bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illness Understanding of Oncology Patients in a Community-Based Cancer Institute
Authors: Sivendran Shanthi , Jenkins Sarah , Svetec Sarah , Horst Michael , Newport Kristina , Yost Kathleen J. , Yang Manshu
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

Several studies have demonstrated that patients have a poor understanding of prognosis, survival, and effectiveness of chemotherapy, particularly in the setting of advanced cancer. This study examines oncology patients’ understanding of their illness based on accurate reporting of stage at diagnosis and knowledge of cancer status (ie, free of cancer or in remission v active disease).

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred eight patients with cancer previously treated at our large community-based cancer institute participated in the Consumer-Based Cancer Care Value Index field survey. Electronic medical record documentation of stage at diagnosis and cancer status was compared with patients’ self-reported responses. Concordance of responses and variables influencing discordance were evaluated.

Results:

In 51.0% of patients, self-reported cancer stage matched the abstracted stage, with the highest concordance in patients with advanced cancer (72%) versus patients with stage I to III disease (36.4% to 61.5%). Unexpectedly, discordance was lower among patients with advanced cancer compared with patients with stage I to III cancer ( P = .0528). Patients who were concordant for cancer stage at diagnosis were significantly more likely to be female ( P = .001), be younger than age 65 years ( P = .01), have an income > $60,000 ( P = .03), and have more education ( P = .02). In 64.4% of patients, self-reported cancer status (ie, free of cancer or in remission v active disease) matched the abstracted status. Nearly 30% of patients were not sure about their status, even when they were free of cancer or in remission.

Conclusion:

Our findings confirm that more than one quarter of patients with advanced cancer have poor illness understanding and highlight that an even greater number of patients with early stage I to III cancer have poor illness understanding. These observations highlight the need to improve illness understanding for patients across the entire cancer continuum.
Cell models of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: advances and opportunities
Authors: Sommariva Elena , Stadiotti Ilaria , Perrucci Gianluca L. , Tondo Claudio , Pompilio Giulio
Published: July 2017

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a rare genetic disease that is mostly inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is associated predominantly with mutations in desmosomal genes and is characterized by the replacement of the ventricular myocardium with fibrous fatty deposits, arrhythmias and a high risk of sudden death. In vitro studies have contributed to our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease, including its genetic determinants, as well as its cellular, signaling and molecular defects. Here, we review what is currently known about the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and focus on the in vitro models that have advanced our understanding of the disease. Finally, we assess the potential of established and innovative cell platforms for elucidating unknown aspects of this disease, and for screening new potential therapeutic agents. This appraisal of in vitro models of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy highlights the discoveries made about this disease and the uses of these models for future basic and therapeutic research.
Results of early warning indicators for HIV/AIDS in 42 outpatient clinics in 25 northern provinces of Vietnam
Authors: Doan Linh Thuy Thi , Phuc Do Huyen , Nguyen Huong Lan Thi , Le Huong Thi , Pham Dung Kim
Published: July 2017

Background: The emergence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is an unavoidable consequence of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and HIVDR early warning indicators (EWIs) could specifically assess factors at individual clinics associated with HIVDR. Thus, the present study aimed to collect data on EWIs for HIV/AIDS at 42 outpatient clinics (OPCs) in 25 northern provinces and cities of Vietnam in 2012.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Data was collected from 42 OPCs in 25 northern provinces between October and December 2012. The information was collected retrospectively from outpatient records from 2008 to 2011.

Results: In total, 99.8% ART patients were prescribed the correct regimen when starting ART treatment. All facilities met the target of under 20% patients lost to follow-up at 12 months. A total of 33/42 facilities reached the goal for on-time appointment keeping and 37/42 facilities achieved the target of first-line retention after 12-month ARV treatment. 

Conclusions: EWIs should be performed routinely in HIV/AIDS facilities. The data collected will contribute to monitoring, supervision, periodic assessment, and future plans for HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs in the area.
Surgical placement of a wireless telemetry device for cardiovascular studies of bovine calves
Authors: Neary Joseph M. , Mendenhall Vincent , Santana Dixon
Published: July 2017

Background: Domestic cattle (Bos taurus) are naturally susceptible to hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension; consequently, the bovine calf has been used with considerable success as an animal model of the analogous human condition. Studies to date, however, have relied on instantaneous measurements of pressure and cardiac output. Here, we describe the surgical technique for placement of a fully implantable wireless biotelemetry device in a bovine calf for measurement of pulmonary arterial and left ventricular pressures, right ventricular output, and electrocardiogram.

Methods: Three, 2-month old bovine calves underwent left-sided thoracotomies. A transit-time flow probe was placed around the pulmonary artery and solid-state pressure catheters inserted into the pulmonary artery and left ventricle. Biopotential leads were secured to the epicardium. The implant body was secured subcutaneously, dorso-caudal to the incision.

