bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro‐RNAs meet epigenetics to make for better brains
Authors: Noack Florian , Calegari Federico
Published: November 2014

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of regulatory non‐coding RNAs and epigenetics in controlling the differentiation of somatic stem cells. Two major pathways characterize these fields: micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation. In this issue of EMBO Reports, Lv et al show that during mammalian corticogenesis, miR‐15b inhibits cytosine demethylation by targeting Tet3, a key methylcytosine dioxygenase. This leads to the epigenetic downregulation of cyclin D1. As a result, cell cycle and differentiation of neural progenitors are altered, promoting their switch to neurogenesis. Hence, Lv et al elegantly bring together miRNAs and DNA methylation in the cell cycle control of neural progenitors and neurogenesis.
Supratentorial Paraventricular Schwannoma
Authors: Glikstein Rafael , Biswas Arundhati , Mohr Gerard , Albrecht Steffen
Published: November 2014

Intraventricular schwannoma in either infra or supratentorial location is an extremely rare tumor with less than 20 cases described in the literature to date. There is no consensus regarding the origin of this tumor. This paper describes an excised supratentorial schwannoma located on the wall of the left lateral ventricle. The relevant literature is reviewed.

A 34-year-old man with no significant medical history presented with a recent episode of right focal motor seizures and weakness of the right lower extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated a heterogeneous enhancing mass in the body of left lateral ventricle mass lesion with vasogenic edema in the adjacent brain parenchyma.

The patient underwent a left frontoparietal parasagittal craniotomy with neuronavigational guidance to avoid damage to the primary motor cortex. The tumor originated from the ependymal layer and extended to the body of lateral ventricle.

Complete surgical excision of the tumor was achieved.

Intraventricular schwannomas are rare tumors amenable to complete surgical excision, having a good prognosis without the need for adjuvant therapy. The recognition of this benign and potentially curable neoplasm and its differentiation from other less favorable tumors is of obvious importance.
Effects of Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Apoptosis, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Bicer Murat , Senturk Tunay , Yanar Murat , Tutuncu Ahmet , Oral Arzu Yilmaztepe , Ulukaya Engin , Serdar Zehra , Signak Işık Senkaya
Published: November 2014

Background: It has been suggested that off-pump coronary
artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery reduces myocardial
ischemia-reperfusion injury, postoperative systemic
inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. The aim of this
study was to measure serum malondialdehyde (MDA), highsensitivity
C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), M30, and M65 levels
and to investigate the relationship between M30 levels and
oxidative stress and inflammation in patients undergoing onand
off-pump CABG surgery.
Methods: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to onpump
or off-pump CABG surgery (25 patients off-pump and
25 on-pump CABG surgery), and blood samples were collected
prior to surgery, and 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 6 hours,
and 24 hours after CABG surgery.
Results: Compared to the on-pump group, serum MDA
levels at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 6 hours, and 24 hours after
the CABG surgery were significantly lower in the off-pump
group (P = .001, P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively).
Serum M30 levels were found to be elevated in both groups,
returning to baseline at 24 hours. When compared to baseline,
the hs-CRP level reached its peak at 24 hours at 13.28 ±
5.32 mg/dL in the on-pump group, and 15.44 ± 4.02 mg/dL
in the off-pump group.
Conclusion: CABG surgery is associated with an increase
in inflammatory markers and serum M30 levels, indicating
epithelial/endothelial apoptosis in the early period.
Diagnosis of coronary affection in patients with AADA and treatment of postcardiotomy myocardial failure using extracorporeal life support (ECLS)
Authors: Guenther Sabina P W , Peterss Sven , Reichelt Angela , Born Frank , Fischer Matthias , Pichlmaier Maximilian , Hagl Christian , Khaladj Nawid
Published: November 2014

Background: Myocardial ischemia due to concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary dissection in patients with acute aortic dissection type Stanford A (AADA) is associated with myocardial failure and poor outcomes. Preoperative coronary angiography in this group of patients is still debated. The use of CT scan to diagnose coronary affection along with the establishment of high-pitched dual-spiral CT protocols are essential for improving outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed six AADA patients with heart failure who were treated using extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Options for diagnosing coronary affection and different therapeutic strategies for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock in this patient cohort are discussed.

Results: Retrospective review of CT images showed coronary abnormalities in 83% (n = 5). Four patients (67%) underwent unplanned coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ECLS was instituted in 67% (n = 4) due to left heart failure and in 33% (n = 2) due to right heart failure. Thirty day mortality was 67% (n = 4). The two patients that received ECLS for right ventricular support survived and both had undergone CABG.

