bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal infection risk groups among school children
Authors: Ejdas Elżbieta
Published: August 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between ocurrence of fungi in children and living environment (city - countryside), sex, age, diet, undergone diseases therapy with antibiotics and exposure to hospital environment, and to indicate children potentially vulnerable to fungal infections. The material was consisted of swabs collected from the oral cavily, the throat and the nose of healthy children, aged 6-9 and 10-15, from both urban and rural environmens. Candida albicans, the basic aetiological factor in thc majority of mycoses recorded in humans, unquestionably prevailed in the group of the 13 speciec of yeast-like fungi and yeasts isolated. Records of C. glabrata and C. krusei increasing numbers of whose strains show resistance to basic antimycoties, as well as relatively frequent records of Trichosporon beigelii, Saccharomycopsis capsularis and Saccharomyces sp., fungi whose expansiveness and enzymatic activity have been growing, may be considered disconcerting. Vulnerability to fungal infection increases following anti-bacterial antibiotic therapy in the majority of subjects regardless season or age. This is particularly true primarily of the most stable ontocoenosis of the throat. Younger children, on the other hand, are the most vulnerable foUowing infection of the respiratory system. Fungi are likely to colonise the nose in this case. Children living in the countryside who had been ll immediately prior to the collection of the material constitute the highest risk group of the occurrence of fungi in any of the ontocoenoses studied. A greater number of positive inoculations were recorded in these children in comparison to the children from the city. It may be indicative of a more extensive spectrum of natural reservoirs of fungi and the vectors of their transmission in rural areas than those in the city, lower health hygiene and lower immunity or of a more common carriage of fungi among rural children.
Pathogenic fungi in selected lakes in the „Bory Tucholskie” National Park
Authors: Rózga Anna , Rózga Błażej , Babski Piotr
Published: August 2014

The occurrence of potentially pathogenic fungal strains in the 7 lakes of the Struga Siedmiu Jezior and in three lobelia lakes situated in the central part of the "Bory Tucholskie" National Park was investigated. Ten fungal species belonging to 4 genera: Candida (C. humicola, C. famala, C. guilliermondii), Cryptococcus (C. neoformans, C. laurentii, C. albidus, C. unigutndalus), Rhodotoorula (R. rubra and R. glutinis), and Trichosporon (T. cutaneum), were recorded and analysed in the summers of 2001 and 2002
The influence of forest management on lichens in the Kozienicka Forest (Central Poland)
Authors: Cieśliński Stanisław
Published: August 2014

The changes in the lichen flora in the Zagożdżon reserve in the Kozienicka Forest (Central Poland) over the period of 30 years (1969-1971 and 1999-2001) are discussed in the article. The problem is examined in the context of the modifications in the structure and species composition of the forest communities in the reserve brought about by forest management procedures.
Microfungi in the soil beneath common oak and their effect on Armillaria occurrence
Authors: Kwaśna Hanna
Published: August 2014

Microfungal assemblages in a soil beneath 30- and 50·year-old oaks and their 2-year-old stumps were studied using the soil dilution plate method. A total of 98 culturable microfungi were isolated. Compared to the living oaks before felling and the control living oaks, the density of Mortierella macrocystis, Penicillium jonczewskii, Pseudogymnoascus roseus Sporothrix schenckii, Tolypoccladiumum inflatum and Umbelopsis vinacea sigificantly inacased in the soil beneath slumps in the 32- and 52-year-old stands. Density of Aspergillus kanagawaensis, Monodictys lepraria, P. daleae and sterile dematiaceous hyphomycetes increased significantly in the 32-year-old stand and Chrysosporium merdarium in the 52·year-old stand. These fungi are known 'stimulants' of Armillaria rhizomorph formation. It is suggested that the increase in density of Armillaria rhizomorph 'stimulants' in a soil beneath oak stumps may increase the possibility of colonization of stumps by Armillaria.
Correlation between the abundance of cellulolitic fungi and selected soil properties
Authors: Korniłłowicz-Kowalska Teresa , Iglik Helena , Wojdyło Bernadeta
Published: August 2014

The study conducted has revealed the general abundance of cellulolytic fungi in the soil is significantly correlated only with the phosphors content. The correlation with specific soil properties was found in the case of the genera Humicola, Penicillium, Fusarium and Chrysosporium of the 10 genera of these fungi isolated most often.
Phytophthora root and stem rot – new disease of Ilex aquifolium "Myrtifolia” in Poland
Authors: Orlikowski Leszek B. , Szkuta Grażyna
Published: August 2014

Phytophthora cinnamomi was often isolated from rotted roots and stems of English holly "Myrtifolia" together with Alternaria alternata, Cylindrocarpon destructanss, Fusarium avenaceum and other fungal species. Inoculation of leaf blades and stem parts of 4 species and 12 holly cultivars with P. cinnamomi showed the spread of rot symptoms on the most of them. On Ilex crenata tissues necrosis did not develop or spread slowly. Isolation of P. cinnamomi only from one holly cultivar in surveyed nursery indicate on transmission of the pathogen with imported young plants.
Distribution of lichens and lichenicolous fungi in the Świętokrzyski National Park
Authors: Łubek Anna , Cieśliński Stanisław
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the distribution of 405 taxa of the lichens and 26 species of lichenicolous fungi in the Świętokrzyski National Park.
Fungal species new in Poland on Carex and Juncus
Authors: Adamska Iwona
Published: August 2014

