bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tandemly Repeated Peptide for Cancer-specific Gene Carrier Prepared by Native Chemical Ligation
Authors: Funamoto Daiki , Asai Daisuke , Kim Chan Woo , Nakamura Yuta , Lee Eun Kyung , Nobori Takanobu , Niidome Takuro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: January 2015

We reported here a preparation of a cancer-specific gene carrier by native chemical ligation of a substrate peptide of protein kinase Cα (PKCα), which highly expresses in many types of cancer. This carrier is a tetramer of the substrate peptide connected with adequate spacer to maintain reactivity toward PKCα. The carrier successfully regulated the reporter gene expression responding to the phosphorylation of its serine residues.
Cancer: what are the risks and how can you help to get them across to your patients?
Authors: Kaplan Gwen , Kilgour Gill
Published: January 2015

We know from the people we train that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation as to what actually increases the risk of cancer and why. Many have heard of potential risk factors through the media, others through friends and word of mouth, and some may have drawn their own conclusions from personal experience.

In this paper, we look at what is known about the risks related to cancer and the research that supports it. We help to make sense of the latest evidence and hope this will shape and inform the conversations you are having with patients every day.
Infection control: Clostridium difficile
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: January 2015

Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria that produces toxins when infection occurs. Infection can cause diarrhoea or life-threatening colitis ( Barbut et al, 2007 ). There has been an 85% reduction in hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infections over the past eight years ( Public Health England, 2014 ). Clostridium difficile infection is unpleasant and distressing and exposes the person infected to a range of possible ill effects. High-quality treatment, monitoring and care reduce these risks, improve the person's quality of life, reduce infection risk and enable the person to recover physically and psychologically.
A search for learning transfer: does non-mandatory training make a difference?
Authors: John Vivien
Published: January 2015

When NHS expenditure is tight, it would seem right to question the benefit of providing training over and above necessary and mandatory requirements. When Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust delivered its ‘Simply the Best’ training programme to bands 1-4 in 2013, it needed to know if this opportunity for development really made a difference to practice.

A research project ensued, looking for evidence that learning had not only improved an individual's level of knowledge, skills and confidence, but that it had also been sustained over a period of time. Although previous literature suggested the outcomes would not be favourable, the results were encouraging and were used to inform the future provision of training.
Development and Implementation of ExPLORE Clinical Practice, a Web-accessible
Comparative Outcomes Tool for California Hospitals and Physicians
Authors: McNair Peter D. , Fang Jade , Schwarzwaelder Stephan , Jackson Terri
Published: January 2015

Background: Hospital-based clinicians have little information about the outcomes
of their care, much less how those outcomes compare with those of their peers. A variety
of care quality indicators have been developed, but comparisons tend to be hospitalwide,
and often irrelevant to the practice and patient group of many hospital clinicians.
Moreover, information is not enough to transform clinical practice, as the human
response to such comparisons is, “I’m doing the best I know how.” What is needed is
granular, clinically specific feedback with peer-mediated advice about how “positive
deviants” achieve better results.Objective: This case study reports on the development
and implementation of a web-accessible comparative outcomes tool, ExPLORE Clinical
Practice, for hospitals and clinicians in California.Methods: We use iterative
development and refinement of web tools to report comparative outcomes; incremental
development of suites of procedure-patient outcome pairs specific to particular medical
specialty groups; testing and refinement of response time metrics to reduce delays in
report generation; and introduction of a comments section for each measure that assists
with interpretation and ties results to strategies found to lead to better clinical
outcomes.Results: To date, 76 reports, each with 115 to 251 statistically evaluated
outcomes, are available electronically to compare individual hospitals in California to
statewide outcomes.Discussion and Conclusions: ExPLORE Clinical Practice is one of a
number of emerging systems that attempt to lever available data to improve patient
outcomes. The ExPLORE Clinical Practice system combines a clinical focus on highly
specific outcome measures with attention to technical issues such as crafting an
intuitive user interface and graphic presentation. This case study illustrates the
important advances made in using data to support clinicians to improve care for
patients. We see this information as a way to start local conversations about quality
improvement, and as a means of generating peer advice for improving patient
outcomes.
Neural Correlates of Susceptibility to Group Opinions in Online Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
Authors: Cascio Christopher N. , O'Donnell Matthew Brook , Bayer Joseph , Tinney Francis J. , Falk Emily B.
Published: January 2015

The present study examines the relationship between social influence and recommendation decisions among adolescents in the new media environment. Participants completed the App Recommendation Task—a task that captures neural processes associated with making recommendations to others, with and without information about peer recommendations of the type commonly available online. The results demonstrate that increased activity in the striatum and orbitofrontal cortex in response to peer recommendations is significantly correlated with participants changing their recommendations to be consistent with this feedback within subjects. Furthermore, individual differences in activation of the temporoparietal junction during feedback that peer recommendations varied from those of the participant correlated with individual differences in susceptibility to influence on recommendation decisions between subjects. These brain regions have previously been implicated in social influence and the concept of being a “successful idea salesperson,” respectively. Together, they highlight a potential combination of internal preference shifts and consideration of the mental states of others in recommendation environments that include peer opinions.
Do Firms Endowed with Greater Strategic Capability Earn Higher Profits?
Authors: Zhou Bo , Mela Carl F. , Amaldoss Wilfred
Published: January 2015

