bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulating the stereoselectivity of a thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase by directed evolution for efficient asymmetric synthesis of arylpropanols
Authors: Dong Yijie , Yao Peiyuan , Cui Yunfeng , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming , Li Guangyue , Reetz Manfred T.
Published: September 2018

Chiral arylpropanols are valuable components in important pharmaceuticals and fragrances, which is the motivation for previous attempts to prepare these building blocks enantioselectively in asymmetric processes using either enzymes or transition metal catalysts. Thus far, enzymes used in kinetic resolution proved to be best, but several problems prevented ecologically and economically viable processes from being developed. In the present study, directed evolution was applied to the thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase TbSADH in the successful quest to obtain mutants that are effective in the dynamic reductive kinetic resolution (DYRKR) of racemic arylpropanals. Using rac-2-phenyl-1-propanal in a model reaction, (S)- and (R)-selective mutants were evolved which catalyzed DYRKR of this racemic substrate with formation of the respective (S)- and (R)-alcohols in essentially enantiomerically pure form. This was achieved on the basis of an unconventional form of iterative saturation mutagenesis (ISM) at randomization sites lining the binding pocket using a reduced amino acid alphabet. The best mutants were also effective in the DYRKR of several other structurally related racemic aldehydes.
Resolving the Reliance on Fixed Estimation Dates in the Implied Cost of Equity Capital Approach
Authors: Kempkes Jan A. , Wömpener Andreas
Published: September 2018

Our study’s objective is to develop and analyze a dynamic approach for estimating firms’ expected cost of equity capital. We contribute to the literature by enabling the usage of any required estimation date, resolving the major shortcoming of the existing models—their reliance on one fixed estimation date. This paper presents our model and discusses it from the perspective of the extant body of literature. We show that the current state of the art approach in dynamic estimation does not satisfy theoretical and practical demands, and offers scope for significant improvements. We conduct our analysis by specially considering capital market efficiency, the consistent appreciation of cash flows with respect to timing, and straightforward practical implementation for researchers and practitioners. Building on semi-strong capital market efficiency, the analysis reveals further insights into residual income valuation as we demonstrate that any realization of residual income in the course of the year is irrelevant to valuation in the absence of dividend realization. Consequently, assumptions regarding the shape of earnings in the course of the year are also irrelevant to valuation. Additionally, our theoretically founded model conveniently facilitates the undistorted incorporation of different fiscal year-ends in large samples and avoids stale measures of expected cost of equity capital.
Effects of Sandstorms on Vehicular-to-Road Visible-Light Communication
Authors: Ebrahim Khalil Jasim , Al-Omary Alauddin
Published: September 2018

Visible light communication (VLC), popularly known as light fidelity (Li-Fi), is a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of radio-wave communication. VLC is a green technology which uses light-emitting diode (LED) illumination to transmit data without needing fibre cables. VLC is applicable for both indoor and outdoor communication. In this study, we investigate the effect of sandstorms on VLC via simulating a vehicular-to-road VLC (V2LC) outdoor application. Sandstorms are a weather phenomenon which frequently occurs in the Arab peninsula and other parts of the world; in this context, researchers have not thus far addressed the effect of sand particles, which absorb and scatter light, on VLC. Our simulation is conducted using MATLAB software (Natick, Massachusetts, U.S.A.), and the results show that the effect of sandstorms on VLC is similar to that of fog and rain as investigated by other researchers. However, sandstorms are also different in terms of the nature of sandstorm particles, with different sizes and refraction indices when compared with rain and fog particles. We also find that high-density-clay sandstorms, among other types of storms, most severely affect VLC communication and limit the transmission range. Other low- and medium-density storms less severely affect VLC while exhibiting a relatively larger communication range.
Influence of Conventional Optical Amplifiers for 64×10 Gbps WDM System
Authors: Kheraliya Shubham , Kumar Chakresh , Kumar Ghanendra , Meena Shiv Ram
Published: September 2018

In this work we have investigated semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and RAMAN Amplifier separately under 64 channels WDM system at 10 Gbps data rate. A comparison is made based upon the values of Q- factor, bit error rate (BER), and power received for different values of laser (present at the transmitter) power. The eye diagram for the three optical amplifiers has also been analyzed. Also the performance factors (Q- factor, BER, and power received) are evaluated for different values of fiber length. In general it is observed that with respect to the power received for a particular laser power (at the transmitter) and up to a fiber length of about 120 km Semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) gives the best result among all the three amplifiers. With respect to the quality (Q) – factor the RAMAN Amplifier gives slightly better result for a given laser power and for a short fiber length (up to a fiber length of 50 km). For long distance (fiber length greater than 160 km) the Q – factor for all the three optical amplifier saturates and become equal. In terms of Bit Error Rate, RAMAN amplifier is best as it gives minimum BER at a given laser power but up to the fiber length of 70 km EDFA provides minimum BER.
The Internality of Moral Faith in Kant’s Religion
Authors: Ellis Addison
Published: October 2018

