bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading for understanding: Methodist youths’ shared Scripture- reading practices
Authors: Rackley Eric D
Published: November 2017

Informed by reading comprehension and comprehension strategies research, this study explores the Scripture-reading practices of four Methodist youths. Several rounds of inductive thematic analyses of Scripture-reading protocols revealed a set of five strategic reading practices youths used to understand Scripture. They drew inferences about the Bible’s possible meanings, made connections between the Bible and other texts, made personal comments, recognized when they were confused, and applied prior knowledge. Identifying and naming these five strategic practices can deepen our understanding of the nature of Methodist youths’ Scripture-reading practices and raise important questions about the relationships among youth, religion, and literacy.
Investment Portfolio Performances of Public Sector General Insurance Firms in India: An Empirical Approach
Authors: Chakraborty Joy , Basu Sankarshan
Published: November 2017

Deregulation of the Indian insurance sector has witnessed the rise of private players in the Indian general insurance sector post-1999. Though the four major public sector general insurers still continue to dominate the Indian general insurance market, an abrupt rise in the number of private players has raised concerns upon the solvency position of the public sector general insurance companies in safeguarding their policyholders’ interests. The major reason for this concern could be attributed to the existing investment portfolios of the general insurance firms, the impact of which has been felt upon their solvency position. The present study investigated the investment portfolios of the four major public sector general insurance firms in India involved in multiline businesses, and its subsequent impact upon their solvency position. The application of the multiple linear regression model has been employed to investigate the solvency determinants of the public sector general insurance firms in view of their short-term and long-term investment portfolios, covering the study period from 2005–2006 to 2014–2015. The findings of the study have pointed out the necessity for the four public sector general insurers to focus on certain key investment variables in their investment portfolios in ensuring a sound solvency position in the long run.
“Testing, Testing”: Multiple HIV-Positive Tests among Patients Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia
Authors: Kulkarni Sarah , Tymejczyk Olga , Gadisa Tsigereda , Lahuerta Maria , Remien Robert H. , Melaku Zenebe , El-Sadr Wafaa , Elul Batya , Nash Denis , Hoffman Susie
Published: November 2017

Repeat HIV testing after receiving a positive result has never been studied systematically and may give insight into reasons for delayed linkage to care. Among 831 adults in 6 secondary facilities in Oromia, Ethiopia, who completed an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire within 2 weeks of initiating antiretroviral therapy in 2012 to 2013, 110 (13.2%) reported having retested after an HIV-positive result. The odds of repeat (versus single) HIV-positive testing were higher among those who had doubted their HIV status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]ref=nodoubt = 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-11.4) and those who initially tested at another facility, whether another secondary facility (AOR ref=studyfacility = 22.7; 95% CI: 11.0-46.9) or a lower-level facility (AORref=studyfacility = 19.1; 95% CI: 10.5-34.5). The odds of repeat (versus single) HIV-positive testing were lower among those who initially tested because of symptoms (AORref=not a reason = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24-0.66). Median time between initial diagnosis and enrollment in care was 12.3 versus 1.0 month for repeat and single HIV-positive testers, respectively ( P < .001). Repeat HIV-positive testing—not a rare occurrence—appears to stem from doubt, seeking care at a facility other than where diagnosed, and testing for a reason other than having symptoms. Because repeat HIV-positive testing is associated with delay in linkage to care, providers should be aware of this potential when counseling those who test HIV positive.
Determining the Most Important Factors Involved in Ranking Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Applicants
Authors: Baweja Rishi , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Mulcahey Mary K. , McCarty Eric C.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Orthopaedic surgery residencies and certain fellowships are becoming increasingly competitive. Several studies have identified important factors to be taken into account when selecting medical students for residency interviews. Similar information for selecting orthopaedic sports medicine fellows does not exist.

Purpose:

To determine the most important factors that orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship program directors (PDs) take into account when ranking applicants.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

A brief survey was distributed electronically to PDs of the 92 orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Each PD was asked to rank, in order, the 5 most important factors taken into account when ranking applicants based on a total list of 13 factors: the interview, the applicant’s residency program, letters of recommendation (LORs), personal connections made through the applicant, research experience, an applicant’s geographical ties to the city/town of the fellowship program, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) scores, history of being a competitive athlete in college, extracurricular activities/hobbies, volunteer experience, interest in a career in academics, and publications/research/posters. Factors were scored from 1 to 5, with a score of 5 representing the most important factor and 1 representing the fifth-most important factor.

Results:

Of the 92 PDs contacted, 57 (62%) responded. Thirty-four PDs (37%) listed the interview as the most important factor in ranking fellowship applicants (overall score, 233). LORs (overall score, 196), an applicant’s residency program (overall score, 133), publications/research/posters (overall score, 115), and personal connections (overall score, 90) were reported as the second- through fifth-most important factors, respectively.

