bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Lhotsampa in Australia: Their Spirituality for Coping and Resilience
Authors: Pulla Venkat , Woods Jennifer
Published: January 2016

The Lhotsampa are one of the three main ethnic groups that make up the population of Bhutan, a nation of immigrants. Despite having been granted full citizenship following the promulgation of the Citizenship Act of 1958, a period of instability for the Lhotsampa ensued with the rise of power and status of the Lhotsampa coupled with the ascension to the throne of the fourth monarch, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who instituted policies ostensibly aimed at retaining ‘Bhutanese’ culture (Evans, R. 2010. ‘The Perils of being a Borderland People: On the Lhotshampas of Bhutan’. Contemporary South Asia, Vol. 18 (1): 26). This instability, marked by oppressive policies and overt discrimination, eventually resulted in either the expulsion or the flight of over 100,000 Lhotsampa people. Following more than 20 years in refugee camps in Nepal, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) commenced the resettlement of the Lhotsampa in 2007 in host countries throughout the world including Australia, the US, the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and the UK ( Benson, G. O., F. Sun, D. R. Hodge and D. K. Androff. 2011. ‘Religious Coping and Acculturation Stress among Hindu Bhutanese: A Study of Newly-resettled Refugees in the United States’. International Social Work, Vol. 55 (4):: 539).

This study examines the spiritual coping and subsequent resilience that the Lhotsampa refugees have succeeded in developing, not only at the loss of their homeland, the lack of citizenship and the adverse effects of refugee existence but also the difficult process of third country resettlement. Facing the difficulties of rebuilding lives in vastly differing Western cultures, this article examines the role(s) that spirituality plays in the development of resilience that facilitates positive outcomes, which the Lhotsampa are demonstrating. Themes of spirituality are identified and the way in which the Lhotsampa utilises their spirituality within these themes are also explored. Finally, the implications for contemporary social work practice will be considered. In particular, this article considers the strengths perspective for culturally competent, spiritually inclusive practice.
‘Sustaining Human Progress’ in Neoliberal Times
Authors: Dasgupta Anirban
Published: January 2016

This essay reviews the ‘Human Development Report’ for 2014 and analyses its policy agenda for mitigating structural vulnerabilities faced by the global population. The essay concludes that while the report supports several progressive policies that are critical for broad-based human development, the lack of a systemic approach with an analysis of neoliberal capitalism remains a fundamental drawback that the report shares with other official publications from multilateral agencies.
Reducing the hospital burden of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: impact of an avoid-heparin program
Authors: McGowan Kelly E. , Makari Joy , Diamantouros Artemis , Bucci Claudia , Rempel Peter , Selby Rita , Geerts William
Published: January 2016

Key Points

Use of LMWH is associated with a lower risk of HIT and HITT compared with use of UFH. The Avoid-Heparin Initiative resulted in a dramatic reduction in the burden of suspected HIT, adjudicated HIT, HITT, and associated costs.
Strategies that delay or prevent the timely availability of affordable generic drugs in the United States
Authors: Jones Gregory H. , Carrier Michael A. , Silver Richard T. , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: January 2016

High cancer drug prices are influenced by the availability of generic cancer drugs in a timely manner. Several strategies have been used to delay the availability of affordable generic drugs into the United States and world markets. These include reverse payment or pay-for-delay patent settlements, authorized generics, product hopping, lobbying against cross-border drug importation, buying out the competition, and others. In this forum, we detail these strategies and how they can be prevented.
Risk factors predictive of occult cancer detection in patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism
Authors: Ihaddadene Ryma , Corsi Daniel J. , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Shivakumar Sudeep , Zarychanski Ryan , Tagalakis Vicky , Solymoss Susan , Routhier Nathalie , Douketis James , Le Gal Gregoire , Carrier Marc
Published: January 2016

Key Points

It remains unclear whether a subgroup of high-risk patients could potentially benefit from a more extensive screening strategy. Age, prior provoked VTE, and smoking status may be important predictors of occult cancer detection in patients with first unprovoked VTE.
Ethnopharmacobotanical study on the medicinal plants used by herbalists in Sulaymaniyah Province, Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Hiwa M.
Published: January 2016

Background

Medicinal plants still play an important role in the Kurdish community. Sulaymaniyah Province in South Kurdistan (Iraq) has a great diversity of plants, including medicinal plants, yet very few scattered ethnobotanical studies conducted in Kurdistan are available in the scientific literature. Thus the study of Kurdish ethnobotany may be crucial for understanding local medicinal plant uses and their relationships to surrounding areas. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to document traditional medicinal plant uses among healers of southern Kurdistan.