Conclusion: Besides preoperative evaluation of the extent of the dissection, focus on coronary affection in CT-scans helps to triage the operative procedure. Hybrid operating rooms allow for immediate interventional and/or surgical treatment and enable for immediate control of revascularization results. The use of ECLS over other types of ventricular support systems may allow for myocardial recovery in selected cases.
Effects of the AT1 Receptor Blocker Candesartan on Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion in Isolated Rat Hearts
Authors: Songur C. Murat , Songur Merve Ozenen , Kocabeyoglu Sinan Sabit , Basgut Bilgen
Published: November 2014

Background: We sought to investigate the effects of the angiotension II receptor blocker candesartan on ischemia-reperfusion injury using a cardioplegia arrested isolated rat heart model.

Methods: Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced in isolated rat hearts with 40 minutes of global ischemia followed by a 30-minute reperfusion protocol. Throughout the experiment, constant pressure perfusion was achieved using a Langendorff apparatus. Cardioplegic solution alone, and in combination with candesartan, was administered before ischemia and 20 minutes after ischemia. Post-ischemic recovery of contractile function, left ventricular developed pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and contraction and relaxation rates were evaluated.

Results: In the control group, left ventricular developed pressure, rate pressure product, contraction and relaxation rates and coronary flow significantly decreased but coronary resistance increased following reperfusion. With the administration of candesartan alone, parameters did not differ compared to controls. Contractile parameters improved in the group that received candesartan in combination with the cardioplegia compared to the group that received cardioplegia alone; however, the difference between these two groups was insignificant.

Conclusion: In this study, the addition of candesartan to a cardioplegic arrest protocol routinely performed during cardiac surgery did not provide a significant advantage in protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury compared with the administration of cardioplegic solution alone.
The Effect of Lidocaine and Amiodarone on Prevention of Ventricular Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Yilmaz Mehmet , Aydin Ufuk , Arslan Zehra Ipek , Balcı Canan , Kocogullari Cevdet Ugur , Ata Yusuf , Turk Tamer
Published: November 2014

Objective: Ventricular fibrillation is common after aortic declamping in patients undergoing open heart surgery. This situation has a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effect of administering lidocaine versus amiodarone before aortic declamping during elective coronary bypass grafting, paying close attention to when the initial effect of amiodarone sets in.

Methods: In this double blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study, 86 patients who were candidates for elective coronary artery bypass grafting were recruited into three groups: group lidocaine (group L, n = 29); group amiodarone (group A, n = 27); and group placebo (group P, n = 30). Group L patients received 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine 2 minutes before aortic declamping and group A patients received 300 mg of amiodarone intravenously 15 minutes before release of the aortic cross clamp. The primary endpoints were the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and the number of shocks required to terminate ventricular fibrillation.

Results: The frequency of ventricular fibrillation occurrence was significantly higher in group P (70%) when compared with group A (37%) and group L (38%) (P = .017). There was no statistically significant difference between the amiodarone and the lidocaine groups regarding ventricular fibrillation. However, when ventricular fibrillation occurred, the percentage of patients requiring electrical defibrillation was significantly higher in both group L and group P when compared with group A (P = .023).

Conclusion: We suggest that during coronary arterial bypass surgery, administration of an amiodarone regime before release of the aortic cross clamp, paying particular attention to the start of the initial effect of amiodarone, is no more effective than lidocaine for prevention from arrhythmia; however, amiodarone reduces the need for electrical defibrillation.
Maintenance of the Rate of Stair Use over a Long‐term Period Using a Stair Climbing Campaign
Authors: Nomura Takuo , Katayama Kunihiro , Kashiwa Tomoyuki , Akezaki Yoshiteru , Sato Atushi
Published: November 2014

Maintenance of the Rate of Stair Use over a Long‐term Period Using a Stair Climbing Campaign: Takuo NOMURA, et al. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences—

Objective

This study was a long‐term survey of a stair climbing campaign that made use of point‐of‐choice prompts aimed at achieving exemplary behavior in citizens.

Methods

The campaign began in September 2007 at the Kochi Prefectural Office. We monitored office workers who climbed the stairs or used the elevator in the prefectural office building, excluding weekends, from August 2007 through February 2009. Prompts were placed on the stair risers. A total of 59 days were monitored during the observation period. A questionnaire was distributed to 250 workers to examine the influence of the prompts following completion of the observation period.

Results

A total of 16,583 observations of the choice of workers to use the elevators or stairs were made during the observation period. The mean number of stair users was 281.0 ± 66.0 per day. Stair use increased significantly from 31.5 to 58.1% among women and from 26.3 to 62.4% among men during months 1−3 of the campaign. Stair use was maintained in more than 51% of women and 60% of men during the entire campaign period. The following response (valid records: 81) was given by 10% of the respondents regarding the use of stairs: “my use of stairs increased due to the message banners”.

Conclusions

The stair climbing campaign was effective for increasing stair use and was maintained over a longterm period. However, most office workers thought that their increased stair use was not due to prompts placed on risers; therefore, the reason for the increased stair use remains unclear.
Visual Recognition Memory Test Performance was Improved in Older Adults by Extending Encoding Time and Repeating Test Trials
Authors: Theppitak Chalermsiri , Lai Viet , Izumi Hiroyuki , Higuchi Yoshiyuki , Kumudini Ganga , Movahed Mehrnoosh , Kumashiro Masaharu , Fujiki Nobuhiro
Published: November 2014

Visual Recognition Memory Test Performance was Improved in Older Adults by Extending Encoding Time and Repeating Test Trials: Chalermsiri THEPPITAK, et al. Department of Ergonomics, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of extension of the encoding time and repetition of a test trial would improve the visual recognition memory performance in older adults.

