bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and New Cytokines in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Çekmez F. , Aydemir G. , Yildirim S. , Bulut Ö. , Tunç T. , Kul M. , İnce E.Z. , Çoban A.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, Upar, IL-33 and ST2 in comparison with C-reactive protein, TNF-α and Interleukin-6 in neonatal sepsis. A total of 106 term babies were included 20 of whom were the control group. We used only data of high probable sepsis with blood culture positive infants, therefore 46 infants were excluded. Blood was collected from infants from the first day of sepsis (1.value) and 48–72 hours later (2.value). There were significant differences between the controls and sepsis (1.value) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (35±19ng/ml and 69±7.5ng/ml, p=0.01), for IL-33 levels (90±34 ng/ml and 412±170 ng/ml, p=0.01), for sST2 levels (453±44 ng/ml and 4120±2720ng/ml, p=0.01), for sUpar levels (2.1±1.3 ng/ml and 11.4 ± 5.2 ng/ml, p=0.01), respectively. There were significant differences between sepsis (1.value) and sepsis (2.value.) with reference to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, IL-33, sST2, and suPAR levels, respectively. In the light of these results, it may be suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, upar, IL-33 and ST2 can be used as an acute phase reactant like C-reactive protein, TNF-α and Interleukin-6 in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Low CD40 Expression Levels in Leishmania Infantum-Infected Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells Evoke Regulatory Responses by Down-Regulating Interleukin-12 Production: Role of ERK1/2
Authors: Agallou M. , Dotsika E. , Karagouni E.
Published: January 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in promoting resistance to leishmaniasis, both by activating CD4+ T cells and endorsing their differentiation into Th1 cells by producing interleukin (IL)-12. High level of IL-12 production, a decisive component of the DC maturation, requires not only microbial stimuli but also strong CD40-CD40L interactions. Until now, the mechanisms by which Leishmania (L.) infantum parasites affect DC functional maturation and consequently T cell polarization are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the response that is elicited when L. infantum promastigote-infected bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) to CD40 engagement and this way mimicking DC-T cells interactions at the early stages of infection. We found that L. infantum promastigotes-infected BM-DCs following CD40 engagement were capable of inducing significant amounts of TNF-α and IL-10, whereas IL-12 production remained unaffected compared to infected untreated cells. Interestingly, infected BM-DCs did not up-regulate CD40 surface expression. On the other hand, BM-DC stimulation with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) resulted not only in significant increase of co-stimulatory molecule expression but also IL-12 and IL-10 production. CD40 engagement on L. infantum-infected BM-DCs sustained ERK1/2 activation induced by the parasite alone. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation with the use of PD98059 inhibitor prior to CD40 engagement on L. infantum-infected BM-DCs resulted in significant up-regulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and IL-12 production, whereas it did not affect TNF-α and IL-10 production. These findings suggest that L. infantum has evolved specific strategies to avoid efficient DC-T cell interactions by suppressing CD40 expression and consequently leading CD40 signaling pathways to ERK1/2 activation.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Tyrphostin AG490 Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation in Collagenase-Induced Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gyurkovska V. , Dimitrova P. , Ivanovska N.
Published: January 2017

The janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) cascade plays a principal role in the signaling of a vast array of cytokines and growth factors which stimulates diverse cellular functions and immune responses. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in the adult population. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin AG490 in a mouse model of collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA). CIOA was provoked by two intraarticular (i.a.) injections of collagenase in mice and intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with AG490 at a dose of 5 mg/kg at days 0, 5 and 10 and at a dose of 8 mg/kg at day 18. The administration of AG490 in CIOA mice inhibited osteoclast generation in bone and the loss of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in cartilage. Tyrphostin decreased the levels of IFN-γ, IL1, IL-6 and IL-17 in the synovial fluid (SF) dependant on the time post AG490 administration. Limited numbers of CD11b positive Ly6G neutrophils in blood and SF along with a decrease of F4/80 positive cells in synovial fluid (SF) were observed in tyrphostin AG490-treated arthritic mice. AG490 inhibited M-CSF+RANKL-induced cytokine production by bone marrow (BM) cells and the differentiation of BM cells in vitro. Because of the findings presented, we argue that tyrphostin AG490 may hold promising therapeutic potential against important clinical conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA).
The Peripheral Network between Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gironi M. , Borgiani B. , Cursano C. , Saresella M. , Piancone F. , Mariani E. , Marventano I. , Martinelli V. , Comi G. , Clerici M. , Rovaris M. , Furlan R.
Published: January 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mainly produced by microglia and macrophages during inflammation-driven oxidative burst. However, they can in turn affect the reactivity and function of immune cells. For the first time, the relationship between these two key players involved in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was evaluated at peripheral level. We performed an in-depth immune-phenotypic and functional analysis of MBP (Myelin Basic Protein)-stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) by flow-cytometry. In addition, blood Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10), total, oxidized and reduced forms of glutathione (GSTot, GSSG, GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ROS, anti-oxidized-low-density-lipoproteins antibodies (anti-oxLDL), and anti-oxidant-power (PAO) were studied in 31 untreated MS patients (MSnoTP), 23 MS patients (MSTP) treated with Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs) and 39 matched controls (HC). The focus of our study was the correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and distribution of immune-phenotypes across the 3 studied groups. In MSnoTP an inverse correlation between MDA and apoptotic cells (CD4+ AnnexinV+TIM3+) was detected (rs= − 0.50, p= 0.01). Ml functional phenotype (CD14+IL6+) and TH17 cells (CD4+IL22+) inversely (rs= − 0.48) and directly (rs= 0.46) correlated (p = 0.01) with Anti-oxLDL antibodies and GSSG, respectively. The latter direct correlation was shown also in MSTP. Notably, in this group, we also detected a direct correlation between CD4+ IL4+ and CD4+ IL25+ (TH2 phenotype) with CoQ10 (rs= 0.54) and GSH (rs= 0.46) (p< 0.03), two crucial anti-oxidants. Again, a direct correlation was found between CD8+ BDNF+ cells (suppressor phenotype) and anti-oxLDL (rs= 0.48, p= 0.03). Surprisingly, we measured an inverse correlation between CD14+ IL10+ cells (M2 immune-regulatory cells) with GSH (rs= − 0.59, p< 0.001). Our findings endorse the idea of a relationship between pro-inflammatory cells and pro-oxidative environment, even at peripheral level. Interestingly, the correlation between CD4+ IL10+cells and a defective anti-oxidant equipment might be regarded as evidence of the involvement of these cells during an inflammatory/oxidative phase that they try to control. The finding of this link only in MSTP patients might suggest that DMDs can provide an alternative way to counteract inflammation, regardless of an absolute increase of these immune-regulatory cells.
Successful Withdrawal of Omalizumab in a Patient with Severe Asthma: Free IgE as a Possible Biomonitor
Authors: Domingo C. , Pomares X. , Amengual M.-J. , Ollert M.
Published: January 2017

