bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of a Decade of Rugby Union Injury Epidemiology: 2007-2017
Authors: Viviers Pierre L. , Viljoen Jeandré T. , Derman Wayne
Published: February 2018

Context:

Rugby union is the most widely played team collision sport globally. As with other contact sports, there is substantial risk of injury. To date, the majority of studies on injury epidemiology have focused on elite male cohorts, which inherently prevents extrapolation of research findings to other groups within the player continuum. This review aims to describe emerging injury trends across the spectrum of various rugby union subpopulations and to highlight gaps that may influence future injury prevention tactics.

Evidence Acquisition:

Relevant articles published from 2007 to 2017 were obtained by searching MEDLINE, PubMed, and SPORT Discus. Studies on 15-a-side rugby union, implemented according to the 2007 consensus statement on injury definitions and data collection procedures for injuries in rugby union, were used.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Results:

Match injuries occur more frequently than training injuries. Injury rates increase consistently according to age and level of play. Severity of injury often is greater among lower levels of the game, and sex-specific differences relating to injury patterns and incidence rates exist.

Conclusion:

To date, a paucity of injury surveillance data exists for women and players of both sexes at all levels of community rugby union. Furthermore, the incidence of injuries and illnesses are poorly reported in epidemiological studies. Despite methodological differences, injury trends remain consistent throughout all levels of play.
A randomized study to evaluate the effect of exercise on fatigue in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod
Authors: Mäurer M , Schuh K , Seibert S , Baier M , Hentschke C , Streber R , Tallner A , Pfeifer K
Published: February 2018

Background

Fatigue is a major symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients, and it has been shown to improve with physical exercise. Although fingolimod might lessen fatigue, it is unclear how patients treated with fingolimod react to physical activity regarding fatigue.

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of an exercise intervention on fatigue in relapsing–remitting MS patients receiving fingolimod.

Methods

People with MS (PwMS) were randomized to either a structured internet-based exercise program (e-training) or no e-training intervention. The primary endpoint was the change in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (mFIS) after six months.

Results

The primary analysis showed no statistically significant difference between groups in the mFIS change. Subgroup analyses revealed a beneficial effect of physical exercise for PwMS with low aerobic capacity and with low aerobic capacity plus more severe fatigue. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups. No cardiovascular events were reported. The majority of PwMS were relapse free.

Conclusion

Physical exercise benefits on fatigue may depend on the physical capacity of the patient and requires individualized training. Consistent with previous studies, these results suggest that physical exercise generally does not impose a risk and that this holds true also for patients receiving fingolimod. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01490840.
The Impact of Homogeneity of Answer Choices on Item Difficulty and Discrimination
Authors: Atalmis Erkan Hasan , Kingston Neal Martin
Published: February 2018

This study explored the impact of homogeneity of answer choices on item difficulty and discrimination. Twenty-two matched pairs of elementary and secondary mathematics items were administered to randomly equivalent samples of students. Each item pair comparison was treated as a separate study with the set of effect sizes analyzed using meta-analysis and a moderator analysis. The results show that multiple-choice (MC) items with homogeneous answer choices tend to be easier than MC items with nonhomogeneous answer choices, but the magnitude was related to item content (algebra vs. geometry) and answer choice construction strategy. For algebra items, items with homogeneous answer choices are easier than those with nonhomogeneous answer choices. However, the difficulty of geometry items with homogeneous and nonhomogeneous is not statistically different. Taking into account answer choice construction strategy, the findings showed that items with homogeneous answer choices were easier than items with nonhomogeneous answer choices when different strategy was applied. However, the same construction strategy was applied; thus, the difficulty of items with homogeneous answer choices and nonhomogeneous answer choices was not statistically different. In addition, we found that item discrimination does not significantly change across MC items with homogeneous and nonhomogeneous answer choices.
Integration of Health Coaching Concepts and Skills into Clinical Practice Among VHA Providers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Collins David A. , Thompson Kirsten , Atwood Katharine A. , Abadi Melissa H. , Rychener David L. , Simmons Leigh Ann
Published: February 2018

Background

Although studies of health coaching for behavior change in chronic disease prevention and management are increasing, to date no studies have reported on what concepts and skills providers integrate into their clinical practice following participation in health coaching courses. The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess Veterans Health Administration (VHA) providers’ perceptions of the individual-level and system-level changes they observed after participating with colleagues in a 6-day Whole Health Coaching course held in 8 VHA medical centers nationwide.

