx1 and Rad1 (which are involved in DNA damage repair), and is also a negative regulator of the Rad9-dependent signaling pathway with Rtt107. Slx4 has been believed to play only a minor role in meiotic recombination. Here, we report that Slx4 is involved in proper intrachromosomal distribution of meiotic CO formation, especially in regions near centromeres. We observed an increase in uncontrolled CO formation only in a region near the centromere in the slx4∆ mutant. Interestingly, this phenomenon was not observed in the slx1∆, rad1∆, or rtt107∆ mutants. In addition, we observed a reduced number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and altered meiotic DSB distribution on chromosomes in the slx4∆ mutant. This suggests that the multi-functional Slx4 is required for proper CO formation and meiotic DSB formation.
Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Related to Intramuscular Fat Deposition and Fatty Acid Composition in the Breast Muscle of Squabs (Columba)
Authors: Ye Manhong , Zhou Bin , Wei Shanshan , Ding MengMeng , Lu Xinghui , Shi Xuehao , Ding Jiatong , Yang Shengmei , Wei Wanhong
Published: August 2016

Despite the fact that squab is consumed throughout the world because of its high nutritional value and appreciated sensory attributes, aspects related to its characterization, and in particular genetic issues, have rarely been studied. In this study, meat traits in terms of pH, water-holding capacity, intramuscular fat content, and fatty acid profile of the breast muscle of squabs from two meat pigeon breeds were determined. Breed-specific differences were detected in fat-related traits of intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition. RNA-Sequencing was applied to compare the transcriptomes of muscle and liver tissues between squabs of two breeds to identify candidate genes associated with the differences in the capacity of fat deposition. A total of 27 differentially expressed genes assigned to pathways of lipid metabolism were identified, of which, six genes belonged to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway along with four other genes. Our results confirmed in part previous reports in livestock and provided also a number of genes which had not been related to fat deposition so far. These genes can serve as a basis for further investigations to screen markers closely associated with intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition in squabs. The data from this study were deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)’s Sequence Read Archive under the accession numbers SRX1680021 and SRX1680022. This is the first transcriptome analysis of the muscle and liver tissue in Columba using next generation sequencing technology. Data provided here are of potential value to dissect functional genes influencing fat deposition in squabs.
Fluorescent Beads Are a Versatile Tool for StagingCaenorhabditis elegansin Different Life Histories
Authors: Nika Liberta , Gibson Taylor , Konkus Rebecca , Karp Xantha
Published: August 2016

Precise staging of Caenorhabditis elegans is essential for developmental studies in different environmental conditions. In favorable conditions, larvae develop continuously through four larval stages separated by molting periods. Distinguishing molting from intermolt larvae has been achieved using transgenes with molting reporters, therefore requiring strain constructions, or careful observation of individuals for pharyngeal pumping or behavioral quiescence. In unfavorable conditions, larvae can enter the stress-resistant and developmentally arrested dauer larva stage. Identifying dauer larvae has been based on their ability to withstand detergent selection, precluding identification of recovering animals or of mutants with defects in dauer morphogenesis. Here, we describe a simple method to distinguish molting larvae or dauer larvae from intermolt larvae that bypasses the limitations of current methods. Fluorescent latex beads are mixed with the bacterial food source and ingested by intermolt larvae and adults. Molting and dauer larvae do not feed, and therefore lack beads in their digestive tract. The presence of beads can be determined using a dissecting microscope at magnifications as low as 100 ×, or by using a wormsorter for high-throughput experiments. We find that continuously developing bead-lacking larvae display hallmarks of molting, including expression of the mlt-10::gfp molting marker and a lack of pharyngeal pumping. Furthermore, wild-type and mutant dauer larvae produced by any of three common methods are accurately identified by a lack of beads. Importantly, this method is effective in SDS-sensitive mutant backgrounds and can identify recovering dauer larvae, a stage for which there is no other method of positive selection.
ChloroSeq, an Optimized Chloroplast RNA-Seq Bioinformatic Pipeline, Reveals Remodeling of the Organellar Transcriptome Under Heat Stress
Authors: Castandet Benoît , Hotto Amber M , Strickler Susan R , Stern David B
Published: August 2016

