bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign aid funnel? A placebo-based assessment of aid flows to non-permanent United Nations Security Council members
Authors: Reynolds Evangeline M. , Winters Matthew S.
Published: February 2016

A number of recent studies have found that temporary members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) experience increased foreign aid inflows. We use a constrained permutations approach to replicate analyses found in Vreeland and Dreher (2014). Permuting the timing of country membership on the Security Council, we create placebo UNSC membership histories which plausibly could have been observed. We use these placebos to construct a reference distribution for the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between UNSC membership and foreign aid flows and then observe whether or not the observed test statistic for the correlation found in the real-world data is in the tails of this distribution. In other contexts, such empirically based hypothesis tests have revealed a high false-positive rate for traditional, model-based time-series cross-sectional inference. Given the controversial nature of studies about increased aid flows as secondary benefits of UNSC membership, it is valuable to subject such analyses to additional scrutiny. Our reanalysis largely validates existing findings.
Benign cementoblastoma (true cementoma) in a cat
Authors: Villamizar-Martinez Lenin A , Reiter Alexander M , Sánchez Melissa D , Soltero-Rivera Maria M
Published: February 2016

Case summary

A 10-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for assessment of a gingival mass surrounding the left maxillary third and fourth premolar teeth. The mass was surgically removed by means of a marginal rim excision, and the tissue was submitted for histological assessment. It was identified as a benign cementoblastoma (true cementoma). There was proliferation of mineralized eosinophilic material with multiple irregularly placed lacunae and reversal lines, reminiscent of cementum. The cat recovered uneventfully from the anesthesia, and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence 6 months after surgery.

Relevance and novel information

Cementoblastomas (true cementomas) in domestic animals are rare, with just a few reports in ruminants, monogastric herbivores and rodents. Cementoblastoma is considered a benign tumor that arises from the tooth root. The slow, expansive and constant growth that characterizes these masses may be accompanied by signs of oral discomfort and dysphagia. This case report is intended to increase knowledge regarding this tumor in cats and also highlights the importance of complete excision of the neoplasm. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports in the literature of cementoblastoma in the cat.
Livedoid Dermatitis Treated With Nifedipine
Authors: Wheless Lee , Zhu Lilly , Mashayekhi Mona , Fissell Rachel B.
Published: February 2016

Intravenous injection of buprenorphine as a cause of livedoid dermatitis is a recently described phenomenon. This report reviews the brief literature of this finding, and presents a case of livedoid dermatitis of both heels following injection more than one day prior, and thesuccessful treatment with nifedipine monotherapy.
sciReptor: analysis of single-cell level immunoglobulin repertoires
Authors: Imkeller Katharina , Arndt Peter F. , Wardemann Hedda , Busse Christian E.
Published: February 2016

Background

The sequencing of immunoglobulin (Ig) transcripts from single B cells yields essential information about Ig heavy:light chain pairing, which is lost in conventional bulk sequencing experiments. The previously limited throughput of single-cell approaches has recently been overcome by the introduction of multiple next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based platforms. Furthermore, single-cell techniques allow the assignment of additional data types (e.g. cell surface marker expression), which are crucial for biological interpretation. However, the currently available computational tools are not designed to handle single-cell data and do not provide integral solutions for linking of sequence data to other biological data.

Results

Here we introduce sciReptor, a flexible toolkit for the processing and analysis of antigen receptor repertoire sequencing data at single-cell level. The software combines bioinformatics tools for immunoglobulin sequence annotation with a relational database, where raw data and analysis results are stored and linked. sciReptor supports attribution of additional data categories such as cell surface marker expression or immunological metadata. Furthermore, it comprises a quality control module as well as basic repertoire visualization tools.

Conclusion

sciReptor is a flexible framework for standardized sequence analysis of antigen receptor repertoires on single-cell level. The relational database allows easy data sharing and downstream analyses as well as immediate comparisons between different data sets.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Transcriptional repression of SOCS3 mediated by IL-6/STAT3 signaling via DNMT1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Huang Li , Hu Bin , Ni Jianbo , Wu Jianghong , Jiang Weiliang , Chen Congying , Yang Lijuan , Zeng Yue , Wan Rong , Hu Guoyong , Wang Xingpeng
Published: February 2016

Background

Previous studies have investigated the sustained aberrantly activated Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway is crucial for pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), as a key negative feedback regulator of this signaling pathway, is usually down-regulated in various cancers. In the present study, we aim at exploring the biological function and the underlying molecular regulation mechanisms of SOCS3 in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The expression of SOCS3 and other genes in pancreatic cancer was examined by Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. The interaction between pSTAT3 and DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was investigated by co-immunoprecipitation assay. Luciferase reporter assay was used to investigate the transcriptional regulation of pSTAT3 and DNMT1 on the SOCS3 gene. The effects of SOCS3 on the biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells were assessed both in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of SOCS3 in a pancreatic cancer tissue microarray (TMA) and correlated our findings with pathological parameters and outcomes of the patients.

