bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Competitive Discussions for Equity and Inclusion
Authors: Howard Craig D. , Das Anupam
Published: July 2019

In this case, we focus on two innovations in the design of competitive discussions for a high stakes learning context. The designer created the intervention to provide learners first-hand discussion experiences despite large class sizes. It was a business communication course, and the large class sizes and group dynamics previously had inhibited constructive feedback and limited learner participation; however, the combination of a (1) time-constrained asynchronous CMC activity, along with (2) strategically selected smaller groups, created an interactive space that matched the designer’s values of equity and inclusion that he wanted to bring to the design. The case chronicles a number of unforeseen consequences of logical design moves, and presents a multimodal re-conception of what it means to discuss in the context of modern business school.
Introduction to the Special Section on High Stakes Online Learning Design Cases
Authors: Dousay Tonia A.
Published: July 2019

What do medical professionals, local government officials, and preservice teachers have in common? These learners often have regulated initial and continuing education requirements that require special considerations. For some, the content of the learning experience must include specific regulatory and legal information. For others, the content may be particularly sensitive, requiring a delicacy with respect to content presentation not often encountered in other learning designs.
Learning designed for these audiences represent high stakes contexts that involve high risk if executed poorly and/or hold inherently high value for the learners. Misleading or misrepresented information can result in legal ramifications for and to these designers and their learners. Complicating the high stakes design constraint, these designers often find themselves designing their learning for online delivery.
Birthday party and one for the road: Reading from the stylistic perspective
Authors: Şekerci Ömer
Published: July 2019

The paper aims to demonstrate some strengths and limitations of linguistic and discourse-based methodologies applied in the analysis and interpretation of texts which have been used for more than two decades. It argues that the interplay/contribution of linguistic and literary dimensions in the text organization is consensual. Pinter’s The Birthday Party (1958) and One for the Road (1984) are analysed and interpreted from the perspective of language dimensions, pragmatic functions, dialogic and polyphonic structure. ÖzetÇalışma, yirmi yıldan fazla bir süredir metinlerin incelenmesinde ve yorumlanmasında uygulanan ve kullanılan dilbilimsel ve söylem temelli metodolojilerin bazı güçlü ve zayıf yönlerini ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır.  Bu çalışma ayrıca, metin organizasyondaki dilsel ve edebi boyutların etkileşiminin ve katkısının fikir birliğine dayalı olduğunu tartışmaktadır.  “Pinter’ın The Birthday Party” (1958) ve “One for the Road” (1984) oyunları, dil boyutu, pragmatik fonksiyonlar, diyalog ve polifonik yapı bakımından yorumlanıp analiz edilmiştir.
Seamless Navigation in GPS-denied environment using Lirhot’s Real time North finding sensor
Authors: Voro Shlomi , Lavidor Itamar
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a new type of north finding sensor. The passive optical sensor captures images of the sky at a high frame rate and analyzes them into a polarized map of the sky with a high degree of accuracy. The sensor operates in real time, under various weather and atmospheric conditions. The sensor output shows high heading accuracy relative to the celestial true north. Based upon the NAS-14V2 astronomical method of navigation, it is possible to define the sensor global position on earth.
Measurements of Signal Delays in Software Defined Radio with Use of GNSS Modules
Authors: Mężyk Oskar , Doligalski Michał , Rybski Ryszard
Published: July 2019

In the work a method of latency measurement in software defined radio (SDR) is proposed and validated. The test setup uses customer grade GNSS modules as reference time sources and enables relative delay calculation between signals received directly and those bypassed through SDR platform. The method is hardware agnostic in a sense, that it does not involve any custom software or hardware modifications. Tests that compare reported carrier-to-noise ratio and positioning errors were performed to prove functionality of such system. Additionally, authors measured several gnuradio blocks with respect to their impact on total latency introduced into signal path. All tests were performed on a bladeRF low-cost RF front-end. Minimum observed latency for the signal was below 10 ms.
Bullous prurigo pigmentosa
Authors: Wang Xinjun , Xu Chenchen
Published: July 2019

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is an inflammatory dermatosis with unknown etiology. The clinical presentations of PP varies according to the stages of the disease. Rarely, the formation of numerous vesicles and bullae upon erythematous infiltrative plaques can be found during the entire clinical course. In the present case, a 29-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 6-year history of relapsing pruritic erythematous plaques and bulla on her neck, chest and back. Physical examination revealed multiple erythematous plaques and vesicles in combination with mottled pigmentation in a symmetrical distribution and reticular pattern on the nape of her neck, chest and back. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen collected from the bullous area of her chest indicated a lichenoid reaction with intraepidermal bulla. This inflammatory region is characterized by recruitment of lymphocytes, spongiosis, and a perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis. Direct immunofluorescence analysis for IgG, IgA, IgM and C3 was negative. The diagnosis of bullous prurigo pigmentosa was verified based on the clinical manifestation and pathological findings. Minocycline hydrochloride therapy (100mg/d) was initiated, and 3 weeks later the rash had completely disappeared, which resulted in pigmentation of the entire area. No recurrence was observed during the 4 years follow-up.
Decrease in the level of nervonic acid and increased gamma linolenic acid in the plasma of women with polycystic ovary syndrome after a three-month low-glycaemic index and caloric reduction diet
Authors: Szczuko Małgorzata , Drozd Arleta , Maciejewska Dominika , Zapałowska-Chwyć Marta , Stachowska Ewa
Published: July 2019

The aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains uncertain and thus dedicated studies are still of much importance. Patients in this group are at high risk for metabolic syndrome, diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Our goal was to use a dietary intervention, facilitating the regression of the disease, through the observation of lipid and hormonal profiles, carbohydrate metabolic parameters and metabolomics of plasma fatty acids. There were 39 Caucasian women with PCOS aged 26.76 ±5.08 that qualified for this study. Fatty acid profiles were investigated using gas chromatography. The results of plasma fatty acids were compared with the initial results and the control group. A three-month caloric reduction diet with low glycemic index (GI) reduces the level of nervonic acid and is a great alternative in PCOS therapy. The introduction of rapeseed oil and olive oil to the lowered GI reduction diet caused the increase in the ratio of average length chain fatty acids (C10:0, C14:0) and the enhancement of synthesis pathways for pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3n-6), but did not inhibit the synthesis of the derivatives of arachidic acid (C20:0). Additionally, a decrease in the level of nervonic acid (C24:1) was observed. Biochemical analysis of blood showed the improvement of plasma lipid fractions, but a significant reduction of androgen levels was not observed.

A reduction diet with lowered GI lead to many positive effects in the improvement of the biochemical parameters of women with PCOS. It should be continued for a prolonged period of time, until the synthesis pathways for inflammatory factors are silenced.
Nurr1 promotes lung cancer apoptosis via enhancing mitochondrial stress and p53-Drp1 pathway
Authors: Zhao Shu , Li Peng , Wang Peng , Yang Jing , Song Peng , Zhang Dong , Zhou Gang
Published: July 2019

Objective

Mitochondrial homeostasis is vital for the progression of lung cancer. Nurr1 has been identified as a novel mediator of mitochondrial homeostasis in several types of cancers. The aim of our study was to investigate whether Nurr1 modulates the viability of A549 lung cancer cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, with a focus on the p53-Drp1 signaling pathway.

Methods

western blotting, ELISA and immunofluorescence assay was used to verify the alterations of cell death. siRNA was used to determine the role of p53-Drp1 pathway in lung cancer death.

Results

Nurr1 was downregulated in A549 lung cancer cells compared to normal pulmonary epithelial cells. Interestingly, overexpression of Nurr1 reduced the viability of A549 lung cancer cells by activating apoptosis and mitochondrial stress. At the molecular level, we provide data to support the regulatory effects of Nurr1 on the p53-Drp1 signaling pathway. Blockade of the p53-Drp1 signaling pathway abolished the proapoptotic action of Nurr1 on A549 cells and sustained mitochondrial homeostasis.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results depict the tumor-suppressive role played by Nurr1 in A549 lung cancer in vitro and show that the anticancer effects of Nurr1 are executed via triggering of mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the p53-Drp1 signaling pathway.
Predictive significance of serum MMP-9 in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Xu Dahai , Su Chang , Guo Liang , Yan He , Wang Shaokun , Yuan Congwang , Chen Guohui , Pang Li , Zhang Nan
Published: July 2019

Objective

The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing, and there are no reliable serum biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of PTC. This study aimed to assess whether serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) could serve as an auxiliary diagnostic/prognostic marker for PTC after total and partial thyroidectomy.

Material and Methods

Postoperative serum MMP-9 concentrations were measured in 182 male patients with PTC, 86 male patients with benign thyroid nodule (BTN), and 62 male healthy controls (HCs). Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression were applied to evaluate the correlation between variables. The performance of serum MMP-9 in diagnosing PTC and predicting structural persistent/recurrent disease (SPRD) during 48 months of follow-up after initial surgery was evaluated by receiving operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

The median serum MMP-9 concentration in the PTC group (79.45 ng/ml) was significantly higher than those in the BTN group (47.35 ng/ml) and HC group (47.71 ng/ml). The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting PTC from BTN was 0.852 at a cut-off value of 60.59 ng/ml. Serum MMP-9 was negatively correlated with disease-free survival (OR 1.026, P=0.001). Serum MMP-9 exhibited good performance in predicting SPRD at a cutoff value of 99.25 ng/ml with an AUC of 0.818. Advanced TNM stage (OR 31.371, P=0.019) and serum MMP-9 ≥99.25 ng/ml (OR 4.103, P=0.022) were independent risk factors for SPRD.

