bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of flash flood hazard in the Pidima-Arfara area (Messinia, SW Greece), based on the study of instantaneous unitary hydrographs, longitudinal profilesand stream power
Authors: Sambaziotis E. , Fountoulis I.
Published: June 2018

In this paper it is an effort to combine different methodologies in order to locate the sensitive sites in flash flood phenomena in a relatively small catchment located north of Kalamata (Messinia SW Péloponnèse, Greece). Based on digitised topographic map (scale 1/5.000) the longitudinal, gradient and stream power profiles of the watercourses were constructed and the results (possibly sensitive to flash floods sites) were compared to ones that came from applying hydrological simulation, hydrographs as well as Instantaneous Unitary Hydrographs. The comparison showed that the results were in good agreement.
Identification and assessment of Cretan geotopes
Authors: Fassoulas C. , Paragamian K. , Iliopoulos G.
Published: June 2018

This study presents the first complete list of the most important geological features and landforms of Crete. Identification of geo topes and collection of data were based on earlier publications and similar efforts, search in existing scientific literature and field observations. A database was formed containing the overall documentation of each geotope, on which evaluation was afterwards implemented. Worldwide tested methodologies were used for the recognition of the importance and value for each geotope, as well as, the identification of possible threats and future perspectives for local economic and scientific development. About 132 geotopes were recognized for their national or regional importance, their representativeness for the interpretation of Cretan geology and impact on natural ecosystems and local culture. The majority of these geotopes are of high scientific and aesthetic value serving in our days tourist and scientific/educational purposes. Generally no serious threats or dangers have been recognized, except of few caves where the impact of massive tourism is serious. These results set a minimum base for the conservation and enhancement of Cretan earth heritage, that should be followed by nationally based actions for further recognition and legal protection of our geodiversity
Dictionary Article Methodical Term: Content, Structure, Function
Authors: Дейкина Алевтина , Deykina Alevtina , Цуканова Е. , Cukanova E.
Published: June 2018

This article draws attention to the problem of understanding the terminology of methods of teaching Russian language and the presentation of the term in methodical articles and dictionary entries terminology dictionary. The dictionary of methodical terms is usually referred to as an authoritative means of semantization of special words in the study of professionally-oriented disciplines in high school. However, the dictionary article of the term is not easy both in terms of language and in terms of structure. The situation is complicated by the fact that the same concept can have several different interpretations. In this regard, training in the use of terminology dictionaries for the teaching of the Russian language requires a system of action that meets user searches and verified in the stages of learning vocabulary.
A noção de norma, a variação linguística e a formação de professores: entre a sociolinguística e uma “linguística da tolerância”
Authors: Souza Adriano de , Simioni Taíse , Bopp da Silva Taís
Published: June 2018

O presente estudo discute o estatuto da noção de norma dentro dos estudos linguísticos e apresenta seu papel na formulação do conceito de sistema heterogêneo, conceito este de fundamental importância para a compreensão dos fenômenos variáveis. Em um segundo momento da pesquisa, realizou-se um estudo empírico com oito estudantes de Letras de uma universidade federal do extremo sul do Brasil, com o intuito de verificar a compreensão destes estudantes acerca da variação linguística. Os resultados indicaram que os alunos são hábeis em detectar casos de variação, porém há indícios de que não chegam a uma compreensão real do que seja o fenômeno variável, uma vez que associam variação apenas a variantes que fogem ao padrão. Tal visão, que escamoteia o papel de competição entre variantes dentro de um sistema, indica que os estudantes não chegam a uma real compreensão do que é um sistema heterogêneo e de suas consequências para a língua. Neste contexto, a discussão sobre o conceito de norma pode ser uma ferramenta útil na formação inicial de futuros professores de línguas.
Posição responsável na língua que ensino/aprendo: análise da relação do professor de inglês com as aulas (de inglês) em um curso de formação continuada
Authors: Reis Valdeni Da Silva
Published: June 2018

O presente trabalho objetiva investigar os efeitos de sentido mobilizados por professores de língua inglesa (LI) participantes de um projeto de formação continuada, de uma universidade federal do estado de Minas Gerais. De modo mais específico, estaremos focados na análise de deslocamentos discursivos/subjetivos oriundos de sua participação em aulas de LI ministradas por duas americanas bolsistas Capes/Fulbright, em um dos módulos do projeto. Com apoio principalmente nos construtos teóricos em torno da responsabilização e do posicionamento discursivo/subjetivo, serão analisados relatos escritos pelos professores, no intuito de explorar o modo como eles significam essa experiência, (re)significando sua prática e seu modo de nela se posicionar como professor/a de língua inglesa. Resultados indicam que as aulas de LI oferecidas no projeto convocam o professor a um complexo processo de responsabilização e (re)posicionamento.
Formação de Professores de línguas: práticas, teorias, diálogos
Authors: Miller Inés Kayon de , Bezerra Isabel C. R. Moares
Published: June 2018

Apresentação do número 35, 2018.1.
Iraqi women die too: Exploring Iraq’s invisible female casualties
Authors: Tarzi Nazli
Published: June 2018

