bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University and Industry in Canada
Authors: Doutriaux Jérôme , Barker Margaret
Published: January 2017

University—industry relationships in science and technology in Canada are changing. A review of the data on R&D activities in Canadian universities points to a rise in industrial sponsorship from about 4% of total university-based research in 1980 to 11% in 1993. There are various reasons for this increase, but it is clear that government university—industry programmes have played a major role. There is also evidence of increasing cooperation between Canadian higher education and business in the planning, design and delivery of teaching and service activities. The Canadian infrastructure for university—industry interaction is composed of many organizations and levels, and new programmes or modifications to traditional approaches are continually being developed. Organizations have responded to the need to make university—industry programming more relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises, and are making some headway in cooperation. Nevertheless, an effective integration of the university—industry aspect into a national or regional system, with inclusion of all the relevant actors, still poses a challenge.
Linking Small Firms with Higher Education
Authors: Robson E.H.
Published: January 2017

The author describes recent steps taken to increase the benefits of the TCS (Teaching Company Scheme) for its participants, especially for the growing number of graduates and supervisors working in small or medium-sized firms. Particular emphasis is given to an initiative to establish a network of TCS Centres for Small Firms.
Collaborative Benefits of International Exchange Scholarships
Authors: Thomas Carrie
Published: January 2017

Consulting engineers Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick and the University of Reading established a TCS (Teaching Company Scheme) programme in 1993 to introduce the application of information technology to support project management methods used within the firm. Young graduates in TCS are eligible to compete for an annual scholarship to visit Hong Kong and China. The scholarship, sponsored by the British Council, provides an allowance for a six-week visit. In this article, Carrie Thomas, the 1995 scholar, details her experiences during the visit, which enabled further investigation of the methods, techniques and circumstances surrounding the management of engineering projects in Hong Kong compared to those in the UK. She also comments on the benefits of this kind of academic-industrial collaboration and of international exchange scholarships.
Improving Fresh Pasta Manufacture
Authors: Tomalin Charlotte
Published: January 2017

This article describes the technical achievements of a collaborative venture between The Pasta Company and the University of Humberside through TCS (the Teaching Company Scheme). It describes the ways in which the findings of academic research were related directly to the commercial production of fresh pasta — a rapidly increasing industry in the UK, with an estimated value of £45 million. The author also sets out the benefits of the collaboration for both the company and the university involved.
Study on lift enhancement of a flapping rotary wing by a bore-hole design
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Yanlai , Wu Jianghao
Published: January 2017

A novel design of a micro air vehicle with flapping rotary wings was recently proposed. In this paper, the investigation is focused on aerodynamic enhancement of a bore-hole and an elastic cover added onto an intact flapping rotary wing. The aerodynamic force and the pitching motion of the perforated wing are both acquired in experiments. In comparison with an intact wing, a typical perforated wing shows a significant decrement in negative lift and thus a higher mean lift. As a supporting process, the computational fluid dynamics method is then employed to analyze the flow around the wing and the hole, and thereby make clear the underlying physical mechanism. It is found the hole opens due to the cover deflection in a passive manner and produces a secondary starting vortex on the wing lower surface of the cover during upstrokes. Together with the tip vortex around the lateral edges of the cover, the resulting vortex significantly reduces the magnitude of the negative lift, and thus explains the mean-lift enhancement in a flapping cycle. Additionally, the mean-lift enhancement correlates with the geometric parameters of the hole. An increment up to 40% in maximum mean lift is identified for a perforated wing in comparison with an intact wing. These results indicate that a bore-hole design could be a promising approach to enhance the aerodynamic lift of a flapping rotary wing.
The Implications of Current and Future Environmental Policies for Industrial Energy Users an Overview of the Situation and Where the Solutions May be Found
Authors: Howarth J.H.
Published: January 2017

Atmospheric pollution is a complex process involving many inter-related phenomena such as acid rain, the enhanced greenhouse effect and depletion of the ozone layer. There is now a sense of urgency among the international community for concerted action to protect the environment. The term 'Acid Rain' describes the process of acidification of the environment due to emissions of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen from the combustion of fossil fuels. Its sources are road transport and large and small power plant. Other emissions of hydrocarbons interact with emissions of nitrogen oxides to produce harmful levels of low-level ozone, which also contributes to the process of environmental damage. The most common technologiesfor abatement of acid emissions are low NOX burners and flue gas desulphurisation. EC legislation to control emissions will require action in the UK to reduce emissions of SO2 from large combustion plant by 60 percent by 2003. The greenhouse effect is expected to cause average global temperatures to rise by up to 4°C by early next century. Active greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide and tropospheric ozone. CO2 is expected to make an increasing contribution to the greenhouse effect and most abatement strategies relate to reducing CO2 emissions. Achievement by the UK of a reduction of CO2 emissions to below their 1987 levels is technically possible but will be very difficult. The vigorous implementation of a strategy of technical and policy abatement options could however maintain emissions at their 1987 levels. The industrial sector is the largest single cause of CO2 emissions. Industrial energy use and emissions have changed considerably over recent years. This has resulted from increasing energy efficiency, the use of natural gas and structural changes in the economy. The potential for further reductions is considerable. The worldwide implementation of best available technologies could keep global emissions of CO2 at their present levels.
Student Learning in Outdoor Education: A Case Study from the National Outdoor Leadership School
Authors: Paisley Karen , Furman Nathan , Sibthorp Jim , Gookin John
Published: January 2017

