bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case-based simulation empowering pediatric residents to communicate about diagnostic uncertainty
Authors: Olson Maren E. , Borman-Shoap Emily , Mathias Karen , Barnes Timothy L. , Olson Andrew P.J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Uncertainty is ubiquitous in medical practice. The Pediatrics Milestones from the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education state that advanced learners should acknowledge and communicate about clinical uncertainty. If uncertainty is not acknowledged, patient care may suffer. There are no described curricula specifically aimed to improve learners’ ability to acknowledge and discuss clinical uncertainty. We describe an educational intervention designed to fill this gap.

Methods

Second-year pediatric residents engaged in a two-phase simulation-based educational intervention designed to improve their ability to communicate about diagnostic uncertainty with patients and caregivers. In each phase, residents engaged in two simulated cases and debriefs. Performance was assessed after each simulated patient encounter using standardized metrics, along with learner perceptions of the experience.

Results

Residents’ skills in communicating with patients and families about diagnostic uncertainty improved after this intervention (mean score post 3.84 vs. 3.28 pre on a five-point Likert scale, p<0.001). Residents rated the experience as relevant, challenging and positive.

Conclusions

This prospective study suggests that a simulation-based intervention was effective in improving resident physicians’ skills in communicating about diagnostic uncertainty with patients and families. Further study is needed to determine how learners perform in real clinical environments.
Interference Cancellation Techniques in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Imam Sarah , El-Mahdy Ahmed
Published: October 2018

The fifth generation (5G) cellular wireless networks are heterogeneous networks that will provide higher data rates, enhanced quality-of-experience (QoE) and reduced latency. Interference is one of the main problems in such systems. In this paper, a proposed cross-tier uplink interference alignment algorithm for coexisting two-tier networks is introduced. First at each receiver, the sum of the square of the channel gains from each macro user to this receiver is calculated and the average of these values is taken as a threshold. Macro users whose sum values are greater than this threshold are selected and aligned at the femto receiver. This alignment is performed by using precoders at the transmitters. Then, Zero Forcing technique is applied at the receivers in order to null the aligned interference signals. Numerical results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
Supervised Machine Learning with Control Variates for American Option Pricing
Authors: Mu Gang , Godina Teodor , Maffia Antonio , Sun Yong Chao
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we make use of a Bayesian (supervised learning) approach in pricing American options via Monte Carlo simulations. We first present Gaussian process regression (Kriging) approach for American options pricing and compare its performance in estimating the continuation value with the Longstaff and Schwartz algorithm. Secondly, we explore the control variates technique in combination with Kriging to further improve the estimation of the continuation value. This method allows to reduce dramatically the standard errors and to improve the stability of the Kriging approach. For illustrative purposes, we use American put options on a stock whose dynamics is given by Heston model, and use European options on the same stock as control variates.
Modeling Biological Systems Using Crowdsourcing
Authors: Wasik Szymon
Published: October 2018

Crowdsourcing is a very effective technique for outsourcing work to a vast network usually comprising anonymous people. In this study, we review the application of crowdsourcing to modeling systems originating from systems biology. We consider a variety of verified approaches, including well-known projects such as EyeWire, FoldIt, and DREAM Challenges, as well as novel projects conducted at the European Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics. The latter projects utilized crowdsourced serious games to design models of dynamic biological systems, and it was demonstrated that these models could be used successfully to involve players without domain knowledge. We conclude the review of these systems by providing 10 guidelines to facilitate the efficient use of crowdsourcing.
Evaluating the CBM reservoirs using NMR logging data
Authors: Liu Zhi-di , Zhao Jing-zhou , Zhang Peng , Sun Jia-xing
Published: October 2018

This paper discussed the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging in evaluating the pore structure of coal seams, physical properties, aquosity and sealing of the coal seam roof and floor. The study results show that T2 relaxation time spectrum could reflect the pore structure characteristics of the coal. The NMR transverse relaxation time (T2) of coal is 0.5~2.5, 20~50, and more than 100 ms, three spectral peaks represent meso pores, large pores and fractures. The larger the spectral peaks are where more pores and fractures develop. The T2 relaxation time spectrum of coal reservoirs in the research area is generally characterized by double-peak structure characteristics, which shows that the coal reservoir is microporous with meso pores. There are obvious gaps and poor continuities between the two peaks, and the break point is approximately 10 ms between the two peaks point. This indicates that the bound water and movable fluid in the coal reservoir cannot be connected effectively. NMR can reflect the level of porosity and permeability of the coal reservoir. Greater development of fracture and better permeability in the coal reservoir cause greater right peak of T2 relaxation time spectrum of the NMR. The effective porosity of coal reservoirs in the study area is generally less than 3%, which reflects the matrix pores of the coal seam. The fractures of large pore have little contribution to the porosity. The left peak of the T2 spectrum of a coal seam and its roof and floor are higher, which indicates that the meso pores and tiny pores develop, and there is less movable water. The low left peak and high right peak of T2 spectrum show that the meso and macro pores develop, and there is more movable water. In a well area with good sealing capability, the right peak of the NMR logging T2 spectrum of the coal seam roof and floor is low, the T2 spectrum peak amplitude is low, and there are low porosity and poor permeability. NMR logging technology can be used to evaluate the CBM (coalbed gas reservoir) effectively, and then correctly evaluate and effectively develop the CBM reservoir.
Production of value-added chemicals from esterification of waste glycerol over MCM-41 supported catalysts
Authors: Kaya Ekinci Emine , Oktar Nuray
Published: October 2018