To date, the pharmacological activity and clinical benefits of omalizumab have been well described, however several questions still remain unanswered, such as the moment to withdraw the drug as well as the possible biological markers that may be useful to do so. In the present case report, we describe our experience with our dose-reduction protocol in a middle-aged patient and elucidate the usefulness of free IgE levels.
Hand hygiene among healthcare workers: A qualitative meta summary using the GRADE-CERQual process
Authors: Chatfield Sheryl L. , DeBois Kristen , Nolan Rachael , Crawford Hannah , Hallam Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Hand hygiene is considered an effective and potentially modifiable infection control behaviour among healthcare workers (HCW). Several meta-studies have been published that compare quantitatively expressed findings, but limited efforts have been made to synthesise qualitative research.

Objectives:

This paper provides the first report of integrated findings from qualitative research reports on hand hygiene compliance among HCW worldwide that employs the GRADE-CERQual process of quality assessment.

Methods:

We conducted database searches and identified 36 reports in which authors conducted qualitative or mixed methods research on hand hygiene compliance among HCW. We used Dedoose analysis software to facilitate extraction of relevant excerpts. We applied the GRADE-CERQual process to describe relative confidence as high, moderate or low for nine aggregate findings.

Findings:

Highest confidence findings included that HCW believe they have access to adequate training, and that management and resource support are sometimes lacking. Individual, subjective criteria also influence hand hygiene.

Discussion:

These results suggest the need for further investigation into healthcare cultures that are perceived as supportive for infection control. Surveillance processes have potential, especially if information is perceived by HCW as timely and relevant.
Stereo Vision: The Haves and Have-Nots
Authors: Hess Robert F. , To Long , Zhou Jiawei , Wang Guangyu , Cooperstock Jeremy R.
Published: January 2017

Animals with front facing eyes benefit from a substantial overlap in the visual fields of each eye, and devote specialized brain processes to using the horizontal spatial disparities produced as a result of viewing the same object with two laterally placed eyes, to derived depth or 3-D stereo information. This provides the advantage to break the camouflage of objects in front of similarly textured background and improves hand eye coordination for grasping objects close at hand. It is widely thought that about 5% of the population have a lazy eye and lack stereo vision, so it is often supposed that most of the population (95%) have good stereo abilities. We show that this is not the case; 68% have good to excellent stereo (the haves) and 32% have moderate to poor stereo (the have-nots). Why so many people lack good 3-D stereo vision is unclear but it is likely to be neural and reversible.
Legiticimacy and Authenticity of Ethnic Affiliations: The Case of Regionalism
Authors: Dion Delphine , Sitz Lionel , Rémy Éric
Published: January 2017

This study analyzes the ways consumers legitimize their regional ethnic affiliation. An analysis of 29 introspections highlights the means individuals use to legitimize their ethnic affiliation and its authenticity. More precisely, it (1) demonstrates how individuals hijack and invent new sources of ethnic legitimacy, (2) emphasizes the role of archetypes in perceived ethnic authenticity and (3) examines dissonances linked to ethnic authenticity (artificiality and ambivalence). These results enrich previous research on reflexive ethnicity by introducing self-legitimizing processes and showing how individuals contribute, by consuming archetypes, to developing the collective constructs on which ethnicity is based. This leads to recommendations regarding the legitimization of regional brands.
Updating a Tuberculosis Surveillance Program
Authors: Gonzalez Maureen , Conlon Helen Acree
Published: January 2017