While much attention has been paid to what students learn in outdoor education settings, little has been paid to the process through which that learning occurs. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanisms through which students report learning one of six targeted objectives on courses offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School. Results suggested five broad domains through which learning occurs: structure-oriented mechanisms; instructor-oriented mechanisms; student-oriented mechanisms; student- and instructor-oriented mechanisms; and mechanisms that are a result of environmental qualities. The relative importance of each of these domains is discussed, as are recommendations for practice.
Are Dewey's Ideas Alive and Well in New Zealand Undergraduate Education? Kiwi Case Studies of Inquiry-Based Learning
Authors: O'Steen Billy
Published: January 2017

The isolation of thinking from confrontation with facts encourages that kind of observation which merely accumulates brute facts, which occupies itself laboriously with mere details, but never inquires into their meaning or consequences—a safe occupation, for it never contemplates any use to be made of the observed facts.
Service-Learning and Pre-Service Educators' Cultural Competence for Teaching: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Meaney Karen S. , Bohler Heidi R. , Kopf Kelcie , Hernandez Lesley , Scott LaTosha S.
Published: January 2017

Social-cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) served as the framework to examine a physical education service-learning program's impact on pre-service educators' cultural competence. Participants included 53 undergraduates enrolled in two sections of Health and Physical Education for Children. The course's service-learning component provided pre-service educators opportunities to teach physical education to African-American and Hispanic children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants described their experiences via daily logs, weekly reflections, and focus group interviews. Content analyses of the multiple data sources indicated that daily interaction with the children broadened participants' understanding of under-served children, changed their preconceived stereotypes, improved their language and communication skills, and impacted future teaching expectations. These findings suggest service-learning programs may valuably enhance pre-service educators' cultural competence for teaching.
Cohort Building through Experiential Learning
Authors: Seed Allen Hugh
Published: January 2017

Universities are exploring ways to better prepare teachers for the classroom and to keep them there. Building cohorts of pre-service teachers is one of the ways currently under scrutiny. The University of Memphis began a new cohort-based, grant-funded program entitled Recruitment and Retention through Reinvention of Teacher Education (3Rs) to prepare middle-school math and science teachers in the summer of 2006. This article presents the results of a qualitative study on the effects of a four-day experiential learning program on the development of the 3Rs cohort of middle school pre-service teachers. Participants indicated that their experience was an effective way to build a graduate student cohort. Close relationships with each other were developed and support from the faculty was noted. Few pressing concerns were voiced. Getting away for an overnight stay, focus on educational best practices, and demonstrating the need and importance of this experience were listed as essential to the program.
A Multidisciplinary Assessment of Chesteropoly as an Academic-Service Experience
Authors: Bonk Robert J. , Simons Lori N. , Scepansky Timothy M. , Blank Nancy B. , Berman Elisa B.
Published: January 2017

Because service-learning challenges participants to widen perspectives on social issues, we designed and assessed a multi-semester, multidisciplinary project with both academic and service objectives. In this project, undergraduate students developed a script and video centered on a board game designed to educate high-school students about their community, Chester, Pennsylvania. The script and video featured undergraduate students playing Chesteropoly, with deeded properties reflecting Chester's current community agencies, as well as business, educational, entertainment, and government groups from past and present days. Next, students enrolled in an educational-psychology independent-study class developed a content-knowledge test; this test, along with assessments of social skills and self-concept, was administered to local high-school students from this disadvantaged community. Undergraduate participants assessed experiences through reflection journals, surveys, and focus-group interviews. Overall, the types of outcomes that we observed for our high-school and undergraduate participants reflected development of civic values, improvement of academic learning, and self-motivation.
Comparing teaching approaches in two student-designed games units
Authors: André Mauro , Hastie Peter
Published: January 2017

