bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Identification and Karyological Analysis of a Rampant Aspen Populus tremula L. (Salicaceae) Clone
Authors: Politov Dmitry V. , Belokon Yuri S. , Shatokhina Anna V. , Belokon Maryana M. , Khanov Nail A. , Mudrik Elena A. , Polyakova Tatyana A. , Azarova Anna B. , Shestibratov Konstantin A.
Published: April 2017

A rampant highly heterozygous aspen (Populus tremula L.) clone “Meshabash” has been revealed in course of population genetic diversity analysis in a native stand in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Here we report the results of karyological analysis showing that this highly vigorous clone is diploid (2n=38) while typically triploid aspen demonstrates increased growth rate and resistance to aspen trunk rot caused by fungus Phellinus tremulae. By means of DNA identification of a series of model trees using 14 SSR loci we outlined the area occupied by this clone (at least 1.94 ha) and demonstrated that its ramets constitute 40 out of 48 genotyped trunks on the plot with the maximal distance between ramets 254 m. Since aspen is able to regenerate after cutting or die-off of maternal tree by root suckers at a distance up to 20–35 m this assumed that current stand appeared as a result of such spreading from an ortet tree during at least 5 generations. Trunk rot damage in the wood of model trees indicated low influence of this pathogen on viability and performance of the studied clone that can be associated with its extreme heterozygosity level (0.926) exceeding all the studied trees in this research plot and in three other control samples.
H2S Donor NaHS Changes the Production of Endogenous H2S and NO in D‐Galactose‐Induced Accelerated Ageing
Authors: Wu Wei , Hou Cui-Lan , Mu Xue-Pan , Sun Chen , Zhu Yi-Chun , Wang Ming-Jie , Lv Qian-Zhou
Published: April 2017

Aims. The study was designed to explore whether hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) generation changed in D‐galactose‐ (D‐gal‐) induced ageing, the possible effects of exogenous H2S supplementation, and related mechanisms. Results. In D‐gal‐induced senescent mice, both H2S and NO levels in the heart, liver, and kidney tissues were decreased significantly. A similar trend was observed in D‐gal‐challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Sustained H2S donor (NaHS) treatment for 2 months elevated H2S and NO levels in these mice, and during this period, the D‐gal‐induced senescent phenotype was reversed. The protective effect of NaHS is associated with a decrease in reactive oxygen species levels and an increase in antioxidants, such as glutathione, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Increased expression of the H2S‐producing enzymes cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) and cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS) in the heart, liver, and kidney tissues was observed in the NaHS‐treated groups. NaHS supplementation also significantly postponed D‐gal‐induced HUVEC senescence. Conclusions. Endogenous hydrogen sulphide production in both ageing mice and endothelial cells is insufficient. Exogenous H2S can partially rescue ageing‐related dysfunction by inducing endogenous H2S and NO production and reducing oxidative stress. Restoring endogenous H2S production may contribute to healthy ageing, and H2S may have antiageing effects.
Existence and Multiplicity of Positive Solutions for Schrödinger-Kirchhoff-Poisson System with Singularity
Authors: Mu Mengjun , Lu Huiqin
Published: April 2017

We study a singular Schrödinger-Kirchhoff-Poisson system by the variational methods and the Nehari manifold and we prove the existence, uniqueness, and multiplicity of positive solutions of the problem under different conditions.
Network Access Control for Location-Based Mobile Services in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Kim Dae-Young , Ko Dae-sik , Kim Seokhoon
Published: April 2017

Recent advances in information communication technology and software have enabled mobile terminals to employ various capabilities as a smartphone. They adopt multiple interfaces for wireless communication and run as a portable computer. Mobile services are also transferred from voice to data. Mobile terminals can access Internet for data services anytime anywhere. By using location-based information, improved mobile services are enabled in heterogeneous networks. In the mobile service environment, it is required that mobile terminals should efficiently use wireless network resources. In addition, because video stream becomes a major service among the data services of mobile terminals in heterogeneous networks, the necessity of the efficient network access control for heterogeneous wireless networks is raised as an important topic. That is, quality of services of the location-based video stream is determined by the network access control. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel network access control in the heterogeneous wireless networks. The proposed method estimates the network status with Naïve Bayesian Classifier and performs network access control according to the estimated network status. Thus, it improves data transmission efficiency to satisfy the quality of services. The efficiency of the proposed method is validated through the extensive computer simulation.
Effectiveness of Information Processing Strategy Training on Academic Task Performance in Children with Learning Disabilities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Juntorn Sutinun , Sriphetcharawut Sarinya , Munkhetvit Peeraya
Published: April 2017