Firms with different management teams evidence different strategic capabilities. Some are able to reason through the reactions of their competitors, whereas others are less sophisticated in their thinking. In such cases, conventional wisdom suggests that the strategic firms will undercut their less sophisticated competitors’ prices and earn greater profits. The authors show that, under certain conditions, the strategic firms charge higher prices and accrue smaller equilibrium profits than their nonstrategic counterparts. Strategic firms’ efforts to capitalize on their loyal customers’ higher willingness to pay increases nonstrategic firms’ share of price-sensitive consumers. Furthermore, by raising prices, strategic firms help their nonstrategic counterparts more than themselves. This outcome arises when the proportion of consumers loyal to each firm is sufficiently large. A laboratory test for the main proposition's predictive accuracy provides empirical support.
Maneuvering MEPDG Input Variables to Improve Level-3 and Level-2 Mastercurve Predictions to the Accuracy of Level-1 Input Hierarchy
Authors: Tarefder Rafiqul A. , Weldegiorgis Mekdim T.
Published: January 2015

In this study, mix and binder input variables were optimized to investigate the problems related to the accuracy of mastercurves developed using Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). Dynamic modulus testing over a wide temperature and frequency range was performed on Superpave mixes typically used for structural and surface coarse pavement construction by New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). Dynamic modulus mastercurves were produced using the MEPDG software and using Microsoft Excel for the actual test data. Mastercurves developed using actual test results were compared with mastercurves produced using MEPDG software at level-1, level-2, and level-3 input hierarchies. Finally, mix and binder input variables were optimized to determine appropriate shift factors to improve accuracy of mastercurves developed at level-2 and level-3 input hierarchies. The results show that mastercurves developed using level-1 input hierarchy accurately represent the test results. However, all predicted mastercurves at level-2 and level-3 input hierarchies underpredict actual test results and level-3 prediction results showed better accuracy than level-2 outputs for all mixes in this study. The MEPDG software was also re-run to predict mix mastercurves using optimized (shifted) input values and the resulting mastercurves from level-3 and level-2 MEPDG input hierarchies were found to overlap with mastercurves produced using level-1 MEPDG input hierarchy. Optimized mix input values suggest that aggregate variables can be eliminated from the E* model.
Gender-related alterations in plasma adrenomedullin level and its correlation with body weight gain
Authors: Kawano Sayaka , Kawagoe Yukiko , Kuwasako Kenji , Shimamoto Satoshi , Igarashi Koji , Tokashiki Mariko , Kitamura Kazuo , Kato Johji
Published: January 2015

Plasma levels of adrenomedullin (AM), a bioactive peptide produced in adipose tissue, have been shown to be higher in obese patients than in non-obese patients, but little is known about gender differences in plasma AM levels. The aims of this study were to clarify gender-related alterations in plasma AM levels and to examine the body weight (BW) gain–plasma AM relationship in the general population. We measured plasma AM levels of 346 local residents (62.0±8.9 years, mean±s.d.) in the Kiyotake area, Japan, who underwent a regular health check-up, by a specific fluorescence immunoassay. Plasma AM levels in the female residents were lower than that in the males, and multiple regression analysis revealed a possible gender difference in plasma AM. The AM levels were significantly correlated with BMI or waist circumference in women, but such a relationship was not seen in men. When the subjects were divided into two groups by results of a questionnaire about BW gain of 10 kg or more since the age of 20 years, the plasma AM level of women with BW gain ≧10 kg was significantly higher than that in those without BW gain, although no difference was noted between the men with and without BW gain. In conclusion, possible gender differences were noted in the plasma AM levels and in the BW gain–plasma AM relationship in the general population. The plasma AM levels in the female residents without BW gain seem partly attributable to the lower AM of women.
Soluble Klotho and intact fibroblast growth factor 23 in long-term kidney transplant patients
Authors: Bleskestad Inger H , Thorsen Inga Strand , Jonsson Grete , Skadberg Øyvind , Bergrem Harald , Gøransson Lasse G
Published: January 2015

Background

Controversies exist whether disturbances in mineral and bone disorder (MBD) normalise or persist after kidney transplantation. We assessed markers of MBD in patients with well-functioning kidney transplants to minimise confounding by reduced transplant function.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients aged ≥18 years who received a first kidney transplant more than 10 years ago were included. A well-functioning transplant was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 ml/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

Median time since transplantation was 18.3 years (inter quartile range (IQR) 12.2–26.2). Albumin-corrected serum calcium levels were above upper limit of normal in 15% of the transplanted patients, and serum phosphate levels below lower limit of normal in 31%. The median levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) were significantly higher than that in a group of healthy volunteers (11.3 pmol/l (IQR: 8.7–16.2) vs 4.4 pmol/l (IQR: 3.8–5.9), P<0.001 and 75.0 pg/ml (IQR: 53.3–108.0) vs 51.3 pg/ml (IQR: 36.3–67.6), P=0.004 respectively). There was a non-significant reduction in soluble Klotho (sKlotho) levels (605 pg/ml (IQR: 506–784) vs 692 pg/ml (IQR: 618–866)). When compared with a control group matched for eGFR, levels of iPTH were significantly higher (P<0.001), iFGF23 had a non-significant trend towards higher levels and sKlotho towards lower levels.