A student-designed games (SDG) teaching unit could be described as the process in which students create, organise, practice and refine their own games within certain limits established by the teacher. This study compared how two different teaching approaches had an impact on students and their teacher. The researcher taught two SDG units to junior high school students. The information and communication technology (ICT) teaching approach provided students with the opportunity to design their games online beyond class time. The non-technological (NT) teaching approach provided a more traditional approach, having students designing their games with face-to-face interactions. Using a case study methodology, four different data collection methods were used: field note observations, Edmodo posts, interviews, and lesson plans. Both teaching approaches presented positive and challenging outcomes, with key differences being found. For teachers, these were: (i) introducing students to new culture; (ii) providing resources to support game design; (iii) teacher direction of student work; and (iv) the degree of linearity in students’ work. For students, the main differences were: (i) students’ overall engagement; (ii) intra-group and inter-group interactions; and (iii) the quality of playbooks. The ICT teaching approach was considered a more difficult teaching methodology that required more experience with SDG, constructivism, and ICT. Nevertheless, the ICT teaching approach also provided more equity among students as they were given more opportunity to share their ideas in online discussions. Future research may consider a hybrid model that focuses on the major benefits that can be derived from each teaching approach.
Non-Justiciability in Private International Law: Principle or Discretion?
Authors: Ong Eng-Lye
Published: January 2017

In Buttes Gas and Oil Co. v Hammer (No. 3) the House of Lords recognized a general principle that the English courts will not adjudicate upon the transactions of foreign states. This article traces the development of this non-justiciability principle and examines recent decisions that have expanded its potential scope. It is argued that the principle as currently applied encroaches too far upon the rights of litigants to a judicial determination and that non-justiciability should be limited to cases in which the court is unable to determine the issue before it according to law.
Modeling Information Search Behavior for Design Purposes: An Example from Process Control
Authors: Sundström Gunilla A.
Published: January 2017

Current models on operator behavior in supervisory control systems are reviewed with special focus on their usefulness for graphical design of human-machine interfaces in dynamic technical systems. An alternative framework is described and used in a knowledge based approach to represent information search behavior of operators for graphical design purposes.
Standardizing Colors for Computer Screens
Authors: Smith Wanda
Published: January 2017

The increase and excessive use of inappropriate and inconsistent colors on computer display images has necessitated the development of standards for their color specification. A description is given of the color standard draft proposal developed for ISO (International Organization for Standardization). The draft includes specifications for color values to ensure color perception and interpretation and an Annex of non-normative guidelines.
The Effects of Image Rotation on Dot-Matrix Characters
Authors: Kurokawa Ko , Decker Jennie J. , Kelly Patti L. , Snyder Harry L.
Published: January 2017

This study investigated how rotation of dot-matrix characters influenced human performance, measured by the response time in a random search task. Factors that influence the extent of dot-matrix pattern distortion were identified, and their effects were investigated. Significant effects were found in angle of rotation (p=0.0046; 0 to 180 degrees in a 5-degree increment), target character's distance from the center of rotation (p<0.0001), and target characters (p<0.0001). Issues pertinent in predicting the effect of dot-matrix pattern distortion on performance are discussed.
Mental Workload and P300 Component of Event-Related Brain Potentials in a Visual Monitoring Task
Authors: Lalehzarian Hamo
Published: January 2017

The attributes of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) when combined with the information gained from the study of apparent human behavior, can provide valuable information about central nervous system processes. This study illustrates the manner in which these attributes, specifically P300 amplitude, can be used to study human information processing. This research investigated the effects of a systematic increase in mental workload, and the position of the stimulus on the P300 amplitude. The task chosen was a visual monitoring task with four levels of increased task difficulty. A slight increase in the P300 amplitude was observed from level 1 to level 2. At level 3, a significant increase in the amplitude of P300 component was observed from level 2. At level four, no major increase in the P300 amplitude was observed from level 3. At any task difficulty level, the P300 amplitudes were not affected by the position of the monitored cell. Infrequent large changes in the readout value of the monitored cells elicited larger P300 amplitudes than frequent small changes.
Critical SWAT Values for Predicting Operator Overload
Authors: Reid Gary B. , Colle Herbert A.
Published: January 2017

The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) has been used to assess mental workload in a variety of situations. As with subjective techniques generally, use of SWAT has emphasized relative comparisons of task conditions. For example, it has been possible to determine if one task or display required a greater mental worklaod than another. For many applications, however, it would be useful to have identified a critical SWAT level that indicates likely performance degradation caused by operator overload. A review of previously completed studies suggests a range of SWAT scores that were predictive of operator overload.
Latencies of Tee Eye and Herd to Targets in the Vertical and Horizontal Planes
Authors: Janson William P. , Calhoun Gloria L.
Published: January 2017

Past studies involving oculomotor responses have typically been limited to refixations along the horizontal plane, small sample sizes, and little data pertaining to head movement. The study reported herein addresses these data voids by collecting both eye and head latency data for refixations in the horizontal and vertical planes. The subjects' task was to perform a central manual tracking task while periodically responding to a verbal command to classify a target on one of four peripheral monitors. Two targets were displayed along the horizontal plane and two along the vertical plane. Results from 620 trials indicated similar trends for the eye and head latency across all four monitor locations, suggesting no significant differences in eye or head latency as a function of target plane.
Human Factors Issues Associated with in-Car Navigation System Usage
Authors: Dingus Thomas A. , Antin Jonathan P. , Hulse Melissa C. , Wierwille Walter w.
Published: January 2017

