bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branched Chain RNA In Situ Hybridization for Androgen Receptor Splice Variant AR-V7 as a Prognostic Biomarker for Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Saylor Philip J. , Lee Richard J. , Arora Kshitij S. , Deshpande Vikram , Hu Rong , Olivier Kara , Meneely Erika , Rivera Miguel N. , Ting David T. , Wu Chin-Lee , Miyamoto David T.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: The androgen receptor (AR) mRNA splice variant AR-V7 has emerged as a predictive biomarker for response to AR-targeted therapies. There are currently no commercially available assays to detect AR splice variants. The branched chain RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) platform enables the highly sensitive detection of RNA transcripts in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.

Experimental design: We designed a branched chain RNA ISH probe to target the unique cryptic exon CE3 of AR-V7 using multiple tiling probes. This automated ISH assay was applied to tumor tissue from two distinct clinical cohorts that we hypothesized would differ in AR-V7 status.

Results: We detected AR-V7 in all tumor samples from men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with tissue obtained after disease progression despite at least one subsequent line of hormonal therapy (abiraterone, enzalutamide, or bicalutamide; n = 12). We detected AR-V7 in just one tumor from men who had undergone prostatectomy for localized adenocarcinoma (n = 30; Gleason 4 + 5 = 9 in the AR-V7–positive sample). Given the apparent distinction between the above groups by AR-V7 signal, we analyzed pretreatment AR-V7 status as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in men with treatment-naïve metastatic disease. Patients with metastases but without detectable AR-V7 RNA at baseline had significantly longer overall survival (log-rank P = 0.044) and a trend toward superior progression-free survival (log-rank P = 0.055).

Conclusions: Within an institutional cohort, the RNA ISH assay identified AR-V7 within FFPE tissue and may have prognostic value in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. These preliminary findings warrant further study in larger cohorts. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 363–9. ©2016 AACR.
Myeloma Drug Resistance Induced by Binding of Myeloma B7-H1 (PD-L1) to PD-1
Authors: Ishibashi Mariko , Tamura Hideto , Sunakawa Mika , Kondo-Onodera Asaka , Okuyama Namiko , Hamada Yasuko , Moriya Keiichi , Choi Inhak , Tamada Koji , Inokuchi Koiti
Published: July 2016

B7 homolog 1 (B7-H1)–expressing myeloma cells not only inhibit myeloma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), but also confer a proliferative advantage: resistance to antimyeloma chemotherapy. However, it remains unknown whether B7-H1 expressed on myeloma cells induces cellular responses associated with aggressive myeloma behaviors. To address this question, we analyzed the proliferation and drug sensitivity of B7-H1–expressing myeloma cells transfected with B7-H1–specific short-hairpin RNA or treated with programmed cell death (PD)-1-Fc–coupled beads. Knockdown of B7-H1 expression in myeloma cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic alkylating agent melphalan, with downregulation of the expression of cell cycle–related genes (CCND3 and CDK6) and antiapoptotic genes (BCL2 and MCL1). B7-H1 molecules thus contributed to myeloma cell-cycle progression and suppression of drug-induced apoptosis. B7-H1–expressing myeloma cells had a higher affinity for PD-1 than for CD80. PD-1-Fc bead–treated myeloma cells also became resistant to apoptosis that was induced by melphalan and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Apoptosis resistance was associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. Both myeloma cell drug resistance and antiapoptotic responses occurred through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, initiated from “reverse” stimulation of B7-H1 by PD-1. Therefore, B7-H1 itself may function as an oncogenic protein in myeloma cells. The interaction between B7-H1 on myeloma cells and PD-1 molecules not only inhibits tumor-specific CTLs but also induces drug resistance in myeloma cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These observations provide mechanistic insights into potential immunotherapeutic benefits of blocking the B7-H1–PD-1 pathway. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(9); 779–88. ©2016 AACR.
Immediate Wheal Reactivity to Autologous Sweat in Atopic Dermatitis Is Associated with Clinical Severity, Serum Total and Specific IgE and Sweat Tryptase Activity
Authors: Ilves Tiina , Virolainen Anu , Harvima Ilkka Tapani
Published: July 2016

Background: Sweating can worsen atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of this work was to study the associations between reactivity to autologous sweat and the clinical severity of AD as well as investigate the possible wheal-inducing factors of sweat. Methods: Intracutaneous skin tests with autologous sweat were performed on 50 AD patients and 24 control subjects. In skin biopsies, tryptase and PAR-2 were enzyme and immunohistochemically stained. The associations between skin test reactivity and sweat histamine concentration, tryptase or chymase activity levels, tryptase or PAR-2 expression and AD clinical severity or IgE levels were investigated. Results: The wheal reactions in the intracutaneous tests with autologous sweat were positive, weakly positive and negative in 38, 34 and 28% of the AD patients, respectively, and in 4, 46 and 50% of the healthy controls, respectively (p = 0.008). In AD, the wheal reaction was associated significantly with clinical severity, serum total and specific IgE levels and sweat tryptase activity, but not with sweat histamine and chymase. In nonlesional AD skin, the percentage of PAR-2+ mast cells (MCs) or the number of tryptase+ MCs did not differ significantly between the intracutaneous test reactivity groups. Conclusion: Reactivity to autologous sweat correlates with the clinical severity of AD, and tryptase may be one of the factors involved in the sweat-induced wheal.
The Defilement of Dina: Uncontrolled Passions, Textual Violence, and the Search for Moral Foundations
Authors: Feder Yitzhaq
Published: July 2016