In questioning the lack of gender-specific casualty data, this analysis helps to reveal the reasons responsible for the invisibility of Iraq’s female dead. Iraqi women, gleaning from existing casualty counts, are noticeably neglected, dwarfed by other female heroines: the foreign service woman, the suicide bomber and – not least – men in combat boots. The hierarchy that places occupying forces at a higher rank than occupied populations has long rendered Iraqi life inconsequential, or the death of its people ‘inevitable’, and therefore, ungrievable. However, this alone does not account for the absence of Iraq’s female dead. More fundamentally, what purpose does their exclusion from death counts serve, and when and why are female wartime casualties logged?
Many women on many journeys: Haifa Zangana’s Women on a Journey: Between Baghdad and London in Arabic-English para/translation
Authors: Rached Ruth Abou
Published: June 2018

Like many Iraqi writers, activist-writer and artist Haifa Zangana took the decision not to write fiction after the 2003 war in Iraq. Her 2001 Arabic novel (Women on a Journey) nonetheless was translated into English by Judy Cumberbatch and published in 2004 by US-based Texas University Press under the title Women on a Journey: Between Baghdad and London. Zangana’s decision to publish her 2001 Arabic novel as an English translation in the United States raises interesting questions on how the novel was presented to post-2003 US receptions and by whom. To explore these questions, I analyse how (Women on a Journey) journeys into post-2003 US-English translation, drawing on analytical frameworks of feminist translation that assume that gendered and geopolitical relationalities underpin all acts of writing and translation. The aim of my analysis in this article is to re-visit and highlight the importance of this novel in Arabic and English publication as an innovative genre of (translated) Iraqi women’s literature. My analysis also invites engagement and debate on how feminist translation analytical approaches can help us revisit both versions of the novel as connective kaleidoscopic expressions of inter-weaving voices which mediate both Haifa Zangana’s evolving contexts of activist writing on Iraq and Iraqi women as well as the dynamic politics of Iraqi women’s literature in Arabic and English translation.
Gender violence and the spirit of the feminine: Two accounts of the Yazidi tragedy
Authors: Masmoudi Ikram
Published: June 2018

This article examines two contrasting accounts of the Yazidi tragedy and IS enslavement of Yazidi women. Through victim testimonies it brings to light how the violence and rape perpetrated against Yazidi women in IS held territory morphed from an IS-sanctioned war crime into market-driven rape and enslavement by individuals, and how the gender violence was intensified in this privatization process. By juxtaposing oral history accounts against a fictional retelling of the tragedy the article investigates different ways of documenting the traumatic experiences of Yazidi women.
Probing the mechanism of xanthine oxidase and 2-amino xanthine: an implication of energy, charge bond order and wave function.
Authors: Bitew Mamaru
Published: June 2018

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an important molybdenum-containing enzyme catalyzing the hydroxylation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uricacid. The mechanistic action by which xanthine oxidase oxidizes purine derivatives is not well understood. A better understanding of the overall mechanism is supposed to enhance our ability to control the metabolic properties of potential drug molecules metabolized by this enzyme. In this work a model substrate, 2-Amino Xanthine has been used to study the mechanistic action of the enzyme. For this reason, the present theoretical work was intended to probe a unified mechanism for the oxidation of 2-Amino Xanthine by xanthine oxidase. Parameters like total electronic energy, Mulliken atomic charges, wave functions, and percent contribution of chemical fragments were generated using a DFT method employing B3LYP level of theory with 6-31G(d',p') basis set for nonmetals and LanL2DZ basis set for molybdenum. AOmix software package that employs single point energy output as an input file was employed for wave function and percent fragment analysis. From these result new reaction intermediates and plausible reaction mechanism root has been reported for reductive and oxidative half reaction using 2-Amino Xanthine as model substrate. In this work it can be concluded that a stepwise mechanistic route with hydrogen bonding reaction complex and active site resemble very rapid Mo (V) intermediate is most plausible.Â Â Â Â Â
Classroom management strategies used to deal with unwanted behaviors encountered by pre-school teachers
Okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin öğrencilerin istenmeyen davranışlarıyla baş etmede kullandıkları sınıf yönetimi stratejileri
Authors: Dal Mustafa , Akan Durdağı
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to identify classroom management strategies used to deal with unwanted behaviors encountered in the classes of pre-school teacher. Phenomenology patterns, one of the methods of qualitative research, were benefited in the research. The study group consists of 18 pre-school teachers all working in kindergartens in the city center of Igdir. To determine the study group, easy accessible case sampling, which is one of purposeful sampling methods, was benefited. The data, consisting of 3 questions asked to teachers, was obtained via semi-structured interview forms. Analysis of the results indicated not following classroom rules, misbehavior, complaining of friends and violence in classroom behavior as the mostly expressed complaints by teachers. This behavior was found to occur mostly during free time period and during when schools are just opened. It was found that teachers benefited from rewarding and consolidating, identifying the class rules and ignoring to cope with this unwanted behavior. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.  ÖzetBu araştırmanın amacı, okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin sınıf içerisinde karşılaştıkları istenmeyen öğrenci davranışlarıyla baş etmede kullandıkları sınıf yönetimi stratejilerini tespit etmektir. Araştırmada yöntem olarak nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olgubilim (fenomenoloji) deseninden faydalanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, tamamı Iğdır il merkezindeki bağımsız anaokullarında çalışan 18 okul öncesi öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma grubunun belirlenmesi için amaçlı örneklem seçimi yöntemlerinden kolay ulaşılabilir durum örneklemesinden yararlanılmıştır. Veriler, öğretmenlere sorulan 3 sorudan oluşan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile elde edilmiştir. Analiz sonucunda öğretmenlerin en çok belirttiği istenmeyen davranışların sınıf kurallarına uymama, arkadaşlarını şikâyet etme ve şiddet türü davranışlar olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu davranışların en çok serbest zaman etkinliklerinde ve okulun yeni açıldığı dönemlerde ortaya çıktığı görülmüştür. Öğretmenlerin de bu istenmeyen davranışlara baş etmek için en çok ödül ve pekiştirme, sınıf kurallarını belirleme ve görmezden gelme stratejilerini kullandıkları tespit edilmiştir.
Aberrant DNA methylation involved in obese women with systemic insulin resistance
Authors: Zhang Shao-Jun , Wang Yan , Yang Yan-Lan , Zheng Hong
Published: June 2018