Results: The implant and sensors were successfully placed in two of the three calves. One calf died from ventricular fibrillation following left ventricular puncture prior to pressure sensor insertion. Anatomical discrepancies meant that either 4th or 5th rib was removed. The calves recovered quickly with minimal complications that included moderate dyspnea and subcutaneous edema.

Conclusions: Left thoracotomy is a viable surgical approach for wireless biotelemetry studies of bovine calf cardiovascular function. The real-time, contemporaneous collection of cardiovascular pressures and output, permits pathophysiological studies in a naturally susceptible, large animal model of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Between fiction and reality: Transforming the semiotic object
Authors: Valsiner Jaan
Published: July 2017

(Commentary on Umberto Eco’s article On the ontology of fictional characters: A semiotic approach in the present issue.)The contrast between real and fictional characters in our thinking needs further elaboration. In this commentary on Eco’s look at the ontology of the semiotic object, I suggest that human semiotic construction entails constant modulation of the relationship between the states of the real and fictional characters in irreversible time. Literary characters are examples of crystallized fictions which function as semiotic anchors in the fluid construction — by the readers — of their understandings of the world. Literary characters are thus fictions that are real in their functions — while the actual reality of meaningmaking consists of ever new fictions of fluid (transitory) nature. Eco’s ontological look at the contrast of the semiotic object with perceptual objects (Gegenstände) in Alexius Meinong’s theorizing needs to be complemented by the semiotic subject. Cultural mythologies of human societies set the stage for such invention and maintenance of such dynamic unity of fictionally real and realistically fictional characters.
The impossibility of immanence: A contemporary perspective on Algirdas Julius Greimas’ Maupassant
Authors: Satkauskytė Dalia
Published: July 2017

The book Maupassant (1976), which is devoted to an analysis of Maupassant’s short story “Two friends”, is one of A. J. Greimas’ most important works. In it he tried out the semiotic tools he had developed up to that point, tested models for narrative analysis, and anticipated future perspectives in the development of semiotic theory. We discuss how the book puts forward the principle of immanent analysis, and how the “closed” text – the object of semiotic analysis – is constructed. The article reveals that while Greimas declares, in the book’s Foreword, that he is distancing from context – the literary sociocultural universe – within the analysis itself he is forced to recognize certain contextual elements. Greimas recognizes the importance of acknowledging contextual facts such as the French concept of patrie and does not attempt to hide certain subjective interpretive elements. Yet at the same time Greimas attempts to suppress context’s invasion of his interpretation. He recognizes the semantic isotopies generated by context to the extent to which they suit the coherence of his analysis, considering them auxiliary in terms of the syntactic and discursive structures of the text. Nevertheless, a contextual isotopy – based on intertextual ties to a Biblical parable – becomes the main one. We come to the conclusion that the principle of immanence in Maupassant is not a negation, but a problematization that demonstrates how relevant contextual material can be integrated into a semiotic analysis.
Plastic semiotics: From visuality to all the senses
Authors: Žemaitytė Gintautė
Published: July 2017

The article’s aim is to present plastic semiotics, one of the most recent branches of the Greimassian School. In his Structural Semantics: An Attempt at a Method (1966) Algirdas Julius Greimas stated that sensorial perception was the dimension in which the grasping of meaning takes place, but explicit principles of the analysis of this nonlinguistic dimension were published only years later, in his article “Figurative semiotics and plastic semiotics” (1984). Since then, plastic semiotics has been leading independent existence, focused on the effects of sense generated by the form and the substance of expression. Plastic analysis has turned out to be a fruitful approach not only in the field of visual studies, but also in the research into other sensorial expressions.
Climbing As a Process of Self-Improvement
Authors: Мухин  , Muhin M.
Published: July 2017

The material shows that the self-improvement process is quite complicated and interminable in the continuation of all life. Peak of climbing of maturing personality, his self-improvement are heights of human achievement. Rise to the heights help a person to find a new, deeper meaning of his life that promotes harmony with oneself and others. Perfecting a person at the same time creates a perfect world.
Role of Ethnic Culture in the Spiritual and Moral Development of Young People (in the Conditions of Additional Education)
Authors: Путиловская  , Putilovskaya V. , Бредихин  , Bredihin A.
Published: July 2017