The story of Dinah’s violation in Genesis 34 has elicited radically different evaluations among exegetes. The present article attributes these divergent readings to the existence of distinct voices or moral positions in the text, particularly in relation to the issue of intermarriage. Beginning with a synchronic literary and ideological analysis of the narrative, the present reading will examine whether the multi-vocal state of the text should be best understood as an expression of ambivalence, of redactional history, or otherwise. A key tool in this analysis is the moral foundations theory developed by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt and his colleagues. This theory can help shed light on the ideological tendencies and rhetorical techniques reflected in this text, particularly the significance of the repeated references to the defilement of Dinah. This synchronic reading will also suggest the basis for a diachronic analysis of the story, demonstrating how narrative features of the final form of the text offer clues to the scribal tendencies involved in editing it. Finally, these literary, historical, and psychological dimensions are integrated to better contextualize the paradoxical relationship between defilement and ethnicity in the story.
Pragmatism and the Mass Public
Authors: Longoria Richard T.
Published: July 2016

This article examines public opinion as it relates to the primary tenets of the pragmatic philosophy. Anti-foundationalism, fallibilism, and an emphasis on practical consequences are observed in American public opinion. In addition, there is strong support for pragmatic politics in America. The evidence suggests that pragmatism is a common cultural attribute in American society.
Dewey Hates Hobbits
Authors: Pope Nakia S.
Published: July 2016

In 2010, David Waddington published a paper in Studies in Philosophy of Education entitled “Troublesome Sentiments: The Origins of Dewey’s Antipathy to Children’s Imaginative Activities.” In this article, Waddington embarks on a genealogical account of Dewey’s “apparent hostility toward children’s imaginative pursuits.” (p. 351). This paper extends and refines Waddington’s argument, arguing that the distinction between fantasy and creative imagination is an important one to understanding Dewey. I conclude that Dewey’s antipathy is really focused on fantasy. This antipathy extends throughout much of his educational, psychological, and aesthetic work. Dewey’s distain for fantasy rests on his arguments about the creative and productive purposes of thought and activity. He feels that fantasy, dealing with the unreal and overly emotional aspects of thought, is unproductive and, occasionally, dangerous. I argue that this is an underestimation of fantasy, one that rests on a conflation of fantasy as an activity with the fantastic as subject matter. I argue that Dewey underestimates fantasy, demonstrating that it might serve the moral and aesthetic purposes that drive his account of imagination.
A new addition to the genus Anthalona Van Damme, Sinev & Dumont, 2011 (Branchiopoda: Anomopoda: Chydoridae)
Authors: Damme Kay Van
Published: July 2016

Continued fine-tuning of taxonomy in the Chydoridae Dybowksi & Grochowski, 1894 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anomopoda) is important for the assessment of the diversity in this speciose family and our progress in chydorid biogeography and evolution. The continuation of the taxonomical study of single taxa, however tedious and seemingly unimportant, provides a fundamental basis for applied fields. Within this context, morphological studies on lesser known taxa and the establishment of their validity should continue, as so many uncertainties remain, e.g., in the lump genus Alona Baird, 1843 (Van Damme et al. 2010). Recent studies suggest that we are still far from a realistic image on cladoceran diversity, in particular for the Chydoridae (Forró et al. 2008, Van Damme et al. 2010). The current correspondence discusses the validity and the position of a single species, Alona milleri Kiser, 1948, originally described from the Pearl River, China (Kiser 1948).
Extreme Precipitation in Models: An Evaluation
Authors: Herman Gregory R. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: July 2016

A continental United States (CONUS)-wide framework for analyzing quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) from NWP models from the perspective of precipitation return period (RP) exceedances is introduced using threshold estimates derived from a combination of NOAA Atlas 14 and older sources. Forecasts between 2009 and 2015 from several different NWP models of varying configurations and spatial resolutions are analyzed to assess bias characteristics and forecast skill for predicting RP exceedances. Specifically, NOAA’s Global Ensemble Forecast System Reforecast (GEFS/R) and the National Severe Storms Laboratory WRF (NSSL-WRF) model are evaluated for 24-h precipitation accumulations. The climatology of extreme precipitation events for 6-h accumulations is also explored in three convection-allowing models: 1) NSSL-WRF, 2) the North American Mesoscale 4-km nest (NAM-NEST), and 3) the experimental High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR). The GEFS/R and NSSL-WRF are both found to exhibit similar 24-h accumulation RP exceedance climatologies over the U.S. West Coast to those found in observations and are found to be approximately equally skillful at predicting these exceedance events in this region. In contrast, over the eastern two-thirds of the CONUS, GEFS/R struggles to predict the predominantly convectively driven extreme QPFs, predicting far fewer events than are observed and exhibiting inferior forecast skill to the NSSL-WRF. The NSSL-WRF and HRRR are found to produce 6-h extreme precipitation climatologies that are approximately in accord with those found in the observations, while NAM-NEST produces many more RP exceedances than are observed across all of the CONUS.
Middle- and upper-Holocene woodland history in central Moravia (Czech Republic) reveals biases of pollen and anthracological analysis
Authors: Novák Jan , Abraham Vojtěch , Kočár Petr , Petr Libor , Kočárová Romana , Nováková Kateřina , Houfková Petra , Jankovská Vlasta , Vaněček Zděnek
Published: July 2016

