bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A problem with the analysis of type Ia supernovae
Authors: Crawford David F.
Published: December 2017

Type Ia supernovae have light curves that have widths and magnitudes that can be used for testing cosmologies and they provide one of the few direct measurements of time dilation. It is shown that the standard analysis that calibrates the light curve against a rest-frame average (such as SALT2) removes all the cosmological information from the calibrated light curves. Consequently type Ia supernovae calibrated with these methods cannot be used to investigate cosmology. The major evidence that supports the hypothesis of a static universe is that the measurements of the widths of the rawlight curves of type Ia supernovae do not show any time dilation. The intrinsicwavelength dependence shown by the SALT2 calibration templates is also consistent with no time dilation. Using a static cosmological model the peak absolute magnitudes of raw type Ia supernovae observations are also independent of redshift. These results support the hypothesis of a static universe.
Cu(OH)x-clay catalyst promoted synthesis of 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole at room temperature
Authors: Dar Bashir Ahmad , Zaheer Zahed , Fatema Samreen , Farooqui Mazahar
Published: December 2017

An easy and efficient scheme is described and designed for the preparation of 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole using recyclable Cu(OH)x-clay heterogeneous catalyst at room temperature. The cycloaddition reaction is carried out between imine and oxime using an easy protocol where nitrile oxides are producedin situfrom aldoximes and reacted with imines to form 1,2,4-oxadiazolines in good yield and tremendous purity. Cu(OH)x-clay catalyst shows excellent catalytic activity for the formation of 1,2,4-oxadiazole. This technique is practically uncomplicated, inexpensive, and excellent with a wide range of functional group tolerance to generate structurally different 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. The prepared catalyst was investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The final products of the synthesized compound were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, mass, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies.
Efficacy of Tamarindus indicus, Melia azadirach and Santalum album in syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge: A single-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bhat Tabasum Ali , Begum Wajeeha
Published: December 2017

Background

At least 25 % of women attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics receive treatment for one of the three common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge: bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis. Syndromic diagnostic approach was adopted by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) India, at the primary health centre level. Syndromic management implies the simultaneous treatment of two or more infections. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy of sandal sufaid, maghze tukhme bakayin and khaste tamar hindi in syndromic management of Sailanur rehm.

Methods

This study was a randomized, single blind, standard controlled trial. It was conducted to compare efficacy of formulation which contains buradae sandal safaid, safoofe maghze tukhme bakayin, safoofe khaste tamar hindi and safoofe shakkar safaid against combination of azithromycin, fluconazole and secnidazole on diagnosed subjects of Sailanur rehm. Test group received 10 g of test drug B.D for 21 days while control group received single dose of standard drug to both the partners. Vaginal symptom score (VSS) was used for assessing discharge and associated complaints. Visual analogous scale (VAS) was used for assessing low backache and lower abdominal pain.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning baseline characteristics (p>0.05). VSS was significantly decreased with p<0.001 for both control and test group. VAS was significantly decreased with p<0.001 and p=0.07 in test and control group respectively for low backache. For lower abdominal pain p=0.006 for both groups after the completion of treatment.

Conclusions

The formulation can effectively alleviate the disease with associated symptoms without any side effects. It can be used in syndromic management of vaginal discharge. Future research is on large sample size.
Surface decontamination in fuel manufacture plants by chelating solution of nanoparticles
Authors: Morsi T. M. , Elbarbary Ahmed M. , Ghobashy Mohamed M. , Othman Sameh H.
Published: December 2017

A nanoparticles chelating solution was synthesized by copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and methacrylic acid (MAA) by radiation induced polymerization technique using 17 kGy irradiation doses. A high copolymer yield was obtained by using 80/20% of AN/MAA and comonomer concentration of 50% (w/w) at a dose rate of 2.58 KGy/h. The resultant cyano group (–CN) of nano-poly(AN/MAA) was converted by chemical modification using hydroxylamine (NH2–OH) to an amidoxime group [–C(=NOH)NH2], which was then confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The physico-chemical properties of poly(AN/MAA) and amidoximated poly(AN/MAA) nanoparticles were studied by FTIR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphological analysis by TEM and DLS showed a spherical and uniform size of the amidoximated poly(AN/MAA) nanoparticles. TGA results indicated that the thermal stability of poly(AN/MAA) increased by the amidoximation process. The surface decontamination due to uranium was also investigated by the prepared chelating nanoparticles solution. A high purity germanium detector (HPGe) was used as a surface contamination detection tool. The results showed the presence of peaks at different energies, namely, 186.2 keV for Ra-226 (U-238) and 143.76 keV, 163.35 keV and 205.31 for U-235 before the decontamination process. The disappearance of these peaks after decontamination confirmed the applicability and efficiency of the nanoparticles solution in uranium surface decontamination.
Mesenteric fibrosis and palliative surgery in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Blažević Anela , Zandee Wouter T , Franssen Gaston J H , Hofland Johannes , van Velthuysen Marie-Louise F , Hofland Leo J , Feelders Richard A , de Herder Wouter W
Published: December 2017