Results

We showed that SOCS3 expression was decreased in phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3)-positive tumors and was negatively correlated with pSTAT3 in pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that IL-6/STAT3 promoted SOCS3 promoter hypermethylation by increasing DNMT1 activity; silencing DNMT1 or 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-AZA) treatment could reverse the down-regulation of SOCS3 mediated by IL-6. Using co-immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays, we found that STAT3 recruited DNMT1 to the promoter region of SOCS3 and inhibited its transcriptional activity. Overexpression of SOCS3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, which may be due to the increase in G1-S phase arrest; overexpression of SOCS3 also inhibited cell migration and invasion as well as tumorigenicity in nude mice. Pancreatic cancer tissue microarray analysis showed that high SOCS3 expression was a good prognostic factor and negatively correlated with tumor volume and metastasis.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that activated IL-6/STAT3 signaling could induce SOCS3 methylation via DNMT1, which led to pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. These data also provided a mechanistic link between sustained aberrantly activated IL-6/STAT3 signaling and SOCS3 down-regulation in pancreatic cancer. Thus, inhibitors of STAT3 or DNMT1 may become novel strategies for treating pancreatic cancer.
Outcomes of Saudi Arabian Patients With Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treated With Primarily Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Al-Wassia Rolina , Abusanad Atlal , Awad Nesreen , Marzouki Hani , Alkhayyat Shadi , Al-Khatib Talal , Constantinescu Camelia
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is the most common head and neck cancer in Saudi Arabia. This study reports the locoregional disease control and survival outcomes in patients with NPC treated in King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

Methods

Patients treated for NPC between June 2007 and October 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, clinicopathologic variables, and chemotherapy data were collected and analyzed. Cumulative survival and disease control rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier product-limit actuarial method.

Results

Thirty-nine patients with NPC were reviewed. Thirty-five (90%) patients received definitive radiotherapy (RT) and four (10%) had palliative RT. Mean prescribed dose for definitive RT was 68 Gy (range, 60 to 70.2 Gy), delivered with mean doses per fraction of 1.9 Gy (range, 1.8 to 2.1 Gy). After a median follow-up of 15 months (range, 1 to 84 months), 22 (63%) patients who underwent definitive RT were disease free and 13 (37%) were still with disease. During this period, seven (18%) patients died of the disease; five (13%) of them received definitive RT. After 2 years’ follow-up, the actuarial estimate rates were: 85.7% for local control, 91.4% for nodal control, and 85.7% for distant control.

Conclusion

Our study showed a disease with clinical behavior similar to what has been observed in East and Southeast Asia. Further it explored the neoadjuvant chemotherapy approach in treating NPC with results that are comparable to literature. However, little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of this disease in this region, and further research integrating clinical and molecular biomarkers is required.
Pulmonary Nodules in Patients With Nonpulmonary Cancer: Not Always Metastases
Authors: Caparica Rafael , Mak Milena Perez , Rocha Claudio Henrique , Velho Pedro Henrique Isaacsson , Viana Publio , Moura Mauricio R.L. , Menezes Marcos Roberto , Amato Marcelo B.P. , Feher Olavo
Published: February 2016

Introduction

The differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules (PNs) includes metastases, lung cancers, infectious diseases, and scar tissue, among others. Because data regarding whether and when to perform a PN biopsy in patients with cancer are scarce, clinicians tend to assume that PNs are metastatic disease based solely on imaging. The current study evaluated the findings of PN biopsies in a population of patients with cancer and sought to determine the variables that correlated with higher odds of metastatic disease.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single-institution study that included consecutive patients with nonpulmonary solid malignancies who underwent PN biopsy from January 2011 to December 2013. Imaging and clinical variables were analyzed by logistic regression to determine the correlation between such variables and the odds of metastatic disease. Patients with previously known metastatic disease or primary hematologic malignancies were excluded.

Results

Two hundred twenty-eight patients were included in the study. Metastatic disease was found in 146 patients (64%), 60 patients (26.3%) were diagnosed with a second primary lung tumor, and 22 patients (9.6%) had no cancer on biopsy. On multivariate analysis, the presence of multiple PNs (> 5 mm) and cavitation/necrosis were the only variables associated with higher odds (P < .05) of metastatic disease. We registered six (2.6%) procedure complications demanding active interventions, and no procedure-related death occurred.