Methods

We evaluated visual memory performance in young and older adults on a Yes‐No recognition memory test under four different conditions. The conditions consisted of combinations of encoding times of two and four seconds (E2 and E4) and first and second retrieval practice test trials (T1 and T2): E2T1, E2T2, E4T1 and E4T2. Performance was evaluated by measuring hit rates, false alarm rates, discrimination ability and response bias.

Results

Older adults showed better improvement of hit rate and discrimination ability under the E4T2 conditions whereas young adults showed better memory performance under the E2T2 conditions.

Conclusions

A longer encoding time and repetition of the test was effective in improving the visual memory performance in terms of the hit rates and discrimination ability of older adults. The results suggest that this strategy should be useful in providing a suitable work environment for older workers.
Early Developmental Outcomes of Children With Congenital HHV-6 Infection
Authors: Caserta Mary T. , Hall Caroline B. , Canfield Richard L. , Davidson Philip , Lofthus Gerry , Schnabel Kenneth , Carnahan Jennifer , Shelley Lynne , Wang Hongyue
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to determine if congenital human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection influences early neurodevelopment.

METHODS:

We enrolled 57 newborns with HHV-6 congenital infection and 242 control newborns without congenital infection into a prospective, double-blind study with 4 visits between 4 and 30 months of age. Assessments included the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence, the Visual Expectation Paradigm, and the Mental Development Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. Newborn audiology screening and follow-up audiology examinations were completed at 12 to 24 months.

RESULTS:

No differences were noted in baseline characteristics between infants with HHV-6 congenital infection and control infants. No clinical syndrome due to congenital infection with HHV-6 was evident at birth. No differences were identified on the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence or the Visual Expectation Paradigm between the two groups. In 39 infants with HHV-6 congenital infection, the mean ± SD Bayley Scale of Infant Development II MDI score was 103.4 ± 8.9 at 12 months of age. The matched control infants had a mean score of 105.4 ± 12.4. After controlling for covariates, HHV-6 congenital infection was associated with lower scores on the Bayley Scale of Infant Development II MDI at 12 months of age (mean difference: 4.3 [95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 8.1]; P = .03) compared with infants without HHV-6 congenital infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

Congenital HHV-6 infection may have a detrimental effect on neurodevelopment at 12 months of age and requires further study given that congenital infection with HHV-6 is present in ∼1 in every 101 births.
Critical analysis of long-term vision of Lithuanian Science and Studies: seeking for most realistic scenario of higher education development
Authors: Putrienė Nijolė , Vaičekauskienė Snieguolė
Published: November 2014