Conclusions

Serum MMP-9 potentially represents a good predictive biomarker for PTC diagnosis and prognosis after thyroidectomy in Chinese male patients for whom radio-imaging indicates suspected PTC.
Chunking or predicting – frequency information and reduction in the perception of multi-word sequences
Authors: Lorenz David , Tizón-Couto David
Published: July 2019

Frequently used linguistic structures become entrenched in memory; this is often assumed to make their consecutive parts more predictable, as well as fuse them into a single unit (chunking). High frequency moreover leads to a propensity for phonetic reduction. We present a word recognition experiment which tests how frequency information (string frequency, transitional probability) interacts with reduction in speech perception. Detection of the elementtois tested in V-to-Vinfsequences in English (e.g.,need toVinf), wheretocan undergo reduction (“needa”). Results show that reduction impedes recognition, but this can be mitigated by the predictability of the item. Recognition generally benefits from surface frequency, while a modest chunking effect is found in delayed responses to reduced forms of high-frequency items. Transitional probability shows a facilitating effect on reduced but not on full forms. Reduced forms also pose more difficulty when the phonological context obscures the onset ofto. We conclude that listeners draw on frequency information in a predictive manner to cope with reduction. High-frequency structures are not inevitably perceived as chunks, but depend on cues in the phonetic form – reduction leads to perceptual prominence of the whole over the parts and thus promotes a holistic access.
XL burgers, shiny pizzas, and ascending drinks: Primary metaphors and conceptual interaction in fast food printed advertising
Authors: Pérez-Hernández Lorena
Published: July 2019

The experiential, embodied nature of primary metaphors endows them with a universal flavor of interest to the present-day global advertising needs. Based on the analysis of 500 printed advertisements corresponding to the top ten fast food brands currently in the market, this paper investigates the visual representation and functions of primary metaphors within this advertising genre. In contrast to what has been reported to be the case with resemblance metaphors used in advertising, primary metaphors do not have the product as their source or target domains. The connection between the primary metaphor and the product is established in a specific way, which reveals a close interaction with other cognitive (i.e. hyperbole and metonymy) and pragmatic (i.e. derivation of explicatures) operations. In addition, the paper explores how primary metaphors combine with one another and with other resemblance metaphors. The study of these interplays reveals new patterns of conceptual interaction (i.e. one-target and multiple-target primary metaphor clusters) and opens a window onto the varied functions performed by primary metaphors in the narrative of advertising (i.e. enhancing the conceptual layout of the product, highlighting one aspect of it, motivating, constraining and/or enriching lower-level resemblance metaphors).
Minimal Maslov number of R-spaces canonically embedded in Einstein-Kähler C-spaces
Authors: Ohnita Yoshihiro
Published: July 2019

An R-space is a compact homogeneous space obtained as an orbit of the isotropy representation of a Riemannian symmetric space. It is known that each R-space has the canonical embedding into a Kähler C-space as a real form, and thus a compact embedded totally geodesic Lagrangian submanifold. The minimal Maslov number of Lagrangian submanifolds in symplectic manifolds is one of invariants under Hamiltonian isotopies and very fundamental to study the Floer homology for intersections of Lagrangian submanifolds. In this paper we show a Lie theoretic formula for the minimal Maslov number of R-spaces canonically embedded in Einstein-Kähler C-spaces, and provide some examples of the calculation by the formula.
Cements with calcareous fly ash as component of low clinker eco-self compacting concrete
Authors: Gołaszewski Jacek , Cygan Grzegorz , Ponikiewski Tomasz , Gołaszewska Małgorzata
Published: July 2019

The main goal of the presented research was to verify the possibility of obtaining ecological self-compacting concrete of low hardening temperature, containing different types of cements with calcareous fly ash W as main component and the influence of these cements on basic properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Cements CEM II containing calcareous fly ash W make it possible to obtain self-compacting concrete (SCC) with similar initial flowability to analogous mixtures with reference cement CEM I and CEM III/B, and slightly higher, but still acceptable, flowability loss. Properties of hardened concretes with these cements are similar in comparison to CEM I and CEM III concretes. By using cement nonstandard, new generation multi-component cement CEM “X”/A (S-W), self-compacting concrete was obtained with good workability and properties in hardened state.
Development and Optimization of Attapulgite Clay Based Microencapsulation for Lactic Acid Bacteria by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhao Yuping , Liu Shuai , Feng Yunqi , Bilal Muhammad
Published: July 2019