Conclusion

Multiple PNs (> 5 mm) and cavitation were the two characteristics associated with the highest chances of metastatic disease. Our findings demonstrate that PNs should not be assumed to be metastases without performing a biopsy. This assumption may lead to high rates of misdiagnosis. Tissue sampling is fundamental for accurately diagnosing patients with cancer.
From Grief to Leisure: “Lycidas” In the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Brady Andrea
Published: February 2016

Milton’s elegy for Edward King was widely admired and imitated in the eighteenth century. These imitations tend to celebrate the poem as an ornamental, musical work while suppressing its politics. By contrast, Samuel Johnson recognized that the poem’s prosody and its generic heterogeneity were intrinsically related to its political critique. His objections to “Lycidas” also reflected his view that pastoral depicted an idealized life of rural leisure to distract and entertain city men. This ancient association between pastoral and leisure may have informed eighteenth-century readers’ delight in the poem’s “ease and variety,” but it is also a fundamental misreading of the ethics of labor set out in the poem. In its enactment of the spiritual and writerly work of the shepherd, in Milton’s revisions, and in its monodic form, “Lycidas” offers readers a choice between sensual dalliance and arduous song. Monody was both a collective song, performed during work to relieve its strains, and an individual utterance. This form reasserts the labor idealized by pastoral as a spiritual necessity. The eighteenth-century reception of “Lycidas” reveals how the revolutionary potential of lyric was converted to entertainment, a moment whose legacies may be perceived in some contemporary theories of lyric.
Comparative analysis of fertility signals and sex-specific cuticular chemical profiles of Odontomachus trap-jaw ants
Authors: Smith Adrian A. , Millar Jocelyn G. , Suarez Andrew V.
Published: February 2016

The lipid mixture that coats the insect cuticle contains a number of chemical signals. Mate choice in solitary insects is mediated by sexually dimorphic cuticular chemistry, whereas in eusocial insects, these profiles provide information through which colony members are identified and the fertility status of individuals is assessed. Profiles of queens and workers have been described for a number of eusocial species, but there have been few comparisons of fertility signals among closely related species. Additionally, sexual dimorphism in cuticular lipid profiles has only been reported in two species of ants. This study describes the cuticular chemical profiles of queens, workers and males of three species of Odontomachus trap-jaw ants: O. ruginodis, O. relictus and O. haematodus. These are compared with fertility signals and sexually dimorphic profiles already described from O. brunneus. We report that fertility signals are not conserved within this genus: chemical compounds that distinguish queens from workers vary in number and type among the species. Furthermore, the compounds that were most abundant in cuticular extracts of O. ruginodis queens relative to workers were novel 2,5-dialkyltetrahydrofurans. Bioassays of extracts of O. ruginodis queens indicate that the dialkyltetrahydrofuran and hydrocarbon fractions of the profile are likely to work synergistically in eliciting behavioral responses from workers. In contrast, cuticular lipids that distinguish males from females are more conserved across species, with isomeric and relative abundance variations comprising the main differences among species. Our results provide new insights into how these contact chemical signals may have arisen and evolved within eusocial insects.
Practical guidance for nurses caring for stoma patients with long-term conditions
Authors: Readding Linda
Published: February 2016

As the population ages and the number of people living with a long-term condition grows, it is likely that community nurses may be presented with increasing numbers of people requiring assessment, support, and advice for complex needs. Many of the long-term conditions affect the patient's ability to live and manage aspects of daily life independently and may affect the ability to manage a stoma. The purpose of this article is to consider how long-term conditions affect daily living and stoma care, and make practical suggestions for stoma management. Sources of further help and information for people living with a stoma (ostomates) and a long-term condition have also been included. It is hoped that by reading this article, the nurse will become more familiar with the difficulties with dexterity associated with long-term conditions experienced by ostomates, and how they can be assisted in managing and living as independently as possible.
Research roundup: February 2016
Authors: Maclean Emily
Published: February 2016

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles from around the world that may be of interest to midwives is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Neonatal herpes simplex virus
Authors: Craig Chezelle
Published: February 2016

As it is extremely rare, neonatal herpes simplex virus may not be the first diagnosis considered by health professionals presented with a quiet, lethargic baby. Chezelle Craig is sharing her experience in an effort to raise awareness of this potentially fatal condition.
At the chalkface: Engaging schools with the flu immunisation programme
Authors: Neil-Pye Frances
Published: February 2016

The implementation of immunisation programmes in schools can have an impact on their day-to-day running. To ensure that schools become willing and active participants in the programme, it is essential that school nurses communicate the benefits and take into account the needs of the schools. This article, based on the author's experience as a primary headteacher at a school in which the programme was piloted, provides advice to school nurses on how best to engage with schools.
Differentiating common dry skin conditions in children
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: February 2016

Dry, itchy skin is common in children and young people, especially in those with atopic eczema. However, xerosis is not only a problem in these cases but may also be related to environmental factors, allergens, medications, associated diseases, skin rashes and occasionally genetically inherited ichthyosis. Treatment mainly involves the plentiful use of emollients, topical steroids if eczematous problems develop and antibiotics if areas become secondarily infected. This article looks at some of the common causes of dry skin and their management.
Meeting the sexual health needs of looked after children
Authors: Stacey Sarah
Published: February 2016

This paper looks at knowledge and use of contraception in looked after children (LAC) and how they access sexual health services. Despite LAC being classed as high risk for teenage pregnancy, few studies have been dedicated to identifying what LAC know about contraception and sexual health services. This project collects data from 28 14–17-year-old LAC in one county in the East of England using semi-structured interviews.