On the basis of the scientific literature and document analysis long-term vision of Lithuanian Science and Studies “Learning Lithuania 2030” is analyzed in this article. This fist part deals with the situation of education in Europe, with particular emphasis on higher education and the search for factors affcting the Lithuanian higher education situation. Unique situation of Lithuanian higher education allows assume that in the future Lithuanian Higher Education will develop on its own way. The second part of the article discusses long-term vision of Lithuanian Science and Studies “Learning Lithuania 2030” and highlights factors affcting development of higher education. The third paragraph is devoted to discuss the manner in which these factors inflence the Lithuanian science and studies nowadays. The fourth paragraph discusses possibilities to achieve learning society in Lithuania until 2030 and highlights the assumptions that are necessary in order to achieve that quality of society. Conclusions of the article emphasize that active university initiative to educate the society could move forward changes that will drive the development of Lithuania towards a learning society, where scientific knowledge is the axes of life, economic activity, consumption, employment and development.
Reflexões metodológicas sobre prevalência da fluorose dentária nos inquéritos de saúde bucal
Authors: Freitas Cláudia Helena Soares de Morais , Sampaio Fábio Correia , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe , Moysés Samuel Jorge
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Analisar limitações do estudo de fluorose dentária em inquéritos transversais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados dos estudos Condições de Saúde Bucal da População Brasileira (SBBrasil 2003) e da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil 2010). A estimativa de tendência epidemiológica da fluorose na população de 12 anos, aspectos da confiabilidade dos dados, bem como a precisão das estimativas, foram avaliadas nessas duas pesquisas. A distribuição da prevalência de fluorose foi feita segundo os domínios de estudo (capitais e regiões) e o ano estudado. Foram expressos também os intervalos de confiança (IC95%) para a prevalência simples (sem considerar os estágios de gravidade). RESULTADOS: A prevalência da fluorose dentária apresentou uma variação considerável, de 0% a 61% em 2003 e de 0% e 59% em 2010. Foram observadas inconsistências nos dados em termos individuais (por ano e por domínio) e no comportamento da tendência. Considerando a expectativa de prevalência e os dados disponíveis nas duas pesquisas, o tamanho mínimo da amostra deveria ser de 1.500 indivíduos para se obterem intervalos de 3,4% e 6,6% de confiança, considerando um coeficiente de variação mínimo de 15%. Dada a subjetividade na natureza de sua classificação, exames de fluorose dentária podem apresentar mais variação do que aqueles realizados para outras condições de saúde bucal. O poder para estabelecer diferenças entre os domínios do estudo com a amostra do SBBrasil 2010 é bastante limitado. CONCLUSÕES: Não foi possível analisar a tendência da fluorose dentária no Brasil com base nos estudos de 2003 e 2010; esses dados são apenas indicadores exploratórios da prevalência de fluorose. A comparação fica impossibilitada pelo fato de terem sido utilizados modelos de análise diferentes nos dois inquéritos. A investigação da fluorose dentária em inquéritos de base populacional não é viável técnica nem economicamente, a realização de estudos epidemiológicos localizados com plano amostral é mais adequada.
Plano amostral, ponderação e efeitos do delineamento da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal
Authors: Silva Nilza Nunes da , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Apresentar aspectos do plano de amostragem da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (Projeto SBBrasil), com questões teóricas e operacionais que não devem ser ignoradas nas análises dos dados primários. MÉTODOS: A população de estudo compreende cinco grupos demográficos de áreas urbanas brasileiras no ano de 2010. Amostragem por conglomerados em dois ou três estágios foi usada adotando diferentes unidades primárias. Pesos amostrais e efeitos de delineamento (deff) foram as medidas utilizadas para avaliar a consistência das amostras. RESULTADOS: No total, foram alcançados 37.519 indivíduos. Estimativas de deff , embora aceitáveis na sua maioria, apresentaram distorções em alguns domínios. A maioria (90%) das amostras apresentou resultados concordantes com a precisão proposta no plano amostral. As medidas preventivas contra perdas e efeito do processo de conglomerados no tamanho mínimo das amostras mostrou-se efetiva e a maioria das estimativas para deff não ultrapassou o valor 2, mesmo para os resultados decorrentes da ponderação. CONCLUSÕES: As amostras alcançadas no inquérito SBBrasil 2010 se aproximaram das principais proposições de precisão do delineamento. Algumas probabilidades resultaram desiguais entre unidades primárias de um mesmo domínio. Os usuários desse banco de dados devem considerar essa particularidade, introduzindo pesos amostrais nos cálculos das estimativas pontuais, erros padrão, intervalo de confiança e efeitos do delineamento.
Mid-point for open-ended income category and the effect of equivalence scales on the income-health relationship
Authors: Celeste Roger Keller , Bastos João Luiz
Published: November 2014

To estimate the mid-point of an open-ended income category and to assess the impact of two equivalence scales on income-health associations. Data were obtained from the 2010 Brazilian Oral Health Survey ( Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010). Income was converted from categorical to two continuous variables ( per capita and equivalized) for each mid-point. The median mid-point was R$ 14,523.50 and the mean, R$ 24,507.10. When per capita income was applied, 53% of the population were below the poverty line, compared with 15% with equivalized income. The magnitude of income-health associations was similar for continuous income, but categorized equivalized income tended to decrease the strength of association.
Responsabilidade ética no SBBrasil 2010 sob o olhar dos gestores do inquérito populacional
Authors: Andrade Flávia Reis de , Narvai Paulo Capel , Montagner Miguel Ângelo
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Analisar problemas éticos no desenvolvimento das atividades da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo descritivo, qualitativo, na modalidade estudo de caso, sob a perspectiva da ética da responsabilidade. Foram entrevistados, individualmente, mediante roteiro semiestruturado, informantes-chave (n = 14), no Distrito Federal e em 11 estados. Os participantes desta pesquisa integraram o Grupo Gestor ou o Comitê Técnico Assessor do Ministério da Saúde, incumbidos do planejamento e execução do SBBrasil 2010, e dois coordenadores, um estadual, outro municipal. Os resultados estão expressos como discurso do sujeito coletivo. Informação complementar sobre conteúdos de entrevistas para esclarecer menções e compreender fatos e contextos foi obtida dos participantes. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas as seguintes ideias centrais: as equipes precisavam se sentir responsáveis pelo SBBrasil 2010; a fabricação de dados comprometeu o CPOD (dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados) de alguns locais; a não adesão ao protocolo para o trabalho de campo como problema moral. Na apuração dos dados do SBBrasil 2010 verificou-se que uma capital apresentava o índice de cárie aos 12 anos com média muito acima da expectativa para o local. A decomposição do banco de dados permitiu detectar indícios sólidos de erro de registro para dois examinadores, indicando que houve falha na etapa de treinamento e calibração, ou fabricação de dados, ou ambos. CONCLUSÕES: A conduta anômala desses examinadores foi detectada oportunamente e o trabalho de campo refeito. Porém, sob o prisma da ética da responsabilidade, houve infração, na dimensão da responsabilidade individual, cujos efeitos atingiram todos os pesquisadores envolvidos, colocando em risco a credibilidade da pesquisa.
Validation and Measurement Invariance of the Computer Attitude Measure for Young Students (Camys)
Authors: Asil Mustafa , Teo Timothy , Noyes Jan
Published: November 2014