Methods

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to document traditional knowledge on medicinal plants uses among traditional healers in the Province of Sulaymaniyah during 2014 and 2015. The data were collected by interviewing 45 traditional healers (36 males and 9 females between the ages of 25 and 80 years) who retain traditional knowledge on medicinal plants. Furthermore, the use value (UV) of taxa was determined and informant consensus factor (ICF) was calculated for the medicinal plants included in the study. Further analysis was carried out to compare the field data with the Kurdish ethnobotanical literature.

Results

The present study found a total of sixty-six plant species, belonging to sixty-three genera within thirty-four plant families, used to treat ninghty-nine different types of ailments and diseases. The most important family was Lamiaceae (7 species), followed by Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae (6 species each). The most frequently used parts were leaves (46 %), followed by flowers (15 %), and seeds (10 %). The most common preparation method was decoction (68 %), whereas few taxa were consumed as a vegetable (13 %) or ingested in powder form (10 %). The respiratory issues category had the highest ICF value (0.68), followed by inflammations and women’s diseases (0.58 and 0.54, respectively). The highest UVs were recorded for the species Zingiber officinale (0.48), Matricaria chamomilla (0.37), Adiantum capillus-veneris (0.31), Thymus vulgaris (0.31) and Pimpinella anisum (0.31).

A comparison with previous ethnobotanical studies conducted in Kurdistan (especially within the territory of present-day Turkey) and surrounding areas showed that several medicinal plant reports recorded in the current investigation are new to Kurdish ethnomedicine, and that they have possibly been influenced by other scholarly medical traditions.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that the area is rich in medicinal plant knowledge. The information reported by the traditional healers of this region is invaluable for further research in the field of cross-cultural ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology.
An integrative genome-wide transcriptome reveals that candesartan is neuroprotective and a candidate therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Elkahloun Abdel G. , Hafko Roman , Saavedra Juan M.
Published: January 2016

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent age-related dementia, and is currently without treatment. To identify possible targets for early therapeutic intervention we focused on glutamate excitotoxicity, a major early pathogenic factor, and the effects of candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker of neuroprotective efficacy in cell cultures and rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease. The overall goal of the study was to determine whether gene analysis of drug effects in a primary neuronal culture correlate with alterations in gene expression in Alzheimer’s disease, thus providing further preclinical evidence of beneficial therapeutic effects.

Methods

Primary neuronal cultures were treated with candesartan at neuroprotective concentrations followed by excitotoxic glutamate amounts. We performed genome-wide expression profile analysis and data evaluation by ingenuity pathway analysis and gene set enrichment analysis, compared with alterations in gene expression from two independent published datasets identified by microarray analysis of postmortem hippocampus from Alzheimer’s disease patients. Preferential expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells or neurons was analyzed by comparison to published gene expression in these cells isolated from human cortex by laser capture microdissection.

Results

Candesartan prevented glutamate upregulation or downregulation of several hundred genes in our cultures. Ingenuity pathway analysis and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that inflammation, cardiovascular disease and diabetes signal transduction pathways and amyloid β metabolism were major components of the neuronal response to glutamate excitotoxicity. Further analysis showed associations of glutamate-induced changes in the expression of several hundred genes, normalized by candesartan, with similar alterations observed in hippocampus from Alzheimer’s disease patients. Gene analysis of neurons and cerebrovascular endothelial cells obtained by laser capture microdissection revealed that genes up- and downregulated by glutamate were preferentially expressed in endothelial cells and neurons, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data may be interpreted as evidence of direct candesartan neuroprotection beyond its effects on blood pressure, revealing common and novel disease mechanisms that may underlie the in vitro gene alterations reported here and glutamate-induced cell injury in Alzheimer’s disease. Our observations provide novel evidence for candesartan neuroprotection through early molecular mechanisms of injury in Alzheimer’s disease, supporting testing this compound in controlled clinical studies in the early stages of the illness.
On the fixed point theory of soft metric spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Murtaza Ghulam , Romaguera Salvador
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper is to show that a soft metric induces a compatible metric on the collection of all soft points of the absolute soft set, when the set of parameters is a finite set. We then show that soft metric extensions of several important fixed point theorems for metric spaces can be directly deduced from comparable existing results. We also present some examples to validate and illustrate our approach.
De novo construction of an expanded transcriptome assembly for the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus
Authors: Tassone Erica E , Geib Scott M , Hall Brian , Brent Colin S , Fabrick Jeffrey A , Brent Colin S , Hull J Joe
Published: January 2016

Background:

The plant bug Lygus hesperus Knight is a polyphagous pest of many economically important crops. Despite its pest status, little is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for much of the biology of this species. Earlier Lygus transcriptome assemblies were limited by low read depth, or because they focused on specific conditions. To generate a more comprehensive transcriptome, we supplemented previous datasets with new reads corresponding to specific tissues (heads, antennae, and male reproductive tissues). This transcriptome augments current Lygus molecular resources and provides the foundational knowledge critical for future comparative studies.