Two research studies were recently performed to evaluate and test human factors aspects of a commercially available in-car navigation system. The first study addressed the driver visual attentional demand requirements of the system and its effects on driving performance and behavior. The second study addressed the effectiveness of the system as a navigation tool as well as methodological aspects of navigation. The results of the first study indicate that several tasks performed during navigation required high visual attentional demand. Design changes are discussed which would likely reduce this demand. The results of the second study indicate that drivers are able to navigate effectively using the device. However, results also show that scan patterns are changed when the device is in-use.
Distance and Clearance Perception Using Forward-Looking, Vehicular Television Systems
Authors: Miller Dwight P.
Published: January 2017

During off-road navigation, drivers often must make size, distance, and clearance judgments of terrain features and obstacles in order to choose safe navigational routes. These same judgments must be made in the teleoperation of land vehicles using forward-looking television systems. This study evaluated how well subjects perceived size, distance, and clearance using monochrome and color television systems. Thirty-eight subjects (Ss) estimated the size, distance, and separation of two obstacles using video imagery produced by a forward-looking, vehicle-mounted camera. Results indicate that Ss typically overestimated distances, and when in error judging clearance, tended to overestimate the gap between the objects. These biases were expected due to the well documented minification effect of television using standard lenses. More surprising was the somewhat larger bias evidenced by Ss using color versus those using monochrome imagery. This paper will describe the research methodology, the results obtained, potential reasons for the results, discuss the plans for continuing research in this area, and assess the implications these findings may have on teleoperated vehicle design.
Effects of Task Demands and Age on Vigilance and Subjective Workload
Authors: Deaton John E. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2017

Sensory and cognitive vigilance were directly compared in two experiments. The question of whether sensory and cognitive vigilance task demands can be differentiated on the basis of perceived workload was also addressed. A third focus of the study was to investigate changes in sensory and cognitive vigilance across the adult life span. In Experiment 1 60 subjects from three age categories—young, middle, and elderly were studied. Experiment 2 consisted of 20 subjects from only the young and old age categories. Subjects performed a visual sensory and a cognitive vigilance task at low and high event rates. Each task used identical stimulus sets (pairs of digits) and differed only in the definition of a critical target. Task demands were a major determinant of vigilance performance. Cognitive vigilance was more resistant to decrement over time than sensory vigilance. On the other hand, the cognitive task was more adversely affected by high event rate than the sensory task. Older subjects had lower hit rates than young and middle-aged subjects on the cognitive task, particularly at the high event rate. Subjective workload results suggested that the increased mental demands required of the cognitive task at the high event rate were associated with performance differences between sensory and cognitive tasks. However, the results also revealed an apparent dissociation between performance and subjective workload measures. Implications of the results for display design and assessment of individual differences in monitoring capability are discussed.
A Dissociation of Objective and Subjective Workload Measures in Assessing the Impact of Speech Controls in Advanced Helicopters
Authors: Vidulich Michael A. , Bortolussi Michael R.
Published: January 2017

Among the new technologies that are expected to aid helicopter designers are speech controls. Proponents suggest that speech controls could reduce the potential for manual control overloads and improve timesharing performance in environments that have heavy demands for manual control. This was tested in a simulation of an advanced single-pilot, scout/attack helicopter. Objective performance indicated that the speech controls were effective in decreasing the interference of discrete responses during moments of heavy flight control activity. However, subjective ratings indicated that the use of speech controls required extra effort to speak precisely and to attend to feedback. Although the operational reliability of speech controls must be improved, the present results indicate that reliable speech controls could enhance the time-sharing efficiency of helicopter pilots. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the importance of using multiple assessment techniques to completely assess a task. Neither the objective nor the subjective measures alone provided complete information. It was the contrast between the measures that was most informative.
The Neisseria meningitidis lpxL1 mutant induces less tissue factor expression and activity in primary human monocytes and monocyte-derived microvesicles than the wild type meningococcus
Authors: Hellum Marit , Trøseid Anne-Marie S , Berg Jens P , Brandtzaeg Petter , Øvstebø Reidun , Henriksson Carola E
Published: January 2017

Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) may cause sepsis and meningitis. N. meningitidis with a mutated lpxL1 gene has five, instead of six, acyl chains in the lipid A moiety. Compared with patients infected with the wild type (wt) meningococcus, patients infected with the lpxL1 mutant have a mild meningococcal disease with less systemic inflammation and less coagulopathy. Circulating tissue factor (TF), the main initiator of coagulation, has a central role in the development of coagulation disturbances during sepsis. To study how TF was influenced by the lpxL1 mutant, human primary monocytes and whole blood were incubated with the lpxL1 mutant or the wt meningococcus (H44/76). Monocyte and microvesicle (MV)-associated TF expression and TF-dependent thrombin generation were measured. In both purified monocytes and whole blood, our data show that the lpxL1 mutant is a weaker inducer of monocyte and MV-associated TF compared with the wt. Our data indicate that low levels of circulating TF may contribute to the reduced coagulopathy reported in patients infected with lpxL1 mutants.
A novel mouse model of conditional IRAK-M deficiency in myeloid cells: application in lung Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Authors: Jiang Di , Matsuda Jennifer , Berman Reena , Schaefer Niccolette , Stevenson Connor , Gross James , Zhang Bicheng , Sanchez Amelia , Li Liwu , Chu Hong Wei
Published: January 2017

Myeloid cells such as macrophages are critical to innate defense against infection. IL-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M) is a negative regulator of TLR signaling during bacterial infection, but the role of myeloid cell IRAK-M in bacterial infection is unclear. Our goal was to generate a novel conditional knockout mouse model to define the role of myeloid cell IRAK-M during bacterial infection. Myeloid cell-specific IRAK-M knockout mice were generated by crossing IRAK-M floxed mice with LysM–Cre knock-in mice. The resulting LysM–Cre+/IRAK-Mfl/wt and control (LysM–Cre–/IRAK-Mfl/wt) mice were intranasally infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). IRAK-M deletion, inflammation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and PA load were measured in leukocytes, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lungs. PA killing assay with BAL fluid was performed to determine mechanisms of IRAK-M-mediated host defense. IRAK-M mRNA and protein levels in alveolar and lung macrophages were significantly reduced in LysM–Cre+/IRAK-Mfl/wt mice compared with control mice. Following PA infection, LysM–Cre+/IRAK-Mfl/wt mice have enhanced lung neutrophilic inflammation, including MPO activity, but reduced PA load. The increased lung MPO activity in LysM–Cre+/IRAK-Mfl/wt mouse BAL fluid reduced PA load. Generation of IRAK-M conditional knockout mice will enable investigators to determine precisely the function of IRAK-M in myeloid cells and other types of cells during infection and inflammation.
Are General Practitioners Satisfied with Electronic Discharge Summaries?
Authors: Alderton Melanie , Callen Joanne
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to assess general practitioners' (GPs‘) satisfaction with the quality of information in electronic discharge summaries and the timeliness of their receipt of the summaries. The study was conducted in a 75-bed Australian public metropolitan hospital which uses an electronic discharge summary which is mailed to the patients' nominated GP. Eighty-five GPs were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the content of the electronic discharge summary and the timeliness of receipt. The majority of respondents indicated that they had received the electronic discharge summary within two weeks of the patients' discharge from hospital. The majority also indicated that they were satisfied with all eight documentation data elements. Some GPs indicated that they would prefer to receive the electronic discharge summary electronically by email rather than by conventional mail, and that they would like more information in the “follow-up and recommendations” content areas of the summary.

It was concluded that the majority of GPs agreed that the electronic discharge summary was an improvement over the manual discharge summary. Further developments in the safe and secure electronic transfer of discharge summary information needs to be addressed to meet the information needs of GPs.
Case Study — Classification
Authors: Safdari Reza , Meidani Zahra
Published: January 2017

The introduction of the electronic health record in Iran has necessitated the development of a model for an Iranian Classification of Diseases (IRCD) which is compatible with classifications used in other countries. This article reports on a comparative study of the adaptations of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) currently in use in the USA, France, Germany, China and Egypt which was carried out in order to inform development of the IRCD. Data concerning the history, evolutionary processes and general structures of tabular lists, alphabetic lists and manuals of World Health Organization (WHO) classifications were collected during the period 2003–2004 from a variety of sources including written texts, periodicals, the Internet and electronic mail. Based on this information, and following assessment by 17 Iranian national experts by means of a questionnaire, a model of IRCD compatible with versions of the ICD used in other countries, in particular with that of USA, was proposed.
Gallbladder tuberculosis camouflaging as gallbladder cancer – case series and review focussing on treatment
Authors: Krishnamurthy Gautham , Singh Harjeet , Rajendran Jayapal , Sharma Vishal , Yadav Thakur Deen , Gaspar Balan Louis , Vasishta Rakesh Kumar , Singh Rajinder
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

Gallbladder tuberculosis, in an endemic region, is a common infectious etiology affecting a rare organ. The high prevalence of carcinoma gallbladder in the endemic regions of tuberculosis, like India, poses diagnostic dilemma.

Case series:

We are reporting three cases of gallbladder tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma gallbladder of which the first two cases were operated with a presumptive diagnosis of malignancy. The third case presented to us after laparoscopic cholecystectomy elsewhere and on evaluation was found to have disseminated tuberculosis.