The article discusses various views on the essence of ethno-cultural education, describes the role of ethnic culture in the spiritual and moral development. On the example of the folk-ethnographic ensemble "Pokrov" it is described the possibility of realization of the Cossack ethno-cultural component in terms of additional education of children
Cloning and Characterization of Lipase Gene from a Local Isolate of Pseudoxanthomonas sp.
Authors: Yopa Kristia Yogi , F Syihab Syifa , Akhmaloka Akhmaloka
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Lipase gene from Pseudoxanthomonas sp. was cloned through in vitro amplification from total chromosomal DNA. The gene was sequenced and characterized, coding for 312 amino acid residues. Homological analysis showed that the gene has 98% similarity to lipolytic gene from Uncultured Pseudomonas sp (GenBank No. AKA58891.1). Further analysis appeared that the sequences showed similar unique motifs of lipase sub-family I.1, such as pentapeptide (GHSHG) motif, tetrapeptide (GMLG) motif, and catalytic triad. In additional, 3D structure analysis based on crystal structure of Pseudomonas aeruginose (PDB ID 1ex9) showed that both structure of lipases are similar except on the conformation of catalytic residue of His277 showing to shift more far away compared to that the control.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Artemisia sieberiand Calotropis procera Medical Plant Extracts and their Characterization using SEM Analysis
Authors: Mutluq Alkammash Nadiah
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: The synthesis, characterization and application of biologically synthesized nanomaterials have become important research areas in nanotechnology, and the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plants is being increasingly studied largely because this approach is considered to lack the problems associated with conventional synthesis. Here we report the synthesis and characterization (using a scanning electron microscope) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained using extracts of leaves of the medicinal plants, Artemisia sieberi and Calotropis procera. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed the characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles which were confirmed by analyzing the excitation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using UV–vis spectrophotometer at 482 nm. SEM analysis of the synthesized Ag NPs clearly showed that the particles were predominantly spherical in shape, mostly aggregated and having a size around 8–20 nm. Finally, we consider that the nanoparticles synthesized in this study have potential for wide application in nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Cress (Lepidium sativum L.)
Authors: K. Chavda N. , A. Patel R. , Patel Priya , V. Hirpara B.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: An experiment was conducted during rabiseason of the year 2014-15 at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Centre, AnandAgricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur on cress (LepidiumSativum L.). Nitrogen significantly increase seed yields up to the level of 100 kg N/ha. Similarly, application of 80 kg P2O5/ha and 20 kg S/ha significantly improved growth and yield attributes and seed and stover yields. Interaction effect of N and S significantly increased number of siliquae/plant and seed yield.
Analysis of Antineoplastics, Immunomodulators, Antibiotics and Analgesics Adverse Drug Reactions Reports Submitted to the Pharmacovigilance Database in Jordan
Authors: Alsbou Mohammed , Batarseh Adel , Bawaresh Nidda , Jaber Jaber , Qawasmi Gadeer , Banat Hayat
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: A national pharmacovigilance database was created recently at the Rational Drug Use and Pharmacovigilance Department at Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). This study was based on the analysis of the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reports submitted to the national pharmacovigilance (PV) database in Jordan from 2010 to 2014.The aims of this study were to identify the most frequently body system classes and the most common ADRs for the four major classes of dugs implicated in the PV database and include: antineoplastics, immunomodulators, antibiotics and analgesics. The most affected systems by ADRs in our study were the skin and the gastrointestinal (GI) systems. The skin ADRs associated with the use of antineoplastics were skin rash, hand and foot syndrome and acral erythema, and the most frequent GI ADRs were vomiting and diarrhea. The most affected system by the use of the immunomodulators was the blood system and the most common ADRs were anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The most commonly ADRs following analgesics use were GI bleeding and duodenal ulcer and the skin reactions were rash, itching and flushing. Analysis of the national PV database provides close monitoring and more information about the safety of medicine in Jordan. All Health care provider should be aware of the importance of reporting of adverse reactions and should be encouraged to report suspected ADRs and be trained in detecting, diagnosing and treating patients with adverse effects of drugs.
How practitioner-led research could have greater impact: the importance of considering knowledge mobilisation holistically
Authors: Lightowler Claire , Stocks-Rankin Catherine-Rose , Wilkinson Heather
Published: July 2017

Literature about practitioner research focuses on the production of research or building of research capacity, with limited exploration of the wider contribution that practitioner research can make to knowledge mobilisation (KM). This paper draws on findings from a practitioner research project to explore how practitioner research can facilitate KM. We suggest that more would be achieved if KM initiatives were informed by a holistic model which recognises that KM is influenced by: the actors involved (and the dynamics between them), environmental context, knowledge content and type, mechanisms for mobilising knowledge, and the underpinning values and principles.
Colombia y su interminable paternalismo feudal
Authors: Fajardo Fajardo Carlos
Published: July 2017

En este artículo se indaga cómo desde la instauración de la llamada Regeneración, movimiento de ideología hispano-católica conservadora de finales del siglo XIX, Colombia no ha superado aquella tradición premoderna, acérrima defensora de las tradiciones, de la moral católica y de las instituciones hacendarias, llegando a constituirse en buena parte enun Estado casi confesional a pesar de la apertura que significó, en algunos aspectos, la Constitución de 1991. El texto aborda diferentes visiones de intelectuales y escritores colombianos del siglo XX que dieron cuenta de dicha condición político-cultural, a la cualel poeta Jorge Gaitán Durán denominó ya en 1959 “nuestro paternalismo feudal”.
Análisis de Confiabilidad en Subestaciones Eléctricas Tipo Maniobra Implementando el Transformador de Tensión con Núcleo de Potencia
Authors: Viteri Diego Ernesto , Garzón Bustos César Andrés , Narvaez Cubillos Eider Alexander
Published: July 2017