Findings:

An expanded, Trinity-based de novo transcriptome assembly for L. hesperus was generated using previously published whole body Illumina data, supplemented with 293 million bp of new raw sequencing data corresponding to five tissue-specific cDNA libraries and 11 Illumina sequencing runs. The updated transcriptome consists of 22,022 transcripts (average length of 2075 nt), 62 % of which contain complete open reading frames. Significant coverage of the BUSCO (benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs) dataset and robust metrics indicate that the transcriptome is a quality assembly with a high degree of completeness. Initial assessment of the new assembly's utility revealed that the length and abundance of transcripts predicted to regulate insect physiology and chemosensation have improved, compared with previous L. hesperus assemblies.

Conclusions:

This transcriptome represents a significant expansion of Lygus transcriptome data, and improves foundational knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying L. hesperus biology. The dataset is publically available in NCBI and GigaDB as a resource for researchers.
Draft genome sequence for virulent and avirulent strains of Xanthomonas arboricola isolated from Prunus spp. in Spain
Authors: Garita-Cambronero Jerson , Palacio-Bielsa Ana , López María M. , Cubero Jaime
Published: January 2016

Xanthomonas arboricola is a species in genus Xanthomonas which is mainly comprised of plant pathogens. Among the members of this taxon, X. arboricola pv. pruni, the causal agent of bacterial spot disease of stone fruits and almond, is distributed worldwide although it is considered a quarantine pathogen in the European Union. Herein, we report the draft genome sequence, the classification, the annotation and the sequence analyses of a virulent strain, IVIA 2626.1, and an avirulent strain, CITA 44, of X. arboricola associated with Prunus spp. The draft genome sequence of IVIA 2626.1 consists of 5,027,671 bp, 4,720 protein coding genes and 50 RNA encoding genes. The draft genome sequence of strain CITA 44 consists of 4,760,482 bp, 4,250 protein coding genes and 56 RNA coding genes. Initial comparative analyses reveals differences in the presence of structural and regulatory components of the type IV pilus, the type III secretion system, the type III effectors as well as variations in the number of the type IV secretion systems. The genome sequence data for these strains will facilitate the development of molecular diagnostics protocols that differentiate virulent and avirulent strains. In addition, comparative genome analysis will provide insights into the plant-pathogen interaction during the bacterial spot disease process.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF144B is LPS-inducible in human, but not mouse, macrophages and promotes inducible IL-1β expression
Authors: Ariffin Juliana K , Kapetanovic Ronan , Schaale Kolja , Gatica-Andrades Marcela , Blumenthal Antje , Schroder Kate , Sweet Matthew J
Published: January 2016

Differences in human and mouse immune responses may partly reflect species-specific adaptations and can provide important insights into human immunity. In this study, we show that RNF144B, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, was lipopolysaccharide-inducible in primary human macrophages and in human macrophage–like THP-1 cells. In contrast, Rnf144b was not lipopolysaccharide-inducible in several mouse cell populations, including primary macrophages from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice and RAW264.7 macrophages. Similarly, Rnf144b was not up-regulated by infection of C57BL/6 mice with Escherichia coli. Although the human and mouse RNF144B genes have conserved transcription start sites, cap analysis of gene expression data confirmed that the RNF144B promoter directs transcription in human but not mouse macrophages. The human and mouse RNF144B genes are controlled by highly conserved TATA-containing promoters, but subtle differences in transcription factor binding sites may account for differential regulation. Using gene silencing, we showed that RNF144B is necessary for priming of inflammasome responses in primary human macrophages. Specifically, RNF144B promotes lipopolysaccharide-inducible IL-1b mRNA expression but does not regulate expression of several other lipopolysaccharide-inducible cytokines (e.g., interleukin-10, interferon-γ) or affect expression of inflammasome components or substrates (e.g., procaspase-1, pro-interleukin-18). Our findings thus revealed a species-specific regulatory mechanism for selective inflammasome priming in human macrophages.
Treating Nephroblastoma in Rwanda: Using International Society of Pediatric Oncology Guidelines in a Novel Oncologic Care Model
Authors: Shyirambere Cyprien , Xu Mary Jue , Elmore Shekinah Nefreteri , Fadelu Temidayo , May Leana , Tapela Neo , Umuhizi Denis Gilbert , Uwizeye Frank Regis , Driscoll Caitlin , Muhayimana Clemence , Hategekimana Vedaste , Rubagumya Fidel , Nzayisenga Ignace , Shulman Lawrence N. , Mpunga Tharcisse , Lehmann Leslie E.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Success in treating nephroblastoma in high-income countries has been transferred to some resource-constrained settings; multicenter studies report disease-free survival of greater than 70%. However, few reports present care models with rural-based components, care tasks shifted to internists and pediatricians, and data collection structured for monitoring and evaluation. Here, we report clinical outcomes and protocol compliance for patients with nephroblastoma evaluated at Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence in Rwanda.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study reports the care of 53 patients evaluated between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2014. Patients receiving less than half of their chemotherapy at Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence were excluded.