Mesenteric fibrosis (MF) surrounding a mesenteric mass is a hallmark feature of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (SI-NETs). Since this can induce intestinal obstruction, oedema and ischaemia, prophylactic resection of the primary tumour and mesenteric mass is often recommended. This study assessed the predictors for mesenteric metastasis and fibrosis and the effect of MF and palliative surgery on survival. A retrospective analysis of 559 patients with pathologically proven SI-NET and available CT-imaging data was performed. Clinical characteristics, presence of mesenteric mass and fibrosis on CT imaging and the effect of palliative abdominal surgery on overall survival were assessed. We found that MF was present in 41.4%. Older age, 5-HIAA excretion ≥67 μmol/24 h, serum CgA ≥121.5 μg/L and a mesenteric mass ≥27.5 mm were independent predictors of MF. In patients ≤52 years, mesenteric mass was less often found in women than in men (39% vs 64%,P = 0.002). Corrected for age, tumour grade, CgA and liver metastasis, MF was not a prognostic factor for overall survival. In patients undergoing palliative surgery, metastasectomy of mesenteric mass or prophylactic surgery did not result in survival benefit. In conclusion, we confirmed known predictors of MF and mesenteric mass and suggest a role for sex hormones as women ≤52 years have less often a mesenteric mass. Furthermore, the presence of MF has no effect on survival in a multivariate analysis, and we found no benefit of metastasectomy of mesenteric mass or prophylactic surgery on overall survival.
Roles of activating functions 1 and 2 of estrogen receptor α in lymphopoiesis
Authors: Andersson Annica , Törnqvist Anna E , Moverare-Skrtic Sofia , Bernardi Angelina I , Farman Helen H , Chambon Pierre , Engdahl Cecilia , Lagerquist Marie K , Windahl Sara H , Carlsten Hans , Ohlsson Claes , Islander Ulrika
Published: December 2017

Apart from the role of sex steroids in reproduction, sex steroids are also important regulators of the immune system. 17β-estradiol (E2) represses T and B cell development, but augments B cell function, possibly explaining the different nature of immune responses in men and women. Both E2 and selective estrogen receptors modulators (SERM) act via estrogen receptors (ER). Activating functions (AF)-1 and 2 of the ER bind to coregulators and thus influence target gene transcription and subsequent cellular response to ER activation. The importance of ERαAF-1 and AF-2 in the immunomodulatory effects of E2/SERM has previously not been reported. Thus, detailed studies of T and B lymphopoiesis were performed in ovariectomized E2-, lasofoxifene- or raloxifene-treated mice lacking either AF-1 or AF-2 domains of ERα, and their wild-type littermate controls. Immune cell phenotypes were analyzed with flow cytometry. All E2 and SERM-mediated inhibitory effects on thymus cellularity and thymic T cell development were clearly dependent on both ERαAFs. Interestingly, divergent roles of ERαAF-1 and ERαAF-2 in E2 and SERM-mediated modulation of bone marrow B lymphopoiesis were found. In contrast to E2, effects of lasofoxifene on early B cells did not require functional ERαAF-2, while ERαAF-1 was indispensable. Raloxifene reduced early B cells partly independent of both ERαAF-1 and ERαAF-2. Results from this study increase the understanding of the impact of ER modulation on the immune system, which can be useful in the clarification of the molecular actions of SERMs and in the development of new SERM.
Selection Mapping Identifies Loci Underpinning Autumn Dormancy in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Munjal Gitanshu , Hao Jingjie , Teuber Larry R , Brummer E Charles
Published: December 2017

Autumn dormancy in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is associated with agronomically important traits including regrowth rate, maturity, and winter survival. Historical recurrent selection experiments have been able to manipulate the dormancy response. We hypothesized that artificial selection for dormancy phenotypes in these experiments had altered allele frequencies of dormancy-related genes. Here, we follow this hypothesis and analyze allele frequency changes using genome-wide polymorphisms in the pre- and postselection populations from one historical selection experiment. We screened the nondormant cultivar CUF 101 and populations developed by three cycles of recurrent phenotypic selection for taller and shorter plants in autumn with markers derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). We validated the robustness of our GBS-derived allele frequency estimates using an empirical approach. Our results suggest that selection mapping is a powerful means of identifying genomic regions associated with traits, and that it can be exploited to provide regions on which to focus further mapping and cloning projects.
Joint Analysis of Strain and Parent-of-Origin Effects for Recombinant Inbred Intercrosses Generated from Multiparent Populations with the Collaborative Cross as an Example
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Xiong Sican , Sun Wei , Zou Fei
Published: December 2017