Learning disabilities (LD) can be associated with problems in the four stages of information processing used in learning: input, throughput, output, and feedback. These problems affect the child’s ability to learn and perform activities in daily life, especially during academic activities. This study is a pilot study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of information processing strategy training using a combination of two approaches that address the ability to apply processing strategies during academic activities in children with LD. The two approaches are the Perceive, Recall, Plan, and Perform (PRPP) System of Intervention, which is a strategy training intervention, and the Four-Quadrant Model (4QM) of Facilitated Learning approach, which is a systematic facilitator technique. Twenty children with LD were assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n=10) and the control group (n=10). Children in the experimental group received the intervention twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Each treatment session took approximately 50 minutes. Children in the control group received traditional intervention twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The results indicated that the combination of the PRPP System of Intervention and the 4QM may improve the participants’ ability to apply information processing strategies during academic activities.
Valorization of Agricultural Residues for Cellulose Nanofibrils Production and Their Use in Nanocomposite Manufacturing
Authors: Khiari Ramzi
Published: April 2017

This paper reports the isolation of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from almond stems, available as agricultural residues. The CNF suspensions were prepared by the combination of chemical and mechanical treatment: the microscopic fibres were firstly isolated by the delignification-bleaching process, followed by TEMPO-mediated oxidation to facilitate the further nanofibrillation using high-pressure homogenization process at 600 bar for 10 passes as a mechanical treatment. The ensuing CNFs were characterized by several methods, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), degree of fibrillation, and carboxyl content. Different nanocomposites were prepared by casting-evaporation method from the mixture of CNF suspension in the commercial acrylic latex as a matrix. The effect of CNF loading on mechanical and thermal properties of the composites was then studied. The considerable enhancement of both Young’s modulus and tensile strength was observed, which clearly indicates that the nanocomposites reinforced with the nanofibrils from Prunus amygdalus have promising mechanical properties.
A Case of Early Disseminated Neurological Lyme Disease Followed by Atypical Cutaneous Manifestations
Authors: Kantamaneni Vamsi , Sunder Vikas , Bilal Mohammad , Vargo Scott
Published: April 2017

Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. An 80-year-old female from Pennsylvania, USA, presented to an outside hospital with fever, confusion, lower extremity weakness, and stool incontinence. CT head and MRI spine were unremarkable. An infectious work-up including lumbar puncture was negative. She was transferred to our tertiary care hospital. Patient was noted to have mild unilateral right-sided facial droop and a diffuse macular rash throughout the body. She denied any outdoor activities, tick bites, or previous rash. Intravenous ceftriaxone was started for suspected LD. The patient’s symptoms including facial droop resolved within 24 hours of antibiotic therapy. Polymerase chain reaction of the blood, IgM ELISA, and IgM Western blot testing for LD came back positive a few days after initiation of therapy. She was treated for a total of 21 days for neurological LD with complete symptom resolution. Not all patients have the classic “targetoid” EM rash on initial presentation, rash could develop after neurological manifestations, and prompt initiation of antibiotics without awaiting serology is paramount to making a quick and a full recovery. There should be a high index of suspicion for early disseminated LD, as presentations can be atypical.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Circular Cyclocoagulation in Glaucoma: A Step Forward for Cyclodestruction?
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Fasanella Vincenzo , Mastropasqua Alessandra , Ciancaglini Marco , Agnifili Luca
Published: April 2017

The ciliary body ablation is still considered as a last resort treatment to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) in uncontrolled glaucoma. Several ablation techniques have been proposed over the years, all presenting a high rate of complications, nonselectivity for the target organ, and unpredictable dose-effect relationship. These drawbacks limited the application of cyclodestructive procedures almost exclusively to refractory glaucoma. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), proposed in the early 1980s and later abandoned because of the complexity and side effects of the procedure, was recently reconsidered in a new approach to destroy the ciliary body. Ultrasound circular cyclocoagulation (UC3), by using miniaturized transducers embedded in a dedicated circular-shaped device, permits to selectively treat the ciliary body in a one-step, computer-assisted, and non-operator-dependent procedure. UC3 shows a high level of safety along with a predictable and sustained IOP reduction in patients with refractory glaucoma. Because of this, the indication of UC3 was recently extended also to naïve-to-surgery patients, thus reconsidering the role and timing of ciliary body ablation in the surgical management of glaucoma. This article provides a review of the most used cycloablative techniques with particular attention to UC3, summarizing the current knowledge about this procedure and future possible developments.
Inhibitory Effect of Chemical Constituents Isolated from Artemisia iwayomogi on Polyol Pathway and Simultaneous Quantification of Major Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Lee Yoon Kyoung , Hong Eun Young , Whang Wan Kyunn
Published: April 2017