Tuberculosis surveillance programs have used the same testing methods for almost a century. New testing methods have been approved and are available, but how does a health care provider determine which diagnostic test is best in a given situation? Reviewing research statistics can be confusing, and the types of studies conducted may not be similar to a particular application. Development of an organizational needs assessment based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements, organizational resources, the needs of the employee population, and the logistics of multiple campus sites prior to evaluating the available testing methods can assist occupational health nurses navigate the decision-making process. This article presents an example of a moderately sized health care facility to illustrate how to conduct a needs assessment that results in a decision as to which program best suits the organization.
Female Farmworkers' Health during Pregnancy
Authors: Kelley Maureen A. , Flocks Joan D. , Economos Jeannie , McCauley Linda A.
Published: January 2017

Pregnant farmworkers and their fetuses are at increased risk of negative health outcomes due to environmental and occupational factors at their workplaces. Health care providers who serve farm communities can positively affect workers' health through the informed care they deliver. Yet, interviews with rural health care providers reveal limited knowledge about agricultural work or occupational and environmental health risks during pregnancy. Professional associations, government organizations, academic institutions, and practice settings must renew their efforts to ensure that environmental and occupational health education, especially as it relates to women and their children, is incorporated into academic and practice environments.
Resident Aggression toward Staff at a Center for the Developmentally Disabled
Authors: West Christine A. , Galloway Ellen , Niemeier Maureen T.
Published: January 2017

Few studies have examined factors contributing to nonfatal assaults to staff working in residential care facilities. The authors evaluated resident assaults toward direct care/nursing staff at an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR), which included observations of work areas, employee interviews, calculation of injury and assault rates for 2004 to 2007 from Occupational Safety and Health Administration Logs, and review of state ICF/MR guidelines. Most staff interviewed reported having been injured during physical restraint of a resident and the average rate of injury from assault at the center evaluated was higher than the average national rates for the health care and social assistance sector for the same time period. The center lacked policies for a safe workplace. The authors recommended review and maintenance of workplace violence prevention policies and developing a post-incident response and evaluation program to assist staff in coping with the consequences of assault and/or occupational injury.
Massachusetts Conference Recipe for Fun, Appreciation, Membership, and Enthusiasm (F.A.M.E.)
Authors: Carchietta Gail A.
Published: January 2017

The Massachusetts Association of Occupational Health Nurses shares its recipe for an annual conference to show appreciation, inspire, and meet the needs of its membership.
Barriers to Continuing Education and Continuing Professional Development among Occupational Health Nurses in Japan
Authors: Mizuno-Lewis Satomi , Kono Keiko , Lewis Desmond R. , Gotoh Yuki , Hagi Noriko , Sato Mitsutoshi , Yoshikawa Etsuko , Higashikawa Kaoru , Yamazaki Masato , Naito Masako , Kondo Nobuko
Published: January 2017

As Japan's industries pursue technical innovations, the responsibilities of occupational health nurses are becoming increasingly complex. With such change, continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing education (CE) are crucial to the provision of appropriate care for workers. This study examined current practices of occupational health nurses and identified barriers to conducting occupational CPD and CE activities. A survey questionnaire was sent to 2,077 occupational health nurses late in 2010, asking about factors affecting attendance at and participation in CPD and CE activities, including challenges for occupational health nurses in practice. Findings demonstrated that many occupational health nurses do not work for companies that support CPD and CE. A significant finding was that occupational health nurses in Japan desire CPD activities and recognize the importance of attending CE activities. Continuing education is viewed by occupational health nurses as essential for their professional development and advancement with broader practice responsibilities and authority. Findings from this study are useful in crafting recommendations to increase occupational health nurse participation in both CPD and CE, leading to improvement in overall workplace health and safety in Japan.
The Decision-Making Process of Workers in Using Sick Time
Authors: Sandal Candace L. , Click Elizabeth R. , Dowling Donna A. , Guzik Arlene
Published: January 2017

The cost of employee absenteeism in the United States is significant in terms of sick pay, overtime costs, replacement personnel compensation, and lost productivity. Little is known about what workers consider when deciding to use sick time. Previous studies have examined work absence from an array of perspectives, including resulting work strain, job satisfaction, and job security, but absenteeism in the workplace has not been examined in terms of decision making. To scrutinize workers' decisions about using sick time, a descriptive pilot study was undertaken with a convenience sample ( n = 94) of working college students. The responses to the survey revealed that the majority of the workers (73.4%) used sick time because they were too ill to work. These results are in direct opposition to previous research and suggest that workers may need education about preventing and managing minor illnesses before an absence is needed. Supporting and engaging employees and their significant others in healthy worker programs, regular surveillance examinations, and illness prevention strategies are wise investments in companies' financial futures. Future research should include a comparative study of worker absenteeism between worksites with occupational health nurses and those without nurses.
Work-Related Stress and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salilih Selamawit Zewdu , Abajobir Amanuel Alemu
Published: January 2017