Conclusion:

According to orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship PDs, the fellowship interview is the most important factor in determining how an applicant will be ranked. Other factors, including LORs, the applicant’s residency program, research production, and personal connections, were also considered to be important. This information provides orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship applicants with a better understanding of which areas to focus on when preparing for the fellowship interview and matching process.
Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome and Maternal Symptomatology—An Exploratory Analysis of Patient Experiences When Reporting Complaints
Authors: Nicholas Lauren , Fischbein Rebecca , Falletta Lynn , Baughman Kristin
Published: November 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess patient experiences when reporting symptoms of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) to their health-care providers.

Methodology:

The study utilized an online, retrospective survey of women, over the age of 18, who were living in the United States at the time of their pregnancy and had completed a TTTS pregnancy.

Results:

Three hundred sixty-seven cases were included for analysis. Nearly half of the respondents (45.2%) reported experiencing maternal symptoms prior to TTTS diagnosis. The average number of symptoms experienced was 2.85. The average gestational week of symptom onset was 18.2. A total of 76.2% of respondents experiencing symptoms shared these concerns with their health-care provider; however, slightly more than half (51.2%) believed that the provider dismissed their complaints.

Conclusions:

Results suggest a disconnect between patients’ reporting TTTS symptoms and health-care providers responding attentively, as perceived by the patient. It would be advantageous for health-care providers to inform women pregnant with a monochorionic–diamniotic pregnancy to immediately report the presence of any symptom described in the present research, which may be associated with any number of twin pregnancy–related complications.
Representing Women ‘Our Way’: An English Language Teaching Television Programme in Sri Lanka
Authors: Medawattegedera Vivimarie VanderPoorten
Published: November 2017

Research on gender representation in English textbooks reveals that messages about gender roles and gender identity transmitted through texts affect the future behaviour of children as they formulate their own roles in society. There is a limited number of studies on visual analysis of gender in textbooks and a dearth of such research on teaching materials in Sri Lanka. This study analyses a TV programme produced to teach school children English in order to uncover the ideological assumptions related to gender and gender roles embedded in the programme.
Interpreting Modernity and the Cultural Possibility of Social Transformation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Urmi
Published: November 2017

Modernity is associated with the celebration of rationality and the intervention of science, which manifested itself in the historical development of industrialisation in the West and also colonialism in the non-West. Dominated by the ideals of reason, culture has been critiqued to have been reduced to a mechanistic representation of instrumental rationality and consumerism. Reviewing selected works of Marxist theoretician Antonio Gramsci and sociologist Avijit Pathak, this essay explores the possibilities of conceiving culture as a space of social transformation and humanism. Reflecting on the historical and contextual interpretations of cultural hegemony and the need for critical consciousness to overthrow the bourgeois order in Italy, and engaging with the paradoxes and constraints confronting Indian modernity, this work attempts at a critical understanding of modernity and looks into the possibility of achieving moral transformation through the reinterpretation of culture.
Extended prioritizing of store plan alternatives produced with shape grammar using the generalized Choquet integral method
Authors: Ozdemir Yavuz , Ozdemir Sahika
Published: November 2017

In the previous paper, the store plan alternatives produced with shape grammar were evaluated using two of multi-criteria decision making techniques with triangular fuzzy numbers, namely fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and fuzzy ANP. In addition to fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and fuzzy ANP results, another multi-criteria decision making technique, the generalized Choquet integral method with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, is used for evaluation and the result of this method is compared with fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and fuzzy ANP results. The main contribution of this paper is to determine the interdependency among main criteria and subcriteria, the nonlinear relationship among them and the environmental uncertainties while prioritizing plan alternatives using the generalized Choquet integral method with the experts’ same data that evaluated in the previous study. To the authors’ knowledge, this will be the first interdisciplinary study which uses the generalized Choquet integral method in the field of architectural design.
FOXP1 expression is a prognostic biomarker in follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab and chemotherapy
Authors: Mottok Anja , Jurinovic Vindi , Farinha Pedro , Rosenwald Andreas , Leich Ellen , Ott German , Horn Heike , Klapper Wolfram , Boesl Michael , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Steidl Christian , Connors Joseph M. , Sehn Laurie H. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Hoster Eva , Weigert Oliver , Kridel Robert
Published: November 2017

Key Points

High expression of FOXP1 predicts adverse FFS in patients with FL treated with immunochemotherapy. FOXP1 high and low expressors differ in specific gene mutations and gene expression changes.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effect of rosuvastatin on fasting and postprandial endothelial biomarker levels and microvascular reactivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia: a preliminary report
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Jung Kyong Yeun , Yun Han Mi , Lee Seo Young , Oh Tae Jung , Jang Hak Chul , Lim Soo
Published: November 2017

Background

The cardiovascular benefits of statins have been proven, but their effect on circulation in small vessels has not been examined fully. We investigated the effect of 20 mg rosuvastatin on biomarkers, including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and on microvascular reactivity.

