bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effects of CREB1 gene silencing on cognitive dysfunction by mediating PKA-CREB signaling pathway in mice with vascular dementia
Authors: Han Xin-Rui , Wen Xin , Wang Yong-Jian , Wang Shan , Shen Min , Zhang Zi-Feng , Fan Shao-Hua , Shan Qun , Wang Liang , Li Meng-Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun-Hui , Wu Dong-Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: May 2018

Background

As a form of dementia primarily affecting the elderly, vascular dementia (VD) is characterized by changes in the supply of blood to the brain, resulting in cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects involved with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding (CREB)1 gene silencing on cognitive dysfunction through meditation of the protein kinase A (PKA)-CREB signaling pathway in mice with VD.

Methods

Both the Morris water maze test and the step down test were applied to assess the cognitive function of the mice with VD. Immunohistochemical and TUNEL staining techniques were employed to evaluate the positive expression rates of the protein CREB1 and Cleaved Caspase-3, as well as neuronal apoptosis among hippocampal tissues in a respective manner. Flow cytometry was applied to determine the proliferation index and apoptosis rate of the hippocampal cells among each group. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis methods were applied to detect the expressions of cAMP, PKA and CREB in hippocampal cells.

Results

Compared with the normal group, all the other groups exhibited impaired cognitive function, reduced cell numbers in the CAI area, positive expressions of CREB1 as well as positive optical density (OD) values. Furthermore, increased Cleaved Caspase-3 positive expression, OD value, proliferation index, apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and neurons, were observed in the other groups when compared with the normal group, as well as lower expressions of cAMP, PKA and CREB1 and p-CREB1 (the shCREB1–1, H89 and shCREB1–1 + H89 groups < the VD group).

Conclusion

The key findings of the present study demonstrated that CREB1 gene silencing results in aggravated VD that occurs as a result of inhibiting the PKA-CREB signaling pathway, thus exasperating cognitive dysfunction.
Studying meiotic cohesin in somatic cells reveals that Rec8-containing cohesin requires Stag3 to function and is regulated by Wapl and sororin
Authors: Wolf Peter G. , Cuba Ramos Alexander , Kenzel Julia , Neumann Brigitte , Stemmann Olaf
Published: May 2018

The DNA-embracing, ring-shaped multiprotein complex cohesin mediates sister chromatid cohesion and is stepwise displaced in mitosis by Wapl and separase (also known as ESPL1) to facilitate anaphase. Proper regulation of chromosome cohesion throughout meiosis is critical for preventing formation of aneuploid gametes, which are associated with trisomies and infertility in humans. Studying cohesion in meiocytes is complicated by their difficult experimental amenability and the absence of cohesin turnover. Here, we use cultured somatic cells to unravel fundamental aspects of meiotic cohesin. When expressed in Hek293 cells, the kleisin Rec8 displays no affinity for the peripheral cohesin subunits Stag1 or Stag2 and remains cytoplasmic. However, co-expression of Stag3 is sufficient for Rec8 to enter the nucleus, load onto chromatin, and functionally replace its mitotic counterpart Scc1 (also known as RAD21) during sister chromatid cohesion and dissolution. Rec8–Stag3 cohesin physically interacts with Pds5, Wapl and sororin (also known as CDCA5). Importantly, Rec8–Stag3 cohesin is shown to be susceptible to Wapl-dependent ring opening and sororin-mediated protection. These findings exemplify that our model system is suitable to rapidly generate testable predictions for important unresolved issues of meiotic cohesion regulation.
On the Relationship between Cognitive Ability and Risk Preference
Authors: Dohmen Thomas , Falk Armin , Huffman David , Sunde Uwe
Published: May 2018

This paper will focus on the relationship between cognitive ability and decision-making under risk and uncertainty. Taken as a whole, this research indicates that cognitive ability is associated with risk-taking behavior in various contexts and life domains, including incentivized choices between lotteries in controlled environments, behavior in nonexperimental settings, and self-reported tendency to take risks. One pattern that emerges frequently in these studies is that cognitive ability tends to be positively correlated with avoidance of harmful risky situations, but it tends to be negatively correlated with risk aversion in advantageous situations. We conclude by discussing perspectives for future research, in particular the scope for the development of richer sets of elicitation instruments and measurement across a wider range of concepts.
Risk Preference: A View from Psychology
Authors: Mata Rui , Frey Renato , Richter David , Schupp Jürgen , Hertwig Ralph
Published: May 2018

Psychology offers conceptual and analytic tools that can advance the discussion on the nature of risk preference and its measurement in the behavioral sciences. We discuss the revealed and stated preference measurement traditions, which have coexisted in both psychology and economics in the study of risk preferences, and explore issues of temporal stability, convergent validity, and predictive validity with regard to measurement of risk preferences. As for temporal stability, do risk preference as a psychological trait show a degree of stability over time that approximates what has been established for other major traits, such as intelligence, or, alternatively, are they more similar in stability to transitory psychological states, such as emotional states? Convergent validity refers to the degree to which different measures of a psychological construct capture a common underlying characteristic or trait. Do measures of risk preference all capture a unitary psychological trait that is indicative of risky behavior across various domains, or do they capture various traits that independently contribute to risky behavior in specific areas of life, such as financial, health, and recreational domains? Predictive validity refers to the extent to which a psychological trait has power in forecasting behavior. Intelligence and major personality traits have been shown to predict important life outcomes, such as academic and professional achievement, which suggests there could be studies of the short- and long-term outcomes of risk preference— something lacking in current psychological (and economic) research. We discuss the current empirical knowledge on risk preferences in light of these considerations.
Space, the Final Economic Frontier
Authors: Weinzierl Matthew
Published: May 2018

