bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing conflict resolution skills among pre-primary children: Views and practices of naturalized refugee parents and teachers in Tanzania
Authors: Ndijuye Laurent Gabriel
Published: March 2019

This study examined parents and teachers’ strategies to develop conflict resolution skills among naturalized refugee pre-primary children in Tanzania. A total of 8 school principals, 18 teachers, and 15 parents – by then serving in the Parent-School Association – were selected on the virtue of their positions. Findings revealed that pre-primary stakeholders preferred adult intervention, religious and vocational lessons, and establishing children’s government as strategies to develop conflict resolution skills. However, there was no specific strategy suggested by the existing curriculum documents. It was reported that poor parent–school relationship, lack of curriculum guidelines, poverty, and poor mastery of Kiswahili – the language of instruction – were the main challenges in developing naturalized former refugee children’s conflict resolution skills. These findings underline that, given the benefit associated with pre-primary education for children form disadvantaged backgrounds, and in order to ensure naturalized refugee children are developing to their fullest potentials and integrated into a host society, deliberate efforts are much needed to devising appropriate strategies to develop naturalized refugee children’s constructive conflict resolution skills.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (in nickel-allergic patient) regressed after nickel oral desensitization: A case report
Authors: Nucera Eleonora , Chini Raffaella , Rizzi Angela , Schiavino Domenico , Buonomo Alessandro , Aruanno Arianna , Ricci Riccardo , Mangiola Francesca , Campanale Maria Chiara , Gasbarrini Antonio , Petruzziello Lucio
Published: March 2019

The eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune/antigen disorder of the oesophagus clinically characterized by dysphagia and pathologically by mucosa eosinophilic infiltration. Th2-type allergic reactions are considered having important roles in the aetiopathogenesis of EoE. Avoidance of food allergens, administration of steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and dilation of the oesophagus are the most important treatments. ‘Systemic nickel allergy syndrome’ (SNAS) interests about 20% of patients with nickel contact allergy which could present systemic cutaneous manifestations (urticaria, oedema, etc.) and also respiratory and digestive symptoms (meteorism, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, etc.). In the literature, it is demonstrated that nickel oral immunotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms of SNAS and in modulating inflammatory parameters. We describe the case of a 48-year-old woman suffering from EoE not responsive to the topical steroid administration and diagnosis of SNAS. The patient started nickel oral desensitization according to the literature protocol continuing nickel-free diet. After 1 year from the beginning of the treatment, during the maintenance dose (500 ng three times a week), she decreased gradually the dosage of immunotherapy and reintroduced all the culprit foods. After the immunotherapy interruption, during the free diet, she repeated the oesophagogastroscopy with a complete macroscopic and histological resolution. We showed the first case of an EoE in a patient affected by SNAS responsive to the nickel-free diet and the oral immunotherapy.
Effect of voluntary running on expression of myokines in brains of rats with depression
Authors: Algaidi Sami A , Eldomiaty Magda A , Elbastwisy Yasser M , Almasry Shaima M , Desouky Maha K , Elnaggar Ahmed M
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to demonstrate the histopathology and immunoexpression of exercise-derived myokines in dentate gyrus (DG), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and cerebellum of depressed Wistar rats during depression and after practising voluntary running. Depression was developed by forced swimming for 2 weeks. Voluntary running was performed by voluntary running for 3 weeks. Brain sections were processed and immunostained to detect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). ImageJ software was used to measure the optical density (OD). BDNF was expressed in neurons in DG, mPFC and granular and Purkinje cells in cerebellum. MIF was expressed in neurons of sub-granular zone in DG, mPFC and Purkinje cells. VEGF was expressed in many neurons in DG, mPFC and Purkinje cells. IL-6 was expressed in some neurons in DG, in neuropil of mPFC and in Purkinje cells. In depression, the OD of studied myokines significantly decreased in all examined areas. After voluntary running, the OD of myokines significantly increased in all areas. This study defines the immunohistochemical expression of myokines in brain areas in depression and after voluntary running and reveals the involvement of the mPFC and cerebellum in the pathophysiology of depression.
Men on the margins? Reflections on recruiting and engaging men in reproduction research
Authors: Law Caroline
Published: March 2019

While social science research into reproduction is a vibrant and growing field of scholarly activity, the majority of research is conducted with women and focuses on women’s lives. Reproduction research which does focus on men tends to overlook aspects such as pre-conception desires for parenthood and planning. Scholars have argued for a greater inclusion of men in reproduction research, yet there is a paucity of methodological literature addressing how best to do so. This article reports methodological reflections from a qualitative study into men’s perceptions and intentions regarding the ‘right time’ to have children. It does this in reference to Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities – which foregrounds men as gendered beings and comprises the study of the gendered nature of men’s lives – as both a theoretical position influencing study conception and design and as an explanatory framework for enhancing understanding of the research encounter. The first part of the article describes the Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities–informed study conceptualisation and design, specifically the decisions to include unpartnered men in the sample and to address the absence of men in reproduction research in recruitment materials. It then goes on to discuss the most effective recruitment strategy employed, recruiting through informal gatekeepers, and to consider the consequences of this. The second part of the article presents data from the male participants pertaining to their stated motivations for participating, which relate to interest, helpfulness, and in response to perceived marginalisation, as well as their reflections on the interview encounter as enabling them to construct a narrative. It aims to extend knowledge and understanding regarding engaging men in reproduction research and to illustrate the utility of Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities for doing so, and in doing so to advance both reproduction research and discussions of Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities and methodology more broadly.
Designing and Deploying Case Studies in an Innovative Comic Book Format: Reflective Essay for the Case ‘It’s Bank Policy’
Authors: Purkayastha Debapratim
Published: March 2019