A series of active and selective MCM-41 supported catalysts have been successfully prepared and used for bioderived glycerol esterification with acetic acid to produce fuel additives. In the synthesis of MCM-41, an acidic hydrothermal synthesis route was used, and silicotungstic acid (STA) and zirconia (ZrO2) were added to the catalyst structure by wet impregnation. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption methods, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis were used for characterizations of the catalysts. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analyses of pyridine-adsorbed catalysts owns Lewis and Brønsted acidity hosting in one, which promotes the esterification reaction of glycerol into glycerol esters with high selectivity. Esterification of glycerol reactions were performed at temperature intervals of 105°C–200°C, with an amount of catalyst equal to 0.5 g, and glycerol/acetic acid molar ratio of 1:6 in a stirred autoclave reactor operated batchwise. STA and ZrO2-impregnated MCM-41 catalysts showed better performance with a complete glycerol conversion and high selectivity to triacetin.
Green cyclic acetals production by glycerol etherification reaction with benzaldehyde using cationic acidic resin
Authors: Yamamoto Kariyn , Kiyan Arina Miki , Bagio Jackeline Camargo , Rossi Kayque Araújo Borges , Delabio Berezuk Francielle , Berezuk Márcio Eduardo
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we investigated the effect of temperature, glycerol etherification concentration with benzaldehyde, organic solvent and catalyst reuse effects using a cationic acidic resin as catalyst for production of green cyclic acetals of high commercial value. The best reaction conditions show a conversion above 93% of glycerol and yield to cyclic acetals above 61%. The highest selectivity elements observed were 2-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-ol, in cis and trans isomer forms reaching 80%. The temperature had a positive effect increasing on glycerol conversion, though it also favored the formation of undesired compounds. A high concentration of benzaldehyde reactant kept the selectivity values constant but increased glycerol conversion resulting in higher yields, mainly when organic solvents were used. Reuse of the catalyst resulted in a slight decrease in yield values, which demonstrated stability and durability of the catalyst used.
Designing an olive tree pruning biorefinery for the production of bioethanol, xylitol and antioxidants: a techno-economic assessment
Authors: Susmozas Ana , Moreno Antonio D. , Romero-García Juan M. , Manzanares Paloma , Ballesteros Mercedes
Published: October 2018

Olive tree crops, extensively cultivated in Southern European countries, yield large amounts of olive tree pruning (OTP) biomass. This could be used within the framework of a bio-based economy that maximizes the utilization of biomass resources in a sustainable way. In the present work, the techno-economic feasibility of an OTP-based integrated biorefinery is evaluated by the process simulation software Aspen Plus, while the process is aimed at the production of ethanol, xylitol, antioxidants and electricity. Overall, the proposed plant could perform economically, and it is self-sufficient from an energy resource point of view. The plant as designed yields around 109 l of ethanol, 27 kg of xylitol and 43 kg of antioxidants per ton of OTP biomass, with an estimated production cost of 0.24 € l−1, 1.48 € kg−1 and 5.12 € kg−1, respectively. In a 10-year period, the economic profitability of the biorefinery plant is within a positive investment balance, with a net present value (NPV) of 32.1 M€ and a payback period of 5–6 years. These figures point out the opportunities for placing in the market several OTP-based products. Based on these data, the construction of small-scale OTP-based lignocellulosic biorefineries seems to be a realistic scenario.
Mechanical, thermo-mechanical and water uptake performance of wood flour filled polyurethane elastomer eco-composites: influence of surface treatment of wood flour
Authors: Kılınç Kerim , Kanbur Yasin , Tayfun Ümit
Published: October 2018

Alkaline and silane treatments were applied to wood flour (WF) to enrich its adhesion to bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. TPU/WF eco-composites were prepared at a constant ratio of 30% by the melt blending process. The mechanical, thermo-mechanical, melt-flow, water uptake and morphological properties of the materials were investigated. Silane-treated WF filled composite exhibited better mechanical performance with respect to untreated WF due to enhancement of adhesion between WF and TPU matrix after surface treatments. This sample also gave the lowest water absorption value among composites. The results confirmed that silane treatment of WF led to significant improvement on the mechanical and physical properties of TPU-based composites in addition to an improved water resistance for outdoor applications.
Hypothyroidism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – a chance association?
Authors: Lugari Simonetta , Mantovani Alessandro , Nascimbeni Fabio , Lonardo Amedeo
Published: October 2018

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defines the clinical-pathological spectrum of hepatic lipotoxicity, which may progress to hepatic fibrosis and its complications. Thyroid hormone is a master regulator of cell metabolism and body fat distribution. Whether hypothyroidism is associated or not with an increased risk of developing NAFLD and its fibrotic progression is both clinically and physiopathologically relevant. Indeed, answering this research question would carry major pathogenic and therapeutic implications.