Conclusions

In long-term kidney transplant patients with well-functioning kidney transplants, we found inappropriately high levels of iPTH and iFGF23 consistent with a state of persistent hyperparathyroidism. We speculate that the primary defect, FGF23 resistance, has evolved in the parathyroid gland before transplantation, and persists due to long half-life of the parathyroid cells.
Unusual Regulation of Splicing of the Cholinergic Locus inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mathews Eleanor A , Mullen Gregory P , Manjarrez Jacob R , Rand James B
Published: January 2015

The essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine functions throughout the animal kingdom. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the acetylcholine biosynthetic enzyme [choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)] and vesicular transporter [vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)] are encoded by the cha-1 and unc-17 genes, respectively. These two genes compose a single complex locus in which the unc-17 gene is nested within the first intron of cha-1, and the two gene products arise from a common pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) by alternative splicing. This genomic organization, known as the cholinergic gene locus (CGL), is conserved throughout the animal kingdom, suggesting that the structure is important for the regulation and function of these genes. However, very little is known about CGL regulation in any species. We now report the identification of an unusual type of splicing regulation in the CGL of C. elegans, mediated by two pairs of complementary sequence elements within the locus. We show that both pairs of elements are required for efficient splicing to the distal acceptor, and we also demonstrate that proper distal splicing depends more on sequence complementarity within each pair of elements than on the sequences themselves. We propose that these sequence elements are able to form stem-loop structures in the pre-mRNA; such structures would favor specific splicing alternatives and thus regulate CGL splicing. We have identified complementary elements at comparable locations in the genomes of representative species of other animal phyla; we suggest that this unusual regulatory mechanism may be a general feature of CGLs.
Ascorbic acid attenuates acute pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation caused by zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Fukui Hiroko , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Endoh Shigehisa , Nishio Keiko , Yoshida Yasukazu , Hagihara Yoshihisa , Horie Masanori
Published: January 2015

Ascorbic acid attenuates acute pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation caused by zinc oxide nanoparticles: Hiroko Fukui, et al. United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University

Objective

It is known that inhalation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) induces acute pulmonary dysfunction, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and injury, but there are no reports on how to prevent these adverse effects. We have previously reported that the pulmonary symptoms caused by ZnO NPs were associated with oxidative stress; in the present study, we therefore investigated the use of ascorbic acid (AA), which is known as vitamin C, to prevent these toxic effects.

Methods

AZnO NP dispersion was introduced into rat lungs by intratracheal injection, and thereafter a 1% aqueous AA solution was given as drinking water. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected at 1 day and 1 week after injection, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO1), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels were measured. In addition, expression of the chemokine cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractants (CINCs), HO‐1, and metallothionein‐1 (MT‐1) genes in the lungs were determined.

Results

Acute oxidative stress induced by ZnO NPs was suppressed by supplying AA. Increases in LDH activity and IL‐6 concentration were also suppressed by AA, as was the expression of the CINC1, CINC‐3, and HO‐1 genes.

Conclusions

Oral intake of AA prevents acute pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation caused by ZnO NPs. Intake of AA after unanticipated exposure to ZnO NPs is possibly the first effective treatment for the acute pulmonary dysfunction they cause.
Surveys on the competencies of specialist occupational physicians and effective methods for acquisition of competencies in Japan
Authors: Mori Koji , Nagata Masako , Hiraoka Mika , Kudo Megumi , Nagata Tomohisa , Kajiki Shigeyuki
Published: January 2015

Surveys on the competencies of specialist occupational physicians and effective methods for acquisition of competencies in Japan: Koji Mori, et al. Occupational Health Training Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

Objective

The aim of this study was to study the necessary competencies for specialist occupational physicians in Japan and the effective training methods for acquiring them.

Methods

A competency list (61 items) was developed for the questionnaires in the study by making use of existing competency lists from the Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH) as well as lists from the US and Europe. Certified senior occupational physicians (CSOPs) in the certification program of the JSOH completed a questionnaire on the necessary competencies. Examiners of the examination for certified occupational physicians (COPs) completed another questionnaire on effective training methods.

Results

All 61 competencies in the questionnaires were evaluated as “necessary”. Some of the competencies in the list from the JSOH were evaluated lower than the items added from the American and European lists. When the respondents were categorized into a “practical group”, the members of which mainly provided occupational health services, an “academic group”, the members of which belonged to research or education institutes such as medical schools, and all others, the practical group evaluated some competencies significantly higher than the academic group, particularly those related to work accommodation. Among three options for training methods, the most effective methods were lectures and textbooks for 5 competency items, on‐the‐job training (OJT) for 30 items, and case‐based learning (CBL) for 29 items.

