bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location of cerebral atherosclerosis: Why is there a difference between East and West?
Authors: Kim Jong S , Kim Yeon-Jung , Ahn Sung-Ho , Kim Bum J
Published: May 2016

Intracranial atherosclerosis is more prevalent in Asian patients, whereas extracranial atherosclerosis is more common in individuals from western countries. The reasons for this discrepancy remain unknown. We reviewed the relevant literature and discussed the currently available information.

Although the study population, diagnostic modality, and risk factor definitions differ between studies, hypercholesterolemia is more correlated with extracranial atherosclerosis than intracranial atherosclerosis. The difference in hypercholesterolemia prevalence is one of the main reasons for racial differences. Intracranial arteries contain higher antioxidant level than extracranial arteries and may be more vulnerable to risk factors for antioxidant depletion (e.g., metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus). Intracranial arteries may be vulnerable to factors associated with hemodynamic stress (e.g., advanced, salt-retaining hypertension and arterial tortuosity) because of a smaller diameter, thinner media and adventitia, and fewer elastic medial fibers than extracranial arteries. Additionally, non-atherosclerotic arterial diseases (e.g., moyamoya disease) that commonly occur in the intracranial arteries of East Asians may contaminate the reports of intracranial atherosclerosis cases. Genes, including RNF 213 or those associated with high salt sensitivity, may also explain racial differences in atherosclerotic location.

To understand racial differences, further well-designed studies on various risk and genetic factors should be performed in patients with cerebral atherosclerosis. Additionally, improvements in diagnostic accuracy via advancements in imaging technologies and increased genetic data will aid in the differentiation of atherosclerosis from non-atherosclerotic intracranial diseases.
Fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus: a study of associated rotator cuff injury and atrophy
Authors: Rouleau Dominique M , Laflamme G Yves , Mutch Jennifer
Published: May 2016

Background

This is a retrospective prognostic study on soft tissue injury following isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of the proximal humerus with respect to the relationship between rotator cuff tears and GT displacement.

Methods

Forty-three patients with isolated GT fractures were recruited and evaluated with a standardized interview and physical examination, quality of life and shoulder function questionnaires (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, SF-12 Version 2, Constant, Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Visual Analogue Scale), standard shoulder radiographs and an ultrasound. The main outcome measurements were: incidence of rotator cuff tears and atrophy, biceps pathology and sub-acromial impingement; superior displacement of the GT fragment; and questionnaire scores.

Results

Mean age was 57 years (31 years to 90 years) with a follow-up of 2.4 years (0.8 years to 6.8 years). In total, 16% had a full rotator cuff tear and 57% showed subacromial impingement on ultrasound. Full rotator cuff tears and supraspinatus fatty atrophy significantly correlated with decreased function and abduction strength. Significant atrophy (>50%) of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, without a rotator cuff tear, was correlated with the worst function in the presence of a residual displacement of the greater tuberosity at the last-follow-up (7 mm).

Conclusions

Residual displacement, full rotator cuff tear and muscle atrophy are associated with the worst outcomes. Soft tissue imaging could benefit patients with an unfavourable outcome after a GT fracture to treat soft tissue injury.
Educating lives for Christian wisdom
Authors: Davis Darin H , Wadell Paul J
Published: May 2016

This article explores how educating lives for Christian wisdom might serve as an antidote to the vice of acedia, a prominent feature of the culture of contemporary higher education. After suggesting that the capital vice of acedia seems to capture well various facets of our present age and how the pursuit of wisdom serves as its antidote, we examine important practices and virtues that sustain the quest for Christian wisdom as distinct from practical and theoretical wisdom. In particular, we discuss worship, wonder and delight, humility and prayer, charitable reading, and friendship.
Psychological type profile of Canadian Baptist youth leaders: Implications for Christian education
Authors: Francis Leslie J , Fawcett Bruce , Linkletter Jody , Robbins Mandy , Stairs Dale
Published: May 2016

A recent study of the psychological type profile of Christian youth workers in the UK drew attention to differences between the profiles of youth workers and clergy, and highlighted distinctive strengths and weaknesses that may be experienced by youth workers in Christian ministry. The present study, employing the Francis Psychological Type Scales among Canadian Baptist youth leaders (150 men, 186 women), cautions against generalizing on the basis of findings from the UK study. Among the Canadian Baptist youth leaders, compared with the UK Christian youth workers, there were higher proportions of introverts, sensing types, thinking types and judging types.
Upper Primary Education among Scheduled Castes: A Study of Coastal Region of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Rao D. Pulla
Published: May 2016

The caste-based stratification of society adversely affected the equality of educational opportunities to the disadvantage of the groups like Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), as they were engaged in traditional family occupations, which did not require any kind of formal education or special training. This situation persisted through the ages and the depressed classes continued to be deprived of educational opportunities, which were controlled by the upper castes. In this context, the present article aims to compare educational status of SCs at upper primary stage with non-SCs in government and private schools in Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts in coastal region of Andhra Pradesh.