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), screened and purified from the fermented yogurt, were microencapsulated in sodium alginate (SA) and attapulgite composite microcapsules by external gelation to increase their viability and stability. Surface characterization by scanning electron microscope clearly evidenced a high number of the LAB embedded in SA/attapulgite composite microcapsules than SA counterparts due to a more cohesive structure, and biocompatible microenvironment. SA/attapulgite and CaCl2/attapulgite composites analysis revealed a better embedding effect of attapulgite blend with SA solvent compared with attapulgite mixed with CaCl2. Influence of three major factors including SA, calcium chloride, and attapulgite concentration on LAB embedding rate were optimized by “single factor strategy” as well as response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal conditions of these factors obtained by RSM were SA (1.03 %), Attapulgite (0.28 %), and CaCl2 concentration (1.17 %). The related embedding rate was predicted as 87.1369 %, and the actual measured value was 91.24 % by experiments using the optimal conditions. In conclusion, the results revealed that LAB microencapsulation in the SA and attapulgite composite might display noteworthy protection against the gastrointestinal environment.
Geno2proteo, a Tool for Batch Retrieval of DNA and Protein Sequences from Any Genomic or Protein Regions
Authors: Li Yaoyong , Aguilar-Martinez Elisa , Sharrocks Andrew D.
Published: July 2019

The interconversion of sequences that constitute the genome and the proteome is becoming increasingly important due to the generation of large amounts of DNA sequence data. Following mapping of DNA segments to the genome, one fundamentally important task is to find the amino acid sequences which are coded within a list of genomic sections. Conversely, given a series of protein segments, an important task is to find the genomic loci which code for a list of protein regions. To perform these tasks on a region by region basis is extremely laborious when a large number of regions are being studied. We have therefore implemented an R package geno2proteo which performs the two mapping tasks and subsequent sequence retrieval in a batch fashion. In order to make the tool more accessible to users, we have created a web interface of the R package which allows the users to perform the mapping tasks by going to the web page http://sharrocksresources.manchester.ac.uk/tofigaps and using the web service.
Linear Regression Supporting Vector Machine and Hybrid LOG Filter-Based Image Restoration
Authors: Basha D. Khalandar , Venkateswarlu T.
Published: July 2019

The image restoration (IR) technique is a part of image processing to improve the quality of an image that is affected by noise and blur. Thus, IR is required to attain a better quality of image. In this paper, IR is performed using linear regression-based support vector machine (LR-SVM). This LR-SVM has two steps: training and testing. The training and testing stages have a distinct windowing process for extracting blocks from the images. The LR-SVM is trained through a block-by-block training sequence. The extracted block-by-block values of images are used to enhance the classification process of IR. In training, the imperfections on the image are easily identified by setting the target vectors as the original images. Then, the noisy image is given at LR-SVM testing, based on the original image restored from the dictionary. Finally, the image block from the testing stage is enhanced using the hybrid Laplacian of Gaussian (HLOG) filter. The denoising of the HLOG filter provides enhanced results by using block-by-block values. This proposed approach is named as LR-SVM-HLOG. A dataset used in this LR-SVM-HLOG method is the Berkeley Segmentation Database. The performance of LR-SVM-HLOG was analyzed as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index. The PSNR values of the house and pepper image (color image) are 40.82 and 36.56 dB, respectively, which are higher compared to the inter- and intra-block sparse estimation method and block matching and three-dimensional filtering for color images at 20% noise.
Phenotypic diversity and correlation with the genotypes of pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1
Authors: Gopal-Kothandapani Jaya Sujatha , Doshi Arpan B. , Smith Kath , Christian Martin , Mushtaq Talat , Banerjee I. , Padidela Raja , Ramakrishnan Renuka , Owen Catherine , Cheetham Timothy , Dimitri Paul
Published: July 2019

Background

Type I pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA1) is a rare condition characterised by profound salt wasting, hyperkalaemia and metabolic acidosis due to renal tubular resistance to aldosterone (PHA1a) or defective sodium epithelial channels (PHA1b or systemic PHA). Our aim was to review the clinical presentation related to the genotype in patients with PHA1.

Methods

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken through the British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) examining the clinical presentation and management of patients with genetically confirmed PHA1. We also reviewed previously reported patients where genotypic and phenotypic information were reported.

Results

Genetic confirmation was made in 12 patients with PHA1; four had PHA1a, including one novel mutation inNR3C2; eight had PHA1b, including three with novel mutations inSCNN1Aand one novel mutation inSCNN1B.It was impossible to differentiate between types of PHA1 from early clinical presentation or the biochemical and hormonal profile. Patients presenting with missense mutations ofSCNN1AandSCNN1Bhad a less marked rise in serum aldosterone suggesting preservation in sodium epithelial channel function.