There is growing concern among management educators regarding how to keep their graduate and undergraduate students engaged in their classroom. Even educators who rely on the relatively more engaging case method of teaching have expressed concerns over inadequate preparation of students, their reluctance to read the assigned case and their relatively lower attention spans. Graphic novels or comic book cases have emerged as one of the formats that some educators have started experimenting with. But do cases in comic book format aid learning? If so, how? What are the issues and constraints in designing and deploying such cases? Are there limitations? And what’s the way forward? While reflecting on our experience of designing and deploying a comic book case, we find that this format may not be a silver bullet to tackle all the problems faced by instructors today, but it has great potential to drastically enliven any classroom.
Effects of collagen/β-tricalcium phosphate bone graft to regenerate bone in critically sized rabbit calvarial defects
Authors: Tebyanian Hamid , Norahan Mohammad Hadi , Eyni Hossein , Movahedin Mansoureh , Mortazavi SM Javad , Karami Ali , Nourani Mohammad Reza , Baheiraei Nafiseh
Published: March 2019

Bone defects remain a significant health issue and a major cause of morbidity in elderly patients. Composites based on collagen/calcium phosphate have been widely used for bone repair in clinical applications, owing to their comparability to bone extracellular matrix. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a scaffold of collagen/calcium phosphate (COL/β-TCP) on bone formation to assess its potential use as a bone substitute to repair bone defects. Bilateral full-thickness critically sized calvarial defects (8 mm in diameter) were created in New Zealand white rabbits and treated with COL/β-TCP or COL scaffolds. One defect was also left unfilled as a control. Bone regeneration was assessed through histological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining after 4 and 8 weeks. Alizarin Red staining was also utilized to observe the mineralization process. Our findings indicated that COL/β-TCP implantation could better enhance bone regeneration than COL and exhibited both new bone growth and scaffold material degradation.
Measuring the Determinants for the Survival of Indian Banks Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Shrivastav Santosh Kumar
Published: March 2019

Banks’ survival is often seen as a crucial role in the financial system and the economy. Without a sound and effective banking system, no country can ever have a healthy economy. This research article concentrates on the analysis of collected data for the failed and surviving private and public banks working in India. All possible bank-specific variables as well as macroeconomic and market structure variables have been used to understand the important factors accountable for the survival of the Indian banks through feature selection methods. The Output of the feature selection method shows that, the important factors for bank’s failure or survival are z-score, return on net worth, profit after tax, return on assets, equity, overheads, total assets, income, loan, inflation CPI, interest on revenue, liabilities and GDP growth.
Association of Financial Attitude, Financial Behaviour and Financial Knowledge Towards Financial Literacy: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Rai Kamini , Dua Shikha , Yadav Miklesh
Published: March 2019

Financial literacy is an ability of individual to take considerable decisions in respect of the effective and efficient utilization of money. In present study, authors have presented an association of financial knowledge, financial behaviour and financial attitude towards the financial literacy level among working women in Delhi, India. The sample size of 394 working women from various public and private organizations of Delhi has been incorporated for the research. A structured questionnaire designed on a 5-point Likert scale has been used based on purposive sampling, and the goodness of fit is determined by analysis of moments structures (AMOS) by applying structural equation modeling approach (SEM). The association between three independent variables is investigated applying path analysis for hypothesis testing. The findings revealed that financial attitude and financial behaviour have strong association with financial literacy of working women than financial knowledge.
Effect of Preoperative Gabapentin With a Concomitant Adductor Canal Block on Pain and Opioid Usage After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Ahearn Briggs , Kumar Arun , Premkumar Ajay , Samady Heather , Gottschalk Michael , Xerogeanes John , Karas Spero
Published: March 2019

Background:

An adductor canal block (ACB) and preoperative oral gabapentin have each been shown to decrease postoperative pain scores and opioid usage in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study evaluated the efficacy of preoperative gabapentin on postoperative analgesia in patients who received an ACB. We hypothesized that patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with an ACB who utilized a single dose of preoperative oral gabapentin would have decreased pain and opioid consumption in the 24 to 72 hours after surgery compared with patients who did not utilize gabapentin.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Between January and October 2016, patients at a single institution who underwent ACL reconstruction and received an ACB were identified. Patients who underwent surgery before May 2016 were placed in the control group, and patients seen after May 2016 received a preoperative dose of gabapentin and were placed in the gabapentin group. All patients completed a pain log via a smartphone application to record pain scores and opioid usage after surgery.