The article seeks to place SCs vis-à-vis non-SCs in terms of gender issue among students in class; management of the school; transport facilities for schools; drinking water and toilet facilities as well as other infrastructure facilities and scope of implementation of welfare schemes, etc., in both government and private schools in the given area.

It is observed that there is not much difference between SCs and non-SCs in respect of admissions, hostel facilities, library facilities, computer facilities, etc., for the students studying in the government schools. However, they were not adequate to cover all the SCs aspiring to study and that often resulted in students (about 33 per cent) seeking admission in private schools. Importantly, the SC students in government schools could avail the scholarships, freeships like books, school uniforms, etc., but this facility is not available to the SCs studying in private schools.

Thus, there is a need for the government to take appropriate and immediate decision to improve the educational opportunities of SCs in private schools also.
Conceptualizing Psychosocial Disability in Social Exclusion: A Preliminary Discourse
Authors: Jose Justin Pallickal , Cherayi Shanuga , Sadath Anvar
Published: May 2016

This article conceptualizes identity-mediated psychosocial disability of socially excluded individuals and groups from a socio-behavioural perspective. It postulates collective representations, inequitable social interactions and personal characteristics that lead to perception and internalization of negative identity in members of stigmatized groups. Non-dominant identity induces self-imposed and society-ascribed psychosocial disability through stigmatization and discrimination. Psychosocial disability is a state where individual or collective sense of incapacity restricts optimal use of individual and collective human agency to influence out-groups favourably to achieve self-expansion and communal expansion. The aspects of psychosocial disability include poor self-concept, low ethnic self-esteem, negatively internalized identity, poor social integration and conflicts in social relations. It results in psychosocial disability that further increases social exclusion, reduces quality of life and well-being. This article concludes that socially excluded individuals and groups experience psychosocial disability in everyday life.
Chm-1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells maintain the chondrogenic phenotype of tissue-engineered cartilage
Authors: Chen Zhuoyue , Wei Jing , Zhu Jun , Liu Wei , Cui Jihong , Li Hongmin , Chen Fulin
Published: May 2016

Background

Marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into specific phenotypes, including chondrocytes, and have been widely used for cartilage tissue engineering. However, cartilage grafts from MSCs exhibit phenotypic alternations after implantation, including matrix calcification and vascular ingrowth.

Methods

We compared chondromodulin-1 (Chm-1) expression between chondrocytes and MSCs. We found that chondrocytes expressed a high level of Chm-1. We then adenovirally transduced MSCs with Chm-1 and applied modified cells to engineer cartilage in vivo.

Results

A gross inspection and histological observation indicated that the chondrogenic phenotype of the tissue-engineered cartilage graft was well maintained, and the stable expression of Chm-1 was detected by immunohistological staining in the cartilage graft derived from the Chm-1 gene-modified MSCs.

Conclusions

Our findings defined an essential role for Chm-1 in maintaining chondrogenic phenotype and demonstrated that Chm-1 gene-modified MSCs may be used in cartilage tissue engineering.
Scaling Up: Adapting a Phage-Hunting Course to Increase Participation of First-Year Students in Research
Authors: Staub Nancy L. , Poxleitner Marianne , Braley Amanda , Smith-Flores Helen , Pribbenow Christine M. , Jaworski Leslie , Lopatto David , Anders Kirk R.
Published: May 2016

Authentic research experiences are valuable components of effective undergraduate education. Research experiences during the first years of college are especially critical to increase persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) model provides a high-impact research experience to first-year students but is usually available to a limited number of students, and its implementation is costly in faculty time and laboratory space. To offer a research experience to all students taking introductory biology at Gonzaga University (n = 350/yr), we modified the traditional two-semester SEA-PHAGES course by streamlining the first-semester Phage Discovery lab and integrating the second SEA-PHAGES semester into other courses in the biology curriculum. Because most students in the introductory course are not biology majors, the Phage Discovery semester may be their only encounter with research. To discover whether students benefit from the first semester alone, we assessed the effects of the one-semester Phage Discovery course on students’ understanding of course content. Specifically, students showed improvement in knowledge of bacteriophages, lab math skills, and understanding experimental design and interpretation. They also reported learning gains and benefits comparable with other course-based research experiences. Responses to open-ended questions suggest that students experienced this course as a true undergraduate research experience.
Effectiveness of group body psychotherapy for negative symptoms
of schizophrenia: Multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Priebe S. , Savill M. , Wykes T. , Bentall R. P. , Reininghaus U. , Lauber C. , Bremner S. , Eldridge S. , Röhricht F.
Published: May 2016

Background

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia have a severe impact on functional
outcomes and treatment options are limited. Arts therapies are currently
recommended but more evidence is required.

Aims

To assess body psychotherapy as a treatment for negative symptoms
compared with an active control (trial registration: ISRCTN84216587).