Conclusions

We advocate early genetic testing in patients with presumed PHA1, given the challenges in differentiating between patients with PHA1a and PHA1b. Clinical course differs between patients withNR3C2andSCNN1Amutations with a poorer prognosis in those with multisystem PHA. There were no obvious genotype-phenotype correlations between mutations on the same gene in our cohort and others, although a lower serum aldosterone may suggest a missense mutation inSCNN1in patients with PHA1b.
Teacher as a Foreigner in Critical Multicultural Teacher Education
Authors: Shim Jenna Mim
Published: July 2019

In this article, I discuss my own experience as a critical multicultural educator who is an Asian American. Using the psychoanalytic ideas of Holding Environment and Countertransference, I use the two questions of where you am from and where are you really from in this article as a way to think through and learn about my own emotional world and its influence on multicultural education teacher education courses that I teach. I conclude that such exploration into my emotional world is helpful and necessary in giving new and different meanings to my emotional experience beyond seeing it as a mere response to students’ questions and understanding their psychical world in which questions like where are you from and where are you really from become the students’ own defense against difference.
Three-Dimensional Boundary layer Flow and Heat Transfer of a Fluid Particle Suspension over a Stretching Sheet Embedded in a Porous Medium
Authors: Mallikarjuna H.B. , Jayaprakash M.C. , Mishra Raghavendra
Published: July 2019

This article presents the effect of nonlinear thermal radiation on three dimensional flow and heat transfer of fluid particle suspension over a stretching sheet. The combined effects of non-uniform source/sink and convective boundary condition are taken into consideration. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity variables, which are then solved numerically by using Runge Kutta Fehlberg-45 method with shooting technique. The influence of various parameters on velocity and temperature profiles are illustrated graphically, and discussed in detail. The results indicate that the fluid phase velocity is greater than that of the particle phase for various existing parameters.
A reliable numerical algorithm for a fractional model of Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation arising in the transmission of nerve impulses
Authors: Prakash Amit , Kaur Hardish
Published: July 2019

The key objective of this paper is to study the fractional model of Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation (FNE) with a reliable computationally effective numerical scheme, which is compilation of homotopy perturbation method with Laplace transform approach. Homotopy polynomials are employed to simplify the nonlinear terms. The convergence and error analysis of the proposed technique are presented. Numerical outcomes are shown graphically to prove the efficiency of proposed scheme.
Radiative Flow of Third Grade Non-Newtonian Fluid From A Horizontal Circular Cylinder
Authors: Abdul Gaffar S. , Ramachandra Prasad V. , Ramesh Reddy P. , Hidayathulla Khan B.Md.
Published: July 2019

In this article, we study the nonlinear steady thermal convection of an incompressible third-grade non-Newtonian fluid from a horizontal circular cylinder. The transformed conservation equations are solved numerically subject to physically appropriate boundary conditions using a second-order accurate implicit finite-differences Keller Box technique. The influence of a number of emerging non-dimensional parameters, namely the third-grade fluid parameter (ϕ), the material fluid parameters (ϵ1, ϵ2), Prandtl number (Pr), Biot number (y), thermal radiation (F) and dimensionless tangential coordinate (ξ) on velocity and temperature evolution in the boundary layer regime are examined in detail. Furthermore, the effects of these parameters on surface heat transfer rate and local skin friction are also investigated. Validation with earlier Newtonian studies is presented and excellent correlation is achieved. It is found that the velocity, skin friction and Nusselt number (heat transfer rate) reduce with increasing third grade fluid parameter (ϕ), whereas the temperature is enhanced. Increasing material fluid parameter (ϵ1) reduces the velocity and heat transfer rate but enhances the temperature and skin friction. The study is relevant to chemical materials processing applications and low density polymer materials processing.
Comment on the paper: “Thermal radiation and chemical reaction effects on boundary layer slip flow and melting heat transfer of nanofluid induced by a nonlinear stretching sheet, M.R. Krishnamurthy, B.J. Gireesha, B.C. Prasannakumara, and Rama Subba Reddy Gorla, Nonlinear Engineering 2016, 5(3), 147-159”
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: July 2019

The present comment concerns some doubtful results included in the above paper.
Banana and plantain fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Ighalo Joshua O. , Onifade Damilola Victoria
Published: July 2019

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been widely explored by many researchers due to their improved modulus and lightness compared to other conventional construction materials such as wood, metal, and steel. Cultivators only harvest banana and plantain fruits for food and leaves for food wrapping. The other portions of the plant are considered as wastes and a potential resource of natural fibers used as reinforcement in composites. Over the years, a plethora of research works has been done on banana and plantain fibers as fillers in plastic composites. Comprehensive catalogues of preparation techniques and mechanical properties were presented. The mechanical properties of banana fiber reinforcement in polyester and epoxy composites were compared to and contrasted with those of other natural fibers to elucidate its superiority or inferiority to those materials. This work gives an overview of the current state of knowledge of banana fiber-reinforced composites alongside the available research gaps.
Mixed matrix membranes for hydrocarbons separation and recovery: a critical review
Authors: Najari Sara , Saeidi Samrand , Gallucci Fausto , Drioli Enrico
Published: July 2019