Twelve fungal species colonising plants of the genus Carex and six species on plants of the genus Juncus were recorded during investigations in the Słowiński National Park. Six species new in Poland were identified (Leptosphaeria juncina, Lophodemium caricinum, Septoriella junci, Stagonospora innumerosa, S. junciseda and S. vitensis), and new hosts of 5 other species were found.
The effect of local population of Ustilago trichophora on Echinochloa crus-galli
Authors: Pusz Wojciech
Published: August 2014

Ustilago trichophora is a pathogenic fungus infecting the grass of Echinochloa genus. The effect of this pathogen on the growth of Echinochloa was not yet described. Ustilago trichophora was found and described first time in Poland in 1998 on Echinochloa crus-galli specimen. ThenU. trichophora was found in several places in the region of Lower Silesia in the following years. The aim of the investigation was to study the effects of Ustilago trichophora on the biometric parameters of plants as well as of seeds of Echinochloa crus-galli. The infected specimens of barnyards grass were found lower, they displayed poorer tillering and they produced a smaller number of panicles than the healthy plants. Seeds from infected bunches weight, were characterized by lower germination and energy capacity than the control ones.
Fungi causing dying out of heather in permanent plantings
Authors: Kowalik Maria , Sagan Aneta
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the paper was to define fungi causing dying out of heather (Calluna vulganis) in permanent plantings of Kraków. Mycological analyses of 40 dying undershrubs were made. Identified fungi belonged to 38 species within 25 genera.
Response of the high‐resolution Chinese loess grain size record to the 50°N integrated winter insolation during the last 500,000 years
Authors: Chen Jiasheng , Liu Xiuming , Kravchinsky Vadim A.
Published: August 2014

The global ice volume change regulates the Earth's climate and has been characterized by 100,000 year cycles over the last 700,000 years. The Asian inland winter climate change is proposed to show primary 100,000 year cycles that mimic ice volume changes. Here we calibrate the age of a high‐resolution grain size record over the last 500,000 years with a grain size age model. The results show a primary 41,000 year cycle and a weaker 100,000 year cycle during the last ~ 500,000 years. We suggest that the primary 41,000 year cycle in the grain size record can be ascribed to the 50°N integrated winter insolation. Our findings suggest that ice volume changes have a limited effect on the Asian inland winter climate. Asian continental winter climate changes respond to the 50°N integrated winter insolation in addition to ice volume changes.
Detections and geologic context of local enrichments in olivine on Vesta with VIR/Dawn data
Authors: Ruesch Ottaviano , Hiesinger Harald , De Sanctis Maria Cristina , Ammannito Eleonora , Palomba Ernesto , Longobardo Andrea , Zambon Francesca , Tosi Federico , Capria Maria Teresa , Capaccioni Fabrizio , Frigeri Alessandro , Fonte Sergio , Magni Gianfranco , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T.
Published: August 2014

The magmatism characterizing the early history of the asteroid Vesta has long been investigated with the mafic and ultramafic meteorites howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED). The lack of geologic context for the meteorites, however, has limited its understanding. Here we use the visible to near‐IR (VIR) orbital observations of Vesta's surface to detect relative enrichments in olivine and to study the associated geologic features. Because the near‐IR signature of olivine on Vesta's surface is subtle relative to the widespread pyroxene absorption bands, a method was developed to distinguish olivine enrichments from admixture of pyroxenes with high Fe2+/M1, dark material, and potential Fe‐bearing glass. Relative enrichment of olivine (~<50–60 vol %) is found in 2–5 km wide, morphologically fresh areas. Our global survey reveals a dozen of these areas clustering in the eastern hemisphere of Vesta. The hemispherical coincidence with a widespread, low enrichment in diogenite‐like pyroxene suggests the presence of a distinct compositional terrain. On the central mound of the Rheasilvia impact basin, no olivine enrichment was found, suggesting the absence of an olivine‐dominated mantle above the basin's excavation depth or, alternatively, a low amount of olivine homogeneously mixed with diogenite‐like pyroxenes. Rare olivine‐enriched areas in close proximity to diogenite‐like pyroxene are found as part of material ejected by the Rheasilvia impact. Such cooccurrence is reminiscent of local, ultramafic lithologies within the crust. The possible formation of such lithologies on Vesta is supported by some HED meteorites dominated by olivine and orthopyroxene.
Unfolding the Mechanism of Sodium Insertion in Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Liming , Bresser Dominic , Buchholz Daniel , Giffin Guinevere A. , Castro Claudia Ramirez , Ochel Anders , Passerini Stefano
Published: August 2014