After decades of centralized control of economic activity in space, NASA and US policymakers have begun to cede the direction of human activities in space to commercial companies. NASA garnered more than 0.7 percent of GDP in the mid-1960s, but is only around 0.1 percent of GDP today. Meanwhile, space has become big business, with $300 billion in annual revenue. The shift from public to private priorities in space is especially significant because a widely shared goal among commercial space's leaders is the achievement of a large-scale, largely self-sufficient, developed space economy. Jeff Bezos, has stated that the mission of his firm Blue Origin is “millions of people living and working in space.” Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, has laid out plans to build a city of a million people on Mars within the next century. Both Neil deGrasse Tyson and Peter Diamandis have been given credit for stating that Earth's first trillionaire will be an asteroid-miner. Such visions are clearly not going to become reality in the near future. But detailed roadmaps to them are being produced and recent progress in the required technologies has been dramatic. If such space-economy visions are even partially realized, the implications for society will be enormous. Though economists should treat the prospect of a developed space economy with healthy skepticism, it would be irresponsible to treat it as science fiction. In this article, I provide an analytical framework—based on classic economic analysis of the role of government in market economies—for understanding and managing the development of the space economy.
What Do Trade Agreements Really Do?
Authors: Rodrik Dani
Published: May 2018

Economists have a tendency to associate “free trade agreements” all too closely with “free trade.” They may be unaware of some of the new (and often problematic) beyond-the-boarder features of current trade agreements. As trade agreements have evolved and gone beyond import tariffs and quotas into regulatory rules and harmonization— intellectual property, health and safety rules, labor standards, investment measures, investor–state dispute settlement procedures, and others—they have become harder to fit into received economic theory. It is possible that rather than neutralizing the protectionists, trade agreements may empower a different set of rent-seeking interests and politically well-connected firms—international banks, pharmaceutical companies, and multinational firms. Trade agreements could still result in freer, mutually beneficial trade, through exchange of market access. They could result in the global upgrading of regulations and standards, for labor, say, or the environment. But they could also produce purely redistributive outcomes under the guise of “freer trade.” As trade agreements become less about tariffs and nontariff barriers at the border and more about domestic rules and regulations, economists might do well to worry more about the latter possibility.
Contrato administrativo : fundamentos da preservação do equilíbrio econômico-financeiro
Authors: Mello Celso Antônio Bandeira de
Published: May 2018

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Breves reflexões sobre a jurisdição administrativa : uma perspectiva de direito comparado
Authors: Bacellar Filho Romeu Felipe
Published: May 2018

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Servidor público - Admissão - Concurso público
Authors: Nóbrega Haroldo Ferraz da
Published: May 2018

- A investidura em cargo ou emprego Plíblico depende de aprovação em concurso público de provas ou de provas e títulos. C. F., art. 37, II. O art. 4º. da Lei 4.957, de 1994, do Espírito Santo, autoriza o provimento de cargos públicos mediante "contrato administrativo", sem concurso público, figura estranha de admissão no serviço público, que não se ajusta à hipótese excepcional de contratação "por tempo determinado para atender a necessidade temporária de excepcional interesse público". C.F. art. 37, IX.- Suspensão cautelar da eficácia do art. 4º da Lei 4.957, de 1994, do Estado do Espírito Santo.
Servidor inativo - Vantagem ao pessoal ativo - Não extensão
Authors: Lucas Paulo de Tarso Bras
Published: May 2018

- A vantagem pecuniária concedida. pelo art. 54 da Lei n. 444. de 27-12-1985. com a redação que lhe foi dado pelo inc. VI do art. 3º da LC n. 645. de 27-12-1989. ambas do Estado de São Paulo. aos servidores em exercício de atividade de magistério. não se estende aos que se aposentaram antes de seu advento.- Precedentes do S.T.F.- R.E. conhecido e provido. para o restabelecimento da sentença de primeiro grau. que julgou improcedente a ação.
Importação - Produto estrangeiro - Veículos usados
Authors: Pereira Miguel Frauzino
Published: May 2018