The findings indicate that sex education was poor and knowledge of local sexual health services limited. Sixty four percent were sexually active but only 39% of those consistently used contraception. There was also some confusion about contraception use generally.

The implication is that this group of young people's needs are not being met by sex education in schools or by the traditional mode of sexual health service delivery. A change is needed in how this group of young people's sexual health needs are met.
Canine urinary tract infections
Authors: Howes Charlotte , Tappin Simon
Published: February 2016

Canine urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly seen in small animal practice. The severity of the clinical signs they cause is very variable. Uncomplicated UTIs will resolve with accurate diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, however the challenge arises with complicated UTIs that develop secondary to an underlying disease process. These infections often recur unless the underlying disease is identified and managed. This article highlights the importance of a complete and thorough investigation of cases with persistent or recurrent UTIs.
ECG recording in primary care: The challenges in getting it right
Authors: Richley David
Published: February 2016

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are commonly performed in primary care by practice nurses. ECGs can be useful in the diagnosis and assessment of a wide range of conditions. Research has shown that many health professionals position electrodes incorrectly, prepare patients incorrectly, and use incorrect machine settings. The article explains these common errors and provides advice on how practice nurses can avoid them.
Advising postpartum women on contraceptive choices
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: February 2016

Women can become pregnant early in the postpartum period if they are sexually active. To avoid unintentional pregnancy, it is important to be aware of this fact, and to advise women that contraception is needed as early as 21 days postpartum to avoid unintended pregnancy. Practice nurses must consider whether or not a woman is breastfeeding, as this can impact on contraception. Ovulation can be suppressed in breastfeeding mothers; however, this is not 100% guaranteed and guidelines state that breastfeeding women should be advised to consider the use of contraception. It is thought that progestogen-only contraception does not affect breast milk volume and may therefore be used while breastfeeding. Long-acting reversible contraception (laRC) may be particularly suitable for this group of women, depending on a woman's plans for future children and the spacing of these. Practice nurses should be aware of suitable methods of contraception for postpartum women and be able to advise accordingly.
General practice nurse education: Attitudes to training
Authors: Beardmore Gill
Published: February 2016

Aim:

To investigate how attitudes to general practice nurse (GPN) education might affect the future of the GPN workforce.

Background:

In the past, GPN education has lacked co-ordination and structure and has frequently been neglected owing to a variety of constraints and pressures ( Atkin and Lunt, 1995 ; Crossman, 2008 ). While there is widespread recognition that this must change, little is known about the effects this might have on the workforce. This study focuses on this important issue. In particular it investigates the possible effects of introducing a degree programme for new GPNs in the east Midlands.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was selected and the methods used to collect data were in depth interviews and thematic analysis. Eight experienced GPNs, who worked in a variety of general practice settings across the East Midlands, were interviewed. Each experienced GPN worked in the same practice as a student who was enrolled on the east Midlands degree programme.

Results:

Overwhelmingly, participants revealed a positive approach to the East Midlands programme. There was little evidence of experienced nurses feeling personally threatened by their more junior colleagues even though they recognised that novice nurses were being offered a more structured and academic base to their education. The data did reveal some specific attitudes to GPN education, in particular to competence and to approach to change.

Conclusions:

The financing of GPN education and the lack of a national qualification in general practice nursing are revealed as longstanding, unresolved issues. Solutions to these and other issues need to be found if GPN education is to develop in the future. The recommendations made may provide an opportunity for considering a way forward.
Combination of modified mixing technique and low frequency ultrasound to control the elution profile of vancomycin-loaded acrylic bone cement
Authors: Wendling A. , Mar D. , Wischmeier N. , Anderson D. , McIff T.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine if combining variations in mixing technique of antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement with low frequency ultrasound (LFUS) improves antibiotic elution during the initial high phase (Phase I) and subsequent low phase (Phase II) while not diminishing mechanical strength.

Methods

Three batches of vancomycin-loaded PMMA were prepared with different mixing techniques: a standard technique; a delayed technique; and a control without antibiotic. Daily elution samples were analysed using flow injection analysis (FIA). Beginning in Phase II, samples from each mix group were selected randomly to undergo either five, 15, 45, or 0 minutes of LFUS treatment. Elution amounts between LFUS treatments were analysed. Following Phase II, compression testing was done to quantify strength. A-priori t-tests and univariate ANOVAs were used to compare elution and mechanical test results between the two mix groups and the control group.

Results

The delayed technique showed a significant increase in elution on day one compared with the standard mix technique (p < 0.001). The transition point from Phase I to Phase II occurred on day ten. LFUS treatments significantly increased elution amounts for all groups above control. Delayed technique resulted in significantly higher elution amounts for the five-minute- (p = 0.004) and 45-minute- (p < 0.001) duration groups compared with standard technique. Additionally, the correlations between LFUS duration and total elution amount for both mix techniques were significant (p = 0.03). Both antibiotic-impregnated groups exhibited a significant decrease in offset yield stress compared with the control group (p < 0.001), however, their lower 95% confidence intervals were all above the 70 MPa limit defined by International Standards Organization (ISO) 5833-2 reference standard for acrylic bone cement.