Although RNA-Seq has revolutionized transcript analysis, organellar transcriptomes are rarely assessed even when present in published datasets. Here, we describe the development and application of a rapid and convenient method, ChloroSeq, to delineate qualitative and quantitative features of chloroplast RNA metabolism from strand-specific RNA-Seq datasets, including processing, editing, splicing, and relative transcript abundance. The use of a single experiment to analyze systematically chloroplast transcript maturation and abundance is of particular interest due to frequent pleiotropic effects observed in mutants that affect chloroplast gene expression and/or photosynthesis. To illustrate its utility, ChloroSeq was applied to published RNA-Seq datasets derived from Arabidopsis thaliana grown under control and abiotic stress conditions, where the organellar transcriptome had not been examined. The most appreciable effects were found for heat stress, which induces a global reduction in splicing and editing efficiency, and leads to increased abundance of chloroplast transcripts, including genic, intergenic, and antisense transcripts. Moreover, by concomitantly analyzing nuclear transcripts that encode chloroplast gene expression regulators from the same libraries, we demonstrate the possibility of achieving a holistic understanding of the nucleus-organelle system. ChloroSeq thus represents a unique method for streamlining RNA-Seq data interpretation of the chloroplast transcriptome and its regulators.
Analysis of Plasminogen Genetic Variants in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Sadovnick A Dessa , Traboulsee Anthony L , Bernales Cecily Q , Ross Jay P , Forwell Amanda L , Yee Irene M , Guillot-Noel Lena , Fontaine Bertrand , Cournu-Rebeix Isabelle , Alcina Antonio , Fedetz Maria , Izquierdo Guillermo , Matesanz Fuencisla , Hilven Kelly , Dubois Bénédicte , Goris An , Astobiza Ianire , Alloza Iraide , Antigüedad Alfredo , Vandenbroeck Koen , Akkad Denis A , Aktas Orhan , Blaschke Paul , Buttmann Mathias , Chan Andrew , Epplen Joerg T , Gerdes Lisa-Ann , Kroner Antje , Kubisch Christian , Kümpfel Tania , Lohse Peter , Rieckmann Peter , Zettl Uwe K , Zipp Frauke , Bertram Lars , Lill Christina M , Fernandez Oscar , Urbaneja Patricia , Leyva Laura , Alvarez-Cermeño Jose Carlos , Arroyo Rafael , Garagorri Aroa M , García-Martínez Angel , Villar Luisa M , Urcelay Elena , Malhotra Sunny , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel , Berger Thomas , Fazekas Franz , Reindl Markus , Schmied Mascha C , Zimprich Alexander , Vilariño-Güell Carles
Published: August 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent neurological disease of complex etiology. Here, we describe the characterization of a multi-incident MS family that nominated a rare missense variant (p.G420D) in plasminogen (PLG) as a putative genetic risk factor for MS. Genotyping of PLG p.G420D (rs139071351) in 2160 MS patients, and 886 controls from Canada, identified 10 additional probands, two sporadic patients and one control with the variant. Segregation in families harboring the rs139071351 variant, identified p.G420D in 26 out of 30 family members diagnosed with MS, 14 unaffected parents, and 12 out of 30 family members not diagnosed with disease. Despite considerably reduced penetrance, linkage analysis supports cosegregation of PLG p.G420D and disease. Genotyping of PLG p.G420D in 14446 patients, and 8797 controls from Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Austria failed to identify significant association with disease (P = 0.117), despite an overall higher prevalence in patients (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.93–1.87). To assess whether additional rare variants have an effect on MS risk, we sequenced PLG in 293 probands, and genotyped all rare variants in cases and controls. This analysis identified nine rare missense variants, and although three of them were exclusively observed in MS patients, segregation does not support pathogenicity. PLG is a plausible biological candidate for MS owing to its involvement in immune system response, blood-brain barrier permeability, and myelin degradation. Moreover, components of its activation cascade have been shown to present increased activity or expression in MS patients compared to controls; further studies are needed to clarify whether PLG is involved in MS susceptibility.
Php4 Is a Key Player for Iron Economy in Meiotic and Sporulating Cells
Authors: Brault Ariane , Rallis Charalampos , Normant Vincent , Garant Jean-Michel , Bähler Jürg , Labbé Simon
Published: August 2016