Method

Schizophrenia out-patients were randomised into a 20-session body
psychotherapy or Pilates group. The primary outcome was negative symptoms
at end of treatment. Secondary outcomes included psychopathology,
functional, social and treatment satisfaction outcomes at treatment end
and 6-months later.

Results

In total, 275 participants were randomised. The adjusted difference in
negative symptoms was 0.03 (95% CI –1.11 to 1.17), indicating no benefit
from body psychotherapy. Small improvements in expressive deficits and
movement disorder symptoms were detected in favour of body psychotherapy.
No other outcomes were significantly different.

Conclusions

Body psychotherapy does not have a clinically relevant beneficial effect
in the treatment of patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Immune signatures and disorder-specific patterns in a cross-disorder gene expression analysis
Authors: de Jong Simone , Newhouse Stephen J. , Patel Hamel , Lee Sanghyuck , Dempster David , Curtis Charles , Paya-Cano Jose , Murphy Declan , Wilson C. Ellie , Horder Jamie , Mendez M. Andreina , Asherson Philip , Rivera Margarita , Costello Helen , Maltezos Stefanos , Whitwell Susannah , Pitts Mark , Tye Charlotte , Ashwood Karen L. , Bolton Patrick , Curran Sarah , McGuffin Peter , Dobson Richard , Breen Gerome
Published: May 2016

Background

Recent studies point to overlap between neuropsychiatric disorders in symptomatology and genetic aetiology.

Aims

To systematically investigate genomics overlap between childhood and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Method

Analysis of whole-genome blood gene expression and genetic risk scores of 318 individuals. Participants included individuals affected with adult ADHD (n = 93), childhood ADHD (n = 17), MDD (n = 63), ASD (n = 51), childhood dual diagnosis of ADHD–ASD (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 78).

Results

Weighted gene co-expression analysis results reveal disorder-specific signatures for childhood ADHD and MDD, and also highlight two immune-related gene co-expression modules correlating inversely with MDD and adult ADHD disease status. We find no significant relationship between polygenic risk scores and gene expression signatures.

Conclusions

Our results reveal disorder overlap and specificity at the genetic and gene expression level. They suggest new pathways contributing to distinct pathophysiology in psychiatric disorders and shed light on potential shared genomic risk factors.
Evaluation of a Smartphone-Based Training Strategy Among Health Care Workers Screening for Cervical Cancer in Northern Tanzania: The Kilimanjaro Method
Authors: Yeates Karen E. , Sleeth Jessica , Hopman Wilma , Ginsburg Ophira , Heus Katharine , Andrews Linda , Giattas Mary Rose , Yuma Safina , Macheku Godwin , Msuya Aziz , Oneko Olola
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Almost nine of 10 deaths resulting from cervical cancer occur in low-income countries. Visual inspection under acetic acid (VIA) is an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to cervical cancer screening (CCS), but challenges to effective implementation include health provider training costs, provider turnover, and skills retention. We hypothesized that a smartphone camera and use of cervical image transfer for real-time mentorship by experts located distantly across a closed user group through a commercially available smartphone application would be both feasible and effective in enhancing VIA skills among CCS providers in Tanzania.

Methods

We trained five nonphysician providers in semirural Tanzania to perform VIA enhanced by smartphone cervicography with real-time trainee support from regional experts. Deidentified images were sent through a free smartphone application on the available mobile telephone networks. Our primary outcomes were feasibility of using a smartphone camera to perform smartphone-enhanced VIA and level of agreement in diagnosis between the trainee and expert reviewer over time.

Results

Trainees screened 1,072 eligible women using our methodology. Within 1 month of training, the agreement rate between trainees and expert reviewers was 96.8%. Providers received a response from expert reviewers within 1 to 5 minutes 48.4% of the time, and more than 60% of the time, feedback was provided by regional expert reviewers in less than 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Our method was found to be feasible and effective in increasing health care workers’ skills and accuracy. This method holds promise for improved quality of VIA-based CCS programs among health care providers in low-income countries.
Nanos-mediated repression of hid protects larval sensory neurons after a switch in sensitivity to apoptotic signals
Authors: Bhogal Balpreet , Plaza-Jennings Amara , Gavis Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2016

Dendritic arbor morphology is a key determinant of neuronal function. Once established, dendrite branching patterns must be maintained as the animal develops to ensure receptive field coverage. The translational repressors Nanos (Nos) and Pumilio (Pum) are required to maintain dendrite growth and branching of Drosophila larval class IV dendritic arborization (da) neurons but their specific regulatory role remains unknown. We show that Nos/Pum-mediated repression of the pro-apoptotic gene head involution defective (hid) is required to maintain a balance of dendritic growth and retraction in class IV da neurons and that upregulation of hid results in decreased branching due to an increase in caspase activity. The temporal requirement for nos correlates with an ecdysone-triggered switch in sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli that occurs during the mid-L3 transition. We find that hid is required during pupariation for caspase-dependent pruning of class IV da neurons and that Nos and Pum delay pruning. Together, these results suggest that Nos and Pum provide a critical neuroprotective regulatory layer to ensure that neurons behave appropriately in response to developmental cues.
Heat stress enhances LTM formation inLymnaea: role of HSPs and DNA methylation
Authors: Sunada Hiroshi , Riaz Hamza , de Freitas Emily , Lukowiak Kai , Swinton Cayley , Swinton Erin , Protheroe Amy , Shymansky Tamila , Komatsuzaki Yoshimasa , Lukowiak Ken
Published: May 2016