Results

Of the 53 patients included, 9.4% had stage I, 13.2% had stage II, 24.5% had stage III, 26.4% had stage IV, and 5.7% had stage V disease; the remaining 20.8% had unknown stage disease from inadequate work-up or unavailable surgical report. The incidence of neutropenia increased with treatment progression, and the greatest proportion of delays occurred during the surgical referral phase. At the end of the study period, 32.1% of patients (n = 17) remained alive after treatment; 24.5% (n = 13) remained alive while continuing treatment, including one patient with recurrent disease; 30.2% (n = 16) died; and 13.2% (n = 7) were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that nephroblastoma can be effectively treated in resource-constrained settings. Using an approach in which chemotherapy is delivered at a rural-based center by nononcologists and data are used for routine evaluation, care can be delivered in safe, novel ways. Protocol modifications to mitigate chemotherapy toxicities and strong communication between the multidisciplinary team members will likely minimize delays and further improve outcomes in similar settings.
Maya Healers' Conception of Cancer as Revealed by Comparison With Western Medicine
Authors: Berger-González Mónica , Gharzouzi Eduardo , Renner Christoph
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Cultural diversity in clinical encounters is common, yet mental constructions regarding cancer that influence expected treatment are poorly studied for indigenous people. We explored Maya healers' conceptions, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer to remedy this problem.

Methods

In-depth structured interviews with 67 traditional Maya healers in Guatemala across Kaqchikel, Kiche', Mam, Mopan, and Q'eqchi' ethnolinguistic groups were conducted by using a transdisciplinary format. Analysis of qualitative data in categorized matrixes allowed for statistical examination of tendencies and the results were complemented by validation workshops with Maya representatives.

Results

Maya classification of diseases has broad categories of malignant diseases including cancer. Specific Maya terms might equate to particular cancer types, which would open new avenues for research. Notions of malignancy and metastasis were expressed by healers as core characteristics of cancer, a disease believed to be both material and spiritual. Resolution of and/or treatment for cancer is based on restoring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium of the patient and extending that equilibrium to his larger social circle.

Conclusion

Maya conceptions of cancer determine how traditional diagnostic tools are used and dictate treatment options that include the patient's social-spiritual support system. Official health care providers' understanding of these principles can improve implementation of culturally appropriate protocols that increase indigenous patients' compliance and reduce rates of treatment abandonment.
Vitamin D3 Inhibits Wnt/β-Catenin and mTOR Signaling Pathways in Human Uterine Fibroid Cells
Authors: Al-Hendy Ayman , Diamond Michael P. , Boyer Thomas G. , Halder Sunil K.
Published: January 2016

Context:

Somatic mutations in the Med12 gene are known to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human uterine fibroids (UFs).

Objective:

The objective of the study was to examine the role of vitamin D3 in the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in human UF cells.

Design:

Immortalized human UF cells (HuLM) and human primary UF (PUF) cells were treated with increasing concentrations of vitamin D3 and thereafter analyzed using Western blots and immunocytochemistry.

Main Outcome Measures:

Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR signaling proteins in cultured HuLM and PUF cells were measured.

Results:

UF tumors with Med12 somatic mutations showed an up-regulation of Wnt4 and β-catenin as compared with adjacent myometrium. Vitamin D3 administration reduced the levels of Wnt4 and β-catenin in both HuLM and PUF cells. Vitamin D3 also reduced the expression/activation of mTOR signaling in both cell types. In contrast, vitamin D3 induced the expression of DNA damaged-induced transcription 4 (an inhibitor of mTOR) and tuberous sclerosis genes (TSC1/2) in a concentration-dependent manner in HuLM cells. Furthermore, we observed a concentration-dependent reduction of Wisp1 (Wnt induced signaling protein 1) and flap endonuclease 1 proteins in HuLM cells. Additionally, abrogation of vitamin D receptor expression (by silencing) in normal myometrial cells induces Wnt4/β-catenin as well as prompts a fibrotic process including an increase in cell proliferation and increased extracellular matrix production. Together these results suggest that vitamin D3 functions as an inhibitor of Wnt4/β-catenin and mTOR signaling pathways, which may play major roles in fibroid pathogenesis.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D3 may have utility as a novel long-term therapeutic and/or preventive option for uterine fibroids.
Improved Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Forman Daniel E. , Alexander Karen , Brindis Ralph G. , Curtis Anne B. , Maurer Mathew , Rich Michael W. , Sperling Laurence , Wenger Nanette K.
Published: January 2016