Methods

Data for this study were from the follow-up survey conducted with participants 2 to 3 months after completing the training. A total of 142 responses about individual-level changes and 99 responses about system-level changes were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Eight primary themes emerged regarding individual changes, including increased emphasis on Veterans’ values, increased use of listening and other specific health coaching skills in their clinical role, and adding health coaching to their clinical practice.Four primary themes emerged regarding system-level changes, including leadership support, increased staff awareness/support/learning and sharing, increased use of health coaching skills or tools within the facility, and organizational changes demonstrating a more engaged workforce, such as new work groups being formed or existing groups becoming more active.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that VHA providers who participate in health coaching trainings do perceive positive changes within themselves and their organizations. Health coaching courses that emphasize patient-centered care and promote patient–provider partnerships likely have positive effects beyond the individual participants that can be used to promote desired organizational change.
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Adult-Onset Still’s Disease
Authors: Sinha Ankur , Patti Ravikaran , Ambesh Paurush , Obiagwu Chukwudi , Malhan Namrita , Chawla Kabu
Published: February 2018

A 29-year-old female with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) presented with progressive shortness of breath both on rest and on exertion, increased abdominal girth, and swelling in both legs. She was on oral prednisone and was recently started on canakinumab (interleukin-1 antagonist) for joint pain and rash of AOSD. Echocardiogram showed severely dilated right ventricle, dilated pulmonary artery, moderately reduced right ventricular systolic function, but with normal left ventricular systolic function. Computed tomography with contrast ruled out pulmonary embolism. Blood tests ruled out other rheumatologic diseases. The patient was diagnosed with right-sided heart failure likely secondary to AOSD. Right heart catheterization was needed but could not be performed because of severely dilated pulmonary artery. The patient was transferred to a higher center for further management and possible cardiopulmonary transplant.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: hPMSC transplantation restoring ovarian function in premature ovarian failure mice is associated with change of Th17/Tc17 and Th17/Treg cell ratios through the PI3K/Akt signal pathway
Authors: Yin Na , Wang Yanlin , Lu Xueyan , Liu Ranran , Zhang Lianshuang , Zhao Wei , Yuan Wendan , Luo Qianqian , Wu Hao , Luan Xiying , Zhang Hongqin
Published: February 2018

Background

Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hPMSC) transplantation has been demonstrated to be an effective way of recovering ovarian function in mice with autoimmune induced premature ovarian failure (POF). But the exact mechanism remains unclear. The goal of the present study is to investigate the role of immune factors (T-helper 17 (Th17), cytotoxic T (Tc17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells) in the recovery of ovarian function and whether the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal pathway is involved in the regulation.

Methods

The inhibitor of PI3K/Akt was administered to observe its effect on ovarian function recovery and immune regulation. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)) and anti-Zona pellucida antibody (AZPAb) were measured by ELISA to evaluate ovarian function. The morphological changes of ovaries were observed by HE staining. Apoptosis of granular cells (GCs) was determined by detecting the expression of capase-3. Expression of p-Akt protein was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay in ovarian tissues. The MTT assay was performed to assess GC proliferation. GC apoptosis was performed using flow cytometry analysis. Percentages of Th17, Tc17 and Treg cells were detected by flow cytometry. Expression of interleukin (IL)-17 in serum was measured by ELISA.

Results

LY294002 administration decreased serum levels of E2 and AMH, while the levels of FSH, LH and AZPAb in serum were increased compared with mice in the hPMSC transplantation group. The ovarian morphology presented as atrophy and fibrosis, with functional follicles exhausted. The expression of p-Akt in ovarian tissue was significantly decreased. Also, LY294002 administration significantly decreased proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in GCs, and for immune factors the ratios of Th17/Tc17 and Th17/Treg cells were significantly increased, as well as the serum levels of IL-17.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the PI3K/Akt signal pathway is involved in the recovery of ovarian function by changing the ratios of Th17/ Tc17 and Th17/Treg cells in POF mice following hPMSC transplantation.
A case study on semiautomatic seismic interpretation of unconformities and faults in the southwestern Barents Sea
Authors: Bugge Aina J. , Clark Stuart R. , Lie Jan E. , Faleide Jan I.
Published: February 2018

Recently, there has been a growing interest in automatic and semiautomatic seismic interpretation, and we have developed methods for extraction of 3D unconformities and faults from seismic data as alternatives to conventional and time-consuming manual interpretation. Our methods can be used separately or together, and they are time efficient and based on easily available 2D and 3D image-processing algorithms, such as morphological operations and image region property operations. The method for extraction of unconformities defines seismic sequences, based on their stratigraphic stacking patterns and seismic amplitudes, and extracts the boundaries between these sequences. The fault-extraction method extracts connected components from a coherence-based fault-likelihood cube where interfering objects are addressed prior to the extraction. We have used industry-based data acquired in a complex geological area and implemented our methods with a case study on the Polhem Subplatform, located in the southwestern Barents Sea north of Norway. For this case study, our methods result in the extraction of two unconformities and twenty-five faults. The unconformities are assumed to be the Base Pleistocene, which separates preglacial and postglacial Cenozoic sediments, and the Base Cretaceous, which separates the severely faulted Mesozoic strata from prograding Paleocene deposits. The faults are assumed to be mainly Jurassic normal faults, and they follow the trends of the eastern and southwestern boundaries of the Polhem Subplatform; the north–south-trending Jason Fault complex; and the northwest–southeast-trending Ringvassøy-Loppa Fault complex.
Community treatment orders: an analysis of the first five years of use in England
Authors: Trevithick Liam , Carlile Jane , Nodiyal Sunil , Keown Patrick
Published: February 2018

Background

Community treatment orders (CTOs) were introduced in England in 2008.

Aims

To measure the rate of CTO use in England during the first 5 years following introduction.

Method

The number of involuntary detentions and CTOs in National Health Service (NHS) hospital trusts was collected between 2009 and 2014. Rates of CTO use and the ratio of CTOs to detentions on admission were calculated, and how these varied between trusts.