Environmentally relevant stressors alter the memory-forming process in Lymnaea following operant conditioning of aerial respiration. One such stressor is heat. Previously, we found that following a 1 h heat shock, long-term memory (LTM) formation was enhanced. We also had shown that the heat stressor activates at least two heat shock proteins (HSPs): HSP40 and HSP70. Here, we tested two hypotheses: (1) the production of HSPs is necessary for enhanced LTM formation; and (2) blocking DNA methylation prevents the heat stressor-induced enhancement of LTM formation. We show here that the enhancing effect of the heat stressor on LTM formation occurs even if snails experienced the stressor 3 days previously. We further show that a flavonoid, quercetin, which inhibits HSP activation, blocks the enhancing effect of the heat stressor on LTM formation. Finally, we show that injection of a DNA methylation blocker, 5-AZA, before snails experience the heat stressor prevents enhancement of memory formation.
Net Neutrality: A Fast Lane to Understanding the Trade-offs
Authors: Greenstein Shane , Peitz Martin , Valletti Tommaso
Published: May 2016

The last decade has seen a strident public debate about the principle of “net neutrality.” The economic literature has focused on two definitions of net neutrality. The most basic definition of net neutrality is to prohibit payments from content providers to internet service providers; this situation we refer to as a one-sided pricing model, in contrast with a two-sided pricing model in which such payments are permitted. Net neutrality may also be defined as prohibiting prioritization of traffic, with or without compensation. The research program then is to explore how a net neutrality rule would alter the distribution of rents and the efficiency of outcomes. After describing the features of the modern internet and introducing the key players, (internet service providers, content providers, and customers), we summarize insights from some models of the treatment of internet traffic, framing issues in terms of the positive economic factors at work. Our survey provides little support for the bold and simplistic claims of the most vociferous supporters and detractors of net neutrality. The economic consequences of such policies depend crucially on the precise policy choice and how it is implemented. The consequences further depend on how long-run economic trade-offs play out; for some of them, there is relevant experience in other industries to draw upon, but for others there is no experience and no consensus forecast.
Retrospectives: How Economists Came to Accept Expected Utility Theory: The Case of Samuelson and Savage
Authors: Moscati Ivan
Published: May 2016

Expected utility theory dominated the economic analysis of individual decision-making under risk from the early 1950s to the 1990. Among the early supporters of the expected utility hypothesis in the von Neumann–Morgenstern version were Milton Friedman and Leonard Jimmie Savage, both based at the University of Chicago, and Jacob Marschak, a leading member of the Cowles Commission for Research in Economics. Paul Samuelson of MIT was initially a severe critic of expected utility theory. Between mid-April and early May 1950, Samuelson composed three papers in which he attacked von Neumann and Morgenstern's axiomatic system. By 1952, however, Samuelson had somewhat unexpectedly become a resolute supporter of the expected utility hypothesis. Why did Samuelson change his mind? Based on the correspondence between Samuelson, Savage, Marschak, and Friedman, this article reconstructs the joint intellectual journey that led Samuelson to accept expected utility theory and Savage to revise his motivations for supporting it.
Current clinical immunotherapeutic approaches for head and neck cancer
Authors: Soto Chervin Carolina , Brockstein Bruce
Published: May 2016

It was estimated that 59,340 new cases of head and neck cancer would be diagnosed in the US alone in 2015 and that 12,290 deaths would be attributed to the disease. Local and regional recurrences may be treated with chemotherapy and radiation; however, metastatic head and neck cancer is fatal and is treated with chemotherapy for palliation. Recent successful treatment of a variety of solid and hematological malignancies by immunotherapeutic approaches (i.e. harnessing the body’s own immune system to combat disease) has added a fourth therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer. This commentary will review the status of immunotherapies in clinical development for the specific treatment of head and neck cancer.
Biogeochemical Characteristics of Polytrichum Commune Mosses within the Ursk Tailing Dump Territory in Kemerovo Region
Authors: Межибор  , Mezhibor Antonina , Рихванов  , Rikhvanov L.
Published: May 2016

Mosses of different species are proved biological monitors of the man-caused activity impact on the environment. This research

represents data on the mean contents of chemical elements (about 62 ones) in the Polytrichum commune mosses in the territory

adjacent to the Ursk tailing dump (Kemerovo region). According to analytical research and statistical data processing it has

been proved that the mosses in this territory are characterized by accumulation a group of elements: As, Se, Ag, Sb, Ba, Au, Hg,