Method

PubMed database was searched using relevant key-words such as hypothyroidism; NAFLD; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; epidemiology; pathogenesis; natural history. The epidemiological studies and the meta-analyses published so far were identified as well as those studies addressing the physiopathology underlying this association.

Results

Many observational studies have investigated the association between either subclinical or overt hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Data are conflicting: some original and meta-analytical studies demonstrated that hypothyroidism, (mainly subclinical hypothyroidism), was common, occurring in approximately 25% of individuals with imaging-defined or biopsy-proven NAFLD; other studies, however, failed to identify a significant association between hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Moreover, such an association is biologically plausible based on the specific physiopathological impact of thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on metabolism of hepatocytes and accumulation and distribution of body fat.

Conclusions

The findings from the present review support a significant association between primary hypothyroidism and risk of development and progression of NAFLD. However, further studies evaluating the relative importance of subclinical versus overt hypothyroidism as well as addressing the mechanisms underlying the association of hypothyroidism with NAFLD are eagerly awaited.
Exercise training increases cardiac, hepatic and circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and irisin in young and aged rats
Authors: Belviranlı Muaz , Okudan Nilsel
Published: October 2018

Background

The objective of study was to examine the impacts of exercise training on cardiac, hepatic and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and irisin levels in young and aged rats.

Materials and methods

Four-month-old (young) and 20-month-old (aged) female rats performed exercise training consisting of voluntary wheel running for 12 weeks. BDNF and irisin levels were analyzed in the heart, liver and plasma samples by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results

Cardiac, hepatic and plasma BDNF levels were lower in the aged sedentary rats, than in the young exercised and aged exercised rats (p < 0.05). Heart, liver and plasma irisin concentrations were lower in the aged sedentary group than in the young sedentary, young exercised and aged exercised groups (p < 0.05) and regular exercise increased irisin levels in all the analyzed tissues when compared to the sedentary counterparts (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current results show that regular exercise improves aging-induced decrease in the cardiac, hepatic and plasma BNDF and irisin levels.
Characterization of PdCP1, a serine carboxypeptidase from Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome
Authors: Beekman Chapman , Jiang Zhenze , Suzuki Brian M. , Palmer Jonathan M. , Lindner Daniel L. , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Knudsen Giselle M. , Bennett Richard J.
Published: October 2018

Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a pathogenic fungus responsible for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease afflicting multiple species of North American bats. Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects susceptible bats during hibernation, invading dermal tissue and causing extensive tissue damage. In contrast, other Pseudogymnoascus species are non-pathogenic and cross-species comparisons may therefore reveal factors that contribute to virulence. In this study, we compared the secretome of P. destructans with that from several closely related Pseudogymnoascus species. A diverse set of hydrolytic enzymes were identified, including a putative serine peptidase, PdCP1, that was unique to the P. destructans secretome. A recombinant form of PdCP1 was purified and substrate preference determined using a multiplexed-substrate profiling method based on enzymatic degradation of a synthetic peptide library and analysis by mass spectrometry. Most peptide substrates were sequentially truncated from the carboxyl-terminus revealing that this enzyme is a bona fide carboxypeptidase. Peptides with arginine located close to the carboxyl-terminus were rapidly cleaved, and a fluorescent substrate containing arginine was therefore used to characterize PdCP1 activity and to screen a selection of peptidase inhibitors. Antipain and leupeptin were found to be the most potent inhibitors of PdCP1 activity.
Structural and mechanistic aspects of S-S bonds in the thioredoxin-like family of proteins
Authors: Sousa Sérgio F. , Neves Rui P.P. , Waheed Sodiq O. , Fernandes Pedro A. , Ramos Maria João
Published: October 2018

Disulfide bonds play a critical role in a variety of structural and mechanistic processes associated with proteins inside the cells and in the extracellular environment. The thioredoxin family of proteins like thioredoxin (Trx), glutaredoxin (Grx) and protein disulfide isomerase, are involved in the formation, transfer or isomerization of disulfide bonds through a characteristic thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. Here, we review the structural and mechanistic determinants behind the thiol-disulfide exchange reactions for the different enzyme types within this family, rationalizing the known experimental data in light of the results from computational studies. The analysis sheds new atomic-level insight into the structural and mechanistic variations that characterize the different enzymes in the family, helping to explain the associated functional diversity. Furthermore, we review here a pattern of stabilization/destabilization of the conserved active-site cysteine residues presented beforehand, which is fully consistent with the observed roles played by the thioredoxin family of enzymes.
Neptuno en América
Authors: Leinen Frank
Published: October 2018