Work-related stress is a pattern of reactions to work demands unmatched to nurses' knowledge, skills, or abilities; these challenges exceed their ability to cope, resulting in burnout, turnover, and low quality patient care. An institution-based cross-sectional study of 343 nurses was conducted in public hospitals of Addis Ababa in 2012. Data were collected by pretested and self-administered questionnaires using a nursing stress scale. One hundred twenty-one (37.8%) (95% confidence interval: 34.3 to 39.1) nurses reported experiencing occupational stress. Significant associations were found between nurses' stress and gender, work shift, illness, marital status, and worksite or unit. Prevalence of work-related stress was higher than expected and opportunities exist for stake holders to design stress reduction and management programs for nurses.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Senior Farmers
Authors: Tonelli Shalome , Culp Kennith , Donham Kelley
Published: January 2017

Aging farmers are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to occupational exposures. The development of musculoskeletal conditions can increase older farmers' risk for additional injuries because many older farmers continue to work past typical retirement age. Occupational health nurses with agricultural expertise can assist farmers by evaluating their health and safety needs. Possible interventions include ergonomic improvements in farm equipment, safety improvements in the farm environment, and referrals to programs that assist older farmers in modifying their farms to improve safety.
A novel PTPN1 splice variant upregulates JAK/STAT activity in classical Hodgkin lymphoma cells
Authors: Zahn Malena , Marienfeld Ralf , Melzner Ingo , Heinrich Janine , Renner Benjamin , Wegener Silke , Mießner Anna , Barth Thomas F. E. , Dorsch Karola , Brüderlein Silke , Möller Peter
Published: January 2017

Key Points

A novel PTP1B variant, PTP1BΔ6, is expressed in cHL cell lines and tumor samples. PTP1BΔ6 augments JAK/STAT activity, cell proliferation, and survival in cHL cell lines.
Dapagliflozin decreases small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and increases high-density lipoprotein 2-cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes: comparison with sitagliptin
Authors: Hayashi Toshiyuki , Fukui Tomoyasu , Nakanishi Noriko , Yamamoto Saki , Tomoyasu Masako , Osamura Anna , Ohara Makoto , Yamamoto Takeshi , Ito Yasuki , Hirano Tsutomu
Published: January 2017

Background

The sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been reported to increase both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (C). This study aimed to determine how SGLT-2 inhibitors affect LDL and HDL-C subspecies.

Methods

This single center, open-label, randomized, prospective study included 80 patients with type 2 diabetes taking prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents. Patients were allocated to receive dapagliflozin (n = 40) or sitagliptin (n = 40) as add-on treatment. Fasting blood samples were collected before and 12 weeks after this intervention. Small dense (sd) LDL-C, large buoyant (lb) LDL-C, HDL2-C, and HDL3-C levels were determined using our established homogeneous assays. Statistical comparison of blood parameters before and after treatment was performed using the paired t test.

Results

Dapagliflozin and sitagliptin comparably decreased HbA1c (0.75 and 0.63%, respectively). Dapagliflozin significantly decreased body weight, systolic blood pressure, plasma triglycerides and liver transaminases, and increased adiponectin; sitagliptin did not alter these measurements. LDL-C and apolipoprotein (apo) B were not significantly changed by dapagliflozin, whereas HDL-C and apo AI were increased. Dapagliflozin did not alter concentrations of LDL-C, but sd LDL-C decreased by 20% and lb LDL-C increased by 18%. Marked elevation in lb LDL-C (53%) was observed in individuals (n = 20) whose LDL-C was elevated by dapagliflozin. However, sd LDL-C remained suppressed (20%). Dapagliflozin increased HDL2-C by 18% without affecting HDL3-C. Sitagliptin did not alter plasma lipids or lipoprotein subspecies.

Conclusions

A SGLT-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin suppresses potent atherogenic sd LDL-C and increased HDL2-C, a favorable cardiometabolic marker. Although LDL-C levels are elevated by treatment with dapagliflozin, this was due to increased concentrations of the less atherogenic lb LDL-C. However, these findings were not observed after treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin.

Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000020984)
The tyrosine kinase receptor Tyro3 enhances lifespan and neuropeptide Y (Npy) neuron survival in the mouseanorexia(anx) mutation
Authors: Kim Dennis Y. , Yu Joanna , Mui Ryan K. , Niibori Rieko , Taufique Hamza Bin , Aslam Rukhsana , Semple John W. , Cordes Sabine P.
Published: January 2017