Pb, and Bi with the concentrations of 10 and more times exceeding background values. This range of chemical elements has

been emphasized as indicative index of the tailings dump impact on the environment. The space distribution of these chemical

elements in the studied mosses samples has showed a tendency of their predominant accumulation in northern and northeastern

parts of the territory adjacent to the tailing dump — in the direction of predominant winds in this region.
DYNAMICS OF PROTEIN METABOLISM AND ACTIVITY OF AMINOTRANSFERASES OF DOGS BY ADDING DIHYDROQUERCETIN
Authors: Полищук  , Polishchuk Sergey , Молянова  , Molyanova Galina
Published: May 2016

The purpose of research is to increase protective and adaptive reactions, the service and the working potential of an organism of dogs through the use of DHQ. The article presents the results of an experiment to the effect of DHQ on the dynamics of hematological parameters of dogs blood. Dihydroquercetin – an active antioxidant, a natural scavenger of oxygen free radicals, hepatoprotective, has anti-inflammatory action due to limitations of the formalin edema and histamine, and inhibits the formation of serous fluid, pain killers, immunocorrectional properties. Due to the high complexing properties it displays the body of heavy metals, including radionuclides, it helps to restore the tone of blood vessels, normalization of the lipid spectrum of the blood and slows the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Investigations were carried out in Dogs State Service Ministry of I A of Russia zonal center in Samara Region by clinically healthy of dog breed German Shepherd, age 2-4 years with an average body weight of 30 kg on the background conditions and feeding, adopted by the enterprise. Dogs experimental group received Dihydroquercetin to 0.001 g/kg body weight dose once a day with food. When added to the basic diet Dihydroquercetin dog experimental group show an increase in indicators such as red blood cells – by 18.3% (p<0.01), hemoglobin – by 11.7% (p <0.01) hematocrit – 7.1% (p<0.01), white blood cells – by 9.1% (p<0.05) compared to control data. The research results give reason to believe that the use of dietary supplements in Dihydroquercetin in dogs diet dose 0.001 g/kg allows significantly increase the morphological and physiological indicators of animal organism. In this case a significant increase erythrocytes and hemoglobin and hematocrit indicates increased oxidative metabolism and function of the intensity of the blood in dogs treated with the drug, and increase in the blood indicates an increase in immune status.
ACTIVITY OF ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE IN THE TISSUES OF THE DUODENUM IN RABBITSIN DIFFERENT PHASES OF POSTNATAL ONTOGENESIS
Authors: Терентьева  , Terenteva Mayya , Мардарьева  , Mardareva Nataliya
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the study is improving different body systems of animals in separate development phases of postnatal ontogenesis. To achieve this goal we studied the patterns of age-related changes of the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in the tissues of the duodenum of rabbits in different phases. Used rabbits breed gray giant at the age 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days. The duodenum was divided into three parts: proximal, medial and distal. In every part of the duodenum was isolated two layers: mucous and muscle. In their studies of early postnatal life of rabbits was divided into phases. The studies show that due to changes in the structure and function of the muscular and mucous layers of the mucous membrane of the duodenum, due to changes in the composition and amount of food the activity of the enzyme varies. The activity of AST in the tissues of the mucous and muscle layers of the proximal, medial and distal parts of the duodenum at the age 1 day of rabbits in the colostrum nutrition phase, compared with other age groups, relatively low. In the first six days of life, in colostrum nutrition phase, the enzyme activity increases significantly. To twelve daily age rabbits, in the first dairy feeding phase, the activity of AST also increased significantly. Subsequently, the daily age of eighteen, in the second phase of dairy feeding, the activity of AST decreased significantly in the tissues of both layers ofthe proximal, medial and distal parts of the duodenum. Fromthedailyage of eighteen of rabbits in the tissues mucous layer of the proximal, medial and distal parts and in muscle layer of the distal part of the duodenum, the activity of AST is stabilized. In the muscle layer of the proximal and medial parts of the gut in subsequent phases of feeding rabbits the nature and intensity of age-related changes in activity of AST are slightly different. These distinctive features in the muscle layer of the mentioned parts of the duodenum, possibly associated with peculiarities of generation of their structure. Thus, the most intensive processes of transamination of aminoacids with the participation of aspartate aminotransferase in the examined tissues are seen in rabbits at early stages of postnatal period, toeighteendayold.
QUALITY INDICATORS OF WOOL CROSSBREDS BRIGHT AKZHAIK MEAT-WOOL BREED DEPENDING FROM THE SELECTION OF PARENTAL PAIRS
Authors: Селионова  , Selionova Marina , Траисов  , Traisov Baluash , Баймишев  , Baymishev Khamidulla , Скорых  , Skorykh Larisa
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the study is improving the wool productivity of sheep of Akzhaik meat-wool breed at the expense of different selections of parents. For research used two variants of selection of parental pairs: Akzhaik meat-wool sheep producing meat-tion type (weight not less than 110 kg, wool production in the original 9.5 kg, wool length of 15.0 cm, fineness of wool 50 quality) were paired with ewes class I and II at the age of 2.5 years is not a local type of herd age and sex depending on the class ewes were divided into two groups of 200 animals each. The same principle was formed the second option of selection of parental pairs. Only were used for mating with avamat-kami class I and II rams-manufacturers of custom herd (live weight 102 kg, wool production in the original 8.24 kg, wool length 15.5 cm, wool fineness 50 quality). The study of wool production and physico-technical properties of the wool yearling bright were carried out using established techniques in research laboratories of wool VNIIOK Stavropol. As a result of the conducted researches it is established that the increase in meat content of Akzhaik meat-wool sheep has no adverse effects on wool productivity bright. So the hair is bright at one year of age was typical for crossbreeding in fineness and the staple well-adjusted. Significant differences in physico-technical properties between the compared groups was not available and the wool meet the requirements of the textile industry for a homogenous semi-fine wool.
The First Session of the Federal Educational and Methodological Association “Technosphere Safety and Environmental Engineering”: Results and Solutions
Authors: Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir
Published: May 2016