- O legislador constituinte. com a regra inscrita no art. 237 da Carta Política. atribuiu aos órgãos administrativos do Ministério da Fazenda competência fundada em base normativa idônea destinada a legitimar. desde logo. em atenção às exigências impostas pelo interesse nacional. a adoção. dentre outras providências. de medidas vocacionadas a controlar a entrada. em território brasileiro. de produtos de origem estrangeira. especialmente quando esse ingresso puder repercutir. negativamente. sobre a indústria nacional. representando desleal concorrência em desfavor das empresas brasileiras produtoras ou montadoras de veículos. além de introduzir fator de insegurança no mercado interno e de instabilidade nas relações sociais. pelo justo receio da ocorrência de desemprego em grandes proporções.- A prerrogativa institucional outorgada pelo art. 237 da Constituição. ao ser exercida por intermédio do Ministério da Fazenda. destina-se a viabilizar. com todos os seus consectários. e sem qualquer ofensa ao postulado da isonomia. a prática. pelo Executivo da União. do seu poder de controle e de fiscalização em tema de comércio exterior. permitindo. numa perspectiva de ordem estritamente extra fiscal. que se submeta à descrição governamental a indicação - semprefeita em caráter impessoal e em bases racionais e objetivas - dos bens insuscetíveis de importação. por assumir a respectiva internação em território brasileiro. em dado momento histórico. um caráter potencialmente danoso à economia nacional.- Legitimidade jurídico-constitucional da resolução administrativa que veda a importação de veículos usados. Precedentes.
Funcionário Público - Inquérito - Sindicância
Authors: Nóbrega Haroldo Ferraz da
Published: May 2018

- Processo administrativo disciplinar conduzido por comissão regularmente constituída (Lei 8.112/90, artigo 149). Portaria publicada no Boletim Interno: regularidade (Lei 8.112/90, art. 151,1).- Sindicância e procedimento administrativo disciplinar: distinção, certo que aquela é, de regra, medida preparatória deste (Lei 8.112/90, artigos 143. /45, 154). Desnecessidade da instauração da sindicância, se já está confirmada a ocorrência de irregularidade no serviço público e o seu autor. (Lei 8.112/90), artigos 143 e 144).- Procedimento administrativo disciplinar julgado com excesso de prazo (Lei 8.112/90, art. 152). Inocorrência de vício nulificador do procedimento (Lei 8.112/90, art. 169, § 1º).- Inocorrência do alegado cerceamento de defesa, dado que aos acusados, ao contrário do alegado. foi assegurada ampla defesa.- Mandado de Segurança indeferido.
Medida provisória - Reedição mensal - Constitucionalidade
Authors: Correia Affonso Henriques Prates
Published: May 2018

- Constitucionalidade da reedição da Medida Provisória não apreciada pelo Legislativo.- Cabimento de Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade contra Medida Provisória.- Constitucionalidade da vedação, em Medida Provisória. da concessão de liminares em certas matérias.
Crédito previdenciário - Recurso administrativo - Depósito prévio
Authors: Andrada José Bonifácio Borges de
Published: May 2018

- Constitucionalidade da exigência de depósito prévio para admissibilidade de recurso administrativo.
Participação de entidades fiscalizadoras
Authors: Sousa Alfredo José de
Published: May 2018

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Constituição, Soberania e Mercosul
Authors: Rocha Cármen Lúcia Antunes
Published: May 2018

Introdução. I - O constitucionalismo contemporâneo: sentido e funções da Constituição. II - Constituição e direito supranacional. III - Constituição e Soberania no Direito Brasileiro. IV - A Constituição da República Brasileira e o Mercosul. Conclusão.
Responsabilidade dos agentes públicos por condutas omissivas, após a vigência do Código de Defesa do Consumidor
Authors: Tomelin Georghio Alessandro
Published: May 2018

1 - Introdução. 2 - Dignidade da pessoa humana e estado de direito. 3 - O estado democrático de direito e a responsabilização. 4 - Fundamento da responsabilização e dever de indenizar. 5 - A responsabilidade por atos omissivos. 6 - Conclusão. 7 - Bibliografia.
Servidor inativo - Gratificação - Incorporação
Authors: Santos Roberto Monteiro Gurgel
Published: May 2018

- Servidores inativos da Secretaria de Fazenda. Gratificação de gestão e controle do erário estadual (GECE). Lei complementar paulista n. 700/92.- Vantagem remuneratória deferida, de forma geral, às categorias de servidores lotados na Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado; não configurando, nem gratificação de serviço, que contempla servidores que trabalham em condições anormais de segurança, de salubridade ou de horário; nem gratificação pessoal. deferida a servidores sujeitos a encargos pessoais especificados em lei. Tampouco se trata de vantagem que tenha por pressuposto requisito que, forçosamente, somente na atividade. a partir de determinado momento projetado no futuro, possa vir a ser preenchido.- Manifesta ofensa ao art. 40, § 4º, da CF.Recurso conhecido e provido.
Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade - Entidade de classe - Associação de Associações
Authors: Nóbrega Haroldo Ferraz da
Published: May 2018

- O Plenário desta Corte, em julgados recentíssimos (assim, a título exemplificativo, nas ADINs 23, 1.138 e 1.159), firmou o entendimento de que a requerente não é entidade de classe por se tratar de associação de associações, não tendo, portanto, legitimidade para propor ação direta de inconstitucionalidade.- Ação direta de inconstitucionalidade de que não se conhece por falta de legitimidade da requerente para propô-la.
Costume - Crueldade - Farra do Boi
Authors: Borges Edinaldo de Holanda
Published: May 2018

- Costume. Manifestação cultural. Estímulo. Razoabilidade. Preservação da Fauna e da Flora. Animais. Crueldade. A obrigação de o Estado garantir a todos o pleno exercício de direitos culturais, incentivando a valorização e a difusão das manifestações, não prescinde da observância da norma do inciso VII do artigo 225 da Constituição Federal, no que veda prática que acabe por submeter os animais à crueldade. Procedimento discrepante da norma constitucional denominado 'farra do boi".
Concurso público - Órgão diferente - Aproveitamento
Authors: Furtado Lucas Rocha
Published: May 2018