Blocking the polyol pathway plays an important role preventing diabetic complications. Therefore, aldose reductase (AR) and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) formation has significant effect on diabetic complications. Artemisia iwayomogi has long been used as treatment of various diseases in Korea. However, no literatures have reported on AR and AGEs formation inhibitory activities of A. iwayomogi. For these reasons, we aimed to assess that A. iwayomogi had potential as anti-diabetic complications agents. We led to isolation of two coumarins (1 and 2), nine flavonoids (3–11), five caffeoylquinic acids (12–16), three diterpene glycosides (17–19), and one phenolic compound (20) from A. iwayomogi. Among them, hispidulin (4), 6-methoxytricin (6), arteanoflavone (7), quercetin-3-gentiobioside (10), 1,3-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (13), and suavioside A (18) were first reported on the isolation from A. iwayomogi. Not only two coumarins (1 and 2), nine flavonoids (3–11), and five caffeoylquinic acids (12–16) but also extracts showed significant inhibitor on AR and AGEs formation activities. We analyzed contents of major bioactive compounds in Korea’s various regions of A. iwayomogi. Overall, we selected Yangyang, Gangwon-do, from June, which contained the highest amounts of bioactive compounds, as suitable areas for cultivating A. iwayomogi as preventive or therapeutic agent in the treatment of diabetic complications.
Entropy Product Formula for Gravitational Instanton
Authors: Pradhan Parthapratim
Published: April 2017

We investigate the entropy product formula for various gravitational instantons. We speculate that due to the mass-independent features of the said instatons they are universal as well as quantized. For isolated Euclidean Schwarzschild black hole, these properties simply fail.
Influence of Film Thickness and Heat Treatment on the Physical Properties of Mn Doped Sb2Se3 Nanocrystalline Thin Films
Authors: El Zawawi I. K. , Mahdy Manal A. , El-Sayad E. A.
Published: April 2017

Nanocrystalline thin films of Sb37.07Mn1.95Se60.98 with different thickness (7, 20, 40, and 80 nm) were successfully prepared via inert gas condensation technique. As-deposited films showed amorphous structure by grazing incident in-plane X-ray diffraction (GIIXD) technique. All films of different thicknesses were heat treated at 433 K for 90 min. The GIIXD pattern of annealed films showed nanocrystalline orthorhombic structure. The effect of thickness of annealed films on the structure and optical properties was studied. Calculated particle sizes are 20.67 and 24.15 for 40 and 80 nm thickness of heat treated film. High resolution transmission electron microscope HRTEM images and their diffraction patterns proved that 40 nm film thickness annealed at different temperature has nanocrystalline nature with observed (high) crystallinity that increases with annealing temperature. Blue shift of optical energy gap was observed from 1.68 to 2 eV with decreasing film thickness from 80 to 7 nm. Film thickness of 40 nm was exposed to different heat treated temperatures from 353 to 473 K to detect its effect on structure and optical and electrical properties. Blue shift from 1.73 to 1.9 eV was observed in its optical band gap due to direct transition as heat treatment temperature decreasing from 473 to 353 K. Electrical conductivity was studied for different heat treated films of thickness 40 nm, and intrinsic conduction mechanism is dominant. The activation energy Ea was affected by heat treatment process.
Biomechanical Stress and Strain Analysis of Mandibular Human Region from Computed Tomography to Custom Implant Development
Authors: Gregolin Rafael Ferreira , Zavaglia Cecília Amelia de Carvalho , Tokimatsu Ruís Camargo , Pereira João A.
Published: April 2017

Currently computational tools are helping and improving the processes and testing procedures in several areas of knowledge. Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic tool already consolidated and now beginning to be used as a tool for something even more innovative, creating biomodels. Biomodels are anatomical physical copies of human organs and tissues that are used for diagnosis and surgical planning. The use of tomographic images in the creation of biomodels has been arousing great interest in the medical and bioengineering area. In addition to creating biomodels by computed tomography it is also possible, using this process, to create mathematical models to perform computer simulations and analyses of regions of interest. This paper discusses the creation of a biomodel of the skull-mandibular region of a patient from CT for study and evaluation of efforts in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) aiming at the design and development of a TMJ custom prosthesis. The evaluation of efforts in the TMJ region due to the forces of mastication was made using the finite element method and the results were corroborated by comparison with mandibular models studied in similar works.
Adenocarcinoma In Situ Arising from Brunner’s Gland Treated by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Kobayashi Sayo , Ohara Nobuya , Kawano Seiji , Kawahara Yoshiro , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

An 86-year-old Japanese man was presented to our hospital for further investigation of duodenal adenocarcinoma. The tumor was endoscopically resected. Pathological analysis revealed coexistence of gastric foveolar metaplasia and a surrounding hyperplastic Brunner’s gland, in addition to an adenocarcinoma component. Immunostaining for MUC5AC and MUC6 confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ arising from Brunner’s gland hyperplasia. This case suggests that although detailed preoperative evaluation is required to determine the depth of tumor invasion, endoscopic resection may be a promising option for the treatment of adenocarcinomas arising from Brunner’s gland hyperplasia.
Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture of Concrete Gravity Dams by Stress‐Seepage‐Damage Coupling Model
Authors: Sha Sha , Zhang Guoxin
Published: April 2017