Results:

A total of 74 patients were identified: 41 in the gabapentin group and 33 in the control group. There were no significant differences between groups in demographics and operative characteristics. There were no differences in pain scores on postoperative day 1 (gabapentin vs control: 5.53 vs 5.56; P = .95), day 2 (4.58 vs 4.83; P = .59), or day 3 (4.15 vs 3.87; P = .59). The mean opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents was not different on postoperative day 1 (gabapentin vs control: 47.2 vs 48.1; P = .90), day 2 (29.9 vs 33.5; P = .60), or day 3 (17.4 vs 18.7; P = .80).

Conclusion:

Preoperative gabapentin did not reduce pain scores or opioid usage in patients who received an ACB and underwent ACL reconstruction in this retrospective cohort study.
Initiation versus Cessation Control Policies: Deriving Optimal Resource Allocation Strategies to Decrease Smoking Prevalence Under a Fixed Budget
Authors: Sun Ruoyan , Mendez David
Published: March 2019

Background. Over several decades the tobacco control community has recommended and implemented smoking initiation and cessation interventions to reduce the smoking toll. It is necessary to study the combined effect of these interventions to allocate resources optimally. However, there is a paucity of studies that address the right combination of initiation and cessation policies over time to reduce smoking prevalence. Objective. To derive optimal trajectories of initiation and cessation interventions that minimize overall smoking prevalence over a specified period while satisfying a budget constraint. Methods. Using an established dynamic model of smoking prevalence, we employ an optimal control formulation to minimize overall smoking prevalence within a specified time period. The budget constraint is handled through an iterative application of a penalty function on above-budget expenditures. We further derive the optimal cost ratio of initiation versus cessation programs over time. To parameterize our model, we use results from two empirical interventions. The demographic data are from the National Health Interview Survey in the United States. Results. For our example, our results show that the optimal cost ratio (initiation over cessation) starts around 2.02 and gradually increases to 5.28 in 30 years. Smoking prevalence decreases significantly compared with the status quo, 8.54% in 30 years with no interventions versus the estimated 6.43% with interventions. In addition, the optimal units of initiation and cessation interventions increase over time. Conclusions. Our model provides a general framework to incorporate policy details in determining the optimal mix of smoking interventions.
Revision Surgery for Metal Component Failure in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Lachman James R. , Ramos Jania Arcia , Adams Samuel B. , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E. , DeOrio James K.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Metal component failure in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is difficult to treat. Traditionally, conversion to an arthrodesis has been advocated. Revision TAA surgery has become more common with availability of revision implants and refinement of bone-conserving primary implants. The goal of this study was to analyze the clinical results and patient-reported outcomes for patients undergoing revision total ankle arthroplasty.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 52 patients with a mean age of 63.5 ± 9.6 years who had developed loosening or collapse of major metal components following primary TAA. These patients were compared to a case-matched control group of 52 primary TAAs performed at the host institution with a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up. Cases of isolated polyethylene exchange, infection, or extra-articular realignment procedures were excluded. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, Short Form 36 (SF-36), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and pain scores were prospectively collected. Clinical data was collected through review of the electronic medical record to identify reasons for clinical failure, where clinical failure was defined as second revision or conversion to arthrodesis or amputation.

Results:

The identified causes of failure of primary TAA were aseptic loosening of both components (42%), talar component subsidence/loosening (36%), coronal talar subluxation (12%), tibial loosening (8%), and talar malrotation (2%). Thirty-one patients (59.5%) underwent revision of all components, 20 (38.5%) just the talar and polyethylene components, and one (2%) the tibial and polyethylene components. The average time to revision was 5.5 years ± 5.4 with a follow-up of 3.1 years ± 1.5 after revision. Eleven (21.2%) revision arthroplasties required further surgery: 6 required conversion to arthrodesis and 5 required second revision TAA. Pain scores, SF-36 scores, SMFA scores, and AOFAS Hindfoot scores all improved after revision surgery but never reached the same degree of improvement seen after primary TAA.

Conclusions:

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes of revision ankle arthroplasty after metal component failure significantly improved after surgery, although the recovery time was longer. In this series, 21.2% of revision TAAs required a second revision TAA or arthrodesis surgery. Various prostheses performed similarly when used for revision surgery. Revision TAA can offer significant improvements postoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, therapeutic.
A cytosine-rich splice regulatory determinant enforces functional processing of the human α-globin gene transcript
Authors: Ji Xinjun , Humenik Jesse , Liebhaber Stephen A.
Published: March 2019