Method

We enrolled 20 dyslipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. Rosuvastatin (20 mg/day) was given to the patient group for 12 weeks. Biochemical parameters, including PON-1 and ADMA, were compared between the patient and control groups, and before and after rosuvastatin treatment in the patient group. Fasting and 2 h postprandial levels of PON-1 and ADMA after mixed-meal challenge were also compared. Microvascular reactivity in a peripheral artery was examined using laser Doppler flowmetry.

Results

The respective mean ± standard deviation of age and BMI were 50.1 ± 3.8 year and 25.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2 in the patients and 50.2 ± 3.2 year and 25.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2 in the controls. The patient group had worse profiles of cardiometabolic biomarkers, including PON-1 and ADMA, than the controls. In the patients treated with 20 mg rosuvastatin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol decreased from 147.2 ± 26.5 to 68.3 ± 24.5 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol increased from 42.4 ± 5.2 to 44.7 ± 6.2 mg/dL (both P < 0.05). Both fasting and 2 h postprandial levels of PON-1 increased and those of ADMA decreased after treatment with rosuvastatin for 12 weeks. The changes in postprandial levels of both biomarkers were greater than those after fasting. Microcirculation assessed as reactive hyperemia in the patients after an ischemic challenge increased significantly from 335.3 ± 123.4 to 402.7 ± 133.4% after rosuvastatin treatment. The postprandial changes in the biomarkers were significantly associated with improvement of microvascular reactivity.

Conclusions

Rosuvastatin treatment for 12 weeks improved microvascular reactivity with concomitant beneficial changes in the postprandial levels of PON-1 and ADMA. These results suggest that rosuvastatin improves the postprandial cardiometabolic milieu in type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02185963 (July 7, 2014)
‘Fast cast’ and ‘needle Tenotomy’ protocols with the Ponseti method to improve clubfoot management in Bangladesh
Authors: Evans Angela , Chowdhury Mamun , Rana Sohel , Rahman Shariar , Mahboob Abu Hena
Published: November 2017

Background

The management of congenital talipes equino varus (clubfoot deformity) has been transformed in the last 20 years as surgical correction has been replaced by the non‐surgical Ponseti method. The Ponseti method, consists of corrective serial casting followed by maintenance bracing, and has been repeatedly demonstrated to give best results ‐ regarded as the ‘gold standard’ treatment for paediatric clubfoot.

Methods

To develop the study protocol Level 2 evidence was used to modify the corrective casting phase of the Ponseti method in children aged up to 12 months. Using Level 4 evidence, the percutaneous Achilles tenotomy (PAT) was performed using a 19‐gauge needle instead of a scalpel blade, a technique found to reduce bleeding and scarring.

Results

A total of 123 children participated in this study; 88 male, 35 female. Both feet were affected in 67 cases, left only in 22 cases, right only in 34 cases. Typical clubfeet were found in 112/123 cases, six atypical, five syndromic. The average age at first cast was 51 days (13–240 days).

The average number of casts applied was five (2–10 casts). The average number of days between the first cast and brace was 37.8 days (10–122 days), including 21 days in a post‐PAT cast. Hence, average time of corrective casts was 17 days.

Parents preferred the reduced casting time, and were less concerned about unseen skin wounds.

PAT was performed in 103/123 cases, using the needle technique. All post tenotomy casts were in situ for three weeks. Minor complications occurred in seven cases ‐ four cases had skin lesions, three cases disrupted casting phase. At another site, 452 PAT were performed using the needle technique.

Conclusions

The ‘fast cast’ protocol Ponseti casting was successfully used in infants aged less than 8 months. Extended manual manipulation of two minutes was the essential modification. Parents preferred the faster treatment phase, and ability to closer observe the foot and skin. The treating physiotherapists preferred the ‘fast cast’ protocol, achieving better correction with less complication. The needle technique for PAT is a further improvement for the Ponseti method.
Development of a peer-supported, self-management intervention for people following mental health crisis
Authors: Milton Alyssa , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Fullarton Kate , Morant Nicola , Paterson Bethan , Hindle David , Kelly Kathleen , Mason Oliver , Lambert Marissa , Johnson Sonia
Published: November 2017

Background

A documented gap in support exists for service users following discharge from acute mental health services, and structured interventions to reduce relapse are rarely provided. Peer-facilitated self-management interventions have potential to meet this need, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. This paper describes the development of a peer-provided self-management intervention for mental health service users following discharge from crisis resolution teams (CRTs).