Context: It is intended to conduct a technical study of a voltage transformer power core, used for the supply of the auxiliary services of a maneuver type substation, hoping to mitigate the possibility of losing the continuous electricity power supply and likewise reducing the dependency with the external supplier. This is a result of a collaborative project between the Bogota Energy Company and the Universidad Distrital Francisco Jose de Caldas.Method: The study consists of two stages, the first one is an analysis of reliability of the substation auxiliary systems, carried out in three scenarios: before and after use of the transformer and using a unique generator for auxiliary services. The second one is simulation using the ATP software to verify the behavior of the equipment in transient state.Results: The reliability of auxiliary services increased after the equipment has been installed, as the failure rate went from 0.31 [failure/year] with the current system, to become 0.0025 [failure/year].Conclusions: The implementation of transformer is suitable for substations that do not have a reliable power system auxiliary services as it makes the substation auto dependent. Implement this system in Colombia would get a big increase in the reliability of the auxiliary services in maneuver type substations and therefore a lower probability of loss.
Hacia un Marco Conceptual Común sobre Trazabilidad en la Cadena de Suministro de Alimentos
Authors: Rincón Ballesteros Dora Lucia , Fonseca Ramírez Johan Esteban , Orjuela-Castro Javier Arturo
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground: The absence of a common conceptual framework on traceability in the food supply chain (SCF), prevents a cohesive development of this concept. The absence has generated confusion and has made it impossible to demonstrate the social and commercial advantages of its implementation. In addition, not having a common framework in countries such as Colombia obstructs the development of public policies.Method: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in four stages: search protocol to consult articles in the databases Scopus, Science Direct and ISI Web; review and selection of relevant articles; extraction and incorporation of data into tables and formats designed for this purpose and elaboration of the conceptual framework.Results: A common conceptual framework is proposed for the design and implementation of a traceability system in the SCF covering the following aspects: definition of traceability, characteristics and properties, schemes, traceable resource unit, motivators and recording systems. The international and national legislation is evaluated and aspects for its incorporation are established. The proposed conceptual framework is exemplified by the meat supply chain to guide the implementation of traceability systems in CSA in Colombia. Conclusions: The conceptual framework for SCF traceability can be a guide for the implementation and development of food chains in the Colombian context. Implementing this in agricultural chains would allow the differentiation of origin, which can be a competitive factor for producers with good agricultural practices, as well as provide effective logistic capacities for all agents of the SCF. The effect of its implementation should be evaluated with special emphasis on the impact on brand positioning and the establishment of fair prices as an effect of tracking and tracing the traceability system.Language: Spanish.
Operation of a Photovoltaic Microinverter as Active Power Filter using the single phase P-Q Theory and Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Lopez-Santos Oswaldo , Tilaguy-Lezama Sebastián , Rico-Ramírez Sandra Patricia , Cortes-Torres Luis Darío
Published: July 2017

Context: Microinverters are widely used in modular photovoltaic installations but its operation with reduced power is limited to inject real power into the grid. One way to optimize the use of microinverters consist of providing them the Active Power Filtering (APF) capability, which allows its use as both distributed generation and compensation unit even under unfavorable conditions of insolation. With this approach, the output stage of the microinverter can provide reactive and distortive components of power in order to compensate power quality defects of a localized load.Method: This paper proposes a non-linear control strategy to integrate the APF function in a single-phase two-stage photovoltaic microinverter. The proposal involves the use of the single-phase P-Q theory to generate the current reference, sliding mode control to achieve a robust tracking of that reference and linear robust control to maintain the power balance regulating the DC-link voltage of the microinverter. The proposed control does not require the use of low-pass filters and in turn uses a recursive average computation improving the general performance of the system.Results: The theoretical approach is validated by means of simulation results in which appropriate levels of harmonic distortion are obtained in the grid-side current for different load types and power levels. The robustness of the control system is tested by applying disturbances in the harmonic content of the load current and its power level obtaining an appropriate dynamic performance adapted to the demands of the application.Conclusions: The main advantage of this proposal is the possibility to add the active filter function to coventional microinverters extending its capability to power conditioning only integrating some algorithms. A simple design method to ensure reliability, robustness and high power quality is detailed.Language: English
Assessment of the Input Substrate Characteristics Included in the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1)
Authors: Morales Laura Andrea , Rodriguez Angel David , Rojas Herbert Enrique
Published: July 2017