The article gives the information about the first session of the Federal Educational and Methodological Association for

the group of specialities and directions 20.00.00 – “Technosphere Safety and Environmental Engineering”. The results

and solutions of the session, which was hold on in the new format, are analyzed. The participants of the Formed Federal

Educational and Methodological Association noticed new problems of higher education in the field of safety of technospere

and came to the decisions about the structure, composition, strategic and operational targets, which are set by the

Association for rationalization of the safety education, environmental engineering and environmental protection.
When the Meaning of Work Has Disappeared: Experimental Evidence on Employees’ Performance and Emotions
Authors: Chadi Adrian , Jeworrek Sabrina , Mertins Vanessa
Published: May 2016

This experiment tests for a causal relationship between the meaning of work and employees’ motivation to perform well. The study builds on an existing employer–employee relationship, adding realism to the ongoing research of task meaning. Owing to an unexpected project cancelation, we are able to study how varying the information provided about the meaning of previously conducted work—without the use of deception, but still maintaining a high level of control—affects subsequent performance. We observe a strong decline in exerted effort when we inform workers about the meaninglessness of a job already done. Our data also suggests that providing a supplemental alternative meaning perfectly compensates for this negative performance effect. Individual characteristics such as reciprocal inclinations and trust prompt different reactions. The data also show that the meaning of work affects workers’ emotions, but we cannot establish a clear relationship between emotional responses and performance.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2426 .

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
When Experience Meets Description: How Dyads Integrate Experiential and Descriptive Information in Risky Decisions
Authors: Lejarraga Tomás , Müller-Trede Johannes
Published: May 2016

How do teams make joint decisions under risk when some team members learn about a prospect from description and others learn from experience? In a series of experiments, we find that two-person teams composed of one participant who learns from description and a second participant who learns from experience arrive at shared decisions via mutual concessions. In doing so, they attenuate individual biases, such as the overweighting and underweighting of the probability of rare events. The social interaction thus leads dyads to make shared decisions that follow normative standards more closely than the decisions made by individual decision makers. Finally, in processing experiential information, dyads appear to be sensitive to the reliability of the experience: the more reliable the experiential information, the larger its influence on the dyad’s decision.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2428 .

This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, judgment and decision making.
Nutrient-driven poleward expansion of the Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) stock: A new hypothesis
Authors: Pacariz Selma V. , Hátún Hjálmar , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Johnson Clare , Eliasen Sólva , Rey Francisco
Published: May 2016

The Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) stock has increased and expanded its summer feeding migration west- and northwards since 2006, entailing large geopolitical challenges for the countries harvesting this species. A common perspective is that climatic warming opens up new regions for biota in the north. It has also been suggested that the presently large pelagic fish stocks deplete prey resources in the eastern North Atlantic during their summer feeding phase, forcing the stocks west towards the Irminger Sea in their search for food. Here, we suggest that the declining nutrient (silicate) concentrations observed along the northern European continental slope reduce primary and thus secondary production, exacerbating food scarceness in the east and adding to the incentive to migrate westward. The new westward feeding route requires that the fish cross the Iceland Basin, which during the summer season quickly becomes nutrient-depleted and thus might act as a barrier to migration after the spring bloom. Using mackerel and zooplankton abundance data from the International Ecosystem Summer Surveys in the Nordic Seas, we suggest that the oligotrophic waters in the central Iceland Basin force the fish to migrate through a narrow ‘corridor’ along the south Iceland shelf, where nutrients are replenished and both primary and secondary production are higher.
The pathobiology and pathology of aseptic implant failure
Authors: Athanasou N. A.
Published: May 2016