The aims of this article are, first, to investigate the middle- and upper-Holocene woodland history along the altitudinal gradient between the lowlands and uplands of Central Europe (190–550 m a.s.l.) and, second, to outline possible biases inherent in the charcoal record based on a comparison with the pollen record and its known biases. Our anthracological data set contains 42,547 determinations made in 120 charcoal samples taken at 69 sites. The lowest elevated part of the study region (below 200 m a.s.l.) is characterized by the long-term presence of a species-rich hardwood forest (mixed oak–elm–ash forest). Quercus charcoals dominated in the rest of the altitude zones during the Neolithic and Aeneolithic; however, shrub charcoals appearing in samples from areas with chernozem soils (generally up to 230 m a.s.l.) indicate open-canopy oak woodlands. The species composition differed along the altitudinal gradient during the Bronze Age period, when Carpinus, Fagus and Abies expanded to altitudes above 230 m a.s.l., while Fagus was more abundant above 290 m a.s.l. Broadleaved trees ( Quercus, Fraxinus, Ulmus, Acer and Carpinus) and shrubs are generally more represented in charcoals than pollen. Since broadleaved trees are usually nutrient demanding and able to re-grow easily after being felled, we suppose that their charcoal record is influenced by two main factors: bias of the initial location of the archaeological site and bias caused by long-term human influence on forest vegetation in the vicinity of settlements. These results underline that combining charcoal and pollen analysis has great potential for studying phenomena in cultural landscapes, as each of the methods approaches nature from the opposite side of the human–nature gradient.
Effects of iron supplementation in mice with hypoferremia induced by obesity
Authors: Gotardo Érica Martins Ferreira , Caria Cintia Rabelo e Paiva , de Oliveira Caroline Candida , Rocha Thalita , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima , Gambero Alessandra
Published: July 2016

Iron is an important micronutrient, but it can also act as a dangerous element by interfering with glucose homeostasis and inflammation, two features that are already disturbed in obese subjects. In this work, we study the effects of systemic iron supplementation on metabolic and inflammatory responses in mice with hypoferremia induced by obesity to better characterize whether iron worsens the parameters that are already altered after 24 weeks of a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice were maintained on a control diet or a HFD for 24 weeks and received iron-III polymaltose (50 mg/kg/every 2 days) during the last two weeks. Glucose homeostasis (basal glucose and insulin test tolerance) and systemic and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation were assessed. Iron levels were measured in serum. The Prussian blue reaction was used in isolated macrophages to detect iron deposition. Iron supplementation resulted in an increased number of VAT macrophages that were positive for Prussian blue staining as well as increased serum iron levels. Systemic hepcidin, leptin, resistin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were not altered by iron supplementation. Local adipose tissue inflammation was also not made worse by iron supplementation because the levels of hepcidin, MCP-1, leptin, and interleukin (IL)-6 were not altered. In contrast, iron supplementation resulted in an increased production of IL-10 by adipose tissue and VAT macrophages. Leukocytosis and VAT plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) level were reduced, but insulin resistance was not altered after iron supplementation. In conclusion, systemic iron supplementation in mice with hypoferremia induced by obesity did not worsen inflammatory marker or adipose tissue inflammation or the metabolic status established by obesity. Iron deposition was observed in adipose tissue, mainly in macrophages, suggesting that these cells have mechanisms that promote iron incorporation without increasing the production of inflammatory mediators.
An Audit of Wait Times for Service Offered by the Gynaecology Oncology Unit at the University Hospital in Jamaica: Are We Meeting the Standards?
Authors: Bambury Ian , Fletcher Christopher , Rattray Carole , Taylor Matthew , Mitchell Charmaine , Christie Loxley
Published: July 2016

Abstract 53

Background:

The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology recommends that time from referral of suspected or proven gynaecological cancers to consultation should be within two weeks and that initiation of treatment should occur within six weeks. It is has been shown that a delay in waiting times beyond these international standards results in significantly increased morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

An audit of wait times was performed for all patients who presented to the gynaecology oncology unit at the University Hospital in Jamaica for consultation between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. Wait time for consultation was calculated as the date of first referral to the date of initial consultation. Wait time for treatment was calculated as time from consultation to either surgery or initiation of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Primary site, stage, and the region from which the referrals came were abstracted from the medical record.