Severe appetite and weight loss define the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, and can also accompany the progression of some neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral scelerosis (ALS). While acute loss of hypothalamic neurons that produce appetite-stimulating neuropeptide Y (Npy) and agouti related peptide (AgRP) in adult mice or in mice homozygous for the anorexia (anx) mutation causes aphagia, our understanding of the factors that help maintain appetite regulatory circuitry is limited. Here we identify a mutation that converts an arginine to a tryptophan (R7W) in the Tyrosine receptor kinase 3 (Tyro3) gene, which resides within the anx critical interval, as contributing to the severity of anx phenotypes. Our observation that, like Tyro3-/- mice, anx/anx mice exhibit abnormal secondary platelet aggregation suggested that the R7W-Tyro3 variant might have functional consequences. Tyro3 is expressed in the hypothalamus and other brain regions affected by the anx mutation, and its mRNA localization appeared abnormal in anx/anx brains by postnatal day 19 (P19). The presence of wild type Tyro3 transgenes, but not an R7W-Tyro 3 transgene, doubled the weight and lifespans of anx/anx mice and near normal numbers of hypothalamic Npy-expressing neurons were present in Tyro3-transgenic anx/anx mice at P19. While no differences in R7W-Tyro3 signal sequence function or protein localization were discernible in vitro, distribution of R7W-Tyro3 protein differed from that of Tyro3 protein in the cerebellum of transgenic wild type mice. Thus, R7W-Tyro3 protein localization deficits are only detectable in vivo. Further analyses revealed that the R7W-Tyro3 variant is present in a few other mouse strains, and hence is not the causative anx mutation, but rather an anx modifier. Our work shows that Tyro3 has prosurvival roles in the appetite regulatory circuitry and may also provide useful insights towards the development of interventions targeting detrimental weight loss.
Metabolic plasticity for subcutaneous fat accumulation in a long distance migratory bird traced by 2H2O
Authors: Viegas Ivan , Araújo Pedro M. , Rocha Afonso D. , Villegas Auxiliadora , Jones John G. , Ramos Jaime A. , Masero José A. , Alves José A.
Published: January 2017

The migrant black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) traditionally used natural wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula preparing for migratory flights by feeding mainly in estuaries. In recent decades this species has become increasingly dependent on rice fields, thereby relying on a plant-based diet for fueling. Dietary fatty acids (FA) seem to be determinant to the composition of accumulated subcutaneous fat in migratory birds. It is still unclear whether metabolic plasticity allows for modification and/or synthesis of FA, contributing for a lipid profile that enables a successful migratory performance.

Deuterated water was administered to captive black-tailed godwits submitted to two diets (fly larvae vs. rice) and the incorporation of deuterium (2H) into subcutaneous triglycerides was analysed by NMR. A recently developed localized biopsy method for sampling subcutaneous fat was employed with ulterior successful release of all birds into the wild. The average chemical structure reflected mostly a mixture of saturated and monounsaturated 16- and 18-carbon FA, a profile frequently found in migrant birds. Significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated FA, as well as detectable levels of n-3 FA were observed in fly larvae-fed birds. Excess 2H-enrichments in FA revealed significantly higher rates of fractional de novo lipogenesis and FA desaturation capacity in rice-fed birds.

This novel and non-lethal tracer method revealed the capacity of this species to alter its lipid metabolism to compensate for a poorer dietary lipid contribution. Due to its versatility, adapting this method to other scenarios and/or other migratory species is considered feasible and cost-effective.
Ideas and strategies to engage reluctant readers
Authors: Jonas Georgina
Published: January 2017

Reluctant readers in their final years of primary education are in danger of entering adult life functionally illiterate – with all the risks that this brings. Georgina Jones looks at what parents can do and offers teachers some ideas for use in class
Automorphisms of a commuting graph of rank one upper triangular matrices
Authors: Ou Shikun , Zhong Jin
Published: January 2017

Let $F$ be a finite field, $n\geqslant 2$ an arbitrary integer, $\mathcal{M}_n(F)$ the set of all $n\times n$ matrices over $F$, and $\mathcal{U}_n^1(F)$ the set of all rank one upper triangular matrices of order $n$. For $\mathcal{S}\subseteq\mathcal{M}_n(F)$, denote $C(\mathcal{S})=\{X\in \mathcal{S} |\ XA=AX \ \hbox{for all}\ A\in \mathcal{S}\}$. The commuting graph of $\mathcal{S}$, denoted by $\Gamma(\mathcal{S})$, is the simple undirected graph with vertex set $\mathcal{S}\setminus C(\mathcal{S})$ in which for every two distinct vertices $A$ and $B$, $A\sim B$ is an edge if and only if $AB=BA$. In this paper, it is shown that any graph automorphism of $\Gamma(\mathcal{U}_n^1(F))$ with $n\geqslant 3$ can be decomposed into the product of an extremal automorphism, an inner automorphism, a field automorphism and a local scalar multiplication.
A inserção de tópicos de astronomia no ensino médio utilizando o processo da descoberta através de observações astronômicas
Authors: Gurgel Walldiney Pedra , Gester Rodrigo Do Monte
Published: January 2017