- Condições em que será legal o aproveitamento de candidato habilitado em determinado concurso público para provimento de cargo em outro órgão.
Saneamento básico - Região Metropolitana - Competência estadual
Authors: Tácito Caio
Published: May 2018

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Zoneamento - Competência municipal - Inconstitucionalidade do art. 181 da Constituição do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Martins Ives Gandra da Silva
Published: May 2018

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Sanções administrativas ambientais
Authors: Lazzarini Álvaro
Published: May 2018

1. Considerações Gerais. 2. Direito Ambiental e Poder de Polícia. 3. Polícia Administrativa Ambiental e Polícia Judiciária Ambiental. 4. Sanções Administrativas Ambientais. 5. Conclusão.
Subcontratação e cessão de contrato administrativo
Authors: Szklarowsky Leon Frejda
Published: May 2018

1. Doutrina. 2. Subcontratação. 3. Cessão do contrato. 4. Direito comparado. 5. Jurisprudência. 6. Conclusão. 7. Concluindo.
Legislação brasileira sobre garantias para as concessões
Authors: Azevedo Eurico de Andrade
Published: May 2018

1. O Problema Legal - 2. Por que a aplicação subsidiária da Lei 8.666/93? - 3. A Interpretação Literal - 4. A Lógica do Sistema - 5. A Lógica do Razoável- 6. Fins Sociais da Lei e exigências do bem comum.
Taxa - Autarquia - Lei autorizativa
Authors: Nóbrega Haroldo Ferraz da
Published: May 2018

- Ação direta de inconstitucionalidade. Artigos 5º, 8º, 9º, 10, 13, § 1º, e 14 da Portaria n. 113, de 25.09.97, do IBAMA.- Normas por meio das quais a autarquia, sem lei que o autorizasse, instituiu taxa para registro de pessoas físicas e jurídicas no Cadastro Técnico Federal de Atividades Potencialmente Poluidoras ou Utilizadoras de Recursos Ambientais, e estabeleceu sanções para a hipótese de inobservância de requisitos impostos aos constituintes, com ofensa ao princípio da legalidade estrita que disciplina, não apenas o direito de exigir tributo, mas também o direito de punir.- Plausibilidade dos fundamentos do pedido, aliada à conveniência de pronta suspensão da eficácia dos dispositivos impugnados.- Cautelar deferida.
Reforma agrária - Vistoria - Comunicação prévia
Authors: Aurélio Marco
Published: May 2018

- É essencial para validade de vistoria de propriedade sujeita a desapropriação para reforma agrária a comunicação escrita e prévia ao proprietário. preposto ou representante.
Conselho profissional - Pessoal - Concurso público
Authors: Ghisi Adhemar Paladini
Published: May 2018

- Embora os empregados de conselhos de fiscalização de profissões regulamentadas sejam regidos pela legislação trabalhista, tal condição não os exime da sujeição ao concurso público.
Órgão social autônomo - Licitação - Regulamento próprio
Authors: Ghisi Adhemar Paladini
Published: May 2018

- Os órgãos sociais autônomos não estão sujeitos à Lei n. 8.666/93, mas aos seus regulamentos próprios. que devem estar em perfeita consonância com os princípios constitucionais consignados no artigo 37 da Constituição Federal.- A celebração de convênios deve manter perfeita consonância com os princípios constitucionais de finalidade e impessoalidade.
Magistrado - Conselho de Agremiação Esportiva - Participação
Authors: Martins Ives Gandra da Silva
Published: May 2018

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Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist: A two-phase diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Sunakarach Kanitha , Kessomboon Pattapong
Published: May 2018

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (Thai-ATEC); a tool which has been developed for Thai parents and caregivers who have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: Approval for this study was first obtained from the appropriate Ethics committee and from the original Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) developers. This was a two-phase study. Phase 1 consisted of the forward–backward translation of the ATEC and phase 2 included the testing of psychometric properties, i.e. the validity and reliability of the final draft of the tool. The validity of the tool was assessed by comparing Thai-ATEC scores of parents and caregivers of 160 children with ASD with the assessment of a child and adolescent psychiatrist using DSM-V criteria on the same group of children. The inter-rater reliability of the tool was tested using a two-way model of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for two-parent/caregivers’ assessment of 50 children with ASD.

Results: The validity of the Thai-ATEC was moderate to high. A cut-off point of ≤38 scores was used to distinguish between children with ASD with mild symptoms and the rest of the children (sensitivity = 94%, specificity= 61.9%, and the area under ROC curve = 90%). A cut-off point of ≥68 scores was used to distinguish between children with ASD with a severe degree of symptoms and the rest (sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 62.8%, area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 85%). The inter-rater reliability was very strong (ICC = 0.97).