Background

Epigenetics has been recognized as a significant regulator in many diseases. White adipose tissue (WAT) epigenetic dysregulation is associated with systemic insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to survey the differential methylation of genes in obese women with systemic insulin resistance by DNA methylation microarray.

Methods

The genome-wide methylation profile of systemic insulin resistant obese women was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. After data preprocessing, differing methylation patterns between insulin resistant and sensitive obese women were identified by Student’s t-test and methylation value differences. Network analysis was then performed to reveal co-regulated genes of differentially methylated genes. Functional analysis was also implemented to reveal the underlying biological processes related to systemic insulin resistance in obese women.

Results

Relative to insulin sensitive obese women, we initially screened 10,874 differentially methylated CpGs, including 7402 hyper-methylated sites and 6073 hypo-methylated CpGs. Our analysis identified 4 significantly differentially methylated genes, including SMYD3, UST, BCL11A, and BAI3. Network and functional analyses found that these differentially methylated genes were mainly involved in chondroitin and dermatan sulfate biosynthetic processes.

Conclusion

Based on our study, we propose several epigenetic biomarkers that may be related to obesity-associated insulin resistance. Our results provide new insights into the epigenetic regulation of disease etiology and also identify novel targets for insulin resistance treatment in obese women.
Photosynthetic and antioxidant responses of the tropical intertidal seagrasses Halophila ovalis and Thalassia hemprichii to moderate and high irradiances
Authors: Phandee Surangkana , Buapet Pimchanok
Published: June 2018

This study investigated photosynthetic and oxidative stress-related responses to moderate (500 μmol photons m−2s−1) and high irradiances (1500 μmol photons m−2s−1) in two tropical intertidal seagrasses,Halophila ovalisandThalassia hemprichii. Exposure to high irradiance for 3 h resulted in a large decline in the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and in the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) but induced non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and chloroplast clumping inH. ovalis.Thalassia hemprichii, however, showed only a minor decrease in Fv/Fm and ΦPSII, and no change in either NPQ or the intracellular arrangement of chloroplasts. The irradiance did not affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in either seagrass, whereas high irradiance enhanced ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity inH. ovalis. The results from a subsequent experiment using an oxidative stress inducer, methyl viologen (MV), also showed a higher degree of Fv/Fm inhibition inH. ovalis. These results show thatH. ovalisis much more physiologically responsive to high irradiances and oxidative stress thanT. hemprichiiand that its photoprotective mechanisms involve NPQ, APX and reduction of the amount of light absorbed through the clumping of its chloroplasts.
Catalytic activities of heterogeneous catalysts obtained by copolymerization of metal-containing 2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate
Authors: Romanazzi Giuseppe , Mastrorilli Piero , Latronico Mario , Mali Matilda , Nacci Angelo , DelľAnna Maria Michela
Published: June 2018

Among the synthetic strategies commonly used for supporting a metal complex onto an organic polymer in order to obtain an heterogenous catalyst, a valid choice is to synthesize a metal containing monomer (MCM), which can subsequently be subjected to polymerization with suitable comonomers and crosslinkers, achieving a supported transition metal catalyst as a metal-containing polymer (MCP). In this context, during the last two decades, we explored the use of 2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (HAAEMA) as a ligand to prepare several MCMs for the relevant MCPs. In this review we summarize and discuss our developments in the studies of the catalytic activity of these “hybrid” catalysts. These catalysts have demonstrated high efficiency and/or excellent selectivity in several kinds of chemical reactions and very often they could be recovered and reused in multiple cycles maintaining their activity and selectivity without suffering from appreciable metal leaching.
Metal-mediated reactions towards the synthesis of a novel deaminolysed bisurea, dicarbamolyamine
Authors: Odame Felix , Hosten Eric , Tshentu Zenixole R.
Published: June 2018