High‐pressure hydraulic fracture (HF) is an important part of the safety assessment of high concrete dams. A stress‐seepage‐damage coupling model based on the finite element method is presented and first applied in HF in concrete dams. The coupling model has the following characteristics: (1) the strain softening behavior of fracture process zone in concrete is considered; (2) the mesh‐dependent hardening technique is adopted so that the fracture energy dissipation is not affected by the finite element mesh size; (3) four coupling processes during hydraulic fracture are considered. By the damage model, the crack propagation processes of a 1 : 40 scaled model dam and Koyna dam are simulated. The results are in agreement with experimental and other numerical results, indicating that the damage model can effectively predict the carrying capacity and the crack trajectory of concrete gravity dams. Subsequently, the crack propagation processes of Koyna dam using three notches of different initial lengths are simulated by the damage model and the coupling model. And the influence of HF on the crack propagation path and carrying capacity is studied. The results reveal that HF has a significant influence on the global response of the dam.
Risk Factors for Road Traffic Injuries among Different Road Users in the Gambia
Authors: Sanyang Edrisa , Peek-Asa Corinne , Bass Paul , Young Tracy L. , Daffeh Babanding , Fuortes Laurence J.
Published: April 2017

We identified risk factors for road traffic injuries among road users who received treatment at two major trauma hospitals in urban Gambia. The study includes pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers/passengers of cars and trucks. We examined distributions of injury by age, gender, collision vehicle types and vehicle category, and driver and environment factors. Two hundred and fifty-four patients were included in the study. Two-thirds were male and one-third female. Two-thirds (67%) of road traffic injuries involved pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists; and these were more common during weekdays (74%) than weekends. Nearly half (47%) of road traffic injuries involved pedestrians. One-third (34%) of injured patients were students (mean age of students was less than 14 years), more than half (51%) of whom were injured on the roadway as pedestrians. Head/skull injuries were common. Concussion/brain injuries were 3.5 times higher among pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists than vehicle occupants. Crashes involving pedestrians were more likely to involve young people (<25 years; aOR 6.36, 95% CI: 3.32–12.17) and involve being struck by a motor car (aOR 3.95, 95% CI: 2.09–7.47). Pedestrians contribute the largest proportion of hospitalizations in the Gambia. Young pedestrians are at particularly high risk. Prevention efforts should focus on not only vehicle and driver factors, but also protecting pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
Extra Facial Landmark Localization via Global Shape Reconstruction
Authors: Tan Shuqiu , Chen Dongyi , Guo Chenggang , Huang Zhiqi
Published: April 2017

Localizing facial landmarks is a popular topic in the field of face analysis. However, problems arose in practical applications such as handling pose variations and partial occlusions while maintaining moderate training model size and computational efficiency still challenges current solutions. In this paper, we present a global shape reconstruction method for locating extra facial landmarks comparing to facial landmarks used in the training phase. In the proposed method, the reduced configuration of facial landmarks is first decomposed into corresponding sparse coefficients. Then explicit face shape correlations are exploited to regress between sparse coefficients of different facial landmark configurations. Finally extra facial landmarks are reconstructed by combining the pretrained shape dictionary and the approximation of sparse coefficients. By applying the proposed method, both the training time and the model size of a class of methods which stack local evidences as an appearance descriptor can be scaled down with only a minor compromise in detection accuracy. Extensive experiments prove that the proposed method is feasible and is able to reconstruct extra facial landmarks even under very asymmetrical face poses.
Factors Affecting Utilization of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Services among Teachers in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Woudneh Gereme , Sinishaw Mulusew Alemneh , Bizuneh Kelemu Dessie
Published: April 2017

HIV/AIDS affects the basic educational sector which is the most productive segment of the population and vital to the creation of human capital. The loss of skilled and experienced teachers due to the problem is increasingly compromising the provision of quality education in most African countries. The study was proposed to determine the magnitude of VCT utilization and assess contributing factors that affect VCT service utilization among secondary school teachers in Awi Zone. A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 588 participants in 2014. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16, presented as frequencies and summary statistics, and tested for presence of significant association with odds ratio at 95% CI. More than half (53.6%) of study participants were tested for HIV. Those who had sexual intercourse, had good knowledge about VCT, were divorced/widowed, were in the age group of 20–29 years, and were married utilized VCT services two, three, four, three, and two times better than their counterparts, respectively. Actions targeting unmarried status, increase of educational level, and teachers with age groups above 30 years are necessary to follow their counterparts to utilize VCT service in order to save loss of teachers.
A Comparative Study: The Use of Collagen Implant versus Mitomycin-C in Combined Trabeculotomy and Trabeculectomy for Treatment of Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Singab Alaa Abdel Sadek , Mohammed Osama Ali , Saleem Mohammed Iqbal Hafez , Abozaid Mortada Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To compare Ologen implant versus mitomycin-C (MMC) in combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy as a treatment of primary congenital glaucoma. Setting. Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. Design. A prospective comparative study. Methods. Thirty-four eyes of twenty-one patients with primary congenital glaucoma were included in this study. All patients were subjected to preoperative evaluation including complete anterior segment examination under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups: patients of the first group (group A) underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy with Ologen implantation while those of the second group (group B) underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy with MMC application. Results. Postoperatively, the IOP in group A was as follows: 8 eyes developed IOP levels less than 14 mmHg (complete success), 3 eyes had levels between 14 and 16 mmHg (accepted result), 2 eyes had levels between 16 and 20 mmHg (guarded result), and only 2 eyes showed levels exceeding 20 mmHg (failed procedure), while in group B, 7 eyes showed complete success, 3 eyes had accepted result, 3 eyes had guarded result, and 2 eyes had failed procedure. Conclusion. Ologen is a safe and effective adjuvant in combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy for treatment of primary congenital glaucoma.
Modeling and Analysis of the Effect of Dip-Spin Coating Process Parameters on Coating Thickness Using Factorial Design Method
Authors: Buapool Sorasutee , Thavarungkul Nandh , Srisukhumbowornchai Nakorn , Termsuksawad Preecha
Published: April 2017