Wood (1970) convincingly argues that Kant’s notion of moral faith is a response to a “dialectical perplexity” or antinomy. Specifically, moral faith is a response to the threat of moral despair. In line with this suggestion, I make the case that moral faith is the resolution of a crisis about how to go on with one’s life in the face of the threat of moral despair. If this is right, then we have a potential solution to two related anxieties: (1) why the matter of our moral faith or despair deserves to be a topic of practical philosophy instead of empirical psychology, and (2) how despair could be a real threat even though Kant holds that rational beings could never truly lack faith. But, to fully see how these concerns can be answered, we must go beyond Wood’s initial analysis. I first argue that Kant’s philosophy suggests two kinds of moral faith: external and internal. I then argue that internal moral faith is analogous to self-contentment (Selbstzufriedenheit) in the second Critique’s practical antinomy. Together, these arguments suggest that moral faith is a response to a real threat of moral despair, and that both dialectically require one another within practical reason.
God, Hypostasis, and the Threat of Paradox: Exploring Kantian And Non-Kantian Reasons for Circumspection
Authors: Zamora Damián Bravo
Published: October 2018

In this paper, I present an interpretation of Kant’s view that reason’s hypostasis of the idea of a sum-total of reality is dogmatic and illegitimate. In the section on the ‘Transcendental Ideal’, the second section of the Ideal of Pure Reason chapter in the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant starts by describing reason’s procedure from the affirmation of the principle of thoroughgoing determination to the hypostasis in question. According to the interpretation I defend, the argument for hypostasis deployed in this section constitutes an improvement upon an argument defended by the pre-critical Kant himself in his 1673 essay “The Only Possible Argument in Support of a Demonstration of the Existence of God”. By making reference to the concept of omnitudo realitatis, the argument in the ‘Transcendental Ideal’ section presents a much more radical and convincing interpretation of the thesis that ‘possibility presupposes actuality’. Second, I present transcendental idealism and its related distinction between objects of sense and objects in general as the main dissuasive argument of the critical philosopher against hypostasis. Finally, I consider an argument against hypostasis that is independent of transcendental idealism: the threat of set-theoretical paradoxes if we hypostatize the relevant idea, intended as the concept of an absolutely comprehensive totality.
Mucopolysaccharidosis VI diagnosis by laboratory methods
Authors: Jafaryazdi Rokhsareh , Teimourian Shahram
Published: September 2018

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) results from a defect in arylsulfatase B (ARSB). There are several diagnostic methods using to identify patients; hence, we aimed to review these approaches and consider if one of them could be assigned as the gold standard method. The information of this study was obtained by searching through PubMed and Google scholar databases. In order to collect the most accurate and up to date data, we limited our research to papers in the time period between 2010 and 2017. We collected articles related to our research and extracted the most relevant and accurate data which included the steps of MPS VI diagnosis by routine laboratory approaches. We concluded that an all-inclusive diagnostic approach requires urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) analysis, enzyme activity analysis and molecular analysis by mutation scanning through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing or alternative methods such as multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), real-time polymerase chain reaction, array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and next generation sequencing (NGS). Reliable classification of patients with MPS VI is necessary for ongoing and future studies on treatments, outcomes and prenatal diagnoses (PNDs). The dependable characterization of patients would be achieved by biochemical techniques and enzymatic assay. However, if a molecular defect is previously identified in the family, PND via mutation scanning is possible.
Evaluation of the analytical performance of the Beckman Coulter Unicel DXI 800 Access Total 25(OH) Vitamin D immunoassay
Authors: Topçuoğlu Canan , Sezer Sevilay , Yılmaz Fatma Meriç , Kösem Arzu , Ercan Mujgan , Turhan Turan
Published: October 2018

Background

As vitamin D has recently been implicated in various diseases, vitamin D testing has gained a lot more significance. Vitamin D deficiency is quite prevalent, and detection of this condition is important. Several manufacturers have developed new automated immunoassays for this purpose. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Access Total 25(OH) Vitamin D immunoassay on the Beckman Coulter Unicel DXI 800 analyzer, through comparison with the reference method, liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Methods

The study was conducted with 148 patient samples which were sent to Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital for routine vitamin D testing. Every sample was analyzed with both Unicel DXI 800 immunoassay analyzer and LC-MS/MS. The concordance of the results was evaluated with Passing-Bablok regression analysis and Bland-Altman plot. Additionally, imprecision, interference, limit of blank (LOB), recovery, linearity and carry-over studies were performed for the Beckman Coulter Unicel DXI 800 analyzer.