A new selective cobalt acetate tetrahydrate or cerium nitrate hexahydrate mediated cleavage of the C–N bond of a benzoyl isothiocyanate derivative to give (carbamoylamino)methanethioamide is presented. The cleavage of the C–N could not be achieved in the absence of thione. The novel silver-mediated conversion of a thione to the carbonyl was achieved on 1-((benzamido)formyl)urea and replicated on (carbamoylamino)methanethioamide to give the deaminolyzed bisurea (dicarbamolyamine). The compounds were characterized by IR, NMR, microanalysis and GC–MS. The single crystal X–ray diffraction studies of the crystal structures of compoundsI,II,IIIandVis discussed.
A method to identify pediatric high-risk diagnoses missed in the emergency department
Authors: Sundberg Melissa , Perron Catherine O. , Kimia Amir , Landschaft Assaf , Nigrovic Lise E. , Nelson Kyle A. , Fine Andrew M. , Eisenberg Matthew , Baskin Marc N. , Neuman Mark I. , Stack Anne M.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Diagnostic error can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization and cost. The 2015 National Academy of Medicine report “Improving Diagnosis in Healthcare” called for improving diagnostic accuracy by developing innovative electronic approaches to reduce medical errors, including missed or delayed diagnosis. The objective of this article was to develop a process to detect potential diagnostic discrepancy between pediatric emergency and inpatient discharge diagnosis using a computer-based tool facilitating expert review.

Methods:

Using a literature search and expert opinion, we identified 10 pediatric diagnoses with potential for serious consequences if missed or delayed. We then developed and applied a computerized tool to identify linked emergency department (ED) encounters and hospitalizations with these discharge diagnoses. The tool identified discordance between ED and hospital discharge diagnoses. Cases identified as discordant were manually reviewed by pediatric emergency medicine experts to confirm discordance.

Results:

Our computerized tool identified 55,233 ED encounters for hospitalized children over a 5-year period, of which 2161 (3.9%) had one of the 10 selected high-risk diagnoses. After expert record review, we identified 67 (3.1%) cases with discordance between ED and hospital discharge diagnoses. The most common discordant diagnoses were Kawasaki disease and pancreatitis.

Conclusions:

We successfully developed and applied a semi-automated process to screen a large volume of hospital encounters to identify discordant diagnoses for selected pediatric medical conditions. This process may be valuable for informing and improving ED diagnostic accuracy.
The model of encryption algorithm based on non-positional polynomial notations and constructed on an SP-network
Authors: Kapalova N. , Haumen A.
Published: June 2018

This paper addresses to structures and properties of the cryptographic information protection algorithm model based on NPNs and constructed on an SP-network. The main task of the research is to increase the cryptostrength of the algorithm. In the paper, the transformation resulting in the improvement of the cryptographic strength of the algorithm is described in detail. The proposed model is based on an SP-network. The reasons for using the SP-network in this model are the conversion properties used in these networks. In the encryption process, transformations based on S-boxes and P-boxes are used. It is known that these transformations can withstand cryptanalysis. In addition, in the proposed model, transformations that satisfy the requirements of the “avalanche effect” are used. As a result of this work, a computer program that implements an encryption algorithm model based on the SP-network has been developed.
A survey of telerobotic surface finishing
Authors: Höglund Thomas , Alander Jarmo , Mantere Timo
Published: June 2018

This is a survey of research published on the subjects of telerobotics, haptic feedback, and mixed reality applied to surface finishing. The survey especially focuses on how visuo-haptic feedback can be used to improve a grinding process using a remote manipulator or robot. The benefits of teleoperation and reasons for using haptic feedback are presented. The use of genetic algorithms for optimizing haptic sensing is briefly discussed. Ways of augmenting the operator’s vision are described. Visual feedback can be used to find defects and analyze the quality of the surface resulting from the surface finishing process. Visual cues can also be used to aid a human operator in manipulating a robot precisely and avoiding collisions.
Simulation of GAP/HTPB phase behaviors in plasticizers and its application in composite solid propellant
Authors: Ma Song , Du Wenqian , Luo Yunjun
Published: June 2018

Dissipative particle dynamics and molecular simulations were carried out to investigate the phase behaviors of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP)/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) polymer blend in dioctyl sebacate (DOS), and mixture of DOS and bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal/acetal (A3), respectively. The rheology of GAP/HTPB propellant slurry plasticized by A3/DOS was studied. First, single-phase aggregations of GAP and HTPB appear slightly in A3/DOS whereas it is conspicuous in DOS, which results from the small surface tension between the GAP/HTPB plasticized by A3/DOS and the weak thermal diffusion of this blend. Furthermore, with the plasticizing ratio (po/pl) increasing to 1.2, the GAP/HTPB propellant slurry plasticized by A3/DOS exhibits small viscosity and yield stress, and the Newtonian-like behavior of slurry improves its manufacturability. Finally, integral GAP/HTPB-based propellant can be obtained using A3/DOS as plasticizers.
Online or Not? What Factors Affect Equity Crowdfunding Platforms to Launch Projects Online in the Pre-Investment Stage?
Authors: Zhang Daru , Li Yaokuang , Wu Juan , Long Dan
Published: June 2018