Conclusions: The Thai-ATEC has moderate to high validity and high reliability.
EnLightenment: High resolution smartphone microscopy as an educational and public engagement platform
Authors: Wicks Laura C. , Cairns Gemma S. , Melnyk Jacob , Bryce Scott , Duncan Rory R. , Dalgarno Paul A.
Published: May 2018

We developed a simple, cost-effective smartphone microscopy platform for use in educational and public engagement programs. We demonstrated its effectiveness, and potential for citizen science through a national imaging initiative,EnLightenment. The cost effectiveness of the instrument allowed for the program to deliver over 500 microscopes to more than 100 secondary schools throughout Scotland, targeting 1000’s of 12-14 year olds. Through careful, quantified, selection of a high power, low-cost objective lens, our smartphone microscope has an imaging resolution of microns, with a working distance of 3 mm. It is therefore capable of imaging single cells and sub-cellular features, and retains usability for young children. The microscopes were designed in kit form and provided an interdisciplinary educational tool. By providing full lesson plans and support material, we developed a framework to explore optical design, microscope performance, engineering challenges on construction and real-world applications in life sciences, biological imaging, marine biology, art, and technology. A national online imaging competition framedEnLightenment;with over 500 high quality images submitted of diverse content, spanning multiple disciplines. With examples of cellular and sub-cellular features clearly identifiable in some submissions, we show how young public can use these instruments for research-level imaging applications, and the potential of the instrument for citizen science programs.
Impact of detecting potentially serious incidental findings during multi-modal imaging
Authors: Gibson Lorna M , Littlejohns Thomas J , Adamska Ligia , Garratt Steve , Doherty Nicola ,   UK Biobank Imaging Working Group, Wardlaw Joanna M , Maskell Giles , Parker Michael , Brownsword Roger , Matthews Paul M , Collins Rory , Allen Naomi E , Sellors Jonathan , Sudlow Cathie LM
Published: May 2018

Background: There are limited data on the impact of feedback of incidental findings (IFs) from research imaging.  We evaluated the impact of UK Biobank’s protocol for handling potentially serious IFs in a multi-modal imaging study of 100,000 participants (radiographer ‘flagging’ with radiologist confirmation of potentially serious IFs) compared with systematic radiologist review of all images.

Methods: Brain, cardiac and body magnetic resonance, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans from the first 1000 imaged UK Biobank participants were independently assessed for potentially serious IFs using both protocols. We surveyed participants with potentially serious IFs and their GPs up to six months after imaging to determine subsequent clinical assessments, final diagnoses, emotional, financial and work or activity impacts.

Results: Compared to systematic radiologist review, radiographer flagging resulted in substantially fewer participants with potentially serious IFs (179/1000 [17.9%] versus 18/1000 [1.8%]) and a higher proportion with serious final diagnoses (21/179 [11.7%] versus 5/18 [27.8%]). Radiographer flagging missed 16/21 serious final diagnoses (i.e., false negatives), while systematic radiologist review generated large numbers of non-serious final diagnoses (158/179) (i.e., false positives). Almost all (90%) participants had further clinical assessment (including invasive procedures in similar numbers with serious and non-serious final diagnoses [11 and 12 respectively]), with additional impact on emotional wellbeing (16.9%), finances (8.9%), and work or activities (5.6%).