Results

The number of new CTOs each year ranged between 3834 and 4647. The number subject to a CTO per 100 000 population increased from 6.4 in 2009/10 to 10.0 in 2013/14. There was variation between NHS trusts in the use of CTOs when compared with the number of involuntary detentions

Conclusions

The number of patients on CTOs increased year on year. Those on forensic sections were more likely to be discharged on a CTO than those on civil sections. There was considerable variation in the pattern of use between hospitals.

Declaration of interest

None.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Statement: Biosimilars in Oncology
Authors: Lyman Gary H. , Balaban Edward , Diaz Michael , Ferris Andrea , Tsao Anne , Voest Emile , Zon Robin , Francisco Michael , Green Sybil , Sherwood Shimere , Harvey R. Donald , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: February 2018

As many biosimilars come to market in the next several years, their use in oncology will play an important role in the future care of patients with cancer. ASCO is committed to providing education and guidance to the oncology community on the use of biosimilars in the cancer setting; therefore, ASCO has developed this statement to offer guidance in the following areas: (1) naming, labeling, and other regulatory considerations, (2) safety and efficacy of biosimilars, (3) interchangeability, switching, and substitution, (4) value of biosimilars, and (5) prescriber and patient education.
Synthesis of Ferrocene-Fused Pyrans through Alkynoxy-Directed C–H Activation/Cyclization
Authors: Mitsui Takashi , Tokoro Yuichiro , Haraguchi Ryosuke , Sugita Kengo , Harada Masato , Fukuzawa Shin-ichi , Minami Yasunori , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: February 2018

We have developed palladium-catalyzed C–H activation and cyclization of alkynyl ferrocenyl ethers with various alkynes, providing ferrocene-fused pyran derivatives. As a preliminary result, we also achieved the asymmetric version of this reaction with high enantioselectivity, providing the first example of the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of an enantio-enriched ferrocene-fused oxacycle.
Tudor staphylococcal nuclease is a structure-specific ribonuclease that degrades RNA at unstructured regions during microRNA decay
Authors: Li Chia-Lung , Yang Wei-Zen , Shi Zhonghao , Yuan Hanna S.
Published: February 2018

Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (TSN) is an evolutionarily conserved ribonuclease in eukaryotes that is composed of five staphylococcal nuclease-like domains (SN1–SN5) and a Tudor domain. TSN degrades hyper-edited double-stranded RNA, including primary miRNA precursors containing multiple I•U and U•I pairs, and mature miRNA during miRNA decay. However, how TSN binds and degrades its RNA substrates remains unclear. Here, we show that the C. elegans TSN (cTSN) is a monomeric Ca2+-dependent ribonuclease, cleaving RNA chains at the 5′-side of the phosphodiester linkage to produce degraded fragments with 5′-hydroxyl and 3′-phosphate ends. cTSN degrades single-stranded RNA and double-stranded RNA containing mismatched base pairs, but is not restricted to those containing multiple I•U and U•I pairs. cTSN has at least two catalytic active sites located in the SN1 and SN3 domains, since mutations of the putative Ca2+-binding residues in these two domains strongly impaired its ribonuclease activity. We further show by small-angle X-ray scattering that rice osTSN has a flexible two-lobed structure with open to closed conformations, indicating that TSN may change its conformation upon RNA binding. We conclude that TSN is a structure-specific ribonuclease targeting not only single-stranded RNA, but also unstructured regions of double-stranded RNA. This study provides the molecular basis for how TSN cooperates with RNA editing to eliminate duplex RNA in cell defense, and how TSN selects and degrades RNA during microRNA decay.
Causal pathways of intergenerational poverty transmission in selected EU countries
Authors: Papanastasiou Stefanos , Papatheodorou Christos
Published: February 2018

The paper investigates whether, in what way and to what extent the family of origin affects offspring’s poverty risk in selected EU countriesrepresenting different social protection systems. Employing logit models and utilizing EU-SILC data, the analysis brings to the forefront the importance of social protection for intercepting the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Denmark with the socialdemocratic welfare state is the most successful in mitigating the effect of the family of origin on offspring’s poverty risk, followed by France representing the conservative-corporatist welfare regime. Less effective οn this matter appear to be Greece and Great Britain representing the south-European and the liberal social protection system respectively.
Preparation / Allocation / Habituation: The Holistic Approach to Migrant Exclusion
Authors: Xypolytas Nikos
Published: February 2018

The article establishes a theoretical approach to migrant exclusion based on recent research and focuses on the importance of the experience and organization of work. The holistic approach recognizes three importantstages in the process of exclusion: i) the preparation of future migrants in the country of origin through the integration and cultural acclimatization to casual and low-status work, ii) the allocation of migrant workers in low-status jobs in the host countries and iii) the habituation of migrantworkers to the characteristics and demands of their work which leads to the reproduction of their social position.
The violent crime in the 21st century
Authors: Tatsi Christina , Panagos Konstantinos
Published: February 2018

no abstract
REACTION OF SPRING RAPE OF ACCORD VARIETY ON ABIOTIC CONDITIONS WITH CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GRAIN
Authors: Фатыхов Ильдус , Fatykhov Ildus , Вафина Эльмира , Vafina El'mira , Мухаметшина Сэмбель , Muhametshina Sembel'
Published: February 2018