Conclusions

Some competencies should be added to the JSOH list. CBL should be introduced in training programs for specialist occupational physicians.
Effect of workstation height and distance on upper extremity muscle activity during repetitive below‐the‐knee assembly work
Authors: Shin Seung‐Je , Yoo Won‐Gyu
Published: January 2015

Effect of workstation height and distance on upper extremity muscle activity during repetitive below‐the‐knee assembly work: Seung‐Je SHIN, et al. Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Inje University, Republic of Korea

Objectives

To determine the activity of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, biceps brachii. and lower trapezius muscles in healthy adults during below‐the‐knee assembly work.

Methods

Fifteen right‐handed male subjects participated in this study. The electrical activities, measured by EMG, of the right upper trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, biceps brachii. and lower trapezius were measured during below‐the‐knee assembly work at four workstations of varying height and distance from the participant (workstation 1, below‐the‐knee assembly work with a height of 15 cm above the floor and a reach distance of 30 cm; workstation 2, height of 15 cm and distance of 45 cm; workstation 3, height of 30 cm and distance of 30 cm; workstation 4, height of 30 cm and distance of 45 cm). Muscle activity at the four workstations was represented as a percentage of the reference voluntary isometric contraction (RVIC).

Results

Height: Upper and lower trapezius activity increased significantly during below the knee assembly work as height above the floor increased. The activities of the serratus anterior and biceps brachii muscles increased significantly during low‐height below‐the‐knee assembly work. Distance: The activities of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid and biceps brachii increased significantly during below‐the‐knee assembly work at a far distance (45 cm). The lower trapezius muscle activity increased significantly during below‐the‐knee assembly work at a close distance (30 cm).

Conclusions

Below‐knee workers should engage in work close to themselves, since distance appears to be a stronger risk factor for injury than height above the floor.
Heterogeneity in Classes: Cooperative Problem-Solving Activities through Cooperative Learning/Heterogenost u nastavi: aktivnosti suradničkog rješavanja problema u sklopu suradničkog učenja
Authors: Çiğdemoğlu Ceyhan , Kapusuz Kamil Yavuz , Kara Ali
Published: January 2015

AbstractTeachers, from primary schools to college, experience challenges regarding bothincreased class sizes and a greater diversity of students having a broad spectrumof abilities, interests, needs, and goals. The aim of this paper is to investigate theeffect of cooperative learning through Cooperative Problem-Solving (CPS) activitieson homogenous and heterogeneous grouping in an engineering course. As amixed method design, the study utilized both quantitative and qualitative data.The participants, 47 engineering students selected conveniently, were enrolled in acommunication systems course. The analysis of the quantitative data indicated thatno significant difference (p= .791) exists between the ways in which the students inhomogenous and the students in heterogeneous group understand communicationsystems. In order to reveal the perceptions of students regarding the implementation,they were interviewed at the end of the semester. The qualitative data obtained fromthese interviews suggests that students prefer heterogeneous to homogenous grouping.The findings also imply that further research should concentrate on heterogeneousgrouping strategies and more detailed qualitative data in order to reveal what kindof patterns emerge from students’ interactions in different groupings.Key words: cooperative learning; cooperative problem-solving; engineering education;within-class grouping. ---SažetakNastavnici, bez obzira na to rade li u osnovnim školama ili na fakultetu, nailazena izazove koji su povezani i s povećanim brojem učenika u razredima, kao i sasve većom raznolikošću učenika koji imaju širok spektar sposobnosti, interesa,potreba i ciljeva. Cilj je ovog rada ispitati učinak suradničkog učenja primjenomaktivnosti suradničkog rješavanja problema u homogenim i heterogenimskupinama u inženjerskom usmjerenju. Zamišljeno kao istraživanje koje uključujemješovite metode, ovo istraživanje koristilo se i kvantitativnim i kvalitativnimpodacima. Sudionici u istraživanju, 47 prikladno odabranih studenata inženjerskogusmjerenja, upisali su kolegij Komunikacijski sustavi. Analiza kvantitativnihpodataka pokazala je da ne postoji značajna razlika (p=.791) u načinima na kojestudenti u homogenim i studenti u heterogenim skupinama poimaju komunikacijskesustave. Da bi se utvrdila opažanja studenata u vezi s implementacijom, s njimasu na kraju semestra provedeni intervjui. Kvalitativni podaci koji su dobiveni timintervjuima upućuju na to da studenti više vole heterogene skupine nego homogeneskupine. Rezultati također upućuju na potrebu provođenja daljnjih istraživanjakoja bi se usredotočila na strategije heterogenog grupiranja i detaljnije kvalitativnepodatke da bi se utvrdilo kakvi se obrasci javljaju u interakciji studenata u različitoformiranim skupinama.Ključne riječi: grupiranje unutar skupine; obrazovanje u području inženjerstva;suradničko rješavanje problema; suradničko učenje
Examples of Motivation Using Drama Expression in Croatian Language Classes / Primjeri motivacije dramskim izrazom u nastavi hrvatskoga jezika
Authors: Slavic Dean , Trescec Martina
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe article shows how students in Croatian language classes can be motivated by using drama expression. Drama is addressed in the text as useful in the Croatian language classes because it helps students to relax and talk about a problem taking on the role of a certain character. Students develop oral skills without stress as they do not talk to the teacher directly.  Twelve drama methods have been described, half of which have been used as motivation for concrete units in elementary school, while the other half has been used for motivation in secondary school. Key words: Croatian language in the classroom; drama expression; drama methods; motivation. ---SažetakČlanak prikazuje kako u nastavi hrvatskoga jezika motivirati učenike služeći se dramskim izrazom. Dramski izraz prikazan je u tekstu korisnim u nastavi hrvatskoga jezika jer omogućava učenicima da se opuste i progovore o određenom problemu uživljavajući se u ulogu lika. Učenici razvijaju svoje govorne sposobnosti i vještine, razvijaju motoričke sposobnosti, odnosno uviđaju važnost govora tijela. Opisano je dvanaest dramskih metoda, od kojih je pola primijenjeno kao motivacija za konkretne nastavne jedinice u osnovnoj školi, a pola za motivaciju u srednjoj školi.Ključne riječi: dramski izraz; dramske metode; hrvatski jezik u nastavi; motivacija.
Support for Secondary School Students with Special Needs / Podrška srednjoškolcima s posebnim potrebama
Authors: Schmidt Majda , Čagran Branka
Published: January 2015