Longevity is increasing and the population of older adults is growing. The biology of aging is conducive to cardiovascular disease (CVD), such that prevalence of coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, arrhythmia and other disorders are increasing as more adults survive into old age.  Furthermore, CVD in older adults is distinctive, with management issues predictably complicated by multimorbidity, polypharmacy, frailty and other complexities of care that increase management risks (e.g., bleeding, falls, and rehospitalization) and uncertainty of outcomes.  In this review, state-of-the-art advances in heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, atrial fibrillation, amyloidosis, and CVD prevention are discussed.  Conceptual benefits of treatments are considered in relation to the challenges and ambiguities inherent in their application to older patients.
Characteristics computation for modern shock isolators of rolling-stock using appropriate simulators
Authors: Болдырев Алексей , Boldyrev Aleksey , Васильев Алексей , Vasilev Aleksey
Published: January 2016

The adequacy of a real physical object simulator is particularly significant in the problems of operation when there is a possibility for the immediate comparison and analysis of computational and actual values of model parameters. Modern absorbing devices for rollingstock automatic coupling are described thoroughly with the aid of various simulators, but the adequacy results of these simulators insufficient. In the course of investigations there were created specified simulators of modern shock isolators. The simulator parameters are identified on basis of experimental researches of fullscale samples. The experiments were carried out simultaneously with mathematical modeling and included static tests on hydraulic press PMM-250 and dynamic tests on shock tableincline BSTU-BS3. For the computation of identifiable parameters there was used a criterion function which defined the rate of divergence in an experiment and computed model on a travel and force. As a criterion function the criterion of a root-mean-square deviation of force and travel from experimental behavior was used. According to the in-vestigations carried out there were computed the characteristics of modern shock isolators, and also the adequacy of created simulators on basis of Fischer criterion was tested and verified.
Functional coatings for cutters
Authors: Верещака Алексей , Vereshchaka Aleksey
Published: January 2016

A methodology for the design of cutter func-tional coating and also the processes of assisted va-cuumarc deposition with condensate filtration allowing the effectiveness increase in various cutter types at the expense of updating a coating structure, the development of intergrain and interlayer boundaries of coating, the durability increase in adhesion of a coating with substrate are considered.
Frequency-current system for relay vector control of non-synchronous electric drive in bridge crane travel mechanism
Authors: Сморудова Татьяна , Smorudova Tatyana , Кочевинов Дмитрий , Kochevinov Dmitriy , Федяева Галина , Fedyaeva Galina , Конохов Дмитрий , Konokhov Dmitriy
Published: January 2016

This paper reports the variant for the advancement of the functional circuit and algorithms to control a bridge crane travels with the correction of misalignment and transverse displacement on basis of the use of new systems of a nonsynchronous electric drive with frequency control. It is offered to use a simple and reliable frequency – current with an autonomous inverter of current and a relayvector algorithm of control. A functional circuit of the system of frequen-cy-current control for the mechanism of a bridge crane travel with the correction of misalignment and transverse displacement. To analyze a crane position there are used differential values obtained by means of the indication difference in contactless sensors measuring a distance from the preset crane points to rails on the opposite supports. The procedure for the computation of control system parameters is stated. For the check of created functional circuits and algorithms of control there is used a complex electromechanical computer model of a bridge crane with a high degree of detailed elaboration (a virtual prototype of a bridge crane). The modeling results of are shown. The shown frequency – current system of control with the correction of misalignment and transverse displacement allows the decrease of threshold differential valuations and the increase of speed and accuracy of regulation
Research of non-stationary thermal process in diamond-containing composite
Authors: Гутов Астемир , Gutov Astemir , Деунежев Залим , Deunezhev Zalim , Карданова Марианна , Kardanova Marianna , Батыров Умар , Batyrov Umar , Яхутлов Мартин , Yakhutlov Martin
Published: January 2016

The computational modeling of temperature non-stationary fields in the system “diamond-polymer matrix” is carried out. The dependences of a steadystate temperature and time of transitional thermal process upon matrix thermal conductivity and heat capacity are defined.
Costeffectiveness in polymeric composite material cutting
Authors: Янюшкин Александр , Yanyushkin Aleksandr , Рычков Даниил , Rychkov Daniil , Лобанов Дмитрий , Lobanov Dmitriy
Published: January 2016