It is frequently assumed that sodium‐ion battery chemistry exhibits a behavior that is similar to the more frequently investigated lithium‐ion chemistry. However, in this work it is shown that there are great, and rather surprising, differences, at least in the case of anatase TiO2. While the generally more reducing lithium ion is reversibly inserted in the anatase TiO2 lattice, sodium ions appear to partially reduce the rather stable oxide and form metallic titanium, sodium oxide, and amorphous sodium titanate, as revealed by means of in situ X‐ray diffraction, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Nevertheless, once the electrochemical transformation of anatase TiO2 is completed, the newly formed material presents a very stable long‐term cycling performance, excellent high rate capability, and superior coulombic efficiency, highlighting it as a very promising anode material for sodium‐ion battery applications.
Vestibular responses to direct stimulation of the human insular cortex
Authors: Mazzola Laure , Lopez Christophe , Faillenot Isabelle , Chouchou Florian , Mauguière François , Isnard Jean
Published: August 2014

Objective

The present study provides a functional mapping of vestibular responses in the human insular cortex.

Methods

A total of 642 electrical stimulations of the insula were performed in 219 patients, using stereotactically implanted depth electrodes, during the presurgical evaluation of drug‐refractory partial epilepsy. We retrospectively identified 41 contacts where stimulation elicited vestibular sensations (VSs) and analyzed their location with respect to (1) their stereotactic coordinates (for all contacts), (2) the anatomy of insula gyri (for 20 vestibular sites), and (3) the probabilistic cytoarchitectonic maps of the insula (for 9 vestibular sites).

Results

VSs occurred in 7.6% of the 541 evoked sensations after electrical stimulations of the insula. VSs were mostly obtained after stimulation of the posterior insula, that is, in the granular insular cortex and the postcentral insular gyrus. The data also suggest a spatial segregation of the responses in the insula, with the rotatory and translational VSs being evoked at more posterior stimulation sites than other less definable VSs. No left–right differences were observed.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate vestibular sensory processing in the insula that is centered on its posterior part. The present data add to the understanding of the multiple sensory functions of the insular cortex and of the cortical processing of vestibular signals. The data also indicate that lesion or dysfunction in the posterior insula should be considered during the evaluation of vestibular epileptic seizures. Ann Neurol 2014;76:609–619
Experimental study of mixed CH4/CO2 hydrate formation kinetics and modeling
Authors: Zhou Xuebing , Liang Deqing , Yi Lizhi
Published: August 2014

The gas hydrate formation process from CH4/CO2 gas mixtures was experimentally investigated in a 5.3 L stirred reactor under isothermal‐isochoric conditions in a feed pressure of 3.5 MPa at the temperature ranging from 0.0 to 4.0 °C and CH4 mole fraction in the feed gas ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. The composition changes of the gas phase were determined by gas chromatography, and a simplified kinetic model was used to calculate the gas composition changes in the hydrate phase. The results showed that the initial gas consumption rates and the total gas consumptions of each gas species were remarkably enhanced as the temperature decreased. The gas consumptions can be well described by the kinetic model with an overall average absolute deviation of 5.2%. In addition, the hydrate formation from CH4/CO2 gas mixtures exhibited a good selectivity for CO2 capture in the early stage of hydrate crystallization, especially at high temperatures. Increased CO2 concentration in the feed gas could also efficiently accelerate the hydrate formation. It was suggested that CO2 played a key function in stabilizing hydrate structure in the newly formed hydrate nuclei. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Curing copolymerization kinetics of styrene with maleated castor oil glycerides obtained from biodiesel‐derived crude glycerol
Authors: Echeverri David A. , Jaramillo Franklin , Rios Luis A.
Published: August 2014

Kinetics of curing of maleated castor oil glycerides with styrene was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. The resin was synthesized from biodiesel‐derived crude glycerol. Curing rates were fitted to several empirical models (autocatalytic model, Kamal's model and a model with vitrification). The three models showed a good fitting with experimental data at conversions lower than 0.55 for temperatures ranging from 30 to 50°C. However, the model that includes vitrification showed a better fitting in the entire range of conversions and the same temperatures. At higher temperatures (50–60°C), some deviations were observed for the three models at low and high conversions. Gel times were obtained from rheological studies and the apparent activation energies were calculated thereof. Gel times were 300–2700 s. The values of apparent activation energy obtained for this castor oil‐based copolymer (47.2–52.3 kJ/mol) were within range of commercial unsaturated polyester resins. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41344.
Cellular aging in depression: Permanent imprint or reversible process?
Authors: Verhoeven Josine E. , Révész Dóra , Wolkowitz Owen M. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H.
Published: August 2014