This article draws on signal theory and the research findings of local bias in VC to examine how geographic distance (GD) and different signals affect equity crowdfunding platforms launching projects online. We find that local bias still exists in the pre-investment stage of equity crowdfunding. Equity crowdfunding platforms prefer to launch local projects online. We also prove that signals of media usage and start-ups’ quality (credit) are positively correlated with the launching of projects on platforms. Moreover, the platform is more inclined to list projects initiated by firms engaging in strategic emerging industries online. Above all, the signal of project risk fully mediates the relationship between start-ups’ quality and the launching of projects online. Empirical analyses are based on the dataset of equity crowdfunding projects on the Dahuotou equity crowdfunding platform (http://www.dahuotou.cn/) during 2014–2017.
Diversity of Fungi in Rhizoplane, Rhizosphere and Edaphosphere of Sunflower at Different Stages of its Development
Authors: Kostyuchenko N.I. , Lyakh V.A.
Published: June 2018

The genus and species composition of the micromycete complex in the root zone (rhizoplane, rhizosphere and edaphosphere) of sunflower at the beginning of flowering and full maturity stages during its cultivation on leached chernozem was studied. It was established that representatives of the genera Aspergillus, Botrytis, Gliocladium, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Trichoderma formed the complex of typical fungi of the rhizoplane and rhizosphere. At the stage of flowering in the mycocenosis, the species Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces variotii and Trichoderma viride dominated, and in the maturity stage Rhizopus nigricans, Penicillium nigricans, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans prevailed. The phytopathogenic complex at the flowering stage formed the species of the genera Fusarium and Rhizopus, and by the end of the vegetation the variety of potential pathogens was expanded by representatives of the genera Alternaria, Botrytis and Gliocladium. A comparative analysis of the micromycete complex revealed a similarity of the dominant species of the rhizoplane and rhizosphere in different stages of sunflower development. However, by the end of the vegetation in the rhizosphere, compared to rhizoplane, the abundance of fungi of the species Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans and Penicillium nigricans increased significantly. As for edaphosphere, Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma viride and Penicillium nigricans dominated during sunflower flowering, and by the end of the crop vegetation the number of micromycetes of the genus Fusarium was reduced while the proportion of micromycetes of the genus Rhizopus increased significantly.
Immobilized enzymolysis of corn gluten meal under triple-frequency ultrasound
Authors: Qu Wenjuan , Sehemu Raya Masoud , Zhang Tian , Song Bingjie , Yang Lan , Ren Xiaofeng , Ma Haile
Published: June 2018

The single frequency ultrasound mode is difficult to achieve an higher enzymolysis efficiency. The cost of protein enzymatic hydrolysis, using free enzyme is higher because the enzyme cannot be used repeatedly. Therefore, the effects of triple-frequency ultrasound (TFU) treatment on the performance, kinetics, and thermodynamics of immobilized Alcalase enzymolysis of corn gluten meal (CGM) were investigated in this research. The results showed that degree of hydrolysis (DH), peptide concentration, ACE inhibitory activity, and relative enzyme activity were increased by 20.6 %, 34.4 %, 24.1 %, and 25.8 %, respectively, by TFU treatment at the optimum conditions compared to the control. Kinetics and thermodynamic analyses revealed that TFU treatment successfully decreased the apparent constant (
K

M

) by 27.0 % and increased the reaction rate constants (k) by 32.1 –200 % at 303.15–343.15 K. The energy of activation (E

a

), enthalpy of activation (ΔH), and entropy of activation (ΔS) were reduced by 17.1 %, 15.2 –15.3 %, and 24.1 –31.8 %, respectively. Immobilized enzymolysis assisted by TFU was proved to be an efficient method to increase the enzymolysis efficiency, enzyme activity, and antihypertensive activity of the peptides through performance and mechanism discussion.
Reversible Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome after right operculo-insular contusion from a spear gun trauma through the cranial base
Authors: Acioly Marcus André , Barbosa Marcílio Diogo de Oliveira , Pontes Rosemary Tavares , Müller Marcos , Aguiar Guilherme Brasileiro de
Published: June 2018

Background and object

Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) is a rare type of pseudobulbar palsy, which is characterized by anarthria or severe dysarthria and bilateral central facio-linguo-velo-pharyngo-mastigatory paralysis with “automatic voluntary dissociation”. We report on a patient who suffered a reversible FCMS following a spear gun trauma through the cranial base leading to right operculo-insular contusion.

Case Report

This 28-year-old lady attempted suicide by shooting a spear gun into the head through her right submandibular region. Major vessel injury was ruled out and the patient was taken to the operating room for shaft removal. Postoperatively, we observed the mouth half open, drooling saliva, inability to move her tongue, anarthria, bilateral facial weakness, and loss of the gag reflex. Yawning was otherwise preserved resulting in a clinical diagnosis of FCMS. Postoperative imaging demonstrated a right operculoinsular contusion. Symptoms were fully recovered after two years of follow-up.