Discussion:

The lack of pathognomonic clinical and radiological characters results in histological surprise of gallbladder tuberculosis following surgery performed for other indications like malignancy. In preoperatively diagnosed patients medical management plays pivotal role in management. Surgery is required in symptomatic patients. On the other hand, histologically proven cases following surgical resection require antitubercular therapy.

Conclusion:

Previous history of tuberculosis or concomitant tuberculosis at other sites may provide clue to the diagnosis of biliary tuberculosis. Antitubercular treatment after surgery plays an important role in preventing further dissemination.
Do the Stock Market Indices Follow Random Walk?
Authors: Dsouza Janet Jyothi , Mallikarjunappa T.
Published: January 2017

The market in which all the available information is absorbed and reflected in the prices without much of time gap can be called as the efficient market. In an efficient market, there is no further scope for earning abnormal profits. In the finance literature, the market efficiency tests have been put under the category of efficient market hypothesis (EMH). Since it is extremely difficult to test the market efficiency in its absolute form, the researchers have divided the market efficiency into three forms. They are weak, semi-strong and strong forms. This study investigates the random walk hypothesis by taking the daily closing prices of prominent stock market indices. The autocorrelation test, Runs test, unit root test, variance ratio test, integrated generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) (1, 1), threshold GARCH (TGARCH) and exponential (EGARCH) models are used to test the hypothesis that the stock markets follow random walk. Our results show that market indices do not follow random walk.
Low Level of Haptoglobin in Lupus
Authors: Timlin Homa , Machireddy Kirthi , Petri Michelle
Published: January 2017

Haptoglobin levels are measured in systematic lupus erythematosus patients as part of the workup for anemia, with low levels indicating hemolysis. Haptoglobin is an acute phase protein. We present 2 lupus patients who were found to have low haptoglobin levels in the absence of other evidence of hemolysis.
Development and Test of a Model to Predict Adherence to a Medical Regimen
Authors: Gustafson David H , Johnson Pauley R , Molfenter Todd D , Patton Tim , Shaw Bret R , Owens Betta H
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To develop a predictive model that projects patient adherence to new and existing medication regimens.

Methods:

A panel of adherence experts was convened to develop a decision theoretic model to predict and explain patient medication adherence behavior. Two predictive models were developed: one for patients new to their regimen and one for patients on an existing regimen. The models have 12 and 13 predictive factors of adherence, respectively. The panel developed levels for each factor and diagnostic value estimates for each level.

Results:

Both models were tested by having randomly generated hypothetical patient medication adherence profiles scored by the model developers and a separate panel of healthcare practitioners. These scores were then compared with predictions made by the model. For the new-to-regimen model, the correlations were 0.86 for the development panel and 0.68 for the healthcare practitioner panel. Only the practitioner panel scored the existing medication model. The model's correlation with their scores was 0.88.

Conclusions:

The medication adherence model seems to have promise as an approach to predicting the likelihood of medication adherence. The model has the benefit of considering many factors of adherence simultaneously. It can also highlight areas that may result in patient nonadherence and suggest potential intervention strategies to enhance patient adherence to a medication regimen.
A Review of Two Anticoagulation Monitoring Devices
Authors: Stoysich Anne M , Massoomi Firouzan , Danekas Paula L , Williams Thomas L , Ryschon Kay L
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the accuracy, precision, and clinical correlation of two point-of-care monitoring devices (PCMDs) for determination of the international normalization ratio (INR) compared with the standard laboratory method (SLM) and to assess the ease of use and cost of both monitors.

Methods:

Venous blood samples were processed by the SLM, and finger puncture capillary blood samples were processed by two PCMDs (CoaguChek System [CoaguChek] and ProTime Microcoagulation System [ProTime]). Accuracy and precision of the PCMDs were evaluated by comparing the mean and mean differences. Method agreement was assessed by correlation analysis. Clinical correlation was evaluated by comparing paired INRs that would result in the same therapeutic decision. Ease of use was evaluated by comparing testing errors and questionnaires. Costs associated with procurement and operation were assessed.

Results:

No statistically significant difference was found in the mean INRs, mean differences, and clinical correlation. The methods were highly correlated (r ≥ 0.90; p ≤ 0.001). The CoaguChek was determined to be easier to use. Although the per-test cost was less with the ProTime, the number of tests performed and operators required need to be assessed to calculate total costs.