Meiosis is essential for sexually reproducing organisms, including the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In meiosis, chromosomes replicate once in a diploid precursor cell (zygote), and then segregate twice to generate four haploid meiotic products, named spores in yeast. In S. pombe, Php4 is responsible for the transcriptional repression capability of the heteromeric CCAAT-binding factor to negatively regulate genes encoding iron-using proteins under low-iron conditions. Here, we show that the CCAAT-regulatory subunit Php4 is required for normal progression of meiosis under iron-limiting conditions. Cells lacking Php4 exhibit a meiotic arrest at metaphase I. Microscopic analyses of cells expressing functional GFP-Php4 show that it colocalizes with chromosomal material at every stage of meiosis under low concentrations of iron. In contrast, GFP-Php4 fluorescence signal is lost when cells undergo meiosis under iron-replete conditions. Global gene expression analysis of meiotic cells using DNA microarrays identified 137 genes that are regulated in an iron- and Php4-dependent manner. Among them, 18 genes are expressed exclusively during meiosis and constitute new putative Php4 target genes, which include hry1+ and mug14+. Further analysis validates that Php4 is required for maximal and timely repression of hry1+ and mug14+ genes. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation approach, we show that Php4 specifically associates with hry1+ and mug14+ promoters in vivo. Taken together, the results reveal that in iron-starved meiotic cells, Php4 is essential for completion of the meiotic program since it participates in global gene expression reprogramming to optimize the use of limited available iron.
Canopy Temperature and Vegetation Indices from High-Throughput Phenotyping Improve Accuracy of Pedigree and Genomic Selection for Grain Yield in Wheat
Authors: Rutkoski Jessica , Poland Jesse , Mondal Suchismita , Autrique Enrique , Pérez Lorena González , Crossa José , Reynolds Matthew , Singh Ravi
Published: August 2016

Genomic selection can be applied prior to phenotyping, enabling shorter breeding cycles and greater rates of genetic gain relative to phenotypic selection. Traits measured using high-throughput phenotyping based on proximal or remote sensing could be useful for improving pedigree and genomic prediction model accuracies for traits not yet possible to phenotype directly. We tested if using aerial measurements of canopy temperature, and green and red normalized difference vegetation index as secondary traits in pedigree and genomic best linear unbiased prediction models could increase accuracy for grain yield in wheat, Triticum aestivum L., using 557 lines in five environments. Secondary traits on training and test sets, and grain yield on the training set were modeled as multivariate, and compared to univariate models with grain yield on the training set only. Cross validation accuracies were estimated within and across-environment, with and without replication, and with and without correcting for days to heading. We observed that, within environment, with unreplicated secondary trait data, and without correcting for days to heading, secondary traits increased accuracies for grain yield by 56% in pedigree, and 70% in genomic prediction models, on average. Secondary traits increased accuracy slightly more when replicated, and considerably less when models corrected for days to heading. In across-environment prediction, trends were similar but less consistent. These results show that secondary traits measured in high-throughput could be used in pedigree and genomic prediction to improve accuracy. This approach could improve selection in wheat during early stages if validated in early-generation breeding plots.
Pratarmė
Authors: Aramavičiūtė Vanda
Published: August 2016

Leidinio 18 tomą sudaro trys skyriai. Pirmame skyriuje aptariama itin dabar aktuali gyvenimo prasmės atradimo ir dorinio ugdymo problema. Antras leidinio skyrius skirtas kai kurioms profesinio rengimo realijoms aptarti. Trečiame skyriuje atskleidžiamos kai kurios šiuolaikinio mokymo kaitos problemos, visų pirma susijusios su užsienio kalbos mokymu aukštojoje mokykloje, su naujų mokymo metodų ieška. Gana turtingas šio leidinio kronikos skyrius. Jame pristatomos net keturios naujos knygos, galinčios turėti didelę naudą edukologijos teoretikams ir praktikams.
Apie formaliosios akademinės santraukos rašymo mokymo turinį
Authors: Stanevičienė Benedikta Zinaida
Published: August 2016

Straipsnyje bandoma nustatyti formaliosios akademinės santraukos rašymo mokymo turinį, kuris turėtų būti lingvistinio ir psichologinio pobūdžio. lingvistinė mokymo medžiaga yra pirminio teksto (originalo) ir studentų sukurtų santraukų tekstų struktūra, o psichologinė - ugdytini gebėjimai, reikalingi medžiagai atrinkti ir santraukai parašyti. Straipsnyje pateiktas ir pirminio teksto virtimo santrauka metodinis psichologinis mechanizmas.
Skirtingo tipo mokyklų nežymiai sutrikusio intelekto mokinių akademiniai pasiekimai
Authors: Gevorgianienė Violeta , Zaikauskas Vladas
Published: August 2016