Context: Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a well-established process and widely used for wastewater treatment and power generation worldwide. In engineering, the Anaerobic Digestion Model number 1 (ADM1) is the preferred tool for predicting the behavior of AD. However, this model requires a detailed characterization of the input substrate, which is often a difficult and expensive process. This paper presents an analysis of the input waste variables in the ADM1 and its effects on the biogas production, in order to identify on which variables the characterization should be centered.Method: A sensitivity analysis was performed using a simple methodology that consisted of establishing a reference case and change the value of each input concentrations one at a time leaving the other parameters equal. For this a specific range of variation was defined using the values of parameter extracted from several references. Simulations were done in MATLAB/Simulink® using a routine developed by the authors based on the ADM1 implementation proposed in the Lund University, Sweden.Results: The analysis reveals that most critical variables involved in the methane production are temperature, volumetric flow rate of substrates and the concentrations of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. For the case analyzed, variations in concentrations of lipids and carbohydrates increase the production of methane by more than 500%.Conclusions: In the concentrations of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates should focus the characterization of waste input when the ADM1 is implemented. Also, simulations shows that the input concentrations should be carefully estimated because oversizing of these can cause erroneous results.Language: English
El Workshop on Engineering Applications 2016: Avanzando hacia el Reconocimiento Internacional
Authors: Figueroa García Juan Carlos , López Santana Eduyn Ramiro , Ferro Escobar Roberto
Published: July 2017

Workshop on Engineering Applications 2016: A Step Closer Towards International RecognitionLanguage: English
From the Editor in Chief
Authors: Doğanay Ahmet
Published: July 2017

Dear producers and consumers of knowledge,

I would like to share the happiness of being with you again with 7th Volume 3th Issue of Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction (PEGEGOG). I hope you could find time to have a rest after your busy schedule. Initially, I want to thank you for the increasing interest for our journal.

We shared with you in previous issues and announcements that our journal got high scores by many indexes. I'm pleased to inform you in this issue that the journal's h-index rose to 10. However, our aim is always to have much higher scores. Therefore, we invite you to share studies comprehensive, built on strong theoretical basis, innovative and bringing a vision on various fields of educational sciences increasing the number of readers.

There has been 54 articles sent for publication to our journal. This is good news for our journal and country. On the other hand, I have to indicate that there were critical problems in terms of format within these articles as stated in the previous issue. First of all, unfortunately we had to reject some articles as in many of them there were texts very similar to ones in different articles. At first step, we scan all articles in i-Thenticate program to determine the exact quotations from other resources. After this scan, we reject the articles detected to have exact quotations at a high rate without initiating peer-review process. Apart from that, we also send back the articles not written in an academic format not to disturb our reviewers unnecessarily.

One of the problems with the articles submitted to our journal and we had to reject was about data analysis. The data is the raw information collected from related resources through research aims. These should be analyzed in parallel with these aims. It is necessary to analyze them using statistics for quantitative data and methods such as content analysis or descriptive analysis for qualitative data. Analysis provides the data being transformed into findings and make sense. Especially, in some of document analysis and some qualitative studies, it is seen that data are presented as findings. In some others, data are presented being only described. It is essential that the studies are formed in an article format obeying the rules by the journal and presented for publication afterwards.

As always, we present the six articles got through peer-review process and given DOI number to you dear producers and consumers of knowledge. I wish these studies conducted in various fields of educational sciences will be useful and contribute to theoretical knowledge within the field. Hope to meet within the next issue.

Sincerely yours,
Preparation, characterization and blood compatibility assessment of a novel electrospun nanocomposite comprising polyurethane and ayurvedic-indhulekha oil for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ayyar Manikandan , Mani Mohan Prasath , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Rathanasamy Rajasekar
Published: July 2017

Electrospun polyurethane based nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated by mixing with indhulekha oil. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) portrayed the nanofibrous nature of the composite and the average diameters of the composite scaffold were smaller than the pristine scaffolds. The fabricated scaffold was found to be hydrophobic (114°) due to the inclusion of indhulekha oil, which was displayed in contact angle measurement analysis. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicated that the indhulekha oil was dispersed in PU matrix identified by formation of hydrogen bond and peak shifting of CH group. The PU/indhulekha oil nanocomposite exhibits a higher decomposition onset temperature and also residual weight percentage at 900°C was more compared to the pure PU. Surface roughness was found to be increased in the composite compared to the pristine PU as indicated by the atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. In order to investigate the blood compatibility of electrospun nanocomposites the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay, prothrombin time (PT) assay and hemolytic assay were performed. The blood compatibility results APTT and PT revealed that the developed nanocomposites demonstrated delayed clotting time indicating the anticoagulant nature of the composite in comparison with the pristine PU. Further, it was also observed that the hemolytic index of nanocomposites was reduced compared to pure PU suggesting the non-hemolytic nature of the fabricated scaffold. Hence, the fabricated nanocomposites might be considered as a potent substitute for scaffolding damaged tissue due to their inherent physicochemical and blood compatibility properties.
Maximal subsemigroups of some semigroups of order-preserving mappings on a countably infinite set
Authors: Musunthia Tiwadee , Koppitz Jörg
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study the maximal subsemigroups of several semigroups of order-preserving transformations on the natural numbers and the integers, respectively. We determine all maximal subsemigroups of the monoid of all order-preserving injections on the set of natural numbers as well as on the set of integers. Further, we give all maximal subsemigroups of the monoid of all bijections on the integers. For the monoid of all order-preserving transformations on the natural numbers, we classify also all its maximal subsemigroups, containing a particular set of transformations.
LifeStyle-Specific-Islands (LiSSI): Integrated Bioinformatics Platform for Genomic Island Analysis
Authors: Barbosa Eudes , Röttger Richard , Hauschild Anne-Christin , de Castro Soares Siomar , Böcker Sebastian , Azevedo Vasco , Baumbach Jan
Published: July 2017