Depression might be associated with accelerated cellular aging. However, does this result in an irreversible state or is the body able to slow down or recover from such a process? Telomeres are DNA‐protein complexes that protect the ends of chromosomes and generally shorten with age; and therefore index cellular aging. The majority of studies indicate that persons with depression have shorter leukocyte telomeres than similarly aged non‐depressed persons, which may contribute to the observed unfavorable somatic health outcomes in the depressed population. Some small‐scale preliminary studies raise the possibility that behavioral or pharmacological interventions may either slow down or else reverse this accelerated telomere shortening, possibly through increasing the activity of the telomere‐lengthening enzyme telomerase. This paper covers the current state of evidence in the relationship between depression and the telomere‐telomerase system and debates whether depression‐related cellular aging should be considered a reversible process or permanent damage.
Sleep and cognitive performance: The role of income and respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity
Authors: Staton Lori , Hinnant J. Benjamin , Buckhalt Joseph , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: August 2014

A health disparities view suggests that low family income status acts as a risk factor for poor cognitive functioning. A biosystems view suggests that poor sleep and poor stress response system functioning are also risk factors. These views are rarely integrated to test multiplicative risk or protective effects from social–cultural and biological variables. We investigated interactions among familial income, children's sleep and respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity (RSA reactivity, indexing parasympathetic nervous system reactivity) in the prediction of cognitive performance of school‐aged children. Participants were 282 children (146 boys; 35% African American and 65% European American; M age = 9.42 years, SD = .71). Mothers reported on family income. Children's sleep quality (efficiency) and duration (minutes) were assessed via a week of actigraphy. Children's RSA reactivity to an attention demanding and frustrating star tracing challenge was assessed in the lab. Children completed standardized cognitive assessments examining attention, processing speed, and crystallized cognitive functioning. Findings show that more optimal sleep efficiency and RSA reactivity interact to confer protection against poor cognitive performance, particularly for children from lower income homes. Results build on the literature and suggest that interactions between biological systems and socioeconomic variables are key for understanding children's cognitive performance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1528–1540, 2014.
Spatiotemporal mapping of vascularization and innervation in the fetal murine intestine
Authors: Hatch John , Mukouyama Yoh‐suke
Published: August 2014

Background: In mice, the intestinal tube develops from the splanchopleure before embryonic day 9.5. Subsequent patterning of nerves and blood vessels is critical for normal digestive function. A hierarchical branching vascular network allows for efficient nutrient absorption, while the complex enteric nervous system regulates intestinal motility as well as secretion, absorption, and blood flow. Despite the well‐recognized significance of these systems, the precise mechanisms by which they develop have not been clearly established in mammals. Results: Using a novel whole‐mount immunohistochemical protocol, we visualize the pattern of intestinal neurovascular development in mice between embryonic day 10.5 and birth. In particular, we focus on the development and remodeling of the enteric vascular plexus, the migration and organization of enteric neural crest‐derived cells, and the integration of peripheral sympathetic nerves with the enteric nervous system. These correlative data lead us to hypothesize a functional interaction between migrating neural crest‐derived cells and endothelial cells of the primary capillary plexus, as well as a subsequent interaction between developing peripheral autonomic nerves and differentiated neural crest‐derived cells. Conclusions: These studies provide useful anatomical data for continuing investigations on the functional mechanisms underlying intestinal organogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 244:56–68, 2015. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Rhodium‐NHC Hybrid Silica Materials as Recyclable Catalysts for [2+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Alkynes
Authors: Fernández Martí , Ferré Meritxell , Pla‐Quintana Anna , Parella Teodor , Pleixats Roser , Roglans Anna
Published: August 2014

Bis‐silylated dihydroimidazolium salt 1 and monosilylated imidazolium salt 2 are transformed to (NHC)RhCl(COD) complexes 3 and 4, allowing the preparation of hybrid silica materials either by sol‐gel or grafting processes. Full characterization of the materials by means of solid state NMR, N2‐sorption measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis was followed by evaluation of catalytic activity in the [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes. Excellent yields of the cycloadducts are obtained for up to six consecutive cycles with the grafted material, using simple filtration to recover the catalyst. Both conventional and microwave heating prove effective for the process described.
Stereoselective Synthesis of α‐Alkylidene β‐Oxo Amides by Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation
Authors: Perrone Serena , Salomone Antonio , Caroli Antonio , Falcicchio Aurelia , Citti Cinzia , Cannazza Giuseppe , Troisi Luigino
Published: August 2014

A direct method to obtain α‐alkylidene β‐oxo amides by the palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation of α‐chloro ketones in the presence of aromatic imines has been described. The methodology can be applied to a variety of C‐aryl imines bearing N‐aryl or N‐alkyl substituents. The entire process is highly stereoselective and affords the α‐alkylidene β‐oxo amides only as (Z) isomers. A mechanistic hypothesis involving an acyl‐β‐lactam intermediate has also been proposed.
Trifluoromethylated Nucleosides: A Building Block Approach to Cytotoxic Adenosine Analogues
Authors: Drexler Johannes , Groth Ulrich
Published: August 2014