Conclusions: Compared with systematic radiologist review, radiographer flagging missed some serious diagnoses, but avoided adverse impacts for many participants with non-serious diagnoses. While systematic radiologist review may benefit some participants, UK Biobank’s responsibility to avoid both unnecessary harm to larger numbers of participants and burdening of publicly-funded health services suggests that radiographer flagging is a justifiable approach in the UK Biobank imaging study. The potential scale of non-serious final diagnoses raises questions relating to handling IFs in other settings, such as commercial and public health screening.
The role of plant parasitic nematodes on productivity reduction of banana and tomato in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: SUYADI SUYADI , ROSFIANSYAH ROSFIANSYAH
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Suyadi, Rosfiansyah. 2017. The role of plant-parasitic nematodes on productivity reduction of banana and tomato in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 1: 40-45. Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the most limiting factors of agricultural ecosystem productivity in East Kalimantan. But their occurrence in agricultural fields as a crop’s pest is generally undistinguished, due to their microscopic size and their existence being wrapped in the roots or soil particles. However, plant-parasitic nematodes might cause yield loss of up to 75%, without showing any disease symptoms on crop morphologically. Both perennial crops and annual crops under intensive cultivation usually experience high yield loss due to plant-parasitic nematodes if crop protection management was not implemented properly. This research aimed to determine the role of plant-parasitic nematodes in reducing crop productivity in East Kalimantan, in relation to agricultural practices implemented by farmers. Descriptive research and comparative analyses were implemented to determine the role of plant-parasitic nematodes on yield reduction of banana and tomato as the indicator of productivity. Based on the field observation related to pest management in East Kalimantan, it was determined that plant-parasitic nematode existence was neglected by farmers and no significant effort was implemented to control plant-parasitic nematodes population. Therefore, low productivity of agricultural ecosystem in East Kalimantan was reported by Statistical Office. This was not only caused by soil fertility problems, but in some crops, it was also the impact of population outbreak of plant-parasitic nematodes. The first ranking three genera of plant parasite nematodes observed in East Kalimantan were Meloidogyne, Radhopholus, and Rotylenchulus, respectively. Meloidogyne and Rotylenchulus were major pests on vegetables and caused a yield loss of >50% on tomato. While genus of Radhopholus was the major pest on banana and caused a yield loss of >75% on banana.
Determinants of rice by-products utilization as feed and their management in Ethiopia: the case of Fogera District
Authors: ASMARE BIMREW , YAYEH ZEMENU
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Asmare B, Yayeh Z. 2018. Determinants of rice by-products utilization as feed and their management in Ethiopia: the case of Fogera District. Asian J Agric 2: 1-7. This study was conducted with the objective to determine the status of farmers’ rice by-product utilization as feed-in Fogera district, northwestern Ethiopia. Eighty smallholder farmers were selected based on livestock population and rice production access. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to selected farmers systematically. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistical analysis. The results indicated that most respondents in the study area were within the age range of 31 to 50 years (55%). Education status of respondents showed that most household heads were able to read and write (27.5%), followed by elementary school (26.25%), and high school (17.5%) completed. The main dry season feed in most households (46.25%) was found to be grazing and crop residues. The majority (64.62%) of farmers used rice by-products as livestock feed, followed by both feed and house construction. Types of by-products used for animal feed by respondents elucidated majority (61.5%) used rice straw, with a proportion (26.15%) rice bran and (12.30%) used both straw and bran for animal feed based on availability. The sources of rice by-products indicated for many of respondents (66.7%) was farm produced, 18.5% use purchased and 18.4% get rice by-products both from farm produced and purchasing for their animal feed. Type of animals fed rice by-products included cattle in the case of majority of respondents (49.23%), cattle and equine followed (24.62%), and all animals (13.85%), respectively. In livestock owners, rice by-products are fed to livestock as sole feed and mixed with other feeds, however, the majority (69.2%) of households provide sole followed by both sole and mixed with other feeds (16.9%). Many of the respondents (55%) apply drying followed by addition of saltwater (22.5%) as method of improving the rice by-products. The main constraints observed in rice by-products utilization as feed were seasonal deficiency of by-products (25.5%) followed by lack of awareness (16.25%). Though these problems prevailed in the study area, rice by-products are being used as a major crop residue feed with little or no improvement applied. Generally, it can be included that rice by-products were found very important feed resources in the rice-dominated farming system of Fogera district. To exploit these products properly, farmers need to be assisted through proper agricultural extension service and supply in the form of credit service. Moreover, further detailed on-farm experimentation should be done to demonstrate better utilization of the products as livestock feed.
Going postal: Collapsing time and space through sung letters in Broadway musicals
Authors: Knapp Zelda , Knapp Raymond
Published: May 2018

The device of using sung letters as a means to collapse time and space in Broadway musicals has come into increasing prominence in recent years, long after its first important emergence on the 1960s Broadway stage and following intermittent use during the decades since. Choosing from many examples of the device, this article explores its appearances in She Loves Me (1963), 1776 (1969), Passion (1994), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (2012, 2013 and 2016), Hamilton (2015) and Dear Evan Hansen (2015 and 2016). The article also considers sung letters and other manipulations of temporality in Sondheim’s Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures and Assassins, and relates the device to the recent symbiosis between Broadway and film, to the theatre’s need for dramatic intensifiers, and to the expression of individual agency. Its progress may also be sketched, in broad strokes, as occurring somewhere between ‘Telephone Hour’ in Bye Bye Birdie (1960) and the telephone’s latter-day equivalent, the Internet-based social media that govern the central drama of Dear Evan Hansen and define the receptive milieu of recent Broadway more generally.
Food allergies in children: a comparison of parental reports and skin prick test results
Authors: Savitri Camilia Metadea Aji , Lubis Azwin Mengindra Putera , Soegiarto Gatot
Published: May 2018

Background Food allergy is common in children and its prevalence is generally on the rise. Imprecise parental reports about reactions to particular foods can lead to unnecessary restrictions. Since children have specific growth requirements, such nutritional restrictions may have disturbing effects on children’s growth and development.Objective To compare parental reports on food reactions to skin prick test results in their children.Method Retrospective, cross sectional study using patient’s medical record data during one-year study period. Data were analyzed manually and statistically, to assess the degree of agreement (Kappa’s coefficient) and significance (P).Results We collected data from 154 subjects aged 0-18 years. For every allergen assessed, parents reported more food reactions than positive skin prick test results. Allergy incidence were caused, in order, by cow’s milk and chicken (25.3%), eggs (22.1%), chocolate (20.1%), fruits (14.3%), seafood (13%), and saltwater fish (1.9%). Kappa coefficient are all poor (<0.2) and P value are all >0.05 except for chicken (P=0.02).Conclusion Most parents tend to overestimate which food cause reactions in their children, as reactions reported were not necessarily allergenic. Therefore, every patient experiencing allergy reactions should undergo skin prick testing to confirm the possibility of allergy.
Tuberculosis risk factors in children with smear-positive tuberculosis adult as household contact
Authors: Hajarsjah Nora , Daulay Ridwan M. , Ramayani Oke Rina , Dalimunthe Wisman , Daulay Rini Savitri , Meirina Fathia
Published: May 2018