The separation and purification of light hydrocarbons are significant challenges in the petrochemical and chemical industries. Because of the growing demand for light hydrocarbons and the environmental and economic issues of traditional separation technologies, much effort has been devoted to developing highly efficient separation techniques. Accordingly, polymeric membranes have gained increasing attention because of their low costs and energy requirements compared with other technologies; however, their industrial exploitation is often hampered because of the trade-off between selectivity and permeability. In this regard, high-performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are prepared by embedding various organic and/or inorganic fillers into polymeric materials. MMMs exhibit the advantageous and disadvantageous properties of both polymer and filler materials. In this review, the influence of filler on polymer chain packing and membrane sieving properties are discussed. Furthermore, the influential parameters affecting MMMs affinity toward hydrocarbons separation are addressed. Selection criteria for a suitable combination of polymer and filler are discussed. Moreover, the challenges arising from polymer/filler interactions are analyzed to allow for the successful implementation of this promising class of membranes.
Quelques expériences pour développer l’expression de sens en cartographie thématique
Authors: Jégou Laurent
Published: July 2019

La cartographie thématique vise à produire des représentations visuelles de données comportant une dimension spatiale. Structurée dans les années 1970 selon une approche explicitement sémiotique, elle s’est peu à peu détachée des recherches dans ce domaine pour se stabiliser autour de pratiques largement standardisées. Ce constat, et celui de l’écart avec ce que peut produire une approche plus artistique par des infographistes, a motivé une recherche d’outils accessibles pour aider à comprendre cette sémiose. On a tout d’abord cherché à saisir la complexité des images cartographiques pour tenter d’en simplifier leur perception et interprétation. Les outils d’analyse de l’attention visuelle ont apporté des résultats encourageants. Ensuite, on s’est intéressés à la couleur : comment découvrir des compositions colorées plus expressives ? Dans la peinture ? On a ensuite cherché à assister la composition de dégradés de couleurs tirés de sources picturales. Ces idées ont pu être mises en pratique et évaluées grâce au support Internet : il est possible de proposer des traitements complexes de manière accessible et rapide. Ces outils sont décrits sur un carnet de recherche Hypothèses.org, tout en ouvrant le code source. Cela pourrait ouvrir la voie à une étude plus poussée des capacités expressives des signes plastiques utilisés en infographie.
Serum fetuin-A levels and association with hematological parameters in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis patients
Authors: Toprak Aybala Erek , Gerin Fetullah , Erman Hayriye , Duran İlyas , Atalay Eray , Korlaelçi Fırat , Öztürk Ümmühan
Published: July 2019

Aim

The objective of the current study is to examine the association between serum fetuin-A concentrations and some other inflammation markers neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and C reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis.

Methods

The study subjects are composed of healthy volunteers (n = 47) and two patient groups; CKD patients (n = 26) and hemodialysis patients (n = 33). We measured serum glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, ferritin and CRP levels by auto-analyzer and fetuin-A levels by ELISA method. Also, complete blood count parameters were analyzed and NLR was calculated.

Results

There were significant differences in serum fetuin-A concentrations, NLR and MPV values among three groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The correlation analyses revealed that fetuin-A negatively correlated with urea, creatinine, ferritin, and CRP concentrations (r: 0.349, 0.367, 0.399, 0.550, respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Fetuin-A is lower in CKD and hemodialysis patients than the control group; supporting as a negative acute phase reactant. Determination of serum fetuin-A, NLR and MPV might be useful to assess inflammation in CKD and hemodialysis patients.
A new Co(II) coordination polymer with the 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalate ligand: synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Tian Danian , Ding Runmei , Chen Bingbing , Cen Peipei
Published: July 2019

A new Co(II) complex, [Co(pta)(H2O)2]
n
(1), with the 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalate ligand (pta2−) has been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. Single crystal X-ray analysis indicates that the unique Co(II) ion in the asymmetric unit of 1 displays stretched octahedral geometry. Compound 1 presents a bimetallic layer structure which is further expanded to a 3D supramolecular network through hydrogen bonding interactions. Magnetic measurements have revealed the temperature-dependent existence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions in compound 1.
Determining the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Training on the Rate of C-Reactive Protein and Depression in Patients Afflicted With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Edalatjoo Zeinab , Zarbakhsh Mohammadreza , Shamsaldini Ahmad
Published: July 2019

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease with variable clinical symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral training on C-reactive protein (CRP) and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This research was a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study involved all women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who went to Iran Rheumatology Center. From among them, 60 individuals were randomly selected and consigned to the control and experimental groups. The control group received only medication, and an educational package about rheumatoid arthritis provided for them. Beck’s depression and biochemical evaluations questionnaires were used to measure dependent variables. To analyze the data, multivariate analysis of covariance and SPSS. 22 software were used. Results: The mean (SD) of depression in the experimental group in the pretest was 25.5 (3.8), which decreased to 18.9 (4.2) in the post-test (P<0.01), but the mean (SD) of the control group was not statistically significant. Also, the mean (SD) of the CRP in the experimental group was 27.3 (6.9) in the pretest, which increased to 22.8 (4.6) in the post-test (P<0.01), but the mean (SD) of the control group was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This research revealed that cognitive behavioral training led to a reduction of CRP and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Anesthetic Considerations in a Case With Massive Recurrent Clivus Chordoma
Authors: Soltanpoor Pardis , Behnaz Faranak , Azizi Faresani Hamidreza , Seddighi Afsoun , Karimian Maede
Published: July 2019