Statistical modeling of the dip-spin coating process to describe colloidal PTFE dispersion coating on the external surface of a small diameter hollow tube was developed by using 24 factorial design with a center point to predict the coating thickness in a range of 4–10 μm. The coating parameters included viscosity, withdrawal rate, spin speed, and immersion time. The adequacy of the predicted model was verified by coefficients of determination and lack-of-fit test. Model accuracy was verified by comparing predicted values with experimental results. The significant interaction effects on the coating thickness were three-way interaction among withdrawal rate, spin speed, and immersion time and two-way interactions between viscosity and withdrawal rate, viscosity and spin speed, and viscosity and immersion time. Cube plot for coating thickness reveals a trend of increasing coating thickness towards high levels of viscosity, withdrawal rate, and immersion time and lower level of spin speed.
Relationship between HLA-DQ Gene Polymorphism and Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Xu Tao , Sun Meiqun , Wang Hongtao
Published: April 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the predominant risk factor for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The association between HBV infection and human leukocyte antigen- (HLA-) DQ polymorphism (rs2856718 and rs7453920) has been demonstrated in other studies; however, the results were controversial or inconclusive. Therefore, to derive a more precise estimation of the association, a meta-analysis was performed. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association between HLA-DQ polymorphism (rs2856718 and rs7453920) and HBV infection risk. A total of 11 articles were used to evaluate the effect of the two polymorphisms on risk of HBV infection. The pooled data showed that HLA-DQ rs2856718-G polymorphism showed protection against HBV infection, and rs2856718-A was a risk factor for chronic HBV infection. The pooled risk estimates indicated that HLA-DQ rs7453920-A polymorphism was associated with decreased risk of HBV infection, and rs7453920-G serves as a risk factor in HBV infection. However, these stratified analyses were lacking credibility due to the limitation of correlational study numbers; further investigation on a large population and different ethnicities is warranted.
Automated Detection of Red Lesions Using Superpixel Multichannel Multifeature
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wu Chengdong , Chen Dali , Wang Zhenzhu , Yi Yugen , Du Wenyou
Published: April 2017

Red lesions can be regarded as one of the earliest lesions in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and automatic detection of red lesions plays a critical role in diabetic retinopathy diagnosis. In this paper, a novel superpixel Multichannel Multifeature (MCMF) classification approach is proposed for red lesion detection. In this paper, firstly, a new candidate extraction method based on superpixel is proposed. Then, these candidates are characterized by multichannel features, as well as the contextual feature. Next, FDA classifier is introduced to classify the red lesions among the candidates. Finally, a postprocessing technique based on multiscale blood vessels detection is modified for removing nonlesions appearing as red. Experiments on publicly available DiaretDB1 database are conducted to verify the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Home-Based Physical Behavior in Late Stage Parkinson Disease Dementia: Differences between Cognitive Subtypes
Authors: Cerff Bernhard , Maetzler Walter , Sulzer Patricia , Kampmeyer Malte , Prinzen Jos , Hobert Markus A. , Blum Dominik , van Lummel Rob , Del Din Silvia , Gräber Susanne , Berg Daniela , Liepelt-Scarfone Inga
Published: April 2017