Lietuvoje nesiliauja diskusijos apie sutrikusio intelekto vaikų ugdymo bendrojo lavinimo mokykloje pranašumus ir trūkumus. Daugiausia tyrinėjamos ugdymo dalyvių nuostatos dėl sutrikusio intelekto vaikų integracijos ir sunkumų, su kuriais susiduriama organizuojant šių vaikų ugdymo procesą. Straipsnyje, remiantis pedagogų vertinimais, aptariami 14-15 metų nežymiai sutrikusio intelekto vaikų, besiugdančių bendrojo lavinimo ir specialiosiose mokyklose, akademiniai pasiekimai mokantis matematikos ir lietuvių kalbos. Lyginamoji analizė neatskleidė ryškių kurio nors tipo mokyklos ugdymo aplinkos pranašumų akademinių gebėjimų požiūriu.
Moralinio įmokymo sunkis ir jo įveika
Authors: Beržanskas Gediminas
Published: August 2016

Straipsnio tikslas - aptarti moralinio-etinio mokymo vidurinėse ir aukštosiose mokyklose sunkumus, kurie išplaukia iš konsoliduotos ir paveikios etinės doktrinos bei atitinkamo vadovėlio stygiaus. Ryškinama moralinės kultūros svarba šalies pažangai ir ateičiai. Ginčijamas pasaulietinės etinės teorijos sukūrimo negalimumas. Įrodinėjama galimybė sukurti sistemišką ir pagrindų, veiksmingą ir vientisą moralinės filosofijos vadovėlį, kuris darytų įtaką visuomenės būčiai, mentalitetui ir pagelbėtų laipsniškai mažinti ar ilgainiui, tikėtina, likviduoti kultūrinį, socialinį ir ekonominį atsilikimą nuo pirmaujančių Europos Sąjungos šalių. Nurodoma galimybė pakoreguoti šalies universitetinio mokymo sistemą, pereinant prie dviejų specialybių studijų bakalauro pakopoje; pagrindinė specialybė turėtų būti papildoma antrąja – aretologine, kuri skiriama įvairiapusiam - dvasiniam-moraliniam, kultūriniam, kūrybiniam, pilietiniam, protiniam, socialiniam - asmenybės subrendimui. Teikiamas pakoreguotas pamatinės etikos kategorijos - gėrio - apibrėžimas ir elevacinės etikos atmainos sukūrimo įdirbiai.
The Fraud Tree and its Investigation in Audit
Authors: Mackevičius Jonas , Kazlauskienė Laimutė
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the present research paper is to introduce a new structure of the Fraud Tree and to suggest certain audit procedures possibly employed in examining its branches. For the purpose of the present paper the authors thereof have referred to the analysis of related research literature, also applied the information comparison and generalization methods. Fraud is being committed in every part of the world, and in every sphere of human activities. Often fraud leads to financial nightmare and collapse of major international corporations which cause spill-off after-effects not only upon corporations and their employees, but also upon other related businesses and organizations, governments and societies. In view of globalization of economy, increasingly dynamic and competitive business fraud has changed in character though has not downscaled in its scope. Today fraudsters elaborate their attempts making use of the most state-of-the-art science achievements and innovative technologies. This largely facilitates the growth of the “Fraud Tree” with its new branches ever springing up. The present article represents an attempt to investigate individual fraud cases and the groups of persons committing this kind of crime. A new concept of “Fraud Tree” has been introduced with the following basic branches: i) material misstatements in financial statements; ii) asset misappropriation; iii) corruption; iv) tax evasion; and v) others. Every branch on the Fraud Tree has several sub-branches, and significant efforts should be devoted in the course of audit to examine the scope, formation conditions of each such sub-branch. The present paper includes guidelines for the principal actions and procedures to be followed by an auditor in view of the risks related to misstatements in financial statements, asset misappropriation, corruption and tax evasion.
VAT collection efficiency in Poland before and after accession to the European Union–a comparative analysis
Authors: Hybka Małgorzata Magdalena
Published: August 2016