Neste trabalho apresentamos uma metodologia pedagógica baseada na teoria de ensino de Bruner, que permite ao professor inserir tópicos de astronomia no ensino médio baseado em observações astronômicas efetuadas pelos próprios alunos, com a utilização de softwares astronômicos, binóculos e telescópios. A temática do trabalho justifica se pelo fato dos PCN+ abordarem o tema estruturador Universo, Terra e Vida, que é composto pelas unidades temáticas: Terra e sistema solar, O universo e sua origem e Compreensão humana do Universo. Essas três unidades temáticas nada mais são do que tópicos elementares de astronomia no ensino médio, que são temas pouco explorados em livros didáticos de física disponíveis em nossas escolas.  A metodologia consistiu em apresentar aos alunos o prazer da observação do céu noturno com o auxílio de softwares astronômicos que permitem aos discentes identificar constelações e astros no céu. Essas observações foram feitas primeiramente a olho nu, e depois utilizando binóculos e telescópios, indo das observações mais simples às mais complexas, como sugere a teoria de ensino de Bruner, utilizando a aprendizagem por descobertas. Após as observações é montado um plano de ensino baseado nas constelações, estrelas e planetas que mais chamaram a atenção dos alunos.
Obtenção de gasolina verde por destilação fracionada de produtos líquidos orgânicos oriundos do craqueamento térmico-catalítico usando diferentes porcentagens de catalisador
Authors: Mancio Andréia De Andrade , Da Mota Silvio Alex Pereira , Borges Luiz Eduardo Pizarro , Machado Nélio Teixeira
Published: January 2017

Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito da destilação fracionada à pressão atmosférica de produtos líquidos orgânicos provenientes do craqueamento térmico-catalítico de óleo de palma bruto usando diferentes porcentagens de catalisador sobre o rendimento e a qualidade de frações de gasolina verde. Os resultados mostraram que os valores de propriedades físico-químicas das frações de gasolina verde são inferiores àqueles dos seus respectivos PLOs, indicando que a destilação fracionada melhora as propriedades físico-químicas das frações destiladas. O incremento na porcentagem de catalisador no craqueamento térmico-catalítico para produzir os PLOs: (1) promoveu um aumento de 1,97 a 13, 82% em massa no rendimento das frações de gasolina verde; (2) as propriedades físico-químicas como densidade, viscosidade e índice de refração das frações de gasolina verde também aumentaram, enquanto os valores de índice de acidez e índice de saponificação diminuíram; (3) o teor de hidrocarbonetos das frações de gasolina verde também aumentou, enquanto o teor de compostos oxigenados diminuiu; (4) influenciou significativamente a distribuição do número de carbonos dos hidrocarbonetos de cada fração, as quais consistem principalmente de hidrocarbonetos com cadeias C9-C12. A classe da olefinas é a mais representativa dentro do grupo de hidrocarbonetos, seguida de naftênicos, parafinas normais e aromáticos. Nos compostos oxigenados, as cetonas constituem a classe com maior teor, seguido de álcoois, aldeídos e outros compostos. Neste contexto, as frações de gasolina verde podem ser utilizadas como um substituto parcial ou total da gasolina de petróleo e/ou como uma das frações que constituem o chamado “Pool” da gasolina de petróleo.
Caracterização espectroscópica de cristais de ácidos láurico e mirístico
Authors: Melo Lucas Gonçalves , De Oliveira Ana Paula Saraiva , Freitas Kellen Heloizy Garcia , De Sousa Francisco Ferreira
Published: January 2017

Os ácidos láurico e mirístico são componentes de diversos óleos e gorduras vegetais de interesse industrial. Mesmo em pequena quantidade, eles exercem boa influência nas propriedades físicas e químicas de óleos vegetais a que pertencem. O conhecimento das suas propriedades espectroscópicas fornecem informações importantes a respeito de sua estrutura molecular, inclusive da rede cristalina para o caso de cristais, informações que contribuem para o entendimento do seu comportamento quando submetido à condições extremas de temperatura e pressão, e pode dar suporte à aplicações em diversas engenharias, como é o caso da engenharia de alimentos e engenharia química. Neste trabalho realizou-se a caracterização espectroscópica dos cristais de ácido láurico e mirístico na forma C (monoclínico) através do espalhamento Raman não polarizado. Todos os modos de vibração da rede e internos da molécula foram identificados e classificados baseando-se em dados de outros ácidos graxos de mesma natureza, neste caso, ácidos graxos monocarboxilados.
Desenvolvimento do índice de qualidade da água bruta para fins de abastecimento público-IPA para Amazônia
Authors: Oliveira Augusto Fernando S , Silva Lilian Deyse Pinto , Silva Thiago De Melo , Santos Luciana P , Rocha Ronaldo Magno , Freitas Heloizy Garcia , Pereira Simone De Fátima Pinheiro
Published: January 2017