Con motivo de la llegada del nuevo virrey Tomás Antonio de la Cerda a la Ciudad de México en 1680, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz recibió el encargo de concebir el programa iconográfico para un arco triunfal que sería dedicado al nuevo soberano. Su Neptuno alegórico se adapta al paradigma colonial, reconociendo la cultura del viejo mundo como cultura dominante. Sin embargo, mediante su adaptación transcultural e individualizada de la mitología griega, el texto barroco hace patente que la poetisa quiere probar por lo menos la igualdad de la cultura novohispánica con respecto a la de la metrópolis española.
‘Espejos’ distorsionados – usurpación de poder y subversión literaria en Tirant lo Blanc
Authors: Béreiziat-Lang Stephanie
Published: October 2018

En Tirant lo Blanc de Joanot Martorell, el caballero aspira al dominio sobre el Imperio de Oriente y con ello sobre el propio discurso caballeresco. Mediante un juego de disimulos y desvíos ópticos, la figura del héroe sin embargo se oscurece. Este artículo analiza cómo a través del discurso especular de una conquista amorosa aparentemente cómica el texto camufla el legado ideológico de la conquista musulmana. Al mismo tiempo, la vacuidad del héroe constituido por los meros reflejos turbios de sus ‘dobles’ revela la propia caballería como un simulacro discursivo potencialmente usurpador.

Este artículo ha sido realizado en el marco de la unidad de investigación (SFB) 933, ‘Material Text Cultures’, de la universidad de Heidelberg.
El matrimonio “al estilo” de la nación hebrea de Pisa
Authors: Rodríguez-Toro José-Javier
Published: October 2018

Este estudio presenta cuatro documentos inéditos procedentes del primer mamotreto de atti civili conservado en el Archivo Histórico de la Comunidad Hebrea de Pisa (Italia). Los textos, fechados en 1689 y 1690, reflejan meridianamente bien la multiplicidad de actos rituales que componen el matrimonio entre judíos sefardíes (el contrato de apalabramiento, el intercambio de anillos, el contrato matrimonial), así como la cara económica que las uniones nupciales conllevaban: la dote que aportaba la familia de la novia y el acrecentamiento que añadía el novio.
Tobacco use: the main predictor of illicit substances use among young adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Zammit Nawel , Maatoug Jihen , Ghammam Rim , Bhiri Sana , Ghannem Hassen
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Early adolescence is a critical period usually associated with experimentation with illicit substances. In Tunisia few studies explored these risk behaviors among young adolescents.

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence and the predictors of the use of illicit substances among the young adolescents of Sousse.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the region of Sousse, Tunisia during the 2013/2014 school year among 4272 schoolchildren in 16 public middle schools. Data about psychosocial characteristics and risk behaviors among the schoolchildren, their parents, their siblings and their friends were collected anonymously using a self-administrated questionnaire.

Results

Females represented 50.5% of participants. The mean age of schoolchildren was 13.3 (±1.2) years. Lifetime illicit substances use prevalence was 2.9% [confidence interval (CI) 95%: (2.4%–3.4%)] and lifetime use of tobacco prevalence was 12.9% [CI 95%: (11.9%–13.9%)]. The age of tobacco onset was significantly younger to the age of experimentation with illicit substances. Insomnia, sadness and illicit substances use among peers were associated with illicit substances use among participants. While the most influential risk factor on illicit substances use was current cigarette smoking with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 7.2 [CI 95%: (4.5–11.2)].

Conclusion

A national substances use prevention program should be implemented in the schools of Tunisia with an emphasis on tobacco use prevention.
Feasibility and acceptability of the Bod Pod procedure and changes in body composition from admission to discharge in adolescents hospitalized with eating disorders
Authors: Williams Kelsey B. , Hastings Elisabeth S. , Moore Carolyn E. , Wiemann Constance M.
Published: October 2018

The feasibility and acceptability of using the Bod Pod procedure to measure changes in body composition in 30 adolescent females admitted to an inpatient eating disorder unit was evaluated using written surveys, Bod Pod measurements obtained at admission and discharge, and medical records review. Participants rated the Bod Pod test as acceptable (100%; 30/30), comfortable (93%, 28/30), and they were willing to repeat the procedure (97%, 29/30). Ten participants did not complete the final Bod Pod: eight were discharged before a second measure could be obtained, one refused the test, and one left against medical advice. Three participants had undetectable readings at admission. Paired t-tests (n = 17) revealed a significant (p < 0.001) mean increase in fat mass (3.7 ± 2 kg), body fat percentage (6.6 ± 3.8%), and lean mass (1.4 ± 1.2 kg) from admission to discharge. The Bod Pod is a feasible and acceptable procedure to measure changes in body composition in adolescent females hospitalized with an eating disorder.
Risk behaviors in adolescence – a study in a Portuguese health unit
Authors: Medeiros Inês , Faria Catarina , Carvalho Fábia , Bravo Eloína
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Adolescence is a time of social and self-affirmation, search of autonomy and pleasure. An early sexual debut and substance use are still public health problems.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of illicit drug use and sexual behavior of adolescents, ages 15– 17, followed in a Portuguese Family Health Unit.