The establishment of efficient and stable splicing patterns in terminally differentiated cells is critical to maintenance of specific functions throughout the lifespan of an organism. The human α-globin (hα-globin) gene contains 3 exons separated by 2 short introns. Naturally occurring α-thalassemia mutations that trigger aberrant splicing have revealed the presence of cryptic splice sites within the hα-globin gene transcript. How cognate (functional) splice sites are selectively used in lieu of these cryptic sites has remained unexplored. Here we demonstrate that the preferential selection of a cognate splice donor essential to functional splicing of the hα-globin transcript is dependent on the actions of an intronic cytosine (C)-rich splice regulatory determinant and its interacting polyC-binding proteins. Inactivation of this determinant by mutation of the C-rich element or by depletion of polyC-binding proteins triggers a dramatic shift in splice donor activity to an upstream, out-of-frame, cryptic donor. The essential role of the C-rich element in hα-globin gene expression is supported by its coevolution with the cryptic donor site in primate species. These data lead us to conclude that an intronic C-rich determinant enforces functional splicing of the hα-globin transcript, thus acting as an obligate determinant of hα-globin gene expression.
Transcriptomic analysis of different tissue layers in antler growth Center in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Ba Hengxing , Wang Datao , Yau Tung On , Shang Yudong , Li Chunyi
Published: March 2019

Background

With the unprecedented rapid growth rate (up to 2.75 cm/day), velvet antler is an invaluable model for the identification of potent growth factors and signaling networks for extremely fast growing tissues, mainly cartilage. Antler growth center (AGC) locates in its tip and consists of five tissue layers: reserve mesenchyme (RM), precartilage (PC), transition zone (TZ), cartilage (CA) and mineralized cartilage (MC). The aim of this study was to investigate the transcription dynamics in the AGC using RNA-seq technology.

Results

Five tissue layers in the AGC were collected from three 3-year-old male sika deer using our previously reported sampling method (morphologically distinguishable). After sequencing (15 samples; triplicates/tissue layer), we assembled a reference transcriptome de novo and used RNA-seq to measure gene expression profiles across these five layers. Nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected from our data and subsequently verified using qRT-PCR. The results showed a high consistency with the RNA-seq results (R2 = 0.80). Nine modules were constructed based on co-expression network analysis, and these modules contained 370 hub genes. These genes were found to be mainly involved in mesenchymal progenitor cell proliferation, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Combination of our own results with the previously published reports, we found that Wnt signaling likely plays a key role not only in stimulating the antler stem cells or their immediate progeny, but also in promoting chondrogenesis and osteogenesis during antler development.

Conclusion

We have successfully assembled a reference transcriptome, generated gene expression profiling across the five tissue layers in the AGC, and identified nine co-expressed modules that contain 370 hub genes and genes predorminantly expressed in and highly relevant to each tissue layer. We believe our findings have laid the foundation for the identification of novel genes for rapid proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of antler cells.
Determinates of depressive disorder among adult patients with cardiovascular disease at outpatient cardiac clinic Jimma University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Umer Halima , Negash Alemayehu , Birkie Mengesha , Belete Asmare
Published: March 2019

Background

Depression and heart disease are an important public-health problem. Depression is one of the most prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorders with more than three times increased risk among patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Objective

To identify the prevalence and associated factors of depressive disorder among adult patients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study design was used to conduct this study on 293 study participants attending an outpatient cardiac clinic at Jimma University Teaching Hospital. All eligible patients were recruited into the study consecutively. Depression was assessed using patient health questionnaire-9. The patient health questionnaire-9 had a total score of 27, from which 0–4: no/minimal depression, 5–9: mild depression, 10–14: moderately depression, 15–19: moderately severe depression and 20–27 severe depression. The data was feed into Epi-data version 3.1 and lastly exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bivariate analysis was used to analyze the statistical association of covariates of interest with depressive disorder among patients with cardiovascular disease. Then, logistic regression analysis was used as a final model to control confounders. The strength of association was measured by a 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 293 adult patients diagnosed with the cardiovascular disease were included in the study with 97% (n = 284) of response rate, 47.2% (n = 134) males and 52.8% (n = 150) females, making female to a male ratio around 1.1:1. The prevalence of depression was 52.8% (n = 150/284). Out of the subjects with depression 52.67% (n = 79), 36.0% (n = 54) and 11.33% (n = 17) were mild, moderate and severe depression, respectively. Variables such as employed, unemployed, physical activity, current cigarette user and poor social support were independently associated with depression in the final model.

Conclusions

In this study, depression was found to be highly prevalent psychiatric comorbidity in adult cardiovascular disease patients.
The Impact of Hashimoto Thyroiditis on Thyroid Nodule Cytology and Risk of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Silva de Morais Nathalie , Stuart Jessica , Guan Haixia , Wang Zhihong , Cibas Edmund S , Frates Mary C , Benson Carol B , Cho Nancy L , Nehs Mathew A , Alexander Caroline A , Marqusee Ellen , Kim Mathew I , Lorch Jochen H , Barletta Justine A , Angell Trevor E , Alexander Erik K
Published: March 2019

Context

The impact of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) on the risk of thyroid cancer and its accurate detection remains unclear. The presence of a chronic lymphocytic infiltration imparts a logical mechanism potentially altering neoplastic transformation, while also influencing the accuracy of diagnostic evaluation.