The article was part of the target research project Planning the Education Process – the Concepts of Curriculum Design, which examines the following two partial problems: support for, and organization of adaptations, and the implementation of individualized programmes (IP) for students with special needs (SN). The research sample comprised 131 Slovenian secondary school teachers who had students with SN in their classes and were provided additional professional support. We controlled the role of the type of school, type of impairment and teachers' training. Students with SN require most support in the areas of learning and motivation. This is particularly so for the students with learning difficulties and those with health impairments. Most teachers prepare special learning aids; when they need support for a student with SN, they cooperate with the school counselling service. The results show that the majority of students with SN do not participate in team meetings, and they also rarely make decisions about the IP learning objectives.Key words: adaptations; individualized programme; secondary schools; support; students with SN. - - - Članak je dio ciljnoga istraživačkog projekta Planiranje obrazovnoga procesa - koncepti kreiranja kurikula, koji istražuje sljedeća dva parcijalna problema: potpora i organizacija adaptacije te provedba individualiziranih programa (IP) za učenike s posebnim potrebama (PP). Uzorak istraživanja obuhvaća 131 profesora slovenskih srednjih škola koji su imali učenike s PP u svojim razredima i koji su dobili dodatnu stručnu podršku. Kontrolirali smo ulogu vrste škole, vrste oštećenja i usavršavanje nastavnika. Učenici s PP zahtijevaju najveću podršku u području učenja i motivacije. Ovo je osobito važno za učenike s teškoćama u učenju i one sa zdravstvenim poteškoćama. Većina nastavnika priprema posebna pomagala za učenje;  kada im je potrebna podrška za učenika s PP, oni surađuju sa školskom savjetodavnom službom. Rezultati pokazuju da većina učenika s PP ne sudjeluje u grupnim  sastancima, kao i da rijetko donose odluke o ciljevima učenja u IP. Ključne riječi: adaptacije; individualizirani programi; podrška; srednje škole; učenici s PP.
The Somatization Symptoms among Grammar School Students / Učestalost simptoma somatizacije kod gimnazijalaca
Authors: Petak Ana , Brajša-Žganec Andreja
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe present study investigates the somatization symptoms among grammar school students. High school students (N=218) from a convenience sample school were asked to complete The Somatization Scale. Data analysis showed that girls reported somatization symptoms more frequently than boys. The analysis showed that 1.4% of students felt some of the somatic symptoms on a daily basis, while 6.9% of students had such symptoms 2-3 times a week. Other students reported physical symptoms less frequently. 41.3% of students reported having somatic symptoms once a week and 46.8% of the students complained of somatic symptoms once or twice a month. Only 3.2% of students said that they had never experienced such symptoms. The most common somatic symptoms in adolescence are headaches and fatigue, while the rarest physical symptom is abdominal pain. Contemporary authors associated somatization tendencies with stressful situations in school. Therefore, it is important that parents, teachers and school counselors are familiar with the frequency and potential causes of somatic symptoms in adolescence. Key words: high school; physical symptoms; stress. ---SažetakIstraživanje je provedeno s ciljem utvrđivanja učestalosti simptoma somatizacije kod učenika gimnazije. Učenici gimnazije (N=218) iz prigodno odabrane škole su tijekom nastave ispunjavali Skalu somatizacije. Obradom podataka utvrđeno je kako djevojke češće od mladića izvještavaju o somatizacijskim tegobama. Pokazalo se kako 1.4% učenika osjeća neku od somatskih tegoba svakodnevno, a kod 6.9% učenika su takve tegobe prisutne 2-3 puta tjedno. U ostalih se učenika tjelesne tegobe javljaju rjeđe, pa 41.3% učenika ima somatizacijske smetnje jednom tjedno, 46.8% ih primjećuje jednom do dva puta mjesečno. Samo 3.2% učenika tvrdi da ih ne osjeća nikada. Kao najučestalije somatske smetnje istaknute su glavobolja i osjećaj umora, a abdominalni bolovi najrjeđe su prisutna tjelesna tegoba u adolescenata. Budući da suvremeni autori  povezuju sklonost somatizaciji s izloženošću stresnim situacijama u školi, važno je da roditelji, učitelji i stručni suradnici budu upoznati s učestalošću i potencijalnim uzrocima somatskih tegoba kod adolescenata. Ključne riječi: tjelesni simptomi; srednja škola; stres.
First record of Siphonops paulensis Boettger, 1892 (Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) in the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Santana Daniel Oliveira , De-Carvalho Crizanto Brito , Freitas Evellyn Borges de , Nunes Geziana Silva Siqueira , Faria Renato Gomes
Published: January 2015