Background: For the early diagnosis of Parkinson disease dementia (PDD), objective home-based tools are needed to quantify even mild stages of dysfunction of the activities of daily living (ADL). Objectives: In this pilot study, home-based physical behavior was assessed to examine whether it is possible to distinguish mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) from PDD. Methods: Fifty-five patients with mild to severe Parkinson disease (PD) participated in this cross-sectional study. Based on comprehensive neuropsychological testing, PD patients were classified as cognitively nonimpaired (PD-NC), PD-MCI or PDD. For physical behavior assessments, patients wore the accelerometer DynaPort® (McRoberts) for 3 days. Ordinal logistic regression models with continuous Y were applied to correct results for motor impairment and depressive symptoms. Results: After excluding 7 patients due to insufficient wearing time, 48 patients with a mean of 2 recorded days were analyzed (17 PD-NC, 22 PD-MCI, 9 PDD). ADL-impaired PDD patients showed fewer sedentary bouts than non-ADL-impaired PD-MCI (p = 0.01, odds ratio [OR] = 8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-45.2) and PD-NC (p = 0.01, OR = 10.3, CI = 1.6-67.3) patients, as well as a longer sedentary bout length (PD-NC: p = 0.02, OR = 0.1, CI = 0.02-0.65; PD-MCI: p = 0.02, OR = 0.14, CI = 0.03-0.69). These differences were mainly caused by fewer (PD-NC: p = 0.02, OR = 9.6, CI = 1.5-62.4; PD-MCI: p = 0.01, OR = 8.5, CI = 1.5-37.3) but longer sitting bouts (PD-NC: p = 0.03, OR = 0.12, CI = 0.02-0.80; PD-MCI: p = 0.04, OR = 0.19, CI = 0.04-0.93). Tests assessing executive function, visuoconstruction and attention correlated significantly with specific activity parameters (ρ ≥ 0.3; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Objective assessment of physical behavior, in particular the detection of sedentary bouts, is a promising contributor to the discrimination between PD-MCI and PDD.
Maternal Macronutrient Intake and Offspring Blood Pressure 20 Years Later
Authors: Hrolfsdottir Laufey , Halldorsson Thorhallur I. , Rytter Dorte , Bech Bodil Hammer , Birgisdottir Bryndis E. , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Granström Charlotta , Henriksen Tine Brink , Olsen Sjurdur F. , Maslova Ekaterina
Published: April 2017

Background

Results from 2 cohort studies in Scotland established in the 1940s and 1950s (Aberdeen and Motherwell) suggested that a high protein diet during pregnancy might adversely influence offspring blood pressure at adult age. Our objective was to examine this association in the Danish Fetal Origins Cohort (DaFO88).

Methods and Results

This was a prospective birth cohort of 965 women who gave birth in 1988–1989 in Aarhus, Denmark, and whose offspring (n=434) participated in a clinical examination ≈20 years later. Macronutrient intake was assessed in gestational week 30. Multivariable adjusted linear regression was used to examine the relation between higher maternal protein intake, at the expense of carbohydrates, and offspring blood pressure (isocaloric substitution). Main analyses were adjusted for mother's age during pregnancy, prepregnancy body mass index, parity, smoking during pregnancy, educational level, and offspring's sex. The mean total energy intake was 8.7 MJ/day (SD 2.3 MJ/day). The mean energy from carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake was 51, 31, and 16 of total energy, respectively. The results showed that after adjustment, higher maternal protein intake was associated with slightly higher offspring diastolic blood pressure (highest compared with the lowest quintile of protein intake: ∆=2.4 mm Hg; 95% CI 0.4–4.4;
P=
0.03 for trend). Similar differences, although not significant, were found for systolic blood pressure (∆=2.6 mm Hg; 95%
CI
−0.0 to 5.3;
P=
0.08 for trend).

Conclusions

Higher maternal dietary protein intake at the expense of carbohydrates was associated with a modest increase in offspring blood pressure in young adulthood.
The New Era of Counterforce: Technological Change and the Future of Nuclear Deterrence
Authors: Lieber Keir A. , Press Daryl G.
Published: April 2017

Nuclear deterrence rests on the survivability of nuclear arsenals. For much of the nuclear age, “counterforce” disarming attacks—those aimed at eliminating an opponent's nuclear forces—were nearly impossible because of the ability of potential victims to hide and protect their weapons. Technological developments, however, are eroding this foundation of nuclear deterrence. Advances rooted in the computer revolution have made nuclear forces around the world considerably more vulnerable. Specifically, two key approaches that countries have relied on to ensure arsenal survivability since the dawn of the nuclear age—hardening and concealment—have been undercut by leaps in weapons accuracy and a revolution in remote sensing. Various methods, evidence, and models demonstrate the emergence of new possibilities for counterforce disarming strikes. In short, the task of securing nuclear arsenals against attack is far more difficult than it was in the past. The new era of counterforce challenges the basis for confidence in contemporary deterrence stability, raises critical issues for national and international security policy, and sheds light on one of the enduring theoretical puzzles of the nuclear era: why international security competition has endured in the shadow of the nuclear revolution.
Ritual Capital
Authors: Ruan Ji
Published: April 2017

This research focuses on the use of guanxi (Chinese personal connections) in everyday urban life. Although there is much research focused on guanxi, little is known about the specific tactics of developing and using guanxi in Chinese urban society. The study presented here aims to fill this gap. Data was drawn from two ethnographic studies of school place allocation in two Chinese cities during 2012 and 2013. The research finds that ritual is vital in all forms of la guanxi (instrumental guanxi practice) and that ritual exists at almost every stage of this process. The practice of ritual becomes an important way of using and developing one’s guanxi capital, and “instrumental li” is the shared value behind ritual practice in guanxi. Based on this finding, a new concept called “ritual capital” is proposed. This refers to a part of an individual’s social capital that is mainly established and maintained by the practice of proper ritual; namely, the ability to use ritual for resources or benefits.
Serotonergic Modulation of Sensory and Multisensory Processing in Superior Colliculus
Authors: Kurela LeAnne R. , Wallace Mark T.
Published: April 2017