Conclusions:

The PCMDs were comparable to the SLM, and the CoaguChek was judged to be easier to use. Costs need to be assessed for each unique setting.
MUC1-mediated induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Pyzer Athalia Rachel , Stroopinsky Dina , Rajabi Hasan , Washington Abigail , Tagde Ashujit , Coll Maxwell , Fung Jacqueline , Bryant Mary Paty , Cole Leandra , Palmer Kristen , Somaiya Poorvi , Karp Leaf Rebecca , Nahas Myrna , Apel Arie , Jain Salvia , McMasters Malgorzata , Mendez Lourdes , Levine James , Joyce Robin , Arnason Jon , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Kufe Donald , Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Avigan David
Published: January 2017

Key Points

MDSCs are expanded in AML and contribute to tumor-related immune suppression. MUC1 mediates MDSC expansion via the promotion of c-myc expression in secreted extracellular vesicles.
Improved outcomes for newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis between 2000 and 2014: cracking the glass ceiling of early death
Authors: Muchtar Eli , Gertz Morie A. , Kumar Shaji K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dingli David , Buadi Francis K. , Grogan Martha , Hayman Suzanne R. , Kapoor Prashant , Leung Nelson , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Hwa Yi Lisa , Gonsalves Wilson , Warsame Rahma , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Russell Stephen , Lust John A. , Lin Yi , Go Ronald S. , Zeldenrust Steven , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Significant improvement in outcome is a reality for newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis in the past decade. Six-month mortality among transplant ineligible patients has declined since 2005.
Alternative inert gas washout outcomes in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Nyilas Sylvia , Schlegtendal Anne , Singer Florian , Goutaki Myrofora , Kuehni Claudia E. , Casaulta Carmen , Latzin Philipp , Koerner-Rettberg Cordula
Published: January 2017

The lung clearance index (LCI) derived from a nitrogen multiple breath washout test (N2-MBW) is a promising tool to assess small airways disease in primary ciliary dyskinesia, but it is difficult to apply in routine clinical settings because of its long measuring time. In this study, we aimed to assess alternative indices derived from shorter washout protocols.

49 patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (mean age 14.7±6.6 years) and 37 controls (mean age 14.3±1.4 years) performed N2-MBW and double-tracer gas (DTG) single-breath washout tests. Global (LCI and moment ratio (M2/M0)), conductive (Scond) and acinar ventilation inhomogeneity (DTG Slope III (SIII-DTG)) were determined for each individual. The main outcomes were 1) the ability to detect abnormal lung function from washout indices (>1.64 z-scores) and 2) measurement duration.

The prevalence of abnormal values for LCI2.5%was 37 out of 47 (79%), for LCI5%was 34 out of 47 (72%), for M2/M0was 34 out of 47 (72%), forScondwas 36 out of 46 (78%) and for SIII-DTG was 12 out of 35 (34%). Mean±sdduration of measurement was 19.8±11.2 min for LCI2.5%, 10.8±4.6 min for LCI5%and 8.6±2.3 min forScond.

Compared to standard LCI2.5%, ventilation inhomogeneity was detected by LCI5%, moment ratio andScondwith comparable sensitivity while measurement duration was significantly shorter. Longitudinal studies will show which outcome is most suitable and practical in terms of sensitivity, duration and variability within the course of primary ciliary dyskinesia lung disease.
Barriers to women’s representation in academic excellence and positions of power
Authors: Yousaf Rizwana , Schmiede Rudi
Published: January 2017

Nearly for half a century women’s advancement in the workplace has been in a debate. Women’s under-represented in higher education institutions and universities across the globe, and especially in the most powerful or influential posts, is well established. Despite gender equality commitments and women’s educational attainment, still, they are underrepresented. Regions and countries may vary in term of culture, achievements and development, but barriers for women’s representation in academia are surprisingly similar in many regions. It is found that there are several barriers which women might be experiencing in academia ranging from personal, organizational to societal.
HS1 deficiency impairs neutrophil recruitment in vivo and activation of the small GTPases Rac1 and Rap1
Authors: Latasiewicz Joanna , Artz Annette , Jing Ding , Blanco Mariana Pacheco , Currie Silke M , Avila Martha Velázquez , Schnoor Michael , Vestweber Dietmar
Published: January 2017

Neutrophil extravasation is a critical step of the innate immune system’s response to inflammation. This multistep process is tightly regulated by adhesion and signaling molecules in the endothelium and neutrophils. Activation of the β2 integrin LFA-1 is critical for adhesion of leukocytes to postcapillary venules. This step requires coordinated activation of signaling pathways in chemokine-stimulated neutrophils, including GTPase activation and cytoskeletal remodeling, leading to conformational changes in LFA-1. Hematopoietic cell-specific lyn substrate 1 (HS1) is a cortactin-related and leukocyte-specific actin-binding protein (ABP) that regulates several processes in various immune cells. It has been shown in vitro that HS1 is important for neutrophil chemotaxis and transendothelial migration of NK cells, but its role in neutrophil extravasation in vivo has not been investigated yet. Intravital microscopy of CXCL1-stimulated cremaster venules revealed an increased rolling velocity and reduced neutrophil adhesion and transmigration in HS1 knockout (KO) mice. CXCL1-induced rapid neutrophil arrest in vivo and adhesion under flow conditions in vitro were also reduced significantly. Whereas random motility of neutrophils was unaffected, chemotaxis toward a CXCL1 gradient was reduced in the absence of HS1. Further analysis of the underlying mechanisms demonstrated that HS1 controls CXCL1-induced activation of the small GTPases Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1), thus supporting LFA-1-mediated neutrophil adhesion. Importantly, with the use of Rac1 KO neutrophils, we could show that Rac1 acts upstream of Rap1. Our results establish HS1 as an important regulator of proper Rac1 and Rap1 activation and neutrophil extravasation.
IKKα regulates human keratinocyte migration through surveillance of the redox environment
Authors: Lisse Thomas S. , Rieger Sandra
Published: January 2017