Students' attitudes toward technology, especially computers, play a key role in the effective integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Although numerous attitude scales have been developed to measure attitude toward computers, we found only a few instruments designed for young students aged 11–13 years. Among these attitude scales, the Computer Attitude Measure for Young Students (CAMYS) scale was developed specifically for use on young students. In this study, we examine whether CAMYS is still a valid and relevant instrument given the exponential changes in computer systems. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and measurement invariance analyses across gender on sub-samples for cross validation were performed. Positive computer attitudes among the students were observed. The CFA results confirmed the existence of three separate factors: perceived ease of use (PEU), affect toward computer (ATC), and perceived usefulness (PU). The revised model was found to have a good fit and to show invariance across gender. We concluded that future research could use the revised scale for measuring computer attitudes of young students with confidence.
Empirical Determination of Competence Areas to Computer Science Education
Authors: Zendler Andreas , Klaudt Dieter , Seitz Cornelia
Published: November 2014

The authors discuss empirically determined competence areas to K-12 computer science education, emphasizing the cognitive level of competence. The results of a questionnaire with 120 professors of computer science serve as a database. By using multi-dimensional scaling and cluster analysis, four competence areas to computer science education characterized by the degree of process-related coverage and educational accessibility can be defined: Information technology, computer communication and cooperation, model building, and software engineering. These competence areas consist of central content concepts of computer science (e.g., algorithm, system, and process) combined with central process concepts of computer science (e.g., analyzing, classifying, problem solving, and posing).
Giant epidermal cyst of the foot
Authors: Malkoc Melih , Korkmaz Özgür , Genç Yıldıray , Say Ferhat , Aytekin Mahmut
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Epidermoid inclusion cysts are usually composed of epidermal
elements implanted into the dermal layers. Patients are seen in the
outpatient clinics with a mass. Most of the complaints are mechanical and
cosmetic problems. Case Outline. A 34-year-old female patient was admitted to
our clinic because of swelling and pain in her right foot. A palpable mass
was detected in the first web. On the x-rays of the foot no osseous lesion
was detected. There was a soft tissue mass in the first web according to MRI
report. Soft tissue mass was excised and sent to pathology. According to
pathology report the mass was an epidermoid cyst 5?2?1.5 cm in size. There
were no problems during follow-up of the patient for 6 months after surgery.
The patient had no swelling in the foot and had no additional complaints on
checkup. Conclusion. In the differential diagnosis, we should take into
consideration epidermoid cyst of large soft tissue masses of the foot.
Surgical excision should be done within the appropriate limits.
Challenging behavior: Behavioral phenotypes of some genetic syndromes
Authors: Buha Natasa , Gligorovic Milica , Maksic Jasmina
Published: November 2014

Challenging behavior in individuals with mental retardation (MR) is
relatively frequent, and represents a significant obstacle to adaptive
skills. The frequency of specific forms and manifestations of challenging
behavior can depend on a variety of personal and environmental factors. There
are several prominent theoretical models regarding the etiology of
challenging behavior and psychopathology in persons with MR: behavioral,
developmental, socio-cultural and biological. The biological model emphasizes
the physiological, biochemical and genetic factors as the potential source of
challenging behavior. The progress in the field of genetics and neuroscience
has opened the opportunity to study and discover the neurobiological basis of
phenotypic characteristics. Genetic syndromes associated with MR can be
followed by a specific set of problems and disorders which constitutes their
behavioral phenotype. The aim of this paper was to present challenging
behaviors that manifest in the most frequently studied syndromes: Down
syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and
Angelman syndrome. The concept of behavioral phenotype implies a higher
probability of manifesting specific developmental characteristics and
specific behaviors in individuals with a certain genetic syndrome. Although
the specific set of (possible) problems and disorders is distinctive for the
described genetic syndromes, the connection between genetics and behavior
should be viewed through probabilistic dimension. The probabilistic concept
takes into consideration the possibility of intra-syndrome variability in the
occurrence, intensity and time onset of behavioral characteristics, at which
the higher variability the lower is the specificity of the genetic syndrome.
Identifying the specific pattern of behavior can be most important for the
process of early diagnosis and prognosis. In addition, having knowledge about
behavioral phenotype can be a landmark in the creation of targeted treatment
strategies for individuals with a specific genetic syndrome.
Beginnings of nursing education and nurses’ contribution to nursing professional development in Serbia
Authors: Vlaisavljevic Zeljko , Colovic Natasa , Perisic Mirjana
Published: November 2014