Multiparent populations (MPP) have become popular resources for complex trait mapping because of their wider allelic diversity and larger population size compared with traditional two-way recombinant inbred (RI) strains. In mice, the collaborative cross (CC) is one of the most popular MPP and is derived from eight genetically diverse inbred founder strains. The strategy of generating RI intercrosses (RIX) from MPP in general and from the CC in particular can produce a large number of completely reproducible heterozygote genomes that better represent the (outbred) human population. Since both maternal and paternal haplotypes of each RIX are readily available, RIX is a powerful resource for studying both standing genetic and epigenetic variations of complex traits, in particular, the parent-of-origin (PoO) effects, which are important contributors to many complex traits. Furthermore, most complex traits are affected by >1 genes, where multiple quantitative trait locus mapping could be more advantageous. In this paper, for MPP-RIX data but taking CC-RIX as a working example, we propose a general Bayesian variable selection procedure to simultaneously search for multiple genes with founder allelic effects and PoO effects. The proposed model respects the complex relationship among RIX samples, and the performance of the proposed method is examined by extensive simulations.
Hemangiosarcoma Cardiaco Primario en Aurícula Derecha en un Canino Rottweiler de Ocho Años de Edad
Authors: Salinas C. Eben , Dávila F. Roberto , Chávez R. Edith
Published: December 2017

El hemangiosarcoma es un tumor maligno de origen vascular y es el más frecuente de los tumores cardiacos de los canes. Se presenta el caso de un perro de raza Rottweiler de ocho años de edad, que presentó disnea, mucosas pálidas e intolerancia al ejercicio. A la auscultación cardiaca, los sonidos fueron levemente audibles y el pulso femoral disminuido. Los exámenes de laboratorio evidenciaron trombocitopenia e insuficiencia renal aguda. Se realizaron radiografías y ecografías, diagnosticándose hidropericardio y taponamiento cardiaco. Se realizó una pericardiocentesis, cuyo estudio citológico fue compatible con exudado serosanguinolento. La tomografía axial computarizada del tórax solo identificó aumento de tamaño de la aurícula derecha. Se realizó una toracotomía lateral derecha, identificándose una masa de tipo neoplásica en la aurícula derecha, así como nódulos metastásicos en pericardio y pulmones. El estudio histopatológico diagnosticó un hemangiosarcoma cardiaco primario en aurícula derecha de tipo cavernoso.
Denervación Coxofemoral con Abordaje Mínimamente Invasivo para el Control de Dolor en Perros con Enfermedad Degenerativa Articular
Authors: Luzio Q. Alvaro , Henríquez G. Adrián , Fischer Wiethuchter Christof
Published: December 2017

La displasia de cadera corresponde a una incongruencia articular entre la cabeza femoral y el acetábulo, que usualmente evoluciona a enfermedad degenerativa articular (EDA), con signos de dolor crónico. Una opción quirúrgica para disminuir el dolor en pacientes con EDA es la denervación pericapsular de la articulación coxofemoral. En el presente estudio se realizó esta técnica a través de un abordaje mínimamente invasivo en 10 perros Pastor Alemán diagnosticados con displasia de cadera y EDA a través de un examen ortopédico e imagenología radiográfica. Para evaluar la eficacia de la técnica se aplicó una escala de dolor en el pre-quirúrgico y en los días 5, 10 y 15 pos-quirúrgico. Los resultados demostraron una disminución efectiva del dolor entre los días 0 y 15 y entre los días 5 y 15. Así también, se evidenció una percepción favorable por parte de los propietarios, donde seis de ellos indicaron que la cirugía resultó ser satisfactoria y los otros cuatro indicaron que la cirugía fue buena, en tanto que todos ellos dijeron que volverían a realizar la cirugía a sus mascotas. Se concluye que es posible disminuir el dolor con una denervación coxofemoral, mediante un abordaje mínimamente invasivo en pacientes con EDA.
Crecimiento Pre-Destete del Ovino F1 Blackbelly x Pelibuey en Condiciones de Pastoreo Libre en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana
Authors: Moyano Juan Carlos , López Juan Carlos , Marini Pablo Roberto , Fischman M.L.
Published: December 2017

El objetivo del trabajo fue describir las curvas de crecimiento del ovino F1 Blackbelly x Pelibuey desde el nacimiento hasta el destete, en condiciones de pastoreo libre en la Amazonía ecuatoriana. Se trabajó con 12 machos y 10 hembras desde el nacimiento hasta el destete. Los animales fueron pesados al nacimiento, a los 4 y 9 días de edad y luego semanalmente hasta los 55 días de edad (destete). El desarrollo corporal fue lineal. No existieron diferencias significativas de peso al nacimiento, peso al destete y ganancia diaria de peso entre sexos
EFFECT AND MECHANISM OF ACTION OF NON-THERMAL PLASMA IN THE SURVIVAL OF Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus AND Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: J.R SolÃ­s-Pacheco , B.R Aguilar-Uscanga , J.E Villanueva-Tiburcio , M.E MacÃ­as-RodrÃ­guez , J.M Viveros-Paredes , O GonzÃ¡lez-Reynoso , R PeÃ±a-Eguiluz
Published: December 2017