Conclusion

The combination of a delayed mix technique with LFUS treatments provides a reasonable means for increasing both short- and long-term antibiotic elution without affecting mechanical strength. Cite this article: Dr. T. McIff. Combination of modified mixing technique and low frequency ultrasound to control the elution profile of vancomycin-loaded acrylic bone cement. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:26–32. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.52.2000412
Short Communication: Antimycotic activity and phytochemical screening of fungal endophytes associated with Santalum album
Authors: TAPWAL ASHWANI , PRADHAN SWETA , CHANDRA SURESH , RASHMI RASHMI
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Tapwal A, Pradhan S, Chandra S, Rashmi. 2016. Antimycotic activity and phytochemical screening of fungal endophytes associated with Santalum album. Nusantara Bioscience 8: 14-17. The heartwood of Santalum album constitutes the central part of the tree is valued for its fragrance. The wood and oil are utilized in medicine. Sandalwood oil is extensively used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and pharmaceutical industry. The endophytic microorganisms inhabiting the plant tissues are expected to mimic some of the metabolites of its host. This study was aimed to isolate and screen the fungal endophytes inhabiting the Santalum album for antimicrobial activity and for the presence of important phytochemicals. Five fungal endophytes isolated from different parts of S. album have exhibited antimicrobial potential against Fusarium oxysporum in the range of 5.0-40.4%. The isolated endophytic fungi also indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, and tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and glycosides, terpenoids, amino acids and proteins.
Introduction: The Materiality of Nations in Geopolitical Economy
Authors: Radhika Desai
Published: February 2016

This introduction contextualizes the articles that follow in a discussion of relevant elements of the critical theme of the “materiality of nations” in geopolitical economy. In particular, it focuses on the need to understand the evolution of capitalist states and their domestic and international economic roles in terms of the contradictions of capitalism; the need to unite the normally separated economic and political logics of capitalism in an overall historical understanding; the need to understand combined development as including capitalist combined development and the dialectic of uneven and combined development as the key driver of capitalist international relations.
Overall Alumni Confidence and Effect of Culminating Experiences on Learning in Student Affairs Preparation Programs: Examining CAS Professional Studies Standards
Authors: Young Dallin George , Dean Laura A.
Published: February 2016

Alumni (n=109) of master’s student affairs preparation programs were surveyed regarding their mastery of learning outcomes based on the CAS Professional Studies curriculum standards. Results indicated that alumni were confident in most areas of their professional preparation; however, confidence was lower in the areas of assessment, evaluation, and research methods. Further, completion of a culminating experience increased participants’ sense of confidence in their learning. Implications for professional preparation, practice, and curricular standards are addressed.
“We Need More of This”: Engaging Black Men on College Campuses
Authors: Brooms Derrick R. , Goodman Joe , Clark Jelisa
Published: February 2016

This qualitative study focuses on the experiential effects that a Black Men Achieve Program (BMA) had on Black male college students at MidSouth University (pseudonyms). Using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire, students offered their perceptions of their educational and personal experiences through the BMA. According to the students, the benefits of engaging in the program and participating in various activities were empowering. Students expressed that they garnered social and cultural capital, improved their academic and social engagement, and heightened their sense of self. As a result, students were more aware of various resources and opportunities, felt more connected to their peer group, and began to shatter their own perceptions of stereotypes about Black men. These findings demonstrate the importance of engaging Black men in opportunities that place them at the center of the foci, thus offering personal, social, academic, and professional benefits that enhance their college experience.
Building Strengths Awareness and Hope in Students’ Transition to Higher Education
Authors: Soria Krista , Stubblefield Robin
Published: February 2016

Despite the continued growth of strengths-based approaches within colleges and universities, scholarship regarding the benefits of strengths initiatives in higher education is scarce. This study explores a hypothesized relationship between first-year college students’ strengths awareness and their levels of hope. Utilizing data from a survey administered to first-year students who took the Clifton StrengthsFinder® and engaged in strengths-related programming (n = 1,072), the results of an analysis suggest positive and significant relationships between students’ strengths awareness, hope pathways, and hope agency controlling for other factors. Recommendations for higher education practitioners and educators are discussed.
Systematic Evaluation of Sanger Validation of Next-Generation Sequencing Variants
Authors: Beck Tyler F , Mullikin James C ,   the NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Biesecker Leslie G
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data are used for both clinical care and clinical research. DNA sequence variants identified using NGS are often returned to patients/participants as part of clinical or research protocols. The current standard of care is to validate NGS variants using Sanger sequencing, which is costly and time-consuming.