A Amazônia, cujos dois terços de sua área estão situados no Brasil, é foco de intensas políticas de construção de hidrelétricas com objetivo de satisfazer a demanda energética do país. Todavia, tais políticas implicam em problemas socioambientais para a região, incluindo a perda da biodiversidade, alteração do regime pluviométrico, perda da atividade pesqueira, dentre outros. Nessa perspectiva, a avaliação da qualidade da água das represas que constituem essas hidrelétricas torna-se crucial na avaliação do grau de comprometimento dos ecossistemas aquáticos por serem estes ambientes vitais no equilíbrio ecológico da região amazônica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar um Índice de Qualidade da Água Bruta para Fins de Abastecimento Público (IPA) específico para a região Amazônica com base em dados de variáveis químicas e físico-químicas de três represas de hidrelétricas situadas na Amazônia: Tucuruí (PA), Curuá-Uma (PA) e Samuel (RO). Realizaram-se quatro campanhas com base nos períodos chuvoso e estiagem. Os resultados mostraram que as águas dos reservatórios de Tucuruí e Curuá-Una encontram-se em boas condições de abastecimento público após tratamento simplificado, enquanto que a represa de Samuel encontra-se em condição aceitável, o que sugere que apesar dos danos ocasionados durante os primeiros anos de operação dessas represas, ocorre certa melhoria da qualidade dessas águas. Este trabalho contribui como ferramenta de base para outros estudos voltados para a compreensão da dinâmica ambiental em ambientes impactados na Amazônia, bem como oferece uma excelente ferramenta, IPA, para o desenvolvimento de outros estudos em ambientes naturais nesta região
Semilinear fractional order integro-differential inclusions with infinite delay
Authors: Aissani Khalida , Benchohra Mouffak , Darwish Mohamed Abdalla
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study the existence of mild solutions for a class of semilinear fractional order integro-differential inclusions with infinite delay in Banach spaces. Sufficient conditions for
the existence of solutions are derived by using a nonlinear alternative of
Leray–Schauder type for multivalued maps due to Martelli. An example is given to illustrate the theory.
Exercise-induced effects on UCP1 expression in classical brown adipose tissue: a systematic review
Authors: Flouris Andreas D. , Dinas Petros C. , Valente Angelica , Andrade Cláudia Marlise Balbinotti , Kawashita Nair Honda , Sakellariou Paraskevi
Published: January 2017

Understanding the impact of regular exercise training on uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) activity in classical brown adipose tissue (
An Approach to Detect Vehicles in Multiple Climatic Conditions Using the Corner Point Approach
Authors: Anandhalli Mallikarjun , Baligar Vishwanath P.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a new method of detecting vehicles by using a simple and effective algorithm. The features of a vehicle are the most important aspects in detection of vehicles. The corner points are considered for the proposed algorithm. A large number of points are densely packed within the area of a vehicle, and the points are calculated by using the Harris corner detector. Making use of the fact that they are densely packed, grouping of these points is carried out. This grouping indicates that the group of corners belongs to each vehicle, and such groupings play a vital role in the algorithm. Once grouping is done, the next step is to eliminate the background noise. The Lucas-Kande algorithm is used to track the extracted corner points. Each corner point of the vehicle is tracked to make the output stable and reliable. The proposed algorithm is new, detect vehicles in multiple conditions, and also works for complex environments.
Utilization of Co-occurrence Pattern Mining with Optimal Fuzzy Classifier for Web Page Personalization
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Pappu , Vasumathi Devara
Published: January 2017

Several users use metasearch engines directly or indirectly to access and gather data from more than one data source. The effectiveness of a metasearch engine is majorly determined by the quality of the results it returns in response to user queries. The rank aggregation methods that have been proposed until now exploit a very limited set of parameters, such as total number of used resources and the rankings they achieved from each individual resource. In this paper, we use the fuzzy-bat to merge the score computation module effectively. Initially, we give a query to different search engines we use and the topnlist from each search engine is chosen for further processing our technique. We then merge the topnlist based on unique links, and we do some parameter calculations such as title-based calculation, snippet-based calculation, content-based calculation, address-based calculation, link-based calculation, uniform resource locator-based calculation, and co-occurrence-based calculation. We give the solutions of the calculations with the user given the ranking of links to the fuzzy-bat to train the system. The system then ranks and merges the links we obtain from different search engines for the query we give.
Prediction Method of Railway Freight Volume Based on Genetic Algorithm Improved General Regression Neural Network
Authors: Guo Zhi-da , Fu Jing-Yuan
Published: January 2017

Railway freight transportation is an important part of the national economy. Accurate forecast of railway freight volume is significant to the planning, construction, operation, and decision making of railways. After analyzing the application status of generalized regression neural network (GRNN) in the prediction method of railway freight volume, this paper improves the performance of this model by using improved neural network. In the improved method, genetic algorithm (GA) is adopted to search the optimal spread, which is the only factor of GRNN, and then the optimal spread is used for forecasting in GRNN. In the process of railway freight volume forecasting, through this method, the increments of data are taken in the calculation process and the goal values are obtained after calculation as the forecasted results. Compared with the results of GRNN, a higher prediction accuracy is obtained through the GA-improved GRNN. Finally, the railway freight volumes in the next 2 years are forecasted based on this method.
Seven cases with Williams-Beuren syndrome: endocrine evaluation and long-term follow-up
Authors: Güven Ayla
Published: January 2017

Background:

Endocrine evaluation and long-term follow-up of seven (six male) patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) are given.

Method:

Data were obtained from patients’ medical records. All patients underwent hormonal analyses and four of them underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results:

They all had mild hypercalcemia. Three of them had overt hypothyroidism while subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in three patients. Four patients had thyroid hypoplasia and one had thyroid agenesis. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was determined in one patient. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was found in three adolescents. All adolescents had early-onset puberty. The follow-up duration was 5.7±2.1 years. The mean growth velocity (GV) was 12.9±7.2 cm and 7.6±2 cm at the end of the first and second years of therapy, respectively. All patients had neurodevelopment retardation and were continuing to special education.