Methods

A five-stage iterative mixed-methods approach of sequential data collection and intervention development was adopted, following the development and piloting stages of the MRC framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Evidence review (stage 1) included systematic reviews of both peer support and self-management literature. Interviews with CRT service users (n = 41) regarding needs and priorities for support following CRT discharge were conducted (stage 2). Focus group consultations (n = 12) were held with CRT service-users, staff and carers to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a proposed intervention, and to refine intervention organisation and content (stage 3). Qualitative evaluation of a refined, peer-provided, self-management intervention involved qualitative interviews with CRT service user participants (n = 9; n = 18) in feasibility testing (stage 4) and a pilot trial (stage 5), and a focus group at each stage with the peer worker providers (n = 4).

Results

Existing evidence suggests self-management interventions can reduce relapse and improve recovery. Initial interviews and focus groups indicated support for the overall purpose and planned content of a recovery-focused self-management intervention for people leaving CRT care adapted from an existing resource: The personal recovery plan (developed by Repper and Perkins), and for peer support workers (PSWs) as providers. Participant feedback after feasibility testing was positive regarding facilitation of the intervention by PSWs; however, the structured self-management booklet was underutilised. Modifications to the self-management intervention manual and PSWs’ training were made before piloting, which confirmed the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention for testing in a future, definitive trial.

Conclusions

A manualised intervention and operating procedures, focusing on the needs and priorities of the target client group, have been developed through iterative stages of intervention development and feedback for testing in a trial context.

Trial Registration ISRCTN01027104 date of registration: 11/10/2012
Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas corrugata strain RM1-1-4, a stress protecting agent from the rhizosphere of an oilseed rape bait plant
Authors: Zachow Christin , Müller Henry , Laireiter Christina M. , Tilcher Ralf , Berg Gabriele
Published: November 2017

Pseudomonas corrugata
strain RM1-1-4 is a rhizosphere colonizer of oilseed rape. A previous study has shown that this motile, Gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium is an effective stress protecting and biocontrol agent, which protects their hosts against abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we announce and describe the complete genome sequence of P. corrugata RM1-1-4 consisting of a single 6.1 Mb circular chromosome that encodes 5189 protein coding genes and 85 RNA-only encoding genes. Genome analysis revealed genes predicting functions such as detoxifying mechanisms, stress inhibitors, exoproteases, lipoproteins or volatile components as well as rhizobactin siderophores and spermidine. Further analysis of its genome will help to identify traits promising for stress protection, biocontrol and plant growth promotion properties.
Ultrasonic velocity measurements on thin rock samples: Experiment and numerical modeling
Authors: Yurikov Alexey , Lebedev Maxim , Pervukhina Marina
Published: November 2017

The ultrasonic pulse transmission (UPT) method has been the gold standard for laboratory measurements of rock elastic properties for decades, and it is used by oil and gas industry and service companies routinely. In spite of the wide acceptance and use of the UPT method, experimentalists are still looking for ways to further extend the limits of its applicability and to improve its state-of-the-art practices. One of the problems that limits wider application of the method is the length of the standard samples used (approximately 40–100 mm). This is a crucial limitation either in the case of a damaged core when preparation of a standard size sample is impossible or in the case when an ultrasonic experiment is combined with saturation or desiccation processes that might be extremely time-consuming on the long samples. On the other hand, thinner samples are not typically used due to the implication of inhomogeneity of stress fields inside and whereas few results of the measurements on thin disc samples have been reported in the literature, detailed justifications of the procedures have not been done yet. To fill this gap, we compare ultrasonic velocities measured at confining stresses up to 50 MPa done on standard and thin samples with lengths of 60 and 15 mm, respectively. First, we evaluate a new developed experimental setup for ultrasonic measurements on thin discs and develop a detailed experimental procedure. Then, we use finite-element modeling to numerically simulate stress fields in both types of samples. Finally, we compare the ultrasonic velocities measured on the thin discs and on standard samples and determine how to obtain reliable elastic properties on thin samples.
Multicomponent distributed acoustic sensing: Concept and theory
Authors: Lim Chen Ning Ivan , Sava Paul
Published: November 2017