METHODS

We performed a large-scale, systematic evaluation of Sanger-based validation of NGS variants using data from the ClinSeq® project. We first used NGS data from 19 genes in 5 participants, comparing them to high-throughput Sanger sequencing results on the same samples, and found no discrepancies among 234 NGS variants. We then compared NGS variants in 5 genes from 684 participants against data from Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Of over 5800 NGS-derived variants, 19 were not validated by Sanger data. Using newly designed sequencing primers, Sanger sequencing confirmed 17 of the NGS variants, and the remaining 2 variants had low quality scores from exome sequencing. Overall, we measured a validation rate of 99.965% for NGS variants using Sanger sequencing, which was higher than many existing medical tests that do not necessitate orthogonal validation.

CONCLUSIONS

A single round of Sanger sequencing is more likely to incorrectly refute a true-positive variant from NGS than to correctly identify a false-positive variant from NGS. Validation of NGS-derived variants using Sanger sequencing has limited utility, and best practice standards should not include routine orthogonal Sanger validation of NGS variants.
Filming translation: Subtitling and adaptation in Jean-Luc Godard’s Contempt
Authors: Besnard-Scott Laurence
Published: February 2016

Exploring the nature of the special relationship that links cinema and translation often means analysing the translational process through dubbing or subtitling, that is to say from source to target text or culture. This article aims to discuss the ways in which a multilingual page-to-screen adaptation is filmed. In the context of filming translation, dubbing may present characteristics that are not well-suited to the challenges presented by multilingual films, and none the more so than in one of the most fascinating films, Jean-Luc Godard’s Le Mépris/Contempt (1963), in which translation and adaptation are at the core of its discourse. First, I will demonstrate that the subtitling of the multilingual dialogues in Contempt questions the notion of film translation as mere literal reproduction or transparent transposition. Second, I will show that the multi-layered adaptation exposes Godard’s own interpretation of cinematic truth, ultimately presenting cinema as a metaphor for translation.
The new ‘Othello Music’: From the play text to opera, diegetic/non-diegetic soundtracks and popular music allusions
Authors: Rafferty Barclay
Published: February 2016

This article critically examines the relationship between Othello and music, from the play text to opera, popular music allusions, and diegetic and non-diegetic soundtracks, analysing its adaptability/inadaptability in various contexts, with a focus on the issue of race. It does this through the lenses of adaptation studies and the singular history that adaptations of Shakespeare’s work have. The central question addressed is: what do musical adaptations reveal about the adaptability of the play? What this article aims to achieve – and that which has not been undertaken previously – is to expand the lines of analysis from G. Wilson Knight’s conception of the ‘The Othello music’ to sustained consideration of musical adaptations across periods and media, combining a discussion of the Moor’s ‘musicality’ with re-representations of race, deducing whether or not it sits as uneasily in musical forms as it does in screen adaptations.
Adaptation as critique: Gender and politics in the plays of Effat Yehia and Amel Fadgy, Caridad Svich and Christine Evans
Authors: Rizk Laila
Published: February 2016

This article explores three adaptations of classical Greek stories/myths: Kan Ya Ma Kan/Once Upon a Time (2000), Iphigenia Crash Land Falls On The Neon Shell That Was Once Her Heart (a rave fable) (2004) and Trojan Barbie: A Car Crash Encounter with Euripides’ Trojan Women (2007). These adaptations seek to deconstruct ‘source’ texts by presenting new readings that challenge the dominant patriarchal and political discourses embedded in these myths. Even though the plays offer examples of different modes of adaptation, they all use myth as a catalyst to explore issues of gender and politics. The article examines these three feministoriented adaptations in order to explore the ways in which their theatrical practices illuminate and critique contemporary social and political issues.
«El catolicismo tiene masas». Nación, política y movilización en España, 1868-1931
Authors: Ramón Solans Francisco Javier
Published: February 2016

Entre 1868 y 1936 en España se produjo una guerra cultural continua, pero con diversos grados de intensidad, por la definición secular o religiosa del espacio público. Ante este conflicto, los católicos españoles lejos de mantener una actitud pasiva acometieron una importante reforma de sus contenidos, organizaciones y estrategias, haciendo uso de los modernos medios de movilización de masas. Asimismo, se creó una potente red de organizaciones en las que se pudieron integrar por primera vez, seglares, jóvenes, mujeres y hombres. El impulso devocional del culto a la Virgen, al Sagrado Corazón y al Cristo Rey proporcionó a los católicos símbolos con los que identificarse y en torno a los cuales reagruparse. Por último, dicha renovación debe insertarse en la creación de una cultura política nacionalcatólica en la que se insertaron estas nuevas estrategias, prácticas y asociaciones, dotándolas de un sentido nacionalista que exaltaba la indisoluble unidad entre España y el catolicismo.
De la historia eclesiástica a la historia religiosa. Una trayectoria historiográfica
Authors: Montero Feliciano
Published: February 2016

Desde una perspectiva testimonial, el autor presenta un estado de la cuestión sobre la historia religiosa española, basada en su propia trayectoria historiográfica. Con el título de este trabajo, se pretende describir un proceso y un programa de renovación en relación a la historia de la Iglesia y del catolicismo español desde el conocimiento comparativo de otras realidades europeas.
Morir de hambre en las cárceles de Franco (1939-1945)
Authors: Rodríguez Teijeiro Domingo
Published: February 2016