Methods

We performed a prospective, cohort analysis of 9851 consecutive patients with 21,397 nodules ≥1 cm who underwent nodule evaluation between 1995 and 2017. The definition of HT included (i) elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) level and/or (ii) findings of diffuse heterogeneity on ultrasound, and/or (iii) the finding of diffuse lymphocytic thyroiditis on histopathology. The impact of HT on the distribution of cytology and, ultimately, on malignancy risk was determined.

Results

A total of 2651 patients (27%) were diagnosed with HT, and 3895 HT nodules and 10,168 non-HT nodules were biopsied. The prevalence of indeterminate and malignant cytology was higher in the HT vs non-HT group (indeterminate: 26.3% vs 21.8%, respectively, P < 0.001; malignant: 10.0% vs 6.4%, respectively, P < 0.001). Ultimately, the risk of any nodule proving malignant was significantly elevated in the setting of HT (relative risk, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.44 to 1.79; P < 0.001), and was maintained when patients with solitary or multiple nodules were analyzed separately (HT vs non-HT: 24.5% vs 16.3% solitary; 22.1% vs 15.4% multinodular; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

HT increases the risk of thyroid malignancy in any patient presenting for nodule evaluation. Diffuse sonographic heterogeneity and/or TPOAb positivity should be used for risk assessment at time of evaluation.
SUMOylation of the nuclear pore complex basket is involved in sensing cellular stresses
Authors: Folz Hanne , Niño Carlos A. , Taranum Surayya , Caesar Stefanie , Latta Lorenz , Waharte François , Salamero Jean , Schlenstedt Gabriel , Dargemont Catherine
Published: March 2019

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the major conduit for nucleocytoplasmic transport and serves as a platform for gene regulation and DNA repair. Several nucleoporins undergo ubiquitylation and SUMOylation, and these modifications play an important role in nuclear pore dynamics and plasticity. Here, we perform a detailed analysis of these post-translational modifications of yeast nuclear basket proteins under normal growth conditions as well as upon cellular stresses, with a focus on SUMOylation. We find that the balance between the dynamics of SUMOylation and deSUMOylation of Nup60 and Nup2 at the NPC differs substantially, particularly in G1 and S phase. While Nup60 is the unique target of genotoxic stress within the nuclear basket that probably belongs to the SUMO-mediated DNA damage response pathway, both Nup2 and Nup60 show a dramatic increase in SUMOylation upon osmotic stress, with Nup2 SUMOylation being enhanced in Nup60 SUMO-deficient mutant yeast strains. Taken together, our data reveal that there are several levels of crosstalk between nucleoporins, and that the post-translational modifications of the NPC serve in sensing cellular stress signals.
Tumor-stromal ratio (TSR) of invasive breast cancer: correlation with multi-parametric breast MRI findings
Authors: Yamaguchi Ken , Hara Yukiko , Kitano Isao , Hamamoto Takahiro , Kiyomatsu Kazumitsu , Yamasaki Fumio , Egashira Ryoko , Nakazono Takahiko , Irie Hiroyuki
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To correlate the tumor-stromal ratio (TSR) of invasive breast cancer and MRI findings.

Methods:

This study was approved by our institutional review board. 126 consecutive patients with surgically proven invasive breast cancer were included. All patients underwent MRI exams including short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR) T  2 weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and post-contrast dynamic imaging. The mean signal intensity (SI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of each lesion were measured. To objectively evaluate the STIR images, the ratio of the SI of the lesion to the muscle (L/M ratio) was also measured. Percentages of MRI kinetic parameters obtained from dynamic images were also measured. The TSR was defined as the percentage of the stromal component, and categorized into high-stroma (> 50%) and low-stroma (< 50%) groups. Intergroup differences in the SI, L/M ratio, ADC value and percentages of kinetic parameters were examined.

Results:

The SI and L/M ratio of the high-stroma group were significantly lower than those of the low-stromal group (208.64 vs 331.86 for SI, 5.69 vs 9.31 for L/M ratio) (p < 0.001). The high-stroma group had significantly lower percentages of a washout pattern (25% vs 34.7 %) (p = 0.012) and significantly higher percentages of a persistent pattern (36.92% vs 28.26 %) (p = 0.044). There were no significant correlations between the TSR and ADC value.

Conclusion:

STIR and dynamic sequence of breast MRI reflects the stromal component of invasive breast cancer.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study to correlate TSR and MRI findings. STIR and post-contrast dynamic study correlated with the stromal component of breast cancer.
Cerebral infarct after bronchial artery embolization
Authors: Gao Feng , Xu Yali , Fang Shu
Published: March 2019

Bronchial artery embolization is an effective and widely used procedure for controlling hemoptysis. Cerebral infarct after bronchial artery embolization is a rare and severe complication. We report two cases of cerebral infarct complicating bronchial artery embolization, most likely due to errant embolic passage through anastomoses with the ipsilateral subclavian artery.
First-in-human in vivo non-invasive assessment of intra-tumoral metabolic heterogeneity in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tran Maxine , Latifoltojar Arash , Neves Joana B. , Papoutsaki Marianthi-Vasiliki , Gong Fiona , Comment Arnaud , Costa Ana S. H. , Glaser Matthias , Tran-Dang My-Anh , El Sheikh Soha , Piga Wivijin , Bainbridge Alan , Barnes Anna , Young Tim , Jeraj Hassan , Awais Ramla , Adeleke Sola , Holt Christopher , O’Callaghan James , Twyman Frazer , Atkinson David , Frezza Christian , Årstad Erik , Gadian David , Emberton Mark , Punwani Shonit
Published: March 2019

Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity and the role of metabolic reprogramming in renal cell carcinoma have been extensively documented. However, the distribution of these metabolic changes within the tissue has not been explored. We report on the first-in-human in vivo non-invasive metabolic interrogation of renal cell carcinoma using hyperpolarized carbon-13 (13C) MRI and describe the validation of in vivo lactate metabolic heterogeneity against multi regional ex vivo mass spectrometry. hyperpolarized carbon-13 (13C)-MRI provides an in vivo assessment of metabolism and provides a novel opportunity to safely and non-invasively assess cancer heterogeneity.
Genotyping analysis of the Pax9 Gene in patients with maxillary canine impaction
Authors: Vitria Evy  Eida , Tofani Iwan , Kusdhany Lindawati , Bachtiar Endang Winiati
Published: March 2019

Background: Paired-box gene 9 (PAX9) mutation is potentially associated with impaction in some patient populations. Here, we analyzed the relationship between PAX9 polymorphism and the occurrence of maxillary canine impaction.

Methods: Patients with and without maxillary canine impaction were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, and samples of genomic DNA were obtained from a buccal mucosa swab. DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced for further bioinformatics analysis to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. Genotype and allele counting was performed in both case and control groups prior to conducting statistical analysis.

Results: Four SNPs were identified in patients with maxillary canine impaction, with relative confidence determined based on chromatogram-peak assessment. All SNPs were located in exon 3 of PAX9 and in the region sequenced by the primer pair −197Fex3 and +28Rex3. Three of the SNPs (rs375436662, rs12881240, and rs4904210) were reported previously and are annotated in NCBI (dbSNP version 150), whereas another SNP mapped to chromosome 14 has not been reported. Patients with a CC genotype at SNP 3 [odds ratio (OR): 2.61 vs. TT; 1.28 vs. CT] and a CC genotype at SNP 4 [OR: 0.71 vs. GG; 0.79 vs. CG] were more likely to have maxillary canine impaction.

Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the presence of SNPs 3 and 4 is associated with increased likelihood of suffering from maxillary canine impaction.
Adsorption of Tetracyclin Hydrochloride from Aqueous Solutions on Activated Carbons
Authors: Григорьев Л. , Grigorev L. , Шанова О. , Shanova O. , Веренцова Л. , Verentsova L.
Published: March 2019

Have been studied kinetic, equilibrium, and dynamic conditions for adsorption of tetracycline hydrochloride from aqueous solutions on two samples of industrial activated carbons SKT and BAU-A. It has been determined that the kinetic data of adsorption can be approximated with sufficient accuracy by the Glückauf equation. To calculate tetracycline hydrochloride’s equilibrium adsorption, it has been proposed to use the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation, and to calculate the adsorption duration — the Dubinin-Nikolaev equation. The possibility for practical application of activated carbons for wastewater treatment from antibiotics has been demonstrated, and ways for increasing of these carbons’ adsorption activity have been proposed.
New Approaches to Fire Safety Assessment of Personnel during Its Evacuation from Industrial Premises in Case of Fire
Authors: Кирилов А. , Kirilov A. , Черный К. , Chernyy K.
Published: March 2019

In this paper have been presented new approaches to fire safety assessment of personnel during its evacuation from industrial premises. A method for composition of scenarios for a fire break-out and development based on the Ishikawa Diagram, as well as a mathematical model characterizing the process of fire break-out and development have been implemented. A fire safety index for personnel escape routes has been introduced, and models for assessment the probability of personnel evacuation have been used. Have been concerned problematic issues related to humans’ behavioral feature during fire, their moving in case of evacuation inside enclosed and confined spaces, distance of workplaces from escape routes, reliability of emergency voice alarm communication system. An approach for safety assessment of automatic fire extinguishing units containing fire-extinguishing agents which are hazardous to human health has been proposed. Examples for approbation of developments in the process of fire safety assessment for escape routes, and composition of fire in a machinery room of gas transmission provider’s compressor section have been presented.
Short-term changes of the static stretching, electromyoestimulation and whole-body vibration on the flexibility of hamstrings
Authors: Ortega Carlos , Menéndez Héctor , Herrero Azael J.
Published: March 2019