Conclusion

FCMS is a rare and severe form of pseudobulbar palsy. Unilateral lesions are exceptional but should be recognized, as we presented. Generally, the outcome is moderate to poor but the occurrence in brain trauma can be associated with complete functional recovery.
A novel mutation in the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene of a Hispanic child: metformin treatment shows a beneficial impact on the body mass index
Authors: Hilado Mark A. , Randhawa Ruvdeep S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a complex polypeptide that produces a variety of biologically active substances via cleavage in a tissue-specific manner [Challis BG, Millington GW. Proopiomelanocortin deficiency. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle, 1993–2018], yielding several products including adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) and melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH). These peptides have roles in the regulation of food intake, energy homeostasis, adrenal steroidogenesis, melanocyte stimulation and immune modulation. Rare mutations in the POMC gene can lead to ACTH deficiency and thus isolated hypocortisolism. The first cases of POMC mutation were documented by Krude et al. in 1998 [Krude H, Biebermann H, Luck W, Horn R, Brabant G, et al. Severe early-onset obesity, adrenal insufficiency and red hair pigmentation caused by POMC mutations in humans. Nat Genet 1998;19:155–7]. Mutations in the POMC gene were linked with a clinical phenotype of adrenal insufficiency, red hair pigmentation, early onset and rapidly progressive obesity, early onset type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency.

Case presentation

We describe a prepubertal Hispanic boy with a novel homozygous POMC mutation with severe obesity, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and abnormal reddish hair pigmentation. The patient presented as a 2-year-old with exponential weight gain, abnormal thyroid labs and speech delay. Laboratory testing demonstrated central adrenal insufficiency and genetic testing confirmed a homozygous mutation (nucleotide change c.20_21ins25) in exon 3 of the POMC gene. Replacement therapy with thyroid hormone and hydrocortisone was coupled to a slight decrease in the rate of weight gain, although hyperphagia persisted. Parent-directed nutrition and activity education as well as attempts to restrict access to food resulted in a plateau of the body mass index (BMI). At 4 years of age, metformin treatment was initiated with the patient showing evolving signs of insulin resistance and failure of lifestyle/dietary intervention to adequately decrease the BMI. Over a 3-year metformin treatment span, the BMI decreased from 34.9 kg/m2 to 32.9 kg/m2.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a possible role for metformin in stemming progressive weight gain, thereby impacting the early onset obesity due to hyperphagia.
Clinical and molecular genetic characterization of two patients with mutations in the phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) gene
Authors: Ding Yu , Li Niu , Chang Gouying , Li Juan , Yao Ruen , Shen Yiping , Wang Jian , Huang Xiaodong , Wang Xiumin
Published: June 2018

Background

The phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) enzyme plays a central role in glucose homeostasis by catalyzing the inter-conversion of glucose 1-phosphate and glucose 6-phosphate. Recently, PGM1 deficiency has been recognized as a cause of the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs).

Methods

Two Chinese Han pediatric patients with recurrent hypoglycemia, hepatopathy and growth retardation are described in this study. Targeted gene sequencing (TGS) was performed to screen for causal genetic variants in the genome of the patients and their parents to determine the genetic basis of the phenotype.

Results

DNA sequencing identified three variations of the PGM1 gene (NM_002633.2). Patient 1 had a novel homozygous mutation (c.119delT, p.Ile40Thrfs*28). In patient 2, we found a compound heterozygous mutation of c.1172G>T(p.Gly391Val) (novel) and c.1507C>T(p.Arg503*) (known pathogenic).

Conclusions

This report deepens our understanding of the clinical features of PGM1 mutation. The early molecular genetic analysis and multisystem assessment were here found to be essential to the diagnosis of PGM1-CDG and the provision of timely and proper treatment.
A multidisciplinary approach to pregnancy loss: the pregnancy loss prevention center
Authors: Young Bruce K.
Published: June 2018

Background

Pregnancy loss is probably the most common problem faced by women worldwide. There are differences in the rates of early and late pregnancy loss based on geography among the developing compared with the developed nations of the world. Most physicians worldwide have different criteria for treating pregnancy loss. Although pregnancy loss is not a disease, it might be best approached with a medical evaluation in order to define the cause and offer specific treatment.

Methods

This report describes the results obtained by a multi-disciplinary pregnancy loss prevention center in the initial 104 patients.

Results

The most common diagnoses were Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions), cervical insufficiency and uterine fibroids, accounting for 47% of the patients. When the diagnosis was not obtained, which occurred in 19% of the patients, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was the treatment provided. Specifically diagnosed and treated patients achieved a 91% success rate. The 19 patients without a specific diagnosis who were treated with IVF had a 60% success rate. Thus patients for whom it was possible to specifically diagnose and treat had better results (P<0.01 t-test). There was an overall success rate of 87% including patients lost to follow-up with this multidisciplinary medical approach.

Conclusion

A pregnancy loss prevention center using the described multidisciplinary model can accomplish success rates of 85–90%. Preventing recurrent pregnancy loss we suggest can best be achieved by a dedicated center with a multidisciplinary medical approach.
Post-stroke upper limb spasticity incidence for different cerebral infarction site
Authors: Jin Yi , Zhao Yuan
Published: June 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of post-stroke upper limb spasticity and its correlation with cerebral infarction site.