Results

When compared to LC-MS/MS, the Access Total 25(OH) Vitamin D immunoassay on the Beckman Coulter Unicel DXI 800 analyzer had an R-value of 0.957 (intercept: −3.938, slope: 1.185) and a mean bias of 9.5%. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between the two methods was 0.916. The intra-assay, inter-assay and total coefficient of variation (CV%) for the Unicel DXI 800 vitamin D immunoassay were 3.3%, 5.3% and 8.3%, respectively, at 31.7 ng/mL concentration, and 2.1%, 3.2% and 7%, respectively, at 66.8 ng/mL concentration.

Conclusions

The Access Total 25(OH) Vitamin D immunoassay method has acceptable analytical performance, and the results are in concordance with the LC-MS/MS results.
Balaenoptera borealis Lesson, 1828: rediscovery of a holotype
Authors: Haberland Christian , Hampe Oliver , Autenrieth Marijke , Voß Manja
Published: September 2018

The whereabouts of the Balaenoptera borealis holotype, the skeleton of a 1819 stranded specimen, have been unknown since the World War II (WWII). Due to nomenclatural confusion, deficient documentation, and finally WWII bombing, which destroyed predominantly cetacean material in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), the type skeleton of the sei whale sank into oblivion. Construction activities enabled a recent search and study on the remaining whale material. Here, we provide evidence that the type specimen was not destroyed. On the basis of species-wide and individual characters of the type material such as the shape of cranial elements and the pattern of the maxillary foramina, we show that the skull and mandibles, the vertebral column (except the atlas), and the ribs of the holotype remain intact. Further evidence that these skeletal remains belong to the previously missing holotype is provided by the characteristics of the spine. In addition, we analyzed ancient DNA from bone samples and confirm they are B. borealis, and the occurrence of same mitochondrial haplotypes indicate that the bones belong to the same individual. Additionally, a blue inscription was discovered at the caudal epiphysis of a thoracic vertebra; historical research matched this inscription with the material belonging to the former Anatomical-Zootomical Museum, from which the holotype was once bought.
Thermally robust ring-shaped chromium perfect absorber of visible light
Authors: Kim Inki , So Sunae , Rana Ahsan Sarwar , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Rho Junsuk
Published: October 2018

A number of light-absorbing devices based on plasmonic materials have been reported, and their device efficiencies (or absorption) are high enough to be used in real-life applications. Many light-absorbing applications such as thermophotovoltaics and energy-harvesting and energy-sensing devices usually require high-temperature durability; unfortunately, noble metals used for plasmonics are vulnerable to heat. As an alternative, refractory plasmonics has been introduced using refractory metals such as tungsten (3422°C) and transition metal nitrides such as titanium nitride (2930°C). However, some of these materials are not easy to handle for device fabrications owing to their ultra-high melting point. Here, we propose a light absorber based on chromium (Cr), which is heat tolerant due to its high melting temperature (1907°C) and is compatible with fabrication using conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes. The fabricated device has >95% average absorption of visible light (500–800 nm) independent of polarization states. To verify its tolerance of heat, the absorber was also characterized after annealing at 600°C. Because of its compactness, broadband operational wavelength, and heat tolerance, this Cr perfect absorber will have applications in high-temperature photonic devices such as solar thermophotovoltaics.
Acute anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are related to different patterns of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine dysfunction
Authors: Nikolaus Susanne , Mamlins Eduards , Hautzel Hubertus , Müller Hans-Wilhelm
Published: September 2018

Dopamine (DA) receptor and transporter dysfunctions play a major role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases including anxiety disorder (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) in the manic (BDman) or depressive (BDdep) state and schizophrenia (SZ). We performed a PUBMED search, which provided a total of 239 in vivo imaging studies with either positron emission tomography (PET) or single-proton emission computed tomography (SPECT). In these studies, DA transporter binding, D1 receptor (R) binding, D2R binding, DA synthesis and/or DA release in patients with the primary diagnosis of acute AD (n=310), MDD (n=754), BDman (n=15), BDdep (n=49) or SZ (n=1532) were compared to healthy individuals. A retrospective analysis revealed that AD, MDD, BDman, BDdep and SZ differed as to affected brain region(s), affected synaptic constituent(s) and extent as well as direction of dysfunction in terms of either sensitization or desensitization of transporter and/or receptor binding sites. In contrast to AD and SZ, in MDD, BDman and BDdep, neostriatal DA function was normal, whereas MDD, BDman, and BDdep were characterized by the increased availability of prefrontal and frontal DA. In contrast to AD, MDD, BDman and BDdep, DA function in SZ was impaired throughout the nigrostriatal and mesolimbocortical system with an increased availability of DA in the striatothalamocortical and a decreased availability in the mesolimbocortical pathway.
A review of the use of EEG connectivity to measure the neurological characteristics of the sensory features in young people with autism
Authors: Sarmukadam Kimaya , Sharpley Christopher F. , Bitsika Vicki , McMillan Mary M.E. , Agnew Linda L.
Published: September 2018