The oldest records of developmental beginnings of patients? healthcare relate
to the first hospital founded by St. Sava at the monastery Studenica in 1199.
The profile of the Kosovian girl became the hallmark of nursing profession in
Serbia. The first school for midwives was founded in 1899 at the Department
of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the General State Hospital in Belgrade.
However, there were no other schools for nurses in Serbia until the
foundation of the School for Midwives of the Red Cross Society in 1021. Until
then the healthcare of patients and the injured was carried out by
self-taught volunteer nurses with completed short courses of patients?
healthcare. The first course for male and female nurses was organized by the
Serbian Red Cross at the beginning of the First Serbian-Turkish War in 1876.
During wars with Serbian participation in 19th and 20th centuries with
Serbian participation, nurses gave a remarkable contribution being exposed to
extreme efforts and often sacrificing their own lives. In war times great
merit belongs to the members of the humanitarian society the Circle of
Serbian Sisters founded in Belgrade in 1903, which was the resource of a
great number of nurses who became the pride of nursing profession.
Generations of nurses were educated on their example. In 2004 the annual
award ?Dusica Spasic? was established which is awarded to the best medical
nurse in Serbia. Dusica Spasic was a medical nurse that died at her
workplace, when aged 23 years, nursing the sick from variola.
Multiauthorship and false authorship: Why worrying about this?
Authors: Vuckovic-Dekic Ljiljana
Published: November 2014

Authorship and authorship abuse are in the focus of interest of all main
actors in the publication game - authors, reviewers and editors of scientific
journals. Along with the steady rise of the number of publications, the
number of coauthors in multiauthored papers raises even more, some of them
being undeserved authors. Because publication is the main way for evaluating
scientists, authorship is prone to abuse, and thus the false/undeserved/gift
authorship emerges. This dilutes the responsibility and damages the
publication enterprise, thus initiating a constant struggle of scientific
community against this type of scientific dishonesty. In this paper, several
prevention and corrective measures with the aim to diminish such a dishonest
behavior of authors are described.
Bilirubin as a Potential Causal Factor in Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Abbasi Ali , Deetman Petronella E. , Corpeleijn Eva , Gansevoort Ron T. , Gans Rijk O.B. , Hillege Hans L. , van der Harst Pim , Stolk Ronald P. , Navis Gerjan , Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: November 2014

Circulating bilirubin, a natural antioxidant, is associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the nature of the relationship remains unknown. We performed Mendelian randomization in a prospective cohort of 3,381 participants free of diabetes at baseline (age 28–75 years; women 52.6%). We used rs6742078 located in the uridine diphosphate–glucuronosyltransferase locus as an instrumental variable (IV) to study a potential causal effect of serum total bilirubin level on T2D risk. T2D developed in a total of 210 participants (6.2%) during a median follow-up period of 7.8 years. In adjusted analyses, rs6742078, which explained 19.5% of bilirubin variation, was strongly associated with total bilirubin (a 0.68-SD increase in bilirubin levels per T allele; P < 1 × 10−122) and was also associated with T2D risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.69 [95% CI 0.54–0.90]; P = 0.006). Per 1-SD increase in log-transformed bilirubin levels, we observed a 25% (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.62–0.92]; P = 0.004) lower risk of T2D. In Mendelian randomization analysis, the causal risk reduction for T2D was estimated to be 42% (causal OR for IV estimation per 1-SD increase in log-transformed bilirubin 0.58 [95% CI 0.39–0.84]; P = 0.005), which was comparable to the observational estimate (Durbin-Wu-Hausman χ2 test, P for difference = 0.19). These novel results provide evidence that an elevated bilirubin level is causally associated with the risk of T2D and support its role as a protective determinant.
Use of Innovative and Advanced Computer Simulations of Chemical Speciation of Heavy Metals in Soils and Other Environmental Samples
Authors: Jeske Agnieszka
Published: November 2014

The article presents several aspects of computer simulations and models of heavy metals speciation in environmental samples. The methods can be effectively used in environmental sciences, soil science, and assessment of mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated areas. The article presents all of the methods based on examples, and with interpretation of results. The effect depends on the reliability of data used in models. The results are essential for predicting the fate and behaviour of elements in the environment, and can also be used to develop solubility curves.
Observational Ratings of Frontal Plane Knee Position Are Related to the Frontal Plane Projection Angle but Not the Knee Abduction Angle During a Step-down Task
Authors: Jones Debi , Tillman Susan M. , Tofte Kari , Mizner Ryan L. , Greenberg Scott , Moser Michael W. , Chmielewski Terese L.
Published: November 2014

Study Design

Laboratory study, cross-sectional.

Objectives

To determine if the magnitude of frontal plane knee angle, as determined with a 3-D motion-capture system (knee abduction angle [KAA]) or digital video (frontal plane projection angle [FPPA]), varies among groups of individuals with different frontal plane knee position, as determined by observational ratings.