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data are increasingly used in geophysics. Lower in cost and higher in spatial resolution, DAS data are appealing, especially in boreholes in which optical fibers are readily available. DAS has the potential to become a permanent reservoir monitoring tool with a reduced sensing time interval. To accomplish this goal, it is critical that DAS can record all wave modes to fully characterize reservoir properties. This goal can be achieved by recording the complete strain tensor consisting of 6C. Conventional DAS provides projections of these components along the optical fiber by observing deformation along the fiber. To obtain the entire 6C strain tensor, we have developed an approach using multiple strain projections measured along optical fibers with judiciously chosen geometry specifically. We evaluate designs combining multiple helical configurations or a single helical configuration together with a straight optical fiber that allow access to multiple strain projections. We group multiple strain projections in a given spatial window to perform reconstruction of the entire strain tensor in a least-squares sense under the assumption that the seismic wavelength is larger than the analysis window size. We determine how optimal optical fiber parameters can be selected using a scan of the entire configuration space and analyzing the condition number associated with the geometry of the optical fibers. We develop our method through synthetic experiments using realistic fiber geometry and wavefields of arbitrary complexity.
Characteristics and origin of the Sinian-Permian fault system and its controls on the formation of paleo-carbonate reservoirs: A case study from Central Paleo-Uplift, Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Li Wenke , Wang Jun , Li Jinsong , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Kang , He Qinglin
Published: November 2017

We have evaluated the existence of good paleo-carbonate reservoirs in fault damage zones with a burial depth exceeding 5800 m in the Central Paleo-Uplift, Sichuan Basin, China. The relationships between fault system and sedimentation, and the formation of the paleo-carbonate reservoirs have been explored, which have long been ignored by previous studies due to the low-quality seismic data and the prevalent assumption of weak tectonic movement. Data from different sources such as newly acquired and processed seismic data, cores, and well-logs are used to study the characteristics and origin of the fault system and their controls on the formation of paleo-carbonate reservoirs. The main findings are as follows: (1) The Sinian-Permian fault system in the study area mainly comprises strike-slip faults with different scales plus a small number of locally developed collapse-related concentric faults. (2) The Sinian-Permian fault system, which usually has normal throw, mainly developed in an extensional stress field and its evolution spanned five stages including the basement-fault formation stage in the Yangtze cycle, extensional dextral strike-slip faults formation stage in the Xingkai cycle, weakly compressional sinistral strike-slip faults formation stage in the Caledonian cycle, extensional faults formation stage in the Hercynian cycle, and compressional transformation stage in the Indosinian-Himalayan cycles. Most faults formed in the Xingkai and Caledonian cycles, whereas the Indosinian-Himalayan cycles had a weak effect on the Sinian-Permian fault system in the study area. (3) Different types of faults have different effects on the sedimentation, formation, and preservation of the paleo-carbonate reservoirs. The synsedimentary faults provide necessary tectonic background for the sedimentation of high-energy facies, whereas the successive faults and coalesced fractures determine the formation, distribution, and preservation of the porous karst carbonate reservoirs. The basement faults controlling the hydrothermal fluids only cause partial filling of the existing pore spaces; thus, most pore spaces in the karst carbonate reservoirs are able to be preserved. Therefore, the fault damage zones within the paleo-carbonate strata produce good reservoirs and important exploration targets.
Notch is required for the formation of all nephron segments and primes nephron progenitors for differentiation
Authors: Chung Eunah , Deacon Patrick , Park Joo-Seop
Published: November 2017

Notch signaling plays important roles during mammalian nephrogenesis. To investigate whether Notch regulates nephron segmentation, we performed Notch loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies in developing nephrons in mice. Contrary to the previous notion that Notch signaling promotes the formation of proximal tubules and represses the formation of distal tubules in the mammalian nephron, we show that inhibition of Notch blocks the formation of all nephron segments and that constitutive activation of Notch in developing nephrons does not promote or repress the formation of a specific segment. Cells lacking Notch fail to form the S-shaped body and show reduced expression of Lhx1 and Hnf1b. Consistent with this, we find that constitutive activation of Notch in mesenchymal nephron progenitors causes ectopic expression of Lhx1 and Hnf1b and that these cells eventually form a heterogeneous population that includes proximal tubules and other types of cells. Our data suggest that Notch signaling is required for the formation of all nephron segments and that it primes nephron progenitors for differentiation rather than directing their cell fates into a specific nephron segment.
ImaEdge – a platform for quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of cortical proteins during cell polarization
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Lim Yen Wei , Zhao Peng , Kanchanawong Pakorn , Motegi Fumio
Published: November 2017

Cell polarity involves the compartmentalization of the cell cortex. The establishment of cortical compartments arises from the spatial bias in the activity and concentration of cortical proteins. The mechanistic dissection of cell polarity requires the accurate detection of dynamic changes in cortical proteins, but the fluctuations of cell shape and the inhomogeneous distributions of cortical proteins greatly complicate the quantitative extraction of their global and local changes during cell polarization. To address these problems, we introduce an open-source software package, ImaEdge, which automates the segmentation of the cortex from time-lapse movies, and enables quantitative extraction of cortical protein intensities. We demonstrate that ImaEdge enables efficient and rigorous analysis of the dynamic evolution of cortical PAR proteins during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis. It is also capable of accurate tracking of varying levels of transgene expression and discontinuous signals of the actomyosin cytoskeleton during multiple rounds of cell division. ImaEdge provides a unique resource for quantitative studies of cortical polarization, with the potential for application to many types of polarized cells.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
EFFECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE TOP MANAGER AND LEADER IN THE COMPANY
Authors: Жданкин Николай , Жданкин Николай
Published: November 2017