The reaction of spring rape to the abiotic conditions of the vegetative period, which was manifested by a change in the chemical composition of the seeds, was studied. Among defined 70 chemical elements, 37 were contained in fewer quantities in the seeds of 2015 year harvest, compared to the content in the seeds of 2014 year.
VARIABILITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HARVEST AND NORMATIVE REMOVAL OF NUTRITIONAL SUBSTANCES OF WINTER RHY UNDER THE IMPACT OF AGROCHEMICALS
Authors: Гилязов Миннегали , Gilyazov Minnegali , Юнусов Булат , Yunusov Bulat
Published: February 2018

The variability of chemical composition of winter rye harvest under the influence of the Extrasol biological preparation, mineral fertilizers and seed dressing is considered. The values of economic and normative removal of basic nutrients in conditions of gray forest soil are established. The size of the normative removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by winter rye has been relatively stable, although slightly increased from the introduction of mineral fertilizers.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY OF SWEET CLOVER OF THE SECOND YEAR OF LIFE
Authors: Григорьев Константин , Grigor'ev Konstantin , Шашкаров Леонид , Shashkarov Leonid
Published: February 2018

The article discusses the influence of late fodder miliary cover crops on the photosynthetic activity of second year plants of the sweet clover of life in the conditions of the South-Eastern part of the Volga-Vyatka zone. The determination of the dependence of the sweet clover productivity on various factors makes it difficult for a variety of reasons, connected with the photosynthetic activity of plants. But the productivity of yellow sweet clover crops significantly increases when optimizing the basic conditions necessary for growing plants, when all the photosynthetic activity of plants, which is the most complicated integration process, increases. In this study, in order to determine the sweet clover productivity, the optimal parameters of the most important photosynthetic parameters were determined in the first place, under which high plant productivity is formed. For example, the size of the leaf surface, the net productivity of photosynthesis and the coefficient of photosynthetically active radiation, which are the most optimal parameters of photosynthetic indices. The assimilating surface of the leaf surface of plants, per unit area of sowing, determines the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation by plants. Optimum leaf area, according to A.A. Nichiporovich (1970), L.G. Shashkarov (2006), for the sweet clover is the surface up to 40 thousand square meter, but when growing plants for harvesting, the area of leaves can be increased up to 70 thousand square meter per hectare, which, in turn, allows you to prepare a better feed. Studies have shown that for all years the maximum net productivity of photosynthesis was in yellow sweet clover plants in the variant when the plant was cultivated when sown without cover of late prosoidal cover crops (3.11 g / m2 per day), which allowed it to accumulate the greatest amount of dry matter (4.39 tons per hectare). All the studied late cover crops reduced this indicator of net photosynthetic productivity: in millet variants it was 2.66-2.76, with Sudan grass - 2.36-2.41 and with corn - 2.69-2.76 g / m2 per day. Decrease in the sowing norms of late forage cover crops from conventional values by 25% favorably affected the plants of sweet clover and improved their photosynthetic activity.
VARIABILITY OF SEEDS QUALITY IN THE EAR OF WINTER RYE OF CHULPAN 7 VARIETY
Authors: Исмагилов Рафаэль , Ismagilov Rafael'
Published: February 2018

The article presents the results of studies of quality variability of winter rye seeds of Chulpan 7 variety in the ear. The essential variability of seed quality of seeds within the ear has been established. The coefficient of seed quality index variation (germination energy, germination capacity and growth force) is 1.68-12.11%. The nature of the change in the mass of 1000 seeds, the germination energy, germination capacity and the growth force of seeds in the ear of winter rye is subject to a certain pattern. Seedlings from seeds of different parts of the ear according to morphological indicators (number of roots, length and mass of sprouts and roots) also differ among themselves. The quality of the seeds and their productivity is highest in the middle part of the ear and they gradually decrease to the base and apex of the ear.
STRATEGY AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN BUCKWHEAT BREEDING FOR MODERN FARMING UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE MIDDLE VOLGA REGION
Authors: Кадырова Фанюся , Kadyrova Fanyusya , Кадырова Луиза , Kadyrova Luiza
Published: February 2018

The directions and results of buckwheat breeding for the regions of the middle Volga region are discussed. The efficiency of creation of extreme selection backgrounds for increasing the adaptive potential of plants is shown. The main advantages of the new selection varieties Nikolskaya and Yashlek, obtained on the basis of fasciated hybrid populations, are presented.
Perturbaciones macroeconómicas, movimientos de la tasa de cambio y transmisión sobre precios
Authors: Rincón-Castro Hernán , Rodríguez-Niño Norberto , Castro-Pantoja John
Published: February 2018

La literatura que ha estudiado la transmisión de los movimientos de la tasa de cambio sobre los precios —exchange rate pass-through— asume que aquellos son exógenos a las perturbaciones que impactan la economía. Este supuesto ha sido revaluado a partir de modelos macroeconómicos modernos, que muestran que dichos movimientos son endógenos. Basado en este resultado, el presente documento muestra evidencia de que efectivamente el grado de transmisión depende de la naturaleza de la perturbación que origine el movimiento cambiario, es decir, que la transmisión es perturbación-dependiente (shock-dependent).
Absent friends
Authors: Ainsworth Steve
Published: February 2018