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting about 1 in 100 children and is currently incurable. ASD represents a challenge to traditional methods of assessment and diagnosis, and it has been suggested that direct measures of brain activity and connectivity between brain regions during demanding tasks represents a potential pathway to building more accurate models of underlying brain function and ASD. One of the key behavioural diagnostic indicators of ASD consists of sensory features (SF), often characterised by over- or under-reactivity to environmental stimuli. SF are associated with behavioural difficulties that impede social and education success in these children as well as anxiety and depression. This review examines the previous literature on the measurement of EEG connectivity and SF observed in individuals with ASD.
Crystal and molecular structure of trans-[RhCl(CO)(P
t
Bu2Ph)2]
Authors: Mayer Peter , Böttcher Hans-Christian
Published: October 2018

Treatment of THF solutions containing the rhodium(II) complex trans-[RhCl2(P
t
Bu2Ph)2] (1) with [Fe2(CO)9] in the same solvent resulted in the formation of the Vaska-type complex trans-[RhCl(CO)(P
t
Bu2Ph)2] (2) in high yield. The title complex 2 was obtained as pale yellow crystals, characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as by microanalyses. Additionally, the molecular structure of 2 has been established by X-ray crystallography. As often reported for similar constituted compounds, the chlorido and carbonyl ligands in crystals of 2 are strongly disordered.
Synthesis, Characterization and Solution Properties of Novel Cationic Ester-Based Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Panda Manorama , Fatma Nazish , Kamil Mohammad
Published: September 2018

The present investigation involves the synthesis of a series of novel green ethylene oxide-linked diester-functionalized cationic gemini surfactants 2,2′-[(oxybis(ethane-1,2-diyl))bis(oxy)]bis(N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoethanaminium) dichloride (Cm-DEG-Cm; m = 12, 14, 16). These compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, MS-ESI (+), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis; their solution properties were evaluated by surface tension and rheology measurements. The dimeric surfactant, Cm-DEG-Cm, possesses improved physicochemical properties as compared to its monomeric counterpart. Much lower critical micelle concentration (cmc) makes the cationic gemini surfactants more useful for the biomedical, pharmaceutical, industrial and academic sectors. Longer the alkyl chain of surfactants lower are the cmc values, the order is C16-DEG-C16 < C14-DEG-C14 < C12-DEG-C12. For all the three synthesized gemini surfactants no cloud point was noticed in between the temperatures 0 °C to 100 °C at the concentrations 0.002 mM, 0.02 mM and 0.2 mM of the aqueous surfactant solutions which is a beneficial factor for the use of these amphiphiles in various areas of application.
Green Synthesis of Ag–NiO and Investigation of its Catalytic Activity for Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Atta-ul-Haq  , Saeed Muhammad , Jamal Muhammad Asghar , Akram Nadia , Bokhari Tanveer Hussain , Afaq Umair
Published: September 2018

The plants assisted green synthesis of nanoparticles have drawn a momentous importance worldwide. NiO is one the metal oxides researched comprehensively for decades and still has dominance in the field of photo-catalysis. In present study NiO and Ag–NiO were successfully prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly method using nickel nitrate, silver nitrate and leaves extract of Azadirachta indica L. plant as precursor materials. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, SEM and TGA. Then the photo-catalytic efficiency of NiO and Ag–NiO were evaluated by aqueous phase photo-degradation of rhodamine B as a model pollutant under ultraviolet irradiations. About 40% and 96% of 200 mg/L (50 mL) degraded in 120 min at 40 °C over NiO and Ag–NiO as photo-catalyst respectively. The apparent rate constants were determined as 0.0109, 0.0165, 0.0175 and 0.0190 per min at 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C respectively. 14.6 kJ/mol was calculated as activation energy of reaction.
Retrospective Review of Pediatric Thyroid Eye Disease Cases Referred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Authors: Enghelberg Moises , Wong Alice , Aguilera Zenia P. , Warman Roberto
Published: October 2018

Purpose: We evaluate presenting features of pediatric thyroid eye disease, and discuss the morbidity and clinical course of this condition in the pediatric population.  Methods: A retrospective chart review of 11 patients referred for evaluation of thyroid eye disease at a pediatric tertiary care facility in Miami, Florida.Results: The average age at presentation was 12.7 years. The most common ocular complaint was mild irritation. Patients tended to be positive for thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibody. The average displacement on Hertel exophthalmometry was 21mm for the right eye, and 21.45mm for the left eye. Lower scleral show was the most common eyelid finding. Conclusion: In contrast to thyroid eye disease in adults, the condition tends to present with mild ocular findings in children. Pediatric patients presenting with thyroid eye disease respond very well to medical therapy aimed at enhancing the altered ocular surface.
VPA DIGITAL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Authors: Dantas Paulo E.C.
Published: October 2018

VPA DIGITAL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Jane Addams's Democratic Journey
Authors: O'Connell Tom
Published: October 2018