Siphonopidae is represented by 25 caecilians species in South America. In Brazil, Siphonops paulensis is found in the states of Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, Tocantins, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, and in the Distrito Federal. Herein, we report the first record of Siphonops paulensis in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, Simão Dias municipality. This record significantly expands the distribution of the species in northeastern Brazil.
First record of pleasing lacewings (Neuroptera: Dilaridae) in São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Martins Caleb Califre , Amorim Dalton De Souza
Published: January 2015

The diversity of the small family Dilaridae in the world includes less than 80 described species, 10 of which known for Brazil. Representatives of the family in Brazil are known for the states of Amazonas, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná and Santa Catarina. This note includes the first record of the family for the state of São Paulo, with the report of Nallachius limai Adams, 1970 in the Parque Estadual Horto Florestal, Campos do Jordão.
Temperature-Dependent Electroluminescence from CdTe/CdS Solar Cells
Authors: Price K. J. , Vasko A. , Gorrelland L. , Compaan A. D.
Published: January 2015

Electroluminescence (EL) from polycrystalline CdTe/CdS solar cells was studied over the temperature range – 30 C to 25 C. We are able to observe above-background EL at forward current densities as low as 3 mA/cm2, allowing us to explore the EL behavior at current-voltage regimes within the normal operating parameters of the device. The EL spectrum is very similar to the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, and is independent of applied voltage. We show that the EL most likely originates from injected electron-hole recombination at the CdTe/CdS junction. The total EL intensity is found to vary as a power-law function of current, EL ∼ Ib, where I is the forward current density and b is a constant. The value of b varies from sample to sample and decreases with increasing temperature. EL intensity typically is much more sensitive to device deterioration with light soak stress than is cell efficiency.
Susceptibility profile of Brazilian Rhodococcus equi isolates against azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin
Authors: Gressler Letícia Trevisan , Silveira Bibiana Petri da , Schwab Marcelo Luís , Vargas Agueda Castagna de , Pötter Luciana , Botton Sônia de Avila
Published: January 2015

Rhodococcus equi infection treatment is usually a macrolide (azithromycin - AZM, clarithromycin - CLR and erythromycin - ERY) and rifampicin combination. However, resistance cases have been reported, especially for ERY. In view of the need of a study about Brazilian isolates susceptibility profile, this study aimed to characterize the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the macrolides - AZM, CLR and ERY - against 44 R. equi isolates. It was found all isolates CLR and AZM sensitive; however, for ERY, 27% (12/44) were classified as intermediate sensitivity. R. equi Brazilian isolates used here showed a large susceptibility profile, except against ERY, for which it was observed some resistance evidence. In order to avoid failures in the equine rhodococcosis therapy it was highlighted the importance of microbiological culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in vitro before beginning treatment
Surgical Orthodontic Treatment for Open Bite in Noonan Syndrome Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Kawakami Masayoshi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Shimomura Tadahiro , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: January 2015

Noonan syndrome, characterized by short stature, facial anomalies, and congenital heart defects, may also be associated with hematopoietic disorders. Craniofacial anomalies in affected patients include hypertelorism and severe open bite associated with masticatory dysfunction. We treated a Noonan syndrome patient with a skeletal open bite. Surgical orthodontic treatment including two-jaw surgery established a good occlusal relationship after correction of severe anemia. Both upper and lower incisors were moved to upright positions, while clockwise rotation of the palatal plane and decreased mandibular plane angle were accomplished. Lower masticatory activity may affect posttreatment occlusion in such cases.
Economic Savings from Invasive Plant Prevention
Authors: Sheley Roger L. , Sheley Jordan L. , Smith Brenda S.
Published: January 2015