In the article approaches to assessment of the top manager and the leader in the organization are considered. Evaluation criteria are developed and assessment of heads and leaders in the real companies is made that has allowed to draw the generalizing conclusions. It is shown that the main problems of heads and leaders are in lack of the eff ective development strategy of the company, weak motivation of personnel, uncomfortable psychological climate in collective.
THE TRENDS OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT: RESULTS OF THE WORLD SUMMIT HR DIGITAL — 2017
Authors: Борисова А. , Borisova A.
Published: November 2017

The article analyses the development trends of the HR-management practice on the basis of presentations by the experts on the World Summit HR Digital — 2017. The reasons of change from socio-humanistic HR-management to economic and marketing HR-management are justifi ed. The trends of the instrumental updates of the personnel manager functionality are given. The article identifi es the key managerial tasks in predictive technological development of HR-management, aimed at the design of turnover rate model, and assessment model of economic returns on resources, which are invested in HR-management. The author presents the empirical investigation results aimed at assessment of the ceiling on transformation HR-management and time lag in entry updates. The basic limit on spread widely and rapidly of the new digital technology is determined: the policies of budgeting of the workforce management functional; the concerns about investment return and low level of confi dence in automation of the manual and traditional management processes.
Project management of organization
Authors: Антонов Геннадий , Antonov Gyennadiy , Иванова Ольга , Ivanova Olga , Тумин Валерий , Tumin Valyeriy
Published: November 2017

In the tutorial, the theoretical-methodological and practical issues of project management are reviewed.Articulated The understanding of the project activities place in the organization, current status of project management, classification of projects, processes and methods of managing terms, cost, risks of projects, evaluation of projects investment attractiveness, projects and programmes portfolio management in organization. It complies with the latest generation requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education.
For students enrolled in undergraduate courses "Economics” and “Management", "Innovation", "State and municipal management", "Housing and municipal infrastructure”, as well as engineering, technological and other fields and professions, involving the study of Economics and organizational and management cycles disciplines.
The tutorial can be used by students studying in Magistracy and postgraduate study, listeners of business schools and courses of qualification improvement and retraining, University lecturers, research workers, universities and consulting firms, business structures, heads and specialists of enterprises
Gestión de los expatriados. Elementos clave del proceso para las empresas en entornos internacionales.
Authors: Polanco Pantoja Yesenia Verónica
Published: November 2017

La expatriación es hoy en día una práctica común llevada a cabo por las empresas que desean o han logrado la internacionalización. En el presente artículo se realiza una revisión teórica sobre los elementos claves que deberían ser considerados por las empresas globales en cada una de las diferentes etapas del proceso de expatriación; con el fin de lograr una expatriación exitosa. Se inicia con la fase previa o arranque de la misión en el extranjero. A continuación, se aborda la fase de desarrollo y se concluye con la fase de repatriación o regreso del trabajador al país de origen. La revisión de la literatura realizada fue integrativa y sistemática. Para tal efecto se analizaron y sistematizaron los más recientes estudios publicados por diferentes instituciones de investigación. Dichos estudios consideraron múltiples empresas transnacionales en diferentes industrias.
Motivation and Analytics: Comparing Business and Engineering Students
Authors: Scala Natalie M. , Tomasi Stella , Goncher Andrea , Bursic Karen M.
Published: November 2017

Data analytics is a foundational topic for engineering as well as business students given its importance in subsequent coursework and curriculum. Many common, interdisciplinary analytical topics exist between the engineering and business fields; undergraduate students may approach learning those topics in various ways depending on program or major. This research examines differences in performance on analytics between engineering and business students that may be explained by differences in motivation and attitude. We use a survey and a lecture on trendlines with a common homework assignment to compare the two groups of students. Instructors of an engineering and a business course that incorporate analytics gave the same lecture on the use of spreadsheets to analyze trendline data, assigned the same individual homework assignment, and administered an end-of-module survey. The survey was built from the established MUSIC® Model of Academic Motivation. Analysis of the student data will address differences in motivation and how the program or major impacts student perception of analytical problem solving and contributes to performance on related assignments. We discuss quantitative and qualitative differences between engineering and business majors, concluding with a discussion of future work and some strategies for educators to use when teaching analytics.
Introducing a new superabsorbent dressing to manage wound exudate
Authors: Tickle Joy
Published: November 2017