It's now been a hundred years since the publication of Jane Addams's masterpiece, Twenty Years at Hull-House. By 1910, Addams's contemporaries already recognized her as America's most respected social reformer and saw Hull-House as the living symbol of the Progressive Era. Now the instantly popular book, one of eleven she authored, displayed Addams's distinctive gift of combining compelling story with insightful social analysis.
Beyond Mendel's Ghost
Authors: Shanahan Michael J. , Bauldry Shawn , Freeman Jason
Published: October 2018

At a major conference on genetics in 2003, a team of researchers reported that the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, are far more likely than Caucasians to carry a variant of the MAOA gene that has been associated with aggressive behavior. The scientists argued that the difference made sense and reflected the fact that more aggressive individuals survived the migratory journey by which the Maori originally populated Aotearoa, the islands that would later become New Zealand.
Cardiovascular outcomes trials with non-statin lipid-lowering drugs in diabetes
Authors: Naeem Fariha , McKay Gerard , Fisher Miles
Published: September 2018

Statin therapy is proven to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes, and high-dose statins are recommended for people with established atherosclerotic vascular disease. In two dedicated studies in people with diabetes, fibrates did not significantly reduce cardiovascular events and were associated with serious side effects. A similar lack of benefit was seen in two large studies of niacin. Ezetimibe, when added to statins, may further reduce LDL cholesterol and non-fatal vascular events. The PCSK9 inhibitors are a new class of subcutaneous lipid- lowering drugs which cause profound reductions in LDL cholesterol when added to statins. Evolocumab reduced non-fatal cardiovascular events when added to background statin therapy in a larger group of subjects and the benefits were confirmed in a diabetes subgroup. In another large trial alirocumab reduced major adverse cardiovascular events and total mortality. The clinical use of ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors is currently limited by cost.
A small case series of toe sparing surgery: excision of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in diabetic patients to facilitate wound healing
Authors: Tiwari Alok , Wilson Ian , DeBrito Marianne , David Miruna , Saeed Mujahid A
Published: September 2018

AbstractAim: Various surgical options exist for failed antibiotic treatment of non-healing ulcer or osteomyelitis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Our aim was to look at the outcome of patients undergoing toe-sparing surgery during excision of the first MTP.Methods: A prospective series of patients undergoing toe-sparing surgery of the first MTP joint under one vascular surgeon from 2014 to 2016 and looked after by the multidisciplinary diabetic foot team was studied. All patients undergoing surgery were followed up until wound healing. Complications and time to healing were recorded including any subsequent procedures.Results: Seven men (mean age 56.4 years) with diabetes underwent this procedure. Mean wound healing time was 9.5 weeks (range 5–16 weeks). All toes were preserved with no new ulcerations and minimal complications.Conclusion: In selected patients with first MTP joint ulceration and/or osteomyelitis, toe-sparing surgery can be undertaken with excellent results, preserving the toe with fast wound healing and no ischaemia to the adjacent toe.
The Rowan Hillson Inpatient Diabetes Safety Award 2017 for the best digital initiative
Authors: Dashora Umesh , Sampson Mike , Castro Erwin , Stanisstreet Debbie , Jones Christine , Hillson Rowan
Published: September 2018

Introduction: The annual National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA) in the UK continues to show a high incidence of errors in patients admitted to hospital with diabetes. It is clear that new initiatives are urgently required to address this risk.Methods: The Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS-IP) organised the fourth national Rowan Hillson Insulin Safety Award on the theme of the best digital initiative to improve insulin and prescribing safety in hospital.Results: The winner was Western General Hospital team (Edinburgh). The team created diabetes dashboards which helped collect high quality accurate data on capillary blood glucose from patients admitted to the hospital and deliver specific and concise messages to various wards. The team from King’s College Hospital secured runner-up prize for their initiative which enabled reduction in hypoglycaemia during treatment of hyperkalaemia by adding a personalised dose of dextrose to insulin infusion.Conclusions: These and similar innovations need to be developed, promoted and shared to improve patient safety in hospitalised patients with diabetes.
Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica with intra-lesional glucocorticoid
Authors: Ball Stephanie Louise , Salmon Nicola Jane , Tidman Michael J
Published: September 2018

N/A (Case Report)
A prediction model for primary aldosteronism when the salt loading test is inconclusive
Authors: Velema Marieke S , Linssen Evie J M , Hermus Ad R M M , Groenewoud Hans J M M , van der Wilt Gert-Jan , van Herwaarden Antonius E , Lenders Jacques W M , Timmers Henri J L M , Deinum Jaap
Published: October 2018

Objective

To develop a prediction model to confirm or exclude primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients with an inconclusive salt loading test (SLT).

Context

Diagnosis in patients with a suspicion of PA can be confirmed using an SLT. In case of inconclusive test results the decision about how to manage the patient is usually based on contextual clinical data.

Design

We included a retrospective cohort of 276 patients in the final analysis.