Chordomas rare low grade slow-growing malignant tumors with an incidence rate of 1 in 100000 individuals.32% of chordomas occur in the clivus. Diagnosing Clival chordomas could be challenging due to their rare prevalence, insidious onset, and tendency to involve anywhere throughout the craniospinal column. Treating these tumors can also present as a challenge due to their proximity to vital structures and high recurrence rate. We present a case of massive recurrent Clival chordoma in a 27-year-old patient and discuss the anesthetic considerations in such cases.
Energy System Development in the Weight Room: Incorporating Prescribed Rest Periods for NCAA Men's Basketball Players
Authors: Bender Blake
Published: July 2019

TRAINING PROGRAMS OFTEN VARY SETS AND REPS TO ACHIEVE DIFFERENT TRAINING GOALS. REST IS NOT OFTEN PROGRAMMED WITHIN AN ANNUAL TRAINING CYCLE BUT CAN BE PRESCRIBED IN RESISTANCE TRAINING SESSIONS TO FURTHER DEVELOP ENERGY SYSTEMS DEMANDED BY SPORT. SPECIFICALLY, BASKETBALL INCLUDES INTERMITTENT PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HIGH INTENSITY, DERIVING MOST OF ITS ENERGY FROM THE ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE-PHOSPHOCREATINE AND ANAEROBIC GLYCOLYTIC SYSTEMS. BY IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC WORK:REST RATIOS IN BASKETBALL, STRENGTH COACHES CAN PRESCRIBE LOGICAL REST PERIODS WITHIN A WEIGHT TRAINING SESSION. NOT ONLY WILL THIS ENHANCE OVERALL ENERGY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT, BUT WILL ALSO PROVIDE MORE STRUCTURE TO STRENGTH TRAINING ROUTINES.
Hot Deformation of 18 % Ni Maraging Steels: A Review
Authors: Nageswara Rao M. , Narayana Murty S. V. S.
Published: July 2019

The published literature makes reference to the excellent hot workability of 18 % nickel maraging steels. However, production of large cross-sectioned products of 18 % nickel maraging steels by hot deformation can lead to different types of quality problems, such as (i) inadequate recrystallization and grain structure aligned in working direction, resulting in directionality of mechanical properties; (ii) thermal embrittlement that leads to poor values of ductility and fracture toughness; and (iii) sharp increase in flow stress with decreasing hot working temperature, necessitating the application of high loads for deformation at relatively low temperatures. To overcome these problems, primarily two sets of studies have been carried out by researchers. One set of studies was centered around the development of an optimum post–hot work solution treatment. Two-stage solution treatments, as opposed to standard single-stage solution treatment at 820°C, have been developed and are shown to lead to a fine-grained microstructure and an excellent combination of strength and fracture toughness with a high degree of isotropy. It has been documented that such heat treatments can also rejuvenate the quality of the products produced through a nonoptimum hot deformation schedule. The other set of studies was focused on establishing deformation processing maps using hot isothermal uniaxial compression testing. Different grades of 18 % nickel maraging steels have been the subject of investigation. Based on these studies, regimes of strain rate and temperature have been identified for optimum processing. Regimes in which flow localization occurs and hence need to be avoided have been identified. Processing regimes for obtaining fine-grained microstructures have been identified; regimes that lead to coarse grains, which need to be avoided, have been established. Constitutive equations have been developed to predict the deformation behavior as an aid to the design of the hot deformation process.
Criticality safety analysis of spent fuel pool for a PWR using UO2, MOX, (Th-U)O2 and (TRU-Th)O2 fuels
Authors: Pereira Claubia , Achilles Jéssica P. , Cardoso Fabiano , Castro Victor F. , Veloso Maria Auxiliadora F.
Published: July 2019

A spent fuel pool of a typical Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) was evaluated for criticality studies when it uses reprocessed fuels. PWR nuclear fuel assemblies with four types of fuels were considered: standard PWR fuel, MOX fuel, thorium-uranium fuel and reprocessed transuranic fuel spiked with thorium. The MOX and UO2 benchmark model was evaluated using SCALE 6.0 code with KENO-V transport code and then, adopted as a reference for other fuels compositions. The four fuel assemblies were submitted to irradiation at normal operation conditions. The burnup calculations were obtained using the TRITON sequence in the SCALE 6.0 code package. The fuel assemblies modeled use a benchmark 17x17 PWR fuel assembly dimensions. After irradiation, the fuels were inserted in the pool. The criticality safety limits were performed using the KENO-V transport code in the CSAS5 sequence. It was shown that mixing a quarter of reprocessed fuel withUO2 fuel in the pool, it would not need to be resized
The Augusta Heart Study
Authors: George Varghese , Kapuku Gaston , Ghosh Santu , Hall Patricia , Strong William , Treiber Frank , Pollock David , Pollock Jennifer , Harris Ryan , Halbert James , Harshfield Gregory
Published: July 2019