The creation of new structural materials for manufacturing parts of various technical destinations is an integral part of modern industry, inasmuch as the requirements to products are mainly directed to the decrease of their mass, hardening, conservation of properties at the influence of hostile environment and temperature without attraction of additional expenditures for manufacturing. But, in the course of cutting a tool is worn out quickly and cannot ensure high efficiency of machining. The purpose of researches consists in the technological process efficiency increase of composite material edge cutting machining. As a problem of researches is the development of the procedure for the assessment of expenditures presented depending on the peculiarities of the tool design, its capacity for work and cutting modes. For the solution of problems set there is offered a procedure for the assessment of expenditures presented which takes into account the expenses for a cutter, work material, electric power and other parameters characterizing the techniques taking into account the specificity of composite material machining. There is an expenditure binding to empirical values of the technological period of tool life and machining productivity depending on cutting modes. The procedure is realized for the optimization of the technological process of composite material milling. The recommendation for the definition of cutting modes ensuring low expenditures for manufacturing is developed.
Anemia and Celiac Disease-Experience At Tertiary Care Center of Northern India
Authors: Malhotra Parveen , Malhotra Naveen , Malhotra Vani , Pansi  , Chhabra Sonia , Chugh Ajay , Chaturvedi Abhishek , Chandrika Parul
Published: January 2016

Background: Celiac disease (CD), is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed populations. It is characterized by permanent intolerance to wheat gliadins and other cereal prolamins. The epidemiology of CD has iceberg characteristics with more undiagnosed cases. The diagnosis of CD is currently based on both typical small bowel biopsy findings with clinical and serological parameters. Anemia secondary to iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 malabsorption is a common complication of celiac disease. Patients can also present with thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, venous thromboembolism, hyposplenism and IgA deficiency. Aims: This study conducted with aims to study presenting complaints of suspected cases of celiac disease and further correlate endoscopic duodenal biopsies with various clinical and serological parameters. Materials and Methods: The detailed clinical history and physical examination was done and then duodenum biopsies in hundred cases of suspected CD (on the basis of clinical and serological profile) were taken. Histopathological diagnosis was established on routine hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. The histopathological grading was performed as per modified Marsh grading. Representative section was also subjected for immunohistochemically staining with antihuman CD3 antibody for evaluating intraepithelial lymphocytes. Comparison of these grades with the serological (anti tTG levels) and other clinical parameters (symptoms, weight, endoscopy and hemoglobin levels) were done. These data were subsequently analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. Chi square test and other relevant statistics were used to assess the relationship between two variables. P-value less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results and Conclusions: Majority of patients presented with typical gastrointestinal symptoms and anemia and significantly correlated with higher Marsh grades (p=0.0326) but atypical symptoms can be the primary presentation of the disease. Patients with higher serum anti-tTG levels, have a high-degree probability of duodenal damage. Anti-tTG levels have conclusively been proven to correlate with increasing histological grades (p=0.005).
Young Adult Perspectives on a Successful Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Sobota Amy E. , Umeh Emeka , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: January 2016

Objective: This qualitative study sought to learn from young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) about their experience leaving pediatric care and perspective on what makes a successful transition.
Methods: Fifteen young adults with SCD who had left pediatric care within the previous five years participated in focus groups led by a trained moderator. Transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory.
Results: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: facilitators of transition (meeting the adult provider prior to transfer, knowing what to expect, gradually taking over disease self-management and starting the process early), barriers to transition (negative perceived attitude of adult staff, lack of SCD specific knowledge by both patients and staff, and competing priorities interfering with transition preparation), what young adults wished for in a transition program (opportunities to meet more staff prior to transfer, more information about the differences between pediatric and adult care, learning from a peer who has been through the process, more SCD teaching, and flexibility in transition preparation) and how they define a successful transition (gradually assuming responsibility for self-management of their SCD).
Conclusion: Our findings present unique opportunities to learn from young adults with SCD about ways to improve current transition programs.
Correlation between Platelets and Red Blood Cells Parameters in Cattle Theileriosis
Authors: Abd Ellah Mahmoud Rushdi
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the study is to investigate the values for platelets (PLT) count, plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and the correlation with the parallel red blood cell parameters, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in cattle Theileriosis. A total number of 25 cows were subjected to study. Out of them 18 cows were suffered from Theileriosis, the remained 7 cows were clinically healthy and kept as control. Red blood cells (RBCs) and platelet indices were measured in whole blood samples collected on EDTA. Animals infected with Theileria were classified into two groups based on total erythrocytes count. Group 1: included animals that had total RBCs count above 5 x 106/mm3. Group 2: included animals that had total RBCs count below 5 x 106/mm3. Comparing data from theileria infected groups with the control group revealed that there was a significant decrease in total RBCs count only in group 2 (p<0.01). MCV showed significant decreases in group 1 (p<0.01) and group 2 (p<0.05), PCV was significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.01), RDW was significantly increased only in group 2 (p<0.05), PLT count was significantly decreased only in group 2 (p<0.05), PCT was significantly decreased only in group 2 (p<0.05), no significant changes were observed in MPV and PDW. Comparing data from group 1 with group 2 revealed that RBCs count, PCV and PLT count were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. Furthermore, MCV value was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. RDW was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. The present study revealed that in cattle Theileriosis, PLT indices greatly affected by the degree of anemia. Furthermore, the decrease in PLT count and PCT usually accompany oligocythemia.
The new immunological methods for diagnostics of type 1 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (the first experience in Russia)
Authors: Orlova Elizaveta Mikhaylovna , Sozaeva Leyla Salikhovna , Karmanov Maksim Evgen'evich , Breivik Lars Ertesvåg , Husebye Eystein Sverre , Kareva Mariya Andreevna
Published: January 2016