Methods

All patients underwent an SLT between 2005 and 2016 in our university medical center. The SLT was inconclusive (post-infusion aldosterone levels 140–280 pmol/L) in 115 patients. An expert panel then used contextual clinical data to diagnose PA in 45 of them. Together with 101 patients with a positive SLT this resulted in a total of 146 patients with PA. A total of 11 variables were used in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. We assessed internal validity by bootstrapping techniques.

Results

The following variables were independently associated with PA: more intense potassium supplementation, lower plasma potassium concentration, lower plasma renin concentration before SLT and higher plasma aldosterone concentration after SLT. The resulting prediction model had a sensitivity of 84.4% and a specificity of 94.3% in patients with an inconclusive SLT. The positive and negative predictive values were 90.5 and 90.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

We developed a prediction model for the diagnosis of PA in patients with an inconclusive SLT that results in a diagnosis that was in high agreement with that of an expert panel.
Evaluation of the efficacy of recombinant tissue plasminogen activators in improving clinical status of acute ischemic stroke: A randomized clinical trial in Iran
Authors: Khazaei Mojtaba , Khazaei Zaher , Goodarzi Elham , Ghadimi Ali
Published: September 2018

Background: Acute ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of a cerebral artery and is also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy is effective in reducing early and long-term neurologic disabilities if it is started quickly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activators in improving the clinical status of acute ischemic stroke.
Methods: The current study was performed as a clinical trial of two groups- treatment and control (n=20 per group). The treatment group consisted of patients who received rt-PA, while the control group consisted of patients who did not receive rt-PA. For each group, evaluation of neurological disabilities following ischemic stroke was based off the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), for early assessment of disability on the third day of treatment), and off the modified Rankin Scale (MRS) at 90 days after stroke. The drug effect criterion was used to reduce the neurological disability or the difference in NIHSS on day 3 after treatment. Also, the duration of onset of symptoms until the arrival of the patients to the emergency room (ER), as well as the risk factors, complications and number of deaths in both groups, were recorded. Data obtained were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The results of the study showed that the mean of ER arrival time, NIHSS before treatment, and NIHSS on day 3 of treatment in the control group was higher than that of the treatment group; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The results also indicated that the probability of improvement of neurological disabilities in the experimental group was greater than that of the control group (relative risk (RR) =1.25). Additionally, the odds ratio (OR) for receiving rt-PA in the NIHSS positive treatment group compared to the control group was equal to 1/5 (OR=1.5). The results showed that 30% of the patients in the treatment group were treated with a complication. The mean of MRS was higher in the control group at 90 days after the stroke, compared with the treatment group.
Conclusion: Treatment with rt-PA reduces the neurological disability in patients with ischemic stroke, since the mean of MRS is lower in the treatment group, compared with the control group, after 90 days of treatment.
Noteworthy records of Sunbittern Eurypyga helias (Pallas, 1781) (Eurypygiformes, Eurypygidae) and Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus (Statius Müller, 1776) (Charadriiformes, Recurvirostridae) from the southern Andes of Ecuador
Authors: Cadena-Ortiz Héctor , Escobar Juan , Cordero Juan , Moreno Edison , Ríos-Alvear Gorki
Published: October 2018

We report the highest and southernmost documented records of 2 species of Ecuadorian birds: Sunbittern Eurypyga helias (Pallas, 1781) in the southern end of Podocarpus National Park and Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus (Statius Müller, 1776) in Yacuri National Park. Considering these and other records, both species might be expanding their ranges into the highlands, but the necessity to fill geographical, morphological, and taxonomic gaps on Ecuadorian birds remains.
Professional Development Levels of Teachers in Respect of Developmental Supervision Areas
Authors: Göksoy Süleyman
Published: October 2018

The present research aimed to determine the professional development levels of teachers according to developmental supervision approach. Case study method from qualitative research methods was used in the data collection. Educators participated in the research state that the professional development areas of the teachers should be comprised of eight main areas. These areas defined by the educators are lesson preparation and planning, teaching-learning process (lesson), assessment and evaluation, professional development, communication, counselling, classroom management, projects and time management. Therefore, it can be indicated that the determined professional development areas of teacher should be prioritized in order to increase both educational quality and teacher performances.
Mediation at School in Lithuania (Case Study)
Authors: Čiuladienė Gražina
Published: October 2018

Schools implement peer mediation programs in order to fulfill the need for better conflict management among school students. It has been revealed that teaching students to be peacemakers is a very valuable competence benefiting them throughout their lives.

Mediation is not used and even known conflict resolution strategy in Lithuania’s schools. Therefore, taking into account the lack of research on school based conflicts this research sets as its object conflict resolution education. It is inspired with the project idea “Mediation at schools” initiated by organization “Save the Children Lithuania” aiming to introduce the innovation – peer mediation as conflict management tool – at Lithuania’s schools.