Results:

A total of 1,289 unique patients were seen at least once during the audit period; of these, 108 were new consultations and 1,219 were patients seen for follow-up. 72% were from the greater metropolitan area (Kingston & St. Andrew), while the others were from the surrounding parishes of Jamaica. Of the 108 new patients, malignancy was confirmed in 70 (65%). Case make-up included 23 cases of endometrial cancer (33%); 20 cases of cervical cancer (29%); 16 cases of ovarian cancer (23%); and 11 cases of other gynecologic cancers (vulvar, vaginal, choriocarcinoma) (15%). At presentation, there were 23 patients with stage 1 disease (33%), 16 patients with stage 2 disease (23%), 27 patients with stage 3 disease (38%); and 4 patients with stage 4 disease (6%). 39 out of 70 patients with malignancy (56%) underwent surgery; 11 (15.7%) were treated with radiation therapy; and 22 (31%) were treated with chemotherapy. Among patients with a cancer diagnosis, the mean time from referral to consultation was 2.1 weeks. Mean time from consultation to surgery was 7.6 weeks; mean time from consultation to start of radiotherapy was 16 weeks; and mean time from consultation to start of chemotherapy was 11.6 weeks. 66% of patients underwent surgery within the international standard of six weeks from referral. Only 36% initiated radiation therapy and 14% initiated chemotherapy within six weeks from referral.

Conclusion:

While the majority of patients met international standards for time to consultation to surgery, wait times for initiation of radiation and chemotherapy were sub-standard. This audit has provided information that will help us to assess the inadequacy of available services and could potentially inform national cancer policies in Jamaica.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

No COIs from the authors.
The impact of SCPHN training on school nurses' perceptions of their role
Authors: Jenkins Annie
Published: July 2016

Aim:

To gain qualitative information about the perceptions of school nurses on their role after undertaking the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse programme.

Method:

The chosen sample was Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) school nurses who had worked as school nurses prior to undertaking the programme. Information was gathered from semi-structured telephone interviews. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis.

Results:

The results indicate that SCPHN school nurses' perceptions of their role change after undertaking the SCPHN programme and this is closely related to their work in practice. Public health and leadership are identified as key influences on change, leading to a more confident and proactive approach.

Conclusions:

Undertaking the SCPHN programme has a significant impact on school nurse perspectives of their role, leading to changed ways of working. It is argued that this will have a positive impact on service improvement. Recommendations are made for the requirement that school nurses hold a SCPHN qualification before practising in a senior school nurse role.
The itinerant illustration: Creating storyworlds in the reader’s space
Authors: Braund Steve
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the storytelling potential of direct address within illustration as moments where fictional characters look out from their still-image worlds, whether picture-book, graphic novel or comic, into ours. It will consider the possibility of creating fictional worlds by
employing direct address to generate narrative in the real time and space of the reader/viewer. This approach parallels Brecht’s idea of ‘showing showing’, where his actors break through the ‘fourth wall’: the audience constantly aware they are watching a play;
the structure of their experience laid bare. It will explore showing showing, from an illustration perspective, where the reader/viewer of the sequence of illustrations is not only aware that they are being watched by that which they are watching, but to propose that it is possible to construct
a story in the reader’s space.
Utilization of Time Motion Analysis in the Development of Training Programs for Surfing Athletes
Authors: Redd Michael J. , Fukuda David H.
Published: July 2016

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY, SUCH AS GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM DEVICES AND TIME MOTION ANALYSIS SOFTWARE, ARE CREATING A MORE ACCURATE MEANS FOR ANALYSIS OF AN ATHLETE'S PERFORMANCE. RESEARCH STUDIES FREQUENTLY USE THIS TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY TO ASSESS THE PHYSIOLOGICAL DEMANDS PLACED ON SURFING ATHLETES. THIS ARTICLE APPLIES THESE FINDINGS TO TRAINING PROGRAM DESIGN TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF TODAY'S SURFING ATHLETES.
If Robots cause harm, Who is to blame? Self-driving Cars and Criminal Liability
Authors: Gless Sabine , Silverman Emily , Weigend Thomas
Published: July 2016

The fact that robots, especially self-driving cars, have become part of our daily lives raises novel issues in criminal law. Robots can malfunction and cause serious harm. But as things stand today, they are not suitable recipients of criminal punishment, mainly because they cannot conceive of themselves as morally responsible agents and because they cannot understand the concept of retributive punishment. Humans who produce, program, market, and employ robots are subject to criminal liability for intentional crime if they knowingly use a robot to cause harm to others. A person who allows a self-teaching robot to interact with humans can foresee that the robot might get out of control and cause harm. This fact alone may give rise to negligence liability. In light of the overall social benefits associated with the use of many of today’s robots, however, the authors argue in favor of limiting the criminal liability of operators to situations where they neglect to undertake reasonable measures to control the risks emanating from robots.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF DENGAN FORMULATE SHARE LISTEN CREATE (FSLC) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS SISWA
Authors: Juariah Juariah , Sari Ratna
Published: July 2016