Conclusions:

Thyroid hypoplasia is common and agenesis can be seen in patients with WBS; therefore, thyroid hormones should be measured in the newborn period and annually. GHD should be kept in mind in patients with decreased GV. IGT might be detected in patients with WBS even in adolescence.
Examinatorium Gesellschaftsrecht – Teil 1
Authors: Hübner Leonhard
Published: January 2017

:
The Relationship Between Prisoners’ Academic Self-efficacy and Participation in Education, Previous Convictions, Sentence Length, and Portion of Sentence Served
Authors: Roth Beate Buanes , Asbjornsen Arve , Manger Terje
Published: January 2017

Prison education is an important aspect of adult education. The study investigated current participation in prison education, as well as previous convictions, sentence length, and the portion of sentence served as predictors of academic self-efficacy. Survey data derived from prisoners in all Norwegian prisons provided the empirical evidences for the analyses. A principal component analysis of a 40-item academic self-efficacy questionnaire revealed self-efficacy components in literacy, mathematics, ICT, and self-regulated learning. Educational participation had a positive influence on self-efficacy in both mathematics and self-regulated learning. Participants who reported no previous conviction scored higher than others did on self-efficacy in mathematics, self-regulated learning, and ICT. Furthermore, the results showed that perceived efficacy in ICT decreased with longer sentence length. Portion of sentence served was not significantly related to any of the four self-efficacy components. The findings are discussed with reference to a need for mastery experiences in prison and implications for policy and practice
Confidence Interval Projections of the Federal Reserve Balance Sheet and Income
Authors: Ferris Erin E. Syron , Kim Soo Jeong , Schlusche Bernd
Published: January 2017

In response to the financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession, the Federal Reserve employed large-scale asset purchases (LSAPs) and a maturity extension program (MEP) with the purpose of reducing longer-term interest rates, and thereby promoting more accommodative financial conditions at a time when the conventional monetary policy tool, the federal funds rate, was at its effective lower bound. In this note, we presented the implications for the Federal Reserve's balance sheet and income arising from a range of future potential macroeconomic outcomes.
Characterising the impact of rainfall on dustfall rates
Authors: Lodder J. , Van Nierop M.A. , Van Staden E. , Piketh S.J.
Published: January 2017

Soil moisture increased the cohesion potential between particles, reducing the ability of the particle to be entrained. Dust suppression techniques are designed to increase soil moisture and therefore soil cohesion through the application of water or water-based chemicals to surfaces that have known potential for dust entrainment. Rainfall has the ability to act as a natural dust suppression mechanism; however, there is a paucity of literature on the actual effectiveness of rainfall in this regard. The ASTM D1739 methods for dustfall monitoring, commonly used in South Africa, and the National Dust Control Regulations (2013), both state that rainfall should be recorded when conducting dustfall monitoring. The rationale is that rainfall or the absence thereof, results in lower or higher dustfall rates, respectively. A suitable study site was identified in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This site had eight non-directional dustfall samplers in the near vicinity of an air quality monitoring station. Dustfall results from the eight samplers were analysed based on four scenarios, two that considers the presence of rainfall and two that consider the absence of rainfall. This analysis was further combined with wind speed data. This study, over a 24-month period indicates that there is no substantial evidence that above average rainfall will result in below average dustfall. This occurred for one month out of 24 months. Conversely, there is no consensus that the absence of rainfall will result in higher dustfall rates, which occurred cumulatively 30% of the time. Additional environmental and / or operational information may have a greater influence on dustfall compared to rainfall. Careful consideration should be taken to prevent misrepresentation of causational effects of rainfall on dustfall results. Management of dust should be undertaken through dust mitigation measures irrespective of the natural rainfall regime.
Mapping Asynchronous Forum-based Interaction Patterns between Second Language Educational Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Knouzi Ibtissem , Mady Callie
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a detailed mapping of the interaction patterns and level of cognitive processing that characterised online communication between educational researchers and L2 teachers during six weeks of asynchronous forum-based discussions of six research articles. The project was designed to investigate and ultimately bridge the linkage gap between researchers and practitioners, following the Graham et al (2006) knowledge to action framework. We used NodeXL to map the different types of interaction patterns (user-to-user and user-to-thread) and adapted the Hara et al (2000) framework to identify and describe the level of social cues used and cognitive processing mechanisms evident in the participants’ texts. The findings showed little direct interaction between the two groups as evidenced by the low use of social clues and reluctance of practitioners to respond directly to the researchers. On the other hand, the mapping of the user-to-thread patterns showed clustering around some discussion topics that were raised by both researchers and practitioners, which suggests that the discussion was meaningful and co-constructed by members of both groups. The exchange of ideas in the forum space seemed to transcend issues of identity and conventional roles as it allowed both groups to be equal contributors to the dialogue. Moreover, there was clear evidence of in-depth cognitive processing in the messages of both groups. We propose that, in spite of the seeming guarded distance and practitioners’ reluctance to address researchers directly, the forum facilitated knowledge exchange and meaningful discussion of issues of interest to both groups.