The ability to integrate information across the senses is vital for coherent perception of and interaction with the world. While much is known regarding the organization and function of multisensory neurons within the mammalian superior colliculus (SC), very little is understood at a mechanistic level. One open question in this regard is the role of neuromodulatory networks in shaping multisensory responses. While the SC receives substantial serotonergic projections from the raphe nuclei, and serotonergic receptors are distributed throughout the SC, the potential role of serotonin (5-HT) signaling in multisensory function is poorly understood. To begin to fill this knowledge void, the current study provides physiological evidence for the influences of 5-HT signaling on auditory, visual and audiovisual responses of individual neurons in the intermediate and deep layers of the SC, with a focus on the 5HT2a receptor. Using single-unit extracellular recordings in combination with pharmacological methods, we demonstrate that alterations in 5HT2a receptor signaling change receptive field (RF) architecture as well as responsivity and integrative abilities of SC neurons when assessed at the level of the single neuron. In contrast, little changes were seen in the local field potential (LFP). These results are the first to implicate the serotonergic system in multisensory processing, and are an important step to understanding how modulatory networks mediate multisensory integration in the SC.
Evaluating Bodily Self-Consciousness and the Brain Using Multisensory Perturbation and fMRI
Authors: Chouinard Philippe A. , Sherman Joshua A. , Millard Amy Siobhan , Sperandio Irene
Published: April 2017

In this article, we consider the usefulness of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and perturbation in evaluating causal relationships between bodily self-consciousness and the brain. We argue that fMRI research is not always restricted to correlational statements when it is combined with perturbation techniques and can sometimes permit some degree of causal inferencing, such as when bodily illusions are examined with fMRI. In these instances, one is changing a participant’s conscious bodily self by experimentally perturbing mechanisms that are involved in multisensory integration.
El cine en el aula: La enseñanza de la modernidad temprana europea a través del cine. El análisis de una experiencia en la universidad.
Authors: Tonon María Cecilia , Andelique Carlos Marcelo
Published: April 2017

La idea de aprendizaje histórico es un tema central para los estudios de la Educación Histórica en Brasil. Este artículo comienza por intentar definir lo que es el aprendizaje propiamente histórico a partir de un debate teórico entre ideas de Peter Lee y Jörn Rüsen. En seguida, son analizados datos de una investigación empírica sobre el aprendizaje histórico de jóvenes en el trabajo con películas, con centralidad sobre el concepto de multiperspectividad. Por fin, se concluye sobre las limitaciones de pensar el aprendizaje histórico solamente como el desarrollo de competencias conceptuales en el análisis histórico, y se apunta para un horizonte teórico en el cual se piensa que aprender Historia es también aprender a vivir.
Las narrativas y las prácticas docentes: Pensar las prácticas de enseñanza a partir de los informes narrativos
Authors: Gatti Verónica Andrea , Zatti Marcela Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

En el presente artículo expondremos un experiencia que estamos realizando desde la Cátedra Taller de Acción Educativa del Profesorado en Historia perteneciente a la Facultad de Humanidades, Artes y Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, que nos está advirtiendo acerca de la importancia que tiene la escritura como espacio de anticipación y análisis de las prácticas que deben realizar los estudiantes que cursan el último tramo de la mencionada carrera.Desde la tarea de formación docente en el Taller de Acción Educativa venimos realizando una propuesta que acompaña la intervención didáctica y de las prácticas centradas en la producción de informes narrativos como producciones individuales y finales a través de los cuales, los/as futuros/as docentes se leen a partir de sus experiencias didáctico–pedagógicas en las escuelas secundarias de la ciudad de Paraná. Así, los propios relatos, en primera persona, se convierten en espacios de reflexión en torno a sus trayectos docentes y en la construcción de sus propias identidades.
El Teorema de la Existencia y Unicidad de soluciones para ecuaciones diferenciales de primer orden: análisis de las dificultades de los alumnos para su comprensión.
Authors: Zang Claudia , Fernández Gretel , León María Natalia
Published: April 2017

El Teorema de la Existencia y Unicidad de soluciones para ecuaciones diferenciales de primer orden: análisis de las dificultades de los alumnos para su comprensión Claudia Zang, Gretel Fernández von Metzen y María Natalia León ResumenEste trabajo nace de la inquietud de un grupo de docentes de Matemática ante las dificultades observadas para la comprensión, por parte de los estudiantes, del teorema de existencia y unicidad de soluciones para ecuaciones diferenciales de primer orden. Dicho teorema forma parte del programa analítico de la asignatura Análisis IV de los profesorados de Matemática y de Física de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales dependiente de la Universidad Nacional de Misiones (FCEQyN–UNaM), que se centra en el estudio de las ecuaciones diferenciales, de los sistemas de ecuaciones diferenciales y en un estudio introductorio de las ecuaciones diferenciales en derivadas parciales.Este documento tiene elpropósito de, por un lado, mostrar sintéticamente la perspectiva con que se aborda el estudio de dicho teorema en diferentes libros de texto sugeridos desde la cátedra; y por el otro, la propuesta que se realiza, desde el equipo de docentes, para evaluar su aprendizaje y por último, exponer los resultados obtenidos en dicha evaluación. El análisis de las respuestas dadas por los alumnos refleja las dificultades que tienen para reconocer la estructura lógica subyacente a todo teorema y el manejo inadecuado de los razonamientos lógicos detectado los lleva a establecer conclusiones erróneas.
Crystal structure of 2-[(2-acetoxyethoxy) methyl]-3-amino-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one
Authors: Lee Gene-Hsiang , Hwang Long-Chih
Published: April 2017