Adenosine analogue nucleosides are a fundamental part of medicinal chemistry. Tubercidin is a well‐known example, but its application is limited due to high toxicity. The development of less toxic synthetic analogues is therefore highly desirable. Here we show the synthesis of fluorinated nucleosides based on the pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine (7‐deazapurine) motif. The synthetic approach is based on an easily accessible trifluoromethylated acetoacetate and several amidines, as building blocks. This allows for simultaneous introduction of a CF3 group as well as a variety of C2 substituents for the synthesis of the heterocyclic part, including alkyl, aryl, SMe, Cl, N3 and NH2 moieties. Glycosylation of the fully pre‐functionalized heterocycles proceeds with excellent β‐selectivity. Cytotoxicities were determined using an AlamarBlue assay with HeLa S3 and Hep G2 cancer cell lines. The effect of C2 substitution was explored and a lead structure candidate with IC50 values of 90 ± 49 nM (HeLa S3) and 28 ± 9 nM (Hep G2) was identified.
Adolescent chronic pain and association to perinatal factors: Linkage of Birth Registry data with the Young‐HUNT Study
Authors: Iversen J.M. , Hoftun G.B. , Romundstad P.R. , Rygg M.
Published: August 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of birthweight, gestation and 5‐min Apgar score with self‐reported chronic nonspecific pain in a large, unselected adolescent population.

Methods

The third population‐based Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) included 8200 adolescents aged 13–19 years, constituting 78.2% of adolescents in Nord‐Trøndelag County. In the target age group, 13–18 years, data on pain frequency from 10 localizations were available from 7373 adolescents. Chronic nonspecific pain was defined as pain at least once a week during the last 3 months, not related to any known disease or injury. Chronic multisite pain was defined as chronic pain in at least three localizations, and chronic daily pain was defined as chronic pain almost every day. Perinatal data were retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, and data were available for 7120 of the 7373 adolescents. Covariates included adolescent and maternal general health measures from the HUNT study.

Results

We found no consistent association between preterm birth and chronic pain and no clear association between birthweight and chronic pain complaints in adolescence. Post‐term birth in boys and a low 5‐min Apgar score in both sexes tended to increase the reporting of chronic pain in adolescence.

Conclusions

Perinatal factors, and especially preterm birth and low birthweight, did not seem to have a major impact on pain complaints in adolescence.
THE AXIOMS AND PRINCIPAL RESULTS OF CLASSICAL TEST THEORY
Authors: Novick Melvin R.
Published: August 2014

Following an approach due to Guttman the axioms of the classical test theory model are shown to be derivable as constructions from a specified sampling rule and from the assumption that the observed score of an arbitrarily specified or randomly selected person may be considered as an observation of a random variable having finite and positive variance. Without further assumption the reliability of a test is defined. Parallel measurements are then independently defined, and the concept of replication is explicated. The derived axioms of the classical test theory model are then stated in a refined form of Woodbury's stochastic process notation, and the basic results of this model are derived. The assumptions of experimental independence, homogeneity of error distribution, and conditional independence are related to the classical model and to each other. Finally, a brief sketch of some stronger models assuming the independence of error and true scores or the existence of higher‐order moments of error distributions or those making specific distributional assumptions is given.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF A LOGISTIC MENTAL TEST MODEL1
Authors: Ross John
Published: August 2014

A logistic model developed by Birnbaum was tested in two ways. First, plots of proportions of subjects in different score categories were examined for consistency with the assumption of a logistic trace line, and especially for departures from the logistic which seemed due to guessing in multiple‐choice items. The results showed that guessing seemed to have little effect. Second, an attempt was made to predict the obtained score distributions of samples of subjects on six tests from item parameters estimated on independent samples. The fits were good in all cases, despite considerable differences between the tests and some extremely odd distributions.
SHORT‐TERM MEMORY DURING STAGE‐2 SLEEP
Authors: Oltman Philip K. , Goodenough Donald R. , Koulack David , MacLin Edward , Schroeder H. Robert , Flannagan Michael
Published: August 2014

A recently‐proposed model of dream recall phenomena (Koulack & Goodenough, 1976) assumes a short‐term memory store which functions during sleep, and from which either dreams or externally‐delivered stimuli can be retrieved if the subject is awakened during the life of the short‐term trace. To test this assumption, two experiments were designed to examine short‐term memory for auditory stimuli over intervals of uninterrupted stage‐2 sleep. A random series of single‐digit numbers was presented at the rate of one every 30 sec throughout the night, at an intensity slightly above normal conversational levels. Subjects habituated to the sound and did not awaken spontaneously. Experimental awakenings took place either at 1 sec (Experiment 1) or at 1, 5, or 10 sec (Experiment 2) after selected target stimuli, and the subjects were asked to recall which number they had heard. Significant recall was obtained over intervals of up to 10 sec, and the likelihood of recall was inversely related to reaction times to the awakening stimulus. Repeating the target numbers at 30‐sec intervals increased EEG alpha activity and K‐complex amplitude, suggesting that some form of trace persists for at least 30 sec.
AN ILLUSION OF BODY TILT IN THE ROD‐AND‐FRAME TEST
Authors: Sigman Eric , Goodenough Donald R. , Flannagan Michael
Published: August 2014