Prevention programs are often assumed to be the most cost-effective method for managing invasive plants. However, there is very little information available about economic and biological factors that determine the forage benefits resulting from prevention programs. We developed an easy to use economic model to assess potential savings in livestock forage that might result from implementing prevention programs. The model can be used to determine potential loss in forage production caused by invasive plants and to estimate potential income savings by preventing invasive plant infestations. The model compares a prediction of populations with and without a prevention program using a logistic growth function. Animal unit month (AUM) price and interest rates are the primary economic input variables. The primary biological input variables are amount of invasive plant utilization, size of the initial infestation, and the spread rate with and without prevention. Our model suggests that as the AUM price increases and/or the interest rate decreases, the total savings increases for each AUM that was protected through a prevention program. The model also shows savings per AUM increases as the size of the initial infestation decreases, suggesting that prevention should focus on eliminating seed sources and seed production early in the program. Using our model inputs, the savings per AUM was about $9.20 for each percent reduction in spread rate over 100 yr.
Temperature Thresholds and Growing-Degree-Day Models for Red Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) Ramet Sprouting, Emergence, and Flowering in Wild Blueberry
Authors: White Scott N. , Boyd Nathan S. , Van Acker Rene C.
Published: January 2015

Red sorrel is a common herbaceous creeping perennial weed in wild blueberry fields in Nova Scotia that spreads by seeds and an extensive creeping root system. Experiments were established to determine temperature thresholds for ramet sprouting from creeping root fragments and to develop growing-degree-day (GDD) models for predicting ramet emergence and flowering under field conditions in wild blueberry fields in Nova Scotia. Ramets sprouted from root fragments at temperatures as low as 1 C, with an optimum temperature for ramet sprouting around 22 C. Ramet sprouting was completely inhibited at temperatures above 35 C. Cumulative ramet emergence and flowering under field conditions were adequately explained as functions of GDD by a three-parameter power equation (R2= 0.98) and a four-parameter logistic equation (R2= 0.87), respectively. Ramet emergence began between 110 and 265 GDD and continued throughout the season at each site. Model prediction for the initiation of emergence was 92 GDD, and 50 and 95% emergence were predicted to occur at 1,322 and 2,696 GDD, respectively. Red sorrel ramets began to flower in the field between 308 and 515 GDD. Model prediction for the initiation of flowering was 289 GDD, and 50 and 95% flowering were predicted to occur at 545 and 1,336 GDD, respectively. Model validation was conducted with the use of two additional independent data sets for emergence and flowering and indicated good performance of the proposed models (R2and root-mean-square error values ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 and 4.0 to 13.8, respectively). The models allow for direct comparison of red sorrel phenology to that of the wild blueberry and will aid in the development of new management strategies.
Laboratory Documentation of Multiple-Herbicide Tolerance to Fluridone, Norflurazon, and Topramazone in a Hybrid Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum×M. sibiricum) Population
Authors: Berger Sarah T. , Netherland Michael D. , MacDonald Gregory E.
Published: January 2015

Invasive watermilfoils, specifically Eurasian watermilfoil and the interspecific hybrid of Eurasian watermilfoil × northern watermilfoil, continue to be problematic for water resource managers. Herbicides are often used to control these nuisance weeds and have been historically successful in controlling Eurasian watermilfoil. A population of hybrid watermilfoil from Townline Lake in Michigan has shown increased tolerance to the herbicide fluridone. The objective of this work is to determine if cross- and multiple tolerance have also developed in this population. Eurasian watermilfoil plants collected from multiple sites and plants from Townline Lake were treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 µg L−1of fluridone, norflurazon, or topramezone. Fluridone and norflurazon inhibit phytoene desaturase, whereas topramezone is a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase-inhibiting herbicide. Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and pigment content was measured at 10 d after treatment. Townline Lake plants responded differently from susceptible plants when treated with fluridone, norflurazon, and topramezone at 40 µg L−1. These results indicate that the Townline population of hybrid watermilfoil has inherent tolerance to multiple herbicide modes of action. These results are especially significant as topramezone has recently been labeled for aquatic use. Screening of additional herbicides to determine potential herbicide tolerance of the Townline Lake population is recommended.
The differential effects of increasing frequency and magnitude of extreme events on coral populations
Authors: Fabina Nicholas S. , Baskett Marissa L. , Gross Kevin
Published: January 2015

Extreme events, which have profound ecological consequences, are changing in both frequency and magnitude with climate change. Because extreme temperatures induce coral bleaching, we can explore the relative impacts of changes in frequency and magnitude of high temperature events on coral reefs. Here, we combined climate projections and a dynamic population model to determine how changing bleaching regimes influence coral persistence. We additionally explored how coral traits and competition with macroalgae mediate changes in bleaching regimes. Our results predict that severe bleaching events reduce coral persistence more than frequent bleaching. Corals with low adult mortality and high growth rates are successful when bleaching is mild, but bleaching resistance is necessary to persist when bleaching is severe, regardless of frequency. The existence of macroalgae‐dominated stable states reduces coral persistence and changes the relative importance of coral traits. Building on previous studies, our results predict that management efforts may need to prioritize protection of “weaker” corals with high adult mortality when bleaching is mild, and protection of “stronger” corals with high bleaching resistance when bleaching is severe. In summary, future reef projections and conservation targets depend on both local bleaching regimes and biodiversity.
Le skarn Mo-W-Cu à grenat, wollastonite, pyroxène et vésuvianite d’Azegour (Haut-Atlas, Maroc)
Authors: Berrada Hmima Samia , Marcoux Eric , Hafid Ahmid
Published: January 2015