Background

Performing functional tasks with the knee positioned medial to the foot may increase the risk for knee injury. The KAA and FPPA are commonly used in research settings to determine injury risk. However, observational ratings of frontal plane knee position are easier to perform in the clinical setting. It is not clear whether observational ratings of knee position can be used as a surrogate for the KAA or FPPA.

Methods

Eighty-one female collegiate athletes performed a lateral step-down task. Participants were rated as good, fair, or poor based on observation of their knee position relative to the foot in the frontal plane and assigned to observational rating groups. Movement was concurrently recorded with a 3-D motion-capture system and a digital video camera to calculate KAA and FPPA, respectively.

Results

Knee abduction angle did not differ among participants assigned to the different observational rating groups (P = .265). In contrast, FPPA values differed between groups (P<.001), with the highest values in the poor group and the lowest values in the good group.

Conclusion

Observational ratings of frontal plane knee position relative to the foot are an appropriate clinical substitute for FPPA but not KAA. Therefore, observational ratings of medial knee position may be more suitable as a clinical screening tool when FPPA is the measure of interest. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(12):973–978. Epub 3 November 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4960
An investigation of the effect of the upper beryllium reflector on the moderator temperature coefficient of reactivity of miniature neutron source reactors
Authors: Binh Do Quang , Hai Nguyen Hoang
Published: November 2014

In this paper, an investigation on the dependence of the effective multiplication factor, keff, on moderator temperature for various thicknesses of the upper beryllium reflector in reactor conditions with different fuel burnups for the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor is carried out. Based on the linear dependence of keff on moderator temperature, an approach to calculate the moderator temperature coefficient of reactivity, αT, at different temperatures and its average value, α, in a range of temperatures directly through the moderator temperature is developed. Calculations are performed to evaluate the effect of change in the upper reflector thickness on the moderator temperature coefficient of reactivity for the fresh core and reactor conditions with different fuel burnups. Calculated results indicate that α
T increases with the increased beryllium thickness, but decreases with the increasing fuel burnup. Analysis of calculated results provides an additional insight into the relation of the upper reflector thickness, the neutron energy spectrum in the reactor core, and the moderator temperature coefficient of reactivity.
Decomposition analysis of the sodium void reactivity of the Korean sodium-cooled fast reactor
Authors: Ha P. N. V. , Kim S. J. , Yoo J.
Published: November 2014

To cope with increasing spent fuel disposals and limited domestic spent fuel storages in Korea, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has developed an advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor for TRU transmutation with an electricity output of 600 MWe (called the KALIMER-600 TRU burner). The design philosophy of the KALIMER-600 TRU burner concept is highly focused on inherent safety mechanisms, i.e., passive responses to abnormal and emergency conditions, and thereby minimizes the need for engineered safety systems. Accordingly, the main concern is on the sodium coolant void reactivity, a very important safety parameter of the KALIMER-600 TRU burner. This study was therefore performed to analyze the sodium void reactivity of the KALIMER-600 TRU burner to the finest resolution possible, e.g., contributions from any isotope in each core region. Such detailed analysis could be valuable and applicable to further optimization of the core passive safety characteristics against severe coolant voiding accident conditions.
Investigation of neutronic behavior in a CANDU reactor with different (Am, Th, 235U)O2 fuel matrixes
Authors: Gholamzadeh Z. , Feghhi S. A. H.
Published: November 2014

Recently thorium-based fuel matrixes are taken into consideration for nuclear waste incineration because of thorium proliferation resistance feature moreover its breeding or convertor ability in both thermal and fast reactors. In this work, neutronic influences of adding Am to (Th-235U)O2 on effective delayed neutron fraction, reactivity coefficients and burn up of a fed CANDU core has been studied using MCNPX 2.6.0 computational code. Different atom fractions of Am have been introduced in the fuel matrix to evaluate its effects on neutronic parameters of the modeled core. The computational data show that adding 2% atom fraction of Am to thorium-based fuel matrix won't noticeably change reactivity coefficients in comparison with the fuel matrix containing 1% atom fraction of Am. The use of 2% atom fraction of Am resulted in a higher delayed neutron fraction. According to the obtained data, 32.85 GWd burn up of the higher Americium-containing fuel matrix resulted in 55.2%, 26.5%, 41.9% and 2.14% depletion of 241Am, 243Am, 235U and 232Th respectively. 132.8 kg of 233U fissile element is produced after the burn up time and the nuclear core multiplication factor increases in rate of 2390 pcm. The less americium-containing fuel matrix resulted in higher depletion of 241/
243Am, 235U and 232Th while the nuclear core effective multiplication factor increases in rate of 5630 pcm after the burn up time with 9.8 kg additional 233U production.
Experimental investigation of the MSFR molten salt reactor concept
Authors: Yamaji B. , Aszódi A.
Published: November 2014