Methods

A total of 498 inpatient and outpatient cases are included in the present study. The post-stroke upper limb spasticity rate of different cerebral infarction site was calculated.

Results

A total of 498 patients with cerebral infarction are enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 91 have dropped out and 407 have completed the study. Of the completed cases, 172 are in the spasm group and 235 are in the non-spasm group. The total incidence of upper limb spasticity is 34.5%. The incidences of upper extremity spasms are 12.5%, 20%, 22.5%, 35%, 40%, and 42.5% in 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively. The incidence of upper extremity spasms increases with time. The incidences of upper limb spasticity are 12.1%, 63.3%, 58.5%, 9.4% and 8.3% when cerebral infarction occurs in the cortical and subcortical mixed areas, basal ganglia and internal capsule, cerebralcortex, brainstem and cerebellum respectively. The incidence of upper limb spasticity varies in different infarction sites (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The post-stroke upper limb spasticity rates were different according to the different cerebral infarction site. Patients with the ganglia and internal capsule infarctions had the highest risk of developing post-stroke upper limb spasticity.
Effects of Combining Running and Practical Duration Stretching on Proprioceptive Skills of National Sprinters
Authors: Romero-Franco Natalia , Párraga-Montilla Juan Antonio , Molina-Flores Enrique M. , Jiménez-Reyes Pedro
Published: June 2018

Romero-Franco, N, Párraga-Montilla, JA, Molina-Flores, EM, and Jiménez-Reyes, P. Effects of combining running and practical duration stretching on proprioceptive skills of national sprinters. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1158–1165, 2020—Practical duration stretching after aerobic activities is a recommended component of the first part of warm-up because of its effects on performance. However, its effects on proprioceptive skills are unknown. This study aimed to analyze the effects of running and practical duration static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) on postural balance and the joint position sense (JPS) of national sprinters. Thirty-two national sprinters were randomly classified into a SS group (n = 11), DS group (n = 11), or control group (n = 10). Static stretching performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration (20 seconds) static stretches; DS performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration dynamic (20 seconds) stretches; and the control group performed 5 minutes of running. Before and after the intervention, unipedal static postural balance and knee JPS were evaluated. Static stretching exhibited a more centralized center of pressure in the medial-lateral plane for unipedal static postural balance in right-leg support after stretching (p = 0.005, d = 1.24), whereas DS showed values further from the center after stretching for the same unipedal support compared with baseline (p = 0.042, d = 0.49), and the control group remained stable (p > 0.05). Joint position sense did not show significant differences in any group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, combining running and practical duration SS may be beneficial for right-leg postural stabilization, whereas DS may be partly and slightly deleterious. Both SS and DS combined with running and running alone have neutral effects on knee JPS. Sports professionals should consider running and practical duration SS as part of the warm-up of sprinters to partly improve unipedal static postural balance.
Development and Validation of an NDT Based on Total Sound Signal Energy
Authors: Son Moorak , Kim Moojun
Published: June 2018

This study proposes a new nondestructive testing (NDT) method for assessing the compressive strength of various materials. The method is based on the total sound signal energy, which is determined using the sound signal generated from impacting an object. A device was devised to generate an impact sound with a test object using a rotating, freefalling impact ball and subsequent repetitive impacts from the rebound action. First, to validate the method, soil cement, cement paste, pine wood, shale, and granite specimens were tested to examine the correlation between the direct compressive strength and the total sound signal energy. Next, the method was applied to a number of concrete test specimens with various sizes and strengths. The test results of the concrete specimens showed a direct relationship between the direct compressive strength and the total sound signal energy, which was dependent on the size of the specimen. Correlation equations between the total sound signal energy and the direct compressive strength were determined for different specimen sizes through regression analysis. The equations were then used to estimate the concrete compressive strength and validate the method. Statistical analysis indicated that the estimated compressive strength determined by the total sound signal energy quite reliably agreed with the directly measured compressive strength, regardless of the specimen size. It is expected that the new NDT method will play a meaningful role in nondestructively estimating the compressive strength of various materials in the future, including concrete.
Influence of Defects on Reinforced Concrete Fracture Performance in Improved Wedge Splitting Tests
Authors: Hu Xin , Hu Shaowei , Fan Xiangqian
Published: June 2018

To predict the crack propagation and failure response of reinforced concrete structure, the effect of defects on reinforced concrete fracture characteristics was investigated. Based on the improved wedge splitting test device (an authorized patent No. ZL201410085111.7, China), specimens with various defects were tested. The formulas for the reinforced concrete double-K fracture parameters were derived, and a matrix describing the influence of defects was given. By this matrix, the defects were quantitatively transformed into the sectional loss and the double-K fracture parameters of these specimens were determined. The initial cracking load, unstable load, critical effective crack length, and unstable toughness were found to be improved significantly by the steel bars, but the initial toughness reduced slightly. In addition, with the increasing of sectional loss caused by defects, the initial cracking load, unstable load, and unstable toughness decreased in different proportions. Nevertheless, the defects were irrelevant to the critical effective crack length and the initial toughness. Besides, the critical interval of sectional loss ranged from 14.78 % to 15.48 % in the tests. Once the sectional loss was beyond this range, the steel bar enhancement on unstable toughness could no longer completely offset its attenuation caused by defects.
Unrest: Gender, Chronic Illness, and the Limits of Documentary Visibility
Authors: Moodie Megan
Published: June 2018