GPs who imagine that charging patients for missed appointments might be a nice little money spinner for their practice need to bear in mind the opposite side of the equation, says Steve Ainsworth
New models of care
Authors: Pow Andrew
Published: February 2018

Specialist medical accountant Andrew Pow offers a checklist for practice managers involved in working at scale
Expanding the Abortion Provider Workforce: A Qualitative Study of Organizations Implementing a New California Policy
Authors: Battistelli Molly Frances , Magnusson Sara , Biggs M. Antonia , Freedman Lori
Published: February 2018

CONTEXT

Access to abortion care in the United States varies according to multiple factors, including location, state regulation and provider availability. In 2013, California enacted a law that authorized nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and physician assistants (PAs) to provide first‐trimester aspiration abortions; little is known about organizations’ experiences in implementing this policy change.

METHODS

Beginning 10 and 24 months after implementation of the new law, semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 administrators whose five organizations trained and employed NPs, CNMs and PAs as providers of aspiration abortions. Interview data on the organizations’ experiences were analyzed thematically, and facilitators of and barriers to implementation were identified.

RESULTS

Administrators were committed to the provision of aspiration abortions by NPs, CNMs and PAs, and nearly all identified improved access to care and complication management as clear benefits of the policy change. However, integration of the new providers was uneven and depended on a variety of circumstances. Organizational disincentives included financial and logistical costs incurred in trying to deploy and integrate the different types of providers. Some administrators found that increased costs were outweighed by improved patient care, whereas others did not. In general, having a strong administrative champion within the organization made a critical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

California's expansion of the abortion‐providing workforce had a positive impact on patient care in the sampled organizations. However, various organizational obstacles must be addressed to more fully realize the benefits of having NPs, CNMs and PAs provide aspiration abortions.
The Effect of Single Mismatches on Primer Extension
Authors: Rejali Nick A , Moric Endi , Wittwer Carl T
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Allele-specific PCR is an important diagnostic tool that identifies single-nucleotide variants by preferential amplification of a particular allele, using primers that are mismatched to all but one allele variant.

METHODS

We applied a fluorescent stopped-flow polymerase assay to measure extension rates from oligonucleotide hairpins to simulate primer–template pairs. Under PCR-applicable conditions, reaction rates were recorded in nucleotides per second per polymerase (nt/s/poly). The effects of temperature, potassium chloride, mismatch type, and position were studied with primarily a deletion mutant of Thermus aquaticus (Taq) DNA polymerase and 135 oligonucleotide sequences.

RESULTS

Rates at 65 °C were between 205 ± 11 and 177 ± 8 nt/s/poly for matched templates and between 4.55 ± 0.21 and 0.008 ± 0.005 nt/s/poly for 3′-mismatched templates. Although extension rates progressively increased with mismatches further away from the 3′ end, rates were still reduced by as much as 84% with a C · C mismatch 6 bases from the 3′ end. The optimal extension temperature for matched sequences was 70 °C, shifting to 55–60 °C for 3′ mismatches. KCl inhibited mismatch extension. The Michaelis constant (Km) was increased and the apparent unimolecular rate constant (kcat) decreased for 3′ mismatches relative to matched templates.

CONCLUSIONS

Although primer extension of mismatches depends on mismatch type and position, variation also depends on local sequence, KCl concentration, and the type of polymerase. Introduction of 3′ mismatches reduces the optimal temperature for extension, suggesting higher annealing temperatures for better allele discrimination. Quantitative descriptions of expected specificity in allele-specific PCR provide additional design direction and suggest when other methods (e.g., high-resolution melting analysis) may be a better choice.
Hyper Zagreb indices of composite graphs
Authors: Devi Sharmila , Kaladevi V.
Published: February 2018

For a (molecular) graph, the first Zagreb index M1 is equal to the sum of squares of the degrees of vertices, and the second Zagreb index M2 is equal to the sum of the products of the degrees of pairs of adjacent vertices. Similarly, the hyper Zagreb index is defined as the sum of square of degree of vertices over all the edges.Â  In this paper, First we obtain the hyper Zagreb indices of some derived graphs and the generalized transformations graphs. Finally, the hyper Zagreb indices of double, extended double, thorn graph, subdivision vertex corona of graphs, Splice and link graphs are obtained.
Prácticas de crianza en la primera infancia en los municipios de Riosucio y Manzanares
Authors: Vergara Hernandez Liliana
Published: February 2018

El presente artículo hace parte del proyecto de investigación Promoción de competencias parentales para el desarrollo de conductas prosociales de niños y niñas de 4 a 7 años realizado en el eje cafetero y que hace parte del programa presentado a Colciencias: “Sentidos y prácticas políticas de niños, niñas y jóvenes en contextos de vulnerabilidad en el eje cafetero, Antioquia y Bogotá: un camino posible de consolidación de la democracia, la paz y la reconciliación mediante procesos de formación ciudadana”. Es el resultado de la segunda fase del proyecto, en la que mediante la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas se buscó describir las prácticas de crianza en la primera infancia utilizadas por las familias de dos municipios de Caldas.
An Extract of Zingiber officinale and Piper retrofractum Combination and Its Effect to Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Ekowati Heny , Septiyaningsih Septiyaningsih , Harwoko Harwoko
Published: February 2018