The X-ray structural investigations has been carried out for the title compound, 2-[(2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl]-3-amino-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one (1-[(2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl]-6-azaisocytosine), molecular formula C8H12N4O4, crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P-1 with a = 5.3124(3) Ã…, b = 7.3635(3) Ã…, c = 14.0170(8) Ã…, Î± = 81.5265(19)Â°, Î² = 85.852(2)Â°, Î³ = 76.760(2)Â°, V = 527.49(5) Ã…3 and Z = 2, resulting in a density, Dcalc, of 1.437 g/cm3. The hydrogen-bonding systems assemble with N-HÂ·Â·Â·O [graph set C (6)], N-HÂ·Â·Â·N [graph set R Â (8)], and N-HÂ·Â·Â·N combine with N-HÂ·Â·Â·O [graph set R (12)]. The side chain of the molecular structure is further stabilized by short contacts formed by intermolecular C-HÂ·Â·Â·O interactions.
Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of cephradine (Atocef ForteÂ®) in healthy and colisepticemic broiler chickens
Authors: Aboubakr Mohamed , Elbadawy Mohamed
Published: April 2017

The pharmacokinetics (after single intravenous and oral dose) and tissue residues (orally and daily for five days) of cephradine (20 mg/kg b.wt.) were investigated in healthy and experimentally E.coli infected broiler chickens. Following single intravenous injection to healthy chickens, cephradine obeyed a two compartments open model and the elimination half-life (t1/2Î²), volume of distribution (Vdss) and total body clearance (CLtot) of cephradine were 2.93 h, 321.5 ml/kg and 0.08 L/h/kg, respectively. Following single oral administration of cephradine to healthy chickens, the peak serum concentration (Cmax) of it was 26.7 Âµg/mL and achieved (Tmax) at 2.41 h. The oral bioavailability of cephradine was 87.7%. Cephradine was assayed in kidney, liver, heart, gizzard, spleen, breast muscle, thigh muscle and skin after 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after last dose. On conclusion, cephradine is a good choice for treatment of colisepticemia in chickens due to its higher oral bioavailability and distribution.
Examination of the relationship between metacognitive thinking skills and scientific research self-efficacy via regression analysis and structural equation model
Üst biliş düşünme becerileri ve bilimsel araştırma özyeterliği arasındaki ilişkinin regresyon analizi ve yapısal eşitlik modeli ile incelenmesi
Authors: Tuncer Murat , Yılmaz Ömer
Published: April 2017

This study analyzed the relation between scientific research self-efficacy and metacognitive thinking skills of prospective teachers. Hence this study was executed in relational screening method. The findings of our study unveiled that a significant relation existed between Metacognition thinking subskill domains and scientific research self-efficacy. Accordingly thinking, problem solving, decision making and alternative evaluation skills explained approximately 27% of the score variance of scientific research self-efficacy. In this study three models devised on the principle of structural equation model were tested. It was concluded at the end of this study that decision-making skills played a mediator role between thinking skills and conclusion and discussion skills. Further to that it was identified that thinking skills played a mediator role between literature skills and problem-solving skills. Lastly it was identified that thinking skills played a mediator role between problem solving and conclusion and discussion skills. ÖzetBu çalışmada öğretmen adaylarının bilimsel araştırma öz-yeterlikleri ile üst biliş düşünme becerileri arasındaki ilişki araştırılmaktadır. Dolayısıyla araştırma ilişkisel tarama yöntemine göre yürütülmüştür. Araştırma sonucunda Üst biliş düşünme alt beceri alanlarıyla bilimsel araştırma özyeterliği arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir. Buna göre düşünme, problem çözme,  karar verme ve alternatif değerlendirme becerileri bilimsel araştırma özyeterliğine yönelik puanlara ait varyansın yaklaşık %27’sini açıklamaktadır. Araştırmada yapısal eşitlik modeline göre kurulan üç model test edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda düşünme becerileri ve sonuç ve tartışma becerileri arasında karar verme becerilerinin aracılık etkisinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bunun yanında alanyazın becerileri ve problem çözme becerileri arasında düşünme becerilerinin aracılık etkisinin olduğu gözlenmiştir. Son olarak problem çözme ve sonuç tartışma becerileri arasında düşünme becerilerinin aracılık etkisinin olduğu saptanmıştır.