Background Children in household contact of adults with smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) are at higher risk of TB infection. Screening of these children is a main strategy for eliminating childhood TB.Objective To determine risk factors of TB among children in household contact with smear-positive adult TB patients.Methods This case-control study was conducted in 5 public health centers at Batu Bara District, North Sumatera. We studied children from birth to 18 year-old living in the same house as adults with smear-positive TB. A tuberculosis scoring system was used to diagnosis TB in the children. Associations between risk factors and the incidence of TB were analyzed using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and logistic regression tests.Results We enrolled 145 children who had household contact with smear-positive adult TB patients. Subjects were allocated to either the case group [TB score >6; 61 subjects (42.0%)] or the control group [TB score <6; 84 subjects (58.0%)]. Bivariate analysis revealed that nutritional status, immunization status, number of people in the house, sleeping in the same bed, and duration of household contact had significant associations with the incidence of TB. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, nutritional status and duration of household contact were significant risk factors for TB, with OR 5.89 and 8.91, respectively.Conclusion Malnutrition and duration of household contact with smear-positive adult TB patients of more than 6 hours per day were risk factors for TB among children.
Mapování pojmů jako modelování tříd objektů (teoretická studie)
Authors: Mach Martin
Published: May 2018

Abstrakt: Pojmové mapování patří mezi moderní učební strategie, které využívají nelineární způsob uspořádání učiva. Cílem studie je prozkoumat možnosti využití některých poznatků z oblasti vývoje softwaru a aplikovat je na techniku pojmového mapování. Studie obsahuje stručnou charakteristiku pojmového mapování a ukazuje na řadu paralel mezi vytvářením pojmových map a tvorbou objektově orientovaného návrhu softwarového systému. Analytická část práce se opírá o model sémantické paměti a podrobněji se zabývá kategorizací vztahů mezi objekty a jejich pojmovou reprezentací. Pozornost je věnována zejména uspořádání pojmové domény, vlastnostem mapovaných objektů a jejich ukotvení k dosavadním znalostem. Výsledné řešení je promítnuto do formy strukturované mapy s centrálně umístěným klíčovým pojmem. Závěrečná část práce obsahuje shrnutí přínosů navrženého řešení a doporučení pro pedagogickou praxi.Klíčová slova: pojem, pojmové mapování, networking, sémantická paměť, objekt, třída objektů, objektový návrh.
A new species of the genus Cerylambus from southern China (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)
Authors: Hlaváč Peter , Krásenský Pavel , Nakládal Oto
Published: May 2018

sp. nov. from Hainan Island, southern China, a new species of the clavigerite ant-loving beetle, is described and illustrated.
Description of a new species and revised key to species of the Enicospilus antefurcalis species-group from Japan (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae)
Authors: Shimizu So
Published: May 2018

A new species of the genus Enicospilus Stephens, 1835, E. kikuchii sp. nov., which belongs to the ichneumonid subfamily Ophioninae, is described based on two specimens that were collected in Saitama Prefecture of Honshû and Kagoshima Prefecture of Kyûshû in Japan. Enicospilus kikuchii sp. nov. belongs to the E. antefurcalis species-group. A key to species of the group and additional couplets for the key to Indo-Papuan Enicospilus species are provided.
A new Palaearctic Thornburghiella from Transcaucasia (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Oboňa Jozef , Ježek Jan , Manko Peter
Published: May 2018

One new moth fly species (Diptera: Psychodidae: Psychodinae) is described and illustrated on the basis of male morphological characters: Thornburghiella veve sp. nov. was collected in the vicinity of Pambak River in the mountains of Armenia. Differential diagnoses are given for males of four additional species of Thornburghiella from Transcaucasia, Asia Minor and Central Asia.
Insect biodiversity of the Socotra Archipelago – underlined and counted
Authors: Bezděk Jan , Hájek Jiří
Published: May 2018

Altogether, 1,564 species taxa (identified at least to the genus level) from 25 orders of Hexapoda have been recorded from the Socotra Archipelago to date. In addition, members of Diplura and Ephemeroptera are known from the archipelago as well, but they have not been identified so far. The most speciose order in Socotra are beetles (Coleoptera) with 540 species. The total number of endemic taxa described from the archipelago is 662 species, which represents 42% of all known species. The vast majority of species is known from the main Socotra Island (1,520 species, 635 endemic taxa). The diversity of insects in Socotra is briefly commented on and compared with the nearest archipelago – the Seychelles.
Bees of the Socotra Archipelago (Hymenoptera: Anthophila), their biogeography and association with parasites
Authors: Straka Jakub , Batelka Jan , Pauly Alain
Published: May 2018

Taxonomy of bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) of the Socotra Archipelago is evaluated based on historical and newly available specimens. Four new species of Halictidae are described from the Socotra Island: Austronomia socotrana Pauly & Straka sp. nov., Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) boswelliae Pauly & Straka sp. nov., Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) dioscoridis Pauly & Straka sp. nov., and Lasioglossum (Ctenonomia) dracaenae Pauly & Straka sp. nov. The correct original spelling of Eucera wfkirbyi Kohl, 1906 is restored, Eucera kirbyi Friese, 1909 being its unjustified emendation and junior objective synonym. Identity of both Socotran species of Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 is clarified. Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) kowitense (Cockerell, 1937), Nomioides facilis (Smith, 1853), and Nomioides rotundiceps Handlirsch, 1888 are removed from the list of bees of Socotra. In total, 28 species in 16 genera are reported from the archipelago, of which nearly two thirds are considered endemic at the species level. Biogeographic origin of Socotran bees is analysed and proposed. Host associations with beetle parasites of the families Meloidae and Ripiphoridae (Coleoptera) and cleptoparasitic bees are evaluated for the Socotran bee fauna. Obligate bee parasitoid Ripiphorus arabiafelix arabiafelix Batelka, 2009 (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae) is reported from the archipelago (Socotra Island) for the first time.
Cardinal Invariants Connected With Quotients Of Real Functions
Authors: Kosman Jolanta
Published: May 2018