Abstrak: Kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa yang masih rendah. Mengakibatkan masih banyaknya siswa yang pasif dalam proses pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan suatu penelitian yang dapat mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan Formulate Share Listen Create (FSLC) menjadi salah satu alternatif dalam meningkatkan kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimen dengan quasi experimental design bentuk nonequivalen control group design terdapat 2 kelas yaitu, kelas eksperimen menggunakan model pembelajaran dengan FSLC dan kelas kontrol menggunakan pembelajaran konvensional. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui: (a)aktivitas guru dan siswa dalam model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan FSLC; (b)perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa ditinjau dari Pengetahuan Awal Matematika (PAM) siswa; (c)sikap siswa terhadap model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan FSLC. Hasil penelitian sebagai berikut: (a)rata-rata aktivitas guru pada ketiga pertemuan adalah 80,56% Sedangkan, rata-rata aktivitas siswa adalah 77,78%; (b)Hasil analisis gain ternomalisasi menggunakan uji ANOVA dua jalur terdapat perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa antara yang menggunakan model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan FSLC dan pembelajaran konvensional secara keseluruhan dan terdapat faktor PAM siswa yang berpengaruh kepada peningkatan kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa; (c)Sikap siswa terhadap model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan FSLC sebagian besar siswa memberikan respon positif.
Primary and Secondary Crystallization Kinetic Analysis of Poly(Hexamethylene Succinate)
Authors: Zhiyong Wei
Published: July 2016

Isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(hexamethylene succinate) (PHS) were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Primary and secondary crystallization behaviors were described satisfactorily by a modified Avrami model. The obtained results suggest that primary crystallization under isothermal conditions involves three-dimensional spherulite growth with athermal nucleation, and secondary crystallization displays approximate one-dimensional crystal growth.
Petroleum Geology: Science and Practice in the 21st Century. New Ideas and Paradigms
Authors: N. P. Zapivalov
Published: July 2016

Oil-and-gas-saturated stratum is an integral interrelated system of rocks (minerals) and fluids (oil, gas, and water). Being a «living» fluid-rock system, it is subject to the laws of auto regulation. It is necessary that research and practical efforts be focused on study and control of the oilfield «life».
Integrated Weed Management in Wheat under Subtropical Rain-Fed Conditions
Authors: Muhammad Jamal Khan  , Muhammad Azim Malik  , Muhammad Ansar  , Rahmatullah Quershi  , Graham Ian Brodie
Published: July 2016

A field experiment was carried out from July, 2013 to May, 2014 at University Research Farm Chakwal Road, of Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi to evaluate the integrated weed control management strategies followed by summer green manure practices on weeds and grain yield of wheat under rain-fed conditions. The experiment was laid out in a 2-factor factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in strip plot arrangement with three replications of each treatment. The sorghum and sesbania crops were sown in the first week of July, 2013 and incorporated into soil as green manure at the end of August, 2013 after attaining sufficient biomass. The wheat variety "Chakwal-50" was sown with a tractor drawn rabi drill in the last week of October, 2013 with a seeding rate of 125kg ha-1. The herbicides used were buctril super @ 750ml ha-1 and isoproturon @ 1.00kg a.i. ha-1. The weeds found in the wheat crop were Fumaria indica L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Chenonpodium album L., Asphodelus tenuifolius L. The incorporation of sorghum green manuring resulted in good control to suppress the weed population and biomass. The buctril super @ 750ml ha-1 along with tharphali significantly reduced the weed density (18.8 m-2), weed biomass (12.7g m-2) and increased weed control efficiency (71.1%) followed by isoproturon applied @ 1.00kg a.i. ha-1. The highest grains yield of 3208.5kg ha-1 was recorded in the plots where weeds were controlled with buctril super @ 750ml ha-1 followed by tharphali where sorghum green manure was incorporated in summer followed by the isoproturon application @ 1.00kg a.i. ha-1(3016.1kg ha-1) in combination with tharphali in the same green manuring crop.
Intra-Urban Air Temperature Distribution, Urban Heat Island and Thermal Comfort Implications in A Subtropical City
Authors: E. Krüger  , E. Dumke  , F. Mendonça
Published: July 2016

Unlike most of the Brazilian hot-humid cities, subtropical Curitiba experiences thermal discomfort due to cold during most of the year, with the coldest air temperature occurring in winter. Due to rapid urbanization, the Metropolitan Area has been faced with critical environmental problems. Urban microclimate patterns exhibit considerable variability; particular areas of the city alternate between cool islands and heat islands, resulting in different outdoor thermal comfort levels. The objective of this work is twofold: 1) to characterize intra-urban air temperature differences and their impact on outdoor thermal comfort in Curitiba; 2) to assess the yearlong Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and its effect on indoor thermal comfort levels. For that, a series of independent measurements and field monitoring campaigns, both outdoors and indoors, were analyzed. Results point to a great variability in intra-urban temperature differences and derived outdoor comfort levels. With regard to predicted UHI effects in low-cost dwellings, indoor comfort due to heat was found to prevail over the year; the 'net effect' between heat stress in summer and cold stress in winter point towards a prevalence of heat stress indoors.
Design for the Lift Platform Humanoid Climb Assisting Unit of the Space Launch Site
Authors: Shan-Zhen Yi
Published: July 2016