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of the static stretching (SS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS), wholebody vibration (WBV) and the combination of all these protocols (WBV+NEMS) on the flexibility of hamstrings. Methods. Fifteen males received four stretching protocols in a crossover design, one protocol per week: static stretching (SS); stretching with superimposed NEMS; stretching combined with WBV; and stretching with superimposed NEMS combined with WBV (WBV+NEMS). All protocols lasted one minute. The flexibility was assessed by both the Back Saver Sit and Reach (BSSR) and the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test. Flexibility measurements were performed before (baseline), immediately after the protocol (post) and 1, 3, 5 and 10 min post protocol. Outcomes. The BSSR at post was greater than the baseline value for NEMS (18.3%, p<0.001), WBV (10.1%, p<0.05), and WBV+NMES (14.9%, p<0.01). Ten minutes after the application of each protocol the BSSR was higher in respect to baseline value for SS (12.0%, p<0.001), NMES (18.8%, p<0.001), WBV (12.7%, p<0.01), and WBV+NEMS (13.6%, p<0.001). All protocols improved AKE in the same way. Conclusion. Our data indicates that SS, NEMS, WBV and the combination of both methods are effective to improve the flexibility of hamstrings. Furthermore, this improvement may be maintained for at least 10 min after the cessation of the exercise, irrespectively of the stretching protocol.

Key words: Muscle stretching exercises, proprioception, training, electric stimulation, vibration.
Performance Consequences of Information Technology Investments: Implications of Emphasizing New or Current Information Technologies
Authors: Steelman Zachary R. , Havakhor Taha , Sabherwal Rajiv , Sabherwal Sanjiv
Published: March 2019

The dynamic information technology (IT) market—characterized by frequent new releases, designs, and changing options—requires senior IT executives to look closely at new technologies while deriving long-term benefits from the firm’s current technologies. This study focuses on the allocation of IT resources to new or current technologies, which is becoming even more important with tighter IT budgets. The results indicate that a joint consideration of a firm’s core business strategy and organizational commitment to IT provides insights into whether the firm should emphasize new IT or current IT when allocating IT investments. With an increase in organizational commitment to IT, firms pursuing stable products/markets (i.e., Defender(s)) benefit more from current IT, whereas firms seeking new products/markets (i.e., Prospector(s)) benefit more from new IT. Finally, for firms seeking some stable products/markets and some new ones (i.e., Analyzer(s)), organizational commitment to IT does not influence the benefits from emphasizing new or current IT. This study initiates a line of inquiry on the factors influencing the value firms derive from new and current IT. Senior IT executives should carefully examine their firm’s business strategy and organizational commitment to IT when prioritizing investments in new IT relative to the refinement of current IT.
Mobile-device Based Image Processing for Rice Brown Planthopper Classification and Outbreak Monitoring
Authors: Watcharabutsarakham Sarin , Methasate Ithipan
Published: March 2019

Abstract.The rice brown planthopper (BPH) outbreak is one of several causes of damage to rice crops in Thailand. A traditional way to monitor the early outbreak is to routinely and randomly count the density of BPHs spreading around the rice field. This article presents an assistive tool to monitor the BPH by using automatic image processing. Smart phone devices with a sufficient camera quality are currently affordable and convenient for farmers to capture images from their rice fields. Based on the Support Vector Machines algorithm trained on color and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) image features, the proposed system not only automatically detects the position of BPHs in the collected images, but is also able to classify the life stage of each hopper. The use of a red-frame mark on the camera screen to guide BPH image capturing helps improving the overall processing accuracy. Field experiments with the Rice Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand shows the proposed system achieved an approximately 89% detection F-measure and an 87% BPH life-stage classification accuracy. Moreover, this article illustrates the preciseness of BPH density prediction with respect to the different numbers of sampling images from the rice field. The result suggests farmers to take at least 40 images per 1,600 square meters in order to gain more than 87% prediction accuracy. Keywords: BPH classification, BPH life-stage, Brown planthopper (BPH), Image processing, Mobile device, Support vector machines, Rice.
Using PID Controller and SDRE methods for tracking control of Spacecrafts in Closed-Rendezvous Process
Authors: NGUYEN Thien Van , BORDEI Ana-Maria , NGUYEN Trang Minh , IONITA Achim
Published: March 2019

Rendezvous process of spacecrafts is one of major issues in study of aerospace engineering. Tracking control in Rendezvous process is very complex due to the need to fulfill the conditions and constraints to determine the control forces to bring Chaser toward Target. The paper will implement the control of the trajectory of the relative translation movement between Chaser and Target in the Closed-Rendezvous stage through two different approaches: the first using PID Controllers, and the second using the SDRE (State Dependent Riccati Equation) technique. Then based on obtained results, a comparison between two methods is carried out.
Analytical solutions of a particular Hill's differential system
Authors: MARCOV Nicolae
Published: March 2019

Consider a second order differential linear periodic equation. This equation is recast as a first-order homogeneous Hill’s system. For this system we obtain analytical solutions in explicit form. The first solution is a periodic function. The second solution is a sum of two functions; the first is a continuous periodic function, but the second is an oscillating function with monotone linear increasing amplitude. We give a formula to directly compute the slope of this increase, without knowing the second numerical solution. The periodic term of second solution may be computed directly. The coefficients of fundamental matrix of the system are analytical functions.
Rasgos y clases de la estructura eventiva: Hacia una representación computacional
Authors: Aparicio Mera Juan , Castellón Masalles Irene , Coll-Florit Marta
Published: March 2019