The production of wound exudate is a natural and normal consequence of healing. However, when the constituents, volume and consistency of the exudate alter, problems can occur. This article discusses the different types of exudate and its impact on both the patient and the clinician and outlines appropriate exudate assessment and effective management and dressing selection. If these are performed appropriately, this can improve quality of life for the patient and save time and money for healthcare providers.
Naïve and sophisticated long-term readings of foreign and national films viewed in a Mexican northern town during the 1930–60s
Authors: Lozano José Carlos , Biltereyst Daniel , Meers Philippe
Published: November 2017

The memories and recollections of films viewed in the past have not been as frequently and as comprehensively examined as the decoding and appropriation of contemporary movies by media and cultural studies scholars, despite the value of gathering long-term evidence of accumulated readings and meanings audiences attach to specific types of contents or media experiences. By analysing the recollection of 28 Mexican elders about foreign and national films seen when they were kids or youngsters, this article evaluates their degree of acceptance, negotiation or rejection not of single movies but of types of films according to their origin or genre.
Social Pedagogy: An Approach Without Fixed Recipes
Authors: Rothuizen Jan Jaap , Harbo Lotte Junker
Published: November 2017

A historical and theoretical reconstruction of the specificity and peculiarity of the discipline of social pedagogy, as it has developed in Denmark. Social pedagogy takes its departure from the idea that the individual person and the community are complementary but at the same time opposed to each other, so the task of social pedagogy is rebalancing the dynamics between the two. Social pedagogy is also characterised as a discipline with three dimensions: a practical dimension, a theoretical dimension and a professional dimension. The professional’s task is neither to apply theory in practice nor to uphold the usual practice; it is to mediate between theory and practice. The specificity of the discipline gives rise to particular challenges and dilemmas that theorists make understandable and transparent and practitioners have to deal with. A big challenge for social pedagogy is the quest for evidence-based methods that overrides the specificity of the social pedagogical approach. Balancing different forms of knowledge implies that programmes and methods are used as inspiration that can be contained in a social pedagogical approach.
Neutropenia and T-Wave Inversion as Toxin-Mediated Complications of a Streptococcal Infection
Authors: Popescu Cristina , Leuştean Anca , Orfanu Alina Elena , Carp Codruţa Georgiana , Aramă Victoria
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Streptococcal infection can be responsible for multiple complications, such as toxic, septic or allergic disorders. Toxin-mediated complications (TMC) can appear during the acute phase of disease and can involve any organ, causing carditis, arthritis, nephritis, hepatitis etc.

Case presentation: The case of a young woman without a history of recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis, admitted to “Matei Balş” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania, presenting with fever, sore throat and exudative tonsillitis, is detailed. The initial test for Streptococcus pyogenes was negative. The patient had leukopenia with severe neutropenia, high values of inflammatory biomarkers and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes with inverted T waves in leads V1-4 and flattened T waves in V5-6. There were no other cardiac signs or symptoms. The patient received cefuroxime for two days. On admission, the patient was prescribed Penicillin G and dexamethasone which resulted in a rapid recovery. The leucocytes count returned to normal as did the ECG abnormalities. At the time of discharge, the antistreptolysin O titre was high.

Conclusions: The case highlights the toxin-mediated complications (TMC) of streptococcal infection which occur from the outset of the disease.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis in Colorectal Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Prospects
Authors: Ioanovici Andrei-Constantin , Feier Andrei-Marian , Țilea Ioan , Dobru Daniela
Published: November 2017

Colorectal cancer is an important health issue, both in terms of the number of people affected and the associated costs. Colonoscopy is an important screening method that has a positive impact on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer. The association of colonoscopy with computer-aided diagnostic tools is currently under researchers’ focus, as various methods have already been proposed and show great potential for a better management of this disease. We performed a review of the literature and present a series of aspects, such as the basics of machine learning algorithms, different computational models as well as their benchmarks expressed through measurements such as positive prediction value and accuracy of detection, and the classification of colorectal polyps. Introducing computer-aided diagnostic tools can help clinicians obtain results with a high degree of confidence when performing colonoscopies. The growing field of machine learning in medicine will have a big impact on patient management in the future.
Simultaneous Determination of Carbamazepine and Carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide in Different Biological Matrices by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Andonie Dan , Gáll Zsolt , Bosa Paul , Dogaru Maria Titica , Vancea Szende
Published: November 2017