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is an emerging technology of great interest because the elimination of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms and their probable use in various industrial sectors such as food and health. In this study was to evaluate the inactivation of non-thermal plasma on the survival of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 51811 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Treatments of different microorganisms were conducted with cells exposed NTP generated dielectric barrier reactor (DBD) able to produce atmospheric pressure plasmas. These devices operate at 13.56 MHz and are driven by a specifically built radio frequency (RF) resonant converter. The reactors, which operate at atmospheric pressure in a He-air gas mixture at a 1.5 L min-1 flow rate, applying a 850 V voltage at different exposure times (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 s). All the strains showed a reduction in viability of < 0.001 log CFU mL-1 after to exposed to plasma. The cells showed membrane damage, these effects being the main cause for microbial inactivation, caused by the action of Non-thermal plasma, which leads to membrane and/or cell wall breakdown with consecutive DNA denaturation, these being the main factors inducing microorganism death.
DEVELOPMENT OF SNACK CRACKERS INCORPORATED WITH DEFATTED COCONUT FLOUR
Authors: Mihiranie Sachithra , Jayasundera Mithila , Perera Niranjalie
Published: December 2017

Recently, consumer demand has increased for healthy snacks. Snack crackers are popular as healthy snacks and there is a high potential to enhance the nutritional value by incorporating natural ingredients. In the present study, the dietary fiber content of the snack crackers was improved by incorporating defatted coconut flour. Chemical and functional properties of defatted coconut flour and all-purpose wheat flour were studied. Snack crackers were prepared by incorporating defatted coconut flour into wheat flour at 10, 20, 30 and 40 % (w/w) levels. Sensory evaluation was conducted by using a 5-point hedonic scale with 31 panelists based on color, crispiness, texture, taste and overall acceptance. Physico-chemical characteristics and shelf life studies were carried out after packing in triple laminated aluminum foil and stored under ambient conditions. Defatted coconut flour was characterized with significantly higher crude fiber (17.69%), protein (22.10%) and mineral content (6.17%) than all-purpose wheat flour. The bulk density, water and oil holding capacities of defatted coconut flour were significantly higher than all-purpose wheat flour (p
KINETIC OF SUGAR CONSUMPTION AND ETHANOL PRODUCTION ON VERY HIGH GRAVITY FERMENTATION FROM SYRUP OF DATES BY- PRODUCTS (Phoenix dactylifera L.) BY USING Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida pelliculosa AND Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
Authors: Chniti Sofien , Jemni Monia , Bentaha ImÃ¨ne , Ali Shariati Mohammad , Kadmi Yassine , Djelal Hayet , Amrane Abdeltif , Hassouna Mnasser , Elmsellem Hicham
Published: December 2017

Three yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Candida pelliculosa, were tested for ethanol production on dates’syrup. In batch fermentation, the ethanol concentration depended on the initial sugar concentration and the yeast strain. For an initial sugar concentration of 17.4°Brix, maximum ethanol concentration was 63 g/L during S. cerevisiae growth, higher than the amounts achieved during Z. rouxii and C. pelliculosa growth, 33 g/L and 41 g/L respectively. On 35.8°Brix initial sugar amount, only Z. rouxii was able to grow, resulting in 50 g/L ethanol production, showing an inhibitory effect on S.cerevisae and C. Pelliculosa due to the osmotic stress resulting from the high sugar concentration.
ACCUMULATION OF PHYTOHORMONES BY SOIL BACTERIA AZOTOBACTER VINELANDII AND BACILLUS SUBTILIS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF NANOMATERIALS
Authors: Chobotarov Andrii , Volkogon Mykola , Voytenko Lesya , Kurdish Ivan
Published: December 2017

Azotobacter vinelandii IMV B-7076 was shown to be capable of biosynthesis and accumulation of various biologically active substances, including high amounts of 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) in free and bound forms, in the cultural medium. Cultivation of these bacteria with vermiculite particles had increased accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) in 2.3 times compared to the control. Addition of silica dioxide nanoparticles to the nutrient medium had resulted in higher cytokinin content. Thus, the detected amount of zeatin was 2.4 times higher; zeatin-riboside – higher in 3.6 times; while the content of zeatin-glucoside had a slight increase by 3%.
High amounts of cytokinins, 3-indoleacetic and abscisic acids were also detected in the cultural medium of Bacillus subtilis IMV B-7023. Bacteria cultivation in the presence of vermiculite particles in nutrient medium had stimulated an increase of isopentyl adenine content in 4.0 times compared to control. Substantial (in 4.5 times) increase of 3-indoleacetic acid synthesis compared to control was detected. Addition of nanoparticles to the nutrient medium of Bacillus subtilis IMV B-7023 had also promoted synthesis of the abscisic acid in 1.7 times compared to control.
THE NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS OF AGARICUS BISPORUS : A REVIEW
Authors: Atila Funda , Nadhim Owaid Mustafa , Ali Shariati Mohammad
Published: December 2017

Mushrooms are considered as potential source of many essential nutrients and therapeutic bioactive compounds. Agaricus bisporus belongs to Basidiomycetes family and the most important commercially cultivated mushroom in the world. The rich nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibers, minerals, and vitamins present this mushroom as famous healthy food. Moreover, because of the presence of some active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, essential amino acids, peptides, glycoproteins, nucleosides, triterpenoids, lectins, fatty acids and their derivatives, these mushrooms have been reported to have antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypercholesterolemic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. This study is focused on reviewing the recent studies published in the medical and nutritional properties of Agaricus bisporus. Investigations on the mushroom have accelerated during the last ten years so that only reports published after 2006 have been considered.
ESSENTIAL OIL CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF ARTEMISIA CAMPESTRIS L GROWING IN TUNISIA
Authors: Dhifi Wissal , Ben Haj Jilani Imtinen , Bellili Sana , Jazi Sabrine , El Beyrouthy Marc , Mnif Wissem
Published: December 2017