Chemotherapy may emerge side-effect since it may treat inconveniently the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, both cancer cells or normal cells. Plants as a cancer therapy were expected to reduce this toxicity and side effects. Plants which used empirically for cancer therapy was Zingiber officinale cv. Rubrum and Piper retrofractum. This study was conducted to examine the cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extract combination of two plants in HeLa and T47D cell lines. Zingiber officinale cv. Rubrum, Piper retrofractum and mixture (1:1) powdered then macerated with 96% ethanol for 3 x 24 hours. Identification of the constituent that had potential anticancer effect was used TLC with silica GF 254 as stationary phase, cytotoxic activity was examined by yellow MTT assay, then analyzed using probit. Apoptotic assay was performed by immunofluororescence method, using fluorochromes ethidium bromide and acridine orange. The result showed that Zingiber officinale cv. Rubrum contains terpenoids, while Piper retrofractum contains alkaloids substance. The mixture showed cytotoxic activity against HeLa and T47D cell with IC50 33 and  53 µg/mL respectively. The extract caused cytotoxic effect through apoptotic mechanism.Keywords : Zingiber officinale cv. Rubrum, Piper retrofractum, cytotoxic, HeLa cells, T47D cells
Activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum on Some Cell Lines
Authors: Agustini Kurnia , Sumaryono Wahono , Widyanto R. Micho
Published: February 2018

Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) is one of medicinal plants contains some steroidal sapogenin such as diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin and trigoneoside, also alkaloid trigonellin, which is have many activity as antidiabetic, estrogenic and also as anti cancer. This experiment was done to explore the activity of some extract of TFG on some cell lines such as MCF7 (Human Breast Cancer Cell-line), T47D (Human Breast Cancer Cell-line), PC3 (Human Prostate Cell-line) and SKOV (Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell-line). This assay was done using MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium) methods. Results showed that ethyl acetate fraction gives the lowest IC50 than another extracts. IC50 for PC3 is 66.24 ppm, IC50 for MCF7 is 41.81 ppm, IC50 for T47D is 58.63 ppm. These datas can be used for further research to isolate the active compound from TFG.Keywords : Trigonella foenum-graecum, MCF-7, T47D, SKOV, PC3
Learning throughout life
Aprendendo ao longo da vida
Authors: Tena María José Flores
Published: February 2018

The research presents the progressive increase of lifelong education and its influence on the paradigm of socio-educational inclusion.Today's society is characterized by the increasing aspiration and demand for activities of social promotion and personal development, that is, activities that tend to reinforce the social fabric in their human and community values, in the elimination of solitude or increase the quality of life, through the full enjoyment of civil rights, common cultural goods or participation in the opportunities offered by public and community life.Training, leisure, tourism, use of the internet as a tool of knowledge and communication, social participation. These new social behaviors can be an opportunity to build a more cohesive and supportive society, without generational breaches. And this line, attention to diversity and its inclusive processes, seeks to expand its reach, generating intergenerational spaces.Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.ResumoA pesquisa apresenta o aumento progressivo da educação ao longo da vida e sua influência no paradigma da inclusão sócio-educacional.A sociedade de hoje caracteriza-se pela crescente aspiração e demanda de atividades de promoção social e desenvolvimento pessoal, isto é, atividades que tendem a reforçar o tecido social em seus valores humanos e comunitários, na eliminação da solidão ou aumento a qualidade de vida, através do pleno gozo dos direitos civis, dos bens culturais comuns ou da participação nas oportunidades oferecidas pela vida pública e comunitária.Treinamento, lazer, turismo, uso da internet como ferramenta de conhecimento e comunicação, participação social. Esses novos comportamentos sociais podem ser uma oportunidade para construir uma sociedade mais coesa e solidária, sem brechas generacionais. E esta linha, a atenção à diversidade e seus processos inclusivos, procura expandir seu alcance, gerando espaços intergeracionais.
İNOVASYON VE AR-GE FAALİYETLERİNİN İHRACAT PERFORMANSINA ETKİSİ: TÜRK İŞLETMELERİ ÜZERİNE ALGISAL BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: Ayar Bahadır , Erdil Tayyip
Published: February 2018