Three experiments examined the role of illusory body tilt in the Rod‐and‐Frame Test. With both body adjustment and magnitude estimation procedures, a shift of the apparent body position occurred in the opposite direction of frame tilt. It was concluded that illusory body tilt can partially account for the rod‐and‐frame effect.
DEFINING COMPETENCE IN LEGAL PRACTICE: REPORT OF A NATIONAL SURVEY OF SOLO AND SMALL FIRM PRACTITIONERS
Authors: Powell Ramon J. , Carlson Alfred B.
Published: August 2014

As a part of a project concerned with identifying factors that are considered in evaluating the performance of attorneys working in organizations employing large numbers of lawyers, a national sample of solo and small firm practitioners was asked to rate the appraisal factors used by large organizations with respect to their appropriateness in evaluating the performance of attorneys in practices like theirs. The sample was also asked to rate (1) the degree of importance of selected skills or tasks to their own practice situations, (2) the level of difficulty of various problems in terms of accomplishing what should be done in their practice, and (3) the degree of importance of certain deficiencies of other lawyers based on their assessment of how other lawyers perform. All of the large organization evaluation factors were felt to be at least “probably appropriate” by more than two‐thirds of the respondents. Overall, the results suggest that there is a set of skills and characteristics that a majority of the sample considers important to competent practice, with relatively few variations based on practice setting, region, type of practice, date of admission to the bar, and firm size.
FARMER EDUCATION AND FARM EFFICIENCY: A SURVEY
Authors: Lockheed Marlaine E. , Jamison Dean T. , Lau Lawrence J.
Published: August 2014

This paper surveys the findings of 18 studies conducted in low‐income countries concerning the extent to which the educational level of small farmers affects their production efficiency. The 18 studies include analyses of 37 sets of farm data that allow statistical estimation of the effect of education, with other variables controlled. In 6 of these data sets, education was found to have a negative (but statistically insignificant) effect, but in the remaining 31, the effect was positive and usually statistically significant. Though combining the results of disparate studies must be done with caution, our overall conclusion is that farm productivity increases, on the average, by 7.4% as a result of a farmer's completing four years of elementary education rather than none; the 7.4% is a weighted average of value from those studies for which an estimate could be computed. A number of studies showed evidence of a threshold number of years (4 to 6) at which the effect of education became more pronounced. The effects of education were much more likely to be positive in modernizing agricultural environments rather than in traditional ones, which we ascertained both by inspection and by regressing (across studies) the measured effect of education on productivity against modernization of the environment and other variables. In 16 of the samples, data were available on the farmers' exposure to agricultural extension education; of these studies, 8 provided evidence that extension was significantly and positively related to efficiency.
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR SEVERAL LANGUAGE GROUPS
Authors: Swinton Spencer S. , Powers Donald E.
Published: August 2014

A factor analytic study of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was undertaken to determine the component abilities that underly performance on the test for several major language groups. Alternative analytic procedures were employed that included (a) computing separate factor solutions for each language group, (b) rotating separate solutions to a common target, and (c) examining the relationships between factors and a variety of candidate background variables.

The structure of the test is discussed in terms of the similarities and differences found in each language group. The implications of the results for test development, for the interpretation of TOEFL subscores, and for English language training are presented.
ROUND ROBIN ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE VIA MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD
Authors: Wong George Y.
Published: August 2014

We consider a class of linear models called round robin models which deal specifically with data arising in the interaction of a group of individuals in a round robin setting. Such models provide information not only about individual differences but also about the reciprocity behavior of the interaction partners. We provideaconvergent algorithm for computing the maximum likelihood estimates of the variances and covariances associated with these models. Also, we discuss interval estimation of the linear effects, including fixed and random effects. We present a detailed data analysis on a set of speech activity data using these designs.
A FACTOR ANALYSIS APPROACH TO ROUND ROBIN DESIGNS
Authors: Wong George Y.
Published: August 2014

We adopt a factor analytic approach to study round robin analysis of variance models appropriate for round robin interaction data with the actor and partner effects of any member involved linearly related. Such models are particularly important both statistically and computationally in sociometric studies on structures of social relationships involving a large number of subjects. We provide a convergent algorithm for computing the maximum likelihood estimates of the variances and covariances associated with these models. We also discuss the posterior inference of the linear effects. A detailed analysis on a set of speech data is worked out using these models.
CHARACTERIZING THE MANIFEST PROBABILITIES OF LATENT TRAIT MODELS*
Authors: Cressie Noel , Holland Paul W.
Published: August 2014

The problem of characterizing the manifest probabilities of a latent trait model is considered. The item characteristic curve is transformed to the item passing‐odds curve and a corresponding transformation is made on the distribution of ability. This results in a useful expression for the manifest probabilities of any latent trait model. The result is then applied to give a complete characterization of the Rasch model. Partial results are also obtained for other models. The question of the identifiability of “guessing” parameters is also discussed.
RESOLVING MIXTURES OF STRATEGIES IN SPATIAL VISUALIZATION TASKS
Authors: Mislevy Robert J. , Wingersky Marilyn S. , Irvine Sidney H. , Dann Peter L.
Published: August 2014