Material and methods

This was a cross sectional descriptive study of a random convenience sample. Data were obtained from an anonymous and confidential questionnaire, given to patients at adolescent consultation, between the months of May and July 2016. Statistical significance p < 0.05.

Results

This study involved a sample of 134 adolescents, 54.5% girls. It was revealed that 73.1% of adolescents have tried alcohol, from which 18.7% experienced intoxication at least once. Regarding tobacco, 35.1% have tried it, 23.4% are regular users. Regarding cannabinoids, 7.5% of adolescents stated to have tried them once, or to consume them regularly. Adolescents start to experiment with tobacco earlier than with alcohol (9 years old vs. 11 years old), with a mean age of 15 years old. Regarding sexual behavior, 23.8% are sexually active, from which 9.4% do not use any form of contraception. Smoking behavior was a predictor of the consumption of illicit drugs, and it was found a significantly statistic association between sexual activity and substance use, p = 0.04.

Discussion

By descending order, the alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs consumption are still worrisome and can affect the life of adolescents. Primarily health care and pediatric consultation should provide strategies for prevention and promotion of a healthy lifestyle for adolescents.
Electrosorption of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution on Graphene-Titanium Electrode: Adsorption Kinetics Studies
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhao Yaxiu , Liu Qiang , Chang Chein-Chi , Hou Wei
Published: October 2018

A graphene film deposited on titanium substrate was successfully prepared by a facile solution evaporation method, as electrode exhibiting superior electrosorption property toward methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The fabricated graphene film on titanium substrate was characterized in detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR techniques. As electrode (GTE) for electrosorption of MB, some experimental parameters, such as applied potential, concentration of electrolyte, solution initial pH and temperature, were systematically investigated and discussed. The experimental results demonstrated that the maximum adsorption capacity using GTE can reach 86.06 mg· g−1 under the optimized conditions of −600 mV of applied potential, pH of 7.5, 293 K and 0.01 mg· L−1 Na2SO4 solution, which is 1.40 times of that obtained under open circuit condition in 10 mg· L−1 MB solution. The adsorption isotherm of MB on GTE was analyzed with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations, Pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model, and intra-particle diffusion model were applied to depict the adsorption kinetics process. The electrosorption of MB preferably fitted Langmuir isotherm, indicating a single-layer adsorption of MB molecules on graphene film followed pseudo-second-order model. Moreover the electrosorption of MB on GTE was found to be spontaneous and endothermic process. This work would be helpful to design and fabricate high performance carbon-based electrodes for high efficiency electrosorption treatment of dye wastewaters.
Comparison of Germination-Parboiling, Freeze-Thaw Cycle and High Pressure Processing on Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity in Brown Rice Evaluated after Cooking and In-Vitro Digestion
Authors: Yu Yong , Du Yang , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Wang Hao , Jiang Xiuping , Zhu Songming
Published: October 2018

Three treatments, namely germination-parboiling (PG), freeze-thaw cycle (FTC) and high pressure processing (HPP) were compared for phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of brown rice (BR). These were determined in raw (uncooked), cooked, and in-vitro digested BR and compared with those from untreated BR and white rice (WR). PG showed the highest retention of phytochemicals after cooking (87–100%) while it dropped to 59–72% with FTC and 64–76% with HPP. After in-vitro digestion, the highest amount of phenolics was found in PG-24 h and flavonoids in FTC for two cycles. The antioxidant activity, as determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ABTS methods, showed the highest value to be associated with in-vitro digested sample of PG-24 h, and lowest in WR. The results of this study show that these three treatments could improve or retain the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in cooked BR after in-vitro digestion.
Stability Analysis of Multi-point Boundary Value Problem for Sequential Fractional Differential Equations with Non-instantaneous Impulses
Authors: Zada Akbar , Ali Sartaj
Published: October 2018

This paper deals with a new class of non-linear impulsive sequential fractional differential equations with multi-point boundary conditions using Caputo fractional derivative, where impulses are non instantaneous. We develop some sufficient conditions for existence, uniqueness and different types of Ulam stability, namely Hyers–Ulam stability, generalized Hyers–Ulam stability, Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability and generalized Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability for the given problem. The required conditions are obtained using fixed point approach. The validity of our main results is shown with the aid of few examples.
A Charismatic Learning: Open and Affirming Ministry in a Methodist Congregation
Authors: Stephens Darryl W.
Published: October 2018