Ar-Ge ve inovasyon
kavramları işletmeler için gün geçtikçe önem kazanmaktadır. Ürün ve/veya
hizmetlerin geliştirilmesi, rakiplerin ürün ve/veya hizmetlerinden
farklılaştırılabilmesi için anahtar bir öneme sahip bu kavramlar ülkelerin
dünya ekonomisindeki yerinin de belirleyicilerindendir. Ar-Ge’ye ve inovasyon
faaliyetlerine önem veren ülkelerin ihraç ettikleri ürünler daha fazla katma
değere sahiptir. Konu mikro ve makro boyutta ele alınacak olursa katma değeri
fazla olan ürünleri ihraç eden ülke ve işletmelerin başarılı ihracat
performansları elde ettiklerini söylemek mümkündür. Bu çalışmanın amacı, katma
değer yaratmanın araçlarından olan Ar-Ge ve inovasyon faaliyetlerinin ihracat performansı
üzerindeki etkisinin incelenmesidir. Ar-Ge ile inovasyon faaliyetleri arasındaki
ilişkinin incelenmesi ise çalışmanın yan amacıdır. Çalışmanın verileri Türkiye’de
faaliyet gösteren 313 ihracatçı işletmeden CATI yöntemi ile toplanmıştır. Veri
analizi sonucunda Ar-Ge ve inovasyon faaliyetleri arasında anlamlı ve güçlü bir
ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda Ar-Ge ve inovasyon
faaliyetlerinin ihracat performansı üzerinde etkisi olduğu elde edilen bir
diğer bulgudur. İşletmelerin Ar-Ge harcamalarına ayırdıkları bütçe ve rekabet
avantajı elde edebilmek için öğrenme kültürünü desteklemeleri Ar-Ge ve
inovasyon faaliyetleri konusunda en fazla önem verilen iki durumdur.
The evolutionary ecology of interactive synchronism: the illusion of the optimal phenotype
Authors: Martins Rogério Parentoni , Tidon Rosana , Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: February 2018

In this article, we discuss some ecological-evolutionary strategies that allow synchronization of organisms, resources, and conditions. Survival and reproduction require synchronization of life cycles of organisms with favourable environmental and ecological features and conditions. This interactive synchronization can occur directly, through pairwise or diffuse co-evolution, or indirectly, for example, as a result of actions of ecosystem engineers and facilitator species. Observations of specific interactions, especially those which have coevolved, may give the false impression that evolution results in optimal genotypes or phenotypes. However, some phenotypes may arise under evolutionary constraints, such as simultaneous evolution of multiple traits, lack of a chain of fit transitional forms leading to an optimal phenotype, or by limits inherent in the process of selection, set by the number of selective deaths and by interference between linked variants. Although there are no optimal phenotypes, optimization models applied to particular species may be useful for a better understanding of the nature of adaptations. The evolution of adaptive strategies results in variable life histories. These strategies can minimize adverse impacts on the fitness of extreme or severe environmental conditions on survival and reproduction, and may include reproductive strategies such as semelparity and iteroparity, or morphological, physiological, or behavioural traits such as diapause, seasonal polyphenism, migration, or bet-hedging. However, natural selection cannot indefinitely maintain intra-population variation, and lack of variation can ultimately extinguish populations.
Rapid crystallization and mesophase formation of poly(L-lactic acid) during precipitation from a solution
Authors: Syazwan Muhammad , Sasaki Takashi
Published: February 2018

Very rapid crystallization behaviors of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) are observed at room temperature when it is precipitated from a chloroform solution into a large amount of alcohols (non-solvents). The resulting crystalline phase contains both a highly ordered (α) and less ordered (α′) modifications, and the fraction of these phases depends on the alcohols used as the non-solvents: methanol tends to produce the highly ordered phase. The degree of crystallinity tends to be high for lower alcohols. When the precipitation occurs in n-hexane, almost no crystalline phase is formed, but a mesomorphic phase is formed as a precursor to the crystalline phase. The results suggest that the hydroxyl group of alcohols tends to promote the crystallization of PLLA. However, it is found that the precipitation in methanol at lower temperatures, such as 0°C, does not yield any crystalline phase. It is suggested that the present rapid crystallization during precipitation originates from the enhanced mobility of PLLA molecules in a metastable (non-equilibrium) liquid state.
The role of (auto)-phosphorylation in the complex activation mechanism of LRRK2
Authors: Athanasopoulos Panagiotis S. , Heumann Rolf , Kortholt Arjan
Published: February 2018

Mutations in human leucine-rich-repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) have been found to be the most frequent cause of late-onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD). LRRK2 is a large protein with two enzymatic domains, a GTPase and a kinase domain. A cluster of (auto)-phosphorylation sites within the N-terminus of LRRK2 have been shown to be crucial for the localization of LRRK2 and is important for PD pathogenesis. In addition, phosphorylation of sites within the G-domain of the protein affect GTPase activity. Here we discuss the role of these (auto)-phosphorylation sites of LRRK2 and their regulation by phosphatases and upstream kinases.
Effects of dizocilpine-induced glutamatergic blockade in the nucleus accumbens septi on the plus maze test
Authors: Gargiulo Augusto P.I. , Gargiulo De Aranda María P. , Gargiulo Mercedes M.L. , Gargiulo Angel J.M. , Acuña Andres , Baiardi Gustavo C. , Lafuente José V. , Landa De Gargiulo Adriana I. , Guevara Manuel A. , Gargiulo Pascual A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

In previous studies, we have observed that specific N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) antagonists and non-NMDA antagonists injected within the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) induced an anxiolytic-like effect in the plus maze test in rats. In the present study, the effect of intracanalicular blockade of NMDA receptors using dizocilpine in the plus maze was studied in male rats bilaterally cannulated NAS.

Methods:

Rats were divided into five groups that received either 1 μL injections of saline or dizocilpine (MK-801, [5R,10S]-[+]-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine) in different doses (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 μg) 15 min before testing.