The present study investigated the chemical composition and allelopathic potential of volatile oil from Artemisia campestris originating from Tunisia against four species: Daucus carota, Cicer arietinum, Phaseolus vulgaris and Triticum sativum. The essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation method and its composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, the essential oil was tested for its inhibitory effect on seed germination of the four precited species.
According to the main results, Artemisia campestris essential oil was rich in monoterpenoids and a total of 27 components were identified, accounting for 95.5% of the whole oil. Furthermore, β-pinene (35.0%) and 1, 8-cineole (14.4%) were the two major constituents. The volatile oil was evaluated for its allelopathic potential against the four fore-mentioned species. We noted a significant reduction in germination for all the tested species at 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm concentrations. However, an increase was noticed at the lowest concentration (100 ppm). Moreover, there was a delay in germination for D. carota seeds and this delay was proportional to the essential oil concentration. It is worthy to notice that Artemisia campestris essential oil exhibited allelopathic properties against the tested species and particularly against D. carota.
The silent spread of Porcine Bocavirus in Croatian pigs: should we be concerned?
Authors: Keros Tomislav , Jemeršić Lorena , Toplak Ivan , Prpić Jelena
Published: December 2017

A survey was conducted to evaluate the presence and prevalence of Porcine Bocavirus (PBoV) in Croatian domestic pigs by means of PCR targeting the NS1 gene fragment of PBoV. This study included testing of faecal samples collected from 10 small commercial farms and 11 small backyard holdings in Croatia. The presence of PBoV was confirmed by PCR in 24 out of 57 composite faecal samples from small commercial farms and in 12 out of 43 composite faecal samples from small backyard holdings. The PCR products of 18 positive samples were sequenced for genotyping. PBoV sequences grouped into the PBoV-a, PBoV-b and PBoV-c groups with 90.81% to 99.25% nucleotide identity. All Croatian PBoV sequences showed a high nucleotide and amino acid identity with PBoV sequences from China and Hong Kong, the United States, Sweden, and Slovenia. These results clearly show that PBoV is circulating among the domestic pig population in Croatia.
Peer relationship and adolescent smartphone addiction: The mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of the need to belong
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Zhao Meng , Wang Xingchao , Xie Xiaochun , Wang Yuhui , Lei Li
Published: December 2017

Background and aims

Adolescent smartphone addiction has received increased attention in recent years, and peer relationship has been found to be a protective factor in adolescent smartphone. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) the mediating role of self-esteem in the association between student–student relationship and smartphone addiction, and (b) the moderating role of the need to belong in the indirect relationship between student–student relationship and adolescent smartphone addiction.

Methods

This model was examined with 768 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 16.81 years, SD = 0.73); the participants completed measurements regarding student–student relationship, self-esteem, the need to belong, and smartphone addiction.

Results

The correlation analyses indicated that student–student relationship was significantly negatively associated with adolescent smartphone addiction, and the need to belong was significantly positively associated with adolescent smartphone addiction. Mediation analyses revealed that self-esteem partially mediated the link between student-student relationship and adolescent smartphone addiction. Moderated mediation further indicated that the mediated path was weaker for adolescents with lower levels of the need to belong.

Discussion and conclusion

High self-esteem could be a protective factor against smartphone addiction for adolescents with a strong need to belong as these students appeared to be at elevated risk of developing smartphone addiction.
Racial and Ethnic Composition of Cancer Clinical Drug Trials: How Diverse Are We?
Authors: Dickmann Leslie J. , Schutzman Jennifer L.
Published: December 2017

Many approved drugs demonstrate different pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and/or safety across racial and ethnic groups. The primary objective of the current study was to summarize the racial and ethnic makeup of cancer clinical drug trials using cancer drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2016. In clinical studies used for FDA approvals, 82.3% of participants identified as white, 10.2% as Asian, 2.3% as black, and 4.7% as Hispanic. Black participants made up 7.7% of U.S. and Canadian cancer clinical drug trials and 2.6% of global cancer clinical drug trials while Asian participants made up 13.5% of global cancer clinical drug trials but only 1.8% of U.S. and Canadian cancer clinical drug trials. The current study indicates that although cancer clinical drug trials have become more inclusive of Asian participants, other racial and ethnic minority groups remain under-represented. This may result in an inadequate understanding of drug safety and efficacy in many racial and ethnic populations.
Extreme Prostate-Specific Antigen Response to Infusional 5-Flourouracil in Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Manogue Charlotte , Ledet Elisa , Guddati A. Kumar , Lewis Brian , Sartor Oliver
Published: December 2017