We study cardinal invariants related to quotients in the case of the com- plement in ℝR of families of continuous, quasi-continuous, cliquish and Darboux functions.
Causes of Ships Groundings in Terms of Integrated Navigation Model
Authors: Jurdziński Mirosław
Published: May 2018

The paper presents an influence of the navigational model change on the structural and qualitative changes of the ships groundings in international shipping. Data was analyzed based on reports of 75 seagoing vessels in international shipping in the 2000–2014. This study is an attempt to assess the causes of ships groundings in the new integrated navigation model.
Determination of the Last Moment Manoeuvre for Collision Avoidance Using Standards for Ships Manoeuvrability
Authors: Koszelew Jolanta , Wołejsza Piotr
Published: May 2018

The paper presents a concept of the new algorithm solving Last Moment Manoeuvre problem. Last Moment Manoeuvre means that action taken only by one vessel is not enough to avoid collision. This is why both vessels have to synchronize their manoeuvres to pass each other. The main focus of the proposed solution is concentrated on the procedure defining the best possible manoeuvre for each vessel when avoiding a collision is no longer possible. For simplification, the assumption that the parameters of the vessels involved in the Last Moment Manoeuvre meet Standards for Ships Manoeuvrability set out in the IMO resolution, will be adopted. The algorithm presented in the paper will be implemented and tested in the commercial system.
Estimation of a tube diameter in a ‘church window’ condenser based on entropy generation minimization
Authors: Laskowski Rafał , Rusowicz Artur , Grzebielec Andrzej
Published: May 2018

The internal diameter of a tube in a ‘church window’ condenser was estimated using an entropy generation minimization approach. The adopted model took into account the entropy generation due to heat transfer and flow resistance from the cooling-water side. Calculations were performed considering two equations for the flow resistance coefficient for four different roughness values of a condenser tube. Following the analysis, the internal diameter of the tube was obtained in the range of 17.5 mm to 20 mm (the current internal diameter of the condenser tube is 22 mm). The calculated diameter depends on and is positively related to the roughness assumed in the model.
Analysis of components effecting free convection intensity in steel rectangular sections
Authors: Wyczółkowski Rafał
Published: May 2018

Free convection is one of the heat transfer modes which occurs within the heat-treated bundles of steel rectangular section. A comprehensive study of this phenomenon is necessary for optimizing the heating process of this type of charge. The free convection intensity is represented by the Rayleigh number Ra. The value of this criterion depends on the following parameters: the mean section temperature, temperature difference within the section, kinematic coefficient of viscosity, volume expansion coefficient and the Prandtl number. The paper presents the analysis of the impact of these factors on free convection in steel rectangular sections. The starting point for this analysis were the results of experimental examinations. It was found that the highest intensity of this process occurs for the temperature of 100 °C. This is mainly caused by changes in the temperature difference observed in the area of sections and changes in kinematic coefficient of viscosity of air. The increase in the value of the Rayleigh number criterion at the initial stage is attributable to changes in the parameter of temperature difference within the section. After exceeding 100 °C, the main effect on convection is from changes in air viscosity. Thus, with further increase in temperature, the Rayleigh number starts to decline rapidly despite further rise in the difference in temperature.
Cancer incidence in HIV patients under HAART therapy in a HIV-1 F1 subtype endemic area
Authors: Chirila S. , Hangan L.T. , Rugina S.
Published: May 2018

Cancers have been recognized as a major health problem in patients with HIV. The first cases reported, before the existence of the virus was proven, involved patients with immunosuppression and a history of illness characterized by fever, weight loss and/or lymphadenopathy lasting weeks of months. As the population grows older, a consequence of better and largely available treatments, the impact of non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC) is having a greater impact on the management of HIV infected patients. Studies of different subtypes of HIV-1 in Romania show a very high prevalence of subtype F1, with values between 70% - 90% or the patients being infected with this strain. The study of HIV infected population in Romania is important for identifying particularities of the subtype F1 evolution.

We conducted a prospective study on HIV positive patients under HAART treatment from the Constanta Regional Centre, for a period of eight years, between 2007-2015. All causes of new discovered cancers were recorded with the occasion of subsequent visits that are done on a regular basis. For comparison we used official data from of new diagnosed cancers from reports on health status for Constanta County for the same time period. The adjusted incidence ratio is 955.18/100000patient-years (95% CI 446.58 – 1463.75/100000 patient-years). As observed in similar studies conducted.

HIV patients that undergo HAART treatment have an increased risk of all cancers significantly higher than what is observed in the general population. Considering this, better screening programs have to be developed and implemented for this population. Also, because of the suspicioned high number of HIV infected patients that are not diagnosed, a screening program for HIV should be implemented for all newly diagnosed patients with any type of malignancy.