The principal aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of EU accession on VAT collection efficiency in Poland. For the purposes of the analysis the article is divided into three parts. The first addresses the Polish economy in the years 2001–2006, and describes the main macroeconomic indicators (GDP, import, export, individual consumption expenditure, public consumption expenditure, inflation rate and unemployment rate). The next section presents a review on the most significant VAT modifications, implemented in 2004. The last section estimates, on the basis of certain indicators, the VAT collection efficiency in the years 2001–2006. The measures employed in this section include: VAT productivity and VAT efficiency ratio. Furthermore, the section presents the VAT to GDP ratio and the structure of tax receipts measured by the share of major taxes in the total tax collection. The main conclusion drawn from the analysis is that in the period preceding accession the economic cycle did not favuor VAT performance. Since 2004, both improved economic situation and tax construction changes had been the main factors of VAT revenue increase. In the years following accession the VAT productivity and VAT efficiency ratios increased by 5,4 and 7,8 percentage points, respectively. It was the highest rise of these indicators in the period analyzed.
Parental Understanding of Hospital Course and Discharge Plan
Authors: Bhansali Priti , Washofsky Anne , Romrell Evan , Birch Sarah , Winer Jeffrey C. , Hoffner Wendy
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVES:

Hospital discharge marks an important transition in care from the inpatient team to the family and primary care provider. Parents must know the hospital course and discharge plan to care for their child at home and provide background for future providers. Our study aimed to determine parental knowledge of key aspects of their child’s hospital course and discharge plan and to identify markers of increased risk for incomplete or incorrect knowledge among participants.

METHODS:

We conducted a descriptive prospective cohort study of parents within 24 hours of hospital discharge. The primary outcome was concordance of parent responses to verbal interview questions about their child’s hospital treatment, laboratory testing, imaging, procedures and discharge plan with the medical record.

RESULTS:

Of 174 participants, 15% felt less than “completely prepared” to explain the hospital course to their primary care provider or to provide care after discharge. There was >83% overall concordance with interview responses and the medical record, with concordance higher for hospital course events than discharge plan. There were few significant differences in understanding between trainee-based teams and the attending physician–run unit. No patient or family characteristics were consistently associated with poor understanding of hospital course or discharge plan.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although parents were generally knowledgeable about hospital course and discharge plan, areas for improved communication were identified. Individualized counseling about hospital course and discharge plan should be initiated for all parents early during hospitalization. Methods that assess and bolster caregiver comprehension and minimize dependence on written instructions may help with transition to outpatient care.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage as a Manifestation of Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Singla Saimun , Canter Debra L. , Vece Timothy J. , Muscal Eyal , DeGuzman Marietta
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a devastating clinical syndrome characterized by a falling hematocrit, respiratory insufficiency, and radiographic evidence of pulmonary infiltrates. Literature regarding management of DAH in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) is limited.

METHODS:

We reviewed the presentation, management, and outcome of DAH in a pediatric tertiary medical center with one of the largest cSLE cohorts in North America. During a 10 year period 7 of 410 children with cSLE had DAH.

RESULTS:

The majority of cSLE patients with DAH were male (71%) and Hispanic (57%). The median age at the time of DAH diagnosis was 14 years (range 3 -15 years). DAH was the presenting manifestation of cSLE in 29% of children; 71% presented with DAH within 3 months of their diagnosis. All patients had cough, 86% had dyspnea, and 29% had hemoptysis. All patients had anemia and 71% had thrombocytopenia. Eighty-six percent had hematuria/proteinuria, and a positive anti-double stranded DNA antibody. Chest imaging showed diffuse ground glass opacities in all events. All patients developed respiratory insufficiency (29% supplemental oxygenation and 71% mechanical ventilation). Transfusions were required in 57% of cases. All patients received corticosteroids and additional immunomodulation to achieve disease control. Eighty-six percent of our DAH/cSLE cohort survived their initial event (median follow-up 2.5 years). No survivor required supplemental oxygen or had a DAH recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS:

SLE should be in the hospitalist's differential diagnosis for any child with respiratory insufficiency, cytopenias, and/or urinary abnormalities. Once cSLE is identified, initiation of aggressive immune suppression with multiple agents may enhance outcomes.
Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries
Authors: Kasmire Kathryn E. , Rogers Steven C. , Sturm Jesse J.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Trampoline parks, indoor recreational facilities with wall-to-wall trampolines, are increasing in number and popularity. The objective was to identify trends in emergency department visits for trampoline park injuries (TPIs) and compare TPI characteristics with home trampoline injuries (HTIs).