The research was conducted in one secondary school located in Vilnius, the capital of country. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the experience of pupils attending the peer mediation training (8 h) and mediators’ activities organized at school for a period of two months. The study revealed that pupils more often notice conflicts of others than to confess that they have a conflict themselves. When having a conflict with peers pupils are inclined to apply combat or collaboration strategy. 25 percent of the 7th grade pupils would like to become peer mediator.

When generalising the findings, it can be concluded that mediation training and activities at schools were evaluated as successul. The challenge is to have positive attitude of peer mediation not only of those participated but as well of all school community members (authorities, teachers, parents, pupils) in order the method to be implemeted for a long period.
A Core Method for the Weak Completion Semantics with Skeptical Abduction
Authors: Dietz Saldanha Emmanuelle-Anna , Hölldobler Steffen , Kencana Ramli Carroline Dewi Puspa , Palacios Medinacelli Luis
Published: September 2018

The Weak Completion Semantics is a novel cognitive theory which has been successfully applied to the suppression task, the selection task, syllogistic reasoning, the belief bias effect, spatial reasoning as well as reasoning with conditionals. It is based on logic programming with skeptical abduction. Each program admits a least model under the three-valued Lukasiewicz logic, which can be computed as the least fixed point of an appropriate semantic operator. The semantic operator can be represented by a three-layer feed-forward network using the core method. Its least fixed point is the unique stable state of a recursive network which is obtained from the three-layer feed-forward core by mapping the activation of the output layer back to the input layer. The recursive network is embedded into a novel network to compute skeptical abduction. This paper presents a fully connectionist realization of the Weak Completion Semantics.
Lavagem de Tecido com Manchas de Sangue em uma Máquina Lavadora de Roupas e a Quimiluminescência do Bluestar®
Authors: Karina das Chagas  , Christian Zamberlan Angheben  , Beatriz Álvares Cabral de Barros  , Denise Bolten Lucion Loreto  , André Alex Baldissera  , Mário Marques Fernandes
Published: September 2018

O exame de corpo de delito pode constituir-se tarefa árdua para o perito criminal com ênfase em local de crime. A identificação desses vestígios muitas vezes inclui a presença de sangue. O objetivo desse estudo é testar a quimiluminescência do Bluestar® na identificação de manchas de sangue em tecido de algodão após as superfícies terem sido lavadas em diferentes períodos de tempo e com diferentes produtos de lavagem por uma máquina de lavar roupas automática. Sete corpos de prova foram preparados e em cada um deles foi dispensado 2 ml de sangue: um grupo controle, que não sofreu lavagem, e três duplas, divididas de acordo com os seguintes ciclos: algodão, lavagem ecológica e lavagem diária. Em cada dupla, um substrato foi lavado com água e sabão em pó e outro foi lavado com água, sabão em pó e alvejante em pó sem cloro. Os grupos ainda foram divididos de acordo com a quantidade de vezes que foram lavados na lavadora de roupas: os que foram lavados apenas uma vez (t1) e os que tiveram duas lavagens, no qual, além da primeira, tiveram uma segunda lavagem após 60 dias da primeira (t2). Conclui-se que o Bluestar® apresentou quimiluminescência em tecidos de algodão manchados de sangue em t1. Entretanto, em t2, em grupos que tiveram e os que não tiveram uma segunda lavagem, Bluestar® apresentou pouca quimiluminescência, podendo ser confundido com falso positivo, ou não apresentou reação quimiluminescente, como nos grupos onde foi usado o alvejante em pó sem cloro.
KETAHANANIMPAK,KEKERASAN DAN STRUKTUR MIKRO PADA BAJA TAHAN KARAT MARTENSITIK13 Cr3MO3Ni DENGAN VARIASI SUHU PERLAKUAN PANAS
Authors: Praguna Franco Dwiky , Anwar Moch. Syaiful , Sunardi Sunardi , Mabruri Efendi
Published: October 2018

Sudu turbinmerupakan salah satu bagian penting pada turbin yang bertujuan untukmemutar poros turbin sehingga menghasilkan energi listrik. Pada umumnya material yang digunakan pada sudu turbin adalah baja tahan karat martensitik, akan tetapimaterial tersebut mudah terjadi kegagalan.Mekanisme kegagalannya dipicu oleh adanya retakmikro dan unsur klorida didalam retakan tersebut sehingga akhirnya sudut tersebut mengalami patah. Adanya perbedaan perlakuan panas juga mempengaruhi nilai kekerasan yang berdampak pada jenis patahan yang dihasilkan pada baja tersebut. Pada penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi ketahanan impak, kekerasan dan strukturmikro pada baja tahan karatmartensitik 13 Cr3Mo3Ni dengan variasi suhu perlakuan panas serta mengevaluasi bentuk patahan pada baja tahan karat martensitik 13 Cr3Mo3Ni. Proses austenisasi dilakukan pada suhu 1000 oC, 1050 oC, dan 1100 oC dengan proses tempering pada suhu 500 oC, 550 oC, 600 oC, 650 oC, dan 700 oC dengan waktu penahanan 60 menit. Sedangkan uji mekanik yang dilakukan adalah uji kekerasan rockwell C dan uji impak charpy. Dan untukmengetahui strukturmikro yang terbentuk,maka dilakukan uji metalografi dan untuk mengetahui hasil patahan setelah dilakukannya uji impak,maka dilakukan uji SEM.Adapun hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini yaitu nilai kekerasan terendah ditunjukkan pada suhu austenisasi 1000 oC dan suhu tempering 700 oC, yaitu 38,13 HRC. Sedangkan nilai impak tertinggi ditunjukkan pada suhu austenisasi 1100 oC dan suhu tempering 650 oC, yaitu 114,00 J. Adapun strukturmikro yang terbentuk adalah martensit, austenit sisa, ferit, dan karbida logam.
Augmented Reality From Turkish Researchers' Perspective
Authors: Kıyıcı Mubin
Published: September 2018