Le skarn minéralisé en Mo, W et Cu d’Azegour se forme aux dépens d’une série cambrienne essentiellement sédimentaire carbonatée dans l’auréole de métamorphisme d’un granite permien. Les bancs métasomatisés plurimétriques du skarn sont pour l’essentiel des grenatites et wollastonitites massives, plus rarement des pyroxénites. L’étude minéralogique montre que les grenatites sont composées pour l’essentiel d’andradite (grenat vert-noir et grenat brun-noir zoné) plus rarement de grossulaire (grenat orangé). Le pourcentage de spessartite est toujours faible (maximum 4 %). La wollastonite est légèrement manganésifère, la vésuvianite fluorée (jusqu’à 3,3 %) et chlorée (1,2 %). Les paragenèses permettent d’établir les conditions de formation du skarn aux alentours de 620–650 °C pour une pression de 1,7 à 2 kbar, avec une fCO2 de 31 mole %, en contexte réducteur (fO2 de 10−18 et 10−17 atm.). Le skarn d’Azegour est un marqueur de la fin de l’orogenèse hercynienne, et dénote la persistance de conditions réductrices, un environnement très favorable à la cristallisation de sulfures. Le skarn d’Azegour semble ainsi se former à des températures plus élevées que d’autres skarns à tungstène hercyniens comme Salau (Ariège, France).
SI-Hex: a new catalogue of instrumental seismicity for metropolitan France
Authors: Cara Michel , Cansi Yves , Schlupp Antoine , Arroucau Pierre , Béthoux Nicole , Beucler Eric , Bruno Stéphane , Calvet Marie , Chevrot Sébastien , Deboissy Alexandra , Delouis Bertrand , Denieul Marylin , Deschamps Anne , Doubre Cécile , Fréchet Julien , Godey Stéphanie , Golle Olivia , Grunberg Marc , Guilbert Jocelyn , Haugmard Méric , Jenatton Liliane , Lambotte Sophie , Leobal Delphine , Maron Christophe , Mendel Véronique , Merrer Sophie , Macquet Marie , Mignan Arnaud , Mocquet Antoine , Nicolas Marc , Perrot Julie , Potin Bertrand , Sanchez Olivier , Santoire Jean-Paul , Sèbe Olivier , Sylvander Matthieu , Thouvenot François , Van Der Woerd Jérôme , Van Der Woerd Katia
Published: January 2015

The aim of the SI-Hex project (acronym for « Sismicité Instrumentale de l’Hexagone ») is to provide a catalogue of seismicity for metropolitan France and the French marine economic zone for the period 1962–2009 by taking into account the contributions of the various seismological networks and observatories from France and its neighbouring countries. The project has been launched jointly by the Bureau Central Sismologique Français (CNRS-University/BCSF) and the Laboratoire de Détection et de Géophysique (CEA-DAM/LDG). One of the main motivations of the project is to provide the end user with the best possible information on location and magnitude of each earthquake. So far, due to the various procedures in use in the observatories, the different locations and magnitudes of earthquakes located in the SI-Hex zone were presenting large discrepancies. In the 2014 version of the catalogue, 1D localizations of hypocentres performed with a unique computational scheme and covering the whole 1962–2009 period constitute the backbone of the catalogue (SI-Hex solutions). When available, they are replaced by more precise localizations made at LDG or, for recent times, by the regional observatories within: 1) the French Alps, 2) the southernmost Alps and the Mediterranean domain including Corsica, 3) the Pyrenees, and 4) the Armorican massif. Moment magnitudes Mw are systematically reported in the SI-Hex catalogue. They are computed from coda-wave analysis of the LDG records for most Mw>3.4 events, and are converted from local magnitudes ML for smaller magnitude events. Finally, special attention is paid to the question of discrimination between natural and artificial seismic events in order to produce a catalogue for direct use in seismic hazard analysis and seismotectonic investigations. The SI-Hex catalogue is accessible on the web site www.franceseisme.fr and contains 38,027 earthquake hypocentres, together with their seismic moment magnitudes Mw.
Taxonomy and paleoecology of Albian Madiela Formation gastropods, Gabonese coastal basin: N’Toum quarry section
Authors: Musavu Moussavou Benjamin , Mabicka Obame Rolf
Published: January 2015

The taxonomy and paleoecology of the Albian gastropods from the N’Toum quarry geological section (N’Toum locality) are here discussed. Three genera including four species are identified: Ampullina sp., Tylostoma pallaryi (Peron & Fourtau), Lithomphalus sp. A and Lithomphalus sp. B. Three morphotypes are identified as Aporrhaidae gen. et sp. indet., Gast. gen. et sp. indet. 1 and Gast. gen. et sp. indet. 2. The genus Lithomphalus as the rest of gastropods assemblage are reported for the first time in the Gabonese coastal basin. The gastropod fauna from the N’Toum quarry section is marine. Its composition suggests soft to firm substrate. The depositional environment is considered as within the shallow photic zone with probably high amounts of organic debris in the substrate.