Distinct bacteria are able to cope with highly diverse lifestyles; for instance, they can be free living or host-associated. Thus, these organisms must possess a large and varied genomic arsenal to withstand different environmental conditions. To facilitate the identification of genomic features that might influence bacterial adaptation to a specific niche, we introduce LifeStyle-Specific-Islands (LiSSI). LiSSI combines evolutionary sequence analysis with statistical learning (Random Forest with feature selection, model tuning and robustness analysis). In summary, our strategy aims to identify conserved consecutive homology sequences (islands) in genomes and to identify the most discriminant islands for each lifestyle.
Code-switching in Judaeo-Arabic documents from the Cairo Geniza
Authors: Wagner Esther-Miriam , Connolly Magdalen
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates code-switching and script-switching in medieval documents from the Cairo Geniza, written in Judaeo-Arabic (Arabic in Hebrew script), Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic. Legal documents regularly show a macaronic style of Judaeo-Arabic, Aramaic and Hebrew, while in letters code-switching from Judaeo-Arabic to Hebrew is tied in with various socio-linguistic circumstances and indicates how markedly Jewish the sort of text is. Merchants in particular employed a style of writing devoid of Hebrew elements, whereas community dignitaries are much more prone to mixing of Hebrew and Judaeo-Arabic (and Arabic), although the degree of mixing also depends on a number of other factors, such as on the individual education. Analyses show great variation within the repertoire of single authors, as shown on the example of Daniel b. ʿAzariah, according to the purpose of the correspondence, with religious affairs attracting the highest Hebrew content, whereas letters pertaining to trade exhibit the lowest Hebrew content. Script-switching between Hebrew and Arabic may be prompted by convenience of individual writers, or occur as an idiosyncratic quirk, but reveal the close familiarity of the writer with both alphabets.
The crystal structure of amine-(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoato-κN)silver(I) dihydrate, C9H13AgN4O4
Authors: Jin Jun-Cheng , Fu Ai-Yun , Sun Chuan-Bo , Zhang Yue-Hua
Published: July 2017

C9H13AgN4O4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 28.123(3) Å, b = 7.0409(7) Å, c = 14.1954(15) Å, β = 119.488(2)°, V = 2446.8(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0206, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0558, T = 296(2) K.
Melatonin mediates vasodilation through both direct and indirect activation of BKCa channels
Authors: Zhao T , Zhang H , Jin C , Qiu F , Wu Y , Shi L
Published: July 2017

Melatonin, synthesized primarily by the pineal gland, is a neuroendocrine hormone with high membrane permeability. The vascular effects of melatonin, including vasoconstriction and vasodilation, have been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+(BKCa) channels are expressed broadly on smooth muscle cells and play an important role in vascular tone regulation. This study explored the mechanisms of myocyte BKCachannels and endothelial factors underlying the action of melatonin on the mesenteric arteries (MAs). Vascular contractility and patch-clamp studies were performed on myocytes of MAs from Wistar rats. Melatonin induced significant vasodilation on MAs. In the presence ofNω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a potent endothelial oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, melatonin elicited concentration-dependent relaxation, with lowered pIC50. The effect of melatonin was significantly attenuated in the presence of BKCachannel blocker iberiotoxin or MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist luzindole in both (+)l-NAME and (−)l-NAME groups. In the (+)l-NAME group, iberiotoxin caused a parallel rightward shift of the melatonin concentration–relaxation curve, with pIC50lower than that of luzindole. Both inside-out and cell-attached patch-clamp recordings showed that melatonin significantly increased the open probability, mean open time and voltage sensitivity of BKCachannels. In a cell-attached patch-clamp configuration, the melatonin-induced enhancement of BKCachannel activity was significantly suppressed by luzindole. These findings indicate that in addition to the activation of eNOS, melatonin-induced vasorelaxation of MAs is partially attributable to its direct (passing through the cell membrane) and indirect (via MT1/MT2 receptors) activation of the BKCachannels on mesenteric arterial myocytes.
In utero vitamin D deficiency predisposes offspring to long-term adverse adipose tissue effects
Authors: Belenchia Anthony M , Johnson Sarah A , Ellersieck Mark R , Rosenfeld Cheryl S , Peterson Catherine A
Published: July 2017