Results:

Time spent in the open arm increased under dizocilpine treatment with the two higher doses (2 and 4 μg, p<0.05), extreme arrivals were increased by the three higher doses (1 μg, p<0.05; 2 and 4 μg, p<0.01), and open arm entries by the three higher doses (1, 2, and 4 μg, p<0.05). A dose-effect relationship was observed in all cases.

Conclusions:

We conclude that dizocilpine-glutamatergic blockade in the accumbens lead to an anxiolytic-like effect and a behavioral disinhibition related to an increase in some motoric parameters, showing specific behavioral patterns.
An inverse problem in elastography involving Lamé systems
Authors: Fernández-Cara Enrique , Maestre Faustino
Published: February 2018

This paper deals with some inverse problems for the linear elasticity system with origin in elastography:
we try to identify the material coefficients from some extra information on
(a part of) the boundary.
In our main result, we assume that the total variation of the coefficient matrix is a priori bounded.
We reformulate the problem as the minimization of a function in an appropriate constraint set.
We prove that this extremal problem possesses at least one solution with the help of some regularity results.
Two crucial ingredients are a Meyers-like theorem that holds in the context of linear elasticity and a nonlinear interpolation result by Luc Tartar.
We also perform some numerical experiments that provide satisfactory results.
To this end, we apply the Augmented Lagrangian algorithm, completed with a limited-memory BFGS subalgorithm.
Finally, on the basis of these experiments, we illustrate the influence of the starting guess and the errors in the data on the behavior of the iterates.
The Deferral of Attacks: SP/A Theory as a Model of Terrorist Choice when Losses Are Inevitable
Authors: Phillips Peter J. , Pohl Gabriela
Published: February 2018

When a terrorist group’s aspirations far exceed the outcomes that can be expected to result from any of the available attack methods, an outcome below the terrorist group’s aspiration level is inevitable. A primary prediction of SP/A theory when applied to the study of terrorist behaviour is that when losses are inevitable the terrorist group will be risk averse and inclined to defer further action until expected outcomes improve, new attack method innovations are developed or the memory of the event that shaped aspirations has faded sufficiently that the aspiration level can be ‘reset’. This complements existing predictions of loss aversion and risk seeking behaviour over the domain of avoidable losses and provides a starting point for developing explanations for patterns of behaviour that are observed in the terrorism context, including pauses in violence, even during brutality contests, and time-lags between terrorist attacks.
Corporantia: Is moral consciousness above individual brains/robots?
Authors: Santos-Lang Christopher Charles
Published: February 2018

This article calls out the common assumption that moral consciousness occurs at the level of individual brains and robots. It explores the alternative, evidence against the assumption, and provides a means to further test the assumption. It also discusses the consequences of making or abandoning this assumption, especially the consequences for the further evolution of robots.
Sterbebettphänomen
Authors: Reisinger Margarete , Schärli-Purtschert Marianne
Published: February 2018

Sterbende Menschen kommunizieren Wahrnehmungen von bereits verstorbenen Angehörigen, erzählen von schönen Orten und davon, dass sie nun eine Reise unternehmen werden. In diesem Zusammenhang wird in Fachveröffentlichungen häufig vom „Sterbebettphänomen“ gesprochen. Es handelt sich hierbei um nahtodähnliche paranormale Manifestationen, Visionen und Wahrnehmungen. Im Gegensatz zu Träumen oder zu Visionen werden diese jedoch hyperreal erlebt: Die Sterbebettphänomene erscheinen intensiver und wirklicher als die normale Realität. Dieses Phänomen ist noch unklar definiert und wenig bekannt. Seine Bedeutung hinsichtlich der damit verbundenen Wahrnehmungen für die sterbenden Menschen sowie für die Erfahrungen und das Verständnis des betreuenden Pflegefachpersonals und einer möglichen pflegerischen Unterstützung der sterbenden Menschen mit Sterbebettphänomenen ist bisher kaum geklärt. Dieser Beitrag fasst die Ergebnisse von Experteninterviews in verschiedenen Bereichen von Palliative Care zusammen. Es wird deutlich, dass Sterbebettphänomene Monate bis Minuten vor dem Tod, meistens jedoch innerhalb von 24 Stunden vor dem Versterben auftreten können. Der Sterbeprozess wird dadurch von Gefühlen des Friedens, der Ruhe und von Liebe geprägt, Ängste vor dem Tod werden genommen. Das Pflegefachpersonal reagiert aus Unsicherheit oft mit Abneigung gegenüber dem Sterbebettphänomen. Es fällt ihm daher schwer, auf die betroffenen Patientinnen und Patienten einzugehen. Das Sterbebettphänomen lässt sich oftmals eindeutig vom Delir differenzieren. Schlussfolgernd lässt sich feststellen, dass Sterbebettphänomene als ein möglicher und wichtiger Teil des Sterbeprozesses zu betrachten sind. Die sterbenden Menschen erkennen in ihnen eine tiefe spirituelle Bedeutung und erfahren Trost. Für das Pflegefachpersonal werden spezielle Schulungen im Rahmen von Aus- und Weiterbildungen benötigt. Zudem ist ein regelmäßiger Austausch im Team erstrebenswert.