Concept of augmented reality (AR) has been attracting the attention of researchers due to its feature of combining physical environment of students and digital presentation materials and offering them to users. AR applications have made a great impression among scientists working in a wide range of fields from engineering sciences to social sciences and become the subject matter of theoretical and experimental research and different kinds of studies in a process starting from the design and programming steps of AR applications to their usage by end-users. In this research, 191 different studies conducted by Turkish scientists on AR were subjected to a document analysis, and the studies were examined according to their fields, types, research designs and population and sample characteristics. These studies were also subjected to a content analysis and scrutinized. According to the research results, AR applications have become the subject matters of product design / development studies particularly in engineering sciences while their different effects have been tested with quantitative research designs in educational sciences.
Can Informal Learning and Academic Engagement Mediate the Negative Impact of Social Networking on Academic Performance?
Authors: Rostaminezhad Mohamamd Ali , Ayati Mohsen , Zamaniyan Mina
Published: September 2018

College students are the prominent users of social networking sites. Some studies revealed negative effect of social networking on academic performance, so finding some variables which can mediate this negative effect is important. This descriptive-correlational study examined the mediating role of informal learning and engagement in relationship between social networking and academic performance. To this aim, 380 university students were selected using cluster sampling. Social Network Sites Usage, Student’s Engagement in School Scale, perceived educational outcome of social networks and student self-reported GPA were used as instruments. Findings from path analysis revealed that the direct effect of social networking on academic performance and engagement was negative but its impact on informal learning was positive. Path analysis showed neither informal learning nor academic engagement can mediate negative effect of social networking on academic performance.
Impact of the Individual Innovativeness Characteristics on Success and Contentment at the Computer Programming Course: A Web-Based Blended Learning Experience
Authors: Yağcı Mustafa
Published: September 2018

The computer programming knowledge requires high level problem solving skills. Complexity of programming language and the learning attributes, control focus, thought processes and individual differences like individual innovativeness characteristics (IIC), have an influence on the success of the students in programming. One of the methods in which information and communication technologies are utilized to secure student participation and retain learning is the blended learning method. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the introduction to programming course which is designed by web-based blended learning method on the academic successes and contentment of the students with different individual innovative characteristics. The results of the research have indicated that the execution of the course with web-based online learning instruments, has positively impacted the academic success and motivation of the students. One other finding is that there are meaningful deviations between the pretest- posttest success scores within each group whose individual innovative characteristics are being pioneering, questioning and skeptical. Furthermore the analysis results have indicated that there is no meaningful difference between the three individual innovative with regards to achievement test.
Primary School Students' Perceptions of Technology
Authors: BALKAN KIYICI Fatime
Published: September 2018

It was aimed with this study to identify primary school fourth-grade students' perceptions of technology. The study was designed as phenomenology method. The participants of the research were composed of 58 primary school fourth-grade students attending to a public school. The research data were obtained through picture drawing, metaphors, Word Association Test, and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the students had similar perceptions of technology and they associated the concept of technology rather with higher tech products. They also defined technology as things that make things easier and emphasized that it has positive and negative aspects.
Profiling Web Technology Adoption of English Language Instructors in Malaysian Universities
Authors: Murugaiah Puvaneswary
Published: September 2018

Undeniably the use of web technology in language teaching and learning has advanced by leaps and bounds. It not only provides effective learning experiences to the present digitally-inclined students but also assists teachers in creating interesting content and activities as well as in monitoring and evaluating students. Teachers at all educational levels employ web technology in their teaching. However, it has been reported that its potential has not been fully reaped. This paper presents findings from a study investigating the nature and extent of web technologies used by Malaysian tertiary English language instructors. The aim was to examine the nature and extent of using such tools in language teaching. Profiling the web technology adoption by these instructors would provide insights on the degree of use and the range of web potentialities that has been explored; providing vital information to all key players regarding support and training needs, among others. The findings of the study revealed that the English instructors employed a myriad of web tools. They demonstrated a high level of use of these tools for teaching but only a medium level for communication and evaluation.