Objective: The Augusta Heart Study is a NIH-funded multiracial longitudinal project, started in 1985, that examines cardiovascular health of children and adolescents in the Metro Augusta area. The objective was to develop a longitudinal cohort starting in childhood that would identify precursors and underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms that contribute to preclinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The focus was initially on sociodemographic factors, ethnicity, physical activity and obesity. In 2002, an additional focus on stress-related mechanisms of hypertension risk was initiated. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the rich database of this longitudinal multiracial cohort to researchers interested in assessing risk factors of lifetime development of CVD. Methods: Overall, 585 youth were recruited during 1985-2002. This cohort was maintained, and new age-matching participants were added so that, by 2007, the participant pool included 300 African Americans and 307 European Americans. Results: Valuable data, including childhood and young adulthood cardiovascular phenotypes and genotypes, were collected over a thirty-year span. Data were carefully curated and a comprehensive database was created to store data in digital format. As an illustration of the valuable research potential of the database, we performed a longitudinal analysis of the left ventricular mass using a mixed effect growth curve model. Conclusions: The database allows longitudinal analysis of precursors of cardiovascular disease and their underlying mechanisms, allowing to explore beyond simple epidemiology and orienting toward translational research. This cohort may also be used to evaluate the development of other disease processes. Our analysis of the left ventricular mass points out to the early onset and rapid elevation of blood pressure and cardiac mass in African Americans compared to European Americans, and males compared to females.
Editorial
Authors: Lopez Kleine Liliana , Giraldo Henao Ramón
Published: July 2019

Dear readers, We welcome you to the second issue of the year 2019. This time we have twoimportant announcements to make.First, the creation of a new section in our journal. We have decided to create anew section of “Applied Statistics”. The section of applied statistics will cover thewhole range of interdisciplinary fields, for example applications of statistical meth-ods as well as data analytics in agriculture, genetics, industry, medicine, economyand physical sciences. In this section, original or innovative applications that makea novel contribution to statistics by adapting or developing methodology, or byapplying it for the first time in a field will be consideredSecond, the citation index of RCE has been growing steadily. Now we haveachieved to pass to Q2 with a Scimago index of 0.94.We hope you enjoy this issue and invite you to continue reading and submittingyour work to Colombian Journal of Statistics.
Porfiria intermitente aguda como desencadenante de síndrome de Guillain-Barre
Authors: Erazo-Narváez Andres Felipe , Erazo-Rosero Marlin Sirley , Zamora-Bastidas Tomas Omar
Published: July 2019

Introducción. La porfiria es un conjunto de enfermedades metabólicas que tienen como base fisiopatológica la acumulación de precursores tóxicos. Su similitud clínica con enfermedades como el síndrome de Guillain-Barre puede retrasar el diagnostico, aumentando la posibilidad de complicaciones.Presentación del caso. Paciente femenino quien presentó síntomas inespecíficos de porfiria y síndrome de Guillain-Barre. La mujer fue evaluada de manera integral y recibió tratamiento para ambas patologías, respondiendo de manera inusual.Conclusión. La respuesta farmacológica atípica encontrada y la relación causa-efecto entre ambas entidades se justifica a la luz de sus procesos fisiopatológicos y la respuesta inmune desencadenada por los mismos.
Cukorbeteg gyermekek együttműködésének vizsgálata a Diabetes Adherencia Kérdőív gyermekváltozatának validálása során
Authors: Munkácsi Brigitta , Nagy Beáta Erika , Kovács Karolina Eszter
Published: July 2019

Abstract:

Introduction: Most of the adolescents suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can be described with HbA1c values below the target level. Several research investigated the impact of diabetes on the quality of life, however, no complex questionnaire has been developed to examine each area of the disease. Aim: The aim of the present study is to create a Hungarian, reliable and valid questionnaire which can cover each aspect of the adherence related to type 1 diabetes mellitus. Method: In the present study, the attention was drawn to the introduction of a new questionnaire related to diabetes adherence which can be applied among children and adolescents as well. To test the questionnaire and to reduce the number of the items and to determine the scales, reliability analysis (Cronbach’s α) and factor analysis was applied. Results: The new measurement, which was created through the translation of English language international questionnaires, their pre-test, and its reduction by factor and reliability analysis, containing 9 subscales with 58 items, is stated as reliable regarding the results of the Cronbach’s α index. Conclusion: It can be stated that the created Diabetes Adherence Questionnaire can be reliably applied on child and adolescent population and it can be adapted for people suffering from other types of chronic diseases. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(29): 1136–1142.