Prostate cancer that has progressed after androgen deprivation, abiraterone, and taxane therapy is challenging to treat successfully. Herein we report a dramatic response to continuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at a dose of 200 mg/m2 in a patient with rapidly progressive, heavily pretreated, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Baseline prostate-specific antigen values declined from 1,890 ng/mL to <1 ng/mL after 5-FU therapy. We hypothesized that prostate-specific membrane antigen overexpression may result in cancer cells uniquely susceptible to antifolate therapies.
The knowledge of the flora of Mexico
Authors: Ibarra-Manriquez Guillermo , Garcia-Mendoza Abisai Josue , Flores-Olvera Hilda María
Published: December 2017

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Leaf anatomical and biochemical adaptations in Typha domingensis Pers. ecotypes for salinity tolerance
Authors: Akhtar Noreen , Hameed Mansoor , Nawaz Fahim , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique , Hamid Abdul , Segovia-Salcedo Claudia , Shahnaz Muhammad Muslim
Published: December 2017

Background. Soil salinity is a major menace to plants. Salt tolerant plants have developed different morphological, structural and physiological characteristics, which enable them to survive and reproduce under high salt concentrations.
Hypothesis. It was hypothesized that differently adapted ecotypes of T. domingensis may have different structural and biochemical response to various levels of salt stress.
Studied species/Data description. Six ecotypes of Typha domingensis Pers. were evaluated for anatomical and biochemical response and to find out the mechanism of adaptation under salt stress.
Methods. All the ecotypes of Typha domingensis were acclimatized for a period of six months. Four levels of salinity viz. 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl were maintained. The plants were carefully collected from the medium to study various anatomical and biochemical characteristics.
Results. The most promising anatomical modifications were; reduced leaf thickness in Sheikhupura, Gatwala and Treemu ecotype, increased cell vacuolar volume in Sahianwala and Knotti ecotype, larger metaxylem vessel in Sheikhupura and Gatwala ecotype, aerenchyma formation in all ecotypes and high sclerification in Sahianwala and Knotti ecotype. Accumulation of osmolytes mainly proline and glycinebetaine in Treemu, Sahianwala, Jahlar and Knotti ecotype under different levels of salt stress may be defense mechanism of T. domingensis to prevent severe loss in turgor.
Conclusions. The results demonstrate that genetic potential of T. domingensis to grow under salt stress could be used for the purpose of phytoremediation and reclamation of soil salinity.
Changes in cardiovascular risk and clinical outcomes in a HIV/AIDS cohort study over a one-year period at a specialized clinic in Mexico v1
Authors: Angelica Cibrián , Miguel Sánchez , Sara García , Eduardo Pérez , German Bernal , Migel Castañon , Laura Jiménez , Cairo Toledano
Published: December 2017

The third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines recommend calculating the 10-year morbidity of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease using risk calculators when treating high blood cholesterol in adults. We analyzed the changes in cardiovascular risk (CVR) among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from México. Materials and Methods This observational, prospective cohort study compared the cardiovascular risk after one year of usual treatment among 460 HIV patients in México. Changes using the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk estimator and changes in clinical outcomes were analyzed. The results were categorized as low or high CVR using a cut-off of 7.5%. The cardiovascular risk at baseline showed a mean of 4.45% ± 6.1% (0.2% to 50.1%), which changed to 4.48% ± 5.4% (0.2% to 33.2one year later . After cardiovascular risk stratification at baseline, we found that 84.3% of patients had a low CVR, and 18% of this group had metabolic syndrome. Moreover, 15.7% of this population was at high cardiovascular risk and 47% had metabolic syndrome. Approximately 4.3% of patients had a CVR increase and 2.6% had a cardiovascular risk decrease. Of the total patients, 22.3% had metabolic syndrome at baseline.
Flex-T™ HLA Class I ELISA Protocol v3
Authors: Miller Kelsey
Published: December 2017

The HLA class I ELISA is an enzyme immunoassay based on the detection of β2-microglobulin subunit of HLA class I complexes, after capturing the complex through the conjugated biotin. To this end, biotinylated HLA class I complex is first captured in streptavidin coated microtiter wells. Subsequently, HRP-conjugated anti-human β2-microglobulin is added to detect intact HLA class I complexes. Only intact HLA class I complexes are recognized. Peptides with high affinity binding will be clearly detected by this ELISA technique, while peptides with a moderate to low binding affinity for HLA class I provide a moderate to non-detectable signal. This protocol is designed to evaluate the efficiency of peptide exchange when using the Flex-T™ system.
FRAMING THE FIELD: THE CASE OF THE 1969 CHARLESTON HOSPITAL WORKERS' STRIKE*
Authors: Danaher William F. , Dixon Marc
Published: December 2017

We investigate how union, employer and allied actors engage in framing contests and seek to gain the upper hand in a strike event by analyzing a historically significant labor and civil-rights struggle in the 1969 hospital workers' strike in Charleston, South Carolina against the Medical College of South Carolina (MCSC). Through an analysis of newspapers, interviews, and archival materials, we show how discursive tactics by multiple actors superseded worker messages over the 100-day event. Worker messages, dignity and union recognition, competed with their ally's, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), messages of poverty and civil rights as well as claims from MCSC. The workers' weakened position within this multi-actor field and limited salience of union claims served to gradually silence worker voices, shaping the protest campaign in important ways. Our findings underscore the importance of power and inequality in the framing of social conflict.
WHO SPEAKS FOR WHOM? (MIS) REPRESENTATION AND AUTHENTICITY IN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS*
Authors: Luna Zakiya
Published: December 2017