Humanoid climb assisting unit (HCAU) is a key mechanism for the lift platform to adjust its height-level of the space launch site. It is widely used for lift platforms of launch towers, service towers, vertical assembly test building for launch vehicles and that of silos for missiles. In this paper, its working principal is illustrated. The design requirements and terms, design steps and effecting factors are discussed. Three types of HCAU design methods and their calculating formulae are derived. Design examples are presented.
Performance Characteristics of A Simulated Hybrid Solar-Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System for Renewable and Direct Power Generation Applications
Authors: Basel I. Ismail  , Justin P. Bujold 
Published: July 2016

Advanced nonconventional renewable and alternative green energy technologies which are used for generation of electrical power have shown real promise and received renewed interest in recent years due to an increasing concern of environmental issues of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and the limitations and conservation of natural energy resources. Solar-photovoltaic (PV) systems directly convert renewable solar energy into green electrical energy. However, their power production and efficiencies tend to decrease when operating at relatively higher temperatures. Therefore, reducing the temperature of PV modules using efficient cooling methods would improve their performances. Thermoelectric power generation (TEG) technology could be used to convert a portion of the waste-heat energy dissipated from PV systems, thus cooling them, and at the same time generates extra power. Hence, hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric power generation (HPV-TEG) systems integrate TEG modules with a PV module to form a more efficient power generation system. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the viability and performance characteristics of a hybrid HPV-TEG through detailed lab-simulated tests. Experimental results and in thermal images showed that the HPV-TEG system was able to generate more DC power than the solo PV system while operating at higher irradiance intensities and lower TEG’s inlet coolant temperature. At the irradiance of 615W/m2, the power generation from the hybrid HPV-TEG system increased by 4.1% compared to the solo PV system. The results also indicated that when the irradiance was increased to 750W/m2, the power generated from the hybrid system increased to approximately 8.6% higher than the power generated from the solo PV system at the same irradiance. The integration of the concentrators in the hybrid PV system increased the maximum power point by 23.3% compared to the hybrid PV system without concentrators.
Effective Parenting Interventions to Reduce Youth Substance Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Allen Michele L. , Garcia-Huidobro Diego , Porta Carolyn , Curran Dorothy , Patel Roma , Miller Jonathan , Borowsky Iris
Published: July 2016

CONTEXT:

Parenting interventions may prevent adolescent substance use; however, questions remain regarding the effectiveness of interventions across substances and delivery qualities contributing to successful intervention outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the effectiveness of parent-focused interventions in reducing or preventing adolescent tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use and to identify optimal intervention targeted participants, dosage, settings, and delivery methods.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, and CINAHL.

STUDY SELECTION:

Randomized controlled trials reporting adolescent substance use outcomes, focusing on imparting parenting knowledge, skills, practices, or behaviors.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Trained researchers extracted data from each article using a standardized, prepiloted form. Because of study heterogeneity, a qualitative technique known as harvest plots was used to summarize findings.

RESULTS:

A total of 42 studies represented by 66 articles met inclusion criteria. Results indicate that parenting interventions are effective at preventing and decreasing adolescent tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use over the short and long term. The majority of effective interventions required ≤12 contact hours and were implemented through in-person sessions including parents and youth. Evidence for computer-based delivery was strong only for alcohol use prevention. Few interventions were delivered outside of school or home settings.

LIMITATIONS:

Overall risk of bias is high.

CONCLUSIONS:

This review suggests that relatively low-intensity group parenting interventions are effective at reducing or preventing adolescent substance use and that protection may persist for multiple years. There is a need for additional evidence in clinical and other community settings using an expanded set of delivery methods.
Reducing Mental Illness Stigma through Unconscious Bias-Informed Education
Authors: Sukhera Javeed , Chahine Saad
Published: July 2016

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Mental illness stigma can have disastrous consequences for patients, families and healthcare organizations. Unconscious bias informed education seeks a systematic approach to addressing implicit biases in healthcare providers by promoting awareness and understanding in order to promote compassion and empathy. After a 1 hour intervention, third year medical students who were enrolled in the third year psychiatry clerkship rotation completed a demographic form, (pre/post) a shortened mental illness implicit association test (IAT) and the Brief Mental Illness Attitudes Scale (BMIAS). For the IAT, the majority (51.4%) of participants demonstrated a bias that mental illness was associated with dangerousness. A paired samples t test of BMIAS scores found no significant change in pre and post scores on Responsibility subscale. There was a statistically significant improvement in the in the Traits subscale from pre (n=87, m=5.15, sd=0.87) and post (n=87, m=5.62, sd=0.71), t(86)=5.16 p<0.001. Our brief seminar had a statistically significant impact on student attitudes towards patients with traits of individuals with psychiatric illness. These findings indicate that mental illness stigma is an important issue in medical education and that unconscious bias-informed education may provide an effective method to reduce stigma.
Academic tutoring - a quality improvement project
Authors: Mattsson Janet
Published: July 2016