“Open and affirming” connotes ministry that is fully inclusive of LGBTQIA+ persons. As a participant-observer, the author employed narrative theory to learn how members of a congregation recently committed to this ministry understood their faith in relation to the queer experiences of their sisters and brothers in Christ. This article offers a descriptive and interpretative account of their theological understanding of open and affirming ministry. Prior commitments—trust, respect for differences of opinion, and ongoing theological learning—created openness to the surprising work of the Holy Spirit. This research identifies radically inclusive love as a charism enabling this congregation to overcome not only LGBTQIA+ exclusion but also to address many other human-created barriers to loving God and neighbor.
Towards a Hermeneutic-Phenomenological Methodology for Theology
Authors: Horner Robyn
Published: October 2018

The question of methodology in theology is sometimes vexed. In this article I seek to offer a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology for theology, utilising the insights of recent French phenomenology. Such a methodology demands that we refrain from making judgments in advance about the kinds of phenomena it is possible to encounter. Not only does this enable us to re-frame questions about the distinctions between philosophy and theology, but it also frees theologians from the problematic requirement of assuming a methodological atheism, particularly as they undertake practical theological research.
“I speak English but i am still me” – English language practices in Alter do Chão, Brazil
Authors: de Souza Hall Silvia Cristina Barros
Published: October 2018

This article addresses how English language practices were performed, conducted and interpreted by six inhabitants of Alter do Chão village, a popular tourist destination for locals and with increasing numbers of tourists, located in the Amazon region, in the north of Brazil. Developed through an ethnographic perspective and based on the data analysis resulted from interviews and fieldwork, this article advocates, mainly, that people are creative in their linguistic encounters and that languages find their places in social practice. The article also sheds light on the spread of the English language and the encounters among languages and cultures that the technology and the recent mobility of people have facilitated. The results show that English language practices performed by the six participants in Alter do Chão village, often highlighted through hybrid language practices, are constituted by locally situated attitudes, related to their creative performances.
Framing the diaspora and the homeland: language ideologies in the Cuban diaspora
Authors: Alfaraz Gabriela G.
Published: October 2018

This article discusses language ideologies in relation to political ideologies in the Cuban diaspora in the United States. The findings of three longitudinal attitude studies, two conducted using the methods of perceptual dialectology, and a third with the matched-guise method, indicated that the diaspora’s political beliefs have a robust effect on its beliefs about Cuban Spanish in the diaspora and in the homeland. The perceptions studies showed that the national variety has a high degree of prestige in the diaspora, and that it has very low prestige in Cuba. The results of the matched-guise test showed that participants were unable to differentiate voices recorded in the 1960s and the 1990s, and that social information about residence in Cuba or the diaspora was more important to judgments of correctness than the presence of nonstandard variants. It is argued that the diaspora’s language ideology is maintained through erasure and essentialization: social and linguistic facts are erased, and the homeland is racially essentialized. It is suggested that through its language ideology, the Cuban diaspora claims authenticity and legitimacy vis-à-vis the homeland.
“It sounds like the language spoken by those living by the seaside” – language attitudes towards the local Italo-romance variety of Ghanaian immigrants in Bergamo
Authors: Guerini Federica
Published: October 2018

In this article, I focus on the position of Bergamasco, the Italo-romance variety spoken in the Province of Bergamo (Northern Italy), in the linguistic repertoire of the local Ghanaian immigrant community. I argue that Ghanaian immigrants do not speak Bergamasco since the local people refrain from speaking Bergamasco to them. Bergamasco can be regarded as a we-code (Gumperz, John. 1982.Discourse Strategies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.) of the indigenous community, whereas Italian – in most cases, a simplified variety of standard Italian – is the default choice when communicating with immigrants. The lack of input in combination with negative attitudes and a lack of motivation to acquire the dialect triggers a self-reinforcing dynamic, making the incorporation of Bergamasco into the linguistic repertoire of Ghanaian immigrants unlikely. Excerpts from a sample of face-to-face interactions and semi-structured interviews involving a group of first-generation Ghanaian immigrants reveal that Bergamasco tends to be perceived as a sort of “secret language” deliberately used by local people to exclude immigrants and other outsiders. This stereotype originates from and is reinforced by lack of competence on the part of the migrants, but is devoid of any foundation.
“An unrealistic expectation”: Māori youth on indigenous language purism
Authors: Albury Nathan John , Carter Lyn
Published: October 2018