While many social movement studies mention the idea of authenticity, few consider the authentication processes in movements. This article examines how authenticity challenges manifest in different arenas of movement/countermovement struggles. Through a qualitative analysis of minority organizations engaged in an abortion debate, I focus on how racial minorities demonstrate authenticity to legitimate their ability to represent their community's views on abortion. I argue that both sides engage in proximity practices that emphasize their movement's congruence while pointing to perceived incongruence of the opposition. After demonstrating how these practices are used in three arenas, I suggest areas for researchers to examine in future studies on minorities in movements and beyond.
Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis – Patterns of Care and Treatment in the EU-5 from Neurologists’ Perspective
Authors: Cook Keziah ,   Analysis Group Inc., Menlo Park, CA, US, Suresh Rathi ,   BluePrint Research Group LLC, New York, NY, US, Lou Kai-Jye ,   Analysis Group Inc., Menlo Park, CA, US, Kesslak J Patrick ,   ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA, US, Fredericks Doral ,   ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA, US
Published: December 2017

Over half of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) develop symptoms of psychosis during the course of their disease. Existing guidelines include recommendations for managing symptoms of psychosis in patients with PD. However, the extent to which such recommendations translate to clinical practice in major European nations is unclear. The current study describes trends in the clinical management of patients diagnosed with PD psychosis (PDP) based on survey responses and patient chart reviews from 437 neurologists across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK (collectively, the EU-5). Surveyed neurologists reported that PDP typically manifests four or more years after the diagnosis of PD, with the most commonly reported initial symptoms being moderately disruptive visual hallucinations, agitation, and illusions/false sense of presence. PD medications adjustment was the most common first-line intervention, applicable to an estimated 59–79% of patients for the initial management of PDP depending on country. Responses from surveyed neurologists suggest PD medications adjustment is a temporary solution for many patients with PDP and that there is considerable variability in subsequent lines of intervention. The current report provides a resource for understanding the patterns of care and treatment for PDP across these major European nations.
Can we Continue to Afford Access to Cancer Treatment?
Authors: Wilking Nils ,   Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden, Lopes Gilberto ,   Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, FL, US, Meier Klaus ,   HKK Soltau, Lower Saxony & Heidekreis-Klinikum GmbH, Soltau, Germany, Simoens Steven ,   KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, van Harten Wim ,   University Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands,   Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands, Vulto Arnold ,   Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Published: December 2017

Oncology is facing a crisis of affordability that is not sustainable. The economic burden of cancer is growing, as a result of the rising cancer incidence and increased survival, alongside growing investment in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The prices of new cancer drugs continue to increase, placing growing pressure on many healthcare systems. The aim of this article is to explore the reasons why the cost of cancer care is increasing, and why this increase may become unsustainable unless changes are made. There are only limited options for future health spending. Finding ways to improve the allocation of existing resources to achieve the best outcomes for patients will be key to achieving sustainability, whilst safeguarding the continued development of new, effective cancer treatments. Currently, too many cancer drugs are approved without robust evidence of value, and spending more on treatments does not necessarily translate to improvements in health. For all new drugs, in addition to efficacy and safety, there should be a focus on value, with measured outcomes and pricing that ensures these drugs are affordable. Fundamental changes to healthcare systems and industry are needed to sustain cancer care and allow continued access to effective and safe treatments for all patients.
Endocrine Therapeutic Strategies for Patients with Hormone Receptor-positive Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Schmid Peter ,   Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK
Published: December 2017

Endocrine treatment constitutes the therapeutic backbone for patients with oestrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer unless there is visceral crisis or suspected or known endocrine resistance. Whether all patients who are suitable for endocrine therapy should receive combination therapy or whether there remains a role for single-agent endocrine therapy is yet to be determined. Cancer biology (ESR1 mutational status) and disease pattern determine the choice of single-agent endocrine treatment. Possibly, patients with low disease burden, slow progression and presumed endocrine sensitivity might still be considered for single-agent endocrine therapy, whereas patients with more aggressive disease including visceral metastases might benefit from combination therapy. Improved guidance on selection and sequencing of treatments should become available once overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) data have been reported from the ongoing trials in breast cancer, principally, FALCON (NCT01602380), PALOMA-2 (NCT01740427) and MONALEESA-2 (NCT01958021), which include different patient groups and, probably, different endocrine sensitivity.
A fragment of the world, a piece of human consciousness: Tim Bowling’s "The Bone Sharps" (2007) and "The Tinsmith" (2012)
Authors: Martínez Serrano Leonor María
Published: December 2017