El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar un acercamiento a lo que fueron las condiciones de vida en las prisiones franquistas de posguerra, centrándonos en las consecuencias que se derivan de la insuficiente alimentación que recibían los presos. Hacemos un breve recorrido por la memoria de los presos, que nos han dejado constantes referencias a su escasez y nulo aporte alimenticio. Estudiamos las normas remitidas a todos los centros de reclusión desde la Inspección Central de Sanidad de la Dirección General de Prisiones en las que se establecían directrices a seguir en lo tocante a la alimentación, que muestran una total desconexión de la realidad. Contrastamos esas normas con los informes elaborados por los médicos, en concreto, el amplio informe remitido por el responsable de la Prisión Provincial de Ourense que llama la atención sobre las consecuencias de la subalimentación a que se ven sometidos los reclusos. Finalmente, en las conclusiones, avanzamos una cifra del número de fallecidos en las prisiones durante la posguerra, a partir de los escasos datos disponibles.
Positive Classroom Management: Effects of Disruption Management Climate on Behaviour and Satisfaction with Teacher // Clima positivo de gestión del aula: efectos del clima de gestión de la disrupción en el comportamiento y en la satisfacción con el profesorado
Authors: Simón Cecilia , Alonso-Tapia Jesús
Published: February 2016

This study analyse the role of disruption management strategies and its effects, in interaction with the classroom motivational climate (CMC), on the decrease of disruptive behaviour and on the perception of teaching quality. For this purpose, the Disruption Management Climate Questionnaire (DMCQ) was developed. A total of 827 Secondary-School students formed the sample. To validate the DMCQ, confirmatory factor and regression analyses were realised. Children’s attribution to teacher’s coping strategies of decrease in disruptive behaviour, and of perceived change in satisfaction with teacher’s work as an index of teaching quality, were used as external criteria. Results support hypotheses related to DMCQ structure, and to its role as predictor of the degree of disruption decrease, but not the hypothesis related to satisfaction with teachers’ work, that depends mainly on CMC. These results underlie the importance of acting on DMCQ and CMC components to favour the teacher practices.
Trantsizioa eskola txikietatik bigarren hezkuntzara. Aldagai lagungarrien bila
Authors: Intxausti Intxausti Nahia , Odriozola Aldalur Ainhoa , Bereziartua Zendoia Justo , Zubiri Esnaola Harkaitz
Published: February 2016

Este trabajo estudia el proceso de transición a la Educación Secundaria que realiza el alumnado de la escuela rural. Las escuelas rurales comparten algunas características específicas las cuales tienen consecuencias en el aprendizaje del alumnado, y también en el proceso de transición. El objetivo del trabajo es identificar cuáles pueden ser las variables claves que ayudan o dificultan la transición. Para ello se ha realizado una investigación basada en el estudio de caso en dos escuelas rurales ubicados en Gipuzkoa. Se han realizado 68 horas de observación, analizado los cuadernos del alumnado de 6º de Primaria y 1º de ESO, y llevado a cabo 16 grupos de discusión con alumnado de 6º de curso de Primaria y 1º curso de Educación Secundaria, y sus familias y profesorado perteneciente a estas dos escuelas rurales y sus dos centros de referencia de Secundaria. Los resultados indican que existen algunos factores clave que facilitan este proceso transitorio como son la coordinación pedagógica, la relación social con los compañeros, las estrategias familiares, las sinergias con el entorno próximo, la preparación académica previa, los elementos comunes que comparten entre ambas etapas y las actividades tutoriales.
Promoção da Saúde nas Instituições de Ensino Superior Portuguesas: Reflexões e Desafios
Authors: Soares Andreia Martins , Pereira Anabela Maria Sousa , Canavarro José Manuel Albuquerque Portocarrero
Published: February 2016

As Universidades e Escolas Promotoras de Saúde (UEPS) constituem outro projeto de ambientes favoráveis à saúde da autoria da OMS, inspirados na Carta de Ottawa e no sucesso de iniciativas similares. Nas últimas duas décadas, o número de instituições de ensino superior de todo o mundo que aceitou odesafio das UEPS não parou de crescer. As congéneres portuguesas não têm sido indiferentes a este movimento global em expansão, sendo possível encontrar importantes iniciativas no âmbito da promoção da saúde caracterizadas, no entanto, por algumas insuficiências que as afastam da operacionalizaçãode um projeto de UEPS. Este artigo procura contribuir para o debate sobre o movimento das UEPS em Portugal e apresenta os argumentos de base à promoção da saúde neste contexto, exemplifica iniciativas de promoção da saúde protagonizadas por (e nas) universidades e escolas superiores nacionaise desafia‑as a tomar medidas catalisadoras da aproximação ao movimento global das UEPS.
La Confesión rimada de Pero López de Ayala
Authors: Añua-Tejedor Daniel
Published: February 2016