La investigación que actualmente se está llevando a cabo en el área del Procesamiento del Lenguaje Natural está todavía lejos de conseguir niveles profundos de compresión del lenguaje. Para poder construir sistemas inteligentes que traten con la representación del significado, es necesario en el ámbito de las tecnologías del lenguaje, la creación de recursos semánticos de amplia cobertura. El objetivo principal de nuestra investigación es el establecimiento de clases para la representación eventiva en un sistema computacional. La unidad básica de representación es el rasgo, concretamente hemos considerado cuatro rasgos: dinamicidad,  telicidad, duración y gradualidad. A partir de la combinación de estos rasgos semánticos hemos establecido un conjunto de clases eventivas que nos permite caracterizar el comportamiento verbal. Para establecer estas clases hemos tenido en cuenta los posibles cambios eventivos que puede sufrir una unidad verbal según el contexto, representando así la composicionalidad del significado eventivo. Por ello hemos considerado la prototipicidad de los sentidos verbales, y la sensibilidad de las diferentes clases al contexto. El total de clases definidas se clasifica en dos grupos, las clases simples: estados, procesos y puntos, cuya combinación da lugar a las clases complejas: culminaciones, realizaciones y graduales.
Lengua y gesto en la modalidad lingüística signada
Authors: Jarque Moyano Maria Josep
Published: March 2019

El presente trabajo analiza el papel del gesto en procesos de lexicalización y gramaticalización en las lenguas de signos, concretamente, con relación a los verbos policomponenciales –más conocidos como predicados clasificadores. Describimos su estructura conceptual, el uso del espacio, su combinación con la acción construida y la ordenación sintáctica con otros constituyentes en la frase. Ilustramos las características con ejemplos de la lengua de signos catalana (LSC) procedentes de textos narrativos elicitados a partir de la historia de la rana. Finalmente, analizamos el estatus lingüístico de los diferentes componentes, destacando la particular combinación de elementos gestuales y elementos lingüísticos en este de tipo de construcciones.
Consideraciones sobre la naturaleza de los núcleos sintácticos. Hacia una representación sintáctica de dependencias
Authors: Lloberes Salvatella Marina , Castellón Masalles Irene
Published: March 2019

En el análisis sintáctico automático, la definición de criterios lingüísticos para gramáticas basadas en conocimiento lingüístico permite de desarrollar recursos coherentes y consistentes. La construcción de EsTxala y CaTxala, dos gramáticas de dependencias del español y del catalán para FreeLing (un entorno de herramientas de Procesamiento del Lenguaje Natural), se ha llevado a cabo según el diseño previo de un repertorio de criterios ecléctico y crítico en relación con algunos de los formalismos lingüísticos implementados en el análisis automático del lenguaje, la Gramática de Dependencias y la Gramática Generativa. El objetivo de dicho repertorio es facilitar la coherencia y la consistencia de la representación sintáctica en el desarrollo de gramáticas para el análisis sintáctico automático.
La noción de tradautomaticidad en la traducción automática
Authors: Moré López Joaquín , Climent Roca Salvador
Published: March 2019

En este artículo presentamos la noción de tradautomaticidad y explicamos su relevancia en la traducción automática. La tradautomaticidad es el 'aroma de la traducción automática'; esto es, los fenómenos lingüísticos que provocan que un texto parezca haber sido traducido por una máquina y no por un ser humano. Esta noción es relevante en la evaluación de sistemas de traducción automática pero lo es también en la corrección de traducciones, en la confirmación de usos fraudulentos, la detección de spam, o la búsqueda de informaciónEl artículo explica el trabajo experimental que realizamos para elaborar una tipología de tradautomaticidad. Analizamos también la apreciación de estos fenómenos por parte de un extenso grupo de informantes, con diferentes niveles de estudios, edades, etc. El experimento nos ha dado datos sobre la influencia de los pares de lenguas y el método del sistema en la generación de ejemplos de tradautomaticidad. Finalmente, hemos hecho unas recomendaciones metodológicas para detectar ejemplos de tradautomaticidad de la forma más objetiva posible.
La producción escrita de estudiantes bilingües de español. Relación entre biografía lingüística y desempeño discursivo
Authors: Sánchez Abchi Verónica , Larrús Patricia
Published: March 2019

Este trabajo estudia las competencias en escritura, en español, de estudiantes de la Universidad de Ginebra, Suiza. El trabajo analiza, por una parte, el recorrido lingüístico de los estudiantes y, por otra, identifica sus dificultades y destrezas en la producción de textos argumentativos. Asimismo, se considera también la relación de la biografía lingüística con la producción escrita. Participaron en este estudio 47 estudiantes de primer año universitario de las carreras de Traducción y de Letras. Los estudiantes debían llevar a cabo tres tareas: responder un cuestionario sobre su trayectoria lingüística, escribir su biografía lingüística y producir un ensayo argumentativo de acuerdo con una consigna contextualizada. Los resultados muestran que las producciones escritas presentan dificultades ligadas a la planificación y a la textualización. Por otro lado, se advierte una correlación entre el desempeño en escritura y ciertas variables del cuestionario.