METHODS:

Data on trampoline injuries from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2010 to 2014 were analyzed. Sample weights were applied to estimate yearly national injury trends; unweighted cases were used for comparison of injury patterns.

RESULTS:

Estimated US emergency department visits for TPI increased significantly, from 581 in 2010 to 6932 in 2014 (P = .045), whereas HTIs did not increase (P = .13). Patients with TPI (n = 330) were older than patients with HTI (n = 7933) (mean 13.3 vs 9.5 years, respectively, P < .001) and predominantly male. Sprains and fractures were the most common injuries at trampoline parks and homes. Compared with HTIs, TPIs were less likely to involve head injury (odds ratio [OR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46–0.89), more likely to involve lower extremity injury (OR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.91–2.98), more likely to be a dislocation (OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.10–4.09), and more likely to warrant admission (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.19–2.61). TPIs necessitating hospital admission included open fractures and spinal cord injuries. TPI mechanisms included falls, contact with other jumpers, and flips.

CONCLUSIONS:

TPI patterns differed significantly from HTIs. TPIs are an emerging concern; additional investigation and strategies are needed to prevent injury at trampoline parks.
Assessment of nervous-muscular system’s potentials of cyclic kinds of sports sportsmen
Authors: Skladanivska I.V.
Published: August 2016

Purpose: to work out and substantiate methodic of assessment of nervous-muscular system’s potentials of elite sportsmen, representatives of cyclic kinds of sports. Material: in the research sportsmen of cyclic kinds of sports (n = 28) participated. Testing was conducted with the help of ergometer of bicycle type. Results: we present methodic of assessment of nervous-muscular system’s potentials of elite sportsmen with the help of surface electromyography. It was found that sportsmen with high aerobic potentials reach second electromyography threshold with power of work, corresponding, in average, 80.5% VO2 max. We also found confident correlation (r=0.59, р≤0.05) between maximal concentration of blood lactate and maximal amplitude of electromyogram. Conclusions: application of our approaches permits to assess reserve potential by type of muscle fibers, which influence on sportsman’s bent to certain kind of motor functioning. The worked out assessment system permits to determine contribution of different motor units’ types in achievement of required parameters of work.
On program of extracurricular mini-football training program for university girl students
Authors: Tamozhanskaya A.V. , Shkola O.M.
Published: August 2016

The research is aimed at working out of efficient program for first year girl students’ health improvement, which is based on mini-football means’ application in extra-curricular activities. Purpose: to substantiate the program of one year mini-football trainings for girl students. Material: one year experiment envisaged participation of 18-20 years’ age 56 first year girl students (two groups, 28 people each). The girl students of every group endured different physical loads: group 1 - 70% of specific means and 30% of non-specific; group 2 - 65% of specific means and 35% of non specific. Results: we worked one year efficient program for girl students’ health improvement, which was based on application of mini-football specific and non specific means’ optimal correlation in extracurricular trainings. We found that optimal correlation of specific and non-specific training loads was 70:30 (%). Practically equal level of workability in both groups was ensured by the following: in group 1 - at the account of special endurance; in group 2 - by means of general physical training. Conclusions: we recommend the program of one-year mini-football trainings, which ensures improvement of physical and technical fitness, rising of girl students organism’s and health indicators.
Spring 2012
Authors: Lal Hamish
Published: August 2016

It is an absolute pleasure to welcome readers to this issue of the ICE Construction Law Quarterly. In this issue, we look at a range of dispute avoidance/resolution procedures.

Dispute Adjudication Boards are covered twice: firstly, we have an excellent article by Frederic Gillion dealing with the practical difficulties of enforcing a decision of a Dispute Adjudication Board and secondly we are delighted to publish an article from Dr Robert Gaitskell QC. Dr Gaitskell gives a view from the Board which will inform and perhaps tempt some readers to become more involved with DABs.