El proceso de creación de la obra Rimado de palacio está fechado desde 1379 hasta 1403, año en que López de Ayala decide recopilar su obra en un único libro. Rimado de palacio es una extensa exposición didáctico-moral-religiosa organizada sobre dos grandes exempla, su propia experiencia espiritual y secular, y la experiencia de Job como espejo de paciencia. El texto posee una estructura heterogénea, que incorpora un manual de confesión, una reflexión sobre la condición del rey y de diversos estamentos, un cancionero y una glosa al Libro de Job. La obra se inicia con la Confesión rimada que el autor subdivide en diferentes apartados. Tras encomendarse su alma a Dios, se confiesa de todas sus culpas repasando los mandamientos, los pecados capitales, las obras corporales de misericordia, los cinco sentidos y las obras espirituales de misericordia. El carácter honesto de esta Confesión rimada refleja la lucha interior entre su experiencia espiritual frente a su experiencia secular, entre la religiosidad intrínseca vivida por algunos creyentes y la religiosidad extrínseca promulgada, mayoritariamente, por la jerarquía de la Iglesia.
Osservazioni musicali sul cancionero Corsini 625, con una proposta sul suo compilatore
Authors: Zimei Francesco
Published: February 2016

La presenza di concordanze musicali in alcune poesie del cancionero Corsini 625 della Biblioteca dell’Accademia Nazionale dei Licei e Corsiniana, già plausibilmente riferito da José Luis Gotor a un anonimo chitarrista spagnolo al servizio del principe di Venafro Michele Damasceni Peretti, ha permesso in questa sede non solo di apprezzare l’originalità dell’accompagnamento strumentale fornito in cifre nell’interlinea dei versi, ma anche di cogliere certe peculiarità di stile che, con il conforto di alcuni documenti, inducono a formulare una precisa ipotesi sull’identità stessa del compilatore.
Stadt der Commonisten
Authors: Baier Andrea , Müller Christa , Werner Karin
Published: February 2016

Es ist nicht mehr zu übersehen: Eine neue Generation von Do-it-yourself-Aktivisten nutzt die postfordistische Stadt als Labor für soziale, politische, ökologische und ästhetische Experimente. Ob im Gemeinschaftsgarten oder im FabLab, ob in Offenen Werkstätten oder bei Tausch-Events - überall hinterfragen die Protagonistinnen und Protagonisten das Verhältnis von Konsum und Produktion, problematisieren den Warencharakter der Dinge und des in ihnen eingeschlossenen Wissens. Dieser anspruchsvolle Bildband kombiniert visuelle Streifzüge durch die neuen urbanen Räume des Selbermachens mit anregenden Zeitdiagnosen. Die Beiträge veranschaulichen: Die jungen Urbanen setzen nicht auf Opposition, sondern folgen dem Bedürfnis nach »echter Demokratie«, indem sie (Atmo-)Sphären des Teilens und Tauschens schaffen. Sie praktizieren kollaborativen Konsum und bespielen den öffentlichen Raum nach Commonisten-Art.
Mediale Präsentation in der Gegenwartsarchitektur
Authors: Burs Gerhard Martin
Published: February 2016

Die rapiden urbanen Entwicklungen weltweit sind unmittelbar verbunden mit virtuell-medialen Präsentationsformen von Architektur, die die reale Präsenz vorwegnehmen, auf diese einwirken oder mitunter überlagern. Konzentriert auf die Entwicklung der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate differenziert und perspektiviert Gerhard Martin Burs die verschiedenen Ebenen dieses Phänomens zwischen Entwurf, Visualisierung, Realisierung und Präsentation. Seine Studie leistet nicht nur einen Beitrag zur Architektur- und Medientheorie, sondern trägt auch bei zu einem besseren Verständnis des Spannungsverhältnisses, das sich in einer globalisierten Gesellschaft zwischen virtuellen und physischen Räumen abzeichnet.
Frauen in Duisburg-Marxloh
Authors: Cöster Anna Caroline
Published: February 2016

Die hohe Hausfrauenquote und der geringe Bildungsgrad von Frauen, die in Stadtteilen mit hohem Zuwandereranteil leben, werden häufig als ein besonderes Problem der Gesellschaft betrachtet. Was quantitative Studien bereits seit geraumer Zeit zeigen, ist jedoch bislang nur am Rande mittels qualitativer Methoden und mit Fokus auf die persönlichen Sichtweisen der Frauen untersucht worden. Anna Caroline Cösters Studie setzt an dieser Leerstelle an und bietet detaillierte Einblicke in die subjektiven Perspektiven der weiblichen Bevölkerung eines solchen Stadtteils. Sie macht so eine Vielfalt an Lebensgeschichten zugänglich und leistet damit einen differenzierten Beitrag zur Benennung von frauenspezifischen Problemen - aber auch Potenzialen - in Zuwandererstadtteilen.
Sentimental Journeys
Authors: Burford Mark
Published: February 2016

A review of Gregg Akerman's The Last Balladeer: The Johnny Hartman Story.