An uncomplicated, sensitive liquid chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for evaluation of carbamazepine and carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (its metabolite) in human plasma, human saliva, rat plasma, and rabbit plasma was developed. Analyses were conducted on a Zorbax SB-C18, 100 mm × 3 mm ID, 3.5 μm column, at a column temperature of 40 ºC. The mobile phase was comprised of 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol in a 35 : 65 (v/v) ratio, with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Lacosamide was utilized as internal standard. Under these chromatographic conditions, the retention times of lacosamide, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, and carbamazepine were 1.4 min, 1.6 min, and 2.2 min, respectively. The quantification of the analytes was performed using multiple reaction monitoring, with the use of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray positive ionization. The monitored ions were m/z 194 derived from m/z 237 for carbamazepine, m/z 180 derived from m/z 253 for carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, and m/z 108 derived from m/z 251 for lacosamide. The samples were prepared by protein precipitation from 0.2 mL of plasma/saliva using 0.6 mL of internal standard solution in methanol. Calibration curves were constructed over the ranges 1.1–17.6 µg/mL and 0.23–5.47 µg/mL for carbamazepine and carbamazepine-epoxide, respectively. The coefficients of determination obtained by using a weighted (1/x) linear regression were greater than 0.994. The reported LC-MS/MS method was applied to preclinical pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Intracoronary Shear Stress and CT Characteristics of Vulnerable Coronary Plaques
Authors: Benedek Annabella
Published: November 2017

Vulnerable coronary plaques are associated with a significant risk for rupture, and the ability to detect their characteristic features is of extreme importance, as timely detection of rupture-prone plaques could lead to the appropriate initiation of adequate therapeutic measures and prevent the evolution to an acute coronary event. The most common features of vulnerability in coronary plaques are represented by the presence of low density atheroma, a thin fibrous cap, spotty calcifications, and positive remodeling. However, there is still a huge amount of information to be learned about the role of local forces, represented by the shear stress, on the plaque vulnerability. This clinical update aims to present the most recent advances in the field of knowledge regarding the relation between shear stress and plaque vulnerability, starting from the hypothesis that shear stress significantly correlates with the CT features of plaque vulnerability and can represent a new marker of vulnerability in coronary artery plaques.
Performance Analysis of Hybrid Optical Amplifiers for 32 Channel WDM System at 10 Gbps Bit Rate for WAN Applications
Authors: Apoorva  , Priyanka  , Wadhwa Himanshu , Kaur Gurjit
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we have simulated an optical 32 channel WDM system with 10 Gbps data rate for various hybrid amplifiers at varying lengths. Stand-alone EDFA gives better performance than other individual amplifiers but when hybrid with Raman amplifier, the performance of the WDM system is enhanced. A lot of researchers are working on the hybrid amplifiers like EDFA and Raman. In this research paper we have also included latest amplifier such as Ytterbium and Praseodymium amplifiers and the performance of the various hybrid combinations is compared. So, different hybrid amplifiers such as Raman-EDFA, EDFA-Yb, Raman-Yb, EDFA-Pr and Raman-Pr have been analyzed for performance parameters like quality factor, bit error rate, eye height and channel power. The analysis shows that EDFA-Pr has maximum Q-factor of 15.4883 at 80 km. EDFA-Pr has a maximum eye opening of 0.00534 at 80 km of length but at 120 km transmission distance EDFA-Yb shows maximum eye opening of 0.00154. Below 100 km of transmission distance, EDFA-Pr shows minimum BER value ranging from 10–54 to 10–20 but as the length is increased above 100 km EDFA-Yb shows better performance with values ranging from 10–16 to 10–09.
Potential Immune Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Clinical Management for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Zecevic Lamija , Karamehic Jasenko , Coric Jozo , Stubljar David , Avdagic Nesina , Selmanovic Kenan , Jukic Tomislav , Savic Sinisa
Published: November 2017

Background:There is still no reliable, specific biomarker for precision diagnosis and clinical monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the determination of immunofenotypic profiles (T, B lymphocytes and NK cells) and serum cytokine concentrations (IL-17 and IFN-alpha) as potential biomarkers for this disease.

Methods:The study included 55 patients with SLE and 25 healthy controls. The proportion of T, B, NK cells were assessed in peripheral blood using flow cytometric assays while the serum cytokine concentration (IL-17 and IFNalpha) was determined by ELISA test.

Results:ROC curve analysis showed good accuracy to distinguish between patients and healthy individuals for activated T cells (AUC=0.798; p<0.001), Treg (AUC= 0.651; p=0.036), and memory B cells (AUC=0.285; p=0.002). We found statistically significant difference (p=0.036) in the levels of serum IL-17 between patients with SLE (IL-17=49.27 pg/mL) and controls (IL-17= 28.64 pg/mL).

Conclusions:Significant increase in the relative number of Treg lymphocytes, and decrease in memory B cells, as well as decrease level of IL-17, in SLE patients may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. These parameters, as biomarkers, could distinguish SLE patients and no-SLE patients. Monitoring subpopulations of immune cells in peripheral blood using flow cytometry provides insight into abnormal T and B cell function in SLE. Progress in understanding the immunity at SLE, results in concrete benefits for the SLE patients, which include new clinical management and therapeutic strategies.