In the paper experimental modelling and investigation of the MSFR concept will be presented. MSFR is a homogeneous, single region liquid fuelled fast reactor concept. In case of molten salt reactors the core neutron flux and fission distribution is determined by the flow field through distribution and transport of fissile material and delayed neutron precursors. Since the MSFR core is a single region homogeneous volume without internal structures, it is a difficult task to ensure stable flow field, which is strongly coupled to the volumetric heat generation. These considerations suggest that experimental modelling would greatly help to understand the flow phenomena in such geometry. A scaled and segmented experimental mock-up of MSFR was designed and built in order to carry out particle image velocimetry measurements. Basic flow behaviour inside the core region can be investigated and the measurement data can also provide resource for the validation of computational fluid dynamics models. Measurement results of steady state conditions will be presented and discussed.
From Personal Attitudes to Public Opinion
Authors: Chen Ying , Frei Andreas , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: November 2014

A model of a social network–based attitude diffusion system in the context of activity and travel choice behavior is presented. The principal mechanisms contributing to attitude formation were identified, and mathematical models to capture these processes were developed. The primary contributions of this research are (a) the modeling of attitude diffusion according to social and learning mechanisms and (b) the evolution of these attitudes over time in a lattice neighborhood social network. The agent-based framework presented is sufficiently general and flexible to allow the building of a more complete representation of information diffusion and attitude formation within activity and travel behavior choice dimensions, for example, mode choice or departure time choice. The framework allows the extension of the presented approach with additional social network structures, information sources, and social interaction mechanisms in the physical and virtual realms or the extension and modification of the presented approach to simulate the impact of information-based management strategies.
Generation Y's Travel Behavior and Perceptions of Walkability Constraints
Authors: Kamargianni Maria , Polydoropoulou Amalia
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between urban environment and walking to school and how teenagers’ perceptions of walkability (i.e., how friendly an area is to walking) constraints affected their mode choice. An advanced hybrid mode choice model was developed in which the utilities of the alternative modes depended on the mode characteristics, teenagers’ socioeconomic characteristics, weather conditions, and built environment characteristics, as well as a latent variable referring to walking constraints. The indicators of the latent variable included perceptions regarding the existence of stray animals, poor lighting, narrow sidewalks, parked cars that obscure visibility, unsignalized intersections, and probability of attack and safety en route. A questionnaire survey that took place at high schools of three distinct geographic areas in Greece (an urban area, a rural area, and an insular area) during 2011–2012 was the basis for a case study; 1,988 high school students aged 12 and 18 years old participated in the survey. Adolescents in rural areas walked a greater distance than did urban and insular adolescents. Model estimation results showed that teenagers from each geographical area were affected in different ways by weather conditions and they also perceived the built environment in different ways; this perception indicates how significant the sense of place is. The incorporation of the latent variable enhanced the explanatory power of the model, and the results of the study provide insights on policies that may help Generation Y to keep walking.
Choice Set Generation Algorithm Suitable for Measuring Route Choice Accessibility
Authors: Nassir Neema , Ziebarth Jennifer , Sall Elizabeth , Zorn Lisa
Published: November 2014

A new algorithm that generated a set of paths between a pair of origin– destination nodes in a transportation network for the purpose of generating a measure of accessibility on the level of route choice was designed, developed, and tested. The proposed algorithm incorporated the well-known issue of path overlap in the process of generating the path choice set. This algorithm fit naturally into the class of iterative penalty-based Kth-shortest-path algorithms; in this class the link penalty terms are designed to reflect the amount of overlap between the paths already generated. With the proposed algorithm, paths were generated in order of decreasing utility and corrected by a path size correction factor; it was thus highly efficient in the sense that a comparatively small number of paths could result in a broad spectrum of desirable choices. The algorithm was developed in response to the Valencia paradox, which arose from using logsums from the existing algorithm for choice set generation as a route-level accessibility measure for the bicycle network in San Francisco, California. The Valencia paradox occurs when an accessibility measure decreases following an improvement to actual network accessibility. A detailed case study demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in minimizing this kind of paradoxical result and generating a route-level accessibility measure suitable for making fine-grained planning decisions.
Cost-Effectiveness Sketch Method for Safety Investment Decision Making
Authors: Wu Daniel , Wemple Beth
Published: November 2014

The recent Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act emphasizes a performance-based, outcome-driven planning process to meet performance targets. One area of performance-based planning highlighted by the legislation is safety planning. State departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations will be required to document how their strategic highway safety plan supports the state safety performance targets. Currently, for safety improvements to be maximized for every dollar of investment, a cost-effectiveness analysis is used within subdisciplines of safety planning but is rarely used to compare projects across the four Es of safety: engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical services. A sketch method is proposed for analyzing cost-effectiveness of safety investment decision making across the four Es. The sketch-level method is appropriate when quantitative project information, such as crash reduction effectiveness, target population, and duration of project effectiveness are unavailable or are not complete. The sketch method results in multidisciplinary safety investments grouped by their relative cost-effectiveness; this method allows practitioners to use this information to prioritize investments for implementation. Results from a demonstration application of the sketch method to safety projects provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation are presented.