Mediation is often viewed as an unnecessary expense (both in terms of cost and time) and we have reported on recent Court of Appeal guidance that suggests that a party needs to respond reasonably to an offer to mediate. We have also looked at more hard-edged procedures. In the context of adjudication please note that the ICE’s own adjudication procedure was examined by the Court of Appeal in Lanes Group plc v. Galliford Try Infrastructure Ltd and we report on the latest position on so-called ‘forum shopping’. We also consider whether an adjudicator still has the right to payment in circumstances where his decision is found to be non-binding. A related issue is discussed in the context of arbitration where we consider the concept of bias. Finally, as set out below we issue a ‘warning’ about the Bribery Act. This is a self-explanatory article and merits inclusion primarily because it deals with the first conviction.

Feedback is very important to us and so please do email (hlal@jonesday.com) with your comments, thoughts and suggestions. This newsletter is for our readers and I strive to ensure that we make it as relevant and interesting as possible. May I please wish readers a very happy, healthy and constructive New Year.
Winter issue 2015
Authors: Lal Hamish
Published: August 2016

Welcome to Issue 4 – the winter issue. In this issue we report on the Supreme Court decision in Cavendish Square Holdings v. Makdessi and ParkingEye Limited – Beavis (handed down on 4 November 2015) dealing with liquidated damage clauses and penalties. Readers may already to be aware that the rule against penalties has not been abolished but better clarified. The ‘new’ test will be much discussed and publicised, and so readers ought to note that the test is stated as ‘a contractual clause was penal if it was a secondary obligation which imposed a detriment on the contractbreaker out of all proportion to any legitimate interest of the innocent party in the enforcement of the primary obligation’.

I have also focused some attention on a reader’s question submitted in the context of a contract that was meant to have been executed as a deed but was not. What does this mean, especially when the 6-year limitation period for a simple common law contract has expired? Readers may not like my answer! On equally substantive grounds we also report cases dealing with so-called ‘PFI contracts’ and the public sector treatment of tenders.

We have also chosen to continue to look at some practical industry issues: The UK’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) became operational on 30 October 2015, enjoying cross-party support from the UK’s main political parties. We look at the following questions: What is the NIC? What is the NIC’s remit and specific tasks? What do commentators say about the NIC? I think readers ought also to be aware of certain important changes in the nuclear decommissioning sector and, in particular, the UK government’s decision in early 2015 to terminate the contract to decommission Sellafield – what does this mean for readers and the wider membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers? These are important topics for all of us involved in the construction law sector, and I hope readers will find this issue informative and a useful reference point.
Solidification optimisation of electroplating sludge
Authors: Zoqi Mohammad Javad , Ganjidoust Hossein , Mokhtarani Nader , Ayati Bita
Published: August 2016

A systematic study was conducted for the treatment of electroplating sludge by solidification and stabilisation (S/S) with ordinary Portland cement, lime and magnesium oxide (MgO). Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) in combination with central composite design were employed to develop the predictive models for simulation and optimisation of the S/S process. The independent variables were magnesium oxide, electroplating dried sludge, lime and distilled water, while the compressive strength and the concentrations of zinc and chromium in the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure leachate of the solidified waste were the response variables. Both the RSM and ANN models were developed based on the experimental designs. The generalisation and predictive capabilities of RSM and ANN were compared by unseen data (the data set that is not used for model training or validation). Both the RSM and ANN models determined the optimum S/S process. The results show that all independent variables had significant effects on the properties of the S/S products. The optimised method as determined by ANN or RSM can be used with confidence for determining response variables. However, the data predicted by the ANN model are more similar to the experimental results than that of RSM predicted results.
Mechanical ventilation in housing: understanding in-use issues
Authors: Baborska-Narozny Magdalena , Stevenson Fionn
Published: August 2016

Continuous mechanical ventilation (MV) in housing can in theory secure recommended air change levels without depending on control by inhabitants or on uncontrolled air leaks. Numerous in-use issues related to continuous MV systems have, however, been identified through field studies. The gap between design intention and actual performance and use of continuous MV should be narrowed as far as possible to reduce energy use and increase the inhabitants’ health. This paper proposes a process diagram linking the emergence of ventilation practises with factors related to both the occupant (tacit knowledge, learning and needs) and the dwelling (design and procurement). Steps of the process are identified where the performance gap in relation to the continuous MV may gradually build up and lead to MV being ignored in a domestic context – that is, failing to secure the necessary maintenance or even switching the system off permanently. The diagram is based on findings of previous studies as well as results of a 1-year-long in-depth building performance evaluation of 40 households in two UK developments.
Experimental study on the combined application of vacuum preloading – variable-spacing electro-osmosis to soft ground improvement
Authors: Fu H. , Cai Y. , Wang J. , Wang P.
Published: August 2016