Linguistic purism can play an especially political role in legitimising and authenticating indigenous identities. For languages now undergoing revitalisation after histories of colonial conquest, purism that precludes foreign influences in language corpora and behaviour can be seen as reversing the impacts of language contact and reasserting indigeneity. This is indeed the case for te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, that was suppressed and essentially outlawed by the British but is now undergoing revitalisation. How indigenous New Zealanders feel about such purism, however, has been subject to minimal inquiry. This article analyses the attitudes of around 200 Māori youth, solicited through an online survey, to purism in Māori vocabulary development and to a recurring purist discourse, commonly reproduced by indigenous elders, that criticises errors when speaking te reo Māori. The article reveals a tension between supporting purism for the linguistic self-determination of the indigenous collective, and rejecting purism on the basis this inhibits the linguistic emancipation of individuals. On balance, it appears these Māori youth may hold significantly less purist attitudes than current language policy and locally pervasive ideology.
Towards an understanding of African endogenous multilingualism: ethnography, language ideologies, and the supernatural
Authors: Carlo Pierpaolo Di
Published: October 2018

In a globalised sociolinguistics “[d]ifferent types of societies must give rise to different types of sociolinguistic study”, as Dick Smakman and Patrick Heinrich argue in the concluding remarks of their (Smakman, Dick. 2015. The westernising mechanisms in sociolinguistics. In Dick Smakman & Patrick Heinrich (eds.),Globalising sociolinguistics. Challenging and expanding theory, 16–35. London: Routledge) bookGlobalising sociolinguistics. Challenging and expanding theory. To this end, a basic condition must be met: both target languages and societies must be well known. This is not the case in much of Central and West Africa: with only few exceptions, here local languages and societies are generally under-researched and sociolinguistic studies have focused mainly on urban contexts, in most cases targeting the interaction between local and colonial languages. With regard to individual multilingualism, this urban-centered perspective risks to limit scholarly attention on processes that, while valid in cities, may not apply everywhere. For one thing, there might still be areas where one can find instances of endogenous multilingualism, where speakers’ language repertoires and ideologies are largely localised. The case in point is offered by the sociolinguistic situation found in Lower Fungom, a rural, marginal, and linguistically highly diverse area of North West Cameroon. The analyses proposed, stemming from a strongly ethnographic approach, lead to reconsider basic notions in mainstream sociolinguistics – such as that of the target of an index – crucially adding spiritual anxieties among the factors conditioning the development of individual multilingual repertoires in local languages.
Language threat in the United Arab Emirates? Unpacking domains of language use
Authors: Kennetz Keith , Carroll Kevin S.
Published: October 2018

The United Arab Emirates’ economic and population growth within the past 30 years has led to a vibrant country where linguistic, cultural and religious diversity is the norm. Nevertheless, as Arabic-speaking Emiratis comprise approximately 10–15% of the country’s residents, academics and Emiratis themselves have questioned the level to which Arabic is threatened in the country. Given the use of English in many domains outside of the home, coupled with its global prestige, such uncertainty regarding the future of Arabic are warranted, yet there is currently no baseline data on how Emiratis are using language in their daily lives. This article examines language threat within this context and uses survey data completed by 248 Emirati participants regarding their reported use of Arabic and other languages. Findings suggest that although Arabic plays a major role in the daily lives of majority of Emiratis, English often co-exists in a variety of different domains and adds to the context’s multilingualism. The authors argue that Emiratis live in a multilingual country where Arabic and English co-exist together in relative harmony. Nevertheless, given the rapidly changing demographics and educational policies in the country, further research is essential.
Transcending networks’ boundaries: losses and displacements at the contact zone between English and Hebrew
Authors: Eilam Efrat , Lynch Julianne
Published: October 2018

This conceptual article applies a theoretical-linguistic analysis for examining the socio-cultural-historical networks that gave rise to two distinct forms of out-of-school education. One form is practiced in western English speaking cultures and termed “informal education”. The other form is practiced in Israel and termed “complementary education”. The process of examination applies the theoretical lens of Actor-Network-Theory (ANT) to analyse how social- historical-cultural-political processes have interacted to produce “complementary education” in Israel. This is followed by analysis of the bi-lingual translation processes that take place at the contact-zone (Pratt, M. L. 1991. Arts of the contact zone. Profession, ofession, 33–40. Modern Language Association Publishers.) between the two languages. The ANT analysis revealed a network consisting of a unique educational model that closely aligns with Ivan (Illich, I. 1971. Deschooling society. New York, USA: Harper and Row.) model presented in his seminal book Deschooling society. The examination also revealed that over time, the Anglophone term “informal education” displaced the Hebrew term “complementary education”, yet the network itself with its unique model continues to thrive. Examination of the contact zone between English and Hebrew found a strong Anglophone dominance, which permits only unidirectional translation from English to Hebrew. The discussion argues for developing post-monolingual research which provides opportunities for bi-directional translation processes to take place, thus eliminating losses of valuable knowledge at both sides of the contact zone.
Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of ethanol extract of Salacia lehmbachii stem bark in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Akuodor Godwin C. , Eban Linus K. , Ajoku Gloria Ahunna , Nwobodo Ndubuisi N. , Akpan Joseph L. , Ezeokpo Basil C. , Nwadike Kenneth I. , Aja Daniel OJ
Published: October 2018

Background

Salacial lehmbachii stem bark is used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Treatment of diabetes is necessary to reduce these complications.