Although the functions of H2O2 in epidermal wound repair are conserved throughout evolution, the underlying signaling mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study we used human keratinocytes (HEK001) to investigate H2O2-dependent wound repair mechanisms. Scratch wounding led to H2O2 production in two or three cell layers at the wound margin within ∼30 min and subsequent cysteine modification of proteins via sulfenylation. Intriguingly, exogenous H2O2 treatment resulted in preferential sulfenylation of keratinocytes that adopted a migratory phenotype and detached from neighboring cells, suggesting that one of the primary functions of H2O2 is to stimulate signaling factors involved in cell migration. Based on previous findings that revealed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involvement in H2O2-dependent cell migration, we analyzed oxidation of a candidate upstream target, the inhibitor of κB kinase α (IKKα; encoded by CHUK), as a mechanism of action. We show that IKKα is sulfenylated at a conserved cysteine residue in the kinase domain, which correlates with de-repression of EGF promoter activity and increased EGF expression. Thus, this indicates that IKKα promotes migration through dynamic interactions with the EGF promoter depending on the redox state within cells.
Molecular classification of Echinococcus granulosus strains from livestock animals in Libya
Authors: Wajdii MF , Wajdii M. F. , Rahman W , Rahman W. , Elmajdoub O , Elmajdoub O. , Siti Azizah M , Siti Azizah M.
Published: January 2017

This study demonstrates the distribution of various E. granulosus strains in sheep, cattle and camel. The common sheep strain G1 is mainly found in sheep and cattle, but also parasitized camels. In contrast, the camel strain G6 is found mainly in camels and rarely in sheep and cattle. However, the study also revealed the possible presence of cryptic species that are closely related to both genotypes in livestock of Libya as evident by high mutations in several specimens. Based on the occurrence of overlapping hosts of E. granulosus in Libya, more research on the transmission cycles and genotypes of E. granulosus in Libya is required. In addition, it is suggested that surveys on potential intermediate hosts, including in humans with dogs as the major final host in Libya using higher resolution molecular tools such as microsatellite markers is recommended.
Prevalence of Buxtonella sulcata (JAMESON, 1926) among cattle in the Kurgan region
Authors: Шибитов  , Shibitov S , Сафиуллин  , Safiullin Rinat
Published: January 2017

Objective of research: To study the infection rate with B. sulcata in various age groups of cattle in summer at different management technologies in the Kurgan region. Materials and methods. Samples were collected from animals kept under different management technologies (private sector, stabling&pasture, stabling) in the Kurgan region in July 2016. Samples weighing 10 g were taken from animals of different age groups from the rectum or by usual fecal gathering in animal premises. The collected material was preserved with 2% potassium dichromate. At the Laboratory for Protozoology and Sanitary Parasitology of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Parasitology of Animals and Plants named after K.I. Skryabin, 68 samples were examined under the microscope by methods of successive washings and formalinether sedimentation; cyst counting was performed in a counting chamber Mc Master. Results and discussion. The results of random coproscopic examination of cattle of different age groups in farms of the Kurgan region in summer period revealed their infection with Buxtonella sulcata. Extensity of infection in the private sector ranged from 33% to 50%, in farms with stable management — from 10 to 62,5%, stable and pasture management — from 0 to 85,7%.
Nucleoside-diphosphatase of cestode Bothriocephalus scorpii (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae)
Authors: Буренина  , Burenina E.
Published: January 2017

Objective of research: To study the activities and properties of nucleoside- diphosphatase (NDPase) in cestode Bothriocephalus scorpii.

Materials and methods: Cestodes were homogenized with 10 vol. of extraction medium. NDPase was detected in mitochondria and microsomes with substrates (IDP, GDP, UDP). Inorganic phosphorus was determined by the method of Kochetov (1980). The effects of 10 anthelmintic drugs on the activity of NDPase were studied.

Results and discussion: It was found that the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of cestodes B. scorpii have nucleoside diphosphatase activity. The activity of nucleoside diphosphatase depends on substrates and Mg2+ ions. The impact of various effectors and ions (Ca2+, Mn2+, Zn2+) on enzyme activity was determined. Effects of 10 anthelmintic drugs on activity of nucleoside diphosphatase were studied. The anthelmintics Bitionol and Trichlorophen have been proved effective.