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Background: At a specialist intensive care nursing education located at a University college in the middle of Sweden there was a strong drive among the faculty to develop their ability to support specialist nursing student´s in their academic development as well as in their academic writing to improve the overall quality of the master thesis written at the University College. Design: In this study a quality improvement design, the Plan, DO, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle were applied. Setting: where a University College in the middle of Sweden and the participants were two graduating classes of specialist nursing students.The Result showed that quality improvement and students satisfaction in the master thesis writing course can be reached with minor changes in the pedagogical approach during the course not requiring new resources.
A Comparative Study of Modernism in the Poems of Forough Farrokhzad and Adunis
Authors: Giv Ahmad Lamei , Shahbazi Majid
Published: July 2016

Clash of the West with East countries (Iran, Lebanon and Syria) was a factor in changing the structure of Eastern societies, resulting in the emergence of political and social developments like constitutional movements. There are undeniable similarities between Arabic and Persian poetry because of the long historical ties, similar political and social contexts, close cultural backgrounds and the influence of European culture on their literatures. After the literary revolution occurred under the influence of European culture and literature, attention to modernism is a common approach used by Persian and Arabic poets. In both Arabic and Persian literature, Modern poet expresses his surrounding issues according to the needs of the community. Attention to the culture of the West is a common point closing Forough Farrokhzad and Adunis as two contemporary poets. Due to the different cultural and intellectual situations as well as the degree of their familiarity with the West, they have differences and similarities in the methods and the effects of modernization in the West. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, this article will show that Forough and Adunis have used modern manifestations such as secularism, feminism, nihilism, freedom, deconstruction, city and nationalism in their poems due to their relations with the West under the influence of cultural-political developments in their own societies.
On Metacognitive Strategy Use for College Students in English Listening Teaching
Authors: Tang Lihua
Published: July 2016

The frequencies of low achievers’ metacognitive strategy use are examined in this study and in addition, it is proposed that a metacognitive strategy training model would be effective for low achievers. For these purposes, 146 students from China West Normal University were involved in a comprehensive research. The results indicate that language high achievers and language low achievers vary considerably in metacognitive strategy use and it is necessary to carry out the metacognitive strategy training to enhance the language listening proficiency.
Rhetorical Ways of Interpersonal Meaning and Translation Strategy
Authors: Xia Xiufang
Published: July 2016

People use many rhetorical expressions to make the language vivid and expressive. Different languages may have different modes of rhetoric because of the different traditions and different modes of thinking. Whatever rhetoric speakers use, it shows kind of interpersonal meaning, so to transfer this interpersonal meaning of rhetoric appears very important. This paper examines the usual rhetorical expressions and their strategies of translation.
ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE O POLIMORFISMO DO GENE DA APOLIPOPROTEÍNA E E FATORES DE RISCO CARDIOVASCULARES EM IDOSOS
Authors: Arruda Alaine Lima de , Vilas Boas Elisa Helena , Nóbrega Otávio Tôledo , Pereira Moisés Wesley de Macedo , Souza Jorge Augusto Soares de , Souza Vinícius Caroline de , Ferreira Aparecido Pimentel
Published: July 2016

Introdução: O envelhecimento é um processo fisiológico, caracterizado pela redução da capacidade funcional e pela elevação na incidência de doenças, sobretudo as cardiovasculares. Inúmeros aspectos estão associados ao aparecimento dos fatores de risco cardiovascular em idosos, entre eles, destacamos os fatores genéticos. Objetivo: Verificar a variação alélica do gene apolipopro-teína E (ApoE) e sua associação com os fatores de riscos cardiovasculares em idosos. Casuística e Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 62 idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência em Brasília. Foram avaliadas variáveis antropométricas, fatores de risco cardiovasculares e identificação dos genótipos por meio da extração do DNA e genotipagem da ApoE. Resultados: O alelo ɛ3ɛ3 apresentou maior prevalência, seguido do alelo ɛ3ɛ4 e ɛ2ɛ4 respectivamente. Conclusão: Não houve interferência da variação alélica da ApoE na incidência de doenças e nos fatores de risco cardiovasculares diagnosticados em idosos, reforçando a influência dos aspectos ambientais no agravamento destas condições. Foi observada alta prevalência da presença de fatores de risco cardiovasculares.
DUPLA CHECAGEM DE ENFERMAGEM E PRESENÇA DE HEMATOMA EM PACIENTES COM TERAPIA ANTICOAGULANTE
Authors: Beccaria Lucia Marinilza , Rezende Franciele Ferreira , Barbosa Taís Pagliuco , Rodrigues Ana Caroline De Souza , Lamana Faria Josimerci Itavo , Melara Samantha Vacari Grassi
Published: July 2016