Methods

In this study, the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of S. lehmbachii ethanol stem bark extract was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg p.o. daily for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were assessed in the animals.

Results

Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with S. lehmbachii stem bark extract showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels when compared with diabetic control. The elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly (p<0.01) reduced by S. lehmbachii stem bark extract, while the level of HDL significantly (p<0.01) increased.

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest that S. lehmbachii stem bark extract has the potential to treat diabetes condition and hyperlipidemic disorders.
Nephroprotective properties of the methanol stem extract of Abrus precatorius on gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats
Authors: Falayi Olufunke Olubunmi , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo , Omobowale Temidayo Olutayo , Ayodele Emmanuel Abiodun , Adedapo Aduragbenro Deborah , Yakubu Momoh Audu , Adedapo Adeolu Alex
Published: October 2018

Background

The use of plants for the treatment and prevention of diseases in man and his animals has led to a renewed scientific interest in the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. The nephroprotective properties of methanol stem bark extract of Abrus precatorius against gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats was evaluated in this study.

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. Group A was the negative control group while B was the positive control group which received gentamicin 100 mg/kg intra-peritoneally for 6 days. Group C were pretreated with 100 mg/kg extract for the 3 days and then concurrently with gentamicin 100 mg/kg for 3 days and group D were pretreated with 200 mg/kg extract for 3 days and then concurrently with gentamicin 100 mg/kg for 3 days. Group E received gentamicin intraperitoneally for 6 days followed by administration of 200 mg/kg of the extract for 3 days. Blood samples, kidneys and kidney homogenates were collected for haematological, biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

The results showed that no significant haematological changes were noted. The groups treated with extract exhibited significant increase in body weight gain. While group B significantly exhibited focal areas of inflammation, fatty degeneration, congestion of vessels, tubular necrosis and glomerular atrophy, the lesions were mild with the treated groups. Treated groups exhibited a dose dependent significant decrease in serum creatinine, urea, XO, NO and Myeloperoxidase, AOPP, Protein carbonyl, H2O2 generated and MDA levels when compared with group B. There were significant dose dependent improvements in SOD, GST, GSH, Protein thiol, and non-protein thiol levels in the treated groups when compared with group B. In immunohistochemistry, Group B exhibited over expression of CRP and NF-κB levels, and marked reduction in expression of Bcl-2 while the reverse was seen in the groups treated with methanol extracts of Abrus precatorius.

Conclusion

The methanol extract of Abrus precatorius plays a vital role against gentamicin induced renal damage by reducing levels of renal markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, enhancing enzymatic and non enzymatic renal antioxidant system, alongside an increase in Bcl-2 and a decrease in NF-κB and CRP expressions.
Effects of Spiritist “passe” (Spiritual healing) on stress hormone, pain, physiological parameters and length of stay in preterm newborns: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Carneiro Élida Mara , Barbosa Luana Pereira , Bittencourt Ana Carolina , Hernández César Gómez , Timóteo Rodolfo Pessato , Almeida Claudienne de Oliveira , Borges Maria de Fátima
Published: October 2018

Background

Among the practices of complementary medicine used to treat several diseases is the Spiritist “passe (SP).” Experimental studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this energy therapies in reducing anxiety in adults. However, studies evaluating the effects of the “passe” energy therapy on health outcomes in newborns (NBs) are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SP on stress hormone levels, pain, physiological parameters and length of stay in NBs.

Methods

NBs were randomly allocated into two groups: intervention (3 days SP sessions, n=13) and control (3 days sham sessions, n=12).

Results

In the SP group, respiratory frequency (RF) was found significantly lower (p<0.05), and reduction of heart rate and length of stay were observed, without statistical differences. While in the control, there was higher tendency of cortisol levels (p=0.05).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, RF reduced and prevented the elevation of the salivary cortisol concentration in preterm NBs receiving the SP compared with the control group.
A Content-Based Retrieval Framework for Whole Metagenome Sequencing Samples
Authors: Şener Duygu Dede , Santoni Daniele , Felici Giovanni , Oğul Hasan
Published: October 2018

Finding similarities and differences between metagenomic samples within large repositories has been rather a significant issue for researchers. Over the recent years, content-based retrieval has been suggested by various studies from different perspectives. In this study, a content-based retrieval framework for identifying relevant metagenomic samples is developed. The framework consists of feature extraction, selection methods and similarity measures for whole metagenome sequencing samples. Performance of the developed framework was evaluated on given samples. A ground truth was used to evaluate the system performance such that if the system retrieves patients with the same disease, -called positive samples-, they are labeled as relevant samples otherwise irrelevant. The experimental results show that relevant experiments can be detected by using different fingerprinting approaches. We observed that Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) Method is a promising fingerprinting approach for representing metagenomic samples and finding relevance among them. Source codes and executable files are available at www.baskent.edu.tr/∼hogul/WMS_retrieval.rar.