Canadian novelist, poet and essayist Tim Bowling is one of the most prestigious authors in 21st-century Canadian letters. A prolific and versatile author, he has published twelve poetry collections, four novels, a memoir and a work of creative non-fiction so far. This paper looks at two of his novels, "The Bone Sharps" (2007) and "The Tinsmith" (2012), tools of knowledge that explore not just human consciousness as the lens through which we make sense of reality, including our selves, but also history, memory and identity, epistemology and ethics. A fragment of the world and a piece of human consciousness: this is what both novels are.
Charity institutions as networks of power: how Anzia Yezierska's characters resist philanthropic surveillance
Authors: Campos Rebeca E.
Published: December 2017

At the end of the nineteenth-century, American private institutions took the charge of spreading national values due to the massive wave of eastern European immigration. These institutions, especially charitable organizations, supported the integration of immigrants, however, from a classist perspective. According to the Polish-American author Anzia Yezierska (1885-1970), their apparently inclusive programs actually hindered the fulfilment of the discourse of the American Dream, which is based on the premise of preserving individual differences. By comparing those charitable institutions to Michel Foucault’s panoptical prison, this research attempts to demonstrate how the similarities between both structures help understand up to what extent the benefactresses in charge accurately managed to influence the newly arrived immigrants. The hierarchy of power established between them would determine the latter’s difficulties to achieve the recognition of their individualities from their intersectional experiences. The alternative to the monitoring network, thus, appears in the act of solidarity, a kind of resistance that allows ghettoized characters to perform their cultural distinctiveness away from Americanization.
Approaching Erasmus students’ intercultural communicative competence through their socialisation patterns
Authors: Gutiérrez Almarza Gloria , Durán Martínez Ramiro , Beltrán Llavador Fernando
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the impact of university students’ socialisation patterns on the development of ICC (Intercultural Communicative Competence) during their Erasmus placements. In our research, we complement previous comparative analyses of a quantitative nature between UK and Spain based students’ ICC. The answers to sixteen items from a questionnaire provided by 40 Nottingham Trent University and 30 University of Salamanca students shed light on three pivotal dimensions: everyday interaction patterns, overall perception of the study sojourn, and intercultural lessons learned during their stay. Our results show that, at the end of their placement, both cohorts report no substantial differences on their means to socialise while abroad and that the two confer paramount importance to being open-minded and using the target language proficiently, while their perception differs regarding aspects such as their previous knowledge about the host country or their self-image as representatives of their home culture.
Вегетативный тонус и регуляция системы кровообращения у спортсменов при стрессовых ситуациях и профилактика аритмий
Authors: Журавлев Александр Константинович , Семикин Геннадий Иванович , Голубев Юрий Юрьевич , Голубева Галина Юрьевна , Нечушкин Юрий Васильевич
Published: December 2017

Адаптация сердечно-сосудистой системы при физической активности связана с состоянием вегетативной нервной системы и изменением тонуса симпатического и парасимпатических отделов. При соревновательной деятельности наблюдается стрессовое состояние с высоким напряжением регуляторных систем организма, возможным развитием аритмий. Оценка вегетативного тонуса позволяет определить состояние адаптационных реакцией, возникающих при физических нагрузках. Перспективным методом изучения вегетативного обеспечения оптимальной гемодинамики является вариабельность сердечного ритма.
Effects of Exchange Rate Fluctuations on the Balance of Payment in the Nigerian Economy
Authors: Felix Nwaolisa Echekoba
Published: December 2017

This study seeks to find out how exchange rates fluctuation impacts on balance of payments (BOP).The secondary data where used specifically from CBN and National Statistics publications from 1990-2013. Average values for import, exports, exchange rate and balance of payment were collected for various years. Data were analyzed using multiple regression unit root test, making use of Augmented Dickey Fuller Test, E-view test statistics making use of variables, critical values and decision in carrying out unit root test. Where the findings showed that foreign exchange rate fluctuation in general affects some of these macro-economic variables.  The  Researcher concludes that government should harmonize monetary and fiscal policies to boost non-oil exports. A market driven exchange rate will encourage exports and take care of disequilibria in balance of payments.
Youth Unemployment, Violent Extremism and Job Creation For Peace and Prosperity- Silatech as a Case Study
Authors: Abdelkarim Abbas
Published: December 2017

The first section of this Paper portrays the youth unemployment situation in the Arab region. The scale of youth unemployment in the Arab region, being more than double the average world rate, justifies why Silatech, the case study of the Paper, has decided to start focusing on the region despite being launched by its initiator as an international youth-oriented initiative, a role that still Silatech endeavours to move onto.

The second section exposes violent extremism as a threat to global peace and security. It also shown that youth represent a primary recruitment target of violent extremists. While youth unemployment may be a push factor leading to violent extremism, it has been argued that there are other push and pull factors that need to be understood and considered when developing strategies and interventions to prevent and combat violent extremism.

The third section affirms employment creation as a priority for peace, security and for attaining global sustainable development goals. It discusses and draws lessons from donor youth programming.

The fourth section present the activities and the organisation of operations of Silatech, as an organisation that works in the economic empowerment of youth.

Two points make the conclusion: the employment promotion role of Silatech as peacebuilding; helping in preventing and dealing with the consequences of violent extremism, and how can Silatech avoids two of the negative international experiences in youth development programmes