This study was designed to ascertain the role of anti-interferon (IFN)-ω and -α2 antibodies (AB) in diagnostics of type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS-1) and evaluate specificity and sensitivity of the HEK-Blue cells method used to detect these antibodies. The study included 34 patients presenting with APS-1 and 21 patients with focal alopecia. All 100% of the patients with APS-1 ehxhibited high titers of anti IFN-ωantibodies; 97% of them had anti IFN-a2 antibodies. These antibodies were not found in the patients with focal alopecia. It is concluded that the measurement of anti IFN-α and α2 antibodies with the use of HEK-Blue cells is a highly specific and sensitive method for diagnostics of APS-1.
Politics of policy: Assessing the implementation, impact, and evolution of the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) and edTPA
Authors: Reagan Emilie Mitescu , Schram Thomas , McCurdy Kathryn , Chang Te-Hsin , Evans Carla M.
Published: January 2016

Summative performance assessments in teacher education, such as the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) and the edTPA, have been heralded through polices intended to enhance the quality of the teaching profession and raise its stature among other professions. However, the development and implementation of the PACT, and subsequently the edTPA, have not been without controversy and debate. The purpose of this article is to assess the implementation, impact, and evolution of the PACT and edTPA. To do so, we review the growing body of literature on the impact and implementation of the PACT and critically analyze the state policies surrounding the edTPA. We raise questions about the practical and policy implications of the PACT’s evolution, as a statewide assessment, to the edTPA, a nationally available assessment.
Widening the gap: Unequal distribution of resources for K–12 science instruction
Authors: Smith P. Sean , Trygstad Peggy J. , Banilower Eric R.
Published: January 2016

Inequalities in educational opportunity are well documented. Regardless of the nature of the disadvantage—low income, underrepresented minority status, or prior achievement—students from backgrounds associated with a given disadvantage have less access to educational opportunities. In this article, we use data from the 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education to explore how resources are allocated for science instruction specifically. We focus on how three kinds of resources—well-prepared teachers, material resources, and instruction itself—are allocated to classes that are homogeneously grouped by prior achievement level. Regardless of the resource, we find that classes of students with low prior achievement (as perceived by their teachers) have less access. Some of the differences are striking, particularly regarding access to material resources, while others are more subtle. There is also evidence that some policies do not impact teachers equally. For example, time allowed for teacher professional development is perceived differently by teachers in terms of its impact depending on the achievement level of students in the class. The study supports the assertion that what is known about ability grouping in general applies in science instruction specifically. When students with low prior achievement are grouped together, their classes have less access to critical resources for science learning opportunities, potentially widening the gap between them and their higher-achieving peers.
Education and youth in contexts of socioeconomic inequality. Trends and perspectives for Latin America.
Authors: Aparicio Pablo Christian
Published: January 2016

Education has a key role in the development of societies. From strengthening of social cohesion, the organization of biographical and professional projects, and the sustainability of democratic integration, education contributes to the expansion of opportunities for participation. The structural changes produced in Latin America by the reforms of the 1990s, economic and cultural globalization, and the problems inherent in vulnerability and socioeconomic exclusion, created a new framework of restrictions and possibilities for the new generations. This article gives a critical insight into the socioeconomic scene of the educational offer. Subsequently, it inquires into the pertinence of its training proposals, the aim of which is to encourage the participation of the young and to recognize their specific demands.
The equity of school facilities funding: Examples from Kentucky.
Authors: Glenn William J. , Picus Lawrence O. , Odden Allan , Aportela Anabel
Published: January 2016

While there is an extensive literature analyzing the relative equity of state funding systems for current operating revenues, there is a dearth of research on capital funding systems. This article presents an analysis of the school capital funding system in Kentucky since 1990, using the operating-revenue analysis concepts of horizontal equity, vertical equity, and fiscal neutrality. In general one could tentatively conclude that Kentucky’s capital-funding system was reasonably equitable until an expansion of district options in 2003–04 was followed by greater measures of inequity. This analysis points to specific methods for Kentucky to restore equity to its school capital funding structure as well as a model for analysis of other capital funding systems.
Affirmative Action’s Fate: Are 20 More Years Enough?
Authors: Moses Michele S , Yun John T. , Marin Patricia
Published: January 2016