Pathological assessment of periprosthetic tissues is important, not only for diagnosis, but also for understanding the pathobiology of implant failure. The host response to wear particle deposition in periprosthetic tissues is characterised by cell and tissue injury, and a reparative and inflammatory response in which there is an innate and adaptive immune response to the material components of implant wear. Physical and chemical characteristics of implant wear influence the nature of the response in periprosthetic tissues and account for the development of particular complications that lead to implant failure, such as osteolysis which leads to aseptic loosening, and soft-tissue necrosis/inflammation, which can result in pseudotumour formation. The innate response involves phagocytosis of implant-derived wear particles by macrophages; this is determined by pattern recognition receptors and results in expression of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors promoting inflammation and osteoclastogenesis; phagocytosed particles can also be cytotoxic and cause cell and tissue necrosis. The adaptive immune response to wear debris is characterised by the presence of lymphoid cells and most likely occurs as a result of a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to cell and tissue components altered by interaction with the material components of particulate wear, particularly metal ions released from cobalt-chrome wear particles.

Cite this article: Professor N. A. Athanasou. The pathobiology and pathology of aseptic implant failure. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:162–168. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.BJR-2016-0086.
Geological Aspect of Slope Failure and Mitigation Approach in Bireun - Takengon Main Road, Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Rusydy Ibnu , Sugiyanto Didik , Satrio Lono , Zulfahriza . , Munandar Imam
Published: May 2016

A soil and rock slope assessment survey was conducted along Bireun – Takengon main road in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The slope assessment survey was carried out to determine the geological condition, verify and identify the potential areas of slope failure and to study what type of slope stability and protection method could be applied to the road. Several research methodologies were conducted in the field such as rock and soil identification, and slope assessment. The survey was conducted in four selected areas along Bireun – Takengon main road. In study area I, soil creep occurred because of a presence of montmorillonite clay. The mitigation methods to reduce soil creeping in this area are building a retaining wall and pile. The shotcrete, wire mesh, net rock bolting, and rock removal method is suitable to apply in study area II. The shotcrete and soil nails were used because the type of rocks in those areas is sedimentary rock such as shale, sandstone, siltstone, and a boulder of a volcanic rock. The same approach shall be applied in study area IV. study area III was the best spot to learn about the mitigation approach for slope stability and provides many lessons learned. Aceh Province experience active tectonic movement, high intensity of rain, geological structures, a high degree of weathering, and high intensity of earthquake,as primary factors which trigger landslides. The techonology of slope stabilizing and protection methods can be applied to mitigate landslides.
Preliminary study on diminution level of RNA/DNA ratio in tissue of Labeo rohita by exposure to some endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs)
Authors: Verma Rita , Singh Atul K. , Jaiswal Kamal
Published: May 2016

Effects of EDCs particularly on RNA/DNA ratio are yet to be investigated to manage the effluents in natural waters. We investigated exposure effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) phthalic acid ester (PAE) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) on the RNA/DNA ratio in tissue of an Indian major carp Labeo rohita. Fish were exposed to pre-determined sublethal concentrations of phthalic acid ester (Di-methyl phthalate (DMP), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), and di-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and also HCH for determining the tissue RNA/DNA ratio after 30, 60 and 90 days of exposure in the doses of 0.2 mg L-1, 0.3 mg L-1, and 0.5 mg L-1 respectively. All these tested chemicals significantly (P0.05) inhibited RNA/DNA ratio. The ratio gradually significantly (P0.05) decreased after DEHP where it was 1.9±0.51 F1, 18=15.8 P=0.014 n=19; in case of DBP it was 1.92±0.62 F1, 20=6.5 P=0.012 n=19 and for HCH it was 0.94±0.21 F1, 18=18.08 P=0.0012 n=19 at treatments concentrations of 0.3 mg L-1 and 0.5 mg L-1, compared to control (2.9±0.2) after 90 days. However, there was no statistical significance (P0.05) in RNA/DNA ratio after the DMP (F1, 20=2.4 P=0.15n=21) treatment.
Benchmarking the financial performance of local councils in Ireland
Authors: Robbins Geraldine , Turley Gerard , McNena Stephen
Published: May 2016

It was over a quarter of a century ago that information from the financial statements was used to benchmark the efficiency and effectiveness of local government in the US. With the global adoption of New Public Management ideas, benchmarking practice spread to the public sector and has been employed to drive reforms aimed at improving performance and, ultimately, service delivery and local outcomes. The manner in which local authorities in OECD countries compare and benchmark their performance varies widely. The methodology developed in this paper to rate the relative financial performance of Irish city and county councils is adapted from an earlier assessment tool used to measure the financial condition of small cities in the US. Using our financial performance framework and the financial data in the audited annual financial statements of Irish local councils, we calculate composite scores for each of the thirty-four local authorities for the years 2007–13. This paper contributes composite scores that measure the relative financial performance of local councils in Ireland, as well as a full set of yearly results for a seven-year period in which local governments witnessed significant changes in their financial health. The benchmarking exercise is useful in highlighting those councils that, in relative financial performance terms, are the best/worst performers.
Analysis of recent property price developments and implications for Local Property Tax liabilities and revenue yield
Authors: O’Connor Brendan , Lynch Donal
Published: May 2016