The fetal period represents an important window of susceptibility for later obesity and metabolic disease. Maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) during pregnancy is a global concern that may have long-lasting consequences on offspring metabolic health. We sought to determine whether a VDDin uteroenvironment affects fetal adipose tissue development and offspring metabolic disease predisposition in adulthood. Furthermore, we sought to explore the extent to which the VDD intrauterine environment interacts with genetic background or postnatal environment to influence metabolic health. Eight-week-old P0female C57BL/6J mice were fed either a VDD diet or sufficient diet (VDS) from four weeks before pregnancy (periconception) then bred to maleAvy/amice. Females were maintained on the diets throughout gestation. At weaning,Avy/aanda/amale F1offspring were randomized to low-fat (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) until 19 weeks of age, at which point serum and adipose tissue were harvested for analyses. Mice born to VDD dams weighed less at weaning than offspring born to VDS dams but experienced rapid weight gain in the four weeks post weaning, and acquired a greater ratio of perigonadal (PGAT) to subcutaneous (SQAT) than control offspring. Additionally, these mice were more susceptible to HFD-induced adipocyte hypertrophy. Offspring of VDD dams also had greater expression ofPpargtranscript. These novel findings demonstrate thatin uteroVDD, an easily correctable but highly prevalent health concern, predisposes offspring to long-term adipose tissue consequences and possible adverse metabolic health complications.
Dexamethasone increases production of C-type natriuretic peptide in the sheep brain
Authors: Wilson Michele O , McNeill Bryony A , Barrell Graham K , Prickett Timothy C R , Espiner Eric A
Published: July 2017

Although C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has high abundance in brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the source and possible factors regulating its secretion within the central nervous system (CNS) are unknown. Here we report the dynamic effects of a single IV bolus of dexamethasone or saline solution on plasma, CSF, CNS and pituitary tissue content of CNP products in adult sheep, along with changes in CNP gene expression in selected tissues. Both CNP and NTproCNP (the amino-terminal product of proCNP) in plasma and CSF showed dose-responsive increases lasting 12–16 h after dexamethasone, whereas other natriuretic peptides were unaffected. CNS tissue concentrations of CNP and NTproCNP were increased by dexamethasone in all of the 12 regions examined. Abundance was highest in limbic tissues, pons and medulla oblongata. Relative to controls, CNP gene expression (NPPC) was upregulated by dexamethasone in 5 of 7 brain tissues examined. Patterns of responses differed in pituitary tissue. Whereas the abundance of CNP in both lobes of the pituitary gland greatly exceeded that of brain tissues, neither CNP nor NTproCNP concentration was affected by dexamethasone, despite an increase inNPPCexpression. This is the first report of enhanced production and secretion of CNP in brain tissues in response to a corticosteroid. Activation of CNP secretion within CNS tissues by dexamethasone, not exhibited by other natriuretic peptides, suggests an important role for CNP in settings of acute stress. Differential findings in pituitary tissues likely relate to altered processing of proCNP storage and secretion.
mtDNA polymorphism and metabolic inhibition affect sperm performance in conplastic mice
Authors: Tourmente Maximiliano , Hirose Misa , Ibrahim Saleh , Dowling Damian K , Tompkins Daniel M , Roldan Eduardo R S , Gemmell Neil J
Published: July 2017

Whereas a broad link exists between nucleotide substitutions in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) and a range of metabolic pathologies, exploration of the effect of specific mtDNA genotypes is on-going. Mitochondrial DNA mutations are of particular relevance for reproductive traits, since they are expected to have profound effects on male specific processes as a result of the strict maternal inheritance of mtDNA. Sperm motility is crucially dependent on ATP in most systems studied. However, the importance of mitochondrial function in the production of the ATP necessary for sperm function remains uncertain. In this study, we test the effect of mtDNA polymorphisms upon mouse sperm performance and bioenergetics by using five conplastic inbred strains that share the same nuclear background while differing in their mitochondrial genomes. We found that, while genetic polymorphisms across distinct mtDNA haplotypes are associated with modification in sperm progressive velocity, this effect is not related to ATP production. Furthermore, there is no association between the number of mtDNA polymorphisms and either (a) the magnitude of sperm performance decrease, or (b) performance response to specific inhibition of the main sperm metabolic pathways. The observed variability between strains may be explained in terms of additive effects of single nucleotide substitutions on mtDNA coding sequences, which have been stabilized through genetic drift in the different laboratory strains. Alternatively, the decreased sperm performance might have arisen from the disruption of the nuclear DNA/mtDNA interactions that have coevolved during the radiation ofMus musculussubspecies.
Lost in between colonialism and corporatism: A critical review of the case of South Korean academia
Authors:   Chonbuk National university, Jeonju, South korea, Park Hyu-Yong
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we critically examine the hypothesis that higher education in Korea still operates under the context of colonial dependency and has become corporatized, driven by the ideologies of neoliberalism and market capitalism. In doing so, we discuss the academic dependency and corporatization of Korean colleges by pinpointing three events: first, the recent attempt by Korean colleges to adopt the American journal accreditation system; second, the annexation of the universities to Chabeol to make universities more competitive and efficient; and third, Korean college policies for expanding English mediated courses in their curricula. We argue that these changes impacting the atmospheres of higher education and academia in k orea are not legitimate because such changes confuse the real purposes of higher education, which should not be determined only by the logic of competition or scientific development. These changes also disregard the rights of students and lecturers to think, communicate, and perform research using their own mother tongues. We suggest alternative attitudes and strategies for Korean academia to revive academic independence.
Effectiveness of Cooperative Learning on Critical Thinking Dispositions of Secondary School Students
Authors:   Assistant Professor. GHG Khalsa College of Education Gurusar Sadhar, Tehsil Raikot,, Ludhiana, Punjab 141104, India, Garcha Pargat Singh , Kumar Khushvinder ,   Principal, M.M. Modi college, Patiala, Punjab – 147001, India
Published: July 2017