In this article we examine the current status of affirmative action in postsecondary admissions through a concurrent review of recent court rulings, state legislation, and higher education enrollment data. Analyzing each of these factors in the context of the others is important because the court decisions and state-level legislation interact to affect enrollment. We not only present the state of the law, but also examine several outcomes of affirmative action case law and ballot initiatives as well as political implications for the future of affirmative action. From a broad philosophical and legal perspective, then, we ask first, what is the current legal and political status of race-conscious policy in higher education admissions?And second, given that current status, what is the likelihood that by 2028 affirmative action will no longer be needed to further the goals of diversity and equality on college and university campuses? Our methods include analyses of prominent court decisions and state legislation, as well as analyses of enrollment data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System to examine the racial/ethnic diversity of first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates at several state flagship institutions from 1994 to 2005 and compare that to the racial/ethnic diversity of the same undergraduate students attending all 2- and 4-year degree granting public and private institutions in the flagship’s state. In states potentially facing anti-affirmative action ballot initiatives, these analyses provide one approach to examining the current need for affirmative action in admissions and the likely consequences if the ballot initiatives pass.
Comparing linguistic symmetries: Teachers and students analyze Spanish and English in the classroom
Authors: Rodríguez-Valls Fernando
Published: January 2016

This article analyzes the impact of a teaching methodology of English based on the investigation and comparative analysis conducted by students and teachers of sentences constructed in Spanish and spoken in English. Second-generation Hispanic students 'born in the US' who are learning English in the public schools of California; utilize the grammar of two languages on a daily basis. Yet, the activities utilized to teach and evaluate these students oftentimes do not analyze in an explicit way sentences that mix two languages. The model described in this article was implemented during the 2005-2006 school year with 29 Hispanic students enrolled in fourth grade in a public school of Los Angeles. The outcomes of this project suggest that students, who, guided by the teachers, analyze the connections between the two languages using a comparative method, not only perform extremely well in the state exams but also develop a vision of these two languages as codes with linguistic symmetries that create a communal block of knowledge.
Background Variables, Levels of Aggregation, and Standardized Test Scores
Authors: Paulson Sharon E. , Marchant Gregory J.
Published: January 2016

This article examines the role of student demographic characteristics in standardized achievement test scores at both the individual level and aggregated at the state, district, school levels. For several data sets, the majority of the variance among states, districts, and schools was related to demographic characteristics. Where these background variables outside of the control of schools significantly affected averaged scores, and test scores result in high stakes consequences, benefits and sanctions may be inappropriately applied. Furthermore, disaggregating the data by race, SES, limited English, or other groupings ignores the significant confounding and cumulative effects of belonging to more than one disadvantaged group. With these approaches to evaluation being fundamental to the No Child Left Behind mandates, the danger of misinterpretation and inappropriate application of sanctions is substantial.
The world-system of academic capitalism: Process of consolidation of the entrepeneurial university
Authors: Montes César Silva
Published: January 2016

This article presents an analysis of the system of the faculty evaluation by their students at the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez (UACJ). The study was conducted following an interpretative and ethnographic methodology; empirical data was obtained based on participative observation. My presence on a daily basis allows me to register the processes in detail. In this methodology, the subjectivity, ideology and political stand of the researcher are made explicit. Results from the study indicate that for the perspective of the university administration, the faculty evaluation validates the teaching quality, and it is a referent to justify the professor exclusion from the university's incentive program. The faculty views the student evaluation as a control of their labor and as a revenge mechanism from those students who felt that will fail the course. The student perceives the evaluation as a mandatory and unimportant task, because its results do not modify the faculty pedagogic practice. Although there is an agreement between the administration and the faculty to maintain the student evaluation process for merit incentive purpose, faculty questions if this type of evaluation is appropriate for all the disciplines; the validity of peer evaluations; and, the student's judgment to leave them without labor economic incentives. As a result of the found divergence, it is proposed a dialogue among the professors; University's administration, and the students to generate an opinion poll in agreement to the context.
Continued Progression, Work and Teaching as a Profession
Authors: Monfredini Ivanise
Published: January 2016

In Brazil, the expansion of basic school is recent. It occurs from mid-twentieth century, and it was intensified in the last three decades. The "neoliberal" educational policies implemented during the years of 1990, had reaffirmed, as their intention, teachers' ideals and efforts, and, among them, "a quality school for all", using the concept of "inclusive school". Considering the sixty years period of expansion of elementary school's attendance, we carried a socio-historical research, analyzing critically the consequences of the continued progression, a program that was implemented during the `neo-liberal´ reform of Brazilian state. We verified the development of the figure of the desisting teacher in actuation, a process mediated by the school culture and by the adoption of the continued progression system without any changes in the precarious working conditions. We begin by presenting the culture of the research site, the first gymnasium founded in the São Paulo city, using the School Plan, which synthesizes different temporalities related to the formation of the current "Second Cycle" and of the teachers that act at this level of education. The analysis, also supported by interviews with sixteen teachers, has showed the consequences and teaching profession.