The introduction of the Local Property Tax (LPT) in 2013 marked a significant reform to tax policy in Ireland. Initial liabilities for LPT were determined by self-assessment into bands of property values as of May 2013, and the first revaluation was initially scheduled for November 2016. Reflecting the significant residential property price growth which has occurred since the initial valuation date, this paper estimates the implications for LPT liabilities of a hypothetical revaluation at May 2015 property prices. Drawing on a range of data sources, the authors use a transition matrix approach to illustrate the likely changes in LPT valuation bands and liabilities for residential properties. Revaluation is estimated to significantly increase tax liabilities for some taxpayers, with properties in higher valuation bands in May 2013 incurring larger increases in liability. The analysis also indicates substantial regional variation in band changes, with the largest band movements mainly occurring in Dublin.
The phonesthetics of blends: A lexicographic study of cognitive blends in the OED
Authors: Smith Chris
Published: May 2016

This preliminary study of 285 morphological and cognitive blends (attestation dates 1200-2012) aims to investigate the role of phonesthemes in the structuring of the English lexicon. A study of OED word origins shows a disparity between older (1200-1900) and recent blends (1903-2012). Sound symbolism plays an overriding role in over 50% of older blends, leading to a study of initial phonesthemes (i.e. consonant clusters). Several case studies of diachronic semantic shift attested in the OED point to the existence of multidirectional motivation ties. This preliminary study supports the psycholinguistic theory that 1) there is a structured secondary sound symbolism in English, and that 2) it is still productive today and may play a role in the creation of neologisms as well as ensuring their survival (see Bergen, 2010: 52). A more in-depth usage-based analysis using sophisticated measurement tools is the next step in the study.
English language students’ productive and receptive knowledge of collocations
Authors: Begagić Mirna
Published: May 2016

The importance of collocations in second language learning has been recognized in the past few decades. There have been numerous studies in L2 acquisition research that investigated how the knowledge and use of collocations at different levels of proficiency affect learners’ communicative competence and language performance. Moreover, it seems important to mention that most of the studies investigating the collocational knowledge of students learning English as their L2, indicated students’ poor performance (Fayez-Hussein 1990; Aghbar 1990; Bahns and Eldaw 1993; Stubbs 2002; Wray 2002; Nasselhauf 2005; Ozaki 2011). The aim of this paper is to explain the notion of collocation as well as its most common classification, and to point out the importance of its proper use for English language students who are native speakers of the Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) language. Furthermore, this study examines the productive and receptive knowledge of lexical collocations in order to access students’ collocational competence. The results indicate students’ poor collocational knowledge. This can be due to the fact that collocations of the language students are learning are interfering with the collocations of their mother tongue, but also due to the way students are taught English (vocabulary negligence in comparison with grammar and unawareness of the importance of collocations in language learning).
From introduction to phonemic symbols to development of transcription skills: A case study in the English Department at University of Tuzla
Authors: Jurida Sanel Hadžiahmetović
Published: May 2016

The present study portrays some of the key aspects of connected speech in English, as adopted by 42 native Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian-speaking undergraduate students of English in the English Department, University of Tuzla, in the academic year 2013/2014. More specifically, the study shows how successfully these students developed their transcription skills in English, particularly when it comes to the use of diacritics for dental, velarised, and syllabic consonants of English, as well as for aspirated and unreleased (unexploded) English plosives. In addition, the study focuses on the coalescent type of assimilation. Connected speech (also known as rapid, relaxed, casual, or fluent speech) is characterised by a number of phonetic phenomena. The paper also analyses the level to which students enrolled in the English Department in Tuzla have developed a sense of elementary terms in this field, an understanding of the English sound system, and generally speaking, to what extent they developed their broad and narrow transcription skills.
An Experimental Analysis of Price Formation on the Polish Power Exchange
Authors: Drabik Ewa
Published: May 2016

The Polish energy market gained its competitive character in late 1990s. At that time in majority of European countries a new law was enacted (in Poland – in 1987), which enabled the creation of internal energy markets. The Polish Power Exchange has been functioning since the end of 1999. However, from the very onset it has constituted a vital component of under grounding liberalization of electricity market. Since it was created the Polish Power Exchange has served as a market mechanism for setting objective energy market price. Support and control of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority guarantee the security of concluded transactions. The spot energy market was created as the first one and has functioned according to the rule of the double auction. The model of Sadrieh will be used for the description of the auction rules applied to the spot energy trade on the Polish Power Exchange. Furthermore, an algorithm on the basis of which it is possible to forecast transaction prices is presented. The effectiveness of this algorithm will be compared with other traditional methods of forecasting transaction prices.