Unrest is the story of diagnosis and partial recovery: part detective story, part autobiography, and part documentation of an illness-based social movement. While conducting research on her own worsening symptoms, filmmaker Jennifer Brea learns that she is not as unusual as she has been led to believe. Unrest calls upon its audience to respond to Brea's ordeal and, in the spirit of all political film, to do something about the social injustice and human suffering it presents. Through her careful attention to the historical context of her own illness, Brea admirably makes visible the deep misogyny of the medical establishment.
Exploring Responsiveness in the U.S. House of Representatives
Authors: Waggoner Philip D.
Published: June 2018

Legislators are elected to be the voice of their constituents in government. Implicit in this electoral connection is the responsiveness of legislators to the preferences of constituents. Many past approaches only examine successful legislative behavior blessed by the majority party, not all legislative behavior, thereby limiting inference generalizability. I seek to overcome this limitation by considering bill sponsorship as an outlet in which all members are free to engage. Testing expectations on bill sponsorship in the 109th and 110th Congresses, I ﬁnd that legislators are responsive, though only on “safely-owned” issues. I compare these ﬁndings to roll call voting on the same issues in the same Congresses and ﬁnd a diﬀerent pattern, suggesting legislators leverage bill sponsorship diﬀerently than roll call voting as they signal legislative priorities.
A visão de jornalistas brasileiros sobre o potencial de influência dos editoriais políticos no debate público atual
Authors: Barros Antonio Teixeira de
Published: June 2018

O editorial jornalístico já exerceu grande influência no debate político. Entretanto, com as transformações tecnológicas e as mudanças culturais recentes, ainda é possível afirmar que esse gênero é influente politicamente na atualidade? Essa é a principal questão discutida no texto. Para tanto, foram entrevistados 120 jornalistas brasileiros que atuam na área política, a fim de captar suas percepções. A pesquisa foi realizada em março de 2017. As principais conclusões mostram que os jornalistas que atuam na área política são leitores de editoriais sobre o tema com regularidade e consideram que este gênero jornalístico ainda é relativamente influente no campo político e no debate público de modo geral, embora seja expressiva a parcela que considera que tal influência é cada vez menor. A diversidade de canais de opinião na atualidade, especialmente com as mídias digitais, e o declínio da mídia impressa são apontadas como as principais razões para a crescente perda da influência dos editoriais na arena política e na opinião pública.
IL-10 Receptor Signaling Empowers Regulatory T Cells to Control Th17 Responses and Protect from GN
Authors: Diefenhardt Paul , Nosko Anna , Kluger Malte A. , Richter Johannes V. , Wegscheid Claudia , Kobayashi Yasushi , Tiegs Gisa , Huber Samuel , Flavell Richard A. , Stahl Rolf A.K. , Steinmetz Oliver M.
Published: June 2018

Background Th17 cells are central pathogenic mediators of autoimmune disease, including many forms of GN. IL-10 receptor signaling (IL-10R) in regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been implicated in the downregulation of Th17 cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and functional relevance of this process remain unclear.

Methods We generated mice with Treg-specific IL-10Ra deficiency and subjected these mice to nephrotoxic serum–induced nephritis as a model of crescentic GN. Immune responses and Treg phenotypes were extensively analyzed.

Results Compared with controls, mice with IL-10Ra−/− Tregs showed a spontaneously overshooting Th17 immune response. This hyper-Th17 phenotype was further boosted during GN and associated with aggravated renal injury. Notably, abrogation of IL-10Ra signaling in Tregs increased dendritic cell activation and production of Th17-inducing cytokines. In contrast, Treg trafficking and expression of chemokine receptor CCR6 remained unaffected, indicating mechanisms of Th17 control, differing from those of previously identified CCR6+ Treg17 cells. Indeed, the capacity for direct in vitro suppression of Th17 responses by IL-10Ra−/− Tregs was significantly impaired. As underlying pathology, analyses conducted in vitro and in vivo using double-fluorescent reporter mice revealed strikingly decreased IL-10 production by IL-10Ra−/− Tregs. To assess, whether reduced IL-10 could explain the hyper Th17 phenotype, competitive cotransfer experiments were performed. Supporting our concept, IL-10Ra−/− T cells differentiated into Th17 cells at much higher frequencies than wild type T cells did during GN.

Conclusions IL-10R engagement optimizes Treg-mediated suppression of Th17 immunity. We hypothesize a feed-forward loop, in which IL-10Ra signaling reinforces IL-10 secretion by Tregs which potently controls Th17 development via direct and indirect mechanisms. IL-10R thus may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of GN.