Two representative laboratory tests, using vacuum preloading alone and vacuum preloading combined with variable-spacing electro-osmosis (EO), were performed on dredged marine clay slurry used for tideland reclamation. This combined method consists of the following three stages: vacuum preloading alone, vacuum preloading in combination with large spacing EO, and vacuum preloading in combination with small spacing EO. This study focused on the feasibility and effectiveness of variable-spacing EO. The results showed that better consolidation was achieved using the combined method in terms of water content, dry density, degree of saturation, Atterberg limits, discharge of water, vane shear strength, current, and excess pore water pressure. Energy consumption for consolidation of the large spacing EO stage was less than for the small-spacing EO stage.
Behaviour of eccentrically loaded strip footings resting on sand
Authors: Nasr Ahmed M. A. , Azzam Waseim R.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical studies on the bearing capacity behaviour of an eccentrically loaded strip footing resting on geosynthetic-reinforced sand. The investigations were carried out by varying the footing width, load eccentricity, type of reinforcement and the relative density of the sand. Furthermore, finite-element analysis was conducted to evaluate the benefits of using reinforcement under eccentrically loaded strip footing. The results indicate that the footing width and load eccentricity have a great effect on the bearing capacity factor Nγvalues. For 1g models, the footing width B would be >110 mm, which is the smallest width of model foundation that should be used to determine the ultimate bearing capacity. At a load eccentricity (e/B) equal to 0·1, the ultimate bearing capacity increased by about 38 and 67% when the sand was reinforced with geotextile and geogrid, respectively. The difference between the ultimate bearing capacities obtained from the experimental results and numerical analyses varied from 10 to 14%. From prototype-scale numerical results, it was evident that the geogrid reinforcement increased the ultimate bearing capacity by about 12–24% when the load eccentricity (e/B) varied from 0·0 to 0·3.
Perceiving urban liveability in an emerging migrant city
Authors: Salama Ashraf M. , Wiedmann Florian
Published: August 2016

Gulf cities have witnessed rapid urban growth where new migrant communities from various cultural backgrounds have been evolving over the last two decades. This paper explores perceptions of liveable urban environments in Qatar's capital city, Doha. An attitude survey of 280 migrant professionals from different cultural backgrounds engaged in the high service sector was conducted. A profile for each cultural group including westerners, middle easterners, Indians and Southeast Asians was developed to analyse the way in which the key liveability factors are perceived. Factors were classified into two overarching categories: urban life and urban spaces. Urban life category included aspects that pertain to traffic and movement experience, residential satisfaction, shopping experience, and satisfaction regarding leisure and service spaces. Urban space category included attractiveness, iconicity and familiarity, which were attitudinally explored in four public open spaces. The inquiry has uncovered a number of concerns related to traffic experience, housing quality, parking spaces, school facilities and shopping opportunities. This may stymie the city's global attractiveness success on the global stage while warranting the need for addressing liveability as a part of future development plans.
Challenges of Chennai Central Metro Rail station
Authors: Ramanathan Muthukaruppan , Singh Vijay Kumar , Kumar Kalyan
Published: August 2016

Chennai is the fourth largest city in India with a population of about 8 million. Phase 1 of the Chennai Metro Rail project, currently in progress, comprises two corridors of about 47 km long and 32 stations. Chennai Central Metro station, located in the middle of the city, is an underground-interchange station between the two corridors and also a terminal station for one of the corridors. Due to its unique crossover arrangement, the platforms of the two corridors will be staggered, and the station is about 300 m long and constrained between a canal (c.1882) on one side and a busy road junction on the other side. Strategically located on one of the busy arterial roads – EVR Periyar Salai – and in front of the Chennai Central long-route railway station, the upcoming metro station will provide traffic integration with existing transport modes. Diversion of dense pedestrian and vehicular traffic continuously flowing through this location during construction plays a major role in the design and construction sequencing. The proposed metro station is also surrounded by at least four declared heritage buildings. The architectural and structural design of the above-ground metro structures will strike a commonality among the adjoining heritage buildings of different architectural styles, as well as exhibit a contemporary look.