The models of standard test theory, having evolved under a trait‐oriented psychology, do not reflect the knowledge structures and the problem‐solving strategies now seen as central to understanding performance and learning. In some applications, however, key qualitative distinctions among persons as to structures and strategies can be expressed through mixtures of test theory models, drawing upon substantive theory to delineate the components of the mixture. This approach is illustrated with response latencies to spatial visualization tasks that can be solved by mental rotation or by a nonspatial rule‐based strategy. It is assumed that a subject employs the same strategy on all tasks, but the possibility of extending the approach to strategy‐switching is discussed.
COMPARING THE VALIDITY OF AUTOMATED AND HUMAN ESSAY SCORING
Authors: Powers Donald E. , Burstein Jill C. , Chodorow Martin , Fowles Mary E. , Kukich Karen
Published: August 2014

This study sought to provide further evidence of the validity of automated, or computer‐based, scores of complex performance assessments, such as direct tests of writing skill that require examinees to construct responses rather than select them from a set of multiple choices. While several studies have examined agreement between human scores and automated scoring systems, only a few have provided evidence of the relationship of automated scores to other, independent indicators of writing skill. This study examined relationships of each of two sets of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE®) Writing Assessment scores ∼ those given by human raters and those generated by e‐rater (the system being researched for possible application in a variety of assessments that require natural language responses) — to several independent, nontest indicators of writing skill, such as academic, outside, and perceived success with writing.

Analyses revealed significant, but modest, correlations between the nontest indicators and each of the two methods of scoring. That automated and human scores exhibited reasonably similar relations with the nontest indicators was taken as evidence that the two methods of scoring reflect similar aspects of writing proficiency. These relations were, however, somewhat weaker for automated scores than for scores awarded by humans.
AN EXPLORATORY DIMENSIONALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE TOEIC TEST
Authors: Wilson Kenneth M.
Published: August 2014

To measure English language listening comprehension and reading comprehension skills in samples of nonnative‐English speakers, the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) test uses seven different types of test items (four for assessing listening comprehension and three for assessing reading comprehension). Results of an exploratory factor analysis involving data for native‐speakers of Japanese and Korean, respectively, and other correlational evidence reported herein, suggest unidimensionality for the Listening Comprehension (LC) but not for the Reading Comprehension (RC) section: an RC item type labelled “reading” appears to be tapping aspects of “reading comprehension” that are psychometrically distinguishable from those measured in common by RC item types labelled “error recognition” and “incomplete sentences”. Further research is needed to assess the consistency of these findings in samples of native‐speakers of Japanese and Korean, respectively, their possible generalizability to other native‐language populations of TOEIC test takers, and their practical implications.
AN EXPLORATION OF POTENTIALLY PROBLEMATIC ADAPTIVE TESTS
Authors: Stocking Martha L. , Steffen Manfred , Eignor Daniel R.
Published: August 2014

For mass administration of linear paper‐and‐pencil tests, subsequent to each administration it is routine to evaluate the test forms delivered. With computerized adaptive tests, in which the number of test‐takers receiving a given set of items is kept intentionally small, methods of post‐administration evaluation are less obvious. Sets of rules (flags) for screening large numbers of adaptive test records were developed in an attempt to identify potentially problematic adaptive tests. Experiments were performed that involved modifications of adaptive test design variables, as well as the exploration of improvements to the item resources available, in order to attempt to reduce the number of flagged test‐taker records. The most successful of these experiments indicated that improving item resources is the most effective means of enhancing the functioning of adaptive tests.
INTERESTS, NICHE SELECTION, AND PERFORMANCE AMONG ESTABLISHED TEACHERS
Authors: Emmerich Walter , Trapani Catherine S.
Published: August 2014

This study addressed the role of interests as personality factors in professional development. Using John Holland's model, the interests of established teachers were studied in relation to (1) teaching specialty and (2) excellence of teaching measured by assessments of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Observed differences in interests among teaching specialties were consistent with vocational/developmental theories of niche selection through trait matching. Business‐related interests tended to correlate negatively with quality of teaching. For other interests, correlations with quality of teaching were more specialty‐specific. Findings suggested a two‐phase sequence in which initial trait matching is followed by dynamic engagements of interests that may enhance or impair quality of teaching.
A MODEL‐BASED APPROACH TO MEASURING COGNITIVE GROWTH IN PRE‐READING AND READING SKILLS DURING THE KINDERGARTEN YEAR
Authors: Rock Donald A. , Pollack Judith M.
Published: August 2014

This study has two primary purposes. The first is to outline a model‐based measurement approach that relies on multiple criterion‐referenced points to identify different patterns of student growth in reading during kindergarten. The second purpose is to demonstrate how applied practitioners might use the model‐based measurement approach to address policy questions dealing with gender and school sector differences in reading growth during kindergarten. In addition, the study shows that the more traditional approaches to measuring change with respect to these policy questions may yield uninformative if not incorrect results.
SELF‐ASSESSMENT OF REASONING SKILLS
Authors: Powers Donald E.
Published: August 2014