Introdução: Dentre as estratégias criadas para garantir segurança na administração de medicamentos anticoagulantes e evitar evento como presença de hematoma no local de aplicação encontra-se a dupla checagem, baseada na conferência de um procedimento duas vezes pelo mesmo profissional ou por dois, sendo enfermeiro e técnico ou dois técnicos. Objetivo: identificar a presença de hematoma em pacientes com terapia anticoagulante após implantação da dupla checagem de enfermagem e verificar a percepção da equipe sobre essa rotina. Casuística e Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva, transversal, quantitativa, realizada por meio de check-list composto pelos seguintes itens: nome do anticoagulante, horários, região do corpo em que foi administrado; presença e local de hematoma, preenchido pelo enfermeiro da unidade imediatamente após a realização da dupla checagem junto ao técnico à beira leito e posteriormente responderam um questionário com questões relativas a essa rotina, no período de julho a setembro de 2012. Resultados: Constatou-se presença de hematoma no local de aplicação, principalmente na região do braço, porém, apresentou de-créscimo durante o período do estudo. A equipe reconheceu a importância da dupla checagem na administração de anticoagulantes, mesmo considerando que demanda maior tempo e planejamento dos profissionais, especialmente do enfermeiro, que se encontra em menor número. Conclusão: A presença de hematoma foi identificada com a implantação da dupla checagem de enfermagem e a equipe, considerou a sua realização necessária, portanto, é uma rotina que deve ser incorporada à assistência de enfermagem por propiciar maior segurança ao paciente e equipe.
Mercator’s Projection – a Breakthrough in Maritime Navigation
Authors:   Department of Informatics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Technology and Business České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Smetanová Dana , Vargová Michaela , Biba Vladislav , Hinterleitner Irena
Published: July 2016

This paper is focused on Mercator’s projection as a breakthrough in maritime navigation. In the paper, the principle and properties of Mercator’s projection are described. The advantages, disadvantages and current utilization are mentioned.
Proposal for Optimization of the Inventory Level Using the Appropriate Method for its Procurement
Authors:   Department of Transport and Logistics, Institute of Technology and Business České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Stopka Ondrej , Chovancová Mária , Ližbetin Ján , Klapita Vladimír
Published: July 2016

This paper deals with the optimization of the inventory level through determining and applying the appropriate way for the procurement of the inventory. It is important to determine the optimization criteria which are proposed on the basis of defining the factors affecting the determination of the procurement method. The criteria are proposed in such way in order the costs are optimized, and at the same time, the risk of the inventory deficiency is reduced. The paper also contains the algorithm regarding the determination of the appropriate procurement method. This algorithm takes into account the particular set of criteria and the proposal of multi-criteria model of the inventory management. Subsequently, the specific cases of costs reduction and reduction of risk of the inventory deficiency when applying the proposed model in comparison with the application of existing models are presented.
Rural and Forest Roads – Logistics Platform for Rural Transport Services
Authors:   Department of Management, Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Straková Jarmila , Mácha Jiří , Pártlová Petra , Váchal Jan
Published: July 2016

This paper focuses on the historical development of rural and forest roads as part of the process of making rural areas serviceable. On the basis of a selected location of interest, the development of the rural transport, supply and service system (logistics service system – LSS) is illustrated within the context of the relevant production, economic and social potential of the area.
Future in Marine Fire-Fighting: High Pressure Water Mist Extinguisher with Abrasive Water Jet Cutting
Authors:   Department of Informatics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Hlaváčová Irena M. , Vondra Adam
Published: July 2016

This paper is dealing with the problem of extinguishing fire on ships and off-shore equipment characterized by high degree of danger caused by presence of explosive or life threatening substances. Special device Cold Cut System Cobra combining cutting possibility and production of water mist is presented. Its advantages and application possibilities are discussed. This fire extinguisher has been widely used for more than one decade but based on a literature search we suppose that its potential is not fully exploited in marine applications. In cooperation with fire-fighting rescue station in Silesian Ostrava laboratory measurement of reaction forces of Cobra slurry jet was realized at the Technical University of Ostrava. It was discovered that measured force was about 120 – 150 N therefore it represented approximately one third of the theoretical maximum value. The measured force appeared to change not only with the type of material but also with the thickness of the layer being cut, but the change was not significant from the point of view of handling the lance during intervention. Our research may deepen firefighter’s knowledge of the tool they are working with and therefore improve safety of their work.
A study of controllability of impulsive neutral evolution integro-differential equations with state dependent delay in Banach space
Authors: Chalishajar Dimplekumar , Anguraj A. , Karthikeyan Kulandhivel , Ganeshan Malar
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we study the problem of controllability of impulsive neutral evolution integrodifferential equations with state dependent delay in Banach spaces. The main results are completely new and are obtained by using Sadovskii's fixed point theorem, theory of resolvent operators, and an abstract phase space. An example is given to illustrate the theory.