The objective of the present paper was to study the effectiveness of c ooperative Learning (Jigsaw strategy) on c ritical thinking Dispositions of secondary school students. t otal 116 students of class 9 th studying in a school affiliated to P.S.E.B were taken as sample. Data was collected by using c ritical t hinking in everyday Life developed by Mincemoyer, Perkins, Munyua (2001) which was revalidated on Indian population by Malhan (2011). By employing 2×2 factorial design of a N c OV a results showed that students taught through cooperative learning strategy (Jigsaw) (Mean=27.12, N=57) achieved significantly higher critical thinking Dispositions as compared to traditional method of teaching (Mean=22.39, N=59). critical thinking Dispositions was found to be independent of interaction between treatment and gender.
Early Screening for Tetrahydrobiopterin Responsiveness in Phenylketonuria
Authors: Porta Francesco , Spada Marco , Ponzone Alberto
Published: July 2017

Since 2007, synthetic tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) has been approved as a therapeutic option in BH4-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU) and since 2015 extended to infants younger than 4 years in Europe. The current definition of BH4 responsiveness relies on the observation of a 20% to 30% blood phenylalanine (Phe) decrease after BH4 administration, under nonstandardized conditions. By this definition, however, patients with the same genotype or even the same patients were alternatively reported as responsive or nonresponsive to the cofactor. These inconsistencies are troubling, as frustrating patient expectations and impairing cost-effectiveness of BH4-therapy. Here we tried a quantitative procedure through the comparison of the outcome of a simple Phe and a combined Phe plus BH4 loading in a series of infants with PKU, most of them harboring genotypes already reported as BH4 responsive. Under these ideal conditions, blood Phe clearance did not significantly differ after the 2 types of loading, and a 20% to 30% decrease of blood Phe occurred irrespective of BH4 administration in milder forms of PKU. Such early screening for BH4 responsiveness, based on a quantitative assay, is essential for warranting an evidence-based and cost-effective therapy in those patients with PKU eventually but definitely diagnosed as responsive to the cofactor.
El compromiso en la Teoría de la Valoración: conceptos y aplicaciones pedagógicas
Authors: Guerra Lyons Jesús David , Herrera Bonilla Marggie
Published: July 2017

El presente artículo revisa el concepto de compromiso desde la Teoría de la Valoración propuesta por Martin y White y de algunas de sus aplicaciones pedagógicas. Desde la perspectiva bajtiniana de dialogismo, Martin y White definen el compromiso como el conjunto de recursos mediante los cuales los usuarios del lenguaje entran en diálogo con las múltiples voces que inevitablemente permean sus textos, aceptándolas, rebatiéndolas, retomándolas o distanciándose de ellas. El compromiso se divide en dos tipos: monoglosia y heteroglosia. Este último se desagrega en varias subcategorías, que son definidas e ilustradas con ejemplos tomados del corpus del español de Davies. Consideramos algunas aplicaciones pedagógicas del concepto de compromiso mediante la revisión de estudios desarrollados principalmente en el contexto latinoamericano.
Interrogación y argumentación en la Carta Atenagórica de Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
Authors: Pérez Villegas Márlom Fermín , Perales Escudero Moisés Damián , Sima Lozano Eyder Gabriel , Reyes Velázquez Amparo
Published: July 2017

Los estudios argumentativos de la Carta Atenagórica revelan que existe un vacío en el análisis de ciertas estrategias, como los enunciados interrogativos. Este trabajo, a través del modelo de Toulmin, explora la función de aquellos desde una perspectiva pragmática, para conocer su intención e impacto argumentativo en el texto. Pero el análisis de la estructura identifica también el estilo retórico que Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz usó para responder a sus oponentes, además de su derecho como persona, mujer y religiosa para hablar y sostener su tesis, es decir, de ser un interlocutor del discurso de la época. De esta forma, los interrogativos son otra faceta de la forma estilística que la Décima Musa usó para la creación de su defensa discursiva.