The general aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of self‐assessing thinking/reasoning skills and to provide information about the psychometric properties of one instrument designed to self‐assess these skills. This objective was accomplished by examining the relationship of the self‐assessment to cognitive measures of reasoning skills. A sample of Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) General Test takers (n = 342) completed a battery of reasoning tests along with a 20‐item self‐assessment of thinking skills, which had been developed empirically on the basis of a survey of graduate faculty. The results revealed only weak relations (rs in the .20s) between the self‐assessment and cognitive test scores. Possible reasons are proposed for the lack of any strong relation.
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONTENT TO GENDER‐BASED PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCES IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS
Authors: Buck Gary , Kostin Irene , Morgan Rick
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the content of the questions in a number of Advanced Placement Examinations and to attempt to identify content that is related to gender‐based performance differences. Free‐response questions for ten forms of the AP® Exams in U.S. History, European History, Biology, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics were studied and the multiple‐choice items for four forms of AP U.S. History were also studied.

Results indicate that, in the case of U.S. History multiple‐choice items, the measures of male and female performance differences are significantly correlated with item content. In a second analysis, the findings for nine of these content categories were replicated in different forms of the exam, suggesting that these results are of generalizable interest. In the case of the free‐response questions for each of the five subject areas, the study identified a significant relationship between item content and gender‐based performance differences, but there were not enough items for a replication study. Overall, this study suggests that item content is associated with gender‐based performance differences.
Natural Large-Scale Regeneration of Rib Cartilage in a Mouse Model
Authors: Srour Marissa K , Fogel Jennifer L , Yamaguchi Kent T , Montgomery Aaron P , Izuhara Audrey K , Misakian Aaron L , Lam Stephanie , Lakeland Daniel L , Urata Mark M , Lee Janice S , Mariani Francesca V
Published: August 2014

The clinical need for methods to repair and regenerate large cartilage and bone lesions persists. One way to make new headway is to study skeletal regeneration when it occurs naturally. Cartilage repair is typically slow and incomplete. However, an exception to this observation can be found in the costal cartilages, where complete repair has been reported in humans but the cellular and molecular mechanisms have not yet been characterized. In this study, we establish a novel animal model for cartilage repair using the mouse rib costal cartilage. We then use this model to test the hypothesis that the perichondrium, the dense connective tissue that surrounds the cartilage, is a tissue essential for repair. Our results show that full replacement of the resected cartilage occurs quickly (within 1 to 2 months) and properly differentiates but that repair occurs only in the presence of the perichondrium. We then provide evidence that the rib perichondrium contains a special niche that houses chondrogenic progenitors that possess qualities particularly suited for mediating repair. Label-retaining cells can be found within the perichondrium that can give rise to new chondrocytes. Furthermore, the perichondrium proliferates and thickens during the healing period and when ectopically placed can generate new cartilage. In conclusion, we have successfully established a model for hyaline cartilage repair in the mouse rib, which should be useful for gaining a more detailed understanding of cartilage regeneration and ultimately for developing methods to improve cartilage and bone repair in other parts of the skeleton. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Aortic Intima‐Media Thickness in Patients Without Clinical Manifestation of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kalkan Gülhan Yüksel , Gür Mustafa , Koyunsever Nermin Yıldız , Şeker Taner , Gözükara Mehmet Yavuz , Uçar Hakan , Kaypaklı Onur , Baykan Ahmet Oytun , Akyol Selehattin , Türkoğlu Caner , Elbasan Zafer , Şahin Durmuş Yıldıray , Çaylı Murat
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Existing evidence suggests that impaired vitamin D metabolism contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Aortic intima‐media thickness (IMT) is an earlier marker than carotid IMT of preclinical atherosclerosis. However, there is a lack of researches on direct investigation of relevance between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and thoracic aortic IMT. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between thoracic aortic IMT and 25(OH)D.

Methods

We studied 117 patients (mean age: 45.5 ± 8.4 years) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for various indications. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. The patients were divided into three groups according to the their serum 25(OH)D levels (VitDdeficiency, VitDinsufficient and VitDnormal groups). TEE was performed in all subjects. High sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and other biochemical markers were measured using an automated chemistry analyzer.

Results

Only 24.8% (29 patients) of patients had normal levels of 25(OH)D. The highest aortic IMT values were observed in VitDdeficiency group compared with VitDinsufficient and VitDnormal groups (P < 0.05, for all). Also aortic IMT values of VitDinsufficient group were higher than VitDnormal group (P < 0.05). 25(OH)D was independently associated with hs‐CRP (β = −0.442, P < 0.001) and aortic IMT (β = −0.499, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The lower 25(OH)D level was independently associated with higher aortic IMT values. Therefore, hypovitaminosis D may have a role on pathogenesis of subclinical thoracic atherosclerosis.